How Market Research Studies can successfully guide your F&B Venture in Ahmedabad

The city of Ahmedabad isn’t far behind other metros, when it comes to the culinary industry. Amdavadis have always been known for having a love for great food and social hangouts. This has resulted in a growth of numerous popular restaurants, cafes, takeaways, tiffin centres, thali centres, etc.

While a decade back, the focus was more towards traditional thalis, Punjabis, north Indians, Mughlai and South Indian, the palates are now evolving in Ahmedabad. The rise of student culture and influx of IT workforce has not just given a cosmopolitan look & feel to the social fabrics of the city but also transformed gastronomic preferences.

There is a visible appetite for international cuisines such a Mexican, Continental, Arabic, Italian, Fusion, etc. The local residents are thinking beyond Local Thalis, North Indians, Chinese, Finger Foods and are experimenting with new cuisines, formats and categories.

Meanwhile, the market for healthy, low calorie, low sodium cuisines are also picking up in Ahmedabad, which is giving rise to the concepts of healthy platter, fruits bowls, salads, juices, etc. Few years back, such categories where virtually absent. However, with the rise of digital native millennials and gen-Z, the demands are now shifting towards striking the right balance between health and taste.

Major Trends of the F&B industry in Ahmedabad

There are close to 12,000 F&B outlets active in Ahmedabad region, growing at a CAGR of around 10-12%.

QSR or fast food centres are one of the fastest growing segments, marked by growing preferences for pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, fries, Chinese, etc.

Likewise, other QSR categories such as wraps, nachos, burritos, frankies, waffles, salad bowls, etc. are also picking up.

The cloud kitchen models are gaining momentum post lockdown with the rise of digital first brands, takeaways and virtual restaurants.

In addition to national level cloud kitchen operators like rebel food, box 8, Burgeronomics, etc. there are also home-grown cloud kitchen brands, that are expanding its footprint in Ahmedabad.

Besides, Gujrati & regular north Indian meals, there is spike in other regional eateries such as Rajasthani, Bengali, Bihari, etc.

In the recent years, after the advent of aggregator platforms and delivery only models, ordering non-veg have registered an uptick. However, non-veg in Ahmedabad is still skewed towards eggs as it dominates close to 80% of the market. Ensuring incessant supply of raw materials and skilled man power is also a challenge in Ahmedabad.

Location wise Insights

Ahmedabad is home to new commercial centres, residential neighbourhood and business districts, which is also reshaping the contours of its F&B industry. The 40 kms SG Highway, which connects main Ahmedabad with Gandhinagar, is the new CBD of Ahmedabad, dotted with swanky offices, commercial towers and shopping arenas. It is becoming the go-to destination for corporate executives, entrepreneurs and fashionable youngsters of Ahmedabad to indulge in premium urban lifestyle. This is also fuelling demand for modern eateries, restaurants and cloud kitchen in the region.

With in 3 kms of S.G Highway is the posh & urbane neighbourhood of Sindhu Bhavan, known for its rich and elite gentry with refined taste. Sindhu Bavan is the perfect destination for premium, experiential and niche dining out. In the vicinity of Sindhu Bhavan is the upcoming destinations of Bopal/ South Bopal, known to be the favourite place for the growing IT crowd and migrant workforce to settle down. These are opportune destination for newer formats to thrive as the overall environ is very cosmopolitan.

How Market Research Services Can Steer New F&B Ventures Towards Sustained Success in Ahmedabad

While Ahmedabad is conducive for growth of new F&B ventures, it is also a highly competitive market. There are plenty of national level food chains, regional brands and popular standalone eateries. The competition further intensifies in the face of a growing cloud kitchen & deliver only culture integrated with an extensive street food culture.

To desrisk the entry of a F&B brands in Ahmedabad, it is advised to commission a market research study prior to commit any substantive capital. This will help in gaining deeper insights, evaluate the right product market fit and identify the key success factors.

If you are a food entrepreneur and looking out for tailor made insights and on ground market research, feel free to connect with us.

Contact our business advisory experts at info@theindiawatch.com to accelerate your brand’s launch blueprint.

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