Serving Success: ITC's Cloud Kitchen Sets a New Culinary Standard

Serving Success: ITC's Cloud Kitchen Sets a New Culinary Standard

By Author

Published on January 3, 2024

ITC, a name synonymous with diverse business ventures, is set to elevate its presence in the food-tech industry by expanding its cloud kitchen business. This innovative move comes as the conglomerate identifies food-tech as a key growth vector. Currently operating in Bengaluru and Chennai, ITC's cloud kitchens have become a preferred choice for North Indian daily and gourmet cuisines, as well as bakery products.

The company's foray into the cloud kitchen landscape is marked by three distinct brands: ITC Aashirvaad Soul Creations for daily comfort food, ITC Master Chef Creations for gourmet delights, and ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations for bakery treats. With 19 cloud kitchens in Bengaluru and four in Chennai, ITC has already achieved the milestone of breaking even in these locations.

Hemant Malik, Executive Director at ITC, shares insights into the success of the venture, citing a winning formula that includes established brands, cuisine expertise from ITC Hotels' chefs, and the backing of the packaged foods business. "The tech-learning needed for the business comes from our focus on digitalization," adds Malik.

The business model involves the establishment of a central kitchen and satellite kitchens in cities where ITC operates. This strategic layout aligns with the preferences of food delivery giants like Swiggy and Zomato, who prefer kitchens every 2.5-3 km. ITC aims to replicate its success in Bengaluru by becoming a market leader in the premium space in other cities.

"We are already the market leader in Bengaluru in the premium space within two years of operation and will now scale up in other cities," says Malik. The cloud kitchen central kitchen in Bengaluru has the capability to service both Chennai and Hyderabad, showcasing ITC's commitment to operational efficiency.

Going beyond its current offerings, ITC plans to diversify its cloud kitchen menu by evaluating the addition of breakfast and oriental cuisines. Malik emphasises the company's strategy to introduce new cuisines and meals alongside expanding its presence in metro cities.

Noteworthy is the fact that ITC's cloud kitchens boast an average order value of Rs 900, double that of the industry average. The key differentiators from ITC Hotels' kitchens include a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) compared to 18% for hotel restaurants, and a focus on quick service.

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In an investor presentation, ITC highlighted the institutional synergies between its cloud kitchen business and other segments, such as packaging solutions, digital-first approaches, and culinary expertise. With over one million orders already delivered, ITC aims to capitalise on the 10% market share occupied by cloud kitchens in the food delivery platform landscape.

However, the presentation also acknowledged challenges, particularly the scalability issues associated with North Indian cuisine due to its dependency on chef skills and the lack of standardisation. Nevertheless, ITC's strategic approach and commitment to innovation position it as a formidable player in the evolving landscape of the food-tech industry.


From Soulful Music to Story-Driven Cocktails: Valentine’s Plans Across Mumbai

From Soulful Music to Story-Driven Cocktails: Valentine’s Plans Across Mumbai

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

Mumbai’s Valentine’s celebrations this year move beyond predictable dinners, unfolding instead through music-led evenings, narrative cocktails and comfort-driven dining across some of the city’s most distinctive venues. From Andheri to Juhu and Versova, spaces are curating experiences that feel personal, expressive and unhurried.

At The Stables on Airport Road, Valentine’s Day becomes an intimate blend of sound and flavour. Known for its rustic-chic aesthetic and evolving 7-days-7-experiences calendar, the venue adds a romantic layer with a special evening featuring live music by Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Suhayb Nazyr. His soulful originals, contemporary Sufi influences and Bollywood renditions set a reflective, immersive tone for couples. Complementing the music is The Stables’ Sweetheart’s Menu, a Valentine’s-exclusive cocktail line-up inspired by love stories from across the world. From the floral, tropical notes of A Korean Affair to the citrus brightness of An Italian Romance and the bold warmth of An Irish Promise, the menu also includes playful mocktails and indulgent shots designed to be shared..

