If food had a political party in India, Gujarat would have been its pioneer after giving birth to Modi Sarkar. From tazza mazza snacks to packed nastas, burgers to salads, and falafel to sushi, Gujarat offers more than 500 cuisines. All refurbished with vegetarian options.
More than 60-70% of the state has turned its wheel towards being Vegetarian. Some have even adopted Vegan culture. From McDonald’s launching its all-veg outlets to Amul delivering its milk in almost every nook & corner of the state, let’s break down how Gujarat is weaving India’s food business- one green dot at a time.
The GOAT in the Vegetarian food sector
Being vegetarian in Gujarat does not need to be adopted, it is a lifestyle. Gujarat’s influence on food brands turning vegetarian also depends on the cluster of traditions being followed under Gujarat’s umbrella. Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Swaminarayan are particularly those who have strict meat-free dining rooms. People start following a vegetarian diet because of FOMO onthe beautiful veg dishes we adopt. This has made Gujarat top the list of highest vegetarian population in India, proving that we are beyond our Khaman Dhoklas. Gujarat hence, sums up to being G.O.A.T in not just vegetarian, but overall in every sector of food & business.
How Chicken drops their wings when in Gujarat?
On entering Gujarat’s soil & setting up walls in its food industry, one does realize that their chicken might not fly. McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-foodchain, tends to adopt the food style of the place it opens its chain in. On entering Gujarat in 2013, along with its classic chicken Big Mac, McDonald’s launched McAloo tikki & McVeggie burgers. This raised the burger trend in the state, forcing leading chains such as Burger King & KFC to set themselves up amidst the competition.
However, despite being one of the leading international fast-food chains, KFC’s fried chicken & its rest of the non-vegetarian menu struggled for their survival in Gujarat. This led to the introduction of Veg salads & burgers, adding to its name on the list of popular food chains.
The same happened with Pizza chains. Dominos came up with its 100% veg menu, having classic Cheese Burst & Mexican quesadilla to reach their vegetarian clientele. Pizza Hut stepped up in the same competition, ending up in being top 10 fast food vegetarian chains of Gujarat. Hence, not having a vegetarian menu would not just affect the turnover of the business, but might also change the phase from zero to hero.
The Green Revolution
Gujarat is known for its daring and rebellious nature. It is also known as the birthplace of the leading brand, AMUL. The biggest revolution was recognized when Amul became the pioneer of vegetarian dairy products, introducing vivid food items like AMUL ice cream, milk, yogurt, buttermilk, coffee,and lots more.
Even Havmor and Vadilal followed the footprints, making them among the top three brands for delivering vegetarian smiles. Every food item of these brands will be vegetarian certified, dotted, and then approved for progression.
Parampara, Pratishtha, Anushasan,and a lot more fun
The legacy of bringing & promoting vegetarian food was not limited to fast food but also packaged food. Nestle’s Maggi is an example. The brand ensured that the classic noodles remain vegetarian, proving it right with the green dot every time. Even packed chips like Balaji and Lays, chocolate brands like Cadbury mustmake sure they are not animal-driven & are dotted there.
The essence of vegetarianism is so strong in the state that new brands prefer to launch themselves first in the state before they go nationwide. It should be Gujarat(i)-approved.
“Fast” Food Expert
As Navratri approaches, most of the people in the state as well as outside Gujarat follow a no onion no garlic diet. Sensing this opportunity, major brands like McDonald’s and Domino’s have launched fast-friendly menus using unripe bananas instead of potatoes.
Like Navratri, Gujaratis have vivid beliefs and hence vrats as well. Be it Ganesh Chaturthi, Mahashivratri, Shravan- festivals are a major chance for the brands to manipulate their menus and stand forward within the community.
Replica, not a Replacement
With people moving towards vegetarianism & veganism, the trend of plant-based products is on the rise. Using beans & soy as meat replica is what is making people prefer & like their regular non-vegetarian preferences, even better than the original form. GoodDot and Wakao Foods are one of the brands bringing the plant-based culture into action. Gujaratis here & abroad are on their feet, making a point that India is beyond just butter-chicken.
Conclusion– Emotional Branding
Commitment above preference, standing over what you believe is what the culture of Gujarat teaches. The belief in God & nurturing ecosystem has influenced lots of meat lovers to turn vegetarian or vegan. And this does not happen by words of mouth, but by just knowing the culture and believing in it makes one tune their lifestyle. Green dots- Green profits are the trend this state is setting up, making the brands work their wits off before thinking of launching in Gujarat. And isn’t it supposed to be like that? To keep yourself updated with the trending content, keep watching the feed of Gujpreneur.
