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By Author
Published on July 7, 2023
The alco-beverage industry in India is experiencing a notable transformation driven by changing consumer preferences, increased income levels, and growing awareness of international trends. Amidst this evolution, VBev, a prominent player in the Indian market, is poised for impressive growth in the coming years. Sumedh Singh Mandla, CEO of VBev India, recently shared the company's strategic vision for expanding its presence in this dynamic industry.
Mandla highlighted the thriving alco-culture in India's metro cities and Tier II/III cities, where there has been a robust demand for premium alco-beverages. Rising disposable incomes and heightened consumer awareness have led to a growing desire for quality experiences in food and beverage. Consumers are increasingly following global trends, resulting in significant demand for cocktails, tequila, gin, and malt whiskies.
According to Mandla, the market for imported liquor in India is shaped by current consumer trends. While high taxation and entry costs contribute to higher pricing in some states, the premium segment is experiencing rapid growth. The young and affluent consumer base, aged between 21-45 years, with higher spending power, is driving this growth. Increased digital connectivity and international travel have expanded their knowledge and fuelled their desire for new trends and experiences in the alco-bev space. VBev plays a crucial role as an importer in meeting these demands.
Infused alcoholic beverages, such as flavoured vodka and gin, have gained popularity due to the flourishing nightlife culture. However, whisky remains the leading category in the Indian alco-beverage market, followed by brandy and rum. There is growing awareness and demand for wine, gin, tequila, vodka, shooters, and cocktails. Infused whiskey is also finding some patronage. The cocktail culture, led by cocktail bars and lounges, is on the rise, with skilled bartenders gaining recognition. Cocktail festivals, vibrant nightlife, and premium lounges are driving this cultural shift.
VBev recognizes the importance of staying attuned to the evolving market landscape. With a diverse portfolio, the company continuously adapts to meet changing consumer preferences, emerging trends, and demands. Looking ahead to 2023, VBev plans to introduce premium categories like cognac, whiskies, and tequila, carefully curated to deliver unique and memorable experiences.
With a strong distribution network, brand development, a talented team, and strategic partnerships, VBev has built a wide-reaching presence across the Indian subcontinent. Their focus spans on-premises, off-premises, and travel retail channels.
Driven by their vision of achieving robust double-digit growth over the next five years, VBev aims to become a leading player in the Indian alco-beverage market. Their success will be supported by a focus on distribution, brand development, team strength, and strategic partnerships, as concluded by Mandla.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 12, 2025
Bengaluru’s favourite urban hangout just got tastier:
Monkey Bar on Museum Road has introduced a new menu — staying true to its spirit while dishing out bold flavours, comfort bites, and international flair. From bar snacks to hearty mains, this refreshed menu adds new favourites to an already vibrant food scene.
Still housed in its signature high-ceilinged space with warm lighting and a buzz of familiar playlists, Monkey Bar remains a go-to for casual lunches, spontaneous dinners, and those long evenings that stretch into the night.
The update brings a mix of old-school comfort and fresh global flavours. Whether you're into small plates or classic mains, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Some of the new highlights include:
Tuna Cutlet and Classic Paneer Tikka – starters with nostalgic appeal.
Chicken Tsukune – Japanese-style skewers that bring izakaya charm.
Cheese Burger – a timeless favourite done right.
Hariyali Fish Tikka – herb-marinated, perfectly grilled and fresh.
Hummus & Pita – a Mediterranean must-have.
Loaded Keema Wedges – a spiced Indian take on cheesy indulgence.
Military Mutton Biryani – aromatic, slow-cooked and flavour-packed.
Mutton Kofta & Appam – a fusion of South Indian and Mughlai richness.
These additions join Monkey Bar’s well-loved staples like comfort bowls, flatbreads, street food-inspired snacks, and its fun mix of cocktails and craft drinks.
Monkey Bar isn’t just a gastropub, it’s a slice of Bengaluru life. It’s where old friends reunite, new plans are born, and spontaneous evenings unfold. The updated menu strengthens its status as a neighbourhood favourite that evolves with the city while keeping its soul intact.
With the right mix of nostalgia, innovation, and good food, Monkey Bar invites you to come hungry and stay a little longer.
Fact Sheet
By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 11, 2025
India’s largest and fastest-growing specialty coffee brand, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, is making its way to the Gulf. In a strategic move, Blue Tokai has partnered with Ambrosia Gulf, which will serve as its master franchisee for the GCC, starting with a flagship launch in the United Arab Emirates. This marks the brand’s first official foray into the Middle East.
With over 175 cafés across India and an international footprint in Tokyo, this partnership is a key milestone for Blue Tokai as it looks to bring its signature farm-to-cup coffee experience to a new audience.
Ambrosia Gulf, part of the Ambrosia Foods Group and backed by mid-market investment firm Pulsar Capital, will lead the expansion. The firm is already known for operating Papa Johns in India (with its first outlet set for September 2025) and managing Biryani By Kilo in the GCC, underlining its strong cross-border brand management capabilities.
“We’re excited to bring Blue Tokai to the UAE and share its incredible coffee story with the region,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman of Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re focused on building brands that prioritize quality, authenticity, and customer experience — values that Blue Tokai exemplifies.”
Echoing this sentiment, Matt Chitranjan, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Tokai, said, “It’s an exciting time for us as we grow beyond India into a market that appreciates traceability, craft, and community. Ambrosia Gulf’s operational expertise and deep local insights make them the perfect partners for this journey.”
Adding to this, Shivam Shahi, COO of Blue Tokai, shared, “Partnering with a group that already operates leading food brands across India and the GCC gives us confidence as we scale internationally. This isn’t just expansion — it’s about building a regionally aligned presence while staying true to our values.”
Beyond launching cafés, the partnership also aims to introduce Blue Tokai’s FMCG offerings to the GCC, tapping into HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) and direct-to-consumer channels, thereby significantly broadening the brand’s reach.
The first Blue Tokai café in the UAE is expected to open by Q4 2025. Coffee lovers can look forward to experiencing Blue Tokai’s celebrated single-estate coffees, manual brewing styles, and a transparent, craftsmanship-driven café environment.
Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a beloved culinary spot in Greenville for soulful Indian fare, has launched an exciting new menu curated by Sous Chef Kishor Singh. The refreshed menu is a vibrant celebration of India’s rich culinary landscape, seamlessly blending traditional flavours with a touch of modern sophistication.
Chef Kishor Singh, renowned for his deep respect for regional Indian cuisine and innovative approach, has thoughtfully reimagined both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The ‘Veg Entrées’ now spotlight regional nuances with creations like Sagg Paneer Pasanda, tandoor-charred Tandoori Paneer Makhni, and the comforting Dum Aloo Banarasi. Popular classics such as Dal Makhni, Raw Mango Curry, and Malai Kofta return with subtle, refined updates, staying true to their authentic roots.
For non-vegetarian lovers, the menu doesn’t disappoint. From the universally adored Butter Chicken to the fiery Laal Maas, each dish is a testament to India’s diverse flavour profiles. Highlights include Old Delhi Mutton Nihari, Prawn Mango Curry, and the coastal-inspired Fish Moilee in a delicate coconut gravy.
“This menu is not just about food, but about storytelling—each dish reflects a part of India’s culinary journey,” shares Chef Singh, whose expertise brings together age-old techniques and contemporary tastes.
Crafted using premium ingredients and traditional spice blends, Namak’s new menu encapsulates the warmth of Indian hospitality while inviting diners to embark on a journey of culinary discovery.
With its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and now an even more enticing menu, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to solidify its place as a must-visit dining destination in Greenville.
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