COOKING UP A REVOLUTION

The Godrej Food Trends Report predicts that 2021 will herald the renaissance of Indian regional cuisines

2020 changed the food industry irrevocably, but what will happen in 2021? Which trends will remain and which will fade out? How can the food industry prepare itself for the post-pandemic era?

The fourth edition of the Godrej Food Trends Report (GFTR) 2021 revealed what Indians expect on their plate. Covering trends like dining-in, dining-out, kitchen design, etc., within the food industry, the guide comprises insights from over 200 experts.

Sujit Patil, VP and Head-Corporate Brand and Communications, Godrej Industries and Associate Companies said, “In 2020, companies had to rethink strategies and people had to modify their behaviours. As businesses, we don’t get to choose market conditions, competition, and most certainly not pandemics of this sort! However, what’s in our hands is the agility and boldness to face these challenges.”

Rushina Munshaw-Ghildiyal, MD of A Perfect Bite Consulting who designed the survey, added, “The post-pandemic consumer will be choosy, shopping and dining out selectively and specifically. The industry has its work cut out to meet these new demands; innovating, redesigning production and dining spaces, revising health and hygiene systems, service protocols, food delivery SOPs, packaging solutions, etc. It is heartening to see that stakeholders are already working overtime to get back on track.”

THE TOP 12 FOOD TRENDS PREDICTED FOR 2021 ARE:

1. Breakfast will be served, re-imagined

Once considered weekend indulgences, restructured routines brought into sharp focus the importance of a healthy breakfast. This year, there will be increasing innovation in this category, from creative artisanal offerings by restaurants and home entrepreneurs to groundbreaking packaged solutions by the food industry.

2. Burgeoning interest in flavour