Archive: June 1, 2023

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 Smashes Records with unprecedented Scale and Global Participation

BANGKOK, Thailand, June 1st, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023, the largest food and beverage trade show in Southeast Asia, concluded with a resounding success, surpassing expectations with its impressive scale and remarkable international participation. The event has solidified its position as one of the most influential international food and beverage trade fairs. Held from May 23 to May 27, it featured a display of 3,034 exhibitors from 45 countries, encompassing a vast 130,000 square meters of exhibition space. This marked a notable growth compared to the pre-pandemic show in 2019, which saw the participation of 2,745 exhibitors.

Countries that demonstrated a strong presence at the event once again included China, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, South Korea, Turkey, the United States and Vietnam, among others.

Adding to the international diversity, new country groups made their mark at the event, including Australia, organised by the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD), the French Pavilion, Hungary, organised by the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), Sri Lanka, organised by Sri Lanka Export Development Board and the United Kingdom, organised by the UK Department of Business and Trade.

The 2023 edition also reported a significant increase in attendance, attracting over 78,764 visitors from 133 countries, a 17% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Highlighting the importance of face-to-face business networking, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 featured a highly anticipated buyer programme that facilitated business meetings between 1,900+ top-quality international buyers and exhibitors, fostering valuable connections and partnerships.

The Future Food Experience+ segment at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia showcased next-generation food and beverage innovation, featuring 33 speakers from around the world. With a remarkable turnout, the sessions provided valuable insights, trends, and breakthroughs that will shape the industry’s future. A total of 1,794 attendees registered for 23 sessions, with the most subscribed sessions being: 1. Future of Functional Food, 2. Future Food Trend 2023-2025, and 3. Re-Imaging Future Protein. It served as a dynamic platform for industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the limitless potential of the evolving food and beverage landscape.

Exploring World Coffee also witnessed a coffee spectacular as the Thai Coffee Association (TCA) proudly welcomed esteemed Ambassadors from Brazil, Guatemala, and Kenya, who presented their nations’ coffee markets, farming techniques, and distinctive varieties. 400 attendees were treated to a sensory experience as they sampled over 40 coffee-cupping samples from diverse origins.

Khun PhusitRatanakulSereroengrit, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Thailand, announced that “DITP has organised the well-received THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 alongside two valuable partnerships – Thailand Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse – both of which have played pivotal roles in the success of this year’s event. The 3 organisers have built a platform to foster industry evolution and attract local and international exhibitors while sharpening Thailand’s position as a prominent player in the global F&B landscape through THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023. Thailand will continue to establish itself as a hub for the F&B industry, driving innovation, and contributing to the global food ecosystem.”

Khun Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), said, “THAIFEX – Anuga Asia has been a resounding success, surpassing our targets visitor numbers and turnover. The show provided a valuable platform for Thai SMEs entrepreneurs and startups to introduce and launch their products and services to the international market, resulting in immediate orders and promising leads. Our entrepreneurs highlighted opportunities for product development and market testing, to meet changing customer needs. Foreign buyers were also impressed by the local exhibitors’ showcase of modern food trends, including organic, plant-based and sustainability. Beyond F&B, the event also boosts tourism revenue as high-spending visitors plan to explore various destinations in Thailand.”

Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director, and VP Asia-Pacific of Koelnmesse, said, “As one of the organisers of Asia Pacific’s leading food and beverage trade show, I am immensely proud of the unprecedented success achieved at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023. The record-setting event has witnessed an 89% increase in exhibitors and a 50% surge in trade visitors compared to 2022. This achievement has firmly established our position as industry leaders and provided an exceptional platform for global food and beverage stakeholders. More than ever, F&B trade businesses are looking for a concentrated platform to engage in business negotiations and achieve their year’s target within a few short days.

As we work towards the highly anticipated launch of THAIFEX – HOREC Asia trade show from 6-8 March next year and our 20th edition of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024, we reaffirm our commitment to industry leadership, innovation, and fostering invaluable connections.”

