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Start your morning on a high note with these 10 scrumptious and nutrient-packed breakfast sandwich ideas

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Breakfast Sandwich Ideas

Sandwiches for breakfast are amongst the most nutritious and healthiest options to try. There is no rule for making sandwiches. You can make them as per your preferences and conveniences. You can also make sandwiches at lunch and dinner. But healthy sandwiches for breakfast keep you full and energetic for a very long period and give you all the nutrients your immune system needs. 

Even kids love having sandwiches for breakfast. You can have most of the sandwiches with ketchup, soup or some homemade chutney. If you are looking to shed some kilos, you can make yours with low calorie and high protein.

Here are the healthiest sandwich options that you must try for breakfast soon. They are easy to make and are both healthy and tasty. 

  1. Potato Sandwich:

A potato sandwich is a very easy recipe that you can make any time at home. Take some boiled potatoes, spices, and herbs to prepare this sandwich. First, mix the boiled potato with green chilli, ginger, chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala powder, some salt, and lemon juice to enhance the taste. You can also add some coriander leaves and some butter or oil to make it tastier. 

  1. Veggie Sandwich

A vegetable sandwich can be easily considered as one of the healthy sandwiches for breakfast that you can make at home in less than 10 minutes. Take all the veggies available at home, starting from carrot, beans, potato, onion, corn, capsicum, etc. You can have this sandwich for breakfast or prepare it to have it later in the evening as a snack as well.

Vegetables are rich in vitamins, protein, fibre, and other useful nutrients. Make this tasty and healthy sandwich for breakfast that will keep you full for a long time in the day.

  1. Paneer Sandwich

It is one of the tastiest breakfast options out there that you can make in less than 10 minutes at home. Most kids also love this sandwich for breakfast. Take some crumbled homemade paneer along with some fresh vegetables. Mix them in a bowl and prepare the sandwich for breakfast or lunch. You can have it either with some green chutney or tomato ketchup as per your taste.

  1. Egg Sandwich

The egg sandwich is a cult-favourite sandwich option that can be made in several ways. You can boil the eggs, crush them, and mix them with salt, garam masala powder, coriander powder and make the sandwich. You can also make an omelette and put it in between two bead pieces. 

Add some mayonnaise and some green vegetables to make it even tastier. You can either have it with ketchup or with a vegetable soup of your choice.

  1. Curd Sandwich

This one is also counted amongst the healthy breakfast sandwiches for weight loss. Take some thick curd or greek curd to make the filling of the sandwich. Add some vegetables like cabbage, carrot, capsicum, onion, green peas, and some boiled potatoes if you want. Mix them together and add some coriander leaves, chaat masala powder, green chilli, mint leaves, and serve for breakfast. You can either have the sandwich as it is or you can also grill it if you prefer.

  1. Chicken Sandwich

It is one of the tastiest sandwiches for breakfast you will come across if you prefer non-vegetarian food. Take some boiled or grilled chicken, add some herbs, garam masala powder, coriander powder, and salt to prepare it. It will take less than 10 minutes to saute the mixture. Have it with some mayonnaise, curd, or ketchup as per your preference. You can also mix the chicken with some soya chunks to make it even healthier.

  1. Mushroom Sandwich

It is one of the healthiest sandwiches for breakfast that you can try at home. It is a great vegan breakfast option. Rinse the mushrooms and chop them finely first. It will take around 3 minutes to saute them on a pan with some olive oil or butter. 

Add some garlic and onion for taste if you prefer. Add some vegetables that you like. Continue to saute the mixture till the water (the mushroom will leave a lot of water) evaporates. Add some crushed black pepper and oregano for taste. You can also add some chopped coriander or parsley leaves for garnishing purposes.

  1. Corn Cream Sandwich

Corn cream sandwich is a tasty and healthy breakfast option. Soften some cream cheese or take some non-sour curd to make the sandwich. Add some coriander leaves, mustard powder, pepper, and water to make the mixture. Add some frozen sweet corn and make the sandwich in less than 10 minutes.

  1. Avocado and Egg Sandwich  

 Mash half an avocado and spread it on a slice of whole grain bread. Top with a fried or scrambled egg, a slice of tomato, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Avocado provides healthy fats, while the egg offers protein to keep you full until lunchtime.

