STAR Refined Oil Wins ‘Rising Star of India’ Award

STAR Refined Oil Wins ‘Rising Star of India’ Award at Pride of India Awards 2024-25

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 1, 2025

Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL), the FMCG arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, has once again proven its industry leadership with its flagship product, STAR Refined Oil, being recognized with the ‘Rising Star of India’ Award at the Pride of India Awards and Leadership Summit 2024-25. Held in Goa, this prestigious honor acknowledges brands that demonstrate remarkable growth, innovation, and the potential to drive positive change in society.

STAR Refined Oil has earned consumer trust through its high-quality formulation, enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that promote lightness and fortified with vitamins A, D, and E for added nutrition. Ideal for various cooking styles, from deep-frying to sautéing, the oil continues to set new benchmarks in the industry.

Salloni Ghodawat, Director & COO, Ghodawat Consumer Ltd, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating:
"Trust is the foundation of every great brand, and for us, that trust is built on uncompromising quality and a commitment to consumer well-being. This award is a reflection of STAR Refined Oil’s promise to deliver purity, innovation, and sustainability—values that are increasingly shaping the choices of today’s informed consumers. As we look ahead, our focus remains on setting new industry standards that inspire confidence and contribute to a healthier future for all."

Building on its legacy, STAR Refined Oil launched the ‘Barso Ka Bharosa, Ab Nayi Pehchan Ke Saath’ campaign last year, reinforcing its commitment to quality and modernity. Featuring Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon, the campaign adopted a multi-channel approach, spanning TV, digital ads, and social media, to strengthen brand awareness and connect with evolving consumer preferences.

About Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL):

Founded in 2003, GCL is a leading player in the Indian FMCG sector, operating under the umbrella brand ‘STAR’. Its diverse product portfolio includes refined oils, atta, rice, beverages, and snacks, catering to everyday consumer needs. The company also owns premium brands like TBH (100% real vegetable snacks) and Coolberg (India’s leading non-alcoholic beer brand). With a presence in over 250,000 outlets across 120 cities, GCL continues to expand its reach, including exports to 17+ countries worldwide.

About Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG):

Established in 1993, SGG is a diversified conglomerate with a strong presence across multiple sectors, including Aviation, Consumer Products, Education, Energy, Realty, and Retail. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees and a student base exceeding 21,000, the group is dedicated to transforming lives through innovation and excellence.

Congratulations to STAR Refined Oil and Ghodawat Consumer Limited for this remarkable achievement!

The Leela Gandhinagar Brings Royal Indian Flavours to Life with Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya

By Hariharan U

Published on July 16, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar is celebrating India’s rich royal culinary traditions with the launch of its Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya, the hotel’s signature Indian specialty restaurant. Running from 16th July to 31st July 2026, the festival invites guests to experience the timeless flavours, aromas, and craftsmanship of India’s royal kitchens through an exclusive selection of biryanis and kebabs.

Inspired by culinary traditions once enjoyed by royal households across the country, the festival brings together fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, slow-cooking techniques, and expertly grilled preparations that have made biryanis and kebabs iconic expressions of Indian fine dining.

As guests enter Diya, they are welcomed by the rich aromas of saffron-infused rice, roasted spices, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and traditional preparations crafted with precision. The festival celebrates the artistry behind these dishes, highlighting regional influences and generations of culinary knowledge passed down through India’s royal kitchens.

The specially curated menu features an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, including signature biryanis such as Hyderabadi Kathal Dum Biryani, Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani, and Murgh Dum Biryani. Each preparation showcases layers of fragrant rice, carefully balanced spices, and slow-cooked ingredients designed to create a rich and authentic dining experience.

The kebab selection reflects the diversity and sophistication of Indian grilling traditions with creations including Shahi Subz Akhrot Ki Seekh, Ulta Tawa Subz Galouti, Murgh Angar Bedgi, and Gosht Aur Hare Pyaaz Ki Seekh. Prepared by the hotel’s Master Chef, every dish combines traditional techniques with refined presentation, capturing the elegance associated with royal Indian cuisine.

