Beyond the Pitch: Exploring Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s diversified food investments

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July 8, 2023

In a country where cricket is nothing short of a religion, Mahendra Singh Dhoni stands out as one of the most iconic figures to have ever graced the sport. Known for his exceptional skills, calm demeanor, and extraordinary leadership, Dhoni’s achievements on the cricket field are well-documented. However, in recent years, he has also made headlines for his foray into the world of business, particularly in the food industry. With investments in multiple ventures and a growing presence in the culinary landscape, Dhoni’s food investments have become a topic of fascination and intrigue.

Dhoni, popularly known as “Captain Cool,” has always been recognized for his strategic thinking and ability to make shrewd decisions under pressure. These qualities, which served him well on the cricket pitch, seem to have translated seamlessly into his business ventures as well. While he may have retired from international cricket, his hunger for success and passion for new challenges have driven him to explore different opportunities, with the food industry being a prominent choice.

The Allure of the Food Business: Why Actors, Sports Players, and Others are Investing

In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of actors, sports players, and other celebrities investing in the food business. While their primary professions may lie outside the culinary world, these individuals are drawn to the food industry for several compelling reasons. Firstly, investing in the food business provides them with an opportunity to diversify their income streams and build wealth beyond their primary careers. By venturing into the food industry, they can tap into a lucrative market with substantial potential for growth and profitability.

Moreover, investing in the food business allows actors, sports players, and other celebrities to leverage their personal brand and popularity. These individuals have amassed a significant following and fan base, which translates into a ready-made customer base for their food ventures. By associating their names and reputations with a restaurant, food product, or culinary concept, they can attract attention and generate buzz, leading to increased patronage and sales.

Additionally, investing in the food industry often aligns with the personal interests and passions of these individuals. Many celebrities have a genuine love for food, cooking, and exploring culinary experiences. By investing in the food business, they can turn their passion into a profitable endeavor, indulging their creativity and showcasing their unique culinary perspectives. This involvement allows them to be actively involved in the creation and development of a food brand, menu, or recipe, providing a sense of ownership and personal fulfillment.

Decoding MS Dhoni’s Food Investments:

After announcing his retirement from all formats of international cricket on August 15, 2020, MS Dhoni made his entry into the food industry by investing in the D2C food and beverage company, 7InkBrews, in 2021. He also became the brand ambassador for the company.

Headquartered in Mumbai, 7InkBrews was established by Mohit Bhagchandani, along with Co-Founders Adil Mistry and Kunal Patel. The company has successfully raised over $7 million and aims to secure an additional funding of nearly $15 million in the coming months. These funds will be utilized to support the company’s ambitions of expanding both domestically and internationally.

Taking inspiration from their brand ambassador Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot and his jersey number, the company introduced a fresh lineup of products, including artisanal chocolates and beverages. These delightful offerings were proudly presented under the brand name Copter7, paying homage to Dhoni’s legacy and style.

To curate an exceptional selection of artisanal chocolates, 7Ink Brews joined forces with renowned chocolatier and chef, David Belo, hailing from the esteemed craft chocolate brand Naviluna based in Mysore.

Speaking about the partnership with 7InkBrews, Dhoni said, “When you believe so strongly in the vision of a company, it makes the association that much more meaningful. I am truly elated to be a shareholder and brand ambassador for a company like 7Ink Brews. The food and beverage line, Copter7 has great potential and I am excited to be associated with it.”

Investment in plant-based meat startup:

In 2022, the renowned Indian cricket captain, MS Dhoni, grabbed attention with his investment in the plant-based meat startup ‘Shaka Harry’. The exact amount of equity funding he contributed remains undisclosed.

Founded by Anand Nagarajan, Sandeep Devgan, Hemalatha Srinivasan, Ruth Renita, and Anoop Haridasan, Shaka Harry is a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand of Liberate Foods. With a focus on providing high-quality plant-based meat and snacking food products, Shaka Harry offers an extensive selection that includes stuffed chicken paratha, mutton keema, chicken burger patties, and chicken fries, among other enticing options.

With exclusive access to proprietary taste and flavor solutions, Shaka Harry’s products possess a distinctive advantage. This advantage is further enhanced through the brand’s collaboration with Chef Manu Chandra, one of India’s esteemed culinary experts. The partnership with Chef Manu Chandra, renowned as one of the country’s top chefs, brings an exceptional level of expertise and culinary finesse to the brand’s offerings.

