As Budget 2026 approaches, the dairy and FMCG sectors are closely watching policy direction, particularly around infrastructure, rural demand, and consumption growth. Sharing her perspective on the upcoming budget, Akshali Shah, Executive Director, Parag Milk Foods, emphasised the importance of sustained focus on agriculture and dairy as key pillars of India’s growth story.

She highlighted that strengthening dairy infrastructure, improving farm productivity, and expanding milk collection can significantly enhance efficiency and global competitiveness. According to her, investments in modern processing technology, organised supply chains, and better farm practices are essential to support farmers, reduce wastage, and position Indian dairy products more strongly on the global stage.

Commenting on taxation reforms and consumption trends, Akshali Shah said, “Ahead of Budget 2026, a continued focus on the dairy and agriculture sector, particularly on strengthening infrastructure, improving farm productivity, and expanding milk collection, can help the sector become more efficient and globally competitive. Investments in modern processing technology, organised supply chains, and better farm practices will not only support farmers and reduce wastage but also give the Indian dairy sector greater global reach and recognition for quality products.”

She further noted that GST and other tax reforms have played a positive role in supporting consumption patterns. While urban demand is showing signs of recovery, she pointed out that rural consumption continues to require policy support due to inflationary pressures and monsoon-related uncertainties.

Sharing her expectations from the upcoming budget, she added, “Reforms in GST and other taxation have played a positive role in supporting consumption patterns over the past year. Boosting consumption remains an important ask from the FMCG sector. While urban demand is showing signs of recovery, rural consumption, though resilient requires continued policy support, especially in the face of monsoon risks and inflationary pressures.”

Looking ahead, Akshali Shah expressed optimism that Budget 2026 will continue to strengthen agricultural and dairy infrastructure, while encouraging the adoption of modern technology. She stressed the importance of incentives for modern processing facilities, expansion of cold-chain logistics, and improved access to credit for farmers to build a more resilient and competitive sector.

She concluded, “Looking ahead, we hope Budget 2026 will continue to strengthen agricultural and dairy infrastructure, support rural development, and encourage the adoption of modern technology. Initiatives such as incentivising modern processing facilities and expanding cold-chain logistics can help improve milk availability, product quality, and overall efficiency. By building on recent progress and supporting farmers with better access to credit and resources, the sector can become more resilient, competitive, and capable of meeting growing consumer demand.”

Coimbatore is all set to turn into a world of colour, energy, and excitement with the arrival of Candy Bounce, India’s biggest candy-themed inflatable bounce park. Designed and curated by Global Media Box and brought to the city by Pressana Infra, this global attraction marks the first-ever introduction of the Candy Bounce concept in India. The park has been launched at Golden Grove by Pressana Infra in Nanjundapuram, adding a fresh and vibrant entertainment option to the city.

Spread across an expansive area of over 30,000 square feet, Candy Bounce transforms playtime into a lively candy universe filled with oversized sweets, ice-cream-inspired inflatables, and interactive play zones. Conceptualised as a safe, high-energy, and family-friendly destination, the park caters to visitors of all age groups, making it an ideal outing for children, teenagers, and families.

Inside the park, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of inflatable attractions where they can slide, bounce, jump, climb, crawl, and explore creatively designed play areas. One of the major highlights is the Candy Obstacle Run, an engaging challenge course that combines fitness with fun and adventure, offering an exciting experience for both teens and adults while also encouraging active play.

Beyond its entertainment value, Candy Bounce also serves as a lively social and relaxation space. With colourful installations and playful candy-themed setups, the park offers a visually engaging environment that appeals to families, youngsters, influencers, and photography enthusiasts looking to capture memorable moments.

Envisioned as a pan-India experiential entertainment property, Candy Bounce aims to boost domestic tourism through immersive and interactive attractions. Following its debut in Coimbatore, the park is planned to travel across major cities including Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and other destinations, bringing this unique candy-themed experience to audiences across the country.

Poised to become one of Coimbatore’s most exciting seasonal attractions, Candy Bounce promises a delightful mix of fun, fitness, and fantasy, all packed into one giant inflatable park.

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, in collaboration with Amrut Distilleries, has unveiled an exclusive single malt whisky crafted solely for Zarf, the hotel’s signature Indian fine-dining restaurant. The launch marks a significant milestone for Amrut, representing its 50th single malt release and the first time the distillery has created a whisky exclusively for a restaurant.

The bespoke expression has been distilled using Indian six-row barley and matured for over six years in a carefully selected refill virgin American oak cask. Designed specifically to complement Zarf’s culinary philosophy, the whisky mirrors the restaurant’s approach of drawing inspiration from the flavours of “forgotten India” while presenting them through a modern, refined lens.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sanjay Gupta, Multi Property General Manager, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, said the partnership reflects the hotel’s focus on creating experience-led food and beverage destinations. He noted that collaborations like this allow cuisine, craft and culture to intersect, positioning Zarf as a space where Indian heritage is expressed in a contemporary and globally relevant way.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director, Amrut Distilleries, said the release of the 50th single malt in partnership with Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield and Zarf was particularly meaningful. He added that this marks Amrut’s first private label collaboration in India, making the association with the hotel and its bespoke restaurant especially significant.

The launch was accompanied by a specially curated menu at Zarf, designed to echo the whisky’s layered character and depth. The pairing featured dishes such as Mushroom ki Galouti with Lucknow potli spices and saffron warqi, Peshawari Namak Mandi lamb chops, lamb galouti kebab finished with saffron warqi, and Dal-e-Zarf, slow-cooked in stoneware with yellow moong lentils and desi ghee. Together, the menu and the whisky created a cohesive dialogue between spirit and cuisine.

Adding a visual dimension to the evening, the launch also featured a fashion walk curated by Prasad Bidapa, showcasing designs by Hemant Trevedi inspired by the colours and flow of the whisky. The presentation complemented the evening’s emphasis on craftsmanship, heritage and contemporary expression.

Through this collaboration, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield reinforces its positioning as a leading culinary and lifestyle destination, while Amrut Distilleries continues to strengthen its reputation as one of India’s most respected and globally recognised single malt producers, setting a new benchmark for experiential luxury in the country.