How are sweet trends redefining Indian Dessert Culture

The Indian Dessert market has undergone significant transformation in the recent past. Once dominated by traditional Indian sweets, the country's culinary landscape has become a vibrant mosaic of international flavours and food trends. Here's what's paving way for the international sweet delights.

- PARINA SOOD

According to industry reports, the dessert market in the country is on the rise, expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2024 to 2032, reaching INR 587.9 billion. And one of the most intriguing trends is the growing popularity of foreign desserts, particularly pancakes and waffles. These treats, which were once considered niche or unfamiliar, are now making their way into the mainstream Indian market, thanks to changing consumer preferences, a rising middle class, increased globalization, and the proliferation of food startups.

“Building on the success of Giani's, we identified a significant market demand for waffles and pancakes, which led us to launch The Waffle Co. in September 2017. Initially, we had planned to offer waffles as a category within Giani's, but the overwhelming demand prompted us to create a standalone brand”, says Anand Preet Singh, Creative Director, The Waffle Co.

WHAT’S CAUSING THE SHIFT?

Exposure to Global Food Trends

India’s food culture has traditionally been rich in regional and seasonal diversity, with sweets such as jalebi, gulab jamun, and rasgulla taking center stage during festivals and celebrations. However, globalization and an increasing exposure to international cuisine have opened the door for foreign food trends to thrive. While fast food chains such as McDonald’s and KFC were the early players in this transformation, desserts like pancakes, waffles and crepes are now gaining their fair share of the spotlight; after ice-cream tasted humungous success with the Indian palette.