Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024

Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024

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.

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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."

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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.


Spanish Frozen Yogurt Brand smöoy Enters India with First Flagship Store in New Delhi

Spanish Frozen Yogurt Brand smöoy Enters India with First Flagship Store in New Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on August 8, 2026

Spanish frozen yogurt brand smöoy has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its first flagship store at Greater Kailash-I, New Delhi, marking the beginning of its expansion journey in India.

Established in Spain in 2010, smöoy has built a global presence across more than 15 countries by offering a unique concept of functional frozen yogurt that combines taste, customisation, and mindful indulgence.

The new outlet introduces Indian consumers to smöoy’s signature frozen yogurt experience, featuring a wide selection of flavours and serving options. Guests can enjoy the brand’s popular Frozen Yogurt Cone and personalise their dessert with an extensive range of toppings, including sauces, fresh fruits, chocolate, nuts, and other creative additions.

Adding to its healthier dessert portfolio, smöoy also offers +protein yogurt, combining the indulgence of frozen yogurt with added protein. The brand focuses on products that are low in fat, high in fibre, and gluten-free, providing consumers with a lighter alternative without compromising on flavour.

Beyond frozen yogurt, the menu also includes freshly prepared waffles, crêpes, and complementary dessert offerings, catering to dessert enthusiasts of all age groups. The store reflects smöoy’s global philosophy of quality, creativity, and personalised experiences.

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Speaking on the India launch, Jose Manuel Guillen Martinez, CEO, smöoy International, said, “We are delighted to begin this journey in New Delhi, as India is an exciting market for smöoy's global expansion. We look forward to introducing our signature frozen yogurt to Indian consumers.”

Sangeeta Nagar, Director, smöoy India, added, “The launch of our first-ever outlet is the beginning of a very exciting journey for smöoy in India. We are sure that the present-day consumers in India want experiences that combine quality with premium customisation. We are extremely thrilled to introduce a concept popular across the globe.”

The launch comes at a time when Indian consumers are increasingly exploring premium and healthier dessert alternatives. With changing lifestyle preferences driving demand for better-for-you indulgence, smöoy aims to offer a dessert experience that blends international expertise with evolving consumer expectations.

Through its focus on fresh preparation, customisation, and healthier formulations, smöoy brings a new frozen dessert experience to India, offering consumers a balance of taste, innovation, and mindful choices.


Feast at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Presents a Festive Sunday Brunch Line-Up This August

Feast at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Presents a Festive Sunday Brunch Line-Up This August

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 8, 2026

This August, Feast at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway is bringing together a festive line-up of Sunday brunches, with each weekend offering a different culinary theme. From Karnataka's traditional flavours to Independence Day, Onam and Raksha Bandhan celebrations, the brunches are designed around food, festivities and togetherness.

Malgudi Brunch | 9th August

The celebrations begin with the Malgudi Brunch on 9th August, inspired by the traditional flavours and nostalgic charm of Karnataka.

Guests can enjoy regional favourites such as Neer Dosa with Chicken Gassi & Vegetable Saagu, Benne Dosa with Chutneys, and Ragi Mudde with Bassaru. The brunch brings together flavours inspired by old Karnataka, offering families and friends an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed Sunday meal while exploring the region's culinary heritage.

Independence Day Brunch | 15th & 16th August

Feast will celebrate India's Independence Day with a special brunch on 15th & 16th August, featuring flavours from different parts of the country.

The spread includes a Grand Tandoor Station, Regional Indian Bread Station and Chaat Chowk, bringing together a selection of Indian favourites. Guests can gather with family and friends for a festive meal filled with traditional flavours and warm hospitality.

Onam Brunch | 23rd August

On 23rd August, Feast will celebrate Kerala's harvest festival with a specially curated Onam Brunch.

The experience combines the flavours of a traditional Sadya with regional favourites, seafood, live cooking stations, festive desserts and refreshing beverages.

The vegetarian feast will be served on a fresh banana leaf, featuring classics such as Parippu Curry, Kerala Sambhar, Avial, Pachadi, Parippu Pradhaman, and more.

Inspired by the legendary homecoming of King Mahabali, the Onam celebration brings together Kerala's food traditions, hospitality and spirit of togetherness.

Raksha Bandhan Brunch | 30th August

The August brunch series will conclude with a special Raksha Bandhan Brunch on 30th August, celebrating the bond between siblings and families.

The elaborate buffet will feature Indian favourites, live cooking stations and festive sweets. Interactive experiences will include the Popcorn Station and Bond of Love Sweet Shop, with treats such as Rasmalai and Angoori Gulab Jamun.

