Pune, Apr 16 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said food is a significant instrument of soft power and lauded Pune-based Chitale Bandhu for taking the traditional taste of the state to the global stage.
Speaking after inaugurating the 'Chitale Bandhu Vision Park' here, Fadnavis said the brand, built over generations, now exports its products to 35 countries and is steadily evolving into a global name.
"Food is a significant medium of soft power, and every region of India has a rich culinary tradition. Chitale Bandhu has successfully taken Maharashtra's traditional flavours to the world while maintaining a strong focus on purity and cleanliness," he said.
The chief minister said four generations of the Chitale family have not only sustained the business but also expanded it consistently.
"Today, they are moving forward with confidence to establish themselves as a global brand," he added.
Fadnavis also praised the company's initiative to create a viewing gallery at the facility, saying it reflects transparency and offers students, distributors and visitors an opportunity to understand the production process.
It is also commendable that the factory is making use of renewable energy, setting an example for sustainable industrial practices, he said.
The government is committed to supporting such food industries so they can expand further and take the taste of Maharashtra across the world, the CM added.
State minister Chandrakant Patil, MLAs Bhimrao Tapkir and Siddharth Shirole, and Indraneel Chitale, managing partner of the firm, were among those present on the occasion.