In July 2022, Liberate Foods, the startup’s parent company, successfully raised $2 million in seed funding. The company’s capitalization table includes notable investors such as Better Bite Ventures, Blue Horizon, Panthera Peak, Dexler Holdings, and Chef Manu Chandra, among other contributors.

Speaking about the partnership, Dhoni said, “I love everything chicken, but increasingly, I am looking at a more balanced diet. It is much easier with products from Shaka Harry, which has a wide range that delivers a healthier experience to that of traditional meat dishes. For a growing population, current protein sources aren’t sustainably as scalable. We now have a choice to shift to smarter protein alternatives without compromising on taste and texture.”

Organic farming:

In addition to his investments in startups, MS Dhoni has also dedicated his time and resources to organic farming. Within his 43-acre farmhouse located at Ring Road in Sembo village, Ranchi, he has allocated approximately 10 acres of land for this purpose. Dhoni’s luxurious farmhouse serves as a hub for cultivating a variety of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, cabbage, tomatoes, broccoli, peas, hock, and papaya.

Investment in Hospitality:

Despite being relatively lesser-known, one of MS Dhoni’s notable business investments is his ownership of Hotel Mahi Residency. Notably, the hotel does not have any other franchises and is situated in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Final Thoughts:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s foray into the food industry and his diverse business investments demonstrate his strategic thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to capitalize on his brand and personal interests. As a cricketing icon with a massive fan base, Dhoni has leveraged his popularity to venture into the food industry, tapping into a lucrative market and attracting attention to his ventures.

Investing in the food business has allowed Dhoni to diversify his income streams beyond cricket and build wealth in a different industry. By associating his name with food products and culinary concepts, he has been able to generate buzz, attract customers, and increase sales. Furthermore, Dhoni’s genuine love for food and his desire to explore culinary experiences have fueled his involvement in the food industry, allowing him to indulge his passion and showcase his unique culinary perspectives.

As of 2023, it is estimated that MS Dhoni’s total net worth amounts to around USD 127 million (INR 1040 crores).

Per plate food cost in India witnesses marginal increase in the past two months, reveals Crisil Report

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July 8, 2023

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According to a recent report by Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics, the per plate cost of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali in India, which had been consistently declining since October 2022, experienced an upward trend in May and June 2023.

According to Crisil’s monthly indicator of food plate cost, the prices of tomatoes, pulses, and staple grains have surged, putting additional pressure on the overall cost of food plates.

The cost of a vegetarian thali per plate, as per Crisil estimates, increased from INR 25.1 in April to INR 26.3 in June. Similarly, for non-vegetarian thali, it is estimated to have increased from INR 58.3 to INR 60.

The calculation of the average cost of a thali took into account the input prices prevalent in various regions of India, including the north, south, east, and west.

Tomatoes, for over a month now, have been burning a hole in the common people’s pockets as their prices have skyrocketed. They are being sold at over INR 100 per kg in several key cities.

According to the database maintained by the Price Monitoring Division under the Department of Consumer Affairs, per kilo tomato on average rose by INR 60-100 of what they were in retail markets in early June. Data showed prices of tomatoes in Delhi rose from INR 20 per kg in early June to INR 110 this week. Similarly, in Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, three key consuming regions, they rose to INR 117, INR 100, and INR 148.

In the pulses basket, the Crisil report said tur and gram prices have increased 3 per cent month-on-month in June, contributing to the sequential increase in per-thali costing.

Wheat flour prices spurted 9 per cent year-on-year in June, Crisil said.

The cost of both veg and non-veg thalis, however, declined 5 per cent year-on-year in June 2023 due to steep a decline in prices of vegetables and cooking oil — which account for 25 per cent of the total cost of a veg thali — but an increase in prices of cereals, pulses and chicken capped the reduction.

“The decline in thali cost was supported by an on-year decline of 15 per cent in onion and potato prices and 20 per cent in cooking oil prices in June,” Crisil said.

Prices of rice and pulses inched up 12 per cent and 8 per cent on-year, respectively, in June, preventing further decline in the cost of a veg thali.

