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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on February 15, 2025
The world’s largest culinary competition for young chefs, the IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad, wrapped up its 11th edition with a spectacular closing ceremony in Kolkata. England’s Kamran Taylor emerged as the champion, standing out among talented participants from 50 countries. The Silver medal was claimed by Armenia’s Arsen Armenakyan, while the Bronze went to Yves Gabriel Cabrera Po from the Philippines.
The prestigious competition, organized by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in collaboration with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London, brought together young culinary talents in a spirited showcase of skill and creativity.
India had its moment of pride as Chef Aliakbar Mustafa Rampurawala from IIHM Bangalore, alongside UAE’s Jasmin Ali Maher Lutfi Jarrar, won the Dr. Suborno Bose Culinary International Challenge Prize. This category, designed to foster international collaboration, featured 28 teams paired into 14 duos, each representing two different countries.
South Korea’s Shi-Hyun An lifted the Plate Trophy, awarded to the best-performing team ranked between 11th and 20th after the initial rounds. The competition was fierce, with each participant bringing their finest culinary expertise to the global stage.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the Young Chef Olympiad, remarked, “Under the grand Kolkata sky, the culinary world unites. This is what culinary diplomacy means—bringing people together through food. YCO is more than a competition; it’s a family.” The event also introduced a new venue for the opening ceremony in Goa, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Sea.
Prof. David Foskett OBE, Chairman of the Jury, emphasized the unifying spirit of the competition, stating, “YCO is a grand celebration of friendship, unity, and passion. It demonstrates how food can connect people even in a world of conflict.”
Padmashri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor added, “YCO is built on compassion, and when you sustain it for 11 years, that compassion multiplies. It is a perfect blend of competition and collaboration. Dr. Bose is not just a visionary; he’s a man of steel, leading this movement with unwavering passion.”
Dr. Bose also shared IIHM’s latest initiative—integrating artificial intelligence into hospitality education. He announced the launch of a Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration on AI in Hospitality, a collaborative effort involving 50 countries to ensure technology enhances human connection and sustainability in the industry.
The night in Kolkata was not just about winners but about unity, cultural exchange, and the shared love of food. As young chefs from around the world came together, they reaffirmed their roles as ambassadors of culinary diplomacy, celebrating with joy, dance, and the vibrant spirit of global camaraderie.
About Young Chef Olympiad (YCO):
Since its inception in 2015, the Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) has provided young student chefs with a prestigious platform to showcase their skills on a global stage. Over the years, the Olympiad has witnessed rising culinary stars and celebrated dreams, solidifying its reputation as a premier event in the world of gastronomy.
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Published on August 23, 2025
Paras Dairy (VRS Foods Limited), one of India’s most trusted dairy companies, has taken a major step in strengthening its national presence by expanding its Galacia Cheese portfolio to the western and southern markets. The announcement was made at Anuga Select India, marking an ambitious growth move for the brand.
Having launched Galacia Cheese successfully in the northern markets, the company is now targeting a bigger footprint by increasing its reach from 500 HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) outlets to more than 2,000. To achieve this, Paras Dairy plans to add 100 new distributors in key cities across West and South India, with the vision of placing Galacia among the country’s top five cheese brands.
Produced at its advanced cheese plant in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Galacia Cheese is crafted from premium-quality cow’s milk sourced from select farms. Using Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) technology, the cheese retains freshness, texture, and creaminess while avoiding lumping, making it convenient for both large-scale and compact kitchens. The company has invested over INR 100 crore in this plant to deliver a superior cheese experience.
Sharing the company’s vision, Mr. Gajendra Nagar, Joint Managing Director, VRS Foods Ltd, said, “With the Galacia Cheese brand, our goal is to deliver high-quality products at competitive prices in the western and southern markets, build a strong market presence, and be recognised as the preferred partner for the HORECA industry.”
Adding to this, VPS Malik, Chief Marketing Officer, VRS Foods Ltd, said, “This expansion into West and South India marks a key step in our journey to build a national cheese brand. Backed by advanced technology and responsible sourcing, we are committed to setting new benchmarks in the cheese segment. Keeping in mind the diverse needs of the commercial kitchen, we offer a range of customised cheese variants, such as low melt, high melt, and analogue cheese, designed for various gourmet culinary applications.”
The current range under Galacia includes Mozzarella cheese, and Paras Dairy has plans for a phased rollout of processed cheese blocks, slices, and sauces. In West and South India, Galacia Cheese will now be available in major cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, offered in 1 kg IQF packs. A trained team of chefs and sales professionals will also support customers with product knowledge and applications.
