Barista Coffee marks opening of 350th store in Udaipur

The key industry player aims to 500 store count in next 2 years

April, 2023 Barista Coffee Company, a brand that strives to deliver an international experience in terms of cafés and coffee culture. The brand welcomed its 350th store in the City of Lakes Udaipur on March 30, 2023, to commemorate its 23rd year of coffee business with presence in 100+ cities across the globe.

Barista offers a large variety of coffees and non-coffee beverages, along with delectable all day snacking. In addition to the cafe portfolio, they have expanded into casual dining formats through their flagship Barista Diner.  

Rajat Agrawal, CEO Barista comments “At Barista, we are expanding our footprint across the country in a strategic manner and plan to be at 500 store count over the next 2 years. The objective is to connect with the larger community and be accessible for our consumers at multiple touch points. Over the past few years we have expanded well in tourist destinations and Udaipur is the latest entrant to the list. We are excited to be brewing in Udaipur and look to serve both Domestic and International guests at this store.” 

About the company:

Incepted in 2000, under the name Barista Coffee Company Limited, started with an objective to deliver a truly International coffee experience to its customers with a warm, sociable and peaceful environment. The ideology was to change the scenario in the Indian palate of people bonding over coffee with heartfelt conversations. One of the leading chains of espresso bars and cafés in India, Barista thrives to provide an international experience in terms of cafés and coffee culture.

Website: https://barista.co.in/ 

Espire Hospitality Group, launch of ‘Country Inn’ resorts in Chail and Mussoorie

Espire Hospitality Group, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality companies has launched its first property in Himachal Pradesh, ‘Country Inn Maple Resort, Chail’. The group also announced the opening of its first ‘Country Inn Premier’ resort, ‘Country Inn Premier - Pacific, Mussoorie’. This new brand has been designed to further elevate the Country Inn experience with a tasteful amalgamation of modern aesthetic and enriching experiences.

Country Inn Maple Resort, Chail

The resort is conveniently located on Kandaghat-Chail road, in one of the most scenic hill stations, known for the spectacular settings, sightseeing and adventure. The resort sits timelessly amidst snow-clad mountains and picturesque landscapes to become your perfect home in the hills. One would choose to stay at Country Inn Maple Resort, Chail to experience the quiet nature, chirping birds, and a perfect ambience to unwind and connect with self or strengthen bonds with your family.

With 30 spacious rooms, tranquil views, lush green lawns, recreational activities, kids play area and excellent cuisine at ‘Sky High’, the all-day dining restaurant and destination dining options, the resort is a tasteful amalgamation of sublime nature and modern aesthetic. A contemporary take to immerse travellers in the local beauty and distinct character of the destination.

Country Inn Premier – Pacific, Mussoorie

Nestled amidst the picturesque hills, Country Inn Premier - Pacific, Mussoorie is an oasis for those on a constant quest for peace and calm. It is conveniently located at a walking distance from the heart of the town Mall Road and close to the attractions like Gun Hill and Kempty Falls, offering an ease to explore the destination. The mountain resort boasts of 48 well-appointed rooms, awe-inspiring views eliciting a restful state of mind and delightful experiences, promising guests a rejuvenating and soul-filling stay.

The multi-cuisine restaurant ‘Mélange’ is a perfect destination to indulge in the culinary delights from around the world. Be it a corporate getaway or celebration events, the outdoor lawn and the indoor event spaces, along with the heartfelt hospitality will make them inspiring.

BLS International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accept Electronic Visa on Arrival (EVOA) Seamless Travel to Thailand

Thailand's tourism inflow is steady, with estimated 75,000-plus applications expected for the upcoming season.

BLS International to process Electronic Visa on Arrival (EVOA) applications from 17 countries worldwide for Thailand.

New Delhi, April 2023 - BLS International Services Ltd., one of the world's largest players in visa processing and consular services, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thailand to accept Electronic Visa on Arrival (EVOA) applications for 17 countries worldwide. This is a historic step towards improving the travel experience for Thai visitors.

This convergence of forces is expected to propel Thailand's tourism inflow steadily, with estimated 75,000-plus applications expected for the upcoming season. BLS International is dedicated to providing seamless and efficient visa services for visitors from these 17 countries, with convenience at the forefront of the overall travel experience.

Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International, expressed his delight on the occasion, and shared, “Securing this partnership has further reinstated our unwavering confidence in ourselves to our commitment to our partner, our customers, our investors and we are all on board to continue delivering impeccable services by bringing technology into the fold.”

This exciting development means that visitors from Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu can now look forward to a smooth visa application process when visiting Thailand.

With the onset of the holiday season ahead, this move is expected to bolster travel to the “Land of the Free” and propel international visitors to explore its very unique locales.

About BLS International: 

BLS International Services Ltd. is a trusted global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens, having an impeccable reputation for setting benchmarks in the domain of visa, passport, consular, citizen, e-governance, attestation, biometric, e-visa, and retail services since 2005. The company has been named one of "India's Most Valuable Companies" by Business Today Magazine, one of the "Best under a Billion' companies" by Forbes Asia, and one of "Fortune India's Next 500 companies."

The company collaborates with more than 46 client governments, including Diplomatic Missions, Embassies, and Consulates, as well as employs technology and processes that ensure data security. The company now has a worldwide presence of over 27,000 centers with over 20,000 employees and associates providing consular, biometrics, and citizen services. To date, BLS has processed over 62 million applications worldwide.

BLS International is certified with CMMI DEV V2.0 & SVC V2.0 along with ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems; ISO 27001:2013 for Information Security Management Systems; ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems; ISO/ IEC 45001:2018 for Occupational Safety and Health; ISO / IEC 20000-1:2011 for IT Service Management; ISO 26000:2010 for Social Responsibility; ISO 23026:2015 for System Engineering and Management Requirements; ISO/IEC 28000:2017 for Supply Chain Management System; ISO/IEC  27002: 2013 for Management of Information Security; ISO 31000: 2018 for Risk Management; ISO 27001:2013 for Risk Management of Information.

See Mumbai like Gigi Hadid, Zendaya, and Tom Holland

The trio explored the city's famous landmarks and culture, and even enjoyed a yacht tour around the Mumbai coastline.

Tom and Zendaya went on the ‘Strange stories of Mumbai and Kolis, the original inhabitants’ tour. Aditya Pai, Tour Leader, No Footprints, said, “Zendaya is a sweet and engaging person, knowledgeable and friendly. Tom is soft spoken, warm, with a pleasant personality. It was his first time in India and he was very excited about the culture and traditions. We hosted them on a yacht to showcase Mumbai in a different light. When we started off, the conversation involved the history of Mumbai and the Kolis, the original inhabitants. Both Zendaya and Tom were keen to learn about how local cultures thrive and they seemed to enjoy the splashes of humour in the narration.”

