Marriott International Signs Agreement With Espire Hospitality To Bring JW Marriott To Kosi Kalan In Mathura

* JW Marriott Kosi Kalan Resort & Spa, is set to introduce the brand’s mindful ethos to the peaceful rhythm of Kosi Kalan

Marriott International, Inc. has signed an agreement with Espire Hospitality Limited to bring the JW Marriott brand to the quiet and serene town of Kosi Kalan, a growing destination in Mathura, that serves as a key transit and commercial gateway along the Delhi -Agra corridor. Anticipated to open in January 2029, JW Marriott Kosi Kalan Resort & Spa will span 14-acres of verdant landscape and is slated to be a haven for travelers who seek an authentic escape paired with highly personalized service and engaging experiences.

‘Espire Hospita lity Limited’, a part of the Espire Group is a publicly listed company on BSE and is among the very few hospitality companies that both own and operate their hotels. Growing as one of India’s most progressive enterprises, Espire Group is a global conglomerate operating across diverse verticals including Hospitality, IT Solutions and Education

“The expansion of Marriott’s luxury portfolio reflects our long-term conviction in India’s evolving travel landscape,” said Kiran Andicot – Senior Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International. “The introduction of the JW Marriott brand in Kosi Kalan is a strategic move, that strengthens our presence in an emerging market while responding to growing demand for elevated, experience-led hospitality beyond traditional gateway cities. This signing not only deepens our luxury footprint but is also expected to contribute meaningfully to the region’s tourism and economic momentum. We look forward to working with Espire Hospitality Limited to introduce the brand’s legacy of mindful hospitality and enriching well-being experiences to the beautiful calm of Kosi Kalan”.

Commenting on this signing, Mr. Gagan Oberoi, Group CEO said, “This collaboration with Marriott International is a testament to our strategic focus on expanding the portfolio with iconic, high-impact developments. JW Marriott Kosi Kalan Resort & Spa has been envisioned as a sanctuary of mindful luxury, where contemporary elegance meets nature, culture, and memorable experiences. This signing marks a significant step in strengthening our luxury portfolio, and we are proud to bring yet another landmark project to life, reinforcing the momentum of our rapid growth trajectory”

The JW Marriott Kosi Kalan Resort & Spa will be situated along the Delhi -Agra highway, in the culturally significant Braj region, a landscape deeply rooted in heritage and tradition. The town enjoys close proximity to Mathura (approx. 45-minute drive), the birthplace of Lord Krishna and an important spiritual and cultural centre and Vrindavan (approx. 50-minute drive), revered for its timeless temples and devotional legacy. This strategic location places Kosi Kalan at the intersection of cultural richness and regional connectivity.

Kosi Kalan is connected to several Indian cities through major highways, expressways and railroads. The railway station is located 5 km away, while Delhi’s international airport is approximately 114 km (a two-hour drive). The upcoming Noida International Airport will be a comfortable 1.5-hour drive from the hotel.

JW Marriott Kosi Kalan Resort & Spa is anticipated to blend modern elegance with the authentic heritage of Mathura. The resort is slated to offer 151 stylishly appointed guestrooms and suites, including villas featuring private pools. Design plans for the resort also comprise multiple serene spaces inviting guests to fully embrace the here and now. Dining options are anticipated to include three distinct culinary experiences, including a specialty restaurant and three lounge bars, and a roof top pool bar.

Additionally, the property is slated to offer multiple swimming pools, a fitness centre, the signature Spa by JW, a Kid’s Club and a Recreational Centre featuring a tennis and multi-purpose court. Anticipated to grow as a quality Wedding and MICE destination, Kosi Kalan will have the perfect setting with the JW Marriott Kosi Kalan Resort & Spa, offering 950 sq meters of social and meeting space, with an additional 2395 sq meters of outdoor lawns and a dedicated bridal suite.  

Next Phase Of Indian Financial System To Test Ability To Integrate Advanced Technology

* Also Secure Systems Against Threats, Protect Citizen data, expand access while maintaining stability: M Nagaraju, Secretary, DFS

* UPI operational in many countries reflects not just widespread adoption but emergence of UPI as foundation pillar of India’s digital economy, financial inclusion

* As we step into India’s digital decade, our vision is to push India as a global leader in digital governance where technology empowers every citizen

Mr M Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Govt of India today said that the India continues to stand out as the bright spot in the world economy despite global headwinds, geo-political conflicts, supply chain realignments along with elevated interest rates. India’s banking and financial system has already demonstrated its ability to transform at scale. The next phase will test our ability to integrate advanced technologies responsibly, secure systems against threats, protect citizen data and expand access while maintaining stability. “GDP growth rate of 2025-26 is at 7.6 per cent which is higher than 2024-25 when it was 7.1 per cent,” he added.

