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.

Saya Group has announced that it has applied for the Occupancy Certificate (OC) for its landmark high-street development, Saya Piazza, located at Jaypee Greens, Sector 131, Noida Expressway. With construction in its final stages, the project is nearing completion and is set to redefine the retail and lifestyle landscape of the region.

Spread across approximately 2 lakh sq. ft., Saya Piazza has been designed as a vibrant blend of luxury, efficiency, and entertainment. The project dedicates 35% of its space to restaurants, QSRs, food courts, and leisure zones, while the remaining 65% is focused on premium retail, featuring nearly 350 shops. It will host over 100 international apparel brands, lifestyle outlets, gyms, gaming zones, home décor stores, and other premium segments.

Adding to its appeal, marquee brands such as Ministry of Beer and LOOKS Salon have already joined the mix, making Saya Piazza a prime destination for both shopping and leisure. The project also offers select pre-leased commercial investment opportunities, presenting an attractive proposition for investors seeking strong returns from ready-to-move premium units.

Strategically located opposite the Golf Course in Jaypee Wishtown, Saya Piazza enjoys a 360-foot frontage, ensuring high visibility and easy accessibility. Its dedicated food zone with premium golf course views, iconic façade, landscaped surroundings, and premium interiors further enhance its appeal as a lifestyle hub.

Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Vikas Bhasin, Managing Director, Saya Group, said:

“Saya Piazza has been envisioned as more than just a shopping destination. It is a vibrant lifestyle hub that brings together retail, food, and restaurant for the modern consumer. With marquee brands like Ministry of Beer and LOOKS Salon already joining us, we are confident that Saya Piazza will redefine high-street retail on the Noida Expressway and stand out as a landmark for both residents and visitors.”

With the OC applied and finishing touches underway, Saya Piazza is gearing up to open its doors soon. While most of the project is already sold out, a limited number of premium units are still available for booking, offering investors a rare chance to own high-street commercial space along the Noida Expressway.

Skyscanner has named Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav, popularly known as ‘SKY’, as its first brand ambassador in India. This marks the company’s most significant consumer outreach initiative in the Indian market so far.

The partnership builds on the rising trend of sport-led travel in the country, with research showing that nearly half of Indian travellers are willing to travel specifically to watch live cricket. By joining hands with a cricketer of Yadav’s popularity and cultural influence, Skyscanner aims to strengthen its presence among Indian travellers and inspire them to explore new destinations with ease.

Known as ‘Mr. 360’ for his versatile cricketing style, Yadav will now extend his influence off the field by encouraging travellers to experience the joy of discovery with Skyscanner. The collaboration begins with a digital contest on Skyscanner India’s and Yadav’s social media channels, where fans can create personalised travel itineraries for the cricketer using Skyscanner’s features. Selected winners will get the chance to meet Yadav in person, offering unique engagement opportunities between the brand and its community.

Speaking about the partnership, Suryakumar Yadav said: “Travel has always been something that excites me as much as cricket,  whether it is exploring new places during tours or discovering hidden gems on break. Partnering with Skyscanner feels natural because it’s about making travel simple, smart, and full of possibilities. I’m looking forward to inspiring more fans to combine their love for cricket with the joy of discovering the world.”

Neel Ghose, Country Manager & General Manager, Travel Expert, Skyscanner, India, added: “We are really excited to welcome SKY to the Skyscanner family. His connection with people across India makes him the perfect partner to help us show travellers just how simple, affordable and joyful planning a trip with Skyscanner can be. With him alongside, we aim to make travel not just more accessible, but a source of inspiration and connection for every Indian traveller. Last year, we inaugurated our first office in India and today marks yet another special occasion with SKY as the face of our brand.”

Through this collaboration, Skyscanner hopes to encourage Indian travellers to see travel as both accessible and aspirational, combining their love for cricket with the excitement of exploring new places.