Inspired by the charm of historic Mughlai dining traditions, the space reimagines heritage-inspired interiors, warm hospitality, and authentic culinary craftsmanship for today’s discerning diners, offering a refined yet deeply nostalgic dining experience. The bustling food streets, rich architectural character, and communal dining culture of Old Delhi, the restaurant has been envisioned as a space where tradition and modernity coexist. Rather than replicating heritage elements in a literal manner, the design interprets them thoughtfully, creating an environment that feels familiar yet contemporary.

The interiors are centred around warmth and comfort. Plush upholstered seating, spacious dining arrangements, and soft ambient lighting create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to linger. The layout has been designed to accommodate a variety of dining occasions, from family gatherings and celebrations to casual meetups and everyday meals.

A defining element of the space is its ability to balance nostalgia with contemporary café culture. Heritage-inspired artwork and carefully curated textures reference the cultural richness of Old Delhi, while clean lines, open layouts, and modern detailing ensure the interiors resonate with younger audiences. The result is a setting that feels premium yet approachable.

Nature-inspired design interventions further elevate the experience. Lush green ceiling installations introduce an organic dimension to the space, softening the interiors and creating visual contrast against the warm palette. Combined with elegant lighting and layered textures, these elements contribute to an atmosphere that is both relaxed and inviting.

What makes Nazeer Zirakpur particularly distinctive is the seamless relationship between the food and the space itself. The design has been curated to complement the restaurant’s culinary identity, allowing guests to experience the essence of Old Delhi not only through architecture and interiors but also through its signature dishes.

The menu celebrates some of the most iconic flavours associated with Mughlai and North Indian cuisine. Guests can savour specially curated preparations such as Nalli Nahari, Chicken Changezi, Chicken Korma, Dal Makhani, Kadhai Paneer, Chilli Chicken, Arabic Mandi, and Chicken and Mutton Biryani. Adding to its exclusivity is the restaurant’s signature Khameri Roti, a traditional preparation available exclusively at Nazeer Zirakpur across the entire Tricity region.

Speaking about the vision behind the restaurant, Dushyant Sinha, Owner, Nazeer Zirakpur said, “Our objective was to create a space that honours the rich culinary traditions of Old Delhi while offering a contemporary dining experience for today’s consumers. Every design element has been carefully considered to make guests feel comfortable, connected, and immersed in the culture that inspires our cuisine.”

The project reflects a broader evolution taking place across India’s hospitality sector, where restaurants are becoming destinations rather than merely places to dine. Design, storytelling, ambience, and cuisine are increasingly working together to create memorable experiences that extend beyond the plate.

More than just a restaurant, Nazeer Zirakpur is a destination where storytelling, design, and cuisine converge to create memorable experiences. By seamlessly blending the timeless charm of Old Delhi with the expectations of modern diners, Nazeer Zirakpur offers an immersive journey that lingers long after the meal is over – transforming every visit into a celebration of culture, nostalgia, and authentic hospitality.

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Cities such as Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Kurnool are rapidly emerging as the new growth engines of organised food retail. Once regarded primarily as agricultural and trading centres, these cities are now attracting significant investments from national, regional and local retailers eager to tap into a new generation of affluent and aspirational consumers.

The recent opening of National Mart’s 30,000 sq. ft. hypermarket and a new Vijetha Supermarkets store in Khammam within just 24 hours is among the clearest signs of this shift. But the story extends far beyond a couple of store launches. It reflects a broader transformation underway across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh—one that is reshaping consumption patterns, food choices and lifestyles.

The Rise of the Telugu Consumer

The emergence of these cities as retail hotspots is rooted in a powerful economic transformation. Across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, rising agricultural incomes, government employment, infrastructure investments, real-estate development and overseas remittances have created a sizeable middle class with growing spending power.

