Women Who Lead: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage Industry

Women Who Lead: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage Industry

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 5, 2025

The food and beverage industry has long been a challenging space, yet these remarkable women have broken barriers to carve their own path. As International Women's Day draws near, we recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who have not only established thriving culinary businesses but have also inspired countless others with their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

Divya Kadam – Baliboo

Mumbai’s Baliboo is the brainchild of Divya Kadam, a passionate entrepreneur who transformed her love for travel and food into a vibrant dining experience. Launched in 2023, Baliboo quickly became a hotspot for those seeking a tropical escape within the city. Despite having no background in hospitality, Divya’s global culinary explorations inspired her to create a space that blends exotic flavors, immersive ambiance, and a unique dining culture.

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Geeta Amin – Amelia

With over three decades in architecture, Geeta Amin’s expertise goes beyond structures—it extends into crafting experiences. As the visionary behind Amelia, a contemporary European dining destination in Mumbai’s OneBKC, Geeta merges her passion for design and fine dining. Drawing inspiration from her travels across 75+ countries, she has created a space that is both culturally rich and architecturally stunning. Beyond hospitality, she is also a celebrated wildlife photographer with her work published in the official book of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

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Bobby Patel – Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh

A certified culinary and baking chef, Bobby Patel has redefined the vegetarian and plant-based dining experience. As the Culinary Director of Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh, she has championed sustainability and innovation in food. Her flagship brand, Thyme & Whisk, launched in Vadodara in 2018, has expanded to 16 locations. Mad Doh, a Mumbai-based venture, is on the path of rapid expansion into major Indian cities. With expertise certified by City & Guilds London, Bobby is at the forefront of creating delectable and mindful culinary experiences.

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Eesha Sukhi – The BlueBop Cafe

From the corporate world to the culinary stage, Eesha Sukhi’s journey has been one of passion and transformation. In 2019, she launched The BlueBop Cafe in Mumbai’s Khar, a space known for its exceptional cuisine and live jazz performances. Her commitment to quality food and immersive entertainment has earned the cafe multiple accolades, including the Times Food & Nightlife Award for three consecutive years. Eesha’s story is a testament to how passion and strategic vision can create a successful brand.

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Rinka Jha & Rashmi Mehra – Two Gud Sisters

From friendship to entrepreneurship, Rinka Jha and Rashmi Mehra co-founded Two Gud Sisters with a mission to create a space where food fosters connections. Their venture reflects their shared love for quality products, homemade flavors, and meaningful experiences. Whether through handcrafted meals, artisanal coffee, or innovative culinary offerings, they have cultivated a brand that resonates with people seeking warmth and authenticity in their dining experiences.

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Aayusha Joshi – ZAKÌ

Taking over a 25-year-old Mumbai bakery and transforming it into a contemporary brand, Aayusha Joshi is redefining tradition with a fresh perspective. Armed with a BA (Hons) in Entrepreneurship from NMIMS and a design certification from ISDI Mumbai in collaboration with Parsons School of Design, Aayusha blends aesthetics with culinary expertise. Her passion for exploring global cuisines and desserts fuels the evolution of ZAKÌ, creating a brand that respects its roots while embracing innovation.

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Neha Chowdhury – Courtyard by Marriott

With nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, Neha Chowdhury, Director of Sales & Marketing at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, is a force to be reckoned with. Her deep understanding of business strategy and human connection makes her a leader who not only drives revenue but also shapes guest experiences. Neha’s success reinforces the belief that women can excel in leadership roles, inspiring the next generation of female professionals in the industry.

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These women have redefined the food and beverage industry with their dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their journeys serve as a beacon of inspiration, proving that passion and perseverance can transform dreams into thriving businesses.


Suba Hotels Reports Strong Growth Momentum in Q3 FY26, Adds 528 Keys Post IPO

Suba Hotels Reports Strong Growth Momentum in Q3 FY26, Adds 528 Keys Post IPO

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 2, 2026

Suba Hotels Limited has reported strong growth momentum and portfolio expansion post IPO, according to its filing with SEBI. The company’s revenue for Q3 FY26 stood at Rs 35.28 crore, supported by the addition of 528 keys following its IPO, the company said in a statement.

The company highlighted that nearly 85 percent of its recent expansion has been asset-light, reinforcing capital efficiency and improving margin visibility. Its portfolio remains balanced across pilgrimage, leisure, business, and tourism-led markets.

