ProWine India 2024: Exploring Opportunities, Talent, and Culture in Wine and Spirits

ProWine India 2024: Exploring Opportunities, Talent, and Culture in Wine and Spirits

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 21, 2024

The ProWine India 2024 event is set to bring industry experts, bartenders, sommeliers, and enthusiasts together at the Jio World Convention Centre, Pavilion 3, on November 8-9, 2024. With engaging panel discussions and exciting competitions, the two-day event promises to be a hub for insights, networking, and the celebration of talent in the wine and spirits industry. 

Panel: Importing Wine and Spirits – Opportunities and Challenges

image

On November 8, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, industry experts will explore "The Realities & Opportunities of Importing Wine & Spirits in India". The panel discussion, held on the show floor, will be led by key industry players, including Sanjay Menon (Sansula), Jackie Matai (Aspri Spirits), Vishal Kadakia (Wine Park), John Southwell (Austrade), and Vianney Meynier (Business France India). This session will provide valuable insights into the complexities of import regulations, market potential, and evolving consumer preferences.

Celebrating Excellence: ProWine Bartenders' Competition

image

The ProWine Bartenders' Competition will take place on November 9, 2024, featuring some of the best bartenders from across the country. The finalists include LV Swaroop (Roxic, Bangalore), Manu Kwatra (Taj Palace, New Delhi), Narendra Singh (Idyll India, Bangalore), Nikhil Kamble (Nho Saigon, Mumbai), Omkar Parab (Grumps, Goa), Romario Rodrigues (Gigi, Mumbai), and Sumit Mehra (Otra, Mumbai). With MR. BARTENDER + THE CREW as the associate partner, the competition promises to showcase exceptional talent and creativity in mixology.

Panel: Shaping India's Wine Journey – For Sommeliers, By Sommeliers

image

On November 8, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, an insightful panel discussion titled "For Sommeliers, By Sommeliers: Taking India's Wine Journey to New Heights" will be held. Hosted by some of the most respected names in the field, including Kevin Rodriguez (Indian Accent, Comorin), Arth Jain (Taj Hotels), Bazil Moniz (I Think Foods), Charle Donnadieu (The Lalit Group), Hridhay Mehra (Masque), and Ravi Punia (The Quorum), the session will explore strategies to elevate India’s wine culture and foster greater appreciation among consumers.

Panel: Crafting World-Class Bar Programs with Indian Talent and Culture

image

Another highlight will be the panel discussion "Creating a World-Class Bar Program Showcasing India's Talent & Culture," scheduled for November 8, 2024, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Experts like Shatbi Basu (Creative Consultants), Aditi Dugar (Masque), Evonne Eadie (Perfect Serve India), John Leese (Avant Garde Bar Consultancy), Pankaj Balachandran (Countertop), Sweta Mohanty (Aspri Spirits), and Vikram Achanta (Tulleeho, 30 Best Bars) will share insights on blending creativity with local flavors to build outstanding bar programs in India.

The ProWine India 2024 event at the Jio World Convention Centre promises a vibrant platform for learning, collaboration, and inspiration for all attendees. With a rich lineup of discussions and competitions, it aims to celebrate India's growing prominence in the global wine and spirits market.

HospitalityNews is the official media partner for ProWine India 2024. Stay tuned for more exclusive updates about the event, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the exclusive scoop.


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.

image

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.

image

image

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.

image

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.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.