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PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta Meets PM Modi as Entire Global Board Lands in India; $91.8B Giant Bets Big on Rs 8,877-Crore India Business Amid GST Hike and Trade Tensions

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PepsiCo Inc’s global chairman and chief executive Ramon Laguarta met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening, underscoring the growing weight of India in the food and beverage giant’s global playbook. The high-profile meeting comes as trade frictions between Washington and New Delhi continue to simmer, even as India raised GST on sugary aerated drinks to 40 percent.

This was Laguarta’s first formal interaction with Modi in India, and the first time in a decade that PepsiCo’s entire global board has flown into the country. The $91.8 billion New York-headquartered company has named India one of its 13 global anchor markets, expected to drive more than 85 percent of PepsiCo’s future growth.

The visit, spread across three days with stops in Delhi and Hyderabad—where PepsiCo runs its global capability center—coincides with efforts by both nations to stabilize trade relations. On the same day, U.S. Trade Representative for South Asia Brendan Lynch led a delegation in talks with Indian officials, weeks after President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports while calling India “a dead economy.” Last week, however, Trump softened his stance, saying he was optimistic about a trade agreement.

India remains a growth engine for PepsiCo, where packaged beverages and snacks continue to expand. For the 12 months ending December 2024, PepsiCo India reported revenue of Rs 8,877 crore and profit after tax of Rs 883.4 crore. Its convenience foods business grew 4 percent internationally in the April-June 2025 quarter, with India cited as a key driver.

Despite early monsoons denting sales of aerated drinks, PepsiCo sees India’s low per-capita soft drink consumption and booming snacking culture as long-term opportunities. An insider put it simply: “Two board-level visits in five months show India is not just on the map—it is at the center of PepsiCo’s growth strategy.”

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Why Your Rs 52 Amul or Mother Dairy Pouch Still Costs the Same Despite Finance Minister Sitharaman’s GST 2.0 Reforms

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Consumers hoping for cheaper milk after the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) overhaul may be disappointed. India’s largest dairy players, Amul and Mother Dairy, have clarified that prices of pouch milk — the daily essential for millions of households — remain unchanged, as it has always been exempt from GST.

The clarification comes amid speculation that prices of full cream, toned, and cow milk sold in pouches could fall by Rs 3 to Rs 4 under the new GST 2.0 framework. However, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) Managing Director Jayen Mehta, which markets Amul, dismissed such reports, stating, “There is no change proposed in prices of fresh pouch milk as there is no reduction in GST. It has always been zero percent GST on pouch milk.”

The price cut will instead apply to Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) processed milk, commonly sold in Tetra Packs, after the GST Council reduced the rate from 5 percent to nil. UHT milk, which undergoes heating at over 135°C for a few seconds to eliminate microorganisms, can be stored for several months without refrigeration. Mother Dairy confirmed that revised UHT prices have been rolled out across markets this week.

On September 3, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced sweeping changes to GST, calling them “Next-Gen Reforms” aimed at lowering living costs and boosting consumption. The 56th GST Council meeting merged the 12 percent and 28 percent slabs into two broad categories — 5 percent and 18 percent.

While the reform is expected to provide relief across sectors including healthcare, packaged food, and consumer goods, the country’s most consumed dairy product — pouch milk — will remain untouched. For now, households can expect cheaper UHT milk, but their morning milk packets will continue to cost the same.

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Aditya Birla Fashion Bets Big on Gen Z: Launches OWND! With Plan to Rebrand 100 StyleUp Stores by FY26

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Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL) has announced the launch of OWND!, a youth-centric fashion label crafted for India’s Gen Z and trend-driven shoppers. The new brand, unveiled on Tuesday, signals the company’s sharpened push into the value fashion space, a segment expected to expand rapidly as younger consumers shape the country’s retail landscape.

ABFRL said OWND! will take over its existing StyleUp stores, which will be rebranded and remodeled under the new identity. The company has set an ambitious target of reaching 100 OWND! outlets by March 2026, strengthening its footprint in tier I and tier II cities where younger buyers are fueling growth.

The introduction of OWND! comes with a fresh brand identity, contemporary layouts, and a sharper merchandise strategy designed to align with Gen Z preferences. This demographic, estimated at over 375 million in India, is increasingly driving fashion choices online and offline with its appetite for affordable yet expressive style.

Sangeeta Tanwani, Chief Executive Officer of Pantaloons and OWND!, said the move is built on a deep understanding of youth culture and consumption shifts. “Young Indians are not only redefining fashion, they are reshaping cultural narratives. With OWND! we are creating a vibrant brand that speaks their language and builds true affinity. This is not just about clothes, it is about connection and community,” she said.

