Authentic news updates, interviews, web features and best practices from the domestic & international food business fraternity

Joined August 2014
With a legacy dating back to 1912, Luxmi has built its identity around the craft of tea growing. As consumer preferences evolve, the group is finding new ways to connect with a generation exploring new flavours, wellness-led beverages and alternative drinking experiences. From herbal infusions, functional blends and matcha to Zero Proof by Makaibari, Luxmi is expanding tea’s possibilities while staying rooted in its heritage. Read more: tinyurl.com/5ahne9w8 #IndianTea #TeaIndustry #TeaExport #TeaBrands #SpecialtyTea
1
22
True Palate Hospitality, which operates One8 Commune, Neuma and Pincode, plans to expand to 50 outlets and generate revenue of ₹900–1,000 crore by 2030. The company currently has around 20–22 outlets across India and international markets. The company has signed projects for One8 Commune in Guwahati, Dehradun and Raipur. The Guwahati outlet will mark its entry into Northeast India. Read more: tinyurl.com/3neyfhtc #RestaurantExpansion #HospitalityIndustry #RestaurantBusiness #FranchiseBusiness #FoodServiceIndustry
27
Organic Creamery by @icebergindia has opened Craft House, its flagship store in Khajaguda, Hyderabad. Spread across 5,000 sq. ft., the outlet is located at Arka Rochish on Khajaguda–Nanakramguda Road. The store marks the brand’s 12th outlet and features seating for around 100 guests. A key feature of Craft House is a 21-foot cocoa tree at the entrance, which reflects the brand’s focus on nature and ingredients. Read more: tinyurl.com/3pmswh8f #OrganicIceCream #IceCreamIndustry #DessertTrends #FoodAndBeverage #RestaurantBusiness
27
Renowned celebrity chef Dr. K. Damodharan, popularly known as Chef Damu, has passed away at the age of 72. His daughter, Akshaya, confirmed the news in a message shared on social media, requesting privacy for the family as they mourn their loss. His last rites will be held today at 3 PM. Read more: tinyurl.com/3zyzzujb #ChefDamu #IndianCuisine #CelebrityChef #CulinaryHeritage #GuinnessWorldRecords #IndianChefs #IndianFood #CulinaryArts
126
India’s tea and coffee industry is entering a new phase of growth, driven by digital-first brands, evolving consumer preferences, premiumisation and changing consumption habits. While tea remains deeply embedded in Indian households, coffee is gaining ground among younger consumers, supported by the expansion of café culture and a growing willingness to pay for quality beverages. Read more: tinyurl.com/5jkmn69m #TeaBrands #CoffeeBrands #D2CBrands #BeverageIndustry #CafeBusiness
1
59
Westlife Foodworld Limited, which operates @McDonalds' restaurants across West and South India through its wholly owned subsidiary Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., reported a strong performance for the second quarter of FY27, with revenue from operations rising 16% year-on-year to ₹747 crore. Same-store sales growth (SSSG) stood at 10.1%, driven by double-digit growth in guest counts. Operating EBITDA increased 29% year-on-year to ₹98.1 crore, with margins expanding to 13.1%. Cash profit after tax (PAT) stood at ₹52.6 crore, translating into a margin of 7%. Read more: tinyurl.com/ycxp3enn #WestlifeFoodworld #QuickServiceRestaurants #RestaurantIndustry #FoodServiceIndustry #RestaurantBusiness
81
Sapphire Foods India Limited, which operates @kfc and @pizzahut restaurants in India and Sri Lanka, reported a 19.6% year-on-year increase in revenue from operations to ₹888 crore in Q2 FY27, compared with ₹742.4 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. The company’s consolidated net loss narrowed to approximately ₹1.5 crore from ₹12.8 crore a year earlier, supported by stronger sales across its restaurant businesses. Read more: tinyurl.com/ystfhbph #SapphireFoods #QuickServiceRestaurants #RestaurantIndustry #FoodServiceIndustry #QSRIndustry
43
For decades, India and other Asian markets have supplied tea, coffee and other commodities to the world, while much of the value created through branding, consumer relationships and global distribution has been captured elsewhere. The question now is whether Indian businesses can move beyond being reliable producers to becoming brands that consumers across the world recognise, trust and actively choose. Read more: tinyurl.com/52dp3m98 @Jivraj9Tea #IndianBeverageIndustry #TeaIndustry #BeverageMarket #IndianTea #BeverageBusiness
42
Harajuku Tokyo Café, the Japanese food and beverage business operating Harajuku Tokyo Café and Harajuku Bakehouse, has raised US$3 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Zero W. Existing seed investors Indian Angel Network and Samved VC have participated in the round with follow-on investments. Read more: tinyurl.com/599ddd8a @ianetwork #RestaurantFunding #RestaurantExpansion #JapaneseCuisine #FoodServiceIndustry
1
1
83
Chins Bar, Coffee & Kitchen is set to open on Bengaluru’s Lavelle Road, bringing a 400-seater, three-floor destination that combines coffee, dining, cocktails, beer and music in an all-day format. An evolution of Chinlung, Chins is designed to transition from daytime coffee and casual meals to lively evenings. Read more: tinyurl.com/2y5r4ad9 #RestaurantExpansion #BengaluruRestaurants #CafeBusiness #BarIndustry #HospitalityIndustry
