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FSSAI License Made Easy: Online Registration, Costs, and Documents You Need

By
SnackTeam
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If you’re planning to start a restaurant, cloud kitchen, bakery, food truck, or even a home-based food business, one of the first legal requirements you’ll hear about is the FSSAI license. Issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this license ensures your business complies with food safety and hygiene regulations. But the big question many entrepreneurs ask is: Where can I get an FSSAI license, and how do I apply?

Where to Apply for FSSAI License

The process is completely online. You can apply through the FSSAI’s official website – https://foscos.fssai.gov.in.

Depending on your business size, you’ll need one of the following:

  • FSSAI Basic Registration – For small businesses with turnover below ₹12 lakh per year.
  • FSSAI State License – For medium businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, operating within a single state.
  • FSSAI Central License – For large businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore, or those operating in multiple states.

Documents Required

When applying, you’ll need:

  • PAN card of the business owner
  • Aadhaar card
  • Passport-size photo
  • Business constitution certificate (Partnership deed, Incorporation certificate, etc.)
  • Address proof (electricity bill/rent agreement)
  • Food safety management plan
  • For manufacturers: list of food products and processing details

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Visit the FSSAI portal (FoSCoS).
  2. Create an account and select the type of license you need.
  3. Fill in your business details, upload documents, and pay the application fee (ranges from ₹100 to ₹7,500 depending on license type).
  4. Submit the application.
  5. The FSSAI authority may inspect your premises before approval.
  6. Once verified, your license is issued, usually within 7–60 days depending on the license category.

Offline Options

If you prefer offline help, you can:

  • Apply through your State Food Safety Office.
  • Approach licensed consultants or CA firms that handle FSSAI applications.
  • Contact facilitation centers run by FSSAI in major cities.

Why It’s Important

Running a food business without an FSSAI license can lead to penalties of up to ₹5 lakh and business closure. Beyond compliance, an FSSAI number on your packaging or restaurant certificate builds consumer trust, making customers confident about food quality.

The Bottom Line

So, where can you get an FSSAI license? The simplest way is through the official FoSCoS portal, though many businesses also use consultants to avoid paperwork hassles. Whether you’re a small home baker or a national food chain, this license isn’t just mandatory—it’s a stamp of credibility.

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How to Tie Up with Zomato and Swiggy: A Complete Guide for Restaurants & Cloud Kitchens

By
SnackTeam
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In India’s fast-growing food delivery market, Zomato and Swiggy dominate with over 80% market share. For restaurants, cloud kitchens, and even home chefs, getting listed on these platforms is no longer optional—it’s often the fastest way to boost orders and brand visibility. But how exactly do you tie up with Zomato and Swiggy? Let’s break it down.

Why Partner with Zomato and Swiggy?

  • Massive reach: Both platforms serve millions of daily users across metro cities and small towns.
  • Boost sales: Restaurants often report 30–60% higher orders after going live.
  • Marketing edge: Visibility through app banners, ratings, and reviews builds credibility.
  • Logistics handled: Delivery is managed by Zomato/Swiggy riders, saving you overhead.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, ensure your food business meets basic requirements:

  • FSSAI License (mandatory for any food business in India)
  • GST Registration (if turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh for goods or ₹20 lakh for services, or if you want to claim ITC)
  • PAN card and Aadhaar card of the business owner
  • Bank account details for payments
  • Shop/Trade license from your local municipality
  • Proper kitchen setup (for cloud kitchens/home kitchens, hygiene inspections may apply)

How to Partner with Zomato

  1. Visit the official partner website: Zomato Partner Registration.
  2. Fill in details about your restaurant name, location, cuisine, and contact information.
  3. Upload required documents (FSSAI, PAN, GST, bank details, and menu).
  4. Zomato representatives will verify documents and inspect your kitchen, if necessary.
  5. Once approved, your restaurant will go live on the Zomato app.

Onboarding time: Typically 7–15 days.

How to Partner with Swiggy

  1. Go to Swiggy Partner Registration.
  2. Submit restaurant/business details along with required documents.
  3. Upload your menu with item descriptions and pricing.
  4. Swiggy verifies your documents and may conduct a kitchen check.
  5. After approval, your business profile goes live on the app.

Onboarding time: Usually 7–10 days.

