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Warm Up to Monsoon Vibes with These 10 Unique Chai Creations – Perfect for Rainy Days! 

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chai

As the first drops of rain start to fall, there’s something enchanting about the onset of the monsoon season. The pitter-patter of raindrops against the windowpanes creates an inviting ambiance, encouraging us to cozy up indoors. What better way to embrace the monsoon vibes than with a comforting cup of chai? While traditional masala chai holds a special place in our hearts, there’s a world of delightful chai creations to explore. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to discover ten unique chai recipes that are sure to make your rainy days even more special.

1. Rose and Cardamom Chai:

Imagine the soothing aroma of roses combined with the earthy essence of cardamom in your chai. This fragrant twist to the classic Indian masala chai is an indulgent delight. Brewed with black tea, rose petals, crushed cardamom pods, milk, and a hint of honey, this floral chai will transport you to a serene garden amidst the rain.

2. Chai Latte with a Cinnamon Twist:

For those who enjoy the creaminess of a latte, this chai latte with a touch of cinnamon is a match made in monsoon heaven. By simmering cinnamon sticks with black tea and spices, and then frothing it with steamed milk, you’ll savor a comforting drink with the right balance of warmth and sweetness.

3. Coconut and Lemongrass Chai:

Add a tropical twist to your monsoon chai with the flavors of coconut and lemongrass. This delightful fusion combines the creaminess of coconut milk and the zesty notes of lemongrass with traditional chai spices. It’s a refreshing and revitalizing brew that will brighten up even the gloomiest of rainy days.

4. Spiced Apple Chai:

As the monsoon air turns cooler, a spiced apple chai provides the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and warm spices. Simmered with sliced apples, cinnamon, cloves, and black tea, this chai creation is reminiscent of freshly baked apple pie, making it a comforting treat during the rainy season.

5. Mint and Ginger Chai:

For those seeking a chai that soothes and invigorates, a mint and ginger-infused chai is just the ticket. The freshness of mint and the spiciness of ginger complement each other harmoniously, creating a chai that calms the senses and awakens the soul, making it an ideal drink for a rainy day.

6. Decadent Chocolate Chai:

Indulge your sweet tooth with a luxurious chocolate chai that blends the richness of cocoa with the robust flavors of chai spices. This creamy and decadent concoction will surely make rainy afternoons a delightful affair, satisfying both your craving for comfort and sweetness.

7. Saffron and Almond Chai:

Elevate your chai experience with the royal essence of saffron and the nutty goodness of almonds. Infused with saffron strands and almond milk, this chai has a luxurious texture and a delicate flavor profile, making it a truly special treat during the monsoon season.

8. Turmeric and Honey Chai:

Known for its health benefits, turmeric brings a warm and earthy element to chai, complemented by the natural sweetness of honey. This golden-hued chai is not only delicious but also offers a boost to the immune system, perfect for keeping those seasonal colds at bay.

9. Masala Rooibos Chai:

For those seeking a caffeine-free option, masala rooibos chai provides a delicious alternative. Rooibos tea, native to South Africa, boasts a natural sweetness and earthiness that pairs beautifully with traditional chai spices, creating a delightful infusion that can be enjoyed by all.

10. Lavender and Vanilla Chai:

End your rainy day on a soothing note with a lavender and vanilla chai. Lavender’s floral aroma and vanilla’s creamy sweetness blend harmoniously with black tea and spices, offering a chai experience that is both calming and comforting.

Final Thoughts:

As the monsoon arrives, let these ten unique chai creations warm your heart and awaken your senses. Embrace the magical ambiance of the rainy season, whether it’s the fragrance of roses, the zest of lemongrass, or the decadence of chocolate. Each chai recipe brings its own charm, offering a new way to enjoy the classic comfort of a hot cup of tea. So, gather your favorite ingredients, cozy up by the window, and sip on these delightful chai creations as you relish the beauty of the monsoon vibes.

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From Quirky to Classy: 10 Cafés in Delhi to Level Up Your BFF Coffee Dates!

