Brands
L’Oréal India gets EDGE Move certification for gender equality at the workplace
MUMBAI: L’Oréal India has been awarded the prestigious EDGE (Economic Dividends for Gender Equality) Certification for the third time. It is also the only FMCG Company and one of the five organisations in India to be accredited with the advanced MOVE level of certification.
The EDGE assessment is the leading business certification for gender equality in the workplace that is universally applicable across industries and countries. EDGE MOVE is the second level certification awarded to the company that has already implemented a framework for change, achieved significant milestones and further commits to sharpen its action plan on gender equality policies and practices.
This certification recognizes L’Oréal India’s leadership and commitment to create, benchmark, and support gender equity throughout the workplace and in particular its policies for ‘equal pay for equal work’, building a flexible work culture and parity in recruitment, promotions and leadership trainings. The company maintains a high gender equality standard, passing regularly through audit certifications and gender pay gap assessments.
L’Oréal India was awarded the EDGE Certification after a rigorous audit by EDGE, which included a comprehensive review of the company’s gender policies and practices, detailed analysis of company statistics from the entire workforce, and evaluation of the employee experience in terms of career development opportunities at the company.
L’Oréal India director – human resources Roshni Wadhwa said, “L’Oréal India has a long-standing commitment to gender equality and this reaffirms our position as an equal opportunity employer in India. Our partnership with EDGE has helped us measure our progress regularly as well as offer an attractive work environment to our employees. L’Oréal India will continue its efforts to retain a strong gender balance at all levels and drive new benchmarks for gender equality in the workplace.”
EDGE Certification co-founder Aniela Unguresan said, “Through its re-certification at the EDGE Move level, L’Oréal India is accelerating its journey towards gender balance. In addition to improving the effectiveness of its policies and practices to ensure equitable career flows for men and women, the company has significantly strengthened its proactive management of gender pay equity. L’Oréal India is also showing a percentage of women in management position that is almost 3 times higher than the national median of companies operating in India. We warmly congratulate L’Oréal India on these significant achievements.”
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.