Costs and Commissions

Both Zomato and Swiggy charge a commission per order (15%–30%), plus applicable GST. This varies depending on city, cuisine type, and your negotiation. Some additional charges may include:

  • Onboarding fees (₹500–₹2,000 in some cases)
  • Advertisement costs if you choose paid promotions for better visibility

Tips for Success After Listing

  • Maintain food quality and hygiene – customer reviews directly affect your ranking.
  • Offer smart pricing – factor in commissions while setting menu prices.
  • Use platform promotions – discounts and banner ads can drive early visibility.
  • Engage with reviews – responding to customer feedback builds trust.
  • Ensure quick prep time – faster orders improve ratings and visibility in search.

The Bottom Line

Tying up with Zomato and Swiggy is more than just a listing—it’s about positioning your brand in India’s competitive food delivery ecosystem. With the right licenses, quality control, and smart pricing, restaurants and cloud kitchens can scale rapidly using these platforms.

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Mandatory Licenses for Food Businesses in India: From FSSAI to GST, Everything You Need

By
SnackTeam
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Starting a food business in India—whether it’s a restaurant, cloud kitchen, bakery, or packaged food brand—sounds exciting, but it comes with legal responsibilities. Before you serve your first meal or sell your first packet, you need the right licenses. Not having them can result in heavy fines or even closure. So, what are the mandatory licenses for a food business in India? Let’s break it down.

1. FSSAI License (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)

The most important license for any food business is the FSSAI license. It ensures that your food meets safety and hygiene standards.

  • Who needs it? Every food business operator—restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens, caterers, street vendors, and packaged food manufacturers.
  • Types:
    • FSSAI Registration (turnover below ₹12 lakh)
    • State License (turnover ₹12 lakh–₹20 crore)
    • Central License (turnover above ₹20 crore or businesses operating in multiple states)

Without an FSSAI number, you cannot legally sell food.

2. GST Registration

If your annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (₹20 lakh for services) or you sell via Swiggy, Zomato, or Amazon, GST registration is mandatory. It allows you to collect and pay Goods and Services Tax and issue GST invoices.

3. Shop and Establishment License

Issued by the local municipal corporation, this license is required for all shops, hotels, and restaurants to legally operate within city limits. It covers employee rights, working hours, and basic compliance.

4. Trade License from Municipality

A trade license ensures that your food business complies with local safety, hygiene, and structural guidelines. Restaurants, bakeries, and food stalls must apply through the local municipal authority.

5. Fire and Safety License

For restaurants, cafes, and hotels, a Fire Safety Certificate from the Fire Department is mandatory. It ensures that the premises follow fire safety measures and equipment installation.

6. Health and Trade License

This license, issued by the Municipal Health Department, certifies that your food establishment follows hygiene and sanitation standards.

7. Liquor License (If Applicable)

If your restaurant or hotel plans to serve alcohol, a liquor license from the State Excise Department is mandatory. This comes with strict rules and high compliance.

8. Environmental Clearance (For Large Units)

Food factories, processing plants, or large restaurants may require pollution clearance from the State Pollution Control Board to manage waste and emissions.

9. Additional Licenses (Case Specific)

  • Music License if you play recorded music in your restaurant.
  • Weights and Measures Certificate for packaged food businesses.
  • NOC from Society/Building Owner if you’re running from rented premises.

The Bottom Line

Running a food business in India is more than just cooking delicious meals—it’s about being compliant. At the very least, FSSAI registration, GST, and a local trade license are non-negotiable. Skipping these can lead to penalties, but getting them builds trust with customers, platforms, and investors.

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General Mills in Rs 40,000-Crore Chase for Balaji Wafers: US Giant Joins PepsiCo, ITC in Bidding War for India’s Rs 45,000-Crore Snack Market

By
SnackTeam
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Global packaged food giant General Mills, the American maker of Pillsbury and Betty Crocker, has entered talks to acquire a stake in Balaji Wafers, one of India’s largest regional snack makers. The move positions the Minneapolis-headquartered multinational alongside a crowded field of suitors that already includes PepsiCo, ITC, and several private equity funds.

Two people familiar with the matter told ET that General Mills expressed interest in a majority holding. However, Balaji’s promoters are currently willing to part with only about 10 percent equity. Discussions are still at a preliminary stage.

Founder Chandu Virani confirmed that Balaji has initiated conversations with multiple players but clarified that the objective is to bring professional expertise rather than raise operating funds. “We are sitting on cash reserves and don’t intend to sell out. The capital raised will be placed in a family trust and not used for daily operations,” Virani said, adding that an IPO is also under consideration.

Balaji is reportedly evaluating a potential divestment at a valuation of nearly Rs 40,000 crore, with the shortlist of investors expected to be finalised within three months. The Rajkot-based company, which began as a small supplier at a cinema hall in 1982, has scaled up to Rs 6,500 crore in revenue and nearly Rs 1,000 crore in net profit in FY25.

