A Toast for Every Guest: The Inclusive Diwali Gifting Guide to Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

A Toast for Every Guest: The Inclusive Diwali Gifting Guide to Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 15, 2025

Diwali is here, and the air is electric! It’s the season of dazzling lights, high-spirited card parties, and the comforting hum of laughter that fills every home. This year, make every celebratory clink count with a curated gifting guide that brings together distinguished whiskies, refined wines, and sophisticated non-alcoholic options. Whether you’re elevating your home bar or searching for the perfect gift for a client or loved one, the right beverage can set the tone for the perfect festive mood.

1. The Glenwalk

A dependable star for your festive bar, The Glenwalk by Sanjay Dutt and Cartel Bros is a premium Blended Scotch Whisky that embodies elegance and warmth. Perfect for card parties or as a refined corporate gift, this whisky offers hints of warming spice, treacle, and a lingering buttery finish. Smooth, balanced, and classic, it’s everything a good Diwali pour should be.

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2. The GlenJourneys

For a truly unforgettable impression, The GlenJourneys by actor and entrepreneur Ajay Devgn and Cartel Bros stands apart. This ultra-premium 21-year-old Single Malt Scotch, available in the rare Pioneer’s Edition and diverse Cask Series, makes for an extraordinary collector’s piece. Expect velvety vanilla and ripe fruit layered into a mellow, elegant finish. A fitting choice for those who celebrate milestones with distinction.

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3. Aquatein

This festive season, go beyond the usual sweets and snacks with Aquatein’s "A Fresh New Diwali Tradition". Offer a thoughtful gift that blends taste, wellness, and innovation, giving a modern twist to the traditional Diwali gifting. The bottles are perfect to be enjoyed chilled or elevate your celebrations by mixing them into vibrant, healthy mocktails at your festive gatherings. The Diwali Pack includes a variety of functional beverages: Protein Water, Electrolyte Water, Vitamin Drink, and Collagen Water. It's a convenient pack of 12 bottles, simplifying your festive nutrition and glow. With this special Diwali pack, you can celebrate the festival differently, with a focus on Health ka Pataka (a burst of health) and Taste ka Dhamaka (an explosion of taste).

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4. Bubz

Add some fizz to your gifting with Bubz, India’s next-generation soda for those who love indulgence without compromise. Each 250 ml can is enriched with 6g of prebiotic fiber, contains no added sugar, and has just 18 kcal, naturally sweetened with monk fruit. With four playful flavours, Cola, Lemon Lime, Citrus, and Strawberry, Bubz is perfect for clean cocktails or festive refreshment.

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Vibrant, fun, and functional, it’s an ideal choice for health-conscious friends who still love their fizzy indulgence. This Diwali, gift Bubz, because health and celebration can fizz together.

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5. Morgan Beverages (Paladin Wines)

Bring a touch of European sophistication to your celebrations with Morgan Beverages, the official distributor of Italy’s acclaimed Paladin Wines. The Paladin Pinot Grigio Rosé makes an exceptional gift, offering delicate floral aromas of violet and dried flowers. Its palate reveals a crisp, dry texture with a gentle complexity and an elegant, lingering finish, a sip of pure la dolce vita that adds sparkle to every Diwali gathering.

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As the Festival of Lights shines bright, choosing the perfect drink is that final touch that completes the celebration. Whether it’s a premium whisky for the connoisseur, a fine European wine for the host, or a modern zero-proof beverage for the mindful celebrant, your thoughtful choice ensures every toast becomes a cherished moment.

Here’s to Diwali, a celebration of taste, togetherness, and timeless joy. Cheers!


Hermitage Red One Glass at a Time: How Coravin Timeless Six Plus Is Transforming Luxury Wine Service in Indian Hotels

Hermitage Red One Glass at a Time: How Coravin Timeless Six Plus Is Transforming Luxury Wine Service in Indian Hotels

By Author

Published on January 4, 2026

Luxury hospitality in India is entering a new era of refined wine service where precision, preservation, and profitability go hand in hand. At the centre of this evolution is the Coravin Timeless Six Plus Limited Edition Hermitage Red, now available in India through Chenab Impex Private Limited. Designed for premium hotels, fine dining restaurants, and sophisticated wine programs, Coravin is redefining how the world’s finest wines are served one glass at a time.

