Introduction

Healthy food trucks in India require basic skills, handy facilities, and a small budget. People who have difficulty finding employment in the formal sector often turn to this job because it allows the entire family to participate in preparing and serving food to be sold to the public. The appeal of hosting a food truck is not only the limited resources but also the convenience of limited space and time. Food trucks appeal to consumers because they are often an inexpensive way to get a quick meal. Food trucks have gained in popularity since the 2008 crisis and are as much a restaurant idea as family-style dining or fast food. A food truck is a mobile venue that transports and sells food. Food trucks now serve everything from cupcakes to frozen or pre-packaged food, some may cater to specific meals, such as the breakfast truck, lunch truck or lunch wagon, snack truck, kebab trailer, break truck, or taco truck. The emergence of food trucks has seen a surge in the market: an unconventional, thrilling avenue for aspiring business owners to make their mark in the realm of food service. These mobile eateries bring food to customers at various locations, such as gourmet cuisine and traditional street foods at events and festivals or office parks and street corners. The rise in the cost of land rent to run a restaurant is likely to increase in popularity of food trucks. The growing popularity of food trucks among commercial restaurants is likely to witness significant growth in the market. Commercial restaurants are launching food trucks across prime locations to explore the restaurant facilities is expected to propel the market. The rising consumer trend toward fast food and beverages is anticipated to enhance the demand for food trucks. Rapid urbanization and an increasing number of working women across the globe will likely create an opportunity for the food truck business. Food truck/van businesses are established in those areas where it is difficult to construct a traditional restaurant such as beaches, camps, construction sites, events, etc.

Market Overview

Global Market Potential:

An emerging force in the global food truck arena is the evolution of our palates and lifestyle inertia - we're always on the move. Forever transforming, forever evolving- a major factor driving this multi-billion industry is indeed us! The latest market analysis report by some expert firms, it was revealed that indeed $26.3 billion will be what the global food truck market would amount to come 2027; starting from a base value of $19.4 billion in 2022, this translates to an estimated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) at 6.2% during this period. An opportunity awaits those ready to take risks- are you one of them?

Indian Market Potential:

The value of India's food truck market was reported at USD 152.45 million in the year 2022; it is anticipated to hit USD 277.28 million by 2029 with a growth rate pegged at 9.23% CAGR during the forecast span from 2023-29. A great deal of the reason behind this enormous expansion in the Indian food truck market lies in shifting consumer preferences, elevating female workforce participation, and people’s growing fondness for street food along with diverse drinks & beverages. When these exotic concoctions are added to the menu- along with peculiar, never-before-seen items- it spells fresh opportunities for spirited entrepreneurs looking to make their mark within the industry's folds.

Factors Driving Market Growth:

Food trucks have a wide variety of food available in a very casual and convenient environment. They cater to a more diversified clientele base. Food trucks usually run at lower costs than the more traditional restaurants. A costly location, an involving interior elaboration, and a large staffing are not requirements. This makes them a more cost-effective option, especially for dedicated beginners. Owners of these businesses enjoy adaptability to shifting market conditions, which in turn has positive effects on their sales. Many of these cars are known to stock exclusive types of dishes; others will however deal with what is rarely found in eateries of the same kind thereby calling for culinary creativity that appeals to adventurous eaters. Food truck proprietors would rather seek to reach their clients through various platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Factors Restraining Market Expansion:

Food trucks have been facing complex regulations, the likes of health and safety standards, zoning laws, and permitting requirements alongside licensing fees. It is a difficult task for these businesses to expand to different areas due to the varying nature of these regulations from one place to another. Mainly outdoor event and festival-reliant food trucks can be highly seasonal. Consequently, this type of seasonality poses challenges to revenue consistency throughout the year hence scaring away potential investors. Growing the food truck industry means there is more competition now than ever before. In some markets, there is an oversupply of food trucks leading to cut-throat rivalry thus making it difficult for new players to break through. Most of these enterprises rely heavily on weather conditions; if there are adverse ones, they suffer greatly such as rain, snow, or extreme heat, which can impact sales and profitability.

Key Industry Players:

The major players in the Market are Prestige Custom Food Truck Manufacturer, Easy Trac GPS, Roaming Hunger, Good Food Truck Company, Roundup World Street Kitchen, Food Truck India, Food Truck Company B.V, M&R Trailers, Bostonian Body and others.

Government Support:

Several countries have announced policies to start a food truck business nationwide.

For instance, The Delhi government announced a first-of-its-kind food truck policy along the lines of the United States and the United Kingdom in August 2022.

In June 2021, the restaurant management platform Spot on launched Spot on Sidekick, a new solution designed for food trucks, pop-ups, cafes, and other mobile food businesses.

In June 2021, Indian Hotels Company's (IHCL) food delivery platform Qmin launched the Qmin food truck in India.

