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.


Nandan Coffee Launches Monsoon Specials Menu Across Mumbai and Bengaluru Cafés

Nandan Coffee Launches Monsoon Specials Menu Across Mumbai and Bengaluru Cafés

By Hariharan U

Published on August 4, 2026

Nandan Coffee has unveiled its Monsoon Specials menu across its cafés in Mumbai and Bengaluru, bringing a seasonal selection of comforting beverages and hearty dishes inspired by the rituals of the Indian monsoon.

Available at the brand's flagship cafés in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, and Bellary Road, Bengaluru, the limited-time menu has been curated to complement rainy-day dining with warming coffees and comfort food. The seasonal offerings will be available until the end of November, alongside Nandan Coffee's regular menu.

The beverage menu features creations such as the Orange Ginger Latte, Spiced Mocha, Date Cardamom Latte, Almond Croissant Latte, and the non-coffee Rain Check, each designed to reflect the flavours and warmth associated with the monsoon season.

Complementing the drinks is a range of seasonal dishes, including Kale & Onion Pakodas, Lasun Chutney Grilled Cheese served with Pumpkin Soup, Nandan Ramen, and Almond Croissant Fritters. Guests can also enjoy signature comfort dishes such as Mushroom Pepper Fry and Rasam Minestrone Soup, available throughout the season.

Founded on its single-estate Nandanvan Estate in Kodaikanal, Nandan Coffee continues to champion sustainable, farm-to-cup coffee production. Certified organic since 2001, the estate has been recognised for its specialty coffees and remains committed to environmentally responsible farming, wildlife conservation, and community development.

Since opening its first flagship café in Mumbai's Kala Ghoda in 2024 and expanding to Bengaluru in 2026, Nandan Coffee has continued to strengthen its presence in India's specialty coffee segment while showcasing its estate-grown coffees through immersive café experiences.


Éntisi Chocolatier Launches Official Harry Potter-Inspired Chocolate Collection in India

Éntisi Chocolatier Launches Official Harry Potter-Inspired Chocolate Collection in India

By Hariharan U

Published on August 3, 2026

Éntisi Chocolatier has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to introduce an officially licensed Harry Potter-inspired premium chocolate collection in India, marking the brand's entry into the licensed chocolate category.

Inspired by iconic confectionery treats and memorable elements from the Harry Potter films, the collection includes Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Chocolates, Chocolate Frogs, Hogwarts House Chocolates, and the Platform 9¾ Hogwarts Express Bar. Each product has been designed with custom-developed moulds and packaging inspired by the Wizarding World, accompanied by collectible keepsake cards that encourage fans to build their own collection.

Priced from ₹129, the collection will be available through Éntisi's boutiques in Mumbai and Pune, dark stores across Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Bengaluru, the brand's official website, and exclusively on quick commerce platform Blinkit.

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The launch began on 28 July, with celebrations building towards Harry Potter's birthday on 31 July, targeting fans, collectors, teenagers, and gifting audiences.

Commenting on the launch, Nikki Thakker, Founder & CEO, Éntisi Chocolatier, said, "This collaboration is incredibly personal for me. Like millions of people, I grew up on Harry Potter, the books and the films both. The opportunity to reimagine some of its most iconic elements from scratch and bring them to India is something I never imagined would become reality."

She added, "Beyond the nostalgia, this collaboration represents a defining milestone for Éntisi. Collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products in India is a tremendous validation of the craftsmanship, quality, and ambition we've spent years building. Every mould in this collection has been custom developed exclusively for Harry Potter because we wanted every detail to feel authentic."

The launch also marks Éntisi's strategic expansion into the licensed chocolate segment, which the company views as a key long-term growth opportunity. Over the coming year, the brand plans to strengthen its presence in Delhi and Bengaluru, while its five-year roadmap includes pan-India retail expansion, a stronger presence at international airports, wider quick-commerce accessibility, and future Harry Potter-inspired seasonal collections.

Founded in 2017, Éntisi Chocolatier has built its reputation through handcrafted luxury chocolates, offering signature bonbons, dragees, and seasonal collections crafted using premium ingredients sourced globally.


Loya at Taj Palace New Delhi Unveils New Menu Celebrating North India's Culinary Heritage

Loya at Taj Palace New Delhi Unveils New Menu Celebrating North India's Culinary Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 3, 2026

Loya at Taj Palace, New Delhi has unveiled a thoughtfully curated new menu that continues its journey of exploring the culinary traditions of North India. Built on extensive research, regional travel and interactions with local communities, the latest menu showcases authentic recipes, time-honoured cooking techniques and immersive dining experiences that celebrate the rich food heritage of the region.

Inspired by Loya's philosophy of discovering lesser-known culinary stories, the menu has been developed through extensive journeys across North India's villages, mountains and hinterlands. The culinary team documented recipes from home kitchens, regional cooks and traditional practitioners, preserving not only the ingredients and techniques but also the cultural narratives behind each dish.

The new menu reflects the diversity of North India's culinary landscape, with dishes inspired by Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and the Dogra region. Each creation captures the traditions, seasonal ingredients and local practices that have been passed down through generations.

Traditional cooking methods remain at the heart of the dining experience. Techniques such as dhungar (smoke infusion), slow cooking and hand-pounding of spices have been carefully incorporated to preserve the authenticity and depth of flavour while presenting the dishes with contemporary refinement.

Among the highlights is Fazilka Launji Chaat, inspired by Punjab's border districts, alongside Bhey Kebab, a lotus stem delicacy from the Dogra region. Guests can also savour Doaba Mutton Curry, showcasing the rich flavours of Punjab's fertile plains, while Karari Phillauri Macchi presents freshwater fish with contrasting textures.

The menu further explores the Himalayan region through dishes such as Sirmouri Murg, prepared using fermented yoghurt and regional raw turmeric, and Yaji Wangun, a traditional Kashmiri preparation pairing walnut dumplings with baby brinjal in an aromatic gravy.

Complementing the main dishes are regional accompaniments including Tehar, a culturally significant Kashmiri rice preparation, and Bedwa Kulcha, a Himachali-style stuffed kulcha filled with spiced kulth dal that reflects the earthy flavours of the Pahadi region.

Adding an interactive element to the dining experience, Loya has introduced Kulfa, inspired by the streets of Amritsar. Presented tableside, the dessert combines phirni, frozen reduced milk, rabri and rose into a theatrical finale that blends nostalgia with culinary craftsmanship.

Commenting on the launch, Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President & Brand Custodian, IHCL, said, "Since its inception, Loya has remained obsessed with uncovering the untold food stories of the North. Through years of immersive research, our journeys have taken us deep into villages, the hinterlands, and the foothills and mountains of the Himalayas, documenting the food of the foot soldiers, farming communities and local households whose culinary traditions have endured through generations. This new menu is a continuation of that enduring pursuit, celebrating the richness of the North with authenticity, integrity and profound respect for its origins."

Sharing his thoughts on the culinary journey behind the menu, Rajesh Wadhwa, Grand Master Chef, Loya, said, "This menu is shaped by our journeys into the interiors of the North, by listening, observing and learning from those who continue to cook these dishes in their most authentic form. Our approach has always been to bring these stories to the table with care, while preserving their essence."

With its latest menu, Loya continues to strengthen its position as a destination for regional culinary exploration, offering guests an experience that goes beyond dining by bringing together heritage, craftsmanship and authentic storytelling through every dish.

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