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. 

“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. 

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.