The culinary experience is further enhanced by Diya’s luxurious interiors, featuring silver-adorned ceilings, handcrafted chandeliers, Venetian mirrors, and contemporary Indian design elements. The restaurant’s elegant ambience creates a setting inspired by royal dining chambers, allowing guests to enjoy the festival as an immersive gastronomic journey.

Whether for an intimate dinner, family gathering, or special celebration, the Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail offers guests an opportunity to explore India’s culinary heritage while experiencing the signature hospitality of The Leela.

Speaking about the festival, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “Biryanis and kebabs carry a remarkable legacy of royal kitchens, regional craftsmanship, and generations of culinary artistry. Through this festival, we wanted to recreate the warmth and grandeur of those timeless traditions while offering our guests an experience that reflects the elegance and authenticity associated with Diya and The Leela.”

Through this celebration, The Leela Gandhinagar continues its commitment to showcasing India’s diverse culinary heritage through thoughtfully curated dining experiences. The Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail brings together tradition, craftsmanship, and luxury hospitality, offering guests a memorable journey through flavours that have adorned India’s royal tables for centuries.

B Natural Launches 'Coconut Cola', Creating a New Beverage Category

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2026

ITC Foods has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of B Natural Coconut Cola, introducing what it describes as a first-of-its-kind drink in India. Combining the familiar taste and fizz of cola with the goodness of coconut water, the new beverage is designed for consumers looking for lighter, everyday refreshment without compromising on taste.

Built around the brand proposition 'Refreshingly Simple', B Natural Coconut Cola contains Zero Caffeine, Zero Added Sugar, and just 9 kcal per serve. The launch reflects the growing demand for beverages that offer both enjoyment and better-for-you choices.

According to ITC Foods, changing consumer preferences have created a need for drinks that feel lighter while still delivering a satisfying experience. With Coconut Cola, the company aims to address this gap by creating a new beverage category, a hydrating cola that blends indulgence with wellness.

The launch also highlights B Natural's continued focus on innovation, with the brand introducing products that align with the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. Coconut Cola marks the latest addition to its portfolio of differentiated beverage offerings.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Vivek Kookkal, Vice President and Business Head - Dairy and Beverages, Foods Division, ITC Ltd, said:

"Coconut Cola is rooted in a simple consumer insight that indulgence does not need to be over engineered to be enjoyable. With this unique launch, we aim to encourage consumers to rediscover the value of simplicity through a thoughtfully crafted beverage experience - combining the familiar taste of cola with coconut water, we are offering an alternative that is both enjoyable and refreshingly simple"

The product has been developed in collaboration with ITC's Product Development and Life Sciences & Technology Centre (LSTC) teams. Their combined efforts have ensured that the beverage delivers the familiar cola experience while maintaining its wellness-focused proposition.

B Natural Coconut Cola is now available in a 250 ml can priced at INR 60. The product will be rolled out across leading retail outlets and quick commerce platforms in key metro cities, including Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Ironhill Bengaluru Launches 'The Monsoon Affair' Seasonal Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 15, 2026

Ironhill Marathahalli has announced the launch of The Monsoon Affair, a seasonal culinary celebration that brings together comforting flavours, nostalgic recipes, and immersive dining experiences to mark the arrival of the monsoon in Bengaluru.

Running from July 15 to August 31, the limited-period menu has been curated to capture India's enduring love for monsoon comfort food through a selection of hearty dishes inspired by regional flavours and seasonal indulgences.

Among the highlights are the Smoky Sigdiwala Bhutta, Madras Curry, Lamb Fry, and Haleem Bun with Mutton Marag, each offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional comfort food while celebrating the warmth and richness associated with the rainy season.

Complementing the food is a selection of refreshing beverages designed for the season, alongside a monsoon-inspired ambience and interactive experiences that enhance the overall dining experience.

With The Monsoon Affair, Ironhill aims to transform the rainy season into an occasion for guests to gather, unwind, and enjoy flavourful dishes in a vibrant setting. The seasonal promotion reflects the restaurant's focus on creating themed culinary experiences that combine comfort, hospitality, and memorable moments.

The Monsoon Affair will be available at Ironhill Marathahalli until August 31, offering diners an opportunity to savour specially curated seasonal dishes throughout the monsoon.

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