All start-up companies are looking for growth. While some can work it out, others are still figuring out how to do the same. Mayur Gohel, CEO and Founder of Dubai-based Kroma Delivery Services, spoke exclusively to Finance World Magazine about the changes caused by the pandemic in the UAE’s food delivery industry and how businesses are adapting.
Kindly brief us about the company and its services.
Kroma is the answer to all kinds of delivery requirements of a customer.
• Courier: We collect and drop off your papers, packages, and other such items in a timely way.
• Food: The meals are supplied without touch and within social distancing protocols to individuals, groups, or parties.
• Pharmacy: Pharma needs regular prescription drugs or emergencies that will be delivered promptly and prioritized.
• Grocery: Regular orders may be made with a range of retailers, which is handy for customers.
• Heavy Goods: Heavy goods such as furniture or bulk orders can be placed.
• B2B Delivery: All pickups and deliveries for companies of all sizes will be
We only started 18 months ago, and in that time, we have 150+ bike delivery riders working on the road with various clients. In addition, we are expanding in other GCC countries such as Qatar and Bahrain.
How did the pandemic affect business?
In the midst of the chaos of COVID-19, restaurants adapted because they had to, as an estimated 110,000 establishments closed permanently. The industry quickly learned that it needed to adapt to survive, which is to rely on more delivery services. Now that the sector has had time to adjust to these changes, their long-term potential is clearer.
Online ordering has also made it easier than ever to get takeout or delivery. Overall, online transactions increased as delivery became a popular and preferred option following the implementation of lockdown restrictions. It paved the way for backend technology evolution.
What do you think the future of the UAE’s delivery industry will be?
It would not be wrong to say that digital transformation has touched almost every industry on earth. The logistics industry is also not an exception to this. Due to the growing craze of online shopping in Dubai, every industry including logistics has realized the importance of automation.
The buyers’ gradual inclination towards online shopping will help eCommerce delivery businesses to grow further in Dubai in the future. This makes a healthy flow of online orders keeping the courier & delivery companies busy throughout the year. The eCommerce delivery business has an impeccable space for growth and development in the UAE. The pandemic may have played the role of a catalyst in the sudden increase in demand, but UAE was already prepared to handle a genuine online delivery business flood. So, there is no doubt that the eCommerce delivery business has a rock-solid future in the UAE.
What are the key things that you focus on?
· Customer partnerships.
· Vision of long-term working relationships with our customers.
· Quality of service.
· Knowledge of services we offer.
· Employee happiness and retention.
· Feedback to improve regularly.
What’s the one thing which helped your business grow significantly?
There are several factors that contribute to business growth. But, if we had to pick one thing, it would be that the financial assistance we received from iFund Factoring Forfaiting Services was a significant boost to our business. They have a client-friendly technology, process, and people. All the process is managed digitally. They gave us support from the initial period for working capital in terms of financing / forfaiting to our customer invoices.
