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.


Cream Centre Launches Second Bengaluru Outlet at Forum Mall

Cream Centre Launches Second Bengaluru Outlet at Forum Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2026

Cream Centre has expanded its footprint in Bengaluru with the launch of its second outlet at Forum Mall. The new opening marks another important milestone for the iconic vegetarian restaurant brand as it continues to strengthen its presence in South India following the positive response received from customers in the city.

Founded in Mumbai in 1958, Cream Centre has built a strong legacy over the past 65 years with its well-known vegetarian dishes, warm hospitality, and family-friendly dining experience. The brand is widely recognized for introducing Mumbai to its first plate of Nachos and for creating signature favourites such as The Original Channa Bhatura™, World’s Best Nachos™, and the popular Sizzling Brownie Fundae™.

The newly launched Forum Mall outlet brings the brand’s signature dining experience to one of Bengaluru’s busiest and most loved lifestyle destinations. Designed with Cream Centre’s familiar blend of contemporary style and nostalgic warmth, the space aims to offer guests a welcoming atmosphere suited for families and casual dining alike.

The outlet will serve the brand’s complete menu featuring classic favourites including Chole Bhature, World’s Best Nachos™, and Sizzling Brownie Fundae™, along with several other signature dishes that have remained popular across generations.

Adding to the launch celebrations, the new outlet will also host Cream Centre’s much-loved Aamras Festival, a seasonal offering featuring a specially curated selection of Aamras-inspired dishes and desserts available for a limited period.

Under the leadership of Sanjiv Chona, Cream Centre has grown into one of India’s most recognized vegetarian restaurant brands. Rishi Chona continues to drive the brand forward by introducing modern innovations while preserving the flavours and values that have defined Cream Centre for decades.

Expressing his thoughts on the launch, Rishi Chona, CEO, Cream Centre, shared, “Bengaluru welcomed us with so much love at our first outlet, that coming back felt like a natural next step. Forum Mall is home to so many memories for this city, and we are truly delighted to now be a part of that story. This second outlet is a reflection of the warmth Bengaluru has shown us, and our commitment to bring the very best of Cream Centre to every corner of this wonderful city.”

Over the years, Cream Centre has evolved into a leading vegetarian dining destination known for balancing classic comfort food with innovative menu creations. The brand continues to focus on high-quality food, inviting ambience, and memorable dining experiences for guests across all age groups.


Amrut Distilleries Launches Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore

Amrut Distilleries Launches Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore

By Hariharan U

Published on May 13, 2026

Amrut Distilleries has officially unveiled Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expanding global travel retail journey. Crafted exclusively for duty-free and travel retail markets, the new single malt expression celebrates the spirit of travel, discovery, and Indian craftsmanship on an international stage.

The launch reinforces Amrut’s position as one of India’s pioneering single malt whisky brands, continuing a legacy that transformed global perceptions of Indian whisky since its international debut in 2004. Over the years, the Bengaluru-based distillery has earned worldwide recognition for its tropical maturation techniques and award-winning expressions, including the globally acclaimed Amrut Fusion.

Amrut Pravas has been designed specifically for the modern global traveller, a whisky intended to be discovered in transit and experienced across borders. Inspired by India’s cultural diversity and evolving identity, the expression reflects themes of movement, exploration, and connection through flavour and craftsmanship.

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Handcrafted by Ashok Chokalingam, COO and Master Distiller at Amrut Distilleries, Pravas is matured under India’s tropical climate using carefully selected casks that contribute to its depth, richness, and layered complexity. The whisky combines traditional Indian whisky-making with a contemporary global outlook, resulting in an expression that is both refined and distinctly Indian.

Available exclusively through global duty-free and travel retail channels, Pravas has been intentionally positioned as a rare travel-exclusive offering, creating a sense of discovery for international whisky enthusiasts.

The unveiling at the TFWA Singapore follows Amrut’s growing presence across major travel retail hubs, including exclusive launches at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kochi airports. The company continues to expand its footprint across airports, seaports, and international duty-free destinations as demand for premium Indian single malts continues to rise globally.

