Symposium 4: Food Flavors: Ethnic and International Taste Preferences-Current Trends in the Foodservice Sector in the Indian Subcontinent

摘要

The cuisine of India is as diverse as its people and each ethnic group has its own unique culture and its own unique food preferences. Although Indian cuisine is largely associated with the pronounced use of some key ingredients and spices, differences in region, culture, climate, and religion dictate the variations in the use of these ingredients. With its more than 1 billion people, India is rapidly becoming a key market for consumer goods and processed foods. The level of awareness of the "western world" has increased noticeably. Coupled with this is the shift from single-income families to dual-income families. Busy lifestyle, heightened awareness, and a desire to imitate the West makes India a very suitable market for prepared foods. Most the fast food chains like Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Domino's Pizza, and TGIF, to name a few, are already household names in major Indian cities. Even the government has recognized the potential of the processed food industry and has declared food processing a major thrust area. This means that there will be subsidies from the government as well as important tax benefits. For companies wanting to tap the huge Indian market, this is a great opportunity. But before developing food for the Indian market, it is important to understand the traditional influences and key flavors of Indian food to successfully merge Western trends with Indian flavors.