Aratt Developers Completes Luxury Residential Project 'Aratt Alchemy One'; Marks Debut Of Alchemy Series In Bengaluru

* Developer delivers 174 luxury residences on Old Madras Road; project marks the first completed development under Aratt's luxury residential platform

Aratt Developers today announced the completion and inauguration of Aratt Alchemy One, the first development under its luxury residential platform, The Alchemy Series. The project is now ready for possession, marking the company's strategic expansion into Bengaluru's luxury housing market.

Located on Old Madras Road, the project forms part of the company's long-term strategy to strengthen its presence in one of Bengaluru's high-growth residential corridors, driven by infrastructure expansion, employment hubs, and improving connectivity. Launched at approximately ₹6,000 per sq. ft., the project is currently priced at around ₹12,000 per sq. ft., reflecting an appreciation of nearly 100%, supported by sustained demand for luxury housing across East Bengaluru and continued infrastructure-led growth in the micro-market.

Aratt Alchemy One comprises 174 luxury residences across thoughtfully designed 2 and 3 BHK configurations, ranging from 951 sq. ft. to 1,482 sq. ft. The G+23 residential tower has been designed around the concept of concierge living, combining contemporary architecture, efficient space planning, and lifestyle-led community experiences.

Designed as a lifestyle-focused residential community, Aratt Alchemy One offers over 25 amenities, including a clubhouse, co-working space, business lounge, reading library, yoga deck, gymnasium, lap pool, toddler pool, multipurpose sports court, landscaped open spaces, outdoor seating areas and dedicated wellness zones. The development has also incorporated sustainability-focused infrastructure such as a water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, organic waste converter, water-efficient sanitary fixtures and provision for piped natural gas, reflecting the company's emphasis on environmentally responsible urban development.

The project enjoys seamless connectivity to Bengaluru's major commercial and residential destinations, including KR Puram (5.5 km), Whitefield (10 km), Indiranagar (14 km), Marathahalli (17 km) and Kempegowda International Airport (27 km). It is also situated close to key employment hubs such as ITPL, RMZ Infinity, GR Tech Park and KIADB Aerospace SEZ, making it an attractive residential destination for technology professionals, GCC executives, entrepreneurs, NRIs and discerning homebuyers seeking luxury urban living.

Commenting on the completion of the project, Mr. Vishal Vincent Tony, Managing Director, Aratt Developers, said "The completion of Aratt Alchemy One is a significant milestone for Aratt Developers as it marks the successful delivery of the first project under our luxury Alchemy Series. Today's homebuyers are looking for more than just a residence, they seek thoughtfully designed communities that combine superior construction quality, contemporary design, wellness, sustainability and long-term value creation. With Alchemy One, we have created a development that reflects these evolving aspirations while reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality residential communities in Bengaluru. As we look ahead, the Alchemy Series will continue to shape our luxury housing portfolio, with several new developments planned across key growth corridors in the city."

With the successful completion of Aratt Alchemy One, the company plans to further strengthen its presence in Bengaluru's luxury residential market through the expansion of its luxury Alchemy Series consisting of Alchemy Elixir located in Electronic City Phase 1 and Alchemy Essence in Hennur, which are key growth corridors in the city.

With over 25 years of experience, 37 completed projects, 20 million sq. ft. delivered and more than 26,000 happy families, Aratt Developers continues to strengthen its presence across Bengaluru through design-led residential communities focused on quality, sustainability and long-term value creation.

ABOUT ARATT DEVELOPERS

Aratt Developers is a Bengaluru-based real estate development company with over 25 years of experience delivering residential, commercial and mixed-use projects that combine contemporary design, quality construction and customer-focused execution. Rooted in the belief that “we build relationships first, buildings next,” Aratt draws on in-house architectural expertise, robust project management and partnerships with best-in-class brands for construction materials. With a portfolio spanning thoughtfully designed homes, commercial spaces and integrated townships, Aratt is committed to creating built environments that reflect evolving lifestyles while delivering on transparency, reliability and value.

NBC Bearings Expands Aftermarket Portfolio With Launch Of New Automotive Parts Range

· Strategic move aimed at accelerating growth and serving evolving needs of India's automotive aftermarket

NBC Bearings, brand of National Engineering Industries Ltd., India's leading bearing manufacturer and a trusted mobility solutions partner, today announced the launch of an extensive new range of automotive aftermarket products, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth and diversification strategy.