New and returning exhibitors find unmatched opportunities at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023

Dr.Sándor Sipos – Ambassador of Hungary, shared his feedback as a first-time participant. “Joining THAIFEX – Anuga Asia as an exhibitor is a privilege for us, especially as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Hungary this year. The exhibition provided us with a prestigious platform to promote Hungarian products and build valuable relationships. We were delighted with the positive response from visitors and industry players, who showed great interest in our unique offerings, such as the exquisite mangalitsa pork and traditional Hungarian ingredients like paprika and Tokaji dessert wine. The warm hospitality and friendly atmosphere of Thailand made our experience even more exceptional. As we continue our journey in the Asian market, we look forward to returning to THAIFEX – Anuga Asia next year to further strengthen our connections and showcase the best of Hungary’s culinary heritage.”

Mr. Thierry Mathou, French Ambassador to Thailand, participating for the first time, said, “We are very happy with the success achieved by French exhibitors at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023. The event has provided an excellent platform for our brands to showcase their expertise, innovation, and culinary excellence. The exposure and opportunities generated through THAIFEX – Anuga Asia have been instrumental in promoting our food and beverage industry, opening doors for collaboration, and expanding market reach. It is particularly gratifying to witness the recognition garnered by French innovations, such as the ground-breaking BRAINFINGER, a Touchscreen Table (Table Tactile) by a French Start-up, as part of the Franco-Thai Year of Innovation 2023 offering innovative solutions for various sectors such as F&B, Hotels, and retail.”

“We extend our congratulations to all the participating French brands and look forward to continued growth and partnership within the dynamic food and beverage landscape of Thailand and beyond. Business France, the trade Department of the French Embassy is eager to co-operate with the organisers of THAIFEX-Anuga Asia and of the French Pavilion to ensure that the French participation is even more successful next year.”

New exhibitor from China Yichang Yilinghong Ecological Agricultural Development reported a remarkable debut at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia. Chairman Wang Enzhen, said “This is our first-ever participation in THAIFEX – Anuga Asia and we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. It has been a tremendous success for us, culminating in a significant deal worth 600 million yuan. Throughout the event, we gained valuable insights into the preferences of Thai consumers, particularly their strong demand for oranges from Hubei province and their growing interest in organic fruit juice. These observations will guide our future strategies to better serve the market.”

“Looking ahead, we are excited to return to THAIFEX – Anuga Asia next year with a goal to expand our presence and achieve a remarkable 1 trillion-yuan deal. We are dedicated to forging mutually beneficial partnerships, pursuing meaningful business opportunities, and striving for extraordinary accomplishments in the future,” said Wang Enzhen.

Winners Celebrated in Prestigious Categories at Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) 2023
The 9th edition of the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) also captivated food enthusiasts and industry professionals as it returned to Hall 12, Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok from May 23rd to 27th, 2023. Regarded as one of Asia’s most esteemed culinary contests, TUCC presented an exhilarating showcase of talent, creativity, and gastronomic delights.

Winners were recognised in the following categories:

• Best Ultimate Establishment
o Chiangmai Chefs Association
• Best Ultimate Asian Gourmet Challenge
o Fan Ying-Chih, Nkuht FBM Young Chef
o Hsu Kuo Fu, Nkuht FBM Young Chef
o Tsai Shih Hsuan, Nkuht FBM Young Chef
• Best Ultimate Asian Chef
o Khairul AshikhinBtAdbullahSuhami, KolejKomunitiChenderoh
• Best Ultimate Professional Chef
o JaturongMayurowas, Chiangmai Chefs Association
• Best Ultimate Junior Chef Award
o Seo Hyun Joon, World Culinary Arts and Bakery (WCB)

TUCC 2023 brought together professional and aspiring chefs from 9 countries, competing in 21 categories encompassing a wide range of culinary expertise. With 700 entries, the event celebrated culinary excellence on a global scale.

This year, the competition introduced a new plant-based theme, reflecting the growing popularity of sustainable and plant-centric cuisine in the industry.

A distinguished panel of over 40 experts, approved by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), served as the judges, meticulously evaluating the participants’ skills, techniques, and presentation.

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 will return to IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok from 28 May to 1 June 2024, celebrating its 20th edition.

THAIFEX – HOREC Asia will debut at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok from 6-8 March 2024.

