Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on May 30, 2024
The prestigious Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024 competition, showcasing India’s finest pastry talent, recently concluded in Mumbai. This year, Chef Vedangi Gawde was crowned the winner, with Chef Yash Chhabria as the first runner-up and Chef Sandeep Sharma and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar sharing the second runner-up spot.
Callebaut, famed for its high-quality Belgian chocolate, organized the event in collaboration with Taj Lands End as the Hospitality Partner. Now in its third edition, the competition aims to provide a platform for India’s top pastry chefs to showcase their innovative use of chocolate in bakery, pastry, and confectionery creations.
The journey to the finale was marked by remarkable talent and creativity. Pastry chefs from across India participated in regional qualifiers held in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The eight finalists—Chef Krishanu Dey, Chef Milan Shoran, Chef Sandeep Sharma, Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef Anshul Grover, Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Chef Shashi Kiran, and Chef Yash Chhabria—competed fiercely for the top honors.
Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef de Partie at Sivako, emerged victorious. Chef Yash Chhabria, Pastry Cook and Co-Founder of Cacaobleu, was the first runner-up. Chef Sandeep Sharma, Demi Chef de Partie at JW Marriott Kolkata, and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Pastry Chef at Sofitel BKC, tied for the second runner-up position.
Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, Managing Director of Barry Callebaut Cocoa & Chocolate Ingredients India, expressed pride in the event's success. He highlighted the competition’s theme, "Craft Your Signature," which encouraged chefs to express their authentic selves through their creations. He praised the participants for their exceptional skill, talent, and passion displayed throughout the competition.
Chef Pratik Deshmukh, Head of Chocolate Academy Mumbai, was thrilled with the level of talent showcased. "Overall, we had a great turnout for the competition. We had the opportunity to taste some really unique flavor combinations as well. The Chefs truly pushed their boundaries through the competition and proudly crafted their signatures. The level of pastry skill has indeed evolved, which was displayed throughout the competition, be it with newer, more efficient methods of working or flavor pairings and techniques used to craft bonbons, entremets, and other creations."
Global Callebaut Creative Lead Chef Minette Smith, who judged the event for the second time, echoed these sentiments. She appreciated the contestants' creativity and their use of local ingredients. She remarked on the difficulty of selecting a winner due to the high level of competition and wished all participants success in their future endeavors.
Chef Vedangi Gawde said, “I am very happy to win the title of the Callebaut Patisserie for the year. This is a very special title for me, and this win means a lot to me.”
The grand finale featured contestants creating exquisite signature dishes across various categories, judged by culinary experts including Chef Minette Smith, Chef Romain Renard, Head of MENA Chocolate Academies, and Chef Arvind Prasad, Ambassador for Callebaut Chocolates in India.
The event was supported by several partners: Taj Lands End as the Hospitality Partner, The Chocolate Academy Mumbai as the Knowledge Partner, KitchenAid as the Appliance Partner, Unox as the Equipment Partner, Elle & Vire Professional and Delta Nutritives as the Ingredient Partners, BW Hotelier as the Media Partner, Zee Zest as the Lifestyle Partner, and VBev as the Celebration Partner.
Wonderla Chennai Inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M....
Wonderla Holidays Limited has proudly unveiled its fifth amu...
Hilton Expands Bengaluru Presence with New Hilton Garden Inn...
Hilton has strengthened its footprint in Bengaluru with the ...
Cavore Brings a Fresh Nightlife Buzz to Bengaluru
Bengaluru has a new spot that’s bringing the city’s nights t...
Ikk Panjab Launches Its Heart-Warming Winter Menu Rooted in ...
Ikk Panjab has introduced its Winter Menu, bringing together...
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on December 5, 2025
India’s premium alcobev market is set for a major boost as Monika Alcobev Limited announces a new partnership with Jinro, the world’s No. 1 spirit and South Korea’s most iconic Soju brand. Through this collaboration, Monika Alcobev will now handle Jinro’s complete India operations, import, distribution, and marketing across key cities.
The partnership comes at a time when Soju is gaining powerful traction in India, driven by the rising influence of Korean cuisine, K-culture, and social trends. With more Indian consumers exploring global drinking formats, Soju has quickly become one of the most dynamic categories in the premium spirits segment.
