The Embassy of Mexico in India hosted an award presentation ceremony at its premises in New Delhi to confer the Sello M: Distinctivo Sello de Calidad de la Cocina Mexicana (M Seal: Distinction for Mexican Gastronomy) on two Indian culinary establishments serving Mexican cuisine—Sanchez in Bengaluru and Nomad’s Taco in Hyderabad.
The ceremony was held as part of the official celebrations marking the 216th Anniversary of the Dawn of the Independence of Mexico, highlighting the role of gastronomy in strengthening cultural connections between Mexico and India.
The distinction has been awarded to Sanchez for 2025 and Nomad’s Taco for 2026.
The Sello M is a selective international distinction jointly granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Mexico (SRE) and the Academia Mexicana de Gastronomía (Mexican Academy of Gastronomy). It recognises international establishments that uphold the authenticity, heritage and standards of traditional Mexican cuisine.
The recognitions were formally presented by Ambassador-designate Pedro Blanco Pérez and Deputy Head of Mission Claudia Keller. Celebrity Chef and Culinary Director Vikas Seth accepted the distinction on behalf of Sanchez, while Nidhi Varma, Owner and Founder of Nomad’s Taco, received the recognition for the Hyderabad-based gourmet Mexican cloud kitchen.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Pedro Blanco said Mexican gastronomy is “much more than food” and represents an expression of the country’s history and identity. He congratulated both establishments for their commitment to culinary authenticity and expressed hope that more Indian restaurants would serve authentic Mexican cuisine, further expanding the culinary connection between the two countries.
Claudia Keller said the establishments had demonstrated high standards through their sourcing of traditional ingredients and use of time-honoured preparation techniques. She described the recipients as cultural ambassadors safeguarding Mexican culinary heritage in India and expressed hope that the recognition would encourage more restaurants and hospitality professionals to embrace authentic Mexican cuisine.
To qualify for the Sello M distinction, both establishments met international criteria that included maintaining a dedicated menu based on authentic Mexican recipes, using characteristic Mexican ingredients, and employing culinary professionals with verified training and experience in traditional Mexican cuisine.
The Sello M distinction remains valid for two years from the date of issuance, supporting continued adherence to authentic culinary practices.
The recognition of Sanchez and Nomad’s Taco highlights the growing presence of Mexican gastronomy in India while reinforcing the role of cuisine as a means of cultural exchange between the two countries.
ProWine Mumbai 2026, India’s international trade fair for wines, spirits and the wider alcobev industry, will be held on November 18 and 19, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf India and All Things Nice, the event is set to further strengthen its position as a key business platform connecting international beverage producers with India’s rapidly evolving market.
The two-day trade fair is expected to bring together leading industry stakeholders, including global producers, importers, distributors, HORECA professionals and premium beverage consumers. The previous edition in 2025 attracted more than 200 exhibitors, over 5,500 attendees and participation from more than 20 countries, with over 1,000 labels showcased from across the world.
ProWine Mumbai 2026 will present a comprehensive portfolio covering wines, spirits, beers, craft beverages, ciders, meads, cocktails, premium mixers and zero-proof alternatives. The exhibition will also feature allied categories such as glassware, bar accessories and other products serving the beverage and hospitality sectors.
A key feature of the 2026 edition will be ProSpirits, a dedicated platform focused on India’s rapidly expanding spirits sector and evolving cocktail culture. ProWine Zero will spotlight the growing category of low- and no-alcohol beverages, reflecting changing consumer preferences and the increasing focus on mindful consumption.
The event will also feature expert-led masterclasses and tastings, offering visitors insights into international beverage trends, innovations and emerging categories. Competitions and awards, including the ProWine & ProSpirits Challenge and the ProWine Bartenders’ Competition, will add another dimension to the programme. Panel discussions featuring Indian and international industry experts are also expected to address key developments shaping the future of the sector.
With business networking at its core, ProWine Mumbai will offer curated B2B matchmaking through ProWine Connect, providing opportunities for producers, importers, distributors and other industry stakeholders to establish new partnerships and explore business opportunities in India.
India’s alcobev market has been witnessing strong growth, supported by rising disposable incomes, premiumisation and changing consumer preferences. Against this backdrop, ProWine Mumbai is positioned as an important gateway for international brands looking to enter or expand in India, while also providing Indian producers with an avenue to strengthen their presence in international markets.
As part of the globally recognised ProWein World network, ProWine Mumbai combines international expertise with a strong understanding of the Indian market. The 2026 edition is expected to place greater emphasis on international participation while deepening engagement with India’s domestic alcobev ecosystem.