Unveiling the Regal splendor of Indian Art and Heritage with Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil

Healthkart Selected As Field Global Immersion Project Partner For Harvard Business School

New Delhi, 1st June 2023: HealthKart recently had the opportunity to host a team of students from Harvard Business School in Gurgaon for one week as part of a required course called the FIELD Global Immersion. HealthKart was one of 171 FIELD Global Immersion Project Partners spanning 15 cities across 15 countries. Together these Partners combined to host more than 1,000 Harvard Business School students in all.

“We are pleased to be working with Harvard Business School to provide students with a real-world learning experience in Gurgaon, India said Sameer Maheshwari, CEO, HealthKart “We feel certain that the students were able to gather insights here that they would never be able to glean from a classroom discussion alone.”

The FIELD Global Immersion is a course designed to strengthen and develop students’ ability to manage and operate effectively in a variety of business contexts. HealthKart’s executives had been working with the team remotely in the months leading up to their arrival. While there, the students pitched their ideas to the leadership team, conducted field research with consumers around Gurgaon, and presented their final recommendations to management. The purpose of this immersive experience is to provide students with the opportunity to ’learn by doing through the challenge of introducing a new product, service, or customer experience for their Partner company. This requires students to also focus on building contextual intelligence and team effectiveness skills while delivering value in an unfamiliar context.

Harvard is quick to acknowledge that this important learning experience would not be possible without the Project Partners.

“We are extremely grateful to HealthKart and all the FIELD Global Immersion Project Partners organizations for all they do on behalf of our students,” said Professor Len Schlesinger, Baker Foundation Professor, Chair of Practice Faculty, and Faculty Chair for the FIELD Global Immersion. “The students benefit immeasurably from this experience and we hope the partner organizations do as well.”

5 must-visit luxury farm stays in Rajasthan: Where Nature Meets Opulence

Rajasthan, the land of majestic forts and royal heritage, is not only known for its rich history and vibrant culture but also for its luxurious farm stays that offer a perfect blend of nature and opulence. However, In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, there lies a tranquil haven where nature seamlessly merges with opulence – the luxury farm stays of Rajasthan. Surrounded by lush landscapes, guests can enjoy a serene ambiance, breathe in fresh air, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. Staying at a luxury farm provides an opportunity to experience the authentic rural lifestyle of Rajasthan. Guests can witness traditional practices, interact with local communities, and engage in cultural activities, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage.

Opting for a luxury farm stay in Rajasthan offers countless benefits, including the opportunity to immerse in nature’s beauty, experience authentic rural culture, and enjoy luxurious accommodations and a range of recreational activities. A stay at luxury farms in Rajasthan provides a tranquil retreat where guests can relax, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories with the finest comfort and hospitality.

We have compiled a list of 5 must visit luxury farm stays in Jaipur: Where Nature Meets Opulence :

The Bagheera

The Bagheera – A Boutique Luxury Farmstay is located in the tree-lined street of Jagatpura, it is a timeless beauty. A 5-bedroom luxury heritage haveli, built in the 1900s as a stud farm with a private lawn and a beautiful tree house. People can experience nearby Village jeep safari, Nahargarh Sanctuary jeep safari, visit City Palace, visit Jantar Mantar, Hot air balloon ride, and many more. Spread on 1.5 acres of land with 4 suite rooms, a swimming pool, stables, a paddock, an outdoor fireplace and beautiful gardens, flora and fauna beautifully laid out It has professional chefs who can prepare your meals and snacks as per your taste & preference. It is approximately 15-20 minutes away from both the airport and the railway station.

Amanbagh

With its ancient forts and tiger-inhabited wilds, Rajasthan is renowned for its beauty, nowhere more concentrated than in the Aravalli Hills in the garden oasis that is Amanbagh. Once the staging area for royal tiger hunts, today the rose-hued cupolas and vaulted entrances of the resort’s Mughal-inspired structures soar from the greenery – utterly peaceful and consummately private. The resort echoes the region’s Mughal architecture and provides the opportunity to witness first hand the traditions and culture of rural India. Amanbagh sits in isolation amidst the arid Aravalli Hills near Alwar in northern India. The region is rich in early Hindu history, dating to the dawn of Hindu civilization; awash with legend, the epic Mahabharata tells of the five Pandavas brothers who spent their last years in exile within a few miles of the resort, over two millennia ago.