Kunal Patel, Managing Director of Monika Alcobev, said, “We are proud to add Jinro to our premium portfolio lineup. Soju has grown from a regional favourite to a global phenomenon, and Jinro continues to lead that shift. This partnership reflects our alignment with the market and our ability to grow premium global brands in India.”
Sharing insights from the trade, Hemang Chandat, Chief Commercial Officer at Monika Alcobev, added, “Demand for Soju is accelerating rapidly in India. With Jinro, we are bringing the most recognised and trusted name in the category. The timing is ideal, and we expect strong momentum from consumers.”
The rollout will begin in major metros including Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Goa. Expansion into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities will follow. To support the launch, consumers can look forward to cultural collaborations, immersive events and dedicated bar programs that highlight authentic Korean experiences.
Popular Jinro variants such as Chamisul Fresh, Green Grape, Plum, Strawberry and Peach will be introduced, giving both loyal Soju fans and first-time drinkers multiple options to explore.
David, Export Manager at HiteJinro Co., Ltd., shared, “We are delighted to introduce Korea’s No. 1 Jinro Soju to Indian consumers through Monika Alcobev’s wide distribution network and strong market presence. India is one of the world’s largest spirit-consuming nations, and together, we believe Jinro Soju will see remarkable growth.”
With this partnership, Monika Alcobev continues to strengthen its premium global portfolio, reaffirming its position as a trusted gateway for international alcobev brands entering India. The collaboration also reflects the company’s focus on sustainable growth, brand-building, and creating meaningful experiences for the modern consumer.
Reach 3 Roads in Sector 70, Gurugram is preparing to welcome Tealive, one of the world’s most popular beverage chains, to its dynamic high-street community. The new outlet, opening soon on the Ground Floor, adds another strong global name to the destination’s expanding lineup of international F&B brands.
Tealive is known for its wide selection of handcrafted beverages, including signature milk teas, fruit teas, coolers and speciality drinks. Its modern, youthful style and globally loved flavours make it a refreshing addition for visitors looking for an everyday beverage experience with an international touch.
Speaking about the arrival of Tealive, Ramandeep Mokha, Director, Reach Group, shared, “We are excited to welcome Tealive to Reach 3 Roads. Our aim has always been to create a lively, community-focused high-street with varied choices for everyone. Tealive’s global appeal and innovative drink menu align perfectly with our vision of offering meaningful, everyday experiences.”
A well-known destination in Sector 70, Reach 3 Roads brings together retail, wellness, dining and entertainment in a seamless open-air environment. It is home to leading brands such as Samsung, Imagine, Haldirams, Red Tape, Zudio, Zudio Beauty and Croma. With Tealive joining this growing mix, visitors can look forward to an even wider selection of brands in a vibrant setting that reflects the true spirit of a modern, community-driven high street.
Reach 3 Roads in Sector 70, Gurugram has expanded its lively high-street experience with the launch of Sanook Kitchen’s first store in India. Known internationally for its warm, relaxed dining style and affordable Thai dishes, the brand makes its debut in the country with a menu built on fresh ingredients and traditional Thai cooking techniques.
The restaurant offers a wide range of favourites, including Thai curries, wok-fried noodles, rice bowls, classic starters and refreshing beverages, crafted to bring true Thai flavours to everyday dining at approachable prices. With this opening, Reach 3 Roads strengthens its position as a neighbourhood hub that brings global concepts and community convenience together.
Speaking about the launch, Ishwin Singh Hora, Director, Reach Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sanook Kitchen to Reach 3 Roads. Our aim has always been to create a high-street destination where global brands and local communities connect easily. The addition of Sanook Kitchen enriches our culinary offerings and supports our focus on providing meaningful, everyday experiences.”
Rohan Kichlu, CEO, New Business Ventures (Sanook Kitchen), added, “Introducing Sanook Kitchen to India is an important milestone for us, and starting at Reach 3 Roads makes it even more special. The destination naturally fits with our brand’s philosophy, and we look forward to offering a warm and authentic Thai dining experience to every visitor.”
With Sanook Kitchen joining the lineup, Reach 3 Roads continues to grow as a vibrant community space where food, fashion, lifestyle and daily conveniences come together. The new opening further strengthens its appeal as a lively and inclusive high-street choice for residents of Sector 70 and nearby neighbourhoods.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.