Community, Commerce and Refreshment: How Coca-Cola India is Enabling Vendors and Reaching Millions in Puri

As Odisha welcomed millions of visitors for Ratha Yatra 2025, Coca-Cola India, in partnership with its bottling operations, ensured access to refreshment and hydration for those attending one of India’s largest cultural festivals. The company’s on-ground presence made chilled beverages easily accessible across Puri, while supporting the local economy. 

To make this possible, the company ensured availability of beverages through a strong retail and distribution network across the city of Puri. Along with hydration points, kiosks and mobile units deployed across Puri, the company leveraged its expansive retail and bottling network to ensure economic empowerment for the local partners as well.

 

Aligned with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s vision, this effort reflects Coca-Cola India’s broader strategy to strengthen last-mile retail, enable economic opportunity at the grassroots level, and reinforce its presence during high-footfall cultural moments. The carts were managed by local vendors, including women entrepreneurs, creating direct income opportunities during the festival. By equipping retail outlets and prime hotspots with coolers, Coca-Cola India supported small businesses and ensured widespread access to chilled beverages throughout the celebrations.

 

Vinay Nair, Vice President, Franchise Operations, Developing Markets, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia said,

“Our engagement in Puri reflects Coca-Cola India’s focus on hydration with purpose. By enabling product availability at scale and creating livelihood opportunities for local vendors and women entrepreneurs, we are creating a positive socio-economic impact in the region. This has been possible through the strength of our bottling network, our distributor partners, retail customers and the unwavering commitment of our dedicated teams on ground.”

 

Prasanna Borah, Commercial Cluster Head, Odisha, AP, Telangana, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages said, “Coca-Cola’s strategy of enabling local entrepreneurship is translating into tangible impact across Odisha. Through our strong retail reach and execution on-ground, we’re not just delivering beverages, we’re delivering opportunity, and growth. It is a model of execution that builds both commerce and community.”

 

Coca-Cola India continues to train and equip local vendors and women entrepreneurs to manage retail outlets through its Superpower Retailer programme, turning seasonal footfall into long-term economic stability.

 

Gayatri Senapati, a local retailer said, “I’ve been selling Coca-Cola products for over 11 years. During Ratha Yatra, lots of people visit and everyone wants something cold. We stock up on Kinley, Thums Up, Sprite, Coca-Cola, and Minute Maid. Our display attracts people and makes us feel proud.”

 

Rajesh Kumar Rana, owner, Nrusingha Sweets shop in Puri said, “We’ve been running this shop for over 25 years, and Coca-Cola has become a big part of our journey. With so many festivals, people come here throughout the year. Ours is a traditional sweet shop where we also keep chilled beverages like Coca-Cola, Sprite, Thums Up and water. Whatever visitors need, we make sure it’s there.”

 

Ajay Shah, a local distributor said, “We’ve been working with Coca-Cola since 2002. Back then, business was slow, but we knew it would pick up in the future, and it did. Today, we are going really strong. We run six trucks, and during festivals like Ratha Yatra, things really take off for us.”

 

Anchored in the company’s business with purpose approach, Anandana (The Coca-Cola India Foundation) and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) had launched the PET Waste Clean-up Drive initiative to help manage plastic waste during the festival. As part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, the effort led to reducing plastic litter with city-wide collection and public engagement, through beach cleanups, plog runs and awareness drives.

 

For further information, visit www.maidaansaaf.com

 

About Coca-Cola India

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’ offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Thums Up XForce, Charged, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Kinley Soda, Rim Zim,  Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Kinley Copper, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water. Premium products constitute Schweppes’ range and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 5 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water and packaging initiatives, sustainable agriculture and emission reductions across its value chain.

 

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

MTR Launches 'Minute Fresh Sambar Paste across indian market

MTR, a reputed Indian packaged foods brand, announces the launch of its latest product — MTR Minute Fresh Sambar Paste. A chilled paste that delivers sambar in just 5 minutes. Simply add your cooked vegetables to boiling water and paste and enjoy a bowl of delicious sambar.