Food Truck Business Advantages:

• Speed of service (Instant service)
• Food variety in a single location
• Tempting to the young crowd
• Wonderful food taste
• Variety available
• Both Non-vegetarian & veg food are available
• Self-service

Challenges Faced:

Dealing with local regulations, health codes, and permits can be overwhelming. Different cities and towns have different requirements for food trucks, and traveling between these regional offices can be time-consuming and expensive. The food truck industry is especially competitive in cities. Because the barriers to entry are low, there may be multiple food trucks with the same basic product. Selecting the right location for your food truck is important. Landing a large traffic or popular event can be difficult. Competition for these jobs can be fierce. Depending on location, truck operations may be affected by season. Bad weather conditions can affect sales and some trucks are forced to hibernate. Sanitation inspections and compliance with food safety regulations may be required. Food truck operations often operate long hours, including weekends and holidays. Food trucks are mobile operations, and maintaining the trucks, including engines and equipment, can be expensive and time-consuming.

Essential Business Strategies

Choosing a Suitable Food Truck:

For starting a food truck business, choosing the correct vehicle is the key there will be a lot of options available while choosing the vehicle, we can see many variations in the size of the truck, the appearance of the truck, and even the interiors of the truck, at that time choosing a correct one is the core matter.

Making a new truck into a remodelled food truck will cost more than choosing a second-hand vehicle for this is advisable because the upcoming expenses of the business are dependent upon this so it should be chosen wisely.

Choosing a Correct Location:

The food truck business is based on the location where it has been located, simply business on wheels, so the place where it is going to do business is key, roads with empty environments, no people no children, and without younger generation are useless, the company can’t be developed properly so choosing road like happening place and with all kind attractable environment and with the sort of people who will able to get use the food truck is important. At the same time, the business should not create any issues for society like making traffic jams, forming crowds in public places these kinds of problems should be handled from the initial stage also preferring a light vehicle is advisable than a big one.

Provide Healthy Meals Quickly:

Making the food in front of the customer ensures hygiene. Driving near customers' workplaces so they can easily have good food within their lunch break and reach the office in time.

Food Truck Business Equipment:

Equipping your food truck with suitable equipment ensures your mobile kitchen runs efficiently and produces quality food. The specific equipment you need may vary relay on your menu and cuisine, but here's a list of essential food truck equipment to consider:

Cooking Equipment:

• Grill: Gas or electric grills are essential for cooking burgers, sandwiches, and various other items.
• Griddle: Used for cooking pancakes, eggs, and other items, a flat-top grill is versatile and a staple for many food trucks.
• Range or Stove-top: If your menu includes dishes that require boiling or simmering, a range or stove-top is essential.
• Fryer: To prepare items like french fries, chicken wings, or deep-fried desserts. Oven: For baking or reheating items like pizza, pastries, and more.

Refrigeration and Cold Storage:

• Reach-In Refrigerator:         Keeps ingredients and prepared food items cold and fresh.
• Freezer:                               Required for storing frozen items.
• Ice Maker:                           Essential for beverages and keeping items chilled.

Food Preparation Equipment:

• Food Processor:                        Useful for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
• Cutting Boards and Knives:       High-quality knives and cutting boards are essential for food preparation.
• Mixing Bowls and Utensils:        For mixing and blending ingredient
• Food Slicers:                              Used for slicing deli meats or vegetables.
• Food Warmer or Heat Lamp:      Keeps prepared food items warm until they are served.

Food Storage:

• Shelving:                     Provides storage for dry goods, utensils, and equipment.
• Storage Containers:    To store ingredients and prepared food items.
• Cambro Bins:              Insulated containers for transporting and storing hot or cold food.

Hand Washing and Sanitation:

• Three-Compartment Sink:     For washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes and utensils.
• Hand Sink:                             Required for hand washing.
• Dish-washing Equipment:      Includes dish racks, sprayers, and drying racks.
• Supplies:                                Sanitizers and cleaning materials to maintain cleanliness.

Service Equipment:

• Serving Window:                  The window through which you serve food to customers.
• Service Counter:                  A counter for assembling and plating dishes.
• POS System:                       Point-of-sale system for handling transactions and orders.
• Display and Menu Boards:  To showcase your menu and prices.

Licenses and Approvals:

Till now there have been no special laws or rules created for food truck businesses, but there are some essential documents to have to run a food truck business legally without any problems, here are some of the documents required for running a food truck business:

• NOC from RTO
• Shop and Establishment License
• First Safety Certificate
• NOC from Municipal Corporation
• Insurance for Cooking Area
• Mobile Vendors License by FSSAI

Marketing and Sales:

• • Send brochures to residents, offices, schools, and colleges in the area

  • Provide some discount to customers on their first order on opening day
  • Word-of-mouth advertising
  • Direct sales and marketing
  • Using the Internet to promote your business

Cost Sheet: