Wheat Industry Unites in Hyderabad to Advance Pest Management and Sustainability

Wheat Industry Unites in Hyderabad to Advance Pest Management and Sustainability

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 28, 2024

The Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS), the leading body for wheat and wheat-based industries since 1987, hosted a landmark conference in Hyderabad, uniting over 100 industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders. Held at Vivanta Hyderabad Begumpet, the event focused on tackling pressing challenges in pest management, food safety, and sustainability for the wheat milling industry.

In his opening address, Mr. Manish Gupta, President of the Telangana Roller Flour Mills Association, stressed the importance of technological advancements and sustainable practices to address the sector’s evolving demands. WPPS Chairman Mr. Ajay Goyal echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Society's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration to overcome emerging challenges such as pest management and food safety.

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Keynote and Technical Insights

The conference’s keynote speaker, Shri R.V. Karnan, IAS, Commissioner of Food Safety for Telangana, highlighted the critical role of food safety standards and regulatory compliance. His address underscored the need for unified efforts to meet global food safety requirements while advancing sustainable pest management practices.

The technical sessions offered actionable insights into modern practices:

  • Grain Storage Evolution: Presented by Mr. Munishwar Vasudeva, Managing Director of Lotus Harvestec, focused on the role of automation in enhancing pest control and storage efficiency.
  • Good Fumigation Practices: Delivered by Dr. GSS Prakash and Mr. Bhupendra Patil of Sandhya Group, offering strategies to improve fumigation methods.
  • Sustainable Silo Storage: Dr. Anna-Maria Nunez Vega, CTO of Grain Technik Pvt. Ltd., highlighted eco-friendly technologies for grain storage.
  • Innovative Methods: Mr. Praveen Gupta, Vice President of GrainPro India, introduced energy-efficient drying and storage techniques aimed at reducing waste.
  • Chemical-Free Pest Control: Mr. Anil Bhat of Integro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. discussed heat treatments as alternatives to harmful chemicals.
  • Integrated Pest Management: Presented by Mr. Ujjwal Kumar of E&G Pathway, showcasing automation and data-driven pest control strategies.

Sustainability as the Core Theme

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Sustainability emerged as a central theme, with discussions focusing on reducing environmental impact while ensuring food safety and efficiency. Pest management consultant Mr. Siddharth Sarangpani emphasized the role of food safety audits in maintaining compliance and enhancing pest control effectiveness.

The conference concluded with a networking lunch, fostering collaboration and partnerships among participants. WPPS reaffirmed its dedication to driving innovation, sustainability, and growth in the wheat milling sector, ensuring its pivotal role in global food security.

About WPPS

Founded in 1987, the Wheat Products Promotion Society is the apex body representing India’s wheat-based industries. WPPS is committed to advancing the sector through advocacy, collaboration, and innovation, addressing challenges to ensure sustainable growth and global competitiveness.


Haldiram's Expands Punjab Presence with New Store Launch in Gurdaspur

Haldiram's Expands Punjab Presence with New Store Launch in Gurdaspur

By Hariharan U

Published on July 24, 2026

Haldiram's has strengthened its presence in Punjab with the launch of a new retail and dining outlet in Gurdaspur, further expanding its growing network across North India. Located at West Ville, Pathankot Bypass, Amritsar Highway, Dinanagar, the new store offers customers a comprehensive food and retail experience under one roof.

The newly opened outlet combines dine-in facilities with Haldiram's extensive portfolio of sweets, snacks, bakery products, frozen foods, ready-to-eat meals, beverages, and packaged food offerings. Designed as a convenient destination for both local residents and travellers, the store reflects the brand's continued focus on enhancing accessibility across key regional markets.

Guests can enjoy a diverse dining menu featuring North Indian and South Indian cuisine, chaats, traditional Indian sweets, bakery products, and popular street food favourites. The restaurant has been developed to provide a contemporary yet comfortable dining experience while maintaining the authentic flavours associated with the Haldiram's brand.

Beyond the dine-in experience, the outlet also houses Haldiram's complete retail range, including its signature namkeens, frozen foods, ready-to-eat products, beverages, and curated gifting options, enabling customers to enjoy the brand's products both at home and on the go.

The opening of the Gurdaspur outlet reinforces Haldiram's strategy of expanding into emerging regional markets while making its diverse culinary offerings more accessible to consumers across the country. The company continues to strengthen its national retail footprint by combining restaurant experiences with comprehensive food retail under a single destination.


