Citing sources, ET reported that the Walmart-owned company is trying to zero in on a differentiated positioning in the food delivery segment.

The report said that the IPO-bound company is looking to begin its pilot programme in Bengaluru around May-June, with a full-scale launch expected by the end of 2026 or early next year.

The company is mulling if it should launch a standalone platform for the new initiative or a buy-side app on the ONDC, a source was cited as saying.

Inc42 has reached out to Flipkart for comments on the development. The story will be updated on receiving a response.

Notably, Flipkart initially planned to enter the food and beverage (F&B) category via ONDC in 2024. However, the move did not materialise then.

Flipkart's entry into the food delivery segment will increase the competition for Eternal-owned Zomato and Swiggy. While ride-hailing unicorn Rapido launched its food delivery platform Ownly last year, several smaller players are using ONDC to challenge the two foodtech companies, which are already facing intense competition in their quick commerce verticals.

Flipkart forayed into the quick commerce segment with the launch of Minutes at the end of 2024. Last year, Minutes expanded its dark stores count almost fivefold to 500. It is looking to double this number to 1,000 by March 2026.

On the financial front, Flipkart Internet, the ecommerce major's marketplace arm's operating revenue rose 14.4% to ₹20,493 Cr in FY25 from ₹17,907 Cr in the previous year. Its net loss declined 37% to ₹1,494 Cr during the year under review from ₹2,359 Cr in FY24.