India Food Gifting Market Research Report, 2029

The practice of food gifting in India has a rich history deeply intertwined with the country’s diverse cultural and culinary heritage. Traditionally, food has played a central role in Indian society, symbolizing hospitality and generosity. From ancient times, it has been customary to offer food to guests and during religious rituals, marking special occasions and festivals with specially prepared dishes. The origins of food gifting can be traced back to traditional Indian festivals like Diwali and Eid, where sweets and savory snacks are exchanged among family and friends, reinforcing social bonds and expressing goodwill. As India underwent modernization, the food gifting landscape evolved, reflecting changing lifestyles and consumer preferences. The advent of commercial food production in the late 20th century led to the emergence of packaged foods, which offered convenience and variety, transforming food gifting into a more organized market. The globalization of Indian cuisine in the 21st century introduced an array of gourmet options, expanding the scope of food gifts to include artisanal and specialty products. Today, food gifting in India encompasses a blend of traditional items, such as mithai (sweets) and namkeen (savory snacks), and contemporary gourmet offerings, including chocolates, gourmet hampers, and health-focused products. This evolution has not only preserved the cultural significance of food gifting but has also adapted to modern trends, making it a cherished practice that continues to enhance personal connections during celebrations and milestones. According to the research report "India Food Gifting Market Research Report, 2029," published by Actual Market Research, the India Food Gifting market is anticipated to grow at more than 7.48% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The rise of e-commerce has also played a crucial role in this growth, enabling consumers to easily access a variety of food gifts, from traditional sweets to gourmet items, with just a few clicks. Major festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, and Christmas drive a substantial portion of the market, creating seasonal spikes in demand for food gifts. Moreover, as Indian consumers become more health-conscious, there is a noticeable shift toward organic, gluten-free, and premium food items, reflecting a broader global trend toward quality and sustainability. The market is characterized by a diverse range of offerings, including ready-to-eat meals, artisanal snacks, and gourmet gift baskets tailored for various occasions. In addition to traditional gifting practices, corporate gifting has emerged as a significant segment, where companies offer food gifts to clients and employees as tokens of appreciation. The convergence of tradition and modernity in India’s food gifting market presents a dynamic landscape, showcasing both cherished customs and contemporary innovations that resonate with a wide array of consumers.

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Consumer tastes and preferences in the Indian food gifting market are shaped by a rich tapestry of cultural influences, regional diversity, and modern dietary trends. Traditional sweets, particularly mithai, remain a staple choice during festivals and celebrations, embodying a sense of nostalgia and cultural heritage. However, the market is evolving as consumers increasingly seek variety and uniqueness in their gift selections. The rise of gourmet and artisanal products reflects a growing appreciation for quality and craftsmanship, with consumers gravitating towards handcrafted chocolates, organic snacks, and regional specialties. Health consciousness plays a significant role in shaping preferences, leading to increased demand for organic, sugar-free, and gluten-free options. This shift is particularly prominent among younger consumers who prioritize wellness and sustainability in their purchasing decisions. Furthermore, personalization has emerged as a key trend, with many consumers opting for customized gift packages that cater to individual tastes, dietary needs, and occasions. The influence of social media has also fueled the desire for aesthetically pleasing food gifts, encouraging brands to offer visually appealing packaging and presentation. The fusion of traditional flavors with contemporary trends ensures that food gifting remains a versatile and cherished practice in India, catering to a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences while celebrating the country’s diverse culinary landscape. The Indian food gifting market encompasses several key segments, each tailored to specific consumer needs and occasions. One of the most prominent segments is festival gifting, which sees a surge in sales during major celebrations like Diwali, Holi, and Eid. Traditional items such as sweets, dry fruits, and savory snacks are popular choices during these occasions, symbolizing goodwill and festivity. Another significant segment is corporate gifting, where businesses select food gifts to express appreciation to clients and employees. This segment often features premium assortments, such as gourmet chocolates, artisanal snacks, and customized gift baskets that reflect professionalism and thoughtfulness. Personal celebrations, including birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries, also contribute substantially to the market, with consumers opting for food gifts that resonate with the recipient’s tastes. Additionally, there is a growing interest in niche segments, such as vegan, organic, and health-oriented food gifts, reflecting the increasing awareness of dietary preferences and health consciousness among consumers. The market also sees demand for unique experiential gifts, such as gourmet food tours or cooking classes, which offer memorable experiences alongside traditional gifting. With both offline and online distribution channels, these diverse product offerings cater to a broad audience, ensuring a robust and dynamic food gifting market in India that continues to evolve with consumer trends and preferences. Considered in this report • Geography: Global • Historic Year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Aspects covered in this report • Global Food Gifting Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Region & country wise Food Gifting market analysis • Application wise Food Gifting distribution • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Product type • Confectionery • Fresh & Dried Fruits (Healthy and Organic Foods) • Bakery & Pastry/sweets Products • Beverages (Wines, Tea, Coffee, etc) • Others By Occasion • Festive/seasonal Gifting • Corporate Gifting • Birthday & Anniversaries • Others

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By Distribution Channel • Offline • Online The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.