FOOD INDUSTRY TRENDS INDIA
McDonald’s relaunches extra value meals — Big Mac, McNuggets and Egg McMuffin at low prices from today
McDonald's Extra Value Meals: McDonald's is reintroducing its popular 'Extra Value Meals' starting today, aiming to attract budget-conscious customers. These discounted meals, featuring classics like the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets, offer up to 15% savings compared to individual purchases. This initiative, lasting until year-end, responds to concerns about rising prices and declining visits from low-income consumers.
Can this American bill topple India's showpiece industry?
The proposed US HIRE Act threatens India’s $250bn IT sector, targeting outsourcing with a 25% tax on payments to foreign firms. While still unlikely to pass, it signals rising protectionism and populist rhetoric under Trump-aligned Republicans. Indian IT services and GCCs, heavily dependent on US clients, face real risks, prompting a need for market diversification and domestic growth.
Global capital turns selective, India stays on the investment map: Hines' Steinbach
Hines' Global CIO, David Steinbach, highlights India's growing importance in global real estate investment due to its stability, domestic demand, and policy reforms. Despite global economic uncertainties, India's office, living, and industrial sectors show resilience and potential. Hines focuses on high-quality assets, leveraging local partnerships to capitalize on India's long-term urban and economic growth.
India's realty market offers long-term investment opportunity: Hines CIO David Steinbach
Hines identifies India as a promising real estate investment destination due to its scale, stability, and strong domestic demand amidst global economic shifts. The country's rising consumption, urbanization, and policy reforms create a foundation for long-term investment. Hines is focused on the office and living sectors, where demand remains robust, particularly in major cities.
Food delivery likely to get costlier on platform fee hike, GST levy
Food delivery is set to get costlier as Zomato, Swiggy and magicpin have raised platform fees ahead of the festive season, with an additional 18% GST on delivery charges effective September 22. Swiggy now charges Rs 15, Zomato Rs 12.50 (plus GST), and magicpin Rs 10 per order. The hikes highlight rising costs in India’s food delivery sector.
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How food and gambling share roots in human history
Gambling's primal allure intertwines with food in surprising ways, from ancient dice games using sheep bones to Cleopatra's extravagant pearl wager. Modern examples include poker players' eating challenges and restaurants' promotional food feats. Historically, food circumvented gambling restrictions, like chewing gum replacing cash prizes in slot machines, highlighting the enduring tension between prohibition and human nature.
GST reforms, festive demand to boost food delivery and Q-commerce, say analysts
Food delivery and quick commerce companies anticipate growth. GST reforms and increased spending are key factors. The festive season may boost demand. While GST changes could raise delivery costs, subscription models might help. Some industry players see limited direct benefits. The real test lies in the upcoming festive season. A stronger growth cycle is expected.
Why we order food online despite a fridge full of groceries? It is not just laziness: The hidden psychology behind our choices
Despite refrigerators full of fresh groceries, many Indians turn to Swiggy or Zomato by midweek. A VegOut report reveals this paradox stems less from laziness and more from psychology—planning fallacy, decision fatigue, perfectionism, and emotional eating. Groceries reflect aspirations of a healthier self, but fatigue, stress, and comfort cravings shift choices toward takeout. The report highlights how food delivery thrives on the gap between intentions and daily realities.
India's food processing sector projected to reach $535 bn by FY26 end
India's food processing sector, projected to reach USD 535 billion by 2025-26, is driven by rising consumption and government initiatives. The organic food market is expected to grow significantly, reaching USD 10.8 billion by 2033. Industry experts emphasize the importance of food ingredients, packaging, and adherence to global standards for sustained growth and global recognition.
ITC, Varun Beverages, other FMCG stocks slide up to 4% on profit-taking, snap 5-day rally after GST 2.0 boost
FMCG stocks including ITC and Varun Beverages fell up to 4% on Friday as investors booked profits, snapping a five-day rally driven by GST 2.0 reforms. The Nifty FMCG index slid 2%, with analysts saying the sell-off may be short-lived amid consumption growth hopes.
Motilal Oswal upgrades Swiggy to ‘buy’ rating, sees 32% upside potential. Should you invest?
Motilal Oswal projects stronger growth for food delivery and quick commerce, upgrading Swiggy to ‘buy’ with a Rs 560 target and maintaining Eternal at Rs 420. Easing competition, GST reforms, and festive demand are expected to drive profitability, boosting investor confidence in the sector.
GST cuts: No impact on edible oil, but boost to processed foods demand says Adani Wilmar CEO
GST cuts on margarine, soya nuggets, jams, and jellies are set to boost India’s processed food sector, says Adani Wilmar CEO Angshu Mallick. The reduced rates make plant protein and margarine more affordable, benefiting consumers, farmers, and bakeries, while rural demand is expected to strengthen, driving sector growth.
