Chilean Kiwi On Indian Horizon...

The Chilean fruit industry backed by the collaboration between the Embassy of Chile and the nation’s commercial trade office - ProChile, recently announced plans to support the growth of Chilean Kiwifruit exports to the Indian fresh fruit market.

Chile has formally launched their first strategic promotional effort to increase trade and consumer awareness about the excellent quality of Chilean Kiwifruit and tap into the market opportunities created by the rapid growth of kiwi consumption in India.

In order to capture the Indian market, the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX), the Chilean Kiwifruit Committee backed by the important support and financing of the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile, through the Fund for the Promotion of Agroforestry Exports, administered by ProChile will structure a comprehensive promotional campaign in India for this season.

The campaign is also being supported by three leading fresh kiwi produce importing companies from India - Aayush Impex, IG International, and NGK Trading and retail partner in India - BigBasket.

Chile is a country in the Latin American region occupying a long, narrow strip of land between the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west and is the third largest exporter of kiwifruit and avocados to countries across the world.

According to the World’s Top Exports report this year, India imported 59% more kiwifruit from Chile than in the previous season, thereby giving Chile a 50% advantage in tariffs compared to other countries that export this fruit to India. The Indian Government accorded this achievement to Chilean kiwifruit last year under a bilateral agreement.

While there are a number of varieties of Kiwifruit globally, Chile exports the Hayward or green variety on a primary basis. There is a fundamental difference in the balance between sweetness and acidity among the numerous varieties.

Carolina Vasquez, Commercial Director of ProChile in India, stated thus

“The Indian market holds great importance for Chilean kiwifruit due to the rising demand in the country. Through this campaign, our aim will be to promote our kiwifruit and also raise awareness about Chile as a unique supplier of an array of food products such as berries, nut, and seafood as well as creating a greater understanding of the benefits of the preferential trade agreement signed between Chile and India”.

On the occasion, Charif Christian Carvajal, the Marketing Director for Asia of the CHILEAN FRUIT EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION (ASOEX) said,

“This is the first time that the Chilean fruit industry will undertake multiple promotional campaigns targeting the India market. This campaign includes the participation and financing of producers and exporters of Chilean kiwifruit that export to this market, the support of the Chilean Government through ProChile and the Ministry of Agriculture, and, for the first time, the promotional efforts will include economic contributions from the major importers and distributors of kiwifruit in the Indian market. Thus, we can affirm that this is an effort from all the actors of the supply chain and which demonstrates the commitment that our industry has to the Indian market.”

According to Charif, Chile aims to tap the three stages of sales: Import, Distribution, and Retail. Within the retail sector, online as well as offline channels, cash and carry models like WalMart, and small-scale vendors are being approached for tie-ups.

Over the years, India has emerged as one of the fastest growing markets for Kiwifruit, primarily attributed to the Indian fruit market’s demand for exotic fruits that has seen an upward trend because of a prospering urban class, an enhanced exposure to the cultures of different countries, and a rising demography of health-conscious people.

To implement the promotion campaign the industry has partnered with SS Associates, a Gurgaon based food marketing consultancy firm. Sumit Saran, the Director of SS Associates, said,

“Our company is proud to have this opportunity to launch the promotional campaign of the Chilean kiwifruit in India. We believe that we will reach the most demanding consumers with specific promotions, through actions in the retail market and various media. We will have a positive impact in increasing the penetration and knowledge of Chile's kiwi exports.”

With the event also graced by Master Chef and Padma Shree Sanjeev Kapoor and Celebrity Nutritionist Kavita Devgan, there was bound to be a discussion centered around how effectively kiwifruit can be a part of our daily diet.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor also demonstrated the culinary usage of kiwifruit by conducting a short master class that emphasized the Chile-India relation.

On the other hand, nutritionist Kavita Devgan emphasized the extraordinary benefits of kiwifruit including the fact that Kiwi is a natural laxative packed with folate and anti-oxidants while highlighting its role in building immunity against some of the major illnesses prevalent in today's day and age.


With the launch and promotion of Chile Kiwifruit in India, Chile is hopeful that this step will represent an important contribution towards strengthening the country’s image amongst importers, distributors, retailers and end consumers in India and globally too. :)

Dining In Style Courtesy Chef Sanjeev Kapoor...

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is the ultimate personality when it comes to a mention of the gastronomic arena. He is the undisputed king. Naturally thus, when it comes to an establishment in the F&B industry that has to cater to patrons for a dine-in experience, SK Restaurants as a brand has to be the ideal choice.

This was the sole motivation behind my decision to visit Sura Vie, Netaji Subhash Place for lunch and I was sure that the name was enough to guarantee a pleasant gastronomic sojourn, and so it was.

Given the fact that I have witnessed Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's gastronomic prowess in action first-hand, I was even more confident.

Located prominently on the first level in the Aggarwal Millenium Tower, Sura Vie is a fine-dining outlet camouflaged as a casual dining one, thanks to its plush interiors, soothing vibe, courteous and attentive service, all coupled with minimal stress to the wallet.

The name of the outlet 'Sura Vie' is itself intriguing as is proclaimed on the first page of the Menu itself, i.e. Sura Vie as a brand, is a complete package, offering the best of both food and beverages.

