Karnataka’s excise revenue from liquor sales hits all-time high, poised to double by 2024

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July 10, 2023

The excise revenue generated from liquor sales in Karnataka has experienced a significant surge of 65% within the past five years. Starting from INR 17,948.5 crore in 2017-18, it has reached INR 29,600 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23. Projections indicate that the revenue is expected to double by March 2024, aligning with the budgetary goal of achieving INR 36,000 crore from liquor sales, as presented in CM Siddaramaiah’s recent budget proposal on Friday.

Over the past fifteen years, there has been a remarkable surge in revenue generated from liquor sales, with an astounding increase of 600%. This upward trend is expected to persist as successive state governments perceive alcohol consumers as a convenient source of revenue whenever they confront the task of generating funds. In his budget proposal, Siddaramaiah proclaimed a 20% escalation in the additional excise duty imposed on liquor to gather resources for fulfilling the five poll guarantees put forth by the Congress party.

Starting from next month, the upcoming hike will mark the 11th increase since 2008 and the eighth one within the past decade. The state government has implemented a significant 52% hike in AED over a span of just three years, seemingly in response to a revenue shortfall caused by the pandemic.

Consequently, the revenue generated from liquor sales has surged from INR 4,812 crore in the fiscal year 2007-2008 to an impressive INR 29,600 crore in 2022-2023. The estimated revenue projection for the current fiscal year stands at a staggering INR 36,000 crore.

While the government enjoys its financial gains, consumers and liquor manufacturers bear the brunt of the situation. As per Siddaramaiah’s declaration, the maximum retail price (MRP) of liquor will witness an increase ranging from INR 7 to INR 177 per quarter, depending on the brand. Furthermore, if the same brand and quantity of liquor is consumed at a bar or restaurant, an additional service charge of INR 10 to INR 15 will be levied.

“The consumption of cheap liquor accounts for 60-70% of total liquor sales in Karnataka and it is the poor and middle class that consume it. So, a regular hike in liquor taxes will hit them hard as they will have to spend a minimum of INR 500-INR 1,000 extra every month on an average,” said a wine merchant.

Instead of increasing AED, the government ought to have brought in reforms in the liquor business, said B Govindraj Hegde, General Secretary, Federation of Karnataka Wine Merchants Associations. “The government should focus on plugging leakages in revenue as liquor is being sold illegally in dhabas, hotels and shops. Bringing in more efficiency in the administration of the excise department is the need of the hour,” he added. Manufacturers are also concerned that this uncontrolled increase in taxes may lead to a dip in liquor consumption, thereby affecting business.

Zoop’s latest venture lets you order train meals with just a few taps on Instagram

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July 10, 2023

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Zoop, an online food aggregator authorized by IRCTC, has unveiled its latest offering on the popular social media platform Instagram. This innovative venture allows train passengers to conveniently place orders for their preferred meals through their Instagram accounts with just a few easy taps. The delectable cuisine will be swiftly delivered to their train seats, precisely at the train’s location, guaranteeing a seamless and delightful journey on the rails.

Zoop’s Instagram Chatbot service, Ziva, revolutionizes the food ordering experience for train passengers by offering an array of culinary delights. With a wide selection of cuisines available, including Jain food, South Indian delicacies, Chinese cuisine, snacks, and mouthwatering North Indian dishes, Ziva ensures that passengers enjoy a diverse and satisfying meal during their journey. By providing this convenient service, Ziva liberates passengers from relying solely on home-packed meals or limited train pantry options, allowing them to indulge their cravings and relish a delightful dining experience while on the move.

Puneet Sharma, Founder of Zoop, expresses his enthusiasm about the new service. He states, “We are delighted to unveil Zoop’s latest offering, which empowers passengers to effortlessly order food through a user-friendly Instagram app. Our utmost commitment is to ensure Zoop’s accessibility to every passenger and enhance the train journey by providing a hassle-free and stress-free experience. Our aim is to deliver exquisite dishes from various regions across the nation, allowing passengers to enjoy them directly at their train seats. And this new service is effectively transforming these goals into a reality.”

