Atmosphere Core Partners with Sakurafresh to Launch Sustainable Zero Alcohol Spirits in Maldives

Atmosphere Core Partners with Sakurafresh to Launch Sustainable Zero Alcohol Spirits in Maldives

By Author

Published on July 2, 2024

Atmosphere Core has announced an exciting new partnership with Sakurafresh, an award-winning Japanese zero alcohol spirits brand. This collaboration aligns with Atmosphere Core's commitment to sustainability and innovative practices in the hospitality industry. As part of their strategic plan, the Corporate F&B team at Atmosphere Core is focusing on sourcing natural raw ingredients to create premium quality beverages that cater to the growing demand for zero alcohol cocktails in the Maldives.

Anupam Banerjee, VP of Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Core, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Sakurafresh's innovative approach to cocktail making. "As a group, we are constantly looking at how we can improve our sustainability practices. We are now even looking at the raw ingredients our suppliers use, and we have been extremely impressed with Sakurafresh’s approach," Banerjee said.

The launch of this partnership will be marked by the introduction of Sakurafresh products at RAAYA by Atmosphere, the latest resort in the Atmosphere Core portfolio, set to open on July 4th. Following the launch, mixology masterclasses will be conducted across all nine Atmosphere Core resorts in the Maldives, further promoting the unique zero alcohol offerings.

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In the lead-up to RAAYA by Atmosphere’s launch, the F&B team will collaborate with Sakurafresh mixologists to create a sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktail menu. By combining Sakurafresh’s distinctive bitters and zero alcohol spirits with local herbs and spices, they aim to develop a unique cocktail menu that sets a new standard in the Maldives.

Nameet M, Co-Founder and Director of Sakurafresh, shared his excitement about the partnership, emphasizing Sakurafresh's role as a global leader in the zero alcohol spirits segment. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Atmosphere Core properties in the Maldives and work alongside their beverage team to create unique experiences for hotel guests. With our award-winning products, we are poised to meet the growing trend of guests seeking exciting non-alcoholic drinks," Nameet added.

Sakurafresh has garnered 60 prestigious medals at international competitions, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), London Spirits Competition (LSC), International Spirits Challenge (ISC), The Bartender Spirits Awards (BSA), The Global Spirits Masters, and China Wines & Spirits (CWSA) competitions.

Atmosphere Core operates nine resorts in the Maldives under three distinctive lifestyle brands: THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. The company has plans to expand further with one new resort in the Maldives, another in Sri Lanka, and ten hotels and resorts across India over the next three years. Each Atmosphere Core property is known for its distinctive design, authentic sense of place, inspiring service styles, and exceptional cuisine.

Sakurafresh, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, is a full-stack manufacturer and blender offering a wide range of alcohol and zero alcohol spirits, liqueurs, bitters, ready-to-drink cocktails, and cocktail mixers. Committed to sustainable and healthy farming practices, Sakurafresh embraces innovation and diversity in its beverage creations. Guided by the Shokunin Kishitsu (職人気質) or craftsman spirit, Sakurafresh strives to provide a vast array of choices and foster growth through exceptional craftsmanship and meaningful consumer engagement.

This partnership between Atmosphere Core and Sakurafresh marks a significant step towards sustainable and innovative hospitality, promising unique and enjoyable experiences for guests in the Maldives.


Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 8, 2025

This July, immerse yourself in pure chocolate bliss as Dolci celebrates World Chocolate Day with a stunning collection of handcrafted creations designed to delight every chocolate lover. From silky truffles to indulgent cakes, each dessert showcases Dolci’s dedication to premium chocolate craftsmanship, promising an experience that’s rich, luxurious, and unforgettable.

Whether treating yourself to a moment of indulgence or sharing sweet memories with friends and family, this specially curated collection is crafted to satisfy even the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs. With a strong commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques, every bite at Dolci celebrates the rich heritage of fine chocolate.

At the core of each creation is the world-renowned Callebaut chocolate from Belgium, known for its exceptional quality and deep flavour profile. This premium chocolate forms the foundation of all Dolci’s chocolate offerings, ensuring each dessert delivers the authentic taste and smooth texture that true chocolate enthusiasts seek.