In today’s fast-paced kitchens, idli and dosa have become go-to meals. But preparing sambar feels like a hassle, with its time-consuming dal cooking and tadka preparation.  At MTR, sambar has always been a cherished dish. And now, understanding the evolving needs of urban households, MTR brings a convenient, no-compromise solution that keeps the taste intact. 

Key highlights of the product:

• Ready in just 5 minutes

• Dal and tadka included

• No added preservatives

• Perfect companion to MTR Fresh Idli & Dosa Batter

The product is available in a 200g pack, priced at ₹99, and can be purchased on quick commerce platforms as well as at retail stores near you in Bengaluru. It’s the easiest way to enjoy fresh, flavourful sambar — quickly and effortlessly.

Commenting on the launch, Sunay Bhasin, CEO, MTR foods business unit, said, “At MTR, sambar isn’t just another product, it’s a legacy. Our products are crafted with authenticity and are deeply rooted in the South Indian culinary heritage. Sambar has always been an integral part of our journey. With Minute Fresh Sambar Paste, we are bringing that same authentic taste and promise of quality in an even more convenient format. This paste has been thoughtfully created to stay true to freshness, which is why it has a short shelf life and no added preservatives. All the essential ingredients that go into making a traditional sambar, including dal and tadka, are already part of the paste. It serves as a ready base for the homemaker, who can customise it by adding vegetables the way her family loves.

This launch follows MTR’s deep understanding of local flavours and a strong commitment to quality. As more consumers seek convenience without cutting corners, Minute Fresh Sambar Paste ensures a complete, satisfying meal is always within reach.

Scaling Hospitality: Ventive Hospitality and Marriott International Expand Partnership with 1548 rooms across 7 Hotels

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  Ventive Hospitality Limited along with its Promoter Group Companies partners with Marriott International for management of 1,548 rooms across 7 hotels

 

Ventive Hospitality Limited (BSE: 544321, NSE: VENTIVE), (“Ventive Hospitality”), along with its Promoter Group Companies, announced the expansion of their strategic partnership with Marriott International, by signing management contracts for seven luxury, upper upscale and upscale hotels comprising of 1,548 rooms across India and Sri Lanka. This partnership marks multiple brand debuts in key locations including Sri Lanka, Varanasi, Mundra, Pune, and Navi Mumbai. Further, Ventive Hospitality also announced its plans to develop a hotel on its existing leasehold land in Mundra, India. 

Of the seven hotels, three hotels are being developed by Ventive Hospitality and its subsidiaries – the Ritz-Carlton Reserve (73 villas along with 80 branded residences[1] for sale) at Pottuvil, near Yala East National Park in Sri Lanka; Varanasi Marriott Hotel (161 rooms) at Varanasi, India and Courtyard by Marriott (200 rooms) at Mundra, India.

 

The remaining four hotels – the proposed JW Marriott Navi Mumbai (450 rooms), Moxy Navi Mumbai (200 rooms), Moxy Pune Wakad (264 rooms) and Moxy Pune Kharadi (200 rooms), are being developed by the Promoter Group companies on Right Of First Offer (ROFO) or alternative structure basis for the Ventive Hospitality and will be transferred to the Company under a suitable arrangement that maximizes value for all stakeholders equitably.

 

This partnership, one of India's largest in the luxury and upper-upscale hotel sector, leverages the strength of Ventive Hospitality’s project execution capabilities along with Marriott International’s renowned brands and hotel management expertise. Both companies are poised to unlock significant growth opportunities by capitalizing on a favorable demand-supply dynamics.

 

This strategic partnership was formally announced by Atul Chordia, Chairman and Executive Director of Ventive Hospitality Ltd, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. Also present at the event were Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International Ranjit Batra, CEO, Ventive Hospitality Ltd, Milind Wadekar Executive Vice President Finance and Investor Relations, Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, Hotel Development, Marriott International and other senior leaders from Ventive Hospitality, Panchshil Group and Marriott International.

 

Commenting on the announcement, Atul Chordia, Chairman and Executive Director of Ventive Hospitality Ltd, said "We're excited to begin FY 2025-26 on a strong note, particularly as it is our first financial year post listing. This partnership not only strengthens our two-decade-long relationship with Marriott International but also marks a pivotal moment in our journey to redefine India's hospitality sector. By leveraging Marriott's global expertise and our deep real estate knowledge, we aim to create distinctive  destinations that elevate guest experiences for both business and leisure travelers, driving growth in the luxury and upper-upscale segments and expanding our footprint beyond Pune, Bengaluru, and the Maldives. This collaboration underscores our commitment to aggressive growth while maintaining prudent leverage.”

