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A Warm Welcome at Freshpik, Jio World Drive

One of the standout moments of his India visit was his stop at Freshpik, Reliance Retail’s experiential gourmet destination at Jio World Drive in Mumbai. Curated to bring global culinary excellence to Indian consumers, Freshpik served as the perfect setting to host a man whose life’s work is dedicated to elevating how the world understands and enjoys tea.

Stephen Twining’s arrival sparked excitement across India’s modern retail and gourmet communities. As shared by Avinash Tripathi, Vice President & Business Head – Freshpik & Fresh Signature, Freshpik was “thrilled to host the esteemed Stephen Twining… a Global Tea Ambassador with a lineage that has shaped the world’s tea rituals for over 300 years.”

An Inheritance Brewed in Royalty and Craft

Twinings’ heritage is not just storied—it is monumental. Founded in 1706, the brand is believed to have introduced the English to Earl Grey, among other timeless blends. It remains one of the few purveyors whose products have borne the Royal Warrant through centuries, serving monarchs including Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.

Stephen, who carries the charisma and gentle authority of someone born into a 318-year-old legacy, has spent much of his life travelling the world as an educator, storyteller, and custodian of Twinings’ philosophy: tea is not a beverage; it is an experience, a ritual, a connection.

A Conversation That Stirred New Ideas

The highlight of the visit was an engaging, insight-rich conversation between Damodar Mall, CEO – Grocery Retail, Reliance Retail, and Stephen Twining. Their discussion went far beyond the romance of tea; it explored:

• the rising wave of premiumisation in India’s beverage market,
• the growing influence of global palates on Indian gourmet shoppers,
• how Freshpik’s experiential approach to retail aligns with Twinings’ tradition of crafting moments, not just blends,
• and the emerging opportunity to introduce curated, storytelling-led tea journeys in India.

The dialogue also included early thoughts on future collaborations—from exclusive blends and experiential tastings to educational engagements that celebrate tea as culture rather than commodity.

Why This Visit Matters

India is not just the world’s largest tea-drinking nation; it is now one of the fastest-evolving gourmet retail markets. The arrival of Stephen Twining signals several deeper trends:

1. The Global Gourmet Eye Is on India

International heritage brands increasingly view India as a market ready for elevated, differentiated experiences.

2. Retailers Like Freshpik Are Building Platforms for Cultural Exchange

Freshpik is positioning itself not merely as a store but as a venue where global craftspeople, brands, and food ambassadors meet the Indian consumer.

3. Tea Is Entering a New Chapter in India

From artisanal brews to wellness infusions, tea is undergoing a renaissance. Twinings’ renewed focus on India is both timely and strategic.

A Visit that Hints at More to Come

Stephen Twining’s India itinerary, which includes visits to key retail partners, tea aficionados, and hospitality leaders, reflects his personal commitment to nurturing Twinings’ relationship with India. His presence at Freshpik marks a meaningful milestone—one that may soon translate into collaborative initiatives designed specifically for Indian consumers.

As Avinash Tripathi expressed, “We’re honored to have Stephen Twining’s presence and look forward to a potential partnership that will elevate the world of tea to new heights.”

Stephen’s visit felt less like an event and more like the beginning of a thoughtfully brewed partnership—one that blends heritage with modern retail innovation, and global craftsmanship with India’s evolving taste for the exceptional.

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Co-powered by Reliance Smart Bazaar, this mega two-day mega congregation will unite the entire food business ecosystem — from food manufacturers, marketers, distributors, retailers, and HoReCa companies — through a packed agenda featuring a high-powered conference, zoned exhibitions, curated networking sessions, and prestigious industry awards.

Themed “Building a Palate for Partnerships,” this year’s edition emphasises the importance of collaboration and synergy in an industry navigating rapid transformation. With 3,000+ attendees, 500+ brands, 250+ industry experts, and 100+ exhibitors, the event will serve as the most comprehensive business platform for every segment of the food value chain. Immersive experiences await attendees at  India Food Forum 2025, including connections with 3000+ peers & partners, 200+ new products & brands, and conversations with India’s biggest food business gurus, including the event’s illustrious
Chairmen, Damodar Mall, CEO-Grocery, Reliance Retail, and Culinary Icon, Humanitarian, and Entrepreneur, Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor.

“In my calendar, India Food Forum days are synonymous with new possibilities and transformative partnerships. I look forward to reconnecting with many friends and partners at India Food Forum 2025,” said Mall, who will chair the Retail convention at the event.

