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.


Sayaji Hotel Vadodara Celebrates Indian Traditions with Mithaas by Sayaji

Sayaji Hotel Vadodara Celebrates Indian Traditions with Mithaas by Sayaji

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2026

Sayaji Hotel Vadodara celebrated Indian culture and culinary heritage with a traditional Laddoo Mixing Ceremony under its special initiative, ‘Mithaas by Sayaji’. The event brought guests together for a shared culinary experience, highlighting the values of tradition, togetherness and community bonding.

Conceptualised by the hotel's Marketing Team, Mithaas by Sayaji aims to celebrate traditional Indian practices through meaningful guest experiences. The Laddoo Mixing Ceremony reflected the cultural significance of preparing sweets together, symbolising happiness, prosperity, sharing and togetherness.

The evening began with a welcome address by Anand Mishra, Unit Head, Sayaji Hotel Vadodara, followed by the Laddoo Mixing Ceremony, in which guests actively participated. The activity brought together different ingredients to create a traditional sweet, reflecting how shared experiences can build connections and create lasting memories.

Speaking on the occasion,  Anand Mishra, Unit Head, Sayaji Hotel Vadodara, said, “Indian traditions are deeply rooted in togetherness, sharing and celebrating life’s special moments with one another. Through Mithaas by Sayaji, we wanted to bring these values to life by creating an experience where our guests could actively participate in a traditional culinary practice. The Laddoo Mixing Ceremony is a beautiful reminder of how simple traditions can create lasting memories and strengthen connections. At Sayaji, we believe hospitality goes beyond providing exceptional service; it is also about creating meaningful experiences that make every guest feel connected and valued.”

The ceremony was followed by a traditional Diya Lighting Ceremony, symbolising positivity, prosperity, hope and new beginnings. The celebration concluded with a specially curated High Tea experience and the distribution of festive hampers to guests as tokens of appreciation.

The event was supported by the Sayaji Hotel Vadodara team under the guidance of Anand Mishra, with contributions from Mandeep Singh Saluja, Food & Beverage Manager; Chef Mahtab Raza Ansari, Executive Chef; and the hotel's management, culinary, marketing and operational teams.

Through Mithaas by Sayaji, the hotel continues to celebrate India's cultural and culinary heritage by bringing people together through traditional practices. The initiative reflects its focus on creating guest experiences that go beyond conventional hospitality and offer opportunities to connect, share and make memories.


Native Bombay Reopens at Ballard Estate with a Refreshed Culinary Identity

Native Bombay Reopens at Ballard Estate with a Refreshed Culinary Identity

By Hariharan U

Published on November 5, 2026

Native Bombay is returning to its familiar address in Mumbai's historic Ballard Estate with a refreshed culinary identity, an expressive small-plates menu and a new association with Soulinaire, the signature lifestyle catering brand of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL).

Led by Chef Darius Madon, the restaurant's latest chapter places greater emphasis on sharing, culinary exploration and contemporary interpretations of the flavours that define Bombay. The menu draws inspiration from the city's diverse communities, bringing together influences from Parsi cafés, coastal kitchens, street-food stalls and regional Indian cooking traditions.

The association with Soulinaire combines Native Bombay's cultural identity with IHCL's hospitality expertise, culinary capabilities and service philosophy.

A Menu Inspired by Bombay's Culinary Diversity

The refreshed menu is organised into sections including Small Beginnings, Bombay Snackery, Small Plates, Curries & Bombay Comforts, Rice & Bread, and Bombay Sweets. The format encourages diners to explore a wider selection of dishes through smaller portions and shared plates.

Guests can begin with familiar favourites such as Bun Maska or explore contemporary creations including Ghee Roasted Kathal Taco and Chicken Thecha Poppers.

The Bombay Snackery section draws from the city's street-food culture and café traditions, featuring Khaman Chaat, Crispy Palak Chaat and Mutton Galouti Sliders.

The small-plates selection brings together seafood, kebabs and tandoor preparations. Highlights include Crab Bake, Maska Prawns, Patrani Macchi, Thechha Chicken Kebab and Tandoori Lamb Chops. The selection is intended to offer diners the opportunity to move between familiar flavours and newer interpretations during a meal.

For those seeking traditional Indian comfort food, the menu includes Mutton Dhansak, a preparation associated with Bombay's Parsi culinary heritage, alongside Native Butter Chicken, Coastal Prawn Curry, Cafreal Chicken and Malabar Duck Leg.

The dessert selection features Shahi Tukda, Baked Jamun Rabdi and Kesar Phirni, bringing familiar Indian sweet traditions to the end of the meal.

Speaking about the restaurant's renewed direction, Amrita Malik, Promoter, Native Bombay, said, "Native Bombay has always been very personal to us because it reflects the city we love. Bombay is constantly changing, yet there is something wonderfully familiar about it. We wanted Native to reflect that same spirit. This new chapter brings fresh energy and a more contemporary dining experience while remaining true to the warmth, character and cultural diversity that have always defined the restaurant."