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Cafés in Delhi coffee

Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and a culinary scene that caters to all tastes. Among the numerous experiences it offers, coffee dates have become an integral part of social interactions, especially for best friends forever (BFFs). Whether you’re catching up after a long time or simply enjoying each other’s company, the right café can elevate your coffee date from quirky to classy. In this article, we will explore ten of the best cafés in Delhi, each with its unique charm and ambiance, perfect for nurturing friendships and creating lasting memories.

1. Café Diaries – Chattarpur:

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Chattarpur, Café Diaries offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This café blends nature’s beauty with rustic charm, providing a cozy and warm atmosphere for your BFF coffee dates. The quaint interiors, adorned with vintage photographs and comfy seating, make it an ideal spot for relaxed conversations. The menu features an assortment of aromatic coffees and mouthwatering snacks, catering to all tastes. From classic cappuccinos to quirky iced coffees, Café Diaries ensures you and your BFF have an unforgettable time together.

2. Ivy & Bean – Shahpur Jat:

Shahpur Jat, Delhi’s trendy neighborhood, houses Ivy & Bean, a chic café that emanates modernity and sophistication. This café boasts artistic décor, contemporary furnishings, and ample natural light, making it a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy coffee dates with your best friend. The baristas here are true coffee artisans, serving up expertly crafted brews from various beans sourced globally. Pair your coffee with scrumptious avocado toasts or delectable pastries, and revel in the vibrant ambiance that makes Ivy & Bean stand out as a classy café experience.

3. Diggin – Chanakyapuri:

If you seek a fusion of elegance and charm, Diggin in Chanakyapuri is the place to be. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this café exudes a laid-back vibe that beckons you to unwind with your BFF over aromatic coffee and delectable Italian-inspired dishes. The café’s outdoor seating area, adorned with fairy lights and lush plants, offers a magical setting for evening coffee dates. From the classic cappuccino to indulgent coffee shakes, Diggin’s beverages are a perfect complement to the inviting ambiance that ensures you and your BFF leave with cherished memories.

4. Rose Café – Saket:

Rose Café in Saket is a dreamy escape, inspired by European-style cafés that celebrate timeless beauty and romanticism. This charming café is adorned with pastel hues, vintage furniture, and enchanting floral décor that creates a picturesque setting for your BFF coffee date. The menu features a wide range of handcrafted coffees, including rose-infused lattes and lavender mochas, served with love and precision. Accompany your coffee with sumptuous dishes like rosemary chicken or decadent desserts like red velvet waffles, ensuring your coffee date at Rose Café is nothing short of extraordinary.

5. The Grammar Room – Mehrauli:

Housed in the picturesque precincts of Mehrauli, The Grammar Room is an amalgamation of rustic elegance and contemporary chic. The café’s architecture blends seamlessly with the historical surroundings, offering a charming backdrop for your BFF coffee dates. Step inside to find a world of enchanting décor and a diverse menu featuring specialty coffees and delightful snacks. From artisanal coffee blends to refreshing cold brews, The Grammar Room serves up a coffee experience that complements the rich heritage of Delhi while elevating your coffee date to a whole new level.

6. Perch Wine & Coffee Bar – Vasant Vihar:

For those seeking an upscale coffee date experience, Perch Wine & Coffee Bar in Vasant Vihar is a perfect choice. This café stands out for its chic ambiance, marked by stylish décor and plush seating, exuding sophistication and luxury. Indulge in an array of carefully curated coffee blends, each crafted with precision and passion. Whether it’s a bold espresso or a velvety latte, Perch ensures you and your BFF relish every sip in an atmosphere of refined indulgence.

7. Jugmug Thela – Saidulajab:

If quirky and offbeat are your preferred themes for a coffee date, look no further than Jugmug Thela in Saidulajab. This innovative café is housed in a recycled shipping container, adding a unique charm to its ambiance. Embracing a sustainable approach, Jugmug Thela serves organic coffee sourced from local farms, making it an eco-conscious choice for coffee enthusiasts. Enjoy the outdoor seating under colorful umbrellas and engage in heart-to-heart conversations over cups of delightful coffee, accompanied by their signature sandwiches and cookies.

