MEWA India 2025 Kicks Off in Mumbai, Showcasing a $8 Billion Nuts & Dry Fruits Industry

MEWA India 2025 Kicks Off in Mumbai, Showcasing a $8 Billion Nuts & Dry Fruits Industry

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.

Industry Leaders Set the Vision

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."

A Hub for Industry 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.

Building on MEWA 2024’s Success

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.

About MEWA || https://mewaindia.in/ 

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.


403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.


Lyla BKC Reinforces Its Weekend Brunch as a Go-To Social Experience

Lyla BKC Reinforces Its Weekend Brunch as a Go-To Social Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Lyla Bombay continues to strengthen its position as a neighbourhood favourite with its weekend brunch experience, designed as a relaxed and social affair in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex.

Known for its easy, unhurried format, the brunch brings together a generous grazing table, an interactive DIY burger station, and live performances, creating an atmosphere that is both indulgent and laid-back. The experience is crafted to encourage guests to linger, making it ideal for casual catch-ups as well as longer, leisurely gatherings.

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Over the past two years, Lyla has built a strong following, driven by its globally inspired menu and warm, inviting space. The restaurant strikes a balance between comfort and refinement, offering a setting that feels approachable yet thoughtfully curated.

The brunch format reflects the growing demand for experiential dining, where food, ambience, and social interaction come together seamlessly. By combining interactive elements with live entertainment, Lyla continues to create a weekend offering that resonates with Mumbai’s evolving dining preferences.

With its consistent focus on quality and atmosphere, Lyla’s weekend brunch remains a go-to destination for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging dining experience in the city.

Details:

  • What: Weekend Brunch
  • Where: Bandra Kurla Complex
  • When: Every Saturday & Sunday

Third Wave Coffee Unveils ‘Third Rush’ for Dessert Lovers

Third Wave Coffee Unveils ‘Third Rush’ for Dessert Lovers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 26, 2026

Third Wave Coffee is stepping into a new space with the launch of ‘Third Rush’, a dessert-focused concept that is all about giving in to cravings without waiting for a reason. Built around the idea of being “Made for the Mood”, the brand brings a fresh take on how desserts are enjoyed today, more spontaneous, more social, and driven by the moment.

With café culture evolving, especially among younger consumers who now prefer cafés as places to relax and connect, Third Rush positions itself as a go-to spot after 7 PM. It is designed as a space where plans take a backseat, and conversations, sharing, and repeat orders take over naturally.

Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “With Third Rush, we’re building something that goes beyond dessert as a category and instead focuses on dessert as an experience. Third Wave Coffee has always been envisioned as a young, fun brand, one that understands how our consumers like to spend time, connect, and unwind. With Third Rush, we’re extending that philosophy into a new space, continuing to build concepts that feel relevant to their evolving lifestyles and social habits. The way consumers engage with cafés today is changing; it’s more social, more spontaneous, and deeply rooted in emotion. Third Rush is our response to that shift. It’s designed to be high-energy, welcoming, and a little indulgent, a space where people can come together, unwind, and fully lean into the moment, whatever that mood may be.”

At the centre of Third Rush is a menu that blends familiar favourites with fresh twists. One of the highlights is the Tres Leches range, including a fun, nostalgia-inspired Jim Jam version and the Third Wave Tres Leches infused with the brand’s signature cold brew. The idea is simple, come for one, and you’ll likely end up trying more.

The menu also features layered cakes where classics like Chocolate Cake and Pineapple Cake are reimagined in log-style formats, making them more visual and easy to share. Alongside these are options like Chocolate Pistachio, Carrot & Cream Cheese, and Passionfruit Vanilla, offering a mix of comfort and new flavours.

Adding more variety are the ‘Stacks’, layered desserts that bring together textures and flavours in one bite. Options like Banana Custard, Strawberry Hazelnut, and Biscoff sit alongside nostalgic picks such as the Parle-G Stack and Bombay Cassata. For coffee lovers, the Third Wave Stack adds a strong coffee touch to the mix.

The dessert spread continues with tarts and pies like Banoffee, Lemon, Raspberry Pistachio, Matcha White Chocolate, and Chocolate Caramel. There is also a range of mousses and cheesecakes, including Triple Chocolate Mousse, Basque Cheesecake, Blueberry Lemon, and Biscoff Basque Cheesecake. For those who enjoy warm desserts, options like molten skillet cookies, brownies, including a Pistachio Kunafa Brownie, and freshly baked cookies complete the experience.

Third Rush is launching first in Bangalore and will gradually expand to Third Wave Coffee cafés across the country. It adds a new layer to the brand’s community-driven approach, turning cafés into spaces where people can come together, unwind, and enjoy simple moments.

Details:

Address: Third Wave Coffee outlets: Koramangala 4th Block, Sadashivnagar, Indiranagar (CMH Road) & Vijaya Bank Layout

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