Move over, Tabasco! Indian chillies are turning up the heat on global hot sauce brands
Despite being one of the largest producers of chilli, India never indulged in taking over the global hot sauce market until some home-grown players like Naagin and Kaatil decided to leverage the country’s ‘spicy’ reputation.
Food companies upbeat, expect consumer choice to shift to branded products
Packaged food companies anticipate a significant shift from unbranded to branded products. This change is expected in categories like paneer, ghee and namkeens. The GST reduction will narrow the price gap. The price difference with local varieties will decrease by 4-13%. The GST council reduced taxes on daily use food items. New rates will be effective from September 22.
Zomato, Swiggy's GST woes; Amazon's $200-million Axio deal
With the overhaul of India's GST regime, food delivery companies Zomato and Swiggy stare at a new tax burden. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
Roti, kapda aur makan: The firepower India's common man got as Diwali gift
GST rates slashed: India's GST revamp, dubbed the 'Great Savings Tax,' is easing the financial burden on the middle class. Reduced rates on essentials like food and clothing could save urban families 7-8% and rural families 5-6% monthly. This, coupled with income tax relief and lower interest rates, aims to boost consumption and savings, potentially transforming India into a middle-class-driven economy.
Hunch Ventures takes over Jamie Oliver India restaurants
Hunch Ventures is set to acquire Jamie Oliver Restaurants in India from International Market Management, becoming the sole owner. With plans to invest ₹200 crore over three years, Hunch aims to expand the brand into tier-2 and tier-3 cities through owned and franchised outlets.
Sitharaman & co just slashed your food bill with GST 2.0
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has reduced taxes on essential food items. This decision was made during a meeting in New Delhi. Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk, paneer, and pizza bread are now tax-free. Other items like butter and cheese will have lower GST. This move aims to ease the financial burden on households.
Diwali cheer comes early for Indian middle class as Sitharaman announces GST 2.0
Diwali arrives early for the Indian middle class. The GST Council reduces tax slabs to 5% and 18%. Food, essentials, and durables become cheaper. Families save money on various products. Personal care items and smaller cars also see tax cuts. Health insurance becomes exempt from GST. The new rates are effective from September 22, 2025.
GST 2.0 is here: From namkeens to biscuits, your kirana basket just got cheaper
India's GST 2.0 slashes taxes on mass-consumed goods like namkeens and biscuits, aiming to ease household budgets and stimulate demand. This significant indirect tax reset, following income tax cuts, seeks to boost disposable incomes and reinforce consumption-led growth.
Google techie's success playbook: 3 skills young engineers should master in the age of AI
Harsh Varshney, a Google software engineer, shares insights for young engineers on thriving in Big Tech. While AI has become central to modern engineering, Varshney emphasizes that it’s not enough on its own. Success requires strong computer science fundamentals, deep expertise in AI both as a builder and power user, and the ability to translate knowledge into real-world projects.
Restaurants body writes to govt for rationalisation of GST rates
The National Restaurants Association of India asks the government to rethink GST rates. Restaurants face high costs from rent, aggregator commissions, and marketing. They pay 18% GST on rent without input tax credit. Food delivery platforms contribute significantly to revenue. NRAI suggests lower GST for certain products.
44 kg weight loss diet with simple lifestyle changes: Influencer burns fat without giving up meals
Influencer Akshay Kakkar achieved a 44 kg weight loss in one year, going from 179 kg to 135 kg through balanced eating, cardio, and yoga. Instead of restrictive diets, he focused on portion control and simple home-style meals, proving weight loss is possible without giving up food. His journey highlights the importance of consistency, mindful eating, and sustainable fitness routines.
India, UAE discuss pharma, local currency settlement system
India and the UAE recently engaged in discussions. They focused on strengthening ties in renewable energy and digital infrastructure. Both nations want better trade data sharing. This will improve monitoring under their trade agreement. They also reviewed progress under the India-UAE CEPA. The aim is to reach $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030.
With 7% CAGR in income over past decade, demand for premium product increasing in India: Report
A new report suggests India's consumer landscape is changing. Rising incomes are creating more premium consumers. As per capita GDP rises, spending habits are shifting. People are now opting for branded goods and better services. Social media and e-commerce are boosting premium product access. Sectors like automobiles, beauty, and travel are seeing premium growth.
Tariffs, global growth slowdown, geopolitics pose risks to India’s outlook; GST cut to boost demand: Upasana Chachra, Morgan Stanley
India's industrial growth reached a four-month peak in July. Upasana Chachra of Morgan Stanley suggests future growth hinges on exports and tariffs. She anticipates a June-quarter GDP above 6.5%. Global risks remain a key concern. A proposed GST rate cut may boost both growth and inflation. India's debt levels are currently manageable with sustained growth.
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