Chef Darius Madon said the menu brings together the different communities and culinary influences that have shaped the city's food culture. He added that the small-plates format allows guests to sample more dishes, share their selections and experience both recognisable favourites and unexpected combinations.

Familiar Surroundings, Renewed Dining Experience

Native Bombay retains its setting in Ballard Estate, with interiors featuring exposed brickwork, timber beams, warm lighting and industrial architectural details. The familiar surroundings provide the backdrop for the restaurant's renewed focus on sharing and culinary discovery.

The association with Soulinaire brings IHCL's hospitality experience and personalised service approach into the restaurant's operations. Soulinaire specialises in bespoke catering and curated food and beverage experiences, drawing on IHCL's hospitality legacy through a contemporary, design-led approach.

With its refreshed menu and hospitality partnership, Native Bombay's latest chapter remains connected to the city's cultural and culinary character while offering a contemporary format for exploring its many flavours.

Restaurant Details

  • Restaurant: Native Bombay

  • Address: 10/12, Cochin Street, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai – 400001

  • Timings: 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM

About Native Bombay

Native Bombay is a contemporary Indian restaurant located in Mumbai's historic Ballard Estate. Its menu draws inspiration from the city's diverse communities, culinary traditions and cultural influences, bringing together familiar favourites and contemporary interpretations with an emphasis on sharing and discovery.

About Soulinaire

Soulinaire is the signature lifestyle catering brand of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). It offers bespoke culinary experiences, combining IHCL's hospitality expertise with a contemporary approach to catering, personalisation and service.


Burger King India Launches Doomsday Whopper and Avengers: Doomsday Collection

Burger King India Launches Doomsday Whopper and Avengers: Doomsday Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on November 4, 2026

Burger King India has unveiled its limited-edition Avengers: Doomsday Collection, bringing Marvel-inspired flavours, character-themed packaging and collectible merchandise to its restaurants across the country ahead of the film's theatrical release on December 17, 2026.

As the Official Restaurant Partner for Avengers: Doomsday in India, Burger King has introduced a special menu that gives its signature flame-grilled offerings a superhero-inspired twist. Available from November 3, the collection features burgers, sides and a beverage, with burger prices starting at ₹199.

Doomsday Whopper Takes Centre Stage

The highlight of the collection is the Doomsday Whopper, available in two variants: Doomsday Whopper Extra Crunch Veg and Doomsday Whopper Flame-Grilled Chicken.

Inspired by the film's antagonist, Doctor Doom, the signature Whopper features a striking black glazed bun and a bold spicy garlic flavour. The brand says the distinctive bun colour is achieved using plant-derived natural food colour, aligning with its stated commitment to avoiding synthetic colours and artificial flavours in its menu.

The collection also draws inspiration from other Marvel characters, with a selection of premium burgers and sides named after familiar superheroes and villains.

What's on the Avengers: Doomsday Menu?

The limited-edition collection includes:

  • Doomsday Whoppers: Doomsday Whopper Extra Crunch Veg and Doomsday Whopper Flame-Grilled Chicken

  • Premium Burgers: Loki Molten Cheese Burger, Cyclops Soft Paneer Burger and Magneto Crunchy Chicken Burger

  • Sides: Shuri Vibranium Fries, Falcon Fearless Chicken Wings, Magneto Boneless Chicken and Thor Thunder Nuggets

  • Beverage: Fantastic Fizz

The menu follows Burger King's signature dunking platform, with spicy garlic flavour cues and bold sauces featuring across the offerings.

Themed Packaging and Collectible Merchandise

The collaboration extends beyond the menu through special-edition packaging featuring Avengers: Doomsday-themed burger boxes and a Doctor Doom-inspired crown. The packaging draws on the film's visual identity, turning the meal into a themed experience for fans.

Select meals from the collection also come with opportunities to access Marvel-themed merchandise. The campaign begins with a limited-edition collectible tumbler, with further merchandise planned to be introduced in phases.

Burger King has also opened a pre-booking window through its app, featuring a limited-edition Doomsday Meal bundled with a collectible Avengers: Doomsday tumbler at a special price.

Speaking about the launch, Kapil Grover, Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King India, said the collaboration brings together the Marvel fandom and Burger King's signature Whopper experience. He added that the menu, themed packaging and merchandise are intended to extend the excitement of the film beyond the cinema.

Nationwide Availability and Campaign

The launch is supported by a 360-degree marketing campaign spanning digital promotions, in-restaurant activations, outdoor advertising and influencer partnerships. The strategy aims to engage both food enthusiasts and Marvel fans ahead of the film's release.

Guests can access the Avengers: Doomsday Collection through dine-in, takeaway and home delivery at Burger King restaurants across India. Orders are also available through the BK App and leading food delivery platforms.

With its character-inspired menu, distinctive black-bun Whopper and collectible merchandise, Burger King India is bringing the Marvel universe into its quick-service restaurant experience for a limited period.

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