Sunday, December 21, 2025
Home Blog Page 743

Alipay to sell its entire 3.44% stake in Zomato in a block deal worth $400 Million

By
SnackTeam
-
0

Chinese payments group Alipay is reportedly planning to divest its entire 3.44% stake in the foodtech major Zomato through block deals, with an approximate value of $400 million.

According to sources cited by Reuters, the advisory roles for the deal are held by Bank of America and Morgan Stanley, and the transaction is expected to be carried out later this week.

The development comes as Zomato’s shares experience a significant upswing in the wake of the company turning profitable over the last few months. In total, the shares have surged by over 90% so far this year.

Read More: Zomato achieves new 52-week high at INR 123.9 following strong Q2 performance

Also Read: Zomato reports remarkable surge in profit, achieving second consecutive profitable quarter in FY24

The transactions are purportedly scheduled to be completed at INR 111.28 per share, representing a 2.2% discount to Zomato’s closing price on Tuesday (November 28). The company’s shares concluded today’s trading session at INR 113.8 on the BSE.

Around the same time last year, Alipay divested nearly half of its Zomato stake, equivalent to 26.3 crore shares valued at INR 1,631 crore, in a bulk deal. Presently, the company retains 29.6 crore shares in Zomato, and it is anticipated that these remaining shares will be entirely liquidated.

In 2018, Alipay made an initial investment of $360 million in the Indian foodtech major, holding a total of 77.7 crore shares. In preparation for Zomato’s IPO in July 2021, Alipay divested 21.8 crore shares.

The recent development coincides with a period in which several Chinese investors have been divesting their holdings in publicly listed Indian companies. This trend is attributed to the ongoing border tensions between New Delhi and Beijing, leading to increased scrutiny of Chinese investors in India.

In August of this year, Antfin offloaded a 10.3% stake in Paytm, a transaction subsequently acquired by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder, and CEO of the fintech giant.

Meanwhile, numerous international investors have been divesting their holdings in listed Indian startups such as Zomato and Paytm, capitalizing on the surge in value seen in new-age tech stocks this year.

As SoftBank continues to divest its holdings in Zomato and Paytm, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, recently exited Paytm by selling its complete 2.46% stake in the company last week.

Advertisement

Data-Driven Omni-Channel Excellence: Optimizing Strategies for Targeted Engagement

By
SnackTeam
-
0

The combination of data-driven insights and omni-channel strategies has emerged as a powerful force reshaping the way businesses engage with their audience. In an era where consumer expectations are soaring, and competition is fierce, mastering the art of targeted engagement has become imperative. This has propelled companies towards adopting comprehensive, data-driven omni-channel approaches to not only meet but exceed customer expectations.

The Data-Driven Advantage: Unlocking Consumer Insights

At the heart of this transformative journey lies the treasure trove of data. Companies are now harnessing the power of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to derive meaningful insights from the vast pools of information generated by consumers. Understanding customer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns has never been more critical.

Through sophisticated data analysis, businesses can create detailed customer profiles, allowing for a more personalized and targeted approach. This, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of engagement strategies across all channels. From online platforms to physical stores, every interaction becomes an opportunity to provide a tailored experience that resonates with the individual consumer.

Omni-Channel Integration: A Seamless Customer Journey

The omni-channel approach goes beyond merely having a presence across multiple channels; it’s about creating a cohesive and seamless experience for the customer. Whether a consumer starts their journey on a mobile app, transitions to a website, and then makes a purchase in-store, the experience should be fluid and consistent.

Data-driven insights play a pivotal role in achieving this seamlessness. By understanding how customers move across various channels, businesses can optimize each touchpoint for maximum impact. For instance, if a customer frequently browses products on a mobile app but tends to make purchases in-store, a well-crafted strategy can be implemented to encourage app usage and provide incentives for in-store visits.