McDonald’s India collaborates with Coca-Cola to launch ‘Mixology’ platform, unleashing innovative beverage offerings

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July 8, 2023

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mcdMixology — Both Masala Pop and Chilli Guava variants are now available for order

McDonald’s India (West & South) has embarked on a unique journey of beverage innovation in collaboration with Coca-Cola India, to bring the global ‘Mixology’ platform to India.

The company launched new refreshing beverages – ‘Masala Pop X Coke’ and ‘Chilli Guava X Sprite’. It is a revolutionary concoction of traditional Indian flavours intertwined with the classic essence of Coke and Sprite.

The four new, fun and innovative non-alcoholic specialty beverages are curated to provide customers an exciting fizzy experience of Coke and Sprite with a new twist.

Arvind R.P., Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s India (W&S), said, “We feel the Mixology range is a bold testament to the boundless potential of beverage innovation when traditional Indian flavours meet the world-renowned fizzy drinks of Coca-Cola. At McDonald’s India we are committed to menu innovation and delivering value to the customers. We believe these new offerings will enhance our customers’ dining experience with us.”

Born from a desire to mix, this beverage platform embodies millennials and Gen Z’s refreshing mix of styles, individualities, and identities, which gets reflected in the two newly launched flavours as well.

“We are delighted to bring the global Mixology Platform to India with the launch of Coca-Cola X Masala and Sprite X Chili Guava. We’re really excited about this innovation – great to see our beverages come to life in a new way with familiar flavours that cater to the Indian palette and consumers who want to mix things up! The launch is a testament to the longstanding relationship between Coca-Cola and McDonald’s and a joint commitment to creating new and refreshing experiences for our consumers,” added Abhishek Gupta, Chief Customer Officer, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia.

Both Masala Pop and Chilli Guava variants are now available for order via the McDelivery® app, with options for delivery, takeaway, and on-the-go, as well as for dine-in and Drive-Thru service at McDonald’s outlets across West and South India.

Zomato Food Trends reveals fascinating insights: North Indian cuisine reigns supreme, Mumbai has sweet tooth and top 8 cities drive over 55% of orders

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July 8, 2023

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Zomato, the popular food delivery aggregator, recently introduced Zomato Food Trends, an openly accessible data analysis platform that offers valuable insights into the eating preferences of people in India. By meticulously examining vast amounts of transactional data from numerous locations across the country, Zomato Food Trends (ZFT) has uncovered fascinating revelations about the culinary choices favored by Indians. For instance, while biryani has undisputedly held the title of the most frequently ordered dish on both Zomato and Swiggy for over five years, did you know that the city of Delhi orders just as much dosa as it does chole bhature? Moreover, it may surprise you to learn that North Indian cuisine stands out as the overwhelmingly preferred choice on Zomato, surpassing other cuisines by a significant margin.

Additionally, an interesting discovery reveals that Mumbai possesses a notable affinity for sweets, with the city ordering desserts at a rate 1.6 times higher than the national average. In a surprising revelation, the suburb of Andheri within Mumbai contributes dessert orders equivalent to the entirety of the Island city of Mumbai. Astonishingly, Andheri alone accounts for a substantial 20% of the dessert orders placed within the city.

Jefferies India Pvt Limited, a business services firm, meticulously analyzed the wealth of insights provided by Zomato Food Trends and compiled them into a comprehensive report. Within this report, they highlighted the three most noteworthy observations regarding the ordering preferences of Indians, which are as follows:

North Indian is the most popular cuisine on Zomato

Zomato’s volume share reveals that North Indian cuisine accounts for a significant portion of 25.6%. Following closely behind is Biryani at 12%, indicating a substantial gap between the top two most popular cuisines on Zomato.

Intriguingly, despite the diverse range of cuisines and dishes offered to Zomato customers, data reveals that the top 7 cuisines encompass a significant majority of orders, amounting to 83%. These include popular options such as pizza, burgers, North Indian, South Indian, desserts, Bengali, and shawarma, highlighting their prominent position in customers’ preferences.

According to Zomato, the seven cuisines that receive the highest number of orders are as follows: North Indian, Biryani, Asian (Oriental), Pizza, South Indian, Desserts, and Burgers.

