Next Gen Consulting

Category: Business

  • Hard Rock Branded Kitchen Appliances Make Their Way to Indian Homes Through EBG Group

    Hard Rock Branded Kitchen Appliances Make Their Way to Indian Homes Through EBG Group

    India, Mar 16th: EBG Group, a progressive player in innovative consumer and lifestyle solutions under the EBG Group umbrella, has announced a strategic brand licensing partnership with Hard Rock International to introduce a premium range of Hard Rock–branded coffee machines and small kitchen appliances in India. As part of its India market entry strategy, the partnership is backed by a planned investment of 100 Cr, with a projected revenue target of 500 Cr over 5 years. The collaboration aims to capitalise on India’s rapidly expanding premium home appliance segment, currently valued at 29,000 Cr and growing at an estimated 9% CAGR.

    Globally, Hard Rock spans hospitality, entertainment, retail, and licensed lifestyle categories, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most recognisable music-led brands. The collaboration marks Hard Rock’s entry into India’s premium home appliance segment, bringing its distinctive design language and cultural identity into modern kitchens. The companies aim to capture approximately 5% market share within the first few years of operations.

    Under the licensing agreement, EBG Group will design, develop, manufacture, and distribute a curated portfolio of products aligned with Hard Rock’s bold and contemporary brand ethos. The first phase of launch will be across key metropolitan markets, followed by a phased expansion into other major cities.

    Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Irfan Khan, Founder and CEO of EBG Group said, “Partnering with Hard Rock is a significant milestone for us. Hard Rock represents energy, authenticity, and a globally aspirational lifestyle. Through this licensing collaboration, we aim to bring a differentiated portfolio of premium coffee machines and small kitchen appliances to Indian consumers who value both performance and brand experience. Our focus is on creating products that are emotionally resonant while delivering world-class quality and reliability.”

    The upcoming range will combine distinctive Hard Rock aesthetics with high-performance technology, premium materials, and a contemporary, music-inspired lifestyle appeal. The products are expected to be launched through leading retail chains, major e-commerce platforms, and select premium distribution channels, targeting aspirational urban consumers seeking performance-driven appliances with strong lifestyle positioning.

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  • The $4.6 Billion Mistake: India Chased Silver to $120 — Then Blinked at the Dip – Vallum Capital

     

    A tale of two investors — and how the same trade played out in completely opposite ways
     
    According to Vallum Capital Research, Between January 2022 and February 2026, silver went from a quiet, overlooked metal to one of the most talked-about trades in global markets. Prices surged from $24 to a peak of $120 per ounce — a 400% run that made headlines and turned heads. But buried inside the flow data of silver ETFs lies a far more instructive story: one of timing, psychology, and the costly gap between informed capital and reactive money.
     
    The report highlights a clear divergence in behavior between Indian retail investors and global institutional players, identifying four distinct phases in the Silver ETF Net Flow – Jan 2022 – Feb 2026.
     
    GLOBAL: Silver ETF Net Flow Phase Analysis  |  Jan 2022 – Feb 2026  
    Source: Morningstar period-end cumulative flows (HS338–HS345), distributed by momentum  •  Silver in USD/oz
    No
    Phase
    Period
    No. of
    Silver Price
    Silver Price
    Silver Price
    India Total
    India Avg/Mo
    India Total
    India Avg/Mo 
    Global Total
    Global Avg/Mo
    India
    Global
     
     
     
    Months
    Start (USD/oz)
    End (USD/oz)
    Return %
    Net Flows (₹ Cr)
    (₹ Cr)
    Net Flows (USD Mn)
    (USD Mn)
    Flows (USD M)
    (USD M)
    Behavior
    Behavior
    1
    Selling
    Jan 2022 – Feb 2025
    38
    $24.00
    $32.10
    33.80%
    13,306.80
    350.2
    1,574.80
    41.40
    -4,055.50
    -106.7
    Steady buying; ₹350 Cr avg/mo;
    Structural exit; −$4,056M total;
    2
    Buying
    Mar 2025 – Aug 2025
    6
    $33.20
    $39.10
    17.80%
    10,485.90
    1,747.60
    1,240.90
    206.80
    4,853.50
    808.9
    Accelerating inflows;
    Strong coordinated buying;
    3
    Selling
    Sep 2025 – Jan 2026
    5
    $42.50
    $120.00
    182.40%
    38,885.80
    7,777.20
    4,601.90
    920.40
    -3,549.70
    -709.9
    🔴 FOMO peak; ₹7,777 Cr avg/mo;
    Sold into the rally; −$3,550M;
    4
    Buying
    Feb-26
    1
    $81.58
    $81.58
    0.00%
    -850
    -850
    -100.6
    -100.6
    1,787.90
    1,787.90
    🔴 Panic sell; −₹850 Cr; India exits at the correction
    ✅ Bought the dip; +$1,788M; SLV alone +$1,953M
    Data Source: Morningstar period-end cumulative flows (HS338–HS345) | Silver ETFs: SLV, SIVR, PHAG | Silver price in USD/oz
     
