Indian snacks, with their incredible variety and bold flavors, have captivated taste buds not just within the country but across the globe. From spicy, tangy street foods to sweet, traditional confectioneries, Indian snacks represent a vibrant slice of the country’s rich culinary heritage. As global food trends increasingly embrace diversity and authenticity, Indian snack exporters are witnessing a significant boom in international demand. These exporters are successfully delivering the essence of India to global markets, allowing consumers worldwide to enjoy authentic Indian tastes.
Indian Snack Industry Overview
Market Growth & Value
The Indian snack market is experiencing rapid growth. It is projected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of around 12-15% over the next five years. By 2030, the market value is expected to cross USD 20 billion, driven by rising urbanization, changing lifestyles, and growing demand for convenient food options.
Global Reach & Export Market
Indian snacks have found a growing presence in more than 100 countries, especially in regions with large Indian or South Asian populations like:
USA
Canada
U
UAE
Australia
Singapore
South Africa
These snacks are often exported under well-known brands such as Haldiram’s, Bikaji, Balaji, Bikanervala, and ITC.
Why Indian Snacks Are So Popular Globally
Diverse Flavours: Spicy, tangy, sweet, and savory – Indian snacks cater to a wide taste palette.
Cultural Nostalgia: For NRIs (non-resident Indians), these snacks represent a taste of home.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Many Indian snacks are naturally plant-based.
Shelf Stability: Products like namkeens, bhujia, and packaged sweets are easy to preserve and export.
Affordable & Convenient: Easy-to-eat, affordable snacks appeal to all age groups.
Types and Brands of Snacks in India
India has a wide variety of snacks, which can be broadly categorized into:
Traditional snacks: Namkeen, bhujia, chakli, murukku, samosa, kachori, etc.
Packaged snacks: Potato chips, extruded snacks, roasted snacks, instant noodles, cookies, and more.
Healthy snacks: Millet-based products, protein bars, roasted makhana, etc.
Popular Indian snack brands include:
Haldiram’s
Bikaji
Balaji Wafers
Bikanervala
Kurkure (PepsiCo)
Lay’s (PepsiCo)
Parle
ITC (Bingo!)
Too Yumm!
Yellow Diamond
There are hundreds of regional and national snack brands in India, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Trends in the Indian Snack Market
Healthy Snacking: Rising
demand for baked, low-fat, millet-based, and organic snacks.
Premiumization: Consumers are willing to pay more for better packaging, unique flavors, and healthier ingredients.
Regional Specialties Going National: Local snacks like murukku, khakhra, and banana chips are now available all over India.
Online Availability: E-commerce platforms have expanded the reach of snacks worldwide.
Snack Market Size in India
As of 2025, the Indian snack market is estimated to be worth over USD 12 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of around 10-12%. The market includes both organized (packaged snacks by companies) and unorganized (local vendors, homemade snacks) sectors.
Latest Trends in the Indian Snack Industry
Some of the current trends in the Indian snack market include:
Healthy snacks: Low-fat, baked, high-protein, gluten-free options.
Regional flavors: Snacks inspired by local tastes like Rajasthani bhujia, South Indian murukku, or Bengali chanachur.
Fusion snacks: Mix of traditional and western styles (e.g., masala nachos, Indian-style popcorn).
Premium packaging & e-commerce: More snacks are now available online with better shelf life and premium quality.
Sustainable and natural ingredients: Rise in demand for preservative-free and organic snacks.
Scope of the Snack Industry in India
The snack industry in India has huge potential due to:
A large young population
Growing middle class
Busy lifestyles increasing demand for ready-to-eat food
Rising health awareness pushing demand for better snack options
There’s also a big scope for regional and homemade snack businesses to grow by modernizing their products and expanding online.
Consumption Patterns and Popularity
In India, snacks are consumed:
Daily in homes with tea or coffee
During festivals and celebrations
As a quick bite during travel, work, or study
By all age groups — kids, adults, and seniors
Even though preservative-free and non-junk snacks are not common everywhere yet, demand for healthier, traditional, and home-style snacks is increasing.
History and Foundation Haldiram
Haldiram is a major Indian snacks, sweets, and FMCG company, started in 1937 in Bikaner by Ganga Bhishen Agarwal. Over decades it expanded via manufacturing units, brands, restaurants, overseas exports, etc. It has multiple arms (Delhi, Nagpur, Kolkata etc.), with different family branches handling different regions/brands (e.g. Haldiram Bhujiawala, Bikaji). The company now has revenues over ₹12,000‑15,000 crore, is valued around USD 9‑10 billion. It holds a large share of the Indian snack/namkeen market, is exporting to many countries, has overseas operations, and is seen as among India’s top food brands.
Top 5 Snack Brands in India
Haldiram’s is synonymous with traditional Indian snacks like namkeens and sweets. With a strong global presence, the brand continues to dominate the market with innovative packaging and marketing strategie
Founded: 1937 in Bikaner, Rajasthan, by Ganga Bhishen (Haldiram) Agarwal.
Current Owners: It is a family-owned business, split mainly between:
Delhi unit (controlled by Manohar Lal & Madhusudan Agarwal) – owns ~56%.
Nagpur unit (controlled by Shiv Kishan Agarwal) – owns ~44%.
These two units jointly operate as Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd.
Market Presence
Known for traditional Indian snacks (namkeen, sweets, etc.).
A global presence with distribution in over 80 countries.
In India, it’s among the top 3 snack brands.
Revenue and Market Share
Revenue: ₹10,000 crore
Market Share: 25% (possibly in the traditional snacks segment)
Projected for 2025:
If we assume a moderate growth rate of 10–20% (which is typical for FMCG/snack brands), the numbers for 2025 could look like:
Estimated Revenue in 2025:
Between ₹11,000 crore to ₹12,000 crore
(based on projected business growth and possible price inflation)
Estimated Market Share in 2025:
Likely 25–28% (if competition remains steady and Haldiram expands into new regions or product lines)
Balaji Wafers
As of 2025, Balaji Wafers stands as a leading name in India’s FMCG sector, having evolved from a modest local enterprise in Gujarat to a nationally recognized snack brand. Renowned for its consistent quality, affordability, and wide product range, Balaji continues to win over consumers across urban and rural markets alike. Its portfolio includes potato chips, namkeens, and extruded snacks, with offerings tailored to Indian tastes through region-specific flavors. With a strong presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, Balaji Wafers exemplifies how deep market understanding and value-driven pricing can fuel nationwide growth while staying true to local roots.
Company Overview
Founded: 1974
Specialization: Potato chips, namkeens, bhujia
Market Share: Approximately 12% in India’s organized salty snacks market
Revenue (FY 2025): Over ₹6,180 crore
Net Profit (FY 2025): Approximately ₹645 crore
Manufacturing Facilities: 4 plants, with plans to double this count for national expansion
Advertising Spend: Around 4% of revenue, significantly lower than industry norms
International Presence
Balaji Wafers has expanded its footprint beyond India, exporting to over 35 countries, including:
United States
United Kingdom
Middle Eastern nations
Market Trends & Opportunities
Urbanization & Changing Lifestyles: As urban centers expand, there’s a rising demand for convenient and affordable snack options, benefiting brands like Balaji Wafers.
Health-Conscious Consumers: While traditional snacks remain popular, there’s a growing segment of consumers seeking healthier alternatives. Balaji’s ability to adapt to these preferences can open new market avenues.
E-commerce Growth: The increasing shift towards online shopping presents opportunities for Balaji to enhance its digital presence and reach a broader audience.
Investment Interest: Major players like General Mills, ITC, and PepsiCo have shown interest in acquiring stakes in Balaji Wafers, highlighting the brand’s potential and the competitive landscape of India’s snack industry
Bikanervala
Bikanervala is one of India’s most iconic and trusted names in traditional Indian sweets and snacks, with a rich heritage that dates back to 1905 in Bikaner, Rajasthan. What began as a humble family-run sweet and namkeen shop has grown into a global brand, known for its commitment to authenticity, quality, and innovation.
Over the decades, Bikanervala has expanded beyond retail outlets into the packaged food sector with its renowned brand Bikano, offering a wide range of ready-to-eat snacks, namkeens, sweets, frozen foods, and beverages. With more than a century of culinary excellence, the brand blends traditional recipes with modern processing and hygiene standards, catering to both domestic and international markets.
Company Overview
Aspect Details
Parent Brand Bikanervala (Founded in 1905, Bikaner, Rajasthan)
Packaged Brand Bikano (launched in 1988 by Shyam Sundar Aggarwal)
Product Focus Namkeens, sweets, papads, snacks, frozen foods, ready-to-eat meals, and more
New Category Recently entered branded spices segment under name “Swad Anusar”
Manufacturing Units Plants in Faridabad, Greater Noida, and Rai (Haryana)
Turnover (2024) Approx ₹1,800 crore (~$215 million)
Employees Over 5,000
International Presence
Exports to over 35–45 countries, including:
USA
UK
UAE
Singapore
Nepal
Australia
New Zealand
Retail outlets (as Bikanervala) in several countries
Focus on expanding with region-specific packaging and taste variants
Has over 300+ export SKUs (products customized for international markets)
Market Share
Metric Estimate
India Snacks Market Size ~ ₹47,000 crore (2025)
Bikano’s Market Share Estimated 4–5% of the organized snacks market
Growth Rate 20–25% YoY
Export Contribution Growing steadily, ~10–15% of revenue
Scope in India (and Tier-2/3 Cities)
Opportunity- Description
Strong North Indian Brand- Already well-known in Delhi-NCR, UP, Haryana, etc. Easy to grow in nearby areas.
Affordable Pricing Strategy Lower price-point snacks are in demand in Tier-2/3 cities and rural areas.
Distribution Network Expansion New plants help improve reach to East, Northeast, and South India.
