Women Entrepreneurs Redefining the F&B 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Middle East Crisis Sparks LPG Concerns, Government Urges Public Not to Panic

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 12, 2026

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key routes for oil and gas shipments, has started to affect energy supplies in India. The disruption in shipments has led to delays in the delivery of crude oil and LPG, creating a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders that are widely used by restaurants, hotels, and small businesses.

The shortage is being felt across several parts of the country and is directly impacting the hospitality sector, where commercial gas cylinders are essential for daily operations. From small tea stalls to large star hotels, many businesses are facing difficulty in securing cylinders due to the sudden rise in demand.

Reports indicate that the demand for commercial LPG cylinders has increased sharply. In Chennai, a single commercial cylinder was reportedly sold for as high as ₹5000 yesterday, reflecting the pressure on supply. The situation has also started to influence the prices of everyday items. For instance, a cup of tea that was earlier priced at ₹12 has now gone up to ₹15, while coffee prices have reached around ₹20 per cup in several places.

Fuel demand has also increased in the city. In Chennai, long queues were seen at many local petrol stations, with large numbers of vehicles waiting to refill fuel. Autos and other commercial vehicles were seen standing in long lines to refill petrol and CNG, reflecting the growing concern among the public. However, authorities have stated that petrol availability remains stable and have urged people not to panic, even as panic buying continues to be observed at some stations.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas also urged citizens not to panic buy LPG cylinders. The government has assured that India has sufficient LPG supply and that cylinders will be delivered within a few days of booking.

The situation has also affected other sectors linked to exports and transportation. Mango pulp exports from Krishnagiri, which plays an important role in the beverage industry, have been impacted due to the disruption in shipping and transport. Nearly ₹2000 crore worth of mango pulp shipments are currently reported to be stagnant because of delays in movement.

Amid these developments, there has been some reassurance regarding shipping routes. Iran has assured India that Indian-flagged ships will be allowed to cross the Strait of Hormuz, helping maintain trade movement through the region.

Meanwhile, supply lines are gradually starting to stabilise. After the conflict began, the first shipment of crude oil from Saudi Arabia has already reached Mumbai Port, and more shipments are expected in the coming days. These arrivals are likely to ease the pressure on supply and help reduce the impact of the shortage in the near future.

These Women Leaders Are Quietly Reshaping How Indian Businesses Think and Grow

By Hariharan U

Published on March 11, 2026

Something has shifted in how Indian businesses are being led and it's not subtle anymore. Women across industries aren't just entering boardrooms as symbolic additions; they're the ones driving strategy, shaping culture, and making the decisions that define where organisations go next. This Women's Day, we're spotlighting seven women whose leadership is quietly and not so quietly changing things.

Yukti Nagpal, Director at Gulshan Group, is one of the new voices redefining real estate from the inside. Her approach brings together design thinking, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community, building developments that put human well-being first. She's equally intentional about the culture inside her organisation, championing mentorship and inclusive workplace practices in an industry that hasn't always made space for those conversations.

Yamini Agarwal, Director of Marketing & Communications at Nimbus Group, brings over a decade of brand-building experience to a sector where trust and perception matter enormously. She's strengthened Nimbus Realty's positioning through campaigns that combine digital savvy with authentic storytelling and she's just as vocal about the need for ethical marketing practices and better representation of women in leadership across the real estate world.

Roshy Chhillar, Director at Landmark Group, leads with a global lens, shaped by a strong academic grounding in real estate and economics. Her leadership style balances long-term strategic thinking with a genuinely collaborative approach, building resilient urban spaces while simultaneously focusing on mentorship and people development within her organisation.

Priyamvada Navet, Deputy CEO at Experion Developers, has worked across every stage of the real estate development cycle from business development and project planning right through to execution and asset management. What makes her perspective distinctive is how she weaves personal experience into professional leadership. As a mother of two and a strong advocate for well-being, she believes organisations perform at their best when teams feel genuinely trusted and supported. For her, building capable, motivated teams is just as much a part of strong leadership as delivering on numbers.

Nandini Taneja, CEO of Bhumika Enterprises, brings over two decades of experience in advisory, leasing, and asset strategy to her role. She's known for steering large-scale developments with a clear focus on long-term value creation, combining sharp market intelligence with disciplined execution. But she's equally focused on building leadership pipelines within her teams, reflecting a belief that resilient organisations are ultimately built on empowered people.

