With the festive season, traditional Indian sweets have surged in demand. Interestingly, this spike in sales has also surpassed the demand for Western desserts. There’s a renewed love for the flavours and cultural significance of classic Indian mithai.
Indian Sweets Take Centre Stage
Indian festivals are deeply intertwined with food, especially sweets, which play a pivotal role in celebratory rituals. Scandalous Foods—a leading B2B innovator in Indian sweets for the restaurant and catering industry—has unveiled a compelling survey highlighting consumer preferences during the festive season. The report emphasises the overwhelming dominance of traditional Indian sweets.
Conducted among a diverse group of over 1,000 consumers and 100 restaurants, the survey reveals a strong inclination towards classic Indian mithais, which now account for 55% of all festive dessert sales. In stark contrast, Western desserts represent just 25% of sales, while ice creams and chocolates account for the remaining 20%. Among the most popular choices are Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun, and innovative fusion desserts like Rasmalai Tiramisu, which are particularly favoured in the HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) segment. This trend underscores a cultural shift towards celebrating traditional flavours during the festive season.
The survey also underscores the critical role of the HoReCa sector in the resurgence of traditional Indian desserts. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) and cloud kitchens have been instrumental in driving increased orders. Festive gifting has further bolstered sales growth. Additionally, the emergence of fusion sweets—combining traditional and modern flavours—highlights a growing trend of culinary experimentation, particularly among younger consumers. This shift not only revitalises classic Indian sweets. It also invites a new generation to explore and enjoy these cherished flavours in innovative forms.
Tradition Reigns Supreme
Among the vast variety of Indian sweets, gulab jamun and rasmalai have emerged as the clear winners in the race for consumer preference. The surge in demand for these classics highlights how traditions are being embraced with full force. In the past few years, traditional sweet shops have adapted to the digital age by offering online ordering options, ensuring that customers can easily browse, select, and purchase their favourite sweets from the comfort of their homes.
The resurgence of traditional sweets marks a return to roots in an age of globalisation. While Western desserts have carved a niche in the Indian market, the soul-stirring taste of Indian sweets continues to dominate the festive celebrations.
Cover image credits: canva