Regulatory and compliance deadlines create operational hurdles
Bank strikes, UPI merchant fee changes, and FSSAI inspections are disrupting cash flows and operations. Operators should proactively manage compliance (e.g., hygiene standards, digital records) and plan for potential cash flow gaps during regulatory deadlines.
From the sources
- ICAI warns CAs: Plan ahead as 3-day bank strike overlaps with September 30 compliance deadlines
- GST Council to take view on 18% levy on UPI merchant fees: Report
- Proposed 0.4% UPI merchant fee will not be passed to consumers: Report
- IRDAI proposes clawback of commissions in case of mis-selling
- 'Retailers likely to pass UPI MDR to consumers'
- Food inspections data driven; nothing has happened against the law: Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe
- Govt urges bank staff to call off 28-30 September strike, flags five-day disruption
More from this week
All story clusters →Tech and digital tools reshape operations and customer engagement
From AI-powered agri sorting to digital ordering platforms (e.g., Olo for Scooter’s Coffee) and order accuracy tools, tech is improving efficiency and reducing waste. Cloud kitchens and multi-unit operators should explore these tools to cut costs and enhance customer trust.
Supply chain pressures squeeze margins across agri and fuel sectors
Rising crude prices are pushing diesel margins negative and increasing LPG losses, while global disruptions (e.g., Black Sea, Ukraine conflict) and domestic policy shifts (e.g., reduced import duties on edible oils) are creating volatility. Operators should monitor input costs for agri commodities and fuel-dependent logistics.
QSRs and F&B brands pivot to value-driven strategies amid inflation
QSRs are aggressively pushing value-focused pricing (e.g., Rs 99 meals) and bundling deals to attract cost-conscious customers. Meanwhile, FMCG firms are prioritizing volume growth over discounts, signaling a shift toward transparency and affordability in consumer offerings.
FSSAI cracks down on food mislabeling and junk food near schools
The FSSAI is tightening regulations on food labeling, proposing to ban 'analogue paneer' and restrict junk food sales near schools. Operators must ensure compliance with new front-of-pack warning labels and avoid misleading claims, especially in packaged foods and delivery platforms like Swiggy and Amazon.