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.


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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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