Contxto – When Rappi announced in September that it plans to double the number of cities it serves by the end of the year, it wasn’t exaggerating. Not long ago, the aspiring super app launched operations in San José, Costa Rica.
To ensure seamless grocery delivery, the Colombian unicorn also collaborated with Costa Rican startup Moovin. From the commercial alliance, Moovin will reportedly provide vehicles and drivers to handle Price Smart and Fresh Market orders.
With this, Costa Rica now joins Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay where Rappi has secured approximately 13 million users. Moreover, this is the first time that the scale-up has reached Central America.
To facilitate its Costa Rican expansion, Rappi reportedly invested US$2 million to ensure a smooth transition.
“They have high expectations in Costa Rica,” said Mateo Albarracín, a general manager for Rappi. “We see that it is a strategic market for its commercial dynamism, so we will add to its economic growth.”
Rappi coverage in Costa Rica
Now based in San José, the company will provide coverage around Avenida 10, Barrio Don Bosco, the Central Market, Central Park, in addition to the Pacific Station.
Meal delivery will be Rappi’s primary focus for the time being, according to reports. So far, around 450 Costa Rican restaurants have joined the growing network. Grocery delivery from Price Smart and Fresh Market will also allegedly be an option.
On a smaller scale, Rappi can also deliver medications in San José due to its partnership with Fischel pharmacies. In terms of competition, other last-mile delivery companies vying for high market shares in the capital city include Uber Eats, Glovo and Hugo.
All the while, RappiFavor services will also be available in Costa Rica. Still relatively new, this offering is an “urgent errand service” for clients. Meaning, if users forgot their keys at home or need a package delivered, they can coordinate with a “rappitendero” to get the job done.
By the end of 2020, Rappi expects to bill approximately US$10 million in all of its markets.
-JA
