As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, sweet offerings inspired by Lord Ganesha’s favourite treat take centre stage. This festive season, SMOOR and HOCCO Ice Cream have introduced limited-edition modaks that blend tradition with indulgence.

SMOOR’s Artisanal Modaks

Luxury chocolate brand SMOOR has curated a special Ganesh Chaturthi collection, presenting modaks with a gourmet twist. The line-up includes:

Mango Cashew Modak – a fusion of Alphonso mango and crunchy cashews, crafted into an elegant artisanal modak.

Choco Modak (Mango + Cashew) – a rich chocolate-layered version with nutty notes, designed for those seeking decadence.

With premium packaging crafted for gifting and festive offerings, SMOOR’s modaks are ideal as prasad, celebratory indulgences, or thoughtful gifts.
Availability: SMOOR lounges, signature outlets, and online at www.smoor.in

HOCCO’s Modak Ice Creams

 Known for its playful innovations, HOCCO Ice Cream gives the traditional sweet a refreshing twist with modak-shaped ice creams. The festive collection features:

White Chocolate Modak – coconut ice cream encased in a glossy white chocolate shell

Milk Chocolate Modak – coconut cream–infused ice cream wrapped in smooth milk chocolate

Each bite captures the joy of the season while offering a modern take on the classic.
Availability: Blinkit, Instamart, Zepto (Mumbai & Pune), and select trade outlets across Maharashtra.

 From SMOOR’s artisanal creations to HOCCO’s ice cream innovation, these festive delights highlight two different interpretations of the iconic modak. Whether for devotion, gifting, or indulgence, both brands offer something special to elevate Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

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.

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.