Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad
As the Indian HoReCa sector undergoes a rapid transformation, driven by a growing demand for premium, health-conscious, and innovative food and beverage solutions, MONIN—the century-old French gourmet flavour brand—has emerged as a key player shaping the future of taste. In an exclusive conversation, Germain Araud, Managing Director, MONIN India, opens up about the company’s deepening roots in India, the trends redefining the hospitality industry, and how MONIN’s new state-of-the-art facility near Hyderabad is central to its South Asian growth strategy.
“The Indian HoReCa market is witnessing rapid growth, driven by a greater focus on health-conscious dining, sustainability, and unique culinary experiences,” said Araud. “Consumers are increasingly prioritizing clean-label, low-sugar, and plant-based products, alongside a desire for bold, innovative flavors. This has spurred hospitality businesses to offer higher-quality, more specialized beverage and culinary solutions.”
MONIN’s answer to this shift has been a strategic mix of innovation and localisation. Its recently launched Pure Range and the Paragon Range are tailor-made for this new wave of consumers. “The Pure Range reflects the growing shift towards health-consciousness, focusing on natural ingredients and fewer additives,” Araud explained. “It caters to consumers seeking cleaner, more authentic products without compromising on flavor. In contrast, the Paragon Range targets those seeking bold, unique experiences. It features experimental, vibrant flavors that appeal to adventurous consumers eager to explore new tastes, especially in beverages and cocktails.”
Taking its commitment to Indian consumers a step further, MONIN recently introduced a Raw Mango Syrup—a celebration of regional palate and cultural nostalgia. “The Raw Mango Syrup was developed to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage, offering a flavor that resonates deeply with local tastes,” Araud said. “By blending global expertise with insights from local cultures, MONIN continues to create products that are both globally recognized and regionally relevant.”
The most visible sign of MONIN’s long-term commitment to India, however, lies just outside Hyderabad. Nestled in Gunthapally village, Sangareddy district, the brand has established a sprawling manufacturing facility designed to meet the region’s growing appetite for premium syrups and beverage ingredients.
“Our Hyderabad facility will serve as a strategic hub for the Indian and South Asian markets,” Araud noted. “Initially, the facility will support key markets such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The plant will improve supply chain efficiency and significantly enhance distribution capabilities across the region.” The site, he added, has been designed to meet the estimated demands for the next four to six years without any major additional CAPEX investment. “The planned expansion for Phase 2 and beyond has already been factored into our long-term Masterplan.”
To further connect with India’s hospitality community, MONIN also plans to expand its Experience Centers—currently located in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore—by opening a new one in Hyderabad. “We aim to expand into other emerging metros and key regions, further strengthening our market presence and facilitating closer connections with local markets,” said Araud.
The Hyderabad facility, backed by an investment of over INR 350 crore, is not just a manufacturing unit—it is a cornerstone of MONIN’s regional strategy, informed Araud. “We’ve invested heavily in infrastructure and innovation to meet the growing demands of the local market,” he added. “This also allows us to provide tailor-made solutions for our large domestic and international multi-key account customers expanding in the country.”
As MONIN scales up operations, it continues to collaborate with hospitality giants to diversify beverage menus and introduce global trends to Indian consumers. “We’re working closely with brands like Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, Taj Hotels, The Lalit, and Marriott,” Araud said. “These partnerships help strengthen MONIN’s position in the market.”
Going ahead, MONIN is set to unveil more India-centric products. “We’re excited to launch a regional Saffron Syrup later this year,” Araud revealed. “This aligns with our commitment to providing natural and health-focused products. These initiatives allow us to stay responsive to evolving consumer preferences.”
The company is also exploring new ways to innovate with local talent. “We’re collaborating with local chefs and mixologists to bring more unique, regionally inspired solutions to the market,” said Araud. “Over the next five years, we expect the HoReCa sector to continue growing rapidly, with a greater focus on premium, health-conscious offerings and increasingly diverse consumer tastes.”
For MONIN, India is no longer just an emerging market—it is a growth engine. “India is key to MONIN’s long-term growth strategy, and we’re dedicated to expanding our presence here,” Araud concluded.