Most cuisines have an average price point of less than INR 250

According to the Jefferies compilation, the average price point per dish in most cuisines is significantly below INR 250. For instance, the average cost of a north Indian dish is INR 169, while a south Indian dish typically amounts to INR 109. Comparatively, the average price of a pizza is slightly higher at INR 220.

The data further indicates that a mere 8.35% of pizzas are sold at prices exceeding INR 500.

Among the seven most popular cuisines, Biryani stands out with the highest price point, averaging at INR 248 per dish.

Top 8 cities account for more than 55% of orders

According to ZFT, approximately 56% of order volumes are attributed to the top eight cities in India. These cities include Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.

Zomato’s market presence in Delhi-NCR surpasses that of Mumbai by more than 50%. This indicates Zomato’s dominant market share in Delhi, while Swiggy takes the lead in Mumbai.

mCaffeine targets breakeven by Q4 FY23-24, reports impressive revenue growth

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July 8, 2023

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mCaffeine, a start-up specializing in direct-to-consumer personal care products, is targeting to achieve breakeven by the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2023-2024. According to Tarun Sharma, Co-Founder and CEO, the company has experienced significant growth in operating revenues, with a substantial increase of 70-80 percent compared to its FY22 figure of INR 135.23 crore. In FY22, mCaffeine incurred a loss of INR 56.67 crore.

The D2C company has also ventured into the cosmetics sector, making its mark with the introduction of a lipstick range. They have successfully launched the cocoa kiss lipsticks range, offering customers six enticing variants to choose from.

“The beauty and personal care industry is valued at $16 billion, and is projected to reach $30 billion in the next five years. This presents a significant opportunity for multi-thousand crore brands, including ours,” he noted.

Moving ahead, the company has devised a strategy to broaden its range of offerings within the makeup and cosmetic sector. It aims to introduce a series of new products, such as concealers and various others, in the upcoming months.

Regarding the rise in revenue, the CEO attributed it primarily to the company’s expanded market share in its key categories. These categories encompass body scrub, undereye products, face wash, face serum, and seasonal offerings like body butter.

Moreover, the increase can be credited to its expansion of channels.

“Previously, we operated in 3,000 outlets, but we have now expanded our reach to 20,000 outlets. Moreover, this year, we are on track to reach a 30,000 outlets, further solidifying our market presence,” he said.

mCaffeine has set its sights on expanding its reach to 100,000 touchpoints within the next 4-5 years, with the goal of raising the offline sales’ contribution from the current 30 percent to 50 percent.

Alongside its organic growth, the company, which secured INR 240 crore in its most recent funding round, is open to exploring inorganic opportunities within the realms of cosmetics, dermatology, and male grooming.

With a strong emphasis on capturing the mass premium market, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, the company expressed its commitment to investing in various areas. This includes enhancing the team’s skills, implementing advanced technologies such as research and development (R&D), and significantly increasing marketing budgets by more than 60 percent compared to the previous year.

mCaffeine, established in 2016, boasts an extensive collection of over 95 products that are centered around the invigorating properties of caffeine. These offerings span across various categories, including body care, face care, eye care, hair care, and lip care.

Radico Khaitan unveils an exciting new gin collection, delivering unparalleled delight and craftsmanship

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July 8, 2023

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Radico Khaitan Limited, a spirits company in India known for its Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, is delighted to introduce their newest addition to their product range: “Happiness in a Bottle: A Happily Crafted Gin.”

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this exquisite gin collection has undergone a refined distillation process to infuse every sip with an unparalleled sense of joy and contentment. With a harmonious blend of vibrant hues, delightful flavors, and a masterful fusion of botanical ingredients, each bottle is a testament to the artistry and innovation behind this exceptional creation.

The collection titled “Happiness in a Bottle: A Happily Crafted Gin” features three captivating variations: Joy of Juniper, Joy of Pink, and Joy of Citrus.

Every variant has its distinct character, offering an exceptional flavor experience that leaves a lasting impression on the palate.

Amar Sinha, the Chief Operating Officer of Radico Khaitan, said, “We take immense pleasure in presenting our newest creation, ‘Happiness in a Bottle: A Happily Crafted Gin,’ infused with the unique herb, Ashwagandha. We hope that every sip will inspire the consumer to savor the flavors and relish the joyous moments that make life truly fulfilling.”

Radico Khaitan makes its foray into the world of pink gin by introducing the captivating “Joy of Pink” variant, enchanting gin enthusiasts with its unique allure.