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Event Details:

  • Date: July 7, 2025

  • Venues: Dolci outlets at Cunningham Road, New BEL Road, and Lavelle Road, Bengaluru

Featured treats include:

  • Fresh Cream Truffle

  • Matilda Cake

  • Chocolate Noisette

  • Chocolate Praline

  • Chocolate Éclair

  • Gooey Chocolate Cake

Rich, decadent, and crafted with love — this isn’t just dessert, it’s a celebration of chocolate at its finest. Each creation is a testament to artisanal excellence, blending classic methods with a touch of contemporary flair.

Step into Dolci this World Chocolate Day and discover why for true chocolate lovers, quality always comes first.


Conrad Pune Celebrates World Chocolate Day with Bonbons, Workshops & High Tea

Conrad Pune Celebrates World Chocolate Day with Bonbons, Workshops & High Tea

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2025

This World Chocolate Day, Conrad Pune is making the city’s sweetest dreams come true with an exclusive celebration titled The Chocolate Chapter, hosted at the beloved Pune Sugar Box. From 6th to 16th July, dessert lovers can dive into a special chocolate menu featuring decadent creations like Passion Fruit Gel Bonbons, Pan Bahar Bonbons, Irish Maple bites, and indulgent Nama Chocolate, all handcrafted to perfection.

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The celebration reaches its peak on 7th July with an exclusive invite-only chocolate tasting and high tea event from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, led by award-winning pastry chef Krutika Gawas. With over 8.5 years of expertise in French patisserie and a recent win at a prestigious French pastry competition, Chef Krutika offers guests an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience into the world of chocolate making.

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The highlight includes uncovering the "Conrad Chocolate Secret" and exploring a curated chocolate tasting paired with a beautiful high tea setup. Whether you're attending the workshop or simply dropping by Pune Sugar Box for the chocolate menu, this celebration promises a sensorial journey through flavours and artistry that makes World Chocolate Day a truly memorable affair.


Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2025

Lenexis Foodworks, a key player in India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, has made a remarkable mark in 2025, with its brands Chinese Wok and Big Bowl sweeping top honours across multiple award platforms nationwide. These recognitions reflect the group’s consistent growth, operational strength, and deep connection with Indian consumers.

Chinese Wok, the company’s flagship brand, was crowned QSR Chain of the Year at the ET Great India Retail Awards, and was celebrated as a Category Disruptor in the Restaurants, QSR & Food Services segment at the ET Brand Disrupt Awards. Its innovation in digital engagement was recognized with a win at the MOMMY Awards 2025 for Best Use of AR/VR, showcasing its shift towards experiential marketing.

At the Food Connoisseurs India Awards 2025, Chinese Wok earned the title of Best Quick Service Restaurant Chain - West India. Regionally, it stood out at the Times Food & Nightlife Awards with multiple titles including:

  • Best Asian Casual Dining – Navi Mumbai and Thane

  • Best Chinese Restaurant – Thane, Navi Mumbai, Jaipur, and Noida

  • Best QSR Casual Dining – Gurgaon

On the delivery front, the Swiggy Awards 2025 recognized Chinese Wok’s popularity across several cities:

  • Best Chinese:

    • Rank 1 in Madurai, Amritsar, Mysore

    • Rank 2 in Vadodara, Mumbai, Faridabad, Kanpur

    • Rank 3 in Jalandhar, Chennai, Vijayawada, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur

  • Best Momos – Chennai

  • Best Newcomer – Manipal

Meanwhile, Big Bowl, the cloud kitchen brand from Lenexis, won Cloud Kitchen of the Year – West India at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards, and ranked second in Best Chinese (Amritsar) at the Swiggy Awards.

These accolades come as Lenexis Foodworks pursues its vision of scaling up to 500 stores by 2027, opening 100 new outlets annually. From one outlet in 2015, the company has grown to over 235 locations in 35+ cities, positioning Chinese Wok as India’s largest Chinese QSR chain. The group is also expanding into East India with aggressive growth plans in Kolkata and neighbouring markets.

2025 also marked a year of fresh innovations. Chinese Wok launched new street-style offerings such as Kurkure Momos and Desi Chowmein, tailored to local tastes. The brand also debuted its cricket season ad campaign, blending themed visuals, contests, and special packaging.

Lenexis Foodworks continues to invest in storytelling and community efforts, from school outreach programs to revamped in-store experiences, strengthening its identity as a vibrant, home-grown brand. As it celebrates a decade of impact, the company is set to redefine Asian fast food experiences across India.

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