Zoop’s Instagram bot goes beyond mere food ordering to offer valuable assistance to train travellers. It provides a range of convenient features, including the ability to check PNR status and access various food order options. Users can effortlessly explore available discounts, track food deliveries, cancel orders, and raise complaints, all within the bot’s framework. By incorporating these features, Zoop’s bot guarantees a streamlined and hassle-free order process for travellers, enhancing their overall experience.

Yum! Brands selects Treasure Data as its customer data platform provider to enhance digital experiences and drive growth

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July 10, 2023

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Yum! Brands, Inc. recently unveiled its newest initiative aimed at improving customer digital experiences. As part of this strategy, the company has chosen Treasure Data as its Customer Data Platform provider. The selection of Treasure Data is expected to play a vital role in driving customer acquisition, fostering growth, and improving customer retention for Yum! Brands, Inc.

The customer base of numerous Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) often includes anonymous diners, making it crucial to personalize marketing efforts in order to enhance brand loyalty and encourage frequent visits. By harnessing the advanced AI and machine learning capabilities of Treasure Data, QSRs can gain valuable and practical insights that enable them to deliver captivating and tailored content to their customers.

The Treasure Data Customer Data Cloud has been specifically developed to bring together first-, second-, and third-party data, enabling the creation of a comprehensive customer profile that spans multiple brands. Through data unification and enrichment, this platform facilitates the identification of previously unknown audiences and contributes to the establishment of a centralized view of customer data across all Yum! Brands concepts.

“This is the latest advancement in our strategy to drive toward enhanced digital experiences and deliver exceptional value to our customers, as the company remains focused on our vision to have 100% of sales powered by digital,” said Cameron Davies, Chief Data Officer, Yum! Brands by adding that treasure data’s state-of-the-art CDP solution brings unparalleled capabilities to unify, manage and activate customer data across our four brands and third-party platforms, empowering our ability to gain deep insights into customer behavior and preferences.

Leveraging its extensive global presence, Yum! Brands is making significant investments in cutting-edge technologies to enhance customer experiences, streamline restaurant operations, and leverage data-driven insights for exceptional growth. The company’s approach involves developing internal capabilities, acquiring relevant technologies, or establishing strategic partnerships that offer a competitive edge. While Yum! primarily aims to maintain ownership over its tech solutions, it also collaborates with chosen third-party technology providers, including Treasure Data.

“Yum! has built some of the most loved and trusted brands in the world, and they know the importance of understanding customer needs,” added Kazuki Ohta, CEO and Co-Founder, Treasure Data.

Viral video captures Zomato delivery agent’s remarkable commitment to family and job

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July 10, 2023

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The internet has been deeply moved by a video capturing a Zomato delivery agent gracefully juggling his responsibilities as a parent and a provider. In the heartwarming footage, the delivery agent can be seen delicately carrying his toddler in his arms while efficiently delivering food to his customers. While many empathized with the challenges he faces, others have commended his unwavering spirit and commitment to earning a living through honest work, rather than succumbing to alternative means.

The internet has been greatly impressed by the man’s dedication to caring for his children despite working tirelessly day and night.

“I felt so inspired seeing this; Zomato delivery partner spends the whole day in the sun with her two children. We should learn that if a person wants, he can do anything,” read the caption of the video.

A food vlogger shared the video which has gone crazy viral and has fetched millions of views. Social media users praised the man’s determination to work hard, despite having to take care of his little children.

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A post shared by Saurabh Panjwani (@foodclubbysaurabhpanjwani)

The video showcases a delivery agent positioned at a customer’s doorstep, ready to deliver their order. Notably, he carries his adorable baby girl secured to his chest. The clip has gained immense popularity, leading Zomato to take notice and offer assistance to the man in a heartwarming gesture.

Taking to the comment section, Zomato wrote, “Please share the order details in a private message so that we can reach out and help out the delivery partner.”

After being posted on Instagram, the video has amassed an impressive count of over 1 million views and has attracted thousands of comments from diverse social media users.

“Thank you Zomato for helping such delivery agents and giving them a platform to earn money,” commented a user.

A second user wrote, “This is so inspiring. No matter what the circumstances, we should work hard.” “A father is a real hero,” wrote a third user.

