The Tea Board of India has unveiled the Tea Development & Promotion Scheme, allocating Rs. 664.09 crore to boost the tea industry from 2023-24 to 2025-26. The initiative aims to support plantation development, improve tea quality, and promote Indian tea both domestically and globally.
The scheme covers seven key areas, focusing on every stage of tea production—from plantation to consumption. It includes replantation support for large tea gardens, international brand promotion, technological advancements, and research initiatives. Indian tea companies, especially those registered with Start-Up India, will also benefit from brand promotion activities under this scheme.
The Tea Board emphasized that this comprehensive plan aims to strengthen the domestic tea market, enhance India’s presence in global tea exports, and contribute to long-term industry sustainability.
Five Food Tech Innovations Poised to Transform Commercial Kitchens
As the festive season approaches, commercial kitchens across the food industry are gearing up for increased demand. From restaurants to cloud kitchens and quick-service restaurants (QSRs), technology is playing a critical role in making operations more efficient and profitable. After reviewing recent developments, here are five food tech innovations set to revolutionize commercial kitchens.
- On2Cook: AI-Powered Speed Cooking
On2Cook, the world’s fastest AI-integrated cooking device, combines induction and microwave technology to prepare food in record time. This innovation can reduce cooking times by up to 70% while saving 50% in energy, all while preserving vital nutrients. Suitable for any commercial kitchen, it allows chefs to prepare dishes ranging from biryani to cakes in a third of the usual time. On2Cook is an ideal solution for restaurants with limited kitchen space and promises faster service, improved quality, and zero food wastage, leading to better business growth.
- BOX8: Specialized Food Delivery Partner
While Swiggy and Zomato dominate the food delivery landscape, BOX8 provides a specialized service focused on delivering desi meals in convenient, easy-to-carry boxes. Known for their “all-in-1” meals, BOX8 offers a wide range of Indian favourites, including biryani, wraps, and combo meals, with a delivery time of just 38 minutes. Operating in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram, and Bengaluru, BOX8 can partner with restaurants looking to offer a seamless, high-quality food experience to customers.
- Ecoware: Sustainable Packaging Solutions
As consumer awareness around climate change grows, the demand for eco-friendly packaging in commercial kitchens is increasing. Ecoware offers over 25 sustainable food packaging solutions made from farm waste that decompose within 90 days. As restaurants move away from plastic, biodegradable and edible packaging made from food-grade polymers like seaweed is becoming more popular. These solutions not only help the environment but also align with evolving customer preferences.
- Scott Meat Processing System: Automated Food Processing
Automation in food processing is becoming essential for commercial kitchens, and the Scott Meat Processing System is leading the way. This robotic butchery machine enhances productivity while ensuring a safer work environment by reducing human interaction with hazardous equipment. This innovation is especially beneficial for non-vegetarian kitchens, as it streamlines meat processing and ensures higher efficiency.
- SmartQ: Digital Solutions for Cafeterias and QSRs
For smaller establishments like cafeterias and QSR outlets, managing multiple tasks can be overwhelming. SmartQ, a Bengaluru-based B2B food-tech company, offers a digital platform that streamlines operations, from vendor integration to minimizing wait times and improving collaboration. Operating in over 13 countries, SmartQ’s innovative technology helps reduce queues, enhance customer experience, and improve operational efficiency.
These food tech innovations are shaping the future of commercial kitchens, making them more efficient, sustainable, and customer-friendly.