For ABFRL, OWND! represents more than a rebrand. The company sees it as a growth engine that will expand its presence in a category where international and domestic labels are competing aggressively. With a scalable business model and clear positioning, ABFRL is betting that OWND! will become a household name for India’s next generation of shoppers.

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Do Small Restaurants Need GST? Rules, Exemptions, and Risks Explained

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For many small restaurant and café owners, GST registration feels like an added burden. But the real answer to whether it’s “okay” to skip GST depends on your turnover, your partnerships, and how you run your business.

When Restaurants Can Avoid GST Registration

Restaurants are not required to register under GST if:

  • Their annual turnover is below ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in North-Eastern and hill states).
  • They do not sell via online food delivery platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats.
  • They run purely offline, serving walk-in customers only.

Example: A small tea shop or dhaba making ₹8–10 lakh annually from local customers doesn’t need GST.

When GST Registration Becomes Compulsory

Even if your turnover is below the threshold, you must register for GST if:

  • You sell food through delivery aggregators (Zomato, Swiggy, etc.).
  • You own a franchise outlet (like Domino’s, KFC, Subway).
  • You operate as part of a hotel with room tariffs above ₹1,000.

In these cases, skipping GST isn’t allowed, and non-compliance can lead to penalties.

Penalties for Not Registering Under GST

Failing to register when required can be risky:

  • 10% penalty of the tax due (minimum ₹10,000).
  • Possible delisting from delivery apps.
  • Legal notices and interest on unpaid GST.

Why Voluntary GST Registration May Still Help

Even if not compulsory, some small restaurants choose to register because it:

  • Adds credibility — customers trust bills with GST.
  • Enables growth — easier to partner with apps, expand into new markets.
  • Future-proofs the business — once turnover crosses ₹20 lakh, you’re already compliant.

Conclusion

So, is it okay for restaurants to not register under GST? Yes, but only if you stay under the turnover limit and operate purely offline. If you’re planning to scale, partner with delivery apps, or expand into franchises, GST registration isn’t just mandatory — it’s a business enabler.

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Do Food Trucks Need GST in India? Rules, Tax Slabs & Penalties Explained

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Food trucks are booming in India, offering quick, affordable meals with the flexibility of mobility. But along with growing popularity comes the question: Do food trucks need to register under GST? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on turnover, business model, and whether they partner with delivery apps.

GST Registration Rules for Food Trucks

Food trucks are treated like any other restaurant business under GST. That means:

  • Turnover threshold: If annual sales cross ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in North-Eastern and hilly states), GST registration is mandatory.
  • Aggregator sales: Even if turnover is lower, food trucks must register if they sell through Swiggy, Zomato, or other delivery apps.
  • Local-only operations: A single food truck serving only local customers and earning less than ₹20 lakh a year does not need GST registration.

👉 Example: A taco truck in Bengaluru making ₹15 lakh annually without online deliveries can skip GST. But if the same truck lists on Swiggy, GST becomes compulsory.

GST Rates for Food Trucks

Food trucks fall under the same slab as standalone restaurants:

  • 5% GST (without ITC) → Applicable to dine-in, takeaway, and delivery orders.
  • No Input Tax Credit (ITC) allowed under this 5% rate.

Why GST Registration Helps Food Trucks

Even when not mandatory, many food truck owners choose voluntary GST registration because it:

  • Builds credibility with customers and corporates hiring them for events.
  • Enables partnerships with delivery apps.
  • Prepares for scaling into multiple trucks or franchises.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without GST when eligible can lead to:

  • 10% penalty of tax due (minimum ₹10,000).
  • Loss of digital sales channels (Swiggy, Zomato delisting).
  • Legal issues during inspections.

Conclusion

So, do food trucks need GST registration? Yes, if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh or if they sell online. For small local trucks operating below the threshold, GST may not be mandatory — but voluntary registration can open doors to growth.

For food truck entrepreneurs eyeing scale, GST isn’t just compliance — it’s a ticket to bigger business.

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GST Rules for Restaurants and Hotels in India: Tax Slabs, Registration & Compliance Explained

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If you run a restaurant, café, or hotel in India, chances are GST compliance is as important as your menu or service quality. Since the rollout of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, the food and hospitality industry has had to navigate evolving rules, changing tax slabs, and mandatory registration requirements. Whether you own a family-run dhaba, a quick-service chain, or a luxury hotel, understanding GST is critical to staying profitable and legally compliant.

GST Registration Rules for Restaurants and Hotels

The most common question business owners ask is: Do I need to register for GST? The answer depends on turnover and operations:

  • Turnover threshold: Restaurants and hotels with an annual turnover above ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in North-Eastern and hill states) must register under GST.
  • Food delivery apps: Even if turnover is lower, registration is mandatory if the business partners with online aggregators like Swiggy, Zomato, or Uber Eats.
  • Hotel businesses: GST applies if the room tariff per day exceeds ₹1,000. Lower tariffs are exempt.

