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.


Narwar Lakefront Resort Launches Summer Refresh Package for Couples

Narwar Lakefront Resort Launches Summer Refresh Package for Couples

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 2, 2026

Narwar Lakefront Resort, a luxury lakeside retreat in Shivpuri on the Sindh River in Madhya Pradesh, has introduced its ‘Summer Refresh Package’, offering a short yet refreshing escape for couples during the warmer months.

Designed as a 3-hour evening experience, the package runs daily between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. It brings together relaxation, wellness, and scenic moments, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a quick summer break without planning an overnight stay. Set against the calm lakefront and close to the Madhav Tiger Reserve, the experience combines both leisure and nature.

Navneet Sharma, CEO and MD, Lion Group, said, "With rising temperatures, the need for mindful cooling escapes grows stronger. Therefore, we have created an experience for guests to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with nature in the most refreshing and cool way".

The package includes access to the resort’s swimming pool, giving guests a chance to unwind with a refreshing dip during the afternoon. The experience is complemented by cold mocktails, fresh salads, and a selection of light and healthy snacks, keeping the overall offering simple yet enjoyable.

A key highlight of the package is the Morning Safari to the Madhav Tiger Reserve and a sunset cruise boating session. Guests can take in the changing colours of the evening sky while gliding across the calm waters, creating a memorable and peaceful end to the experience.

The Summer Refresh Package reflects the rising demand for short, premium experiences that offer a mix of comfort, wellness, and scenic beauty in a limited time.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Opens in Ahmedabad, Elevating Gujarat’s Hospitality Scene

The Forum Hotel & Convention Opens in Ahmedabad, Elevating Gujarat’s Hospitality Scene

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 2, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention has officially opened its doors in Ahmedabad, bringing a new scale of hospitality to the city. Launched on 29th April 2026, the property features 195 well-designed rooms and suites, and is seamlessly connected to the adjoining Wyndham Ahmedabad Shela, which adds another 192 upscale rooms along with wellness, dining, and leisure facilities. Together, the combined 387 rooms and suites strengthen Gujarat’s growing capacity to host large weddings, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings.

Spread across approximately 12,00,000 sq ft, the property is built to accommodate up to 5,000 guests, making it one of the state’s larger event-focused hospitality developments. Supporting this scale is a parking facility for around 1,500 vehicles, offering ease for high-footfall events in a fast-growing city like Ahmedabad.

The property brings together strong infrastructure and service to create a complete hospitality destination. Its event spaces include over 32 modern banquet venues, highlighted by a grand pillarless ballroom spanning 40,000 sq. ft. Along with this, conference rooms, meeting spaces, and a well-equipped auditorium with advanced acoustics make it suitable for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities. The ability to host multiple events at the same time adds to its operational strength.

Adding to the overall experience, The Forum Hotel & Convention introduces a range of dining and entertainment concepts. These include Aurii – a premium all-day dining restaurant serving global cuisines, +33 – The French Experience offering a unique culinary concept, and Risqué – a nightclub designed for vibrant nightlife. A fourth culinary concept is also set to open soon.

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Speaking on the launch, Managing Director Mr. Kalpesh Prajapati said: “At The Forum Hotel & Convention, our vision was to build a destination that reflects the ambition and growth of Gujarat. This is not just about infrastructure or scale, it is about creating a place where people come together to celebrate, connect, and create memories. We invite everyone to come, experience, and make memories at The Forum, where every moment is designed to become a meaningful experience.”

With its scale, integrated design, and strong event infrastructure, The Forum Hotel & Convention is set to play an important role in shaping Gujarat’s hospitality landscape.


CaratLane Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Thoughtful Gifting Twist Featuring Yami Gautam Dhar

CaratLane Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Thoughtful Gifting Twist Featuring Yami Gautam Dhar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 1, 2026

CaratLane – A TATA Product is making a strong presence across television screens in India with its latest Mother’s Day campaign featuring brand ambassador Yami Gautam Dhar. The campaign brings a fresh and emotional take on gifting, centred around the idea of celebrating mothers with diamonds as a symbol of love and gratitude, while also adding a thoughtful twist, gifting yourself a diamond too, because you are her favourite.

The campaign’s first two films gained wide visibility during the ongoing Indian Premier League, with placements across Star Sports and JioHotstar. This was further supported by regional reach through channels like Colours Tamil, Jalsha Movies and Star Utsav Movies, helping the brand connect with audiences across both national and regional markets. Released just in time for Mother’s Day, the campaign highlights the joy of choosing something special for mothers, along with a little something for oneself.

Shaifali Gautam, CMO CaratLane, remarked, “As we return for our second season advertising on the Indian Premier League, the platform allows us to take our stories to millions of households across the country. This Mother’s Day, with Yami at the centre, we’ve focused on celebrating the emotion of gifting in a way that feels both personal and relatable. Because when it comes to a mother’s love, what you share is priceless and the pieces you choose to express it should feel just as special. At CaratLane, we believe that expressing love should feel effortless, and never out of reach.”

Built around thoughtful gifting, the campaign encourages customers to celebrate Mother’s Day with meaningful diamond jewellery. With initiatives like this, CaratLane continues to shape fine jewellery for today’s consumers, making it more personal, easy to wear, and suitable for every special moment.

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