India's affluent classes will overtake the combined population of the UK, Germany and France within five years - presenting a huge opportunity for Western food and drink companies, according to a new report published by IGD.

The country's middle and upper classes were growing by 15.3% per year and would reach 235 million people by 2012, or 19% of the total population, IGD predicted in 'India: Planning Your Approach'.

"The latest generation of Indians has a hugely different world view from the generations that preceded them, which translates into radically different purchasing patterns," said Mala Morris, senior business analyst at IGD. "India's young people are embracing a boundary-less world and are more likely to try new tastes and shopping habits."

However, companies would have to take care in how they approached the market, she warned.

"The opportunities for suppliers and retailers in India are simply vast, but success is dependent on understanding a complex morass of regulatory issues and consumer segments.

"It is crucially important that store formats are

adapted to local conditions, and that investment is made in a strong local management team with scalable systems."