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By Author
Published on February 8, 2024
ITC Hotels proudly announces the opening of the third outlet of its iconic restaurant, Avartana, at ITC Maratha, Mumbai, marking a significant expansion of its culinary repertoire to the western part of India. Following the resounding success of its predecessors at ITC Grand Chola and ITC Royal Bengal, Avartana continues to redefine Southern Indian cuisine with its innovative and pioneering approach, now bringing its legacy to the vibrant city of Mumbai
Avartana has not only shone brightly among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023 but has also established itself as a beacon of culinary innovation, showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian ingredients and culinary techniques. Anil Chadha, Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, shares the excitement and vision behind the brand, "Brand Avartana, just seven years young, has carved a niche for itself by demonstrating the strength and prowess of Indian ingredients and culinary techniques to the world. We endeavor to share the reimagined renditions of Avartana with diners across various cities, crafting moments that resonate long after the dining experience."
At its core, Avartana is an ode to the rich tapestry of Southern Indian culinary traditions, seamlessly blending these with modern interpretations to create an unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant's name, derived from the Sanskrit word for rhythm, mysticism, and magic, perfectly encapsulates the essence of its offerings - magical dishes that are a modernist take on traditional flavors, each telling a unique story.
The menu at Avartana is a testament to the culinary team's dedication to exploring and innovating within the realm of Southern Indian cuisine. Ingredients such as Ghee from Kerala, Uthukuli Butter and Mango Ginger from Andhra Pradesh, Sago and Jaggery from Chennai, Mochai Beans from Tamil Nadu, and Tamarind from Telangana are deconstructed and reimagined into dishes that engage the senses and captivate the diner's imagination.
Among the standout offerings are the Spiced Aubergine and Sago with a Byadagi chilli emulsion, Sago Yogurt reinterpreting the classic Bagala Bath with an exotic dried berry tamarind sauce, and the visually striking Fennel Pannacotta egg dessert, presented in a bird's nest with a mini hammer for an interactive dining experience.
Avartana at ITC Maratha promises to be a culinary destination where magical flavors meet twenty-first-century technology, reinventing haute cuisine fine dining into an evolved art form. As it opens its doors in Mumbai, Avartana is set to offer diners a unique journey through the vibrant and diverse mosaics of Southern Indian cuisine, creating unforgettable moments that resonate with the magic of dining at its finest.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on March 11, 2025
Loca Loka, the Singapore-based AlcoBev company, has secured $12.5 million from undisclosed investors in a Singapore-based family office. This funding marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, fueling research and development for new product innovations, expanding its global presence, and solidifying its position as a pioneering tequila brand.
Loca Loka is the brainchild of a dynamic trio:
Together, they have disrupted the tequila industry by merging craftsmanship, storytelling, and innovation to create a brand that resonates with global consumers.
Loca Loka made its debut in 2024 across the USA and Southeast Asia with two flagship products:
The brand quickly gained traction among tequila enthusiasts, blending the rich agave essence of Mexico with sweet and spicy notes inspired by Indian cuisine.
Harsha Vadlamudi, Founder and CEO of Loca Loka, emphasized the significance of the investment:
"This funding round represents a pivotal moment in our journey at Loca Loka. As we navigate the dynamic and rapidly evolving global tequila landscape, this strategic investment validates our vision and the incredible potential of our brand portfolio."
With the global tequila market projected to grow from $14.13 billion in 2024 to $15.83 billion in 2025, and an anticipated CAGR of 5.26% through 2030, Loca Loka is well-positioned to tap into this growth. In India, the market is expected to grow at an even faster rate of 12.69% from 2025 to 2033, highlighting immense potential for premium tequila brands.
Rana Daggubati, Co-Founder of Loca Loka, reinforced this vision:"At Loca Loka, our journey transcends traditional business metrics. Our success is a symphonic collaboration—driven by the brilliant minds shaping our brand every day. This funding brings in investors who share our passion for reimagining the global tequila landscape and turning market potential into tangible success."
Echoing the brand’s creative philosophy, Anirudh Ravichander, Co-Founder of Loca Loka, added:
"Money talks, but we're making it sing. With this infusion, we're turning up the volume on storytelling—where craft, music, and art collide to create something the world won't just watch, but feel."
Since launching in the USA in August 2024, Loca Loka has seen strong demand, expanding from its initial launch in Los Angeles, New York, and New Jersey to additional cities, including:
In Southeast Asia, the brand made its entry through Singapore, where the rising demand for premium spirits presents a promising opportunity for growth.
Loca Loka is set to expand further in 2025, entering key international markets, including:
Additionally, the brand will deepen its presence in the USA, targeting Las Vegas, Miami, and Washington DC. Loca Loka is also making strides into global Travel Retail (Duty-Free), aligning with its vision of becoming a widely recognized tequila brand worldwide.
Loca Loka is a joint venture between:
The brand brings together tradition and innovation, offering handcrafted tequila that celebrates its Mexican roots while appealing to global palates. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and cross-cultural storytelling, Loca Loka is redefining the tequila industry.
