F&B Industry Welcomes Budget 2025: Expert Reactions

F&B Industry Welcomes Budget 2025: Expert Reactions

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 4, 2025

The food and beverage industry has welcomed the budget’s emphasis on economic expansion, job creation, and infrastructure development. Industry experts believe these measures will drive growth, create opportunities for MSMEs, and foster innovation.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & MD shared his perspective on how the budget supports the restaurant and hospitality industry.

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"The Union Budget 2025-26 lays a strong foundation for transformative growth, particularly for the restaurant and hospitality industry and the real estate sector. The government's focus on increasing disposable income through tax relief and job creation is a significant boost for our sector. We anticipate increased consumer spending, leading to higher foot traffic in restaurants, more frequent dining out, and sustained demand for food delivery services. The budget's emphasis on urban redevelopment, including the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund and enhanced infrastructure spending, creates exciting opportunities for mixed-use developments and real estate projects. Additionally, the allocation of ₹1.5 trillion fiscal support for MSMEs is expected to drive capacity expansion, creating a ripple effect that will further fuel demand for industrial real estate. The support for Tier-2 cities and the focus on urban innovation will not only stimulate real estate growth beyond the metros but also bolster homebuyer confidence and encourage further expansion. From gig worker welfare to the development of smart, sustainable cities, this budget's holistic approach will drive India's next wave of economic progress, creating new avenues for investment, innovation, and growth across our industries." 

Teja Chekuri, Founder of Full Stack Ventures, emphasized the impact of agriculture-focused initiatives on the food industry.

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"A landmark budget for India’s food future!

The focus on agriculture as the first engine of growth, the Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, and procurement support for pulses signal a bold step toward empowering our farmers and bringing nutrient-rich, traditional grains back to our tables. The creation of Agri districts and the Bihar Makhana Board will help preserve and promote regional food heritage while strengthening rural economies. As consumers demand transparency and healthier choices, this budget sets the stage for a true farm-to-table revolution. The government's commitment to self-sufficiency in pulses and investment in food technology and entrepreneurship will not only nourish our nation but also inspire the next generation to rediscover the grains and recipes of our ancestors."

A win for farmers, a win for food innovation, and a win for India’s health.

Saurabh Wadkar, Founder of Rooted, praised the budget's focus on food security and MSME support while also pointing out areas needing improvement.

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" The Union Budget 2025-26 reflects a bold step towards shaping India’s future by strengthening agriculture, MSMEs, and entrepreneurship. The Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the focus on self-sufficiency in pulses will stabilize supply chains, ensure fair pricing for farmers, and build a more resilient food ecosystem. With consumers becoming more conscious about what they eat, the emphasis on nutrition, value-added agriculture, and food security, signals a forward-thinking approach. Establishing the National Institute of Food Technology is a step in the right direction—it will not only boost food innovation and processing but also cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs and skilled professionals in this space.
 
The government’s push for expanding credit access—especially for MSMEs, first-time entrepreneurs, and women-led businesses—is commendable. However, access to capital is just one part of the equation. The real impact will be seen in how seamlessly and efficiently these funds reach businesses without bureaucratic roadblocks. The introduction of Bharat Trade Net for trade documentation and financing solutions could be a game-changer if executed well, further simplifying the ease of doing business in India.
 
Beyond policy, this budget acknowledges the evolving aspirations of a modern India. The expansion of UDAN, tourism incentives, and infrastructure investment will unlock new opportunities across hospitality, logistics, and regional trade. This will create a ripple effect on consumption patterns, employment, and GDP growth—a shift that visionary entrepreneurs must prepare for.
 
That said, taxation remains an area that requires urgent reform. High GST rates on processed foods and compliance challenges continue to slow down growth. This budget lays the foundation, but the real test lies in execution. India is on the brink of an entrepreneurial revolution—the right policies, if implemented well, can propel businesses into an era of unprecedented growth."

Conclusion

The Union Budget 2025-26 has set the stage for economic transformation by addressing key challenges and unlocking new growth avenues across industries. While leaders across the travel, hospitality, and food and beverage sectors have welcomed the initiatives, they also emphasize the need for continued reforms and strategic implementation to maximize their impact. With a strong focus on infrastructure, ease of doing business, and sector-specific incentives, this budget lays the foundation for a more dynamic and competitive India.


Espire Hospitality Posts Record FY26 Revenue of ₹14,106 Lakhs, EBITDA Grows 38%

Espire Hospitality Posts Record FY26 Revenue of ₹14,106 Lakhs, EBITDA Grows 38%

By Hariharan U

Published on June 30, 2026

Espire Hospitality Limited has reported its highest-ever financial performance for FY 2026, delivering strong growth across revenue, EBITDA, and profitability, driven by robust demand across leisure, spiritual, and business travel segments.

For FY 2026, the company posted revenue of ₹14,106 lakhs, marking a 17% increase over the previous year. EBITDA stood at ₹3,190 lakhs, reflecting a 38% growth, while Profit Before Tax (PBT) was ₹1,157 lakhs and Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at ₹812 lakhs.

The company also recorded its strongest quarterly performance in Q4 FY26, with revenue of ₹4,873 lakhs, up 19% year-on-year, and EBITDA of ₹1,096 lakhs, growing 34% over the same period last year. PBT for the quarter stood at ₹436 lakhs, while PAT came in at ₹422 lakhs.

Operationally, Espire Hospitality continued to outperform industry benchmarks. The company reported an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of ₹10,827 compared to the industry average of ₹8,792, and a RevPAR of ₹6,317 versus the industry average of ₹5,745, highlighting its strong pricing power and yield optimization strategy.