Khammam benefits from thriving chilli, cotton and paddy cultivation. Warangal has long been a major centre for cotton and rice production. Karimnagar’s economy is supported by agriculture, granite and education. Nizamabad draws strength from rice and turmeric cultivation, while Kurnool is a major producer of groundnuts, chilli and horticulture crops. Adding to this prosperity is the significant flow of remittances from families with members working in the United States, the Gulf countries, Australia and Europe. The result is a consumer base that is increasingly aspirational, digitally connected and eager to embrace modern lifestyles.

For retailers, these cities offer a compelling combination of rising incomes, lower operating costs and relatively low organised retail penetration compared to metros. Organised food and grocery retail still accounts for less than 10-15% of total grocery sales in many Tier-II and Tier-III markets across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, compared to substantially higher penetration levels in Hyderabad. This leaves a significant runway for growth as consumers increasingly migrate from traditional trade to modern retail formats.

Retailers Follow the Consumption Shift

Organised retailers have been quick to recognise the opportunity. Reliance Retail, India’s largest retailer with annual revenues exceeding Rs. 3.3 lakh crore, continues to expand its grocery footprint through Reliance Smart, Smart Bazaar and JioMart formats. DMart, one of India’s most profitable retailers with revenues of more than Rs. 60,000 crore, has steadily expanded into emerging cities where value-conscious consumers are embracing organised retail.

Alongside national giants, regional players are building strong positions in the Telugu-speaking markets. Vijetha Supermarkets today operates more than 100 stores across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Ratnadeep Retail has grown into one of South India’s largest supermarket chains with more than 180 stores across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Heritage Fresh, More Retail, National Mart and several local operators are also aggressively expanding into district headquarters and emerging urban centres.

What makes these markets particularly attractive is that organised food retail remains significantly underpenetrated compared to Hyderabad, Bengaluru or Chennai, leaving substantial room for growth.

A New Generation of Retailers Is Expanding the Market

What makes the current wave of retail expansion different is that it is no longer being driven solely by large corporate chains. A new generation of regional and technology-led retailers is taking organised food retail deeper into smaller towns across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Among the most notable examples is SuperK, founded by former Flipkart executive Neeraj Menta and former PhonePe executive Anil Thontepu. The company has built one of India’s most successful small-town grocery retail models by focusing exclusively on markets that large organised retailers often overlook.

From a revenue base of approximately Rs. 19 crore, SuperK reportedly grew to Rs. 84 crore within just two years and today operates more than 130 stores across over 80 towns in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Backed by more than Rs. 100 crore in funding, the company is targeting communities where populations are often below two lakh and where organised retail penetration remains low. Its model combines the trust of local kirana stores with the efficiencies of modern retail. Local entrepreneurs invest approximately Rs. 12-15 lakh to convert neighbourhood stores into SuperK outlets while gaining access to centralised sourcing, technology, logistics, training and private-label products.

The company’s private labels, including SuperK, Triputi and Aha, are typically priced 15-20% below national brands, helping consumers access better value while improving retailer margins. According to the company, franchise stores often witness dramatic sales growth after joining the network, while its Gold Membership programme accounts for nearly 75% of sales. More importantly, SuperK demonstrates that the next phase of organised food retail growth in India may not come solely from large corporations. Increasingly, it is being driven by entrepreneurs who understand the unique needs, aspirations and purchasing power of consumers in smaller towns.

DocileKart represents another emerging model. The omnichannel retailer has built a network of more than 250 franchise-led grocery and quick-delivery outlets across the Telugu-speaking states, targeting consumers who increasingly expect both neighbourhood convenience and digital ordering capabilities.

Together, these retailers are creating organised retail access in markets that were previously dependent almost entirely on traditional kirana stores.

The Corporate Giants Move Deeper

The larger national players are pursuing equally aggressive strategies.

DMart has steadily expanded its footprint across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh through its highly successful “Everyday Low Cost, Everyday Low Price” model. The retailer has established stores in cities including Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nizamabad, Kurnool, Nellore, Kakinada, Eluru and Anantapur, often becoming the dominant food retail destination in these markets.

