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%.

image

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.

image

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 Raises INR 82 Crore in Series B and It's Building Something Bigger Than a Burger Chain

Burger Singh Raises INR 82 Crore in Series B and It's Building Something Bigger Than a Burger Chain

By Author

Published on March 24, 2026

Burger Singh just closed its Series B round and the numbers tell a strong story. The Gurugram-based burger chain has raised INR 82 crore at a valuation of INR 520 crore, with the round led by Artal Asia Pte Ltd and participation from Negen Undiscovered Value Fund, Aurum Rising India Fund, and a mix of new and existing investors.

But what makes this funding round interesting isn't just the size of it. It's what Burger Singh plans to do with it.

The brand is not simply opening more outlets. It's building what Founder and CEO Kabir Jeet Singh describes as India's franchise-first restaurant growth platform, a structured, scalable system that allows local entrepreneurs to open and run successful franchise-owned outlets with the right support behind them. That's a meaningfully different ambition from just expanding a burger chain.

India's quick-service restaurant industry has grown significantly over the past two decades, but most of that growth has come through company-owned stores or master franchise arrangements. What hasn't developed at the same pace is a well-organised platform that genuinely enables individual entrepreneurs to succeed in the restaurant business at scale. Burger Singh sees that as the gap worth solving.

With 200 plus stores already operational across 100 plus cities including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Amritsar, the franchise backbone is already in place. The fresh capital will now go towards deepening that infrastructure across store design, training systems, operating manuals, supply chain integration, technology, and on-ground market support.

The brand's FY 2024-25 revenue of INR 117 crore reflects consistent growth across both metro markets and emerging cities. Products like Nikku Singh, Udta Punjab 2.0, Churmur Pandey, and Bunty Pappeh Da Aloo have built genuine recall in a crowded category, helped along by accessible pricing and a menu that has been built specifically for the Indian palate rather than adapted from somewhere else.

Kabir Jeet Singh was clear about the larger mission behind the raise. "India has no shortage of entrepreneurs. What it lacks is enough high-quality operating platforms that allow those entrepreneurs to succeed in the restaurant business at scale. That is the gap we are solving. We are not just opening outlets; we are building the platform Indian entrepreneurs can plug into to create successful restaurant businesses."

Founded in 2014, Burger Singh was built with a specific premise: not to imitate foreign burger chains but to reinvent the burger for Indian tastes at an affordable price. More than a decade later, that premise is now the foundation of a platform play with real scale ambitions.


The Filter Coffee Expands in Bengaluru with Three New Outlets

The Filter Coffee Expands in Bengaluru with Three New Outlets

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 24, 2026

The Filter Coffee has expanded its presence across Bengaluru with the launch of three new neighbourhood outlets in Sadashivanagar, Jayanagar, and Church Street. With these additions, the brand now operates ten outlets across the city, bringing its signature filter coffee and familiar South Indian meals closer to more communities.

The Sadashivanagar outlet, opened on February 9th, 2026, is spread across 2,300 sq. ft. and features a 66-seater casual dine-in space with full service. It also offers the traditional banana leaf dining experience, reflecting the brand’s roots in everyday South Indian food culture. Located in one of the city’s well-known residential areas, this outlet marks a key step in the brand’s growth.

image

The Church Street outlet, opened on February 23, 2026, is located at 1 Sobha Mall and spans 1,100 sq. ft. This is the brand’s first food court format outlet, designed to serve a high-footfall area in central Bengaluru while maintaining the same consistency in taste and quality.

The upcoming Jayanagar outlet, spread across 2,100 sq. ft., will follow a casual dining format with full service and a traditional banana leaf experience. Located in a neighbourhood known for its strong vegetarian dining culture, the outlet aims to connect with customers who appreciate classic South Indian cuisine.

“With every new outlet we open, our commitment to food quality and consistency remains unchanged. Consistency is the foundation of trust, and it’s what enables us to expand without diluting the experience our customers expect,” said Sankrit Iyer, Co-founder of The Filter Coffee.

Known for its focus on authenticity and simplicity, the brand has built a strong connection with customers looking for comforting South Indian meals served with warmth. Each outlet is designed to offer a relaxed and welcoming space, staying true to the idea that food is best enjoyed in a comfortable setting.

“We’ve seen strong demand from customers asking for The Filter Coffee closer to where they live. Expanding into these well-known neighbourhoods allows us to serve a wider audience while staying true to the everyday dining experience we’re known for,” said Avinit Bagri, Co-founder of The Filter Coffee.

With these new openings, The Filter Coffee continues to grow steadily across dine-in, takeaway, and delivery formats. The brand remains focused on offering familiar meals rooted in tradition while adapting to modern dining preferences, making each outlet a regular go-to spot for coffee breaks and everyday meals.


Bangalore’s Top Spots for IPL Live Screenings This Season

Bangalore’s Top Spots for IPL Live Screenings This Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 24, 2026

As the IPL season brings excitement across the country, Bangalore is all set to offer some of the most engaging live screening experiences for cricket fans. From lively neighbourhood bars to vibrant breweries, the city has plenty of spots where every match turns into a shared celebration.

Located in JP Nagar, Sector 144 invites fans to enjoy IPL matches in a relaxed and social setting. With multiple high-definition screens placed across the space, guests can catch every moment of the game while enjoying good company. The venue offers a well-curated à la carte menu with a mix of bar bites, flavourful dishes, and refreshing cocktails, making it ideal for long match evenings. The easy and familiar vibe makes it a go-to neighbourhood hangout where guests can return throughout the season.

Tropika Brewing Co. in Marathahalli brings a more immersive match-day experience with its tropical-themed ambience and lively setting. With large screens and a vibrant crowd, the venue creates the perfect environment to enjoy every over and last-minute finish. Adding to the experience is a specially curated IPL menu featuring dishes like Spinny Spring Roll Veg, Power Play Plum Chilly Baby Corn, Super Over Fried Chicken, Googly Ghee Roast Lamb, All Out Appolo Fish, and Hatrick Habanero Prawns. Desserts like Dot Ball Doughnuts and Catchy Carrot Halwa with Ice Cream complete the experience, along with a range of craft brews that keep the energy going.

For those looking for a familiar and easy-going space, Chin Lung offers multiple outlets across Bangalore, making it a convenient option for fans across the city. Known for its laid-back brewery vibe, comfort food, and fresh beers, it transforms into a lively match-day destination during IPL. With big screens, a buzzing crowd, and a steady flow of food and drinks, it creates an atmosphere where every run and wicket is celebrated.

Across these venues, the focus remains the same, bringing people together to enjoy cricket in a social and engaging way. Whether it’s cheering with friends, sharing food, or simply soaking in the match-day energy, Bangalore’s IPL screening spots offer something for every kind of fan this season.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.