  1. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Spread natural peanut butter on a slice of whole grain bread. Slice half a banana and place on top of the peanut butter. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon. This sandwich is a great source of fiber and potassium from the banana, and the peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein.

Sandwiches for breakfast can be the healthiest and easiest option you will come across. Most kids love sandwiches and prefer them even over junk food. There are several ways to make a sandwich. Make sure you make your sandwiches as healthy as you can so that they do not disrupt your bowel movements and are helpful for your overall health. 

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Healthy eating made easy with Crèmeitalia’s Ricotta Cheese: Here’s why you should try it today

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Crèmeitalia's Ricotta Cheese

Are you a health enthusiast or probably someone who is on a diet but loves eating salad in general and is bored of eating those plain old grasses and leaves? 

Then one simple ingredient like cheese can help you spice up your salad and also provide you, your daily dose of proteins and good fats too! But are all cheeses healthy? 

Short Answer, no, however, when it comes to salads and health, some names like feta and ricotta always pop up! 

How is Ricotta Healthier than Other Cheese

Compared to other types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss cheese, ricotta cheese is lower in fat and calories. This is because it is made from whey protein, which contains less fat than other dairy products like milk or cream.

Ricotta cheese is also higher in protein than many other types of cheese, with approximately 14 grams of protein per 100 grams of ricotta cheese. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps to build and repair tissues in the body.

In addition to being lower in fat and higher in protein, ricotta cheese is a good source of several important nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus. These nutrients are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting other functions in the body.

It’s worth noting that some types of ricotta cheese may be higher in sodium, so it’s important to check the nutrition label and choose lower-sodium varieties when possible.

So, the real challenge is not compromising on health or taste; rather, just to choose a brand that you can trust that carter all the values you need and of course, is low in sodium! And one brand that we can vouch for is Crèmeitalia.

Crèmeitalia’s Ricotta Cheese

Made from high-quality milk that is carefully selected and processed to ensure the freshest and most delicious cheese possible. 

Crémeitalia’s ricotta is made using traditional Italian methods, and it is free from any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

What sets Crémitalia’s ricotta apart is its incredibly soft, creamy cheese that is made from whey protein, which is a byproduct of cheese production. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a grainy texture. 

Another reason why we put our faith in the brand is that it is FSSAI approved and promises to use only the premium quality ingredients for their cheese! 

Link to buy: Ricotta

Price: INR 240 

Qty: 200 gms

So why wait, when you can just take your health and taste buds to the next level and shove it in the mouth of those who told you that healthy food is not tasty! 

Recipes with Crèmeitalia’s Ricotta Cheese

Although, when it comes to Cremitalia’s ricotta cheese, the scope is endless, but here are some of the must try recipes for you to go with it! 

  1. Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, then fill each shell with a mixture of Crèmeitalia’s Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper. Top with tomato sauce and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
  1. Ricotta and Mushroom Pizza: Top a prepared pizza crust with Crèmeitalia’s Ricotta Cheese, sautéed mushrooms, shredded mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs. Bake until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  1. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, mix together Crèmeitalia’s Ricotta Cheese, eggs, milk, and lemon juice. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, and cook the batter on a griddle until golden brown and fluffy.
  1. Ricotta Cheesecake: Mix together Crèmeitalia’s Ricotta Cheese, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and pour the mixture into a prepared graham cracker crust. Bake until the cheesecake is set and golden brown, then chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

These are just a few recipe ideas to get you started! Crèmeitalia’s Ricotta Cheese can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. It pairs well with a range of flavors and ingredients, so feel free to get creative and experiment with your own recipes, so you can be as creative as you want as who made the rules anyway? 

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Craving snacks? Low sodium foods may be to blame

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Craving Snacks

Hunger is a complex biological phenomenon that is regulated by multiple factors, including hormones, brain signals, and nutrient levels. Sodium is one of the essential minerals that play a critical role in regulating hunger and thirst signals in the body. Many people believe that eating low sodium foods leads to increased hunger and cravings, but does this claim have any supporting scientific data? In this article, we will read about different reasons for hunger cravings and the role of low sodium foods in hunger cravings.