Co-founder, Harshvardhan Tanwar took supermodel Gigi Hadid and her team on a tour of Mumbai, called ‘Jio Mumbai city tour’. It included stops at the iconic Gateway of India, Kala Ghoda, the University, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangralaya. The tour also had insights into the American connection and its historic significance to Mumbai. The tour ended on the Victoria Terminus with the team sipping on refreshing coconut water while taking in the breathtaking view of the magnificent train station.

They also did tours for other famous personalities, including Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri, Chanakya’s Karishma Swali, Emma Chamberlain, and Katy Graham. Each tour was unique and catered to the guest’s interests, making for a truly personalised experience.

No Footprints, the boutique travel experience company offers a range of tours for those who want to experience Mumbai like the Hollywood stars do. The 'Jio (live) Mumbai city tour' covers some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Gateway of India, Crawford Market, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. If you're a foodie, you can take the 'Mumbai food walk,' which takes you through the city's famous street food markets and lets you sample some of Mumbai's best snacks and sweets. For those who want to explore the city's lesser-known areas, there is the 'Offbeat Mumbai tour.' This tour takes you through some of Mumbai's hidden gems, including the Portuguese heritage of Bandra, the graffiti art of Bandra and Mahim, and the old fishing village of Versova.

There is also a customized tour option for those who want to explore Mumbai at their own pace. You can choose your own itinerary, and the team will plan your tour around your interests and preferences.

"We're thrilled to offer our guests a chance to experience Mumbai like the Hollywood stars do," said Eesha Singh, Co-founder, No Footprints. "We believe that travel should be personal, and our tours are designed to help you discover Mumbai in your own unique way. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or just someone who loves to explore new places, we have a tour that's perfect for you."

SAYAJI HOTEL KOLHAPUR CELEBRATES ITS 8TH ANNIVERSARY

Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur, one of the important landmarks of South Maharashtra recently commemorated its 8th anniversary. To celebrate this momentous occasion with its esteemed patrons the hotel offered 8% to 80% discounts at its flagship restaurants Moon Tree and Blue Lotus. Throughout the year the hotel has witnessed demand in both rooms as well as banqueting.

“As we celebrate 8 years, we would like to thank all our guests, vendors, and employees who have offered us enormous support and love during these past years. Over the years we have received an overwhelming response from our esteemed patrons in Kolhapur. We have always tried our best to offer memorable experiences for everyone. This year we introduced Mediterranean cuisine, live barbeque concepts on the table, discotheque, and kids’ land to our portfolio. The hotel with its impeccable hospitality, hygiene & safety practices, and personalized services has enjoyed preeminence among both business and leisure travelers in the region, said Amitabh Sharma, General Manager, of Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur.
 
The city of Kolhapur has over the years transformed itself into a major tourism destination, attracting a large slice of tourists from Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and other parts of Maharashtra. Religious tourism has seen an uptick in Kolhapur as people from India and across the world visit various pilgrim destinations including the famous Mahalaxmi Temple, Jyotiba, Nrusinhawadi, excavated remains dating back to 2nd BC and ancient relics of the Buddha and Mahavir era. The city is famous for the Panhala Fort, Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandoli National Park, Radhanagari Sanctuary, and other scenic destinations.
 
Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur has started the campaign Subh Vivah by Sayaji which includes customized packages, themed décor, personalized cuisine, and tailor-made services to make the weddings memorable. As the region is known as a medical hub, the hotel team has prepared corporate MICE programs to acquaint guests with the traditional Sayaji hospitality and true spirit of Kolhapur.

Tales of the Coast in the Capital: Karavalli’s Cruise to Varq

Chef Arun Sundararaj, Director of Culinary Operations, Taj Mahal, New Delhi with Celebrated Chef Naren Thimmaiah, Executive Chef, Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road at Taj Mahal’s iconic restaurant Varq 

New Delhi, March 2023: The timeless Taj Mahal, New Delhi and its award-winning restaurant Varq proudly welcomed the culinary legend of the south – Karavalli from Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road. This year, as Varq embarks on its 15th-year anniversary voyage, it will feature unique gastronomic pop-ups, new innovations and reinvented concepts in the year ahead.

Varq, symbolic of preciousness, luxury and elegance, is the birthplace of modern Indian cuisine in the Capital. Karavalli’s voyage to Varq, was the perfect marriage of authentic Indian southwest coastal cuisine with contemporary flair and artistic presentation. The unique pop-up presented an exquisite experience wherein culinary legend Chef Naren Thimmaiah, from Karavalli, showcased a special coastal menu celebrating authentic flavours and treasured recipes.

The uniquely curated presentation included dishes like Malabar Prawn Roast, Meen Porichathu (Shallow Fried Black Pomfret), Calamari Fry, Attirachy Ularthu (Lamb Roast) Chattambade (Fried Lentil Patties), Patrade (Colocasia Leaf Roll), Chevod Balchao (Lobster in Pickled Spice), Alappuzha Meen Curry (Alleppy Fish Curry), Pachakkari Stew (Vegetable Stew), Kashi Halwa (Ah Gourd Pudding) and Ragi Manni (Finger Millet Pudding).

Celebrated Chef Naren Thimmaiah, Executive Chef, Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road said, “I am delighted to return to the iconic Taj Mahal, New Delhi and its renowned restaurant Varq. Karavalli’s coastal delicacies have made their way into the heart of the South and we can’t wait to share our passion with patrons of Delhi-NCR. We take pride in our authenticity, the promise of quality and the connection with our roots. With the capital’s bustling culture of food, there couldn’t have been a better place than Varq, the birth place of modern Indian cuisine in New Delhi, to showcase our special Karavalli culinary art.”

Speaking on the occasion, Chef Arun Sundararaj, Director of Culinary Operations at Taj Mahal, New Delhi said, “We have been committed to offering immersive dining experiences to our patrons. Varq has been the one stop dining destination for celebrating the unique flavours of India, pop-ups by Michelin Starred Chefs from around the globe and for curating culinary art and innovation. Chef Naren Thimmaiah is a legend in the epicurean world and we are humbled to welcome him once again at Varq.  The confluence of Karavalli and Varq will present a tantalizing experience of exotic coastal recipes combined with fine dining with art.”