Across five star hotels and destination restaurants in India, wine service has long faced a critical challenge. While guests increasingly seek access to rare and ultra premium labels by the glass, hoteliers have had to balance experience with economics. Once a bottle is opened, oxidation begins and wastage becomes inevitable. Coravin changes this equation entirely.

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A Smarter Way to Serve Fine Wine

The Coravin Timeless Six Plus uses a medical grade needle that gently passes through the cork, allowing wine to be poured while replacing the displaced liquid with one hundred percent pure argon gas. This inert gas protects the remaining wine from oxidation. Once the needle is removed, the cork reseals naturally, keeping the bottle preserved for weeks or even months.

For hotels, this means unprecedented flexibility. Premium wines can now be served by the glass without pressure to finish the bottle. Wine programs can expand confidently. Guests can explore prestigious vintages without committing to an entire bottle, enhancing both satisfaction and spend.

Hermitage Red A Design Inspired by Legacy

The Hermitage Red Limited Edition is more than a functional tool. It is a statement of elegance and heritage. Inspired by Coravin founder Greg Lambrecht’s experience tasting a legendary nineteen eighty five Hermitage by Jean Louis Chave, the deep burgundy finish reflects timeless craftsmanship and innovation.

The Timeless Six Plus Hermitage Red comes equipped with Coravin Pure capsules, a Timeless Aerator for enhanced aromas during pouring, and screw caps for compatibility with non cork closures. Its refined design fits seamlessly into luxury hotel bars, Michelin level restaurants, and private wine lounges.

Driving Profitability for Hotel Wine Programs

From a commercial standpoint, Coravin delivers measurable impact. Reduced wastage directly improves margins. The ability to offer rare labels by the glass increases average check values. Curated wine flights become possible, encouraging exploration and repeat visits.

According to Anmol Chandhok, Vice President at Chenab Impex Private Limited, Coravin allows hospitality partners to elevate guest experience while protecting their investment. Hotels can now showcase exceptional wines confidently, knowing that every bottle maintains its integrity long after the first pour.

Sommeliers across leading Indian hotels describe Coravin as a game changer. It enables side by side tastings of vintages and regions, enhances storytelling at the table, and introduces a new level of sophistication to wine service.

Chenab Impex Strengthening India’s Luxury Hospitality Ecosystem

Chenab Impex Private Limited has played a pivotal role in bringing global excellence to Indian hospitality. As one of the country’s leading importers of gourmet foods, premium wines, and professional bar equipment, Chenab represents internationally respected brands such as Luxardo, Ponti, and Yalumba.

With Coravin, Chenab is empowering hotels and restaurants with world class technology that aligns with the evolving expectations of Indian guests. The focus is not just on distribution but on elevating standards, knowledge, and service quality across the industry.

From Innovation to Industry Standard

Globally, Coravin has become an essential tool in luxury wine programs. In India, it is rapidly transitioning from niche innovation to hospitality necessity. High end hotels in Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, and Bengaluru are already adopting the system to enhance wine lists, tasting menus, and premium offerings.

As Indian consumers become more confident and curious about wine, access without compromise will define the next phase of hospitality excellence. The Coravin Timeless Six Plus Hermitage Red stands as a symbol of this shift where technology meets tradition, and luxury meets intelligence.

In the world of fine wine service, preservation is no longer optional. It is the new benchmark of sophistication. With Coravin, Indian hospitality is ready to serve the future one perfect glass at a time.

 


Sapphire Foods to Merge with Devyani International, Create Unified KFC and Pizza Hut Franchise

Sapphire Foods to Merge with Devyani International, Create Unified KFC and Pizza Hut Franchise

By Hariharan U

Published on January 3, 2026

Sapphire Foods India Ltd and Devyani International Ltd have received board approvals for a merger that will bring the two companies together under a single entity. The proposed consolidation marks a significant step in India’s quick service restaurant space and will create a unified Yum! Brands franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut in the country.

Under the approved scheme of arrangement, Sapphire Foods will merge with and into Devyani International through a share-swap structure. The consolidation is expected to strengthen operational scale, streamline brand strategy, and position the merged entity for its next phase of growth and profitability.

In a joint statement, the companies said the merger will result in “a single unified Yum! India Franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut,” bringing together operations that currently run parallel across multiple markets.

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory and statutory approvals, including clearances from stock exchanges, the Competition Commission of India, the National Company Law Tribunal, and approvals from shareholders and creditors of both companies. Once these approvals are received, the merger will become effective.