Leading Food Consultancy Firm Partners with Dalmia Gold Tea Group to Bring a Unique Tea Experience to Indian Cities
Secret Ingredient, India’s top food consulting firm specializing in restaurant and hospitality solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Dalmia Gold Tea Group to expand Pekoe Café across India. This collaboration aims to bring Pekoe’s distinctive tea-drinking experience to cities nationwide, building on its current success in Patna and Siliguri.
Secret Ingredient will lead the expansion, ensuring brand consistency while adapting to local preferences. Pekoe Café redefines India’s chai tapri culture by blending traditional flavors with a refined and contemporary setting. The café offers a diverse menu of Indian snacks that pair perfectly with its signature teas, all within a quirky, inviting ambiance.
Nikita Dalmia, Co-Founder of Pekoe Café, shared her vision:"Pekoe is a vibrant celebration of India’s love for chai tapri and street food, reimagined with sophistication. Our mission is to popularize Indian tea culture alongside high-quality teas from the House of Dalmia Gold. We wanted a partner who understands this unique proposition while enhancing our brand value, and Secret Ingredient is the perfect fit to take our concept across India."
Secret Ingredient’s expertise in restaurant concept development, market analysis, and operational strategy will be instrumental in Pekoe’s nationwide growth. The firm has mapped out a phased rollout over the next year, targeting key cities to ensure success.
Kula Naidu, Director of Secret Ingredient, emphasized their approach:
"We are excited to bring the Pekoe Café experience to more cities. Our team will work diligently to preserve the brand’s essence while tailoring each location to resonate with local tastes and cultures."
Sid Mathur, Director at Secret Ingredient, added:
"Pekoe has already won the hearts of tea enthusiasts in Patna and Siliguri. As we expand, we remain committed to delivering an elevated and seamless experience that delights customers across India."
The expansion strategy focuses on:
Founded by Dalmia Gold Tea, Pekoe Café offers an affordable yet high-quality tea and snacking experience. Operating from 9 AM to 10 PM daily, it serves a wide range of tea varieties alongside signature dishes such as:
For more details, visit: https://pekoebydg.in/
Secret Ingredient is a leading consulting firm for the restaurant and hospitality industry, specializing in concept creation, strategy, and operational excellence. Notable projects include The Khyber at Gulmarg, Kaansa at Crowne Plaza Gurgaon, Lyrah at Trident Gurgaon, and Koyo Koyo at Hyatt Centric Chandigarh. The firm has also advised brands like Swiggy, Anardana, and Olive Group.
For more details, visit: https://secretingredient.co.in/
Dalmia Gold Tea Group is a renowned tea brand, especially popular in Bihar and Jharkhand for over 25 years. Its venture into the café industry with Pekoe showcases its dedication to innovation and quality in the Indian tea market.
For more details, visit: https://dalmiagold.com/
MONIN India, a global leader in premium flavor solutions, made a notable appearance at the 38th AAHAR International Food & Hospitality Fair, held from March 4-8, 2025, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. With India’s food and beverage industry evolving rapidly, MONIN reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and high-quality ingredients, further strengthening its leadership in the country’s dynamic F&B sector.
MONIN India introduced exciting new products at AAHAR 2025, designed to meet the diverse demands of Indian F&B professionals and consumers.
The MONIN Pure Range marks a breakthrough in the brand’s portfolio, crafted without added sugars, sweeteners, or preservatives. Unlike traditional syrups that rely on sugar for sweetness, MONIN Pure uses only natural juice and flavors, offering a healthier, lower-calorie option without compromising taste.
This range features four standout flavors:
This versatile product line caters to the growing demand for natural, clean-label beverages, empowering mixologists and chefs to create exceptional drinks and dishes with minimal processing.
Inspired by India’s love for raw mango, MONIN introduced its Raw Mango Syrup, capturing the bold, tangy essence of this beloved fruit. This new syrup allows F&B professionals to create locally inspired drinks and dishes that blend traditional Indian flavors with modern beverage trends.
MONIN India’s AAHAR 2025 stall was designed using eco-friendly materials, showcasing the brand’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact. MONIN is committed to responsible sourcing, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, ensuring that its ingredients meet the highest quality standards while contributing to a greener future for the F&B industry.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, MONIN India honored the contributions of women across the F&B supply chain. AAHAR 2025 featured a special mixology workshop, where guests experienced a menu inspired by India’s leading women in various fields. This initiative not only showcased creativity and innovation but also encouraged networking and inclusivity in the industry.
AAHAR 2025 provided MONIN India with a valuable platform to connect with distributors, restaurant owners, and beverage professionals. These interactions helped MONIN strengthen its long-term partnerships, discuss emerging trends, and explore how sustainability and premium ingredients are shaping the future of India’s F&B sector.
MONIN India’s participation in AAHAR 2025 marks another significant milestone in its journey of innovation, quality, and sustainability. As the company prepares to open its manufacturing facility in Telangana by the end of 2025, it continues to support India’s F&B sector through cutting-edge products and industry initiatives.
For more details on MONIN India’s products and sustainability initiatives, visit www.monin.in or contact pawan.hora@wishboxstudio.com.
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