U.S.A. Blueberries Offer a Healthy Twist to Diwali Sweets and Baked Goods

U.S.A. Blueberries Offer a Healthy Twist to Diwali Sweets and Baked Goods

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 20, 2024

As Diwali approaches on October 31st, consumers are shifting towards healthier food choices, creating demand for nutrient-rich options. U.S.A. Blueberries have emerged as a popular ingredient, offering both flavor and health benefits to traditional Indian sweets and baked goods. With their vibrant taste and versatility, blueberries are transforming festive treats while promoting wellness during the holiday season.

Chefs and bakers are now incorporating blueberries into classic Indian sweets like mithai, alongside fusion desserts such as puddings and cakes. The combination of blueberries with traditional flavors reflects a growing trend of blending Western baking techniques with Indian culinary traditions. These innovative creations cater to health-conscious consumers looking for festive indulgences without compromising on nutrition.

Raj Kapoor, India Representative of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), emphasized the growing role of blueberries in India’s culinary landscape. “Blueberries are not just a fleeting trend; they signify a broader shift towards health-conscious eating. By incorporating blueberries into our culinary practices, we elevate our products while also promoting community health and well-being,” Kapoor said.

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Blueberries are packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, contributing to heart health, bone strength, and immune support. Their availability in both fresh and frozen forms makes it easy for consumers to use them in everyday dishes. With the Indian bakery market projected to reach $29.4 billion by 2032, health-focused foods like blueberry-based products are gaining momentum among both traditional and modern consumers.

The market data reflects growing demand for blueberries in India. According to Volza, between January and September 2024, India imported 661,242 kg of dried blueberries, with the U.S. supplying 392,786 kg. These dried varieties, often sweetened, are widely used in snack foods, baked goods, and sweets, supporting the "Make in India" initiative while generating jobs in sectors like bakery and dairy.

Fresh blueberry imports have also grown, with India sourcing 420,923 kg of fresh berries—mostly from Peru—and 237,266 kg of Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) blueberries, sourced from Chile, Canada, and the U.S. The availability of year-round supplies ensures that the growing demand for blueberries can be met throughout the year.

With just 80 calories per cup, blueberries provide a nutritious, low-calorie option packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Their growing popularity reflects a broader consumer trend towards healthy eating and innovative food products. As the Indian baking industry evolves, U.S. blueberries are expected to play a key role in reshaping festive and everyday treats by offering a perfect blend of taste, health, and creativity.


SOCIAL Oktobeerfest 2025: Bigger Buckets, Bolder Bites, and Brew Bingo Fun!

SOCIAL Oktobeerfest 2025: Bigger Buckets, Bolder Bites, and Brew Bingo Fun!

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 1, 2025

SOCIAL, India’s favorite neighborhood café-bar, is back with its much-awaited Oktobeerfest 2025, running from 6th to 19th October. This year’s edition promises bigger buckets, bolder bites, and playful new experiences designed to bring people together over food, beer, and festive cheer.

Buckets, Platters & Pairings

Beer takes the spotlight with bucket deals offering up to 20% savings on 3, 6, and 9 pints, perfect for sharing with friends. Making a comeback is SOCIAL’s popular Sausage Platter, the perfect companion to chilled brews. Guests can also indulge in exclusive bucket-and-platter pairings crafted to spark camaraderie and turn group hangouts into memorable beer-filled feasts.

SOCIAL’s Brew Bingo

Adding a quirky SOCIAL twist, each table will feature Brew Bingo, a beer-inspired challenge card with fun prompts like “chugged a pint in one go,” “spilled beer on yourself and kept drinking,” or “paired beer with dessert.” Guests can tick off their challenges as they go, creating laughter-filled moments to remember.

Festive Vibes All Around

All SOCIAL outlets nationwide will transform with buntings, quirky décor, and festive energy. True to SOCIAL’s spirit of being a second home for communities, the festival combines good beer, hearty food, and togetherness.

Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd, shared, “Oktobeerfest at SOCIAL has become a custom our communities look forward to every year. It’s our way of raising a toast to togetherness with buckets to share, a hearty platter to dig into, and playful experiences that bring people closer. Every year, we add a new SOCIAL twist to the global Oktobeerfest tradition, making it uniquely ours and something our guests can truly call their own.”

With bigger buckets, flavorful pairings, and engaging activities, Oktobeerfest 2025 is set to turn October into a month-long celebration of flavor, fun, and friendship, reaffirming SOCIAL’s place as the go-to neighborhood destination for unforgettable gatherings.


Santé Spa Cuisine Opens Third Pune Outlet at Law College Road

Santé Spa Cuisine Opens Third Pune Outlet at Law College Road

By Hariharan U

Published on October 1, 2025

Santé Spa Cuisine, the award-winning health and wellness dining brand, has strengthened its presence in Pune with the opening of its third outlet at Law College Road. Known for its commitment to fresh, preservative-free, and plant-based cooking, the brand continues to champion mindful dining with dishes that balance taste, nutrition, and sustainability.

The new outlet, set in the backyard of a century-old home surrounded by greenery, features both indoor and outdoor seating for up to 120 guests. With cane, bamboo, copper, and recycled accents, the space reflects Santé’s eco-conscious philosophy while encouraging guests to relax and connect with nature.

Santé’s menu remains true to its wellness-driven ethos. Guests can choose from vegetarian, vegan, Jain, and gluten-free options including millet bowls packed with superfoods, Levantine-inspired protein-rich dishes, gluten-free multigrain pizzas, high-fibre casseroles, and indulgent yet healthy desserts made with jaggery, date sugar, and erythritol. Cold-pressed juices, detox beverages, and carefully paired wines and sangrias complement the food experience.

Founder Sonal Barmecha shared her vision at the launch, “Our aim is to provide a space where people can sit peacefully and nourish both body and mind. With the Law College Road outlet, we are creating more than a dining space, we are building a community that values health, sustainability, and mindful living.”

She added, “The vibrant greenery and open spaces beautifully complement our ethos of simplicity and nourishment. We hope this space inspires people to adopt healthier lifestyles and to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, while also caring for the planet.”

With outlets already at Koregaon Park and Baner in Pune, along with three locations in Mumbai, Santé Spa Cuisine is rapidly expanding its reach in the health food space. Soon to be available on Swiggy and Zomato, the brand is making nutritious and sustainable dining more accessible to urban diners.

Santé’s seasonal menus, like the current Monsoon Menu featuring Himalayan Thukpa soup with momos, keep the experience fresh, relevant, and comforting.

About Santé Spa Cuisine

Founded by Sonal Barmecha and led by Chef Shailendra Kekade, Santé Spa Cuisine has been redefining India’s health dining landscape for over a decade. With a philosophy of ‘less-is-more,’ the brand focuses on plant-based, preservative-free meals rooted in sustainability. Its outlets across Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Ahmedabad reflect a vision of mindful eating that nurtures both the body and the environment.


The Den Bengaluru Launches Kebabs & Biryanis Fridays

The Den Bengaluru Launches Kebabs & Biryanis Fridays

By Hariharan U

Published on October 1, 2025

 The Den, Bengaluru, a 5-star luxury property known for its innovative dining experiences, has launched “Kebabs & Biryanis Fridays”, a weekend culinary festival celebrating the best of India’s flavours.

Every Friday evening from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, The Den transforms into a gourmet destination where succulent kebabs inspired by cities across India meet five distinct variations of biryanis, prepared with traditional methods and authentic spices. Guests can also opt for an unlimited beverage package to complement the lavish buffet.

This experience goes beyond dining—designed to bring people together, it encourages families and friends to enjoy food, flavours, and celebrations under one roof. The restaurant’s elegant setting and warm ambience enhance the festive vibe, making it a perfect start to the weekend.

Details:

  • What: Kebabs & Biryanis

  • When: Every Friday

  • Where: The Creek at The Den, Bengaluru

  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

With “Kebabs & Biryanis Fridays,” The Den Bengaluru promises a feast that blends tradition, indulgence, and togetherness, a true celebration of India’s rich culinary heritage.

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