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.


Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Lyla Bombay marks its second anniversary with the launch of Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays, a weekly experience designed to transform midweek evenings into something more intimate and engaging.

Set in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex, the concept reimagines the traditional dining experience by blending live music, shared moments, and ambient dining. As the evening unfolds, the space transitions into a candlelit setting where guests become part of the experience, blurring the lines between performer and audience.

Rather than a structured concert or karaoke format, the evening is designed to feel effortless and organic. Familiar songs, a relaxed atmosphere, and a sense of collective participation create an experience that is both lively and personal.

Complementing the ambiance is a curated menu featuring signature dishes such as Prawns Moilee, truffle mushroom risotto, and stuffed ravioli, offering a balance of comfort and indulgence. The culinary offering aligns with the overall experience—refined yet approachable.

The introduction of Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays is part of Lyla’s broader anniversary celebrations, which also include a refreshed globally inspired all-day menu and an expanded lineup of weekend experiences. Together, these initiatives reflect the brand’s evolving approach to experiential dining.

By combining music, mood, and cuisine, Lyla Bombay continues to position itself as a destination for immersive social experiences, where dining goes beyond the plate to create memorable, shared moments


Soraia Introduces New Summer Menu in Mumbai

Soraia Introduces New Summer Menu in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2026

Soraia in Mumbai is welcoming the summer season with a new menu that brings together bold flavours and a thoughtfully designed dining experience. Alongside the menu, the restaurant’s signature glasshouse has been refreshed with a floral installation, creating a bright and relaxed setting for slow, easy afternoons.

Blending European finesse with Indian flavours, the menu focuses on dishes that feel both familiar and fresh. Some of the key highlights include Butter Chicken Neapolitana, Soraia Fire Chicken, Truffle Chicken Tikka, and the Tandoori Lamb Rack with Shiraz jus, each bringing a mix of comfort and creativity.

Adding a playful touch, the menu introduces a range of fusion crepes and tacos that are light yet indulgent. Dishes like the Dal Makhani & Truffle Naan Zinger and Chicken Tikka Masala Crepe stand out for their rich and layered flavours. The Mutton Sukka Taco brings in coastal spice, while the Tandoori Paneer & Pine Nut Crepe offers a balanced bite. Other options include Pao Bhaji Naan Zinger, Paneer Khurchan Kulcha Taco, Makhni Chicken Kulcha Taco, and Chicken Seekh Kebab Kulcha Taco.

For those looking for something lighter, the menu features refreshing salads and cold plates such as Shakarkandi Chaat, Avocado Chaat with Tamarind Glaze, and the Soraia Classic Caesar, keeping the flavours seasonal and easy.

The small plates section continues to focus on bold and shareable bites. Options like Crispy Thecha Potatoes, Chaat Bombs, Fire Roasted Corn Riblets, Konkani Kokum Prawns, and Ah’sam Paratha Ghee Roast Chicken are designed for casual, flavour-packed dining.

The mains bring together comfort and technique, with dishes like Prawn Balchao Linguine offering a strong Goan touch. The Soraia BBQ Grilled Chicken and Grilled Salmon with beurre blanc add a refined element, while the Soraia Lobster Roll with togarashi mayo in a housemade brioche brings in a touch of indulgence. Vegetarian dishes such as Nadru Makhni Pappardelle, Tofu Ghee Roast, and Veg Dhansak round out the selection.

Desserts continue the mix of nostalgia and indulgence, featuring Soraia Trifle, Skillet Crack Pie, Kulfi Baked Alaska, Rasmalai Tres Leches, and Tiramisu Bomboloni, offering something for every kind of sweet craving.

The new summer menu is now available at Soraia, bringing together food, design, and seasonal elements into one seamless experience.

  • What: Soraia’s New Summer Menu & Floral Glasshouse Experience
  • When: Throughout the Summer Season
  • Where: Soraia, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.

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