Reacting to the Union Budget 2026–27, Anuj Mittal, Founder of Paprika Park, said the announcements present a mixed impact for India’s food and beverage sector.

 “Indian Union Budget 2026-27 had a mixed impact on the food & beverage (F&B) sector: some production inputs and processing equipment became cheaper due to duty reductions (e.g., seafood processing inputs and microwave parts), supporting domestic value chains, while costs rose for others most notably commercial LPG for kitchens and imported coffee machines now facing higher duties which could push up prices for cafes and eateries. The Budget also continues to support broader agri-food infrastructure and supply-chain improvements, benefiting long-term F&B competitiveness,” he said. Mittal noted that while policy support for agriculture-linked infrastructure and processing is encouraging for long-term growth, operational cost pressures remain a key concern for restaurants and cafés navigating a price-sensitive market