NV Group Launches Stainley Gold Whisky and Blue Moon Minty Jamun Vodka, Expands Premium Spirits Portfolio

NV Group Launches Stainley Gold Whisky and Blue Moon Minty Jamun Vodka, Expands Premium Spirits Portfolio

By Hariharan U

Published on July 24, 2026

NV Group has announced the launch of two new products Stainley Gold, a premium blended Indian whisky, and Blue Moon Minty Jamun, a flavoured vodka as the company strengthens its presence in India's rapidly growing premium spirits market.

The launches mark NV Group's entry into two highly competitive spirits categories, targeting aspirational whisky consumers and younger adults seeking flavour-led drinking experiences. Initially introduced in Delhi, both brands will be rolled out across Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Chandigarh, Goa, and Maharashtra, with the company aiming to establish a presence in at least 10 states by FY2026–27.

According to the company, India's premium spirits segment continues to witness strong momentum, driven by rising consumer preference for premium products and increasing demand from Tier-II cities. Whisky remains the country's largest spirits category, while flavoured vodka is emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments.

Stainley Gold is a premium blended Indian whisky crafted using matured imported Scotch malts blended with Indian grain spirit. Bottled at 42.8% ABV, the whisky offers notes of soft oak, vanilla, and dried fruit. In Delhi, it is priced at ₹700 for a 750 ml bottle and will also be available in 375 ml, 180 ml, 90 ml, and 60 ml pack sizes.

Blue Moon Minty Jamun is a rice-based flavoured vodka distilled three times and bottled at 37.5% ABV. Featuring a jamun-forward flavour profile balanced with a light mint finish, the vodka is designed for cocktails, highballs, and shots. It is priced at ₹600 for a 750 ml bottle in Delhi and will also be offered in 375 ml and 180 ml variants.

Both products are manufactured at NV Distilleries & Breweries Pvt. Ltd. in Rajpura, Punjab, under the supervision of Ramesh Gaudo, Senior Vice President – Blending & Bottling, NV Group.

Commenting on the launch, Varun Jain, CEO & Founder of Smoke Lab, NV Group, said the Indian spirits market is evolving rapidly as consumers increasingly seek products that combine quality, authenticity, and distinctive flavour profiles. He added that Stainley Gold and Blue Moon Minty Jamun have been developed to meet these changing preferences while strengthening the company's presence across key spirits categories.

The launches further reinforce NV Group's strategy to expand its Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) portfolio across whisky and flavoured vodka. Over the next two years, the company plans to accelerate its state-by-state expansion while focusing on flavour-led innovation and premium positioning across India's evolving spirits market.

Founded by Ashok Jain, NV Group is an integrated alcobev company with operations spanning vodka, gin, whisky, rum, brandy, and beer. Through brands such as Smoke Lab and Mohulo, the company continues to expand its presence in both domestic and international markets while promoting contemporary Indian spirits.


AUM Premium to Launch Paper-Based Bottles by Year-End, Expands Sustainability Push

AUM Premium to Launch Paper-Based Bottles by Year-End, Expands Sustainability Push

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 24, 2026

AUM Premium, India's affirmation-led natural Himalayan spring water brand, is set to introduce paper-based bottles by the end of this year as part of its growing focus on sustainable packaging. The new concept is aimed at reducing the use of plastic while maintaining the premium quality and safety of the water.

The proposed packaging will use responsibly sourced paper combined with a food-grade barrier to minimise the use of conventional plastic without affecting the product's integrity. Its lightweight design is also expected to improve transportation efficiency and reduce the overall environmental impact associated with packaging and distribution.

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Through this initiative, AUM Premium is looking to develop packaging solutions that balance functionality, convenience and environmental responsibility while continuing to offer consumers a premium hydration experience.

As part of its wider sustainability efforts, the brand has also partnered with Scrapbuddy, a Delhi-based waste management and recycling startup. The collaboration will provide customers with an easy recycling programme for used bottles, encouraging responsible disposal of packaging waste and supporting the development of a more circular packaging ecosystem.

Commenting on the initiative, Jagriti Motwani, Founder & CEO, AUM Premium, said:

"Water is a product people consume every day, but the conversation around it has largely remained limited to purity and price. Packaging deserves equal attention. Our objective is to reduce unnecessary plastic wherever possible without compromising product quality. The paper-based bottle is one step in that direction, and we will continue exploring better alternatives as the technology evolves."

While conventional plastic remains the industry standard for bottled water, AUM Premium has chosen to explore more sustainable alternatives. Built around its philosophy of Affirm, Uplift and Manifest, the brand believes that delivering a premium product extends beyond the quality of the water to every aspect of the consumer experience.

Looking ahead, AUM Premium plans to continue reimagining its packaging approach as it enters its next phase of growth. With the planned introduction of 100% plastic-free bottles, the brand aims to take another meaningful step towards responsible packaging while preserving the premium experience it is known for.

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