Author: Khwaish Jain

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Ochre Spirits, a fast-growing artisanal spirits startup based in Goa, has announced its strategic entry into Maharashtra, one of India’s most influential and high-consumption alcohol markets. This expansion is set to be a major growth engine for the brand, with the state expected to contribute over 25% to its consolidated revenue within the next three years. Strategic Market Entry & Distribution Following its success in Goa and Pondicherry, Ochre Spirits is deploying its craft portfolio across key urban hubs including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Aurangabad. Market Valuation: Maharashtra represents a ₹23,250 crore excise market, where premiumisation…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced its entry into the historic city of Vellore, Tamil Nadu, with the signing of a new Vivanta hotel. This greenfield project, developed in partnership with the BBK Group, signifies IHCL’s strategic focus on expanding its premium brand presence in rapidly growing Tier-II industrial and educational hubs. Property Details and Strategic Location The hotel is designed to cater to the diverse needs of business travellers, medical tourists, and students visiting the city’s renowned institutions. Brand: Vivanta by IHCL Location: Vellore, Tamil Nadu – a prominent…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Franchise India announces the launch of Franks Hot Dog’s first outlet in Chandigarh at Nexus Elante Mall, marking the brand’s strategic entry into Punjab’s vibrant youth hub. Following the successful journey of 12+ stores at various Indian cities pan India including Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Gurgaon, Mumbai, this expansion brings premium French gourmet hot dogs to Chandigarh’s Gen Z crowd, who crave global quick-service flavours in a fun, hangout-ready setting. Nexus Elante Mall, one of North India’s top entertainment and dining destinations with over 10 million annual footfall, sets the perfect stage for Franks Hot Dog’s…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries (RIL), has officially acquired a majority stake (reported as over 70%) in Udhaiyams Agro Foods, a heritage brand from Tamil Nadu. The move is a significant step in Reliance’s strategy to dominate the branded staples market in India. Key Details of the Deal The Partnership: RCPL will hold the controlling interest in a new joint venture, while the existing promoters, S. Sudhakar and S. Dinakar, will retain a minority stake and continue to lead operations. The Brand: Udhaiyam is a 30-year-old household name in South…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India (IGMPI), a leading FSSAI-approved training partner, has announced a major expansion of its Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) support. This initiative aims to strengthen the digital and operational infrastructure of India’s F&B sector by ensuring high standards of hygiene and regulatory compliance across the food supply chain. Key Highlights of the Expansion Targeted Training: The program is designed for food safety supervisors (FSS) who are responsible for maintaining hygiene across production, processing, packaging, storage, and transportation. Diverse Course Levels: IGMPI offers three tiers of training: Basic: For small-scale…

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-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Suka, a massive Zanzibar-inspired tropical brewery, has officially opened its doors in Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru. Spanning an impressive 1.85 lakh square feet with a seating capacity exceeding 2,000, Suka is positioned as one of the largest brewery-led hospitality developments in the city. The name “Suka” translates to happiness or bliss in Kannada, reflecting its mission to provide a nature-driven, serene escape within the urban bustle. Property Details and Design Suka is designed as a destination-style venue, merging modern architecture with tropical and forest-inspired elements to create an immersive “sensorial journey.” Location: Nagarbhavi, West Bengaluru (Mallathalli area). Theme:…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Holiday Inn Express Pune Pimpri, a key property under the IHG Hotels & Resorts umbrella, has announced the appointment of Dattatraya P. Auti as its new General Manager, effective December 16, 2025. With a career spanning over 17 years in the hospitality industry, Auti brings a wealth of experience in operational excellence, financial management, and guest satisfaction to his new role. Key Appointment and Professional Background Dattatraya P. Auti’s appointment is a strategic move for IHG as it continues to strengthen its leadership in India’s industrial and commercial hubs. Previous Leadership Roles: Prior to this appointment,…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Marriott International has signed an agreement with the Sugee Group to develop the Goa Marriott Manohar International Airport Hotel. Anticipated to open in 2030, the 200-key property will be located within Western India’s first Aerocity at the Manohar International Airport (Mopa) in Goa. This partnership marks Sugee Group’s debut in the hospitality sector as part of a larger mixed-use development project. Property Details and Location The hotel is strategically designed to serve both global business travellers and leisure seekers, offering a blend of modern convenience and cultural immersion. Hotel Name: Goa Marriott Manohar International Airport Hotel…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) ITC Hotels Limited has announced a strategic expansion of its boutique hospitality brand, Storii by ITC Hotels, into India’s most iconic wildlife corridors. This foray strengthens the brand’s presence in nature-led experiential travel with four new upcoming retreats located near premier national parks. These properties are designed to offer intimate, sustainable, and immersive stays rooted in India’s natural heritage. Locations and Property Details The expansion targets key wildlife hubs in Rajasthan and Gujarat, offering diverse experiences from leopard tracking to Asiatic lion sightings. Property Name Location Capacity Key Highlights Storii Jawai Jawai, Rajasthan 15 Guestrooms &…