Puratos India introduces its innovative Millets-Based Bakery and Patisserie Mixes

Puratos, a global leader in bakery, patisserie, and chocolate ingredients, is thrilled to announce its innovative millets-based product range: Easy Puravita Millet Bread Mix and Tegral Satin Millet Cake Mix. These innovative mixes bring together the goodness of millets, authentic flavours, and a commitment to sustainability, catering to the evolving preferences of health-conscious consumers.

Mr. Ashish Seth, Managing Director, Puratos Food Ingredients India Pvt. Ltd., stated, "We are delighted to unveil our latest creations, the Easy Puravita Millet Bread Mix and Tegral Satin Millet Cake Mix, which embody Puratos' relentless pursuit of Health & wellbeing with innovative excellence. These products exemplify our firm resolve to not only tantalize taste buds but also champion the well-being of consumers and the planet we share. By harnessing the goodness of millets ingredients, we take pride in our contribution to crafting a future that is both sustainable and rich in delightful experiences."

Millets have a wealth of health advantages, but they are also beneficial for the environment because they require less water and other resources. The Government of India requested that the United Nations declare 2023 to be the International Year of Millets with the intention of raising awareness and increasing the production and consumption of millets.

Easy Puravita Millet Bread Mix is a remarkable blend of five millets infused with Dutch-origin sourdough. This unique combination offers a rich source of fibre and minerals from the millet flour blend while maintaining an authentic flavor profile reminiscent of traditional Indian millet-based breads.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Tegral Satin Millet Cake Mix is a game-changer. As consumers increasingly seek healthier options, it provides a guilt-free solution free from refined sugar, maida, and gluten. The result is delectable cakes with exceptional texture and volume that truly delight the senses. Empowering Healthy Choices for a Sustainable Future Puratos' commitment to health, sustainability, and innovation is well reflected in its millets-based product range.

The Easy Puravita Millet Bread Mix’s versatile mix enables bakers to create a range of bread options using either whole wheat flour or refined wheat flour without compromising on texture or sensory aspects. The mix contains a curated selection of millet flours, including Sorghum, Finger Millet, Pearl Millet, Barnyard Millet, and Amaranth, ensuring a nutritious and flavorful experience. The resulting bread products boast excellent texture, volume, and an appealing crumb colour and extend its culinary possibilities to an array of finished goods, including Bread Loaf, Burger Bun, Hot Dog Rusk, Puffs, Khari, Panini, Pizza Base, and Crusty Bread, satisfying a wide range of tastes and preferences. The Tegral Satin Millet Cake Mix is crafted with 100% millets, including Sorghum (Jowar), Finger Millet (Ragi), and Pearl Millet (Bajra), this mix offers an exquisite balance of flavour and nutrition,which enables a range of delightful creations, including Layer Cake, Celebration Cake, Bar Cake, Slice Cake, Cup Cake, Muffin, Brookies, and Cookies, allowing bakers to indulge in their creativity while embracing wholesome ingredients.

Puratos’ global presence, long history of expertise, and R&D capabilities in India have enabled them to tailor products to match Indian preferences, values, and functionality. Recent "Taste Tomorrow" surveys reveal that consumers globally, including in India, are increasingly opting for plant-based options that align with their health goals and values. The survey highlighted that 69% of Indians believe plant-based items are better for their health than animal-based alternatives, with 69% of consumers now purchasing plant-based goods, a significant increase from 47% in 2018.

HDFC Bank joins hands with Marriott Bonvoy ® to launch

India’s first co-brand hotel credit card

Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card will run on Diners Club International®

India, Mumbai- August 2023: HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has joined hands with Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, to launch the ‘Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card’, India’s first co-branded hotel credit card. The co-branded credit card will run on Diners Club®, part of the Discover Global Network and aims to be one of the most rewarding travel cards in India.

The Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank credit card leverages the strengths of the two brands, offering consumers an unprecedented array of travel benefits, including Silver Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy, that comes with benefits such as priority late checkout, exclusive member rates, Marriott Bonvoy bonus points and much more.

“We are excited to launch our first Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card in India, following successful launches in Japan and South Korea,” highlighted Mrs. Ranju Alex, Area Vice-President, South Asia, Marriott International. “With the potential to open the world of travel to a new generation of Indian explorers, the combination of benefits from two powerful brands underscores our commitment to providing members with more ways to earn through everyday purchases. More importantly, this collaboration accentuates our holistic vision of hospitality and allows us to add personalised benefits for our members, that extend beyond hotel stays.”

