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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 Hariharan U
Published on July 16, 2026
The Leela Gandhinagar is celebrating India’s rich royal culinary traditions with the launch of its Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail at Diya, the hotel’s signature Indian specialty restaurant. Running from 16th July to 31st July 2026, the festival invites guests to experience the timeless flavours, aromas, and craftsmanship of India’s royal kitchens through an exclusive selection of biryanis and kebabs.
Inspired by culinary traditions once enjoyed by royal households across the country, the festival brings together fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, slow-cooking techniques, and expertly grilled preparations that have made biryanis and kebabs iconic expressions of Indian fine dining.
As guests enter Diya, they are welcomed by the rich aromas of saffron-infused rice, roasted spices, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and traditional preparations crafted with precision. The festival celebrates the artistry behind these dishes, highlighting regional influences and generations of culinary knowledge passed down through India’s royal kitchens.
The specially curated menu features an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, including signature biryanis such as Hyderabadi Kathal Dum Biryani, Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani, and Murgh Dum Biryani. Each preparation showcases layers of fragrant rice, carefully balanced spices, and slow-cooked ingredients designed to create a rich and authentic dining experience.
The kebab selection reflects the diversity and sophistication of Indian grilling traditions with creations including Shahi Subz Akhrot Ki Seekh, Ulta Tawa Subz Galouti, Murgh Angar Bedgi, and Gosht Aur Hare Pyaaz Ki Seekh. Prepared by the hotel’s Master Chef, every dish combines traditional techniques with refined presentation, capturing the elegance associated with royal Indian cuisine.
The culinary experience is further enhanced by Diya’s luxurious interiors, featuring silver-adorned ceilings, handcrafted chandeliers, Venetian mirrors, and contemporary Indian design elements. The restaurant’s elegant ambience creates a setting inspired by royal dining chambers, allowing guests to enjoy the festival as an immersive gastronomic journey.
Whether for an intimate dinner, family gathering, or special celebration, the Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail offers guests an opportunity to explore India’s culinary heritage while experiencing the signature hospitality of The Leela.
Speaking about the festival, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “Biryanis and kebabs carry a remarkable legacy of royal kitchens, regional craftsmanship, and generations of culinary artistry. Through this festival, we wanted to recreate the warmth and grandeur of those timeless traditions while offering our guests an experience that reflects the elegance and authenticity associated with Diya and The Leela.”
Through this celebration, The Leela Gandhinagar continues its commitment to showcasing India’s diverse culinary heritage through thoughtfully curated dining experiences. The Royal Biryani & Kebab Trail brings together tradition, craftsmanship, and luxury hospitality, offering guests a memorable journey through flavours that have adorned India’s royal tables for centuries.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
ITC Foods has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of B Natural Coconut Cola, introducing what it describes as a first-of-its-kind drink in India. Combining the familiar taste and fizz of cola with the goodness of coconut water, the new beverage is designed for consumers looking for lighter, everyday refreshment without compromising on taste.
Built around the brand proposition 'Refreshingly Simple', B Natural Coconut Cola contains Zero Caffeine, Zero Added Sugar, and just 9 kcal per serve. The launch reflects the growing demand for beverages that offer both enjoyment and better-for-you choices.
According to ITC Foods, changing consumer preferences have created a need for drinks that feel lighter while still delivering a satisfying experience. With Coconut Cola, the company aims to address this gap by creating a new beverage category, a hydrating cola that blends indulgence with wellness.
The launch also highlights B Natural's continued focus on innovation, with the brand introducing products that align with the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. Coconut Cola marks the latest addition to its portfolio of differentiated beverage offerings.
Speaking about the launch, Mr. Vivek Kookkal, Vice President and Business Head - Dairy and Beverages, Foods Division, ITC Ltd, said:
"Coconut Cola is rooted in a simple consumer insight that indulgence does not need to be over engineered to be enjoyable. With this unique launch, we aim to encourage consumers to rediscover the value of simplicity through a thoughtfully crafted beverage experience - combining the familiar taste of cola with coconut water, we are offering an alternative that is both enjoyable and refreshingly simple"
The product has been developed in collaboration with ITC's Product Development and Life Sciences & Technology Centre (LSTC) teams. Their combined efforts have ensured that the beverage delivers the familiar cola experience while maintaining its wellness-focused proposition.
B Natural Coconut Cola is now available in a 250 ml can priced at INR 60. The product will be rolled out across leading retail outlets and quick commerce platforms in key metro cities, including Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Published on July 15, 2026
Ironhill Marathahalli has announced the launch of The Monsoon Affair, a seasonal culinary celebration that brings together comforting flavours, nostalgic recipes, and immersive dining experiences to mark the arrival of the monsoon in Bengaluru.
Running from July 15 to August 31, the limited-period menu has been curated to capture India's enduring love for monsoon comfort food through a selection of hearty dishes inspired by regional flavours and seasonal indulgences.
Among the highlights are the Smoky Sigdiwala Bhutta, Madras Curry, Lamb Fry, and Haleem Bun with Mutton Marag, each offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional comfort food while celebrating the warmth and richness associated with the rainy season.
Complementing the food is a selection of refreshing beverages designed for the season, alongside a monsoon-inspired ambience and interactive experiences that enhance the overall dining experience.
With The Monsoon Affair, Ironhill aims to transform the rainy season into an occasion for guests to gather, unwind, and enjoy flavourful dishes in a vibrant setting. The seasonal promotion reflects the restaurant's focus on creating themed culinary experiences that combine comfort, hospitality, and memorable moments.
The Monsoon Affair will be available at Ironhill Marathahalli until August 31, offering diners an opportunity to savour specially curated seasonal dishes throughout the monsoon.
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