8. Kunzum Travel Café – Hauz Khas Village:

For travel enthusiasts and wanderers, Kunzum Travel Café in Hauz Khas Village is a treasure trove of experiences. As a travel-themed café, Kunzum captures the essence of wanderlust with its travel books, world maps, and a warm ambiance that invites endless storytelling. While savoring the diverse coffee offerings, ranging from classic espressos to invigorating Turkish coffees, you and your BFF can plan your next adventure or reminisce about past escapades. Kunzum Travel Café transcends coffee dates into unforgettable journeys of the heart.

9. Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters – Vasant Kunj:

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters in Vasant Kunj is a haven for coffee connoisseurs, dedicated to the art of roasting and brewing exceptional coffee. This café stands out for its emphasis on single-origin coffee beans, sourced directly from the finest coffee farms around the world. Witness the coffee roasting process firsthand and taste the results of their meticulous craftsmanship in every cup. The minimalist and contemporary setting provides a soothing environment, ideal for meaningful conversations and strengthening your bond with your BFF over the love of coffee.

10. Amour Bistro – Malcha Marg:

Amour Bistro in Malcha Marg offers a blend of elegance and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for a refined BFF coffee date. With its chic interiors, adorned with plush seating and soft lighting, Amour sets the stage for an intimate and relaxed rendezvous. Sip on a range of artisanal coffees, specially crafted by skilled baristas, as you bask in the soothing ambiance and share laughter and conversations with your best friend. Amour Bistro guarantees an experience that exudes charm and timeless appeal.

Final Thoughts:

Delhi’s café culture offers a plethora of choices, each with its unique charm and ambiance, perfect for enhancing your BFF coffee dates. From the rustic charm of Café Diaries to the sophistication of Ivy & Bean, and from the dreamy escape of Rose Café to the offbeat appeal of Jugmug Thela, these ten cafés present a diverse array of experiences that cater to all preferences. Whether you’re seeking a cozy corner to reminisce or a luxurious setting to indulge, Delhi’s cafés are ready to create cherished memories and elevate your coffee dates from quirky to classy. So, pick a spot that resonates with your heart and embark on a journey of delightful coffee conversations with your best friend forever!

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The Shocking Truth: Why Eating at Your Desk Could Be Secretly Sabotaging Your Productivity!

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Eating at Your Desk

In the fast-paced modern work environment, employees are constantly seeking ways to maximize their productivity. One common habit that many professionals have adopted is eating at their desks during lunch breaks or snack times. While this practice may seem convenient and time-saving, it is essential to acknowledge that it could be doing more harm than good. This article delves into the surprising consequences of eating at your desk and how it might be secretly sabotaging your productivity.

1. Physical and Mental Health Impacts:

Eating at your desk may lead to numerous physical and mental health issues, ultimately affecting productivity. Firstly, sitting for prolonged periods without breaks can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which has been linked to various health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Additionally, eating at your desk might lead to mindless munching, causing overeating and unhealthy dietary choices.

Moreover, neglecting to take a proper lunch break away from your workspace denies your mind the chance to rest and recharge. Stepping away from your desk and engaging in a change of scenery can improve focus, creativity, and mental well-being. By forgoing this much-needed break, you might find yourself experiencing a decrease in attention span, decision-making abilities, and problem-solving skills.

2. Hygiene and Food Safety Concerns

Eating at your desk can also raise hygiene and food safety concerns. The workplace environment is often a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, and your desk may harbor numerous contaminants accumulated over time. Combining the workspace with food consumption can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses and infections, impacting your health and productivity.

Furthermore, the proximity of electronic devices to your food can lead to cross-contamination, potentially damaging expensive equipment and disrupting your workflow. A clean and separate eating area away from the workspace is crucial for maintaining both personal hygiene and the overall cleanliness of the workplace.

3. Social Isolation and Collaboration

Eating at your desk can contribute to social isolation and hinder collaboration among colleagues. Lunch breaks provide valuable opportunities for co-workers to interact, share ideas, and build relationships beyond work-related tasks. By isolating yourself at your desk during meal times, you miss out on the chance to network and bond with colleagues, potentially limiting your professional growth and development.

In workplaces that encourage communal eating spaces or communal kitchen areas, team members can engage in casual conversations that may lead to innovative ideas and problem-solving strategies. Eating together can also foster a sense of camaraderie and team spirit, essential for a productive and harmonious work environment.