Building upon its strong legacy in bearings and allied engineering products and services, NBC Bearings is now entering multiple high-potential automotive aftermarket categories, including wiper blades, brake pads, belts, steering rods, and several other critical vehicle components for Two/ three Wheelers and Passenger Cars

The strategic expansion reflects NBC Bearings' commitment to delivering comprehensive automotive solutions while capitalizing on the rapidly growing Indian automotive aftermarket.

Speaking on the occasion, Rohit Saboo, President & CEO said: "The Indian automotive aftermarket is witnessing unprecedented growth driven by increasing vehicle ownership, longer vehicle life cycles, and rising demand for quality replacement parts. As a trusted brand with decades of engineering excellence, NBC Bearings is uniquely positioned to leverage this opportunity. The launch of our expanded auto parts portfolio is a strategic step towards diversifying our business, strengthening our market presence, and creating new avenues of growth beyond bearings."

The newly launched product portfolio has been offered to meet the stringent quality, performance, and reliability standards that customers associate with the NBC brand. The products will be made available through distribution network across India, ensuring widespread accessibility for dealers, workshops, and end customers.

This expansion aligns with NBC Bearings' long-term vision of becoming a comprehensive mobility solutions provider while enhancing value for channel partners and customers alike.

With this launch, NBC Bearings reinforces its commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainable growth, while further strengthening its position in India's dynamic automotive ecosystem.

About NBC Bearings

NBC Bearings, a brand of National Engineering Industries Ltd. (NEIL), is India's leading bearing manufacturer and a part of the CKA Birla Group. With a legacy spanning over seven decades, NBC Bearings serves automotive, railways, industrial, and mobility sectors across domestic and international markets through its world-class manufacturing facilities and extensive distribution network.

For details, visit: https://nbcbearings.com/

To celebrate World Kebab Day, Tamarind Introduces A Curated Selection Of Signature Kebabs This July

Known for its regional Indian cuisine and warm, refined ambience, Tamarind at Taj Bangalore introduces a specially curated à la carte kebab menu, featuring a selection of regional favourites from across the country. Available for both lunch and dinner, the limited-period menu highlights classic recipes prepared using traditional cooking techniques, with a balanced selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebabs.

The menu includes signature dishes such as Badami Barrah, Mutton Shikampuri Kebab, Murgh Ke Sooley, Hari Mandi Ki Tawa Macchli, and Tandoori Lobster, alongside vegetarian favourites including Bharwa Gucchi Khumb, Edamame & Mushroom Seekh Kebab, Chukandar Ki Galauti, and Dahi Ke Kebab.

Served with house-made chutneys and traditional accompaniments, the menu reflects the diversity of India's regional kebab traditions while staying true to Tamarind's focus on authentic Indian cuisine.

Commenting on the special menu, Executive Chef Deva said, "India's kebab traditions are incredibly diverse, with every region offering its own distinctive flavours and techniques. This menu brings together some of those much-loved recipes, allowing guests to experience a wider spectrum of Indian grilling while staying true to the authenticity that Tamarind is known for."

Whether for a business lunch, an intimate dinner or a relaxed meal with family and friends, the special kebab selection offers yet another reason to experience Tamarind's celebrated regional Indian cuisine.

Venue: Tamarind, Taj Bangalore

Date: 10th–25th July 2026

Pricing: à la carte

Timings: Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Dinner: 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM

For table reservations and further information, please call +91 91489 06663.

Half Of India’s New-To-Credit Card Consumers Are Gen Z And Reside Beyond Metros

* Credit card ownership in India crossed 5.2 crore consumers in 2026, up 3.6x from 2016

* Outstanding credit card balances rose 8.3x to ₹3.1 lakh crore over the last decade

50% of new-to-credit card (NTCC) consumers were Gen Z (aged 30 years or below) as of March 2026, and 46% of NTCC resided within semi-urban and rural markets, reflecting early adoption and deeper geographic expansion of credit cards

India’s first-time credit cardholders or New-To-Credit-Card (NTCC) are younger and more broadly geographically distributed, according to TransUnion CIBIL’s latest research whitepaper, Beyond the Swipe 2026: How India Uses Card as a Credit Instrument. As of March 2026, 50% of NTCC consumers were aged 30 years or below[1], up from 43% in March 2022, while 46% resided within semi-urban and rural markets, up from 42%, during the same period.