Echoing his thought, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who will Chair the HoReCa segment at India Food Forum 2025, noted, “Food service is clearly one of India’s most dynamic sectors today. Indian restaurant concepts and entrepreneurs are achieving global recognition for their menu innovation, sustainable sourcing, and dining experiences. It’s an exciting time for me to take on the role of Chairman, HoReCa Convention at the prestigious India Food Forum 2025!”

They will be joined by an exceptional lineup of business leaders and innovators, including Sunil D’Souza, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Consumer Products; Rohit Kapoor, CEO –
Food Marketplace, Swiggy; Rajneet Kohli, Executive Director – Foods, Hindustan Unilever Limited; Sagar J. Daryani, President, NRAI & Co-founder & CEO, Wow! Momo Foods; Hardeep Singh, CEO, 7-Eleven India; Ankit Patel, Managing Director & CEO, The Belgian Waffle Co.; Mithun Appaiah, CEO, Wow! Momo Foods; Tarak Bhattacharya, ED & CEO, Mad Over Donuts; Santosh Kumar, Chief Business Officer, FreshToHome; Deepa Hall, Sr Vice President – F&B Retail, Reliance Brands; Anurag Katriar, Founder & CMD, Indigo Hospitality; and Prashant Peres, Managing Director – South Asia, Kellanova.

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The promotion, which transitioned from initial discussions to a large-scale retail execution, is aimed at introducing Indian consumers to authentic South African flavors and gourmet offerings. The curated range spans food and beverage categories positioned within Reliance Retail’s premium food formats.

The event was held in the presence of former South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs and Gidian Labane, Consul General, South Africa in Mumbai. Their participation underlined the cultural and trade significance of the collaboration.

Damodar Mall, CEO, Reliance Retail Grocery, also attended, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its global product portfolio. His presence added weight to the initiative, which highlights Reliance Retail’s ongoing strategy to strengthen international partnerships while diversifying its premium assortment for Indian customers.

By integrating products from South Africa’s Western Cape into its retail formats, Reliance Retail continues to expand consumer access to international gourmet experiences and strengthen its positioning in the premium food and grocery segment.

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Position: Chairman, India Food Forum
CEO – Grocery, Reliance Retail

‘Supermarketwala’ and India’s Retail Icon Damodar Mall leads the grocery retail business for Reliance Retail Ltd. An in-demand columnist, commentator, and communicator, his writings feature across India’s mainstream business publications, while his pithy insights are followed by hundreds of thousands of retail professionals and companies across social media platforms. His remarkable book ‘Supermarketwala’, an unconventional, insightful publication on consumers and retailing in India, continues to be a must-have thesis for business heads across the retail and consumer fraternity for its fresh, perceptive outlook on changes sweeping the Indian consumer landscape.

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The two-day congregation will set the stage for some intriguing discussions and conversations led by industry experts and new-age entrepreneurs to uncover the collaborative disruptions made by the industry over the years. One of the largest B2B events will be hosting the end-to-end of food business enablement – from product sourcing, and retail tech innovation trends to grocery retailing & food service best practices.

The event will be led by Damodar Mall (CEO – Grocery, Reliance Retail), as Chairman, India Food Forum – Food Retail, and Chef Manjit Singh Gill, President, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), as its Chairman, HoReCa Convention.

The mega business event will connect participants through deliberations on some gripping topics such as transforming supply chains with technology, collaborative strategies for the phygital growth era, mastering the cycle of food entrepreneurship and much more. With an impressive lineup of presentations, fireside chats and panel discussions, the conference will host 500+ brands, 100+ exhibitors, 300+ industry experts and 3000+ attendees for an endearing experience.

Commenting on the 17th edition of the India Food Forum, Nikhil Behl, CEO – Food Business, IMAGES Group shared, “The world over, we are seeing the powerful outcomes that result when food brands, retailers and HoReCa businesses collaborate to not just push consumption, but also to spotlight product innovation, better diets and consumer health. Throughout its history, India Food Forum has been the hub where many game-changing partnerships have been launched, and this focus on collaboration is our central mission this year. ”

