MEWA India 2025 Concludes with Huge Success, Uniting 300+ Global Exhibitors

MEWA India 2025 Concludes with Huge Success, Uniting 300+ Global Exhibitors

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 18, 2025

MEWA India 2025, the premier B2B exhibition for the nuts and dry fruits sector, concluded its highly successful three-day event at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Held from February 12th to 14th, this year's event surpassed expectations, drawing over 300 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors from more than 25 countries—a remarkable 66.67% increase from the previous year.

Building on the success of MEWA 2024, which welcomed 6,000 visitors and 130 exhibitors, MEWA India 2025 showcased the significant growth in the global demand for nuts and dry fruits, particularly as healthy snack alternatives. As consumers worldwide seek more nutritious food options, the nuts and dry fruits industry is positioning itself as a key player in the health-conscious food movement.

Mr. Sameer Bhanushali, Founding Member of the Nuts & Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFC(I)), discussed the challenges facing the sector, including price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and global economic impacts. He noted, “The nuts and dry fruits market in India is projected to grow by 5.97%, reaching a volume of US$13.27 billion by 2030. While urban populations are increasingly opting for healthier options like pistachios, almonds, and foxnuts, the sector still faces several developmental challenges. MEWA 2025 aimed to address these issues and foster international partnerships to drive industry growth.”

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The exhibition floor was a hub of innovation, with leading industry players from across the globe, including Crain Walnut, Wonderful Pistachios from the USA, Kimia Dates from Iran, Blue Diamond—the world’s largest almond exporter—and Al Mehtab from Dubai. Industry experts also participated in a panel discussion focused on the role of advanced technology in streamlining the sector, as well as policies for the import and export of nuts and dry fruits in India.

MEWA India 2025 served as a crucial platform for networking and building trade connections, allowing businesses to explore new opportunities and collaborate on expanding their reach within the global market.

Mr. Rajeev Pabreja, Founding Member of NDFC(I) and Co-Chairperson of MEWA 2025, emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “MEWA India 2025 is a vital event for promoting quality, innovation, and growth in the nuts and dry fruits sector. It positions India as a global leader and offers networking opportunities that can fuel business expansion and foster collaborative growth.”

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The event was graced by several high-profile personalities, including Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Union Cabinet Minister, who delivered a keynote address. Bollywood singer Jonita Gandhi’s performance added to the glamour, while actress Genelia D’souza, promoting her plant-based meat company, Imagine Meats, also made a special appearance.

MEWA India 2025 highlighted the strategic role of marketing boards and the continued efforts to promote the nuts and dry fruits industry. With high expectations for next year, MEWA is excited to return with even more opportunities and participants, solidifying its position as a key global player in the sector.

About MEWA

MEWA is India’s foremost B2B exhibition for the nuts and dry fruits industry, bringing together participants from over 50 countries. With 300+ exhibitors and 10,000+ attendees, MEWA 2025 is poised to elevate the sector by fostering advancements in research, innovation, production, trade, and consumption, positioning India as a global leader in the industry.

About NDFC(I)

The Nuts & Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFC(I)) is the unified voice of the Indian nuts, dry fruits, seeds, raisins, berries, and dates industry. Its mission is to drive growth and collaboration across all facets of the sector, from growers to processors to distributors.


ITC Candyman Introduces Soft Chews with New Digital Campaign

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 14, 2026

ITC Candyman has expanded its confectionery portfolio with the launch of Candyman Fruitee Fun Soft Chews, supported by a new digital campaign that revives the brand’s popular ‘Kuch Bhi Karega for Candyman!’ proposition.

The campaign highlights the brand’s move beyond traditional hard candies by introducing a softer, easy-to-chew format designed to offer a more playful and engaging confectionery experience for young consumers.

Conceptualised by Ulka, the digital video campaign follows a fun and imaginative storyline featuring a truck loaded with Candyman treats that is stopped by kangaroo “toll keepers” asking for Candyman in exchange for passage. The film unfolds through a series of playful twists and imaginative moments, eventually showcasing the appeal of Candyman Fruitee Fun Soft Chews.

The campaign concludes with the brand sign-off: “Candyman Fruitee Fun - Chewy, Juicy, Fruity Fun. Kuch Bhi Karega for Candyman.”