Chef Naren Thimmaiah has been the face of the iconic Karavalli for over two decades. He holds the distinction of participating in the World Gourmet Summit held at Singapore in the year 2005. In February 2009, at the Government of India, National Tourism awards held at New Delhi, Naren Thimmaiah was adjudged as the Best Chef of India. Economic Times rated Chef Naren Thimmaiah among Top 10 Chefs of India – 5th place. December 2018, Times Food & Nightlife Awards – Chef Naren Thimmaiah was awarded Chef of the Year.  In August 2019, at the Eazydiner Awards, Naren Thimmaiah was awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award. In March 2022, he was recognized among the Top 10 Chefs in India by Culinary Culture.

Chef Naren’s contribution has ensured Karavalli being listed among the finest:

1. Asia’s 100 Best Restaurants (2022)

2. 50 Best Restaurants in Asia (St. Pellegrino in 2013 & 2014)

3. Top 100 Restaurants in the World in the hugely popular FOODIE GUIDE 2014 by Glam Media.

4. 1001 Restaurants - You must Experience before you Die – Jenny Linford

5. The New York Times – 36 Hours – Asia & Oceania

Venue:                 Varq at Taj Mahal, New Delhi
Dates:                   23rd to 25th March, 2023
Price:                    INR 6000 plus taxes

Lunch:                   12:30 PM to 2:45 PM

Dinner:                 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM

About Varq

Varq was launched in 2008, as Delhi’s first and finest modern Indian restaurant in Taj Mahal, New Delhi. Varq is the unfurling of luxury in all aspects - a combination of sophisticated dining discreet service and exquisite interiors. The restaurant specializes in contemporary Indian cuisine and has pioneered the concept of pre-plated Indian food. In recent years, Varq unveiled an all new artistic gourmet canvas wherein each dish is a masterpiece in itself with a hint of exotic flavours and rustic ingredients. Varq is a perfect example of marriage of fine dining with art. The restaurant celebrates the treasured artworks by renowned artist Anjolie Ela Menon curated over 45 years ago and has been an inspiration for the innovative and artistic culinary presentation. In contrast, additional modern artworks compliment the restaurant in the form of oil paintings, carvings, antiques and modern sculptures.

For more information, please contact:
Bhavna Mehta: bhavna.mehta@tajhotels.com  

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr announces water-from-air bottling plant

A first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates, The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s water bottling plant will use advanced technology to produce water from air. This air-to-water process utilises Atmospheric Water Generator, an innovative solution developed by Eshara Water.

Once produced, the water will be filtered and mineralized, and then filled into reusable, encapsulated glass bottles. Serving a total of 367 luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, as well as all restaurants across the hotel, the plant will produce a total of 4,000 liters of water per day.

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The Pride Hotels Group announces the launch of Pride Hotel Rishikesh

The Pride Hotels Group is proud to announce the launch of Pride Hotel Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Pride Hotel Rishikesh offers guests breathtaking views of the entire valley. Centrally located at Tapovan, Badrinath Road this mesmerizing hotel can easily be accessed by road, rail, and air via Dehradun airport. The hotel's grand opening was held on Sunday, 19th March 2023, and was officially inaugurated by the Honourable Cabinet Minister of Uttarakhand, Mr. Subhodh Uniyal.

Announcing the launch Atul Upadhyay, Senior Vice President, Pride Hotels Group said “We are delighted to announce the opening of Pride Hotel Rishikesh in Devbhumi Uttrakhand. Popularly referred to as the world's yoga capital, the holy city is renowned for some of the most famous tourist attractions including the Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and Triveni Ghat. The region attracts tourists from across India and many parts of the world. Pride Hotel Rishikesh with its luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities, will present a one-of-a-kind experience for travellers to the region.

“With Pride Hotel Rishikesh launch, we are pleased to expand our portfolio further in North India. This is our third property in Uttarakhand and we are buoyant with tourism development that has fuelled the demand for upscale mid-market hotels in the region. Pride Hotels resonates with true Indian Hospitality and has attained high acclaim in providing memorable travel experiences to all its guests” said Shoeb Mohammad, Associate Vice President, North India, Pride Hotels Group.

Pride Hotel Rishikesh with well-appointed deluxe, superior, premium and suite rooms is replete with all modern elements and contemporary interiors. It offers scenic valley views. Dining options includes a Sky Deck, rooftop elevated dining experience, 360 Degree, multi cuisine restaurant and Mr. Confectioner, just the warm cosy round-the-clock coffee shop needed in the vicinity. Guests can enjoy a magnificent culinary journey that spans diverse gastronomic experiences. Rooms are equipped with LED TV, mini bar, tea/ coffee maker, Wi-Fi, heater, individual air conditioning, and comfortable beddings.

Pride Hotels Group has a presence in around 51 great locations with 5,075 rooms, 102 restaurants, 134 banquets, lawns, and conference halls. Currently, Pride Hotels Ltd operates and manages a chain of hotels under the brand name “Pride Plaza Hotel” an Indian Luxury Collection, “Pride Hotel” which are conveniently centrally located business hotels, “Pride Resorts” at mesmerizing destinations, Mid-Market segment hotels for every business “Pride Biznotels” and a fresh concept of Premium luxury serviced apartment stays “Pride Suites”. Current locations are New Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nagpur, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Mussoorie, Puri, Gangtok, Anand, Alkapuri, Manjusar (Vadodara), Sasan Gir, Somnath, Bhopal, Haldwani and Rishikesh. Upcoming locations are Daman, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Agra, Dwaraka, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Bharuch, Nainital, Ramnagar, Jim Corbett, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Varanasi, Rajkot, Kanpur, Neemrana, Mysore, Gurugram, Aurangabad, Halol, Yawatmal, Rudraprayag, Bengaluru, Ranakpur, and Greater Noida, Digha among others.

Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel partner with LTIMindtree to launch ‘Green Carpet’ - a global platform for Enterprises to monitor & manage business travel emissions

The platform also leverages the global expertise of Fairfax Digital Services

        -In line with SEBI Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) mandate 

Mumbai, March 2023: Global warming and its resultant impact on the environment and mankind have forced countries globally to take concrete measures to curb the damage and preserve for the future – and India is at the forefront of this movement.

SEBI has mandated the top 1,000 listed companies in India by market capitalization to make filings as per the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) from FY23. Coming against this backdrop, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company SOTC Travel, announced their partnership with global technology consulting and digital solutions company LTIMindtree, to launch “Green Carpet” – a global platform to monitor and manage business travel emissions.

Green Carpet is built on the combined prowess of Thomas Cook & SOTC’s deep expertise in the travel industry, LTIMindtree’s ESG consulting and digital solutions capabilities and also leverages the global expertise of Fairfax Digital Services (a Fairfax company).

