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.


World Pasta Day 2026: Where to Find Mumbai’s Most Indulgent Pasta Dishes

World Pasta Day 2026: Where to Find Mumbai’s Most Indulgent Pasta Dishes

By Hariharan U

Published on October 22, 2026

World Pasta Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a comforting bowl of pasta, whether that means a classic Italian preparation, a rich and creamy creation or something a little more adventurous. On October 25, 2026, Mumbai's dining scene offers pasta lovers several options, from signature restaurant dishes to an interactive workshop that takes the experience beyond the plate.

Here are six places to explore this World Pasta Day.

1. Roxanne's Bar & All Day Diner, Airport Road

Dish: Blush Hour Rigatoni | Price: ₹630 + taxes

For those who enjoy pasta with a rich, indulgent sauce, Roxanne's Bar & All Day Diner offers its Blush Hour Rigatoni. The dish features rigatoni coated in a creamy vodka sauce, complemented by homemade ricotta and finished with fragrant basil oil. The combination of comforting flavours and a refined finish makes it a tempting choice for a leisurely pasta meal.

2. Berlin Brew, Multiple Outlets

Prices: ₹599 onwards

Berlin Brew celebrates Italian-inspired comfort food with a selection of hearty pasta dishes. Options include Vegetable Lasagne, Chicken Cannelloni with red pepper coulis, Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs in pomodoro sauce, and Fettuccine in carbonara sauce.

With vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, the menu offers a variety of flavours for diners looking to settle in for a satisfying pasta meal.

3. Luuma House, Juhu

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Experience: Hands-on pasta-making workshop

For those who prefer getting involved in the cooking, Luuma House is hosting a pasta-making workshop on Sunday, October 25, from 4 PM to 7 PM.

Guests will get the opportunity to roll, shape and prepare pasta from scratch before cooking and enjoying their own creations. The interactive experience offers a different way to mark World Pasta Day, particularly for food enthusiasts keen to explore the craft behind a favourite Italian dish.

4. Tora, Versova

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Dish: Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine | Price: ₹475 + taxes

Tora's Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine brings together silky ribbons of pasta and a rich mushroom sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan. Crisp fried greens and delicate potato crisps add contrasting textures to the creamy preparation, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy earthy flavours and comforting sauces.

5. Trapdoor, Versova

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Dish: Squid Ink Pasta with Baby Octopus | Price: ₹899 + taxes

For a more adventurous pasta experience, Trapdoor offers Squid Ink Pasta with Baby Octopus. The dish combines squid ink pasta with tender baby octopus and delicate aromatics, delivering briny seafood flavours and a striking presentation. It is a distinctive option for diners who want to move beyond traditional pasta preparations.

6. BaaMee – All Day Eatery & Bar, Andheri

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Dish: Three Cheese Ravioli | Price: ₹595 + taxes

BaaMee's Three Cheese Ravioli brings a comforting combination of pasta and cheese to the table. The delicate pasta parcels are filled with ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella, then served in a rich Sicilian tomato sauce. The creamy filling and vibrant tomato flavours make this a satisfying pick for diners who enjoy classic Italian-inspired comfort food.

Make a Pasta Date This World Pasta Day

From creamy sauces and cheese-filled ravioli to seafood-led creations and pasta made by hand, Mumbai's dining destinations offer different ways to celebrate World Pasta Day. Whether you prefer a familiar favourite or want to experiment with new flavours, these six options provide plenty of inspiration for a pasta-focused outing.

Note: Prices are subject to applicable taxes where specified. Workshop availability and participation details should be confirmed directly with the venue.


Five Regions, Five Cocktails: 403 Forbidden Bar Brings India's Flavours to the Glass

Five Regions, Five Cocktails: 403 Forbidden Bar Brings India's Flavours to the Glass

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 22, 2026

What if a cocktail could tell the story of an Indian region? 403 Forbidden Bar in Bengaluru is bringing this idea to life with Decode India, a new cocktail collection by founder Aman Dua that explores the country's landscapes, ingredients and culinary traditions through contemporary mixology.

Inspired by five distinct regions: Ambarsar, Kathiawar, Narmada, Malabar and Patkai, the collection brings regional flavours into the glass through techniques such as fat washing, distillation, clarification, carbonation, infusion and lacto fermentation.

Each cocktail draws inspiration from different ingredients and flavour combinations. Ambarsar offers a warm and comforting blend of sesame fat washed rum, jaggery shrub, salt lassi foam and sesame jaggery candy. Kathiawar takes a different approach, combining gin, regional herb distillate, salinity and edible sand for a dry and effervescent drink.

Narmada brings together blanco tequila, Mahabaleshwar strawberry, Goan Portuguese vinegar, Jwala chilli and suva khakhra crisp, combining fruity, tangy and spicy notes. Meanwhile, Malabar offers an aromatic mix of clarified blended Scotch whisky, puli karupatti cordial, Tellicherry pepper tincture, Pondi parmesan and white chocolate.

Completing the collection, Patkai features timur and Kolkata paan leaf infused blanco tequila, lacto fermented bamboo shoot, cooked rice and king chilli. Together, the five cocktails highlight how regional ingredients and culinary influences can shape new drinking experiences.

Beyond the cocktail menu, the bar also introduces the Decode Session, a 75-minute guided sensory experience available by reservation. During the session, guests explore all five cocktails while learning about the flavours, textures, preparation techniques and regional inspirations behind each creation. The experience offers a closer look at the creative process behind the collection, allowing guests to understand how familiar Indian ingredients can be used in contemporary cocktails.

With Decode India, 403 Forbidden Bar brings regional Indian flavours and modern cocktail-making techniques together in one collection. The menu invites guests to discover different parts of the country through ingredients and combinations that reflect their culinary traditions and cultural influences.

  • Location: 403 Forbidden Bar, Indiranagar 100 FT Road, Bengaluru
  • Time: 6 PM onwards.


The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Offers Homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth in Chennai

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Offers Homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth in Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on October 21, 2026

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa is bringing a traditional festive favourite to Chennai with its special selection of homemade Matthi for Karwa Chauth, prepared with pure ghee and available exclusively on a made-to-order basis.

Matthi holds a special place in Karwa Chauth traditions, particularly during the ritual of breaking the fast after the moon is sighted. Traditionally, a husband offers his wife the first morsel of food and water, with Matthi often forming part of this moment. The festive delicacy represents care, affection and togetherness, making it a meaningful addition to the celebration.

Through its festive offering, The Kitchen by Chef Deepa aims to bring this familiar tradition closer to families in Chennai, offering home-style preparations that can be included in their Karwa Chauth rituals.

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The selection features two varieties. The Sweet Saffron, Almond and Pista Matthi, priced at ₹1,350 per kg, combines aromatic saffron with the richness of almonds and pistachios. For those who prefer a simpler, traditional option, Classic Plain Matthi is available at ₹1,100 per kg.

Prepared with pure ghee and an emphasis on traditional flavours, the Matthi is available on a made-to-order basis. Customers can place orders directly with The Kitchen by Chef Deepa ahead of their celebrations.

The festive offering reflects the kitchen's focus on traditional Punjabi home-style cooking and special preparations for occasions celebrated with family. By bringing a familiar part of the Karwa Chauth ritual to Chennai, the kitchen offers customers a convenient way to include this traditional delicacy in their festivities.

Order Details

  • Brand: The Kitchen by Chef Deepa

  • Location: Perungudi, Chennai

  • Sweet Saffron, Almond and Pista Matthi: ₹1,350 per kg

  • Availability: Made to order

  • Phone: +91 93635 44123

  • Instagram: The Kitchen by Chef Deepa

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