Based on contributions from over 190 culinary voices, including chefs, nutritionists, mixologists, food writers, and entrepreneurs, the 2025 edition of the report offers a deep dive into the forces shaping India’s evolving food and beverage landscape. Seasonality takes centre stage, with 82% of experts pointing to a renewed consumer focus on local, seasonal produce and culturally rooted ingredients. This revival is influencing everything, from fine dining to home cooking, signalling a return to intuitive, time-and-place-based eating.

Speaking on the theme, Tanya Dubash, Executive Director & Chief Brand Officer, Godrej Industries Limited and Associate Companies, shared: “At Godrej Industries Group, food is more than sustenance, it is culture, identity, memory, and possibility. That belief is what powers the Godrej Food Trends Report, our annual labour of insight and imagination. Since 2018, with insights from over 2,000 food experts, the report has captured the pulse of our evolving foodscape — from mindful eating and culinary nostalgia to the rise of indigenous ingredients and beyond. Today, the report plays an even deeper role. GFTR has evolved into a strategic lens through which new products, menus, and food narratives are being shaped. This year, we explore the theme of seasonality. As the world embraces authenticity and sustainability, seasonal eating, once second nature to us, is making a meaningful comeback”

The report notes that 74% of experts predict a surge in immersive, multi-course tasting menus, driven by the rise of experiential dining. 66% highlight frozen snacks as an everyday essential, with products like momos, kebabs, and burger patties gaining gourmet status in Indian home kitchens. Another 85% point to Himalayan cuisines as a growing trend, owing to their clean-label appeal, sustainability, and ingredient-led storytelling.

Meanwhile, 78% of contributors foresee a growing demand for heritage alcohols such as feni and mahua. Goa has been crowned the top food destination of the year by 89% of experts, thanks to its blend of hyperlocal ingredients, global culinary influence, and thriving food tourism scene. The launch of the Godrej Food Trends Report 2025 showcased prominent brands such as Crazy Cock Single Malt Whisky, Six Brothers Mahura, Simba Beer, and Sula Wines, all of whom served as experience partners for the evening that reflected the report’s cultural and sensory themes.

Abhay Parnerkar, CEO, Godrej Foods Limited, added: “At Godrej Foods Limited, we are proud to partner with Vikhroli Cucina to present the Godrej Food Trends Report 2025 in such a powerful, culture-forward format. As a food company deeply embedded in Indian kitchens, understanding emerging consumer preferences is central to how we innovate—from product development to brand storytelling. For us at GFL, this partnership reinforces our commitment to staying ahead of the curve while celebrating India’s rich culinary heritage in a format that informs and inspires.”

The theatrical experience brought to life a vibrant mix of characters, a fine-dining purist, a frozen food loyalist, a heritage-obsessed traditionalist, and a social media-fuelled foodie, each representing a different lens through which modern India experiences food. Their playful conflict and eventual resolution set the stage for the unveiling of the year’s key culinary trends, delivered not as static insights, but as lived experiences.

“The idea was to move away from simply revealing trends, and instead stage them—let people feel them,” said Gia Singh Arora, Curator of the theatrical experience. “Food is inherently emotional. This performance allowed the audience to confront their own biases, preferences, and beliefs—leaving them entertained, but also introspective.”

Bhupendra Suri, CEO, Creamline Dairy Products Ltd., said: “Dairy is more than an ingredient—it is the essence of purity and a cornerstone of our culinary traditions. At Creamline Dairy Products, we take pride in upholding this legacy, ensuring every offering reflects the trust and nourishment that Indian families have cherished for generations. Being associated with Vikhroli Cucina and the Godrej Food Trends Report 2025 is a privilege, as it aligns perfectly with our vision to champion authenticity and mindful consumption. This partnership not only celebrates the cultural significance of food but also fosters meaningful conversations about the evolving role of dairy in modern lifestyles.”

Reflecting on the editorial vision, Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Managing Director, Perfect Bite Consulting and Curating Editor of the Godrej Food Trends Report, said: “The idea for this year’s edition came to life as I stood amidst saffron fields in Pampore and experienced the Ittar-making traditions of Kannauj. These journeys reminded me that our relationship with food is rooted in cycles—of climate, culture, and memory. The 2025 report brings to light how food continues to be more than sustenance—it is storytelling, activism, creativity, and comfort. As India embraces a more mindful, seasonally attuned way of eating, I believe the conversations sparked by this edition will nourish more than just our plates.”

