French spirits conglomerate Pernod Ricard is undergoing a notable change as Yashika Singh, the India Head of Corporate Affairs, has tendered her resignation, as reported by three sources with direct knowledge of the situation on Monday.
According to sources, Singh, who held the position of overseeing corporate affairs in the Indian market, with a particular focus on regulatory affairs concerning manufacturing and government policies, tendered her resignation last week. Additionally, she was responsible for managing the communications portfolio.
The sources also mentioned that Rajesh Mishra, the Chief Operating Officer of Pernod Ricard India and former Chief Financial Officer, will be moving to Malaysia later this year to assume a new senior leadership position.
Despite requests for comment, Singh and Mishra remained unresponsive.
Pernod chose not to provide a comment regarding Singh’s departure. However, it stated that internal employee transfers align with their succession strategy and are unrelated to any ongoing regulatory matters, without specifically mentioning Mishra.
Pernod has been accused by an Indian federal agency of engaging in illicit profit-making through the dissemination of false information to Delhi city authorities in 2021. Additionally, the agency alleges that Pernod violated city regulations by providing corporate guarantees to support retailers.
Furthermore, Pernod has been denied a retail license in New Delhi, which prohibits the company from selling its products in the region. Pernod, however, denies any involvement in any unlawful activities.
In a statement on Monday, Pernod expressed that their employees have consistently demonstrated cooperation with the authorities, and the company remains dedicated to upholding this cooperative approach.
In April, Paul-Robert Bouhier, who held the position of Pernod India head, resigned from his role just three months after assuming the position. Following Bouhier’s departure, Jean Touboul was appointed as the new head of Pernod India.
D’yavol Inception, a blended malt scotch targeting the luxury market, has been introduced by SLAB Ventures Netherlands and AB InBev India. The ownership of SLAB Ventures includes Aryan Khan, son of renowned actor Shah Rukh Khan, along with Bunty Singh and Leti Blagoeva.
As an extension of D’yavol’s Global Luxury Collective, which was introduced in December of the previous year, this latest venture represents a significant addition. Alongside its fashion products and event management services, the collective now presents an enticing range of beverages. Notably, the company had previously made waves with the release of a single estate vodka and an exclusive line of luxury streetwear. D’yavol continues to expand its portfolio, captivating the discerning tastes of its clientele across various domains.
Singh of SLAB said, “We took upon ourselves the challenge of combining exceptional single malts from different regions in a blend that brings out the best of each component malt. This has been created by our master blender Vic Cameron.”
D’yavol Inception, a meticulously crafted scotch, takes its origins in Scotland where it is skillfully blended from eight exquisite single malts hailing from the renowned regions of the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, and Islands. This small batch creation showcases the artistry of its production, capturing a harmonious balance of flavors and aromas. With a remarkable alcohol by volume of 47.1%, this exceptional scotch promises a bold and captivating experience for connoisseurs seeking the finest of spirits.
Kartikeya Sharma, President for India at AB InBev added, “The market for Scotch whiskies in India is growing as demand for luxury and imported spirits increases. We target whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs seeking a good drinking experience.”
At present, D’yavol Inception is available in Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, and it will soon be sold in Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Telangana. The retail price for a 750 ml bottle of D’yavol Inception ranges from INR 9,000 to INR 9,800.
According to the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), the alcoholic beverages market in India reached a value of $52.5 billion in 2020. It is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2020 to 2023. India’s market is primarily dominated by brown spirits, with categories such as whisky, brandy, and dark rum being the main drivers, accounting for approximately 90% of all Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) sales by volume.
Chennai is now home to its very own social networking platform designed specifically for food enthusiasts. Known as Foodwall, this platform serves as a hub where consumers can engage in a wide range of food-related discussions and activities. It provides a unique space for individuals to connect, share their culinary experiences, and explore everything related to the world of food.
Saravan Krishna M., Founder and CEO of Foodwall said, “One big problem typically all of us face is where do we go out to eat, to experiment is always an apprehension… whether the place is good or not. There are no structured platforms for food recommendations. And that is where we come in.”
The concept for initiating this platform originated in 2018 when Saravan crossed paths with his old school friend, Amogh Arunkumar. Recognizing the potential, Saravan wasted no time in bringing Amogh on board as a Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer, solidifying their partnership within a few months.
“We both went to Chettinad Vidyashram and know each other’s strengths. Also, Amogh is a former restauranteur and he keeps the user at the heart of the app and ensures that their experience is very good,” said Krishna, who is an alumnus of College of Engineering Guindy and IIM-Bangalore.
Foodwall, presently accessible on both iOS and Android platforms, has garnered an impressive user base of more than 700 since its launch on June 12. With ambitious goals in mind, the founders aim to acquire over one lakh users within the next 100 days. While initially concentrating on the Chennai market, this startup envisions expanding its reach to other prominent cities in India. Furthermore, by the end of this year, Foodwall aims to make its entry into the United States market.