The brand dominates Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, commanding roughly 65 percent share of the organised salty snacks segment in these states. Despite its regional focus, Balaji ranks as India’s third-largest snack maker, behind only Haldiram’s and PepsiCo.

For General Mills, which currently has a limited presence in India, a stake in Balaji could unlock the Rs 45,000-crore savoury snack market—one of the fastest-growing food categories in the country.

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Bengaluru Startup Supply6 Raises $1.1M from Zeropearl VC, Kunal Shah and Others to Expand D2C Nutrition Portfolio and Enter GCC Markets

By
SnackTeam
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Direct-to-consumer nutrition startup Supply6 has raised USD 1.1 million (approximately Rs 9.1 crore) in seed funding, with Zeropearl VC leading the round. The raise also attracted individual participation from CRED founder Kunal Shah, Renee Cosmetics’ co-founders Ashutosh Valani and Priyank Shah, and XYXX founder Yogesh Kabra, according to the company’s statement on Wednesday.

The Bengaluru-based brand, founded by Vaibhav and Rahul, said the fresh capital will be deployed to expand its product pipeline, accelerate clinical research, launch innovative nutrition formats, and strengthen both its direct-to-consumer and quick-commerce distribution network. The company also plans to explore international expansion in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and English-speaking regions.

“From our flagship product Supply6 360 to the recently introduced zero-sugar hydration line, Supply6 Salts, our mission has always been to make everyday nutrition effortless. With this new backing, we are confident about scaling our vision globally,” the founders said in a joint statement.

India’s dietary supplements industry, valued at USD 5.17 billion (Rs 43,000 crore) in 2024, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 13 percent through 2030, driven by preventive healthcare adoption and widening distribution channels, according to market estimates.

Supply6 claims to have served more than 200,000 customers so far, with a presence across Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart. The company had earlier raised Rs 10 crore in equity funding and secured a Rs 25 lakh grant from the Government of Karnataka to support innovation.

With this latest round, Supply6 joins a growing list of homegrown nutrition brands attracting venture capital interest as investors bet on rising health-conscious consumption among India’s urban and young demographic.

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GST for Home Businesses: Do You Really Need It? Rules Every Entrepreneur Must Know

By
SnackTeam
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With India’s booming startup culture, many entrepreneurs are starting from their homes—whether it’s selling packaged food, running a cloud kitchen, crafting handmade goods, or offering services online. But one question keeps popping up: “Can I register for GST if my business is home-based?”

The answer is yes. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) doesn’t care if your office is a corporate tower or a spare bedroom. What matters is your annual turnover and the nature of your business.

When Is GST Registration Mandatory for Home Businesses?

GST registration depends on turnover thresholds:

  • ₹40 lakh (goods) – If you sell products and your annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh, GST registration is mandatory.
  • ₹20 lakh (services) – If you provide services and your turnover crosses ₹20 lakh, GST applies.
  • Special category states – In states like Assam, Manipur, or Nagaland, the threshold is lower (₹20 lakh for goods, ₹10 lakh for services).
  • E-commerce sales – If you sell on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Swiggy/Zomato, you need GST from day one, regardless of turnover.

Benefits of GST for Home-Based Entrepreneurs

Even if your turnover is below the threshold, voluntary GST registration can bring big advantages:

  • Sell on e-commerce platforms: Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho require a GST number to onboard sellers.
  • Build customer trust: A GST invoice looks more professional and transparent.
  • Claim input tax credit: If you buy raw materials, packaging, or marketing services, GST registration allows you to offset taxes paid.
  • Expand easily: If your business scales, you won’t face compliance delays later.

Documents Needed for GST Registration at Home

Registering a home-based business is straightforward. You’ll need:

  • PAN card of the business owner
  • Aadhaar card
  • Address proof of the home premises (like electricity bill or rental agreement)
  • Bank account details
  • Passport-size photo

Yes—your home address can be your business address for GST registration.

Practical Examples

  • A home baker in Delhi selling cakes worth ₹8 lakh a year doesn’t need GST—unless she lists on Swiggy/Zomato.
  • A graphic designer earning ₹25 lakh a year from freelance clients must register under GST since the service threshold is ₹20 lakh.
  • A soap-maker selling on Instagram and Amazon must get GST, even if sales are just ₹5 lakh, because e-commerce mandates it.

The Bottom Line

So, can you have GST for a home-based business? Absolutely. Whether it’s mandatory or voluntary depends on turnover and selling channels. For small entrepreneurs, GST might look like a burden, but it can also unlock growth opportunities—from e-commerce sales to claiming tax credits.

