The Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), in collaboration with the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and the UK Government, participated in a high-level interactive roundtable at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, focusing on opportunities to strengthen bilateral food and drink trade under the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

The session brought together government representatives, industry leaders and trade associations to discuss commercial opportunities, regulatory compliance and measures to facilitate market access for food and beverage businesses operating between the two countries.

The roundtable was attended by The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, and The Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), as chief guests.

Providing the keynote address, Amit Lohani, Founder Director of FIFI, outlined the Indian food and beverage industry's perspective on emerging trade opportunities, regulatory alignment and the need to streamline processes under CETA. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between government bodies, trade organisations and industry stakeholders in easing market entry and expanding distribution networks across India.

The meeting brought together representatives from major international companies, including Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Annandale Distillery and Walkers Shortbread. Trade associations participating in the discussions included the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), Salmon Scotland and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), alongside FIFI.

Discussions centred on practical measures to address regulatory bottlenecks, strengthen food safety compliance and facilitate trade across multiple categories, including spirits, seafood, meat, dairy and processed foods.

The participants also explored how CETA's preferential trade framework could support stronger commercial relationships and improve access to market intelligence for businesses looking to expand their presence across the UK and India.

The session concluded with a shared commitment to deepen bilateral commercial ties and establish structured avenues for continued trade support, information exchange and industry engagement.

The discussions reflect the importance of cooperation between government institutions, trade bodies and businesses in translating bilateral trade agreements into practical opportunities for the food and beverage industry. Regulatory clarity, efficient compliance processes and stronger distribution networks remain key considerations for companies seeking to expand cross-border trade.

Wyndham Rewards brought together travel, hospitality and running at the 2026 Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival, serving as the event's official hotel partner and giving members opportunities to turn their loyalty points into a race weekend experience.

Held in Melbourne, the festival brought together runners, supporters and members of the wider running community. Wyndham Rewards' participation extended beyond accommodation, with race weekend packages, post-race hospitality and interactive activities designed to make the event more memorable for participants.

The programme brought together more than 40 Wyndham-nominated runners, including members who had bid on race weekend packages, hotel owners, senior company leaders, local running club members, content creators and consumer advocates.

Turning Loyalty Points into Race Experiences

Ahead of the festival, Wyndham Rewards members could use their points to bid on race weekend packages through the global Wyndham Rewards Experiences platform. The packages combined race participation with accommodation and other experiences, allowing members to use their accumulated points towards a personal sporting goal.

For participating members, the experience offered an opportunity to explore Melbourne, connect with fellow runners and complete their races at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The initiative highlights how hotel loyalty programmes can extend beyond traditional room redemptions by connecting members with experiences that reflect their personal interests. Through its Experiences platform, Wyndham Rewards offers members opportunities to bid on access to live events and other special occasions.

Post-Race Hospitality at the MCG

Following the races, the Very Important Runners (VIR) Lounge, presented by Wyndham Rewards at the MCG, provided a dedicated space for eligible guests to recover and unwind.

Those with VIR hospitality access could make use of post-race massages and dedicated facilities to freshen up after completing their runs.

The Wyndham Rewards Partner Hub offered additional activities for runners and spectators, including a recovery area, a photo booth and wellbeing trivia games, with points and giveaways available to participants.

These activities extended the brand's presence beyond the race itself, creating opportunities for runners, families and supporters to participate in the festival atmosphere.

Commenting on the initiative, Eyvonne Lin, Vice President, Marketing & Commercial Performance, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said:

"Crossing the finish line is a personal achievement, made even more meaningful by the people who support you along the way. Through Wyndham Rewards, we want to be part of the moments our members look forward to, whether that is a getaway, a special experience, or a race they have spent months preparing for. When members can use their points for meaningful occasions like these, membership becomes more relevant beyond the hotel stay."

Extending the Running Spirit Beyond Melbourne

Ahead of race weekend, Wyndham Rewards also ran the #RunWithWyndham Four-Week Challenge on Facebook and Instagram. The initiative invited participants to complete weekly distance goals from their own locations, extending the festival's running theme beyond Melbourne.

Individual prizes of up to 45,000 Wyndham Rewards points were available, providing another opportunity for participants to engage with the loyalty programme.

