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.


Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Brings Earth Day to Life with Eco-Friendly Activities

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Brings Earth Day to Life with Eco-Friendly Activities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 28, 2025

 Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts marked Earth Day 2025 with a series of hands-on sustainability initiatives across its properties, staying true to its commitment to responsible hospitality. The group organized engaging eco-friendly activities that brought guests, staff, and local communities together to nurture the environment and spread awareness.

At Stone Wood Beach Resort in Vagator, guests enthusiastically participated in a tree plantation drive, planting saplings that will add to the lush green surroundings for years to come. Families, solo travelers, and nature enthusiasts all joined in, learning about native plants and their role in maintaining ecological balance.

Meanwhile, Aralea Beach Resort by Stone Wood Premier hosted a beach cleaning drive, where staff and volunteers worked together to remove plastic waste and debris from the shoreline. This collective effort not only beautified the beach but also shone a spotlight on the importance of fighting marine pollution.

Over in Amboli, the team at Stone Wood Hotel conducted a local clean-up drive, focusing on community spaces around the hotel. The initiative encouraged environmental care and civic responsibility, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.

Sibaya Beach Resort also joined the celebration by organizing another tree planting event. Guests worked alongside the resort team, planting trees and discussing the positive impact of reforestation on the environment and local biodiversity.

Reflecting on the day’s activities, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said, "Earth Day is not just a symbolic event for us—it’s a celebration of our ongoing journey toward sustainability. We believe that even small acts, when done collectively, create meaningful impact. This year’s guest and staff involvement has been truly heartening and reflects our brand’s deeper ethos of responsible hospitality.”

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts’ Earth Day celebrations showcased its dedication to creating immersive, mindful experiences for guests while prioritizing environmental stewardship. With more green initiatives lined up, the brand continues to weave sustainability into every aspect of its operations, setting an inspiring example for the hospitality industry.


Sika Design’s New Collection Arrives at World Bazaar, New Delhi

Sika Design’s New Collection Arrives at World Bazaar, New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2025

Sika Design, the renowned Danish brand celebrated for its soulful craftsmanship and timeless rattan furniture, has launched its newest collection at World Bazaar, located on MG Road, New Delhi. Known as India’s most trusted name in luxury outdoor living, World Bazaar offers a curated space where some of the finest global outdoor brands come together to meet the aspirations of Indian homes, resorts, and retreats.

For over two decades, World Bazaar has been a pioneer in introducing international outdoor furniture to India. As the largest importer of luxury outdoor brands in the country, it has played a key role in shaping beautiful outdoor spaces across premium residences, iconic hotels, and destination resorts, from stylish homes in Lutyens’ Delhi to serene beachside and hillside retreats.

With the launch of the new Sika Design collection, World Bazaar continues its tradition of bringing soulful design to India. Speaking about the launch, Randip Dhingra, CEO of World Bazaar, said, "Sika Design is not about trends. It's about stories and slowness and the kind of craftsmanship that holds memory. Bringing their new collection to our showroom felt natural—it aligns perfectly with how we see design evolving in India: softer, more mindful, more real.”

Founded in Denmark in 1942, Sika Design has earned a reputation for creating refined furniture using natural rattan, one of the most sustainable materials available. The new collection features signature pieces such as the iconic Egg Chair, breezy dining setups, cozy daybeds, and sculptural accent furniture. Each piece is designed to blend effortlessly into a variety of spaces, from urban balconies to serene villas, offering comfort, warmth, and lightness.

The charm of the collection lies in its subtlety. These pieces don't compete for attention—they breathe and belong, making them ideal for Indian homes that are embracing a shift from excess to essence.

At World Bazaar, every piece is carefully selected not just for its aesthetic value but for the emotions it evokes. The MG Road showroom offers more than just furniture—it provides a sensory experience where clients, architects, and design lovers can explore textures, materials, and honest craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

The new Sika Design collection is now available in-store. Visitors are invited to experience the collection firsthand at:

World Bazaar

843/1, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road,

Ghitorni, New Delhi-110030


Air Astana Marks 20 Years of India-Kazakhstan Connectivity with New Mumbai Flights

Air Astana Marks 20 Years of India-Kazakhstan Connectivity with New Mumbai Flights

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 26, 2025

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national carrier, has celebrated 20 years of connecting India and Kazakhstan with the launch of a new service from Almaty to Mumbai, which began operations on 20th April 2025. The airline will now operate three weekly flights between the two commercial hubs, adding to its existing service to Delhi.

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At a special reception in Mumbai to mark the occasion, Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group, expressed his optimism about the new route and India’s growing market. “With the Indian economy growing strongly, Air Astana is delighted to launch services to Mumbai, a vibrant and flourishing metropolis driven by trade, finance and enterprise,” he said. “Business and leisure travellers will now be able to experience the excellence of Air Astana's in-services when flying between Kazakhstan's and India's most commercial cities.”

Air Astana first entered the Indian market in 2004 and has since steadily expanded its operations. The airline currently operates nine weekly flights to Delhi, with additional frequencies during the peak summer season.

With the new Mumbai route, Air Astana further strengthens its presence in India and opens new avenues for travel, trade, and cultural exchange between the two countries.

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