Category Archives: Food

4th National Spice Conference 2025 Charts Future of Spices

4th National Spice Conference 2025 to Pave ‘The Spice Route Ahead’ for a Safe, Sustainable and Scalable Future 

Andhra Pradesh, 05th November 2025: The World Spice Organization (WSO), the not-for-profit technical partner of the All-India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), is set to host the 4th National Spice Conference (NSC) 2025 on November 14–15, 2025, at ITC Welcom, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Guided by the theme “The Spice Route Ahead: Safe, Sustainable and Scalable,” this year’s conference will bring together leading voices from government, industry, and academia to deliberate on the evolving dynamics of India’s spice sector.

The two-day event will feature focused business sessions, a curated exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and indigenous agri-products, and a dedicated buyer–seller interface. NSC continues to serve as a confluence of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking, ensuring that every delegate leaves with valuable insights and meaningful connections.

Since its inception in 2022, the National Spice Conference has grown into a premier platform uniting stakeholders across the spice value chain. Last year’s edition witnessed participation from over 350 delegates, including processors, exporters, traders, laboratories, agri-input companies, technology firms, and farmer representatives. The 2025 edition is expected to surpass 400 participants, with a strong representation from farmers attending under the National Sustainable Spice Program (NSSP). Over the years, NSC has hosted eminent speakers from the Spices Board of India, Ministry of Agriculture, FSSAI, ICAR, and leading spice companies, enriching discussions with their expertise and experience.

The inaugural session of NSC 2025 will feature Mr. Ramkumar Menon, Chairman, WSO, along with senior officials including Dr. Homey Cherian, Director, DASD, Dr. Paresh Shah, Chairman, FSSAI Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues and Dr. AB Remashree, Director, Spices Board

The conference will host insightful business sessions across two days. Business sessions on Day 1 will explore Ensuring Food Safety in the Spice Supply Chain: Farm to Fork, Sustainability and Inclusive Growth through Communities of Practice, AgriTech and Farming Innovations, Introduction to FPOs, and Government Schemes for the spice sector. Day two will include an Interaction with Farmers, a session on Balancing Growth with Responsibility, and conclude with a Buyer–Seller Meet designed to strengthen market linkages and foster trade relationships.

Experts from Regulatory authorities and research institutions such as Dr. Vandana Tripathy, Network Coordinator, AINP on Pesticide Residues; and Mr. Santhosh Eapen, Member, FSSAI Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues Dr. D Prasath, Coordinator, AICRP on Spices will speak in the sessions. Industry leaders such as Mr. Rajiv Shah, Managing Director, Everest Spices, Mr. Prakash Namboodiri, Commercial Director – AB Mauri, Mr. Ganapathy KD, Executive Director, Nedspice Processing India Pvt Ltd. Dr. Poonam Pande, Senior Manger Sustainability, McCormick Global Ingredients Ltd, Mr. Sreedhar Kaluva- General Manager, Olam Food Ingredients and Dr. Venugopal KJ, Partner, Food Safety and Quality Solutions Inc. will be part of the sessions.

Speaking about the upcoming edition, Mr. Ramkumar Menon, Chairman of the World Spice Organization, said

 “The National Spice Conference has evolved into a crucial platform shaping the future of India’s spice industry. The 2025 theme, ‘The Spice Route Ahead: Safe, Sustainable and Scalable,’ reflects our commitment to fostering an ecosystem that prioritizes food safety, environmental responsibility, and inclusive growth. By connecting farmers, policymakers, and industry leaders, NSC aims to create a collaborative roadmap that ensures India’s continued leadership in the global spice trade.”

The 2025 edition will build upon the learnings of previous conferences, advancing dialogue on quality, sustainability, and market linkages. As the spice industry stands at a pivotal juncture navigating growing global demand, evolving consumer expectations, and rapid technological advancements the discussions at NSC 2025 will be instrumental in defining the future of a safe, sustainable, and scalable spice ecosystem.

The 4th National Spice Conference 2025 will continue this mission, fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and shaping a sustainable future for India’s spice industry.

This Diwali, Gift Joy in Every Bite with BAR’s Artisanal Chocolate Collection

India , 17th october 2025: This festive season, celebrate the art of fine gifting with something as meaningful as it is delicious. Baker’s Artisanal Recipes (BAR) invites you to light up Diwali with a premium chocolate experience that blends craftsmanship, conscious sourcing, and pure indulgence. Thoughtfully made from the finest couverture chocolate and pure cocoa butter, BAR’s Diwali Assortment transforms festive gifting into a celebration of flavour, purpose, and elegance.

The Diwali Assortment Box features 8 Mini Bars, each crafted to tell a distinct story through taste and texture. From the silky Milk 38 and crunchy Darkish 50 with Nibs to the indulgent Khari Singh 60, roasted peanuts enveloped in dark chocolate, every bar captures a unique personality. The deeper cocoa expressions – Dark 60, Darker 70, Seriously Dark 90, and Darkest 99.5 showcase BAR’s expertise in understanding and balancing cocoa profiles from different origins. For coffee lovers, the Filter Coffee 70 adds an aromatic, homegrown touch to the mix.

What sets BAR apart is its commitment to craft and consciousness. The brand works closely with farmers from diverse cocoa-growing regions, understanding the nuanced flavour profiles of each bean. Every chocolate is roasted, refined, and tempered with thoughtful precision ensuring that every bite not only delights but also reflects the integrity of its origin. This meticulous attention to detail makes BAR’s creations more than confections; they’re experiences that honour the journey from bean to bar.

