2 weeks ago
Gujarat’s changing food market attracts national and global brands
Gujarat is becoming more attractive to restaurant companies from India and other countries.
Many brands are expected to open in GIFT City over the next four to five years.
The state also wants restaurants at tourist places such as the Statue of Unity, Dholavira and Saputara.
People in Gujarat are trying more kinds of food than before.
These include Mexican, Burmese, Korean and vegetarian versions of international dishes.
Most customers still prefer vegetarian food, but restaurant leaders see this as an opportunity.
Gujarat’s alcohol rules have not stopped food businesses from growing.
Restaurant groups also hope better food delivery and the 2030 Commonwealth Games will help the market expand.
The National Restaurant Association of India expects 25–30 national and international brands to open in GIFT City within four to five years.
Gujarat plans plug-and-play restaurant facilities at the Statue of Unity, Dholavira and Saputara.
NRAI says Gujarat’s food market now supports cuisines including Mexican, Burmese, Korean and vegetarian Khao Suey.
Vegetarian food accounts for about 70% of sales at Sagar Daryani’s Ahmedabad restaurants.
The industry sees opportunities in food delivery, franchising, technology and organized restaurant expansion across the state.
- Who
- The National Restaurant Association of India, restaurant brands, Gujarat officials and industry leaders including Sagar Daryani and Anal Kotak.
- What
- Restaurant brands are planning expansion in Gujarat, while the state develops facilities and promotes its changing food market.
- Where
- Gujarat, especially GIFT City, Ahmedabad, the Statue of Unity, Dholavira and Saputara.
- When
- The proposed GIFT City expansion is expected over the next four to five years; Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
- Why
- Industry leaders say Gujarat’s consumer base, tourism and business destinations, evolving food preferences and expanding organized restaurant sector create new opportunities.
Expansion opportunity
Market constraints and policy considerations
Alcohol and restaurant growth
Expansion opportunity
NRAI representatives say Gujarat’s restaurants can succeed without depending on liquor, citing the state’s consumers and entrepreneurs.
Market constraints and policy considerations
Gujarat’s prohibition policy remains a distinctive operating condition, although NRAI welcomed the government’s reduction of liquor VAT from 65% to 25% and suggested liquor could be available in Ahmedabad by 2030.
Food delivery potential
Expansion opportunity
NRAI believes changing consumers and the growth of organized food businesses could increase food-delivery penetration in Gujarat.
Market constraints and policy considerations
The association acknowledges that delivery in Gujarat is currently below levels seen in markets such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
Key facts
- Expected GIFT City brands
- 25–30 national and international restaurant brands
- Expansion timeframe
- Four to five years
- Planned tourist locations
- Statue of Unity, Dholavira and Saputara
- Vegetarian sales
- Around 70% of sales at Sagar Daryani’s Ahmedabad restaurants
- Food summit attendance
- More than 5,000 expected attendees and over 1,500 brands
- International participation
- Delegates from more than 30 cities
- Commonwealth Games
- Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games
Quotes
Sagar Daryani
NRAI president and co‑founder of Wow Momo Foods
“"Gujaratis now can have a vegetarian Khao Suey. Five years ago nobody thought Mexican, Burmese, or Korean food would be available in Ahmedabad."”
financialexpress.com
“"We are showcasing Gujarat to the rest of the country to more than 1,500 restaurateurs."”
financialexpress.com
Anal Kotak
Chapter head of NRAI Gujarat
“"The state’s consumers and entrepreneurs had created a market that did not necessarily depend on liquor."”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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