NDFC(I) announces the 2nd Edition of MEWA 2025, a three-day exhibition for Nuts and Dry Fruits

NDFC(I) announces the 2nd Edition of MEWA 2025, a three-day exhibition for Nuts and Dry Fruits

By Author

Published on January 23, 2025

The Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFC[I]) proudly announces the 2nd edition of MEWA 2025, a groundbreaking three-day B2B exhibition dedicated to the nuts and dry fruits industry. Scheduled from February 12th to 14th, 2025, at the Jio Convention Center in Mumbai, this event promises to redefine the industry’s trajectory by fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Key Highlights of MEWA 2025:

  • Over 300 exhibitors from 50+ countries, including major markets like the USA, Chile, Iran, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.

  • Expansive exhibition space of 10,000+ square meters showcasing diverse offerings.

  • Focus on addressing key industry challenges and opportunities, particularly in the Indian market.

  • Projections of the dry fruits market reaching $12 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 18%.

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Industry Insights 

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Yash Gawdi, Co-Chairperson of MEWA 2025, highlighted the importance of the event, stating: “The dry fruits market is set to witness exponential growth, driven by increased consumer awareness and demand for health-conscious products. MEWA 2025 aims to tackle industry challenges, enhance visibility, and establish global partnerships.”

Mr. Gunjan Jain, President of NDFC(I), emphasized the need for focused efforts in streamlining the sector: “India is among the top 10 producers of walnuts, with Kerala and Karnataka leading in cashew production. However, issues like land fragmentation and high interest rates hinder large-scale farming. MEWA 2025 is a pivotal initiative to bring industry stakeholders together and address these challenges through innovation and collaboration.”

Building on the Success of the 1st Edition

The inaugural MEWA event in 2024 was a resounding success, attracting 6,000 visitors and featuring 130+ exhibitors from 20 countries. With an impressive 80% business conversion rate, MEWA 2024 set a high benchmark for trade and networking opportunities. The 2nd edition aims to elevate these achievements, offering an even more vibrant platform for showcasing products, sharing insights, and forging partnerships.

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Trends in Health-Conscious Consumption

Highlighting current consumer trends, Mr. Deepak Agarwal, Secretary of NDFC(I), remarked: “As 91% of Indians seek nutritious alternatives, the demand for nuts and dry fruits continues to surge. MEWA 2025 is designed to bridge gaps in the industry, addressing consumer needs with innovative and sustainable solutions.”

To promote health-conscious choices, MEWA 2025 will collaborate with Indian cricketers and Bollywood stars to endorse the benefits of nuts and dry fruits, aiming to inspire younger generations toward healthier lifestyles.

Industry Initiatives and Future Outlook

MEWA 2025 will also focus on sustainability and production enhancement. Key initiatives include:

  • Walnut plantation drives in Chakrata, Uttarakhand.

  • Collaboration with AICA to sign an MOU for cashew plantation and plant distribution.

  • Strategies to boost international participation and streamline industry practices.

NDFC(I) remains committed to unifying the sector and providing a robust platform for growth, innovation, and sustainability. “The goal is not only to elevate the industry but also to celebrate the diversity and richness of nuts, dates, and dry fruits in India,” added Mr. Jain.

About MEWA 2025

Website: https://mewaindia.in/

MEWA 2025 is an international platform spotlighting the latest advancements in research, innovation, production, trade, and consumption within the nuts and dry fruits sector. With participants from 50+ countries, 300+ exhibitors, and 10,000+ attendees, MEWA 2025 promises to be the premier showcase of the industry’s finest offerings.

About NDFC(I)

Website: https://ndfci.org/

The Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFC[I]) serves as the unified voice for stakeholders across the nuts, dry fruits, seeds, raisins, berries, and dates industries in India. From growers to processors and distributors, NDFC(I) fosters unity and collaboration to drive progress and innovation.

Join us at MEWA 2025 to be part of this transformative journey, shaping the future of the nuts and dry fruits industry while celebrating its vibrant heritage.


Burger Singh Strengthens Youth Market Presence with New Outlet at IIT Kanpur

Burger Singh Strengthens Youth Market Presence with New Outlet at IIT Kanpur

By Hariharan U

Published on November 17, 2025

Burger Singh has expanded its footprint once again with a new outlet at IIT Kanpur, strengthening its presence in youth-heavy, high-traffic locations. The homegrown burger chain continues to grow across spaces where students, commuters, and young professionals dominate the crowd, making this launch a natural fit for the brand’s strategy.

The outlet at IIT Kanpur is in line with Burger Singh’s move towards high-engagement formats such as universities, hospitals, metro stations, and airports. These spaces allow the brand to launch faster, stay accessible, and build a strong everyday presence for consumers.

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Kabir Jeet Singh, Founder & CEO of Burger Singh, said, "We've built Burger Singh on the idea that entrepreneurship in India shouldn't be limited by capital. Our low-capex model allows first-time business owners to run profitable QSR outlets in high-demand zones like campuses and transit spaces. IIT Kanpur represents that spirit perfectly, young energy, ambition, and the drive to build something of their own."

The brand now operates 180+ outlets across 80+ cities, growing steadily through its co-investment franchise model. Compact formats under this model start at around ₹24–30 lakh, depending on the space, helping local entrepreneurs open outlets with quicker breakeven timelines, operational support, and consistent store-level performance.

Bhargav PV, Chief of Staff at Burger Singh, added, "Our kiosk and compact formats are built to minimise location risk. They work across high-footfall zones, from campuses to metro stations, without the heavy overheads of traditional QSR spaces. The model gives us flexibility to test, scale, or relocate quickly, while maintaining strong unit-level profitability. That's been key to our rapid, sustainable expansion."

