Press Release
12th edition of HotelTech Kerala exhibition to conclude today (Friday)
VIR Naturals’ ‘Thooshan’ brand attracts visitors
Kochi: A wide range of innovative products, including biodegradable plates and cutlery, are at the centre of attraction of the 12th edition of HotelTech Kerala exhibition which will conclude here on Friday.
Over 60 firms have put on display their products and services required by hotels, resorts, restaurant and catering sectors, collectively known as HORECA, at the premier expo which began at Gokulam Convention Centre, Kaloor on June 7.
The stall set up by Angamaly-based VIR Naturals, which is into manufacturing and distribution of biodegradable plates and straws, is a major attraction at the expo. The company's products on display include dinner plates and cake bases made of wheat bran and drinking straws made of rice flour. The products are sold under the brand name 'Thooshan'. The products are edible after use. They can also be used as bio manure for plants.
The company registered under the Kerala Startup Mission is run by Vinaykumar Balakrishnan and his wife Indira Vinaykumar who live in Kakkanad. Vinaykumar took the entrepreneurial plunge after a long career in different entities. Indira joined him after quitting her job in a bank.
Indira said their clients include Club Mahindra and event managers who conduct 'eco weddings' and parties. The company's upcoming product of forks made of rice bran and bioplastic are also at display.
Chandigarh-based Regal Kitchen is another major participant at the expo. The company's ready-to-cook base gravies, which are on display, will useful for the hotels and restaurants in Kerala, said Joseph Kuriakose, director, Cruz Expos, which organises the event.
Regal Kitchen has exhibited over 30 products including sambar, north Indian curries, and instant breakfast.
Coimbatore-based White Leaf has exhibited what the company calls its environmentally-committed products. The items on display include zero-waste toiletries and eco-friendly guest room and hotel amenities.
Farm Made Foods from Tamil Nadu has displayed a wide range of products such as traditional coconut candy, coconut laddoo and coconut jaggery. The company's free-range eggs and cage-free eggs have also been attracting visitors.
Apart from food products, a variety of hospitality items such as linen and furnishing, hotelware, commercial kitchen utensils, cleaning substances and equipment and services are also on display.
This year’s HotelTech Kerala edition is endorsed and supported by Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (K-BIP), Kerala Startup Mission, KSIDC, Association of Approved Hotel Associations of Kerala, Kerala Professional Housekeepers Association, SICA-Kerala Chapter and Chief Engineers Forum.
K-BIP is sponsoring an Industry Pavilion showcasing SMEs from this sector and Kerala Startup Mission has put up an exclusive pavilion for the benefit of startups. Concurrent events including Kerala Culinary Challenge and House Keepers Challenge were held in the first two days of the event. Celebrity international chef Alan Palmer chaired the jury.