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Can You Claim GST Input Credit on Restaurant Bills? Here’s the Truth Businesses Need to Know

By
SnackTeam
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Since the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rolled out in India, one of the most common queries from business owners has been: “If I get a GST bill from a restaurant, can I claim input tax credit (ITC)?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as many assume, and it depends heavily on your type of business and how you use that expense.

The Rule: ITC on Restaurant Bills is Mostly Blocked

Under Section 17(5) of the CGST Act, ITC on food, beverages, and restaurant expenses is blocked unless you are in the food service or hospitality industry yourself. That means most businesses cannot use restaurant bills to reduce their GST liability.

For example, if an IT company hosts a team lunch at a restaurant and gets a GST invoice, they still cannot claim ITC. These expenses are treated as personal consumption or non-business-related, even if technically done for clients or staff.

When Can ITC on Restaurant Bills Be Claimed?

There are limited but important scenarios where you can claim ITC:

  • Caterers and food businesses: If you run a catering service, cloud kitchen, or hotel that provides food as part of taxable outward supplies, restaurant bills used for business inputs can qualify.
  • Re-selling or bundling food services: For instance, if a wedding planner includes meals in their package and sources them from a restaurant, ITC can be claimed because it directly contributes to taxable supply.
  • Employee meals as statutory requirement: In rare cases where labor laws require employers to provide meals (e.g., in factories), ITC eligibility may apply if supported by compliance.

Why Most Businesses Can’t Claim ITC on Restaurant Bills

The government’s reasoning is simple: to avoid misuse. If all businesses started claiming restaurant bills as business expenses, the scope for ITC fraud would skyrocket. By blocking ITC, the GST framework keeps restaurant and hospitality expenses outside the chain of credits—except for businesses directly engaged in food services.

What Businesses Should Do Instead

  • Classify expenses properly: Don’t wrongly claim ITC on restaurant invoices unless your business is eligible.
  • Negotiate contracts smartly: If you frequently host client meetings at hotels or restaurants, see if the venue can bill it under “conference packages” instead of pure food bills—sometimes that changes ITC eligibility.
  • Consult your GST advisor: Edge cases vary, and compliance depends on how the expense is recorded in your books.

The Bottom Line

So, if you’re asking: “Can I claim ITC on a restaurant GST bill?” — the answer is usually no. Only businesses in the food, catering, or hospitality space get that benefit. For most other sectors, restaurant expenses remain blocked credits.

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Food Truck Business and GST: What Every Street Food Entrepreneur Must Know

By
SnackTeam
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Food trucks are no longer just a quirky city trend; they’ve become a booming part of India’s street food economy. From Mumbai’s shawarma vans to Delhi’s momos on wheels, the business has seen rapid growth. But with this rise comes an equally important question for food entrepreneurs: Do food trucks need to register under GST?

GST Rules for Food Trucks in India

Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, food trucks fall under the same category as restaurants and eateries since they serve prepared food. That means the tax rules are almost identical:

  • Turnover Threshold: If your food truck’s annual revenue exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special category states), GST registration becomes mandatory.
  • Tax Rate: Food trucks, like small restaurants, are usually taxed at 5% GST (without Input Tax Credit) under the composition scheme.
  • Aggregator Sales: If you’re selling through platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, or Uber Eats, GST registration is compulsory regardless of turnover, since aggregators are required to collect tax at source.
  • State-to-State Movement: If your truck operates across state borders, GST registration is also required, even below the threshold.

Benefits of Registering Under GST

While small vendors may be tempted to skip registration if they’re below the threshold, there are clear advantages to being compliant:

  1. Credibility Boost – A GST number makes your food truck look more professional, especially when dealing with event organizers, corporate parks, or online platforms.
  2. Wider Reach – Without GST, you can’t legally partner with food delivery apps, missing out on a large customer base.
  3. Avoid Penalties – Operating above the threshold without registration can invite fines, interest, and even cancellation of business licenses.

Practical Example

Take the case of Bengaluru-based The Lalit Food Truck Company. Initially operating as a standalone truck, the brand expanded quickly and partnered with delivery platforms. Their decision to register for GST early not only ensured compliance but also made scaling smoother, helping them move into multiple cities.

Conclusion

So, do food trucks need GST registration? Yes—if you cross the turnover threshold, sell through aggregators, or operate interstate. Even if you’re under the limit, registering early can be a smart move for growth and legitimacy.

For any food truck entrepreneur, the bottom line is clear: GST isn’t just about compliance; it’s about future-proofing your business.

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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

By
SnackTeam
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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

By
SnackTeam
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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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