Through its Experiences platform and event partnerships, Wyndham Rewards is seeking to connect membership with travel, entertainment and personal interests. Members can use points towards eligible stays and bid on experiences, creating additional reasons to travel beyond a conventional hotel visit.

Membership in Wyndham Rewards is free, with details available at WyndhamRewards.com.

About Wyndham Rewards

Wyndham Rewards is the loyalty programme of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, with more than 126 million enrolled members worldwide, according to the company. Members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay and can redeem points for free nights at participating hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals, starting at 7,500 points.

Through Wyndham Rewards Experiences, members can also bid on live events and other special experiences using points. The programme additionally offers Wyndham Rewards Insider, a travel subscription providing savings and benefits across travel-related services.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is one of the world's largest hotel franchising companies, with approximately 8,400 hotels across around 100 countries and six continents. Its portfolio comprises 25 hotel brands and more than 873,000 franchised and affiliated rooms, with a presence across the economy and midscale lodging segments.

The company's brands include Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, ECHO Suites, Registry Collection Hotels, Trademark Collection and Wyndham.

On International Day of the Girl Child, Air India Captain Archana Kapoor has shared an inspiring message for young girls who have been told that their dreams are beyond their reach. Through an open letter, the Senior Commander of the Boeing 787 reflects on her journey from aspiring to become an Air Force pilot as a schoolgirl to building a career in military and commercial aviation.

Her journey began in Class 6, when she told her father, a helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force, that she wanted to follow in his footsteps. However, he told her that pilots did not wear glasses and that there were no women pilots in the Air Force at the time. He suggested that she consider becoming a doctor instead.

Although she explored other career options, including engineering, space exploration and the police service, her dream of flying never faded. Along with her friends, she even wrote letters to ministers, army officials and leaders, asking why women could not become Air Force pilots.

A turning point came in 1992, when the Indian Air Force announced that women would be inducted as pilots. In 1994, Kapoor became one of the first fourteen women selected to join the Air Force Academy.

One experience from her early career remains particularly close to her heart. A senior navigator once admitted that he had been nervous about flying with her because she was a woman. During a difficult mission in poor weather conditions, Kapoor and her team completed the task safely and returned home. Following the flight, the officer apologised and asked her to bless his newborn daughter, hoping she would grow up to be like Kapoor.

For her, the incident was a reminder that professional ability and dedication can challenge long-held beliefs about what women can achieve.

During her decade in the Air Force, Kapoor earned distinctions in flying and ground subjects and qualified for roles that many had once considered beyond women's reach. She later moved into commercial aviation, beginning another chapter in her career.

As an instructor on the Airbus A320 fleet, she discovered the importance of sharing knowledge and helping other pilots build confidence. Her subsequent role as a Senior Flight Operations Inspector with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) gave her a deeper understanding of aviation safety, accountability and the responsibility involved in every flight.

Her career eventually brought her to Air India, where she continued to learn and take on new challenges. Transitioning to the Boeing 787 was another opportunity to expand her skills and experience. Today, as a Senior Commander on the Boeing 787, Kapoor values the culture of learning and mentorship within the airline. She believes that professional success is rarely achieved alone and that experienced aviation professionals have an important role in guiding younger pilots.

She also highlights how much opportunities for women in aviation have changed over the years. Having once been part of a profession where women in cockpits were uncommon, she now sees more young women entering the field with greater confidence and support.

For Kapoor, leadership goes beyond authority. It involves building trust, bringing teams together and ensuring the safety, comfort and wellbeing of passengers. The discipline and responsibility she developed throughout her career continue to guide her work.

Her message to young girls is simple: setbacks and doubts should not decide the limits of their ambitions. She encourages them to remain patient, have faith in themselves and understand that every stage of their journey can prepare them for opportunities they may not yet imagine.

Reflecting on her own experience, Kapoor recalls how she once worked in Air India's cargo division while hoping for an opportunity to fly. Today, she commands a Boeing 787 across continents, a journey she could hardly have imagined at the time.

Her message on International Day of the Girl Child is a reminder that determination, self-belief and the courage to challenge expectations can help turn ambitious dreams into reality. As Capt. Archana Kapoor's journey shows, the limits placed on young girls do not have to define how far they can go.