Relationship Between Low Sodium Foods and Hunger:

Sodium is a crucial mineral for the efficient operation of numerous physiological systems, including:

  • Blood pressure regulation 
  • Fluid balance
  • Nerve and muscle function

It is also involved in regulating the hunger and thirst signals in the body through its effects on the hypothalamus. It is a region of the brain that manages hunger. Sodium helps to regulate the secretion of hormones, such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which controls fluid balance and thirst signals, and aldosterone, which regulates blood pressure.

A diet low in sodium may lead to decreased levels of sodium in the bloodstream, which can trigger the hypothalamus to release hunger signals. This can result in increased hunger and cravings, particularly for high-sodium foods. Moreover, low sodium levels can cause fluid imbalances, which can lead to symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, and headaches. These symptoms can further contribute to increased hunger and cravings.

Yet, it is important to note that not all people experience increased hunger and cravings when they consume low sodium foods. Some people may even experience the opposite effect, with decreased hunger and cravings. This variability is likely due to individual differences in the regulation of hunger and thirst signals and the body’s response to low sodium levels.

It is also important to consider that low sodium diets may lead to decreased sodium salt cravings because of the reduction in the amount of low sodium salt in the diet rather than increased hunger and cravings. When people consume high-sodium foods, they may develop a preference for salty flavours and the reduction in salt intake can lead to decreased cravings for salt.

Additionally, it is important to consider the role of other nutrients in regulating hunger and cravings. A low sodium diet may also be low in other essential nutrients, such as:

  • Potassium
  • Magnesium 
  • Calcium 

Which can contribute to increased hunger and cravings. Furthermore, low sodium diets may contain fewer calorie-dense foods, which can lead to decreased energy intake and increased hunger. To seek treatment for chronic health conditions to manage cravings. One needs to stay hydrated and manage stress and emotions.

The relationship between low-sodium diets and hunger is complex and influenced by many factors. While low sodium levels can trigger hunger signals in some individuals, others may experience decreased hunger and cravings.

The effect of low sodium diets on hunger and cravings also depends on the overall nutrient composition of the diet and individual differences in the regulation of hunger and thirst signals. Maintaining a balanced diet that contains enough amounts of key elements, such as sodium, to support optimal health and regulate hunger and thirst signals.

If you’re thinking about following a low sodium diet, It is always recommended that you speak with a healthcare professional to ensure that you are getting enough of all essential nutrients. it should be done to prevent any potential health complications.

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Zomato’s share prices drop as ONDC threatens with cheaper food options

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zomato
Zomato (Representative Image)

Swiggy and Zomato are facing stiff competition from the Indian government’s ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), which allows restaurants to sell food directly to customers without relying on third-party platforms. This feature is proving to be highly beneficial for restaurants and is rapidly gaining popularity in the digital commerce landscape.

Screenshots comparing food prices on Zomato and ONDC have gone viral on social media. A plain Margherita pizza is available for INR 195 on Zomato, while it costs only INR 156 on ONDC, making it around 20 percent more affordable. Non-vegetarians will have to pay INR 280 for a McChicken Burger on Zomato, whereas the same burger costs only INR 109 on ONDC.

Read More: ONDC sparks price war, threatens Zomato and Swiggy dominance in food delivery space

According to analysts, Zomato’s shares have fallen by over 5 percent in response to the emergence of ONDC as a potential competitor to Zomato and Swiggy’s market share.

Zomato’s stock price on the NSE was recorded at INR 62.50 at 11 am, indicating a 3.7 percent decrease from the previous day’s closing price. Additionally, there was significant trading activity, with 46 million shares being traded.

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), which is supported by the government, aims to prevent the monopoly of a handful of large platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, and Zomato in the e-commerce and food delivery sectors.

The government aims to increase the e-commerce penetration rate to 25 percent within the next two years, by leveraging the ONDC network. The network is expected to connect 900 million buyers and 1.2 million sellers, and generate a gross merchandise value of $48 billion.

Read More: ONDC set to transform India’s digital consumption with potential five-fold increase by 2030

According to Karan Taurani from Elara Capital, Zomato’s ability to raise commission rates in the medium term might be hindered as more restaurants switch to ONDC. This is a key driver for Zomato’s profitability, and hence, could pose a challenge for them.

“ONDC augurs well for food as a product which has lower average order value versus e-commerce and white goods, where there are trust issues,” Taurani said.

