Revisiting an industry after a decade and discovering how much has changed.

Published: July 3, 2026

The Journey Begins

Today was one of those rare days that leave you physically exhausted but mentally energized. I woke up at 5 AM, caught the Coimbatore bus at 7 AM, and reached Lakshmi Mills around noon. After meeting a friend at Starbucks and grabbing lunch at Lulu Mall, we headed to CODISSIA for the Bakers Expo.

My objective was simple: understand the latest trends in equipment, ingredients, food technology, and franchise opportunities.

A Decade of Change

As someone who entered the coffee shop business in 2016, this visit felt like reconnecting with an industry I hadn’t closely observed for nearly a decade.

What surprised me most was how much the industry has evolved. Back then, equipment options were limited, automation was expensive, and food technology was still in its early stages. Today, automation is everywhere. Machines are smarter, processes are more standardized, and even small operators can access technologies that were once available only to large chains.

The ingredient ecosystem has matured significantly as well. From beverage solutions and ready mixes to specialized food-processing innovations, the industry has become far more sophisticated and accessible.

Beyond the Expo

One thing I particularly enjoyed was using the city bus for local travel instead of relying on cabs. It offered a different perspective of the city and reminded me that some of the best observations happen outside conference halls and exhibition booths.

Final Thoughts

Days like this remind me of one of the advantages of living in South India. Whether it’s a business event, supplier visit, customer meeting, or industry exhibition, most destinations across Tamil Nadu and Kerala are just a few hours away, making learning and networking remarkably accessible.

The biggest takeaway from today wasn’t a specific machine, ingredient, or franchise opportunity. It was a reminder that industries evolve faster than we think. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping out for a day to realize how much the world has moved forward while you’ve been busy building your own business.

The Lost Luxury of “We Time”

Sometimes the Best Journeys Aren’t About the Destination

Today started as a simple road trip.

My wife and I drove from Madurai to Devakottai to attend one of her colleague’s weddings. It was a two-hour drive each way, making it nearly four hours on the road together. On the way back, we stopped at a peaceful Shiva temple and spent some quiet moments there.

What seemed like an ordinary day unexpectedly became one of the most memorable days we’ve had in a long time.

The Lost Luxury Called “We Time”

Somewhere between raising children, running a business, managing responsibilities, paying bills, meeting deadlines, and navigating life’s endless priorities, we had unknowingly stopped spending time as just “us.”

Not as parents. Not as problem-solvers. Not as caretakers. Just as husband and wife.

As the kilometers passed by, conversations began to flow naturally. We spoke about our first meeting, our early days together, the dreams we once had, the struggles we overcame, the victories we celebrated, and the many twists and turns life had taken us through.

There was no agenda. No interruptions. No notifications. No urgency. Just two people sharing space, memories, and thoughts.

A Reminder Hidden in an Ordinary Day

Children are an inseparable part of our lives. They are our greatest joy and our most important responsibility.

But today reminded me of something equally important.

Before we became parents, we were partners. Before we became responsible for everyone else, we were responsible for nurturing our relationship.

Life has a way of quietly shifting priorities. Sometimes we don’t even notice when months—or years—pass without truly sitting down and talking from the heart.

Today was a gentle reminder that relationships don’t just survive on responsibility. They thrive on connection.

The Temple, The Silence, and The Peace

The visit to the Shiva temple felt almost symbolic.

After hours of conversation, reflection, laughter, and shared memories, the peaceful atmosphere gave us a moment to simply pause and absorb the day.

There was a lightness in both of us.

No major problems had been solved. No life-changing decisions had been made. Yet something felt different. We felt connected again.

Holding On to This Memory

The day passed quickly. Far quicker than either of us wanted.

I don’t know when we’ll get another uninterrupted day like this. Life will probably return to its usual pace tomorrow. The children, work, responsibilities, and commitments will once again demand our attention.

But until we get our next “we time,” this day will stay with us.

Sometimes the most valuable gift we can give each other isn’t money, success, or grand gestures. It’s simply our time, our attention, and an honest conversation.