 

Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International, remarked “Our growth strategy focuses on being present where our guests are looking to travel. We are thrilled to work with Ventive Hospitality, as we continue to meet the growing demand for luxury travel experiences and world-class hospitality services. We are especially excited to have signed the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, that is expected to mark the brand’s debut in Sri Lanka. Today’s signed agreement underscores our long-standing relationship with Ventive Hospitality, and we look forward to bringing these exciting projects to fruition.”

 

Ranjit Batra, CEO of Ventive Hospitality Ltd, shared his thoughts, "At Ventive Hospitality, we are committed to driving aggressive growth, enhancing stakeholder value, and redefining India's hospitality landscape with globally benchmarked destinations. Our strategic partnership with Marriott International is a pivotal step towards this vision, delivering exceptional guest experiences and contributing to the industry's growth. We're excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to a successful journey.”

  

More details on the Proposed Hotel Projects Included in this Agreement

 

Pottuvil, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - 73 villas

Pottuvil, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will introduce the brand’s rare expression of ultra-luxury to Sri Lanka’s pristine eastern coast. This resort will be located in close proximity to Yala National Park and the surfing hub of Arugam Bay, offering wildlife experiences, exotic beaches, and bespoke cultural encounters, allowing guests to indulge in the best of Sri Lanka's natural beauty and rich heritage.

 

Varanasi Marriott Hotel – 161 rooms

The Varanasi Marriott Hotel will introduce refined hospitality to one of the world's oldest pilgrim city. Blending modern comforts with the city's timeless spiritual essence. Located at a convenient six- minute drive from the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, the hotel is poised to cater to Varanasi's growing religious tourism segment.

 

Courtyard by Marriott Mundra - 200 rooms

The Courtyard by Marriott Mundra will be within close proximity to the well-known Mundra Port, in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. Mundra is a very large manufacturing hub with diverse industries, including textiles, petrochemicals, heavy engineering, and electronics but has very few branded hotels in its vicinity. The presence of India's largest private commercial seaport enhances its appeal to businesses. The city enjoys excellent road and rail connectivity, with Bhuj serving as the nearest commercial airport, located at just a 1.5-hour drive from Mundra.

 

JW Marriott Navi Mumbai - 450 Rooms

JW Marriott Navi Mumbai is slated to be the first luxury hotel project in Navi Mumbai, an emerging business district, located near the new Navi Mumbai International Airport. As Navi Mumbai transforms into a thriving business hub, driven by the airport's opening and improved infrastructure, this luxury hotel will cater to the growing demand for premium hospitality. The JW Marriott Navi Mumbai will offer an elevated luxury experience, integrating the brand's signature focus on mindfulness, exceptional service, and sophisticated design.

 

Moxy Navi Mumbai- 200 Rooms

Moxy Navi Mumbai will be located adjacent to the JW Marriott Navi Mumbai, in the emerging business district of Navi Mumbai, within proximity to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport.

 

Moxy Hotels, a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio holds ambitious expansion plans, in addition to the Moxy opening in Navi Mumbai, a further brand debut is planned for the city of Pune, a bustling educational hub and a growing IT Center.

 

Moxy Pune Wakad- 264 Rooms

Moxy Pune Wakad, will be located in the western IT office corridor of Pune and in close proximity to the engineering and manufacturing hub of Pune.

 

Moxy Pune Kharadi- 200 Rooms

Moxy Pune Kharadi, will be located in the Eastern IT office corridor of Pune.  It is approximately 7 km from the Pune International Airport.

MAHE BLRU Helps Upgrade 3 Government Schools in Yelahanka, Bridging Critical Infrastructure Gaps

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru campus, in collaboration with Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), was inaugurated a multipurpose hall constructed for Avalahalli Government School, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.  The aim of the initiative is to uplift and improve educational infrastructure for government schools and promote community development.

