Let’s call it what it is: the walls around luxury are crumbling.

Once upon a time, buying a Hermès Birkin wasn’t just a transaction—it was an event. Waitlists, appointments, subtle flexes of power and privilege. Today? Scroll through TikTok and you’ll find videos of Chinese factories casually assembling what look shockingly similar to the very same bag, selling them directly to consumers—no velvet rope, no gatekeeper, no mystery.

And that’s the real story here.

Luxury, in its traditional sense, was built on scarcity, secrecy, and a certain untouchable status. But with factory workers showcasing craftsmanship on social media, and influencers educating their audiences on how and where to buy these pieces at a fraction of the price—luxury is being democratized. Some might say disrupted. Others might say liberated.

From Chanel to Prada, these brands are now in a vulnerable position. The aura they’ve curated for decades is being peeled back, layer by layer, video by video.

And here’s the kicker: it’s not just about counterfeits anymore. These are often the same factories making goods for the global brands. It’s the direct-to-consumer revolution playing out in real time, and it's reshaping the very essence of what "premium" even means.

The Luxury Industry Has a Decision to Make

Adapt or fade.

Do brands double down on storytelling, heritage, and emotional value? Or do they reimagine what “exclusivity” looks like in a world where a 22-year-old in Delhi or Chengdu can order a Birkin-lookalike straight from a factory for $200?

One thing is certain: luxury is no longer a one-way conversation from Paris and Milan to the world. Thanks to TikTok, China just flipped the script—and everyone’s watching.

The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in association with Food Tech and Snack & BakeTec, organized a panel discussion on “Food Processing Industry—Facilitation, Infrastructure & Technology” at Radisson Blu on Thursday night.

The discussion focused on government facilitation, infrastructure development, and technology adoption in the food processing sector.

Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, IFS, Special Secretary, Investment Promotion & External Engagement & VC & MD of Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), Government of Telangana, was the Chief Guest. The event also featured prominent speakers from government institutions such as APEDA, FSSAI, TGFPS, and TGIIC, along with key industry representatives from Telangana.

Food Processing: A Crucial Growth Driver

Dr. Reddy emphasized that food processing plays a critical role in increasing farmers' incomes by adding value to their produce. “Every government aims to boost farmer earnings, and without developing food processing, this goal may not be achieved,” he stated. He also highlighted post-harvest food grain wastage as a significant concern.

The Telangana government is committed to establishing an industrial zone outside RRR with a focus on the MSME sector, particularly food processing industries. “While the government aims to set up food processing units near the source of raw materials, industries often prefer locations closer to consumers to reduce logistics costs. We are working to maintain a fine balance between these priorities,” Dr. Reddy added. He also encouraged industry stakeholders to engage with the Telangana Food Processing Society, a government initiative supporting the sector.

Opportunities for Growth

India’s food and beverage packaging industry is projected to grow from $33.7 billion in 2023 to $46.3 billion by 2028. The panelists noted that strategic government and industry collaboration could drive sustainable growth in this sector, expanding both domestic and global markets.

The discussion was moderated by Sri S. Chandra Mohan, Chair, Agro and Food Processing Committee, and Managing Director of Sahasra Crop Science Pvt. Ltd. Panelists included:

• Sri R. P. Naidu, Regional Director, APEDA, Telangana

• Sri K. Balunaik, Deputy Director, FSSAI, Telangana

• Smt. G. Sushma, Director (Business Development), TGFPS

• Sri G. V. K. Naidu, Founder & CMD, Sam Agritech Limited

• Sri Mukunda Jandhyala, CEO, Jandhyala India Foods

The Need for a Robust Food Processing Industry

In his welcome address, Mr. Ravi Kumar, Senior Vice President of FTCCI, underscored the food processing industry’s crucial role in economic development. He pointed out that although India has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, post-harvest losses remain a challenge. Currently, food processing in India accounts for only a small fraction of total agricultural output:

• Fruits: 4.5%

• Vegetables: 2.7%

• Milk: 21.1%

• Meat: 34.2%

• Fish: 15.4%

“A strong food processing sector, supported by advanced techniques, can reduce waste, enhance value addition, promote crop diversity, increase farmer incomes, create employment, and boost export revenue,” Mr. Kumar noted.

