The coronavirus lockdown has forced several to abandon the usual, and get on board with experimenting. We're living in a time where both Swiggy, as well as Zomato, have switched to delivering essential food items. However, amidst all the uncertainty, Amazon deliveries during the lockdown have often proven to be a boon for many. Those residing in the worst-hit regions and the epicentre of COVID-19 especially know the importance of food delivery apps to get by. Keeping its loyal audience in mind, the e-commerce giant has now introduced Amazon Food to challenge its competitors for a face-off.
In the mood for food
So far, Amazon Food has introduced itself to a selective audience in Bengaluru and is available in the areas of Bellandur, Haralur, Marathalli and Whitefield. However, the app had been in talks with restaurants for the past year and has only begun to introduce the same to the consumers on an experimental basis.
"Customers have been telling us for some time that they would like to order prepared meals on Amazon in addition to shopping for all other essentials. This is particularly relevant in present times as they stay home safe," an Amazon spokesperson told Sakal Times.
Keeping the small-scale businesses in mind, the app introduced this feature in Bengaluru and has been aiming at including a hyperlocal client-base. "We also recognise that local businesses need all the help they can get. We are launching Amazon Food in select Bangalore pin codes allowing customers to order from handpicked local restaurants and cloud kitchens that pass our high hygiene certification bar. We are adhering to the highest standards of safety to ensure our customers remain safe while having a delightful experience," the spokesperson added.
Hungry voices
Although excited, the consumers also wonder if there's anything different that Amazon Food can offer to them. "A lot of food delivery apps have come in the market, and they may have made lives easier for us. However, they miss out on quality checks of restaurants on many occasions," said Shoubhik Ghosh, a resident of Pune. "Moreover, the food-delivery boys working for these apps have to face a hellish life, earning low wages, sticking to unreasonable deadlines and putting their lives in danger by violating traffic rules on many occasions. If Amazon can identify clean restaurants and can take the pressure off from delivery boys wrt deadlines and fuel costs, then it could be a good alternative. If not, it's just market clutter like UberEats," he added.
Rohan R, a restauranteur and a foodie from Bengaluru, was also approached by Amazon Food to tie-up with them before the lockdown was imposed. "With delivery and packaging charges skyrocketing since the lockdown, it would be a refreshing change to see Amazon Food give Swiggy and Zomato a run for their money as food delivery is the future and whoever provides the best service gets the cake!" Rohan told us. "I was already through with the tie-up formalities, but due to the lockdown it had to be cut short," he added.
The outcome
The buzz that has been created for Amazon Food has kept us glued to the screen for more updates. And apart from being excited, we're hoping to see features unique to this app, which will hopefully set it apart from the current competition that is in the market.
