India’s Top 10 FoodTech Startups Revolutionising the Industry

The Indian FoodTech industry has witnessed an unprecedented boom over the last decade, driven by advancements in technology, shifting consumer preferences, and increasing digital penetration. From cloud kitchens to farm-to-table models, these startups are transforming the way Indians consume food. Here’s a look at the top 10 FoodTech startups in India that are reshaping the industry:
1. Zomato
One of India’s biggest FoodTech giants, Zomato, was founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah. Initially started as a restaurant discovery platform, Zomato has now evolved into a multi-faceted FoodTech company offering food delivery, restaurant reservations, and even grocery services. The company has expanded globally and went public in 2021, making it one of the most recognised FoodTech brands in India.
2. Swiggy
Founded in 2014 by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini, Swiggy has become a household name in the food delivery industry. The company’s success lies in its extensive delivery network, efficient logistics, and constant innovation, such as the introduction of Swiggy Genie (a pick-and-drop service) and Swiggy Instamart (quick grocery delivery). Swiggy’s ability to scale and adapt has solidified its place in the Indian FoodTech ecosystem.
3. Rebel Foods
Rebel Foods, founded in 2011 by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, pioneered the cloud kitchen model in India. Operating popular brands like Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story, and Mandarin Oak, the company leverages technology and data analytics to optimise food production and delivery. Rebel Foods has expanded globally, making it one of the largest internet restaurant companies.
4. Licious
Licious, founded in 2015 by Abhay Hanjura and Vivek Gupta, has revolutionised the fresh meat and seafood industry in India. The company ensures farm-to-fork traceability, maintaining high-quality standards for its products. Licious has successfully built a strong brand in the highly fragmented meat market, making fresh, hygienic, and properly sourced meat easily accessible to consumers.
5. FreshToHome
Competing with Licious, FreshToHome was launched in 2015 by Shan Kadavil and offers fresh, chemical-free meat and seafood directly to consumers. The company’s unique sourcing strategy eliminates middlemen, ensuring transparency and better quality. FreshToHome has also expanded to the UAE, further strengthening its market presence.
6. Dunzo
Although primarily a hyperlocal delivery service, Dunzo plays a crucial role in the FoodTech ecosystem by offering food, groceries, and daily essentials delivery. Founded in 2014 by Kabeer Biswas, Ankur Agarwal, Dalvir Suri, and Mukund Jha, Dunzo has partnered with local restaurants and stores, allowing users to order food and get it delivered within minutes.
7. BigBasket
Acquired by the Tata Group, BigBasket was founded in 2011 by Hari Menon and his team. As India’s leading online grocery platform, BigBasket integrates technology with food retail, offering fresh produce, groceries, and ready-to-eat meals. With services like BB Daily for milk and essentials, and BB Instant for quick deliveries, BigBasket has cemented itself as a major player in FoodTech.
8. Box8
Started in 2012 by Amit Raj and Anshul Gupta, Box8 is a full-stack online food delivery company focused on Indian meals. With an emphasis on desi flavours, Box8 controls everything from sourcing ingredients to cooking and delivery. Their use of AI-driven kitchen automation and supply chain management has helped them scale operations across multiple cities.
9. HungerBox
HungerBox, founded in 2016 by Sandipan Mitra and Uttam Kumar, focuses on corporate food solutions. It provides tech-driven cafeteria management for businesses, ensuring seamless food ordering and delivery for employees. The startup has integrated AI and IoT into its operations, making it a leader in enterprise food solutions.
10. Curefoods
A relatively new entrant, Curefoods was founded by Ankit Nagori in 2020. It operates multiple cloud kitchen brands, including EatFit, Yumlane, and Aligarh House Biryani. The startup aims to deliver healthy and nutritious food options using a technology-driven approach.
The Future of FoodTech in India
India’s FoodTech industry is rapidly evolving, with increasing investments, changing consumer preferences, and technological advancements. The adoption of AI, IoT, and cloud kitchens is shaping the next phase of growth in the sector. With demand for convenience, quality, and sustainability rising, these startups are expected to continue innovating and expanding, further transforming the Indian food landscape.