Research
88% of Indian internet users “share” social media content monthly: Ipsos Study
MUMBAI: About nine in ten (88 per cent) online consumers in India indicate that in the past month, they have shared some type of content on social media sites compared to 71 globally. The findings reflect a new poll of 18,150 respondents conducted by Ipsos OTX – the global innovation center for Ipsos, the world’s third largest market and opinion research firm. About one in ten (12 per cent) indicate they ‘haven’t shared any content in the past month’.
The most popular shared item found in the poll is pictures, as about six in ten (58 per cent) indicate they have shared pictures online in the past month. Following next are: ‘my opinion’ (56 per cent), ‘links to articles’ (37 per cent), a ‘status update of what/how I’m doing’ (36 per cent), ‘news items’ (34 per cent), ‘something I like or recommend, such as a product, service, movie, book, etc.’ (32 per cent), ‘status update of what I’m feeling’ (29 per cent), ‘video clips’ (29 per cent), ‘links to other websites’ (27 per cent), ‘reposts from other people’s social media posts’ (25 per cent), ‘plans for future activities, trips, plans’ (17 per cent) and ‘other types of content’ (15 per cent).
Of the online consumers, those from Turkey (93 per cent) are most likely to indicate they have shared any content online in the past month, followed nine in ten in each of: Mexico (89 per cent), Brazil (88 per cent), India (88 per cent), Indonesia (88 per cent), Argentina (86 per cent), South Africa (86 per cent) and China (85 per cent). This group of highly engaged content-sharers is followed by Russia (79 per cent), Saudi Arabia (78 per cent), Spain (75 per cent), Hungary (83 per cent), South Korea (73 per cent), Italy (71 per cent), Poland (64 per cent) and Sweden (64 per cent) rounding out the middle of the pack. The lower groups of social media sharers begin with Australia (63 per cent), Belgium (62 per cent), the United States (60 per cent), Canada (59 per cent), Great Britain (58 per cent), France (49 per cent), Germany (44 per cent) and Japan (30 per cent).
As for demographics, Indian citizens indicated that those under the age of 35 (92 per cent) are most likely to share any type of content on social media sites, in particular when compared with those aged 35 to 49 (86 per cent) and those 50 to 64 (78 per cent). Women (88 per cent) appear somewhat more likely than men (89 per cent) to have shared some content in the past month.
MUMBAI: Food and travel are officially the ultimate power couple.
As National Tourism Day approaches, the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 has spotlighted culinary tourism as the driving force behind a revolution in Indian travel. No longer a side dish to the main event, food has claimed centre stage, transforming vacations into unforgettable, flavour-filled journeys.
In 2024, Indians travelled more frequently and for longer durations, with vacation spending surging nearly 25 per cent. A significant chunk of this increase was fuelled by travellers seeking unique and immersive culinary experiences that connected them to local cultures. Whether exploring bustling spice markets or learning time-honoured recipes from community experts, food became the heartbeat of modern Indian vacations.
The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024, curated by Godrej Vikhroli Cucina with insights from over 190 food experts, revealed the top culinary trends shaping Indian travel:
1. Street food and market tours
With 94.1 per cent of experts highlighting their popularity, vibrant food streets and spice markets emerged as must-visit attractions. From the zesty flavours of pani puri to the aromatic whiffs of garam masala, travellers immersed themselves in the diverse culinary fabric of India.
2. Culinary site tours
Nearly 92.3 per cent of experts predicted continued interest in these immersive experiences, where travellers visited tea estates, artisanal cheese hubs, and other production sites. These tours offered behind-the-scenes glimpses into the craft of food making, adding an educational edge to the journey.
3. Home dining experiences and local expertise
Around 87.5 per cent of experts noted a surge in travellers booking home dining experiences. These intimate interactions with local experts allowed visitors to learn traditional cooking techniques, taste signature regional products, and gain a deeper appreciation for India’s culinary heritage.
“Food is no longer just a part of the travel experience, but its very essence,” said A Perfect Bite Consulting MD & the annual report editor Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal. “Today’s travellers are not just seeking destinations but connections—immersive, authentic experiences that allow them to explore the heart of a place through its culinary heritage. Whether it’s walking through vibrant spice markets, learning traditional recipes from local experts, or savouring unique regional flavours, food has become the bridge that links people to cultures and stories,” she elaborated.
This surge in culinary tourism isn’t just reshaping Indian vacations; it’s creating opportunities for local communities and small brands to showcase their culinary culture. From bustling street vendors to small-scale producers, the movement is helping amplify India’s rich food heritage on a global stage.
As the country celebrates National Tourism Day, travellers are invited to embrace the fusion of food and travel—a blend that promises to redefine how people experience culture and destinations in the years to come.
The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 is available for download at www.vikhrolicucina.com.