Celebrity Chef Amrita Raichand, who attended the launch, reflected on the experience: “As a chef, I’ve read countless trend reports but to witness one unfolds as a theatrical performance was truly something else. It wasn’t just information being shared; it was emotion, conflict, and celebration all playing out through food. It reminded me that food isn’t static on a page or a screen, it’s alive, dynamic, and deeply personal. The Future Feast brought the trends to life in a way that was as thought-provoking as it was entertaining. I walked away inspired, not just as a professional, but as someone who loves food in all its forms.”

Since its inception in 2018, the Godrej Food Trends Report has become a cornerstone in food trend forecasting, over the course of 8 editions multiple predictions have come true from spotlighting the return of millets to korean foods dominating the Indian culinary scene. With the 2025 edition, Godrej Vikhroli Cucina sets a new benchmark—not only in how we talk about food, but how deeply we engage with its meaning.

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‘‘Tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural touchstone that connects people across the globe, transcending generations and traditions,’’ says Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Managing Director, A Perfect Bite Consulting and Editor of the annual Godrej Food Trends Report. She further adds, ‘‘Our report highlights the evolution of tea, from the resurgence of Masala Chai to the rise of tea-based fermented drinks. As we embrace sustainable packaging and the growing popularity of wellness teas, we’re not only celebrating the rich flavours and health benefits of tea but also our collective commitment to a more conscious and connected world.’’

Let’s look at some of these emerging trends in the tea industry: 

Emerging Tea Trends

Masala Chai and Its Variants: According to 73% of experts, Masala Chai is making a comeback with a range of variations. This classic tea is set to charm both traditionalists and adventurers alike, evoking nostalgia while inviting exploration.

Tea-Based Fermented Drinks: 64% of experts predict a surge in tea-based fermented drinks. These gut-friendly beverages provide not only health benefits but also a unique and refreshing taste experience, making them a preferable choice among those seeking both wellness and flavour.

Herbal and Wellness Teas: Wellness teas are set to soar, catering to specific health goals and mindful indulgence. Experts predict herbal teas will flourish over time, offering a range of flavours and therapeutic benefits. These natural infusions are perfect for those who desire both taste and holistic well-being.

Sustainable Packaging: 71% of experts emphasize the need for sustainable packaging. This trend highlights a growing environmental consciousness and a shift towards responsible consumption. They expect to see more teas packaged in innovative,  and planet-friendly materials that reflect a commitment to a greener future.

Download the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 at http://www.vikhrolicucina.com to explore these trends in detail. 

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Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Nourishing Body and Soul

Industry experts reported that a remarkable 60% surge was witnessed in the farm-to-table restaurant concept that fostered a deeper connection between consumers and their food. Restaurant such as The Banyan Tree Café in Mumbai, Elina Vara in Delhi and Farmlore in Bangalore are a few examples of the ever-changing dynamic of farm to table restaurants. These restaurants exemplify the idea of cooking with sustainable organic ingredients without compromising on taste.

 Sweet Indulgences without Guilt

Sweets have always been a favorite of the typical Indian household as it was the third most ordered dish nationally. Yet 2023 presented a unique change as desserts with healthier claims became increasingly popular, endorsed by a substantial 69% of experts. Sweets such as Mishti Doi, Kheer, Phirni and Halwa providing a protein packed punch for the average Indian sweet tooth.

The Evolution of Ice Cream: Clean, Dairy-Free, and Delicious

Ice cream, a perennial favorite indulgence, has also undergone a transformation towards health-consciousness. With 75% of experts noting a rising demand for dairy-free and vegan options, the market has seen a shift as consumers move beyond the flavor and towards the ingredients of a guilt free treat. Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai saw an increased demand for such healthy vegan ice creams as the urban population adopts a mindful, nutritious mindset towards food.  

 Wellness in Every Sip

In the wake of global health concerns, consumers are prioritizing immunity and functional health-boosting beverages, with a notable 56% of experts acknowledging their popularity. From herbal teas to probiotic-rich kombuchas, consumers are embracing beverages that not only quench thirst but also nourish their bodies with vitamins, antioxidants, and immune-boosting ingredients.

Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Managing Director of A Perfect Bite Consulting and Curating Editor of the annual Godrej Foods Trends, says. “From the resurgence of farm-to-table dining to the flourishing array of plant-based alternatives and guilt-free desserts, each trend of 2023 reflected a conscious choice towards holistic wellness. Now with the much-awaited launch of the Godrej Food Trend Report 2024, we can look forward to new trends that will take these conversations around sustainable and enlightened approaches to food consumption further.”

Godrej Food Trends Report 2023 is available for download at www.vikhrolicucina.com

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