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.


Taj Agra Celebrates the Monsoon with a Refreshing Seasonal Mocktail Menu

Taj Agra Celebrates the Monsoon with a Refreshing Seasonal Mocktail Menu

By Hariharan U

Published on July 14, 2026

Taj Agra has unveiled its exclusive Monsoon Mocktail Menu, a limited-edition beverage collection celebrating the refreshing flavours and nostalgic charm of the Indian monsoon. Available throughout the rainy season, the menu features five handcrafted mocktails that blend tropical fruits with warming spices and artisanal syrups to create a distinctive seasonal experience.

Inspired by the changing moods of the monsoon, the collection combines ingredients such as mango, guava, watermelon, pineapple, ginger, mint, black salt, and chaat masala to offer a balance of refreshing and comforting flavours. Each beverage has been thoughtfully curated to complement the cool, earthy ambience that accompanies the rains in Agra.

Commenting on the launch, Aman Raj, Bartender at Taj Agra, said, "Monsoon in Agra has a unique charm that calls for comforting yet vibrant flavors. For this menu, we wanted to elevate familiar seasonal fruits by balancing their sweetness with the sharp bite of ginger, fresh mint, and classic street-side spices like chaat masala. These drinks do more than refresh. They evoke nostalgic memories of a classic Indian monsoon, perfectly complementing the cool, earthy atmosphere of the season."

The seasonal menu includes the Mango Monsoon Cooler, a refreshing blend of mango, lime, mint, and sparkling fizz; the Mango Masala Fizz, inspired by India's iconic fruit chaat with chaat masala and black salt; the Watermelon Mint Rain Cooler, combining fresh watermelon juice with muddled mint; the Spicy Pineapple Ginger Fizz, featuring pineapple, ginger syrup, and ginger ale for a warming finish; and the Guava Watermelon Punch, a layered mocktail combining guava, watermelon, and grenadine.

Through this limited-time offering, Taj Agra aims to create a sensory dining experience that captures the essence of the monsoon while showcasing seasonal ingredients through innovative, alcohol-free beverages.

Part of the Taj Hotels portfolio, Taj Agra continues to offer curated culinary experiences that blend contemporary hospitality with India's rich gastronomic traditions.


Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters to Open New Café at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters to Open New Café at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 14, 2026

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has announced the opening of its newest café at Vihang Ventura, a premium commercial development in Mira Road. The café will be one of the anchor brands at the upcoming project, marking the company's continued expansion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Developed by Vihang Ahead, Vihang Ventura is designed as a modern commercial destination featuring premium retail outlets, flagship showrooms, office spaces and lifestyle businesses. Blue Tokai's entry aligns with the project's vision of creating a vibrant space where retail, dining and business come together.

The new café also reflects the changing landscape of the Mira Bhayandar region. Once known mainly as an affordable residential area, the locality is now emerging as a fast-growing suburban hub, supported by improved connectivity, rising household incomes and an increasing number of entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, Global Capability Centre (GCC) employees and young families.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the region has witnessed growing demand for organised retail, premium dining and lifestyle-focused experiences. Blue Tokai, known for its freshly roasted coffee, artisanal brewing methods and thoughtfully designed cafés, aims to cater to this growing market while complementing Vihang Ventura's premium retail mix.

Strategically located opposite the newly operational Kashigaon Metro Station, Vihang Ventura is expected to become a key commercial destination in the Mira Bhayandar region.

Purvesh Sarnaik, Director, Vihang Ahead, said, "Blue Tokai represents the new generation of premium lifestyle brands that resonate with today's discerning consumers. Their decision to establish a presence at Vihang Ventura is a strong endorsement of both the project's vision and the immense growth potential of the Mira Bhayandar market. As we continue to welcome leading national and international brands, we are creating a vibrant commercial ecosystem that seamlessly integrates retail, dining, business, and community experiences, making Ventura a destination of choice for the region."

Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder & COO, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, said, "Blue Tokai has grown into India's largest speciality coffee company, with over 258 locations across seven cities, driven by a simple vision, to make exceptional, freshly roasted coffee accessible wherever people choose to enjoy it. As Mira Bhayandar continues to evolve into a thriving residential and commercial hub, Vihang Ventura presents the ideal opportunity for us to bring the Blue Tokai experience to a vibrant, aspirational community that values quality, convenience, and meaningful café experiences."

India's specialty coffee market has seen significant growth over the past decade, driven by changing consumer preferences, higher disposable incomes and increasing demand for premium café experiences. Blue Tokai's upcoming café at Vihang Ventura reflects this shift while supporting the development's vision of creating a future-ready commercial hub where work, shopping, dining and community experiences come together.


Haldiram's Opens New Restaurant in Ayodhya's Ram Path Road

Haldiram's Opens New Restaurant in Ayodhya's Ram Path Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 14, 2026

Haldiram's has strengthened its presence in North India with the launch of a new restaurant in Ayodhya, bringing its signature range of traditional snacks, sweets and meals to one of India's most important spiritual destinations. Located on Ram Path Road near Ayodhya Railway Station, the new outlet is set to welcome both local residents and the millions of devotees who visit Lord Ram's Janmabhoomi every year.

The opening holds special significance for the brand, which shared that having "Ram" as part of its name makes its presence in Lord Ram's birthplace especially meaningful. The company described the launch as an opportunity to serve devotees and visitors while becoming a part of their journey to the sacred city.

The restaurant features Haldiram's wide selection of food, including its popular savoury snacks, traditional Indian sweets, chaats, North Indian cuisine, South Indian favourites, street-style Chinese dishes, freshly baked products and a variety of beverages.

The launch also aligns with Haldiram's ongoing 'Ache Din Aa Rahe Hai!' campaign, which encourages people to celebrate meaningful moments with family and friends while creating lasting memories over good food.

For Haldiram's, Ayodhya represents more than just another expansion destination. The brand said the opening is an emotional milestone and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Ayodhya and the large number of pilgrims who visit the holy city throughout the year. Through its food offerings and hospitality, the company hopes to make every visitor's experience even more memorable.

With the launch of its Ayodhya outlet, Haldiram's continues to expand across emerging markets beyond metro cities while strengthening its presence in some of India's most cherished spiritual destinations.

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