INDIA’S F&B ON VENTILATOR
A book by Archit Singhal
“Not all heroes wear capes
– Unknown
some are unpaid, overworked, and trapped
in the shadows of an industry’s darkest secrets”
About Book
This book is a summation of my 10 – year experience operating in the food and beverage industry and how the industry has evolved over the last decade, accompanied by personal experiences. It explores how one of the largest employers of unorganized labor is undergoing a period of stagnant growth, where wealth is being accumulated in an uneven manner. The hospitality industry remains one of the most underpaid and selfish sectors, where the majority of employees have experienced minimal salary growth amidst an environment of increasing work hours and rising inflation. Despite being an avid reader and book collector, I have yet to find a single book in any bookstore or library that addresses the current affairs of this industry comprehensively.
India is at the forefront of rising disposable incomes, and the middle class is increasingly venturing out and developing a palate for global cuisines. However, without a proper infrastructure of hotel management colleges and updated courses, students graduating from IHM colleges struggle to cope with the evolving demands and trends of the hospitality industry. A significant portion of students tend to join the lower echelons of the hotel industry or change their profession altogether after failing to receive the respect they anticipated from their intellectual pursuits. Most current employees working in the hospitality sector remain unskilled, with many migrating from smaller towns to urban areas in hopes of securing a stable career.
This book serves as a reality check, shedding light on the looming issues within our vibrant and ever-growing industry. It is a valuable resource for anyone planning or starting a career in the F&B industry or for those currently working or associated with the sector, offering insights and highlighting gaps to help individuals reach their full potential. This work is born out of frustration over long-standing issues that have been consistently ignored by industry players, despite my efforts to bring them to the forefront. There is a lack of clear leadership guiding the industry, as everyone is engaged in a battle for survival. A range of issues will be highlighted across various sectors involved in food and beverages. In the first 15 chapters, I will discuss different gaps in the F&B sector that are affecting the industry on a larger scale and suggest solutions at the end of each chapter to help us evolve into one of the most respected and profitable industries.
There is an urgent need for reforms in our industry, as a significant portion of the workforce is enduring difficult times, which will soon take a toll on their mental and physical well-being. Every individual working in the service industry is engaged in a demanding job that requires great resilience and discipline on a daily basis. I salute these warriors. This book is a plea for everyone to be the change they wish to see, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders in the long run.
Table of Contents
- Evolution of Beverages
- The Troubled State of Restaurant and Bar Work Culture
- Reality vs. Expectations: The Trap
- Leveraging Gaps & Opportunities for Profitability
- Keeping the Food on the Table
- New Age QSRs Trapped in Fancy Gimmicks
- Gaps in Bar Training and Hotel Management Colleges
- Growth vs. Reality in Weddings and Social Events
- The Role of Influencers in F&B
- RTD Beverages: The Next Growth Opportunity
- How Technology is Taking Away Share from Traditional F&B Industry
- Obesity and Sugar Rush-An Epidemic
- Taxation and Support to Home Grown Brands
- The New Age of Superfoods
- The Rise of Hospitality Sector in Dubai: A Case Study
- The Rise of QSR and FMCG Brands: Mobilization of Funds
- Consistency + Culture + Systems + Retention = Profitable Success
- Guerrilla Marketing Case Studies
Epilogue
About the Author
About Author
Archit’s journey unfolds from the world of finance to the realm of hospitality, marking a significant transition that has defined his remarkable trajectory. Armed with a B.Com (Hons), MBA in Finance and Business Management from IIM Lucknow, and a CFA charter, he has mastered the numbers game. However, Archit’s narrative takes an exciting turn as he emerges as the creative force behind over 10 hospitality brands, including Cocktail Week, Beer Week, Elixir Bar Solutions, To the Teaz, Chai Lelo, and the India Bartender’s Guild.
Recognized with the 2021 Economic Times Inspiring Leaders Award for North India, Archit’s fusion of finance and hospitality embodies innovation and success. He currently serves as the President of India’s Bartender’s Guild and has successfully facilitated India’s membership in the International Bartender Association. Recently, he established the IBG Bar Academy, aiming to provide training and mentorship to aspiring bartenders from underprivileged backgrounds, thereby striving to elevate bartending to a respected profession with equitable pay and standardized certification programs.
Before entering the hospitality industry, Archit garnered over 6 years of experience in investment banking with firms like E&Y, BDO, Escort Mutual Fund, and Prabhudas Lilladher, specializing in market research, valuation, and investment management. He is married and blessed with a daughter, balancing his professional achievements with personal fulfillment.
For my Mom, who will always be my guiding light
For my Dad, my backbone
For my Wife , my shadow
For my Daughter, who’s joy is my life
For all the time, I never give up!
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Our Brands
Brand Association
Partnering with leading names to bring you the finest in barware, ingredients, and equipment, ensuring top-notch quality and innovation.
Chai Lelo is a modern tea lounge brand rooted in tradition, offering authentic Indian teas and flavorful street food at affordable prices. With over four years of experience, it has served as a top choice for tea lovers across North India, expanding its footprint in events and weddings.
Elixir Bar Solutions offers premium bartending services with over 10,000 successful events across India and abroad. Known for creative bar setups, molecular cocktails, and personalized bar menus, Elixir guarantees an exceptional experience for every event.
The Cocktail Shop is your ultimate source for premium barware and supplies, crafted for bar owners, bartenders, and hospitality experts. With a decade of expertise, we offer a curated selection of elegant glassware, top-quality ingredients, and professional-grade tools to enhance your beverage service and create exceptional experiences.
The India Bartender Guild (IBG), founded in 2016, is a non-profit dedicated to advancing bartending in India through education and responsible drinking. IBG connects bartenders with industry opportunities, enhancing skills in service, spirits, and cocktails.
IBG Bar Academy offers expert training from seasoned bartenders and mixologists, focusing on essential skills and advanced techniques. Students gain hands-on experience, industry insights, and an IBG Certification, empowering them for a successful career in bartending.
