Tag: branding

Events in Goa

ASTURI 2026 Celebrates Women Entrepreneurship at GCCI Women’s Wing’s Flagship Lifestyle Exhibition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The GCCI Women’s Wing successfully organised the 12th Edition of ASTURI 2026, its flagship lifestyle exhibition dedicated to promoting women-led enterprises and fostering inclusive economic growth. The event reaffirmed the Wing’s long-standing commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them a vibrant platform to showcase their products, creativity and innovation.

ASTURI 2026 was inaugurated by noted film actress Ms. Varsha Usgaonkar, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Shri M. K. Meena, Director MSME (Ministry of Goa); Shri Premraj Shirodkar, Director – Rural Development, GSRLM; Ms. Pratima Dhond, President – GCCI; Mr. Sangam Kurade, Vice President – GCCI; Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General – GCCI; and Ms. Pallavi Salgaocar, Mentor, GCCI Women’s Wing.

Welcoming the gathering, Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, highlighted the importance of ASTURI as a platform that enables women entrepreneurs to gain visibility, build networks and grow their enterprises. The exhibition was held under the leadership of Ms. Gouri Joshi, Event Chair – ASTURI 2026, with guidance from Mentor Mrs. Pallavi Salgaocar. The event coordination was efficiently handled by Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI, while Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson, GCCI Women’s Wing, proposed the vote of thanks.

ASTURI 2026 featured 100 stalls showcasing a wide range of offerings including food products, household items, clothing and wellness solutions, drawing enthusiastic participation and appreciation from visitors. Adding to the festive spirit, several competitions were organised for children and adults, including drawing, fancy dress, healthy dessert and duet antakshari competitions, making the exhibition engaging and family-friendly.

A major highlight of the event was the Asturi Queen Competition, held among women entrepreneurs to celebrate confidence, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Ms. Suvarna Salgaonkar was crowned Asturi Queen, while Ms. Daniella Vaz emerged as the Runner-up.

The exhibition concluded with a grand closing ceremony graced by Ms. Deepali Naik, Project Director, DRDA South Goa, as the Chief Guest. Overall, ASTURI 2026 stood out as a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurship, empowerment and the dynamic spirit of women-led businesses.

Business

Bhumi & Samiksha Pednekar Launch Premium Water Brand ‘Backbay’

Tanisha Cardozo

In a powerful blend of family values, environmental consciousness, and entrepreneurial ambition, Bhumi Pednekar, the acclaimed Bollywood actress, and her sister Samiksha Pednekar, a lawyer and business strategist, have launched Backbay, a premium Himalayan water brand poised to make waves in the Indian beverage industry.

Backbay isn’t just a business—it’s a legacy-in-progress. After two years of planning, the sisters have established a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Himachal Pradesh, directly sourcing natural mineral water from the Himalayan region. With a daily capacity of 45,000 boxes, the facility is powered by a largely women-led workforce, further underlining the sisters’ commitment to empowerment and equity.

Backbay’s initial offerings include 500 ml and 750 ml water bottles, priced at ₹150 and ₹200 respectively. The pricing positions it between high-end luxury bottled water (₹600) and premium plastic bottles (₹90), making Backbay a “premium yet accessible” choice for conscious consumers.

What sets Backbay apart is its Gable Top Paper packaging, a packaging style common globally but rare in India. Combined with bio caps, this eco-forward approach reflects the brand’s mission to minimize environmental impact. Bhumi proudly states that Backbay is the only Indian brand currently using this packaging model.

Backbay isn’t stopping at plain mineral water. Samiksha revealed that they are already developing flavored sparkling water in exciting variants like lychee, peach, and lime—targeting health-conscious and lifestyle-driven consumers.

With a vision of reaching ₹100 crore in revenue in four years, the Pednekars are serious about scaling their brand while staying true to their roots.

The launch of Backbay comes just ahead of Raksha Bandhan, a festival that holds deep personal meaning for the sisters. Bhumi shared touching memories of tying rakhis every year and how their late father’s absence only strengthened their bond.

Samiksha recalled how Bhumi shielded her emotionally during the most difficult times, becoming a pillar of strength. “She’s my strongest protector,” Samiksha said.

Their love is no longer just symbolic—it now powers a shared dream, a business, and a brand that’s set to redefine premium hydration in India.