Emerging Food Brands Disrupt Legacy Players as QSR Chains Gain Structure

Emerging Food Brands Disrupt Legacy Players as QSR Chains Gain Structure

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 10, 2024

The Indian food industry is witnessing a dynamic shift as emerging brands outpace legacy players, especially in the retail and delivery segments. Experts at the 17th edition of the India Food Forum discussed the growing formalization in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) space and the transformation of consumer behavior.

RS Sodhi, President of the Indian Dairy Association, emphasized the trend, pointing out that while the Indian economy is growing over 6%, large FMCG companies are expanding at a slower pace of 3%. “Emerging brands are clearly gaining market share at the cost of established players in the food sector,” he said.

In the QSR segment, Ravindra Yadav, Partner – Retail & Food Services at Technopak, highlighted a positive shift toward organized markets. “The organized chain food market is expected to rise to 21% by 2030 from the current 15%, while the unorganized informal market may drop from 52% to 41% in the same period,” he shared during the keynote address.

The food retail space is also undergoing significant change. While general trade still dominates with 85% of the market, the rapid adoption of online platforms is enabling emerging brands to expand their reach. With modern households making purchase decisions collaboratively online, experts see quick commerce as a cost-effective strategy for emerging brands. 

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“Affordability and price remain key factors in food retail decisions, but value-driven factors also play a significant role,” noted Yoann Painbeni, Managing Director – APAC, Retail Vertical, NielsenIQ.

Sodhi also shed light on the untapped potential in formalizing India’s beloved snacks. “Pani-puri alone has a market worth ₹70,000 crore, with 10% already organized. Think about the immense opportunity for other traditional snacks like kachoris and samosas as they enter organized markets,” he said. 

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While urban QSR chains face challenges like high raw material and operational costs, Yadav pointed out that revenue growth is steady, although operating profit remains under pressure.

The forum also presented insightful data on the growth of food services across regions. Beyond metro cities, the food service industry is booming in Tier I and Tier II cities, with growth rates of 6.5%, 6.9%, and 12.8% respectively between 2019 and 2024, amounting to billions in revenue.

About India Food Forum:
India Food Forum is the country’s premier food B2B intelligence and exhibition platform. With extensive product showcases, a two-day conference, masterclasses, networking opportunities, and prestigious awards, it bridges the gap between businesses and innovation in the food and grocery retail and food service sectors.

About IMAGES Group:
IMAGES Group is South Asia’s leading retail intelligence association, fostering growth in modern retail through knowledge-sharing platforms. From print and digital reportage to annual business events, conferences, and workshops, it serves as a catalyst for the retail industry’s evolution.


ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

ButterBrews has opened its new outlet in Aundh, marking its largest format café so far. The new space has been designed as an everyday destination, bringing together a comfortable layout, a strong all-day menu, and a clear focus on coffee.

The café has been planned with multiple zones to suit different preferences. It includes an indoor seating area, a non-smoking outdoor section with an amphitheatre-style setup, and a separate smoking zone placed away from the main space to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience for all guests.

The menu offers a premium all-day selection built around fresh ingredients. Guests can choose from breakfast options, healthy bowls, wholesome meals, and vegan dishes, making it suitable for different tastes and dining needs throughout the day.

Coffee continues to be at the heart of the ButterBrews experience. The café uses 100 percent Arabica beans and serves both house blends and manually brewed coffees. It also features guest roasters like Tulum Coffee Roasters and Ground Zero Coffee Roasters, adding variety to its coffee offerings.

Desserts and baked items are prepared in-house at ButterBrews’ bakehouse. Popular choices include the Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls, which have already become favourites among guests.

Commenting on the opening, Harsh Agarwal, Co-founder, ButterBrews, said, “ButterBrews, Aundh is our largest format cafe yet. We have built a stronger indoor experience and created clear zones across the cafe so guests can settle in the way they like. We want this to be an address people can count on through the week.”

Umang Bhimrajka, Co-founder, ButterBrews, added, “For us, coffee has always been non-negotiable. With 100 percent Arabica beans, house espresso coffees and manual brews that rotate speciality roasters, we are bringing a program that balances familiarity with discovery. Alongside that, the all-day menu and our bakehouse desserts complete the experience we want to offer Aundh.”


McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has reintroduced its popular limited-edition Sipper, bringing back the fan-favourite collectible as part of its app-exclusive Super Sipper Meals. The offering follows strong customer demand earlier this year and is available for a limited time across select regions.

Accessible exclusively through the McDonald's App, the Super Sipper Meals can be ordered between 4 PM and 7 PM, adding an element of exclusivity and urgency for customers looking to grab the collectible while stocks last.

The meals are offered in two variants, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The Veg option, includes a McAloo Tikki Burger, Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff. The Non-Veg variant, features a McGrill Burger along with Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff.

Commenting on the reintroduction, Rajeev Ranjan said the overwhelming response to the earlier launch highlighted customers’ interest in unique and engaging experiences. He added that the brand remains focused on delivering offerings that combine value, taste, and memorable moments.

Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s India – North and East continues to strengthen its presence with over 295 restaurants and 190+ McCafé outlets across the region. The brand’s latest offering reflects its ongoing effort to create experience-led promotions that go beyond traditional value meals.

By combining everyday favourites with collectible merchandise, the reintroduced Sipper campaign aims to enhance customer engagement while driving digital adoption through its app ecosystem.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

CoCo Ichibanya has opened its new outlet at Ambience Mall Gurugram, adding a global flavour to the mall’s growing food and beverage offerings. Located on the third floor, the restaurant spans around 3,000 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 52 guests.

Founded in 1978 in Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is known as one of the world’s largest Japanese curry chains. The brand is popular for its curry-and-rice dishes, offering a mix of consistency and customisation, allowing diners to personalise their meals based on taste and preference.

The launch is part of Ambience Mall Gurugram’s ongoing effort to strengthen its dining portfolio by bringing in well-known international brands. With this addition, the mall continues to expand its options, offering both everyday dining choices and unique global experiences to visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Consumer preferences today are evolving towards experiences that feel both authentic and globally relevant. CoCo Ichibanya brings a strong international identity along with an offering that is approachable and versatile. At Ambience Mall, our focus remains on curating a balanced and contemporary mix, and this addition further strengthens that direction.”

With the opening of CoCo Ichibanya, Ambience Mall Gurugram further builds its position as a destination that blends retail with curated dining and lifestyle experiences, catering to a modern and globally aware audience.

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