Whether you’re gifting to family, friends, or colleagues, BAR’s chocolates are the perfect way to say you’re special. Elegant, artisanal, and rooted in authenticity, they embody the spirit of thoughtful celebration. This Diwali, gift a box of Baker’s Artisanal Recipes – where every bar is made with intention, every flavour tells a story, and every bite spreads joy that lingers long after the lights dim.

Celebrate the Festival of Light at Kaleidoscope This Diwali

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 11th october 2025: From Saturday, 18th to Monday, 20th October 2025, Atlantis, The Palm’s all-day dining restaurant, Kaleidoscope, will transform in celebration of Diwali. Each evening from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, guests can enjoy a feast of Indian favourites alongside a variety of entertainment, including  live music, dance performances, and dhol. 

For just AED 280 per adult and AED 140 for children including soft beverages, guests can indulge in a wide variety of Indian sweet treats and classic home-style dishes prepared by Atlantis, The Palm’sleading Indian  chefs. The buffet will feature traditional biryani with freshly made rotis, as well as an extensive live chaat  counter offering sev puri with signature sweet and spicy chutneys and pani puri topped with tangy  tamarind sauce and mint chutney. Additional signature stations will include an Indian bread counter 

featuring freshly made parathas, naans, and chutneys, alongside tandoor and handi dishes, kuzhi  paniyaram, and more. 

Those with a sweet tooth can also treat themselves to a dedicated Indian dessert stall and jalebi station,  offering delicacies such as fresh gulab jamun, rasgulla, and Mysore pak, with chai and ice gola also  available. 

Diwali celebrations would not be complete without vibrant entertainment to mark India’s most important  festival. Henna artists will be on hand to adorn guests’ hands with intricate patterns, while live Rangoli art and a photo booth will welcome guests as they enter the celebrations. The soundtrack to the festivities  will be provided by a live band performing Bollywood-inspired fusion sets, accompanied by energetic  dance performances.  

Diwali at Kaleidoscope will take place from Saturday, 18th to Monday, 20th October 2025, from 6:00pm  to 11:00pm. Prices are AED 280 per adult and AED 140 per child, inclusive of unlimited food and soft beverages.

Celebrate Diwali in Style at World of Palates, Nariman Point

Mumbai, October 9th 2025: This Diwali, World of Palates, the city’s premier multi-cuisine destination in Nariman Point, invites guests to celebrate the festival of lights with an exclusive festive menu crafted for an unforgettable culinary experience. Known for its eclectic flavors and innovative dishes, World of Palates combines tradition with contemporary gastronomy, making every visit a celebration in itself.

For this festive season, the restaurant presents a carefully curated Diwali Menu priced at INR 1,395 per person, available for a minimum of 15 guests. Guests can kick off the celebration with refreshing beverages like Pomegranate Cranberry Sour, Blueberry & Basil Lemonade, and Peach & Apricot Iced Tea.

The culinary journey continues with delights such as Savory Lentils Delight, Revised Fattoush, and a selection of pizzas tailored to guest preferences. For those seeking a fusion of flavors, the menu features Jalapeños Fritters Chaat, Veg Baklava, Shawarma Spice Soya Chaap, Fried Bocconcini Curry, Corn Spinach Masala, and Bharli Vangi.

Guests can also enjoy heartwarming staples like Masala Bhat, Veg Biryani, and a choice of Pasta and Asian Bowls to suit every palate. The festive meal concludes on a sweet note with indulgent desserts like Pistachio Kunafa Cheesecake and Sagla Bagla, complemented by rice and rotis served according to guest preferences.

This Diwali, World of Palates promises a feast that delights every sense a perfect blend of flavor, festivity, and togetherness.

Oktobeerfest 2025: Bigger Buckets, Bolder Bites & Brew Bingo

SOCIAL Oktobeerfest 2025; Bigger Buckets, Bolder Bites, and Brew Bingo Fun

Hyderabad,6th october 2025: SOCIAL, India’s favorite neighborhood café-bar, is back with its annual celebration of beer, food, and community, Oktobeerfest 2025. Running from 6^th October to 19^th October, this year’s edition promises more buckets, bolder platters, and playful new experiences that raise the bar on festive fun.

Buckets, Platters & Pairings

Beer takes center stage at Oktobeerfest 2025 with bucket deals that save you up to 20% on 3, 6, and 9 pints, perfect for sharing with your crew. The exclusive Sausage Platter makes its comeback this year, offering the ideal companion to your brews. Guests can also enjoy bucket-and-platter pairings designed to spark camaraderie and turn group hangouts into beer-filled feasts.

SOCIAL’s Brew Bingo

Adding a SOCIAL-style twist, every table will feature SOCIAL’s Brew Bingo; a fun, beer-inspired challenge card featuring prompts like “chugged a pint in one go,” “spilled beer on yourself and kept drinking,” or “paired beer with dessert.” Guests can tick off their cards can have their Brew Bingo moment.

Festive Vibes All Around

SOCIAL outlets nationwide will transform with vibrant buntings, quirky décor, and festive energy designed to bring people together. True to SOCIAL’s spirit of creating second homes for its communities, the festival is all about good beer, good food, and good times.

“Oktobeerfest at SOCIAL has become a custom our communities look forward to every year,” said Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd. “It’s our way of raising a toast to togetherness with buckets to share, a hearty platter to dig into, and playful experiences that bring people closer. Every year, we add a new SOCIAL twist to the global Oktobeerfest tradition, making it uniquely ours and something our guests can truly call their own.”

Oktobeerfest 2025 is set to bring a new wave of energy to October, as SOCIAL turn the month into a celebration of flavor, fun, and friendship. With its playful twists, festive vibe, and community spirit, the festival reaffirms SOCIAL’s place as the neighborhood’s go-to destination for unforgettable gatherings.