FHRAI Flags Concerns Over Zomato & Swiggy's Private Labels

FHRAI Raises Alarm Over Zomato and Swiggy's Private Label Practices

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 14, 2025

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has expressed serious concerns over the recent entry of Zomato and Swiggy into the private label food delivery business, calling out the platforms for alleged misuse of restaurant data, unfair competition, and potential food safety risks.

As the third-largest hospitality association in the world, FHRAI has taken a firm stance, highlighting how these platforms, initially designed to connect restaurants with customers, are now directly competing with the very businesses they were meant to support. In response, FHRAI plans to meet with the Ministry of Commerce to push for regulatory action and ensure fair practices in the food service industry.

Unfair Competition and Data Misuse

Pradeep Shetty, Vice President of FHRAI, noted that platforms like Zomato and Swiggy are leveraging proprietary restaurant data, including customer preferences, order histories, and sales trends, to promote their own private label food products. "This practice represents a direct violation of e-commerce regulations. These platforms were supposed to function as neutral marketplaces but are now using years of restaurant data to develop competing products while excluding restaurants from accessing this critical information," Shetty remarked.

This puts small and medium-sized restaurants at a severe disadvantage, threatening their survival. The lack of proper consent for the use of this data also raises serious ethical and legal concerns.

Food Safety Concerns

FHRAI also raised alarms about the transparency of food safety standards for private label products. Unlike restaurants, which are required to adhere to stringent regulations, there is no clarity on whether these platforms comply with the same standards for their own products. Shetty added, "This lack of oversight not only risks consumer trust but also harms the reputation of the restaurant industry."

Monopolistic Practices and Call for Action

By venturing into quick commerce and private label food products, Zomato and Swiggy are now controlling both the distribution and creation of food, leading to fears of monopolistic practices. The FHRAI emphasized the urgent need for clear guidelines to ensure a level playing field, safeguard restaurant data, and uphold food safety standards for all stakeholders.

About FHRAI

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), established in 1955, is the apex body of India's hospitality industry. As the third-largest hospitality association globally, it serves as the voice of the hotel and restaurant industry, advocating for fair policies and fostering the growth of the hospitality and tourism sectors.

By addressing these critical issues, FHRAI aims to protect the interests of restaurants, ensure consumer safety, and maintain trust in the food delivery ecosystem. The association is urging regulators to act swiftly to mitigate the risks posed by these new developments in the food delivery market.

The Glenwalk Wins 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' at Talent Track Awards 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 31, 2025

The Glenwalk, a premium blended Scotch whisky brand co-founded by Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt and Cartel Bros, has bagged the 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' title at the 8th Talent Track Awards 2025, held recently in Mumbai. Known for recognising excellence in digital content, branding, and marketing, the Talent Track Awards celebrated Glenwalk's innovative approach in a competitive spirits market.

This award adds to a long list of prestigious honours the brand has earned in a short span of time. These include a Bronze Medal at the London Spirits Awards 2025, Gold Medal at ProWine 2023, Silver Medal at ProWine 2024, Silver Medal at the London Spirits Competition 2024, Silver Award at IWSC 2024, and Gold at Spiritz Achiever 2024, among others. These accolades reflect the brand’s unwavering focus on quality and innovation, led by co-founders Mokksh Sani, Jitin Merani, Rohan Nihalani, Manish Sani, and Chief Business Officer Neeraj Singh.

“Winning the 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' title is both an honour and a responsibility. We have always believed in pushing boundaries, and this recognition reaffirms that our bold choices and fearless brand narrative are not only resonating but also setting new benchmarks,” said Mokksh Sani, Co-founder of Cartel Bros and Founder of Living Liquidz and Mansionz.

Since its launch, The Glenwalk has gained attention for its edgy brand storytelling and premium quality. By blending heritage craftsmanship with a bold, modern identity, it has carved a strong position in the Indian spirits market. The brand closed FY 2024–25 with 1.4 million bottles sold and has ambitious plans to triple this number to 4.2 million bottles in India, travel retail, and global markets.

“From day one, we set out to challenge the status quo and create something that would stand apart, not just in taste, but in approach,” said Sanjay Dutt, The Glenwalk’s brand ambassador and co-founder. “This award is a testament to the vision, the bold risks we took, and the incredible team behind the brand.”

This recognition as the 'Most Disruptive Brand of the Year' marks a major milestone for The Glenwalk. With a clear commitment to innovation and quality, the brand continues to reshape the premium whisky space in India and beyond.

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AYALAGAM: A Thamizh Food Festival Celebrating Authentic Flavours at Feathers Hotel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Feathers Hotel’s Sangamithirai restaurant invites you to embark on a unique culinary voyage with AYALAGAM – A Thamizh Food Festival. Running from 30th May to 8th June, this week-long celebration brings the authentic flavours of Thamizh cuisine as lovingly preserved in Singapore and Malaysia, curated by the internationally acclaimed Chef Devagi Sanmugam — famously known as the “Spice Queen of Singapore.”

A Cultural and Culinary Homecoming

AYALAGAM is more than just a food festival. It’s a heartfelt journey into the soul of Thamizh cooking, reflecting the rich traditions and vibrant flavours that have travelled across oceans. Each day features a special curated set menu named after the iconic rivers of Tamil Nadu — Bhavani, Vaigai, Amaravathi, Thamirabharani, and Siruvani — capturing the diverse tastes and textures unique to different regions.

Highlights to Savor

Prepare your palate for a spectacular range of dishes blending tradition with innovation, including:

Peerkangai Kaintha Eral Soo Hoon Soup
Kozhi Sambal
Mutta Briyani
Palakkai Murungakai Kurma
Tauhu Urulai Kizhangu Sambal
Inippu Urappu Tamarai Thandu
Kadalai Paruppu Aatu Kothu Erachi Pirathal
Karuvepillai Meen
Vazhai Elai Kathirikai Chops
Nandu Parcel Soup
Sura Puttu Urundai
Palakai Biryani

Pudina Rasam
Masala Kalan Kutti Uttapam
Masala Sweet Potato Paniyaram
Maravalli Kizhangu Halwa
Pandan Idiappam with Vazhai Pazham Sauce
Chendol
Javarisi Elai Kozhukattai
Parangikkai Payasam

Each dish tells a story of tradition, spice, and home—elevated by Chef Devagi’s global expertise.

Meet the Spice Queen

Chef Devagi Sanmugam’s culinary journey spans over four decades, with 22 cookbooks and a global reputation as a culinary educator and consultant. Her passion for spices and Asian flavours shines through in this festival, bringing generations of recipes and memories to the table.

Feathers Executive Chef Murthi shared, “AYALAGAM is close to our hearts — it's about sharing the rich, soulful flavours of Thamizh cuisine from beyond our borders. Every dish brings a bit of home, with a twist.”

Chef Devagi adds, “Cooking for AYALAGAM feels like bringing my roots back to where it all began. These dishes are full of memories, spice, and love — just the way our grandmothers made them.”

Event Details:
Date: 30th May to 8th June 2025
Time: Lunch & Dinner
Venue: Sangamithirai, Feathers Hotel

Reservations: +91 78239 77825 | +91 73580 18812

Join AYALAGAM to taste the timeless culinary treasures of the Thamizh diaspora, celebrated with love and flair under one roof.