USA Blueberries Washington Boost Innovation in India's Baking Industry

USA Blueberries Washington Boost Innovation in India's Baking Industry

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 13, 2024

The Indian baking industry is experiencing a surge in innovation, driven in part by the rising popularity of U.S. blueberries. At an event in New Delhi, industry leaders gathered to discuss how USA Blueberries Washington is contributing to the sector's growth, which is projected to reach $29.4 billion by 2032. The event showcased the versatility and health benefits of blueberries.

W. Garth Thorburn Jr., Agricultural Minister Counselor at the U.S. Embassy, emphasized the importance of innovation in food, noting that it extends beyond taste. “Innovation in food is not solely about flavor; it's about creating new business avenues and redefining culinary practices for a healthier future," he asserted. “Incorporating USA blueberries washington into baking not only enhances taste but also boosts nutritional value, creating a unique selling proposition for bakers," he said. The use of blueberries offers both flavor and health benefits, appealing to health-conscious consumers and opening doors for bakers to differentiate their products.

Raj Kapoor, India Representative of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, reinforced this point, stating, "Blueberries are not just a delicious ingredient; they represent a commitment to healthier eating and present exciting business opportunities for bakers and entrepreneurs." By integrating this superfood into both traditional and modern recipes, bakers can meet the growing demand for nutritious options.

The event, known as USA Blueberries Washington Bakers Day, featured live demonstrations by renowned chefs Rakhee Vaswani and Nishant Chaubey, who showcased blueberry-infused desserts. Attendees were shown how U.S. blueberries can elevate a range of dishes, from traditional Indian sweets to contemporary baked goods. Chef Vaswani highlighted the versatility of blueberries, noting, "Baking with blueberries not only elevates flavor but also introduces a wealth of nutrients essential for modern diets."

Hands-on workshops allowed participants to explore innovative flavor pairings and incorporate blueberries into classic recipes like muffins and cakes. These interactive sessions encouraged collaboration, enabling bakers to share techniques and ideas, fostering creativity within the industry.

A baking competition was a key highlight of the day, with aspiring bakers presenting cakes that featured USA blueberries washington. Judges, including culinary school representatives and food innovation leaders, evaluated the entries on creativity and skill. One standout creation was a blueberry trifle that layered sponge cake with fresh cream and homemade blueberry compote. "Events like this inspire bakers to experiment with flavors and elevate their offerings," Thorburn noted.

A panel discussion on the future of food in India further explored how agricultural innovation, like the integration of U.S. blueberries, can lead to healthier eating habits and new market opportunities. Dr. Shalini Sehgal, President of the Association of Food Scientists and Technologists in India (AFSTI), stated, "As consumers become more aware of what they eat, they will demand higher-quality ingredients, opening doors for businesses that prioritize health and nutrition."

The event also provided networking opportunities, allowing professionals from agricultural organizations, food technology firms, and culinary schools to discuss potential collaborations. The day ended with the announcement of the baking competition winners, and excitement buzzed as participants and attendees reflected on the day's innovations.


Eternal Pumps Rs 450 Crore Into Blinkit as the Quick Commerce Race Gets More Intense

Eternal Pumps Rs 450 Crore Into Blinkit as the Quick Commerce Race Gets More Intense

By Hariharan U

Published on March 16, 2026

The quick commerce battle in India is moving fast, and Eternal is making sure Blinkit keeps pace. The Gurugram-based parent company has infused Rs 450 crore into its quick commerce arm Blinkit, according to a regulatory filing with the Registrar of Companies. This is Eternal's first capital injection into the business in 2026, following a total of Rs 2,600 crore pumped in across 2025.

To put the 2025 numbers in context, Eternal injected Rs 500 crore in January, Rs 1,500 crore in February, and another Rs 600 crore in November of last year. The latest infusion signals that the pace of investment isn't letting up as competition in the 10-minute delivery segment continues to intensify.

Blinkit has reasons to feel confident heading into this next phase. The company turned profitable in the December quarter, reporting an adjusted EBITDA profit of Rs 4 crore in Q3FY26 compared to a loss of Rs 103 crore in the same period the previous year. Revenue jumped to Rs 12,256 crore from Rs 1,399 crore a year earlier, and gross profit climbed to Rs 3,539 crore from Rs 1,300 crore. Those are significant numbers, and they reflect a business that has found its footing even as it continues to scale aggressively.

