As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, prominent voices in India’s Food & Beverage (F&B) sector have highlighted key reforms that could transform the industry. Leaders Saurabh Wadkar, Founder of Rooted, and Teja Chekuri, Founder of Full Stack Ventures, shared their insights on the policies they believe are crucial for the sustainable growth of the F&B, restaurant, and food delivery sectors.

Saurabh Wadkar, Founder of Rooted: A Call for GST Reforms and Support for Small Businesses

"The Union Budget 2025 offers a golden opportunity to uplift India’s restaurant and food delivery sector, especially for small businesses that are the heart of this industry," says Saurabh Wadkar.

He emphasizes the following:

• Reinstating Input Tax Credit (ITC): This could significantly lower operational costs and improve profitability for restaurants and cloud kitchens.
• GST Rate Reduction to 12%: Aligning GST rates with global standards would enhance competitiveness, benefiting both restaurants and food delivery services.
• Infrastructure Status for Ghost Kitchens: Recognizing ghost kitchens and food delivery ventures could pave the way for affordable loans and tax benefits, enabling entrepreneurs in smaller cities to thrive.
• Incentives for Technology Adoption: Encouraging the use of technology would help small players streamline operations, reduce costs, and achieve sustainable growth.
• Culinary Tourism Initiatives: Promoting regional cuisines would not only boost local restaurants but also spotlight India’s rich food heritage.

"With thoughtful measures like these, the Budget could transform the sector, creating opportunities for small businesses to flourish and strengthening their role as drivers of jobs, culture, and economic growth," he concludes.

Teja Chekuri, Founder of Full Stack Ventures: A Need for Licensing Simplification

Echoing the importance of reforms, Teja Chekuri emphasizes the F&B sector’s critical contribution to the economy, stating:
"The F&B, Restaurant, and Alco-Bev sectors are among the highest employment creators in India, promoting consumption, tourism, and economic growth across connected industries."

Chekuri highlights the urgent need for pro-public reforms, such as:

• Simplifying Licensing Systems: The current multi-layered process creates roadblocks that hinder growth. A single-window process would streamline approvals and foster a more vibrant business environment.
• Encouraging Investment: Actionable reforms would attract investments, promote innovation, and drive long-term economic growth.
• Leveraging Technology: With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, technology-driven solutions would support the sector’s sustained growth and improve global competitiveness.

"A futuristic approach to licensing and reforms will not only boost growth but also expose the vibrancy of India’s thriving F&B sector to the world," Chekuri affirms.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

As leaders like Wadkar and Chekuri voice their expectations, it’s clear that the Union Budget 2025 has the potential to address key challenges in the F&B sector, from simplifying compliance to incentivizing sustainable practices. With these reforms, the industry could unlock its full potential, contributing to India’s economic growth while preserving its rich culinary heritage.