    Phase 1 — While the West Was Walking Away, India Was Just Walking In
    For nearly three years — from January 2022 to February 2025 — global institutional funds were quietly but steadily exiting silver ETFs. They pulled out over $4,056 million in total, month after month, averaging $107 million in outflows every single month. Silver wasn’t exciting to them anymore. Indian retail investors, however, were just discovering it. During the same period, they poured in $1,574.8 million — steadily, patiently, at roughly $41 million a month. They were buying what the world was selling. In hindsight, not a bad instinct — just early.
     
    Phase 2 — A Brief Moment When Everyone Agreed From March to August 2025, something rare happened:
    Indian and global investors were finally on the same side. As silver climbed from $33 to $39, global funds deployed $4,854 million in six months. Indian inflows surged to $206.8 million per month. Both camps were bullish, both were buying, and the trade was working. But global funds had a plan. Indian investors had momentum.

    Phase 3 — The Divergence That Defined Everything Then silver went parabolic.
    From September 2025 to January 2026, it surged 182% — from $42.50 to $120. This is where the story splits sharply. Global institutional funds used the euphoria to exit. They sold $3,550 million into the rally — methodically, without flinching, taking profits as retail crowds piled in. Indian investors, meanwhile, flooded in with $4,601.9 million in just five months — their largest buying spree ever — right at the top of the market. This is textbook FOMO: buying because prices are rising, not because value exists.

    Phase 4 — The Correction Reveals the Truth February 2026.
    Silver falls back to $81.58. Indian retail investors panicked and pulled out $100.6 million — selling at the very bottom of the correction. Global funds did the opposite. They bought $1,788 million in a single month, calmly accumulating as others fled. Global funds sold high and bought low. Indian retail investors bought high and sold low — the oldest and most painful mistake in investing. The Lesson This isn’t a story about silver. It’s a story about how information, patience, and discipline separate institutional capital from retail emotion. Markets will always offer inflection points — moments where the smart money pivots and the crowd follows too late. The $4.6 billion that Indian investors deployed at peak prices wasn’t a failure of intent. It was a failure of timing — driven by the most human of instincts: the fear of missing out. The best trades are rarely the loudest ones.

  • Tikitoro’s Startup Singham Pitch Turns Heads, Secures Strategic Investment

    Mar 16: Tikitoro, a pioneering kids’ and teens’ personal care brand founded by Prasanna Vasanadu, recently captured widespread attention on the entrepreneurial reality show Startup Singham, where its compelling pitch and powerful message about children’s skincare resonated with both audiences and investors.

    Tikitoro’s Startup Singham Pitch Turns Heads, Secures Strategic Investment

     The episode opened with a unique and memorable moment as children staged a playful yet thought-provoking mock protest, demanding skincare products specifically designed for them. Their message highlighted a genuine gap in the market: while babies and adults have dedicated personal care products, children and teenagers are often left using formulations not tailored to their developing skin.

    This introduction set the stage for Tikitoro’s mission. During the pitch, founder Prasanna Vasanadu shared how the brand was born from her personal journey as a mother searching for safe skincare products for her child. Concerned about harmful ingredients such as endocrine disruptors found in many personal care formulations, she set out to build a brand focused on clean, safe, and scientifically formulated products specifically designed for children aged 4 to 16 years.

    Since its launch, Tikitoro has experienced significant growth. What began as a two-member operation has expanded into a team of over 40 members, offering a portfolio of 25 carefully formulated products across kids’ and teens’ skincare categories. The brand has already earned the trust of more than two lakh parents and maintains a strong repeat purchase rate of 45 percent.