The newly built multipurpose hall was inaugurated by Sri. S.R. Vishwanath, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from Yelahanka along with Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P., Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru Campus, and Ms. Mahalakshmi Naik from MEMG and BEO Ms. Shailaja from Yelahanka North 4 were also present.

The initiative features the construction of a multipurpose hall at Avalahalli Government School, the provision of quality furniture to Allalasandra Government School, Yelahanka 4 Government School, and Avalahalli Government School, and the development of dedicated, hygienic girls’ washrooms at both BEO School and Avalahalli Government School, all aimed at fostering a safer, more inclusive, and empowering learning environment.

Speaking about the initiative, Sri. S R Vishwanath said, “Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Manipal groups are doing societal contribution in my constituency by installing 22 water purifiers in government primary health care centers, furniture’s, multipurpose hall and washrooms for girls in government schools in my constituency”. He also mentioned that “We are proud to have the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in Yelahanka constituency”. He has also requested MAHE to support all government schools in Yelahanka in future also.

Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru Campus, said, “This initiative is an example of MAHE Bengaluru’s enduring commitment to societal progress and community welfare. At MAHE Bengaluru, we believe that providing robust infrastructure and safe environments is fundamental to nurturing the potential of every student. Every child deserves access to a quality educational environment, and government schools should be well-equipped, as they serve most of our population and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our society”

The newly constructed multipurpose hall will serve as a space for both academic and extracurricular activities, thereby enhancing the quality of educational engagement. The distribution of furniture and improvement of sanitation facilities are additional steps towards strengthening MAHE’s legacy of social responsibility and impactful contributions towards nation-building.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bengaluru (MAHE B’LRU):

Established in 1953, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant research contributions, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, honoured MAHE with the prestigious designation of Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. Currently ranked sixth in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience. MAHE Bengaluru, an off campus of MAHE, excels in delivering comprehensive education to students, supported by highly qualified faculty, and dedicated mentors. The MAHE Bengaluru campus has an inspiring, future-relevant learning ecosystem, on a new-age tech-enabled living campus. Here, the students immerse themselves, transform, and discover multiple choices and opportunities. At MAHE Bengaluru, the potential for growth and the opportunities available are boundless.

Great Learning Offers Free GenAI Courses Pan-India ‘The Great Learning AI Challenge’ to Upskill Students and professionals

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  Students from colleges across India are invited to this 3-day upskilling sprint, commemorating World Youth Skills Day on July 15th

• 30+ Gen AI Courses, worth Rs 40,000, made free on Great Learning Academy Platform between July 13-15

• Working professionals can also access these courses for free as part of this initiative

 

Great Learning, a leading global edtech company, has announced the launch of The Great Learning AI Challenge, a large-scale, free GenAI upskilling initiative aimed at accelerating GenAI readiness among students and early-career professionals. With India emerging as a global AI hub, the 3-day virtual challenge from July 13 to July 15 offers participants open access to 30+ GenAI courses worth ₹40,000 via the Great Learning Academy. The initiative, commemorating World Youth Skills Day, is designed to democratize AI skills, support talent pipelines for the enterprise sector, and spotlight future-ready campuses contributing to the GenAI revolution. By completing these courses, students will help their colleges climb the national leaderboard and compete to be crowned as ‘AI Champion’.

 

The campaign, taglined ‘Gen Z Goes GenAI — Because careers don’t start with jobs, they start with skills’, highlights the critical need for young professionals to master generative AI skills to thrive in today’s digital economy. The Great Learning AI Challenge is designed to accelerate GenAI adoption among Indian youth, and provide an accessible and affordable platform for obtaining these skills . It encourages youth to build future-ready skills, showcase their learning, and win exclusive rewards — all while laying a strong foundation in one of the most transformative technologies of our time.

 

How to Participate?

To participate, students register by filling out the registration form, sign up to Great Learning Academy and complete any or all of the 30+ designated Generative AI courses between July 13–15. These courses include ‘ChatGPT for Marketing’, ‘Generative AI for Beginners’, ‘ChatGPT for Excel’, ‘ChatGPT for Coders’, ‘Building Intelligent AI Agents’, ‘DeepSeek Foundation for Beginners’, and ‘Build Python APP Using ChatGPT’, among others. Post completion, students must post their certificates of completion on LinkedIn with the caption ‘I completed #TheGreatLearningAIChallenge’, tag Great Learning, and nominate a minimum of five friends. The winning colleges will be crowned the ‘AI Champion’, based on two categories:

 

GenAI Super Squad: Maximum Unique Participants

The college with the highest number of unique students completing at least one eligible GenAI course during the challenge wins this category.

