Category Archives: Business

Astral Limited Launches Comprehensive New Paint Line as Astral Paints

Bengaluru, 24th May 2024: Astral Limited, a leading innovator in the building construction segment and one of the fastest-growing building material companies, is proud to announce the launch of its extensive new paint line, Astral Paints. The new exciting brand by Astral Limited offers a vast array of options to meet the needs of every painter, designer, and homeowner, featuring a diverse selection of colors, finishes, and specialized formulations.

After acquiring a majority stake in Gem Paints in 2022, Astral Limited thoroughly prepared to enter the paint industry. The company has strategically launched its first phase in Bengaluru, leveraging three state-of-the-art paint units. Moreover, the company will expand its paint line across India in phases, starting with Karnataka and Gujarat.

Mr. Sandeep Engineer, CMD of Astral Limited, stated, “The launch of Astral Paints marks a significant milestone in Astral Limited’s journey. It’s a strategic move to diversify and solidify our presence in the ever-evolving Indian market. Our deep understanding and extensive experience within the building materials ecosystem give us a distinct advantage. We are confident that Astral Paints will revolutionize the industry with its versatile paints, extensive colour options, and unwavering focus on quality. Paints have always held a special place in my heart, stemming from my father’s association with the industry. We embody Astral’s core value – ‘TRUST’ – and deliver on our promise: ‘The trust of Astral, now in Paints.”

Mr. Saumya Engineer, CEO of Astral Adhesives & Paints, added, “We are launching Astral Paints not merely to add a feather in Astral Limited’s cap, but to establish it as a leading business within the Astral Group. Our consistent and strategic approach has proven successful with our other ventures such as adhesives, construction chemicals, and bathware, and we will maintain this same momentum with paints. While we are not in a rush to go pan-India, we will strategically and incrementally introduce our products into different markets, with the aim of covering the entire country within the next three years.”

Astral Paints is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of applications, ensuring there is a perfect solution for every project. The range includes decorative paints for interior and exterior emulsions in luxury, premium, and economy segments, under various product names: Elita, Esteema, and Styla for interior emulsions, and Extura Plus, Extura, and Raga for exterior emulsions. Additionally, Astral Paints offers a wide range of undercoats through primers and putties, synthetic enamels, and ancillary products like rollers and brushes.

Astral Paints also boasts an extensive colour palette, with over 1400 refreshing colours ranging from timeless classics to the latest trends, providing an unparalleled selection to bring any vision to life. Understanding consumer needs, Astral has also introduced specialty paints, such as Kitchen Special Paint, which features high durability and oil-resistant properties.

The company hosted a launch event at a leading hotel in Bengaluru that saw the attendance of over 300 channel partners and featured the presence of promoters, the Engineer family, alongside the senior Astral Limited team. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from all attendees, with the Engineer family unveiling the ‘Astral Paints Logo’ followed by the launch of the ‘Astral Paints Product Range’.

Astral Limited, which recently celebrated 25 years in the building construction industry, has become a renowned household name across the nation. Originally, a pipes company, Astral quickly rose to become one of the leading pipe manufacturing company in India. In a short span, the company diversified into various product categories, including water tanks, adhesives, construction chemicals, waterproofing, and now paints.

Acer Unveils New Line of Vero Laser Projectors for Home Entertainment

Mumbai (24th May 2024 ) Acer today announced the launch of its new eco-friendly Vero projectors, designed to elevate home entertainment experiences while minimizing their environmental impact. Two new models are equipped with 4K UHD resolution and HDR10 compatibility to deliver stunning visuals and enhanced brightness with 4000 ANSI lumens from its laser/LED hybrid light source. The Acer Vero HL6810ATV comes with an Acer-exclusive Android TV embedded dongle design, giving users access to smart home features at their fingertips.

In line with the Vero line’s advocacy for sustainability, the new laser projectors are designed to consume less power without sacrificing performance and offer long-lasting brightness consistency with up to a 30,000-hour lifespan. Their hybrid light source is also 100% mercury-free and the devices incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in their chassis and recycled paper for packaging.