4. Reduced Productivity and Efficiency

Contrary to the perception of saving time, eating at your desk can lead to reduced productivity and efficiency. When you multitask by eating while working, your attention becomes divided, leading to decreased focus and quality of work. This habit may lead to more mistakes, requiring additional time to correct errors, ultimately elongating the time needed to complete tasks.

Additionally, the brain needs regular breaks to maintain optimal performance. Working continuously without a designated lunch break can result in mental fatigue and burnout, leading to a decline in productivity over time. Taking a proper lunch break away from your desk allows you to return to work with a refreshed mind and increased energy levels, boosting overall productivity.

5. Impact on Work-Life Balance

Eating at your desk blurs the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to an unhealthy work-life balance. When you fail to step away from your work environment during meal times, it becomes challenging to detach from work-related thoughts and stressors. This lack of separation can lead to increased anxiety, difficulty in relaxing outside of work hours, and ultimately, decreased overall life satisfaction.

A healthy work-life balance is crucial for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout. Creating clear boundaries by taking designated breaks and stepping away from your desk during lunch can help you recharge mentally and emotionally, leading to increased productivity during work hours and a more fulfilling personal life.

Final Thoughts:

While eating at your desk might seem like a practical solution for saving time, the consequences on productivity, health, and well-being are far more significant than anticipated. From physical and mental health impacts to reduced efficiency and hindered collaboration, this seemingly innocuous habit could be secretly sabotaging your productivity.

To enhance productivity and overall well-being, it is essential to adopt healthier habits, including taking regular breaks, maintaining proper hygiene, and fostering social interactions during meal times. By prioritizing your health and creating a healthy work-life balance, you can unleash your full potential and achieve greater success in both your professional and personal life.

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Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi’s Karigari goes global: 10 new outlets across India, Dubai and London expansion by 2024

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Karigari

Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi’s renowned culinary venture, Karigari, is all set for a significant expansion as they unveil their ambitious plans. The company is now geared up to inaugurate 10 new outlets, strategically located in diverse cities across India.

Furthermore, Karigari has set its sights on achieving a global presence by 2024, with plans to establish its delectable, internationally inspired Indian cuisine in Dubai and London. This expansion aligns perfectly with the company’s trajectory of growth, aiming to cater to a wider audience and share their immensely popular culinary delights on an international scale.

Karigari demonstrates its strong dedication to introducing the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine to a broader spectrum of food enthusiasts by strategically inaugurating 10 additional outlets across various cities in India.

Through these new ventures, Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi endeavors to create a dining experience that seamlessly blends the time-honored cooking techniques of India with contemporary flavors, resulting in a truly memorable culinary journey.

“We are eager to start a vast expansion adventure and share the delectable tastes of Indian food with more people. Karigari is poised to dazzle cuisine lovers globally with its ten future sites throughout Indian cities and wants to develop a presence in Dubai and London by 2024. We continue to provide exceptional dining experiences while maintaining our constant dedication to innovation, quality, and authenticity.” said Yogesh Sharma and Manish Sharma, Founders.

Karigari, under the guidance of Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, aims to mesmerize culinary enthusiasts around the globe by showcasing the true essence of Indian cuisine on an international stage.

Karigari is venturing into an ambitious expansion endeavor, fuelled by a substantial investment of INR 30 Crore. This considerable financial support will pave the way for the establishment of numerous new outlets, all while maintaining the brand’s unwavering dedication to innovation, quality, and authenticity.

As Karigari continues its growth, its primary objective is to generate job opportunities and make positive contributions to the local economies of the cities it operates in. A strong emphasis is placed on delivering exceptional dining experiences, further solidifying its commitment to both the community and culinary excellence.

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Swiggy rolls out second tranche of ESOP liquidity programme worth $50 million

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Swiggy
Swiggy delivery executive (Representative Image)

In a blog post on Monday, July 24th, the foodtech giant Swiggy announced the launch of the second tranche of its committed Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) liquidity programme valued at $50 million.

Under the planned liquidity programme, Swiggy employees, including those from Dineout, which was acquired by Swiggy last year, will have the opportunity to avail liquidity of up to $50 million against their Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs). It is estimated that over 2,000 employees will be eligible to participate in this programme.