Personalization at Scale: The Power of Data

One of the most significant advantages of leveraging data for omni-channel excellence is the ability to deliver personalized experiences at scale. As customers become increasingly discerning, generic, one-size-fits-all approaches fall short. With data-driven insights, businesses can tailor their messaging, promotions, and recommendations to align with each customer’s unique preferences.

Imagine receiving a promotional email that not only showcases products based on past purchases but also incorporates browsing history and wishlist items. This level of personalization not only captures attention but also enhances the likelihood of conversion. Through data-driven personalization, companies can create a sense of individualized attention, fostering a stronger connection between the brand and the consumer.

Predictive Analytics: Anticipating Customer Needs

In the quest for targeted engagement, predictive analytics emerges as a game-changer. By analyzing historical data and identifying patterns, businesses can anticipate customer needs and preferences. This forward-looking approach enables companies to stay one step ahead, offering products or services proactively rather than reactively.

For instance, a retail company could use predictive analytics to forecast which products will be in high demand during specific seasons. This allows them to optimize inventory levels, tailor marketing campaigns, and ensure that the right products are readily available when customers are most likely to seek them out. Predictive analytics transforms engagement from a responsive model to a proactive, customer-centric strategy.

Final Thoughts:

As technology continues to advance, the landscape of omni-channel engagement will evolve. The integration of emerging technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things will open new avenues for immersive and interactive customer experiences.

Furthermore, the rise of 5G technology will enhance connectivity, enabling even faster and more responsive omni-channel interactions. Real-time engagement, whether through personalized offers or instant customer support, will become a standard expectation.

The pursuit of omni-channel excellence through data-driven strategies is not just a business imperative; it’s a fundamental shift in how companies connect with their audience. The ability to harness the power of data to inform personalized, seamless, and anticipatory engagement strategies positions businesses at the forefront of customer-centric innovation. As technology continues to evolve, the companies that thrive will be those that not only adapt to change but actively shape the future of customer engagement through the convergence of data and omni-channel excellence.

Advertisement

Interactive Marketing Frontier: Using AR to Propel Brand Recognition and Growth

By
SnackTeam
-
0
AR

Interactive marketing has shifted from being a buzzword to a strategic imperative for brands aiming to capture the attention of a dynamic and digitally-driven consumer base. The days of passive consumption are waning, and consumers now crave experiences that resonate on a personal level. Enter Augmented Reality, a technology that seamlessly blends the virtual and real worlds, creating immersive experiences that captivate and linger in the minds of consumers.

AR:  Catalyst for Brand Recognition

AR provides brands with a unique canvas to paint their narratives. Through interactive elements, consumers are not just passive observers but active participants in the brand story. Whether it’s trying on virtual outfits before making a purchase or visualizing furniture in their living space, AR transforms engagement into an experience. This experiential approach becomes a catalyst for brand recognition, imprinting the brand in the minds of consumers in a way traditional methods fall short.

Breaking Barriers with AR:

One of the remarkable aspects of AR in marketing is its ability to break down barriers between the digital and physical realms. Brands can leverage AR to create virtual showrooms, allowing customers to explore products in a digital space before committing to a purchase. This not only enhances the online shopping experience but also bridges the gap between the tactile and the virtual, fostering a sense of connection that transcends the limitations of traditional e-commerce.

AR as a Growth Driver:

The implementation of AR isn’t merely a gimmick; it’s a strategic move towards sustainable growth. By providing consumers with an immersive and memorable brand experience, AR contributes to increased customer loyalty and advocacy. The ripple effect of positive interactions translates into customer retention, word-of-mouth marketing, and ultimately, organic growth. In a market saturated with options, brands that invest in creating meaningful connections through AR distinguish themselves as innovators and industry leaders.

Challenges and Opportunities:

While the potential of AR in interactive marketing is vast, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges that come with adopting emerging technologies. From initial implementation costs to ensuring a seamless user experience, brands need to navigate a landscape that demands both creativity and technical finesse. However, the challenges are outweighed by the opportunities. As AR becomes more accessible, the early adopters stand to gain a competitive edge, establishing themselves as pioneers in an era defined by technological convergence.

