F&B Industry's Aspirations for Union Budget 2025

F&B Industry's Aspirations for Union Budget 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 9, 2025

As the Union Budget 2025 nears, the food and beverage (F&B) industry is abuzz with expectations and hopes. Experts from the sector, including Simranjeet Singh, Director of CYK Hospitalities, Nidhi Singh, Co-Founder of Samosa Singh, and Vikesh Shah, Founder of 99 Pancakes, have shared their insights on the reforms they believe are essential to spur growth and innovation.

Simranjeet Singh emphasizes the need for policies that promote innovation and sustainability. "The upcoming Union Budget 2025 is expected to bring reforms for start-ups and the F&B sector, such as simplified taxation like GST rate cuts on small eateries and essentials. These measures can alleviate financial stress," he stated. Singh also highlighted the importance of subsidies on eco-friendly packaging, increased support for food processing facilities to generate rural jobs, and policy-driven investments in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to foster innovation in agri-tech, health-tech, and green-tech.

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Nidhi Singh envisions the budget as a game-changer for startups. "Swiftly approved policies simplifying taxation and promoting sustainable practices can fuel startup growth," she shared. Nidhi also stressed the significance of reduced taxes on essential supplies, support for cold-chain infrastructure, and encouragement for local sourcing, which could enhance operational efficiency and product quality. She believes these measures would create a thriving and resilient ecosystem for startups.

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For Vikesh Shah, the focus lies on operational cost reduction and scalability. "The F&B sector faces challenges like rising input costs. Tax relief on sustainable packaging and lower GST on dining services could make a substantial difference," he explained. Shah is optimistic that the adoption of advanced kitchen technologies, driven by supportive policies, will boost efficiency and enable brands to enhance customer experiences while contributing to economic growth.

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The Union Budget 2025 holds the potential to address these aspirations, fostering a dynamic and innovative environment for the F&B sector while promoting sustainability and economic development.


Karnataka Tourism Makes a Strong Showing at TTF Bengaluru 2026 With a Showcase of Its Best Offerings

Karnataka Tourism Makes a Strong Showing at TTF Bengaluru 2026 With a Showcase of Its Best Offerings

By Hariharan U

Published on March 24, 2026

Karnataka Tourism had a strong showing at the Travel and Tourism Fair Bengaluru 2026, using the three-day event to put the state's diverse tourism offerings in front of a wide audience of travel trade professionals, industry stakeholders, and visitors.

The Karnataka Tourism pavilion was inaugurated by H.K. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, at Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru. Senior officials representing the department included Dr. Thrilok Chandra K.V., IAS, Secretary of Tourism; Mr. Prashant Shankhinamath, IFS, Managing Director of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.; Mr. Janardhan H.P., Joint Director of the Department of Tourism; and Smt. Cheluvamba, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism.

The pavilion drew consistent footfall throughout the event, with the display capturing attention for the breadth of what Karnataka has to offer. Heritage circuits, cultural landmarks, wildlife reserves, scenic landscapes, and emerging segments including wellness, adventure, and experiential tourism were all prominently featured through promotional materials and audio-visual presentations. The depth of the state's tourism product came through clearly, reinforcing Karnataka's positioning as a year-round destination rather than a seasonal one.

The B2B dimension of the participation was equally productive. Karnataka Tourism stakeholders engaged directly with tour operators, travel agents, and destination management companies over the three days, exploring new business opportunities and building on existing partnerships. These interactions gave both sides a clearer picture of evolving travel trends and consumer preferences, which the department expects to translate into stronger collaborations and increased tourist footfall in the months ahead.

Media engagement at the pavilion also generated meaningful coverage, extending the reach of Karnataka's tourism narrative beyond the fair itself.

Karnataka Tourism continues to prioritise sustainable and responsible tourism as it promotes its unique blend of heritage, nature, and modern experiences to travellers across India. TTF Bengaluru 2026 was a useful platform to reinforce that message to exactly the right audience.


Radisson Blu Palace Resort Udaipur Hosts The Write Circle With Author Priyanka Sharma Kaintura

Radisson Blu Palace Resort Udaipur Hosts The Write Circle With Author Priyanka Sharma Kaintura

By Hariharan U

Published on March 24, 2026

Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa in Udaipur stepped beyond the boundaries of conventional hospitality recently, hosting The Write Circle, a thoughtfully organised literary session that brought together guests, thinkers, and storytellers for an evening of genuine conversation.

The event, held in association with Prabha Khaitan Foundation, featured author and communications leader Priyanka Sharma Kaintura in conversation with Swati Agarwal, creating a space where mythology, societal themes, and personal storytelling intersected naturally. The session was organised in collaboration with Ehsaas, Women of Udaipur, led by Kanika Agarwal, Shraddha Murdia, and Swati Agarwal, bringing together a community of like-minded individuals who value meaningful dialogue over surface-level engagement.

Priyanka Sharma Kaintura is a writer and speaker with over two decades of experience in corporate communications and brand reputation management. She has authored two books: My Jiffies, a narration of moments that are, as the title suggests, unadulterated and unpackaged, and Mahadevi: The Unseen Truth Behind Existence, which has earned praise for its thoughtful exploration of mythology and societal themes. Her work across writing and speaking has been recognised through multiple awards including the Indira Priyadarshini Award 2023 and Times Power Icon 2018.

Swati Agarwal, Owner of Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa, Udaipur, reflected on what the evening meant for the property. "At Radisson Blu Udaipur, we have always believed in creating experiences that go beyond hospitality and bring people together through meaningful conversations. The Write Circle reflects this vision, offering a platform where literature, ideas, and diverse perspectives can come together in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. It was a pleasure to host Priyanka Sharma Kaintura and welcome guests for an evening that truly celebrated storytelling and dialogue."

For a resort set in one of India's most culturally rich cities, hosting events like The Write Circle feels like a natural extension of what Udaipur represents: a place where heritage, art, and thoughtful living coexist. Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa continues to build on that identity, offering guests experiences that go well beyond a comfortable stay.


IHCL Marks Four Years of Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass Celebrations

IHCL Marks Four Years of Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass Celebrations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 24, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is celebrating four years of its Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass loyalty programme, inviting guests to enjoy memorable travel experiences and exclusive benefits across its hotel network.

Marking the milestone, the company has introduced special anniversary offers designed to give members more value during their stays. The initiative reflects IHCL’s continued focus on creating smooth and rewarding experiences for its guests across different brands.

Mr. Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL said, “Taj InnerCircle and NeuPass represent our commitment to creating thoughtful and seamless experiences across IHCL’s brandscape. As the programme completes four years, we are delighted to celebrate this journey with our members through specially curated anniversary offerings.”

As part of the celebrations, members can avail 20% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays, dining at in-house restaurants, and wellness services such as spa therapies and salon treatments. In addition, guests will also have the opportunity to earn 2X NeuCoins on bookings and eligible spends during their stay.

These benefits are available across IHCL’s portfolio, including Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Gateway, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life and amã Stays & Trails, giving members a wide range of experiences to choose from.

The offer is valid on stays booked between 20th March and 20th April 2026, for travel until 30th September 2026 across participating hotels.

With this celebration, IHCL continues to strengthen its loyalty programme by offering meaningful benefits, encouraging guests to explore more destinations while enjoying added value and comfort.

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