Maiyas ready -to-eat meals in bowl for trains

Indian Railways approves Maiyas ready -to-eat meals in bowl for trains

Indian Railways has now approved Maiyas ready-to-eat food brands served in bowls on all express trains with pantry facility.

The company range approved for train service covers Curd Rice, Curd Vada, Sambar Idli, Sambar Vada, Bonda Soup, Masala Upma and Sooji Halwa.

Further, the company is also gearing up to introduce Rasmalai in a bowl format. It will not only provide consumers the convenience to comfortably consume this anywhere anytime but with a significant increase in shelf life. “Customarily, the shelf life of Rasmalai is only for a couple of hours. But our research team has developed a unique method to preserve this for 12 months,” Rakesh Somayya, head, marketing and international sales, Maiyas Beverages & Foods, told FnB News.

“This is in a major effort by the Indian Railways to improve the quality and hygiene and provide variety to the passengers in on-board catering services. Our full packed meals of convenience sans preservatives and additives,” he added.

“This is an age of convenience food which is prepared to optimise ease of consumption. Such food is usually ready-to-eat without further preparation. It may also be easily portable, have a long shelf life,” said Somayya.

The company led by Dr Sadananda Maiya is well known in the Indian ready-to-eat food category. Several innovative products have come out from the company after intensive research and access to world-class technology.

Although the company makes available its range of rice and curry preparations in retort packs, it was difficult for consumers to carry while travelling. Now with its presentation in bowls, the concept of ready-to-eat has transformed travel food for consumers. It influenced what people wanted to eat at home or away from home. But most of the time people found it difficult because they were strapped for time. This is where these ready meals are seen to be an ideal alternative. These are complete meals in itself, according to Somayya.

“The initial plan was started for supplying in Indian Railways, after successful listing with Indian Railways now we are ready to launch in regular market. And we have already got huge demand for Curd Rice, Curd Vada and Rasmalai. As these products do not required to heat or warm again can be consumed as it is, and are available at reasonable price.”

“Increasing awareness of healthy eating continued in India, with people becoming more concerned about calories, additives and nutritional issues. It prompted the emergence of these products and ranges. People were willing to pay more for quality, tasty and hygienic food. We received an identical feedback from railway passengers, which led to present our offering,” said Somayya.

Source: FnB