Speaking about the campaign, Subash Balar, Vice President and Business Head – Chocolates, Coffee and Confectionery & NCD, Foods Division, ITC Ltd said, “While the confectionery category in India continues to be largely taste-led, we are seeing a growing importance of experience, especially among younger consumers. With this new film for Candyman Fruity Fun Soft Chews, we wanted to bring alive the brand’s playful world through a narrative that is imaginative, interactive, and rooted in fun. The campaign builds on our ‘Kuch Bhi Karega for Candyman!’ proposition, using storytelling to deepen engagement and make the brand more relatable for kids.”

Rakesh Menon, Chief Creative Officer, Ulka, said, “With Fruitee Fun Soft Chews, we wanted to build a world where imagination takes over reality. The idea was to create a narrative that feels unpredictable, playful, and full of delightful twists, much like the product itself."

According to the company, Candyman Soft Chews reflects the growing shift in the confectionery segment from being purely taste-focused to becoming more experience-led. With its soft chewy texture, fruity flavours, and colourful presentation, the product aims to create a more interactive and enjoyable experience for children.

As changing consumer preferences continue to influence the confectionery market, ITC Foods said it remains focused on product and format innovation through the Candyman portfolio, combining creative storytelling with evolving consumer expectations.


Papa Johns India Expands Delivery Reach Through Swiggy and Zomato

Papa Johns India Expands Delivery Reach Through Swiggy and Zomato

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 14, 2026

Papa Johns India has announced the launch of its delivery services on leading food aggregator platforms Swiggy and Zomato, marking a major step in expanding the brand’s accessibility and customer reach across its growing store network.

The development comes after the brand’s re-entry into the Indian market in late 2025, when operations initially focused on direct-to-consumer channels through its own mobile application and in-house delivery system. The addition of aggregator platforms is expected to further strengthen the brand’s delivery ecosystem and drive wider customer engagement.

Currently, Papa Johns India operates 8 outlets in Bengaluru, all of which are available for delivery through the brand’s own app. The company also plans to open 30 additional outlets in the city during this financial year as part of its expansion strategy.

The delivery integration combines aggregator partnerships with backend systems and in-house operational processes to improve order tracking, delivery speed, and consistency in customer experience. Papa Johns India operates under Ambrosia QSR, a platform owned by Pulsar Capital.

Speaking about the expansion, Prashant Mehta, Managing Partner at Ambrosia QSR, said, “The launch of aggregator delivery is an important step in scaling Papa Johns in India. Over the past few months, our focus has been on building a strong operational foundation, including store execution, supply chain, and direct delivery capabilities. With aggregators now live, we are well-positioned to expand reach while maintaining control over quality and experience.”

Since bringing the brand back to India, Ambrosia QSR has focused on establishing flagship stores in key locations, strengthening supply chain and backend infrastructure, and scaling its direct ordering and delivery channels.

The addition of Swiggy and Zomato delivery services is expected to significantly increase customer reach, support incremental order volumes, and create a more scalable and standardised operating model for the brand.

Ambrosia QSR plans to continue expanding Papa Johns presence in India with a focus on sustainable growth, strong unit economics, and a customer-first approach.


FOO Bengaluru Launches Mango Mood Dessert for the Summer Season

FOO Bengaluru Launches Mango Mood Dessert for the Summer Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 14, 2026

FOO Bengaluru has introduced Mango Mood, a seasonal dessert specially crafted to celebrate the richness and freshness of mango season. Available for a limited time, the dessert brings together vibrant flavours and layered textures inspired by summer indulgence.

The dessert features a smooth mango mousse paired with mango compote and a soft sponge base, finished with a white chocolate glaze and cocoa butter coating. Served alongside filo crisp, fresh mango pieces, and a scoop of mango ice cream, Mango Mood offers a balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements in every bite.

Designed to be playful yet refined, the dessert captures the essence of summer dining and adds a refreshing seasonal touch to FOO’s menu this May.

Mango Mood is available from 1st May 2026 to 31st May 2026 across select FOO outlets including Bengaluru at Brigade Road and Orion Mall – Rajajinagar.

The dessert is also available at FOO outlets in Mumbai including Bandra, Andheri, Phoenix Palladium, Thane, Town, Jio World Drive, NESCO, Powai, and Borivali. Guests in Ahmedabad can enjoy it at Palladium, while it is also available in Pune at The Kopa Mall and Hyderabad at Inorbit.

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