MAM
Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 sheds light on sustainable culinary practices
Mumbai: As the world unites to honour World Environment Day, immerse yourself in a culinary revolution that promises to tantalise your taste buds and nurture our planet. The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 curated by Godrej Vikhroli Cucina was recently unveiled at L’affaire 2024, a brand agnostic annual IP, a successful zero waste event. Out of the total 1,945 kgs of waste generated at L’affaire, 94.8 per cent (1843.2 Kgs) was recycled, composted, reused, or donated, with the support of Skrap, the sustainability partner. From sustainable decor choices and reusable wine glasses at the launch event to predicting key trends on World Environment Day; Godrej Vikhroli Cucina has always created a sustainable, environment-friendly haven for foodies worldwide.
Crafted with insights from over 190 visionary thought leaders—including celebrity chefs, influential bloggers, and dedicated nutritionists—the report highlights the most transformative trends in sustainable food practices. These trends are poised to revolutionise the way we eat and think about food, paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Key Trends for World Environment Day 2024:
1. Supporting Local Farmers & Producers: Nearly 90 per cent of the experts predict a surge in consumer interest in supporting local farmers and producers. This trend emphasises the need for sustainable and ethically sourced food. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, they seek ways to contribute positively to their communities.
2. Adopting a Climatarian Diet: In 2024, approximately 75 per cent of experts believe that people will increasingly adopt a climatarian diet. This dietary shift focuses on foods with a lower carbon footprint, promoting environmental sustainability. By making conscious choices, individuals can reduce their impact on the planet while enjoying delicious and nutritious meals.
3. Sustainable Packaging: The panel expects a strong demand for sustainable, eco-friendly packaging. With 71 per cent of experts emphasizing this trend, it’s clear that consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious. Brands and manufacturers are responding by exploring innovative packaging solutions that minimize waste and promote a circular economy.
“World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder of the impact our choices have on the planet. The trends highlighted in the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024, such as supporting local farmers, adopting a climatarian diet, and prioritizing sustainable packaging, are not just trends but necessary shifts towards a more sustainable future. By embracing these changes, we can make a significant difference in the health of our planet while enjoying a rich and varied culinary experience.” – says Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, managing director of Perfect Bite Consulting and editor of the annual Godrej Foods Trends Report.
As we embrace the trends from the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024, let us commit to choices that benefit both our palate and our planet. Support local farmers, adopt climate-friendly diets, and champion sustainable packaging to build a healthier, more sustainable world.
Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 is available for download at www.vikhrolicucina.com
Brands
YES Bank hands the keys to SBI veteran Vinay Tonse as it bets on a new era
Former SBI managing director appointed as YES Bank’s new MD and CEO
MUMBAI: YES Bank is done rebuilding. Now it wants to grow. The private sector lender has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as managing director and chief executive officer-designate, with RBI approval secured and a start date of April 6, 2026 confirmed. The three-year term signals the bank’s intent to shift gears from crisis recovery to full-throttle expansion.
Tonse, 60, is no stranger to scale. Most recently managing director at State Bank of India, he oversaw a retail book of roughly $800bn in deposits and advances, one of the largest in the country. Before that, he ran SBI Mutual Fund from August 2020 to December 2022, a stint that saw assets under management surge from Rs 4.32 lakh crore to Rs 7.32 lakh crore across market cycles. Add stints in Singapore and four years leading SBI’s overseas operations in Osaka, and the incoming chief arrives with a genuinely global CV.
His academic grounding is equally solid: a commerce degree from St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master’s in commerce from Bangalore University.
The appointment follows an extensive search and evaluation process by the bank’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee. NRC chairperson Nandita Gurjar said the committee unanimously backed Tonse, citing his leadership track record, governance credentials and ability to drive the bank’s next phase of transformation.
Non-executive chairman Rama Subramaniam Gandhi was unequivocal. “I am certain that Vinay Tonse, with his vast experience as a senior banker, will propel YES Bank to its next phase of growth,” Gandhi said, adding that the bank remains focused on strengthening its retail and corporate banking franchises and expanding its branch network.
Rajeev Kannan, non-executive director and senior executive at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the bank’s largest shareholder, said Tonse’s experience across retail, corporate banking, global markets and asset management positioned him well to lead the lender. SMBC said it looks forward to working with Tonse and the board as YES Bank pursues its ambition of becoming a top-tier private sector lender anchored in strong governance and sustainable growth.
Tonse succeeds Prashant Kumar, who took the helm in March 2020 when YES Bank was in freefall following a severe financial crisis, and spent six years painstakingly stabilising the institution, rebuilding governance and restoring operational scale. Gandhi was generous: “The bank remains indebted to Prashant Kumar, who is responsible for much of what a strong financial powerhouse YES Bank is today.”
Tonse, for his part, struck a purposeful note. “Together with the board and my colleagues, I remain deeply committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” he said, pledging to build on Kumar’s foundation guided by his personal motto: Make A Difference.
Beyond the balance sheet, Tonse played cricket at college and club level and represented Karnataka in archery at the national championships — sports he credits with teaching him teamwork, situational leadership, discipline and focus. In quieter moments, he reaches for retro Kannada music, classic Hindi songs, and the crooning of Engelbert Humperdinck, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
YES Bank has its steady-handed rebuilder in Kumar to thank for survival. Now it has a scale-obsessed growth banker at the wheel. The next chapter starts April 6.