A SaaS-based platform, “Green Carpet” is designed to address specific concerns faced by organizations, helping them capture, monitor, analyze and reduce their carbon emissions from business travel. It offers real-time insights related to Scope 3 emissions and helps organizations to significantly reduce their ESG reporting costs.

“Green Carpet” enables:

1. Simplified data capture & analysis of travel emissions with real time dashboards

2. Adherence to BRSR and aligned to global audit requirements

3. Swift and easy integration with current business travel platforms of corporates

4. Advanced AI & ML to provide analytics & recommendations

5. Decision making to drive enterprise net zero goals

Mr. Madhavan Menon, Chairman & Managing Director, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Under its G20 Presidency, India has set ambitious ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) goals, & India Inc. has been called on to implement SEBI’s BRSR mandate starting FY23. The need for a trustworthy partner to provide accuracy and speed in reporting is hence an imperative. At Thomas Cook & SOTC, our leadership in the travel sector formed the basis of our partnership with LTIMindtree – a leading technology solutions provider. “Green Carpet” therefore, not only embodies this potent partnership of leaders, but also leverages the global expertise of Fairfax Digital Services to collectively empower enterprises with the ability to seamlessly monitor and manage business travel emissions and drive their net zero goals.”

Mr. Sudhir Chaturvedi, President and Executive Board Member, LTIMindtree said, “ESG has become a board-level priority for nearly all organizations, especially in cognizance of India’s ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. To achieve this goal, organizations are investing in initiatives and infrastructure that will enable them to track, reduce and report carbon footprint seamlessly. The Green Carpet, powered by LTIMindtree’s ESG digital platform and advanced analytics techniques and Thomas Cook & SOTC’s travel expertise, will help climate-conscious clients to comply with regulatory expectations. It will accelerate their net-zero journey through data-driven engineering solutions, cloud computing data analytics, and enable business decisions towards sustainable future.” 

Mr. Sanjay Tugnait, CEO of Fairfax Digital Services said: “Green Carpet is a scalable and powerful tool that will enable the enterprise customers accelerate their journey to Net Zero. This is an exemplary partnership between Thomas Cook, SOTC & LTIMindtree powered by the Global Knowhow of Fairfax Digital to create ESG solutions. To capture, measure, benchmark and report is not only a requirement by SEBI for scope 3 emissions but also a social obligation for us to do our bit and save the planet. In this the year of India’s G20 Presidency, as a member of the G20 Startup 20 Task Force on Sustainability, under the leadership of Dr Chintan Vaishnav, I am delighted we have built this digital solution that India can showcase amongst the G20 nations.”

Experience Thailand Week Trade Fair & Festival 2023: The best Thai products and cultural show in New Delhi

New Delhi, March, 2023: Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), by Thai Trade Center New Delhi, with support from the Royal Thai Embassy and Tourism Authority in New Delhi, launched Thailand Week Trade Fair & Festival 2023, which was held from 16th – 19th March 2023, at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi.

“India and Thailand have been collaborating with each other on trade and development, the collaboration has been strengthened to the next level after both countries entered the “New Normal” era where we can resume our businesses in the regular manner. One indicator is the bilateral trade volume between two countries, which reached a new high record at 17.70 billion dollars in 2022. This partly contributes to the great effort of India and Thailand, especially the well-developed policy of the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand (Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit), and DITP practical changes in strategies, mindsets and working methods.” Mr. Phusit Ratanakul, Director-General Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, stated in a video message.

The Thailand Week Trade Fair & Festival 2023 provides Indian consumers with opportunities to indulge themselves with Thailand’s amazing cultures and experience the high quality of Thai products. Meanwhile, local importers and distributors can source profitable Thai products and seek lucrative trade opportunities with Thai exporters, which can lead to sustainable partnerships and strong competitiveness for both sides. The fair took place between 16th – 19th March 2023 at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi.

“The Thailand Week Trade Fair & Festival 2023” aims to boost trade, business, and people-to-people contact between Thailand and India. We have worked closely with Indian distribution networks and retailers to understand the consumer’s needs and trends. As a result, a wide variety of more than 150 Thai products from 31 exhibitors are showcased at the Thailand Week Trade Fair & Festival 2023, ranging from Food & Beverages, Fashion & Lifestyles, Health & Beauty, and household decorations products, baby products, toys for children, pet products, services like restaurants and spas to meet demands of the growing Indian market.”  Ms Saithong Soiphet, Director of Thai Trade Center New Delhi, said.

Woods At Sasan wins LIV Hospitality Design Awards in the Architectural Design Wellness category

The Biophilic wellbeing retreat is honored by this prestigious recognition in the worldwide hospitality industry

March 2023- Woods At Sasan, a modern wellness retreat in  Sasan Gir, Gujarat has been awarded LIV Hospitality Design Awards 2022 in Architectural Design Wellness (Spa, Yoga, Retreat) category.  Nestled in the forest, this modern retreat in the woods is the first of its kind in India – a luxury retreat based on biophilia and grounded in sustainable practices.

Known for recognizing excellence in hospitality architecture, interior design, and guest experiences on a global scale, LIV Hospitality Design Awards celebrates the quality and diversity of architectural ventures and interior design projects shaping the worldwide hospitality industry today. After working towards building one of the finest and ideal luxury well-being retreats, Woods At Sasan, a flagship venture by 1000 Island Hotels & Resorts, is honored by this prestigious recognition for its modern design principles of architecture.

1000 Island Hotels & Resorts are pioneering new approaches to design as they work towards the composition of nature-connected spaces that optimize the use of energy. Their venture, Woods At Sasan is infused with aesthetics of natural stone, local materials, and crafts for a stay immersed in the environment.

This luxury well-being retreat is a way of life, a system of dynamic ideas and sustainable ideals brought together in pursuit of creating biophilic spaces that enrich destinations and offer experiences with a positive influence on people and the planet.

The edifices at Woods At Sasan are an amalgamation of contemporary & biophilic architecture, infused with the essence of the local culture and the craft of the land. Keeping the essence of land as the focus, the stays designed are immersive in nature beyond their seamless facade or structure, carrying details of organic materials, ample light, and textures of the local landscape along with hints of excavated stones placed around with purpose.

Through meaningful design, Woods At Sasan has built a space to experience, observe, understand, and connect with natural surroundings. By incorporating existing physical and systemic natural patterns in the property, the wellbeing retreat helps guests re-align subconsciously while the arts, crafts, and interiors reflect the local lifestyle and landscapes. Hence, the architecture effortlessly celebrates nature and promotes well being of the body, mind, and spirit through seamless connectivity between the built and natural environment.

With a Biophilic Design approach and conscious design decisions to maximize the affiliation of humans with natural processes, Woods At Sasan has attempted to invest in building a property that aligns design thinking with wellbeing.