The capital will support Blinkit's ongoing dark store expansion, working capital requirements, and operating costs as it pushes towards its target of 3,000 micro-warehouses by March 2027. As of December 31st, the company had 2,027 stores operational.

The competitive landscape around Blinkit is getting busier. Swiggy raised Rs 10,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement in December 2025, just over a year after its IPO. Zepto has filed confidential draft papers with SEBI for its own IPO. And larger players including Amazon, Flipkart, and Reliance Industries are all stepping up their presence in quick commerce, making this one of the most actively contested spaces in India's consumer technology sector right now.

There's also been a notable leadership shift at Eternal. Founder Deepinder Goyal stepped down as Managing Director and CEO in February, with Blinkit founder and CEO Albinder Dhindsa taking over the top role. Dhindsa continues to lead Blinkit as well, consolidating leadership of the quick commerce business at a critical growth phase.

One more number worth noting: in terms of net order value, Blinkit has now overtaken Eternal's core food delivery business. That's a remarkable milestone for a segment that didn't exist in its current form just a few years ago.


Devyani International Q3 FY26: Loss Widens to ₹109 Cr, Revenue Grows 11%

Devyani International Q3 FY26: Loss Widens to ₹109 Cr, Revenue Grows 11%

By Hariharan U

Published on February 9, 2026

Devyani International Ltd (DIL), one of India’s largest quick service restaurant (QSR) operators, reported a net loss of ₹109.78 crore for the December quarter of FY26, widening from a loss of ₹76.46 crore in the same period last year.

Despite the higher loss, the company posted steady top-line growth, with revenue from operations rising 11.31% year-on-year to ₹1,440.9 crore. Total income, including other income, stood at ₹1,453.22 crore, up 11.48% compared to the year-ago quarter.

Total expenses during the quarter increased 11.71% to ₹1,446.5 crore. However, Devyani International said it saw broad-based improvement in margins, supported by operational efficiencies and performance across formats. Notably, its Biryani By Kilo business, acquired last year through Sky Gate Hospitality, achieved breakeven during the quarter.

Commenting on the performance, chairman Ravi Jaipuria said, “Our business continues to grow in a sustained manner. India operations grew 12.1% year-on-year, while consolidated revenues reached ₹1,441 crore. Our international business continues to gather strength from both an operations and profitability perspective.”

As of December 31, 2025, Devyani International operated 2,279 stores globally, including 1,877 in India and 402 overseas. During the quarter, the company added 95 net new stores, led by 54 KFC and 18 Pizza Hut outlets, while Biryani By Kilo added 13 locations.

The company has also initiated a focused turnaround strategy for Pizza Hut by rationalising loss-making stores and optimising capital expenditure. Separately, Devyani International’s board approved the acquisition of an additional 11.4% stake in Sky Gate Hospitality for ₹57.5 crore.


Union Budget 2026–27 Opens New Pathways for Wellness-Led Tourism: Dharana at Shillim

Union Budget 2026–27 Opens New Pathways for Wellness-Led Tourism: Dharana at Shillim

By Hariharan U

Published on February 4, 2026

The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a growing recognition of tourism and hospitality as key enablers of experience-led travel in India. With a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and institutional support, the budget sets a positive direction for long-term destination growth.

For the wellness hospitality sector, the continued focus on India’s traditional systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga signals a renewed intent to strengthen tourism offerings rooted in authenticity, wellbeing, and mindful engagement with cultural and natural heritage.

Sharing its post-budget perspective, Poonam Singh, Dharana at Shillim stated: "The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a considered recognition of tourism and hospitality as important enablers of experience-led travel. The emphasis on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and institutional support, alongside a continued focus on India's traditional wellness systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga, signals an intent to strengthen destinations grounded in authenticity, wellbeing, and a mindful engagement with cultural and natural heritage.

For the wellness and hospitality sector, these measures create opportunities to advance sustainable tourism, enable meaningful regional employment, and elevate service standards, reinforcing India's position as a globally credible destination for holistic wellbeing and conscious travel.”

The perspective underlines how policy support can encourage responsible investment, generate regional employment, and raise service standards across wellness-led destinations. As conscious travel continues to gain traction globally, such measures are expected to further strengthen India’s standing as a trusted hub for holistic wellbeing experiences. 

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.