The Future of Interactive Marketing:

The integration of AR into interactive marketing strategies is not a fleeting trend but a trajectory towards the future. As technology continues to advance, the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of consumer engagement will expand. From augmented reality advertising to gamified brand experiences, the future holds a plethora of possibilities for brands daring enough to venture into this interactive frontier.

Augmented Reality is not just a tool in the marketer’s arsenal; it’s a gateway to a new era of interactive and immersive brand experiences. Brands that embrace AR as a means of forging genuine connections with their audience are not only propelling brand recognition but also charting a course for sustained growth in the dynamic landscape of modern marketing. The journey into the interactive marketing frontier has just begun, and AR is the compass guiding brands towards uncharted territories of innovation and consumer engagement.

Advertisement

Multi-Platform Mastery: Strategies for Maximizing Brand Growth with Video Marketing

By
SnackTeam
-
0

Harnessing the power of video across multiple platforms has become the cornerstone for brand growth in the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing. Mastering the art of Multi-Platform Video Marketing has become a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to stay ahead in the competitive arena as consumers increasingly engage with diverse content

Video, with its dynamic and immersive nature, has transcended traditional marketing channels. Its ability to convey complex messages in a concise yet impactful manner makes it a potent tool for brand communication. With the proliferation of high-speed internet and advanced mobile devices, video content has become more accessible, reaching a broader audience across various platforms.

The first step in achieving multi-platform mastery is comprehending the unique dynamics of each platform. From the visually-oriented Instagram to the informative realm of YouTube, each platform caters to distinct user behaviors. Crafting content that aligns seamlessly with these nuances is crucial for resonating with diverse audiences.

Apart from that, successful multi-platform video marketing demands a tailored approach for each channel. Short, attention-grabbing videos may thrive on TikTok, while longer, in-depth content could find a home on YouTube. Adapting content formats to fit the consumption habits of each platform ensures that brands effectively capture the attention of their target audience.

While adapting content to suit each platform is imperative, maintaining a consistent brand identity is equally crucial. Whether a viewer encounters a video on Facebook, Twitter, or any other platform, the brand’s essence should remain recognizable. This fosters a sense of familiarity and trust, building a more robust connection between the brand and its audience.

Furthermore, analytics tools provide invaluable insights into viewer behavior, engagement metrics, and content performance. By closely monitoring these metrics, brands can refine their strategies, identifying what works best on each platform and optimizing future content accordingly.

Emerging platforms and trends should be embraced, allowing brands to reach untapped audiences and showcase a forward-thinking approach. Whether it’s the rise of virtual reality or the latest social media sensation, adaptability is key to sustained success.

The Bottom Line

Beyond view counts and likes, fostering a sense of community around a brand is a potent outcome of effective multi-platform video marketing. Engaging with the audience through comments, polls, and interactive elements creates a two-way dialogue, transforming passive viewers into active brand advocates.

Mastering multi-platform video marketing is a dynamic and ongoing process that necessitates a deep understanding of each platform, strategic content adaptation, consistent branding, data-driven optimization, an openness to innovation, and a commitment to community engagement. Brands that adeptly navigate this landscape position themselves not only for immediate growth but also for sustained success in the ever-evolving digital era.

Advertisement

Country Style Foods acquires Nestlé confectionery facility in major UK deal

By
SnackTeam
-
0

A Nestlé confectionery facility in the UK has been officially sold, with the transaction completed several weeks ahead of its scheduled closure, as confirmed by the food giant.

The Fawdon facility, located near Newcastle in north-east England, has been acquired by the local bakery business Country Style Foods. This transaction specifically pertains to the premises, leaving the future uncertain for the 475 Nestlé employees based at the site.

In a statement, a Nestlé spokesperson said, “We have been carefully exploring options for the future of Fawdon factory since we announced its planned closure.

“We are pleased to have exchanged contracts with an established local business to purchase the factory. The sale relates to the premises only and the business has not been transferred.”

