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India Today
6 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Is India's next big lifestyle shift brewing in dessert and coffee space? Details inside
India's urban centres are witnessing a quiet but distinct shift in how people consume desserts and coffee. What once revolved around sugary milkshakes and instant coffee has evolved into a curated experience with pour-over brews, cold brews, French pastries, matcha cakes, gluten-free brownies, and everything in evolution isn't just about taste, it's a reflection of changing lifestyles, aspirations, and priorities among India's growing middle class and Gen Z spoke with Vidur Mayor, Founder & CEO, FES Cafe and Sumer Sethi, founder of Unify Foodworks to get more insights on the THAN JUST A CAFFEINE KICK Coffee is no longer merely a wake-up ritual. It's a cultural statement. With global chains expanding andc indie roasteries mushrooming across metros, Indian consumers are embracing coffee as a daily indulgence, a professional companion, and even a health brews, nitro coffee, and plant-based milk options like oat and almond are now commonplace on menus. The trend has gained particular momentum in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Gurugram, where cafe-hopping is now a GETS A MAKEOVERSimultaneously, the dessert space is undergoing a the other end of the spectrum, nostalgia and comfort have sparked renewed love for Indian sweets served with modern twists.A swirl of creamy delight in every bite, just like Carvel. Made with care, served with a smile, and always finished with that signature swirl, it's the simple joy that never goes out of and cloud kitchens are experimenting with fusion offerings like tiramisu with filter coffee, gulab jamun cheesecakes, or saffron-infused panna OF EXPERIENCE FIRST SPACESCafes and dessert bars are increasingly being designed as Instagrammable experiences. Interiors, music, and even the plating of desserts are crafted for social aesthetic appeal is drawing a younger audience who view cafes as workspaces, date spots, or mini-social result: lifestyle-led consumption. People aren't just buying a coffee, they're buying a moment, a mood, a BY TRENDS, DRIVEN BY DATAAccording to recent food and beverage market insights, India's cafe market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 9 per cent through 2028. Premium coffee consumption is rising, especially in Tier-1 and Tier-2 demand for healthier, premium, and artisanal desserts is steadily growing, driven by millennials and Gen Z, who seek a balance between indulgence and NEXT?The fusion of wellness and indulgence, authenticity and aesthetics, is likely to define the next phase of India's cafe and dessert culture. With rising disposable incomes, better exposure to global trends, and a growing appetite for self-care-driven consumption, the space is primed for it's adaptogenic lattes, mushroom coffee, or millet-based cakes, India's next big lifestyle shift might just be brewing in a cup or plated on a marble counter.- Ends
NDTV
07-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
US Soft Serve Chain Carvel Launches First Store In New Delhi
Carvel, the original soft serve ice cream brand founded in the United States in 1934, is entering the Indian market with its first store opening in New Delhi this August. This marks the brand's first foray into India since its launch over 90 years ago. Carvel is known in the US for its range of soft serves and ice cream cakes. The brand's entry into India comes at a time when the dessert category is expanding, with growing interest in international food formats and everyday snacking options. The India operations are being handled by Unify Foodworks, which holds the master franchise rights for the brand in the region. The company has announced plans to open 100 outlets across key Indian cities over the next few years. The India menu will include products from Carvel's existing US portfolio, such as Flying Saucers and soft serve flavours including vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, hazelnut and coffee. The brand intends to position itself within the segment of affordable and frequent dessert choices. The flagship outlet in New Delhi has been designed to reflect the original brand identity while aligning with local preferences. The store aims to serve as a pilot for potential expansion in other metro cities. Sumer Sethi, Founder of Unify Foodworks, said, 'Carvel has always stood for joy, celebration and togetherness, all values that transcend borders and resonate across generations. We believe that everyone, regardless of age or background, deserves to indulge in moments of delight. As we enter the Indian market, our aim is to create warm, welcoming spaces where families, students and professionals alike can pause, connect and savour something special. While Carvel's nine-decade legacy lends its heritage and trust, it is the brand's simplicity and heart that make it universally loved. We are excited to bring this experience to India and become a part of everyday celebrations across the country.' Carvel joins a growing list of international dessert brands setting up shop in India, as global players tap into the country's urban consumption markets and rising demand for quick-service formats.
