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.


Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) announced its financial results for Q1 FY26, recording a net profit of Rs 13 crore. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 154 crore, a 14% increase year-on-year, while operating EBITDA grew 16% YoY to Rs 45 crore. The company maintained an industry-leading occupancy of 92%, reaffirming its leadership in the hospitality sector.

ASPHL’s growth is fueled by expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. The company recently signed an MoU to acquire and manage four leisure properties in Goa, Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala, adding 138 rooms under its brand. These steps align with ASPHL’s strategy to broaden its presence in high-potential tourism destinations and double its key count to 5,750 over the next five years.

Flurys, ASPHL’s iconic bakery and confectionery brand, now operates 102 outlets nationwide, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding its market presence while integrating modern amenities with rich cultural heritage.

Commenting on the performance, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, said,

"We have delivered an extraordinary and best-ever Q1, setting a strong momentum for the year ahead. With topline growth of 14% and EBITDA growth of 16%, we recorded India’s highest occupancy of 92% and maintained leadership in RevPAR in the upper-upscale segment. ARR improved by 13% and RevPAR increased by 12%. With nearly 600 new rooms added, including a 41% rise in our asset-light model, and nationwide Flurys rollout, we are poised to scale faster, enhance margins, and deliver exceptional shareholder value."

ASPHL’s strong performance in Q1 FY26 underscores its strategic focus on market expansion, operational excellence, and premium guest experiences.


Marriott Announces Dividend and Expands Share Buyback Plan

Marriott Announces Dividend and Expands Share Buyback Plan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

Marriott International, Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 67 cents per share on its common stock, reaffirming its commitment to delivering shareholder value. The dividend will be paid on September 30, 2025, to shareholders who are on record as of August 21, 2025.

Alongside the dividend announcement, the hospitality giant also revealed an expansion of its share repurchase program. The board of directors has authorized the repurchase of an additional 25 million shares of its Class A common stock. This comes in addition to the approximately 7.4 million shares that were still available under previous authorizations as of July 30, 2025.

Marriott has already bought back 6.4 million shares this year, amounting to $1.7 billion. These moves reflect the company’s continued confidence in its financial stability and long-term performance, aiming to strengthen shareholder value through strategic capital allocation.


Chennai Postal Services Still Disrupted: Experts Call for Alternative Systems Amid Software Transition

Chennai Postal Services Still Disrupted: Experts Call for Alternative Systems Amid Software Transition

By Author

Published on August 4, 2025

In what was intended to be a smooth digital transformation, postal services across the Chennai Circle continue to remain disrupted even days after a scheduled upgrade to India Post's new IT 2.0 system. The software transition—part of a broader effort to modernize the nation’s postal network—was implemented on August 2nd and 4th across Chennai North and South divisions. However, officials have now confirmed that technical issues still persist, leaving customers and businesses grappling with delayed or inaccessible services.

Key services such as Speed Post, registered mail, parcel bookings, and money orders have either been significantly slowed or paused altogether in many branches. Despite expectations that systems would normalize post-upgrade, the rollout of the Advanced Postal Technology (APT) system has proven more complex than anticipated.

“We are still working on stabilizing the system. There have been unforeseen glitches post-upgrade, and our teams are actively resolving them,” said a senior postal official who requested anonymity.

The disruption has raised concerns across industries—including the hospitality sector—where timely document dispatch, license renewals, vendor payments, and customer correspondence are crucial to daily operations.

Experts and industry stakeholders are now calling on India Post to introduce alternative operational strategies or backup mechanisms during such large-scale transitions.

“In a digital age where seamless service is non-negotiable, a complete blackout due to a software update is avoidable. A fallback process, whether manual or cloud-based, should be in place to ensure continuity,” said a Chennai-based hospitality consultant.

The hospitality industry relies heavily on postal services for legal documentation, international communication, and procurement logistics. The ongoing delays have caused bottlenecks not just in operations but also in customer experience delivery.

As authorities continue to work toward a resolution, the broader question remains: Should India’s essential public infrastructure be this vulnerable to a single system upgrade? The answer may lie in future-proofing core services with hybrid digital models that include disaster recovery plans and parallel systems.


Hospitalitynews.in will continue to track updates as the situation evolves.

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