Images Business of Food - May 2026

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India’s foodservice and beverage ecosystem is entering a defiining phase—one shaped not merely by consumption growth, but by evolving consumer behaviour, channel transformation, and the formalisation of categories that once operated at the margins. Across cafés, beverages, and protein retail, the industry is witnessing a clear shift from transactional consumption to experience-led engagement and organised scale.
This edition’s cover story traces the remarkable journey of Barista Coffee Company, a brand that played a foundational role in shaping India’s urban café culture. When Barista opened its doors in New Delhi in 2000, the concept of cafés as social spaces was still nascent. Over the years, the brand not only familiarised Indian consumers with espresso-led formats but also helped establish cafés as lifestyle destinations—spaces for connection, collaboration, and community. Its growth mirrors the evolution of India’s café ecosystem itself: from novelty-driven experimentation to a deeply embedded urban habit. Equally compelling is the transformation unfolding within India’s beverage economy. Chai, despite being one of the country’s most consumed beverages with nearly 146 billion cups annually, remains vastly under-organised. Yet, this fragmentation presents one of thesector’s biggest opportunities. Organised chai formats, kiosks, and café chains are now stepping into a market valued at nearly Rs 8.8 lakh crore, signalling the rise of India’s next major foodservice category.