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The dessert scene in India is in the middle of a delicious transformation. From old-school ice cream parlours and traditional mithai shops to sleek, global-style dessert bars, the country’s sweet tooth has never been more adventurous. The latest addition to this evolving palate is the comeback of soft serve. As India’s frozen dessert market heats up, international players are no longer serving just indulgence. They’re dishing out innovation with a local heart. Few understand this better than Sumer Sethi, Founder of Unify Foodworks, who has brought Carvel, the American brand that invented soft serve ice cream, to India. India has a sweet tooth, and for Indians, there is always something sweet after every meal,” Sethi says. Global Heritage, Local Heart For decades, soft serve has symbolised carefree joy – the perfect swirl of creamy texture and nostalgia. But in India, that nostalgia comes with a distinctly local twist. The new wave of frozen desserts is as much about cultural comfort as it is about global indulgence. “At Carvel India, we researched intensely to figure out the taste preferences of India’s target audience and developed flavour profiles in tandem with the supply chain,” says Sumer. The result: a line-up that blends the familiar with the new — Gulab Jamun Lava Sundaes, Filter Coffee Dashers, Tutti Frutti Carvelanches, and Mango Soft Serve, flavours that bridge the gap between traditional mithai nostalgia and contemporary dessert culture. A Treat For Every Generation India’s love for desserts cuts across age groups, and that inclusivity has shaped the brand’s strategy. “There are only a few taste profiles that the consumer from 8 to 80 years old enjoys, and we’ve focused on exactly that. The offering needs to have something for everyone,” says Sethi. “ As the frozen dessert space in India grows, it’s clear that the next wave of indulgence is both familiar and fresh. With a mix of nostalgia, innovation, and accessible pricing, soft serve is no longer just a childhood treat, but it’s becoming a lifestyle experience. Whether it’s a mid-day pick-me-up or a late-night celebration, India’s dessert evolution has found its sweet spot, one swirl at a time.
