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.


Sandwizzaa Strengthens Mumbai Presence with New Outlet in Malad

Sandwizzaa Strengthens Mumbai Presence with New Outlet in Malad

By Hariharan U

Published on January 23, 2026

Mumbai-based QSR brand Sandwizzaa has strengthened its presence in the city with the launch of a new outlet in Malad, continuing its steady expansion across the market it calls home. Known for its indulgent sandwiches and comfort-focused offerings, the brand remains closely tied to the everyday food habits of Mumbai’s neighbourhoods.

Since its early days, Sandwizzaa has built loyalty by becoming part of customers’ daily routines, offering quick meals, familiar flavours, and consistent quality. The Malad outlet follows the same philosophy, opening in a suburb known for its mix of residential communities, offices, colleges, and high daily footfall, making it a natural fit for the brand’s walk-in, repeat-visit model.

Commenting on the expansion, Pankaj Sharma, Director, Sandwizzaa, said, “Mumbai has always been central to Sandwizzaa’s story. Every outlet we open here feels personal because it comes from listening to our customers and understanding how they eat every day. Malad stood out as a neighbourhood that values convenience, familiarity, and value, which aligns perfectly with what Sandwizzaa represents.”

The Malad outlet offers Sandwizzaa’s full range of vegetarian sandwiches, fries, beverages, and comfort favourites, staying true to the brand’s core promise of affordability and consistency. In addition to its signature sandwiches, the outlet serves thick milkshakes, frappes, and classic tea and coffee options, catering to both quick bites and relaxed pauses through the day.

Designed as an easy walk-in space, the outlet is positioned to serve students, office-goers, and residents alike, encouraging frequent visits rather than occasion-led dining. With this addition, Sandwizzaa continues to grow across Mumbai through a measured, sustainable expansion strategy that prioritises neighbourhood relevance over scale alone.

The brand has also recently been recognised with Zomato’s Best Fast Food Award, reinforcing its standing within Mumbai’s competitive QSR landscape.


A Tricolour Feast: Celebrating the Flavours of India This Republic Day

A Tricolour Feast: Celebrating the Flavours of India This Republic Day

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 23, 2026

As India comes together to celebrate Republic Day, hotels, cafés, restaurants, and family spaces across the country are marking the occasion with special menus and experiences inspired by the spirit of unity, tradition, and togetherness. This year’s Republic Day celebrations bring regional flavours, tricolour-inspired dishes, and joyful gatherings to the forefront, offering something for every kind of diner.

At ITC Maratha, Peshwa Pavilion sets the tone with a grand Republic Week dining experience that highlights India’s rich regional cuisines. Titled “A Festive Spread to Honour the Week”, the specially curated buffet brings together tricolour-inspired delicacies, regional favourites, and traditional sweets that reflect the diversity of the country. The Republic Week Dinner Buffet is available on 23rd and 24th January from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm, followed by a Sunday Brunch on 25th January from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

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Address: Sahar, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099
Email ID: Restaurantreservation.Itcmaratha@itchotels.com

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport celebrates with Flavours of Freedom, a two-day culinary showcase at MoMo Café. The celebrations begin with a Republic Day Brunch on 25th January 2026 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by Republic Day Lunch and Dinner on 26th January 2026. Alongside a vibrant spread of Indian regional dishes and global favourites, the experience includes live music, tricolour décor, and a dedicated kids’ engagement zone featuring face painting, DIY flag making, balloon twisting, and more.

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25th January 2026: Brunch 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
26th January 2026: Lunch 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Dinner 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai marks the occasion with a special Tricolour Brunch at Sesame on Sunday, 26th January 2026, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Inspired by the colours of the Indian flag, the brunch features festive buffet selections, live counters, and a Buy One Get One Free offer. The spread includes tricolour salads, appetisers, comforting mains, sushi selections, and celebratory desserts, creating a balanced and indulgent Republic Day meal.

Venue: Sesame, Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai

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For those looking to start the day on a relaxed note, T24 Retro at Blend Kitchen and Bar offers a comforting Republic Day breakfast rooted in familiar flavours. The menu features classic omelettes, pancakes, dosas, uttapams, parathas, idlis, poha, and upma, paired with hot and iced coffees and a selection of teas.

Address: Nehru Rd, near Terminal 1, Ext, Vile Parle East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099

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Toast – Bistro & Bar at T24 Residency brings a lively edge to the celebrations with bold flavours, signature dishes, refreshing mocktails, and rooftop seating that adds to the festive mood. With a mix of global favourites and Indian classics, Toast offers an upbeat setting to celebrate freedom with friends and family.
Address: Marol Church Rd, near Airport Road, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059

The Bluebop Cafe joins the celebrations with a fun, 100% vegetarian Tricolour Menu available on 25th and 26th January. From tricoloured pizzas and pastas to festive brownies, cupcakes, and mocktails, the menu delivers playful flavours with patriotic flair.