As per the scheme, 177 equity shares of Devyani International will be issued for every 100 equity shares of Sapphire Foods. Additionally, Arctic International, a Devyani group company, will acquire approximately 18.5 percent of Sapphire Foods’ paid-up equity share capital from existing promoters, with an option to assign this stake to a mutually agreed financial investor.

Yum! Brands has approved the proposed consolidation. As part of the transaction, Devyani International will also acquire 19 KFC restaurants currently operated by Yum! India in Hyderabad. The company will pay a one-time charge to Yum! India towards merger approval and license fees for the additional territory.

The merger is expected to deliver meaningful synergies, including the creation of one of the largest QSR platforms in India with an expanded national footprint. The unified structure is also expected to unlock growth through a single brand strategy for both KFC and Pizza Hut. Devyani International expects annual synergy benefits in the range of Rs 210 to 225 crore from the second full year of integrated operations.

Commenting on the development, Ravi Jaipuria, Non-Executive Chairman of Devyani International, said, “The merger also adds a strong international presence in Sri Lanka, which complements our existing overseas operations.” He added, “This combination will allow DIL to realise meaningful economies of scale, leverage a unified technology platform, and strengthen our supply-chain capabilities. Together, these advantages will help unlock sustained value creation and long-term growth for our shareholders, customers, employees, and partners.”

Sumeet Narang, SFML nominee director of Sapphire Foods and Founder of Samara Capital, said, “We are extremely excited about this development, which brings together a single, unified franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut in India through the merger with Devyani International Limited. This transaction reflects the shared long-term vision and strong partnership between Samara Capital Group and RJ Corp.”

Yum! Brands CFO Ranjith Roy said, “DIL and SFIL have been outstanding partners to Yum! for many years. We are pleased to support this proposed merger to unlock a new phase of accelerated growth in the region and to advance supply chain operations, leading to a stronger, more resilient partner in India.”

Devyani International is the largest franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut in India and also operates Costa Coffee, Tea Live, New York Fries, Sanook Kitchen, and the South Indian vegetarian QSR brand Vaango. Sapphire Foods operates KFC and Pizza Hut outlets across multiple states in India and Sri Lanka and also runs Taco Bell restaurants in Sri Lanka. Together, the combined platform is expected to significantly strengthen India’s organised QSR landscape.


Café Delhi Heights Opens 49th Outlet at Unity One Eleganté, NSP

Café Delhi Heights Opens 49th Outlet at Unity One Eleganté, NSP

By Hariharan U

Published on January 3, 2026

Café Delhi Heights has launched its 49th outlet at Unity One Eleganté, Netaji Subhash Place, further strengthening its presence in the capital. The new opening marks another milestone for the popular casual dining brand as it continues to add flavour and character to West Delhi’s evolving food scene.

Situated in one of West Delhi’s busiest and well-connected neighbourhoods, the outlet is designed to welcome a wide mix of guests, from families and friends to working professionals. Spread across approximately 1,840 sq. ft., the café can seat 71 guests, with 57 indoor seats and 14 outdoor covers, offering a comfortable and relaxed dining setting.

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Staying true to the brand’s focus on food and ambience, the NSP outlet features an elegant Art Deco design. Clean lines, geometric elements, and rich textures give the space a refined yet warm feel, creating an inviting environment that suits both casual meet-ups and corporate gatherings.

Speaking about the launch, Vikrant Batra, Founder of Café Delhi Heights, said, "Every new outlet is a reflection of our commitment to creating spaces where people feel at home. NSP is one of Delhi's most energetic hubs, and we wanted to bring a fresh, thoughtfully designed Café Delhi Heights experience to this neighborhood. The Art Deco theme complements our vision of blending comfort with sophistication, while continuing to serve the flavors and hospitality that our guests love."

Founded by the Batra brothers, Café Delhi Heights began its journey with its first outlet at Crosspoint Mall in Gurgaon and has since grown into a nationally recognised brand with a presence across 17 cities. Its menu brings together global inspirations and comfort favourites, ranging from the popular Juicy Lucy Burger to European offerings and Indian classics, with a strong focus on quality ingredients and inventive flavours.

Beyond its flagship cafés, the brand continues to expand through Café Delhi Heights 2.0 and other concepts such as IKIGAI in Delhi and Sarava in Goa. With plans to scale up to nearly 120 locations, including international markets, Café Delhi Heights is steadily gearing up for its next phase of growth while staying rooted in warmth, connection, and comfort-driven dining.

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