Reliance Retail has adopted an even broader approach. Through Reliance Smart, Smart Bazaar, JioMart and its emerging quick-commerce ecosystem, the company is creating a multi-format presence across the region. Reliance is increasingly entering smaller district headquarters and agricultural growth centres, bringing hypermarket-style retail experiences to consumers who previously travelled to larger cities for organised shopping.

The result is an increasingly competitive marketplace where national chains, regional retailers and local entrepreneurs are all competing for a share of the rapidly expanding food and grocery market.

Khammam: A Snapshot of the Transformation

Few cities illustrate the shift better than Khammam. Within a relatively short period, the city has emerged as one of Telangana’s fastest-growing organised retail destinations. Alongside the newly opened National Mart and Vijetha Supermarkets stores, consumers today have access to DMart, Maangalya Shopping Mall, GV Mall, Chennai Shopping Mall, CMR Shopping Mall, KLM Fashion Mall, South India Shopping Mall, Trends, Zudio and several other organised retail formats.

The concentration of retail development along the Wyra Road corridor has created a modern shopping ecosystem that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. What is happening in Khammam is increasingly visible in Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Kurnool as well, where retailers are competing to secure prime locations and establish an early presence in markets expected to drive future growth.

Changing the Food Basket

The most significant impact of organised food retail is not the stores themselves but the transformation of consumer behaviour. A decade ago, grocery shopping in these cities was dominated by traditional kirana stores and local markets. Household purchases largely revolved around staples such as rice, pulses, edible oils, spices and locally produced snacks. Today’s shopping baskets tell a very different story.

Consumers are increasingly purchasing breakfast cereals, premium dry fruits, health foods, protein products, imported chocolates, international sauces, ready-to-cook meals, frozen foods, gourmet ingredients and premium packaged foods. Products that were once confined to supermarket shelves in Hyderabad are now readily available in Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Kurnool. Retailers report growing demand for categories such as healthy snacks, millet-based foods, plant-based beverages, frozen foods, premium bakery products, ready-to-eat meals and convenience-oriented meal solutions. The modern grocery basket is becoming more diverse, more experimental and more premium.

Bringing India and the World to Emerging Cities

Organised retail is also serving as a cultural bridge. Consumers in these cities can now access foods and ingredients from across India and around the world. Punjabi gravies, Gujarati snacks, Bengali sweets, Kerala banana chips, North Indian frozen foods, Italian pasta, Mexican condiments, Korean noodles, Japanese seasonings, international chocolates, gourmet cheeses and imported breakfast cereals are increasingly becoming part of everyday retail assortments.

This expansion of choice is exposing consumers to cuisines and flavours that were once difficult to access outside major metros. Social media has accelerated the trend. Consumers discover products through Instagram, YouTube, food influencers and OTT content and increasingly expect local retailers to stock them. For younger consumers in particular, supermarkets have become destinations for discovery, experimentation and lifestyle exploration.

The Battle for the Telugu Consumer

The competition is no longer simply about opening more stores. Retailers are targeting different consumer segments through distinct operating models.

DMart continues to dominate the value-conscious family shopper through its low-price positioning and large-format stores.

Ratnadeep Retail, which now operates more than 180 stores across South India, is pursuing a markedly different strategy. Through formats such as Ratnadeep Supermarket, Ratnadeep Select and Ratnadeep Express, the retailer is focusing on affluent consumers in high-growth urban clusters and emerging premium neighbourhoods. Rather than entering every small town, Ratnadeep is selectively targeting high-income catchments, industrial hubs and rapidly urbanising residential corridors.

Meanwhile, SuperK is penetrating deep into underserved small towns, while omnichannel operators such as DocileKart are combining physical stores with digital convenience.

At the same time, digital grocery platforms are extending their reach into cities such as Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Tirupati and Warangal. Tata-owned BigBasket has expanded its Fresho retail network and delivery operations across several emerging markets, while quick-commerce players such as Blinkit and Reliance’s own rapid-delivery initiatives are beginning to establish fulfilment networks beyond the largest cities. The convergence of supermarkets, hypermarkets, franchise chains, digital commerce and quick commerce is creating a retail ecosystem unlike anything these markets have experienced before.

