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.


The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, a Vignette Collection Hotel by IHG, Opens in North India

The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, a Vignette Collection Hotel by IHG, Opens in North India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 29, 2026

SSIEL Group has announced the opening of The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, the first Vignette Collection hotel by IHG Hotels & Resorts. Owned and developed by SSIEL Hotels & Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Shiv Shakti Inter Globe Exports Pvt. Ltd., the hotel marks a key milestone in the group's expansion into the hospitality sector.

Nestled in the scenic Shivalik Hills within the Chandigarh Tricity region, The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula offers a luxury lifestyle experience that combines contemporary design with the cultural essence of the destination. As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' growing luxury lifestyle portfolio, the property embraces the Vignette Collection philosophy of celebrating the unique identity of each destination while delivering globally recognised hospitality standards.

The hotel features 145 guestrooms, including 11 suites, along with over 2,200 square metres of flexible meeting and event space. Guests also have access to a luxury spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and premium retail experiences.

Designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, the hotel aims to become a preferred venue for luxury stays, corporate events, destination weddings and social celebrations across North India.

The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula also offers a range of curated dining and social experiences. These include Sapio, the all-day dining restaurant; Cabinet V (Luxury PDR), an exclusive private dining venue serving contemporary Indian and European cuisine; Wakerie, an artisanal café and patisserie; Jigger, a cocktail bar; and Sky VI, a rooftop destination overlooking the Shivalik Hills, which is scheduled to open in September.

With this launch, SSIEL Group strengthens its presence in the hospitality sector while bringing IHG Hotels & Resorts' Vignette Collection brand to North India for the first time.


Faasos Opens Its First Airport Store at Mumbai T2, Expanding Retail Presence

Faasos Opens Its First Airport Store at Mumbai T2, Expanding Retail Presence

By Author

Published on July 29, 2026

Faasos, the wraps brand from Rebel Foods, has expanded its retail footprint with the launch of its first-ever airport store at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) Terminal 2, Gate 45, Mumbai. The opening marks the brand's entry into the airport dining segment as it looks to strengthen its presence across high-footfall travel destinations.

The new outlet offers travellers access to Faasos' signature wraps and quick-service menu, catering to passengers seeking convenient dining options before departure or during transit. The menu includes the brand's Classic Wraps, Signature Wraps, Burger Wraps, Shawarmas, sides, and beverages.

Having served customers across India for more than two decades through its delivery-led business, Faasos continues to expand its omnichannel presence by bringing its offerings to offline retail locations. The Mumbai airport store represents a strategic step in extending the brand beyond home delivery and into travel-focused environments.

Commenting on the launch, Ankush Grover, Co-founder & Global CEO, Rebel Foods, said, "Every journey comes with its own moments, and we wanted Faasos to be part of those memories. Our first store at Mumbai T2 airport brings together everything our consumers love about us: bold flavours, convenience, and food designed for life on the move. Airports are places where experiences begin, and we are excited to bring the Faasos experience into this dynamic environment. From a quick pre-flight meal to a familiar favourite during a layover, this launch is about creating more opportunities for consumers to connect with the brand wherever their journeys take them."

The store has been designed to reflect the brand's identity through vibrant interiors, bold graphics, neon elements, and contemporary design, creating an engaging retail experience for travellers.

The launch forms part of Faasos' broader retail expansion strategy, strengthening its omnichannel presence while creating additional touchpoints for consumers beyond its established delivery network.


Amrit Bhawan to Host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' This Monsoon

Amrit Bhawan to Host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' This Monsoon

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 26, 2026

Haridwar's heritage riverside retreat, Amrit Bhawan, is set to host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' from 25 July to 1 August 2026, inviting guests to embrace a slower and more mindful way of travelling this monsoon. Open to all guests regardless of the length of their stay, the week-long programme combines wellness, relaxation, and meaningful riverside experiences in a peaceful setting.

The programme features a thoughtfully curated schedule of daily yoga sessions, personalised nutrition consultations with wellness expert Srishti Chatlani, massage therapies, wellness-focused meals, and interactive sessions covering Ayurveda, fermentation, gut health, herbal infusions, and everyday wellness practices.

Evenings will centre around the property's private ghat, where guests can take part in Ganga Aarti, heritage walks, documentary screenings, sound healing, meditation, and Yoga Nidra. These experiences are designed to help visitors reconnect with nature, local traditions, and themselves.

Speaking about the initiative, Varun Bajaj, Founder & Managing Partner, Ekat Travel & Lodging, said, "Wellness isn't something we wanted to package as a retreat or an escape. It already exists in the rhythm of this house, in the river, the slower pace of the day, shared meals and quiet moments by the Ganga. This programme simply creates more opportunities for guests to experience that rhythm with intention."

Guests can also choose from curated wellness packages based on the duration of their stay. The packages, available per night for up to two adults, include a range of wellness benefits such as massage therapies and personalised nutrition consultations.

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