A Namkeen is seen in western culture as a type of food that is not meant to be eaten as part of the main meals of the day (breakfast, lunch, and diner). Rather, the food is intended as a namkeen something to temporarily tide a persons hunger and provides a brief supply of energy for the body. Namkeen are designed to be less perishable, more durable, and more appealing than natural foods. Dal Moth, Chanachur, Bhujia & Khatta Meetha are the important names enhancing the flavour, & taste and processed foods. These are food products having no historical background & becomes in market and in social & cultural synonym as the society became more advanced.
The market of ready-to-eat namkeens is estimated at more than Rs.50,000 crore, having grown at a compounded annual growth rate of around 13% since 1998 till 2014 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 22% during 2014-2019. India is the world’s second largest producer of food next to China, and has the potential of being the biggest with the food and agricultural sector. This facilitates the development of new technologies and ensures a high quality product.
Few Indian major players are as under
· Aakash Global Foods Pvt. Ltd.
· Bakeys Foods Pvt. Ltd.
· D F M Foods Ltd.
· Frito-Lay India
· Gopal Snacks Pvt. Ltd.
· Haldiram Foods Intl. Ltd.