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Kikkoman India Hosts 3rd Annual Culinary Experts Meetup at IHM Kolkata

More than 100 professional chefs, restaurateurs gathered and discussed about the future of Chinese cuisine in India

MUMBAI, India, April 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kikkoman India hosted its 3rd Annual Culinary Experts Meetup on 12th March 2025 at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Taratala, Kolkata, bringing together more than 100 professional chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary thought leaders and culinary students from across the country.

Leading authorities of Chinese cuisine industry in India, to name a few – Mr. Kabir Advani (CEO of Berco’s), and Mr. Anjan Chatterjee (Founder of Mainland China) – gathered in Kolkata, the home of the origin of Chinese food in India, to discuss the future of Chinese cuisine in India.

Michelin-starred Chinese Chef Ryosuke Tamura from Japan– (CEO/Executive Chef of Itsuka) also participated, and presented ‘Ran Mian Burning Noodles’, his authentic Chinese dish created using Indian ingredients and Kikkoman.

The event focused on the theme ‘Evolution of Chinese Cuisine in India – Best ingredients, Best skills, Best Know-how,’ exploring its rich history, current trends, and future possibilities. The discussions delved into how Indian-Chinese cuisine has evolved over the years, influenced by local ingredients, consumer preferences, and globalization, while highlighting the significance of using authentic ingredients such as Kikkoman Soy Sauce to refine and elevate flavours.

The event featured an engaging lineup of Keynote Conversations and Panel discussions, each offering deep insights into various aspects of Chinese cuisine in India, inspiring both top chefs and restauranteurs about the future development of Indian Chinese by drawing on global insights.

Keynote Conversation 1: The past, The present and Future of Chinese Cuisine in India

Speakers: Mr. Anjan Chatterjee– Mainland China

Mr. Bikramjit Ray– ET Hospitality

The evolution of Chinese cuisine in India, particularly in Kolkata, reflects a fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with Indian ingredients and tastes. Indian Chinese cuisine has grown into a distinct culinary identity, shaped by regional preferences, economic factors, and changing consumer expectations. While authenticity is valued, the cuisine thrives on adaptability, balancing bold, spicy, and tangy flavours that resonate with Indian palates. Globalization continues to influence its trajectory, blending tradition with innovation while maintaining its unique character.

Keynote Conversation 2: The legacy of Kolkata’s Chinese community and its role in shaping the unique Indian-Chinese culinary style

Speakers: Chef Joel Huang– Eau Chew

Mr. Harry Hakuei Kosato- Kikkoman India

The legacy of Chinese cuisine in Kolkata is deeply rooted in family-run establishments like Eau Chew, one of the city’s oldest Chinese restaurants. Generations of the Tangra community have played a vital role in shaping Indian Chinese cuisine, preserving traditional flavours and cooking methods. While evolving customer preferences and new restaurant brands have influenced the culinary landscape, the essence of Indian Chinese food remains in its home-cooked authenticity. A growing appreciation for traditional flavours is drawing people back to heritage eateries, even as they adapt by incorporating modern ingredients like Kikkoman soy sauce, blending tradition with contemporary tastes.

Panel Discussion 1: What exactly is ‘Indian-Chinese’?

Moderated by: Mr. Bikramjit Ray– ET Hospitality

Panelists: Mr. Anjan Chatterjee– Mainland China Chef Jerry Thomas– PF Chang’s Ms. Rukshana A Kapadia- Ammolite Ideators Chef Vaibhav Bhargava– Abv Hospitality Chef Jiten Acharya– Haldiram Skill Academy

Indian Chinese cuisine is a distinct fusion of Chinese cooking techniques and local Indian ingredients, evolving regionally across the country. Key ingredients like green chilies, coriander, potatoes, and capsicum, which are not traditionally used in Chinese cooking, have become defining elements of the cuisine. Its development has been shaped by ingredient availability and the Indian preference for bold, spicy, and tangy flavours. While globalization and changing consumer preferences may drive a shift towards more authentic Chinese flavours, the enduring popularity of classic Indian Chinese dishes ensures that this unique culinary style will continue to thrive.