Swiggy had introduced the ESOP liquidity programme back in 2021, and as of 2023, it has completed two tranches. The first tranche was launched in June 2022, with a value of $23 million, and it provided benefits to approximately 900 employees. This marks Swiggy’s fourth liquidity event since 2018.

Girish Menon, Head of HR at Swiggy, said, “Two years ago, Swiggy announced a one-of-its-kind ESOP program to enable consistent wealth creation for employees through two distinct liquidity events in 2022 and 2023.”

“Our team is Swiggy’s most valuable asset, and we are happy that macroeconomic conditions notwithstanding, we’re able to keep our commitment of sharing Swiggy’s success and growth through these wealth creation opportunities,” he added.

As of March 2023, the foodtech giant revealed that it achieved EBITDA positivity in its food delivery business. Additionally, Swiggy announced the successful integration of Dineout with its main product.

Read More: Swiggy’s strategic initiatives pay off as food delivery business turns profitable

Swiggy also entered India’s food and grocery retail market by venturing into an acquisition deal with LYNK Logistics, a well-known FMCG retail distribution company. Retaining its autonomy, LYNK will continue to operate independently post-acquisition. The company plays a pivotal role in facilitating the growth of FMCG brands by providing access to its vast network of over 100,000 retail stores situated across eight prominent cities in India.

Read More: Swiggy acquires LYNK Logistics to tap into lucrative food and grocery retail market

“With this acquisition, Swiggy enters India’s food and grocery retail market, which is amongst the world’s largest and fastest-growing, estimated to be more than $570 Bn in size and expected to grow at 8% year-on-year,” the company said.

The ESOP liquidity initiative introduced by Swiggy emerges amidst a trend of prominent startups facilitating wealth generation opportunities for their employees.

One notable example is Flipkart, which is distributing $700 Mn among its numerous employees. Some employees who hold ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) at the e-commerce giant are eligible for this payout due to the separation of fintech decacorn PhonePe from Flipkart. As a result of this separation, the value of the ESOPs has experienced a significant surge, prompting Flipkart to initiate the payout to eligible employees.

During the previous week, Paytm, the fintech giant, granted an additional 1.7 million ESOPs as part of its ESOP program, which was originally introduced in 2019.

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Rising milk costs to impact hotel and bakery food prices

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Bakery
Bakery (Representative Image)

The impending rise in milk prices, scheduled for August 1, is expected to lead to an increase in the cost of dining out in hotels and purchasing bakery products. In response to the escalating prices of essential ingredients such as dal, rice, and vegetables, hoteliers and bakeries have already raised their food prices.

According to BS Bhat, the chairman of Beekays brand, there is a strong possibility of bread prices soaring in the near future. He foresees bakers being compelled to raise the prices of their bakery items due to the significant reliance on milk as a fundamental ingredient in many of their products. Additionally, milk plays a vital role in the preparation of cream, further contributing to the potential price increase.

“Already bread and bun prices have been increased considering that wheat, electricity and labour costs have gone up. Milk will further push up these prices,” Bhat explained.

Bakers argue that increasing their product prices is inevitable due to limited flexibility imposed by the regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). As an illustration, they highlight the requirement that milk bread must contain a minimum of 6 percent milk.

Due to the surge in the prices of dal and vegetables, hotels have raised the costs of certain food items. Moreover, with the increasing prices of milk and dairy products, there is a strong possibility that the prices of other food items may also experience an upward trend.

PC Rao, president, Bruhat Bengaluru Hotel Association, said the hotels may increase food prices by 10 percent. “Increasing the food price will be based on the hotel standards. We can neither increase the prices too much nor run in losses by not hiking the food prices at all. Our main focus will be on not losing our customers. Our price increase will also be in such a way that the middleclass customers need not burn their pockets.”

As per insiders within the hotel industry, numerous hotels are contemplating raising the price of a cup of coffee or tea, transitioning from INR 12 to INR 15. Additionally, those establishments that currently charge INR 15 for a cup of tea may further increase it to INR 17.