Country Style Foods has been contacted for comment on the confirmed deal. However, as of now, the bakery business has not provided any statements regarding the transaction. Local councillors, who form part of a taskforce established after the factory closure announcement early last year, have verified the deal.

Upon confirming the closure, Nestlé, after nearly a year of consultation, announced its intention to shift production to alternative sites in the UK and overseas. This plan was outlined for implementation following the closure of the facility at the end of 2023.

The facility, once a Rowntree plant in operation since 1958, produces a range of chocolate brands such as Rolo, Toffee Crisp, and Munchies. Additionally, it manufactures sugar confectionery sold under the brands Fruit Pastilles, Fruit Gums, and Jelly Tots.

Reports from local newspapers have suggested that Country Style Foods, a bakery company based in Leeds in northern England, might consider hiring some of the Nestlé employees in its recently acquired facility.

According to the Newcastle Chronicle, it is reported that Country Style Foods is expected to visit the Fawdon factory site in the upcoming weeks to engage with Nestlé employees and explore potential employment opportunities.

Country Style Foods, a provider of bread, cakes, and other baked goods to supermarket in-store bakeries and the foodservice sector, operates several production sites in the northern regions of England.

Advertisement

Popeyes spices up its menu: Wings now a permanent fixture with five tantalizing flavors!

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Popeyes

In an official announcement, Popeyes has confirmed the addition of wings to its menu as a permanent offering.

The company is introducing a variety of five flavors: Honey BBQ, Roasted Garlic Parmesan, Signature Hot, Ghost Pepper, and Sweet ‘n’ Spicy.

In the official statement, Sami Siddiqui, the President of Popeyes North America, emphasized the brand’s commitment to challenging norms in the fast-food industry and consistently redefining expectations. Siddiqui pointed out the rapid success of the Ghost Pepper Wings, quickly followed by the widely popular Sweet ‘N Spicy wings, marking the strongest performance since the renowned Chicken Sandwich.

Recognizing the demand for more Louisiana-inspired wing flavors, Popeyes President of North America, Sami Siddiqui, expressed enthusiasm for the launch of the new wings lineup and its anticipated reception among their guests.

The wings undergo a preparation method akin to the distinctive bone-in chicken associated with the brand, involving a process of hand-battering and breading.

In the press release, Amy Alarcon, Popeyes’ Vice President of Culinary Innovation, revealed that her team invested three years in refining this new addition. She underscored the notable influence of the Ghost Pepper on their product range and expressed anticipation about the extraordinary outcome expected from combining it with their Wings.

Alarcon conveyed excitement about diversifying the flavor offerings to meet a wide range of guest preferences. Given the outstanding success of the Sweet ‘N Spicy Wings, rivaling that of the renowned Chicken Sandwich, the team is excited to introduce this extensive lineup.

Popeyes has a global presence with over 4,000 restaurants in operation.

Advertisement

CYK Hospitalities spearheads the expansion of My Bar Headquarters into Agra

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Simranjeet Singh & Pulkit Arora
Simranjeet Singh & Pulkit Arora, Directors, CYK Hospitalities

CYK Hospitalities, a leading end-to-end F&B consultancy, has played a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion of My Bar Headquarters, a sophisticated multi-cuisine fine dining establishment. Their expertise was instrumental in the establishment’s successful foray into Agra, situated on Church Road, Khandari. Specializing in menu engineering, CYK Hospitalities creatively experimented with Indian culinary traditions, introducing unique flavors to curate a distinctive and memorable dining experience. Notably, this venture marks the debut of My Bar Headquarters in Agra, adding to its existing presence in Noida and Delhi.

This establishment endeavors to offer a selection of distinctive and flavorful dishes, such as Avocado Papdi Chaat, Lamb Barra, Gochujang Chicken Popcorn, Banoffee Pie Trifle, and Kasundi Sole Tikka. To curate this enticing menu, the brand enlisted the expert services of CYK Hospitalities.

