It’s official; city loves to eat out

When compared to other cities in the country, dwellers in Delhi-NCR seem to love eating out and 52 percent do so during their ‘family outings’. A latest survey on India's food services sector reveals that in Delhi-NCR, the industry has grown to a mammoth Rs. 32,885 crore – the largest among all other cities.

Study unravels

While the total food services market in India today stands at Rs.3,09,110 crore and has grown at 7.7 per cent since 2013, two mega metros – Dehi-NCR and Mumbai – constitute as much as 22 per cent of the entire industry. Besides, the worth of the industry is projected to grow to Rs. 4,98,130 crore at a compound annual growth rate of 10 per cent by 2021, states the study titled 'India Food Services Report, 2016' commissioned by the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI) and compiled by Technopak.

In Delhi and areas like Noida and Gurgaon, despite the surge in chain outlets (KFC, McDonalds’, Mad Over Donuts, Cafe Coffee Day, etc) and organised standalones (Farzi Cafe, Toddy Shop, Mahabelly, Smoke House Deli, etc), the unorganised sector comprising roadside eateries and dhabas leads the market share with a gross amount of Rs.18,670 crore. This is followed by the organised standalone at Rs.9,405 crore and Rs.4,810 crore for the chain market.

When it comes to preferences of places to eat, most Delhiites (37 per cent) prefer Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) whereas casual dining restaurants account for 25 per cent. Surprisingly, the demand of frozen dessert or ice-cream parlours is also relatively high with a demand of 14 per cent.

Varied platter

Choices of cuisines at eateries, however, are not unexpected. The study reveals that North Indian, Chinese and South Indian cuisines still dominate the total market offerings and the contribution of American, Pizza, Italian and other western cuisines is on the rise. Furthermore, regional Indian cuisines and bakery and desserts are also gaining market share.

“Across India, OSR and Affordable Casual Dining Restaurant (ACDR) formats together make up 60 per cent of the total organised market with ACDR having the highest market share at 41 per cent. In terms of number of outlets, the density is highest in mega metros like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, and a few mini metros like Bengaluru,” said Riyaaz Amlani, president, NRAI at the launch of the report on Wednesday.

Talking about the report, Samir Kuckreja, past president and trustee, NRAI informed that its findings are based on consumer research covering 2,000 people across 20 cities of India, trade research at restaurants, results from in-depth interaction with a variety of companies and meetings with over 50 CEO’s.

The report states that the share of the organised food services market accounts for just 33 per cent in the country.