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When: 25th & 26th January

Address: 318, Ground Floor, Satyam Building, Linking Road, Khar, Mumbai

In Bengaluru, Kalpaney in JP Nagar celebrates Republic Day by redefining vegetarian Indian dining with regional flavours and contemporary expression. Dishes like Nadru Seekh, Dal Dhokli Reimagined, and creative non-alcoholic beverages highlight India’s culinary identity with a global outlook.

Location: JP Nagar, Bengaluru

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Si Nonna’s offers a comforting Republic Day weekend escape with its signature sourdough pizzas, panuozzos, desserts, and gelato across its Mumbai outlets. Ideal for relaxed brunches and casual gatherings, the brand brings a slice of Italy to the long weekend.

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Adding a family-focused dimension to the celebrations, Pokiddo Junior hosts a creative and patriotic Republic Day programme on 26th January 2026. With workshops, art activities, a tri-coloured food and beverage selection, and special offers for children dressed as Indian icons, the experience blends fun with meaningful engagement.

Address: Raghuvanshi Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 40001

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Together, these experiences reflect the many ways India celebrates its Republic Day through food, creativity, and shared moments, making the occasion both festive and memorable across cities.


Bhojanam Opens Its Flagship Restaurant in Hyderabad

Bhojanam Opens Its Flagship Restaurant in Hyderabad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 23, 2026

Bhojanam, a first-of-its-kind dining concept rooted in the culinary traditions of Telugu-speaking regions, has opened its flagship restaurant in the heart of Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Conceptualised by Pranavi & Teja Chekuri under Fullstack Ventures, the 8000 sq. ft. restaurant is designed as a thoughtful culinary journey across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

At a time when South Indian food is often grouped under one broad label, Bhojanam takes a different route by spotlighting the distinct regional identities of Krishna, Godavari, Rayalaseema, and Telangana. The menu is built around a region-first thali experience, where each thali reflects the flavours, spice profiles, and everyday food culture of its place of origin. The idea is simple yet powerful, to offer food that feels familiar, comforting, and rooted in home kitchens passed down through generations.

What makes Bhojanam stand out is its clear focus on comfort food that people grow up with and return to. These are dishes associated with memory, warmth, and everyday joy rather than complexity. The brand believes that true happiness in food lies in comfort, not in overworked presentation or heavy formality.

Sharing the vision behind the brand, Pranavi Chekuri, Fullstack Ventures, said, "Bhojanam is built on a very personal mission to preserve, celebrate, and mainstream the recipes that have lived in our Telugu families across generational kitchens. Through our earlier ventures, we've worked extensively on bringing regional flavours into contemporary dining spaces. With Bhojanam, we go a step deeper. This is not fusion, not reinvention but pure Telugu culinary heritage showcasing the most beloved comfort dishes from each region, presented with respect and served with pride. This is where Telugu food feels easy, familiar, and comforting, not heavy, not formal, not "cultural" but simply home-like. Our goal is to ensure that the next generation grows up recognising the simplicity and diversity of their own cuisine and sees it represented on the national stage."

At the heart of the menu are Bhojanam’s signature Regional Thalis, which define the brand’s culinary identity. Krishnamma Bhojanam focuses on mild and balanced flavours with coastal influences. Godavari Bhojanam is rich, festive, and indulgent. Rayalaseema Bhojanam is bold, spicy, and built for larger appetites, while Telangana Bhojanam highlights earthy, rustic flavours rooted in age-old traditions. Each thali is a complete experience, featuring starters, mains, accompaniments, condiments, desserts, and house-made beverages inspired by traditional kitchens.

Beyond the thalis, the menu includes everyday Telugu favourites ranging from Alasanda Vada to comforting gravies. Small plates are offered for those who want an extra bite without committing to full portions. Pot-cooked curries and pulavs add warmth and familiarity, while visually striking Andhra specialities cater to discovery-driven diners and younger audiences. Popular picks from pre-launch tastings include Pachi Mirchi Kodi Vepudu, Golichina Mamsam, Gongura Mutton, Fish Pulusu, Palakova Samosa, and Bellam Junnu.

Strategically located at a high-footfall junction in Jubilee Hills, Bhojanam enjoys strong visibility and easy access, along with proximity to key residential and corporate areas. With limited competition in the premium Telugu dining space and growing interest in regional Indian cuisines, the brand enters the market with a clear opportunity to lead the category.

Highlighting the scalability of the concept, Teja Chekuri, Full Stack Ventures, added, "This is a format built for scale. Telugu cuisine is vast, diverse, and loved across India. Our thali-first approach gives us the ability to expand into multiple cities and formats without compromising on authenticity or experience."

Bhojanam’s Hyderabad opening also marks the start of its expansion journey, with plans to introduce new formats in Delhi and Mumbai in the coming year. The flagship outlet will act as the cultural anchor for the brand, setting the benchmark for how Telugu dining can evolve while staying true to its roots.

Bhojanam is now open to the public, inviting Hyderabad to rediscover Telugu cuisine one region, one thali, and one generational recipe at a time.

Where: 1200, Bhojanam, Road No. 36 & 59 junction, Jubilee Hills
Timings: 12:00pm–3:30pm & 7:00pm–10:30pm

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