Mr. Parag Rao, Country Head – Payment Business, Consumer Finance, Technology and Digital Banking, HDFC Bank commented, “We are pleased to introduce India’s first co-branded hotel credit card in partnership with Marriott Bonvoy. This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing innovative financial solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our customers. With this card, we aim to enhance the travel experiences of our valued cardholders by offering exclusive benefits, rewards, and seamless access to Marriott International’s award-winning travel program. As the leading card issuer in the country, we are excited about this new offering and believe this partnership will revolutionise the way our customers engage with the hospitality industry, enhancing their journeys and creating lasting memories.”

“Cardholders who favor travel rewards cards will also value access to travel benefits and privileges that Diners Club offers in the market and globally” said Chris Winter, Vice President of International Markets at Diners Club International. “Our unique partnership model has built a strong acceptance footprint around the world to benefit those that travel both for work and pleasure, as well as those using the card for everyday local spend.”

Benefits amplified; Rewards multiplied. 

Designed with the new generation of travelers in mind, the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank credit cardholders can earn Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible spending. These points can be redeemed at participating hotels across the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio – from free nights and upgrades within the unrivalled 31-brand portfolio, once-in-a-lifetime experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, to bringing the hotel experience home with signature branded products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques, among others. The cardholders will also have the convenience to transfer points to nearly 40 airlines across the globe.

Key benefits of Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank credit card*

Welcome & annual spend based milestone benefits:

(*Card sign up is confirmed upon credit approval and payment of joining fee)

• One Free Night award worth up to 15,000 points to be redeemed for a one-night stay at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status and 10 Elite Night credits to accelerate cardholders’ journey with Marriott Bonvoy upon successful sign-up.

• Earn up to 3 additional Free Night awards upon meeting spending thresholds.

Additional benefits:

• Further, earn Marriott Bonvoy points for every INR 150 spent:    

• Earn 8 Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy

• Earn 4 Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases across travel, dining and entertainment.

• Earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy points on all other eligible purchases.

• Complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges across the globe

• 12 complimentary access to domestic lounges each year

• 12 complimentary access to international lounges each year.

• Complimentary access to participating golf courses globally, up to 2 times per quarter

• Insurance against loss or delayed baggage, loss of passport, ticket as well as missed connection to be covered by HDFC Bank

• Complimentary personal air accident insurance cover

To view full card benefits, including terms and conditions visit: Marriott Bonvoy® HDFC Bank Credit Card (marriottbonvoyasia.com)

Certain hotels charge a resort fee.

Elevate Your Bar Cart with Luxurious Kashmiri Saffron Infusion Vodka

~Experience the taste of opulence in each sip of your vodka with ‘Red Gold’ aka Kashmiri Saffron~

Saffron boasts a flavor profile of unparalleled richness. This coveted spice commands a premium position in the market, with it being considered as precious as gold and earning the title of ‘Red Gold.’

No doubt, this high-value condiment has found its place in consumers’ vanity bags beyond the kitchen with an array of skincare products like elixirs, serums infused with it. Another innovative application of saffron has been in the world of beverages - where it goes beyond its conventional culinary role and has been seamlessly incorporated into a range of spirits and blended concoctions.

One such stand out luxurious spirit in the Indian alco-bev market, is the saffron variant vodka crafted by the homegrown brand, Smoke Lab Vodka. Made with a blend of handpicked Kashmiri Saffron interspersed with sweet Indian spices, Smoke Lab Saffron Vodka almost gives a dessert like mouthfeel - making it a perfect liquid to enjoy over ice or in a cocktail. This gluten free and vegan vodka also has hints of cardamom, malai kulfi and dark chocolate, giving it a creamy desserty-finish. The unique blend imparts a touch of richness, a distinctive character and a sweet-earthy flavour profile that’s sure to distinguish itself from other offerings available in the market.

Elevating the beverage experience for the most discerning consumers, saffron is poised to redefine the essence of sophisticated concoctions, and at the forefront of this sensory revolution stands Smoke Lab Saffron Vodka. If you're looking to explore a world of refined drinks infused with aromatic spices, your search ends here. Smoke Lab Saffron Vodka offers this exceptional experience at a price INR 2000 in Delhi, INR 2800 in Maharashtra, INR 2699 in Goa INR 2860 in Utter Pradesh for a 750ml bottle.