“We feel privileged for this prestigious recognition as it demonstrates our Design Atelier's commitment to develop a biophilic environment that integrates design principles with a focus on well-being.” says, Maulik Bhagat, Founder & MD, 1000 Island Hotels & Resorts.

ZEE ZEST UNLIMIT AWARDS- The pursuit of excellence from Travel,Hospitality,Culinary

Honouring those who are on a journey to inspire, innovate and lead. 

March, 2023: Zee Zest is a leading multi-platform lifestyle entertainment brand that enables its audiences to discover, engage & broaden their horizons on food, lifestyle, and travel trends. While it creates invigorating content by working with the finest talent in the industry, it is now time to honour the individuals and businesses who have helped this sector grow and prosper. To honour the industry shapers and risk takers, Zee Zest brings to you the first edition of the ZEE ZEST UNLIMIT AWARDS Co-Presented by L’Oreal Paris– New (Hyaluron) Moisture. The awards will recognize and felicitate those who inspire innovation, progress, and challenge the status quo; exemplifying the boundless possibilities in the world of culinary, travel, and hospitality.

The awards have been broadly divided into key pillars of cuisine, beverages & nightlife, travel, and individual achievers operating in this space. The winners will be decided by a combination of jury selection and viewer’s choice via voting process. A distinguished panel known for their limitless contribution to the industry has evaluated and reviewed all entries from each category and the consumers have voted for their favourites to arrive at the winners.

The jury comprises of tastemakers who evaluated the entries based on their deep understanding and expertise of the industry. They have been responsible for carefully reviewing the entries and making a fair and unbiased decision to recognise ‘people and institutions’ for their excellence. The jury has a healthy mix of food and wine experts, writers, influencers, chefs, consultants and more. 

This esteemed jury panel includes industry connoisseurs like chef Ranveer Brar, food expert and chef Vinesh Johny, chef and restaurateur Anahita Dhondy, celebrity chef & TV presenter Kunal Kapur and Shipra Khanna, actor and TV presenter Maria Goretti, chefs and food historians Rakesh Raghunathan and Shri Bala, chefpreneur Ajay Chopra, actor and comedian Jaaved Jaaferi, eminent food columnists Anoothi Vishal, content creators Ashwin Rajagopalan and Indrajit Lahiri, entrepreneur Aneesh Bhasin, author & liquor baron Rocky Mohan, hotelier Diwan Gautam Anand, beverage expert Keshav Prakash. 

The top 5 nominations from each category were open to public voting on www.zeezest.com/unlimitawards from 10th to 24th February following by the jury deliberation at ITC Maratha on 28th February for winner selection of each category. The entries included top luxury hotels & resorts to fine-dining restaurants, best home-grown wines to best nightclubs, and key influential mavericks in food and travel space that are carving the path of this industry with innovation, inventiveness, and consistency.

The award function will be held on March 21st, 2023 at ITC Grand Central, in Mumbai and will be hosted by famed voice over artist and actress Simaran Kaur and actor Harman Singha. It will be an evening to remember with celebrations and felicitations honouring the grit, vision, and hard work of those who have set new benchmarks in their respective field.

Speaking about the event, Mr. Amit Nair, Chief Channel Officer, Zee Zest said, "UNLIMIT represents the pursuit of unbound opportunities, innovation and excellence by breaking constraints and taking risks. It's about being a visionary, leading by example, inspiring others to reach for the stars and to strive for excellence. It is a mindset that encourages individuals to live a life that is limitless in its potential and possibilities. It will be exciting to see the industry influencers come together and celebrate each other’s work and glory at this event.”  

The first edition of the ZEE ZEST UNLIMIT AWARDS Co-Presented by L’Oreal Paris– New (Hyaluron) Moisture will be telecast on 31st March on Zee Zest, Zee Zest HD, Zee Café and will be available to stream on zeezest.com

American Brew Crafts forays into Jharkhand

Launches Blockbuster beer in a fresh new look for the upcoming summer season

March 2023: American Brew Crafts Pvt Ltd (ABCL), a modern-day independent brewing company making the highest quality products with the best ingredients forays into Jharkhand by launching its award-winning BLOCKBUSTER beer for discerning customers. ABCL has chosen Jharkhand as its next destination and the gateway to expansion in East and northeast India. ABCL is ready to serve the market by introducing an authentic & refreshing taste derived from the best ingredients and innovative brewing practices. The range of BlockBuster beer currently available in Jharkhand includes Lager, and Strong. BlockBuster Lager is a light and energizing variant. The beer with its unique taste is specially curated to accentuate the experience of social interactions and family and friends’ outings.  BlockBuster Strong is a pure-play value-for-money brand to provide the thrill of authentic chilled beer across seasons.

Blockbuster beer, also introduced its fresh new look and attractive packaging with vibrant colors and designs for all the variants to appeal to the modern-day customer. The new brand identity is also a reflection of ABC’s idolizing the common man and his daily aspirations to enjoy, chill and have a happy life. The beer on the bottle represents a simple guy who is comfortable & contended in his space and is taking on life as it comes. Just chilling, relaxing, and enjoying the moment!!

American Brew Crafts makes its own beer at two state-of-art breweries equipped with the latest German machinery. They prefer to make the beer in small batches giving enough attention and focus to the recipe of each beer. This process also allows them to keep control over the quality of the drink without compromising on the taste. BlockBuster beer is a result of rigorous research on the supreme quality beer brewed with carefully selected finest malts and hops to ensure the perfect flavor. BlockBuster beer is available in 330, 650 ml bottles, and 500 ml cans.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Nagendra Tayi, Chief Executive Officer, American Brew Crafts Pvt Ltd. said, “We are ecstatic to bring BlockBuster to the beer-loving population in Jharkhand.  We understand that Beer is one of the most preferred drinks in the state and we hope BlockBuster will find its place of prominence. We have aggressive plans to expand our reach and portfolio of brews for discerning beer lovers.  Besides the variants Lager, Strong, Ultra Lager, and Ultra Strong, our mission is to infuse the market with more and more variants of beer so that beer lovers can experience the best and most innovative beer brews. We hope to provide more interesting options shortly. We are truly a ‘Made in India’ brand. We have a team of expert brewers to ensure we deliver the best brews consistently. We source the best raw materials from the communities in our neighborhood to build a sustainable model of growth.”

