New Delhi, August 7^th, , 2023: The tide has now turned. The forgotten grain is back. The search for nutritious food grains which are planet friendly as well as climate resilient has put the spotlight on an ancient Indian superfood ‘millets’.  Contributing towards growing their preference and popularity not only in India but also internationally, the ITC Hotel Group, known for its superior culinary excellence, and sustainability ethos has taken the initiative to launch an extensive range of Millet based breads across ITC Hotels and select Marriott International hotels in India and the APAC region that includes countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Indonesia. The initiative aspires to make a meaningful contribution to Government of India’s pioneering role in promoting the goodness of millets across the world by commemorating2023 as the International Year of Millets along with the United Nations.

As part of this initiative, Chefs at ITC Hotels have extensively researched and curated a millet-based breads menu.  Millets are nutritionally dense, with higher levels of protein and dietary fibre and a possible answer to the 21st century lifestyle conditions. These millet breads are gluten-free and have a low-glycaemic index. Sorghum Sundried tomato sourdough bread, Foxtail millet and Carrot bread, Multi millet and Turmeric loaf and Pearl millet focaccia are some of the breads in this menu that will be available in all their wholesome goodness. Additionally, interesting millet recipes from the ITC Hotels will feature as part of the buffet spreads across the Marriott International hotels as well, some signature favourites to watch out for would be Finger Millet & Jaggery Pancake, Ragi Flour Khandvi, Jackfruit Millet Haleem, Pearl Millet Risotto with Prawns & Pickled Tomato and the Chicken & Pearl millet Kebabs.

With Government of India spearheading the mission to revitalisemillets or Shree Anna, there has been a widespread revaluation of these small grains and their relevance. Various scientific research emphasises the importance of millets as a winning proposition both in terms of food security and fulfilling nutritional goals. ITC Hotels, as a part of its core Responsible Luxury ethos, continues to build a model that has food offerings that are healthy and sustainable. This joint initiative between ITC Hotels and Marriott International aims to create and promote dining experiences centred around millets, to further popularize the benefits of this forgotten grain across the world; thereby supporting and furthering the Government of India’s mission.

 “ITC Hotels have had a history of offering millets as part of their menu across properties in India and bringing the forgotten grains back on the plate. Our chefs have created exquisite millet-based recipes for various cuisines. We shall continue to promote the same in India and are delighted to share our knowledge of this ‘millet repertoire’ with Marriott for international markets. This underscores ITC Hotels’ commitment to popularize millets in support of 2023 being declared as the United Nations International Year of Millets on the behest of Government of India “

Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels

“This is a great collaboration between Marriott International and ITC Hotels to support the Year of the Millet. Hotels in India have for long featured millets in their menus across various properties and local infusions. We are delighted to take this a step further and showcase these recipes at our international properties as well. The significance of Millets in today’s global scenario cannot be emphasised enough. Through this partnership, we hope to increase public awareness on the health benefits of millets and their suitability for cultivation under challenging conditions caused by climatic change.”

Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International 

This initiative shall popularize exciting millet-based Indian and international recipes, specially created by world-renowned ITC culinary masters, providing a unique blend of taste and nutrition. Millets are not just a superfood. They are now seen by the scientific community as ‘foods of the future’. What is most exciting about the new research of millets is that the humble grain, emerged as the answer to modern food security and a sustainable food option.

Earlier this year, ITC launched its ‘Mission Millets’ initiative to bring millets to the mainstream. ITC’s Agri division has actively educated and empowered farmers to enhance millet farming along with its Hotels and Foods divisions enabling consumers to adopt millets as part of everyday diet.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,500 properties under 31 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About ITC’s Hotel Group: www.itchotels.in

With the enduring Namaste as the symbol of its brand experience, ITC’s Hotel Group is one of India’s leading luxury hotel chains offering comprehensive hospitality solutions through more than 120 hotels with over 11000 keys across 80 destinations in the country. Embodying ‘Responsible Luxury’ as its guiding premise, ITC’s Hotel Group integrates India’s fine tradition of hospitality with globally benchmarked services to reflect the culture and ethos of each destination, through a collection of hotels. Staying ahead of the sustainability curve, ITC Hotels became the largest chain in the world to have 22 LEED Platinum certified hotels. The first 12 hotels in the world to receive LEED Zero Carbon Certification and the first 2 hotels to be LEED Zero Water Certified are ITC Hotels. ITC’s Hotel Group operates under six distinct brands; ‘ITC Hotel’ at the Luxury end, ‘Welcomhotel’ in the upper upscale space, ‘Fortune’ in the mid-market to upscale segment and ‘WelcomHeritage’ in the heritage leisure segment. Brand Mementos in the Luxury segment and brand Storii in the premium segment are the latest addition to the ITC Hotels portfolio.

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