Whether guests are celebrating with siblings or the whole family, the brunch is planned as an afternoon of food, celebration and shared moments.

A Month of Festive Flavours

With its August line-up, Feast at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway brings a different culinary theme to every weekend. The series combines regional flavours, interactive dining and the hotel's hospitality, creating an occasion for families and friends to come together and celebrate.

  • Where: Feast, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway
  • Time: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM


Emami Agrotech Launches WeMe With Rs 750 Crore Investment Plan

Emami Agrotech Launches WeMe With Rs 750 Crore Investment Plan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 8, 2026

 Emami Agrotech Limited (EAL), the branded foods business of the Rs. 30,000 crore Emami Group, has entered India's growing packaged snacking market with the launch of WeMe, a digital-first snacking brand aimed at changing consumer lifestyles and eating habits.

The company plans to invest nearly Rs 750 crore to build WeMe into a future-ready snacking business and is targeting Rs 1,000 crore in revenue within 5-7 years. The venture is also expected to create around 4,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The launch marks a new step in Emami Agrotech's plans to expand beyond edible oils and pantry staples under its Emami Healthy & Tasty portfolio. WeMe will serve as a dedicated platform focused on new products and opportunities in the snacking category.

India's Growing Snacking Market

India's packaged snacking market was valued at Rs 50,000+ Cr in 2025 and is expected to cross Rs 1.03 Lakh Cr by 2034, growing at around 8.3% CAGR. Chips remain the leading category, contributing nearly 42% of total snack sales.

The market is also seeing changes in how consumers snack. People are increasingly choosing smaller meals and multiple snacking occasions during work, travel, entertainment and other daily activities.

Gen Z and Millennials are also looking for products that offer a mix of convenience, indulgence, quality and authenticity. Regional flavours, premium products and cleaner ingredient declarations are gaining attention, while quick-commerce platforms are making it easier for consumers to discover and try new brands.

WeMe Enters the Snacking Space

Built around the philosophy "Togetherness Always Tastes Better," WeMe launches with three main product categories.

The portfolio includes Choco Hazelnut Spread, including India's first portable chiplet-format offering, Jhuri Aloo Bhaja, bringing a popular Eastern Indian favourite into the organised packaged foods segment, and Potato Chips in flavours tailored to evolving consumer tastes.

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Speaking on the launch, Mr. Aditya Vardhan Agarwal, Director, Emami Group said, " At Emami Agrotech, we have always believed food is about more than satisfying hunger, it is about earning consumer trust through quality, relevance and innovation. Having built a strong foods portfolio under Healthy & Tasty, WeMe marks our strategic entry into one of India's most exciting food categories. Backed by a planned investment of nearly Rs 750 crore, we aim to build WeMe into a Rs 1,000 crore brand over the next 5-7 years while generating over 1,000 direct and nearly 3,000 indirect employment opportunities in sales and other support services. This is an important milestone in our vision of building Emami Agrotech into a comprehensive food company.”

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Mr. Manish Goenka, Director, Emami Group added, " As consumers increasingly seek products that combine taste, convenience and innovation, WeMe reflects our confidence in the long-term growth of India's snacking market. Backed by our trusted food credentials and deep understanding of Indian consumers, we see WeMe as a long-term growth platform of our foods business with a broader pipeline of more products planned across multiple snacking categories in its innovation journey."

Digital First Approach

WeMe has been planned as a digital-first brand, using creator-led content, social media and quick commerce to connect with younger consumers.

The brand will be introduced through quick-commerce channels across major cities including Kolkata, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. While quick commerce will lead the initial rollout, WeMe will also begin its general trade expansion from Kolkata before entering other markets.

"The new generation doesn't simply buy products, they discover them through conversations, creators and communities. That's why WeMe has been built as a digital-first brand where content, commerce and consumer engagement come together seamlessly. This distribution strategy will enable us to make WeMe instantly accessible across key cities while allowing us to continuously learn from consumers, innovate faster and respond to emerging trends. We want WeMe to become much more than a snacking brand, we want it to become part of the everyday moments that bring people together," said Ms. Vidula Agarwal, Director, Emami Group.

Building a Rs 1,000 Crore Brand

Emami Agrotech expects WeMe to reach approximately Rs 1,000 crore in revenue within the next 5-7 years. The company plans to continue investing in product innovation, brand building, digital capabilities and distribution as the business expands.

With WeMe, Emami Agrotech aims to create another major growth platform in its foods business by combining its manufacturing capabilities and understanding of Indian consumers with a digital-first approach to the country's changing snacking habits.

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