MUMBAI: India Food Forum 2025, organised by the IMAGES Group, kicked off here on Tuesday with influential leaders from food, grocery as well as hotels, restaurants and catering (HoReCa) industries exploring opportunities shaping the future.
Opening the event, Nikhil Behl, CEO – Food, IMAGES Group, spoke about how traditional marketing and retail models are being redefined. “The old industry playbook no longer works. Social reach is unpredictable, search traffic is declining, and consumers are discovering brands in entirely new ways. As India’s most influential leaders in food, grocery, and HoReCa gather at the India Food Forum 2025, the focus is not only on what’s next but on what truly matters now is connection, collaboration, and a shared belief that purpose powered by emotion drives lasting growth,” Behl said in his welcome address.
The day’s sessions explored how food brands and retailers are responding to changing consumer behaviour, the evolution of omnichannel strategies, and the rise of authenticity as a new business currency. BigBasket’s Head of Brand Intelligence Kishore Kumar, presented a detailed analysis of consumption trends and shopping behaviour in the quick commerce era.
Kumar noted that rapid delivery has fundamentally altered consumer routines, with weekend orders now outpacing weekday consumption and distinct peaks between 8 am to 11 am on weekends and 5 pm to 9 pm on weekdays. “Consumers are moving from bulk buying to smaller, on-the-go packs, reflecting their desire for immediacy and convenience,” he explained, adding that the power of search and intent-driven discovery is becoming a crucial space for brands to win attention and trust.
Speaking on how retailers must adapt to changing shopper preferences, Reliance Retail’s CEO for Grocery Damodar Mall, drew an analogy between consumer faith and retail channels. “It’s not about choosing between the neighbourhood store, the quick delivery, or the destination format. The real opportunity lies in being the provider of the blessing — being available in every channel the consumer prefers,” Mall said.
He emphasised that the future of retail is not defined by channels but by relevance. “The same household that shops in-store and online with us buys 34% more. The goal isn’t to chase loyalty but to stay present each time the customer decides to buy,” he said.
Coca-Cola’s VP for Customer & Commercial Leadership Desmond Nikhil D’Souza observed that the key to enduring relevance lies in staying true to a brand’s core while evolving its expression. “Disruption is global. The only way to build long-term loyalty is through authenticity. Coca-Cola’s strength lies in remaining relatable across generations – whether through cricket, meals, or music. The product stays the same, but the language keeps evolving with the consumer,” he said.
Kellanova’s South Asia Managing Director Prashant Peres spoke about consistency and transparency as the foundation of trust. “Brand trust is built on foot but can gallop away on horseback. We take fresh guard every day to ensure consumers never take us for granted,” he said. Highlighting the company’s long-standing focus on transparency, he added. “We were among the first to display nutritional information upfront. Consumers today expect honesty, clarity, and presence – both in communication and on the shelf”.
Hindustan Unilever’s (HUL) Executive Director Rajneet Kohli explained how HUL balances scale with inclusion through its four guiding pillars of quality, consumer focus, innovation, and purpose. “India is a continent, not a country. We cater to multiple Indias – from premium consumers to value seekers – by offering price points and innovations that meet every need. Convenience, relevance, and innovation are key. Our responsibility is to serve every evolving segment of the Indian consumer,” he noted.
Swiggy’s CEO for Food Marketplace Rohit Kapoor spoke on how technology and cultural exchange are shaping modern food choices. Drawing from Swiggy’s vast consumer data across 700 towns, he said, “India is digitally equal but financially unequal. Consumers everywhere watch the same trends online, but their spending power and cultural readiness vary.”
Kapoor highlighted how social media has blurred regional boundaries in food culture, citing examples like modaks being sold in Kolkata and Sadhya meals gaining popularity in Gurgaon. “Regional food is no longer regional – it’s a shared experience across India,” Kapoor said.
Agencies