Keynote Conversation 3: Explain how Japanese Chinese cuisine has evolved

Speakers: Chef Ryosuke Tamura– Itsuka

Harry Hakuei Kosato- Kikkoman India

Chef Ryosuke Tamura, a Michelin-starred chef from Tokyo, shared his approach to Chinese cuisine as a Japanese chef, emphasizing the importance of respecting and enhancing ingredients rather than overpowering them. He highlighted the skill required to use Kikkoman soy sauce effectively, ensuring harmony in flavours. Drawing from his experiences across different regions, he reflected on the variations in Chinese cuisine in Japan, China, and India, and how Indian Chinese cuisine could evolve by learning from these diverse perspectives. The discussion also underscored the need for education and training to help chefs better understand and utilize high-quality ingredients like Kikkoman soy sauce.

Panel Discussion 2: How ‘Indian-Chinese’ should be refined in the future – Sophistication and diversity

Moderated by: Mr. Harry Hakuei Kosato- Kikkoman India

Panelists: Mr. Kabir Advani– Berco’s, Chef Khaja Zafarulla– Kikkoman Expert Chef, Chef Ryosuke Tamura– Itsuka, Ms. Josephine Huang– Eau Chew, Chef Anthony Huang– Kalyani Techpark, Mohammed Ibrahim Akram– Beijing Bites

Some panellists felt the classic Indian Chinese dishes are still incredibly popular and successful, while others argued for moving towards more authentic flavours and higher-quality ingredients.

There’s a growing interest in using authentic ingredients and techniques, shifting away from overly heavy sauces. Kikkoman soy sauce was highlighted as a key ingredient for enhancing flavours naturally and achieving more authentic tastes, with its naturally fermented umami being preferred over artificial enhancers.

The Indian Chinese could learn from Japanese Chinese cuisine, which often has a deeper understanding of Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients. Customers are increasingly aware of ingredient quality and health concerns, driving demand for better ingredients and lighter, healthier dishes.

The future of Indian Chinese likely involves a balance. Popular traditional dishes will remain, but there’s also a strong push towards exploring more authentic flavours and using higher-quality ingredients, with products like Kikkoman playing a significant role in this shift.

Panel Discussion 3: Educating the next generation Chef about Chinese and Asian Cuisine using authentic ingredients

Moderated by: Chef Sushil Multani– Saulo Foods

Panelists: Chef Jiten Acharya– Haldiram Skill Academy, Chef Saby Gorai– Celebrity Chef, Chef Altamsh Patel- Hilton Hotel, Chef Abhiru Biswas- Eastern India Culinary Association, Chef Samuel Labher– IHM, Kolkata, Mr. Prashant Issar– Bellona Hospitality

The discussion explored the scientific foundations of cooking methods, emphasizing how chefs are increasingly studying the science behind traditional techniques. Professionals from diverse culinary backgrounds shared insights on how different cuisines influence cooking methods and ingredient perceptions. For instance, the same fish dish is prepared differently in Japanese, Indian, and French cuisines, showcasing varied approaches to technique and flavour. By integrating scientific understanding with traditional knowledge, chefs can discover new culinary possibilities, unlocking innovative flavours and refining their craft.

Kikkoman India started operations in February 2021 and launched the Kikkoman Honjozo Authentic Soy Sauce Experience programme in October of the same year. The Culinary Experts Meeting is part of the Kikkoman Honjozo Authentic Soy Sauce Experience. The goal of the event is to generate new ideas and interaction among culinary professionals through interesting discussions on food-related topics. With over 350 years of history and an unwavering commitment to India, Kikkoman aims to contribute to the creation of delicious new experiences in India for the next 100 years and beyond.