NTCC consumers are entering the card market with a more active credit profile. The whitepaper found that 25% of NTCC consumers already had three or more open credit products, suggesting that for many consumers, the first credit card is being added to an existing credit wallet, and not necessarily an entry product. Compared to the United Kingdom at 70%, Colombia at 62% and Hong Kong at 98%, India’s credit card penetration at 25% of credit-active consumers, as of March 2026, is lower than several mature and emerging credit markets. The current low penetration rate along with the promising demographic participation clearly indicates an opportunity to grow the card portfolios responsibly.

A Ten-Year Sweep of India’s Credit Card Market

India’s credit card market has expanded significantly over the last decade, across the number of cards, consumers and balances. Between March 2016 and March 2026, the number of cardholders grew 3.6x from 1.4 crore to 5.2 crore. Outstanding card balances rose at a faster pace, growing 8.3x from ₹0.4 lakh crore to ₹3.1 lakh crore, with active credit cards growing 5x from 2.1 crore to 10.7 crore.

The decade-long view also shows deeper card engagement within the cardholder base, with the average card balance per consumer increasing from ₹31,000 to ₹65,000.

Card Growth Continues as Wallets Become More Diversified

As the credit card market expanded over the last ten years, cardholders also began carrying a wider mix of credit products. Active credit cards accounted for 56% of consumption-led credit accounts in March 2016. By March 2026, that share stood at 38%. Card balances as a share of consumption-led credit balances in the industry also moved from 36% to 26% over the same period.

The role of cards in consumers’ wallets has changed as well. The share of card-only in the wallet consumers declined from 50% in March 2016 to 33% in March 2026, while consumers holding other consumption loans in the wallet increased from 16% to 32%. Consumers holding three or more credit cards also increased from 12% to 22%, showing a more layered card relationship within the same consumer wallet.

Mr. Bhavesh Jain, MD & CEO, TransUnion CIBIL, said, “The decade-long expansion of India’s credit card market is now being shaped by a more active and varied borrower wallet. Many consumers use cards alongside small-ticket personal loans, consumer durable loans and other short-tenure credit products. This reflects a consumer credit wallet that is becoming deeper, more formal and more responsive to everyday consumption needs. At the same time, it places greater responsibility on the ecosystem to ensure that growth remains aligned with affordability, repayment capacity and the borrower’s overall obligations. As card adoption continues to expand, the focus must remain on widening access to formal credit while preserving credit quality, borrower confidence and long-term portfolio resilience.”

Different Cardholders, Different Card Paths

As cards become part of more diversified borrower wallets, cardholders can no longer be viewed as one uniform group. The ten-year study segments non-NTCC card consumers into four personas based on how the line of credit associated with cards is being utilized and what other non-card products sit in the cardholder’s wallet. Card-centric users form the largest segment at 33%, followed by occasional card users at 18%, diversified credit users at 12%, and high exposure users at 10%. The portion of cardholders with less than 12 months of card experience (9% of cardholders in March 2026) may transition into one of the four personas as they gain maturity with the product and their usage evolves over time.

Cardholders with no utilisation information or 30+ DPD have been excluded from persona definition.

These personas are defined at a point in time for all cardholders who are current on their payment as of March 2024. The persona framework may provide insights into potential future credit activity. Over the next 12 months, from March 2024 to March 2025, 62% of diversified credit users and 48% of high exposure users availed a new unsecured product, compared with only 27% of card-centric users and 12% of occasional card users respectively. The balance build-up behaviour over the 12-month period and delinquencies over the next 12 months also differ materially across diverse card personas.

Average balance per consumer for March 2024 round to nearest 100. Average balance per consumer indexed at March 2024 for each persona for balance growth.

Gen Z Often Starts Credit Before Their First Card

For many young borrowers, their first credit card is no longer their first step into formal credit. The findings show a clear shift in how young Indians are building their credit wallets, with 24 to 30-year-old Gen Z consumers who entered the card market in 2024 more likely to already have an active credit footprint than same-age Millennial consumers in 2018.

At the time of first card origination, 31% of Gen Z consumers already had two or more open credit accounts in their wallet. The share of consumers with no prior credit experience was lower at 30% for Gen Z in 2024, compared with 56% for Millennials in 2018. Gen Z consumers were also more likely to already have consumption-led credit products in their wallet, with 18% holding an open consumer durable loan and 23% holding an open small-ticket personal loan at first card opening.