To a query on why the U.S., Krishna said, “The U.S. is the heart of social networks… and when we want to go global we want the U.S. to be the first place.”
In addition to the United States, the startup is actively assessing various other global markets as well.
When questioned about the relevance of such a platform given the vast amount of food suggestions and reviews available on the internet, Krishna pointed out that the majority of existing platforms predominantly cater to restaurant recommendations.
“Their first customer is the restaurant and for us our first customer is the user,” he noted and further added, “Like how LinkedIn is for professionals, Foodwall is for food lovers.”
The bootstrapped startup is seeking funding to support its expansion objectives, including the enhancement of technology and marketing efforts.
Marico Limited, one of the major players in the FMCG sector, has taken a significant step by integrating its Saffola store with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This integration not only expands their avenues for growth but also facilitates collaboration and elevates the digital experiences offered in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.
“Through this integration, Marico is committed to delivering unparalleled benefits to its stakeholders, including distributors, retailers, suppliers, and consumers,” the company said in a statement.
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative spearheaded by the Government of India, is a robust digital commerce network designed to empower businesses and consumers nationwide. With the goal of advancing the vision of ‘Digital India’, this initiative fosters an inclusive ecosystem that promotes greater e-commerce adoption in India and enables the seamless inclusion of sellers of all scales and types, catering to the diverse population.
Sanjay Mishra, COO India Business and CEO New Business, Marico Limited, said, “While the e-commerce market in India has grown at an exponential pace over the past decade, online FMCG retail is yet to make significant inroads into rural and semi-urban markets. Tech-led interventions such as ONDC mark a sustained effort to bring together various stakeholders within the FMCG and retail value chain to solve this challenge.”
“Getting our D2C platform onto the ONDC network is an example of fantastic collaborative effort between the Marico IT team and the ONDC Tech team, which will launch us into the next league of connected platforms,” said Vrijesh Nagathan, Chief Information & Digital Technology Officer, Marico Limited.
“Consumers, the ultimate beneficiaries of this integration, will experience a more convenient and seamless shopping experience. The integration will also facilitate efficient order fulfilment, ensuring timely delivery of products to consumers’ doorsteps,” said T Koshy, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, ONDC.
Marico, a prominent player in the consumer products industry, has established itself as one of the leading companies in its field. The brand achieved an impressive turnover of $1.2 billion during the fiscal year 2022-23, primarily driven by the sale of its products in India as well as selected markets across Asia and Africa.
The esteemed diplomat indulged in this delightful treat at Delhi's South Extension market and proclaimed himself a true 'dilliwala' after relishing it.
Each city in India has its own unique set of culinary delights that truly define its character. In the case of Mumbai, vada pav reigns supreme, while in Indore, it is poha jalebi. A visit to these Indian cities would be deemed incomplete without savoring these delectable treats. Interestingly, we are not alone in acknowledging their irresistible appeal. Recently, Hans Jacob Frydenlund, the Norwegian Ambassador to India and Bhutan, took to Twitter to offer a glimpse into his ‘Golgappa Saturday’. The esteemed diplomat indulged in this delightful treat at Delhi’s South Extension market and proclaimed himself a true ‘dilliwala’ after relishing it. Here’s a glimpse of the tweet he shared:
It’s a #golgappa Saturday at South extension market! Or pani puri? Or what should I call it? No matter what it’s called, it’s yum! I am turning into a proper dilliwala now. What else should I try? Any suggestions? ? ????? pic.twitter.com/rxmt0QhPby
— Ambassador Hans Jacob Frydenlund (@NorwayAmbIndia) June 24, 2023
“It’s a Golgappa Saturday at South extension market! Or pani puri? Or what should I call it,” asked Frydenlund in his tweet. “No matter what it’s called, it’s yum! I am turning into a proper dilliwala now. What else should I try? Any suggestions,” he added.
The tweet shared by the Norwegian ambassador on June 24 has garnered more than 184k views along with thousands of comments and likes.
“I hope you enjoyed the tangy taste, a great appetiser,” wrote one user. “When in Bengaluru, remember me, I will treat you to wonderful ghee dosa and awesome filter coffee,” said another one. Meanwhile, a few others recommended what else he could try in Delhi. “Chole bhature, Sitaram, Paharganj, Delhi,” said one user.
