Description
India’s packaged food industry is booming, with projections indicating a surge from $3.4 billion in 2024 to $6.4 billion by 2029. This remarkable growth stems from increasing urbanization, changing consumer habits, and higher disposable incomes. The market’s wide range of products, spanning from dairy items to ready-to-eat meals, showcases the diverse tastes of India’s massive 1.4 billion population. As a result, the packaged food sector has become a crucial component of India’s economic growth.
Refer to pages 20-27 of the report, which explores how companies are adapting their strategies to meet the growing demand for convenient and healthier food options while catering to local preferences. The report also addresses the ongoing challenges faced by the sector, including rising production costs and the need to keep up with evolving health-conscious consumer trends, which continue to shape the market’s dynamics.
Amid these evolving trends, the rise of quick commerce platforms has revolutionized urban retail, yet these platforms frequently neglect the importance of small, budget-friendly packages that form the core of India’s consumer goods market. Neighborhood stores, known as kiranas, have long capitalized on the power of low unit packs, offering a diverse array of products in compact sizes that cater to a wide range of customers. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, read the story on pages 40-41 about how these small packs may prove to be the key to the survival of kiranas, keeping them competitive in the age of convenience and speed.
Our cover story in this issue, on pages 54-61, is on Beer Café, which has become India’s biggest beer chain for a reason. Offering more than 50 beers on tap and a 70:30 drinks-to-food revenue split, it hosts 1,000+ events annually—think craft beer tastings, trivia nights, and even pup-friendly parties—prioritizing inclusivity and variety over exclusivity. This approach has fueled Beer Café success, as evidenced by its revenue figures: generating Rs. 120 crore in FY25, the pub chain is targeting Rs. 170 crore in the next fiscal and has set an ambitious goal of Rs. 230 crore by FY27. Their success and growth prove why great bars aren’t about exclusivity, but community.
Pick up the issue, which is packed with stories that reflect the dynamic shifts across retail, food service, and beyond.