Early card behaviour also points to more active usage. While card activation levels for young NTCC consumers remained similar across the two cohorts, Gen Z consumers were more likely to spend a higher amount in the first three months of opening their first credit card. Around 28% of Gen Z NTCC consumers had balances above ₹25,000 within the first three months of card origination, compared with around 20% of same-age Millennial consumers in 2018.

The activity continued beyond the first card relationship. Around 69% of Gen Z NTCC consumers opened another credit product within 12 months of their first card, compared with 55% of same-age Millennial NTCC consumers in 2018. Among consumers who opened another product, 39% of Gen Z consumers did so with their first credit card issuer, compared with 33% for Millennials.

Mr. Jain added, “The role of the first credit card is also changing in a way that deserves close attention. Many new cardholders are still early in their formal credit journey, but a growing share is entering the card market with prior credit experience and with other credit products already present in the wallet. This is especially visible among Gen Z consumers, who are adding products sooner and showing stronger engagement with their first card issuer.

“For lenders, the opportunity is not just to acquire the customer at the point of first card issuance,” he said. “It is to earn trust, remain relevant as the customer’s credit needs evolve and build a relationship that supports access to credit while maintaining discipline across the lifecycle. That balance between growth, loyalty and responsible credit behaviour will be an important marker for the next phase of India’s card market.”

About TransUnion CIBIL

India’s pioneer credit information company, TransUnion CIBIL, ensures the credit history of each person and business entity is reliably represented.

We have developed technology and innovative solutions across core credit, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences, and personal empowerment for millions of people and MSMEs in India.

We serve the financial sector as well as commercial entities and individual consumers. Our customers in India include banks, credit institutions, NBFCs, housing finance companies, microfinance companies, telecom companies and insurance firms.

For more information visit www.transunioncibil.com   

ITC Hotels Signs Welcomhotel Mysuru, Catering To Both Business And Leisure Travellers

* A New Address for Immersive Cultural and Leisure Experiences

ITC Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a management agreement for Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Mysuru, a 99-key hotel in the culturally rich city of Mysuru, Karnataka. The signing marks another significant milestone in ITC Hotels’ growth strategy and further strengthens the presence of the Welcomhotel brand across key business and leisure destinations in South India.

Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “Mysuru is one of South India’s most distinguished destinations, known for its vibrant heritage, strong tourism appeal, and growing economic potential. Welcomhotel Mysuru will further strengthen our presence in Karnataka and offer travellers a premium hospitality experience that combines contemporary comfort with the distinctive character of the destination.”

Sunag B S, Managing Partner of M/S Sumeru Hospitality, shared, "Mysuru has always been close to our hearts, and we are delighted to announce this association with ITC Hotels Limited for the Welcomhotel brand. It gives us the confidence to create something truly special, where traditions blend into modern comfort. The upcoming hotel will reflect the soul of this beautiful city and also contribute meaningfully to the local community."

The new hotel will feature 99 well-appointed guest rooms and suites designed to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travellers. Guests will have access to an all-day dining restaurant and a lobby café, offering a curated selection of regional culinary experiences. Positioned as a preferred venue for weddings, social gatherings and corporate events, the hotel will offer approximately 5,500 square feet of indoor banqueting and event space. Recreational amenities will include a swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Renowned for its royal heritage, iconic architecture, traditional ethos and growing tourism appeal, Mysuru continues to attract leisure travellers, business visitors and social events throughout the year. Home to the magnificent Mysore Palace, the celebrated Dasara festivities, and thriving educational and commercial institutions, the city offers a unique blend of history and modernity. The upcoming Welcomhotel Mysuru is envisioned to provide a contemporary hospitality experience while reflecting the warmth of the destination.

Karnataka remains one of India's most dynamic tourism and economic hubs, with Mysuru serving as a major leisure gateway well connected to Bengaluru. Supported by strong road connectivity, year-round tourism demand, and a growing events destination, the city presents significant opportunities for premium hospitality development.