While ONDC has the backing of the government, it may face an uphill battle in winning over customers. Reports have surfaced of customers experiencing issues such as stale food and extended delivery times, with some deliveries taking over 90 minutes.

Taurani has also mentioned that the possibility of Zomato or Swiggy losing market share to ONDC is still valid, as long as ONDC can improve its user experience over time.

“Currently, it is very poor”, he said.

Digant Haria from GreenEdge Wealth is of the opinion that the market is big enough to support multiple players, indicating that there is room for both existing players such as Zomato and Swiggy and newcomers like ONDC to coexist in the industry.

“It is too early to say whether ONDC is a threat as it is in the nascent stages of adoption,” he said.

Zomato and Swiggy have an advantage in terms of making restaurants more discoverable to potential customers. Small eateries can pay a commission to these food delivery platforms to improve their ranking and increase visibility to people in nearby areas.

“ONDC does not do this. So, only well-established players like Domino’s with its own strong delivery network can think of moving to ONDC. Small restaurants do not have the luxury,” Haria said.

As Zomato and Swiggy strive to achieve profitability, their competition with ONDC is expected to be a prolonged one. In the meantime, investors are keenly awaiting Zomato’s Q4 financial results, which are yet to be announced.

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Telangana to introduce auction system for liquor bars, eliminating license renewal

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bar
Under the current renewal system, bar owners are required to pay an annual fee of INR 41 lakh and an application fee of INR 2 lakh. (Representative Image)

To increase liquor sales in Telangana, the state government has lowered prices and is now considering a shift to an auction system for liquor bars. This would mean abandoning the current license renewal process and requiring bars to participate in an auction, similar to what is used for liquor shops. Sources with inside knowledge suggest that the state is preparing to issue directives on this change shortly. More than 1,400 bars in Telangana would be affected by this new policy.

Under the current renewal system, bar owners are required to pay an annual fee of INR 41 lakh and an application fee of INR 2 lakh. If these conditions are met, the license is automatically renewed.

At present, liquor shop auctions take place every two years. In Hyderabad, prime location liquor shops are required to pay a license fee of nearly INR 1 crore.

“This might be the case for bars too. And the license system may be in vogue for one or two years, but we can’t say how many bars will pay this kind of fee,” said industry sources.

“The new system will not prevent anyone from applying for licences and in fact, many will now be open to bidding, but there is concern about those who want to offer others for goodwill, but not get a good deal,” the sources said.

Hyderabad and Rangareddy are popular urban areas with high liquor sales, contributing significantly to the state’s revenue. Many bar owners have reportedly invested heavily in recent times to renovate and improve the interiors of their establishments. However, at that time, the state government did not suggest any increase in taxes based on turnover.

The Telangana government issued an order that permits certain shops and establishments to operate 24×7 by exempting them from Section 7 of the Telangana Shops and Establishments Act 1988. However, this exemption does not apply to bars and liquor stores. The order applies only to shops and establishments that fall under the definition of Section 2 (21) of the same Act. The government has made it clear that the April 4 order does not extend to liquor stores that come under the excise and prohibition department’s jurisdiction.

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How to optimize inventory management in your food businesses to increase profits?

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inventory management in your food businesses

As a food business owner, one of the most critical aspects of running a successful operation is efficient inventory management. Whether you own a small café or a large restaurant chain, optimizing your inventory management can help you save time, and money, and increase profits.

Inventory management is the process of overseeing and controlling the flow of goods and materials in a business to ensure that there is enough inventory to meet customer demand while minimizing costs and waste. This includes tracking inventory levels, monitoring sales and orders, and forecasting future demand to ensure that inventory levels are always optimized. 

In the food industry, inventory management is particularly important as perishable goods must be closely monitored and managed to ensure that they do not spoil or go to waste. Effective inventory management can help food businesses improve their bottom line by reducing costs, minimizing waste, and improving customer satisfaction.

Inventory management is crucial for the success of any food business. It ensures that the right amount of ingredients and supplies are available when needed, and helps prevent overstocking or stockouts. Proper inventory management allows food businesses to operate efficiently, reduce waste, and increase profitability.

The following are the importance of Inventory Management in food businesses:

1. Efficient operations: Optimizing inventory management ensures that the right amount of ingredients and supplies are available at the right time, eliminating the need for rush orders and last-minute shopping trips. This results in smoother operations, faster service, and increased productivity.

