Nuts and Dry Fruits Council (India) Prepares for MEWA 2025: A Global Dry Fruits Showcase

Nuts and Dry Fruits Council (India) Prepares for MEWA 2025: A Global Dry Fruits Showcase

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 3, 2024

The Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India [NDFC(I)] is gearing up for the second edition of MEWA 2025, set to take place from February 12 to 14, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. This premier B2B trade show will spotlight India’s burgeoning nut and dry fruits market while creating a global platform for industry stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, MEWA 2025 promises a larger scale, featuring over 300 exhibitors from 50+ countries such as the USA, Chile, Iran, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. Spanning 10,000 square meters, the event will showcase a diverse array of products, offering attendees the opportunity to engage in insightful panel discussions, networking sessions, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Key highlights include:

  • Panel Discussions: Sessions led by industry experts, including processors, exporters, and quality control specialists, covering 14 product categories.
  • Business Opportunities: A platform to foster direct negotiations and build international partnerships.
  • Innovation and Trends: Discussions centered on healthy snacking, protein-rich foods, and evolving consumer preferences.

Gunjan Jain, President of NDFC(I), emphasized the importance of MEWA in addressing industry challenges and enhancing trade visibility. “With over 300 exhibitors from across the globe, MEWA provides a critical platform to meet the growing demand for dry fruits in India while fostering partnerships. The event also highlights emerging health trends, emphasizing nutritious and convenient food options,” he stated.

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The inaugural edition of MEWA, held in 2024, was a resounding success, with 6,000+ visitors and 130+ exhibitors from 20 countries. Notable participants included California Walnuts, Blue Diamond, and Crain Marketing Inc.. With an impressive business conversion rate of 80%, the upcoming event aims to surpass its predecessor by providing even greater networking opportunities and trade success.

About MEWA

Positioned as India’s foremost B2B exhibition for nuts and dried fruits, MEWA is a platform for innovation, research, and collaboration. The event attracts participants from over 30 countries, fostering advancements in production, trade, and consumption while celebrating the diversity of the global nuts and dried fruits industry.

About NDFC(I)

NDFC(I) is a unified body representing the nuts, dry fruits, seeds, raisins, berries, and dates industry in India. Committed to empowering stakeholders across the value chain, the organization strives to uplift the sector by driving innovation, unity, and growth.


Haldiram’s Eyes Global Palate with Talks to Bring Jimmy John’s to India

Haldiram’s Eyes Global Palate with Talks to Bring Jimmy John’s to India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

Indian sweets giant Haldiram Group is reportedly in advanced talks with US-based Inspire Brands to bring the American sandwich chain Jimmy John’s to India. The move marks a significant step for Haldiram’s as it looks to enter the Western-style quick service restaurant (QSR) space, appealing to younger, urban consumers with global flavours.

According to reports, the talks are at an advanced stage, and the franchise deal could be finalised soon. The partnership would represent one of Haldiram’s boldest strategic shifts, expanding its reach beyond its traditional Indian offerings. Analysts suggest the move could reshape both Haldiram’s business trajectory and the competitive landscape of India’s ₹7.76 lakh crore food services market.

Founded in 1983, Jimmy John’s is a popular American sandwich and wrap chain known for its fast delivery and customisable menu. The brand operates over 2,600 restaurants across the US, Canada, South Korea, and the UAE. Its parent company, Inspire Brands, manages over 33,000 restaurants globally and has expressed strong interest in expanding Jimmy John’s international footprint.

For Haldiram’s, this move aligns with its growing ambitions in the hospitality sector. A member of the Agarwal family told Economic Times that the group aims to compete with international brands like Subway and Tim Hortons while connecting with aspirational young Indians who prefer Western café formats.

If finalised, the QSR venture will operate under Haldiram’s restaurant division, which already manages over 150 outlets nationwide and generates around ₹2,000 crore in annual revenue. This would be separate from its FMCG business, which reported ₹12,800 crore in revenue and ₹1,400 crore in net profit for FY24.

The development follows a series of strategic moves by Haldiram’s. In April 2025, the company merged its Delhi and Nagpur FMCG arms and attracted major investors, including Temasek and Alpha Wave Global. Earlier this year, Kamal Agrawal, a family member, led a ₹150 crore investment in Wow! Momo, hinting at Haldiram’s growing appetite for the QSR segment.

Industry experts note that India’s QSR market is entering a new phase, driven by rising disposable incomes and growing demand from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. As western chains such as Subway, Tim Hortons, and McDonald’s expand aggressively, Haldiram’s move could create a unique fusion of Indian trust and international appeal.

