Food & Beverage

India’s online food delivery industry continued to demonstrate strong momentum in the third quarter, with major platforms reporting consistent growth in orders, restaurant partnerships, and user engagement. Companies including Swiggy, Zomato, and magicpin highlighted rising demand for app-based food services across metropolitan as well as emerging urban markets. The expansion reflects changing consumer habits, increasing digital penetration, and the growing influence of convenience-driven consumption.

India’s capital markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India, has imposed a monetary penalty on Coffee Day Enterprises for alleged accounting lapses and disclosure failures. The order underscores regulatory scrutiny over financial reporting standards and corporate governance practices among listed entities. According to the regulator, discrepancies in financial statements and non-compliance with prescribed norms warranted enforcement action.

A new Coca-Cola bottling facility has been inaugurated in Buxar, marking a significant expansion of the beverage giant’s manufacturing presence in eastern India. The plant is expected to strengthen regional supply chains, generate local employment, and stimulate ancillary economic activity. Company executives and state officials described the investment as a strategic move to meet rising demand in Bihar and neighboring markets while enhancing distribution efficiency.

Deepinder Goyal, founder and CEO of Zomato, has emerged as one of India’s most closely watched technology entrepreneurs as he steers the food delivery platform through profitability pressures, regulatory scrutiny and intensifying competition. Under his leadership, Zomato has transitioned from a discount-driven growth model to a capital-disciplined, margin-focused enterprise. The company’s evolution reflects broader shifts in India’s consumer internet economy, where scale alone no longer guarantees investor confidence.

Online food delivery platform Swiggy, in partnership with IRCTC, has significantly scaled its food-on-train service, extending coverage to 152 railway stations across the country. The expansion reflects growing demand for hygienic, choice-driven meal options during long-distance rail journeys. By integrating technology with railway catering, the initiative allows passengers to order meals from branded restaurants and local kitchens, delivered directly to their seats at designated stops.

The alcohol industry in Goa has formally requested a deferment of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), citing operational challenges and potential disruption to supply chains. Industry stakeholders argue that the mandated system for collecting, sorting, and recycling beverage containers could impose significant logistical and financial burdens if implemented prematurely. Manufacturers and distributors have emphasized the need for a phased rollout, better infrastructure, and clarity on compliance norms.

Pernod Ricard is sharpening its focus on India, one of its fastest-growing and most strategically important markets, as discussions around deeper investment and a potential public listing gather pace. With premiumization accelerating and consumption patterns shifting toward higher-value spirits, India has emerged as a critical growth engine for the global liquor major. Industry watchers say the company is evaluating structural options to unlock value, including a possible IPO of its Indian arm, while continuing to scale manufacturing, distribution, and brand presence.

India’s beer industry is preparing a significant capital expansion, with investments worth Rs 5,500 crore planned for Uttar Pradesh, signaling renewed confidence in one of the country’s fastest-growing consumer markets. The proposed inflow is expected to strengthen manufacturing capacity, modernize supply chains, and generate substantial employment across allied sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and retail. Industry leaders cite policy stability, improving ease of doing business, and rising urban consumption as key drivers behind the decision.

Heineken has elevated India to the status of a core strategic market, underscoring the country’s growing importance within the global beer industry. The brewer’s chief executive has described India as a critical pillar for long-term expansion, citing favorable demographics, rising disposable incomes and evolving consumer preferences. As growth in mature markets slows, Heineken is sharpening its focus on high-potential economies where beer consumption remains underpenetrated.

Several Indian states are preparing to conduct liquor vend allotments for the 2026–27 excise year through a fully digital e-auction process, marking a decisive shift toward transparency and efficiency. The move replaces traditional, paper-based tenders with online bidding systems designed to widen participation, reduce discretionary decision-making, and strengthen revenue realization. Officials say the online framework will streamline allotments, improve compliance, and provide real-time oversight.