2. Waste reduction: Overstocking ingredients or supplies can lead to spoilage, waste, and increased food costs. On the other hand, running out of key ingredients can lead to delays, unhappy customers, and lost revenue. Proper inventory management helps minimize waste by ensuring that stock levels are appropriate and that ingredients are used before they expire.

3. Cost savings: By optimizing inventory levels, food businesses can reduce the amount of capital tied up in inventory and reduce the cost of carrying inventory. Additionally, accurate inventory data can help businesses negotiate better prices with suppliers and avoid last-minute purchases at higher prices.

4. Improved forecasting: Proper inventory management enables businesses to better predict demand and adjust their purchasing and production accordingly. This results in more accurate forecasting, reduced waste, and improved profitability.

5. Regulatory compliance: Food businesses are subject to strict regulations regarding the storage and handling of food items. Proper inventory management helps ensure that food items are stored appropriately and that they meet regulatory requirements.

Effective inventory management enables businesses to operate efficiently, reduce waste, and increase profitability. Optimizing inventory management is crucial for the success of food businesses.

Here are few ways to optimize inventory management for your food businesses, to maximize profits across your operations.

1. Reducing Food Waste

One of the most significant benefits of optimizing inventory management in food businesses is reducing food waste. When you don’t manage your inventory correctly, you risk over-ordering food supplies that may expire or spoil before you can use them. This results in unnecessary waste, which can have a significant impact on your bottom line. By optimizing your inventory management, you can accurately forecast demand, order the right amount of ingredients, and reduce waste.

2. Lowering Costs

Optimizing inventory management can also help lower costs. When you have excess inventory, it requires additional storage space, which can be expensive. Additionally, holding onto inventory for too long can result in spoilage or obsolescence, leading to wasted money and resources. By accurately managing your inventory, you can reduce the costs associated with excess inventory and wasted resources.

3. Improving Cash Flow

Inventory management is closely tied to cash flow. When you hold excess inventory, it ties up your cash flow and prevents you from investing in other areas of your business. By managing your inventory efficiently, you can free up your cash flow, which can be used to invest in other areas of your business, such as marketing, technology, and expansion.

4. Enhancing Customer Satisfaction

Optimizing inventory management can also enhance customer satisfaction. When you have the right ingredients and supplies on hand, you can quickly prepare orders, avoid stockouts, and ensure that customers receive their orders promptly. On the other hand, if you don’t have the right supplies, you risk delaying orders, disappointing customers, and damaging your reputation.

5. Increasing Productivity

Finally, optimizing inventory management can help increase productivity. When you have an organized system for managing inventory, you can quickly find the supplies you need, reduce the time it takes to prepare orders and avoid unnecessary downtime. This can help you serve more customers and increase profits.

Effective inventory management is a critical factor in the success of any food business. The ability to control inventory levels, minimize waste, and maximize profits are all key benefits that come with optimizing inventory management. By implementing a robust inventory management system and regularly analyzing and adjusting it, food businesses can ensure they are meeting their customers’ demands while also minimizing costs. With the rise of technology and data analytics, food businesses now have access to powerful tools to help them better manage their inventory and streamline their operations. Ultimately, optimizing inventory management is not just about reducing costs or maximizing profits, but also about ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty, which is essential for long-term success in the competitive food industry.

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Indian Restaurant Association takes on Zomato and Swiggy with launch of Waayu, a zero-commission food delivery app

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waayu
The brand has appointed actor and investor Suniel Shetty as its ambassador.

The Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association recently launched an app called ‘Waayu’ that aims to provide a commission-free platform for food delivery. The app allows hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses to place delivery orders without incurring any commission charges.

According to a statement released by the industry body on Monday, the platform will assist restaurants in setting more competitive prices for their menu. Over a thousand brands, such as Mahesh Lunch Home, Bhagat Tarachand, Banana Leaf, Shiv Sagar, Guru Kripa, Kirti Mahal, and Persian Darbar, have already joined the platform.

The brand has appointed actor and investor Suniel Shetty as its ambassador.

With Waayu, restaurants can receive their payment directly and immediately into their own bank accounts through various payment modes like Paytm, Google Pay, UPI, net banking, debit or credit cards, or cash on delivery. They can choose to deliver their orders through available options like Grab or Dunzo, or by using their own delivery staff.