Acer Vero HL68 Series Projectors: Cinematic Viewing and Gaming Experiences in 4K

The latest projector offerings feature the Acer Vero HL6810 and Acer Vero HL6810ATV smart projectors for home entertainment. These models feature 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) resolution and 4,000 ANSI lumens through their laser/LED hybrid light source so crystal-clear images and vibrant colors come alive when streaming or gaming on the big screen, even in well-lit environments. Details are vivid even in the darkest of scenes thanks to their 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and the ability to reach 105% of the Rec. 709 color gamut for pinpoint color accuracy. Plus, these are HDR10/HLG compatible, producing a larger spectrum of color and brightness accuracy through four available modes to accommodate various types of content. Acer’s tailor-made Football mode is also available on these models to optimize scenes projected on larger surfaces to make them more realistic and vivid, like watching everything unfold in front of their eyes.

Unlocking More Experiences with Android TV Features

The Vero HL6810ATV features an embedded Android TV dongle located at the back of the chassis, helping simplify installations and eliminating unnecessary cables for a cleaner setup. With an Android TV dongle, the smart projector offers direct access to in-demand entertainment content and streaming applications such as Netflix and YouTube without the need to connect to external devices. The smart projector can be controlled using voice-activated prompts with a dedicated remote or a smartphone for added convenience.

With support for 4K UHD resolution, viewers can enjoy next-level visual fidelity when streaming their favorite content. The projectors offer 1.3x zoom capability to allow for more flexibility when adjusting and projecting in different viewing spaces and go hand in hand with the HV keystone and 4 corner correction technology for the best possible views. In terms of protection, the devices are IP5X-rated to protect against potential damage from external factors and help lessen the negative effects of blue light exposure to viewers’ eyes thanks to Acer BlueLight Shield technology. Audiovisual enthusiasts can easily connect their amplifiers or external speakers through the projectors’ HDMI 2.0 (audio return) port and enjoy 3D cinematic experiences in the comfort of their own homes thanks to Blu-ray 3D support.

Eco-friendly All the Way

The third generation of the Acer Vero HL68 Series projectors now adopts highly efficient and high-performance laser/LED hybrid optical engines projecting the desired color and brightness while saving up to 48% power as compared to lamp-based projectors. This not only helps minimize the impact on the environment with less power consumption but also extends the devices’ usability and lowers the total cost of ownership with up to a 30,000-hour lifespan for its light source. Power saving mode and the instant-on-off features further support the Vero cause by instinctively minimizing power usage when using the different modes or when left idle. Plus, the light source of the Acer HL68 Series projectors is 100% mercury-free and utilizes post-consumer recycled plastic in the chassis and paper in its fully recyclable packaging to minimize the devices’ carbon footprint.

Conrad Pune Appoints Seasoned Leader Abhinandan Gooptu as New Director Conferences & Events

Pune, Maharashtra, 24th May 2024: Conrad Pune is delighted to announce the appointment of Abhinandan Gooptu as its new Director of Conferences & Events

Abhinandan brings over 16 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry to his new role. Born and raised in Kolkata, India, Abhinandan’s career began with Four Seasons Sydney as an F&B Executive. He has since held various positions in sales and marketing, including roles at ITC Sonar – A Luxury Collection Hotel and ITC Hotels Kolkata.

Most recently, Abhinandan served as Head of MICE at ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar, where he successfully led a team that consistently exceeded revenue targets. His expertise spans corporate sales, sporting events (IPL, ISL, World Cups), MICE events, and weddings. Abhinandan was also part of the pre-opening team for ITC Royal Bengal.

Abhinandan is a passionate and results-oriented leader with a proven ability to build and manage high-performing teams. He is dedicated to exceeding guest expectations and delivering exceptional Conferences & Events experiences.

Joining the force, Mr. Abhinandan Gooptu, Director of Conferences & Events, Conrad Pune said, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the energetic team at Conrad Pune. My passion lies in crafting truly innovative conference experiences and meticulously planned events. I can’t wait to collaborate with this talented group to push the envelope on creativity and take Conrad Pune’s conference and event offerings to the next level. Exceeding guest expectations is my top priority, and I’m confident that together, we’ll create unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression.”

Onboarding Mr. Gooptu to the Conrad Pune Leadership squad, Mr. Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune said, “We are delighted to welcome Abhinandan Gooptu as our new Director of Conferences & Events at Conrad Pune. Abhinandan’s extensive experience in the MICE and events industry, particularly his proven ability to drive growth and innovation, makes him the perfect person to lead our team to the next level. We are confident that under Abhinandan’s leadership, Conrad Pune’s conference and event offerings will not only reach new heights but will also become a platform for unforgettable experiences and industry-leading creativity.”