    All Tikitoro products undergo rigorous testing and trials before launch. Each product is dermatologically tested and paediatrician verified, ensuring high standards of safety and efficacy. The brand also follows strict research and product development protocols, including focus group feedback, and has received international safety certifications, including recognition from Safe Cosmetics Australia.

    During the pitch on Startup Singham, Prasanna Vasanadu sought an investment of ₹1.2 crore for 1.5 percent equity, valuing the company at ₹81 crore. Investors appreciated the brand’s category-defining vision and the founder’s strong commitment to safety, research, and innovation.

    Tikitoro ultimately secured a strategic investment from Mohan LKN at a valuation of ₹72 crore. The investment marks an important milestone for the brand and will support its expansion plans as it works toward becoming a ₹100-crore brand with a global presence.

    With its mission to provide safe, effective, and age-appropriate skincare solutions, Tikitoro is not only building a fast-growing brand but also leading a much-needed conversation around children’s skin health—ensuring that the youngest consumers finally have skincare products designed specifically for them.

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  • Provilac marks the Alphonso Mango season with Mango flavour high-protein milk

    Provilac marks the Alphonso Mango season with Mango flavour high-protein milk

    India, Mar 16th: Mindful eating is becoming increasingly important in modern-day India. This trend is having a significant impact on food consumption habits, especially when it comes to consuming dairy products like milk. To cater to the evolving needs of consumers, many dairy companies are exploring new product ideas, including providing healthier options and offering foods made from natural ingredients. So, to help celebrate the coming season of Alphonso Mangoes, Provilac has launched a new flavour of its high-protein milk (Mango Flavour High-Protein Milk) in March of this year. 

    This new product combines high-protein milk containing the premium Ratnagiri Alphonso mango pulp to provide a natural and delicious dairy product that is similar to freshly harvested mangoes. The unique flavour of the Alphonso mango is well known for its natural sweetness, deep aroma, and vibrant colour, making it one of the most valuable types of mangoes across India. The Mango Flavour High-Protein Milk offers all the great flavours and attributes of Alphonso mangoes while maintaining the balance of nutrition and indulgence, which Provilac’s core dairy products are known for. The product is manufactured with no preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilisers, or artificial colours, ensuring a natural and minimally processed formulation.

    Due to the increase in demand for convenient ways to add protein to diets, this limited seasonal launch would provide another source of protein in addition to the regular sources already identified in the market. The new mango flavour is great for all ages from 10 years onward and is a familiar product for people who want to achieve a balance of nutrition and taste within their daily diet. 

    Commenting on the launch, Siddharth Runwal Provilac said, “Seasonal foods carry a sense of anticipation in India. Alphonso mangoes arrive each year with a cultural memory that goes beyond taste. At Provilac, we wanted to bring that seasonal joy into a format that also reflects changing nutritional priorities. Milk has always been a daily ritual in Indian homes, yet its nutritional potential often remains underutilized. The idea behind this launch was to respect the familiarity of milk while elevating its role through higher protein and clean ingredients. Mango flavour high protein milk therefore becomes more than a seasonal indulgence. It represents how traditional tastes and modern nutrition can exist together in a way that feels natural, convenient, and relevant to everyday life.” 

    The product continues Provilac’s broader effort to reimagine milk as a nutritionally stronger yet familiar staple. The approach brings together fresh dairy and seasonal ingredients to create products that resonate with evolving consumer preferences while maintaining authenticity and quality.

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  • Haier Launches 596-Litre 2-Door Side-by-Side Refrigerator with BPA-Free Water Dispenser in India

    New Delhi, March 16: Haier Appliances India, a subsidiary of the global home appliances leader Haier Group, has introduced its latest 596-litre 2-Door Side-by-Side Refrigerator range featuring a BPA-Free Water Dispenser, bringing premium innovation, smart connectivity and enhanced storage flexibility to modern Indian kitchens.

    Haier Launches 596-Litre 2-Door Side-by-Side Refrigerator with BPA-Free Water Dispenser in India

     The new refrigerator range is designed to meet the needs of Indian households seeking larger storage capacity, intelligent cooling, and everyday convenience. With evolving lifestyles and growing demand for advanced refrigeration solutions, the new side-by-side models offer an attractive upgrade for consumers transitioning from standard refrigerators to the premium side-by-side category.