👉 Example: A dhaba in Punjab earning ₹12 lakh yearly with only walk-in customers may avoid GST. But the same dhaba listed on Zomato would need compulsory registration.

GST Rates for Hotels and Restaurants

GST rates vary based on the type of service and establishment:

  • Standalone restaurants (non-AC/AC, dine-in or takeaway): 5% GST (without Input Tax Credit).
  • Restaurants inside hotels with room tariffs above ₹7,500: 18% GST (with Input Tax Credit).
  • Hotels:
    • Room tariff ₹1,000 or less → Exempt
    • ₹1,001 – ₹7,500 per night → 12% GST
    • Above ₹7,500 per night → 18% GST

👉 Example: Ordering a thali from your neighbourhood mess attracts 5% GST, while booking a five-star hotel room in Delhi with ₹8,000 tariff attracts 18%.

Input Tax Credit (ITC) Rules

One major change after 2017 is ITC restrictions:

  • Standalone restaurants: Cannot claim ITC at the 5% rate.
  • Hotel restaurants (with 18% GST): Can avail ITC, making it beneficial for larger establishments with higher operational costs.

This distinction often determines pricing strategies for chains like Barbeque Nation versus standalone eateries.

Compliance and Penalties

Non-compliance with GST rules can invite:

  • 10% penalty of the tax due (minimum ₹10,000).
  • Higher penalties for deliberate tax evasion.
  • Risk of delisting from food delivery platforms.

For businesses relying heavily on online orders, this can mean losing significant revenue.

Why GST Matters for Restaurants and Hotels

Beyond tax liability, GST compliance adds value to businesses:

  • Credibility: Customers trust bills with clear GST charges.
  • Digital partnerships: Delivery apps and OTAs (like MakeMyTrip) insist on GSTIN.
  • Business expansion: Franchises, investors, and banks favour compliant businesses.

Conclusion: GST Is the New Cost of Doing Business

For India’s hospitality industry, GST is here to stay. From OYO hotels in tier-2 cities to McDonald’s outlets in metro malls, compliance ensures smooth operations and customer trust. Small owners may see GST as paperwork, but in reality, it’s the gateway to scaling, securing partnerships, and competing with bigger brands.

If you’re planning to open or expand a hotel or restaurant, make GST registration part of your business plan — not an afterthought.

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Ex-Sequoia India investor Shubham Poddar raises $3M for Amaani; Arab beauty brand AÏZA crosses $2M revenue in debut year

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Amaani, a consumer startup rooted in Middle Eastern beauty and wellness traditions, has raised $3 million in seed funding to build its debut brand, AÏZA. The round was led by Peak XV’s Surge, earlier known as Sequoia Capital India & SEA, marking its first consumer and seed-stage investment in the MENA region.

Amaani was founded by Shubham Poddar, a former Sequoia India investor who played a key role in expanding the firm’s presence in the Middle East across fintech, foodtech and proptech. With AÏZA, Poddar has set out to create a modern Arab beauty label that blends regional heritage with advanced global formulations.

Launched online in May 2025, AÏZA draws on ingredients deeply tied to Arab culture, including dates, black seed, and bakhoor, while incorporating clinical actives developed in labs across Korea, Japan and Italy. Among its first products are Sukkar Rush, a lip treatment infused with date and honey; Scent Storm, a bakhoor and rose hair mist; and Date Setter, a brow and lash serum using date seed and castor oil.

The brand has already recorded more than $2 million in annualised revenue, buoyed by early traction in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, two of the world’s highest-spending beauty markets. “For decades, the Middle East has powered global brands. The world is now looking here for innovation,” said Poddar.

Industry data highlights the opportunity. The GCC beauty and personal care market is estimated at $12 billion and expanding at over 12 percent annually, according to Peak XV Managing Director GV Ravishankar. With rising digital penetration and growing demand for locally resonant products, Amaani plans to scale AÏZA regionally and globally while building a wider portfolio of brands inspired by Modern Arabia.

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Ibrahim Ali Khan Joins Wrogn: Aditya Birla’s Youth Brand Kicks Off ‘Wrogn. But Real.’ Campaign to Woo 150M+ Gen Z and Millennials in India

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Youth fashion brand Wrogn, part of Aditya Birla’s TMRW portfolio, has launched its latest nationwide campaign featuring Bollywood actor Ibrahim Ali Khan. Titled “Wrogn. But Real.”, the initiative focuses on encouraging young Indians to embrace individuality and imperfections in a culture often defined by polished appearances and constant pressure to perform.