Addressing the ‘PICUP Fintech Conference & Awards’, organized by FICCI, jointly with IBA, Mr Nagaraju stated that the gross NPAs of public sector banks are at record low level in India at 2.2 per cent and net NPA around 0.5 per cent. Highlighting the important achievement for the government, he added that financial inclusion is central to building a resilient and equitable financial eco-system. Over the past decade, India has emerged as the global benchmark in financial inclusion. “Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna is the heart of financial inclusion under which 58 crore bank accounts opened, and half of these account holders are women,” he emphasized.

The PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima yojana and PM Suraksha Bima yojana together, he stated that have enrolled 84 crore beneficiaries and 39 lakh crore loans disbursed under Mudra loan. “Today, as we step into India’s digital decade, our vision is to push India as a global leader in digital governance where technology empowers every citizen. The heart of this is India emerging as a leader of digital public infrastructure including Aadhar, UPI, account aggregator framework, etc.,” noted Mr Nagaraju.

Speaking on the importance of UPI, Mr Nagaraju said that around 22 billion transactions were made last month with total value surpassing Rs 29 trillion. “UPI has emerged as the largest real time retail payment system in the world. India’s digital payment system is now expanding beyond our borders. UPI is operational in many countries and several more are in pipeline. This scale reflects not just widespread adoption but the emergence of UPI as a foundation pillar of India’s digital economy and financial inclusion,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of Fintechs, Mr Nagaraju said that India has today, the largest and fastest growing fintech eco-system in the world. Fintechs companies in India have been instrumental particularly among new to credit and if we can work to integrate technology with policy, innovation, inclusion and growth with responsibility, we will not only transform our economy but also offer a blueprint for the world. We are moving from scale to complexity where expectations are higher, risks are sharper and systems will be tested far more rigorously, he added.

Mr Nagaraju stated three strategies for vision 2030 which includes growth which is deeply financed, widely accessible and sustainably supported. Capital is not merely a resource but an engine of opportunity. Secondly, there is a need to enhance the quality and depth of financial inclusion. “Growth that is not inclusive cannot be sustained over a long period of time. A strong financial system must be capable of supporting growth during favorable times but also withstanding shocks during periods of uncertainty,” he noted.

Speaking on new technology and AI, Mr Nagaraju said that technology will play important role not only in driving innovation but also in strengthening supervision, risk management and fraud prevention. “AI has potential to make financial inclusion not just socially desirable but commercially sustainable. AI must be seen not just as a disruptor but as an enabler of responsible inclusion. Cyber security threats, data privacy concerns, credit and asset quality risk, trust deficit are some challenges which needs to be managed to sustain long-term growth,” he added.

Mr Atul Kumar Goel, Chief Executive, IBA said that over the last few years, we have witnessed a transformation in India’s financial landscape. “Convergence of banks, fintech and digital public infrastructure has enabled us to expand along with improving efficiency and strengthening overall financial architecture,” he added.

Ms Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI said that the financial sector is undergoing significant transformation, and the innovation eco-system requires trust, governance, consumer protection, coordination remain critical principles for the momentum to be a sustainable Indian fintech eco-system.   

Instant Working Capital Loans Are Changing How Corporates Handle Short‑Term Needs, Says Kotak

After disbursing more than Rs. 9,000 crore through a pilot phase, Kotak Mahindra Bank has expanded instant Working Capital Demand Loans for corporate customers, indicating that faster access to short‑term loans is beginning to influence how companies handle routine funding needs.

The facility allows eligible corporates to access working capital loans within seconds through a digital process, removing manual steps and banking cut‑off times that traditionally delayed access even when limits were already sanctioned.

“Customers are now accessing working capital when the requirement arises, rather than planning around banking timelines,” said Anu Aggarwal, President and Head of Corporate & Transaction Banking at Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Working capital loans are among the most frequently used banking products by corporates, supporting everyday requirements such as inventory purchases, vendor payments and salary disbursements. Despite being pre‑approved, access has historically depended on fixed working hours and operational processing.

That pattern is now beginning to change. Kotak has enabled corporate customers to access working capital loans within seconds through its corporate digital platform, fyn (for your needs). Companies request loans by entering basic details such as the loan amount and tenure, after which pricing and checks are completed digitally and funds are credited almost immediately.