In addition, the Waayu app will provide a SaaS platform that automates the order workflow, enabling restaurants to manage orders efficiently, according to the industry body. The app is developed by Anirudha Kotgire and Mandar Lande under the name Destek Horeca.

“We are working with a plan of onboarding over 10,000 restaurants in the next three months from Mumbai, Pune, and the suburbs. Our next step is to take WAAYU in both metro and non-metro cities across India. We aim to disrupt the online and dine-in food industry with deep technology to provide quality food from popular restaurants at affordable rates. Zero commission model has always been our unique selling proposition and we would continue to do so,” Lande said.

This initiative comes at a time when restaurants in various cities are expressing dissatisfaction with food delivery companies like Zomato and Swiggy, citing high commissions and delayed deliveries. Recently, some Mumbai-based eateries have reported that Zomato has reduced the delivery radius for online orders, possibly due to a shortage of delivery personnel.

In March, Zomato not only increased the commissions on food delivery orders but also urged restaurants to spend more by advertising on the platform and bearing the cost of cancellations.

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ADF Foods reports strong Q4 results with 72% increase in net profit to INR 20 Crore

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adf
ADF Foods provides frozen foods as well as ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook (RTC) products, such as sauces, pickles, edible pastes, and dips, across more than 50 markets.

ADF Foods Ltd, an FMCG company, announced on Monday that it had experienced a 72% increase in its standalone profit after tax for the March 2023 quarter, amounting to INR 20.30 crore, primarily due to increased revenues.

According to a statement released by the company, it had disclosed a profit after tax (PAT) of INR 11.80 crore for the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

ADF Foods Ltd witnessed a 19% growth in its revenue from operations, which climbed to INR 98.2 crore in the January-March FY22 period from INR 82.4 crore.

For the financial year ending March 31, 2023, the board has proposed a dividend of INR 5 per share.

ADF Foods provided a business update stating that its greenfield expansion plan to increase its frozen food capacity is anticipated to commence during the second quarter of FY24 and reach completion within a period of 12-18 months.

ADF Foods Chairman & Managing Director Bimal Thakkar said, “Our flagship brand Ashoka remains a top Indian food brand in stores across the US, UK and Asia Pacific, thanks to our dedication towards traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. Our planned expansion in Surat will unlock further frozen food production capacity”.

The company representative affirmed that they will maintain their focus on expanding their sales and distribution channels in India and abroad, with the aim of increasing their market penetration.

ADF Foods, headquartered in Mumbai, provides frozen foods as well as ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook (RTC) products, such as sauces, pickles, edible pastes, and dips, across more than 50 markets.

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Playboy Beer Garden continues expansion with new outlet in Gurgaon

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Playboy Beer Gardens
At present, the company runs five Playboy Beer Gardens in India, with one each located in Gurgaon, Ludhiana, Zirakpur, Dehradun, and Indore.

A new outlet of Playboy Beer Garden, the brewery chain owned by Playboy Venues India, has been launched in Gurgaon, according to a recent social media post by a company official. The outlet is situated in Unitech Commercial Tower 2, Sector 45, Gurgaon, Haryana and offers a spacious retail area spanning 5,000 sq ft.

“Successfully launched another Playboy beer garden venue in Gurgaon last weekend. Playboy Venues India by JJK&R entire team has done an amazing job. Also, continuous support from the PLBY Group, Inc. team. Interiors are tremendous. Visit us,” said Rohit Malhotra, Chief Executive Officer of Playboy Venues India by JJ K&R, wrote in a LinkedIn post where he also shared pictures of the store.

“The launch was very successful and smooth. Everyone enjoyed the music, drinks, and food and appreciated the interiors. A lot of influential people from Delhi and Gurgaon have joined us at the launch party,” said Malhotra.

“We have taken inspiration from the mid-century as well as very early-day Playboy Beer Gardens,” said Malhotra, speaking about the interiors of the new beer garden.

The beer garden concept was first introduced in Bavaria during the 19th century, where people could enjoy beer and food served on long tables and benches in both indoor and outdoor settings. Since then, the concept has become popular worldwide.

