GST Rationalisation Brings Growth Opportunities for F&B, Hospitality, and FMCG

GST Rationalisation Brings Growth Opportunities for F&B, Hospitality, and FMCG

By Hariharan U

Published on September 6, 2025

 The recent GST rationalisation is being hailed as a positive move across the food & beverage, hospitality, and FMCG sectors, promising easier operations, reduced compliance costs, and growth opportunities.

Mr. Simranjeet Singh, Director, CYK Hospitalities, said, “The GST rationalisation represents an uplifting change for startups and emerging F&B brands, making operations simpler. Previously, multiple tax slabs made it difficult for young entrepreneurs to set transparent pricing, stay compliant, and remain competitive with cost-conscious consumers. Now, with just two slabs—5% for essentials and 18% for other products—startups can clearly plan product mix and expansion. Lower-slab products encourage demand for QSRs, cloud kitchens, and packaged foods, while premium offerings remain on the higher slab. The reform empowers the ecosystem with creativity, credibility, and new growth avenues for both emerging and established players”.

Mr. Sanjay Jain, Director, ElanPro, added, “GST rationalisation is a welcome step that will boost consumption and investment across sectors. In hospitality, room tariffs below Rs. 1,000 are now tax-free, mid-range hotels at Rs. 1,001–7,500 are taxed at 5%, and even premium hotels above Rs. 7,500 have dropped from 28% to 18%. This is likely to drive higher occupancy and create demand for kitchen upgrades and modern refrigeration. Restaurants and catering operations also benefit, with GST reduced to 5% for non-AC outlets under Rs. 50 lakh turnover, air-conditioned restaurants, and outdoor catering services. Lower costs allow operators to invest in food safety, storage, and quality”.

He further noted that FMCG and dairy companies will gain from relief on essentials like UHT milk, paneer, and cheese, enabling stronger cold storage and refrigerated logistics. Additionally, renewable energy devices now taxed at 5% make solar-powered cold storage more viable. Jain observed that while some effects may be indirect or medium-term, these reforms are a strong catalyst for India’s commercial refrigeration industry, supporting faster and broader cold chain adoption.

The consensus among industry leaders is clear, GST rationalisation not only simplifies compliance but also strengthens India’s F&B, hospitality, and FMCG ecosystem, fostering innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.


Hashmato Joins Romeo Bravo Software to Accelerate Global Expansion and Innovation in Hospitality Technology

Hashmato Joins Romeo Bravo Software to Accelerate Global Expansion and Innovation in Hospitality Technology

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 26, 2025

Hashmato, a leading provider of end-to-end restaurant and retail automation software, today announced it has been acquired by Romeo Bravo Software (RBS), a global provider of operator-first hospitality technology based in St. Louis, Missouri. This strategic partnership will accelerate Hashmato's innovation and expand its reach in the global hospitality market.

Romeo Bravo Software is a global hospitality technology company serving over 6,000 properties in over 35 countries. RBS provides software solutions for ranches, lodges, hotels, and restaurants, with products including Yellowstone for specialty lodging operations and WinCloud for hotel management.

Glenn Turner, CEO of Romeo Bravo Software, commented: " Hashmato brings world-class restaurant technology that perfectly complements our hospitality platform. Together, we’re creating the most comprehensive operator-first suite in the industry, unifying lodging, dining, and specialty operations"

The acquisition positions Hashmato to leverage Romeo Bravo Software's extensive hospitality expertise and global network spanning more than 6,000 properties in over 35 countries. RBS's operator-first approach aligns perfectly with Hashmato's commitment to simplifying operations for foodservice businesses of all sizes.

"Joining Romeo Bravo Software represents an exciting new chapter for Hashmato and our customers," said Hasan Moulana, CEO of Hashmato. "Our mission has always been to equip operators with intuitive, reliable tools that help them thrive. With RBS's global scale and resources, we're excited to deliver stronger support, new features, and accelerated innovation while maintaining the confidence that our customers' long-term success remains at the heart of everything we do."

The partnership also strengthens Hashmato's ability to serve its diverse customer base, which includes leading international restaurant brands as well as institutional clients in the education and healthcare sectors. Customers can expect continued reliability and innovation in their existing solutions, plus access to new integrated capabilities as the companies work together.

