If there were a sustainable source of livelihood, communities would gain the voice to reach the right channels to advocate for themselves.

In Rajasthan’s Thar desert, an enterprise built around camel milk, traditional livestock practices and locally grown produce is attempting to create a new economic model for pastoralist communities by linking producers directly with premium markets.

Bahula Naturals, founded by Aakriti Srivastava, works with more than 4,000 households across Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jaipur, developing food products while placing local communities, particularly women, at the centre of production and value creation.The idea for the venture began in 2017, when Srivastava travelled to Bajju, a village near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan, while working on environmental documentaries and media projects.

She had been asked to cover the lives of 71 migrant families settled in the region.The journey from Bikaner into the desert exposed her to the challenges faced by communities living in a remote landscape, including limited access to resources, basic services and stable livelihoods.

The experience led her to examine how economic opportunities could be created in a region where traditional livelihoods remained vulnerable. Five years later, that effort developed into Bahula Naturals, described by the organisation as a community-owned and community-run enterprise.Srivastava, who grew up in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, pursued journalism before moving to Delhi.

Over several years, she documented the lives and challenges of desert communities through films, articles, research and policy work.Bajju, located in the Thar desert, has around 8,000 households that follow a dual housing system.

Families spend part of the year in the village and move for other periods with their livestock and households to settlements known as dhaanis, located near their agricultural land.This movement pattern has affected access to public services, education and government programmes, according to Srivastava’s observations from her work with communities.

She said the challenges included water availability, service delivery, education, women’s rights and access to information. Her research found that multiple institutions were working on these issues, including government agencies, academic organisations and philanthropic groups, but efforts often lacked long-term coordination.

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for economic systems that could help communities sustain themselves, she said.Srivastava said pastoralist communities became the focus of her work because of the contrast between their cultural importance and economic position.

Camels, livestock and desert-based livelihoods are closely associated with Rajasthan’s identity, but many pastoralists have faced difficulties in gaining recognition and market access.The name Bahula comes from the Sanskrit word “Bahulata”, meaning plurality, according to the organisation.

The concept was based on bringing together communities, markets and institutions through a shared platform.Bahula Naturals operates through three broad stages. The first involves working with agro-pastoralist producers to support chemical-free farming and livestock practices. This includes access to seeds, animal feed and other inputs.

The enterprise has also introduced household biogas units, with the resulting slurry used as a natural fertiliser to reduce dependence on chemical alternatives.The second stage focuses on processing products across three categories: camel milk and related products, indigenous Rathi cow milk products, and agricultural produce.

The company produces camel milk products including artisanal cheese varieties and a freeze-dried camel milk nutraceutical supplement. It also sells products made from Rathi cow milk, including Bilona ghee and desi paneer prepared using traditional methods.Its agricultural product range includes black wheat flour, black wheat porridge, and cold-pressed mustard and groundnut oils.

Bahula’s largest business segment comes from premium business-to-business markets, where customers pay higher prices for products based on quality assurance, according to the organisation.The enterprise also supplies consumers directly through doorstep delivery in Bikaner and through online sales channels.

Its product range includes dairy items, oils and flour.The organisation operates from Bajju, with a separate office in Bikaner city handling warehousing and distribution. Around 95% of its team members are young people from villages connected to its operational network.Women’s participation is a central part of Bahula’s approach.

Srivastava said her decision to place women at the core of the value chain came from observing their role within rural households and production systems.Women are involved in different stages of the enterprise, from processing activities to community-level operations, creating opportunities for participation in income generation.

The model combines traditional desert livelihoods with market-oriented food production, aiming to improve the economic value of products originating from pastoralist communities.

Bahula Naturals continues to work with households across Rajasthan’s desert regions, focusing on building supply chains around locally available resources and connecting producers with consumers.

A small independent coffee shop in Northfield, Minnesota has drawn international attention after creating a specialty drink that has rapidly spread across social media and café menus worldwide.

The beverage, known as the raspberry danish latte, originated as a local experiment but has since been replicated by coffee shops in multiple countries.The drink combines espresso with flavours inspired by a traditional raspberry danish pastry, typically incorporating notes of fruit, sweetness and a pastry-like profile.