By optimizing the offerings, CYK Hospitalities has transformed the entire experience at the venue. The consulting firm recently revitalized and reintroduced Urban Deck, a renowned and decade-old establishment in Agra’s culinary scene.

Read More: CYK Hospitalities revamps Agra’s famous restaurant Urban Deck

Pulkit Arora, Director, CYK Hospitalities, said, “Undoubtedly, My Bar Headquarters is a well-known name that has been known for its delicious food and taste for years. As part of our efforts to create a unique dining experience, we seamlessly experimented with culinary traditions. To give a unique dining experience, we have introduced a gamut of delicious chaats, popcorns and many others traditional dishes with contemporary twist.”

Established by F&B industry experts, CYK Hospitalities is a consulting firm specializing in brand building, with a focus on the food and beverage as well as hospitality sector. The company aids its clients in garnering recognition for their outlets and restaurants through comprehensive consultation and unwavering support. Offering timely services, CYK Hospitalities assists clients in leasing, location mapping and expansion, exposure and networking, hiring and training, competitor analysis, menu engineering, chef recruitment, SOP formation, recipe development, and food pricing, among other services. To date, the company has formed partnerships with prominent space providers such as Phoenix Mall, Pacific Mall, DLF, Vegas Mall, Lulu Group, Lakeshore, Lovely Professional University, and more.

Advertisement

OYO unveils Prime Partner Program as it resumes self-operated hotels operations

By
SnackTeam
-
0

OYO, a hospitality unicorn gearing up for its IPO, has resumed operations of self-operated hotels after a pause of over two years.

Through its recently introduced ‘Prime Partner Program,’ OYO has outlined a proposition for its top-performing hotel operators, allowing them the opportunity to manage additional hotels and generate extra revenue, all without the burden of leasing risk or the overhead expenses associated with launching a new hotel.

OYO has expressed its proactive efforts in forging partnerships with real estate developers to locate suitable properties for these hotels.

In the initial stage of the program, the company has established collaborations with 30 realtors and initiated operations in more than 35 hotels situated in cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Goa, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Under the new program, operators will receive personalized support from dedicated relationship managers, along with access to OYO’s extensive network comprising over 15,000 corporate accounts and more than 10,000 travel agents, as stated by the company.

The self-operated hotels will be labeled as ‘Managed by OYO’ on both the app and website. Additionally, the global hospitality major has announced its commitment to closely oversee the maintenance and customer reviews of these hotels.

As part of the program, hotel owners have the option to lease their property to a prominent organization through fixed rental terms, revenue-sharing agreements, or management contracts.

“The program recognises the evolving travel and hospitality landscape where hoteliers are looking at expansion and guests are seeking well-managed accommodations. By offering hoteliers and property owners the opportunity to participate in this program, OYO aims to create a win-win situation that benefits landlords, professional hotel operators as well as travellers,” Anuj Tejpal, chief merchant officer at OYO, said in the statement.

The majority of hotels participating in the ‘Prime Partner Program’ will be incorporated into the company’s upscale hotel offerings, including Townhouse, Townhouse Oak, and Collection O.

It is worth noting that earlier this year, there were reports indicating OYO’s interest in entering the expanding premium hospitality market in India, with plans to incorporate 1,800 additional premium properties into its platform by 2023.

Read More: OYO ramps up presence: Targets 35+ leisure markets with addition of 750 hotels in expansion plan

Shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic fully manifested in India, OYO discontinued its self-operated hotel business model, possibly influenced by pressure from SoftBank regarding profitability concerns.

Subsequently, the pandemic wreaked havoc on the global travel industry, leading OYO to scale back its operations in key growth regions such as the UK, Europe, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the US.

Nevertheless, OYO has re-entered these markets, emphasizing its focus on premium hotels and vacation homes.

OYO was on track to declare its first-ever profitable quarter in Q2 FY24. In a recent internal communication sent to the leadership team of the company, OYO’s founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal stated that the startup is set to mark its “first profitable quarter” with a projected profit of INR 16 Cr in Q2.