About the Kikkoman Honjozo Authentic Soy Sauce Experience in India

Kikkoman is on a mission to put a bottle of Kikkoman Soy Sauce on the shelf of every Indian kitchen. Having started to expand its operations in India, Kikkoman India is pleased to announce the Honjozo Authentic Soy Sauce Experience. The goal is to make its popular, naturally brewed Kikkoman Soy Sauce an everyday ingredient for all restaurants and households. Launching this movement across India is the first of many activities to introduce Japan’s No. 1 soy sauce brand to India.

The Honjozo Experience movement comprises three elements: Developing talent and fostering exchanges among chefs; educating everyone on the use of soy sauce through cooking sessions and contests; and learning the contribution Kikkoman Soy Sauce can make by experimenting through R & D in food culture.

Chefs are going to cook up a storm using Kikkoman Soy Sauce. From professional chefs to student chefs, all are going to experiment and learn what can be done with it. Through cooking contests, videos, talks, and workshops, the Honjozo Experience movement will bring together chefs, students, restaurants, hoteliers, the media, and industry leaders as well as government representatives to explore how Kikkoman Soy Sauce can enrich any and all dishes served in India.

About Kikkoman and Kikkoman India

With a history spanning over 350 years and based in Japan, the current Kikkoman corporate entity was established through the merger of eight families in 1917. The company’s internationalization strategy began some 60 years ago, with its entry into the United States market. Kikkoman has become a global business, expanding to over 100 countries, with 11 soy sauce production sites worldwide that distribute its products all over the world to millions of consumers.

Kikkoman India is solely responsible for importing all Kikkoman products, and is responsible for managing all production, marketing, sales, and distribution in India.

Link to Media kit – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PlO2RqGoG_xcNeq-Cq1Puguj8_PObRqw?usp=sharing

Press Contact

Chavi Singh,

chavi@kikkomanindia.com,

+91 86554 21677 

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Bollywood Star Pankaj Tripathi joins Euro Adhesives Family to strengthen the ‘Pakka Jod’ as a National Brand Ambassador; Unveils New Campaign Championing Product Superiority

~ New 360° campaign #SirfJodoNahinFayedonKeSaathJodo set to go live from May 2025 across TV, Print, OOH & Digital Platforms ~

MUMBAI, India, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Euro Adhesives, the flagship brand of Jyoti Resins & Adhesives Ltd., and one of India’s fastest-growing names in wood adhesives category, has appointed celebrated actor Pankaj Tripathi as its first-ever Brand Ambassador. This strategic association is part of a larger vision to scale the brand’s national footprint and deepen its connect with consumers, professionals, and trade partners alike.

Launching alongside this announcement is Euro Adhesives’ all-new advertising campaign, #SirfJodoNahinFayedonKeSaathJodo, a powerful articulation of the brand’s evolved value proposition — promising not just a strong bond, but meaningful performance benefits like Fast Drying, Termite Resistance, Waterproof, Weather Proof and gives more coverage with less product usage. The 360-degree campaign goes live during May 2025 across Television, Print, Digital, and Out-Of-Home (OOH) platforms.

The campaign features Pankaj Tripathi in distinct avatars — a neighbourhood hardware store owner, and a discerning homeowner — each film portraying a common real-world adhesive challenge solved with Euro’s trusted solutions for years!

Speaking on this announcement, Mr. Utkarsh Patel, Managing Director, Jyoti Resins & Adhesives Ltd., said, “At Euro Adhesives, we’ve always believed in forming strong, lasting bonds — not just between materials, but with every stakeholder across our ecosystem. In Pankaj Tripathi, we found a personality who embodies trust, authenticity, and pan-India appeal. His ethos aligns beautifully with our values, and through this partnership, we aim to further accelerate brand recall, drive preference, and expand our reach across urban and rural markets nationally.”