Its creators said the recipe was initially developed without expectations of broader recognition, but its popularity increased significantly after being shared online.According to the shop’s owners, the decision to make the recipe public contributed directly to its rapid dissemination.

By allowing other cafés and individuals to recreate the drink, the concept moved beyond its original location and became part of a wider trend in specialty coffee culture, where innovation is often driven by open sharing rather than exclusivity.

The viral spread reflects broader dynamics within the global coffee industry, where social media platforms play a key role in amplifying niche products. Drinks that combine familiar dessert elements with coffee have gained traction in recent years, particularly among younger consumers seeking novel experiences.

The raspberry danish latte fits within this pattern, blending established flavours into a format that is both recognisable and distinctive.Despite its growing visibility, the creators expressed surprise at the scale of its reach.

What began as a locally served item quickly appeared in cafés far beyond Minnesota, illustrating how small businesses can influence international trends without formal marketing campaigns. The lack of a centralised brand or trademark has allowed the drink to evolve as it is adapted by different establishments.

Industry observers note that such developments highlight the decentralised nature of contemporary food and beverage innovation. Independent cafés, rather than large chains, are increasingly responsible for introducing new concepts that gain traction organically.

Once shared online, these ideas can be replicated with minimal barriers, particularly when ingredients and preparation methods are relatively accessible.The case also underscores the role of community engagement in shaping product success.

Customers who encountered the drink locally contributed to its visibility by sharing images and reviews, creating a feedback loop that extended its reach. This form of promotion, driven by user participation rather than advertising, has become a defining feature of viral food trends.

While the long-term commercial impact remains uncertain, the raspberry danish latte demonstrates how small-scale experimentation can resonate beyond its immediate context. For the Northfield café, the experience has brought increased attention but also raised questions about ownership and attribution in an environment where ideas circulate freely.

The drink’s continued presence on menus across different regions suggests that its appeal lies not only in novelty but also in its adaptability. Variations have already emerged, with cafés adjusting sweetness levels, presentation and ingredient combinations to suit local preferences.

This flexibility has contributed to its sustainability as a trend, allowing it to evolve rather than remain fixed to a single recipe.For the creators, the outcome represents an unexpected intersection between local craftsmanship and global visibility.

Their experience illustrates how the boundaries between small businesses and international markets are increasingly shaped by digital platforms, where a single idea can gain traction far beyond its point of origin without conventional distribution channels.

This festival provides visitors with an immersive cultural experience, showcasing Saudi food as a key element of national identity while highlighting the diversity and authenticity of local cuisine across different regions of the country.

Live cooking stations allow skilled chefs to prepare traditional dishes in front of attendees, offering both an educational and sensory experience that emphasizes the artistry and heritage embedded in Saudi culinary practices.

The event features six thematic pavilions, each designed to highlight the unique flavors, ingredients, and culinary techniques representative of Saudi Arabia’s diverse geographical and cultural landscapes.

Visitors can explore a variety of foods and beverages made from locally sourced ingredients, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable gastronomy while promoting regional specialties and traditional recipes.

A dedicated children’s pavilion engages younger audiences with interactive cooking activities and educational demonstrations, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the cultural and nutritional significance of Saudi cuisine.

Tasting spaces throughout the festival allow attendees to experience an array of flavors, from savory main courses to innovative desserts, blending traditional and modern culinary styles in an inviting and festive environment.

Innovative beverage experiences inspired by local products provide additional layers to the festival, offering visitors unique insights into Saudi ingredients such as dates, herbs, spices, and fruits transformed into refreshing drinks and creative refreshments.

The festival emphasizes the role of food as both an artistic and knowledge-based experience, encouraging visitors to engage with culinary practices, cooking techniques, and the cultural stories behind each dish.

Chefs and culinary experts participate in workshops and demonstrations, sharing techniques, flavor combinations, and insights into the historical and cultural significance of traditional Saudi recipes.

Through these interactive experiences, the festival fosters community engagement, strengthens cultural pride, and highlights the importance of preserving and promoting Saudi culinary heritage for future generations.