About ITC Hotels Limited: www.itchotels.com

150+ Hotels

14,200+ Keys

95+ Destinations

With the enduring Namaste as the symbol of its brand experience, ITC Hotels Limited is one of India’s leading luxury hotel chains offering comprehensive hospitality solutions. Embodying Sustainability & ‘Responsible Luxury’ as its guiding premise, ITC Hotels integrates India’s fine tradition of hospitality with globally benchmarked services to reflect the culture and ethos of each destination, through a collection of hotels. Staying ahead of the sustainability curve, ITC Hotels became the largest chain in the world to have 24 LEED Platinum certified hotels. To date, ITC Hotels Limited leads in LEED Zero Water & LEED Zero Carbon certified hotels globally. ITC Hotels Limited operates under seven distinct brands; ‘ITC Hotel’ & ‘Mementos’ in the Luxury segment, ‘Epiq Collection’ in the premium ‘Welcomhotel’ in the upper upscale space, brand ‘Storii’ in the premium boutique segment, ‘Fortune’ in the mid-market to upscale space and ‘WelcomHeritage’ in the heritage leisure segment. ITC Hotels Limited is the First in India to have been honoured with the prestigious 2024 Leadership Award for Organizational Excellence by the US Green Building Council. ITC Hotels is known for its signature warmth, iconic culinary experiences, and hospitality excellence. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.      

WhatsApp Hosts Third Annual Business Summit In India; Announces Meta Business Agent To Help Businesses Engage With Customers

* Also announces the launch of Meta Business Agent Platform that gives large enterprises the infrastructure to build, customize, and deploy their Business Agent at scale.

At the third edition of its annual Business Summit in Mumbai, WhatsApp today announced Meta Business Agent – AI that lets every business show up for every customer, in every moment, as if they had an infinite team behind them. Meta Business Agent is designed to enable businesses to deliver faster, more personalized customer experiences at scale.

As businesses increasingly look to improve customer engagement and streamline operations, Meta Business Agent can deliver more relevant, personalized experiences from the very first interaction. Meta Business Agent is designed to handle key customer interactions end-to-end, around the clock including:

Answering questions specific to the business

Making product recommendations from the business catalog

Booking appointments and qualifying incoming leads

Enabling business owners to decide when a team member steps in to provide support

Helping close sales

Beyond customer interactions, Meta Business Agent also acts as a partner for business owners – surfacing insights from customer conversations and providing summaries of missed interactions, helping businesses stay on top of their operations and focus on growth.

Arun Srinivas, Managing Director & Country Head, Meta in India, said, "India has emerged as one of the most dynamic markets for conversational business globally, with messaging becoming the preferred way for people and businesses to connect. As AI becomes more central to the transformation of the way businesses operate, Meta Business Agent represents the next step in that journey – helping businesses harness AI to strengthen customer relationships, improve efficiency, and unlock growth."

Bringing Meta Business Agent Platform to Large Enterprises

For larger businesses that need the infrastructure to build, customize and deploy their Meta Business Agent at scale, the Meta Business Agent Platform is now available – enabling enterprises to build and customize AI-powered agents while integrating with existing business systems such as Shopify, Zendesk and Shopee. Working alongside the WhatsApp Business Platform, it provides enterprise-grade scalability, controls, and measurement.

WhatsApp also showcased how businesses like Swiggy, Madhulika Enterprises and Kaizen Adventours — early adopters of the Meta Business Agent Platform — are already building great experiences and stronger customer relationships using the AI agent.

Rohan Chhazed, Vice President- Product, Rider and Post Order Consumer Experience, Swiggy Food Marketplace said, "Technology delivers the best value when it simplifies everyday experiences for users. By bringing our delivery partner onboarding within WhatsApp with the Meta Business Agent, we are creating a faster and more intuitive journey in a platform that is already familiar to millions. This reflects our broader vision of using conversational AI to reduce complexity and make business interactions more seamless at scale. Conversational commerce is the future of how businesses will interact with their ecosystem, and we're excited to be at the forefront of this shift with Meta."

Madhulika Vikram, Founder, Madhulika Enterprises, said, “In the beauty business, clients expect immediate attention. If you don't reply in minutes, they've already moved on. As demand grew across bridal bookings, makeup courses and beauty products, we were managing hundreds of customer enquiries. Meta Business Agent was a game changer for us, because it learns about your business and handles conversations with customers. We’ve seen a 25-30% increase in conversions since we have enabled the Meta Business Agent. It’s taken care of 50-60% of my repetitive workload”

Kaizen Adventures is a leading adventure travel company specializing in professionally managed Ladakh bike expeditions and Himalayan road trips. Sharing his views on the Meta Business Agent, Amit Hooda, Founder, Kaizen Adventours, said “Meta Business Agent helped Kaizen Adventours instantly respond to inquiries about Ladakh tours, pricing, itineraries, and bike rentals. It reduces response times, handles peak-season volumes, ensures 24/7 accuracy, and lets our team focus on operations—strengthening conversions and customer experience.”