Pankaj Tripathi shared his excitement about joining the Euro family, “I believe that strength lies in the foundation — whether in stories or structures. Euro Adhesives stands for reliability and excellence, values I relate to deeply. I’m proud to represent a brand that empowers craftsmen and creators with the confidence to build lasting work, every single day.”

With a market capitalization of approximately INR 1,500 crores, Euro Adhesives, established in 2006, has emerged as a trusted brand in the woodworking adhesives category. The company has built a strong reputation for innovation, product consistency, and end-user satisfaction and delight.

Operating a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Santej, Ahmedabad, Euro Adhesives is poised to scale its annual production capacity to 40,000 tonnes. Its expansive network currently spans 14 states, servicing more than 100 cities and over 12,000 dealer points, while connecting with over 350,000 carpenters across India.

As Euro Adhesives looks ahead, the brand is sharply focused on category leadership through product innovation, strategic marketing, and deep community engagement in the coming few years.

About Euro Adhesives

Jyoti Resins and Adhesives Limited, introduced its flagship brand EURO Adhesives in 2006. With a best-in-class R&D team and a fully integrated production facility in Ahmedabad, EURO Adhesives has become synonymous with high-performance solutions in woodworking and interior construction. With monthly manufacturing capabilities of over 3500 tonnes and an unrelenting focus on quality and innovation, the brand continues to set new benchmarks for reliability and performance in the Indian wood adhesives industry.

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Protean Vidyasaarathi emerges as a trusted, digital-first scholarship platform empowering lakhs of students across India

MUMBAI, India, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A recent nationwide student survey by Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited) has highlighted the growing demand for accessible, end-to-end digital solutions in the education financing space that highlights the evolving needs of India’s youth for career-oriented support.

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The nationwide survey, conducted among 360 scholarship recipients through Protean’s Vidyasaarathi platform revealed that 70.9% of students seek internship opportunities, 48.4% are interested in upskilling, and 46.1% want career guidance, pointing to a broader need for student development services.

These insights underscore the urgent need for digital-first solutions that not only fund education but also strengthen employability pathways.

India receives over 12.7 million scholarship applications every academic year, as per data from the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), MeitY. Yet, many deserving students, particularly from economically weaker sections, continue to face barriers related to awareness, accessibility, and procedural complexity.

Vidyasaarathi, Protean’s flagship scholarship management platform, has disbursed ₹92 crore in scholarship funds to date, helping lakhs of students across India continue their academic journeys.

With Vidyasaarathi, Protean offers key features including:

  • Zero application fees for students
  • Robust verification to ensure authenticity and eligibility
  • Direct disbursal of funds into student bank accounts
  • CSR integration tools for corporates to run compliant, high-impact scholarship programs

The survey further reveals that over 75% of students found the online application process easy and accessible, while more than 70% expressed interest in services such as internships, upskilling programs, and career guidance.

Protean eGov Technologies aims to position Vidyasaarathi as a leading ecosystem for student advancement by integrating scholarships with skill development, career discovery, and industry partnerships. Through strategic collaborations with corporates, academic institutions, and skilling partners, Vidyasaarathi aims to continue to empower India’s youth with opportunities that go beyond education, building a future-ready workforce for the nation.

About Protean:

Over the past 30 years, Protean has been at the forefront of building population-scale DPIs across taxation, identity services and social security. Aligned with India’s visionary DPI framework built on open standards and protocols, the company continues to contribute towards multisectoral Open Digital Ecosystems across e-commerce, transport/mobility, agriculture, education & skilling, and health. Protean has evolved from being a system integrator into a high tech, agile product organisation, instrumental in powering enterprise digitization by offering consumer and corporate tech, along with infrastructure services in cloud and cybersecurity. With a deep-rooted focus on innovation and open digital ecosystems, the company remains a key enabler in the country’s ongoing digital transformation.