    Equipped with a spacious 596-litre capacity, the refrigerator provides ample room for families to store groceries, beverages, and frozen items efficiently. The appliance integrates AI-powered cooling, WiFi-enabled smart controls, and 100% convertible storage, ensuring greater flexibility and performance in everyday use.

    Speaking on the launch, NS Satish, CEO of Haier Appliances India, said:

    “Indian consumers today are looking for appliances that simplify daily life while delivering premium value. With our new 596-litre 2-Door Side-by-Side refrigerator featuring a BPA-Free Water Dispenser, we are making premium refrigeration more accessible. This innovation allows families to enjoy greater convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind in their kitchens while benefiting from advanced technology designed around consumer needs.”

    Priced at INR 65,990, the new refrigerator offers premium side-by-side capacity and smart features at one of the most accessible price points in the segment. The models introduced under this range include HRS-682WRSU1, HRS-682WUSU1, HRS-682WGKU1, and HRS-682SWDU1. The new refrigerator series will be available across leading retail stores, major e-commerce platforms, and through the official Haier India website.

    Key Features of the New Haier Side-by-Side Refrigerator

    BPA-Free Water Dispenser
    The refrigerator features a built-in 2.5-litre BPA-Free water dispenser that ensures safe and hygienic drinking water. Designed for convenience, the dispenser provides quick access to chilled water without the need to open the refrigerator door, helping maintain cooling efficiency while minimizing frequent refilling.

    100% Convertible Technology
    The advanced 100% Convertible feature enables users to convert storage compartments based on their requirements. This flexible design allows households to adjust storage space easily for fresh food, beverages, or frozen items, improving organization and maximizing storage efficiency.

    WiFi Connectivity with HaiSmart App
    The refrigerator supports WiFi-enabled smart connectivity, allowing users to monitor and control the appliance remotely through the HaiSmart App. This feature provides convenient control of temperature settings and performance directly from a smartphone, offering greater control even when users are away from home.

    Smart Sense AI Technology
    The refrigerator incorporates Smart Sense AI, which intelligently analyzes usage patterns and environmental conditions to optimize cooling performance automatically. This ensures consistent freshness, improved energy efficiency, and reliable cooling performance.

    Smart Food Management System
    Haier’s Smart Food Management system helps users organize and track stored food items more effectively. This feature supports better storage planning and helps reduce food wastage by keeping track of stored items.

    External Digital Display Panel
    The sleek external LED digital display panel allows users to access temperature settings and operational controls easily without opening the refrigerator door. This design enhances convenience while maintaining optimal cooling inside the appliance.

    Expert Inverter Technology
    Powered by Expert Inverter Technology, the refrigerator delivers quieter operation, improved durability, and enhanced energy efficiency. This advanced compressor system ensures reliable and long-lasting cooling performance.

    The newly launched refrigerator range also introduces the BPA-Free water dispenser feature in selected 3-door side-by-side variants, further expanding Haier’s premium refrigeration portfolio in India.

    With this launch, Haier Appliances India continues to strengthen its position in the premium appliance segment by delivering innovative, smart, and energy-efficient solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers.

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  • Urban Transformation on Rails: India’s Expanding Metro Network

    Metro Momentum: How India’s Rail Expansion Is Transforming Urban Mobility

    Pic Credit: Pexel

    India’s cities are in the midst of a quiet but transformative mobility revolution. Beneath busy streets and along rising elevated corridors, metro rail systems are reshaping the daily movement of millions of people. What was once limited to a few major metropolitan areas has rapidly expanded into a nationwide urban transport strategy.

    Over the past decade, metro rail development has emerged as one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives in India’s urban history. As cities grapple with population growth, traffic congestion, and environmental challenges, mass rapid transit systems are increasingly being seen as the backbone of sustainable urban mobility.

    More than just a transportation solution, the metro boom is redefining how cities function—improving economic efficiency, easing financial pressure on households, and helping urban centers move toward a cleaner and more organized future.

    A Decade of Rapid Expansion

    India’s metro network has expanded dramatically since 2014, reflecting a major policy shift toward modern public transport infrastructure. In this period, 38 metro rail projects covering about 1,051 kilometres have been sanctioned, representing an estimated investment of ₹3.44 lakh crore.