From Necessity to Lifestyle

The evolution of organised food retail is also changing the way consumers perceive food. Shopping is no longer merely about replenishing household essentials. Consumers are increasingly seeking convenience, health, premium experiences and product discovery. Supermarkets are introducing shoppers to healthier eating habits, wellness-focused products, gourmet cooking ingredients and global cuisines. For many families, a visit to a hypermarket or supermarket has become a weekend activity comparable to visiting a shopping mall or dining out.

As organised retail expands, expectations around quality, assortment, packaging and shopping experience continue to rise. This shift is gradually narrowing the gap between consumption behaviour in Hyderabad and that in emerging cities across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The Next Frontier of India’s Food Economy

For decades, Hyderabad served as the gateway for organised retail growth in the Telugu-speaking states. The next phase of expansion, however, is likely to be driven by cities such as Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Kurnool. These markets combine rising prosperity, improving infrastructure, strong agricultural economies and increasingly aspirational consumers. They represent one of the most compelling growth opportunities for food retailers, FMCG companies and consumer brands in India today.

The implications go far beyond retail. Organised food retail is influencing what people cook, what they eat, what they aspire to buy and how they engage with food. It is introducing new flavours, new cuisines and new lifestyles to millions of consumers. As retailers deepen their presence across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, they are not merely expanding store networks. They are helping shape the next chapter of India’s food economy – one in which the future of consumption is increasingly being written beyond Hyderabad and beyond the metros.

The post Beyond Hyderabad: How Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Are Becoming South India’s Next Food Retail Growth Engine appeared first on Business of Food.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Vice President – Group Category at bigbasket, where he played a pivotal role in driving category transformation, strengthening private label portfolios, enhancing merchandising capabilities, and scaling several high-growth business verticals.

Before joining bigbasket, Vishal held multiple leadership positions at ITC Limited, including Head of Buying & Merchandising, Group Category Manager, and National Category Manager – General Merchandise. His earlier experience also includes roles as Cluster Manager at Kmart and Hypermarket Manager at Choithrams.

His appointment comes at a crucial time as bigbasket continues to strengthen its retail proposition, private brands portfolio, and merchandising strategy amid rapid growth and evolving consumer demand. In his new role, Vishal will be responsible for leading the company’s buying and merchandising functions, with a focus on driving assortment excellence, category innovation, and profitable growth.

At the helm of bigbasket’s buying and merchandising functions, Vishal will play a pivotal role in defining the company’s retail strategy, driving best-in-class assortment curation, fostering category innovation, and delivering transformative growth across multiple business segments.

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IndiSip Café is inspired by the promise of bringing India to travellers, one sip at a time. The café celebrates the country’s rich beverage heritage alongside familiar comfort foods. Guided by Encalm’s commitment to creating memorable guest experiences, Encalm Eats blends innovative concepts, culinary expertise, and operational excellence to deliver thoughtfully curated dining experiences

Featuring signature brews in flavours like Ginger Cardamom, Kesar, Gulab, and Kashmiri Kahwa alongside iced lattes, artisanal coffees, and decadent shakes, the beverage menu pays tribute to India’s diverse drink culture while offering a contemporary twist for modern-day travellers.The food menu complements this with regional favourites such as the fan-favourite Masala Samosa, Khopara Patties, Irani Bun Maska and Achari Paneer Tikka/Chicken Tikka Wraps, alongside café classics like croissants, muffins and cookies.

Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer, Encalm Hospitality expressed,”Encalm Eats marks the next chapter in Encalm’s journey to build a comprehensive hospitality ecosystem that resonates with today’s consumers. Food and beverage has always been one of hospitality’s most powerful expressions, and with Encalm Eats we are bringing together our understanding of consumer needs, culinary craftsmanship, and thoughtfully designed experiences to build distinctive food brands. IndiSip is the first step in that journey, reflecting our belief that every meal, beverage, and interaction should enrich the overall guest experience.”