 

GenAI MasterMinds: Maximum Course Completions

The college with the highest number of total GenAI course completions by its students during the challenge wins this category.

 

There will be 1 winner and 2 runner-up colleges for each category. In addition to this coveted title, winning colleges will receive an official trophy, certificate, and verified digital badge. The 3 best student profiles from the winning colleges will get an opportunity to intern with Great Learning.

“AI is reshaping the way we work, create, and innovate, and Gen Z is at the forefront of this transformation. With The Great Learning AI Challenge, we are not just offering free courses, but launching a nationwide movement to make GenAI skills mainstream and accessible. This is about democratising access to future-ready capabilities, creating healthy competition, and celebrating the young talent that will power India’s AI revolution. We are excited to see colleges and youth from every corner of the country step up, compete, and lead the charge towards an AI-first future,” said Aparna Mahesh, Chief Marketing Officer of Great Learning.

 

Great Learning has curated 30+ courses specifically for this challenge, and colleges are encouraged to promote participation through their placement cells and student networks. The leaderboard, tracking both unique participants and total certifications, will be updated daily, building excitement across campuses and spotlighting emerging GenAI talent.

 

About Great Learning

Great Learning is a leading global ed-tech company for professional learning and higher education. It offers comprehensive, industry-relevant, hands-on learning programs across various business, technology, and interdisciplinary domains driving the digital economy. These programs are developed and offered in collaboration with the world's foremost academic institutions in various formats such as - certificate programs (ranging from 3-11 months), online degrees as well as hybrid degrees. Great Learning is able to leverage the highly qualified, world-class faculty at these universities together with its vast network of 7700+ industry expert mentors to deliver an unmatched learning experience for over 13 million learners from over 170 countries around the world.

Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) released Vehicle Retail Data for June'25

Q1 FY26 Retails

Reflecting on Q1 FY26 Auto Retail results, FADA President Mr. C S Vigneshwar said: “In Q1 FY26, retail sales tracked exactly to our forecasts—overall volumes rose 4.85% YoY, with PV up 2.59% and 2W at 5.02%, alongside 3W +11.79%, CV +1%, CE +10.59% and Trac +6.29%. While 2W showed some early-cycle softness, we remain confident of a robust ramp-up in the coming months as seasonal demand and targeted OEM initiatives take effect.”

  

June’25 Retails

Reflecting on June 2025 Auto Retail results, FADA President Mr. C S Vigneshwar said: “The month of June recorded a healthy 4.84% YoY growth overall. Segment-wise, every category closed in the green: 2W at 4.73%, 3W 6.68%, PV 2.45%, Trac 8.68%, CE 54.95% and CV 6.6%.

 

2W retails dipped 12.48% MoM but still notched a 4.73% gain on a YoY basis. While festival and marriage-season demand provided a boost, financing constraints and intermittent variant shortages moderated sales. Early monsoon rains and rising EV penetration also shaped buying patterns. Several dealers cited compulsory billing and forced stock lifts—often via auto-debit wholesales—leading to mandated high days of inventory aligned with festival-season targets. Overall, June demonstrated a resilient two-wheeler performance amid mixed market signals.

 

PV retails slipped 1.49% MoM yet delivered a 2.45% YoY uplift. Heavy rains and tight market liquidity weighed on footfall and conversion, even as elevated incentive schemes and fresh bookings lent selective support. Some dealers indicated that certain PV OEMs have introduced compulsory billing procedures—such as automatic wholesale debits—to meet volume targets; inventory consequently stands at around 55 days. June thus painted a picture of modest but steadfast PV performance amid varied market cues.

