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!

Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

Udaipur Marriott Hotel has unveiled Ayana, its newest rooftop dining destination, offering guests a transcendent culinary journey set against the shimmering lakes and Aravalli Hills. True to its name, which means “the path,” Ayana guides diners through an immersive experience that begins with its serene poolside ambiance and culminates with indulgent desserts.

The restaurant’s design harmoniously blends contemporary Indian aesthetics with natural materials, oversized cushions, glowing lanterns, and curated world music, creating an atmosphere that is both vibrant and serene. The panoramic rooftop views add a magical dimension to every visit.

Ayana’s menu celebrates India’s royal culinary legacy, drawing inspiration from the Northwest Frontier and the regal kitchens of Rajasthan. Each dish is crafted with precision, honouring its origins while presenting a modern twist. The bar complements the menu with artisanal cocktails infused with Indian botanicals, spices, and local flavours, alongside a curated selection of fine wines and craft beers.

Designed for intimate dinners, celebratory gatherings, and exclusive events, Ayana offers a mix of communal seating, semi-private corners, and open decks. The restaurant is also deeply committed to sustainability, prioritizing locally sourced seasonal produce, plant-forward innovations, minimal food waste, energy-efficient kitchens, and elimination of single-use plastics.

Executive Chef Mohit Mishra commented on the launch:

“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Ayana. Our vision was to create more than just a restaurant, we wanted to craft a journey where each dish tells a story, each flavour evokes tradition, and every detail reflects India’s rich culinary heritage.”

Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager, added:

“Ayana is designed to be an immersive experience, not just a dining venue. From the sweeping rooftop views to the thoughtfully curated menu and serene yet vibrant ambiance, every element has been meticulously crafted to create lasting memories for both travellers and locals seeking a refined night out.”

Ayana promises to be a destination for culinary discovery, offering diners a seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable experiences atop one of Udaipur’s most scenic rooftops.

1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

1.5 Degree, India’s leading plant-based dairy alternative brand, has unveiled an exciting new range of signature beverages, frozen sundaes, traditional kulfis, and refreshing popsicles this festive season. The announcement comes on the heels of the company securing seed funding from BITS Pilani and being recognised among its top emerging startups.

The new collection reflects 1.5 Degree’s philosophy of combining indulgence with responsibility. Designed for the conscious consumer, the range features sugar-free café-style beverages like Kesar Badam, Salted Pistachio, Hazelnut Coffee, and Cold Vegan Tea, crafted for refreshing, guilt-free sips.

The Frozen Sundaes promise rich, layered indulgence in flavours like Salted Peanut Butter and Nutty Choco Fudge, while the Kulfi Collection, also sugar-free, reimagines the classic Indian favourite with plant-based innovation. The Popsicle lineup includes fruity and tangy favourites such as Chilly Guava, Jamun, and Shikanji, complemented by rotating seasonal sorbets for an extra-refreshing twist.

“At 1.5 Degree, we believe in indulgence without compromise,” said Vedansh Goyal, Founder of 1.5Degree.co. “With the overwhelming response to our gelatos, this new range brings familiar Indian favourites like kulfi and shikanji into the plant-based space, while also offering global café-style beverages, now with sugar-free options that keep taste front and centre.”

All products are 100% plant-based, dairy-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free, made using natural ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives. Ethically sourced and responsibly produced, the brand reinforces its mission to support a cooler planet while offering full-flavoured experiences.

1.5 Degree’s new offerings are available across Delhi NCR and Mumbai through select retail outlets, quick-commerce platforms, kiosks, and cloud kitchens. Orders can also be placed online via Swiggy, Zomato, or directly at 1.5degree.co.

Founded with a vision to make plant-based indulgence mainstream, 1.5 Degree continues to expand its product line with an aim to merge taste, sustainability, and innovation, one scoop and sip at a time.

BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

By Hariharan U

Published on October 16, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has opened the doors to its latest dining experience, BarQat, a restaurant that reimagines India’s rich culinary traditions through the lens of heritage and innovation. Meaning “abundance” in Urdu, BarQat captures the spirit of generosity and connection through food, celebrating regional flavours from Kashmir, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Hyderabad.

Designed as a culinary journey along India’s historical route, BarQat brings together the nuanced flavours and stories of these four regions, each offering its own interpretation of classic dishes. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple yet profound, to honour heirloom recipes while giving them a contemporary touch. Every dish tells a story of how shared roots evolved into diverse traditions across India’s culinary landscape.

Speaking about the relaunch, Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, “At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, we believe true luxury is found in abundance — abundance of flavour, culture, connection, and celebration. The relaunch of BarQat embodies this philosophy. We've created a space where Straight-line Cuisine comes to life and the abundance of India's culinary heritage unfolds through heirloom recipes passed down through generations. Here, every gathering becomes an opportunity to foster deeper bonds with loved ones. From the lavish spread of regional delicacies to the warm embrace of shared meals, BarQat is designed for those special moments of togetherness. It's about celebrating abundance in every form — on your plate, in your conversations, and in the memories you create.”

Open daily from 7:00 PM to midnight, BarQat offers guests a place to unwind, celebrate, and savour the flavours of India’s most storied kitchens. With its rich textures, soulful aromas, and immersive storytelling, BarQat promises a dining experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Guests can reserve their tables by calling +91 7710009250 or visiting www.jwmumbai.com.

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