The event also reflects broader efforts by the Kingdom to elevate its cultural tourism sector, positioning food and gastronomy as central pillars in promoting Saudi Arabia as a global destination for cultural and culinary excellence.

By combining traditional flavors with modern presentation and innovative cooking methods, the festival demonstrates how Saudi culinary arts can evolve while maintaining strong ties to history, regional identity, and national pride.

Visitors gain an understanding of the Kingdom’s regional diversity through cuisine, learning how geography, climate, and local resources influence the unique flavors, preparation methods, and dining traditions across Saudi Arabia.

The festival’s programming integrates cultural storytelling, music, and visual arts, enhancing the overall visitor experience and creating a holistic celebration of Saudi heritage through multiple sensory channels.

Al-Qatif Street Food Festival serves as a platform for local culinary entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses to showcase their products, connect with a broader audience, and contribute to the growth of the Saudi food economy.

By highlighting sustainability, local sourcing, and creative gastronomy, the festival aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to promote culture, heritage, tourism, and entrepreneurship while strengthening national identity.

The event also encourages visitors to experiment with flavors, learn new recipes, and appreciate the creativity and dedication of Saudi chefs, reinforcing food as an essential medium of cultural expression and community connection.

Following Varun Berry’s successful decade, Britannia embraces fresh leadership and renewed innovation under new CEO Rakshit Hargave.

Britannia Industries, one of India’s most trusted and iconic food brands, is stepping into a new phase of progress and innovation. The leadership transition marks the continuation of its legacy of excellence, following the remarkable decade-long journey under Varun Berry, who helped transform the company into a dynamic packaged foods powerhouse.

Under Berry’s visionary leadership, Britannia achieved phenomenal growth and diversification. The company expanded its portfolio beyond biscuits into dairy, breads, and snack foods — all while maintaining its core strength in quality and taste. This diversification helped Britannia become one of India’s leading packaged food companies, known for consistency and consumer trust.

During his tenure, Berry also emphasized operational efficiency, sustainable business practices, and a stronger focus on health-oriented products. His strategies not only boosted revenues but also enhanced Britannia’s reputation as a forward-thinking and consumer-centric brand.

Over the past decade, Britannia’s share price surged significantly, reflecting investor confidence and market appreciation for its performance. The company’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics became a benchmark for India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.

As Britannia moves forward, the appointment of Rakshit Hargave as the new CEO signals a continuation of its ambitious growth plans. Hargave, with his extensive experience in leadership and brand management, is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to further strengthen Britannia’s market position.

The leadership transition is a sign of the company’s maturity and resilience. It demonstrates Britannia’s focus on smooth succession planning and its readiness to embrace new opportunities in India’s evolving food and beverage sector.

Britannia remains committed to delivering high-quality, affordable, and nutritious products to millions of households. The company’s customer-first approach and deep understanding of Indian consumer preferences continue to be the foundation of its success.

The new phase under Rakshit Hargave’s leadership is expected to see greater innovation, especially in healthier food categories and digital transformation. Britannia’s strong distribution network and brand legacy provide the ideal base for the next wave of sustainable growth.

Moreover, the company’s ongoing investments in technology, product innovation, and sustainability reflect its long-term vision of being a leader in India’s packaged food ecosystem. Its focus on modernizing production and supply chains is helping it stay ahead of market trends and consumer expectations.

As the FMCG industry navigates changing consumer habits and new regulatory frameworks, Britannia’s adaptable business model ensures it remains well-positioned for continued success. The company’s ability to innovate while staying true to its values gives it a unique edge in the competitive market.

The market reaction to leadership change is seen as short-term, while the company’s fundamentals remain strong and promising. With a renewed leadership vision, Britannia aims to accelerate its growth trajectory, expand into new categories, and continue creating value for its shareholders and customers alike.

Britannia’s story remains one of transformation, innovation, and enduring trust. The seamless leadership transition ensures that its strong foundation will support future expansion across India and international markets.

As Britannia enters this new era, it continues to symbolize excellence in quality, taste, and trust — a brand that has stood the test of time while continuously evolving with the nation’s changing food culture. The future looks bright as the company gears up for its next chapter of success and innovation under fresh leadership.