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The Hospitality Purchasing Managers' Forum (HPMF) has announced the launch of the HPMF Chairman's Legacy Series to mark the 75th birthday of its Chairman, Mohan Deshpande. The initiative has been established as a permanent institutional programme to recognise Deshpande's exceptional contribution to the hospitality industry and his enduring legacy of leadership, integrity, mentorship and service.
Deshpande has been an integral part of HPMF's journey, providing visionary leadership, strategic guidance and unwavering support in shaping the Forum into one of India's most respected professional hospitality organisations. His commitment to nurturing talent and promoting professional excellence has positively influenced hospitality professionals across the country.
The Chairman's Legacy Series has been conceived as a long-term platform dedicated to leadership development, professional recognition, education and sustainability within the hospitality fraternity. As part of the initiative, HPMF will progressively introduce several flagship programmes, including the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Leadership & Excellence Award, an annual national honour recognising excellence, ethical conduct and leadership in hospitality procurement and supply chain management.
The initiative will also feature the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Mentorship Programme, designed to connect experienced hospitality leaders with emerging professionals, and the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Scholarship for Hospitality Students, which aims to support deserving hospitality management students. Another key component will be the Chairman Mohan Deshpande Annual Leadership Lecture, where distinguished national and international hospitality leaders will share knowledge and inspire the next generation of professionals. Reinforcing HPMF's commitment to environmental responsibility, the Legacy Series will also include the 75 Trees for 75 Years sustainability initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder and General Secretary of HPMF, described the launch as a historic milestone for the organisation. He said the initiative is not merely a celebration of Deshpande's 75th birthday but a lasting legacy that will preserve the values of integrity, humility and service while inspiring future generations of hospitality professionals. He also acknowledged Deshpande's role as a mentor and guiding force whose contribution to HPMF and the hospitality fraternity continues to shape the industry.
The inaugural roadmap and future programmes under the Chairman's Legacy Series will be formally unveiled during the HPMF Convention & Awards 2027, scheduled to be held from 28 to 31 January 2027 at The Leela Gandhinagar. Through this landmark initiative, HPMF aims to create a lasting platform that celebrates leadership, encourages professional excellence, supports education and sustainability, and ensures that Mohan Deshpande's vision continues to inspire the hospitality community for generations to come.
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Dear Readers,
Greetings!
The bakery and confectionery landscape in India is undergoing a remarkable transformation—driven by evolving consumer lifestyles, technological advancements, and a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship. In this issue of Better Kitchen, we bring together stories that reflect the energy and direction of this dynamic sector.
Our cover story, From Oven to Opportunity: India’s Rise as a Global Bakery Powerhouse, explores how India is steadily emerging as a significant force on the global stage, powered by innovation and a new generation of skilled professionals. In Indulgence Redefined: From Occasions to Everyday Delight, we shift the spotlight to chocolates, tracing their journey from festive indulgences to everyday pleasures, mirroring changing consumer behaviour.
Technology continues to redefine the industry, as highlighted in The AI Advantage: A New Era for Bakery Businesses, where smart solutions are enhancing precision, efficiency, and creativity. At the same time, Fresh, Healthy & Handmade reflects the growing demand for artisanal, wholesome offerings that align with modern hospitality trends.
Equally vital is awareness around safety and sustainability. From Frying Pan to Health Risk: The Truth About Reheated Oil underscores the importance of responsible kitchen practices and their long-term health implications.
On the design front, Molteni & C marks a significant step in the evolution of premium interior design in India with the opening of its new store, redefining the synergy between living and cooking spaces.
A highlight of this issue is the successful culmination of the Better Kitchen Culinary Challenge (BKCC) and Better Kitchen Baking Championship (BKBC), which, after spanning 19 cities across India, concluded with a grand finale celebrating exceptional talent. These platforms continue to nurture and inspire the next generation of culinary professionals.
As always, this issue is a blend of insight, innovation, and inspiration—capturing not just the present, but the promising future of the industry.
Happy reading and happy cooking!
Ekta Bhargava
Managing Editor
Better Kitchen has started a weekly recipe contest on WhatsApp Group - Gourmet Delight with Better Kitchen. The members are home chefs and professional chefs. The recipes contest is open only for the group home chef members. The winning and chefs choice recipes are featured in Better Kitchen website. Five times Winner will get a chance to meet celebrity chef and interact with him/her about the recipe.
The celebrity chef will modify the recipe and give a new twist in the recipe. The modified recipe will also be featured in the Better Kitchen website as well as magazine.
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Add a few drops of oil to rice while cooking to keep it non-sticky.
The Better Kitchen Convention & Awards 2026 returns as one of India’s most influential platforms for the culinary and hospitality ecosystem—bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and emerging talent for a powerful exchange of ideas, recognition, and collaboration.
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