Akshara Srivastava

Akshara Srivastava

Akshara Srivastava tracks the Indian consumption story at Business Standard. From fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) to offline retail and luxury, along with hospitality and travel, she has a deep interest in uncovering the trends and nuances shaping consumer behaviour across these sectors. She also reports on the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the FSSAI.

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Akshara Srivastava

Travel companies, hotels announce discounts for peak travel season

Travel firms and hotels announce discounts to tap rising summer demand, even as higher fuel costs and policy changes are expected to push up airfares during the peak season

Updated On: 26 Mar 2026 | 10:30 PM IST

India flies out of emerging market bracket of BSH Home Appliances

BSH Home Appliances has made India a standalone region after 7% growth in 2025, driven by premiumisation and rising demand across key appliance categories

Updated On: 26 Mar 2026 | 10:27 PM IST

Parliamentary panel flags low fund use by tourism ministry, seeks reforms

Parliamentary panel highlights sharp underutilisation, recommends quarterly spending targets and a dedicated promotion board to boost tourism marketing

Updated On: 25 Mar 2026 | 9:09 PM IST

Spirituality remains key driver for travel in Asia, India ranks top: Report

Spirituality continues to shape travel choices in Asia, with Indian travellers leading the region in planning faith-based trips, according to a report by Agoda

Updated On: 25 Mar 2026 | 5:27 PM IST

Kerten Hospitality forays into India, eyes 1,000 keys in expansion push

Ties up with a venture capital firm to establish presence, actively working with asset-owners

Updated On: 24 Mar 2026 | 7:29 PM IST

Sudden rains, West Asia crisis throw a curveball at consumer demand

Rising raw material costs, West Asia tensions squeeze consumer goods sales

Updated On: 23 Mar 2026 | 10:47 PM IST

Retailers embrace redesign, renovation as premiumisation takes centre stage

Retailers are redesigning stores with minimalist aesthetics and premium formats as rising consumer demand for curated experiences drives a shift in retail presentation

Updated On: 20 Mar 2026 | 11:06 PM IST

Devyani International to invest ₹347 crore in Thailand's KFC operator

Investment in Restaurants Development Co will help repay debt and fund expansion, with Devyani to hold 49% stake through subsidiary DID

Updated On: 20 Mar 2026 | 9:06 PM IST

Thomas Cook India announces demerger of resorts business into Sterling

Move aims to unlock shareholder value, streamline capital structure and enable separate listing of Sterling Holiday Resorts on stock exchanges

Updated On: 20 Mar 2026 | 8:54 PM IST

West Asia war forces Indian tourists to look eastwards and inwards

Domestic destinations see an uptick as summer travel plans begin, while Indian travellers shift towards East and Southeast Asia amid geopolitical uncertainty

Updated On: 19 Mar 2026 | 11:15 PM IST

Nestle India to add Munch production line at Sanand plant with ₹225 crore

Nestle India will invest ₹225 crore to add a new Munch production line at its Sanand facility, boosting capacity to meet rising demand for confectionery products

Updated On: 19 Mar 2026 | 9:16 PM IST

Basing it on history, gold will continue to rise: Indriya CEO Sandeep Kohli

Indriya CEO says geopolitical factors will continue to support gold prices, even as demand remains strong and consumers increasingly opt for old gold exchange

Updated On: 19 Mar 2026 | 4:16 PM IST

Lemon Tree Hotels books long-term stay in West Asia despite conflict

Fleur Hotels demerger expected by April next year; tech bets to expand Keys brand

Updated On: 16 Mar 2026 | 11:30 PM IST

Hard Rock Cafe ends franchise agreement with JSM, shuts 10 outlets

Hard Rock International terminates its franchise agreement with JSM Corporation, leading to closure of 10 cafe outlets across major Indian cities

Updated On: 16 Mar 2026 | 10:01 PM IST

FSSAI authorises 17 r-PET plants, adds 300,000 tonnes of capacity

Authorisation of 17 recycled PET plants adds 300,000 tonnes capacity to India's packaging ecosystem and supports the country's recycled plastic mandate

Updated On: 16 Mar 2026 | 9:56 PM IST

Services sectors feel ripple effects as West Asia crisis hits operations

Aviation, hospitality, travel, e-comm, q-com, logistics prepare for dent to bottomlines; IT services insulated for now

Updated On: 15 Mar 2026 | 11:48 PM IST

West Asia crisis: India's gems & jewellery exports likely to lose sparkle

GJEPC says geopolitical tensions in West Asia have already cut India's gems and jewellery exports by 20%, warning the impact could reach $1.2 billion over the next three months

Updated On: 15 Mar 2026 | 10:51 PM IST

Govt clears food safety reforms; street vendors to get deemed Fssai status

Government has approved food safety reforms including deemed FSSAI registration for street vendors and perpetual validity for licences to simplify compliance for food businesses

Updated On: 13 Mar 2026 | 8:34 PM IST

Titan's Helios Luxe brings German watchmaker Alexander Shorokhoff to India

Titan's Helios Luxe has partnered with German watchmaker Alexander Shorokhoff to introduce limited-edition watches in India, targeting the country's fast-growing accessible luxury segment

Updated On: 13 Mar 2026 | 6:19 PM IST

AC makers flag production risks as LPG shortage worsens amid West Asia war

Air-conditioner makers warn of production risks as LPG shortages linked to the West Asia conflict disrupt supply of fuel used in brazing and coating processes

Updated On: 12 Mar 2026 | 11:07 PM IST