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.


Kura Bengaluru Adds a Halloween Twist with Its 'Halloween After Dark' Menu

Kura Bengaluru Adds a Halloween Twist with Its 'Halloween After Dark' Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2026

Halloween gets a darker and sweeter twist at Kura, the specialty coffee and all-day dining space on Double Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru. The café has introduced 'Halloween After Dark', a limited-edition dessert and bakes menu that brings the season's playful and mysterious side to the table.

Built around the tagline Not Everything Sweet Is Innocent, the menu has been created by Kura's culinary team, combining bold colours, interesting flavours and creative presentation. The collection features three special creations that give familiar treats a Halloween-inspired makeover.

The first offering, The Black Magic Apple, brings a dark twist to the classic fruit, with a presentation designed to tempt dessert lovers. Bloody Velvet puts a Halloween spin on red velvet with its rich flavour and creamy texture, while Devil's Double Croissants adds a playful touch to the menu with its striking red-and-black theme. Each creation reflects the fun and slightly wicked spirit of Halloween while staying true to Kura's style.

The limited-edition menu will be available at Kura until 31st October, giving guests a chance to try the seasonal creations before they disappear. The Halloween specials will be served alongside the café's regular menu, which will continue as usual.

With its mix of creative desserts, distinctive presentation and seasonal flavours, Halloween After Dark offers Bengaluru's dessert lovers another way to enjoy the Halloween season.

Quick Facts

  • Address: Craig Park Layout, 26, Stage 3, Double Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
  • Timings: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Monday–Sunday)
  • Menu Availability: Until 31st October.


Barista Coffee Opens Its 555th Café in Salt Lake, Kolkata

Barista Coffee Opens Its 555th Café in Salt Lake, Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2026

Barista Coffee, the largest homegrown coffee chain, has opened its 555th café in Salt Lake, Kolkata, marking its seventh outlet in the city. The new café introduces a hybrid format that brings together food, beverages and flexible spaces for work, meetings and socialising.

The outlet offers more than the usual café experience, with a setting where customers can enjoy their favourite coffee, have a meal, work remotely or catch up with friends. The concept reflects the changing role of cafés, which are increasingly becoming spaces for both social interactions and professional activities.

The beverage menu includes Barista's signature drinks, protein coffee, matcha and bubble tea. On the food front, customers can choose from gourmet sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, rolls and English breakfast options. The varied menu caters to different preferences, whether customers are stopping by for a quick coffee, planning a casual meal or spending time at the café.

The new outlet also provides an alternative workspace for work-from-home professionals, along with a setting for groups to meet for collaborative sessions or casual conversations. By combining food, work and community in one place, Barista Coffee aims to cater to customers looking for more flexibility in how they spend their time at cafés.

Commenting on the milestone, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee, said, “Reaching the milestone of 555 cafés is a proud moment for Barista Coffee and a testament to the trust our customers have placed in us, the dedication of our teams, and the commitment of our partners. Every café represents our promise to deliver memorable coffee experiences, meaningful connections, and warm hospitality.

As we continue to expand our presence, our focus remains on strengthening our brand, innovating our offerings, and making Barista a preferred destination for coffee lovers across India and beyond. This milestone is not just a celebration of how far we have come, but also a reflection of our ambition to reach new markets, create more opportunities, and bring people together over great coffee.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our customers, employees, franchise partners, and stakeholders who have been an integral part of this journey. At Barista, every cup tells a story, and with 555 cafés, we look forward to brewing many more stories together.”

The opening marks another step in Barista Coffee's expansion, as the brand continues to grow its presence while exploring café formats that bring together coffee, food and everyday customer needs.


Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky and Six Brothers Mahura Spotlight India's Mahua Heritage at Bengaluru Duty Free

Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky and Six Brothers Mahura Spotlight India's Mahua Heritage at Bengaluru Duty Free

By Hariharan U

Published on October 30, 2026

Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky Madhuca I is bringing the distinctive character of a mahua cask to Bengaluru Duty Free, offering travelers an opportunity to discover an indigenous Indian ingredient through the lens of contemporary single malt whisky-making.

Known for its deep cultural roots across India, mahua is increasingly finding a place in the country's modern spirits landscape. At Bangalore Duty Free, Crazy Cock Madhuca I is being showcased alongside Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit bringing together two expressions that explore the character and heritage of the indigenous flower in different ways.

Crafted by South Seas Distilleries, makers of India's oldest single malt whiskies, Crazy Cock Madhuca I reflects the brand's approach to exploring Indian ingredients and craftsmanship through single malt whisky. The expression has received international recognition, winning a Gold Medal at the World Whisky Masters 2026 and a top 3 rank at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) UK 2026. It undergoes maturation in ex-brandy and ex-bourbon casks before being finished in ex-Mahura casks, bringing the character of mahua into the whisky. Its profile combines floral and earthy notes with layers of fruit, spice and oak.

Gijs van de Ven, Chief Executive Officer, Bengaluru Duty Free, said "Travel retail is about discovery, and our goal is to create memorable experiences for every traveler who visits Bengaluru Duty Free. Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit introduce passengers to a uniquely Indian ingredient through premium and contemporary expressions, offering a story they can take home with them.

The showcase also features Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit, a spirit inspired by the longstanding place of mahua in Indian culture and traditions. Made from mahua flowers and double-distilled in copper pot stills, the expression presents the indigenous ingredient in a contemporary spirit format.

Dilpreet Singh Mehta, Country Commercial Director, Bengaluru Duty Free, said Mahua holds deep cultural significance across many parts of India, and it is inspiring to see this heritage being reinterpreted through modern spirits-making. Through our partnership with South Seas Distilleries, we are delighted to provide travelers with an opportunity to discover an authentic and uniquely Indian story.

Together, Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit offers travelers a closer look at the evolving role of mahua in Indian spirits, from an ingredient deeply rooted in tradition to one being explored through contemporary techniques and premium expressions..

With Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura Mahua Spirit taking the spotlight, Bangalore Duty Free now a contemporary perspective on mahua and its growing place in India's modern spirits story.

Travelers can discover Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit at Bengaluru Duty Free. They are also available in Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and Bhutan airports

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