Among the 300+ speakers at India Food Forum 2024 are: Aastha Almast (CEO & Co-founder, The New Shop), Abhishek Bindal (COO, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality), Ajay Thandi (Co-founder, Sleepy Owl Coffee), Amir Majali (Founder & CEO, TruFalafel, Karak Enterprises), Amrut Mehta (Director, The Little Italy Group), Amrish Arora (MD, Fountain Hospitality), Ankit Patel (CEO, The Belgian Waffle), Anju Srivastava (Founder & CEO, Wingreen Farms), Anuj Singh (MD & CEO, Spencer’s Retail), Anurag Katriar (Founder & CMD, Indigo Hospitality), Dr. AK Tyagi (ED, Haldiram’s), Harpreet Tibb (Promoter, Tibbs Frankie), Lalit Jhawar (Co-founder & COO, Food Square), Sairam Krishna (COO, Instamart Swiggy), Saurabh Kalra (MD, McDonald’s India – West & South), and Murali Krishnan (Co-founder & CMO, Wow! Momo Foods), among others.

Other highlights include Future Forward Brands felicitation ceremony, the Star Progressive Grocers honours, the annual Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards and Pepsi IMAGES Food Service Awards celebrations.

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Breaking away from the monotony of traditional grocery retail, Fresh Signature introduces a pioneering concept with 17 live food experiences, blending curated live food stations with a diverse product array. Customers can indulge in a sensory journey exploring Fresh Dairy & Ethnic Sweets, Zero Waste Organic Zone, Turkish Delights, Patisserie, Premium Dry Fruits and Nuts, Ethnic Snacks, Live Khakra, Fudge and Chikki, an Ice-cream Sundae Parlor, a Noodle Bar, a Health Café, Artisanal Honey bar and much more.

The grand launch witnessed the presence of renowned personalities along with prominent names from the retail and food industry, influencers, food vloggers, and socialites. Pastry Chef and the ‘Macaron Queen of India’, Pooja Dhingra, famous for her Le 15 Patisserie, graced the special preview of the store on February 2, 2024. Fresh Signature houses ‘The Patisserie’ at this store. Bollywood icon and health & fitness diva Shilpa Shetty also attended the launch event and showcased her association with the healthy quick noodles brand WickedGud, featured at the live noodle bar within the store.

Reliance Retail currently operates 141 Fresh Signature stores, each spanning 3,000–5,000 sq. ft. of retail area, across the country. The brand sets itself apart with a commitment to quality and convenience, offering a wide assortment of everyday grocery essentials, including rice, pulses, flours, edible oil, chocolates & confectionaries, biscuits, processed food, juices & beverages, home & personal care products, along with international cuisines ingredients and local ethnic snacks. The hallmark of each Fresh Signature store is the availability of fresh and high-quality fruits and vegetables sourced from the best farms, both locally and globally. Reliance Retail plans to expand this concept to other locations and delight customers pan-India in the coming months.

Avinash Tripathi, Vice President and Concept Head, Freshpik & Fresh Signature at Reliance Retail, took to his LinkedIn account to acknowledge the momentous occasion. In his post, he expressed sincere appreciation for his team’s dedicated efforts in successfully executing the project. “Ditch the Dull and Elevate your Grocery Game with our Experiential Supermarket, Fresh Signature @ Infinity Mall Lokhandwala, in a Brand new avatar! A store that captures and caters to the day to day needs and essence of Indian Customers with 17 Innovative Experiences! Explore the extraordinary where grocery shopping meets culinary inspiration.”

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The initiative’s launch, attended by Kazi Irfan from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), took place at Reliance Retail’s Smart Bazaar store in Santa Cruz. RVMs and collection bins installed in these stores offer consumers a convenient way to deposit used PET bottles, receiving discounts on Coca-Cola India products. The collected PET bottles will be recycled by Reliance Industries (RIL), a leader in polyester and plastics recycling, contributing to responsible waste management and transitioning away from a linear economy.

Damodar Mall, CEO, Grocery Retail, Reliance Retail, highlighted the initiative’s synergy with daily habits of Indian families, emphasizing the modern approach of SmartBazaar. Greishma Singh, VP, Customer and Commercial Leadership, Coca-Cola India, expressed delight in raising awareness and providing convenient recycling options. Hemant D Sharma, President, Growth and Strategy, Polyester, Reliance Industries, emphasized Reliance’s commitment to sustainability and circularity, showcasing their recycling achievements over two decades.

The initiative aligns with Coca-Cola’s World Without Waste strategy, aiming to collect and recycle 100% of the company’s packaging. It builds on the momentum of Coca-Cola India’s ‘Return and Recycle’ initiative with Zepto, involving 50,000 households and successful RVM installations across 75 cities, collecting 1 tonne of PET waste. This collaborative effort represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and circular future.

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