Author: Khwaish Hingad

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Satchmo Foods, a diversified food company offering high-quality packaged foods, snacks, and ready-to-cook/eat favourites, today announced the launch of its new Ready-to-Cook range, aimed at providing fresh, homemade-tasting staples at scale while maintaining hygiene, quality, and affordability. The launch addresses a key consumer challenge, as many people struggle to access fresh, homemade-quality food without investing considerable time in preparation or turning to overpriced or overly processed alternatives. Satchmo Foods bridges this gap by offering products that combine homemade taste, consistent quality, clean ingredients, and affordability, catering to both B2B and planned B2C consumers. The newly launched…

– B Swaminathan | IMAWS (swami@imaws.org) Vadodara — The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Vadodara Chapter has launched a comprehensive membership expansion drive aimed at integrating the city’s rapidly diversifying food service industry into the organized sector. This initiative seeks to transition the local industry from informal networking toward a professionalized corporate structure, specifically targeting the surge of new cafes, cloud kitchens, and international culinary formats entering the market. Strategic Growth and Market Diversification The expansion of the Vadodara Chapter reflects a broader shift in the regional economy, where traditional manufacturing families are increasingly diversifying capital into the hospitality…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Indian snacks market is on a high-growth trajectory, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13% over the next five years. According to a recent industry report, this growth significantly outpaces the general packaged food segment, which is growing at a more modest 8-9%. The shift is attributed to a fundamental change in Indian eating habits, where “snackification”—the replacement of traditional large meals with smaller, frequent snacks—is becoming the urban norm. Key Drivers of the Snacking Boom: Hyper-Regionalization: National players are increasingly acquiring or launching regional “ethnic” snack lines (such as…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a monumental achievement for the global dairy industry, the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the apex body of the Amul brand, has announced that its total group brand turnover has crossed the ₹1 Lakh Crore (US$ 12 Billion) mark for the 2025-26 financial year. This represents a robust 11% growth over the previous fiscal year, solidifying Amul’s position as one of the world’s largest and most successful dairy cooperatives. The announcement was made during the Federation’s annual review, highlighting a year characterized by record procurement and an aggressive push into non-dairy segments. The ₹1…

-KH News desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Planet Hotels & Resorts has announced a comprehensive strategic roadmap to expand its footprint in the Indian subcontinent, unveiling a robust pipeline of upcoming properties. This “structured development” phase is designed to establish the brand as a key player in India’s rapidly evolving mid-scale and upscale hospitality segments, specifically focusing on underserved regional markets. The expansion strategy moves beyond primary metros, identifying high-growth corridors in Tier-II and Tier-III cities where infrastructure development and rising disposable incomes have created a gap for quality branded accommodation. Key Pillars of the Expansion Strategy: Regional Diversification: The group is targeting…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) has reported a significant surge in its Rural Homestay Initiative, with the program receiving an enthusiastic response from both local homeowners and domestic travelers. Aimed at promoting “Community-Based Tourism,” the project has successfully integrated over 100 villages across the state into a formal network of authentic, rural hospitality. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to decentralize tourism from traditional hubs like Khajuraho and Kanha, directing travelers toward the “heart of India” through immersive stays in tribal and agrarian communities. Key Highlights of the Rural Homestay Project: Economic Empowerment:…

-KH News (editorial1@imaws.org) In a landmark achievement for India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, Wow! Momo Foods has announced that its FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) division has officially crossed an Annualized Revenue Run-rate (ARR) of ₹100 Crore. This milestone marks one of the most successful transitions of a restaurant brand into the competitive packaged foods space in the country. Launched as an extension of its popular physical outlets, the FMCG arm is branded under Wow! Momo and Wow! Chicken has rapidly scaled its presence across modern trade, general trade, and e-commerce platforms. The brand’s “Ready-to-Eat” and “Ready-to-Cook” portfolios, including frozen momos, sauces,…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the appointment of Vikaas Chawla as the new President for India and Southwest Asia, effective immediately. This high-profile leadership transition marks a strategic move by the global hospitality major to accelerate its expansion and operational excellence across the Indian subcontinent. Reporting directly to Sanjay Sharma, Hyatt’s Managing Director for Southwest Asia, Chawla will be responsible for leading the brand’s multi-brand growth strategy. His role involves overseeing the performance of Hyatt’s existing portfolio while spearheading the entry of new lifestyle and luxury brands into the region. Leadership Profile & Strategic Expertise: Global…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the strategic appointment of Pallab Pal as the General Manager of Lemon Tree Hotel, Somnath. This appointment comes at a crucial time as the group looks to strengthen its service standards and operational efficiency in one of India’s most prominent spiritual tourism hubs. Pal brings with him a distinguished career spanning over 18 years in the hospitality industry, having worked with several renowned national and international hotel chains. His expertise lies in driving revenue growth, enhancing guest satisfaction, and managing large-scale operations in diverse markets. Key Career Highlights & Expertise:…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair, concluded at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, marking a historic turning point for Asia’s largest B2B event in the sector. Organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) with support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and leading industry bodies, the 2026 edition successfully blended four decades of legacy with a massive digital transformation. This milestone year saw participation from over 1,600 exhibitors, including a significant international presence from over 20 countries, underscoring India’s growing influence as a global sourcing hub for food, equipment,…