Controversy surrounds influencer-backed energy drink PRIME as lawmakers and experts question alarming caffeine levels

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July 10, 2023

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PRIME, an influencer-backed energy drink, touted as both zero sugar and vegan, has found itself at the center of controversy. American lawmakers and health experts are now scrutinizing the beverage due to its alarming levels of caffeine. Endorsed by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI, PRIME quickly became a sensation among children upon its debut last year. The drink’s popularity skyrocketed, causing extensive queues in grocery stores and even the emergence of schoolyard resale markets. However, the product’s safety and health implications have raised serious concerns among authorities.

The neon-colored cans are among a growing number of energy drinks with elevated levels of caffeine; in PRIME’s case, 200 milligrams per 12 ounces, equivalent to about half a dozen Coke cans or nearly two Red Bulls. Logan Paul and KSI, former boxing rivals with a combined YouTube following of over 40 million, have joined forces in a business venture, marketing a sports drink known as Prime.

The duo promotes the beverage, which offers various flavors, as beneficial for hydration. KSI acknowledged the founders’ exceptional marketing skills, utilizing their massive online presence to effectively spread the word about the product.

Due to its elevated caffeine content, certain schools in the United Kingdom and Australia have enforced bans. Concerns raised by pediatricians include potential health consequences for young children, including heart issues, anxiety, and digestive disorders.

On Sunday, Senator Charles Schumer issued a call to action, urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into PRIME, the beverage brand established by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI. This brand has swiftly gained a devoted following among legions of young fans and influential personalities, sparking concerns that need to be addressed.

“One of the summer’s hottest status symbols for kids is not an outfit, or a toy—it’s a beverage,” said Schumer, a Democrat from New York. “But buyer and parents beware because it’s a serious health concern for the kids it so feverishly targets.”

In the meantime, representatives of the company have come forward to defend the product, emphasizing that it is explicitly marked as “not suitable for individuals under the age of 18.” Additionally, they offer a distinct sports beverage called PRIME Hydration that is entirely caffeine-free. Despite this, representatives from PRIME have not yet responded to a comment request.

However, in his communication to the FDA, Schumer asserted that the online promotion of both beverages displayed minimal discernible distinctions, causing numerous parents to mistakenly assume they were buying a juice suitable for their children, only to end up with a concoction containing an excessive amount of caffeine.

“A simple search on social media for Prime will generate an eye-popping amount of sponsored content, which is advertising,” he wrote. “This content and the claims made should be investigated, along with the ingredients and the caffeine content in the Prime energy drink.”

Tomato prices set to rise further amidst ongoing rainfall and crop damage

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July 10, 2023

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According to experts, tomato prices are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future, and the current rate of INR 150 per kilogram may even appear to be a good deal in the coming days. The ongoing heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh is persistently affecting the tomato harvests and causing disruptions in logistics, further exacerbating the situation.

Currently, Bengaluru serves as the primary supplier of tomatoes for various regions across the country, sustaining the Himachal crop.

Due to the extensive rainfall in the northern Indian hills, the disruption caused by this weather phenomenon could result in increased prices for various vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, and leafy greens.

“The heavy rainfall in north India, especially in Himachal Pradesh, will damage most of the standing crop of tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, capsicum etc.,” said SK Singh, Director of the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, Bengaluru. “Viruses and wilt will rot the crop due to waterlogging, which will result in prices moving substantially upwards.”

During this season, Himachal Pradesh serves as a significant provider of cabbage, cauliflower, and capsicum not only to Delhi but also to several other states across the country.

“Higher prices of vegetables leads to consumers shifting to pulses,” said Singh.

This could further lift their already high prices.

Last week, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir experienced significant rainfall.

On July 8, Delhi witnessed the highest amount of rainfall in a single day in July in the past four decades.

The transport of fruits and vegetables from the hills to the plains will be disrupted as landslides have resulted in the closure of several important roads.

“We are afraid that the wholesale tomato prices may increase up to INR 140-150 per kg in a week as the local supplies from states in north India will dwindle due to heavy rainfall,” said Amit Malik, a tomato trader at Delhi’s Azadpur wholesale market.