“We have reduced disbursement time from several hours to a few seconds,” Aggarwal said, adding that this allows companies to respond to operational needs as they arise rather than building buffers purely to manage delays.

According to the bank, early usage patterns suggest a behavioural shift. Companies are increasingly accessing working capital later in the day, without factoring in cut‑off times that earlier dictated when requests had to be placed.

“Earlier, customers had to submit requests before fixed hours. That constraint is no longer there for eligible customers,” Aggarwal said.

Kotak said adoption during the pilot phase has been strongest among SMEs and mid‑market companies, where even short delays in accessing working capital can disrupt operations. The bank is now extending the facility to larger corporates and conglomerates.

The emphasis on working capital reflects its scale in corporate banking. Bank estimates indicate that close to 70 percent of corporate loan journeys are linked to working capital, making it one of the most frequent interactions between corporates and lenders.

Aggarwal described instant working capital loans as a “game changer” for corporate banking, particularly in an environment marked by uneven demand cycles and delayed receivables.

“Corporates increasingly expect banking processes to move at the pace of their business,” she said.

Industry observers note that while retail banking in India adopted instant payments and real‑time access several years ago, corporate loan processes evolved more slowly due to operational complexity. Recent adoption suggests that automation is now being applied to routine, high‑frequency corporate loan actions rather than only to front‑end services.

The instant loan capability forms part of Kotak’s broader digital push through the fyn platform, which integrates payments, collections, trade services and loans. The bank has also been digitising routine service requests such as account statements, tax certificates and reconciliations, and working on deeper integrations with corporate systems.

Whether instant working capital loans become standard practice across the sector will depend on how widely similar systems are adopted. For companies already using the facility, the impact is immediate. What began as a technology upgrade is now starting to change how corporates access short‑term loans and align funding availability more closely with business needs.   

Future Ready Roofing Takes Centre Stage At Roof India 2026, BIEC, Bengaluru

* Highlights Momentum in Sustainable and Next-Gen Roofing Solutions

* 23rd edition of Roof India opens at BIEC, Bengaluru, with participation from 150+ domestic and international brands

* 8,000+ visitors expected over three days, including architects, contractors, developers, and project owners

* Strong focus on sustainable, energy-efficient, and high-performance roofing solutions

* Cool roofing solutions demonstrate 4–5°C temperature reduction and 15–20% energy savings in buildings.

* Rising adoption of insulated panels, solar-integrated roofing, and metal-based systems

* Pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) and steel-based roofing are witnessing double-digit growth, driven by warehousing and industrial demand.

* Robust participation from key industry bodies, associations, and thought leaders

* Open Seminar & Business Meets feature 47 speakers, spotlighting digital construction, passive cooling, 3D concrete printing, and advanced materials.

* 1st ROOF INDIA DESIGN TITAN AWARDS recognise innovation and excellence in construction and roofing

* Strong representation from South India markets, driving demand for climate-resilient and high-performance roofing solutions

The 23rd edition of Roof India, Asia’s premier exhibition for roofing and allied products, opened today at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) with strong participation from over 150 Indian and international brands, including exhibitors from China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Türkiye. Over the course of three days, the event expects to welcome more than 8,000 Indian and overseas visitors from 30 countries. The exhibition has brought together key stakeholders from across the construction ecosystem, with a sharp focus on sustainable, energy-efficient, and performance-driven roofing solutions.

The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of key industry leaders, including Ar. Neelam Manjunath, Founder, Managing Trustee and CEO, CGBMT – Centre for Green Building Material & Technology, Ar. Mahesh Bangad, Chairman, Architects, Engineers and Surveyors Association; Mr. Sandeep Chaudhry, President (WAI - Waterproofers Association of India), Mr. Kunjjaan Popat, Secretary (WAI - Waterproofers Association of India), Mr. Brajesh Nahar, Managing Director (Aerolam Insulations Pvt Ltd), Dr Er. Amarnath CB, President, IBIMA – India BIM Association; Brajesh Nahar, Director & COO, APL Apollo Building Product Pvt. Ltd.; Savio Lainez, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Mr. Umed Sing - Founder, (Mount Roofing and Structures Private Limited), Mr. Joseph Rozario, Director (Metal Scope (India ) Private Limited), Colorshine Coated Private Limited; along with Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India.