India is one of the fastest-growing alcoholic beverages markets globally, with an estimated market size of $52.5 billion in 2020 and the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2020 and 2023. According to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the production of alcoholic beverages in the country increased by about 23.8% during the period between 2015-16 and 2018-19. Moreover, over 20 million people enter the legal age for drinking every year in the country. The Indian Beer market size is INR 383.6 Billion in 2022. According to IMARC Group, the market size is likely to reach INR 622.4 Billion by 2028 with a growth rate of over 8% in 2023-28. Beer accounts for just 10% of the spirits market, with per capita consumption of 2 liters.

The alcoholic beverages industry contributes to around 1.5 million jobs in India and generated around USD48.8 billion in sales revenue in 2019, added an ICRIER report titled Developing Principles for Regulation and Pricing of Alcohol Beverages Sector in India, from July 2021.

FIND YOURSELF CENTRE STAGE IN THE NEW-LOOK LANEWAYS BY OVOLO

With The Evolution Of The Much-Loved Ovolo Laneways 80’s Memphis Nostalgia Hits Melbourne

Ovolo Hotels opened the doors to the revamped Laneways By Ovolo on March 7, 2023.  Inspired by 80’s Memphis nostalgia and infused with creative flair, Laneways By Ovolo is the evolution of the much loved Ovolo Laneways, and its new-look is a colourful nod (and a cheeky wink) to Melbourne’s vibrant laneways and eclectic offerings.

Laneways By Ovolo elevates the location with more personalised experiences for guests, reimagined public spaces and rooms by Australian interior designers Luchetti Krelle, and a new all-new drinking and dining venue Amphlett House – spearheaded by celebrated chef and restaurateur, Ian Curley and mixologist extraordinaire and Diageo’s 2017 Bartender of the Year, Andrea Gualdi. 

In the hotel lobby guests are greeted by reception pods and an Honesty Bar, offering an assortment of sweet and savoury treats, bottled cocktails, wine and Champagne, and relying on an honour system where guests note what they take and it is charged back to their rooms.

With 42 rooms, the new look for the hotel takes inspiration from 80s Memphis nostalgia – an aesthetic characterised by scattered, brightly coloured shapes and lines, combined with black-and-white graphic patterns. The new design adds an immediate fun and funky feel when guests arrive and is perfect for the weekend adventurer or corporate traveller.

Located at the top of Little Bourke Street, Laneways By Ovolo offers the perfect starting spot for travellers to explore the city, and is also perfectly placed to access the city’s nearby theatre district. In true Ovolo style, Laneways By Ovolo will offer its unique set of Perks when you book directly, and these include:

• Breakfast to go-go

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• In-room mini bar (First round is on Ovolo)

• Self-service laundry

• All-day sweets

• Welcome goodie

• Social hour in Amphlett House

• A tree planted by Eden Project

In creating the new design for the hotel, interior designer and Luchetti Krelle principal Rachel Luchetti looked to harness atmospheric narratives in compelling ways, creating sensory journeys heightened by nostalgia. She explains:

“We have relished the creative challenge of creating a sophisticated and stylish space that gives a nod to the building’s 80’s era. The Memphis nostalgia aesthetic was a perfect fit for this project and we have interpreted this with an injection of colour and energy in the classic Ovolo manner.” 

The refreshed hotel features Room 303 – an exclusive suite designed by renowned interior designer, editor-in-chief of Belle magazine and judge on the television series 'The Block', Neale Whitaker – which also happens to be his room of choice when staying in Melbourne. His love for the room and the hotel led Ovolo to invite him to work alongside Luchetti Krelle to style his very own suite, adding to their 80s Memphis-inspired decor by incorporating some of his favourite pieces. 

Whitaker explains, “In the theme of Memphis nostalgia, I sourced a whole load of styling items and a few knick-knacks to put into the room, as well as artwork, fitting with Luchetti Krelle’s design narrative.” 

Guests who reserve room 303 can expect to stay among a collection of original art, limited-edition objects and soft furnishings hand selected by Whitaker, including a sculptural lamp by Sarah Nedovic Gaunt the last of the highly sought-after ‘Lady’ collection and similar to a piece which Whitaker has in his own home. An illustration of Whitaker himself, created by former Ovolo staffer Flynn Cowan, lends a dash of Warhol-style art, using repetition and colour-blocking. The room’s colour scheme has been brought to life by Melbourne-based artist Nunzio Miano, whose flamboyant and generous use of colour brings high-octane energy to the room’s scheme. Guests can also enjoy a 100-song Spotify playlist of Whitaker’s favourite tracks.

A key Laneways By Ovolo experience is the addition of the all-new food and drink offering Amphlett House. The 120-seat venue features a sophisticated yet fun interior with exceptional drinks and elevated pub classics making it the perfect spot for lunchtime dining, an afterwork drink, or pre- or post theatre visit

Amphlett’s House menu has been overseen by Ovolo's Group Kitchen Operations Director Ian Curley with support from Head Chef Ben Green, previously executive chef at multi-site Gather and Gather in London. and offers a selection of snacks, light bites and main courses. In creating the menu, Curley wanted a menu that was unpretentious yet tantalising, he explains:

“The food concept for Amphlett House is elevated pub dining, with a classic menu highlighting quality Victorian produce. I’ve loved this part of Melbourne for many years and am looking forward to serving up humble fare with big flavours at the top end of town. We welcome guests to share a meal with family and friends or grab a quick bite with your better half.”

Amphlett House is one of the only restaurants in Australia to be serving beef heart, presented at the restaurant seared on a bed of lentils, creamed spinach and mustard.

Other menu highlights include:

• Smoked Bone Marrow Served On Toast, Parsley and Shallot Salad

• Grilled Asparagus Egg Confetti, Hollandaise, Pangratatto

• Blue Oyster Mushroom Skewer With Smoked Romesco

• Moules Marinières Aioli And Toasted Sourdough

• Steak and Hand Cut Chips With Kampot Peppercorn Sauce

The beverage program, led by Andrea Gualdi, Ovolo’s Food & Beverage Director, features a curated drinks list serving up classics and a variety of craft beers and local and international wines. The cocktail menu features classic cocktails with native Australian ingredients, including a Wattle Seed Negroni, Finger Lime Daiquiri and a Eucalyptus Smoked Margarita. 

Gualdi shares: “My background has been completely focused on cocktail bars so I am thrilled with this unique opportunity. Our aim is to bring the same level of quality you’d find in Australia’s best bars to the drinks offering at Amphlett House. We are lucky to have access to some incredibly progressive Australian and international producers, both in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories, and we’re excited to showcase quality, local produce in a welcoming setting.”

When it was first opened in 2013, Ovolo Laneways was the first Ovolo branded hotel to launch in Australia, and was voted Australasia’s Best City Boutique Hotel at the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Its new iteration is anticipated to follow in the original’s footsteps, with its own unique take on what the modern traveller needs today. 

