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By Nishang Narayan
Published on February 15, 2025
MEWA India 2025, the country’s largest B2B exhibition dedicated to the nuts and dry fruits industry, was inaugurated today at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai. Organized by the Nuts & Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFC[I]), the event brings together over 300 exhibitors and industry representatives from 25+ countries, covering an expansive 10,000+ square meters of exhibition space.
Following the success of MEWA 2024, which drew 6,000+ visitors and 130+ exhibitors, this year’s event anticipates over 10,000 attendees. Key industry players, including Crain Walnut, Wonderful Pistachios, Kimia Dates, and Blue Diamond, have returned, reflecting the exhibition’s growing influence.
The event was inaugurated with an insightful panel discussion and an engaging culinary showcase, highlighting India's diverse nut and dry fruit offerings.
Delivering the keynote address, Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Union Cabinet Minister, Government of India, acknowledged MEWA’s contribution to the sector. She highlighted the nuts & dry fruits industry’s ₹56,000 crore impact on the Indian economy and expressed optimism about expanding the council’s membership, stating,"I am proud to be part of the celebration of the Nut and Dry Fruit Council of India and meet with INC partners. Today, the council has 800 members, but I hope to see this number double in the coming year."
NDFC(I) CEO Col. Nitin Sehgal outlined the council’s latest initiatives, including a walnut and cashew plantation drive aimed at boosting domestic production and supporting Indian farmers. He also emphasized the council's efforts to empower women in the industry by increasing leadership opportunities.
NDFC(I) President Mr. Gunjan Jain reiterated the council’s ambitious goals, stating,"Today marks a significant milestone for our industry as we unite under the Nuts & Dry Food Council, representing an $8 billion industry with a vision to double in the next few years. Our goal is to promote the health benefits of nuts and dry fruits while fostering industry growth and collaboration."
MEWA India 2025 serves as a vital networking platform for suppliers, traders, and manufacturers. With representatives from countries like the USA, Iran, Chile, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, the exhibition facilitates global partnerships and trade opportunities.
NDFC(I) Secretary Mr. Deepak Agarwal highlighted the strategic importance of MEWA, stating,"While we have the best infrastructure and resources, it’s the partnerships and business deals forged here that will drive our industry forward."
Day one of the trade show concluded with an electrifying Bollywood Night, featuring a live performance by popular singer Jonita Gandhi.
Last year, MEWA 2024, inaugurated by Shri Om Birla, saw 6000+ visitors and 130+ exhibitors from 20 countries. This year, with an even broader international presence and a high conversion rate from previous editions, MEWA 2025 is set to further solidify its position as the premier platform for the nuts and dry fruits industry.
With a strong focus on market expansion, knowledge sharing, and industry collaboration, the event is poised to drive new milestones for India’s nuts and dry fruits sector.
MEWA 2025 is an international platform for the nuts and dry fruits industry. The 2nd edition of MEWA 2025 will feature participants from over 25 countries, with 300+ exhibitors and 10000+ participants spotlighting the latest advancements in research, innovation, production, trade, and consumption within the nuts and dry fruits sector. From groundbreaking technologies and sustainable practices to emerging market trends, the event will be a premier showcase of the industry's finest offerings.
About NDFC(I) || https://ndfci.org/
NDFC(I) proudly stands as the unified voice for everyone in the Nuts, Dry Fruits, Seeds, Raisins, Berries, and Dates Industry in India. Its mission is to be the driving force that uplifts and empowers every facet of this vibrant sector. From growers to processors to distributors, NDFC(I) is dedicated to fostering unity and collaboration.
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By Hariharan U
Published on July 16, 2026
The Leela Gandhinagar is celebrating India’s rich royal culinary traditions with the launch of its Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya, the hotel’s signature Indian specialty restaurant. Running from 16th July to 31st July 2026, the festival invites guests to experience the timeless flavours, aromas, and craftsmanship of India’s royal kitchens through an exclusive selection of biryanis and kebabs.
Inspired by culinary traditions once enjoyed by royal households across the country, the festival brings together fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, slow-cooking techniques, and expertly grilled preparations that have made biryanis and kebabs iconic expressions of Indian fine dining.
As guests enter Diya, they are welcomed by the rich aromas of saffron-infused rice, roasted spices, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and traditional preparations crafted with precision. The festival celebrates the artistry behind these dishes, highlighting regional influences and generations of culinary knowledge passed down through India’s royal kitchens.
The specially curated menu features an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, including signature biryanis such as Hyderabadi Kathal Dum Biryani, Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani, and Murgh Dum Biryani. Each preparation showcases layers of fragrant rice, carefully balanced spices, and slow-cooked ingredients designed to create a rich and authentic dining experience.
