The exponential growth of the street food industry

The exponential growth of the street food industry

The food industry of our country is an ever-growing sector that has contributed significantly to the world food trade. And one of the most eminent segment of the food culture of India is about the importance created by street foods. Be it pani puri, momos, kachori and any other, these snacks holds an nostalgic presence in the mind of its consumer.

They are a crucial part of the Indian food culture and industry and have so much to contribute. It is not just a representation of the different and varied food habits of the several nooks and corners of our country but it also has the potential to make thriving businesses and active collaborations to the food sector of India. 

India has witnessed a certain growth in the street food industry. And one of the significant factors that have been influential in it is the Covid-19 pandemic that took place in the year 2020 throughout the globe. The following discussion throws light on the exponential growth of the street food industry based on the pre and post-conditions of a pandemic. 

That being said, let us begin the discussion without any further delay. 

Condition of the street food industry pre-covid 

India has been the sixth largest food and grocery market in the world, with a 70% contribution to retail sales. Therefore, we are an eminent mark at the global level. The street food industry has become a significant part of our food culture and industry. They have made immense contributions in every way possible. However, the conditions of the street food served to us had a different scenario before the pandemic hit our country. 

During the years of the pandemic, there was a massive loss in the street food industry aroud the entire world, including India. Our whole food industry faced the wrath of the covid along with every other sector in the country. But, on the brighter side, different positive changes were brought as a result of the pandemic, which changed the entire street food industry and helped in regaining its vigour and importance of the way you consumed your food.

Changes brought about in the street food industry as a result of Covid-19.

The following are the significant changes that were eminent changes that were brought in the street food industry as a result of the pandemic helping the industry grow further both in its strength and quality of service. 

Maintaining better hygiene 

The most crucial aspect brought about by the pandemic was the increased focus on maintaining optimum hygiene. 

The street food industry previously did not quite focus on this aspect. But now, wearing gloves while servicing, cleaning the tools and serving plates and cutleries, availability of sanitiser for the customer and the valets, etc, are some of the new additions in the street food industry that was absent to a significant extent. In fact the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched the 48-point checklist that all stores and restaurants must follow to enter the left hinge standards. 

• Use of the online payment
• The use of the online platform has also increased significantly among the different sectors of the food industry in India. And among them, the street food sector is in no way behind. The use of the online platform, usually in the process of payment, has been introduced and is now being used quite beneficially among almost all street food vendors and shops.
•  
• This wasn't the scenario before the pandemic. The use of online payment methods started in the fast food or street food sector, majorly only after the pandemic. And now, maximum customers in this sector carry out their payments via online methods. This has eased the payment process and has helped the street food sector grow qualitatively. 
•  
• Growth of online space
• Numerous small business have been transferring to online platforms to promote their business since the pandemic. The pandemic taught us how we could use the online platform for everything in our lives thus, opening up a huge gap to shift the entire food industry into the online platform. This move has further solidified the online presence of small businesses in the digital space. So many cases of small businesses going viral has been seen too post pandemic. 
•  
• Conclusion
• Street foods have always been an integral part of the food industry and the food culture of India. And since the pandemic, it has been trying and has been gradually getting back its influence along with the numerous added beneficial changes. Just like us at E- Panipuri Kartz, where we decided to connect tradition with technology and implemented all the essential factors shared in this article and many others to amplify our customer satisfaction experience.
•  
• If you are curious about us and want to dive deeper as to what we do, don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our social media handles.