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By Hariharan U
Published on January 5, 2026
India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector is heating up, with dealmaking activity reaching new highs as brands race to scale and investors chase long-term growth. The headline transaction is the merger of Devyani International and Sapphire Foods India, operators of KFC and Pizza Hut, which will create the country’s largest single QSR platform with a combined network of over 3,000 outlets.
Beyond marquee mergers, capital continues to pour into fast-growing brands. Wow! Momo Foods recently raised fresh funding led by veteran investor Madhusudan Kela. Dessert-focused chains are also drawing strong interest, with Vixar acquiring a significant minority stake in The Belgian Waffle Co, while ChrysCapital earlier took a controlling stake in bakery brand Theobroma.
Global interest in Indian food brands is equally strong. International private equity firm L Catterton acquired a minority stake in Haldiram Snacks Food, following a major investment by global investors including Temasek, IHC and Alpha Wave Global. Haldiram Group is also reportedly exploring the introduction of American sandwich brand Jimmy John’s in India, underlining the growing appetite for Western-style QSR formats among young, urban consumers.
Industry executives point to rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, digital ordering, and food delivery platforms as key drivers behind the sector’s momentum. “A lot of these deals are in the works because QSR chains are trying to bulk up their physical presence,” a banker involved in one of the transactions had told ET. “There are long-term tailwinds for the sector, given that the overall food services market has a lot of headroom for growth.”
While investor interest remains strong, valuations continue to be closely scrutinised. “Over the past few months, a number of such negotiations hit a roadblock over valuations,” the banker noted, highlighting the cautious approach adopted by private equity firms even amid high growth expectations.
Explaining why investors remain bullish, Rajiv Batra of ChrysCapital said, “India's food space is a large industry with an attractive growth profile based on the shift from unorganised to organised. With an increase in disposable income and convenience-led multiple food options via food aggregators, Indians are eating out and ordering food more than before. This has given opportunity to many homegrown brands to scale.”
Operational discipline remains central to long-term success. Dheeraj Gupta, founder of Jumboking, observed, “The secret sauce lies in disciplined capital allocation, how to provide maximum customer satisfaction at minimum cost.” He added that well-managed QSR businesses are increasingly setting benchmarks for the wider industry.
Experts also underline the importance of localisation and brand loyalty. “QSR success requires balancing standardisation with localisation, maintaining consistent quality while adapting to regional preferences,” said Pakhi Saxena of Wazir Advisors. Meanwhile, Amit Mehendale of RoboCapital noted, “In the long run, brands that earn customer loyalty will always win.”
India’s food services market continues to expand rapidly, supported by quick commerce, delivery platforms, and changing consumption habits. Industry estimates suggest the market is on track for sustained double-digit growth, with organised QSR chains expected to outpace the unorganised segment and play a leading role in shaping the future of India’s dining economy.
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Published on May 16, 2026
Alia Bhatt made a striking appearance at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, wearing bespoke sapphire and diamond jewellery from Malabar Gold and Diamonds, blending refined craftsmanship with contemporary elegance on one of the world’s most celebrated red carpets.
Styled in a custom ensemble by Rhea Kapoor, Alia paired her Cannes look with a curated selection of high jewellery pieces featuring Ceylon sapphires and diamonds from the jewellery brand’s premium collection.
The jewellery edit showcased statement earrings, sapphire rings, and a diamond pendant crafted with contemporary detailing and precision artistry. Together, the pieces reflected a balance of sophistication, gemstone craftsmanship, and understated luxury.
Among the standout creations were the White Quartz Briolette Earrings, featuring 3-carat pear-shaped earrings designed with fluid white quartz briolettes that moved elegantly with light and motion.
Adding depth to the overall styling were statement rings including the Ceylon Sapphire Oval Ring, centred around an 8-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by brilliant round diamonds, enhancing the gemstone’s rich ocean-blue tones and brilliance.
The look also featured the Pear-Shaped Ceylon Sapphire Ring, showcasing 8.8 carats of Ceylon sapphire designed to resemble a falling raindrop, highlighting remarkable clarity and depth.
Completing the ensemble was the Pear-Shaped Diamond Pendant, featuring a 4-carat pear-shaped diamond suspended in a minimal and refined setting, creating a graceful stream of reflected light.
The Cannes appearance further highlighted Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ continued focus on fine craftsmanship, gemstone quality, and modern design interpretation, while also reinforcing the growing global presence of Indian jewellery artistry across international fashion and cultural platforms.
Commenting on the collaboration, M. P. Ahammad said, “Cannes Film Festival represents a global platform where fashion, artistry, and craftsmanship come together. Through this collaboration with Alia Bhatt, we wanted to present jewellery that reflects timeless elegance while showcasing the finesse and design excellence associated with Malabar Gold & Diamonds.”
Founded in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds is the flagship company of the Malabar Group and currently operates over 445 showrooms across 14 countries. The brand continues to expand its global footprint through a strong focus on luxury craftsmanship, international design sensibilities, and socially responsible business practices.