Helping customers discover businesses

WhatsApp is also making it easier for people to discover businesses powered by Meta Business Agent. Soon, people will be able to search for a business by name directly within WhatsApp Search, or share business contacts with friends and family – making it easier to connect with trusted businesses.

Businesses looking to enable the Meta Business Agent can click here and join the waitlist.

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.   

Hospitality Students At IIHM Bangalore Get A Taste Of ‘Mastering The Art Of Chocolate’ On World Chocolate Day

Chocolate is more than a sweet indulgence-it is an emotion, a craft, a science and a language of creativity. Celebrating this spirit, hospitality students from the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Bangalore and its wing, the International Institute of Patisserie and Culinary (IIPC) got a taste of ‘Mastering the Art of Chocolate-From Bean to Bar’ on the occasion of World Chocolate Day.

Led by the Chef Gnanesh Kumar, Pastry Chef Lecturer of IIHM Bangalore, the event transformed the campus into a vibrant chocolate studio where students experienced the fascinating world of cocoa, chocolate processing and artisanal chocolate craftsmanship.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman, IIHM, said, "World Chocolate Day is more than a celebration of a beloved ingredient; it is a celebration of craftsmanship, precision and imagination. Every chocolate creation tells a story of knowledge, patience and passion. At IIHM, we are committed to ensuring that our students appreciate both the science and the artistry behind every culinary masterpiece."

Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, Director, IIHM Bangalore and Head-South Operations, IIHM, said, “At IIHM, World Chocolate Day is not merely about celebrating chocolate but it is about celebrating knowledge, craftsmanship and creativity. Every great chocolatier understands that behind every glossy chocolate bar, elegant dessert or handcrafted praline lies science, precision and passion. Through this experiential learning platform, we want our students to appreciate the remarkable journey of chocolate from bean to bar while mastering the techniques that define excellence in bakery and patisserie.”

Exploring the Science and Art of Chocolate

One of the key demonstrations focused on chocolate gateaux glazing, tempering and garnishing, where students learnt how a rich chocolate gateaux is finished with a smooth glaze or ganache, how chocolate is carefully tempered to achieve its glossy finish, crisp snap and stable texture and how artistic garnishes such as chocolate curls, shavings and decorative elements elevate the final presentation.

Mastering Tempering, Glazing and Moulding

The session also explored chocolate moulding, where perfectly tempered chocolate was poured into specialised moulds to create chocolate bars, pralines and decorative chocolate pieces. Students learnt why correct tempering is essential for shine, clean release from moulds and a professional finish.

Another major attraction was the chocolate fountain demonstration, where flowing melted chocolate illustrated the role of cocoa butter in achieving the perfect consistency. Students explored how fruits, sponge cubes and other accompaniments can be paired with cascading chocolate while understanding the science behind maintaining its smooth texture.

Sharing his insights, Chef Sanjay Kak - IIHM Culinary Director, said, “The beauty of chocolate lies in its precision. A difference of just a few degrees during tempering can change the texture, shine and quality of the final product. Today’s demonstrations helped students understand the importance of cocoa butter, temperature control and finishing techniques that give chocolates their signature gloss and crispness.”

Learning the Craft Behind Every Chocolate Creation

The celebration also encouraged students to appreciate chocolate beyond its sweetness. Discussions covered the nutritional aspects of high-cocoa dark chocolate, responsible cocoa sourcing, sustainable cocoa farming and the growing importance of ethical chocolate production.

By combining theory with practical demonstrations, IIHM Bangalore reinforced its commitment to experiential hospitality education, ensuring that future chefs develop not only technical competence but also a deeper appreciation of ingredients, craftsmanship and culinary innovation.

As students watched chocolate transform from liquid silk into beautifully tempered bars, elegantly glazed gateaux and artistic creations, the event captured the essence of ‘Mastering the Art of Chocolate-From Bean to Bar', that chocolate is not merely made, it is crafted with knowledge, precision, creativity and passion.