RAAS Jodhpur

RAAS is Jodhpur’s first boutique hotel with a signature look born from a fusion of modern and ancient styles. The courtyard is a tranquil haven within the hustle and bustle of Jodhpur’s old town. With a stunning entrance, flanked by a magnificent pool, the hotel comprises four original buildings with three additional contemporary structures. Inspired by the Walled City, the new buildings feature a modern approach to the use of space and light yet each is grounded in tradition. Intricate architectural carvings adorn the structure in the iconic style of 18th-century havelis.

Shahpura

Shahpura is perfect for every itinerary that celebrates slow travel. The restored erstwhile royal home makes for an ideal setting to hit the brakes on a Rajasthan itinerary, and gives travellers time to live in the countryside with premium comforts. Easy access to Udaipur, Ranthambore and Jodhpur makes this a great stop to see authentic Rajasthan in the rural countryside. The entire estate was granted by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to Rajadhiraj Sujjan Singh in 1630 AD for successful military campaigns against the Marathas and Afghans.

The Royal Retreat

The Royal Retreat Resort & Spa (A five Star facility Resort) is situated in the heart of the city Udaipur. The resort is located near the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace on Badi Hawala Road. The Resort is a living personification of Royal Rajasthan and has stood on the ranges of Aravali. The Royal Retreat Resort and Spa is spread over acres of natural surroundings and offers more than 100 well-appointed rooms, soberly but elegantly decorated with rare artefacts from the owner’s personal collection and connected through walkways around the swimming pools.

NueGo receives prestigious ‘Asia Book of Records’ and ‘India Book of Records’ citations

New Delhi; June 01, 2023: NueGo, India’s leading premium electric bus brand by Greenwell Mobility, today was honored with the prestigious Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records certifications and citations for the successful launch of First Ever All-Woman Electric Intercity Bus. The adjudicators of the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records presented and handed over the citations and medals to Mr. Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD, of Greenwell Mobility. This attempt is all about the first electric intercity bus driven and taken care of by an all-woman staff. The attempt falls under the ‘Human Story’ category of the Asia Book of Records.

NueGo took a step towards bringing electric vehicles and women’s empowerment together by doing the world’s first-ever all-woman electric intercity bus ride between Delhi and Agra on 16th May 2023. The bus was driven by a woman coach captain, hosted by a woman coach host, and carried only women passengers. This revolutionary journey was flagged off by Mr. Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD of GreenCell Mobility, with an aim to break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of women.

The launch of the first-ever all-women electric intercity bus by NueGo marks a significant milestone in the mass mobility sector. This pioneering initiative aims to empower women and foster gender equality, while also providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for female passengers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD, of Greenwell Mobility said, “We are immensely proud to have received this recognition from the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records for our all-women intercity bus initiative. This achievement reinforces our mission to create a more inclusive and sustainable transportation ecosystem. At NueGo, we believe that innovation and gender equality go hand in hand, and we are committed to driving positive change through in the mass mobility ecosystem.”

NueGo is a game-changer in the Indian travel industry, providing a new and safe way to travel with its premium electric AC coach service. With its focus on safety, comfort, and eco-friendliness, the brand aims to provide passengers with an unparalleled travel experience. Being a customer-centric brand, NueGo buses go through 25 stringent safety checks including mechanical and electrical inspections. These electric buses can run up to 250 kilometers on a single charge, with the air conditioners on, in traffic conditions. NueGo buses are fitted with innovative technology and offer end-to-end convenience for inter-city travelers with a focus on Safety, Punctuality, and seamless customer experience.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts opens The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Alwar-Sariska

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest property, The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Alwar-Sariska. Located in the heart of Alwar, Rajasthan, the hotel promises to offer guests a unique and sustainable hospitality experience. This is the company’s 11^th operational hotel in Rajasthan, with the other hotels present in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), and Ajmer.

“We are thrilled to open our newest property in Alwar, Rajasthan,” said Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts. “At The Fern, we are committed to sustainability and environmental conservation and are delighted to bring this ethos to Alwar with our new hotel. Our guests can enjoy a unique and sustainable hospitality experience while contributing to the preservation of the environment.”

Mr Mohit Sharad, Associate Vice President-Sales & Marketing (North & East India) added, “We are confident that The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Alwar-Sariska, will be a popular choice for guests seeking to host luxurious destination weddings, corporate offsites, and other events in the area, and we promise them exceptional services and memorable experiences.”