By combining its strong domestic legacy with Jimmy John’s global brand power, Haldiram’s may well bridge the gap between India’s traditional food culture and its fast-modernising dining habits, offering a new recipe for the next generation’s appetite.


Wendy’s India Launches New Cajun Burgers: Taste the Craze from Louisiana

Wendy’s India Launches New Cajun Burgers: Taste the Craze from Louisiana

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2025

Wendy’s India, in partnership with Rebel Foods, continues to redefine the gourmet QSR experience with the launch of its latest flavour innovation the Cajun Burgers, available in both veg and non-veg variants.

Inspired by the vibrant, spice-rich cuisine of Louisiana, the new lineup brings a bold, creamy, and fiery twist to Wendy’s menu in India. The range features three indulgent options, Cajun Spicy Chicken, Cajun Spicy Paneer, and Cajun Potato, all layered with Wendy’s signature Cajun sauce made from black pepper, red chillies, garlic, herbs, and a dash of lemon. Priced from ₹149, the Cajun Burgers are available across all Wendy’s India outlets and on major delivery platforms including EatSure.

Wendy’s India has carved a niche for itself in the gourmet burger space with its global flavour portfolio, offering creations like Argentina’s Chimichurri, Korea’s fiery Buldak, Mexico’s Nachoburg, America’s BBQ, India’s Tandoori, and the Cheeseblast Burgers. The addition of the Louisiana Cajun series strengthens Wendy’s reputation as the flavour pioneer of India’s burger scene.

The Cajun Burgers have been developed with Indian consumers in mind, especially young, flavour-driven audiences seeking bold and authentic experiences. Combining Louisiana’s essence with India’s love for spice, Wendy’s invites customers to “Taste the Craze from Louisiana”, blending international inspiration with local intensity.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP Marketing, Rebel Foods, said: “As we continue to grow Wendy’s India across the country, our priority is to make bold, never-seen-before flavours easily accessible to consumers everywhere. The Cajun Burgers bring an authentic Louisiana taste story with the punch and indulgence India loves. With our expanding network and delivery reach, we’re excited to bring this unique flavour experience to more cities.”

Currently operating in 200+ kitchens across India, Wendy’s India continues to expand through dine-in and delivery formats, with plans to reach deeper into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities by year-end. The launch of the Cajun Burgers marks another milestone in the brand’s flavour revolution, a testament to its mission of making global gourmet burgers accessible to Indian consumers.


Come Home to ORLO: The Great Indian Family Table

Come Home to ORLO: The Great Indian Family Table

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2025

There’s a new table to come home to Orlo, The Indian Cuisine Restaurant, where every meal feels like family and every flavour says “Aur lo.” Designed as a celebration of India’s culinary heritage and spirit of togetherness, Orlo invites guests to gather, share, and rediscover the joy of dining.

Born from the founders’ desire to create an intimate and inclusive space, Orlo captures the soul of Indian hospitality, where generosity and connection are the true ingredients of every dish. It’s a place that feels as warm as home and as lively as an evening with friends.

Orlo’s menu pays homage to India’s regional diversity through its three defining pillars, Community-Forward, Honest, and Vibrant. Every plate at Orlo is a reflection of India’s rhythm: playful, colourful, and bursting with authenticity. From soulful curries to spiced tikkas and nostalgic desserts, the food honours tradition while embracing contemporary sensibilities.

Orlo transforms through the day, offering two distinct yet harmonious experiences.

By Day, it’s a bright and cheerful urban mess-style restaurant serving wholesome thalis and regional set meals from Punjab, Rajasthan, Bengal, and Assam. The focus is on quick, fresh, and nourishing food that comforts and delights.

By Night, Orlo evolves into a spirited highball bar and elegant dining space overlooking Hyderabad’s iconic Cable Bridge and Durgam Cheruvu. Evenings here flow effortlessly — from sundowners to conversations over cocktails. Each drink at the highball bar is “high on India,” inspired by quarter bottles from thekas, fizzy sodas from paan shops, and summer banta nostalgia, reimagined into refreshing, playful mixes.

Orlo is part of Vikksit Hospitality, a new-age group built on the philosophy of “Intentional Hospitality” — creating genuine human connections through warmth and authenticity. Every detail, from the interiors to the interactions, is designed to make guests feel welcomed, valued, and part of a larger community.

Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Lunch) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Dinner)
Contact: +91 90631 69910 |

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