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

FM proposes first-ever National Institute of Hospitality in Budget 2026

The Union Budget emphasised tourism through an institute upgrade, guide training, adventure and heritage initiatives, and lower TCS on overseas tour packages to boost competitiveness

Updated On: 01 Feb 2026 | 7:08 PM IST

Nestle India sees strongest volume growth in 5 years; profit surges 45%

FMCG major reports 45.1% year-on-year jump in Q3 FY26 net profit, driven by volume-led sales growth, with confectionery and beverages leading performance

Updated On: 30 Jan 2026 | 10:52 PM IST

India pavilion: A sizzling culinary experience in freezing Davos

From rajma chawal to filter coffee tiramisu, Chef Manu Chandra showcased India's culinary soft power at the India pavilion amid sub-zero Davos

Updated On: 30 Jan 2026 | 10:31 PM IST

Economic Survey 2026: Obesity fast becoming a public health challenge

Economic Survey flags rising lifestyle diseases and obesity in India, urging stricter regulation and warning labels on ultra-processed foods to curb health risks

Updated On: 29 Jan 2026 | 11:49 PM IST

FMCG firm Dabur India likely to undertake price hikes for some brands

Dabur expects high single-digit growth next year led by volume recovery on GST tailwinds, while continuing selective price hikes in inflation-hit categories

Updated On: 29 Jan 2026 | 10:42 PM IST

Economic Survey pitches Orange Economy as emerging growth lever

As per estimates of the Ministry of Tourism, travel and tourism contributed 5.22% to GDP in FY24, close to pre-pandemic levels, while supporting an estimated 8.46 crore direct and indirect jobs

Updated On: 29 Jan 2026 | 7:08 PM IST

India-EU trade pact: India offers 30% duty reduction on imported wine

Sula Vineyards sees limited impact only on premium range, lauds trade pact

Updated On: 28 Jan 2026 | 11:49 PM IST

Consumers view upcoming Budget 2026-27 with caution: Kantar Survey

Consumer optimism around India's long-term growth goals has softened ahead of Budget 2026, with households prioritising tax relief, job security and financial stability, a Kantar survey shows

Updated On: 28 Jan 2026 | 10:41 PM IST

India-EU free trade agreement to improve access to premium alcobev brands

While detailed provisions of the agreement are awaited, the initially released agreement indicates that import tariffs will be reduced to 75% from current 150% across all EU spirits, wines categories

Updated On: 27 Jan 2026 | 11:15 PM IST

Beverage, ice-cream companies warm up early with capacity expansion

Companies prepare for summer demand after last year's weather disruption

Updated On: 27 Jan 2026 | 10:58 PM IST

Retailers gear up for Republic Day rush as shoppers chase deep discounts

Retailers expect a weekend rush as Republic Day sales offer discounts up to 50%, with the long weekend helping clear winter stock and make way for new collections

Updated On: 23 Jan 2026 | 10:21 PM IST

PepsiCo India brings in Tata Tech's Savitha Balachandran as new CFO

PepsiCo India appoints Savitha Balachandran as CFO for India and South Asia, succeeding Kaushik Mitra, who will retire in April after 24 years with the company

Updated On: 23 Jan 2026 | 8:53 PM IST

Pride Hotels secures Sebi's approval to raise ₹1,000 crore via IPO

The offer comprises a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs 260 crore and an offer for sale of up to 3.92 crore equity shares with a face value of Rs 5 each

Updated On: 23 Jan 2026 | 8:16 PM IST

H&M's sales lead widened in FY25; Uniqlo emerged as breakout story

H&M remained India's top global fashion retailer in FY25, while Uniqlo clocked the fastest growth, even as rivals like Zara and M&S lagged amid market slowdown

Updated On: 22 Jan 2026 | 11:11 PM IST

Republic Day long weekend triggers robust travel activity in India, abroad

Short-haul local and international destinations see uptick

Updated On: 22 Jan 2026 | 10:15 PM IST

Indian luxury brands on par with global peers in FY25, shows Tofler data

According to data sourced from business intelligence platform Tofler, global fashion houses like Christian Dior, Hermes, and Gucci have not crossed the ₹500 crore mark when it comes to revenue in FY25

Updated On: 21 Jan 2026 | 7:19 PM IST

Indian hospitality and travel sector sees surge in institutional capital

Institutional investors are increasing exposure to India's travel and hospitality sector, with deals like Warburg Pincus-Lemon Tree signalling confidence in asset-light growth and tourism demand

Updated On: 20 Jan 2026 | 11:57 PM IST

Professional courage must be rooted in competence: Nooyi to young women

At a Delhi fireside chat, Indra Nooyi urges young women to prioritise financial security, build courage rooted in competence, and rely on mentorship and sisterhood

Updated On: 20 Jan 2026 | 11:55 PM IST

Ikea expands South India footprint with online delivery in Tamil Nadu

The Swedish furniture retailer will begin EV-powered doorstep deliveries across key Tamil Nadu cities, with orders fulfilled through its Bengaluru distribution network

Updated On: 20 Jan 2026 | 8:01 AM IST

Coca-Cola evaluating acquisition opportunities in India, says CFO

Coca-Cola is evaluating acquisition opportunities in India as it expects the country to become its third-largest market by volume in the coming years

Updated On: 16 Jan 2026 | 11:08 PM IST