The company disclosed a reduced loss of 38%, amounting to INR 1,286 Cr in FY23, with an operating revenue of INR 5,463 Cr.

Read More: IPO-bound OYO records a 34% decrease in net loss, reaching INR 1,286 Cr in FY23

Earlier this year, OYO, adjusting its plans, decreased its IPO size to $400-$600 Mn from the initially projected $1.2 Bn. The company proceeded to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) through the confidential pre-filing route.

Advertisement

Knoops chocolate and coffee chain secures £8.3 Million funding for UK expansion, doubling locations by 2024

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Knoops
Knoops

Knoops, the chocolate and coffee chain, has secured £8.3 million ($10.4 million) in funding to expand its presence in the UK, with plans to double its footprint by 2024.

Morleys Stores, a retail and property group based in London, spearheaded the funding round by investing £5.5 million in the chain to facilitate its expansion.

The funds raised in the funding round will also be allocated to improving a multi-channel offering, providing enthusiasts the opportunity to craft their own drinks, known as “Knoopology,” using Knoops’ chocolate flakes in the comfort of their homes.

At present, Knoops has a presence in 15 locations, with seven of them situated in London.

The brand is recognized for its barista-crafted hot chocolate, chocolate milkshakes, and iced chocolate.

Knoops aims to introduce 20 new stores by March 2024, concentrating on major cities and university towns. Planned locations for expansion encompass Edinburgh, Leeds, and Exeter.

The company has aspirations in the medium term to establish 200 stores throughout the UK.

The company has recently launched a new app enabling users to personalize their own beverages.

Knoops executive chairman and CEO William Gordon-Harris stated, “When I first went into [founder] Jens’ shop [Jens Knoop] in Rye five years ago, I knew he was onto something.

“The business clearly had amazing potential and now thousands of customers are enjoying their “Knoops moment” every single week thanks to Jens’ vision. Our stores are doing a roaring trade at all times of the day and are hugely popular with customers of all ages.”

“Following this fundraising, Knoops is in a fantastic position to grow from a position of real financial strength. We have a huge market to shoot for and an easily scalable business – we’re still on the runway when it comes to how far Knoops can go.”

Advertisement

Modern Market Eatery introduces first drive-thru location in Colorado Springs

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Modern Market Eatery

Modern Market Eatery, a US-based fast-casual concept, has opened its first drive-through restaurant in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Situated at 3015 New Center Point within the First and Main Town Center, this newly established company-owned restaurant marks the third Modern Market Eatery venue in Colorado Springs.

The establishment provides guests with the choice of dine-in, drive-thru, and delivery options.

The menu features freshly prepared grain bowls, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. Additionally, a winter menu was introduced on November 1, 2023.

Every ingredient has been thoughtfully sourced and is devoid of artificial flavors, colors, trans fats, hormones, antibiotics, and additives.

The kitchen is equipped with a dual-sided assembly line to expedite preparation times, thereby minimizing customer wait times.

Modern Market Eatery co-founder and president Rob McColgan stated, “Opening our first drive-thru restaurant is just one of the many ways our team is working to re-imagine fast food and show guests how healthy food can be a quick, convenient option for the entire family.

“This will be the first of many drive-thru locations we anticipate developing over the coming years to provide an even more efficient service model to handle the increasing volume of takeout orders.”

Within the new restaurant venue, there is a “Mini Market” merchandise area where diners can explore a selection of locally crafted products. This includes items from Switchback Coffee Roasters, Bibamba artisan chocolate, Skratch Labs, as well as Modern Market Eatery merchandise like hats and mugs.

In September 2022, Modern Market Eatery entered into a franchise development agreement with the Thrive Restaurant Group.

Thrive committed to launching 41 Modern Market Eatery locations across 11 new markets. These include northwest Arkansas; Des Moines in Iowa; Austin, San Antonio, and Waco in Texas; Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina; and Wichita and Kansas City in Kansas.

Advertisement
1...742743744...1,378Page 743 of 1,378