Rising Flavors: How Emerging Cities are Transforming India’s F&B Landscape

Rising Flavors: How Emerging Cities are Transforming India’s F&B Landscape

By Author

Published on November 25, 2024

India’s Tier-II cities—such as Indore, Surat, Bhopal, and Jabalpur—are fast emerging as the next frontier for food and beverage (F&B) growth. With rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and evolving consumer tastes, these cities offer a fertile ground for the F&B industry’s expansion. Yet, the pace of development in these regions raises an intriguing question: Are we doing enough to tap into their immense potential?

A Market Ripe with Opportunity

While Tier-I cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore have traditionally been the epicenters of F&B growth, Tier-II cities are no longer playing second fiddle. Rising aspirations and improved connectivity are transforming these cities into thriving urban centers. The middle-class demographic in these areas is keen to embrace organized dining experiences, making them fertile ground for national and global F&B brands.

However, the true appeal lies in the untapped nature of these markets. With less saturation compared to metros, F&B brands can establish a strong foothold and build loyalty early on. Lower operational costs in terms of real estate and labor further enhance the attractiveness of these regions.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite their evident potential, the entry of big players into Tier-II markets has been cautious. The reasons are multifaceted—lack of robust infrastructure, limited consumer exposure to niche cuisines, and logistical hurdles. For instance, while cities like Indore and Lucknow have seen the entry of brands like Domino’s and McDonald’s, others like Raipur and Jabalpur remain underserved.

Additionally, the consumer base in Tier-II cities often seeks a delicate balance between affordability and quality. This requires F&B businesses to rework their offerings to suit local preferences without compromising on the brand’s value proposition.

The Path Ahead: Strategies for Success

To truly unlock the potential of Tier-II cities, the F&B industry must adopt a nuanced approach. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Localized Offerings: Understand the regional palate and customize menus to resonate with local tastes. For example, introducing vegetarian-friendly options or flavors rooted in local traditions can help brands connect with consumers.

  2. Hybrid Formats: Instead of large standalone outlets, brands could experiment with smaller kiosks or cloud kitchens to reduce initial investment and operational costs.

  3. Community Engagement: Building trust is essential in these markets. Hosting food festivals, collaborating with local influencers, or supporting community-driven initiatives can help brands establish a strong presence.

  4. Digital-First Strategy: With growing internet penetration, digital platforms can play a crucial role in reaching Tier-II consumers. Brands should focus on targeted social media campaigns, online ordering, and app-based loyalty programs.

  5. Infrastructure Partnerships: Collaborating with local governments to address logistical and infrastructural challenges could pave the way for smoother operations and long-term growth.

A Future Full of Flavor

India’s Tier-II cities are not just the next big thing—they are the now. As these cities continue to grow, so does their appetite for diverse and high-quality dining experiences. The F&B brands that can innovate, adapt, and connect with these evolving consumers will find themselves at the forefront of a new wave of growth.

At Hospitality News, we believe that embracing this shift is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity. The road to success in Tier-II markets might be less traveled today, but it’s one that promises immense rewards for those bold enough to take the leap.


PGC Chennai Presents HE Awards – Honouring the Strength, Stories, and Spirit of Men in Society

By Author

Published on July 9, 2025

In a landmark moment for Ponneri and beyond, the Ponneri Gymkhana Club (PGC) made history by hosting the first-ever HE Awards, a heartfelt tribute to the spirit, resilience, and role of men in shaping our communities. The event, presented by PGC in collaboration with Hospitalitynews, was held on July 4th, 2025, and marked a powerful beginning to what promises to be a prestigious annual tradition.

The evening welcomed over 300 distinguished guests and honored 25 exemplary men from diverse backgrounds—fathers, professionals, leaders, mentors—whose contributions often go unnoticed but are deeply felt within the fabric of society.

Gracing the celebration as Chief Guest was His Highness Mohammed Asif Ali, the Prince of Arcot, whose presence added regal dignity to the occasion. Echoing the sentiment of the evening were esteemed guests Assistant Commissioner of Ponneri, Mr. Shankar, and MLA Mr. Durai Chandrasekhar, who in their powerful keynote address stated, “Honouring good men is not just about what they do, but who they choose to be every day – leaders, fathers, brothers, mentors, and pillars of society.”

The ambiance at PGC was truly celebratory, showcasing its grandeur with 178 rooms, 4 banquet halls, 2 sprawling lawns, and over 12 sports amenities—firmly positioning it as not just a club, but a premium destination for weddings, corporate gatherings, and lifestyle events.

The event was supported by TJS College of Arts & Science and Big Screen, and was expertly curated by Sonali Jain and Kashish Jain, who brought the evening to life with emotion, elegance, and purpose.

The night concluded with standing ovations, soulful music, and a clear promise—that the HE Awards, in partnership with Hospitalitynews, will return every year to shine a light on the quiet strength and positive influence of men in our society.

Because when we honour goodness, we inspire greatness—and the HE Awards are just the beginning.

About PGC Chennai:
Located just 40 minutes from Chennai, the Ponneri Gymkhana Club (PGC) is one of Tamil Nadu’s largest and most vibrant private clubs. With luxurious accommodation, top-tier sports facilities, banquet halls, and picturesque lawns, PGC is redefining what it means to blend hospitality, leisure, and community. Whether you're planning a dream wedding, corporate retreat, or simply a weekend escape, PGC offers an unmatched experience of celebration and serenity. Learn more at www.pgcchennai.com.


