Thousands of small traditional retail outlets continue to dominate the Indian food retail sector, accounting for 98 percent of sales. However, a number of modern retail chains offering a more consumer-friendly shopping experience are emerging and the number of stores has increased significantly over the past few years and now exceeds 3,000. The recent amendments to foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail could speed the development of the retail sector in states where investment is allowed. India is a small but growing market for imported consumer-ready food products, imports were $2.1 billion 2012, up from $1.0 billion in 2008.
