Brands
drink technology India rebrands to drinktec India
Mumbai: An important milestone in the global expansion of the drinktec portfolio has been reached: drink technology India is now the first trade fair to carry the ‘drinktec’ brand alongside drinktec Munich, the leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry. This rebranding by Yontex highlights the significance of the Indian market. Since 2007, the drinktec team has focused on supporting stakeholders in the beverage industry.
Originally launched as a congress in Mumbai, the trade fair has evolved into a key meeting point for manufacturers. Initially held every two years, it is now an annual event. The first edition featured 42 exhibitors and 276 m² of space; this year, 178 exhibitors are expected across about 6,000 m². Major global players consistently participate, reflecting the event’s importance for investment decisions. Last year, around 11,000 visitors attended, alternating between Mumbai and Delhi.
The drinktec India brand aims to strengthen its position as the leading trade fair in India for the beverage and liquid food industry. With the support of the drinktec brand, the Yontex team, Messe München India, and a wide range of products, the brand is set for growth in India and the SAARC region. This will provide neighboring markets with easy access to the latest offerings, making drinktec India a gateway for national and international brands.
Additionally, drinktec India aims to drive the Indian and neighboring beverage industries toward global standards. By showcasing advanced technologies, local manufacturers can engage with innovations that improve efficiency, enhance quality, and adapt to changing consumer preferences. This exchange will elevate domestic production and prepare Indian companies for global competition, making drinktec India crucial for modernising the beverage sector across the SAARC region.
Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association deputy MD VDMA e.V., Beatrix Fraese: “As the conceptual sponsor of drinktec in Munich, we strongly support the rebranding of drink technology India to drinktec India. We have been closely involved in the journey from the very beginning until today because we believe in the potential of the Indian industry.
The sharp growth in demand for machinery and equipment in recent years shows that the Indian beverage industry is investing heavily and becoming increasingly professional. German machine manufacturers are increasingly building up capacities in India in order to be close to their customers locally. This shows the great trust in India’s potential.”
Yontex executive director drinktec cluster Markus Kosak: “We are thrilled that we were able to initiate such a strong development with this market platform at the time. This is a significant moment for all of us. With drinktec India, we are setting an important milestone for the industry for the Indian subcontinent and neighbouring regions. In this region, drinktec India is the most relevant and profound event for the beverage and liquid food industry. This enables us to consistently support growth in the Indian and surrounding markets. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to VDMA Germany and India for their unwavering support from the very beginning. Their collaboration has been instrumental in driving the success of this platform and shaping its growth.”
Messe München India CEO Bhupinder Singh: “We are thrilled to see drink technology India take this significant step forward by becoming a part of the globally renowned drinktec portfolio. This rebranding underscores the importance of the Indian market in the global beverage and liquid food industry. Our ongoing cooperation with PackMach strengthens our commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions across the value chain—from beverage manufacturing to packaging innovations. Together, we are building a robust platform that not only supports the industry’s growth but also brings cutting-edge technology and expertise to the Indian market, enabling businesses to compete on a global scale.”
Brands
IndiGo names William Walsh CEO
Former IATA chief to take charge in August after Elbers exit, Bhatia steers interim
India’s biggest airline has moved fast and gone global. InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, has tapped aviation heavyweight William Walsh as chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approvals, marking a sharp pivot as the carrier eyes its next burst of expansion.
Walsh, currently director general at the International Air Transport Association, will step down on July 31, 2026, and is expected to take charge by August 3. The appointment comes barely three weeks after Pieter Elbers exited the corner office, with Rahul Bhatia holding the fort in the interim.
The choice signals intent. Walsh brings decades of cockpit-to-boardroom experience, having led British Airways and later International Airlines Group, the parent of Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling. His tenure across carriers has been defined by hard resets, restructurings and cross-border consolidation—skills IndiGo may need as competition intensifies and scale becomes decisive.
Vikram Singh Mehta, chairman and non-executive independent director of IndiGo, said Walsh’s experience in managing large-scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics makes him well-suited to lead IndiGo in an increasingly competitive global aviation environment, adding that the appointment marks a new chapter as the airline scales in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Rahul Bhatia said Walsh’s global perspective, operational expertise and customer-focused approach would be critical as IndiGo enters its next phase of expansion.
Walsh, widely regarded as one of the industry’s most influential figures, will oversee overall management and strategic direction, with a mandate spanning operational performance, network expansion, commercial strategy and customer experience. He is expected to work closely with the board and leadership team to sharpen IndiGo’s growth trajectory.
Walsh said IndiGo has a strong foundation and is well-positioned to capitalise on the evolving aviation landscape, adding that he looks forward to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and sustainable value creation across the organisation.
A new captain, a bigger runway—and a market that rewards scale. IndiGo is lining up for its next take-off.
