In a strategic move ahead of the January 1, 2025, demerger of its hotel business, ITC has increased its stakes in two major players in the Indian hospitality industry. ITC has raised its shareholding in EIH Ltd, the parent company of Oberoi Hotels, to 16.13%, and in HLV Ltd, which owns The Leela Mumbai, to 8.11%.

As of September 2024, ITC held a 13.69% stake in EIH. By acquiring an additional 2.44%, equivalent to 1,52,32,129 equity shares, ITC now commands a 16.13% stake in the company. Similarly, ITC’s stake in HLV Ltd has increased from 7.58% to 8.11%, following the purchase of 34,60,829 equity shares.

In a regulatory filing, ITC announced, “...the company today has acquired 2.44 percent of the share capital (comprising 1,52,32,129 equity shares of INR 2 each) of EIH Ltd and 0.53 percent of the share capital (comprising 34,60,829 equity shares of INR 2 each) of HLV Ltd, from Russell Credit Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.”

This move is seen as a part of ITC’s preparation for the demerger of its hotel business, ITC Hotels, from its parent group. The demerger, set to take effect from January 1, 2025, is expected to unlock greater value for ITC’s stakeholders and enhance its focus on core operations.

With the increased stakes, ITC is cementing its presence in the premium and luxury hospitality segments, strengthening its relationship with iconic brands like Oberoi Hotels and The Leela Mumbai.

What if you could savor the essence of Odisha—its coastal breeze, vibrant spices, and time-honored recipes—right here in Mumbai? Well here's your chance! At Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport's Momo Cafe, Chef Biswajit Moharathi, a MasterChef India Season 7 Top 25 contestant, invites you to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. This exclusive pop-up, running from 22nd November to 1st December 2024, brings the heart of Odisha's cuisine to the city that never stops craving new culinary experiences.

Chef Biswajit, a Bhubaneswar native and engineer-turned-culinary visionary, known for his ability to elevate Indian cuisine while staying true to its roots, invites you to explore the flavors of his homeland through a thoughtfully curated buffet that promises a symphony of taste, tradition, and innovation. "Odisha's food is about balancing flavours—earthy, tangy, spicy, and sweet. I'm excited to bring this experience to Mumbai, a city that appreciates bold flavors and culinary innovation," shares Chef Biswajit Moharathi

 Indulge in a symphony of taste, as Chef Biswajit curates a delectable buffet showcasing the best of Odia cuisine. From the fiery spices to the delicate flavors, each dish is a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage. Start with the refreshing Mandia Guda Sherbet, a traditional Odian drink made from jaggery and roasted ragi. Move on to the savoury Dali Bara with Tamarind Dip, a popular Odia snack. For the main course, savour the rich and spicy Kankada Jhola, a crab curry, or the tender Chicken Kassa. Accompaniments such as Badi Chura, Ambula Rai, and the smoky Tomato Poda will make your journey to the eastern even more delightful. And to conclude your meal on a sweet note, indulge in the heavenly Manda Pitha, a steamed rice cake filled with coconut and jaggery or the crispy Malpua, and creamy Rabdi.

 Indulge in a culinary journey that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Odisha. Book your table now and experience the magic of Odia cuisine!

Timings - 7pm to 11pm 

Date – 22nd November- 1st December 2024

Address – CTS 215, Andheri - Kurla Rd, opposite Carnival Cinemas, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®️, its highly awarded travel program.  For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.  In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

Proost, a homegrown beer startup founded in 2017 by Tarun Bhargava and Vijay P. Sharma, has successfully raised INR 30 crore as part of its ongoing Series-A funding round. The investment was led by existing backers Chimes Group and Srinivasan Namala of Porus Laboratories, with participation from Hyderabad Angels, The Chennai Angels, and other high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).

The newly acquired funds will bolster Proost’s supply chain, support its entry into new markets, and deepen its reach in existing regions. The company also plans to expand its product portfolio and strengthen brand-building initiatives to position itself as a leading player in India’s beer market.

Tarun Bhargava, Co-Founder & CEO of Proost

“We are thrilled to announce this new round of funding, which represents a significant step forward in Proost's journey,” said Tarun Bhargava, Co-Founder & CEO of Proost. “With these funds, we will focus on expanding production capacity, exploring new markets, and deepening our presence in current ones. This brings us closer to our goal of capturing a substantial share of the Indian beer market by the end of the decade.”

Proost operates under the banner of Grano69 Beverages and has already established a robust presence across Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. The company aims to capture a 5% market share in India’s beer industry by the end of the decade, leveraging customer-focused product development, strategic market expansion, and innovation.

Vijay Prakash Sharma, MD & Co-Founder of Proost

The brand is known for its premium quality beers characterized by low bitterness and high drinkability. Proost also prides itself on being a “Made in India” brand, sourcing 99% of its raw materials locally.

A representative from Chimes Group expressed enthusiasm about Proost’s growth trajectory, stating, “Proost’s strong market presence and vision reflect the team’s deep understanding of the Indian consumer. We are excited to support their mission to transform the beer industry with high-quality, innovative products.”

Proost intends to use the funds to introduce new beer variants that cater to evolving consumer preferences. The company also seeks to maintain its competitive edge by tapping into emerging trends and developing products that resonate with the Indian audience.