Author: Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad
In a recent interview, AccorHotels CEO Sébastien Bazin pointed out that the company is dealing with a blazing issue – that of staff shortage. The industry has not been able to take full advantage of the boom in business ignited by Covid – fuelled revenge tourism due to staff shortages across the world Asmita Mukherjee spoke with industry experts to understand the ground scenario and challenge mitigation mechanisms being adopted by hotels. Declining interest and hesitation – a cause for worry The pandemic had forced most of the hospitality brands to downsize and when the return–to–travel bounced back at a…
Located on Bluewaters Island, Dubai’s newest island oasis, Caesars Palace Dubai is an immersive destination featuring iconic hospitality accommodations. The property is aiming at the high-value business segment by targeting high net-worth individuals (HNIs) as guests from India. Naren Upadhyay, Director of Sales, Caesars Palace Dubai shares with Asmita Mukherjee his strategy to tap into the Indian market. How is Caesars Palace Dubai geared to tap the Indian market in the new normal? India is a top source market for the destination as per DTCM’s recent report and also features among our top 10 markets for Caesars Palace Dubai. Thanks…
Mr. Jerry’s is India’s first commercially available, ready-to-serve cocktail range. The brand was launched in December 2020 by Mrinal Manu and Rincy Varghese of Blue Ocean Beverages and is led by beverage mavericks – Arijit Bose and Pankaj Balachandran. The ready-to-serve cocktails are currently available in six variations across Goa, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. The brand aims to launch in West Bengal, Pondicherry, and Telangana soon and project to achieve a turnover of INR 5.5 crores in FY 2022-23. Asmita Mukherjee spoke with Rincy Varghese, Brand Manager, Blue Ocean Beverages to understand Mr. Jerry’s strategy to capture the niche market.…
With its abundant vitamins and minerals, jackfruit is considered to be a healthy addition to the diet. Recent global trends have also brought forward jackfruit in a new avatar – as a substitute for meat. In India, Goa-based sustainable D2C start-up Wakao Foods has successfully introduced jackfruit meat to the domestic market. With its new disruptive approach and a sustainable focus, Wakao Foods aims to bring a revolution in the alternative meats category in India. Asmita Mukherjee spoke with Sairaj Dhond, Founder of Wakao Foods to know his future plans for the vegan meat brand. Over time the popularity of…
The Indian hospitality industry is recovering fast as a result of the slowed-down pandemic. Experts are of the opinion that hotel room revenue has hit its highest level since the Covid-19 pandemic began, as international visitor numbers continued to recover on account of borders reopening. According to a report by STR on 18 April, India recorded its highest ADR index of the year at 106% of 2019 comparable. Occupancy surpassed pre-pandemic levels earlier in the year, reaching as high as 109% of the corresponding 2019 level on 25 March 2022. The Indian hospitality industry is seeing an uptick in booking…
Chowman Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., which was started in the City of Joy, by an ardent lover of food, Debaditya Chaudhury, has now ventured into Bengaluru with its signature offerings through cloud kitchens. The brand has plans to step into Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad soon. Asmita Mukherjee spoke with Chaudhury to understand the challenges that he faced and the opportunities which he foresees. Commenting about their first cloud kitchen in Bengaluru, Chaudhury said, “We started our first cloud kitchen in Whitefield, Bengaluru amidst the lockdown period. Despite the pandemic and its restrictions, we saw a surge in popularity and demand for…
Bringing in a much-needed breath of fresh air to the Hyderabad dining scene, Platform 65 not only entertains children and adults alike with its train-themed décor but also wows with its lip-smacking multi-cuisine fare. Platform65 is the brainchild of Sadgun Patha, Managing Director and co-founder of the restaurant and is led by Mr. Sarvesh, founder of Platform65, Mr. Vinodh and Mr. Madhu. With a diversified menu of more than 500+ varieties/multi-cuisine, the Dilsukhnagar outlet of the restaurant bustles at the seams even on weekdays with a full-house. Platform 65 excels at bringing an amalgamation of the best South Indian, North…
Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary, Indian Culinary Forum recently spoke with Asmita Mukherjee about the participation of India across various culinary competitions and the steps being taken to achieve global standards in Indian culinary competitions. According to you, what was the need behind the Indian Culinary forum and the awards associated with it? The Indian Culinary Forum is an association of professional chefs of India. Formed in New Delhi in 1987 as an exclusive non-profit-making organization, it is dedicated solely to the advancement of the culinary art of India. The Forum’s objective is to act as a link, a platform,…
According to TOI, Fifteen years after acquiring US’ fourth largest coffee brand Eight O’Clock, Tata Consumer products in all set to launch in India soon. The announcement was made by Chairman N Chandrasekaran at the company’s 58th annual general meeting. He stated that Eight O’Clock will debut in direct-to-consumer (D2C) model next week. “To achieve the next level of growth by leveraging this expanded product portfolio, the company is now implementing and integrating its distribution network and supply chain to drive efficiency and, more importantly, agility. Undertaking an end-to-end digitalization of its channel partners, and field force is another key…
The glass packaging industry is seeing an increase in demand from the liquor industry, food and beverage sector as India announces a total ban on plastic products from 2022. Glass is one of the best alternatives to plastics. Glass has always been the safest and the most viable option for packaging food and liquid and it can be recycled multiple times, as well. Asmita Mukherjee spoke with Rajesh Khosla, President & CEO, AGI glaspac to know how the industry is planning to fulfill the increased demand. How important has the packaging of beverages (alcoholic/non-alcoholic) become after COVID-19? The packaging of…