Marico launches Saffola Oats Gold for a Delightful Breakfast Experience

~Introduces delectable Creamy Oats with the Power of Millet~ 

India, June 2023: Marico Limited, one of India’s leading FMCG companies, has expanded its Oats portfolio with the launch of Saffola Oats Gold. This addition to the Saffola Oats portfolio promises to delight the consumers as it brings the goodness of Oats with the inclusion of Millets (Jowar), making it a tastier breakfast experience. The all new Saffola Oats Gold has soft grains and a creamy texture that makes it a versatile option for those looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious breakfast.

The Indian food habit is primarily cultural where consumers seek healthy options but also look for a great consumption experience and palate preferences. There is an increased inclination for nutrient-dense ready-to-cook food products that enriches their taste experience, especially during the most important meal of the day – breakfast. Recognizing this need, Marico through its latest Saffola Oats Gold, aims to provide a tasty and healthy breakfast option to its consumers to support their healthier lifestyle.

Saffola Oats Gold provides the goodness of Oats with the added benefits of Millets, which are rich in Fibre, Protein and contain iron that kick-starts your metabolism and replenishes your energy levels for the day ahead. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals leading a fast-paced lifestyle, providing the energy they need to stay productive throughout the day. Additionally, Saffola Oats Gold helps in weight management and reduces the risk of hypertension. The added advantage of its super creamy texture promises to enrich breakfast experiences and make mornings delightful. 

Speaking on the new launch, Sanjay Mishra, COO - India Business and CEO - New Business, Marico Limited said, “Saffola has become synonymous with healthy products that do not compromise on taste. In line with this promise, we are delighted to bring to our consumers, our latest innovative offering – Saffola Oats Gold. Our super creamy oats with the goodness of millet offers a delightful start to the day.”

With this new launch, we are expanding our range of millet-based products, which already includes popular offerings like Munchiez and Saffola Masala Oats Karara Crunch. By embracing millets in our product portfolio, our aim is to align with the government's vision of promoting millets as a sustainable and nutritious food source” he added.

The all new Saffola Oats Gold comes in 1.5kg pack sizes for INR 400/-. It is available across the country in modern trade and e-commerce platforms. For more information and updates, visit Saffola’s official website or follow their social media channel @saffola.foodie.

Marico Limited has been successfully innovating and reinforcing its leadership position in the healthy and ready-to-cook foods category over the past few years, with its unique premise of providing healthier options to consumers without compromising on the taste.

Nourish Organic Cookies: Guilt-Free Indulgences

 Elevate Your Snacking Game with Nourish Organics' Delectable Cookies

May, 2023- Indulge in Nourish Organics' guilt-free cookies and elevate your snacking game. As a pioneer in clean-label packaged food, Nourish Organics is a favorite among health-conscious consumers. Their offerings are free of processed sugar, preservatives, genetically modified foods, trans-fats, or artificial flavors, making them a delicious and nutritious snacking option.

Nourish Organics' Cookie Boxes are crafted with the intention of providing great taste and heaps of nutrition. These ready-to-eat, on-the-go cookies offer a combination of health benefits through superfoods. Try their Almond Buckwheat Cookies, a gluten-free delight packed with energizing protein and fiber from wholesome buckwheat and heart-healthy almonds. Or indulge in their Chocolate Coconut Cookies, rich in plant fiber, protein, and antioxidants, with the added sweetness of coconut and cocoa. The Fig Amaranth Cookies are an ideal option for those who crave a satisfying crunchy texture. Lightly sweetened and packed with superfoods, they offer a punch of nutrition. The Ginger Oats Cookies combine zesty ginger, fibrous oats, omega-rich seeds, and warm vanilla, creating a scrumptious cookie like no other. Finally, the Oats Cranberry Cookies are a delicious way to get a healthy boost throughout your day, with tart cranberries adding a sweet touch to these special cookies.

Packed with fiber and antioxidants, these cookies are a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy anytime. Whether you prefer just one flavor or want to try them all, Nourish Organics offers a variety of cookies pack that lets you taste them all!

 About Nourish Organics

Nourish Organics is a clean food company that aims to make nutrition that fits your lifestyle through sustainable, organic food. Their product line includes a wide range of wholesome, multi-grain breakfast cereals, nutrient-dense cookies, on-the-go snacks, seed & nut combinations, and fruit+fibre-based health bars. All Nourish Organics products are 100% natural and made with locally sourced organic ingredients that are wholesome, rich in fiber, high in plant-based protein, and packed with essential fats, vitamins, and minerals through a bounty of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

About Seema Jindal

Seema Jindal, the Founder, and MD of Nourish Organics, is a sports and fitness enthusiast. Her understanding of the space was inspired by the time she spent at the Indian Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (IIYN), which was managed by her family at the time. Her range of honestly healthy functional foods is a result of her edification in holistic wellness. At Nourish Organics, Seema aims to develop well-researched organic products that nourish the brand’s consumers, its community, and society. Her vision is best encapsulated in the brand’s product code: "Nutrition that fits your lifestyle.

