Kisanserv, a retail company specializing in fresh fruits and vegetables, has announced plans to significantly ramp up its operations with the goal of establishing 250 stores and creating 6,000 jobs over the next four years. This ambitious strategy comes on the heels of its successful expansion from a single store to 22 locations in just 16 months, primarily serving the bustling markets of Pune and Mumbai.
Established in 2019, Kisanserv’s journey began as a provider for quick-commerce companies, and it opened its first retail store in January 2023. The company now aims to boost its revenue target to ₹500 crore by entering new markets and refining its business model. Currently reporting revenues of ₹35 crore for the last fiscal year, Kisanserv’s growth trajectory looks promising as it taps into the growing demand for fresh produce in urban areas.
Niranjan Sharma, the CEO of Kisanserv, explains that the company’s operational efficiency, commitment to quality, and focus on customer service are key drivers for capturing a significant share of India’s ₹160 billion fruits and vegetable market. With local Kirana stores accounting for around 90% of this market, Kisanserv sees ample opportunity for growth.
The expansion plan is anticipated to create 2,000 direct jobs and an additional 4,000 to 5,000 indirect jobs, specifically prioritizing hiring from local communities and focusing on employing female staff. This commitment to community engagement positions Kisanserv as a socially responsible player in the retail sector, fostering economic growth in the regions it serves.
Kisanserv operates neighborhood convenience stores averaging around 300 square feet while simultaneously providing an online shopping experience through the Kisanserv Express app. This dual model caters to a broad customer base, allowing them to choose between in-store shopping and quick online orders, facilitated by home delivery within 20-30 minutes at no additional cost. Presently, in-store sales account for 70% of Kisanserv’s revenue, while online transactions contribute 30%.
An integral aspect of Kisanserv’s operations is its custom ERP system, designed to provide real-time insights into demand, procurement, and supply chain logistics. This level of technological integration ensures an impressively swift inventory turnover of 1-2 days, balancing product freshness with waste management. Notably, Kisanserv has managed to maintain wastage rates of only 4-5% in stores and just 4% in its supply chain.
Looking toward the future, Kisanserv is also exploring the introduction of self-checkout systems to further streamline the shopping experience. Additionally, the company aims to align with current health trends by launching fresh cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices, responding to consumer demand for healthy options.
Kisanserv’s proactive approach reflects not only its strong business acumen but also its understanding of market dynamics and consumer preferences. By prioritizing technological innovations and community involvement, Kisanserv is setting a benchmark for retail expansion in India and reinforcing its position within the competitive landscape of fresh produce.
As Kisanserv gears up for this bold expansion, stakeholders are left to watch how the company will navigate the complexities of the market, the challenges of scaling operations, and the ongoing commitment to providing quality products and services to its customers.