Sri K.K. Maheshwari, Vice President of FTCCI, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.

With increasing focus on technology and infrastructure, the food processing industry in Telangana is poised for transformative growth, driving economic benefits for both farmers and businesses alike.

In the ever-evolving world of travel, the rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb has reshaped the hospitality landscape. These platforms have tapped into the aspirations of modern travelers seeking authentic, flexible, and often cost-effective accommodations. As they grow in popularity, traditional hotels face an imperative: adapt or risk irrelevance. The challenge is not merely about survival but about reimagining what hotels can offer in this competitive environment.

While the allure of short-term rentals lies in their promise of living like a local, traditional hotels possess inherent strengths that, when harnessed creatively, can redefine the guest experience. The key lies not in mimicking the short-term rental model but in amplifying what makes hotels unique and indispensable.

The Soul of Hospitality: Personalized Experiences

At the heart of the hospitality industry is the art of service—a human connection that no algorithm can replicate. Hotels have long been sanctuaries of comfort, offering guests not just a place to sleep but a curated experience designed to anticipate their needs. From a warm welcome at check-in to bespoke concierge services, the potential for personalization is boundless.

Imagine a hotel stay where technology works seamlessly to enhance—not replace—human interaction. Pre-arrival communication could gather insights about a guest’s preferences, enabling hoteliers to craft tailored experiences. A guest might arrive to find their favorite coffee blend waiting in the room or discover a list of local recommendations that align with their interests. These seemingly small touches can create an emotional resonance, transforming a stay into a cherished memory.

Community and Culture: The New Frontier

One of the primary reasons travelers gravitate toward short-term rentals is their connection to local culture. Hotels, too, can champion this cause by embedding themselves in the fabric of their communities. Collaborating with local artisans, hosting pop-up markets, or offering neighborhood tours led by in-house guides are just a few ways hotels can deliver an authentic slice of the locale.

The design of hotel spaces can also play a role. Moving away from cookie-cutter aesthetics to interiors that reflect local heritage and craftsmanship can make a hotel feel less like a global chain and more like an extension of the destination. By positioning themselves as gateways to cultural immersion, hotels can offer guests an experience that feels both personal and profound.

Flexibility in a Structured Framework

Short-term rentals thrive on flexibility, giving travelers the freedom to customize their stays. Hotels, traditionally bound by more rigid structures, must embrace this ethos without compromising their operational efficiency. Offering extended check-in and check-out hours, customizable room layouts, and even co-working spaces for the growing number of digital nomads can position hotels as adaptive and modern.

Moreover, loyalty programs can evolve to reward not just frequent stays but diverse interactions with the brand—whether it’s dining at the hotel restaurant, attending a wellness retreat, or engaging with the hotel’s social media community.

Hotels as Catalysts for Change

As a passionate observer of the hospitality industry, I believe this is not merely a challenge but a golden opportunity. Short-term rentals have disrupted the industry, yes, but they have also illuminated what travelers value most. Hotels, with their established infrastructure and wealth of expertise, are uniquely positioned to not just meet these expectations but exceed them.

The future of hospitality will be defined by those who embrace innovation while staying true to the essence of their craft. A world-class hotel is more than just a room; it is a stage for unforgettable moments, a haven of trust and safety, and a beacon of excellence in service. By doubling down on these qualities, hotels can carve out a distinct space that no algorithm-driven platform can replicate.

The race is not to the swift but to the creative, the adaptable, and the visionary. The question is not whether hotels can compete with short-term rentals but how they will evolve to lead the industry once again. It is a challenge worth embracing—for the sake of the industry, its professionals, and, most importantly, its guests.