The opening day witnessed robust participation from architects, consultants, builders, contractors, engineers, and project owners, reflecting the growing importance of roofing within India’s evolving construction landscape. As the sector expands, roofing is no longer just a structural necessity but a strategic element influencing energy consumption, thermal efficiency, and overall building performance. Innovations such as insulated panels, cool roofing systems, metal-based solutions, and solar-integrated technologies are gaining strong traction, aligning with the industry’s sustainability goals.

Speaking on the commencement of the 23rd edition of Roof India, Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said, “Day 1 at Roof India 2026 has set a strong tone for the exhibition, with an encouraging turnout and high-quality engagement from across the construction, infrastructure, and building materials ecosystem. India’s construction sector continues to grow at over 6–7% annually, with the building materials market expected to cross USD 1 trillion by 2030, driven by rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development. Within this, roofing is fast emerging as a high-impact, innovation-led category.

As demand for energy-efficient buildings accelerates, solutions such as cool roofing are demonstrating tangible benefits, reducing indoor temperatures by up to 4–5°C and enabling energy savings of 15–20% in commercial and industrial applications. At the same time, segments such as pre-engineered buildings and steel-based roofing systems are witnessing strong double-digit growth, supported by rapid expansion in warehousing, logistics, and industrial infrastructure. The increasing adoption of insulated panels and solar-integrated roofing further highlights the industry’s shift towards performance-driven and sustainable solutions.

What stands out at this year’s edition is the depth and quality of conversations, where sustainability, efficiency, speed of execution, and lifecycle value are now central to how projects are being conceptualised and delivered. The strong participation from both domestic and international players reflects the market’s readiness to adopt next-generation technologies at scale, and we look forward to building on this momentum over the next two days.” He further added.

Mr. Mahesh Bangad, Chairman, Architects Engineers and Surveyors Association (AESA), said, "The roofing sector is undergoing a decisive shift as design, sustainability and material innovation become central to construction practices. Platforms like Roof India enable architects and engineers to engage directly with evolving technologies, especially in pre-engineered and steel structures. Such forums not only facilitate knowledge exchange but also influence how the industry responds to changing environmental and functional demands, encouraging more integrated, efficient and future-ready building practices."

Brajesh Nahar Director & COO, APL, Apollo Building Product Ltd. said, “The construction sector is witnessing a clear shift towards integrated, steel-led building solutions, driven by infrastructure growth and evolving project demands. Steel is now central across roofing, structural systems and pre-engineered solutions, enabling faster, more efficient execution. While India is the second-largest steel producer globally, per capita consumption remains significantly lower than China, indicating strong headroom for growth. Industry platforms like Roof India continue to showcase innovations that support this transition toward modern, user-friendly construction systems.”

Amarnath CB, President, India BIM Association Digitalisation said, “It is becoming foundational to modern construction, where building plans are first translated into digital models and then used for simulation, optimisation and on-site execution. What stands out today is a multidisciplinary perspective, which includes convergence of architecture, engineering and contracting, within a shared digital ecosystem. Platforms like Roof India enable aligning industry practices with emerging national policies and accelerating the adoption of IT-led construction approaches across infrastructure and building projects.”

Mr Gagan Saini, Group Director, Informa Markets in India, said, “The vision and direction of the event were clearly articulated, with valuable insights from industry leaders on current priorities and future expectations. Participating brands, including APL, also highlighted the innovations they are set to showcase.”

A key highlight from the inaugural programme is that next year, the show will be hosted in Mumbai alongside our established event, World of Concrete. This integration will create a more cohesive, high-impact platform, bringing together a larger and more relevant audience at one venue, on the same day.”

Day 1 of the expo delivered a dynamic lineup of Open Seminar & Business Meets sessions, under the theme ‘Reshaping the Future of Steel Infrastructure & Pre-Engineered Buildings’. The sessions spotlighted key advancements and trends in the roofing and construction industry. The day began with discussions on digital initiatives in construction, passive cooling strategies for hot climates, and sustainable approaches to built environments. Keynote sessions highlighted the role of sandwich panels in sustainability, high-performance roofing frameworks, and innovations in stainless steel roofing systems for demanding environments. Special sessions explored precast lightweight composites, advancements in 3D concrete printing, and future-ready infrastructure solutions. The day concluded with the 1st edition of ROOF INDIA DESIGN TITAN AWARDS, organised by the Construction & Infrastructure Forum (C&IF), celebrating innovation and excellence across the industry.

Building on this momentum, Day 2 will feature sessions on waterproofing solutions, sustainable construction practices, and advancements in insulation and roofing resilience. Key highlights include an industry book launch on insulated sandwich panels, discussions on PEB structures, and innovations in fastening systems. The day will conclude with expert panels addressing national policies, digital transformation, and sustainable skill development. Day 3 will focus on roofing integrity, material quality, ceramic roof tiles, bio-adaptive architecture, curved roofing solutions, and skylight integration, offering insights into the next phase of roofing innovation.