Lemon Tree Hotels signs two new hotels in Dapoli, Maharashtra

New Delhi, March 2023: Lemon Tree Hotels announced two new signings in Maharashtra – Lemon Tree Hotel, Dapoli, and Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, Sylvan, Dapoli. Both the properties are expected to be operational by October 2023 and shall be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary and the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. Lemon Tree Hotel, Dapoli will feature 50 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, a bar, banquet spaces, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and other public areas. 

Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels Sylvan will feature 20 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, banquet lawns, a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor games facilities, and other public areas. 

Both the properties are well connected by both public and private transport to all the major cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai and Pune.

Dapoli is a popular beach destination in the South Konkan region of Maharashtra. With pristine beaches, historical temples, caves and forts scattered around, Dapoli has something to offer everyone. Dapoli has increasingly become very popular with many tourists from Mumbai and Pune visiting it as a weekend destination, given the accessible distance. Dapoli is also known as the mini-Mahabaleshwar of Maharashtra, owing to its cool climate throughout the year, which makes it a perfect holiday spot. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahesh Aiyer, CEO, of Carnation Hotels Private Limited commented, “We are delighted to announce two hotel signings in Dapoli with our valued partner, PRS Hospitality Infrastructure Development (I) Pvt. Ltd. We already have 8 operational hotels in the state, in Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad, another 2 upcoming in Mumbai and, now, 2 in Dapoli. We have found that Maharashtra has immense tourism and business potential and are looking at adding more hotels and resorts in the state to our existing portfolio,” he further added.

ABOUT LEMON TREE HOTELS LIMITED 

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (LTHL) is one of the largest hotel chains in India on the basis of controlling interest in owned and leased rooms, the sixth largest by consolidated inventory, and the largest in the mid-market hotel sector. LTHL operates across the upscale, upper-midscale, midscale and economy segments, and delivers differentiated yet superior service offerings, with a compelling value proposition.

LTHL opened its first hotel with 49 rooms in May 2004 and currently operates ~8,350 rooms in 87 hotels across 53 destinations. When the current pipeline becomes operational, LTHL will be operating ~11,600 rooms in 129 hotels across 83 destinations. The group offers seven brands to meet guests’ needs across all levels, viz. Aurika Hotels & Resorts, Lemon Tree Premier, Lemon Tree Hotels, Red Fox by Lemon Tree Hotels, Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels, Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels and Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels.

Lemon Tree Hotels are located across India, in metro regions including the NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, as well as numerous tier I, II and III cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Indore, Aurangabad, Udaipur, Vishakhapatnam, Kochi, Ludhiana, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada etc. The company expanded internationally with hotels opening in Dubai in December 2019 and in Bhutan in February 2020. New hotels are also set to open internationally in Bhutan and Nepal.

THE ORCHID MUMBAI VILE PARLE OPENS ITS REFURBISHED WHISKEY LOUNGE AND BAR - MERLIN’S

The Orchid Mumbai has opened its newly refurbished whiskey lounge and bar - Merlin’s which is aesthetically made to elevate customer experience and leave a high impact on consumers.

The comfortable seating, vibrant colours of royal blue comfortable chairs and electric red bar stools make it look happening and want to come repeatedly. It's a perfect cozy setup with elegance personified and makes the guest feel completely upbeat. The bricked-style wall with Merlin's logo ensures to meet the eyeballs of the guest.

At Merlin's, guests can croon their way to some of the melodious vibes along with some delectable food and classic drinks. The venue hosts Karaoke nights during the weekdays and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Drawing crowds of all ages it offers varied karaoke song tracks from regional classics, Bollywood to English.
Merlin’s is an ideal venue for hosting kitty parties, birthday celebrations, get-togethers, private parties, and other memorable engagements. The theme and event can be customized as per guest expectations so that it perfectly complements the uniqueness of the occasion. 
The bar is well stocked with 99 different premium whiskeys, which are called from different parts of the world that give an upbeat look and feel to this exceptional lounge. Japanese whiskeys like Yamazaki single Malt, Hibiki Suntory, and Tenjaku whiskey will pamper your drinking soul to the next level. Monkey Shoulder from Scotland, Dewars aged 8 years, 12 years, 15 years, and even 25 years is also rare and found at Merlin's. Irish spirits like Teeling and Bushmills are a complete treat by themselves. Chivas Regal aged 25 years is a rare gem to find and is available at Merlin's.

Merlin’s is a must-visit place for those who love the vibrant ambiance, and acoustic music, paired with the rarest single malts and whiskey, and for folks looking to bring out the singer in them. 

Visit: https://www.orchidhotel.com/

Fortune Hotels sets foot in Kanpur

This is the brand’s fifth alliance in the state of Uttar Pradesh after Ghaziabad, Noida, Aligarh, and Lucknow

Kanpur, February 2023: Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group has further expanded its reach into Uttar Pradesh with a new alliance in Kanpur. The upscale hotel chain’s existing bouquet in the state includes Ghaziabad, Noida, Aligarh, and Lucknow.

Located on NH91, in close proximity to all the main attractions of the city including ISKCON temple, the Kanpur Zoological Park, and the business district, the premium hotel, slated to open in the winter of 2025, is strategically poised to be an ideal choice for corporate travellers and city residents alike.

To be branded as Fortune Park, the upscale hotel will feature stylish and spacious rooms with modern amenities that would help guests relax and unwind. Offering a mix of indoor and outdoor dining venues, large banquets, compact meeting room, and wellness facilities this hotel is being prepped to be a perfect spot for weddings, social get-togethers and business conferences alike.

Commenting on Fortune Hotel’s expansion spree in India, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Hotels said, “These are exciting times for us as we continue to expand our reach in India. Uttar Pradesh is a significant growth market for us and hence, the need to enter its biggest city, Kanpur with our fifth entity. The city is a thriving commercial and industrial market and has huge growth potential in the years to come. Naturally, it that makes for a perfect place to bring in our hospitality expertise.” 

Settled on the banks of the river Ganges, Kanpur has one of the busiest railway stations in the country and has good transport infrastructure of roads and metro and institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Indian Institute of Pulses Research, etc. Famous for fine-quality leather, textile, and plastic products in the commercial market.

Gladful bags 3-shark deal worth Rs 50 lakh at Shark Tank

A food and beverages startup, Gladful with a vision to change the course of health and nutrition for Indian children & families aims to build a 500-crore functional food brand in India by 2026

National, February 2023: Gladful, a Jaipur-based startup, well-positioned to become an iconic family & child nutrition brand in India, has received a Rs 50 lakh investment in the second season of the well-known business reality show Shark Tank India from "sharks" Aman Gupta, Amit Jain and Namita Thapar. The sharks loved the products and agreed to the prevailing protein deficiency in India. The business accepted the joint offer for 3.5% of the equity.

