India’s dessert scene just got a major upgrade as FES Cafe, the country’s first scalable 100% eggless, dessert-first cafe chain, raised Rs 3 crores in a seed round led by serial entrepreneur Aakash Anand and his venture studio, Wolfpack Labs. Known for backing breakout consumer brands, Wolfpack’s involvement brings not just capital but deep strategic support across innovation, franchising, operations, and brand-building.

With this backing, FES is gearing up for its next phase of aggressive expansion, beginning with its Delhi debut this July, followed by a second outlet in Gurgaon and a Jaipur launch by year-end. The brand plans to scale to over 100 outlets across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities by FY 2027 through a hybrid COCO and FICO model, along with delivery-first hubs and packaged dessert formats to broaden its footprint. Since its inception, FES has carved a niche with its gooey cookies, whipped puddings, alt-ingredient cakes, and seasonal desserts served in vibrant, Gen Z- and Millennial-friendly third spaces. 

Signature experiences like Coffee Raves and limited-edition menus keep their ever-growing community hooked. In just four months, FES achieved EBITDA-positive status at the company level, saw a 347% spike in delivery revenue, and recorded over 10,000 monthly orders as of June 2025.

“FES was born out of one belief: desserts deserve better,” says Vidur Mayor, Founder & CEO of FES Cafe.

“With Wolfpack’s backing, we’re building not just a cafe chain, but a national movement powered by community and creativity.” Aakash Anand added, “FES has all the right ingredients—buzz, brand love, business smarts, and a founder with the hustle to go big.”

With a vision that blends indulgence and inclusivity, FES is well on its way to becoming India’s Central Perk of desserts—personal, powerful, and primed for scale.

This World Chocolate Day, treat yourself to something truly indulgent with Klava’s Chocolate Baklava, a rich and refined dessert that blends heritage with decadence. Available at Klava, the authentic Turkish patisserie in Bangalore, this limited-time delight is handcrafted by third-generation Gaziantep chefs who bring with them the culinary legacy of Türkiye’s baklava-making tradition.

 The dessert is layered with precision using premium ingredients flown in from Türkiye, infused with the luxurious depth of fine Swiss chocolate to create a symphony of textures and flavours. With each bite, you’re greeted with crisp, buttery pastry balanced beautifully with rich, velvety chocolate, an experience both comforting and celebratory.

Whether you’re a devoted dessert lover or simply looking to elevate your chocolate cravings, Klava’s Chocolate Baklava makes for the perfect indulgence this July. Available at their outlet in Forum Rex Mall, Bangalore and for home delivery via Swiggy and Zomato, it’s a deliciously effortless way to mark World Chocolate Day.

Radico Khaitan Ltd., one of India’s largest and oldest homegrown alco-bev companies, has added another glittering chapter to its global success story. In a remarkable triumph for Indian whisky, Rampur Jugalbandi #6 was named Best World Single Malt at the John Barleycorn Awards 2025 in the USA. Further solidifying Rampur’s reputation on the world stage, Rampur Select clinched a Double Gold, while Jugalbandi #5 bagged Gold in the Indian Single Malt – Tokaji Finish category.

Leading the charge was Rampur Jugalbandi #6, aged in rare Madeira casks — an exploration in bold maturation that delivers unmatched depth and character. Rampur Select’s Double Gold underlined its hallmark smoothness and fruit-forward elegance, while Jugalbandi #5’s Gold recognised its nuanced Tokaji cask finish that blends Indian richness with European finesse.

Considered one of the spirits industry’s most respected honours, the John Barleycorn Awards are judged by top writers and industry veterans who celebrate excellence in craftsmanship and innovation.

Sharing his excitement, Mr. Sanjeev Banga, President – International Business, Radico Khaitan Ltd., said, "It is truly gratifying to see Indian single malts gaining such remarkable global recognition. These accolades reaffirm our belief that when whisky is crafted with authenticity, passion, and purpose, it resonates across cultures and continents."

Mr. Kunal Madan, Vice President – International Business, added, "Rampur Jugalbandi #6 is a testament to our bold and evolving whisky craft. This win places it among the world's finest, reflecting a uniquely Indian story of innovation rooted in tradition."

The secret to Rampur’s growing global appeal lies in its Himalayan provenance. The region’s dramatic seasonal swings, especially the intense Indian summers, accelerate maturation and create a complexity that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Crafted at the historic Rampur Distillery, each expression tells a story: Rampur Select with its warm vanilla and spice, Jugalbandi #5 with its Tokaji elegance, and Jugalbandi #6 pushing new frontiers with Madeira-cask opulence.

As Radico Khaitan continues to expand across the US, Europe, and travel retail hubs, these international recognitions underline the brand’s long-term commitment to putting Indian whisky firmly on the global luxury map.