In Juhu, KOJAK stretches Valentine’s into a week-long narrative. From 10th to 15th February, the bar introduces a specially curated Valentine’s menu featuring cocktails, food and desserts built around fresh flavours and shareable formats. The celebrations evolve each night, beginning with flute and violin performances, moving into a Magic & Cocktails evening, and culminating in a high-energy bar night with Ravetek. Interactive elements such as a spin-the-wheel experience, a nostalgic dessert cart and intimate seating corners add depth, with reservations recommended to maintain a limited, immersive feel. 

For couples seeking a quieter celebration, Kefi in Versova offers a comforting Valentine’s Day menu centred on familiar flavours. Featuring dim sums, baos, indulgent mains, decadent desserts and relaxed sips, the experience leans into warmth and simplicity within Kefi’s cosy setting. The Valentine’s offering is available in the evening onwards, Together, these venues reflect Mumbai’s evolving Valentine’s mood—less about spectacle, more about connection, stories and shared moments


Mirth Cocktail Conservatory Unveils “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” Valentine’s Collection

Mirth Cocktail Conservatory Unveils “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” Valentine’s Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

This Valentine’s Day, Mirth Cocktail Conservatory is redefining romance with the launch of its special “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” collection, inviting guests to celebrate love through craft-driven cocktails rather than predictable tropes. Designed for modern romantics, the curated menu focuses on texture, clarity and expressive flavours, making it equally suited for first dates and long-standing toasts.

The collection features four signature serves that highlight Mirth’s mixology philosophy of intention over excess. The Cheesecake Sour pairs a robust whiskey base with a silky cheesecake foam, offering a dessert-inspired indulgence, while the Strawberry Negroni reimagines the classic with an airy strawberry cloud that softens its bitter-sweet profile. For bolder palates, the Wild Heart delivers a vibrant mix of tart berry shrub accented by a distinctive jamun strip, and the Clear Intention showcases technical finesse through a crystal-clear, clarified blend of gin, basil and lychee.

Set within Mirth’s intimate, velvet-toned interiors in Indiranagar, the Valentine’s collection underscores the bar’s reputation for contemporary, experimental mixology. With this limited-time offering, Mirth positions cocktails not just as drinks, but as expressions of mood, chemistry and connection, encouraging guests to celebrate romance with clarity, confidence and a sense of play


Barista Coffee Launches “Currently Romantic” Valentine’s Menu Across India

Barista Coffee Launches “Currently Romantic” Valentine’s Menu Across India

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

As Valentine’s season sets in, Barista Coffee Company is spreading the spirit of love with the launch of its special campaign, “Currently Romantic,” inviting customers to celebrate togetherness over thoughtfully crafted flavours. Rooted in the idea of creating meaningful moments, the campaign reflects Barista’s focus on turning everyday café visits into warm, memorable experiences for couples, friends and self-care enthusiasts alike.

Available from 1 February across Barista outlets, the limited-time Valentine’s menu features indulgent offerings designed to balance comfort and celebration. Highlights include the Strawberry Brownie Frappe, which blends fruity freshness with rich chocolate notes, and the Brownie Latte, a creamy and indulgent coffee crafted for those seeking a cosy, dessert-inspired cup. Adding to the festive spread is the Valentine’s Cake, positioned as a shareable sweet treat that captures the emotion of the season in every slice.

Commenting on the initiative, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said the campaign is aimed at making people feel special during the season of love by spreading warmth, happiness and indulgence across cities. He noted that the specially curated treats are meant to bring customers closer to their loved ones, whether through a quiet café date, a cheerful outing or a simple moment of self-indulgence.

The “Currently Romantic” campaign stays true to Barista’s vibrant brand identity, combining flavour, emotion and experience. With visually appealing, ‘gram-worthy’ desserts and beverages, the Valentine’s menu encourages customers to create and share moments over coffee. The exclusive offerings will be available at select Barista cafés across India from 1 February, inviting everyone to indulge, celebrate and fall in love with every sip and bite

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