Speaking on the Launch Mr. Dinesh Chand Sharma, Managing Director & Mr. Dikshant Sharma, Director, The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Alwar-Sariska added “We are thrilled to be associated with The Fern Hotels and Resorts. We are confident that our hotel will surely be appealing to the guests looking for a unique and relaxing stay. We are looking forward to this incredible journey.”

The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Alwar-Sariska, is located in the charming and historic city of Alwar in Rajasthan. Offering 57 luxuriously appointed rooms featuring all modern amenities, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers. The hotel also offers a range of dining options, including a multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar, serving an array of delicacies and beverages. The hotel’s banquet hall and conference room can accommodate up to 1000 people and its lawns can accommodate up to 4000 guests, making it an ideal choice for weddings, conference meetings, and events. Guests can indulge in various leisure activities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. The hotel’s prime location also allows guests to explore nearby attractions, including the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the Bala Quila Fort, and the Alwar City Palace.

LOCATION: The hotel is 163 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, 157 km from Jaipur International Airport, 15 km from Alwar Railway Station, 15 km from Alwar Bus Stand and 31 km from Sariska National Park.

ADDRESS: SH-25, Near HP Petrol Pump, Alwar Malakheda Road, Village-Dadar, P.O.-Burja, Dist. Alwar 301 001, Rajasthan, India.

T: +91 79763 34486  |  E: res.tf.alwar@fernhotels.com  |   W: www.fernhotels.com

The Fern Hotels & Resorts is India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain and amongst the fastest growing hotel brands in India, with over 90 hotels & resorts currently operational under management or opening shortly across 75 locations in India and internationally under The Fern, The Fern Residency, The Fern Habitat, Zinc Journey by The Fern and Beacon Hotels brands. The company is a part of CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global, a multi-dimensional Nepalese conglomerate.

Hitachi Payments launches its Digital Payments Innovation Hub in partnership with Plug and Play

Mumbai, June 1, 2023: Hitachi Payment Services, a leading integrated payment solutions provider in India, today announced the launch of its Digital Payments Innovation Hub to collaborate with fintech start-ups across India and extended the Asia Pacific region to propel digital payment innovation.

With this launch, the Hitachi Group has extended its association with Plug and Play in Asia Pacific. Plug and Play already has an existing association with Hitachi groups in Japan and the United States.

This partnership’s primary objective is to bring innovative products and platforms into the Hitachi Payments ecosystem. It seeks to provide start-ups the capital, integration with the Hitachi Payments’ stack, and access to an extensive customer network and platform to launch and scale up. Additionally, it will endeavor to expand the impact of these solutions beyond India, accelerating the growth and innovation of the global fintech industry.

Hitachi Payments has been at the forefront of the digital payment revolution in India, bringing innovative solutions that have furthered merchant acceptance, as well as enabled accessibility of digital payments for the masses.

Anuj Khosla, Chief Executive Officer – Digital Business, at Hitachi Payment Services, said, “Hitachi Payments is committed to innovating and introducing new technologies to enhance the overall merchant and customer digital payments journey. The Digital Payments Innovation Hub will help in building future-ready offerings in the digital payments arena. The collaboration aims at investing in, co-creating, and deploying cutting-edge digital payment and fintech solutions that cater to the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. It is an exciting time for the Indian fintech ecosystem, and we look forward to working closely with Plug and Play and start-ups to drive growth and innovation in the payments industry.”

Jupe Tan, Managing Partner of Plug and Play APAC, said, “We are delighted to be working with Hitachi Payments and to be able to deepen our relationship with the overall Hitachi group. Our goal is to provide Hitachi Payments with a line-of-sight into the most innovative start-ups that are shaping the financial services industry across India and the Asia Pacific.”

Hitachi Payments is a pioneer in the payment industry in India, offering a comprehensive range of end-to-end payment solutions including ATM Services, Cash Recycling Machines, White Label ATMs, POS Solutions, Toll & Transit Solutions, Payment Gateway Solutions, and innovative offerings such as SoftPOS, POS Value Added Services, and Digital Merchant Onboarding. The company is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving financial inclusion across India.

