Brands
drink technology India rebrands to drinktec India
Mumbai: An important milestone in the global expansion of the drinktec portfolio has been reached: drink technology India is now the first trade fair to carry the ‘drinktec’ brand alongside drinktec Munich, the leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry. This rebranding by Yontex highlights the significance of the Indian market. Since 2007, the drinktec team has focused on supporting stakeholders in the beverage industry.
Originally launched as a congress in Mumbai, the trade fair has evolved into a key meeting point for manufacturers. Initially held every two years, it is now an annual event. The first edition featured 42 exhibitors and 276 m² of space; this year, 178 exhibitors are expected across about 6,000 m². Major global players consistently participate, reflecting the event’s importance for investment decisions. Last year, around 11,000 visitors attended, alternating between Mumbai and Delhi.
The drinktec India brand aims to strengthen its position as the leading trade fair in India for the beverage and liquid food industry. With the support of the drinktec brand, the Yontex team, Messe München India, and a wide range of products, the brand is set for growth in India and the SAARC region. This will provide neighboring markets with easy access to the latest offerings, making drinktec India a gateway for national and international brands.
Additionally, drinktec India aims to drive the Indian and neighboring beverage industries toward global standards. By showcasing advanced technologies, local manufacturers can engage with innovations that improve efficiency, enhance quality, and adapt to changing consumer preferences. This exchange will elevate domestic production and prepare Indian companies for global competition, making drinktec India crucial for modernising the beverage sector across the SAARC region.
Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association deputy MD VDMA e.V., Beatrix Fraese: “As the conceptual sponsor of drinktec in Munich, we strongly support the rebranding of drink technology India to drinktec India. We have been closely involved in the journey from the very beginning until today because we believe in the potential of the Indian industry.
The sharp growth in demand for machinery and equipment in recent years shows that the Indian beverage industry is investing heavily and becoming increasingly professional. German machine manufacturers are increasingly building up capacities in India in order to be close to their customers locally. This shows the great trust in India’s potential.”
Yontex executive director drinktec cluster Markus Kosak: “We are thrilled that we were able to initiate such a strong development with this market platform at the time. This is a significant moment for all of us. With drinktec India, we are setting an important milestone for the industry for the Indian subcontinent and neighbouring regions. In this region, drinktec India is the most relevant and profound event for the beverage and liquid food industry. This enables us to consistently support growth in the Indian and surrounding markets. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to VDMA Germany and India for their unwavering support from the very beginning. Their collaboration has been instrumental in driving the success of this platform and shaping its growth.”
Messe München India CEO Bhupinder Singh: “We are thrilled to see drink technology India take this significant step forward by becoming a part of the globally renowned drinktec portfolio. This rebranding underscores the importance of the Indian market in the global beverage and liquid food industry. Our ongoing cooperation with PackMach strengthens our commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions across the value chain—from beverage manufacturing to packaging innovations. Together, we are building a robust platform that not only supports the industry’s growth but also brings cutting-edge technology and expertise to the Indian market, enabling businesses to compete on a global scale.”
Brands
Maharashtra revokes Ola, Uber, Rapido bike taxi licences
Temporary e-bike taxi permits cancelled as firms fail to meet state rules
MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s roads are set to see fewer zipping two-wheelers after the state government pulled the plug on provisional licences granted to bike taxi giants Ola, Uber and Rapido. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced in the Legislative Council on Monday that temporary permissions would be revoked.
“These companies were given permission for just a month and were required to submit certain documents. Since they have not complied, their temporary licences are cancelled. This is to ensure illegal bikes do not operate on our roads,” Sarnaik said.
The move follows the Maharashtra E Bike Taxi Rules 2024, designed to generate employment for local youth and offer commuters a cheaper, greener ride option. The rules, approved in August 2024, allow electric bike taxis in cities with over one lakh residents.
Under the policy, only electric vehicles can ply as taxis, and operators had 30 days to fulfil licensing and compliance requirements. Yet, officials claim many continued operations without meeting these conditions. Sarnaik added that a large number of bike taxis currently running in Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region are illegal.
In a firm enforcement twist, the government has instructed authorities to focus on vehicle owners rather than riders when registering cases. Safety concerns, particularly for women passengers, and accident complaints have also been flagged by the transport department.
Since April 2024, Regional Transport Offices have taken action against 130 non-compliant bike taxis, collecting fines exceeding Rs 33 lakh. Authorities say further measures will follow to ensure services adhere to regulations before returning to city streets.
Maharashtra’s bike taxi saga has been a rollercoaster. Initially banned in January 2023 due to concerns over private vehicles ferrying passengers, the sector was later formalised through an electric bike framework in 2024. Provisional licences were granted in 2025, but the government now warns that any bike taxi operating on city roads without proper permits will be considered illegal.
Adding to the transport shake-up, the government has also halted the issuance of new auto rickshaw permits from March 9 to ease urban traffic pressures and safeguard livelihoods of existing drivers. A fresh standard operating procedure for future permits is set to go before the state cabinet soon.
Maharashtra commuters may have to find alternative rides as the state reins in its two-wheeled taxi revolution, leaving app-based bikers in a legal limbo.