The launch of IndiSip Café marks the first step in Encalm Eats’ vision to build a diverse portfolio of food and beverage concepts across multiple formats and destinations. Leveraging Encalm’s expertise in hospitality, the venture aims to create distinctive dining experiences rooted in authentic flavours, consumer insights, and operational excellence.

Deepak Bhatia, Business Head, Encalm Eats, said, “With Encalm Eats, we are building a portfolio of food and beverage concepts rooted in authentic flavours, strong consumer insight, and consistent quality. IndiSip is the first step, a café that brings together India’s rich beverage culture and familiar café favourites in a contemporary format. As we grow, every concept we create will be designed with the same focus on quality, consistency, and memorable guest experiences.”

As it expands, Encalm Eats will continue to craft distinctive culinary concepts that blend authentic flavours, innovation, and hospitality, creating memorable dining experiences for consumers across touchpoints. IndiSip Café at the Delhi Airport will continue to bring in purpose-driven culinary brands that celebrate great food, meaningful experiences, and the evolving needs of modern consumers.

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Founded by the family behind Oleander Farms, Saltt Karjat & Microbrewery, Common House, and Uppu Bandra, the new outpost marks a homecoming of sorts. Nestled within the lush surroundings of Oleander Farms, Uppu brings its authentic South Indian flavours to Karjat. The restaurant offers a dining experience rooted in nostalgia, tradition, and simple, honest cooking, becoming the town’s first dedicated South Indian dining destination.

Origin of the name “Uppu” lies in the word for “salt” across several South Indian languages. The restaurant celebrates the everyday meals that linger long after they are finished. Its dishes are familiar, comforting, and deeply personal, inspired by cherished recipes, fond memories, and the food traditions that bring people together.

Aaliya Ahuja, Founder, Uppu, expressed its origination and said: “For us, it all began with a simple Sunday ritual: my dad, his favourite South Indian restaurant, a plate of idli, and that same corner table. That feeling of comfort, rhythm, and food that feels like home is what inspired Uppu. After opening our first restaurant in Bandra, bringing Uppu to Oleander Farms feels incredibly special because this is where our hospitality journey began. It feels like bringing a piece of home back home.”

At Uppu, breakfast remains at the heart of the experience. Guests can wake up to freshly brewed filter coffee, crisp dosas, steaming idlis, fluffy appams, and comforting South Indian classics served amidst the calm of Karjat’s greenery. The menu journeys through the diverse culinary landscapes of South India – from Tamil Nadu’s beloved staples and Kerala’s coconut-rich flavours to Andhra Pradesh’s bold spices and Karnataka’s comforting classics. Every dish is prepared with authenticity and care, celebrating regional traditions rather than reinventing them. Whether enjoyed during a weekend getaway or a leisurely day visit, the experience is designed to encourage guests to slow down and savour the moment.

Now welcoming guests at Karjat, Uppu offers a soulful celebration of South Indian cuisine, where every meal is rooted in tradition, nostalgia, and togetherness.

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Kankaria brings extensive leadership experience spanning consumer goods, telecommunications, business transformation, and profit-and-loss management. His appointment underscores Coca-Cola’s focus on strengthening operational capabilities and driving sustainable growth across its markets.

Before joining Coca-Cola, Kankaria served as CEO, Mumbai Circle at Bharti Airtel, where he oversaw one of the telecom operator’s most significant markets. Prior to Airtel, he spent more than 14 years with Unilever, holding a range of leadership positions across sales, marketing, category management, business integration, and general management.

During his tenure at Unilever, Kankaria held key roles including Business Unit Head – Nutrition, Foods and Refreshments for Unilever Bangladesh; General Manager – Nutrition Integration and M&A; Regional Marketing Manager, South Asia; Regional Brand Manager, South Asia; Key Account Manager, Modern Trade; Area Sales and Customer Manager; and Business Leadership Trainee. He played a pivotal role in managing and growing leading brands such as Horlicks, Boost, Knorr, Kissan, Blue Band, Hellmann’s and several other nutrition and food brands across South Asia.