New Beauty Launch Alert | LoveChild By Masaba’s New Launch Blurring Serum Tint Will Make You “Skip Everything

24th May 2024: Get ready to revolutionize your daily makeup routine with Lovechild’s latest game-changer: ‘Skip Everything’ Blurring Serum Tint. This is 4-in-1 powerhouse combines the benefits of a primer, foundation, sunscreen, and moisturizer into one sleek product, promising a flawless finish with just a single step. Say goodbye to lengthy beauty routines and hello to effortless beauty!

Priced at INR 1300, and available in 10 versatile shades designed for all Indian skin tones there’s a perfect match for everyone. Simplify your routine with a one-step application, blending seamlessly for a natural, radiant finish. Featuring an in-built brush for convenient, mess-free application. Harnessing SOD Technology (Special Optical Diffuser) to blur imperfections and leave your skin looking flawless. Achieve a flawless complexion effortlessly by applying the Serum Tint to clean, dry skin using your fingers or the in-built brush provided.

Whether you have a fair, medium, or dark complexion, LoveChild by Masaba’s Blurring Serum Tint has a shade tailored to complement your skin tone perfectly. From the “Icy You,” “Moody Mama,” and “Quirky Queen” for fair tones, to the captivating “Honest Honey,” “Lonely Lioness,” and “Bossy Babe” for medium tones, and the bold “Gossip Girlfriend,” “Tough Toffee,” and “Easy Espresso” for darker tones, each shade offers a unique expression of beauty.

Infused with the finest ingredients- Glucosyl hesperidin, a potent antioxidant derived from citrus fruits renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, and Texfeel T5, an amino acid derivative that enhances texture, providing a smooth and silky feel to the skin, the Blurring Serum Tint is your one-stop 4-in-1 beauty solution.

Experience the future of beauty with Lovechild by Masaba, Blurring Serum Tint – Skip Everything! Elevate your everyday routine and embrace effortless beauty like never before.

Commenting on the launch, Masaba Gupta, Founder, of LoveChild by Masaba said “I’m thrilled to introduce our latest innovation at LoveChild by Masaba the ‘Skip Everything’ Blurring Serum Tint. Our mission has always been to redefine beauty beyond the surface, and with this product, we’re taking it to the next level. With 10 versatile shades and multifunctional benefits, this Serum Tint empowers you to simplify your routine and amplify your natural beauty. Let’s skip the unnecessary and embrace the beauty within!”

All products are available online on LoveChild by Masaba. in, houseofmasaba.com and House of Masaba stores across the country. They are also available on marketplaces such as Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Purplle, Flipkart, Tata Cliq Palette, and Tira.

ProsParity Secures $2M Pre-Seed Funding from BEENEXT to Transform EV Financing in India

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – 24th May 2024 – ProsParity, a fintech platform that is reimagining the distribution of credit in the electric mobility sector, has raised $2 million pre-seed funding round from global institutional investors such as BEENEXT, Sparrow Capital, All In Capital, DeVC, and Huddle Ventures. Angel investors like Dr Ashish Gupta (Co-founder of Junglee & Helion Ventures), Raj Dugar (Ex-Eight Roads Ventures), Dhyanesh Shah (Co-founder of Mosaic Wellness), Abhishek Goyal (Co-founder of Tracxn) and Nitin Kaushal (Co-founder of Country Delight) also participated in this round.

Founded by Saurabh Khodke and Anirudh Dhakar, ProsParity is an end-to-end electric mobility financing platform that focuses on compliance, scalability, and agility for lenders, while easing access to financing relationships for EV dealers and OEMs to enable financing for their end-customers. Through its proprietary platform and approach of origination, the company aims to aggregate the demand for financing on a single platform for the lenders to channel their capital in the emerging EV financing asset class.

The funds raised will be used for building proof of concept, and technology, and expanding origination networks, starting with Central India. ProsParity is also building a comprehensive partnership network across Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Fleet Operators, Dealerships, and Lenders. To democratize financing for EVs in the mass market, the company aims to achieve an Asset Under Management (AUM) of INR 100 crore within the next two years by serving the market at large and new-to-credit customers.

As per NITI Aayog, the size of the annual loan market for EVs in India is projected to hit INR 3.7 lakh crore in 2030. While the opportunity in EV financing is substantial, the traditional origination approach used in the case of ICEs could be less cost-efficient, and lenders are cautious of lending in the segment due to a limited understanding of the underlying assets.

