Ahmedabad: GIFT City is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for food and beverage (F&B) businesses, with several national and international brands exploring expansion plans following a reduction in VAT and the removal of a special fee. Industry stakeholders said the easing of liquor service norms within GIFT City has also encouraged brands that had previously stayed away from Gujarat because of prohibition-related restrictions.The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) will host its national Food Delivery Summit at GIFT City on Aug 19 and 20, with around 1,500 brands from across the country expected to participate. The event is being organised by the NRAI Gujarat chapter, which selected GIFT City as the venue amid growing interest from organised F&B players.“Many large national brands have liquor as an integral part of their business model and did not have a presence in Gujarat because of the state’s strict prohibition policy,” said Aanal Kotak, head of the NRAI Gujarat chapter. “With norms now relaxed in GIFT City and taxes reduced, several national and international brands are considering setting up operations there.”NRAI, the apex body representing food and beverage establishments in India, said the summit will be used to showcase GIFT City as a viable market for organised dining, quick-service restaurants, cloud kitchens and delivery-focused brands.“GIFT City officials and state govt representatives will interact directly with F&B brands during the event,” Kotak said. “The infrastructure strengths of GIFT City and the scale of its market potential will be presented to participating brands.”GIFT City officials said the entry of established F&B brands is expected to accelerate the development of social and lifestyle infrastructure, which is considered critical for attracting and retaining global talent in the financial district.