With a history of over 60 years, Paras Dairy continues to carry its legacy of quality and trust. The company partners with more than 300,000 farmers across 7,000 villages and operates five modern plants across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Beyond India, its products are exported to over 45 countries, spreading the richness of Indian dairy to the world.
By MAnu Vardhan Kannan
Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre has extended its signature hospitality beyond the hotel premises with the launch of its outdoor catering arm, Kitchen Craft Catering Company. Designed to bring Hilton’s renowned service and culinary excellence to any setting, the initiative caters to everything from private celebrations and family gatherings to large weddings, corporate events, and social occasions.
Kitchen Craft Catering Company is positioned as a year-round solution for events of every scale. It offers corporate catering takeovers, including cafeteria management, high teas, gala dinners, and annual day celebrations, ensuring a seamless experience for businesses. On the menu is a diverse spread of regional Indian cuisines, international flavours, fusion dishes, and live counters, all tailored to suit different tastes and preferences.
What sets Kitchen Craft apart is its emphasis on personalization. Every menu is curated to reflect the host’s vision, dietary needs, and event themes, while the service remains unmistakably Hilton professional, uniformed, and presented with elegance. Whether at a private residence, wedding banquet, corporate campus, or social venue, the same level of finesse and detail that Hilton is known for is maintained.
The catering arm has also introduced creative solutions for modern dining. Its Bento Boxes, a stylish take on workplace meals and hybrid events, bring together convenience, hygiene, and gourmet taste. Packaged in eco-friendly containers, these boxes make everyday corporate dining more refined. Additionally, Hilton has launched Rasoi by Hilton, a signature food delivery offering via aggregators, bringing restaurant-quality meals directly to homes.
Speaking about the launch, Harkaran Singh Sethi, General Manager, Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre, said, “With Kitchen Craft Catering Company, our vision is to expand Hilton Gurugram’s food & beverage offerings beyond hotel walls, creating a one-stop solution for corporate guests, social gatherings, and celebrations of every scale. Whether it’s a wedding, an annual day, or a private brunch, we aim to transform every event into a social hub with curated hospitality, diverse flavors, and flawless execution.”
With a dedicated team structure ensuring precision and smooth execution, Kitchen Craft Catering Company is more than just a catering service, it’s Hilton’s hallmark hospitality, packaged for any occasion. From weddings to boardrooms, it promises to transform every event into a memorable culinary experience.
Monika Alcobev has secured its place at the forefront of India’s luxury spirits scene as the exclusive travel retail partner for Amrut Expedition, a historic single malt whisky from Amrut Distilleries. This rare 15-year-old expression is India’s oldest and most expensive whisky release to date, retailing at over USD 12,500 and limited to just 75 bottles globally.
Crafted with extraordinary precision, Amrut Expedition undergoes a unique two-stage maturation, spending eight years in European sherry casks before maturing for another seven years in American ex-bourbon casks. The result is a whisky of remarkable depth and refinement, embodying elegance and balance across every sip.
As the preferred global travel retail partner, Monika Alcobev will lead the debut of this collector’s release across high-visibility airport duty-free stores worldwide. In India, the rollout will span multiple airports, with only nine bottles made available, including a milestone allotment of three bottles to Bengaluru Duty Free at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR Airport). This strategic collaboration reinforces Monika Alcobev’s growing stature in premium spirits distribution and its commitment to curating world-class labels for discerning Indian and international travelers.
Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries, remarked, “Amrut Expedition celebrates our 75-year legacy, rooted in craftsmanship, vision, and passion across three generations. Launching it via travel retail with Monika Alcobev ensures it reaches discerning global consumers who value authenticity and heritage.”
Kunal Patel, Managing Director of Monika Alcobev Limited, added, “Expedition is a truly rare release, one that showcases the finest in Indian whisky-making. At Monika Alcobev, we take pride in driving innovation and setting new benchmarks in the distribution of premium spirits.”
The whisky is presented in a meticulously crafted wood-and-metal case, accompanied by a silver peg measure, an authentication card, and an NFC chip for traceability. With a bold 62.8% ABV, its deep cola hue is complemented by aromas of sherried truffle, vanilla, and sandalwood. The palate reveals complex layers of chocolate-coated sherry, pepper, and dried fruits, leading to a long, elegant finish, as described by David Grady, Country General Manager, India, Avolta.
With its ultra-limited availability, record-setting price, and exquisite craftsmanship, Amrut Expedition is more than a whisky, it is a milestone in India’s alco-bev journey. And with Monika Alcobev steering its global travel retail launch, this release marks a defining chapter in positioning Indian single malts on the world stage.
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