Zomato grabbed consideration all through 2024 with its daring strikes and new ventures, exhibiting the way it’s evolving from a meals supply service right into a broader client platform.
The yr kicked off with Zomato Reside increasing into ticketing for big-name live shows that includes international stars corresponding to Dua Lipa and Diljit Dosanjh, including a contemporary dimension to its choices.
The corporate didn’t cease there. It launched District, constructing on the success of its earlier occasion, Zomaland. This new initiative aimed to create vigorous group areas that mixed meals, leisure, and social experiences, strengthening its attraction throughout totally different markets.
However whereas these efforts showcased Zomato’s ambition, the corporate additionally confronted its fair proportion of controversies, stirring public debates and criticism.
Pure veg mode and fleet controversy
In March 2024, Zomato launched ‘Pure Veg Mode’ and ‘Pure Veg Fleet’ to cater particularly to vegetarian clients. The concept was to supply a curated listing of eating places serving solely vegetarian meals.
Nevertheless, the transfer sparked criticism, with many calling it exclusionary. Some argued it might discriminate towards non-vegetarian choices and even unfairly have an effect on supply employees primarily based on their dietary preferences.
Deepinder Goyal, the CEO of Zomato, clarified that the initiative was not supposed to assist any non secular or political agenda, and warranted that it will be reconsidered if it precipitated critical backlash.
In response to public outrage, the corporate scrapped its plan to have supply riders put on inexperienced uniforms for vegetarian orders, opting to maintain the usual crimson apparel for all.
Hyperpure warehouse raid
On October 29, 2024, meals security officers raided Zomato’s Hyperpure warehouse in Hyderabad, accusing the corporate of meals security violations. In the course of the inspection, they discovered mushroom packets with incorrect labels exhibiting future packaging dates.
Goyal clarified that it was a handbook error made by a vendor and had already been flagged by Zomato’s high quality management workforce earlier than the objects have been added to the stock. He additionally criticised the media for highlighting the incident, claiming it was an unfair try and hurt the corporate’s fame.
Analogue paneer backlash
In October 2024, Zomato confronted backlash for promoting “Analogue Paneer,” a product made with vegetable fat as an alternative of the standard milk fats. Though the product was appropriately labelled, many purchasers felt misled, accusing Zomato of utilizing complicated advertising and marketing that might hurt well being and erode belief. The controversy raised questions on meals security and transparency in sourcing.
Job posting controversy
In November 2024, Goyal confronted criticism for a job itemizing that required candidates for a chief of workers function to donate Rs 20 lakh to Feeding India throughout their first yr of employment. Many individuals referred to as the transfer elitist and unethical, questioning the equity of creating such a big donation a situation for the job.
Written with the View : afaqs