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AMITY UNIVERSITY MUMBAI, AMITY SCHOOL OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY (ASFT), SHOWCASES ‘SWARA – THE MELODY OF THREADS’ AT BOMBAY TIMES FASHION WEEK 2025

Amity School of Fashion Technology students presented a collection of 38 garments, opened by TV personality Akriti Negi and featuring actors Parinitaa Seth, Neel Samarth Motwani as showstoppers.

MUMBAI, India, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amity University Mumbai’s School of Fashion Technology (ASFT) showcased its collection, ‘SWARA – The Melody of Threads’, at the Bombay Times Fashion Week 2025. Student designers worked on 38 garments inspired by the harmony of the seven musical notes. This artistic orchestration featured seven themes that fused sculpted silhouettes with fluid drapes, intricate embroidery with futuristic cuts, where tradition meets innovation.

The runway was opened by popular TV personality Akriti Negi, while Neel Samarth Motwani and Parinitaa Seth dazzled as showstoppers. University models Esha Velankar and Nakul Mukhi also captivated the audience with confidence and charm.

SWARA was more than a collection; it was a cultural crescendo, echoing the institute’s mission to honour India’s artisanal legacy while embracing modernity. With this showcase, the institute reaffirms its commitment to nurturing creative excellence and empowering young designers to make bold, global statements. SWARA is a testament to the institute’s vision of shaping the future of Indian fashion.

On the occasion, Mrs. Divya Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity Arts Foundation, said, “At Amity University Mumbai, we believe in turning passion into purpose—enabling students to learn beyond the classroom, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the fashion industry. This kind of real-world, hands-on experience is at the heart of our curriculum. It gives me immense pleasure to witness the skill and talents of our budding designers come alive on the ramp.”

The event was attended by leading designers and stylists, heads of notable fashion brands, eminent academicians, visionary entrepreneurs, and illustrious personalities from the world of fashion, film, and media.

The students were mentored by the elite faculty of Amity School of Fashion Technology, headed by Dr. Bhawana Chanana, Director; the core faculty team including Ms. Nutan Kajbaje (Design), Ms. Rashmi Thakur (AV), Ms. Vandana Deshmukh (Accessories), and Ms. Neha Suradkar (Styling & Backstage).

Amity School of Fashion Technology (ASFT), Amity University Mumbai, one of India’s premier fashion institutes, nurtures professionals across Fashion, Design, Retail, Styling, Communication Design, and Textiles. ASFT’s teaching-learning pedagogy emphasises experiential learning and a Digital-First approach seamlessly integrating CAD, CAM, UX-UI, and AI. With a strong thrust on hands-on industry exposure, students engage in live projects, workshops, field visits, guest talks, and internships, along with real-time exhibitions, VM windows, design galleries, community initiatives and ramp shows. The institute’s trans-disciplinary, competency-based approach fosters creative excellence and champions sustainable innovation while embedding emotional intelligence, human values, and entrepreneurship. With a robust foundation in knowledge, technical expertise, and industry integration, ASFT empowers students to make meaningful contributions to the global fashion industry.

ASFT graduates are placed in top fashion brands like Shantnu and Nikhil, Zara, Marks & Spencer, Ritu Kumar, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, as well as media houses such as Thinking Folks, Magnanimous, and Goodword Media Services. Many also work alongside renowned celebrity stylists like Niriksha Poojari, Meera Godbole, and Komal Shahani, exemplifying the institute’s commitment to holistic development and industry readiness.

About Amity University Mumbai

Amity University Mumbai is a premier educational institution that strives to provide high-quality education, foster innovation, and shape the leaders of tomorrow. With a strong focus on academic excellence, the university empowers students to become global citizens capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

Amity University Mumbai continues to build on its reputation as a leader in education, ranking #263 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2025 for Southern Asia and placing in the 801-850 band across all Asian universities. The university’s Center for Excellence in Astrobiology made history in December 2024 by launching India’s first biological payload into space aboard ISRO’s PSLV-C60.

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