The restaurant features two private dining spaces - perfect for large groups or intimate gatherings, as the case may be.

A floral beckoning at the entrance itself is pleasantly welcoming.

Backed by the concept of Buffet and Ala Carte, patrons are spoiled for choice, as whichever pattern they may choose boasts of variety.

The 'Make Your Own Salad' concept at the buffet spread is enticing enough too.

There are few trinkets and flora here and there to up the pleasant vibe of the outlet too.

Here's what I would recommend trying when at Sura Vie...

Try Seventh Heaven, Santra Tantra, or Blue Sparkle if you wish to beat the heat on a sweet note.

Or the tried-and-tested Jaljeera if a tanginess in your mocktail of choice beckons.

With Indian Cuisine being Chef Kapoor's specialty, it comes as no surprise that the Murg Yakhni Shorba comes across as a clear winner, complete with a couple of strands of Kesar too, the authentic Kashmiri way.

As for the classic warm broths, Cream of Mushroom and Tomato & Basil soups were also well prepared.

Among Salads, I decided to opt for the simplistic Caesar Salad, complete with crisp lettuce, baby tomatoes, olives, and croutons.

Appetizers were a mix of Indian and Oriental cuisines, with Stir Fried Veggies In Nest being an aesthetic culinary delight complemented with baby corn, mushrooms, broccoli and the likes served in a crispy noodle bowl.

Among the Indian ones, while Chatpati Khatti Meethi Seekh stole the show with its knack of being presented with veggie skewers being encased in an enviable crispy crust, Makai Creamy Kaju Tikki was perfect with its flavor of the unbeatable combination of sweet corn, cream, and cashew nut.

Teen Mirch Ka Paneer Tikka, on the other hand, had a tangy aftertaste in its soft cheese chunks paired with bell peppers served alongside a savory mint dip.

I again decided to venture on the Indian route for the Main Course, as we settled for the in-house specialty Shaam Savera prepared as spinach and cottage cheese savories in a tangy tomato gravy, and signature Lalla Mussa Dal with black and green lentils, paired with a bread basket.

As the absolute conclusion to the meal, we savored Kulfi garnished with nuts and a warm, soft Brownie chunk paired with ice-cream that had a syrup drizzle as a topping.

On the whole, my visit to Sura Vie was a pleasant one, and I would like to revisit the place whenever I am in the vicinity next. 

Celebrating Basmati With Daawat...

What?
LT Food's celebration of Basmati Rice with Daawat

When?
Friday, January 20

Where?
Longchamp, Taj Mansingh Hotel

Rice is India's staple grain and LT Foods is a pioneer when it comes to Basmati with brands like Daawat, Heritage and Royal in regions across the global, leading effortlessly in India and quite competitively in The U.S. In a celebration held at Taj Mansingh, LT Foods brought together one of the rising chefs of the U.S, Chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson and India’s own Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, along with numerous other renowned chefs of the capital city.

Chef JJ, an awarded chef in New York, who is extensively working with rice and other grains was invited by LT Foods to visit the basmati cultivation farms in India to dwell in India’s culinary and cultural heritage.

At the event, he interacted with some of the most renowned Chefs in India and was given a demonstration on the culinary goodness of Basmati, the Queen of Fragrance, by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, with him preparing a flavorful Subz Dum Biryani and Mirch Ka Salan. Also attending the event was a team from Star Chefs Media who are partnering with LT Foods in promoting Basmati amongst the chefs in the U.S.

Speaking on the occasion Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said:

“I have been associated with LT Foods long before I started working with their brand Daawat. One of the main factors for this long association has been LT Food’s commitment to not only supply extremely good quality products which we can use to highlight our recipes, but also their strong commitment to the chef community and working with them in delivering solutions that are relevant to the chefs. I was happy to note how LT Foods is working similarly in the U.S and across the globe to spread the magic of Basmati which I believe is one of the finest rice grains. I was delighted to share the secret of Biryani cooking with Chef JJ and through him into the U.S.”

Mr. Vijay Kumar Arora, CMD - LT Foods Ltd. said:

“Daawat is now a globally recognized brand and our focus towards ensuring its growth to the farthest corners of the world has now borne fruit in the form of Daawat and Royal becoming an integral part of American households and reaching the No. 1 position in the Basmati rice category in North America. We strive to further deliver on the expectations of our beloved customers and will look to conquer many more hearts and markets across the globe in the coming years.”

On his unique trip to India, Chef JJ said:

“I am in love with India!  I just can't get enough of its vibrant Flavours, Spices, and Culture.  To be around and see where authentic basmati rice is grown, and to meet the local farmers has been a game changer for me!  Thanks to Royal Basmati and LTFA I have a whole new respect for one of my favorite types of rice to cook with. And I can’t wait to get back and share my journey in some new dishes I will create using Basmati and all that I have learned about Indian food and culture!”

It was indeed a culinary extravaganza with Daawat celebrating the essence of Basmati in the presence of Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Chef JJ and numerous other elite chefs of Delhi and India at large. It was a delight to witness Chef Kapoor doing what he does best - cook with a smile - in person and savoring his beautiful preparation afterward, along with a tete-a-tete of course.

Being one of the consumers of Daawat since the past many years, I hope and wish LT Foods all the success to keep glorifying this culinary heritage for times to come.