Currently, India’s two and three-wheeler space serves mass-market customers. Although less commonly discussed, financing for EVs – in terms of the cost and quantum of capital – is a major hurdle for India’s electric mobility transition. End users face a range of challenges including high interest, low loan-to-value ratios to mitigate risks, longer time to get financing, and limited specialized finance options. As the adoption of EVs increases in this segment, there is going to be a need for players who can originate and underwrite credit for this segment with optimized risk-adjusted returns for the lenders.

“Today, electric vehicle financing is an emerging asset class. The Indian EV market is poised for exponential growth and affordable financing solutions are critical to enable this transition. The current landscape is catered by very few large NBFCs and private banks, primarily serving a limited customer base,” says Saurabh Khodke, CEO and Co-founder of ProsParity. “ProsParity’s technology platform and omni channel presence coupled with our experienced team and lender network, will help evolve and grow the nascent EV financing landscape in India,” he added.

“ProsParity is addressing a key bottleneck in the acceleration of EV adoption in the country and India’s goal of making 30% of all vehicle sales electric by 2030. The founding team’s mission focuses, in the long-term, on creating a level playing field between EVs and ICE vehicles by democratizing access to finance for not just customers, but also the dealers,” said Anirudh Garg, Partner at BEENEXT.

With a collective experience of over five decades across scaling platforms, retail, and liability franchises, ProsParity’s founding team has built a differentiated, tech-led origination model that allows them to reach consumers across geographies, credit profiles, and sales channels. ProsParity’s B2B partnerships with ecosystem players ensure scalable distribution while creating a long-term moat of ‘asset risk models’ for underwriting asset risks. The company also tailors its products to efficiently sync customer profiles with utility, quality & end-use of assets.

Five Startups Helping India To Revolutionize the EV Sector

India’s pursuit of sustainable mobility is gaining momentum, with the electrification of vehicles emerging as a focal point for both businesses and policymakers. In 2023, a significant surge in hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) sales underscored a shift towards eco-friendly transportation solutions, reflecting evolving consumer preferences. While India’s journey towards EV adoption commenced later than some global counterparts, the nation has witnessed exponential growth, fueled by a burgeoning ecosystem of startups and supportive government policies.

As India’s EV market continues to expand, projected to reach $110.74 billion by 2029, let’s explore five pioneering Indian startups driving the country’s EV revolution and contributing to a greener future.

1. Vidyuta

Vidyuta leads the charge in energy storage innovation, spearheading the development of cutting-edge battery materials for a variety of applications including energy storage systems, electric vehicles, mobile devices, and laptops. Specializing in the manufacturing of cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion cells, Vidyuta embodies a commitment to sustainability and technological advancement. Founded in 2023, their vision extends beyond India, aiming to revolutionize the global energy storage industry through the creation of a closed-loop battery ecosystem.

By focusing on minimizing battery waste, Vidyuta plays a crucial role in addressing a looming environmental concern spurred by the rapid growth of the EV sector worldwide.

2. Statiq

Statiq, India’s premier EV charging network provider, is rapidly expanding its infrastructure nationwide, offering convenient access to charging points through its advanced technology-driven solutions. With tie-ups with government bodies, automakers, and major hospitality players covering 65+ cities and comprising 7000+ chargers, Statiq aims to install 20,000 charging points by 2025 to meet the surging demand for e-vehicle charging services.

Operating under the brand Statiq, their Gurgaon-based Sharify Services offers a comprehensive network catering to electric cars, buses, trucks, and three-wheelers. Users locate charging stations via Statiq’s app, which also enables prebooking and remote charge control. Recently, Statiq also featured in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30.

3. Ather Energy

Headquartered in Bengaluru, the startup specializes in sustainable mobility and energy infrastructure. It leads India’s electric two-wheeler sector, championing sustainable mobility through its flagship offering, the Ather 450 electric scooter. The introduction of Ather Grid not only tackles range anxiety but also enhances India’s position in the global EV market. Established in 2013, the startup has garnered over $400 million in funding from prominent investors.

Ather has installed over 1,000 charging stations across 80 cities in India, with plans to expand to 2,500+ stations by the end of 2023. Notably, the company’s second manufacturing plant in Hosur is geared towards meeting the increasing demand for electric scooters.

