Author: Swaminathan Balasubramanian
-By B Swaminathan (swami@imaws.org) Walk the floors of FHA 2026 in Singapore, and one thing is clear — Southeast Asia’s food service industry is no longer just emerging. It has arrived. Hotel kitchens are scaling up, quick service chains are expanding into smaller cities, and the bakery and beverage scene is booming from Hanoi to Jakarta. Dairy, once seen as a product category with little local relevance in this part of the world, is now one of the most contested ingredients on the shelf. In the middle of all this stands Anchor Food Professionals (AFP), the food service arm of…
B Swaminathan (swami@imaws.org) Surat: The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Surat Chapter has issued a strategic call to the Union Government, urging the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Hospitality. The association argues that the sector—currently estimated at a reported six lakh crores but potentially three to four times larger in the unorganized space—suffers from a lack of institutional recognition that stifles its potential as India’s second-largest employer. Ashwin Singh, Chapter Head of NRAI Surat, speaking exclusively with Kitchen Herald, emphasized that without a singular governing body, the industry remains tethered to archaic regulations. “Our primary expectation is that…
-Vacancy Advertisement (cbedit@imaws.org) Veda Hospitality Services Private Limited is a dynamic startup founded by specialists who blend legacy-driven methodologies with modern innovation in catering and hospitality services. From commercial, industrial, and institutional catering to geriatric nutrition, facility management, contract food services, and patient meal subscriptions, we bring thoughtful care and operational excellence to every aspect of our work. Position of Hiring: CHEF – In charge (2 Vacancies) Sous chef – (7 vacancies) Hiring Location: Chennai (Salary will not be a constraint for the right candidate) Key Responsibilities: Supervising Kitchen Staff: Leading and managing the kitchen team, including line…
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-KH News Desk RateGain Travel Technologies, a global provider of SaaS solutions for the hospitality and travel industry, has formed a strategic alliance with Razorpay, a prominent Indian payments and banking platform. This partnership is set to redefine digital payment experiences within India’s burgeoning hotel sector. The core of this collaboration involves integrating Razorpay’s robust and secure payment gateway directly into RateGain’s hotel booking engine. This integration is designed to provide hotel guests with an incredibly smooth, effortless, and versatile digital payment journey. Guests will now have access to a comprehensive array of payment options, including popular methods like UPI…
In a significant step towards modernizing and improving the efficiency of food import procedures, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has implemented a ‘Single Sign On’ (SSO) feature for Customs Officers. This new functionality is integrated into the Food Import Clearance System (FICS) and has been rolled out at Kakinada port and Talegaon, strategically located in India’s southern and western regions, respectively. The introduction of SSO for Customs Officers is designed to provide a more unified and seamless access to the FICS platform. This will enable Customs personnel to conduct inspections and process food import clearances with…
-KH News Desk Travel Food Services (TFS), a prominent player in India’s airport food and beverage (F&B) and lounge sector, has successfully completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO), raising a significant $234 million. This achievement positions it as India’s ninth-largest IPO of the current year. The offering witnessed strong backing from institutional investors, whose bids were 5.23 times the shares allocated for them. In contrast, retail investors showed more caution, with subscriptions at 0.44 times, influenced by uncertainties surrounding a potential US trade deal. TFS, a collaborative venture between UK-based SSP Group and India’s K Hospitality Corp, boasts an impressive…
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-KH News Desk (cbedit@imaws.org) This World Chocolate Day, Baskin Robbins India is bringing an extra dose of sweetness to chocolate enthusiasts across the nation. Get ready to indulge in five delectable chocolate-infused treats, specially crafted to celebrate this beloved occasion. From rich sundaes to creamy milkshakes and classic scoops, there’s something to satisfy every chocolate craving. A Symphony of Flavors: Discover the New Chocolate Lineup Baskin Robbins, renowned for its innovative ice cream flavors, has curated a special menu to mark World Chocolate Day with grandeur. Each of the five new offerings is designed to deliver a unique and unforgettable…