At the heart of these variations lies a thoughtfully curated selection of 15 botanicals, such as Juniper, Angelica, and Coriander, meticulously chosen to craft a harmonious fusion of tastes and fragrances.

A standout element shared by all the variants is Ashwagandha, a renowned herb acclaimed for its invigorating and mood-enhancing properties.

Through the inclusion of Ashwagandha, Radico Khaitan introduces an extra layer of vibrancy to this gin, adding a new dimension of liveliness to the overall experience.

The bottle design itself exudes an artistic flair, boasting a distinct aesthetic adorned with exquisite crystals. Its label showcases a textured brush paint design, while the diamond-shaped cap adds a touch of elegance to the overall presentation.

In addition, each bottle is accompanied by a neck tag that offers comprehensive information about the various variants, providing a convenient reference for consumers.

Dubai’s renowned incubator brand Naksha hits UK shelves with exciting recipe kits

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July 8, 2023

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Naksha recipe kits

Naksha, the renowned Dubai incubator brand, has made its highly anticipated entry into the UK market. The brand’s grand debut brings with it a unique range of meal kits that capture the essence of authentic cuisines from various corners of the globe, offering a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors.

Founded in Dubai, the meals prioritise recipes “beyond the mainstream realms of Indian, Thai and Mexican food”. Naksha became a mainstream brand in Dubai after its founders applied to – and won – UAE supermarket Spinneys’ local business incubator programme designed to accelerate the journey of creative homegrown food startups onto shelves.

Naksha Co-Founder Nisha said, “During the pandemic, [co-founder] Sam and I spent a lot of time cooking at home as we sought to travel the world through the medium of food. Ingredient authenticity sat at the very heart of our foodie vision, which meant we ended up spending a small fortune purchasing specialist ingredients that were usually only available in bulk. This was the moment we started to envisage a range of perfectly proportioned recipe kits with diligently measured portions of gourmet ingredients.”

The meal kits include Jamaican curried goat, lemak cili padi (a Malay-style curry from Singapore), ropa vieja (a Cuban national dish) and milk chocolate blondies made with Lebanese tahini.

She continued: “I knew that our proposition had legs when I began posting recipes on Instagram only to be inundated by messages from friends asking for the cooked recipes to be sent to them. Clearly, we had neither the time or the inclination to mass cook the dishes, but we were prepared to portion up the expensive leftover ingredients and distribute to friends and family so that they wouldn’t go to waste.”

Co-founder Sam added, “Many of the more enticing and adventurous cuisines are wrongly perceived to be either too complex, time-consuming, expensive or wasteful to cook at home. Naksha dismantles this dogma by curating accessible recipes and user-friendly kits which ordinary consumers can pick up at their convenience from supermarket shelves.”

Naksha works with chefs across the globe to help interpret and modernise the traditional recipes, “using the products as a canvas to express national identity through contemporary home-cooking”. For example, Naksha’s Singapore collection was a collaboration with Haikal Johari, head chef at Singapore’s Michelin- starred Alma restaurant.

Naksha manufacturing takes place in Derbyshire, UK, while the company is also part of the London School of Economics’s ‘LSE Generate’ accelerator programme, which backed Nisha’s innovator visa.

The meal kits are initially rolling out into Harrods, John Lewis and Whole Foods Market, with more listings “imminent”.

Nutra Prep partners with Nutrabolt to bring highly acclaimed ‘C4’ and ‘Xtend’ brands to India’s retail market

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July 8, 2023

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In a significant development for the Sports Nutrition industry, Nutra Prep, a promising startup, has entered into a strategic agreement with Nutrabolt, a renowned leader in the global active health and wellness sector. This collaboration aims to manufacture and distribute Nutrabolt’s widely recognized ‘C4’ and ‘Xtend’ brand products in India’s retail market. The partnership holds great promise for both companies as they join forces to tap into the growing demand for sports nutrition products in India.

Nutra Prep, founded by industry veteran Amit Dhirwani, has emerged as a rising player in the Health and Wellness space. Through a strategic partnership, the company has secured the exclusive manufacturing and marketing rights for the highly sought-after ‘C4’ and ‘Xtend’ brands in India. With C4 renowned for its smart energy drinks and pre-workout supplements, and Xtend leading the market in muscle recovery electrolytes and hydration drinks, Nutra Prep is poised to make a significant impact in the Indian market.

