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Author: Khwaish Hingad
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Ventive Hospitality, the Pune-based luxury hospitality asset owner, has unveiled Ventive Crown, a quarterly internal recognition and competition platform. Conceived to celebrate, challenge, and elevate exceptional talent across its diverse hotel portfolio, the initiative marks a significant step in the company’s “talent-first” growth strategy. The “Chef’s Edition”: A Culinary Showdown The inaugural edition of Ventive Crown focused on culinary excellence, bringing together the group’s flagship properties in Pune. Participation: The event saw six teams and 12 chefs from luxury hotels in Pune, including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Oakwood Residence, and DoubleTree…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Goonda, the disruptive lifestyle beverage brand co-founded by actor and entrepreneur Karan Tacker, has announced a significant shift in its growth strategy. Moving beyond its signature 180ml “pocket-friendly” hipster flasks, the brand is launching 750ml bottles to signal an aggressive scale-up for FY 2026-27. This move is designed to capture a larger share of India’s premium retail and high-energy nightlife circuits. Strategic Expansion & Market Potential Goonda is positioning itself as a homegrown powerhouse in the rapidly growing Indian agave spirit market. Market Opportunity: The Indian agave market is currently estimated at over 1.7 lakh cases.…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) AM Hotel Kollection has announced the opening of its second Foxtrail branded property in Gurugram, specifically located on the high-profile Golf Course Extension Road. This expansion, in partnership with the Kalra family (the asset owners) and LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts, strengthens the brand’s presence in the upscale business-hotel segment within the Delhi-NCR region. Property Details and Amenities The hotel is designed to cater to the modern business traveller and leisure guests who prioritize curated, boutique experiences. Brand: Foxtrail – AM Hotel Kollection Location: Golf Course Extension Road, Gurugram (complementing the existing property in Sector 42). Number…
-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…
IGMPI Expands FoSTaC Training Support for India’s Food Businesses
-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…
‘Sapaad’ Enters India to Boost Digital Infrastructure for Organised F&B
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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:…
