MAM
Dr Gunveena Chadha named new secretary general of Indian Beverage Association
30 plus years in policy advocacy from FICCI CII WEF to steer IBA.
MUMBAI: The non-alcoholic beverage world just got a fresh pour of leadership and this one comes with serious policy fizz. The Indian Beverage Association (IBA) has appointed Gunveena Chadha as its new Secretary General, bringing over 30 years of heavyweight experience in policy strategy, business advocacy, international engagement and institution building.
Dr Chadha steps into the role after serving as Deputy Secretary General at FICCI, where she spearheaded the Forum of Parliamentarians, drove Track II diplomacy, B2B and B2G connections, and multilateral policy dialogues. Before that, she held senior positions at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), consistently working at the crossroads of industry, government and global institutions.
One of her standout chapters, appointed by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry as director of the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, she orchestrated India’s largest-ever global trade showcase, turning it into one of the most visited and talked-about pavilions of the event.
IBA, president C. K. Jaipuria welcomed the move, “We are delighted to welcome Gunveena Chadha as the new Secretary General of IBA. The non-alcoholic beverage industry is navigating a dynamic policy and business environment, and Dr Chadha brings a rare blend of policy depth and global industry experience. As the beverage sector engages with increasingly complex regulatory and market realities, her leadership will help IBA engage more effectively with policymakers and stakeholders.”
Chadha herself sounded energised, “I am honoured to take on the role of Secretary General of the Indian Beverage Association at a time when the non-alcoholic beverage industry is at a critical inflection point. IBA has emerged as a credible and unified voice for the sector, and I look forward to building on this strong foundation to further strengthen policy engagement, enable constructive dialogue with government and stakeholders, and support an ecosystem that is innovation-led, responsible, and growth-oriented.”
A doctorate in economics, Chadha has earned wide recognition, including a spot on the Top 100 Most Influential Sikhs Globally list for 2024–25. Her track record spans economic policy, trade and investment promotion, governance frameworks and global positioning exactly the toolkit IBA needs as the sector grapples with evolving regulations, sustainability demands and market shifts.
In an industry where every sip carries policy weight, Chadha’s arrival promises to keep the conversation bubbling productively between brands, regulators and consumers. Whether you’re a fizzy-drink fan or just someone who follows how India’s business voices shape the rules, this appointment adds real flavour to the mix.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
