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.


Celebrate Mother's Day with The Malabar Coast: A Coastal Feast Honouring Every Mother

Celebrate Mother's Day with The Malabar Coast: A Coastal Feast Honouring Every Mother

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 10, 2025

This Mother’s Day, Sunday, 11th May 2025, celebrate the spirit of motherhood with an unforgettable coastal dining experience at The Malabar Coast. With vibrant interiors, soulful regional delicacies, and heartwarming offers, it’s the perfect place to treat the special women in your life.

Whether you're planning a family gathering or a quiet meal with mom, choose from any of The Malabar Coast’s three locations—in Noida, Gurugram, or Indore—and immerse in the warm flavours of Kerala and beyond.

Exclusive Mother’s Day Offers:
Guests dining at The Malabar Coast can enjoy:

  • 10% off the total bill
    OR
  • A complimentary dessert for every mother—choose from their signature Tender Coconut Payasam, Karupati Halwa, or the ever-popular Gadbad Ice Cream.

Feast on the Flavours of the Coast:
Curated with love, the menu celebrates the best of coastal cuisine:

  • Seafood Delights
    Lobster Ghee Roast, Prawn 65, Sea Crab Masala Fry
  • Vegetarian Favourites
    Mushroom Mappas, Vegetable Stew with Appum, Coconut Rice
  • Assorted Breads
    Appum, Malabar Parotta, Neer Dosa – all made fresh
  • Traditional Desserts
    Tender Coconut Payasam, Karupati Halwa, Gadbad Ice Cream

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Let the rhythmic aroma of spices, soothing ambiance, and warm service make your Mother's Day meal extra special. Whether it’s the first time or a yearly tradition, a meal at The Malabar Coast promises cherished memories.

Event Details:
 Date: Sunday, 11th May 2025
 Time: 12:00 PM onwards

  • Noida: Binge Central, Block B, Industrial Area, Sector 62, Uttar Pradesh 201309
  • Gurugram: Ground Floor, M3M Atrium, Sector 57, Haryana – 122003
  • Indore: Phoenix Citadel Mall, Madhya Pradesh 452016

Follow The Malabar Coast on Instagram

This Mother’s Day, show your gratitude with a touch of spice, sweetness, and the soothing warmth of the coast—only at The Malabar Coast.


Chef Bala Launches Anthara, a French-American Culinary Destination in Bangalore

Chef Bala Launches Anthara, a French-American Culinary Destination in Bangalore

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 10, 2025

Chef Balasundaram Murugesan, fondly known as Chef Bala, has launched Anthara, a French-American patisserie and dining space in Bangalore’s vibrant Marathahalli neighbourhood. Spanning 2400 sq ft, Anthara offers an immersive gastronomic experience that unites the elegance of French patisserie with the bold comfort of American flavours.

Nestled amid blooming bougainvillea and warm earthy tones, Anthara has been designed to encourage guests to pause and savour life's simple indulgences. From day to night, the venue transforms from a vibrant café to a laid-back dining and lounge setting, inviting patrons to explore handcrafted coffees, custom-styled sandwiches, refined plated dishes, and an array of artisanal desserts.

Speaking about the launch, Chef Bala said, “Anthara is the culmination of my passion for soulful cuisine and my belief in the power of hospitality to connect people. With Anthara, I wanted to create a space that feels personal yet refined — where food isn’t just consumed, but truly experienced.”

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The culinary programme at Anthara showcases a daily rotation of house-baked breads, forming the base for rich, American deli-style sandwiches. A thoughtfully curated beer and coffee pairing menu complements the comfort food offerings. The French patisserie section highlights refined creations like éclairs and macarons, prepared using traditional techniques and premium ingredients.

Built on the principles of innovation, global quality, neighbourhood connection, and heartfelt hospitality, Anthara brings a refreshing dining experience to the city. Chef Bala also hinted at future expansion plans, aiming to reach more communities across Bangalore in the next five years.

With a menu that balances indulgence and authenticity, Anthara sets a new standard in Bangalore’s dining scene—where every meal is a story and every visit, a memory.


Bengaluru’s Summer Gets a Brewtiful Twist with Mango-Inspired Craft Beers

Bengaluru’s Summer Gets a Brewtiful Twist with Mango-Inspired Craft Beers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 10, 2025

 This summer, Bengaluru's vibrant craft beer scene is celebrating the season’s favourite fruit, mango with two specially curated seasonal brews by Red Rhino Craft Brewery and BLR Brewing Co.

At Red Rhino, beer lovers can sip on the Mango Rosemary Ale, a tropical light malt that strikes a refreshing balance between juicy mango and aromatic rosemary. Clocking in at 8% ABV with a gentle 18 IBU, this ale is crisp and subtly bitter, offering just the right amount of sweetness. Priced at INR 375 for 500 ml, this brew is available only until stocks last at Red Rhino, Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, BLR Brewing Co. presents ‘Aam Ki Baat’, a Mango Saison that blends rich Alphonso mangoes with traditional Belgian Saison. With 5.3% ABV and 15 IBU, this beer offers a fruity, mildly spicy profile that’s both tropical and complex. Priced at INR 450 for 500 ml, it’s available throughout May across all BLR Brewing Co. outlets in Bengaluru.

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Both breweries have taken a creative spin on seasonal brewing, embracing local ingredients and refreshing styles that suit the city’s summer palate.

About Red Rhino:

Founded in 2016 by Kishore and Rachana Pallamreddy, Red Rhino, a division of Arrkp Hospitality is renowned for its commitment to sustainable brewing practices and innovative flavours that deliver standout craft beer experiences.

About BLR Brewing Co.:

One of Bengaluru’s largest brewparks, BLR Brewing Co. operates across three city locations and is known for its five-element theme of Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Space. With live gigs, DJ nights, and a globally inspired menu, it has recently been awarded the Bar with Best Ambiance by Times Food & Nightlife.

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