An unusually harsh summer and soaring temperatures across large parts of India have translated into a strong demand boost for consumer goods companies, with quick-commerce platforms emerging as the biggest beneficiaries as shoppers increasingly turned to instant delivery for seasonal purchases, The Times of India reported on July 2.

Sales of heat-sensitive categories such as ice creams, cold beverages and skincare products registered sharp year-on-year growth in May, reflecting both the intensity of the summer season and the widening reach of rapid-delivery platforms, ToI's report (by Rupali Mukherjee) said citing market intelligence data compiled by 1DigitalStack.

Ice cream was the fastest-growing category during the month, with gross merchandise value (GMV) on quick-commerce platforms rising to nearly Rs 560 crore.

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The category recorded an 18% increase over April and expanded 140% compared with the same month last year, driven by strong consumer demand during the peak summer season.

Premium family packs as well as impulse purchases, including cones and single-serve formats, contributed significantly to the growth.

Cold beverages also posted robust performance, with GMV reaching around Rs 460 crore in May, representing a 114% increase from a year earlier.

Industry executives attributed the rise to sustained demand for refreshment products, broader assortments offered by quick-commerce platforms and consumers increasingly opting for premium offerings.

PepsiCo India said summer consumption remained strong across immediate-consumption and on-the-go occasions. The company indicated that its portfolio across multiple price points helped improve accessibility while affordability continued to remain an important driver of hydration purchases outside the home.

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The heatwave also boosted demand for personal care products designed for summer use. Sales of face-care products, including sunscreens and face washes, climbed 96% year-on-year to about Rs 380 crore in May.

Industry executives said direct-to-consumer beauty brands, coupled with influencer-led skincare campaigns across social media platforms, played an important role in driving consumer awareness and purchases.

The surge in demand comes as quick-commerce operators continue to deepen their footprint beyond metropolitan markets.

Companies such as Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart have significantly expanded operations in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where consumers are increasingly shifting routine grocery and household purchases from traditional neighbourhood stores to instant-delivery platforms.

The competitive intensity has further increased with newer entrants expanding their rapid-delivery offerings across multiple cities. Amazon Now and Flipkart Minutes have accelerated their rollout, intensifying the battle for market share in the fast-growing quick-commerce segment.

Amazon India said seasonal products, including ice creams, chilled beverages, fresh fruits and daily essentials, witnessed a sharp rise in demand during the summer months.

The company said customer response had reinforced its strategy of combining a wider assortment with faster delivery and competitive pricing.

It also expanded its seasonal portfolio to include a broader range of ice creams, early arrivals of mango varieties and other summer-focused products such as swimming accessories, ceiling fans and smart fans.

The latest sales trends underline the growing importance of weather-driven consumption in India's retail market.

With quick-commerce platforms improving assortment, expanding geographic coverage and reducing delivery timelines, consumer brands are increasingly relying on these channels to capitalise on seasonal demand spikes and drive incremental sales.