The Leela Joins Karuna Ethics Alliance as Founding Member
Mumbai, October 24, 2026: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has joined the Karuna Ethics Alliance (KEA) as a Founding Member, with a focus on advancing animal welfare and responsible sourcing across India’s food supply chains.
The association aims to strengthen responsible sourcing practices across the hospitality sector. As part of its commitment, The Leela plans to progressively transition towards cage-free eggs across its owned hotels and collaborate with industry peers and experts to promote practical animal welfare solutions.
The partnership builds on the company’s existing responsible sourcing initiatives. During FY 2025–26, 99% of the salmon procured across its owned hotels was Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified, reflecting its focus on sustainable seafood sourcing and traceability.
The company also reported that 85% of its procurement was sourced domestically, while 46% was directed towards micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small producers. In addition, The Leela has formalised a Supplier ESG Code of Conduct to incorporate responsible business practices into supplier engagement and procurement decisions.
Anupam Das Gupta, Senior Vice President – Operations, North and Head Wellness, and Priyanka Rajgadkar, Associate Vice President – ESG, represented The Leela at the launch of the Karuna Ethics Alliance on September 22, 2026.
Speaking about the association, Anupam Das Gupta said: “At The Leela, our philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava and our Leela Dharmas inspire us to create experiences rooted in care and responsibility. Through our association with the Karuna Ethics Alliance, we look forward to collaborating with industry peers to encourage more responsible and ethical sourcing practices across the food supply chain. We believe culinary excellence begins long before an ingredient reaches the plate — shaped by the integrity of our sourcing choices, the quality of our ingredients, and the thoughtfulness behind every experience we create.”
Welcoming The Leela as a Founding Member, Sonal Jain, CEO, Karuna Ethics Alliance, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts as a Founding Member of the Karuna Ethics Alliance. As an iconic name in Indian luxury hospitality, The Leela has the opportunity to help advance higher animal welfare standards and influence more responsible sourcing practices across the industry's food supply chains. We look forward to working together to turn this shared vision into meaningful, lasting change.”
The Leela’s membership adds to its ongoing efforts to integrate responsible sourcing and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into its hospitality operations and supply chain.
