~ Targets 600 outlets over the next two years as it strengthens its presence across India’s organised tobacco-free paan category.
Mast Banarasi Paan, one of India’s largest organised tobacco-free paan café chains, has crossed the milestone of 400 outlets across the country and plans to expand its network to 600 outlets over the next two years. As part of its next phase of growth, the company is exploring strategic growth capital to support expansion, strengthen its technology and supply chain capabilities, and enhance its franchise ecosystem.
India’s food services industry is witnessing growing consumer demand for organised, hygienic and experience-led formats across traditionally unorganised categories. Against this backdrop, Mast Banarasi Paan sees an opportunity to bring greater standardisation and consistency to one of India’s oldest culinary traditions.
India’s paan market is estimated to be worth over ₹5,000 crore, yet remains overwhelmingly fragmented, with organised retail accounting for only a small share of the category. The proposed capital will support geographical expansion, technology infrastructure, central sourcing, supply chain capabilities and brand-building initiatives, while deepening the company’s presence across metropolitan as well as Tier II and Tier III markets.
With more than 400 outlets across 20+ states and over 320 cities, Mast Banarasi Paan has built one of the country’s largest organised tobacco-free paan retail networks. The company is also evaluating opportunities in international markets with significant Indian diaspora populations.
The expansion comes at a time when Banarasi Paan is receiving renewed policy recognition. The Uttar Pradesh Government recently included Banarasi Paan under its One District One Cuisine (ODOC) initiative, aimed at promoting iconic regional cuisines through branding, entrepreneurship and market access.
At the core of the company’s proposition is its commitment to offering 100% tobacco-free paan. By separating the culinary experience of paan from tobacco consumption, Mast Banarasi Paan seeks to present the traditional Indian mouth freshener in a modern, hygienic and family-friendly format.
Commenting on the milestone, Panchanand Thakur, Founder & CEO, Mast Banarasi Paan, said: “Paan has long been an integral part of India’s culinary and cultural heritage, but the category has remained largely unorganised. We see a growing preference for trusted brands that offer quality, consistency and hygiene while preserving authenticity. Our focus is on expanding responsibly, strengthening our operating capabilities and making the Banarasi paan experience accessible to consumers across the country.”
Alongside traditional favourites such as meetha and sada paan, the company continues to expand its portfolio with contemporary offerings to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Its franchise-led model has also enabled entrepreneurs across Tier I, II and III cities to participate in organised food retail through standardised operating systems, technology-enabled processes and central sourcing.
Looking ahead, Mast Banarasi Paan will continue to focus on disciplined expansion, operational excellence, product innovation and strengthening its franchise partner ecosystem as it scales its presence across existing and new markets.