Join Ventures’ D2C food brand - ‘Masqa’ – introduces its first product portfolio with gourmet couverture chocolate products

Masqa’s range of products will offer premium chocolates in the form of bars, barks and pebbles

India, April 2023: Join Ventures, the house of D2C brands for celebrations, is now all set to enter the F&B space with its D2C premium food brand, Masqa.

The new brand introduces its first product portfolio with a wide range of couverture chocolate products in the form of bars, barks, and pebbles with innovative flavours and fine culinary craftsmanship.

Founded in December 2022, Masqa’s range of chocolate products includes some of the classic flavours in milk chocolate bars like Classic Smooth, Chewy Crunch and dark chocolate bars like Dark Divine and Nutty Delight. It also offers a spin on these classic chocolates with innovative flavours like the pink Himalayan salt, chilli and rose. 

Commenting on the launch, Anuja Joshi, Co-Founder, Masqa said, “With the need for diversity and the evolving preferences of customers, we at Masqa have embarked upon a journey to offer delectable chocolate products to cater to customers with an evolved taste.”

“The idea behind launching Masqa was to cater to an audience that appreciates richness, flavours, and textures of chocolates. Masqa, as a premium chocolate brand, aims to offer its patrons luxury and indulgence with every bite. At the same time, it encourages the consumers to try bold flavours of its offerings made of unique ingredients like chilli, Himalayan pink salt, blonde rose etc. Masqa’s vision for its consumers is to celebrate smaller moments and simplest pleasures of life by transforming the chocolate consumption into an ethereal experience” she added.

Masqa’s launch further strengthens Join Ventures’ commitment to bringing innovative and premium products into the market.

The newly introduced Masqa range will be available across top 25 cities through Masqa's official website.

Website: https://www.masqa.com/

About Masqa: Masqa is a premium D2C food brand from the house of Join Ventures kickstarting its first product portfolio with a range of gourmet couverture chocolate products in the form of bars, barks and pebbles, all available in decadent and indulgent flavours. Co-founded by Anuja Joshi in December 2022, Masqa’s range of chocolate products are hand-crafted by the finest culinary artists, and every product promises a superlative experience coupled with the passion for everything celebratory. Masqa’s current category of chocolates includes some of the classic flavours in chocolate bars like Dark Divine, Chewy Crunch, Nutty Delight and Classic Smooth among others whilst experimental flavours such as Pink Kiss (using pink Himalayan salt) and Fiery Smooth (with chillies). The ‘Chocolate Barks’ category extends the palette experience with flavours like Blonde Rose, Spiced Toffee Caramel and Buttery Shortbread, and their ‘Pebbles’ assortment is a clever spin on nostalgia with a variety of nutty and berry bites. 

About Join Venture: Join Ventures, house of D2C brands for celebrations, is building leadership through its growing portfolio of brands, including IGP.com – India's largest D2C platform for occasions; Interflora India – India's  largest D2C brand for premium flowers; IGP for Business -leading B2B2C partner for reward management and corporate gifting; and Masqa-aimed at creating India's leading D2C brand for Indulgent foods. Join Ventures serves 100mn+ visitors every year across 100 countries with its design-to-delivery consumer experience, farm-to-table supply chain, and expanding the same-day delivery distribution network of over 100 cities

BOOK | "The Joy of Cooking" by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker

"The Joy of Cooking" is a classic cookbook that has been a staple in kitchens for over 80 years. It contains over 4,500 recipes covering everything from appetizers to desserts. What sets this book apart from others is the attention to detail and the clear instructions. Each recipe includes variations and tips for substitutions, making it easy to adapt to individual preferences or dietary needs. The book also includes sections on kitchen equipment, cooking techniques, and ingredient information. It's a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of cooking and baking.

Why should every hotelier read this book?

"The Joy of Cooking" is a must-have for any hotel kitchen. With its wide range of recipes and detailed instructions, it's a great resource for chefs of all levels. The book's emphasis on ingredient information and substitutions makes it easy to adapt to the needs of guests with different dietary restrictions. The book also includes sections on meal planning and preparation, which can be useful for hotel kitchens with high-volume cooking needs. Overall, "The Joy of Cooking" is a valuable tool for any hotel chef looking to elevate their cooking skills and create delicious dishes for their guests.

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