How to get your food brand onto Zepto
Zepto is often the fastest: 2–8 weeks with documents ready
- 1
Prepare documents
GST, FSSAI, PAN, TM/authorization, GS1 barcodes — name consistency first.
- 2
Register at brands.zepto.co.in
Phone OTP + brand details. Zepto's portal states there is no upfront fee to apply or list.
- 3
CM evaluation and ToT
The category manager assesses pricing, packaging and demand; then Terms of Trade — margin, promo commitments, RTV policy.
- 4
NPI upload and pilot
Upload SKU data, barcodes, images; the first PO covers a limited set of pilot stores.
- 5
Expansion through performance
Good pilot sales open more stores across the network. Keep fill rate above 95%.
Documents you need
- ✔GST registration (mandatory at any turnover — platforms collect TCS)
- ✔FSSAI license (mandatory for food)
- ✔PAN card and cancelled cheque / bank proof
- ✔Trademark certificate — a filed application (TM-A receipt) also works
- ✔GS1 EAN barcodes (micro MSMEs get an 80% subsidy)
- ✔Product photos — minimum 1000×1000 px, clean background
- ✔Most important: the business name must MATCH on every document — mismatch is the #1 rejection reason
What it costs (reported 2026 figures)
| Registration | No upfront fee to apply/list, per Zepto's own portal |
|---|---|
| Commission / margin | 8–25% by category; grocery/FMCG typically 10–15% (agency-reported) |
| Security deposit | ~₹25,000 refundable deposit reported for new brands |
| Ads expectation | ₹10,000–50,000/month ad spend commonly expected in the first 90 days |
| Payment | Weekly / bi-weekly reported |
| Shelf-life gate | ~60% shelf life must remain at inward |
Straight talk: Zepto's actual terms also depend on CM negotiation, and sources conflict (some older reports mention ₹5–6 lakh bundles). We push for written terms in the very first meeting.
Check your margin first →Frequently asked questions about Zepto
Is listing on Zepto free?
The portal says there's no application fee. But a refundable deposit (~₹25k) and early ad-spend expectations are reported for new brands. We build the full cost picture for your product in the audit.
What are pilot stores?
Zepto tests new brands in a few selected dark stores first. Good sales and fill rate there unlock network expansion — so the first 60 days of operations matter most.
How long does it take?
Zepto is often the fastest of the three — 2–8 weeks is realistic with documents ready.
Who sets the retail price?
Zepto. You negotiate the supply price; Zepto may discount on its side. Calculate your margin on supply price, not MRP.
Can we go via a distributor?
Yes — regional brands often get listed through an authorized distributor with a brand authorization letter. Sometimes it's the faster route; the audit compares both options.