NDFC(I) Launches Walnut Plantation Initiative in Chakrata, Uttarakhand

NDFC(I) Launches Walnut Plantation Initiative in Chakrata, Uttarakhand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 3, 2025

The Nuts and Dry Fruit Council of India, NDFC(I), has launched a groundbreaking walnut plantation initiative in Chakrata, Uttarakhand. Aiming to bolster domestic nut production and reduce dependency on imports, the project introduces grafted walnut plants to India for the first time, with 300 saplings planted across three villages in the region.

This initiative marks the beginning of an ambitious three-year project designed to involve over 1,000 cultivators. Currently, more than 70 farmers are participating in the program, receiving comprehensive training on optimal plantation techniques, care, and maintenance of these high-yielding saplings during critical growth stages.

The saplings, sourced from Turkish horticultural company AGRONOM and imported by Kalason Nursery in India, promise higher yields and quality. This initiative sets the stage for India’s second MEWA (Middle East, Europe, West Africa, and Asia) event in February 2025, reinforcing efforts to popularize and expand nut cultivation in the country.

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A Collaborative Effort for Growth

In partnership with the Walnuts and Other Nut Fruit Growers Association of India (WANGAI), NDFC(I) aims to position India as a significant producer and exporter of walnuts. This initiative is expected to expand to the Tuni region and include an additional 1,000 farmers, laying the groundwork for increased nut production and innovation.

Speaking on the initiative, Achin Aggarwal, Chair of the Committee for Agriculture and Farmers Connect at NDFC(I), shared:
“With this initiative, we hope to cater to the growing popularity and demand for walnuts. As India and the world move towards healthier lifestyles, we aim to expand the walnut production base. Beyond enhancing production, this initiative will support the regional economy, and in the coming years, we hope Chakrata becomes a hub for walnut exports. The introduction of grafted walnut plants should also drive innovation and research for even greater yields.”

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Sustainability and Long-term Vision

The project emphasizes sustainability with plans to establish world-class nut plant nurseries in India. These nurseries will ensure farmers have access to high-quality grafted plants, fostering a robust local economy through increased walnut production and job creation.

About NDFC(I)

NDFC(I) represents the unified voice of the nuts, dry fruits, seeds, raisins, berries, and dates industry in India. Its mission is to empower and uplift every segment of this vibrant sector, from growers to distributors, through collaboration and innovation.


Banaraswala Opens Two New QSR Outlets in Rohini, Bringing Authentic Banarasi Flavours to Delhi

Banaraswala Opens Two New QSR Outlets in Rohini, Bringing Authentic Banarasi Flavours to Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on August 26, 2026

Banaraswala – Ghat Se Ghar Tak has expanded its presence into New Delhi with the opening of two new QSR outlets in Rohini, bringing the authentic flavours and culinary traditions of Banaras to the capital.

The bootstrapped food brand, which began its journey with its first outlet in Varanasi, has expanded beyond its home city with the aim of making traditional Banarasi food more accessible to urban diners.

The two new outlets are located at Amba Tower, DC Chowk, Rohini Sector 9, and Pocket B4, Pocket 4, Sector 7B, Rohini. The outlets combine the convenience of a quick-service restaurant with recipes and flavours inspired by the food culture of Varanasi.

The menu features several popular Banarasi specialities, including Tamatar Chaat, Bedmi Puri Sabzi, Dahi Bhalla, Launglatta and Banarasiya Lassi. The offering also includes other traditional North Indian preparations, giving diners an opportunity to explore regional flavours in a contemporary QSR format.

Banaraswala's concept is built around preserving the character of traditional Banarasi cuisine rather than significantly altering classic recipes. The brand draws inspiration from the food found across the ghats and streets of Banaras, translating familiar regional dishes into a format suited to modern urban lifestyles.

The expansion comes amid growing interest in regional Indian cuisines, with consumers increasingly seeking food experiences rooted in local traditions and culinary heritage. Banaraswala aims to address this demand by combining authentic recipes with the accessibility and convenience of a QSR format.

The brand's journey has been entirely bootstrapped, growing from a single outlet in Varanasi into a multi-city food business. According to the company, customer response and loyalty in its home market played a key role in giving it the confidence to enter Delhi.

Commenting on the expansion, Vibhanshu Mishra, Founder & CEO, Banaraswala – Ghat Se Ghar Tak, said, "Banaras is unique in terms of its cuisine in the entire country. Each dish is associated with history, culture, and emotions that people have grown up with."

He added that the brand was created to take authentic Banarasi dishes beyond the ghats and introduce them to diners who may not have experienced the cuisine in its original setting.

