Startup launches online grocery shop for rural folks

KOZHIKODE: Taking  technology to the rural kitchens, Nextuz, a startup company at Technolodge Rural IT Park in Piravom,  has launched an online grocery shop which enables buying of  foodstuff  and various household supplies in rural areas. Through the online service named as ‘Newcart.in,’  one can purchase fresh vegetables, food stuff, personal care articles etc which will be delivered at the  doorsteps within no time. The order can be placed through website, Facebook, WhatsApp, phone call and  email.

At present, the service is available in Piravom and surrounding 19 major centres which include three municipalities.  Nextuz chief executive officer Alok Babu said that they were planning to extend the service to other parts of the state with the help of franchises. “The service is getting good response from public especially from the aged and those who stay  alone and having difficulty in travelling long distances for buying,” he said.

 “What makes it different from other similar start-ups is that it is not a city-based service but   rather runs from a village. The response from the customers clearly shows the increasing demand for services like home delivery in the fast-growing rural population of Kerala. We are getting enquiries from different parts of the state to start franchisees for the service. This points to a positive growth in this area,” he added.  Newcart.in is also planning to launch a mobile app for the customers for easy delivery and interaction. Presently, the company has  tie-ups with supermarkets in the area but in future it is planning to launch own storage buildings for the articles.