Mast Banarasi Paan, one of India’s organized tobacco-free paan café chains, has crossed the milestone of 400 outlets across the country and plans to expand its network to 600 outlets over the next two years. As part of its next phase of growth, the company is exploring strategic growth capital to support expansion, strengthen its technology and supply chain capabilities, and enhance its franchise ecosystem.
India’s food services industry is witnessing growing consumer demand for organized, hygienic and experience-led formats across traditionally unorganized categories. Against this backdrop, Mast Banarasi Paan sees an opportunity to bring greater standardization and consistency to one of India’s oldest culinary traditions.
India’s paan market is estimated to be worth over Rs 5,000 crore, yet remains overwhelmingly fragmented, with organised retail accounting for only a small share of the category. The proposed capital will support geographical expansion, technology infrastructure, central sourcing, supply chain capabilities and brand-building initiatives, while deepening the company’s presence across metropolitan as well as Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
With more than 400 outlets across 20+ states and over 320 cities, Mast Banarasi Paan has built one of the country’s largest organized tobacco-free paan retail networks. The company is also evaluating opportunities in international markets with significant Indian diaspora populations.
The expansion comes at a time when Banarasi Paan is receiving renewed policy recognition. The Uttar Pradesh Government recently included Banarasi Paan under its One District One Cuisine (ODOC) initiative, aimed at promoting iconic regional cuisines through branding, entrepreneurship and market access.
At the core of the company’s proposition is its commitment to offering 100% tobacco-free paan. By separating the culinary experience of paan from tobacco consumption, Mast Banarasi Paan seeks to present the traditional Indian mouth freshener in a modern, hygienic and family-friendly format.
Commenting on the milestone, Panchanand Thakur, founder & CEO, Mast Banarasi Paan, said, “Paan has long been an integral part of India’s culinary and cultural heritage, but the category has remained largely unorganized. We see a growing preference for trusted brands that offer quality, consistency and hygiene while preserving authenticity. Our focus is on expanding responsibly, strengthening our operating capabilities and making the Banarasi paan experience accessible to consumers across the country.”
Alongside traditional favorites such as meetha and sada paan, the company continues to expand its portfolio with contemporary offerings to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Its franchise-led model has also enabled entrepreneurs across Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities to participate in organised food retail through standardized operating systems, technology-enabled processes and central sourcing.
Looking ahead, Mast Banarasi Paan will continue to focus on disciplined expansion, operational excellence, product innovation and strengthening its franchise partner ecosystem as it scales its presence across existing and new markets.
IndiFoodBev — authentic, impactful and influential
An English-language food and beverage processing and packaging industry B2B platform in print and web, IndiFoodBev is in its third year of publication. It is said that the Indian food and beverage industries represent approximately US$ 900 billion in revenues which implies more than 20% of the country’s GDP. Eliminating the wastage on the farmside can help to deliver more protein to a higher number of the population apart from generating sizable exports. The savings in soil, seeds, water, fertilizer, energy and ultimately food and nutrition could be the most immense contribution that country is poised to make to the moderation of climate change.
To improve your marketing and grow sales to the food and beverage processing and packaging industry, talk to us. Our research and consulting company IppStar [www.ippstar.org] can assess your potential and addressable markets in light of the competition. We can discuss marketing, communication, and sales strategies for market entry and growth.
Suppliers and service providers with a strategy and budget for targeted marketing can discuss using our hybrid print, web, video, and social media channels to create brand recognition linked to market relevance. Our technical writers are ready to meet you and your customers for content.
The second largest producer of fruit and vegetables in the world is continuously expanding processing capacities and delivery systems with appropriate innovative technologies. We cover product and consumer trends, nutrition, processing, research, equipment and packaging from farm to thali. Get our 2025 media kit and recalibrate your role in this dynamic market. Enhance your visibility and relevance to existing markets and turn potential customers into conversations. Ask for a sample copy of our bi-monthly in print or our weekly IndiFoodBev eZine each Wednesday.
For editorial info@ippgroup.in — for advertisement ads1@ippgroup.in and for subscriptions subscription@ippgroup.in
Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
Subscribe Now
