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.


080 Lounges at Bengaluru Airport Introduce Copenhagen Sparkling Tea

080 Lounges at Bengaluru Airport Introduce Copenhagen Sparkling Tea

By Hariharan U

Published on October 25, 2026

Bebida Hospitality and Bengaluru Airport's 080 Lounges have introduced Copenhagen Sparkling Tea at the 080 Domestic Lounge and 080 International Lounge at Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, expanding the lounges' beverage offerings with an alcohol-free Danish sparkling tea.

Founded in 2017 by Jacob Kocemba and Bo Sten Hansen, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea combines traditional tea brewing with the effervescence of a sparkling beverage. Hand-brewed in Copenhagen using up to 13 organic teas, the blends bring together different tea varieties to create layered aromas, distinctive flavour profiles and a crisp finish.

The introduction offers travellers an alternative to conventional lounge beverages, bringing together international beverage craftsmanship and India's established tea culture.

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea is brought to India by Bebida Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., which specialises in introducing international food and beverage brands to the Indian market. The brand is served at more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants and by hospitality groups including Four Seasons, InterContinental, Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Taj and The Leela.

At the 080 Lounges, the sparkling tea is served chilled in fine stemware and is available in three signature blends:

  • Blå: A blend of jasmine, white tea, Darjeeling and Assam, offering delicate floral notes and a balanced flavour profile.

  • Lysegrøn: Combines sencha and green tea with citrus and first-flush Darjeeling for a bright, refreshing taste.

  • Lyserød: Brings together silver needle, oolong, hibiscus, Darjeeling and Assam, with a delicately fruity character and blush-pink colour.

Commenting on the introduction, George Bennet Kuruvilla, CEO, Bengaluru Airport Services Limited (BASL), and VP Hospitality, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said, “We are constantly looking to elevate the experience for travelers who frequently visit our lounges. Copenhagen Sparkling Tea gives our guests a distinctive choice that matches the care we put into every part of the lounge. It reinforces our commitment to thoughtful hospitality, quality, and creating meaningful experiences for our guests.”

Jacob Kocemba, Founder, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, said the beverage was created to celebrate meaningful moments and expressed pride in bringing the brand to the 080 Lounges in Bengaluru.

Nadia Sood, Co-Founder, Bebida Hospitality, highlighted the connection between India's tea heritage and the brand's contemporary approach. She noted that the 080 Lounges' emphasis on design and guest experience made them a suitable setting for introducing the sparkling tea to Indian travellers.

Located airside on Level 4 of Terminal 2, both the 080 Domestic Lounge and 080 International Lounge operate 24 hours a day. Managed by Bengaluru Airport Services Limited, the lounges draw inspiration from Karnataka's and India's cultural heritage, with facilities that include dining, spa services, workspaces and artwork by local artists.

The addition of Copenhagen Sparkling Tea further diversifies the lounges' food and beverage programme, offering travellers a distinctive alcohol-free option before departure or during their airport stay.


Nando’s Opens Fifth Mumbai Restaurant at Phoenix Marketcity Kurla

Nando’s Opens Fifth Mumbai Restaurant at Phoenix Marketcity Kurla

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 24, 2026

Nando’s, the global restaurant brand known for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, has opened its fifth outlet in Mumbai at Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla. The new restaurant brings the brand’s signature flavours and Southern African-inspired dining experience to another part of the city.

Known for its distinctive flame-grilling technique and PERi-PERi marinades, Nando’s offers chicken that is marinated for 24 hours, flame-grilled to order and basted according to each guest’s preferred spice level. Diners can choose from a range of flavours, from Mild to Extra Hot, allowing them to customise their meals to suit their taste.

The new outlet comes as Kurla continues to develop as a dining and social destination in Mumbai. Designed as a welcoming space for families, friends and communities, the restaurant follows the brand’s approach of bringing together bold flavours, shared meals and warm hospitality.

“Mumbai has emerged as a strong and exciting market for us, and the launch of our fifth casa reflects the encouraging response we have received from diners in the city,” said Sameer Bhasin, CEO, Nando’s India. “This opening strengthens our presence in the city and brings the signature Nando’s experience, bold PERi-PERi flavours, customisable heat levels, and our distinctive flame-grilled offering, to an even wider audience.”

Founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1987, Nando’s has grown from a single restaurant into an international brand with more than 1,250 locations across 23 countries. Its signature flavour comes from the African Bird’s Eye Chilli, which is combined with lemon, fresh garlic and spices to create its distinctive PERi-PERi marinades and sauces.

The brand uses fresh ingredients in its bastings, marinades and sauces, with no artificial flavours or colourants. Its flame-grilled chicken and range of spice levels form the foundation of its menu, offering diners different ways to enjoy its signature flavours.

Beyond the food, the new Casa brings elements of Southern African culture into the dining space. Contemporary African art, warm hospitality and Afro-Luso music contribute to the restaurant's atmosphere, creating a setting for casual dining, conversations and shared meals. Located on Level 2 of Phoenix Marketcity Mall on L.B.S. Marg, Kurla West, the new Nando’s outlet is open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM. The opening marks another step in the brand's expansion in Mumbai, bringing its flame-grilled offerings to a wider audience.

Outlet Details

  • Location: Level 2, Phoenix Marketcity Mall, L.B.S. Marg, Kurla West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400070
  • Timings: 11:30 AM–11:30 PM
  • Milestone: Fifth Nando’s outlet in Mumbai.

Bountyful Opens in Bengaluru, Celebrating India's Overlooked Regional Cuisines

Bountyful Opens in Bengaluru, Celebrating India's Overlooked Regional Cuisines

By Hariharan U

Published on October 23, 2026

Bountyful has opened in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, bringing lesser-known regional Indian dishes to the restaurant table through a vegetarian menu inspired by the country's diverse culinary traditions.

The new restaurant explores approximately 18–20 regional cuisines, moving beyond familiar restaurant staples to highlight everyday food, traditional ingredients and cooking techniques associated with homes, hill villages and small-town kitchens across India.

Built around the idea of abundance and shared experiences, Bountyful focuses on the kind of comforting, home-style food that often remains absent from mainstream restaurant menus. The offering brings together humble everyday preparations and regional specialities in a contemporary setting designed to feel warm, relaxed and inviting.

The menu features dishes such as Hari Moong Dal, Bihari Sattu, Malai Gatta, Bhapa Paneer and Khatte Nadru, alongside soups including Himalayan Thukpa and Tomato Tulsi Rasa. The salad selection includes Green Moong Raw Mango Salad, adding fresh and tangy flavours to the vegetarian spread.

Drinks form another part of the restaurant's regional approach. The selection includes spiced and tangy combinations inspired by ingredients such as kokum, jeera, coriander and chilli, alongside zero-proof creations featuring distinctive flavour profiles. Sweeter options inspired by paan, rose and thandai complement the menu.

The dessert selection includes Kesar Bhapa Doi, a Bengali classic, Rose Milk Cake and Gud Til Chocolate Mousse. Together, the food and beverage offerings aim to showcase the range of flavours found across India's regional kitchens, from savoury and spice-led preparations to familiar traditional sweets.

Speaking about the opening, Pallavii Gupta, Founder, Bountyful, said, “Bountyful is built on memories of the comforting hills, towns and regions across India. It's a true celebration of regional food, familiar ingredients and unfamiliar dishes.”

She added that the name reflects the restaurant's sense of abundance, while its contemporary environment draws inspiration from traditional Indian architecture and patterns derived from everyday cooking vessels. The intention, she said, was to create a dining experience that feels modern while retaining the warmth and familiarity associated with Indian hospitality.

The interiors combine murals, layered materials, lighting and subtle decorative details to create an expressive space with a lived-in character. The restaurant accommodates 40 guests and is intended for diners looking to explore regional food in an informal setting.

By placing everyday dishes alongside less familiar regional preparations, Bountyful adds another dimension to Bengaluru's dining scene, bringing attention to food traditions that are often overshadowed by more widely recognised Indian restaurant dishes.

Restaurant Details

  • Restaurant: Bountyful

  • Location: Indiranagar, Bengaluru

  • Cuisine: Vegetarian, regional Indian

  • Seating Capacity: 40 guests

  • Timings: 12 PM–4 PM and 7 PM–11 PM

  • Weekly Off: Monday

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