In India, more than 73% of the urban population lacks enough protein and the majority of protein brands target the health-committed gym-goers which causes protein deficiency to afflict typical families with children for whom there are no options on the shelves. 

Gladful, founded by two siblings – Ms. Parul Sharma and Mr. Manu Sharma, aims to bridge the prevailing nutritional gap and provide protein to Indian families by creating a portfolio of easy-to-consume foods which are high in this macronutrient and making school tiffin boxes, early morning meals healthier and easier with highly distinctive protein pre-sprouted mixes, protein cookies, and dates & nut-based desserts.

This FMCG brand, backed by Antler India, Huddle, Shiprocket, and Angel investors such as Shantanu Deshpande (Bombay Shaving), Ankita Vasisht (Strongher Ventures), Pawan Nanda (Winzo Games), aims to cross 15 crores in FY23 with its key offerings (high protein & fiber versions of foods) along with distribution expansion into quick commerce as consumers increasingly want proximity to their favorite foods. The duo started with 3 SKUs and currently has 14 SKUs in 3 categories, all of which claim a serving of 4–8g of protein which is roughly 25% of an 8-year-old's requirement. In addition, they plan to launch 1 new category in the protein breakfast range.

“Gladful was an epiphany that arose from a personal pain point. We are committed to build a brand where nutrition and taste could co-exist. Gladful is poised for exponential growth and becoming the quintessential family & child nutrition brand in India with its solid growth trajectory, functional economics, and influential investors.”, says Parul Sharma, Co-Founder of Gladful.

This FSSAI-approved brand incorporates superfoods like sprouts, amaranth, millets, peas, brown rice, and lobia into its distinctive offerings. Gladful is concentrating on developing wholesome, protein-rich foods for families. Their goal is to create high-protein and high-fiber versions of dishes that are currently seen on Indian dinner tables for everyone, not just athletes.

About Gladful:

Gladful is India’s one and only plastic-neutral family-friendly protein brand. Launched in Jan 2022, with the vision to create the foods you crave with the protein you deserve. Their founders have vast experience working in hi-growth startups and hold strong 14 years of experience in the FMCG sector. 

Gladful is established around critical occasions like school tiffin boxes and everyday breakfast with healthier and more accessible protein pre-sprouted mixes, protein cookies, and dates & nut-based desserts.  In the current line-up, there are 14 SKUs under 3 categories, all of which promise a serving of 4-8g of protein. They are backed by Antler, Huddle, StrongHer Capital, and marquee Angel Investors in India. For more information about Gladful visit: https://gladful.in/

Scoot will steadily resume flights to and from China and other popular summer holiday destinations

Resumption of flights to cities in China, starting with Haikou, Nanning, Ningbo, Shenyang and Xi’an More flights to China, Athens, Perth, Langkawi, Manado, Sapporo and Tokyo New flight schedules released for Scoot’s Pikachu Jet

National – Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), will steadily resume flights to and from China to accommodate strong travel demands in line with the further relaxation of border restrictions. Scoot will also be ramping up flight frequencies across its network, particularly to destinations that are popular for summer travels in Australia, Greece, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia.

Since travel restrictions were lifted globally in 2022, Scoot has resumed most of its pre-Covid routes, increased flight frequencies to ensure its capacity matches demand and expanded its network with the launch of new destinations such as Jeju, Lombok, Makassar, Miri and Yogyakarta.

China

From now until the end of Northern Winter 2022 (25 March 2023), Scoot will progressively increase its total flights to China from 14-times weekly to 26-times weekly by stepping up flight frequencies to seven of its existing points, comprising Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Tianjin and Zhengzhou.

The pace of resumption continues into the Northern Summer period, which spans 26 March to 28 October 2023. Scoot will resume flights to Haikou, Ningbo, and Xi’an in April 2023, bringing the total number of weekly flights to China to 42 times weekly by the end of April 2023. With services to Nanning and Shenyang resuming in May 2023, customers can look forward to 57 times weekly flights to China by the end of June 2023.

Other Network Updates

Scoot will increase flight frequencies to travelers’ favorite warm-weather destinations, just in time for customers to plan their summer travels. Flight frequencies to Athens will increase from two times to four times weekly, flight frequencies to Perth will increase from 10-times to 12-times weekly, flight frequencies to Sapporo through Taipei will increase from three times to four-times weekly and flight frequencies to Tokyo through Taipei will increase from 10-times to 12-times weekly. Closer to Singapore, flight frequencies to Langkawi will increase from four times to seven-times weekly and flight frequencies to Manado will increase from three-times to four-times weekly.

 Some adjustments will be made to optimize resources and accommodate other operational considerations. In particular, Scoot services to the Gold Coast will be suspended after 17 July 2023 (the last flight out of the Gold Coast). Customers with existing bookings will be notified of their options.

New Schedules for Pokémon Air Adventures Flights

Pokémon Air Adventures, a partnership with The Pokémon Company, continues to be well sought-after by Pokémon fans and others looking for unique experiences. In February 2023, Scoot launched these inaugural themed flights on the Pikachu Jet to Bangkok. In March 2023, the Pikachu Jet will make its way to Taiwan. Customers can choose from eight scheduled flights in March 2023 and six scheduled flights in April 2023. For more information on the Pikachu Jet schedule, please refer to Scoot’s website.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Offers Eco-Friendly “Green Weddings”

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Offers Eco-Friendly “Green Weddings”

In an effort to spread the environment-friendly message to the next level and involve the community at large, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain has introduced the concept of Green Weddings. These eco-friendly weddings encourage wedding couples to solemnize their nuptial ceremonies by ensuring minimal harm to the surroundings.

Says Noshir A Marfatia, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing, “We all know Indians love celebrating marriages. There is a tremendous amount of waste that happens during this time. However, there is a sizable number of people who want to prevent wastage without compromising on anything.”Elaborating further on the concept, he adds, “The idea is that luxury should not be compromised at any cost, but the damage to the environment should be prevented.”

 There is a whole list of guidelines that have been prepared. Some of the highlights of the Green Wedding are eco-friendly invitations, an eco-friendly venue, reusable décor, outdoor marriage functions, no cut flowers for decoration, no food wastage, zero plastic use, utilizing local vendors, etc to name a few.

There is a huge eco-wedding market that has not been properly tapped, and since we are an environmentally sensitive hotel chain, it is only natural for us to move in this space, Noshir points out.