With its Delhi expansion, Banaraswala aims to build an emotional connection with diners through the flavours of Banaras while developing a scalable regional food brand rooted in authenticity and culinary heritage.

Outlet Details:

Outlet 1: Shop No. 29, Amba Tower, DC Chowk, Rohini Sector 9, New Delhi
Outlet 2: Pocket B4, Pocket 4, Sector 7B, Rohini, Delhi – 110085
Cuisine: Banarasi & North Indian
Format: QSR


Eatinn' Love Trattoria Opens in Jayanagar with Pala Romana Pizza

Eatinn' Love Trattoria Opens in Jayanagar with Pala Romana Pizza

By Hariharan U

Published on August 26, 2026

Eating Love has entered a new chapter with the launch of Eatinn' Love Trattoria in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, bringing its sourdough-led approach to a broader Italian dining experience inspired by the warmth and simplicity of traditional Roman trattorias.

The newly renovated restaurant moves beyond the brand's identity as a pizza destination, creating a more complete neighbourhood dining experience built around fresh ingredients, scratch-made preparations and an emphasis on thoughtful cooking.

Designed to evoke the character of a lived-in corner of Rome, Eatinn' Love Trattoria features a warm and understated setting intended to feel welcoming and familiar. The concept reflects the brand's philosophy of slowing down the dining experience and placing greater emphasis on craftsmanship, quality and authenticity.

A key highlight of the new restaurant is the introduction of Pala Romana pizza, a Roman-style pizza known for its light, airy texture and distinctive rectangular format. The category remains relatively underrepresented in India, and Eatinn' Love Trattoria aims to introduce it to Bengaluru diners through a focused approach rooted in traditional Italian techniques.

The Pala Romana offering has been developed to provide a different experience from conventional pizza, with an emphasis on balance, texture and flavour. The restaurant has adapted the style carefully while retaining its connection to authentic Italian culinary techniques.

The launch also introduces a more focused menu designed around depth rather than variety, allowing individual dishes to receive greater attention in terms of ingredients, preparation and presentation. Sourdough continues to remain central to the brand's culinary philosophy.

Reflecting its commitment to inclusive dining, Eatinn' Love Trattoria offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free pizzas, providing options for a wider range of diners.

The restaurant's identity is expressed through an understated logo featuring two angled hearts, representing the care and intention behind the food and hospitality experience.

With its focus on patient cooking, fresh preparations and Roman-inspired dining, Eatinn' Love Trattoria positions itself as a neighbourhood destination for diners looking for a more relaxed and authentic Italian experience in Jayanagar.

Restaurant Details:

Venue: Eatinn' Love Trattoria, Jayanagar, Bengaluru
Timings: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact: 8660700642
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free Pizzas


Zega at Sheraton Hyderabad Unveils Mizuwari Series Inspired by Samurai Virtues

Zega at Sheraton Hyderabad Unveils Mizuwari Series Inspired by Samurai Virtues

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Zega at Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel has unveiled the Mizuwari Series, a new collection of seven signature cocktails inspired by the Japanese tradition of Mizuwari, meaning “cut with water,” and the seven virtues of the Samurai.

Rooted in the principles of balance, restraint and refinement, the new beverage concept combines bold flavours, subtle dilution and considered craftsmanship. Each cocktail is designed around a distinct virtue, translating elements of Japanese philosophy into a contemporary drinking experience.

The collection features Makoto, Chu, Ikigai, Rei, Jin, Yu and Meiyo, with each creation offering its own flavour profile and personality.

The journey begins with Makoto – Honesty & Sincerity, combining vodka, Aperol, yuzu lime and fizz. Chu – Duty & Loyalty brings together bourbon whisky, lime, sesame and Angostura bitters in a characterful highball.

Ikigai – The Secret to a Long & Happy Life combines gin, cherry cordial, hibiscus and sparkling elements, while Rei – Beauty in Imperfection takes a more unexpected approach with vodka, pickled ginger, kaffir lime, cucumber and watermelon.

The collection continues with Jin – Compassion, a blush-pink highball featuring gin, passion, strawberry sweet vermouth, citrus and fizz. Yu – Heroic Courage combines gin, cherry wine, Campari, lime and fizz, while Meiyo – Honour brings together white rum, pineapple, Campari and lime for a more layered profile.

Together, the seven cocktails create a beverage experience that goes beyond individual flavour combinations, inviting guests to explore the stories and virtues represented by each creation.

Through the Mizuwari Series, Zega continues to explore contemporary Japanese-inspired beverage experiences, bringing together traditional philosophy, modern mixology and thoughtful presentation. From refreshing and delicate profiles to richer and more complex combinations, the collection encourages guests to pause, discover and savour each cocktail.

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