Over the course of his career, Kankaria has built expertise in general management, operations, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, business integration, innovation, and strategic leadership. His experience in managing large-scale businesses and leading complex transformation initiatives positions him well to support Coca-Cola’s continued operational and commercial growth.

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As India’s largest Chinese QSR brand, Chinese Wok has grown to over 270 locations across 52 cities. With Belagavi opening, Chinese Wok continues to deepen its footprint in South India, where it now operates 89 outlets. It is worth noting that Chinese Wok’s presence in Karnataka state has grown to 38 locations. The expansion is a part of its cluster-based growth strategy aimed at increasing its reach in emerging Tier-II cities. Belagavi has been identified as a promising market, supported by growing consumer interest in organised dining options and value-driven food offerings.

Arvind R P, Chief Executive Officer, Lenexis Foodworks said, “Our entry into the 50th city is an important milestone in Chinese Wok’s growth journey and reflects the increasing consumer acceptance of the Desi Chinese category across India. Over the years, we have focused on building a scalable and disciplined expansion model that combines strong unit economics with a consistent consumer experience. Belagavi is a natural addition to our network as we continue strengthening our presence across Karnataka and South India. Looking ahead, our focus remains on accelerating growth across emerging markets while building deeper category leadership through accessibility, affordability and innovation.”

The newly opened Belagavi outlet follows a high-street store format and is designed to serve both dine-in and takeaway customers. The location will offer the brand’s signature menu items, including Value Woks, Hakka Noodles, Kurkure Momos, Cheese and Schezwan Fries, along with a range of meal combinations.

What began as a single-city business a decade ago has evolved into a nationwide QSR network, with Chinese Wok now operating across 50 cities. The company noted that South India continues to be one of its key growth regions, driven by a large urban population, an established dining-out culture, and increasing demand for organised quick-service restaurant formats.

As part of its growth strategy, the company plans to expand further into emerging markets while consolidating its position in the Desi Chinese quick-service restaurant segment. The brand intends to continue its expansion journey across emerging markets, leveraging growing consumer demand to strengthen its standing in the Desi Chinese QSR category.

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Designed for today’s always-on lifestyles, bbinstant stores operate 24×7, offering a curated range of snacks, beverages, ready-to-eat meals, and daily essentials. Consumers can simply walk up, pick what they need, pay digitally, and move on – all within minutes and without any human intervention. Moving beyond app-based deliveries, the company is taking convenience into the physical world with smart retail kiosks strategically placed across corporate offices, residential complexes, and community spaces.

In a city known for its vibrant culture, bustling workdays, and late-night food cravings, bbinstant is positioned to serve a wide spectrum of consumers — from professionals working long hours to residents looking for quick access to essentials at any time of the day or night.

Commenting on the expansion, Seshu Kumar Tirumala, Chief Operating Officer, BigBasket said, “Convenience has always been at the heart of what bigbasket stands for, and bbinstant takes that a step further by putting it literally at your doorstep. Kolkata is a city that never really slows down, and we want to make sure that whether it’s early morning or late at night, residents and professionals always have access to fresh, quality products without having to step out. We are excited to be part of Kolkata’s everyday story.”

The initiative also deepens bigbasket’s presence within institutional and residential ecosystems, complementing its broader quick commerce network at a time when competition in the sector continues to intensify and consumer expectations around accessibility keep rising. The launch signals the next evolution of quick commerce, where convenience is no longer defined solely by rapid delivery times but by instant accessibility. As urban consumers place a growing premium on convenience and accessibility, retailers are exploring innovative formats that bring products closer to where people spend most of their time.

With bbinstant now rolling out across Kolkata, the city’s next cup of coffee, midnight snack, forgotten grocery item, or on-the-go refreshment may no longer require a delivery rider at the doorstep. Instead, it could be waiting just around the corner.