For H1 FY26, Suba Hotels reported revenue of Rs 43.79 crore, marking a 49 percent year-on-year increase. EBITDA margin for the same period stood at 20.03 percent, reflecting an improvement of 66 basis points YoY. Profit after tax for H1 FY26 was reported at Rs 5.24 crore, an increase of 69 basis points, the statement added.

On its growth strategy, the company said it is focusing on pilgrimage and religious tourism across the Ayodhya–Ujjain–Vindhyachal belt. Its expansion continues to be driven by high-EBITDA, asset-light models through lease and revenue-share structures. Suba Hotels has also established an international presence in Dubai and is evaluating broader opportunities across the GCC region.

The company is pursuing a dual-market strategy with entry into tier I business hubs such as Hyderabad–Gachibowli, while scaling its presence in tier II and III cities benefiting from infrastructure development and tourism growth. It aims to maintain a balanced portfolio across leisure, industrial, IT, and religious demand, with a clear runway for ARR, occupancy, and EBITDA expansion without putting stress on the balance sheet. Strengthening direct bookings, loyalty programmes, and corporate contracts also remains a key focus to enhance margins.

Commenting on the performance, Mansur Mehta, Managing Director, Suba Hotels Limited, said, “India’s travel and hospitality demand is undergoing a structural shift, with growth increasingly driven by domestic travel, infrastructure-led connectivity, and rising activity in Tier II and Tier III markets. Suba Hotels is strategically positioned at the intersection of these trends, with a portfolio concentrated in high-demand micro-markets across business hubs, pilgrimage circuits, industrial clusters, and emerging leisure destinations. Our location-led strategy, with hotels positioned near airports, SEZs, highways, and key urban nodes, provides strong year-round occupancy visibility and reduces seasonality risk. This, combined with our diversified customer mix across corporate, leisure, MICE, weddings, and religious travel, enables stable cash flows and pricing resilience across cycles.”

Mubeen Mehta, CEO, Suba Hotels Limited, added, “In parallel, we have initiated our international expansion with the successful establishment of operations in Dubai, leveraging the Click Hotels brand in a high-demand, India-linked travel market. This marks an important step in building an asset-light international platform, with a disciplined approach to evaluating further opportunities across the GCC region. By combining domestic expansion in underpenetrated markets with selective international growth, supported by asset-light models, advanced revenue management, and strengthening direct and corporate channels, we are confident in our ability to scale sustainably, enhance returns on capital, and create long-term value for our investors.”


India–EU Free Trade Agreement Sets Positive Tone for 2026 With Major Benefits for Trade and Hospitality

India–EU Free Trade Agreement Sets Positive Tone for 2026 With Major Benefits for Trade and Hospitality

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 2, 2026

The year 2026 began on a positive note with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union, a landmark deal widely described as the “mother of all deals” due to its far-reaching benefits for both economies. The agreement aims to address contemporary global challenges while enabling deeper market integration between the world’s fourth- and second-largest economies.

With a combined market size estimated at over INR 2091.6 lakh crore (USD 24 trillion), the FTA opens significant opportunities for nearly two billion people across India and the EU. The agreement delivers unprecedented market access for over 99% of India’s exports by trade value, while carefully preserving policy space for sensitive sectors and aligning with India’s long-term developmental priorities.

India has secured preferential access to European markets across 97% of tariff lines, covering 99.5% of trade value. Of this, 70.4% of tariff lines covering 90.7% of India’s exports will see immediate duty elimination. These include key labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather and footwear, tea, coffee, spices, sports goods, toys, gems and jewellery, and selected marine products. An additional 20.3% of tariff lines covering 2.9% of exports will receive zero-duty access over three to five years, while 6.1% of tariff lines covering 6% of exports will benefit from reduced tariffs or tariff rate quotas.

Several labour-intensive sectors including apparel, marine products, chemicals, plastics, rubber, toys, sports goods, gems, and jewellery, together accounting for exports worth over INR 2.87 lakh crore, will gain zero-duty access into the EU. These sectors were previously subject to duties ranging from 4% to 26%, and the agreement is expected to significantly enhance their competitiveness while supporting employment generation.

The agreement also provides preferential market access for agricultural products such as tea, coffee, spices, grapes, gherkins, cucumbers, dried onion, fresh fruits and vegetables, and processed food products. This move is expected to benefit Indian farmers while also enriching hospitality offerings in Europe through greater availability of Indian food products in hotels and restaurants. At the same time, India has safeguarded sensitive sectors including dairy, cereals, poultry, soymeal, and select fruits and vegetables, maintaining a balance between export growth and domestic priorities.