Ambika Saxena, Group CEO of TWH Hospitality, leads with entrepreneurial instinct and a strong sense of purpose. Her career spans corporate communications and experiential hospitality, and she's built ventures that place human connection and cultural authenticity at the centre of the business. She's a firm believer that organisations thrive when inclusivity and empowerment are embedded into everyday decision-making, not just stated as values on a wall.

Preksha Singh, CEO of Agrasheel Infratech Pvt Ltd, brings over 15 years of experience across marketing, development management, and business strategy to her role. Currently leading the vision behind Agrasheel's flagship project Aashrayam in Lucknow, she approaches real estate with an analytical, market-driven mindset that's introducing fresh, multidisciplinary thinking to a traditionally structured industry.

What connects all seven of these leaders isn't just their professional success, it's the way they lead. Collaborative, purpose-driven, and deeply people-centric, they represent something that India's corporate landscape genuinely needs more of. As businesses grow more complex and competitive, diverse leadership voices like theirs aren't just good to have. They're essential

Radisson Hotel Group Signs 150-Key Radisson Hotel in Kishangarh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 11, 2026

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of Radisson Hotel Kishangarh, marking the brand’s entry into one of Rajasthan’s growing commercial and tourism destinations. With this addition, the group continues to strengthen its presence in the state, where this project will mark its 20th property.

Kishangarh, often referred to as the “City of Marbles,” is widely known for its marble trade and traditional miniature paintings. The city also benefits from its proximity to popular destinations such as Ajmer and Pushkar, which attract steady religious and leisure tourism throughout the year.

The upcoming Radisson Hotel Kishangarh will feature 150 well-appointed rooms and suites. The property will offer contemporary dining options along with flexible meeting and event facilities designed to host business gatherings, social events, weddings and MICE activities. The hotel aims to combine modern comfort with the region’s cultural identity and artistic heritage, creating a memorable stay experience for guests.

Strategically located just off the Delhi–Ajmer Expressway and directly opposite Kishangarh Airport, the hotel enjoys strong connectivity and visibility within an expanding tourism and commercial corridor. The airport connects the city with major domestic hubs including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, Indore and Nagpur. This location is expected to attract corporate travellers, airline passengers and transit guests, while also benefiting from tourism flow to Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Pushkar.

Sharing insights on the development, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Kishangarh is emerging as a high-potential hospitality market driven by a combination of commercial travel, religious tourism, and improving regional connectivity. Located within a 30–45 km radius of Ajmer and Pushkar and adjacent to Kishangarh Airport, the city benefits from steady year-round demand, yet has limited penetration of branded hotels. The signing of Radisson Hotel Kishangarh enables us to establish an early-mover advantage in a market where organised hospitality supply remains significantly underdeveloped. Supported by the region’s strong marble and manufacturing ecosystem, as well as consistent social and pilgrimage-led travel, we see sustainable long-term demand across corporate, leisure, and event segments. This addition strengthens our leadership position in Rajasthan and aligns with our strategy to expand in tier-2 markets with clear demand fundamentals and scalable growth potential.”

The property is expected to benefit from its prime airport-facing location and early entry into the market. The hotel is scheduled to open in Q2 2027.

Speaking about the signing, Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director, Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “This signing reflects our strategy to expand in underpenetrated yet high-growth markets that offer strong fundamentals and long-term value. Kishangarh’s strategic location between Ajmer and Pushkar, improving air connectivity, and strong demand drivers from the marble trade and tourism ecosystem make it an ideal destination for our Radisson brand. We look forward to developing a landmark hotel that combines global standards with strong local relevance, while creating sustained value for our partners and guests.”

Rajendra Gupta, Partner, Cygnus Township LLP, added, “This partnership with Radisson Hotel Group marks an important milestone for our project in Kishangarh. As the city continues to grow as a centre for trade, travel, and tourism, we saw strong value in working with an internationally recognised brand that brings operational expertise and market reach. We are confident that Radisson Hotel Kishangarh will set new standards for hospitality in the region and contribute meaningfully to the city’s economic and tourism development. We look forward to a long and successful association with the Group.”

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

Divya Kadam – Baliboo

Geeta Amin – Amelia

Bobby Patel – Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh

Eesha Sukhi – The BlueBop Cafe

Rinka Jha & Rashmi Mehra – Two Gud Sisters

Aayusha Joshi – ZAKÌ

Neha Chowdhury – Courtyard by Marriott

Most Read In News

Middle East Crisis Sparks LPG Concerns, Government Urges Public Not to Panic

Most Read In News

These Women Leaders Are Quietly Reshaping How Indian Businesses Think and Grow

Most Read In News

Radisson Hotel Group Signs 150-Key Radisson Hotel in Kishangarh

Most Read In News