South India continues to play a pivotal role in driving demand for advanced roofing solutions, supported by strong growth in industrial corridors, warehousing, data centres, and urban infrastructure across states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The region’s climatic conditions, marked by high heat exposure and heavy rainfall, are accelerating the adoption of cool roofing, insulated panels, and corrosion-resistant materials. Additionally, the rise of pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) and large-format industrial developments in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad is further fuelling the need for high-performance, durable, and energy-efficient roofing systems, positioning the region as a key growth hub for the industry.

With two more days to go, Roof India 2026 is expected to see continued participation and deeper engagement, reinforcing its role as a key platform for innovation, collaboration, and business exchange within the roofing and construction ecosystem.

The expo is endorsed by prominent organisations such as AESA (Architects, Engineers & Surveyors Association), PSI (Pre-Engineered Structures Society of India), CFI (Construction Federation of India), WAI (Waterproofers Association of India), and IBIMA (India Building Information Modelling Association). Notable exhibitors and brands participating include Aerolam Insulation Pvt Ltd, APL Apollo Building Product Limited, Asons Enterprise, Colorshine Coated Pvt Ltd, Deepak Fasteners Limited, Dmmet Group, EPACK Prefab Technologies Limited, Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, OFIC Building Materials India Pvt. Ltd., Polyvantis, Rhino Rock Solid Insulation, Saint Gobain India Private Limited, and Shibam Ventures & Building Materials (P) Ltd.  

RCB Players Visit Nothing’s Bengaluru Flagship Store In Indiranagar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players visited London-based consumer technology unicorn, Nothing’s flagship store in Bengaluru as part of the team’s Title Sponsorship partnership with the brand for the 2026 T20 season. Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshvar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Bethell spent time at the store interacting with customers and fans, before leaving their mark with a graffiti-style “RCB was here” on the store window.

According to Counterpoint Research’s Q1 2026 India Smartphone Shipment Tracker, Nothing emerged as the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the country, recording 47% year-on-year growth and has been the fastest growing brand in eight of the last nine quarters. This strong Q1 performance was driven by accelerated offline expansion, including the launch of the brand’s first exclusive retail store in India, further strengthening accessibility and visibility. 

WhatsApp Brings Prepaid Mobile Recharges to Users In India, Powered By PayU

*· People can now recharge their phone directly within WhatsApp

* Introduces a ₹ icon on the home screen, making payments and recharges quicker to access

WhatsApp today announced that people in India can now complete prepaid mobile recharges directly within the app. Powered by PayU, the feature is rolling out in phases across Android and iOS and will be available to all users over the coming weeks.

The feature allows people to seamlessly recharge their own number or that of friends and family members in just a few simple steps. People across India with prepaid connections on Jio, Airtel, and Vi can choose from a range of available plans and complete their mobile recharges directly within WhatsApp, making the process easy, and convenient.

Ravi Garg, Director, Business Messaging, Meta India, said, "In India, WhatsApp is where people connect with friends and family — and increasingly, where they complete everyday essential tasks. By bringing recharges directly into WhatsApp, we are making it easier for people to stay connected without having to juggle between multiple apps. This is part of our continued effort to build a more unified experience on WhatsApp, where people can get more done in one place, in a way that is simple, reliable, and seamless.”

WhatsApp has also introduced a rupee (₹) icon on the home screen to make it simpler for people to discover and access the payments section within WhatsApp. Apart from giving easy access to the recharges, the ₹ icon provides a clear and familiar entry point for people to use UPI on WhatsApp and provide access to all metro services offering WhatsApp based ticketing by clicking on the feature. People can also click the rupee icon within the 1:1 chat threads while messaging friends, family and others to easily send payments using UPI.

“At PayU, we believe the best payment experience is one that is naturally embedded in the platforms where users already spend their time. WhatsApp is part of daily life for people across the country, and mobile recharges are a routine digital transaction. Bringing recharges to WhatsApp allows users to complete a task they perform regularly within an app they already have open—that’s what embedded payments should feel like. Our partnership with Meta reflects our commitment to making high-frequency transactions simpler, more accessible, and effortless,” said Hemang Dattani, Chief Business Officer, PayU Payments.

