Cargill Showcases Full Range of Innovative Food Solutions at AAHAR 2025

Cargill Showcases Full Range of Innovative Food Solutions at AAHAR 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 6, 2025

Cargill showcased its innovative and customer-centric approach at AAHAR 2025, highlighting its role as a trusted partner in the Indian food industry. Under the theme "The Whole World of Possibilities," the exhibit focused on indulgence categories such as snacks, bakery, confectionery, dairy, and ice cream, catering to the growing demand for health-conscious yet indulgent food choices.

A Grand Inauguration & Live Demonstrations

The Cargill booth was officially inaugurated by Simon George, Country President and Managing Director, Cargill Food South Asia, along with Tarak Bhattacharya, Executive Director & CEO of Mad Over Donuts. Visitors were treated to live demonstrations by Cargill’s Corporate Chef Anip Kumar and his team, who crafted Millet Cookies, Berry Fudge, and Sourdough Chips—a glimpse into over 50 chef-curated baked applications on display.

"We are excited to deliver comprehensive solutions that empower our customers to grow their business through innovative products and cost-efficient solutions while ensuring consumers enjoy both nutrition and taste," said Simon George, reinforcing Cargill’s commitment to shaping the future of food in India.

Breakthrough Innovations at AAHAR 2025

1. Functional Blends for Better Quality & Performance

For the first time in India, Cargill introduced functional blends designed to enhance taste, texture, and efficiency across multiple food categories. These include:

Dent Corn-Based Modified Starch – A first-of-its-kind ingredient that enhances color and texture in sauces, boosting tomato aroma and smoothness.

Pectin Replacer for Gummies & Jellies – A cost-effective alternative to expensive pectin, making it an ideal choice for value-conscious confectionery manufacturers.

Bake-Stable Fillings – These fillings ensure optimum flowability and superior mouthfeel post-baking, revolutionizing baked goods.

Crispier Snacks, Less Oil Absorption – Cargill’s starch-based functional systems help reduce oil absorption while adding crispiness in fried snacks.

Ice Cream Innovations – Advanced functional systems minimize ice crystal growth, enhance melting properties, and improve texture in frozen desserts.

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2. Cost-Saving Zone: Smart Solutions for Businesses

Cargill’s Cost-Saving Solutions Zone was a major highlight, offering smart alternatives to help businesses reduce production costs while maintaining quality. One standout innovation was NatureFresh Professional Elite Choice, a premium aerated cookie fat that improves yield by enhancing flour absorption by up to 10%.

3. Exciting New Product Launches

Cargill unveiled cutting-edge products catering to both B2B and B2C segments, including:

Gemini Plus Trans Fat-Free Vanaspati – Launched in Kerala, this game-changing vanaspati allows chefs to create flaky parottas, rich laddoos, and aromatic biryanis, without trans fats.

NatureFresh Professional Elite Choice – This high-performance bakery fat ensures better yield and cost efficiency for bakers.

NatureFresh Professional Lite – A butter-flavored vegetable fat designed for premium croissants, Danish pastries, and brownies. Completely vegetarian and Argemone oil-free.

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A Glimpse into the Future at the Cargill Innovation Center

Adding another layer of interactive engagement, Cargill invited visitors to a half-day immersive R&D session at the Cargill Innovation Center (CIC) in Gurgaon from March 5th to 7th. Here, industry professionals witnessed how Cargill leverages science, research, and insights to drive food innovation.

With a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, Cargill continues to empower the Indian food industry with cutting-edge solutions that enhance both consumer experience and business success.

Looking Ahead: AAHAR 2025 & Beyond

Cargill’s strong presence at AAHAR 2025 underscores its dedication to transforming the food industry through innovative products, cost-efficient solutions, and sustainability-driven initiatives. As businesses look for smarter, healthier, and more cost-effective solutions, Cargill remains a trusted partner, shaping the future of food in India.


ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

ButterBrews has opened its new outlet in Aundh, marking its largest format café so far. The new space has been designed as an everyday destination, bringing together a comfortable layout, a strong all-day menu, and a clear focus on coffee.

The café has been planned with multiple zones to suit different preferences. It includes an indoor seating area, a non-smoking outdoor section with an amphitheatre-style setup, and a separate smoking zone placed away from the main space to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience for all guests.

The menu offers a premium all-day selection built around fresh ingredients. Guests can choose from breakfast options, healthy bowls, wholesome meals, and vegan dishes, making it suitable for different tastes and dining needs throughout the day.

Coffee continues to be at the heart of the ButterBrews experience. The café uses 100 percent Arabica beans and serves both house blends and manually brewed coffees. It also features guest roasters like Tulum Coffee Roasters and Ground Zero Coffee Roasters, adding variety to its coffee offerings.

Desserts and baked items are prepared in-house at ButterBrews’ bakehouse. Popular choices include the Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls, which have already become favourites among guests.

Commenting on the opening, Harsh Agarwal, Co-founder, ButterBrews, said, “ButterBrews, Aundh is our largest format cafe yet. We have built a stronger indoor experience and created clear zones across the cafe so guests can settle in the way they like. We want this to be an address people can count on through the week.”

Umang Bhimrajka, Co-founder, ButterBrews, added, “For us, coffee has always been non-negotiable. With 100 percent Arabica beans, house espresso coffees and manual brews that rotate speciality roasters, we are bringing a program that balances familiarity with discovery. Alongside that, the all-day menu and our bakehouse desserts complete the experience we want to offer Aundh.”


McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has reintroduced its popular limited-edition Sipper, bringing back the fan-favourite collectible as part of its app-exclusive Super Sipper Meals. The offering follows strong customer demand earlier this year and is available for a limited time across select regions.

Accessible exclusively through the McDonald's App, the Super Sipper Meals can be ordered between 4 PM and 7 PM, adding an element of exclusivity and urgency for customers looking to grab the collectible while stocks last.

The meals are offered in two variants, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The Veg option, includes a McAloo Tikki Burger, Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff. The Non-Veg variant, features a McGrill Burger along with Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff.

Commenting on the reintroduction, Rajeev Ranjan said the overwhelming response to the earlier launch highlighted customers’ interest in unique and engaging experiences. He added that the brand remains focused on delivering offerings that combine value, taste, and memorable moments.

Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s India – North and East continues to strengthen its presence with over 295 restaurants and 190+ McCafé outlets across the region. The brand’s latest offering reflects its ongoing effort to create experience-led promotions that go beyond traditional value meals.

By combining everyday favourites with collectible merchandise, the reintroduced Sipper campaign aims to enhance customer engagement while driving digital adoption through its app ecosystem.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

CoCo Ichibanya has opened its new outlet at Ambience Mall Gurugram, adding a global flavour to the mall’s growing food and beverage offerings. Located on the third floor, the restaurant spans around 3,000 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 52 guests.

Founded in 1978 in Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is known as one of the world’s largest Japanese curry chains. The brand is popular for its curry-and-rice dishes, offering a mix of consistency and customisation, allowing diners to personalise their meals based on taste and preference.

The launch is part of Ambience Mall Gurugram’s ongoing effort to strengthen its dining portfolio by bringing in well-known international brands. With this addition, the mall continues to expand its options, offering both everyday dining choices and unique global experiences to visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Consumer preferences today are evolving towards experiences that feel both authentic and globally relevant. CoCo Ichibanya brings a strong international identity along with an offering that is approachable and versatile. At Ambience Mall, our focus remains on curating a balanced and contemporary mix, and this addition further strengthens that direction.”

With the opening of CoCo Ichibanya, Ambience Mall Gurugram further builds its position as a destination that blends retail with curated dining and lifestyle experiences, catering to a modern and globally aware audience.

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