Speaking on the launch, Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries, described Pravas as a celebration of India’s evolving identity and craftsmanship. He noted that the expression was created to reflect the spirit of travel and exploration while remaining deeply rooted in Indian whisky-making traditions.

Amrut Pravas opens with bright citrus and lemon zest notes layered with subtle nuttiness, evolving into dried fruits, dark chocolate, almond brittle, and vanilla cream on the nose. The palate delivers a luxurious combination of honeyed syrup, vanilla custard, almond-infused chocolate, dried fruits, and sweet lemon tart, while the finish remains long, elegant, and clean with lingering sweetness.

With Pravas, Amrut Distilleries continues its ambition of positioning Indian single malt whisky as a globally respected category, offering travellers a distinctive expression that captures the richness, warmth, and character of India through every sip.

For more information, visit Amrut Distilleries


P.F. Chang’s Expands Delhi NCR Presence with New Restaurant at World St., Worldmark Aerocity

P.F. Chang’s Expands Delhi NCR Presence with New Restaurant at World St., Worldmark Aerocity

By Hariharan U

Published on May 13, 2026

P.F. Chang's has expanded its footprint in Delhi NCR with the launch of its newest restaurant at World St., Worldmark Aerocity, strengthening the brand’s presence in one of the capital’s most premium hospitality and lifestyle destinations.

Known globally for its signature high-heat wok cooking, bold Asian flavours, and elevated dining experiences, the new restaurant brings P.F. Chang’s celebrated American Pan-Asian culinary identity to a dynamic audience of corporate professionals, international travellers, residents, and lifestyle-driven consumers.

The launch marks another milestone for Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), the hospitality and dining arm of the Bharti Enterprises family, which continues to introduce globally recognised restaurant brands to Indian diners. Positioned within the vibrant World St. district at Worldmark Aerocity, the new outlet aligns with evolving consumer demand for globally benchmarked dining experiences paired with immersive hospitality environments.

Founded in 1993, P.F. Chang’s has spent more than three decades building its culinary identity around the traditional art of wok cooking, blending high-temperature cooking techniques, scratch-made preparations, and layered Asian flavours across more than 300 restaurants globally.

Speaking on the expansion, Rohan Pewekar, CEO – Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said the launch reflects the group’s larger vision of bringing globally celebrated dining cultures to India’s increasingly discerning consumers. He added that Aerocity’s evolving culinary landscape makes it a strategic location for the brand’s continued growth.

Taylor Viersen, VP, Global Brand Development at P.F. Chang’s, described the Aerocity opening as an important step in the brand’s India growth journey, while reinforcing the restaurant’s long-standing focus on mastering traditional wok cooking techniques that define its global identity.

At the heart of the dining experience is P.F. Chang’s signature 700-degree wok cooking method, designed to preserve flavour intensity, texture, and ingredient integrity. Guests can enjoy internationally popular dishes such as Chang’s Lettuce Wraps, Dynamite Shrimp, Orange Chicken, and Lo Mein, alongside vegetarian offerings curated for Indian preferences. The menu also includes sushi, salads, gelatos, signature desserts like the Great Wall of Chocolate, and seasonal beverages.

The culinary programme has been carefully adapted to suit local palates while remaining true to the brand’s international identity. Jerry Thomas, Culinary Head – Restaurants at Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group, highlighted that the focus remains on achieving a balanced combination of sweet, savoury, spicy, and umami flavours through traditional wok-based cooking techniques.

Welcoming the brand to World St., S.K. Sayal, MD & CEO of Bharti Real Estate, noted that globally recognised dining concepts such as P.F. Chang’s play a significant role in shaping vibrant social and culinary destinations. He added that the restaurant further strengthens World St.’s positioning as a preferred destination for Asian fusion dining in Delhi.

Beyond its menu, the restaurant has been designed to offer a refined yet approachable atmosphere featuring contemporary interiors, versatile seating arrangements, and warm hospitality. The space caters to business lunches, social gatherings, family occasions, and evening dining experiences, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on creating memorable moments beyond food.

As P.F. Chang’s continues its measured expansion across India, the brand remains focused on combining culinary tradition with contemporary dining experiences while delivering globally loved Asian flavours tailored to evolving local preferences.

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