64
India’s wine industry is entering a new phase, driven by evolving consumer preferences and the prospect of lower import duties under free trade agreements. Yet, limited consumption, low consumer awareness, pricing pressures and distribution hurdles continue to constrain growth. In a conversation on the industry’s future, Rajeev Samant, Founder and CEO of Sula Vineyards, and Sonal C Holland, India’s first Master of Wine, reflected on how the market has evolved over three decades and what it will take to bring wine to a wider Indian audience. Read more: tinyurl.com/yptfyt3m #IndianWineMarket #WineIndustry #WineBusiness #WineTrends #AlcoholicBeverages
53
Huzur, a new fine-casual restaurant opens in Bandra, Mumbai. Founded by Zareen Baig and Atiq Kapadia, the restaurant brings together family recipes, Old Bombay food memories and culinary influences from across the subcontinent. The idea behind Huzur comes from Zareen’s childhood memories of watching her mother cook traditional family meals. Read more: tinyurl.com/yfsjdjtd #IndianCuisine #RestaurantLaunch #MumbaiRestaurants #RegionalCuisine #FoodIndustry
1
85
Biri Biri, a new speakeasy bar by Coyaba Baklavi, is set to open in Ludhiana, bringing a Prohibition-era-inspired concept to the city’s nightlife scene. The bar combines European jazz, cocktails and a discreet entry experience, offering guests an alternative to conventional bars. Inspired by the secret drinking establishments of the Prohibition era, Biri Biri focuses on privacy, intimate hospitality and a carefully designed ambience. Read more: tinyurl.com/4s9sc7p2 #SpeakeasyBar #BarIndustry #NightlifeIndustry #BarBusiness #LudhianaRestaurants
4
83
Walmart-owned @Flipkart is preparing to enter India’s online food-delivery market, currently dominated by @zomato and @Swiggy. The e-commerce company is testing its service in Bengaluru and plans to expand to other cities following a public launch. Read more: tinyurl.com/3sjkrtea #FoodDelivery #Flipkart #Zomato #Swiggy #OnlineFoodOrdering
66
From preserving culinary traditions and taking Indian cuisine global to mentoring young talent and building successful restaurant businesses, India’s leading chefs reflect on how the profession is evolving. Today, a chef is more than a cook, they are storytellers, mentors, entrepreneurs and custodians of culinary heritage. This World Chef’s Day, we speak to leading chefs about the craft, leadership and vision shaping the future of food. Read more: tinyurl.com/8eybtzf9 #InternationalChefsDay #WorldChefsDay #CulinaryProfessionals #CulinaryExcellence #HospitalityIndustry
51
Paul John, the founder of John Distilleries, is considering retaining a 10-20% share in the spirits company following its takeover by US-based Sazerac. He may also remain associated with the business in an advisory capacity, helping guide its operations in India, according to people aware of the development. Read more: tinyurl.com/yt4khrfc Paul P John | Paul John Resorts & Hotels #IndianSpiritsIndustry #AlcoholicBeverages #MergersAndAcquisitions #SpiritsIndustry #BusinessAcquisitions
42
As it celebrates 10 years in India, SMOOR has opened a new outlet in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout, expanding its presence in the city. Spread across 2,450 sq. ft. on the ground floor, the outlet has 48 seats, with both indoor and outdoor dining options. The new lounge caters to young professionals, corporate customers and residents looking for a space to enjoy meals, coffee and desserts. Read more: tinyurl.com/54xsfjmy #SMOOR #RestaurantExpansion #ChocolateBusiness #CafeIndustry #BengaluruRestaurants
65
Gurugram-born Tossin Pizza, has entered Karnataka with the opening of its first Bengaluru flagship in Koramangala. The move expands the company's presence in southern India, where it already operates in Hyderabad, and brings its restaurant network to one of the country's most competitive metropolitan food markets. Read more: tinyurl.com/mwaez9vf #RestaurantExpansion #PizzaChain #BengaluruRestaurants #RestaurantBusiness
1
119
JK Urbanscapes Developers Ltd. (JKUDL), a member of the JK Organisation and a real estate and hospitality developer, has partnered with Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group, to develop Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hills. The hotel will be a 70-key luxury retreat within the Tindharia Tea Estate in West Bengal. Read more: tinyurl.com/4x73c65j #LuxuryHospitality #HotelIndustry #HospitalityNews #LuxuryTravel #HotelDevelopment
78
India’s café business is moving beyond the conventional cup of chai or coffee with consumers exploring new flavours, contemporary presentations and experiences that give them a reason to return. From cold coffee and frappes to matcha and speciality brews, beverage menus are evolving to attract younger customers. Read more: tinyurl.com/2hrwwxv9 #CafeBusiness #CoffeeCulture #BeverageInnovation #CafeIndustry #CustomerExperience
38