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.


Rotary Club of Madras Partners with Institute for Climate and Environment to Drive Climate Awareness

Rotary Club of Madras Partners with Institute for Climate and Environment to Drive Climate Awareness

By Hariharan U

Published on March 4, 2026

In a focused step towards strengthening climate awareness in the city, the Rotary Club of Madras partnered with the Institute for Climate and Environment as community collaborators for Sustainability Carnival and Primathon 2026. Held on February 14 and 15 at Primrose School, Chennai, the two-day initiative was curated by ICE, with Rotary extending its support to widen participation and deepen community engagement.

The programme opened with a symbolic tree plantation under ICE’s ROOTS (Restoring Our Original Tree Systems) initiative. President Rtn. Nikhil Raj, along with key Rotary members, planted a Manoranjitham sapling on campus, marking the beginning of a larger ecological restoration goal. Through ROOTS, ICE plans to plant one million native trees over the next three years to rebuild local ecosystems and enhance environmental resilience. The initiative received financial backing from Rtn. Fharzana Siraj, B&G Solar Pvt Ltd, and Kaleesuwari Foundations.

On February 15, the Primathon saw students, parents and educators participate in a 1.5-kilometre run symbolising the 1.5°C global warming threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement. Flagged off by Rtn. Sesha Sai, District Chairman, participants wore eco-friendly T-shirts to reinforce everyday sustainability. A yoga session inspired by Triguna Theory encouraged mindful living as a foundation for environmental responsibility. The event concluded with a Climate Action Pledge, with attendees committing to sustainable practices and receiving Certificates of Climate Action from ICE.


Association of Hospitality Professionals to Showcase Aatithya Mandapam at AAHAR 2026

Association of Hospitality Professionals to Showcase Aatithya Mandapam at AAHAR 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on March 4, 2026

The Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP) is set to introduce AHP Aatithya Mandapam, powered by Hotremai, during the Hospitality Challenges - AAHAR Edition 2026, scheduled from March 10 to 14 at Hall No. 1, Bharat Mandapam. Designed as a focused pavilion, the platform will spotlight professionals from Housekeeping, Front Office, Food & Beverage Service and Sales, offering them structured national-level recognition.

Across five days, over 400 hospitality professionals will compete in 15 skill categories, assessed by a 70-member industry jury. The event is also expected to host more than 200 senior leaders, including CEOs, Vice Presidents and General Managers from leading hospitality organisations. Competition segments range from Art of Bed Making and Stain Removal Challenge to Situation Handling in Front Office, Sales Pitch contests, Art of Table Setup, Towel and Napkin Folding, and The Fragrance – a flower arrangement showcase.

Beyond competitions, the pavilion will feature masterclasses and panel discussions covering hospitality trends, artificial intelligence in operations, inclusivity, hotel sales strategies and guest experience management.

Commenting on the initiative, Devipshita Gautam, Founder and Chairperson of AHP, said, “AHP Aatithya Mandapam, powered by Hotremai, has been planned to provide structured recognition to professionals working in Housekeeping, Front Office, Food & Beverage and Sales. These national-level competitions are designed to promote skill enhancement, industry benchmarking and professional engagement at a wider level.”

Through this initiative, AHP continues its efforts to strengthen professional standards and encourage organised skill development across India’s hospitality sector


GuestEzee with Contactless Check-In is Powering the Next Generation of Smart Hotels Worldwide

GuestEzee with Contactless Check-In is Powering the Next Generation of Smart Hotels Worldwide

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 4, 2026

Hospitality has always been about experiences, but in today’s fast-moving digital world, experience begins long before a guest steps into the lobby. Modern travellers expect instant confirmations, seamless access, personalised services, and effortless communication. At the same time, hotel operators are managing rising operational costs, staffing pressures, fragmented technology systems, and the constant demand for better reviews and stronger loyalty. The industry does not just need another software solution. It needs a smarter, unified system built for the realities of today. GuestEzee with Contactless Check-In answers that need.

Developed by GuestVento Technology Pvt Ltd, GuestEzee is a global, cloud-based Guest Management System designed to transform how hotels operate and how guests experience their stay. It is not positioned as a single feature application or a limited operational tool. It is built as a complete digital ecosystem that connects guests, staff, and management on one intelligent platform.

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Across global hospitality markets, many hotels continue to function with disconnected systems. Property management software operates separately from POS systems. Door lock access remains dependent on physical cards. Guest feedback is collected manually or too late to make a difference. Housekeeping coordination relies on phone calls and fragmented communication. These inefficiencies cost hotels more than time. They impact revenue, reputation, and repeat business.

GuestEzee brings all essential functions together into one seamless structure. With fully integrated contactless check in, guests can complete arrival formalities digitally and access their rooms using mobile key technology. The elimination of long queues and physical dependency instantly elevates the arrival experience. However, the platform goes far beyond entry.

Through a unified guest interface, visitors can order in room dining, request services, receive curated upsell offers, and provide instant feedback. Every interaction becomes smooth, intuitive, and personalized. For hotels, this translates into stronger guest engagement and increased average revenue per room. Built in upselling capabilities allow properties to present relevant services at the right moment, turning convenience into profitability without disrupting the guest journey.

Operationally, GuestEzee empowers teams with real time coordination. The staff interface enables structured housekeeping, f&b and front office workflows, maintenance tracking, and immediate complaint resolution through an automated escalation matrix. Management gains access to a comprehensive dashboard featuring billing, operational visibility, and performance analytics. Instead of working reactively, hotels can now operate with proactive intelligence.

As a subscription driven SaaS platform priced per key per month, GuestEzee offers scalability for mid scale and premium hotels seeking modern transformation without complex infrastructure investment. Its cloud first architecture ensures quick deployment, remote accessibility, and seamless integration with PMS, OTAs, POS systems, and digital lock technologies. The result is a connected ecosystem that eliminates silos and simplifies technology adoption.

Guests demand speed, personalization, and transparency. Operators demand efficiency, visibility, and revenue growth. GuestEzee with Contactless Check-In brings these demands together into one powerful solution.

As digital transformation becomes the defining factor of competitiveness in hospitality, GuestEzee is not just participating in the shift. It is helping lead it.

“Stay at Ezee with GuestEzee”  

For more info visit: www.guestezee.com & mail us at: enquiry@guestezee.com

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