DBS Bank India launches its first, invite-only credit card for premium consumers

Mumbai, 1st June 2023: DBS Bank India, a leading financial institution awarded the world’s best digital bank* announced the launch of the highly anticipated DBS Vantage card, an invite–only, super premium credit card that sets new standards for exclusivity and personalized experiences. This card will initially be offered to a select invitee list and provides benefits that include a host of luxury and lifestyle rewards. The “DBS Vantage Card” is the first of several meticulously designed credit cards from DBS Bank India’s proprietary card portfolio, to be launched later this year.

The metal card comes with highly sought-after privileges including travel, fine dining, and complimentary sessions at prestigious golf courses. Cardholders will receive benefits such as luxury hotel memberships through either Taj Epicure, ITC Culinaire or Club Marriott. For the discerning global traveller, the card offers low fees on international transactions and unlimited airport lounge access with a 24-hour Visa concierge service. Eligibility for the “DBS Vantage Card” is based on the applicant’s existing liability relationship with the Bank and credit history.

The DBS Vantage Card has made the most of the Bank’s strong ties to Singapore to develop a world-class proposition for travellers. The path-breaking offering includes benefits such as 0% markup on spends in Singapore (1.75% on spends in other international markets) and exclusive discounts for shoppers at select merchants in Singapore. Cardholders can also enjoy a 24-hour dedicated concierge service for travel, lifestyle, medical, and auto-related assistance, as well as one of the most unique duty-free offerings with 10% cashback (up to ₹1,500 per month).

Prashant Joshi, Managing Director & Head – Consumer Banking Group, DBS Bank India, said, “The launch of the DBS Vantage Card is a big step for the bank in India as we continue to reimagine the customer experience while bolstering our portfolio of retail offerings. As the demand for premium credit cards grows in the country, we believe that the DBS Vantage card will become one of the most sought-after of our proprietary cards and become a key enabler for our customers to ‘Live more, Bank Less.”

Sajish Pillai, Managing Director, Head of Assets and Strategic Alliances at DBS Bank India, said, “We are confident that the distinctive DBS Vantage Card will delight our HNI customers in India. The thoughtfully designed card offers a range of privileges from complimentary membership to luxurious hotels, to a bespoke rewards program and unmatched global travel benefits. DBS Bank has always been known for its innovative and pioneering suite of banking services and this differentiated card offering is a cut above the rest. It will further strengthen our capabilities to provide affluent consumers with the ultimate banking experience, where they can enjoy convenience, choice, and unrivaled access to exclusive offerings.”

Sujai Raina, Vice President, and Head – Business Development, India, Visa said, “High-net worth consumers seek benefits from credit cards that go beyond features; they look for exclusive access and invaluable experiences. We are thus delighted to take our strong credit card partnership with DBS Bank further, with the DBS Vantage Card, powered by Visa. Packed with rewards and distinctive experiential benefits across dining, travel, hospitality, and luxury and the promise of safety and security provided by Visa, the card is perfectly suited to the needs of the affluent consumer.”

With the DBS Vantage Card, customers get special access to dining and stay experiences at 5-star hotels. They will also receive a welcome bonus of 10,000 Vantage Points (worth INR 10,000) with their first transaction. While this is an invite–only card, customers can check their eligibility on the DBS India website or reach out to the bank’s relationship managers for more details. In addition to the welcome bonus, DBS Vantage Card provides extra rewards based on spending thresholds. Cardholders can earn an additional 10,000 bonus points on spends of INR 5,00,000 or 5,000 bonus points on spends of INR 3,00,000 in a calendar quarter.

The card offers signature golfing experiences with four complimentary sessions per calendar year. DBS Vantage cardholders will earn 8 Vantage Points on every INR 200 spent internationally and 4 reward points on every INR 200 spent domestically. The DBS Vantage Card has an annual fee of INR 50,000. However, for DBS Bank’s Treasures Elite segment of customers, it comes at a price of INR 10,000 and for the Treasures segment, it is priced at INR 20,000. Further, this fee can be waived on spends of INR 10,00,000 and above in the preceding year, providing significant savings for the cardholders.

DBS Bank India has witnessed steady growth for its co-branded card with Bajaj Finserv, launched last year. As of April 2023, the Bank has onboarded more than 229,000 card accounts and have been adding 30,000+ cards on a monthly basis, targeting to reach at least 500,000 card users this year.