4. Yulu

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Yulu specializes in sustainable mobility solutions and charging infrastructure, operating in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR. It offers AI-enabled battery-as-a-service (BaaS) through Yuma Energy battery swapping stations, catering to electric vehicle users. Yulu provides Yulu Miracle for urban commuters, YuluDeX for last-mile delivery, and recently launched Yulu Wynn for bike ownership experience.

Established in 2017, the startup has raised over $125 million in funding from investors. Notably, in 2022, Yulu raised $82 million in its Series B funding, followed by an additional $19.25 million in February 2024 from the same strategic investors.

5. BluSmart

Headquartered in Gurugram, BluSmart offers electric ride-hailing mobility services through its mobile app, focusing on providing sustainable mobility solutions to urban customers.
Established in 2019, the startup has raised over $110 million in funding from investors.

In May 2022, BluSmart secured $25 million in equity and debt financing in its Series A funding round. In 2023, it raised over $66 million in two rounds. BluSmart boasts completing over 10 million rides and operates more than 4,000 EV chargers across its 34 EV charging superhubs as of the end of 2023.

Noise Unveils Next-Gen EN 1 Processor and Nebula UI with NoiseFit Origin Smartwatch

India, 24th May 2024: Noise, India’s leading smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand, today took a step ahead in introducing consumer-centric innovation with the launch of the new Noise EN 1 processor and Nebula UI. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Noise’s commitment to delivering premium and superior user experiences through industry-forward technology. This new processor and UI will debut with the brand’s upcoming smartwatch, NoiseFit Origin, hinting at a new era of performance and design excellence.

The EN 1 processor will enhance the smartwatch experience by offering a 30% faster performance. The advancement will expedite response time and improve processing power for the smartwatch. The inclusion of a linear motor and haptic feedback on the scroll will further offer smooth navigation, elevating the overall journey for users and making interactions with the smartwatch more intuitive, engaging, and satisfying. In addition to better performance, Noise’s EN 1 processor also brings enhanced graphics providing better transitions, animations, and background colors to the users.

Complementing the powerful EN 1 processor is the Nebula UI, an intuitive and user-friendly interface designed to improve user engagement. The refreshed UI features new menu layouts, updated icons, and sophisticated gradients, all meticulously crafted to boost the smartwatch experience. Nebula UI also adds an improved UX experience that clubs notifications and workout screens precisely for an organized placement. Additionally, it adds smart widgets that will offer quick access to essential information in a user-friendly interface.

The launch of the refreshed UI underscores the brand’s dedication to continuously innovate for its endeavor to serve its consumers better. Driven to offer a superior and aspirational smartwatch experience laced with performance, quality, aesthetics, and functionality, the new EN 1 processor and Nebula UI, will profoundly elevate the performance of the entire smartwatch and add a meaningful upgrade to users’ lifestyle by allowing them to interact with their fitness and lifestyle companion even more effectively.

These advancements are a direct result of Noise’s commitment to keep reinventing while staying intact to the path of consumer-centricity. The upcoming NoiseFit Origin smartwatch is a testament to this approach. With its powerful processor and intuitive interface, NoiseFit Origin will be set to elevate the standard of premium smartwatches.

U-Kaffee Plus by Hafele

Today’s fast-paced world has our mornings rushed, and days filled with endless tasks. A steaming cup of coffee has now become more than a casual beverage – it has become a ritual, a moment of tranquility and a catalyst for productivity. From the rich aromas to the comforting warmth that envelopes your senses, coffee, for most, proves to be a loyal companion through your daily routine and the special moments of life.

Getting you through the day, giving you the daily coffee fix with rich flavors and aroma is Hafele’s new U-Kaffee Plus! This coffee machine brews the most delectable coffee at the comfort of your home. With its sleek design and unparalleled convenience, Hafele’s U-Kaffee Plus integrates into any lifestyle, offering the perfect cup of coffee at the push of a button.

Whether it is a quick latte to kick start the morning a cup of cappuccino to make your breakfast complete or an espresso to push through those lazy afternoons, U-Kaffee Plus can do it all, thanks to the removable milk tank and the adjustable milk frothing system which lets you make your coffee as per your liking. The 15-bar pump pressure ensures optimal extraction by exposing every grind of coffee to precise pressure and temperature conditions creating intense and flavourful espresso shots.

Adding a touch of luxury is its sublime matte black finish and offering an unparalleled coffee experience is the classic analog temperature dial and soft tactile buttons that take your coffee brewing experience to a whole new level.

