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.”

image

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.”

image

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.


Garden Café Ushers in the New Year with Festive Vibes in Kolkata

Garden Café Ushers in the New Year with Festive Vibes in Kolkata

By Hariharan U

Published on January 1, 2026

Garden Café is set to ring in the New Year with festive cheer, comforting flavours and a welcoming ambience across its outlets in Kolkata. As 2026 begins, the café invites families, friends and food lovers to celebrate fresh beginnings in a space filled with warmth, laughter and togetherness.

Adding a special touch to the season, Garden Café Alipore is also celebrating a milestone. The outlet steps into its second year of operations, making this New Year particularly meaningful for both the team and its loyal patrons.

To mark the occasion, Garden Café has curated a New Year menu that brings together crowd-favourite comfort food and much-loved classics. Guests can enjoy popular offerings such as Garlic Cheese Pizza and Mushroom Cheese Pizza, alongside signature South Indian favourites including Mysore Dosa, Cheese Butter Masala Dosa, Podi Dosa, Thatte Idli, Finger Fried Idli, and freshly prepared hot Vada.

Keeping the winter season in mind, the café is also serving a selection of comforting beverages. The menu features rich Hot Chocolate, aromatic farm-fresh Filter Coffee, and a refreshing Raspberry Lime Mojito, offering something for every mood and moment.

With festive décor, a relaxed atmosphere and a menu designed to suit every palate, Garden Café promises a heart-warming New Year celebration where food, family and shared moments take centre stage.

Speaking about the celebrations, Mr. Sandip Nowlakha, Owner of Garden Café, said, "The New Year is about fresh starts, gratitude and celebrating the journey so far. As Garden Café Alipore completes a year, we are thankful for the love and support from our guests. We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate the New Year with comforting food, warm hospitality and many more memories to come."

About Garden Café

Garden Café is one of Kolkata’s oldest and most loved cafés, blending tradition and creativity in every dish. Established in 1968 and reimagined by Sandip Nowlakha in 1981, the café was among the first in the city to introduce pizza, using a cherished family recipe that continues to win hearts.

Since 1982, Garden Café has been known for offering 108 varieties of dosa, each with its own unique flavour. The café’s welcoming and inclusive ambience is designed to make everyone feel at home, featuring serene, no-frills interiors, a transparent open kitchen, and rotating art exhibits that showcase Kolkata’s heritage.

Rooted in tradition and warmth, Garden Café continues to offer thoughtfully curated dining experiences that celebrate comfort, culture and community.


Start the New Year Right with These Party-Perfect Beers for Every Celebration

Start the New Year Right with These Party-Perfect Beers for Every Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 31, 2025

Starting the New Year on a refreshing note often begins with what’s stocked behind the bar. A good beer not only keeps the celebration flowing but also sets the mood for easy conversations, lively toasts and long nights with friends. From trusted classics to contemporary favourites, these party-perfect beers are ideal for welcoming the New Year with great taste and effortless sipping.

Kingfisher remains a timeless choice for New Year celebrations. A familiar presence at parties for decades, the brand offers something for every preference. From the smooth Kingfisher Premium to the bold Strong and the refined Ultra, it continues to be a dependable crowd-pleaser. Its consistent taste, wide availability and easy drinkability make it a must-have for celebrations that stretch from the first toast to the final countdown.

image

For those planning a stylish and high-energy New Year party, Budweiser fits right in. Known for its crisp taste and global appeal, it brings a premium edge to house parties. While the classic Budweiser offers smooth and easy sipping, Budweiser Magnum adds a stronger punch for those who prefer bolder pours. Sleek, refreshing and modern, it complements chic party settings effortlessly.

image

Adding a relaxed twist to the celebrations, Carib Beer is perfect for hosts looking to try something different. With its crisp lager profile and balanced flavour, it’s light enough for extended gatherings yet distinctive enough to stand out. Its Caribbean roots lend a laid-back charm, making it ideal for calm, conversation-led New Year evenings.

image

Energetic and youthful, Tuborg is made for loud music, dance floors and countdown moments. Tuborg Green works well for long hours of sipping, while Tuborg Strong adds extra intensity for seasoned beer drinkers. Its vibrant branding and punchy taste resonate with carefree celebrations that go well into the night.

image

For modern hosts and craft-curious drinkers, Bira 91 brings a contemporary touch to New Year gatherings. Offering everything from lighter wheat beers to stronger, hoppier options, it caters to evolving tastes. Its smooth texture, balanced flavours and urban appeal make it a popular choice for intimate house parties and stylish get-togethers.

image

Whether the New Year is welcomed with a glamorous countdown or a cosy gathering among close friends, these beer brands help set the tone for a memorable start. With the right picks on hand, every sip becomes part of a celebration worth remembering.


McDonald’s India – North and East Turns Print Advertising into an AR-Powered Experience

McDonald’s India – North and East Turns Print Advertising into an AR-Powered Experience

By Hari Haran

Published on December 30, 2025

McDonald’s India – North and East, operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (CPRL), has taken a fresh approach to print advertising with its latest Signature Burger campaign, turning a traditional newspaper ad into an immersive, AR-led experience. Designed to be experienced, felt, and shared, the campaign brings the layers, textures, and indulgence of the Signature burgers to life, reflecting McDonald’s entry into India’s evolving flavour-flex era.

By scanning the print ad using a smartphone, consumers can watch the Signature burgers rise off the page in rich animated detail. The AR experience highlights the layers, textures, and mouthfeel of the burgers, making print advertising more than just visual. It creates a sensory moment that builds real hunger cravings, transforming a static format into something interactive and engaging.

This innovation repositions print as an active brand touchpoint rather than a passive medium. By combining technology with storytelling, McDonald’s has set a new benchmark for how legacy media can be refreshed and made relevant for modern audiences. The campaign underlines the brand’s focus on pushing creative boundaries while delivering immersive experiences at scale.

The New Signature Collection features two indulgent offerings. The Cheesy Mushroom burger, brings together a rich, cheesy mushroom patty with savoury Italian sauce, tangy gherkins, and crisp lettuce, all layered inside a protein bun for a balanced and satisfying bite. The Cheesy Chicken burger, features a flame-grilled chicken patty paired with a juicy egg patty, tangy habanero sauce, crisp gherkins, and crunchy lettuce, creating a multi-layered flavour experience.

Staying true to McDonald’s ‘Proudly Indian’ commitment, all key ingredients, including lettuce, mushrooms, chicken, and eggs, are sourced from trusted Indian suppliers. This approach supports local farmers and partners while ensuring freshness and flavours that align with Indian taste preferences.

By blending AR technology with indulgent food storytelling, the campaign reimagines how consumers engage with food launches, making the Signature Collection an experience that connects both visually and emotionally. With this initiative, McDonald’s continues to reinforce its focus on innovation, quality, and storytelling, delivering elevated, multi-sensorial brand experiences.

The New Signature Collection is now available across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, with options for dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, and delivery through third-party aggregators.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.