To ensure seamless availability and accessibility, Nutra Prep has teamed up with Bright Performance Nutrition for the exclusive omnichannel distribution of ‘C4’ and ‘Xtend’ products across India. This collaboration offers fitness enthusiasts convenient access to authentic, top-tier, and internationally recognized nutritional supplements at affordable prices.

Amit Dhirwani, MD of Nutra Prep said, “We are excited to partner with C4 and Xtend, two of the most respected brands in the nutritional supplement industry. Through this strategic alliance, we can now provide our customers with the same range of products, quality, innovation, and efficacy they expect from these brands, but at affordable prices since they will be manufactured locally in India.”

The strategic alliance between Nutrabolt and Nutra Prep encompasses the exchange of unique recipes and the transfer of advanced technology. The primary objective of this partnership is to foster the expansion of the supplement market in India, ensuring that customers have access to high-quality international products at reasonable prices. By transitioning towards local manufacturing, the alliance supports the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, thereby contributing to economic growth and creating job opportunities within the domestic market.

Justin Becker, VP Global Sales at Nutrabolt said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Nutra Prep to introduce our brands to the Indian market. We believe this partnership will enable us to reach new audiences and provide them with high-quality nutritional supplements.”

This development marks a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning sports nutrition industry and demonstrates the commitment of Nutra Prep and Nutrabolt to delivering the best possible products to their customers.

Khemani Group expands portfolio with the launch of ‘Royal Respect’ premium whisky in Madhya Pradesh

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July 8, 2023

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Khemani Group, a renowned name in the spirits industry, is proud to announce the launch of ‘Royal Respect’ its latest premium whisky, in Madhya Pradesh (Indore & Bhopal), also known as the central region of India. The launch of Royal Respect Premium Whisky in MP signifies the brand’s recognition of the state’s discerning taste and appreciation for quality spirits, capturing the essence of tradition and innovation. The whisky connoisseurs across the state will finally have the opportunity to indulge in an exotic and unparalleled whisky experience.

Royal Respect Premium Whisky is an extraordinary blend carefully crafted by combining the finest Scotch malts and Indian grain spirits, this unique fusion results in a whisky that embodies the essence of luxury and sophistication. Each sip unveils a harmonious marriage of five elements of true whisky character – which are Smoothness, Flavor, Body, Mellowness and Finesse. This exceptional blend promises to captivate the senses, leaving enthusiasts craving for more. Royal Respect would be made available in all relevant outlets in the coming weeks and promoted thru adequate visibility at off-premise and on-premise outlets in due course.

In the realm of the alcohol sector, India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing beverage markets. The country’s remarkable diversity adds to the excitement, as taste preferences of the population undergo frequent changes within a span of a few hundred kilometers. This presents a tremendous opportunity for the industry at large to engage in customization, catering to the evolving palates of consumers. India’s dynamic market provides an inviting landscape for businesses to adapt their offerings and flourish in this thriving sector.

This exquisitely crafted Royal Respect Premium Whisky will be available in 4 SKUs; 90 ml, 180 ml, 375 ml, and 750 ml priced at INR 138, INR 275, INR 568, and 1134 respectively.

Speaking about the launch, Amit Khemani, Vice Chairman, of Khemani Group stated, “We are delighted to introduce ‘Royal Respect’ whisky to the discerning consumers of Madhya Pradesh. Keeping the consumer tastes and choices of our Indian consumers as a priority, we have introduced Royal Respect premium whisky, which will enable us to connect with the market and engage with consumers in an inimitable way. We believe that Royal Respect Premium Whisky will redefine the whisky experience, providing a perfect balance of flavors and an unmatched level of sophistication. We invite whisky connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike to join us in celebrating the launch and indulge in the captivating flavors of Royal Respect.”

Is your favorite rajma recipe putting your life at risk? Learn the top secrets to safely prepare kidney beans and avoid toxicity!

Secrets & Tips (Steal this trick!)