    Government support for metro infrastructure has also grown significantly. Annual allocations for metro rail projects have risen from ₹5,798 crore in 2013–14 to nearly ₹29,550 crore in 2025–26, highlighting the scale of commitment to transforming urban transport systems.

    The results of this investment are increasingly visible across the country. Metro services now operate in over two dozen Indian cities, compared to only a handful a decade ago. New lines, extensions, and construction projects continue to expand connectivity, linking residential areas with business districts, educational institutions, and commercial hubs.

    This rapid expansion has positioned India among the fastest-growing metro rail markets in the world.

    Reducing the Cost of Urban Living

    While metro systems are often celebrated for engineering and infrastructure achievements, their most meaningful impact can be seen in the everyday lives of urban commuters.

    Transportation is a major expense for many city households. Dependence on private vehicles, taxis, and auto-rickshaws can make commuting costly and unpredictable. Metro rail systems offer a reliable and affordable alternative, significantly reducing daily travel costs.

    For millions of commuters, metro travel provides a stable and economical means of transportation. The predictability of fares and travel times allows families to better manage their monthly budgets.

    Time savings are another crucial benefit. Faster travel means workers spend less time stuck in traffic and more time at home, at work, or pursuing personal activities. In this way, metro connectivity not only improves mobility but also enhances quality of life.

    Moreover, efficient transit expands access to employment opportunities. Workers can travel across longer distances quickly, allowing them to seek better jobs in different parts of the city without relocating.

    Fueling Urban Economic Growth

    Metro rail networks are increasingly becoming powerful drivers of urban economic development.

    Large-scale construction projects generate employment and stimulate demand in industries such as steel, cement, engineering, and technology. The economic ripple effects extend far beyond the transportation sector.

    Once operational, metro corridors often become focal points for new commercial and residential development. Retail centers, office spaces, and housing projects frequently emerge around stations, creating vibrant economic zones.

    Urban planners are also embracing transit-oriented development, which encourages high-density mixed-use neighborhoods near metro stations. This model promotes efficient land use, reduces dependence on private vehicles, and strengthens urban economic ecosystems.

    Improved connectivity benefits businesses as well. Companies gain access to a larger workforce, while customers can reach commercial districts more easily.

    Advancing Environmental Sustainability

    India’s urban areas face growing environmental challenges, particularly rising air pollution and traffic congestion. Metro rail systems play an important role in addressing these concerns.

    Unlike most road transport, metro trains operate on electric power and produce significantly fewer emissions. As more commuters shift from cars and motorcycles to metro systems, cities benefit from reduced fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

    Fewer vehicles on the road also mean less congestion, improved traffic flow, and quieter urban environments.

    These environmental advantages align with broader national goals of building sustainable cities and reducing carbon emissions. In this context, metro systems are not only transport infrastructure but also key components of India’s climate and sustainability strategy.

    The Future of Urban Mobility

    Despite impressive progress, India’s metro journey is still evolving. With urban populations continuing to grow rapidly, the demand for efficient public transport will only increase.

    Future development will likely focus on expanding metro coverage, improving integration with buses and suburban rail networks, and strengthening last-mile connectivity through shared mobility and electric transport options.

    Innovative transit models designed for smaller cities are also being introduced, ensuring that modern rapid transit systems are not limited to major metropolitan centers.

    At the same time, technological advancements such as integrated ticketing systems and smart mobility cards are helping create seamless travel experiences across multiple transport modes.

    Reimagining Indian Cities

    The rapid rise of metro rail systems represents far more than an infrastructure expansion. It reflects a broader transformation in how India imagines the future of its cities.

    Efficient public transport has the potential to reshape urban lifestyles—reducing commute times, improving air quality, and making cities more accessible for millions of residents.

    Metro networks influence patterns of development, guide the growth of neighborhoods, and strengthen the economic vitality of urban centers.

    As new lines continue to emerge across the country, metro rail is gradually redefining the pace and structure of urban life in India.