The campaign film, released across digital and retail platforms, positions authenticity as the new marker of style. In the film, Khan delivers a pointed message that resonates with India’s Gen Z and millennials: perfection is overvalued, and real confidence comes from being unapologetically oneself.

Since its launch in 2014, Wrogn has carved out a distinct space in India’s fast-fashion market by appealing to young shoppers with its bold designs and unorthodox messaging. With “Wrogn. But Real.”, the brand is building on that ethos, aiming to further strengthen its connection with urban youth who increasingly seek brands that stand for values beyond clothing.

Anjana and Vikram Reddy, co-founders of Wrogn, said the campaign reflects the brand’s core philosophy of courage, authenticity and freedom of expression. “Young people today face tremendous pressure to fit in. Through this campaign, we want to remind them that style is not about conforming but about celebrating what makes you unique,” they noted.

For Ibrahim Ali Khan, who has quickly emerged as a youth icon, the association is personal. “Wrogn doesn’t try to put you in a box. It’s real, raw and imperfect, which is exactly how I view fashion. This campaign is about being effortless and unfiltered,” he said.

The campaign will be visible across digital, social media and retail touchpoints nationwide, reinforcing Wrogn’s position as one of India’s most influential youth-centric fashion brands.

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Sourav Ganguly Teams Up with Myntra to Launch ‘Souragya’; Brand Debuts with 100 Styles Ahead of Festive Season as India’s Ethnic Wear Market Eyes $558 Billion by 2033

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Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has taken his first formal stride into the fashion business with the launch of “Souragya,” a premium ethnic wear brand created in collaboration with Myntra. The line debuts just ahead of Durga Puja and Diwali, festivals that typically fuel a sharp rise in apparel sales.

The brand will launch with close to 100 styles, available exclusively on Myntra’s app and website. The debut collection combines Bengal’s craft traditions with contemporary tailoring, featuring Kantha embroidery, Tant and Jamdani weaves, and Batik prints. Signature designs include kurta–dhoti sets, sherwanis paired with churidars, and kurta ensembles for festive occasions.

“This brand is about celebrating our heritage while presenting it in a way that resonates with today’s fashion-forward generation,” Ganguly said at the launch. “Myntra’s expertise has been vital in bringing this vision to life, ensuring Souragya blends timeless Indian design with accessibility and versatility.”

The timing reflects both cultural and commercial opportunity. India’s apparel market, valued at US$102.8 billion in 2022, is projected to touch US$146.3 billion by 2032, according to India Brand Equity Foundation. Within that, ethnic wear is among the fastest-growing categories. Business Research Insights estimates the segment at US$197.2 billion in 2024, with forecasts of US$558.5 billion by 2033, implying a compound annual growth rate of 12.6 percent.

Myntra, through its wholesale arm Myntra Jabong India, sees Souragya as a strategic addition to its House of Brands portfolio. “With the festive season beginning, Souragya offers customers an elevated take on ethnic fashion rooted in Bengal’s artistry,” said Suman Saha, CXO and Head of House of Brands.

For Ganguly, who redefined Indian cricket through leadership, this marks a fresh innings in entrepreneurship, positioning his cultural roots at the heart of a growing fashion market.

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“MTR Maker Orkla India Cleared for Market Debut: 22.8 Million Shares to Hit Street in Rs 5,000 Crore IPO, Entire Stake Sale by Norway’s Orkla ASA”

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Orkla India Limited, the company behind household food brand MTR, has secured the green light from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch its initial public offering. The filing shows the IPO will be a complete offer for sale of 22,843,004 equity shares by its Norwegian promoter group. The selling shareholders include Orkla ASA, Orkla Asia Holding, and Orkla Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Although pricing details are yet to be announced, investment banking sources said the public issue could raise between Rs 4,000 crore and Rs 5,000 crore, depending on final valuations and investor appetite. If it meets those estimates, it would mark one of the largest IPOs in India’s packaged food space in recent years.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Orkla India has steadily expanded its portfolio beyond traditional packaged spices and ready mixes. Under the MTR Foods label, the company now operates across multiple categories, including blended and pure spices, breakfast mixes, ready-to-cook meal kits, and ready-to-eat packaged foods. MTR traces its origins back to 1924 as a small restaurant in Bengaluru before being acquired by Norway’s Orkla ASA in 2007, which helped transform it into a national packaged food powerhouse.

The proposed listing comes at a time when India’s packaged food market is witnessing accelerated growth. Industry estimates project the sector to expand at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 9 percent, driven by rising urban incomes, demand for convenience foods, and deeper penetration into Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Analysts say the IPO will test investor appetite for consumer food companies in a crowded but rapidly growing market.

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