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July 8, 2023

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Rajma, a popular Indian dish made with kidney beans, is a delightful culinary experience loved by many. However, what many people may not be aware of is the potential health risks associated with improperly cooked kidney beans. These legumes contain a natural toxin called lectin, specifically phytohaemagglutinin, which can lead to food poisoning if not prepared correctly. In this article, we will explore the secrets to safely preparing kidney beans, ensuring that your favorite rajma recipe doesn’t put your health at risk.

Understanding Kidney Bean Toxicity:

The Role of Lectin: Kidney beans contain a high concentration of lectin, a naturally occurring protein that acts as a defense mechanism against pests. However, lectin is toxic to humans and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if consumed in large amounts.

Phytohaemagglutinin: Phytohaemagglutinin is the specific type of lectin found in kidney beans. It is responsible for the majority of the toxic effects associated with undercooked or improperly prepared kidney beans.

Symptoms of Kidney Bean Poisoning: Consumption of raw or undercooked kidney beans can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in severe cases, dehydration and hospitalization.

Preparing Kidney Beans Safely:

Soaking: Soaking kidney beans in water for an extended period before cooking is essential. This process helps to reduce lectin content and improve digestibility. Soak the beans overnight or for at least 8-12 hours.

Discarding Soaking Water: After soaking, it is crucial to discard the soaking water. This water may contain some of the leached-out toxins, including lectin, so it should not be used for cooking or consumed.

Boiling: Boiling kidney beans is the most effective method for eliminating lectin and reducing the risk of toxicity. Ensure that the beans are adequately submerged in water and boil them for at least 10 minutes to destroy any remaining toxins.

Use of Pressure Cookers: Pressure cookers can be a convenient and efficient way to cook kidney beans. They help in further reducing the lectin content and shorten the cooking time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times and settings.

Proper Cooking Time: It is crucial to cook kidney beans thoroughly until they are soft and tender. Undercooked beans may still contain harmful toxins. The cooking time can vary depending on the size and freshness of the beans, but generally, it takes around 30-45 minutes.

Avoid Slow Cookers and Crockpots: Slow cookers and crockpots may not reach the high temperatures necessary to destroy lectin adequately. It is advisable to use boiling or pressure cooking methods for kidney beans instead.

Checking for Doneness: To ensure the beans are fully cooked, check for tenderness by pressing them between your fingers. They should easily mash without resistance.

Be Mindful of Cross-Contamination: Proper hygiene practices should be followed while handling kidney beans. Avoid cross-contamination with other foods, especially those that will be consumed raw, as it can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Additional Precautions and Tips:

Purchasing Fresh and High-Quality Kidney Beans: Choose fresh, undamaged kidney beans from reliable sources. Old or damaged beans may take longer to cook and may have a higher toxin content.

Variety Matters: Different varieties of kidney beans may have varying levels of lectin content. Darker red kidney beans tend to have higher levels of lectin compared to lighter-colored ones. Consider this when selecting the beans for your recipe.

Moderation is Key: While properly prepared kidney beans can be enjoyed safely, it is still advisable to consume them in moderation. Excessive consumption can potentially lead to lectin-related health issues, especially for individuals with pre-existing digestive conditions.

Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer to minimize lectin content even further, consider sprouting, fermenting, or using canned kidney beans. These methods can help reduce lectin levels, but they may alter the texture and flavor of the beans.

Storage and Reheating: Proper storage of cooked kidney beans is crucial to prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerate them promptly and consume within a couple of days. When reheating, ensure that the beans are heated thoroughly to avoid any potential bacterial contamination.

Final Thoughts:

Enjoying a delicious rajma recipe can be a delightful experience, but it is essential to prioritize safety when preparing kidney beans. By following the secrets shared in this article, you can minimize the risk of kidney bean toxicity and its associated symptoms. Soaking the beans, discarding the soaking water, boiling or pressure cooking, and ensuring thorough cooking are all vital steps to eliminate lectin and make kidney beans safe for consumption. It is equally important to practice proper hygiene, select fresh beans, and consume kidney beans in moderation. By implementing these precautions and tips, you can confidently prepare rajma and other kidney bean dishes, knowing that you have prioritized both flavor and safety in your culinary endeavors.

NewsHub

The Allure of the Food Business: Why Actors, Sports Players, and Others are Investing

Decoding MS Dhoni’s Food Investments:

Investment in plant-based meat startup:

Organic farming:

Investment in Hospitality:

Final Thoughts: