Brands
Brand IPL value takes its first tumble in six years: Report
MUMBAI: So the pandemic did leave its mark – rather a financial dent – on Brand IPL, similar to that on other businesses and the overall economy. The value of the IPL ecosystem has fallen by 3.6 per cent to Rs 45,800 crore post-2020 season, according to a brand valuation report by Duff & Phelps. In 2019, the IPL commanded a brand value of Rs 47,500 crore, which had grown seven per cent over the previous year.
The fall in brand value was largely due to Vivo pulling out of the title sponsorship deal, additional costs involved to create a secure bio-bubble environment etc. IPL 2020 matches were played behind closed doors, effectively impacting the in-stadia revenues, including gate receipts and food and beverages, the report said.
The individual franchisees have also witnessed a reduction in their brand values over the last year, Duff & Phelps said on Wednesday releasing the seventh edition of its valuation report on IPL. This was largely attributed to reduced franchisee-related sponsorship revenue, loss of gate receipts, reduced food and beverage (F&B) revenue, and certain teams’ on-field performances and off-the-field issues.
Though one of the key franchises, the Reliance Group-owned Mumbai Indians has retained the top spot in the brand rankings for the fifth consecutive year, at a brand value of Rs 761.0 crore, it is nevertheless down 5.9 per cent from 2019. 
Chennai Super Kings saw its brand value fall the most, by 16.5 per cent year-on-year, to Rs 611 crore in 2020, while that of Delhi Capitals’ dropped the least, by one per cent to Rs 370 crore, the report said.
“The standalone franchisee brands have seen their brand values decrease as the pre-Covid-19 sponsorship deals were reduced by 15-20 per cent before the start of the tournament, predominantly because there were no ‘meet and greet’ events with players; and there were no free tickets in stadiums,” Duff & Phelps India external advisor Santosh N was quoted as saying in the report.
However, with people forced to spend time at home, there was an increase in IPL television viewership making the 2020 edition a huge success for broadcasters as it broke viewership and advertising revenue records. "Television ratings skyrocketed and advertisers tapped into this opportunity to scale up their brand image. Despite the challenging year, this momentum is indicative of how strong the IPL brand has become," observed Santosh.
With the economy opening and virus infections decreasing, sponsorship deals are expected to be back to the pre-pandemic levels. Also, an increase in the number of teams in 2022 and the renewal of media rights in 2023 will enhance the IPL ecosystem value in the future, he added.
Furthermore, with Vivo back as the title sponsor of the T20 league this year, things are already beginning to look up. In 2020, IPL 13 had seen lower sponsorship revenue compared to 2019 as the IPL had signed up Dream 11 as title sponsor for Rs 222 crore for one season, as against the Rs 440 crore per year they had been getting from Vivo.
The list of sponsors who want to be associated with the Indian Premier League is only growing season after season, and the fourteenth season of the tournament promises to be no different.
Brands
India’s food culture takes a bold turn in 2025
From fusion desserts to experiential dining, four trends reshape how the nation eats.
MUMBAI: India’s plates just got a serious upgrade in 2025 because when tradition meets TikTok and fusion meets fitness, even the humble samosa starts feeling trendy. The Godrej Food Trends Report 2025 predicted several shifts in Indian eating habits, and the past year proved the forecasters right. From reimagined desserts to immersive dining experiences, Indian consumers showed they want authenticity, convenience, global flavours and health in equal measure.
Here are four trends that truly came alive in 2025 and are now shaping how India eats and dines:
1. Indian Desserts Get a Modern Makeover Traditional mithai found fresh life through fusion experiments. Cheesecakes, truffles and plated desserts inspired by classics like gulab jamun and rasgulla gained popularity, while chocolate-forward, fruit-led and lower-sugar options appealed to younger diners. According to the How India Eats 2025 report, desserts and ice-cream parlours were among the fastest-growing segments in organised food services. Examples: The Bombay Canteen’s Coffee Rasgulla Sundae and Le Chocolate Cakes and More’s Gulab Jamun Cake. Chef Aarohi Sanghavi of Maki Patisserie noted the shift toward seasonality and fresh Indian produce, while Chef Heena Punwani of Maska Bakery highlighted the appeal of flexible, weekend-special menus.
2. Social Media Becomes the New Menu Food discovery went fully digital. Instagram Reels, YouTube reviews and creator-led content heavily influenced dining choices, with food remaining one of the most consumed categories on social media. Restaurants began designing visually striking dishes specifically for shareability, while many diners found new spots through viral videos rather than traditional advertising. The How India Eats 2025 report revealed that over 75% of marketing spends by leading QSR chains now go toward digital channels. Cafes like Mokai and Candies became creator favourites, and brands such as Bastian Hospitality curated highly shareable pop-ups and events. Kavita Rajwade of IVM Podcasts emphasised how long-form storytelling helps decode food’s cultural and economic layers, while Pranav Joshi of Floydian Cookery admitted his page grew far beyond expectations.
3. Snacking Culture Goes Mainstream India’s love for snacks evolved into a full grazing lifestyle, with many opting for multiple small bites throughout the day instead of three structured meals. This shift spurred innovation in formats—from gourmet chips and fusion street food to protein-packed options. Restaurants responded with small-plate menus designed for sharing. The How India Eats 2025 report noted that late-night orders grew nearly 3x faster than dinner. Brands like The Whole Truth Foods and Green Snack Co. popularised clean-label snacks such as protein bars and roasted nuts. Madhushree Basu Roy of Pikturenama Studios predicted a mix of convenience, health consciousness and global influences, while freelance food writer Sharmila Vaidyanathan observed that consumers want the best of both worlds healthy options for routine snacking and traditional treats for special occasions.
4. Dining Becomes an Experience, Not Just a Meal The most noticeable shift was the rise of experiential dining. Consumers increasingly sought restaurants that offered more than good food, they wanted immersion, storytelling and chef-driven concepts. Venues like Papa’s in Mumbai (intimate tasting menus), Bombay Daak (theatrical regional flavours) and Masala Library (modernist presentations) turned meals into memorable events. Tasting menus, themed pop-ups and chef collaborations became more common, transforming dining out into entertainment. The How India Eats 2025 report highlighted how experience-led formats and storytelling are key to attracting younger diners. Chef Karan Upmanyu of ParTTwo in Bengaluru observed that new outlets are breaking away from rigid formats, focusing instead on creating relaxed spaces where people simply enjoy spending time.
As 2026 unfolds, these trends suggest India’s food culture is no longer just about what’s on the plate, it’s about how the plate makes us feel, connect and remember. From a quick Reel-inspired snack to a full theatrical dining experience, Indian diners are voting with their forks for food that is both rooted in tradition and unafraid to experiment. The table, it seems, has never been more exciting.