During Q4 FY26, the company added six new properties, contributing nearly 250 keys to its portfolio and strengthening its presence across leisure, pilgrimage, and business destinations in India.

A key highlight of the year was the commencement of an ultra-luxury resort project near Vrindavan, with an estimated investment of around ₹300 crore. The property will be operated by Marriott International under the JW Marriott brand, further strengthening the company’s luxury hospitality portfolio.

Espire Hospitality continues to operate across multiple brand segments, including Six Senses Fort Barwara in the ultra-luxury space, ZANA Luxury Escapes in boutique luxury, and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts in the midscale category. The diversified portfolio enables the company to serve multiple customer segments across India’s growing travel market.

The company also outlined a strong development pipeline, with plans to add over 1,000 keys annually over the next three years. Upcoming projects span key destinations including Bengaluru, Mussoorie, Gurugram, Goa, Jaipur, Varanasi, and several spiritual and leisure hubs.

Commenting on the performance, Managing Director & CEO Akhil Arora said FY26 marked a landmark year for the company, driven by record financial results, portfolio expansion, and operational excellence. He highlighted that Espire Hospitality is building a diversified platform across luxury, upscale, midscale, leisure, and spiritual travel segments.

He further added that the company is actively pursuing expansion across major business hubs such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, and Noida, while also strengthening its presence in spiritual destinations like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, as well as leisure destinations including Goa, Darjeeling, and Ooty.

With strong financial performance, an expanding portfolio, and a robust development pipeline, Espire Hospitality enters FY 2027 with significant growth momentum and a clear focus on scaling its presence across India’s hospitality landscape.


Omaxe Launches Hospitality Vertical with ₹6,200 Crore Investment Plan Across 19 Hotels

Omaxe Launches Hospitality Vertical with ₹6,200 Crore Investment Plan Across 19 Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on June 30, 2026

Omaxe, one of India’s leading real estate developers, has announced its entry into the hospitality sector with the launch of a dedicated business vertical. The company plans to invest approximately ₹6,200 crore over the next 4–5 years to develop 19 hotels across five states, spanning nearly 5 million sq. ft.

The hospitality portfolio will be developed across high-growth urban centres, pilgrimage destinations, and transit corridors, and will be integrated with Omaxe’s existing townships, mixed-use developments, and commercial projects. The expansion is expected to strengthen the company’s recurring revenue stream while enhancing its integrated development strategy.

Out of the planned 19 hotels, 12 will be located in Uttar Pradesh across cities including Ayodhya, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Kaushambi, and Vrindavan. Additional projects are planned in New Delhi, Faridabad, and Ujjain, along with four hotels across Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Ludhiana. Overall, Omaxe will establish a presence across 13 cities in five states.

A key highlight of the portfolio is a 158-key Gateway Hotel by IHCL at The Omaxe State in Dwarka, New Delhi. The project is being developed as part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The company is also developing transit-oriented hospitality infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh in collaboration with UPSRTC.

Speaking on the expansion, Mohit Goel, Managing Director of Omaxe Ltd., said hospitality is a natural extension of the company’s integrated development strategy. He noted that rising connectivity, religious tourism, and growing travel demand across emerging markets are driving the need for quality hospitality infrastructure.

The planned portfolio will cater to multiple segments including business travel, leisure tourism, destination weddings, MICE activities, and religious tourism. It will include midscale, upscale, luxury hotels, pilgrimage properties, and serviced apartments tailored to local demand dynamics.

Omaxe stated that the hospitality business has the potential to generate approximately ₹1,000 crore in annual revenue once stabilized, subject to execution, occupancy levels, and market conditions. The company is also in advanced discussions with leading hospitality operators for branding and management partnerships.

With this move, Omaxe joins a growing list of real estate developers diversifying into hospitality to leverage integrated urban ecosystems and rising tourism demand across India


Papa Johns India Celebrates Father’s Day with Interactive Pizza-Making Experience

Papa Johns India Celebrates Father’s Day with Interactive Pizza-Making Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on June 21, 2026

Papa Johns India marked Father’s Day with a unique and interactive celebration, hosting a special pizza-making experience for fathers and their children at its Hennur and Kasturi Nagar outlets in Bengaluru on June 21, 2026.

Designed to encourage meaningful family bonding, the event brought together registered father-child duos for a hands-on culinary session where participants created their own pizzas under the guidance of Papa Johns chefs. The initiative aimed to transform a traditional dining experience into an engaging activity centred around togetherness and shared memories.

During the event, participants wore branded aprons and caps while learning the art of pizza-making from scratch. The experience also featured Father’s Day-themed games, instant photography sessions, Polaroid keepsakes, and interactive activities designed to make the celebration memorable for families.

Commenting on the initiative, Prashant Mehta, Director of Papa Johns India, said the brand views Father’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate family connections and create meaningful experiences beyond dining. He noted that the event was designed to bring families together through teamwork, creativity, and shared moments in the kitchen.

The sessions concluded with pizza tasting, trivia activities, and group photographs, allowing participants to enjoy the creations they made together.

Through this experience-led activation, Papa Johns India continues to strengthen customer engagement while showcasing the craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and preparation techniques that define its pizzas. The initiative reflects the brand’s growing focus on creating memorable in-store experiences that connect customers with the food and the people they share it with.

Operated in India by PJP Foods India Private Limited under the Ambrosia QSR platform, Papa Johns India continues to expand its presence through dine-in, takeaway, and delivery formats while staying true to its global promise of “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.”

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