Steps to access and use the recharge feature

Tap on the ₹ icon

Select Mobile Prepaid Recharge

Select the number (self/ family or friends)

Confirm the operator

Select your plan based on your mobile operator

Select your payment mode (UPI, Debit Card, Credit Cards)

Confirm payment

This launch builds on how WhatsApp is already playing a role in people's everyday lives in India, from conversations and business interactions to payments and essential services. Today, people are using WhatsApp to book metro tickets across cities, pay bills, and access a range of citizen services through government chatbots, all within a familiar chat interface. With mobile recharges now integrated into the app, WhatsApp is extending this utility further, bringing another essential, high-frequency task into a single, seamless experience.

About Meta

Meta is building the future of human connection, powered by artificial intelligence and immersive technologies. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward experiences that foster deeper connections and unlock new possibilities.

About PayU

PayU, India's leading diversified fintech platform with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital financial services needs of customers (merchants, banks, and consumers).

PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 4.5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 100+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It’s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.

Avvatar Reinforces Category Leadership With Limited-Edition Matcha Protein Wafer Bar

Avvatar, India’s leading homegrown sports nutrition brand, continues to shape the evolution of the country’s protein snacking category with the launch of its limited-edition Matcha Protein Wafer Bar. This strategic introduction reflects Avvatar’s role in anticipating consumer trends and setting new benchmarks in flavour innovation within functional nutrition.

Blending authentic Japanese matcha with a light, crunchy wafer format, the 40 g bar priced at INR 100 delivers 10 g priced at INR 100 is of high-quality whey protein isolate, offering a differentiated snacking experience that brings together performance, taste, and global inspiration.

As India’s protein consumption narrative shifts from necessity to lifestyle, Avvatar has consistently stayed ahead by not only addressing protein deficiency but also redefining how protein is consumed; making it more accessible, enjoyable, and culturally relevant. The introduction of matcha, a globally celebrated superfood, underscores the brand’s ability to translate international wellness trends into locally relevant offerings.

Speaking on the launch, Akshali Shah, Executive Director, Parag Milk Foods, said:
“At Avvatar, we see ourselves not just as participants in the category, but as its architects. Our focus has always been to lead the shift in how India consumes protein; moving from functional supplementation to experiential nutrition. The Matcha Protein Wafer Bar is a reflection of that vision, where global trends meet Indian consumer aspirations. Having built strong momentum across flavours like Chocolate, Coffee, Tiramisu, and Cheese, this limited-edition launch allows us to stay culturally current while continuing to expand the category.”

Over the past few years, Avvatar has emerged as a key growth engine within Parag Milk Foods’ new-age business, witnessing strong consumer adoption and rapid scale. Its protein wafer bar portfolio has already created a distinct niche by combining indulgence with nutrition; bridging a critical gap in the Indian snacking ecosystem.

Crafted with whey protein isolate and designed for both fitness enthusiasts and flavour-forward consumers, the Matcha variant caters to a new generation of urban consumers who seek clean-label, globally inspired, and convenient nutrition. The limited-edition launch also reflects Avvatar’s agile innovation strategy - leveraging seasonal and trend-led formats to engage its growing community and continuously refresh the category.

The Matcha Protein Wafer Bar will be available across Avvatar’s official website and select retail outlets for a limited period.

With this launch, Avvatar further strengthens its position as a thought leader in India’s evolving sports nutrition landscape driving not just product innovation, but a larger shift in consumer behaviour and expectations.

About Parag Milk Foods Ltd:

Parag Milk Foods Limited, founded in 1992, is the largest private dairy FMCG company in India. Our manufacturing plants are ideally positioned in Manchar, Maharashtra, Palamaner, Andhra Pradesh, and Sonipat, Haryana. We sell healthful and nutritious 100% cow’s milk products. Our integrated business approach and strong R&D capabilities have helped us establish ourselves as the innovation leader. Our Bhagyalaxmi Dairy Farm is distinguished by its pedigree, perfect cows, state-of-the-art milking, feeding, breeding, and packaging technology.

We pioneered the way with innovation and a robust distribution strategy and we now have over 5 lakh retail touch points, 29 depots, and 500+ super stockists. We work with over 5 lakh farmers and are growing progressively to strengthen our distribution and procurement networks.

We have renowned brands, such as Gowardhan, Go, Pride of Cows, and Avvatar. Our flagship brand, Gowardhan Ghee has more than 22% market share in the cow ghee category and our young and fun-loving brand- Go cheese, has more than 35% market share. We are a leading player in the institutional and HORECA cheese business and are moving very fast into the consumer cheese segment.