About Hashmato

Hashmato (formerly Dineplan) is a global provider of software solutions for restaurants, franchises, institutions, and enterprises. Headquartered in Singapore, the company's platform covers POS, online and kiosk ordering, waiter apps, kitchen display systems, inventory, analytics, and more, serving thousands of businesses worldwide. Hashmato is trusted by leading international brands, as well as schools and hospitals, to streamline foodservice operations and elevate customer experiences.

About Romeo Bravo Software

Romeo Bravo Software builds operator-first technology for the global hospitality industry. Trusted by more than 6,000 properties in over 35 countries, RBS simplifies operations for ranches, lodges, outfitters, hotels, and restaurants. Its portfolio includes Yellowstone, an all-in-one system for specialty lodging and adventure operations, and WinCloud, a modern cloud-based hotel management solution. With a growing global team and partner network, RBS is committed to helping operators work smarter, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and grow profitably.

The combined company is positioned to lead the next era of hospitality technology. The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.


Intrepid Travel Champions Conscious Tourism on World Tourism Day

Intrepid Travel Champions Conscious Tourism on World Tourism Day

By Hariharan U

Published on September 26, 2025

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Intrepid Travel has reiterated its commitment to reshaping the way people travel by making responsibility the foundation of tourism. The company is working closely with local partners in India and worldwide to ensure that travel creates meaningful impact for both travellers and host communities.

Rama Mahendru, Country General ManagerIndia, Intrepid Travel, emphasized the brand’s vision, “Conscious travel is no longer a choice, it's a responsibility. At Intrepid, we believe tourism should uplift communities, protect cultures, and preserve our planet. In India and across the globe, we're working hand-in-hand with local partners to create travel experiences that are not only enriching for travellers but meaningful for the people and places they visit. From reducing single-use plastics to planting a tree for every trip under our One Trip One Tree (1T1T) initiative, we're committed to making a tangible impact. World Tourism Day is a powerful reminder that transformation in tourism begins with purpose and we're proud to be part of that change.”

Through initiatives like One Trip One Tree (1T1T), which ensures a tree is planted for every journey, Intrepid Travel is creating real, measurable outcomes. The company has also taken steps to reduce its reliance on single-use plastics and continues to build sustainable practices into its operations worldwide.

With India’s adventure travel sector gaining momentum, Intrepid’s focus on purpose-driven tourism positions it as a leader in shaping a more inclusive, environmentally responsible, and culturally respectful travel industry.


Thomas Cook India Partners with Blinkit to Deliver Forex Cards in Minutes

Thomas Cook India Partners with Blinkit to Deliver Forex Cards in Minutes

By Manu Vardhan kannan

Published on September 26, 2025

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel forex services company, has announced a pioneering initiative in the country’s foreign exchange sector by partnering with Blinkit, a quick commerce company, to deliver forex cards at customers’ doorsteps in minutes.

This collaboration introduces forex retail as a dedicated service on Blinkit, beginning with Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, with phased expansion planned across key source markets. The initiative covers Thomas Cook’s Borderless Travel Card for leisure travellers and Study Buddy for students, making the company the first forex service provider in India to leverage Blinkit’s rapid last-mile delivery model.

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The move comes in response to evolving consumer behaviour, where speed, convenience, and digital-first solutions are now expected even in traditionally complex categories like foreign exchange. Quick commerce has seen exponential growth in India, surging from $300 million in 2022 to $7.1 billion in FY25, and is projected to reach $35 billion by 2030.

Through this partnership, customers can place an order on Blinkit and receive a blank forex card within minutes. Post-delivery, Thomas Cook India’s forex team manages the Video-KYC, card loading, and statutory compliances, enabling customers to be fully travel-ready within an hour. Each card is supported with activation instructions, a dedicated helpline, and access to a secure portal, ensuring a seamless and secure experience.

Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President - Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “By offering our blank forex cards via Blinkit, we are enhancing convenience and redefining travel readiness, enabling customers to be fully equipped within minutes at their doorstep. This game-changing solution is ideal for last-minute forex needs and aligns with our India Ka Forex Specialist positioning.”

Anish Shrivastava, Senior Vice President - Revenue, Blinkit, added, “Together with Thomas Cook India, we’re transforming what was once a time-consuming task into a simple and seamless experience for travellers, right at their doorstep.”

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