 

CV retails declined 2.97% MoM while achieving a robust 6.6% YoY expansion. Early-month deliveries buoyed volumes before monsoon-induced slowdowns and constrained liquidity dampened enquiries and conversions. Members pointed to the impact of new CV taxation and mandatory air-conditioned cabins, which have elevated ownership costs, alongside muted infrastructure demand. Overall, June reflected a resilient CV segment adeptly navigating cost pressures and a softening economy.”

  

Near-Term Outlook

In the near term, above-normal monsoon rains—forecast at over 106% of the LPA in July, with regional variances—should bolster rural demand even as heavy-to-very-heavy precipitation zones introduce logistical complexities. Early Kharif sowing, up 11.3% YoY to 262.15 lakh hectares, underlines stronger farm incomes and augurs well for two-wheeler uptake in the hinterlands. Simultaneously, robust government capital expenditure through June–August—targeting roads, railways, metros and green-energy projects—will underpin CV and CE segments. However, evolving geopolitical tensions and potential spill-over from US tariff measures warrant vigilant supply-chain management and could temper consumer sentiment. Also, challenges in securing rare-earth materials have stalled component production, further constraining supply and retail volumes.

 

As we enter July 2025, dealer sentiment appears tilted towards slowdown—flat and de-growth expectations (42.8% and 26.1%) exceed growth forecasts (31.1%). Similarly, booking-pipeline traction remains uneven—only 21% of 2W, 38% of PV and 32% of CV dealers report healthy enquiry flows. In the 2W arena, early monsoon showers and renewed rural activity have spurred interest, yet heavy rainfall, variant shortages and price increases effective July are moderating conversions. PV faces high-base effects, limited new-model launches and tight financing, offset in part by festival planning and fresh incentive schemes. CV continues to grapple with muted infrastructure demand, higher ownership costs from new taxation and mandatory AC-cabin norms, even as extended order pipelines provide some relief. Overall, July is likely to witness mixed fortunes—driven by agrarian tailwinds and school reopening’s, yet tempered by seasonal headwinds, elevated price points and liquidity constraints.

 

Against this mixed backdrop, FADA adopts a stance of cautious optimism—leveraging rural demand drivers and government capex while remaining agile to navigate monsoon-related disruptions, supply constraints and liquidity pressures.

 

Key Findings from our Online Members Survey

• Liquidity

• Neutral 48.86%

• Bad 31.82%

• Good 19.32%

• Sentiment

• Neutral 47.73%

• Bad 30.30%

• Good 21.97% 

• Expectation from July’25

• Flat 42.80%

• Growth 31.06%

• De-growth 26.14%

Chef Deepak Chhimwal Appointed as Executive Chef at Taj West End, Bengaluru

Taj West End, Bengaluru, an urban sanctuary of timeless heritage and culinary distinction, announces the appointment of Chef Deepak Chhimwal as its new Executive Chef. With over 20 years of experience across India’s most prestigious kitchens, Chef Chhimwal steps into this role to lead the culinary vision of one of the city’s most celebrated hospitality landmarks.

A modern custodian of Indian gastronomy, Chef Chhimwal brings with him a deep respect for seasonal Indian produce, hyperlocal ingredients, and sustainable kitchen practices. His culinary philosophy fuses regional authenticity with global finesse, crafting menus that are both experiential and grounded in tradition. Prior to this, he served as Executive Chef at Taj City Centre, Gurugram, where he redefined the hotel’s F&B landscape with award-winning concepts.

Chef Chhimwal is the recipient of the Best Chef of the Year award by the Asia Food Congress and is a certified Taj departmental trainer and ISO 22000 internal auditor. A passionate mentor and team builder, he is also known for his role in developing emerging culinary talent and driving wellness-forward dining rooted in Ayurvedic principles and plant-forward innovation.

“At the heart of every dish is a story,” shares Chef Deepak Chhimwal. “Taj West End is a place where legacy meets innovation. I look forward to curating experiences that honour Karnataka’s culinary heritage while embracing mindful, modern approaches to food. LOYA at Taj West End, Bengaluru is close to my heart as it brings the authentic flavours of North for our guests.”

In his new role, Chef Chhimwal will lead the reimagination of the hotel’s signature restaurants, curate exclusive Chef’s Tables, and champion farm-to-fork initiatives and zero-waste philosophies—bringing sustainable luxury to the forefront of Bengaluru’s culinary scene.