Meanwhile, another Twitter user named Vikram Sathaye came up with an interesting suggestion for the Norwegian ambassador. “Sir let’s develop a joint dish called Norwegian Salmon Gol Gappa to further consolidate the relationship between our countries,” he wrote on Twitter. The diplomat took to Twitter to reply, “Ceviche made of salmon in a puri would be a treat and an excellent Indo-Norwegian-South-American fusion.” Take a look at the Twitter exchange:
Ceviche made of salmon in a puri would be a treat and an excellent Indo-Norwegian-South-American fusion?? https://t.co/W6VMA0wpmT
— Ambassador Hans Jacob Frydenlund (@NorwayAmbIndia) June 24, 2023
India, with its diverse culinary offerings spanning from north to south, truly embodies a rich tapestry of flavors. It is an understatement to say that every corner of the country holds something unique to tantalize your taste buds. Recently, Taste Atlas, an experiential travel online guide, unveiled a prestigious list of the world’s most legendary restaurants, and it comes as no surprise that several eateries from India secured a place among the crème de la crème. In fact, seven distinguished restaurants from India proudly etched their names onto the coveted “Top 150 Most Legendary Restaurants in the World” roster.
Securing the 11th position on the esteemed list, Paragon restaurant, located in the historic city of Kozhikode, has made the culinary world proud. This iconic establishment has gained recognition for its legendary biryani, garnering a special mention in the guide. The guide describes Paragon in Kozhikode, Kerala, as an embodiment of the region’s gastronomic heritage, renowned for its expertise in traditional Malabar cuisine. The biryani, a magnificent combination of rice, meat, and aromatic spices, prepared using time-honored techniques and locally-sourced ingredients, reigns supreme at Paragon according to the guide.
Having been established in 1939, this restaurant has maintained a remarkable reputation for consistently providing people with a wholesome gastronomic experience.
The 12th spot was given to Tunday Kababi in Lucknow. Describing the eatery which specializes in Mughali cuisine, the guide stated, “The star offering, the galouti kebab, is a culinary masterpiece featuring finely minced meat tenderized with raw papaya and an assortment of spices. Its distinctive taste profile and the legacy behind its creation have garnered Tunday Kababi a devoted following, both domestically and internationally.”
Joining the prestigious list are several other remarkable restaurants. Peter Cat in Kolkata secured the 17th position, while Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba in Murthal earned the 23rd spot. Mavali Tiffin Rooms in Bangalore claimed the 39th position, Karim’s in Delhi secured the 87th spot, and Ram Ashraya in Mumbai found itself ranked at 112th. These establishments have rightfully earned their places on the list, each offering a unique culinary experience that has captivated diners.
Meanwhile, Figlmüller in Vienna, Austria, earned the top spot with the Schnitzel Wiener Art being its star dish.
Dunzo4Business, the logistics arm of Dunzo supported by Reliance Retail, has revealed its strategic plan for expansion. A senior company official has stated that they are aiming to extend their business operations to 10-15 cities over the next 12-18 months.
According to Dalvir Suri, the Co-Founder of Dunzo and head of Dunzo4Business (D4B), the logistics aggregator firm is actively collaborating with the government-supported Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Their joint efforts are focused on addressing the intracity last mile delivery needs of a wide range of products.
“In a year’s time or 18 months’ time, along with ONDC and my b2b logistics business, we do see ourselves entering into 10 to 15 new cities,” Suri said.
He said that at present, D4B has a presence in about 10 cities.
Around a year ago, the company became a part of the ONDC platform. Currently, they assert that they are fulfilling 60-70% of the overall orders received on the platform for last mile delivery. Additionally, they handle orders received through Dunzo for the delivery of groceries and other items from various merchants.
“Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai are four cities where they (ONDC users) are putting most of the orders. They are scaling the network as we speak, and we are pretty much present in all the cities with them. For us, it adds a new revenue channel to run more orders on the network; this means more efficiency in bringing down the cost,” Suri said.
In terms of revenue, Dalvir Suri mentioned that D4B has achieved positive unit economics. Looking ahead, the company will concentrate on scaling up its business operations over the next 12-18 months.
Currently, the company collaborates with a network of over 70,000 delivery partners spanning across 10 cities.
According to Suri, the top categories that people order through Dunzo4Business include grocery, food, and pharmaceutical products. The average order ticket size ranges from INR 200 to INR 4,000.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the company aims to facilitate the delivery of all products that can be transported via two-wheelers.
A fresh study conducted by specialists at the Mass General Brigham hospital system suggests that embracing a “food is medicine” approach has the potential to enhance nutrition security for families and simultaneously lower the body mass index (BMI) of children.
A research team from Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital conducted a study to examine the impact of providing weekly plant-based snacks to families in need of food assistance during the pandemic on children’s weight.
The researchers discovered a correlation between an increase in receiving food packages and a decrease in BMI. The results, published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting that offering plant-based foods may serve as an effective approach to preventing childhood obesity in children from food-insecure households.
“It’s important to encourage healthy eating habits during childhood to help prevent co-morbidities associated with obesity later in life, but many families to do not have access to expensive healthy foods, such as produce,” said senior author Lauren Fiechtner, MD, MPH, Director of the Pediatric Nutrition Center at Mass General for Children and Health and Research Advisor at The Greater Boston Food Bank.