Modern Retail & E-commerce Big potential in modern retail chains and online platforms.
Export Growth Potential Indian diaspora abroad loves traditional snacks — more global expansion is possible.
ITC Bingo
Bingo, launched in 2007 by ITC Limited, has rapidly emerged as a dynamic and youth-centric brand in India’s competitive snack food market. Known for its innovative flavors, creative shapes, and bold, quirky branding, Bingo has successfully captured the attention of younger consumers across the country.
The brand’s diverse product portfolio includes popular variants like Bingo! Mad Angles, Bingo! Potato Chips, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe, and Bingo! Tangles — offering both fried and baked snack options with regional and international flavors. Its humorous and offbeat advertising campaigns have set it apart, creating strong brand recall among urban and semi-urban youth.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 |
| Parent Company | ITC Limited |
| Specialization | Chips & extruded snacks |
| Market Share (India) | ~8% of the organized salty snack market |
| Revenue (2024) | ₹4,500 crore |
| Target Audience | Primarily Gen Z & millennials |
Market Share
Bingo holds an approximate 8% share of India’s ₹47,000+ crore organized salty snacks market (2025 est.).
It competes with major players like:
PepsiCo’s Lay’s & Kurkure
Balaji Wafers
Haldiram’s
Bikano / Bikaji
Its strongest foothold is in urban and semi-urban areas, especially among consumers aged 16–35.
Overall Scope
Given above trends, the scope in India for Bingo is very strong. If Bingo continues to innovate (healthier options, regional flavors, premium variants), invest in distribution (especially in Tier‑2 & Tier‑3), leverage online / quick commerce, it can grow significantly. The existing ~8% market share (as you mentioned) is a strong base; there’s room to increase that, especially in under‑penetrated geographies and in health‑conscious / premium niches.
Export Data & Markets
Indian snacks (general “snacks / extruded snacks / sweets‑snacks”) are exported to 50+ countries.
Major importers include the USA, UAE, Canada, and Australia.
For example, “Indian Snacks” under certain HS codes showed shipments of ~189 exporters, exporting over $14 million in value (for that specific data set) to ~52 countries.
ITC’s FMCG brands (which include snacks) export to 70+ countries.
Types of Exported Snack Products
India exports many kinds of snacks. Some common categories:
ype Details / Examples
Namkeens & Traditional Indian Snacks Bhujia, sev, mixture, papads, mathiya etc. Many of these are exported for diaspora markets.
Chips (Potato / Banana etc.) Packaged potato chips, banana chips etc.
Extruded Snacks Products like puffs, twisties, snack sticks (e.g. similar to Fun Fries, or extruded crunchy snacks) — often flavored.
Sweets & Confectionery Snacks Snack mixes with sweet component, or sweet biscuits included among snacking types.
Ready‑to‑Eat / Ambient snacks Snacks that don’t need refrigeration, useful for export.
Frozen / Processed Indian Foods (less so pure “snacks”, but related) Some brands export frozen Indian ready-to-eat items, flavor sauces, etc. ITC for example exports “ambient ready‑to‑eat / ready‑to‑cook” foods.
Kurkure
Kurkure, launched by PepsiCo, has become a staple for Indian snack enthusiasts with its tangy, spicy, and crunchy offerings. Its tagline, “Tedha Hai Par Mera Hai,” resonates with Indian consumers, making it a relatable and fun brand. With masala-based flavors and creative ad campaigns, Kurkure has a stronghold in the extruded snacks market. The brand also keeps innovating with new flavors and formats, keeping it relevant.
Company Overview
Founded: 1999
Specialization: Masala‑based extruded snacks
Market Share (India): ~15%
Revenue (2025): ₹5,000 crore
Market Share
Based on public data for India’s extruded snacks market:
In 2024, the India extruded snack food market was valued at about USD 611.93 million.
It is projected to grow to about USD 1,144.07 million by 2033. Estimated CAGR ~ 6.8‑7% over the period 2025‑2033.
Within that, product types that use mixed grains are among the fastest growing; corn is a large existing segment.
Scope
A company with ₹5,000 crore revenue & 15% market share is well‑positioned. If it leverages trends well, it can grow revenue perhaps 2‑3× in next 5‑7 years by expanding exports, innovations, and deeper penetration into Tier‑2/3/4 cities.
Export share can increase, perhaps from a small base to a significant part of total revenue (say 10‑20% or more) if geared properly.
Also, margins can improve with premium lines or healthier variants.
Export & International
While I don’t have exact export figures for this specific company (unless known by name), based on market data for extruded snacks in India:
India exports extruded snacks to over 45 countries. Top destinations include Canada, Australia, Bhutan, UK, USA, etc.
From Volza data, a large proportion of shipments of extruded snacks from India are to countries like Bhutan, UK, USA
The export‑ready extruded snack shipments for India are rising because companies are increasingly meeting international quality / regulatory standards, adapting flavours for foreign markets, and using packaging suited for export.
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