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Zomato’s shares soar as company initiates liquidation of Portugal-based subsidiary

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Zomato Limited saw a 1.12 percent increase in the morning trade on July 24. The surge came after the renowned food delivery platform disclosed its decision to commence the liquidation process for its wholly-owned subsidiary based in Portugal.

In an after-market-hour filing on July 21, Zomato Limited stated that Zomato Media Portugal, its subsidiary, was not considered a material component. Consequently, the liquidation of this subsidiary would have no impact on the turnover or revenue of the food aggregator. Despite this disclosure, the company did not provide a specific reason for the decision to liquidate the subsidiary, which currently remains inactive in terms of business operations.

As of 10:02 am, Zomato’s shares were trading at INR 81.60 on the National Stock Exchange, exhibiting a 1.62 percent increase from the previous day’s closing price. Notably, the company’s shares have witnessed a substantial 33 percent gain since the beginning of the year.

Starting from January 1, Zomato has taken steps to commence liquidation proceedings for five of its subsidiaries and also de-registered one subsidiary. These subsidiaries were located in Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, Jordan, and Portugal. Despite these actions, Zomato Limited has reassured that its revenue and turnover will remain unaffected by the liquidation process.

Read More: Zomato’s Indonesian subsidiary PTZMI starts liquidation process, no significant impact expected on turnover

According to brokerage firm Motilal Oswal, they have assigned a “buy” rating to the stock with a target price of INR 80, indicating a potential upside of 24 percent for the stock.

“With dominant market share and strong growth in the food delivery business and Hyperpure, we expect Zomato to report a strong 36 percent revenue CAGR over FY23-25,” said Motilal Oswal in a May 22 report.

Hyperpure functions as a B2B platform specialized in providing kitchen supplies to hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses.

In FY23, Zomato experienced a significant 65 percent surge in revenue, reaching INR 7760 crore. However, the food aggregator managed to narrow its net loss by 19 percent compared to the previous year, bringing it down to INR 971 crore. During the same period, the Earnings Before Income Tax Depreciation and Amortisation witnessed a decline of 2212 basis points, settling at 6.81 percent.

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India’s rice export ban triggers panic buying among NRIs in the US

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Rice (Representative Image)

The recent prohibition on rice exports by India has triggered a significant increase in the cost of this essential commodity, causing apprehension among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) residing in the United States (US). Consequently, numerous NRIs are now opting to purchase numerous rice bags from their local grocery stores in anticipation of a potential scarcity and subsequent rise in prices.

The ban’s repercussions are reverberating through the substantial NRI community in the US. Concerns about rice availability and pricing have prompted a surge in demand as NRIs rush to secure this crucial commodity. Local grocery stores have witnessed a notable upswing in rice bag sales, with some customers opting to buy in bulk to prepare for potential uncertainties.

According to a report by The Times of India, the rice ban has sparked panic buying among the Telugu population in North America, Europe, and West Asia, driven by concerns over potential rice shortages. As a consequence, Indian grocery stores in these regions are witnessing long queues of customers. The report also mentioned that a 9kg bag of rice is currently being sold at $27.

Major cities like Texas, Michigan, and New Jersey have experienced instances of panic buying. In response to the increased demand and concerns over rice scarcity, certain stores in these cities have implemented sales limits, allowing customers to purchase only one rice bag each.

In response to multi-year high domestic prices caused by unpredictable weather conditions jeopardizing rice production, India, the world’s leading rice exporter, has recently taken the measure of banning all exports of non-basmati white rice. While this decision aimed to stabilize prices within the country, it has had ripple effects on the global rice market and triggered concerns about potential inflationary pressures.

Read More: India prohibits non-basmati white rice exports amidst supply concerns

Being a staple food for over 3 billion people globally, rice holds immense importance, especially in Asia, where nearly 90 per cent of its water-intensive cultivation takes place. However, the recent export ban imposed by India, a major player responsible for 40 per cent of the world’s rice exports, has had a significant impact on the global supply chain. The Asian rice trade has temporarily halted as traders assess the implications of this ban, with predictions of substantial price increases in the near future.

