Tastepreneur Grand Event at SGT University Celebrates India’s Emerging F&B Entrepreneurs

Tastepreneur Grand Event at SGT University Celebrates India’s Emerging F&B Entrepreneurs

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 18, 2025

AGSKI 360 (Anantaa GSK Innovations Pvt. Ltd.), in association with its knowledge partner, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at SGT University, hosted the Catch Presents Tastepreneur Grand Event at the SGT University campus in Gurugram. The event celebrated India’s vibrant F&B sector, bringing together culinary visionaries, hospitality experts, and emerging entrepreneurs for a day of inspiration, mentorship, and innovation.

The event was inaugurated by Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary of the Indian Culinary Forum, who set the tone for the day with his insights and experience. His presence inspired budding entrepreneurs, emphasizing leadership, creativity, and excellence in the culinary arts.

Tastepreneur serves as a platform to empower India’s rising food and hospitality entrepreneurs. Through live demonstrations, panel discussions, competitions, and networking sessions, participants gained valuable mentorship and practical insights to refine their concepts and scale their businesses. The event drew a diverse audience including chefs, startup founders, food bloggers, influencers, educators, and institutional leaders.

A key highlight was bridging creative talent with industry expertise, enabling startups to learn from veterans and improve business strategies. Culinary innovation showcases allowed participants to present new recipes and food concepts, while collaborative sessions encouraged exchange of ideas between food-tech innovators and hospitality leaders.

Expanding beyond the event, Tastepreneur has launched a reality show, featuring ten episodes where top industry figures acted as “sharks,” mentoring and investing in innovative food startups. Additionally, the AGSKI 360 Podcast Series on YouTube offers industry insights and emerging trends, further supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.

The event also celebrated young talent through culinary competitions. The HomeChef competition stood out, showcasing amateur chefs from across India and encouraging creativity and skill development in the country’s evolving food scene.

Industry participation was extensive, with notable brands and organisations including the Indian Culinary Forum, Catch (DS Group), Pansari Group, Roop Mahal Rice, Unox, Aggarwal Namkeen, Mohan Ghee, and Steadfast contributing as mentors, jury members, and speakers. Their guidance provided emerging entrepreneurs with practical advice and inspiration.

The event featured expert-led sessions, live demonstrations, and mentor-led workshops, creating a hands-on learning environment. Networking with industry leaders offered further opportunities for growth. A special moment was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Chef Vivek Saggar, recognizing his contributions to Indian culinary arts. Col. S. S. Vaid and Prof. (Dr.) Hemant Verma also addressed the gathering, motivating young professionals to pursue careers grounded in creativity, sustainability, and innovation.

Looking ahead, the Tastepreneur platform plans to expand the reality show to new regions and introduce more initiatives to foster entrepreneurship in India’s F&B sector. The Grand Event marked a strong beginning, positioning India as a global hub for culinary innovation and hospitality entrepreneurship.

Organisers, Mr. Hemant Kumar Sharma (Managing Director, AGSKI 360) and Col. S. S. Vaid (Director of Operations), expressed gratitude to Mr. Harish Kumar (Dean, School of Hotel Management) and Prof. (Dr.) Hemant Verma (Vice Chancellor, SGT University) for their invaluable support in making the event a success.

The Tastepreneur Grand Event concluded on a note of optimism, celebrating the achievements of established entrepreneurs while empowering the next generation of innovators with the tools, knowledge, and networks to succeed in India’s dynamic food and hospitality industry.


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

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

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.

image

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

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.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.