Author: Khwaish Hingad
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Hilton has announced a massive multi-brand expansion across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, marking the debut of eight of its most prestigious luxury and lifestyle brands in several key markets. The move is part of Hilton’s aggressive strategy to capitalize on the rapid recovery of international travel and the rising demand for sophisticated, experience-led hospitality. The expansion includes a mix of new builds and strategic conversions, targeting gateway cities and emerging resort destinations. By introducing brands like Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Canopy, and Motto, Hilton is diversifying its regional portfolio to cater to both the ultra-luxury segment and…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Glenwalk, the premium Scotch whisky brand co-owned by Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt, has announced a strategic expansion of its portfolio with the launch of the ‘Dominance’ series. This move is designed to solidify the brand’s presence in the competitive luxury spirits market, catering to a discerning consumer base that increasingly favors high-provenance, aged blends. The Glenwalk has seen rapid traction since its inception, positioning itself as a lifestyle brand that bridges the gap between traditional Scotch heritage and modern celebrity-led appeal. The new ‘Dominance’ variants are crafted to offer a more intense, robust flavor profile,…
-KH News desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Global hospitality giant Marriott International has officially marked its entry into Upper Assam with the signing of Courtyard by Marriott Dibrugarh. Developed in partnership with Tulip Estates and managed by Nile Hospitality, the property is the first internationally branded hotel in Dibrugarh, signaling a major shift toward organized hospitality in Northeast India’s industrial and agricultural hub. Located at Chowkidinghee in the heart of the city, the hotel is strategically positioned to serve both the business community tied to the region’s tea and oil industries and leisure travelers exploring the pristine landscapes of the Northeast. The hotel…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Foodlink Global, a dominant force in luxury catering and international F&B operations, has announced the appointment of Jayved Kumar as its new Head Chef. Based in Dubai, Chef Jayved will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, spearheading menu innovation, and maintaining the brand’s rigorous global standards for hygiene and quality across its premium dining outlets and large-scale catering projects. Chef Jayved brings a distinguished career spanning more than 15 years, during which he has become known for his ability to seamlessly blend traditional Indian flavors with contemporary global techniques. His appointment is seen as a strategic…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Celebrity Chef Kunal Kapur has officially opened the doors to Pincode in Bengaluru, marking the latest expansion of his flagship restaurant brand. Located in the city’s vibrant culinary hub, Pincode is designed as a “living scrapbook” of India’s vast gastronomic landscape, where every dish is tied to a specific geographical identity and the personal nostalgia associated with it. The Bengaluru outlet follows the brand’s successful international debut in Dubai and its domestic launch in New Delhi. The core philosophy of Pincode remains focused on “unlocking” the hidden flavors of India’s various postal codes, elevating home-style recipes…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a significant victory for the Indian restaurant industry, Zomato has officially removed its controversial “Charges for Price Disparity” clause from its restaurant contracts. The decision, reported on April 23, 2026, follows years of sustained pushback from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and mounting pressure from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) regarding anti-competitive practices. The now-deleted provision allowed Zomato to penalize restaurant partners if they offered lower prices to walk-in diners or on their own direct-delivery websites compared to the prices listed on the Zomato app. Key Details of the Withdrawn Clause: Triple…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Singapore, 27 April 2026 – Lamb Weston, a global leading supplier in frozen potato products, showcased three of its latest potato innovations – Snap Fries, Frenzy Fries and Original Mash Cup at Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) 2026. As airline and foodservice operators across Asia seek to differentiate their menus and drive greater efficiency, Lamb Weston unveils innovative solutions that create new consumption moments, reduce back-of-house complexity, and deliver perfectly crispy fries, even at 30,000 feet. “In today’s environment, operators must do more with less—less space, less labour, and less time, while continuing to deliver the…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, has announced the signing of The Fern Residency Ayodhya, Series by Marriott. Developed in partnership with SS Abasan LLP, this 63-key property is a strategic addition to the group’s portfolio, tapping into the massive surge in spiritual and cultural tourism in the historic city of Ayodhya. The upcoming hotel is designed to cater to the modern traveler, balancing contemporary luxury with the city’s deep-rooted cultural heritage. Scheduled to open in 2028, the property reflects a broader industry trend of branded hospitality groups intensifying investments in…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Power Root Manufacturing, the Malaysian beverage giant, has chosen the global stage of FHA 2026 to debut its latest ambitious project: L1BERICA. This new premium coffee brand is dedicated exclusively to the Liberica bean, a rare coffee species that accounts for less than 2% of global production and is predominantly grown in Malaysia. L1BERICA represents a strategic effort to rebrand a heritage crop as a modern, high-end sensory experience. Often overshadowed by the global dominance of Arabica and Robusta, the Liberica bean is celebrated by connoisseurs for its distinct floral aroma, smokey undertones, and unique oversized…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Parsi Dairy Farm, a name synonymous with dairy excellence in India since 1916, has announced its latest culinary innovation: Bite-Sized Kulfi Pops. This strategic product launch marks the brand’s evolution into the “lifestyle snacking” segment, transforming its legendary kulfi—traditionally served in large slabs or sticks—into a portable, portion-controlled format. The launch is designed to cater to the growing demand for “mindful indulgence,” allowing consumers to enjoy the rich, creamy texture of authentic kulfi in small, convenient bites. By modernizing the presentation while keeping the heritage recipes intact, the century-old dairy is successfully bridging the gap between…