Lower duties of up to 10.5% on wooden, bamboo, and handcrafted furniture are expected to boost India’s presence in the European furniture market. The agreement supports growth in high-value, design-driven segments and is likely to encourage the use of Indian furniture in experiential hospitality spaces across EU member countries.

One of the most anticipated outcomes of the agreement is the expected reduction in prices of imported European products in India. Olive oil and gourmet food products, widely used in hospitality kitchens, are expected to see significant price drops. European chocolates, snacks, wines, and whiskies are also likely to become more affordable, supporting growth in India’s restaurant, bakery, and premium dining segments.

Beyond trade and pricing, the FTA also opens doors for cultural exchange and smoother mobility. Both sides have agreed to modernise Schengen visa processes, with faster processing timelines and joint action on visa fraud, making travel more accessible.

Overall, the India–EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to act as a major trendsetter in global trade relations. By improving affordability, expanding access to quality products, and strengthening hospitality and tourism linkages, the agreement is poised to deliver long-term economic and experiential benefits for both regions.


Etihad Guest Expands Across India with Five New Loyalty Partners

Etihad Guest Expands Across India with Five New Loyalty Partners

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 2, 2026

Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, has marked a major milestone in India with the addition of five new partners, BOBCARD, The Postcard Hotel, Flipkart, Swiggy and Shoppers Stop India. The launch was celebrated at a grand event in Mumbai, attended by partners, media, and members of the Bollywood fraternity, underlining the importance of the Indian market for the airline.

India has emerged as the fastest-growing country for the Etihad Guest programme, which now has more than 13 million members worldwide. With over 250,000 new members joining every month and six new members added every minute, Etihad is strengthening value for Indian members by linking everyday lifestyle spending with travel rewards across shopping, dining and hospitality.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “India is one of the most important markets for Etihad, with 185 flights per week to 11 gateways across the country. As a result, we’re investing our efforts into significantly enriching the Etihad Guest programme for the growing number of members across the country and for our members who choose to visit this vibrant nation - and we’re excited to be the first international airline to expand our presence in such a meaningful way.

“We are proud to be partnering with five prestigious and renowned brands across India, including leading credit card BOBCARD, luxury hotel group The Postcard Hotel, major e-commerce marketplace Flipkart, India’s pioneering food and quick commerce platform Swiggy, and department store and retailer Shoppers Stop India. Integrating the programme into our members’ everyday lives showcases the value of the Etihad Guest programme for Indian consumers and makes it even more richly rewarding.”

As part of the expansion, Etihad Guest has partnered with BOBCARD Limited, the credit card subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, to launch a new co-branded credit card for Indian travellers. To mark the launch, new BOBCARD Etihad Guest members joining before 28 February will receive double joining welcome miles. The card is designed to connect daily spending with travel rewards, offering added flexibility and premium travel benefits.

Luxury hospitality brand The Postcard Hotel has also joined the Etihad Guest family, marking a first for a Middle Eastern carrier. Through this partnership, members can earn Miles on stays at The Postcard Hotel properties across India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Members staying two or three nights will earn 2,000 Miles, while stays of four nights or more will be rewarded with 4,000 Miles and a complimentary night stay. As part of a launch offer, members staying before 28 February will earn double Miles.

Etihad has further teamed up with Flipkart, India’s leading homegrown e-commerce marketplace. Once live in the coming weeks, Flipkart users will be able to convert Supercoins into Etihad Guest Miles for flight redemptions, while Etihad Guest members can exchange Miles for Flipkart Supercoins to spend across the platform.

Adding everyday convenience to travel rewards, Swiggy has joined the programme, bringing benefits to Etihad Guest members across more than 700 cities in India. Existing members will receive six months of complimentary Swiggy One membership, with plans to soon allow members to earn Miles on all Swiggy spends.

In another first, Etihad has partnered with Shoppers Stop India, one of the country’s largest department store chains. As part of the launch, Etihad Guest members can opt in for one year of complimentary Platinum status in the Shoppers Stop First Citizen loyalty programme until 15 February. Members will also be able to earn Etihad Guest Miles on their shopping spends in the coming months.

These partnerships highlight Etihad Airways’ growing commitment to India, one of its most important and fastest-growing international markets. Alongside collaborations with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai City FC, locally inspired cuisine, and Hindi-language digital experiences, the expanded Etihad Guest programme reinforces the airline’s focus on building deeper, value-driven relationships with Indian travellers.

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