Delhivery, India’s integrated logistics services provider, has been named the most preferred partner for early-stage direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, according to a recent industry report by Redseer Strategy Consultants.
The report underscores the critical role of third-party logistics (3PL) providers in the phenomenal growth of India’s D2C market. Delhivery is positioned as a key partner for early-stage D2C brands seeking a superior customer experience and comprehensive logistics solutions. These solutions encompass real-time tracking, efficient returns management, wide delivery reach, and seamless integration with online marketplaces.
While Delhivery and Bluedart stand out on overall metrics among 3PL providers, the report highlights Delhivery’s particular appeal to early-stage D2C brands. The growth of D2C brands in India has been substantial, surpassing traditional retail markets. Annual D2C shipments have soared from 0.1 billion in 2019 to 0.6 billion in 2023. The market is projected to reach USD 2.2-2.7 billion by 2028, with an estimated growth rate of 35-40% year-on-year from 2023 to 2028.
The report emphasizes the critical role of 3PL providers in driving this D2C boom. By offering customized, end-to-end logistics solutions—including warehousing, inventory management, shipment intelligence, and transportation—3PLs enable young brands to bypass the need for substantial upfront investment in logistics infrastructure. Early-stage D2C brands increasingly partner directly with 3PL service providers due to their tailored solutions, rather than relying solely on aggregators. This has led 3PLs to innovate to meet the evolving needs of these new-age brands.
“Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are integral to the value chain of new-age D2C brands. They are continuously innovating to address the unique needs of these brands, fostering partnerships from the early stages of the brand journey,” said Kanishka Mohan, Partner, Redseer Strategy Consultants.
Redseer highlights that within the 3PL logistics landscape, factors such as brand and customer experience, along with operational efficiencies, are crucial for new-age brands when selecting their preferred partners. These metrics form a comprehensive framework for evaluating the suitability of logistics providers in meeting the essential needs of the D2C brands, with companies like Delhivery and Blue Dart delivering exceptional service across both experiential and operational dimension.
