Food Startups to Set up New Trends in Hotel Industry in Odisha

Eastern Indian state of Odisha, which was once infamous for its poor human development index, has now emerged as one of the most favored destinations for investment in the country. All major sectors like food processing, energy, textiles, IT and electronics are witnessing rapid growth, thus making the state to bag investment commitment of around Rs 709.59 billion this year.
There has been phenomenal growth in the information and technology sector in Odisha. It is evidence from that the fact that the state produces a good number of IT professionals for the nation. The capital city of Bhubaneswar is going to be the major IT hub in the country. It has topped the list of 20 Smart Cities followed by Pune and Jaipur coming second and third because of its assured water and electricity supply, sanitation and solid waste management, efficient urban mobility and public transport, affordable housing. Other parameters such as Robust IT connectivity, e-governance, safety and security of citizens and health, education and economic activities have also contributed the temple city to claim top position in the list.

Now the question arises – what would be impact of these developments on the traditional hotel industry in Odisha?

Odisha is famous for its typical cuisines and cooks. The hotel industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the state due to the rapid industrialization, growth in tourism and educational sector. According to unofficial estimate, there are more than 30,000 hotels including star hotels to low cost hotels. The number is constantly increasing. Catering to the needs of the customers, the hotel industry is adopting new strategies from time to time.

 The hotel industry in Odisha is fast catching up the online trends, which are already being experienced by the major cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. In order to reach out masses, the hotels are coming up with different menus – a kind of pan-Indian menu and focusing on more efficient delivery platforms. They are trying to go hyper local in order to expand their customer base.  These developments have stimulated the role of technology in the food industry.

Technology has come a long way to play the role of facilitator in the hotel industry in Odisha. A number of food startups will soon come up in the state. The startups, mostly web-based delivery platforms will set new trends in the industry. No doubt, at present Bhubaneswar has been covered by the major global food delivery platforms. However, the city is not fully covered. And other towns and cities of the state are far away from this revolution. Days are not so far, when we see a good number of local startups will emerge to set new trends in the industry.

Typically a food delivery startup makes partnerships with different hotels and restaurants in the city.  It may also prefer foods in its own kitchen for the customers. It takes order both online and offline and delivers food to the customers. Everything is managed online.

In other words, the customers can views all hotel menus, discounts and offers at a single platform. They don't need to visit the store physically and can order sitting from home. Foods will be delivered in time.   How will the hotels get benefit from this new trend?

Food delivery startups will be of great help for low cost hotels and restaurants, who are often forced to downsize their expansion plans due to cost constraints. These small players can expand their business online, minimize marketing budget and optimize lean hiring.