India, Aug. 21 -- Once tucked away as a wellness add-on on larger cafe menus, acai is now getting dedicated real estate of its own. Over the past few months, standalone acai bars, cloud kitchens and delivery-first brands have opened across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune, signalling that the deep-purple Brazilian berry is moving from niche superfood to a category in itself in India.

The berry is typically blended into a thick frozen pulp and topped with fruit, granola, nut butters and seeds. Food entrepreneurs in Indian metro cities are now positing them as smoothie-based breakfasts, post-workout meals, or grab-and-go foods. The format is also finding traction beyond dine-in cafes, with delivery-first brands making the bowls easier...