Alia Bhatt’s Cannes 2026 appearance marks another milestone for the brand as Indian luxury and jewellery craftsmanship continue gaining visibility on global fashion platforms.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and IHG Hotels & Resorts have entered into a major partnership to develop five hotels across important airport-linked and fast-growing urban destinations in India. The agreement will add close to 1,500 rooms and marks a significant step in strengthening hospitality infrastructure around India’s expanding aviation network.
One of the biggest highlights of the partnership is the India debut of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, which will open its first property in Jaipur. Alongside this, additional properties under Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands will be introduced as part of mixed-use developments connected to Adani Airport cities.
The planned projects will be spread across Jaipur, Navi Mumbai, Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram. The collaboration reflects the increasing demand for hospitality services around airport-led developments and growing urban centres. Reports also suggest that AAHL and IHG are in advanced discussions to further expand their partnership.
Kimpton’s entry into India brings a globally recognised lifestyle hospitality brand known for its boutique experiences and design-led approach. Its launch signals the rising demand for premium hospitality experiences, especially around airports and urban developments.
The expansion also comes at a time when India’s aviation and tourism sectors continue to witness strong growth. Increasing passenger traffic and business travel are driving the need for integrated airport ecosystems that go beyond transport and include hospitality, retail, and commercial spaces.
Speaking on the development, Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises Limited, said: “As the Adani Group expands its presence across hospitality and airport-led urban infrastructure, our vision is to create world-class destinations that seamlessly integrate travel, stay and urban experiences around India’s rapidly growing aviation ecosystem. We are building this platform in partnership with leading international hotel brands that bring global standards, operational excellence and scale. Our collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, and the development of five hotels across key gateway destinations, marks an important step in strengthening high-quality hospitality infrastructure aligned with India’s long-term travel and economic growth.”
AAHL continues to build airport city developments that combine aviation, hospitality, retail, and commercial infrastructure. Its airport city projects currently span around 663 acres across multiple locations with a focus on long-term urban growth and passenger experience.
Commenting on the partnership, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “The partnership with Adani Airport Holdings reflects the scale of opportunity we continue to see in India’s hospitality sector, particularly across gateway cities and airport-led developments that are witnessing strong demand from business, leisure and transit travellers alike. With a mix of luxury, premium and essentials brands, this portfolio allows us to meaningfully strengthen our presence across high-growth markets across the country. This agreement also marks an important milestone for us with the introduction of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants to India.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 52 hotels across six brands in India and has a pipeline of 98 more properties expected to open over the next three to five years.
With busy schedules and fast-moving city life becoming a daily reality, many couples are now looking for meaningful breaks that help them slow down and spend quality time together. Quiet surroundings, privacy, and experiences that encourage genuine connection are becoming more valuable than long-distance travel plans.
Keeping this growing travel trend in mind, The Serai Resorts has introduced a curated collection of romantic drive-to getaways designed especially for couples. Located within comfortable driving distance from Bengaluru and Mysuru, the boutique luxury properties in Kabini, Bandipur, and Chikmagalur offer private and immersive experiences for those looking for a refreshing escape.
A key highlight of the offering is the specially designed Forever in Love package. Starting at ₹56,000 plus taxes and available for both two-night and three-night stays, the package has been created to bring together luxury and intimate experiences. Couples can enjoy a romantic dining setup within the privacy of their room, sparkling wine, handcrafted chocolates, candle-lit turndown décor, and a celebratory cake. Guests also receive a 10% savings benefit on spa and bar services.
At The Serai Kabini, couples can relax beside the peaceful Kabini backwaters while enjoying experiences that combine nature and comfort. Activities include nature walks, coracle rides, kayaking, and boat and land safaris. The experience is further enhanced with private BBQ dining arrangements and 30-minute spa therapies at the doorstep, offering moments of privacy and relaxation.
For travellers who prefer cooler weather and scenic landscapes, The Serai Chikmagalur presents a serene retreat set amid lush coffee plantations. Recognised as India’s Best Staycation at the India’s Best Awards 2025 by Travel + Leisure, the property features spacious villas with private pools designed for uninterrupted relaxation. Guests can explore guided plantation walks, cycling trails, and peaceful outdoor experiences or simply spend quiet moments together within their private villa. Personalised BBQ experiences and doorstep spa treatments add to the overall experience.
At The Serai Bandipur, couples can enjoy a stay close to nature on the edge of Bandipur National Park. Surrounded by forest landscapes and wildlife, the resort offers opportunities to spot deer near private log huts and experience guided safaris and outdoor adventures. The stay also includes private BBQ dining and spa therapies, blending nature, adventure, and comfort.
From the calm backwaters of Kabini and the misty hills of Chikmagalur to the wilderness of Bandipur, The Serai Resorts offers couples a chance to enjoy intimate and memorable experiences without travelling too far from the city.
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