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Nestlé Professional opening a new NESCAFÉ kiosk at Thrissur Railway Station in Kerala, marks the company’s formal entry into one of India’s largest and most influential consumption ecosystems — the Indian Railways network, which serves millions of passengers every day.

The launch is Nestlé Professional’s first kiosk under its partnership with Indian Railways and represents a significant step in the company’s ambition to deepen its out-of-home presence across high-footfall transit locations. For Nestlé India, whose annual report repeatedly highlights “penetration-led volume growth” as a key strategic pillar, railway stations offer something few channels can match – scale, frequency and daily consumer engagement.

Located at one of Kerala’s busiest railway stations, the new outlet offers travellers a range of hot and cold coffee beverages along with curated food options designed to deliver quality, convenience and consistency. More importantly, it gives Nestlé direct access to millions of consumers who increasingly seek trusted food and beverage brands while on the move.

“Indian Railways touches the lives of millions of Indians every day and has earned a place of immense trust in the hearts of consumers across the country. Being associated with such an iconic institution is a matter of great pride for us,” said Saurabh Makhija, Head, Nestlé Professional. “With the launch of our NESCAFÉ outlet at Thrissur Railway Station, we are delighted to bring travellers a comforting and familiar experience through quality coffee and trusted food and beverage offerings during their journeys.”

Building India’s Out-of-Home Consumption Engine

The railway initiative comes at a time when Nestlé Professional has emerged as one of the fastest-growing businesses within Nestlé India.

According to the company’s FY26 Annual Report, the out-of-home business delivered robust volume-led growth driven by strong customer acquisition, deeper channel penetration and expanding consumption occasions. The business continues to embody Nestlé India’s broader strategy of creating growth through increased consumption frequency rather than relying solely on price increases.

This strategy is visible across multiple channels. Educational institutions, hospitals, airports, corporate offices, malls and transit locations have become important growth engines as consumers spend more time outside their homes and increasingly consume food and beverages across multiple daily occasions.

“At Nestlé Professional, we are committed to fueling customer growth through strong partnerships and purposeful innovations. By staying ahead of evolving consumer needs and leveraging our iconic brands with culinary expertise, we enable differentiated out-of-home experiences,” Makhija noted in the annual report.

The Thrissur launch therefore fits into a much larger national play. Rather than viewing railway stations as standalone retail locations, Nestlé sees them as strategic consumption hubs where millions of consumers can engage with its brands every day.

Why Railways Matter

Few consumer channels in India offer the scale and reach of Indian Railways.

For Nestlé Professional, railways represent a unique combination of high traffic, repeat usage and national coverage. Unlike traditional retail outlets where purchases are destination-driven, railway stations capture consumers during travel occasions when convenience, trust and speed become critical purchase drivers.

“Railways is a very important channel for Nestlé Professional, given its scale and ability to connect with millions of consumers on the move every day,” said Jinraj Adyanthaya, Sales Head, Nestlé Professional.

“This new initiative with Indian Railways will enable us to further expand our presence across the network while bringing a wider range of Nestlé’s food and beverage offerings to consumers on the move.”

The company has ambitious plans for expansion.

Adyanthaya indicated that Nestlé Professional intends to participate in railway tenders across divisions throughout India, creating opportunities to establish a significantly larger presence within the railway ecosystem.

“We intend to participate in as many tenders as possible across railway divisions throughout India under this initiative, helping us strengthen our footprint in the travel segment and make our trusted brands more accessible to consumers.”

All railway outlets will be operated through Nestlé-authorised operators to ensure consistent product quality, service standards and consumer experience across locations.

Retail ONE Crosses 1,000 Kiosks

The railway initiative also builds upon one of Nestlé Professional’s most successful growth platforms — Retail ONE.

The operator-funded kiosk model crossed the milestone of 1,000 kiosks across India during FY26, making it one of the largest branded foodservice kiosk networks in the country.

These kiosks operate under formats such as NESCAFÉ Corners, MAGGI Hotspots and KITKAT Break Zones across educational campuses, healthcare institutions, airports, malls and other high-traffic locations.