The kebab selection reflects the diversity and sophistication of Indian grilling traditions with creations including Shahi Subz Akhrot Ki Seekh, Ulta Tawa Subz Galouti, Murgh Angar Bedgi, and Gosht Aur Hare Pyaaz Ki Seekh. Prepared by the hotel’s Master Chef, every dish combines traditional techniques with refined presentation, capturing the elegance associated with royal Indian cuisine.
The culinary experience is further enhanced by Diya’s luxurious interiors, featuring silver-adorned ceilings, handcrafted chandeliers, Venetian mirrors, and contemporary Indian design elements. The restaurant’s elegant ambience creates a setting inspired by royal dining chambers, allowing guests to enjoy the festival as an immersive gastronomic journey.
Whether for an intimate dinner, family gathering, or special celebration, the Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail offers guests an opportunity to explore India’s culinary heritage while experiencing the signature hospitality of The Leela.
Speaking about the festival, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “Biryanis and kebabs carry a remarkable legacy of royal kitchens, regional craftsmanship, and generations of culinary artistry. Through this festival, we wanted to recreate the warmth and grandeur of those timeless traditions while offering our guests an experience that reflects the elegance and authenticity associated with Diya and The Leela.”
Through this celebration, The Leela Gandhinagar continues its commitment to showcasing India’s diverse culinary heritage through thoughtfully curated dining experiences. The Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail brings together tradition, craftsmanship, and luxury hospitality, offering guests a memorable journey through flavours that have adorned India’s royal tables for centuries.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
ITC Foods has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of B Natural Coconut Cola, introducing what it describes as a first-of-its-kind drink in India. Combining the familiar taste and fizz of cola with the goodness of coconut water, the new beverage is designed for consumers looking for lighter, everyday refreshment without compromising on taste.
Built around the brand proposition 'Refreshingly Simple', B Natural Coconut Cola contains Zero Caffeine, Zero Added Sugar, and just 9 kcal per serve. The launch reflects the growing demand for beverages that offer both enjoyment and better-for-you choices.
According to ITC Foods, changing consumer preferences have created a need for drinks that feel lighter while still delivering a satisfying experience. With Coconut Cola, the company aims to address this gap by creating a new beverage category, a hydrating cola that blends indulgence with wellness.
The launch also highlights B Natural's continued focus on innovation, with the brand introducing products that align with the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. Coconut Cola marks the latest addition to its portfolio of differentiated beverage offerings.
Speaking about the launch, Mr. Vivek Kookkal, Vice President and Business Head - Dairy and Beverages, Foods Division, ITC Ltd, said:
"Coconut Cola is rooted in a simple consumer insight that indulgence does not need to be over engineered to be enjoyable. With this unique launch, we aim to encourage consumers to rediscover the value of simplicity through a thoughtfully crafted beverage experience - combining the familiar taste of cola with coconut water, we are offering an alternative that is both enjoyable and refreshingly simple"
The product has been developed in collaboration with ITC's Product Development and Life Sciences & Technology Centre (LSTC) teams. Their combined efforts have ensured that the beverage delivers the familiar cola experience while maintaining its wellness-focused proposition.
B Natural Coconut Cola is now available in a 250 ml can priced at INR 60. The product will be rolled out across leading retail outlets and quick commerce platforms in key metro cities, including Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Published on July 15, 2026
Ironhill Marathahalli has announced the launch of The Monsoon Affair, a seasonal culinary celebration that brings together comforting flavours, nostalgic recipes, and immersive dining experiences to mark the arrival of the monsoon in Bengaluru.
Running from July 15 to August 31, the limited-period menu has been curated to capture India's enduring love for monsoon comfort food through a selection of hearty dishes inspired by regional flavours and seasonal indulgences.
Among the highlights are the Smoky Sigdiwala Bhutta, Madras Curry, Lamb Fry, and Haleem Bun with Mutton Marag, each offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional comfort food while celebrating the warmth and richness associated with the rainy season.
Complementing the food is a selection of refreshing beverages designed for the season, alongside a monsoon-inspired ambience and interactive experiences that enhance the overall dining experience.
With The Monsoon Affair, Ironhill aims to transform the rainy season into an occasion for guests to gather, unwind, and enjoy flavourful dishes in a vibrant setting. The seasonal promotion reflects the restaurant's focus on creating themed culinary experiences that combine comfort, hospitality, and memorable moments.
The Monsoon Affair will be available at Ironhill Marathahalli until August 31, offering diners an opportunity to savour specially curated seasonal dishes throughout the monsoon.
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