Playboy Beer Garden was established by PLBY Group, a California-based global media and lifestyle company that was founded as Playboy Enterprises by Hugh Hefner.

In 2016, the QSR chain launched its first brewery in Pune, India. Recently, in 2021, Jay Jay Quality Restaurants acquired the master franchise rights to launch a range of Playboy-branded establishments in the country, including clubs, cafes, lounges, beer gardens, signature events, and merchandise.

Continuing its expansion spree, the company recently opened its outlet in Dehradun. “Added a new location of Playboy Beer Garden in Dehradun. It’s the biggest and prettiest so far for us. An interior design masterpiece overlooking the Mussoorie mountains. A must-visit is the place to enjoy a drink with a view,” wrote Malhotra in a LinkedIn post.

The company inaugurated its first Playboy Club in India earlier this year, located at the Grand Hotel in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

At present, the company runs five Playboy Beer Gardens in India, with one each located in Gurgaon, Ludhiana, Zirakpur, Dehradun, and Indore.

“We are opening Guwahati this month, then Bengaluru and Kolkata locations will be launched in the next two months. We are also looking to expand in more locations across the country aggressively,” said Malhotra.

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Nestle, Tata Consumer and Kraft heat up competition to acquire Ching’s Secret

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Chingsecret
(Representative Image)

Nestle SA, a multinational food and beverage company headquartered in Switzerland, is reportedly among the bidders for the acquisition of Capital Foods Pvt Ltd. As per insider information, Nestle is competing against Tata Consumer Products and The Kraft Heinz Co for the purchase of the Indian company known for producing condiments, food items, and ingredients under the Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones brands.

Among the list of potential candidates being considered, ITC has been identified by the sellers and their advisors as another contender in the running.

Late last year, the three major shareholders of Capital Foods Pvt Ltd made the decision to sell the company. These shareholders are Invus Group, a European family office and investment arm with a 40% stake; US private equity firm General Atlantic, which holds a 35% stake; and Ajay Gupta, Founder Chairman of Capital Foods and a former Advertising Executive who turned his focus to the food industry, with a 25% stake. The intention to sell was initially reported by ET on November 14, 2022.

Under a sale mandate managed by Goldman Sachs, Capital Foods Pvt Ltd has been valued between $500 million to $800 million. The company has approached nearly a dozen global and local consumer food corporations, including Hindustan Unilever, Norway’s Orkla, Nissin Foods, and General Mills, among others, to consider purchasing the business. Following the submission of non-binding bids, the three leading contenders for the acquisition have been identified as Invus Group, US private equity firm General Atlantic, and ITC.

According to one of the sources mentioned earlier, Nestle is said to be working on an all-cash offer, while Kraft has expressed interest in acquiring up to 75% of Capital Foods Pvt Ltd and then taking the company public. General Atlantic is reportedly looking to exit completely, while Invus Group and Ajay Gupta are open to staying on board for potential future value upside, depending on the offers made.

“Capital Foods’ brands Ching’s and Smith & Jones are fast growing across India. We get approached by investors to invest in the business and participate in this exciting growth story. However, we would not like to respond to market speculation, gossip and rumours,” said Gupta.

Efforts to obtain comments from representatives of General Atlantic and Invus Group were unsuccessful.

In a recent interview at the end of last month, Nestle India Chairman Suresh Narayanan mentioned that the company regularly evaluates acquisition opportunities as part of its ongoing evaluation process.

In an email response, a spokesperson for ITC stated that the company does not provide comments on market speculations.

A spokesperson for Nestle said, “We would not like to comment.”

As of press time, email inquiries sent to Tata Consumer and Kraft did not receive any response.

According to insiders close to the company, Capital Foods Pvt Ltd is projected to end FY23 with a top-line of INR 900 crore and an EBITDA margin of 25%. The core business is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30%, while other similar brands are expanding at single-digit rates.

In February, S Raghunandan was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Foods. He is a seasoned veteran in the consumer industry and is known for his proficiency in restructuring operations before selling them or buying out foreign partners. Raghunandan has previously worked at HUL, Dabur India, Paras Pharmaceuticals, Reckitt Benckiser India, and Jyothy Laboratories. He was responsible for selling Paras Pharmaceuticals to Reckitt and leading Jyothy’s acquisition of the unprofitable India business of the German company, Henkel in India.

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