Wholesale and retail prices of tomatoes in various regions of the country are currently ranging from INR 40 to 110 per kilogram and INR 100 to 160 per kilogram, respectively. These price levels have been influenced by a decrease in planting by growers, who faced losses in the previous year.

This year, the crop yield in Bengaluru has also experienced a decline.

“There is a fall in tomato production in Bengaluru as the crop succumbed to the incidence of viral diseases that spread due to earlier unseasonal rainfall,” said Singh.

Consumers can anticipate a softening of prices only after August when tomatoes from other pockets such as Solapur, Pune, Nashik, and Solan start to arrive.

Sula Vineyards sees significant sales boost, achieves double-digit growth in June quarter

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July 10, 2023

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Sula Vineyards Ltd, the country’s largest wine producer, has recorded a remarkable double-digit sales growth in the June quarter.

According to a sales update from Sula Vineyards, the estimated net revenues of the company witnessed a significant 17 percent year-on-year increase in the April-June period.

The sales generated from Sula Vineyards’ own brands reached INR 103.5 crore, reflecting a notable 24 percent increase. Additionally, the company’s portfolio of imported “elite and premium brands” experienced an impressive growth of 30 percent.

“The company has recorded its highest ever Q1 net revenues overall as well as for own brands and the wine tourism business,” it said.

The revenue generated from wine tourism reached INR 11.4 crore, reflecting an increase of 11 percent compared to previous estimates.

Sula Vineyards stated that following the approval by its board, the sales updates will be accompanied by financial statements for Q1 FY24.

Commenting on this, Sula CEO Rajeev Samant said, “Our focus on premiumisation continues to pay off with our elite and premium wines leading the pack in terms of growth.”

The wine tourism revenues of Sula Vineyards experienced double-digit growth.

Over the outlook, he said, “It’s a great start to the year and we are looking forward to a strong FY24 as more and more Indians reach for more and more bottles of our iconic wine brands, especially RASA, The Source, Dindori Reserve and Sula.”

In FY23, Sula Vineyards achieved a sales volume milestone as the sales of its own brands surpassed one million cases.

McDonald’s India North & East to invest in hydroponic farming amid tomato shortage

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July 10, 2023

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McDonald’s India North & East has issued a statement to clarify misconceptions surrounding their temporary removal of tomatoes from the menu. Contrary to media reports suggesting cost-cutting measures due to increasing tomato prices, the company emphasizes that their decision was driven by a shortage of quality tomatoes in the market. Furthermore, McDonald’s India North & East has announced their commitment to investing in sustainable agriculture, specifically hydroponic farming, to grow tomatoes and ensure a consistent supply.

The company has expressed its intention to invest in hydroponic farming technology as part of their strategy to cultivate tomatoes in a controlled environment. This initiative is aimed at ensuring a steady supply of consistent and high-quality tomatoes for their own utilization.

“We are working towards resolving this issue by employing sustainable agriculture practices including hydroponically-grown tomatoes in a completely controlled environment to de-risk our requirements from vagaries of season. This cutting-edge technique ensures a sustained and world-class tomato supply at all times, independent of unpredictable weather patterns,” the company spokesperson said in a statement.

Meanwhile, with the improvement in the supply situation, the company has already commenced offering tomato-based products from its menu in outlets located in Punjab and Chandigarh.

McDonald’s India – North & East has reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to upholding the utmost standards of food safety and quality. In order to consistently maintain world-class safety and quality standards, the company emphasizes the importance of sourcing high-quality ingredients and ensuring a steady supply.

The company expressed optimism in reinstating tomatoes on the menu in other regions once the supply situation improves. They are hopeful for a swift resolution to the supply challenges and look forward to offering tomatoes in their menus across various regions.

The exclusion of tomatoes from the menu of a prominent international quick-service restaurant chain has generated considerable online attention. Social media platforms have been buzzing with posts showcasing burgers without tomatoes, and viral images have depicted notices placed outside various McDonald’s outlets, informing customers about the scarcity of tomatoes.

The exorbitant costs of essential vegetables such as tomatoes, ginger, cauliflower, and green chillies have brought immense hardship to both homemakers and food retailers. This predicament is particularly evident in the skyrocketing price of tomatoes, which currently stands at approximately INR 140 per kilogram in the wholesale market of Delhi-NCR.

