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.


Celebrate Tamil New Year with a Traditional Feast at The Filter Coffee

Celebrate Tamil New Year with a Traditional Feast at The Filter Coffee

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 9, 2026

Marking Tamil New Year, The Filter Coffee is bringing a festive dining experience that feels close to home. The restaurant has curated a traditional Tamil-style feast, inspired by the rich culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu and the spirit of shared celebrations.

The meal reflects the essence of festive rituals, with a comforting spread that brings together familiar flavours and time-honoured recipes. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes including Murunga Elai Soup Rasam, Vellai Appam, Chettinad Kurma, Potato Ghee Roast, Drumstick & Onion Sambar, Vathal Kuzhambu, Aviyal and more, all prepared in an authentic style.

To complete the experience, the feast also includes classic festive desserts like Channa Dal Pradhaman and Boondi Laddoo, adding a sweet touch to the celebration. The offering is designed to capture the warmth and joy of Tamil New Year through food that feels both traditional and comforting.

The special meal will be available on April 14, 2025, with time slots at 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. Guests can choose to dine in, opt for takeaway, or place orders online through Swiggy and Zomato. The experience will be available across The Filter Coffee outlets in Kalyan Nagar, Indiranagar, Brookfield, and Koramangala.

With this festive spread, The Filter Coffee brings together tradition, flavour, and the joy of celebrating new beginnings in a simple and heartfelt way.


Heritage Spirits Redefine Luxury with Culture and Craft

Heritage Spirits Redefine Luxury with Culture and Craft

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 9, 2026

The idea of luxury in the world of spirits is slowly changing. It is no longer just about how old a drink is or the legacy behind it. Today, it is more about where it comes from and the story it carries. Across the globe, many indigenous spirits that were once limited to local communities are now making their way into premium bars and collector shelves.

What makes this trend stand out is its focus on authenticity. These are not newly created products but drinks deeply rooted in culture and tradition. They are now being reintroduced in a way that connects with a global audience while still holding on to their origins.

One such example from India is Six Brothers Mahura, launched by South Seas Distilleries. Mahua has a long history in the country and was once widely consumed. Made from the flower of the Madhuca longifolia tree, it slowly lost its place over time due to colonial restrictions and changing perceptions. With this new launch, the spirit is being presented in a premium format. Crafted using a copper pot still technique, it offers floral aromas, earthy notes, and a hint of spice. With a starting price of ₹1,02,000, the brand clearly aims to position Mahua as a luxury offering alongside global favourites.

From Mexico, mezcal has also seen a similar journey. Once made in small villages using traditional methods, it is now gaining global recognition. Brands like Del Maguey Mezcal have helped bring it to a wider audience while keeping its original process intact, including agave roasting in underground ovens and natural fermentation.

In the world of cognac, Hennessy Paradis continues to show how heritage can stay relevant. Made using carefully selected eaux de vie aged over decades, it offers a smooth and rich profile with notes of honey, dried flowers, and candied fruit. It reflects a balance between tradition and modern appeal.

Japan’s contribution comes through Nikka Taketsuru Whisky, a blend that highlights precision and craftsmanship. Named after Masataka Taketsuru, known as the father of Japanese whisky, it brings together multiple malt whiskies to create a refined and balanced drink.

From South America, Pisco Portón is helping bring attention to pisco, a spirit that has long been part of Peruvian culture. Produced in limited quantities, it focuses on quality and presentation while staying true to its roots. Its aromatic and fruit-forward profile offers something fresh for global consumers.

Together, these spirits highlight a shift in how luxury is being defined. It is no longer limited to established categories but is expanding to include cultural depth and regional identity. Whether it is Mahura in India, mezcal in Mexico, or pisco in Peru, these drinks are shaping a new narrative in the global spirits space, one that values heritage as much as craftsmanship.


CRC Group Brings Olive Café & Bar to The Flagship Beyond in Noida

CRC Group Brings Olive Café & Bar to The Flagship Beyond in Noida

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 9, 2026

CRC Group has announced a key collaboration with AD Singh to bring Olive Café & Bar to The Flagship Beyond in Noida. This marks the brand’s first-ever collaboration in the city, adding a well-known dining experience to the project and strengthening its position as a lifestyle destination.

The restaurant will span around 12,000 sq ft and will reflect Olive’s signature Mediterranean style. Known for its romantic and rustic-chic setting, the space often features white-pebbled courtyards and rooftop views, creating a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Founded by A.D. Singh, Olive Café & Bar is already a popular name in Delhi and Mumbai, offering Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, well-loved Sunday brunches, and handcrafted cocktails.

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Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, AD Singh, Founder & MD, Olive Group of Restaurants, said, “For us at Olive, every new space is an opportunity to create something that feels both personal and contextual. Our collaboration with CRC Group for The Flagship Beyond felt instinctive, given their clear vision of building a destination that values experience as much as design. Noida has been on our radar for some time, but it was important to find the right setting, and CRC’s The Flagship Beyond felt like the right fit. We look forward to bringing Olive’s signature warmth, food, and easy elegance to a new audience, and becoming a part of the city’s evolving dining and social narrative.”

Satish Garg, Chairman and Founder, CRC Group, said, “At CRC, we have always focused on curating environments that feel elevated yet intuitive. We are delighted to welcome Olive Café & Bar to one of our prestigious projects, and see this association as the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will add enduring value to the destination.”

This development reflects CRC Group’s continued focus on building spaces that go beyond regular retail. With Olive Café & Bar joining The Flagship Beyond, the destination is shaping up as a hub where dining, retail, and culture come together in a seamless way.

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