    In many ways, the metro revolution is not just about trains and tracks—it is about building cities that are smarter, greener, and better connected for the generations to come. 🚇🏙️

     

  • Sheraton Hyderabad Brings Karaikudi’s Boldest Table to the City

    Hyderabad, Mar 16 This March, Sheraton Hyderabad is turning up the heat, quite literally. Feast, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, will host the Karaikudi Food Festival from March 18 – 22, 2026, bringing one of India’s most distinctive and least-diluted regional cuisines to the heart of the city. At the helm is Chef Athi Lakshmi, a home chef from Madurai whose cooking is as rooted in tradition as the recipes themselves.

    There are few cuisines in India as unapologetically bold and layered as the food from Karaikudi. Nestled in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Karaikudi is the cultural heart of the Chettiar community, a merchant clan historically known for their trade routes, grand mansions, and, above all, their extraordinary food. Chettinad cooking is defined by a generous hand with freshly ground spices like kalpasi (black stone flower), marathi mokku (dried flower pods), star anise, pepper, and sesame oil, many of which are native to the region and rarely found in other Indian cuisines. The result is food that is deeply aromatic, layered in heat and fragrance and unlike anything that can be replicated with shortcuts.

    Chef Athi Lakshmi with an array of traditional Karaikudi ingredients

    Chef Athi Lakshmi carries that philosophy into everything she cooks. Deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of South Tamil Nadu, she has spent years mastering the bold gravies, hand-pounded masalas, and slow-cooked preparations that define this cuisine. For her, cooking is not just about feeding people.

    “For me, food has never been just nourishment. Every dish I cook is a celebration of culture, of tradition, of love. I want every plate at Hyderabad to carry that same authenticity and pride,” says Chef Athi Lakshmi.

    At Feast, guests can expect a spread that does full justice to the Karaikudi table: Chettinad Chicken, Karaikudi Mutton Chops, Kola Urundai, Pepper Crab, Kuzhi Paniyaram, Vazhai Poo Vadai, and a traditional Chettinad Vegetable Curry served alongside rice and dosa. The restaurant will be dressed in a Karaikudi-themed setup with think textures, colours, and details that draw from the region’s visual identity, making the experience as atmospheric as it is delicious.

    For a cuisine that has quietly influenced Indian cooking for centuries without ever quite getting the spotlight it deserves, this festival is a long overdue moment. Hyderabad, a city that takes its food seriously, is perhaps the perfect stage for it.

     

  • International Food and Hospitality Fair AAHAR 2026 Concludes at Bharat Mandapam; Over 1.5 Lakh Visit Five-Day International Food & Hospitality Exhibition

    International Food and Hospitality Fair AAHAR 2026 Concludes at Bharat Mandapam; Over 1.5 Lakh Visit Five-Day International Food & Hospitality Exhibition

     

    New Delhi, 15 March 2026

    The 40th edition of AAHAR 2026, the International Food & Hospitality Fair, concluded on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, drawing strong participation from industry stakeholders, global exhibitors and buyers, further reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s leading B2B platforms for the food processing and hospitality sectors.

    The exhibition witnessed over 1.5 lakh visitors, significantly exceeding the pre-event estimate of over one lakh visitors and facilitated more than 2,800 B2B meetings between exhibitors and buyers from India and overseas. AAHAR 2026 witnessed participation from over 1,800 exhibitors from 17 countries, including 155 international exhibitors, showcasing a wide range of food products, processed foods, beverages, food processing technologies, packaging solutions and hospitality equipment

    Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in association with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), AAHAR 2026 was inaugurated on 10 March 2026 by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal and ran through 14 March 2026.

    Speaking on the conclusion of the exhibition, Shri Javed Ashraf, Chairman, ITPO, said:

    “AAHAR continues to serve as an important platform for the food processing and hospitality industry, bringing together producers, exporters, technology providers and global buyers. The strong participation reflects the growing opportunities in India’s food sector and the increasing interest in partnerships and trade. Initiatives such as AAHAR support the vision of positioning India as a global hub for processed food by promoting innovation, encouraging MSMEs and generating employment across the sector.”

    Spread across approximately 1,15,000 square metres, the exhibition brought together leading brands, exporters, technology providers, industry associations and institutional participants from India and abroad, making it one of the most comprehensive platforms for the sector.

    .

    The exhibition also provided a significant platform for MSMEs and start-ups, enabling them to showcase innovative products and technologies while connecting with domestic and international buyers. Several emerging enterprises utilised the platform to explore partnerships, expand market access and strengthen their presence in global value chains.

