Zomato's acquisition of Blinkit in 2022 might have raised eyebrows, but the quick commerce startup is now making headlines for a whole new reason. A recent report by Goldman Sachs has revealed that Blinkit's valuation has skyrocketed, surpassing that of Zomato's core food delivery business.

This unexpected turn of events highlights the rapidly evolving landscape of online delivery services in India. While food delivery has been the dominant player for years, quick commerce, offering near-instant delivery of groceries and essentials, is emerging as a major disruptor.Goldman Sachs now values Blinkit at a staggering $13 billion, translating to Rs 119 per share. This stands in stark contrast to Zomato's food delivery business, currently valued at Rs 98 per share. This significant difference marks a remarkable turnaround for Blinkit, which was initially valued at $568 million when acquired by Zomato.

The surge in Blinkit's valuation can be attributed to several factors. According to Goldman Sachs, the company has witnessed a significant increase in its gross order value (GOV) – a key metric in the e-commerce industry. These estimates are a whopping 50% higher than what was projected just a year ago. This impressive growth indicates a strong consumer demand for Blinkit's quick delivery services.

Furthermore, Goldman Sachs analysts predict a promising future for Blinkit. They anticipate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53% in Blinkit's GOV between 2024 and 2027. This growth is expected to positively impact Zomato's overall performance as well, propelling its consolidated adjusted revenue CAGR to 32%. This projected growth trajectory positions Zomato as a leader in the Indian online food and grocery delivery market.

Beyond the immediate financial implications, Blinkit's rise to prominence underscores a shift in consumer behavior. Busy lifestyles and a growing preference for convenience are fueling the demand for quick commerce services. Blinkit's success suggests that consumers are increasingly seeking instant gratification when it comes to groceries and everyday essentials.

This development presents both challenges and opportunities for Zomato. While the quick commerce segment holds immense potential, it also comes with intense competition. Several players are vying for a slice of the growing pie, and Zomato will need to continuously refine its strategy and offerings to maintain Blinkit's edge.

However, Zomato's strong performance in the food delivery space positions it well to navigate this competitive landscape. The company's established brand recognition and vast customer base can serve as a springboard for Blinkit's continued growth.Goldman Sachs' bullish outlook on Zomato extends beyond Blinkit's immediate success. The brokerage firm acknowledges Zomato's potential for further valuation improvement as it focuses on profitability, particularly within the quick commerce segment. They highlight Zomato's current advantage – boasting the highest EBITDA margin among global food delivery platforms. Analysts believe a similar scenario can unfold in the quick commerce space, with margins potentially exceeding those of food delivery.

With this optimistic outlook, Goldman Sachs maintains a "buy" recommendation for Zomato stock and has increased its price target to Rs 240, a significant jump from the previous Rs 170. This move reflects the brokerage firm's confidence in Zomato's ability to capitalize on the burgeoning quick commerce market and its potential to become a dominant player in both food and grocery delivery sectors.

While some analysts remain cautious, with a mix of "buy" and "hold" recommendations for Zomato, the overall sentiment leans towards optimism. The Street is starting to acknowledge the immense potential of Zomato's quick commerce venture, and Blinkit's impressive performance is undoubtedly a turning point.