Mumbai, 11th December 2023: As Christmas and new year festivities take over, Godrej Food Trends Report which explores India’s culinary scene, has emphasized greatly on the lasting love for baked treats. Cakes and pastries, once deemed occasional luxuries, are now seamlessly blending into festive traditions, showcasing the nation’s diverse culinary choices. The ongoing fondness for baked delights holds its special place in Indian hearts as they are now evolving into cherished indulgences. Thus, skilled bakers’ creative contributions have played a pivotal role in transforming this sweet category over time.

One noteworthy trend identified by Godrej Food Trends Report is the growing enthusiasm among home consumers to experiment with pastries and cakes in their own kitchens. This shift reflects a desire for hands-on culinary experiences and a willingness to embrace global offerings. As a result, the variety of pastries being crafted at home has expanded, with Indian kitchens now featuring an exciting array of both traditional and international flavors.

Godrej Food Trends Report 2023 mentions some of the Pastry and Cakes Trends in India

· Southeast Asian Bakes – Approximately 88% of experts affirm that bakeries have become an essential component of culinary ecosystems. Specialized communities of bakers have emerged, including the kandurs in Kashmir, nanbais in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Delhi, paders in Goa, and paowallas, Parsi, and Irani bakers in Mumbai and Gujarat. Together, these communities contribute to a diverse array of baked goods, encompassing local variations of cakes, pastries, and more.

· Turkish / Middle Eastern Baked items – 88% of the panelists agree that Middle Eastern-inspired delights such as Baklava and Kunefe are gaining popularity. However, for adventurous consumers who enjoy exploring intricate flavor profiles that combine sweetness with spice, umami, and even fermented notes, participating in baking workshops, indulging in mithai walks, and savoring dessert degustation menus provide exciting opportunities for engagement.

· European Pastry and Dessert – 75% of experts believe that the baking industry should brace the extended and prosperous phase of rapid growth and transformation. There will be more innovation and evolution of established offerings from European and American baking traditions.

“In India, on every special occasion or festival, individuals partake in savoring cultural sweet delicacies. With the arrival of Christmas celebrations, we are observing a delightful amalgamation of traditional and global influences in the pastry and cake landscape. Post covid, especially, home chefs are displaying their creativity and embracing a wide range of flavors into their baked creations. Godrej Food Trends Report indicates that the tradition of enjoying delectable cakes and pastries during the festive season is now stronger than ever.”

Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Managing Director, of Perfect Bite Consulting and Curating Editor of the annual Godrej Foods Trends Report

In the spirit of this festive season, Godrej Food Trends Report encourages all food enthusiasts to explore the joy of baking and savor the delightful variety of pastries and cakes available. Whether it’s a classic Christmas fruitcake or an innovative fusion creation, the evolving trends in India’s pastry and cake scene promise to make this holiday season extra special. Godrej Food Trends Report 2023 is available for download at www.vikhrolicucina.com

About Godrej Industries Limited and Associate Companies (GILAC):

Godrej Industries Limited and Associate Companies (GILAC) is seen as a vibrant and young brand with trust & quality placed at the heart of the brand’s promise. Valued at $5 billion, the 125-year young GILAC has a clear focus on Chemicals, FMCG, Real Estate, Agriculture and Financial Services, a set of diverse industries, most of which are defining new India’s growth story. GILAC seeks to achieve this growth through fostering an inspiring place to work, while inculcating shared value through its philosophy of ‘Good & Green’.

Godrej Industries Ltd, the holding company of GILAC, is in the business of oleo-chemicals, surfactants, finance & investments and estate management. In the past few years the group has also focused on increasing its global footprint in developing economies like Latin America, Indonesia and Africa through its FMCG arm – Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL). GCPL is a leader among the Indian-born FMCG companies with leading Household and Personal Care Products. The real estate arm, Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) brings the group’s philosophy of innovation and excellence to the real estate industry. It aims to deliver superior value to all stakeholders through extraordinary and imaginative spaces created out of deep customer focus and insight. The agri-business arm Godrej Agrovet Ltd (GAVL) of GILAC is dedicated to improving the productivity of Indian farmers by innovating products and services that sustainably increase crop and livestock yields. The company operates in animal feed, oil palm, agri inputs, hybrid seeds, and poultry in which it is a leader. For more info, visit https://www.godrejindustries.com