    For the first time, Italy participated as the Partner Country at AAHAR 2026. Country pavilions from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile and Thailand attracted significant visitor interest. Companies from Belgium, China, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and Vietnam also took part in the exhibition.

    Special industry pavilions including the APEDA Pavilion, MoFPI Pavilion, Foreign Participation Pavilion, ICMA Pavilion and FIFI Pavilion highlighted export-oriented products, technological innovations and emerging trends in the food processing and hospitality sectors.

    The exhibition also featured several special events such as Culinary Art India 2026, the Hospitality Challenge, industry seminars and interactive sessions, providing opportunities for knowledge sharing, skill demonstration and industry networking.

    The AAHAR 2026 Official Mobile App recorded over 20,000 downloads, reflecting strong digital engagement from visitors, buyers and exhibitors during the exhibition. Additional facilities such as registration counters, cloak rooms and air-conditioned food courts were also provided to ensure a seamless visitor experience.

    For the first time, the exhibition was also opened to general visitors during the last two days, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from individuals interested in the food processing industry, hospitality technologies and emerging food businesses.

    Over the past four decades, AAHAR has evolved into one of Asia’s leading B2B exhibitions for the food processing and hospitality industry, providing a vital platform for Indian enterprises, exporters and global companies to connect, collaborate and explore new trade opportunities.

    The next edition of AAHAR will be held from 2–6 March 2027.

     

  • PM Mudra Yojana Offers Collateral-Free Loans up to Rs.20 Lakh to Small Entrepreneurs

    New Delhi: The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), launched in 2015 to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, provides collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh through banks and financial institutions, the government informed Parliament.

    According to information provided by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), the scheme was launched on April 8, 2015, to extend credit support to small enterprises engaged in manufacturing, trading, services and agriculture-allied activities. Loans under the scheme are provided by Member Lending Institutions, including Scheduled Commercial Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies and Micro Finance Institutions.

    Individuals with viable business plans for small enterprises are eligible to apply for loans under the scheme. The loans are categorised into four segments based on the amount required.

    Under the Shishu category, loans of up to ₹50,000 are provided, while the Kishor category covers loans above ₹50,000 and up to ₹5 lakh. The Tarun category offers loans above ₹5 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh.

    To encourage successful borrowers, the government introduced a new category called Tarun Plus from October 24, 2024. Under this category, entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid their earlier loans under the Tarun category can avail collateral-free loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh.

    The scheme has played an important role in supporting small businesses, traditional enterprises, handicrafts and agriculture-allied activities. It has also helped women entrepreneurs who often face challenges in accessing credit due to lack of collateral or credit history.

    To simplify the loan application process and ensure timely disbursal, the government has also launched digital platforms such as the Jan Samarth portal, which integrates multiple credit-linked schemes and enables applicants to apply for loans through a self-service or assisted process.

    This information was provided by Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on March 12, 2026.

  • MSME Ministry Completes 364 MSE-CDP Projects; SFURTI Scheme Strengthens Traditional Industry Clusters

    New Delhi: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has completed 364 projects under the Micro and Small Enterprises–Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP), aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness of micro and small enterprises across the country.

    The MSE-CDP scheme focuses on establishing Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and creating or upgrading infrastructure facilities in existing industrial clusters. These initiatives provide financial support to improve technology access, production capacity and overall efficiency of micro and small enterprises.

    Since the inception of the scheme, a total of 606 projects have been approved by the Ministry. Of these, 364 projects have been completed while 242 projects are currently under implementation.

    Meanwhile, the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) has also made significant progress in promoting cluster-based development and strengthening traditional industries.

    According to the Ministry, 513 clusters have been approved across the country since 2015-16 under the SFURTI scheme, with a total committed assistance of ₹1,332.95 crore from the Government of India. These clusters are expected to benefit around 3.03 lakh traditional artisans engaged in sectors such as handicrafts, handloom, agro-processing, coir, honey and other related activities.

    Out of the total clusters approved, 378 clusters are currently functional, while 135 clusters are at different stages of implementation.

    Officials said the initiative has contributed to infrastructure development, skill enhancement, value addition and improved market linkages for traditional artisans at the grassroots level.

    The schemes are part of the government’s broader efforts to promote rural entrepreneurship, strengthen traditional industries and generate sustainable livelihoods for artisans across the country.