PGC Presents the First-Ever HE Awards in Association with Hospitalitynews – Join Us to Celebrate Unsung Heroes on July 4th!

PGC Presents the First-Ever HE Awards in Association with Hospitalitynews – Join Us to Celebrate Unsung Heroes on July 4th!

By Author

Published on July 2, 2025

This Friday, July 4th, 2025, the Ponneri Gymkhana Club (PGC), in collaboration with Hospitalitynews, is all set to host the first-ever edition of the HE Awards (Honouring Excellence Awards)—an inspiring evening dedicated to recognizing individuals who have selflessly served society.

With the theme “They Deserve Their Moment,” the event promises to be a grand tribute to Professors, Doctors, Police personnel, Government Officials, Social Workers, and many more everyday heroes whose dedication often goes unrecognized.

The event will take place at the Ponneri Gymkhana Club, with proud support from TJS College of Arts & Science and Hospitalitynews as the official media partner.

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Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, 4th July, 2025
  • Time: Starting from 3:00 PM
  • Venue: Ponneri Gymkhana Club

This is your chance to witness an evening filled with heartfelt stories, inspiring achievements, and community appreciation. Come be part of this meaningful celebration and show your support for the people who make a real difference in our lives.

For RSVP and More Information:

+91 75502 65615 / +91 93636 32829
Follow on Instagram: @ponnerigymkhanaclub

Let’s come together to celebrate those who deserve their moment in the spotlight!


Indian Restaurant Congress & Coffee & Tea Asia 2025 Set to Transform India’s F&B Landscape

Indian Restaurant Congress & Coffee & Tea Asia 2025 Set to Transform India’s F&B Landscape

By Author

Published on June 23, 2025

This August, Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, will host the country’s most anticipated food and beverage convergence — the 14th Annual Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards 2025 (IRC) alongside the debut edition of Coffee & Tea Asia 2025 (CTA). From August 5–7, 2025, this power-packed three-day event will bring together more than 2,000 F&B stakeholders, innovators, and entrepreneurs under one roof to reimagine the future of dining, delivery, café culture, and culinary innovation.

Organized by RestaurantIndia.in and Franchise India, the event reflects a decisive moment in India’s $95.75 billion F&B industry — one that’s evolving rapidly with digital integration, premiumization, and global expansion.

Hospitalitynews India is proud to be the official media partner for this landmark dual-platform gathering, committed to bringing readers exclusive coverage, expert interviews, and post-event insights straight from the ground.

IRC 2025: Redefining India’s Culinary Identity

Under the theme “A Global Outlook,” the Indian Restaurant Congress 2025 will explore how Indian culinary brands are expanding overseas, and how global players are customizing strategies for the Indian market. Topics to watch out for:

  • Immersive dining & phygital experiences

  • 10-minute delivery and cloud kitchen evolution

  • Franchising blueprints for hypergrowth

  • Restaurant tech and AI integrations

The event will feature 150+ top voices in the industry including:

  • Udai Pinnali, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality

  • M. Mahadevan, Advantage Foods Pvt. Ltd.

  • Sukul Kundan, PF Chang’s India

  • Tarun Jain, Tim Hortons India

  • Chef Suvir Saran, Chef Kunal Kapur, and Chef Atul Kochhar (2x Michelin-starred)

The summit concludes with the prestigious Indian Restaurant Awards and Culinary Innovation Awards 2025, honoring the most visionary F&B professionals and establishments in India.

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Coffee & Tea Asia 2025: Brewing Opportunity

Making its Indian debut, Coffee & Tea Asia 2025 is Asia’s leading B2B platform dedicated entirely to the coffee and tea value chain. Co-located with IRC, this event brings together:

  • Café and roastery owners

  • Tea estate operators

  • Equipment manufacturers

  • Sustainable packaging pioneers

  • Retail and tech disruptors

Expect live brewing demos, buyer-seller meets, product tastings, and showcases of café culture shaping urban India. Whether you're a barista, café chain, or supplier, CTA 2025 is where beverage innovation comes to life.

Explore 4 Specialized Power Pavilions

The expansive trade floor will be divided into four curated zones:

  • ReStart – Disruptive F&B startups and franchise trailblazers

  • ReSupply – Kitchen tech, packaging, and supply chain innovations

  • ReSoft – Restaurant-focused tech solutions and digital tools

  • ReSpaces – Interiors, design, and hospitality real estate concepts

With 200+ speakers, 2,000+ premium attendees, and participation from across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East — this convergence is set to be an unparalleled platform for networking, lead generation, and trend forecasting.

Why Attend?

India’s F&B market is expanding at 10%+ annually, driven by evolving consumer preferences and smart technology. IRC & CTA 2025 offer an unmatched lens into:

  • New business models in dining and delivery

  • Hospitality technology and sustainability

  • Global franchise scaling and investments

  • Coffee and tea retail innovations

  • End-to-end visibility of the foodservice ecosystem

Whether you're a restaurateur, café entrepreneur, chef, investor, or food tech leader — this is your opportunity to engage with the brightest minds and most influential brands in the industry.

Book Your Spot Now

Dates: August 5–7, 2025
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Register: www.restaurantindia.in/congress | www.coffeeandtea.asia
Follow: #IRC2025 #CTA2025

Early bird rates end soon. Save more on combined passes and group registrations.

Official Media Partner: Hospitalitynews India

As the official media partner, Hospitalitynews India is thrilled to support this extraordinary initiative and will bring exclusive updates, speaker highlights, and thought leadership articles to its extensive network of hospitality professionals across the country.

Join us as we witness the future of food and beverage — live in action.

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