What makes Retail ONE particularly significant is that it serves both commercial and social objectives.

The network has created employment opportunities for more than 1,700 people, including nearly 300 women and six specially-abled individuals. Beyond sales, the model enables entrepreneurship while expanding Nestlé’s reach into new consumption occasions.

The addition of railway stations potentially opens another large chapter for the network’s expansion.

Innovation Beyond Coffee

While NESCAFÉ remains the flagship brand for many of these outlets, Nestlé Professional’s ambitions extend far beyond coffee.

The annual report highlights the company’s growing focus on becoming a “total solution provider” for foodservice operators.

Recent innovations include NESCAFÉ Duo Gusto machines capable of dispensing both hot and cold beverages, low- and zero-sugar beverage options for health-conscious consumers, and UPI-enabled dispensing solutions that support unattended formats.

The company is also expanding the application of its food brands within professional kitchens.

KITKAT Spread has been introduced to support dessert innovation by chefs. MILKMAID has found applications beyond traditional chai into bakery, desserts and Vietnamese coffee preparations. MAGGI Coconut Milk Powder has expanded into coastal cuisine applications, delivering strong double-digit growth.

Nestlé Professional has also strengthened partnerships across the foodservice ecosystem. Collaborations with Burger King India resulted in the launch of BK Fusion KITKAT Shake and Sundae across more than 500 restaurants, while alliances with Bakingo, Gianni’s Ice Cream and SOCIAL have driven dessert innovation.

India’s Second-Largest Out-of-Home Market in AOA

Nestlé’s out-of-home ambitions are backed by significant scale.

India remained the second-largest market for Nestlé’s Out-of-Home business within the Asia, Oceania and Africa region, trailing only China. Growth was supported by premiumisation, relevant innovation and deeper penetration across metro, mega-city and tier-1 markets.

As India’s foodservice industry continues to grow faster than many traditional packaged food categories, Nestlé Professional is increasingly positioning itself not merely where products are sold, but where food and beverages are consumed.

The launch at Thrissur Railway Station reflects this shift.

For travellers, it may simply mean access to a familiar cup of coffee during a journey. For Nestlé Professional, however, it represents something much larger — another step towards building one of India’s most extensive out-of-home consumption networks, connecting iconic brands with consumers wherever they work, study, travel and spend time beyond their homes.

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Founded in 1984 in Oxford’s historic Covered Market, Ben’s Cookies started as a humble bakery and has evolved into a globally recognized brand celebrated for its British heritage, freshly baked treats, and dedication to quality. Renowned for its rich, indulgent recipes and use of premium ingredients, the brand has cultivated a loyal customer base across international markets over the years.

The new store at Ambience Mall brings Ben’s Cookies’ signature offerings to Gurugram’s dessert enthusiasts. Freshly baked every day, each cookie is made using premium ingredients including fresh butter, eggs, and generous chunks of real Belgian chocolate. Staying true to its iconic philosophy of “CHUNKS, not chips,” the brand delivers a rich and indulgent experience with every bite.

The outlet offers a wide selection of cookie flavours along with thoughtfully curated gifting options, making it a destination for both everyday treats and special occasions. Designed for true dessert lovers, the store promises moments of warm, freshly baked indulgence in one of the country’s most vibrant retail environments.

Commenting on the launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “At Ambience Mall, we are committed to curating world-class brands and experiences that elevate our visitors’ shopping and lifestyle journey. The arrival of Ben’s Cookies, a globally loved brand with a rich British heritage, aligns perfectly with our vision of bringing the finest international concepts to our patrons. We are delighted to welcome the brand to its first Gurugram location and are confident it will become a favourite destination for dessert lovers.”

The launch reflects the growing demand for premium international food experiences and artisanal dessert offerings among consumers in NCR. With the addition of Ben’s Cookies, Ambience Mall continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for globally renowned brands, exceptional dining concepts, and memorable lifestyle experiences. It further introduces iconic global brands to Indian consumers, further cementing its reputation as a hub for premium retail, gourmet experiences.

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