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

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.

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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.


Tubata Opens in Delhi as a Sensory Playground of Flavours and Design

Tubata Opens in Delhi as a Sensory Playground of Flavours and Design

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2025

Delhi’s culinary landscape has welcomed a new and imaginative entrant with the launch of Tubata in Pitampura, introduced by restaurateur Neeraj Aggarwal, over a decade after he unveiled his first venture, Lotus Leaf.

Tubata is not just a restaurant, it has been envisioned as a sensorial playground and a being inspired by the raw forces of nature. According to the release, it is “a mystical creature born from the elements of air, land, and ocean, where bold flavours, evocative design, and elemental spirit come together in perfect balance.”

Sharing his vision, Aggarwal said, “Tubata is not just a restaurant, it’s a feeling. It’s a space to indulge, to celebrate, to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with something primal, something beautiful. It’s refined, imaginative, and unapologetically distinctive.”

Tubata’s identity draws from the harmony of opposing worlds, with its emblem, the leopard, symbolising grace, mastery, and movement. The interiors reflect lush foliage, marine coral, and fluid natural forms, echoing the philosophy that indulgence is not excess, but alignment with nature’s rhythm.

The restaurant’s design presents a mix of unmatched aesthetics, cosy interiors, and a hint of glamour. It takes guests back to an era of good food and good mood, offering a cosmic play of a bespoke global experience. The multi-cuisine menu has been curated by a culinary team driven by curiosity and craft, reimagining familiar flavours while also introducing innovative creations.

Tubata also evolves with time. By day, it offers a soulful, inviting space for relaxed lunches, conversations, or quiet indulgence. By night, the atmosphere shifts as the lights deepen, the drinks flow, and the space transforms into a lively destination filled with rhythm and celebration.

Aggarwal summarised, “With an identity rooted in evolution, transformation, and sensory delight, Tubata is not your regular restaurant, it’s an experience, vibe and memory. With all ingredients amalgamated together, Tubata will surely give you reason to visit again and again.”


McDonald’s India North & East Celebrates 4th App Anniversary with Special Offers

McDonald’s India North & East Celebrates 4th App Anniversary with Special Offers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2025

McDonald’s India (North and East) is celebrating the 4th anniversary of its app with a host of exciting offers and daily surprises for customers. Since its launch in 2020, the McDonald’s app has grown into a trusted companion for food lovers, making ordering seamless while offering exclusive deals, easy customisation, and rewards that add more value to every meal.

Over the past four years, the app has become a go-to platform for millions of customers, reflecting their trust and love for the brand. It has not only simplified the dining experience but also enhanced it through loyalty-driven rewards and personalised deals.

Sharing his thoughts on the milestone, Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said, “We are delighted to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the McDonald’s app together with our customers. This milestone is truly a reflection of their trust and love. The special offers are our way of thanking the millions of McDonald’s fans who have made the app a part of their everyday lives. With exclusive daily value offerings, we hope to make this anniversary month a celebration of great taste, everyday value, and the joy of enjoying McDonald’s favourites with friends and family.”

To mark the occasion, McDonald’s is rolling out a month-long celebration filled with app-exclusive offers. Customers can enjoy surprises like Buy 2 Get 1 Free deals, offers such as Buy 2 Burgers and get a Pizza McPuff free, or Buy 2 Medium Fries and get 1 free. From burgers and fries to wraps and soft drinks, these exciting deals give customers more reasons to enjoy their favourites with loved ones.

The anniversary offers will run until 7th September 2025, with fresh surprises every day of the week, ensuring there’s always something new to look forward to.

The McDonald’s App, available on Android and iOS, provides a personalised and convenient way for customers to order dine-in, takeaway, or drive-thru, while also unlocking exclusive offers available only on the app.

So, download the McDonald’s App today and join the celebration!


Far & East at Four Seasons Bengaluru Introduces Unlimited Dimsum Lunch

Far & East at Four Seasons Bengaluru Introduces Unlimited Dimsum Lunch

By Hariharan U

Published on August 21, 2025

Far & East, the Pan-Asian specialty restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, has unveiled its latest culinary experience, the Unlimited Dimsum Lunch. Perched on the 21st floor with sweeping views of the city, the offering transforms weekday lunches into a luxurious mid-day escape.

The menu is designed by Chef Wong Chin Sheong, fondly known as Chef Wong, who brings his mastery of Cantonese cuisine to the table. Guests can enjoy an extensive selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dim sum, along with mains and desserts, making it a complete and indulgent lunch experience.

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Highlights include delicate bites such as Steamed Pork Dumpling and Classic Chicken Shumai, as well as bolder flavours like Sichuan Spicy Chicken Dumpling and Yang Rou Jiao. Comforting options like Steamed Chicken and Water Chestnut Dumpling and Chicken Jiaozi add variety, while artisanal ice creams and sorbets provide a refreshing finish.

The Unlimited Dimsum Lunch is available daily from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. The experience is more than just dining it’s an invitation to slow down, savour authentic flavours, and enjoy the elegance of Four Seasons hospitality against a panoramic city backdrop

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