World food prices fall again in June: UN food agency reports lowest index in over two years

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July 10, 2023

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grocery shopping — (Representative Image)

In June, the world price index of the United Nations food agency reached its lowest point in over two years. This decline was primarily driven by reduced prices of sugar, vegetable oils, cereals, and dairy products.

On Friday, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced that the average value of its price index, which monitors the prices of the most commonly traded food commodities worldwide, was 122.3 points in June. This figure represents a slight decrease from the revised value of 124.0 points recorded in the previous month.

The initial May reading had been reported as 124.3.

In June, the score reached its lowest point since April 2021, indicating that the index is now 23.4% below the record high reached in March 2022, which followed the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to a distinct report on the supply and demand of cereals, the FAO has projected this year’s global cereal production to be 2.819 billion tonnes. This estimate represents a slight increase from the previous month’s forecast and a 1.1% rise compared to the levels recorded in 2022.

The FAO attributed the upward revision in the forecast primarily to improved prospects for global wheat production. The forecast for wheat production has been raised by 0.9% to reach 783.3 million tonnes.

In June, the FAO’s cereal price index experienced a decline of 2.1% compared to the previous month. This decrease was observed across multiple grains, including maize, barley, sorghum, wheat, and rice, as their prices retreated.

Experiencing a decline of 2.4% compared to the previous month, the vegetable oil price index reached its lowest level since November 2020. This drop was primarily influenced by the reduced global prices of palm and sunflower oils, which outweighed the higher quotations for soy and rapeseed oil.

The sugar price index recorded a decline of 3.2% in comparison to May, marking its first decrease following four consecutive monthly increases. The primary factors contributing to this decline, as stated by the FAO, were the favorable progress of the 2023/24 sugarcane harvest in Brazil and a sluggish demand for global sugar imports.

In May, the dairy price index experienced a decline of 0.8%, whereas the meat index remained relatively stable with negligible changes.

Delhi High Court rejects PepsiCo’s appeal, revokes patent for potato variety used in Lay’s chips

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July 10, 2023

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Lay's potato chips — (Representative Image)

Delhi High Court has rejected PepsiCo Inc’s appeal against an order that revoked a patent for a potato variety grown exclusively for the New York-based company’s popular Lay’s potato chips.

In 2021, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Authority revoked the intellectual protection previously granted to PepsiCo’s FC5 potato variety. The authority cited India’s rules, which prohibit granting patents on seed varieties, as the reason for the revocation.

After Kavitha Kuruganti, a prominent activist for farmers’ rights, presented her argument that PepsiCo cannot assert a patent over a seed variety, the authority took action and removed the patent cover granted to the company.

PepsiCo filed a petition with the Delhi High Court in response to the revocation of the patent cover.

Delhi High Court Judge Navin Chawla, in an order issued on July 5, dismissed PepsiCo’s appeal against the decision made by the authority.

“We are aware of the order … and are in the process of reviewing the same,” a PepsiCo India spokesperson said in a statement.

Since establishing its initial potato chip plant in India in 1989, the U.S. snacks and drinks maker has been supplying the FC5 seed variety to a collective of farmers. These farmers subsequently sell their crops to the company at a predetermined price.

PepsiCo has consistently asserted that it was solely responsible for the development of the FC5 variety and obtained registration for the trait in 2016. This particular variety, known for its lower moisture content, is essential for producing snacks like potato chips.

In a statement, Kuruganti said, “It is good that the judgement of Justice Navin Chawla upheld the revocation order.”

In 2019, PepsiCo initiated legal action against certain Indian farmers for cultivating the FC5 potato variety, alleging infringement of its patent. The company further pursued compensation exceeding 10 million rupees ($121,050) from each farmer for the alleged patent violation.

Within a few months, PepsiCo decided to withdraw the lawsuits it had filed against the farmers.

The Delhi High Court, in its order, did not find any merit in the accusations of public interest violation made against PepsiCo.

PepsiCo is the second major U.S. company to encounter patent infringement challenges in India.

Following a protracted intellectual property dispute, seed maker Monsanto, presently owned by German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG, made the decision to withdraw from certain ventures in India.

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