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.


Copenhagen Sparkling Tea and Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Introduce Non-Alcoholic Fine Dining

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea and Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Introduce Non-Alcoholic Fine Dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2026

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center has partnered with Copenhagen Sparkling Tea to introduce India's first five-course, 100% non-alcoholic pairing menu at its Nikkei restaurant, Tomo Kei. The collaboration also marks the launch of India's first co-branded Copenhagen Sparkling Tea bottle, offering guests a new way to enjoy fine dining without alcohol.

The menu has been designed by Head Chef Bobby T. Recto, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options created around Copenhagen Sparkling Tea rather than adapting a traditional wine-pairing experience. The tasting begins with three signature zero-proof cocktails: Whitefield Sky, which combines BLÅ with agave, citrus, jasmine tea and grapefruit foam; Lalbagh Botanisk, made with LYSEGRØN, cranberry, lemon and matcha tea; and Tivoli Kempu, blending LYSERØD with lychee, cranberry and citrus.

The food menu continues the pairing experience with LYSERØD served alongside appetizers such as compressed watermelon and mushrooms. LYSEGRØN accompanies main courses, including young jackfruit and zucchini roulade or smoked maíz and wild mushroom, while BLÅ is paired with the Foragers Phoenix dessert. Together, these combinations showcase how sparkling tea can add depth and complexity to a fine-dining experience without alcohol.

Launched at Tomo Kei on 15 October 2026, the collaboration also introduces Copenhagen Sparkling Tea zero-proof cocktails as a permanent addition to the restaurant's beverage menu. Guests can request the food-and-tea pairing menu with at least one day's advance notice.

Speaking about the partnership, Elton Hurtis, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, said, "A guest who isn't drinking should not be the guest we serve least well, at a tasting menu or at a wedding of six hundred. Putting our name on this bottle is a commitment, not a gesture,"

Jacob Kocemba, Founder, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, added, "We set out to create an entirely new beverage category using tea, one of the world's oldest, most complex and refined beverages. We believed sparkling tea could offer the same depth, complexity and sophistication as Champagne or fine wine. Chef Bobby's thoughtfully crafted menu, built around our sparkling teas, is a beautiful expression of that vision and proof that tea can be just as integral to the fine-dining experience,"

The collaboration has been brought together by Bebida Hospitality, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea's India market-entry partner. The company works with leading hotel brands, including Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, Sheraton, Taj, ITC and The Leela, along with restaurants such as Masque, Naar and Papa's. Beyond introducing global luxury brands to India, Bebida Hospitality focuses on building partnerships that create distinctive experiences for guests.

Nadia Sood, Co-Founder, Bebida Hospitality, said, "We believe the best experiences happen when great brands meet. We don't just place a product on a list; we find a partner who shares its standards and build something together that guests can't have anywhere else. Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield is that partner for Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, so we brought the two together, shaped the experience and created a distinctive design for the collaboration, wherein every element has been thoughtfully considered to reflect the craftsmanship behind the product and the exclusivity of this partnership,"

The partnership also features a specially designed bottle that combines Copenhagen Sparkling Tea's signature label with an elegant neck band carrying the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield name. Each band is applied by hand, highlighting the care behind the presentation. The design retains the brand's identity while making the bottle exclusive to the hotel.


Susegado Reopens at The St. Regis Goa Resort with Coastal Dining Experience

Susegado Reopens at The St. Regis Goa Resort with Coastal Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on October 19, 2026

Susegado at The St. Regis Goa Resort is reopening this October with a refreshed dining experience that celebrates India's coastal culinary traditions through regional flavours, contemporary preparations, drinks and live music.

Titled The Shore Calls Again, the reopening introduces guests to an à la carte menu inspired by coastal kitchens across India. Set along the shores of South Goa, the restaurant combines regional cuisine with a relaxed seaside setting and live band performances.

A Culinary Journey Along India's Coastline

The refreshed menu draws inspiration from the diverse culinary traditions of India's coastal regions, bringing together the peppery heat of Chettinad, the coconut-rich preparations of Malabar, the grills of the Konkan coast and the distinctive flavours of Goan cuisine.

Rooted in traditional recipes and regional cooking practices, the menu reinterprets familiar coastal dishes through a contemporary approach while retaining the character and warmth associated with seaside dining.

The offering is designed to showcase the variety of India's coastal food culture, giving guests an opportunity to explore different regional influences within a single dining destination.

A Relaxed Seaside Setting with Live Music

Susegado's refreshed interiors complement its coastal culinary identity, combining rustic textures with a refined aesthetic. The setting transitions from a bright, airy atmosphere during the day to a warmly lit space in the evening.

Live band performances add to the experience, bringing together food, drinks and music in a setting suited to relaxed lunches, sunset gatherings and leisurely dinners by the sea.

With its reopening, Susegado begins a new chapter at The St. Regis Goa Resort, focusing on India's coastal culinary heritage while retaining the easygoing spirit associated with Goa.

Restaurant Details

  • Experience: The Shore Calls Again

  • Venue: Susegado, The St. Regis Goa Resort

  • Reopening: October 2026

  • Timings: 12:30 PM–10:30 PM

  • Pricing: À la carte menu and drinks

  • Reservations: +91 9175681087

  • Hotel website: The St. Regis Goa Resort


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Brings Picnic Charm to Sunday Brunch

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Brings Picnic Charm to Sunday Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2026

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach is bringing the charm of leisurely outdoor picnics to its Sunday brunch at The Square. Inspired by the joy of relaxed gatherings, the experience combines familiar picnic favourites with interactive culinary stations in a family-friendly setting overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The specially curated spread features picnic baskets filled with sandwich rolls and fresh fruit skewers, alongside barbecue grills, sliders and flatbread stations. A refreshing lemonade station adds to the outdoor-inspired theme, while dessert offerings such as classic brownies, a chocolate fountain and DIY s’mores bring a playful touch to the afternoon.

Interactive live stations allow guests to explore freshly prepared dishes, adding variety to the brunch experience. Beyond the food, live singing and engaging activities for children create an inviting atmosphere for families and friends looking to spend their Sunday together.

Located at The Square, the brunch combines contemporary interiors, natural light and alfresco dining with views of the Arabian Sea. Pool access further complements the experience, offering guests an opportunity to unwind and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the coast.

Designed around the nostalgia of traditional picnics, the Sunday brunch brings together food, entertainment and family activities in one setting.

Brunch Details:

  • Venue: The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach

  • When: Every Sunday

  • Timings: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM

  • Highlights: Interactive live stations, live singing, children's activities and pool access.

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