Brands
Hot Wheels debuts in Auto Expo Delhi
MUMBAI: Hot Wheels, the uber-popular and much-loved brand from the house of Mattel Toys, is revving up for its Golden Jubilee. Hot Wheels has kicked off its 50th anniversary celebration with an epic debut at Auto Expo – The Motor Show in New Delhi from 9 to 14 February 2018.
The experience at the Hot Wheels pavilion promises to be a supercharged treat for fans of the iconic brand as it will showcase two life-size models inspired by Hot Wheels die-cast models. The showcase, representing best of classic and modern times, is designed as an ode to the Hot Wheels 50-year journey since its launch in 1968. While one car will depict the vintage, retro era of the 60s, the second car will display a modern, millennial style, representing designs and innovation of the 21st century.
Featuring the unmissable Hot Wheels insignia – the red hot flames – the design of the classic car stays loyal to the brand’s signature style. The classic muscle sports a grunge look with its all black body and chrome highlights. The car features a lip spoiler on the rear tail and an air dam in the front (in line with the thematic). The interiors too star a unique chain design steering wheel and a skull head gear knob. Upholstery of the car is draped with red leather which compliments the stunning look.
The 2018 car features particularly sporty details with the bumper designed with a bold horizontal line and broad air inlets that contribute to the car’s wide and sculpted impression. A swanky black roof, and a rear tail gate spoiler also add to the sporty appeal. The redesigned headlight clusters in black-cladding look feature LED technology, as do the fog lights, and tail lights. Features such as the spoiler at the rear of the tailgate are further elements of the car’s emotive and dynamic design.
Riding the wave of its 50 year celebrations, Hot Wheels seamlessly integrates its latest campaign, Challenge Accepted, that aims at instilling the challenger spirit amongst young children. The campaign blends in Mattel’s philosophy of ‘play with purpose’ by showcasing concepts of physics, aim, angle and speed; driving children to exploring their truest potential.
Mattel India head of marketing Lokesh Kataria says, “We are thrilled to set the wheels of our new campaign in motion and roll it out in an exhilarating way. As we celebrate a key milestone, we’re also reaffirming our efforts to grow the market in India by engaging with parents in meaningful ways to demonstrate the value of play with Hot Wheels.”
Hot Wheels will roll-out an integrated campaign for the Challenge Accepted campaign that will include television and digital advertising, social media promotions as well as various on-ground initiatives to engage more closely with fans and consumers. The anniversary celebrations will also include various engagements targeted to collectors, consumers and parents.
During the 3-day extravaganza, Hot Wheels is playing host to an immersive and engaging experience at Auto Expo for participants across ages to witness their favourite cars come to life! The Hot Wheels booth will unveil the much-awaited life-sized cars, allowing fans and admirers to indulge in interactive games and challenges. Fans at the booth also stand a chance to win some exciting prizes while taking advantage of Hot Wheels Photo Stall and Challenge Accepted Selfie Contest.
Mattel Toys has focused its efforts around the core philosophy of ‘Play with purpose’ – where each toy developed by the global leader has an intrinsic benefit linked to it. The toy-car of Hot Wheels not only engages a child, but also gives practical knowledge about physics & maths like speed, distance and gravity. Hot Wheels at Auto Expo 2018 is designed in a manner to establish the importance of play in the lives of children by boosting their creativity, imagination and letting them push their limits by igniting the challenger spirit.
Brands
India’s food culture takes a bold turn in 2025
From fusion desserts to experiential dining, four trends reshape how the nation eats.
MUMBAI: India’s plates just got a serious upgrade in 2025 because when tradition meets TikTok and fusion meets fitness, even the humble samosa starts feeling trendy. The Godrej Food Trends Report 2025 predicted several shifts in Indian eating habits, and the past year proved the forecasters right. From reimagined desserts to immersive dining experiences, Indian consumers showed they want authenticity, convenience, global flavours and health in equal measure.
Here are four trends that truly came alive in 2025 and are now shaping how India eats and dines:
1. Indian Desserts Get a Modern Makeover Traditional mithai found fresh life through fusion experiments. Cheesecakes, truffles and plated desserts inspired by classics like gulab jamun and rasgulla gained popularity, while chocolate-forward, fruit-led and lower-sugar options appealed to younger diners. According to the How India Eats 2025 report, desserts and ice-cream parlours were among the fastest-growing segments in organised food services. Examples: The Bombay Canteen’s Coffee Rasgulla Sundae and Le Chocolate Cakes and More’s Gulab Jamun Cake. Chef Aarohi Sanghavi of Maki Patisserie noted the shift toward seasonality and fresh Indian produce, while Chef Heena Punwani of Maska Bakery highlighted the appeal of flexible, weekend-special menus.
2. Social Media Becomes the New Menu Food discovery went fully digital. Instagram Reels, YouTube reviews and creator-led content heavily influenced dining choices, with food remaining one of the most consumed categories on social media. Restaurants began designing visually striking dishes specifically for shareability, while many diners found new spots through viral videos rather than traditional advertising. The How India Eats 2025 report revealed that over 75% of marketing spends by leading QSR chains now go toward digital channels. Cafes like Mokai and Candies became creator favourites, and brands such as Bastian Hospitality curated highly shareable pop-ups and events. Kavita Rajwade of IVM Podcasts emphasised how long-form storytelling helps decode food’s cultural and economic layers, while Pranav Joshi of Floydian Cookery admitted his page grew far beyond expectations.
3. Snacking Culture Goes Mainstream India’s love for snacks evolved into a full grazing lifestyle, with many opting for multiple small bites throughout the day instead of three structured meals. This shift spurred innovation in formats—from gourmet chips and fusion street food to protein-packed options. Restaurants responded with small-plate menus designed for sharing. The How India Eats 2025 report noted that late-night orders grew nearly 3x faster than dinner. Brands like The Whole Truth Foods and Green Snack Co. popularised clean-label snacks such as protein bars and roasted nuts. Madhushree Basu Roy of Pikturenama Studios predicted a mix of convenience, health consciousness and global influences, while freelance food writer Sharmila Vaidyanathan observed that consumers want the best of both worlds healthy options for routine snacking and traditional treats for special occasions.
4. Dining Becomes an Experience, Not Just a Meal The most noticeable shift was the rise of experiential dining. Consumers increasingly sought restaurants that offered more than good food, they wanted immersion, storytelling and chef-driven concepts. Venues like Papa’s in Mumbai (intimate tasting menus), Bombay Daak (theatrical regional flavours) and Masala Library (modernist presentations) turned meals into memorable events. Tasting menus, themed pop-ups and chef collaborations became more common, transforming dining out into entertainment. The How India Eats 2025 report highlighted how experience-led formats and storytelling are key to attracting younger diners. Chef Karan Upmanyu of ParTTwo in Bengaluru observed that new outlets are breaking away from rigid formats, focusing instead on creating relaxed spaces where people simply enjoy spending time.
As 2026 unfolds, these trends suggest India’s food culture is no longer just about what’s on the plate, it’s about how the plate makes us feel, connect and remember. From a quick Reel-inspired snack to a full theatrical dining experience, Indian diners are voting with their forks for food that is both rooted in tradition and unafraid to experiment. The table, it seems, has never been more exciting.