Read More: India’s rice export ban expected to improve domestic supplies and modestly impact retail prices, says CRISIL

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Indian whiskey stays on top despite rising wine and gin consumption

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whisky under 8000
(Representative Image)

In spite of the growing popularity of wine and gin consumption in recent times, whiskey continues to reign supreme in the Indian liquor market, particularly in the affordable under INR 750 per bottle segment.

According to the most recent data from the global agency IWSR, whiskey dominates nearly two-thirds of spirits sales in India. Among the various whiskey brands, a staggering 85% of the market share is currently held by 10 domestic brands, which primarily operate in the lower price range.

Currently, imported whiskey accounts for approximately 3.3% of the total whiskey market share in India. Projections indicate that this share is expected to increase to 3.7% by the year 2027. Despite this growth, the data highlights that Indian-made whiskey will continue to dominate the market, with a substantial hold of over 96%, even after an estimated 3.8% growth over the next five years.

The most recent figures demonstrate a remarkable recovery for the business, as it successfully rebounded from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Notably, Vodka has experienced a robust resurgence with a remarkable 34% increase in sales. This impressive growth can be attributed to the popularity of flavored varieties, which have been a significant driving force behind the surge in demand.

India ranks as the fifth largest market globally for alcoholic beverages, with an estimated total worth of approximately $53 billion. Over the coming five years, domestic consumption is anticipated to play a significant role in driving the industry’s growth. Among the various segments, ready-to-drink beverages have emerged as the fastest-growing category, experiencing an impressive surge of nearly 40% in the previous year. Projections indicate that this segment will continue to expand at double-digit rates over the next five years.

The wine segment is expected to be the second fastest-growing category, with a projected growth rate of 6.6%. It is worth noting that nearly one-fifth of the wine consumed in India comes from imports. Following wine, spirits are anticipated to grow at a rate of 3.7%, while beer is expected to experience growth at a rate of 2.7%, according to data from IWSR.

Although specific figures are not currently available, it is expected that imported wine from countries like Australia and the European Union might gain a larger market share due to the existing free trade agreements. Conversely, in the whiskey sector, where the UK is actively pursuing tariff reductions, the domestic industry is expected to play a crucial role in driving growth.

This is despite some of the imported whiskeys seeing a rapid rise, although it has come over a small base.

“There is a growing trend of new whiskeys being explored by Indian consumers. While scotch leads, the new players on the table are Irish, US, Japanese and Canadian whiskies. And of course, Indian Single Malts too,” said Nita Kapoor, CEO, International Spirits & Wines Association of India.

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Coffee Day Global enters bankruptcy proceedings following NCLT’s decision

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Coffee Day
Cafe Coffee Day (Representative Image)

According to sources familiar with the matter, Coffee Day Global, the company behind the Cafe Coffee Day chain in India, has been granted corporate insolvency by the Bengaluru bench of the bankruptcy court. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) issued an oral order last week, accepting the petition filed by IndusInd Bank and admitting the unlisted company for corporate insolvency proceedings.

The tribunal has not yet uploaded a comprehensive order as of now.

Coffee Day Global, a subsidiary of the publicly listed Coffee Day Enterprises, was established by the late VG Siddhartha. His tragic demise by suicide in 2019 sent shockwaves through the business community, leaving many in disbelief.

As of March 31, 2022, based on the most recent annual report, the company possesses a noteworthy debt of INR 67.3 crore owed to IndusInd Bank. According to an individual familiar with the matter, the company’s admission to the tribunal occurred when attempts to reach a one-time settlement agreement between the company and IndusInd Bank failed. Despite attempts to seek clarification, Coffee Day Group remained unresponsive to comment requests.

According to information available on the NCLT website, it was observed that IndusInd Bank had engaged Skanda Legal as their legal representation, while Coffee Day Global had enlisted Tatva Legal as their counsels.

As per the FY22 annual report of Coffee Day Global, an unlisted entity, it possesses 495 Cafe Coffee Day outlets spread across 158 cities and operates 285 CCD Value Express kiosks. Furthermore, the company has successfully installed 38,810 coffee vending machines in various corporate workplaces and hotels, according to the same report.

As of March 2022, the company carries a total debt of INR 960 crore, comprising bank loans and inter-corporate deposits amounting to INR 119 crore owed to Tanglin Development, a group entity.

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