India Inc are Optimistic About Promotions, Career Changes or Salary Hikes in 2024: Simplilearn’s Survey

Pune, India, 24th May 2024: Simplilearn, the world’s leading online boot camp for digital skills, has unveiled key insights from its 2024 State of Upskilling consumer survey. The survey highlights the dynamic landscape of upskilling and professional development for working professionals and CXOs across industries. It explores shifting perspectives on career advancement, upskilling priorities, and the evolving landscape of the digital economy.

The survey has been conducted among professionals from diverse industries, geographical locations, and career stages. The 2024 Consumer Survey reveals significant changes in learner attitudes compared to 2023. In 2024, 65% of professionals preferred part-time or online certifications, significantly increasing from 51% in 2023. Conversely, the percentage of professionals opting for self-study increased marginally to 25% in 2024 (compared to 23% in 2023). Similarly, the inclination towards full-time college enrollment declined significantly, dropping 2% in 2024 from 7% in 2023. This shift highlights a declining dependence on traditional educational routes among professionals, indicative of a broader trend favoring upskilling platforms.

Insights From the Simplilearn 2024 Consumer Survey Report:

• Career Expectations: 85% of the respondents actively seek career changes after upskilling, reflecting a dynamic job market.
• Upskilling Trends: A staggering 45% of respondents cite the need to upskill to leverage new opportunities in their company or desired field.
• Preferred Upskilling Methods: Among those seeking to upskill, 65% prefer enrolling in part-time online programs or courses, emphasizing the importance of flexible learning options.
• Top Digital Economy Skills: Data science and business analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, program and project management, cloud computing and DevOps, cyber security, product management, and software development emerged as the most sought-after skills among respondents, highlighting the demand for expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

Insights on Respondents:

• Gender Breakdown: Male respondents constitute 67%, while female respondents comprise 31% of the survey population, with 1% prefer not to disclose.
• Job Levels: Most respondents (53%) identify as individual contributors, followed by managers (28%) and students (15%).
• Industry Distribution: Technology and computers lead with 39% representation, followed by banking, financial services, insurance (11%), and healthcare & life sciences (8%).

Sharing thoughts on the survey, Mr. Kashyap Dalal, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Simplilearn, said, “In the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the IT industry, characterized by market deceleration and frequent disruptions, it is imperative for professionals to upskill for the future. A staggering 65% of respondents are engaged in online certification courses, with 97% affirming that upskilling will significantly augment their career prospects by 2024. These statistics underscore the criticality of upskilling, particularly in burgeoning fields such as data science, AI, and cybersecurity, which are poised to flourish in today’s digital economy.”

As technology reshapes industries and job roles, professionals prioritize continuous learning and skill enhancement to succeed in the digital economy. Simplilearn remains committed to empowering professionals with the skills they need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

Indian Dietetic Association (Gujrat Chapter) Presents Townhall on Pistachios: Exploring the Green Fuel

American Pistachios Growers (APG) in association with the Indian Dietetic Association (Gujrat Chapter) organized a town hall on Pistachios to discuss “Exploring the Green Fuel”.

The session was addressed by Dr. Rucha Mehta, Sr Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist; Ms. Niti Desai, Consultant Nutritionist; Ms. Shiny Surendran, Sports Dietitian and Preventive Health Nutritionist; Ms. Rima Rao, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, Convenor, NetProFaN Gujarat and Mr. Sumit Saran, In Country Market Representative of American pistachios.

The session was attended by clinical nutritionists, dietician,s and members of the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) from across India.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Rima Rao, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, Convenor, NetProFaN Gujarat “I recommend incorporating antioxidant-rich foods to help protect healthy cells from free radical damage in the body. Pistachios are an excellent choice, as they are among the few foods high in antioxidants that also qualify as a complete protein. This means they contain all nine essential amino acids typically found in animal-based proteins, making them perfect for those seeking a more plant-based diet. This is particularly beneficial for vegetarians, who might otherwise need supplements to achieve a balanced intake of these amino acids.”

“Moreover, pistachios are a fantastic source of prebiotics, which support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. They are also an excellent source of healthy fats, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet”, she added.

Speaking on the India market Mr. Sumit Saran, In-Country Market Representative of American Pistachios Growers remarked. “We have seen tremendous demand for American pistachios, as people are getting more aware. They are great as a snack or as an ingredient. American pistachios are available on all major e-commerce platforms or with major dry fruit retailers. All consumers have to do is search for California pistachios.”