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Cookies market in India: A delightful present for several occassions
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Tuesday, 20 August, 2024, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Pradip Shitole
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It goes without saying that cookies are a favourite food for children. With their significant distinction from other wholesome snack types, cookies highly appeal to young people as a snack. Also, cookies are a fantastic food dish that’s appreciated by adults as well. The type of cookie differs based on the main component and production method, but their popularity among people remains the same. Besides, cookies are one of the simple and delicious foods that can be easily prepared at home. The delectable nature of cookies makes them a timeless and beloved food product across India.
In this blog post, we take you to the realm of cookies, explaining to you the various types of cookies in the Indian market. Also, we shed light on the origins of cookies and detail why cookies are so popular among children and adults alike. Continue reading!
The global cookies market was valued at $36.09 billion in 2023, and is projected to grow to $56.9 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032.
History of Cookies
Cookies are one of the few food products that have a different version in several regions worldwide. In England, cookies are called a biscuit. Biscotti and amaretti are well-known names for cookies in Italy. Cookies are referred to as gallentas in Spain. The earliest written record of a cookie can be traced back to the 7th century Persia, which is present-day Iran. Persia was one of the first nations to harvest sugarcane, one of the key ingredients of cookies.
In America, most of the first cookies were adopted from other countries. With the advent of railroads, more people got access to cookie ingredients like fruits and nuts. With the introduction of cornflakes in the 1800s, cereal boxes started introducing their own recipes. Icebox cookies were developed in the 1930s with the invention of the electrical refrigerator.
In India, the Mughals were the first to introduce what is now popularly known as the rusk. The port city of Surat and Dutch also contributed to the country’s love for cookies. After entering India as traders, the Dutch had already established themselves as people who enjoyed biscuits. At that time, the British already had their version of biscuits that were much tougher in texture. With the introduction of more flaky and buttery biscuits by the Dutch, the preference was a no-brainer.
Popular Types of Cookies Listed
Cookies come in a wide range of textures, flavors, and shapes, each providing a unique taste. Here’s a look at some of the most popular cookie types in the Indian market:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are arguably one of the most popular cookie types around. Known for their balance of richness and sweetness, these cookies tend to appeal to people of all ages. The main ingredients of chocolate chip cookies usually include eggs, butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. However, these cookies can easily be tweaked to cater to various tastes and occasions. The origins of chocolate chip cookies dates back to 20th century Massachusetts.
Peanut Butter Cookies
As their name suggests, peanut butter cookies are cookies that are known for having peanut butter as their principal ingredient. Along with a strong peanut flavor, these cookies are characterized by a crumbly texture and have typical surface fork marks. The origins of peanut butter cookies go back to the late 20th century US. There are several types of peanut butter cookies, with the two main types being soft peanut butter cookies and chunky peanut butter cookies.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These are a divisive cookie type made from an oat-meal-based dough with resins. Other ingredients of oatmeal raisin cookies include sugar, eggs, flour, salt, and spices. These cookies are popular among cookie eaters for their chewy texture and unique taste. Also, oatmeal raisin cookies are seen as a healthy snack as they include raisins and soluble fiber.
Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies, also known as shorties, are cookies that include varying ratios of flour, butter, and sugar. These cookies offer a crispy texture and delightfully buttery flavor. Shortbread cookies are typically consumed by adding a dusting of sugar or a layer of buttercream frosting on top. These cookies can last for several weeks when stored properly.
Why are Cookies So Popular?
There are several reasons why cookies are so popular among Indians. Some of them include:
Changing Lifestyles and Urbanization
Modern lifestyles demand high efficiency and convenience. Individuals are highly focused on personal and professional development, often leading to busier lifestyles. Besides, rising health consciousness has prompted people to go with healthier diets and stress management strategies. Furthermore, the development of urban cities fosters diverse communities, enabling cultural exchange and acceptance. The changing lifestyles and urbanization demand easy-to-consume food products, including cookies.
Gifting Culture
The Indian gifting culture plays a major role in driving the growth of the cookies market in the country. With the tradition of exchanging gifts during festivals, celebrations, and other occasions, cookies have become a preferred choice for gifting. The versatility of cookies, which are available in several shapes and packaging, makes them a thoughtful gifting option that goes well with people of all ages. Businesses in the Indian cookies sector leverage this trend with the introduction of special festive packaging and personalized options.
Key Trends in the Indian Cookies Market
A wide range of factors is influencing the Indian cookies market. Here’s a look at the key trends redefining the cookies sectors in the industry:
Healthier Options: The healthier option trend is one of the most significant movements in the Indian cookies sector. With rising concerns about health and wellness among consumers, there is a significant shift towards snacks that offer both taste and nutritional benefits.
Innovative Flavors: Another factor redefining the landscape of the Indian cookies sector is the introduction of innovative flavors. With more and more consumers seeking novel experiences, brands are introducing varied flavor options. Ingredients such as herbs, spices, and exotic fruits are being infused into cookie recipes.
Online Retail and E-commerce: The e-commerce boom trend is reshaping the cookies sector in the country. As more and more consumers prefer online platforms for convenience and variety, cookie brands are catering to their needs by expanding their online presence. With e-commerce, brands can reach consumers across diverse geographies.
Snacking-on-the-Go with Cookies
Cookies are one of the few food products that can be consumed anytime. As such, they offer the required convenience and flexibility to individuals with hectic lifestyles. With the emerging trend of snacking on the go, more and more brands are introducing packaging that caters to on-the-go consumption.
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