With its focus on efficient growth and deeper reach across new cities, Burger Singh continues to strengthen its position as a proudly homegrown QSR brand built on affordability, flexibility, and strong business fundamentals.

About Burger Singh
Burger Singh is the only Made-in-India brand competing with global burger chains and has grown rapidly since opening its first outlet in Gurugram in 2014. Today, the chain has 180+ outlets across 80+ cities including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Shillong, Jaipur, Dehradun, Jammu, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and more. It is also the first Indian burger brand to expand internationally, with three outlets and one food truck in London. With strong acceptance in both tier 1 and tier 2–3 cities, and a recent pre-series B funding round valuing the company at INR 430 crores, Burger Singh continues its upward growth story.


Haldiram’s Eyes Global Palate with Talks to Bring Jimmy John’s to India

Haldiram’s Eyes Global Palate with Talks to Bring Jimmy John’s to India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

Indian sweets giant Haldiram Group is reportedly in advanced talks with US-based Inspire Brands to bring the American sandwich chain Jimmy John’s to India. The move marks a significant step for Haldiram’s as it looks to enter the Western-style quick service restaurant (QSR) space, appealing to younger, urban consumers with global flavours.

According to reports, the talks are at an advanced stage, and the franchise deal could be finalised soon. The partnership would represent one of Haldiram’s boldest strategic shifts, expanding its reach beyond its traditional Indian offerings. Analysts suggest the move could reshape both Haldiram’s business trajectory and the competitive landscape of India’s ₹7.76 lakh crore food services market.

Founded in 1983, Jimmy John’s is a popular American sandwich and wrap chain known for its fast delivery and customisable menu. The brand operates over 2,600 restaurants across the US, Canada, South Korea, and the UAE. Its parent company, Inspire Brands, manages over 33,000 restaurants globally and has expressed strong interest in expanding Jimmy John’s international footprint.

For Haldiram’s, this move aligns with its growing ambitions in the hospitality sector. A member of the Agarwal family told Economic Times that the group aims to compete with international brands like Subway and Tim Hortons while connecting with aspirational young Indians who prefer Western café formats.

If finalised, the QSR venture will operate under Haldiram’s restaurant division, which already manages over 150 outlets nationwide and generates around ₹2,000 crore in annual revenue. This would be separate from its FMCG business, which reported ₹12,800 crore in revenue and ₹1,400 crore in net profit for FY24.

The development follows a series of strategic moves by Haldiram’s. In April 2025, the company merged its Delhi and Nagpur FMCG arms and attracted major investors, including Temasek and Alpha Wave Global. Earlier this year, Kamal Agrawal, a family member, led a ₹150 crore investment in Wow! Momo, hinting at Haldiram’s growing appetite for the QSR segment.

Industry experts note that India’s QSR market is entering a new phase, driven by rising disposable incomes and growing demand from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. As western chains such as Subway, Tim Hortons, and McDonald’s expand aggressively, Haldiram’s move could create a unique fusion of Indian trust and international appeal.

By combining its strong domestic legacy with Jimmy John’s global brand power, Haldiram’s may well bridge the gap between India’s traditional food culture and its fast-modernising dining habits, offering a new recipe for the next generation’s appetite.


Wendy’s India Launches New Cajun Burgers: Taste the Craze from Louisiana

Wendy’s India Launches New Cajun Burgers: Taste the Craze from Louisiana

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2025

Wendy’s India, in partnership with Rebel Foods, continues to redefine the gourmet QSR experience with the launch of its latest flavour innovation the Cajun Burgers, available in both veg and non-veg variants.

Inspired by the vibrant, spice-rich cuisine of Louisiana, the new lineup brings a bold, creamy, and fiery twist to Wendy’s menu in India. The range features three indulgent options, Cajun Spicy Chicken, Cajun Spicy Paneer, and Cajun Potato, all layered with Wendy’s signature Cajun sauce made from black pepper, red chillies, garlic, herbs, and a dash of lemon. Priced from ₹149, the Cajun Burgers are available across all Wendy’s India outlets and on major delivery platforms including EatSure.

Wendy’s India has carved a niche for itself in the gourmet burger space with its global flavour portfolio, offering creations like Argentina’s Chimichurri, Korea’s fiery Buldak, Mexico’s Nachoburg, America’s BBQ, India’s Tandoori, and the Cheeseblast Burgers. The addition of the Louisiana Cajun series strengthens Wendy’s reputation as the flavour pioneer of India’s burger scene.

The Cajun Burgers have been developed with Indian consumers in mind, especially young, flavour-driven audiences seeking bold and authentic experiences. Combining Louisiana’s essence with India’s love for spice, Wendy’s invites customers to “Taste the Craze from Louisiana”, blending international inspiration with local intensity.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP Marketing, Rebel Foods, said: “As we continue to grow Wendy’s India across the country, our priority is to make bold, never-seen-before flavours easily accessible to consumers everywhere. The Cajun Burgers bring an authentic Louisiana taste story with the punch and indulgence India loves. With our expanding network and delivery reach, we’re excited to bring this unique flavour experience to more cities.”

Currently operating in 200+ kitchens across India, Wendy’s India continues to expand through dine-in and delivery formats, with plans to reach deeper into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities by year-end. The launch of the Cajun Burgers marks another milestone in the brand’s flavour revolution, a testament to its mission of making global gourmet burgers accessible to Indian consumers.

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