“Food pantries like MGH Revere that can provide families with healthy foods are a huge help in making sure that kids have a long, healthy future and have the best cardiovascular and metabolic health possible from a young age,” she added.
In 2020, food insecurity in the United States saw a significant rise of 55%, impacting 42% of households with children. This surge can be attributed to various factors, including the economic repercussions of the pandemic, school closures, and disruptions in food supply chains. As food insecurity escalated, there was a corresponding increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity, with rates climbing from 19.3% to 22.4% between August 2019 and August 2020.
When it comes to families grappling with food insecurity, the difficulty often lies not only in the quantity of food but also in the quality of food available to them.
“Children in families with food insecurity are frequently skipping meals or skipping food for a whole day because their family does not have enough money for food,” said Fiechtner. “One way for parents to stretch a tight food budget and make sure their children are at least eating something is to buy the cheapest foods available, which are often not nutritious and contribute to obesity and other health problems.”
To address the effects of food insecurity during the pandemic on childhood obesity, the MGH Revere Food Pantry took a proactive step by offering families seeking food assistance weekly plant-based food packages. These packages included a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, and were tailored to accommodate the size of each family, providing enough food for three meals per day for every household member. From January 1, 2021, to February 1, 2022, a total of 107 children from 93 families benefited from the program, receiving an average of approximately 27 food packages per family throughout the entire study period.
The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Revere Food Pantry, a collaborative effort between MGH and The Greater Boston Food Bank, supplied the food packages. Since its establishment in 2020, the MGH Revere Food Pantry has been dedicated to offering nutritious food and providing nutritional education to families residing in the greater Boston region.
“For dozens of families, the MGH Revere Food Pantry was a literal lifeline during the pandemic by providing free weekly packages of healthy food for the entire household,” said study co-author Jacob Mirsky, MD, MA, DipABLM, Medical Director of the MGH Revere Food Pantry.
The researchers examined BMI during a baseline period prior to receiving food packages and then during a follow-up period using the Mass General Brigham electronic health record. At the start of the study, 57% of children in the study aged 2-18 years had a BMI at or above the 85th percentile. At follow-up, this number was reduced to 49%. The researchers also saw a decrease in BMI with each additional food family package received and estimated that children in households who received 27 weeks or more of packages may have had a BMI decrease of 1.08 kg/m2 or more.
While the study focused specifically on the pandemic, the research suggests that these findings could carry over into strategies to address broader issues of food insecurity in the future.
“There was an immediate value to providing these food packages to support families during the pandemic, but we also enabled families and children to make healthier food choices, which we know is important to introduce when children are young,” said first author Allison Wu, MD MPH, Attending Physician in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition at Boston Children’s Hospital. Wu is a research collaborator and former research fellow in the Harvard-Wide Pediatric Health Services Research Program. “This kind of support is not only important for their BMI in childhood, but also in informing how they choose foods and influencing what foods their families are preparing for them to promote overall health.”
This research, as well as the MGH Revere food pantry, are part of a larger Mass General Brigham ‘food as medicine’ strategy. In collaboration with the 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, Mass General Brigham committed $8.4 million to promote nutrition equity and security, support food as medicine programs to tackle diet-related diseases, and fund food-related programming at local community-based organizations across Massachusetts.
Tomato prices have experienced a significant surge in the past week across the majority of the country, reaching INR 80-120 per kg in the retail market. Wholesale prices have also witnessed a substantial increase, rising from INR 30-35 per kg to INR 65-70 per kg. This price hike can be attributed to a sudden decline in tomato production.
Multiple factors, including intense heat, delayed rainfall, and farmers’ lack of interest in cultivating the crop, led to a significant decline in tomato output. The crash in prices to INR 3-5 per kg in May played a crucial role in discouraging farmers from growing tomatoes.
Ashok Ganor, a tomato trader from Azadpur wholesale market in Delhi, said, “Tomato prices have doubled in the last two days. Supply of tomatoes from neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh has reduced. We are now getting tomatoes from Bangalore.”
Ganor further said, “The tomato plants that were on the ground have been damaged during the recent rainfall. Only the plants that grow vertically with the support of wires were saved.”
In order to mitigate the losses resulting from low prices, farmers made the decision to cease caring for their tomato fields. “Due to non-remunerative rates, farmers refrained from spraying pesticides or using fertilizers,” explained Ajay Belhekar, a farmer from the Narayangaon region in Maharashtra, which currently supplies tomatoes to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kolkata, and has recently received inquiries from Delhi. Consequently, this neglect in proper care led to an increased incidence of pests and diseases, ultimately resulting in a decline in tomato production.
Due to the drastic decline in tomato prices, farmers found themselves unable to recoup the expenses incurred during the harvesting and transportation process. Consequently, they were left with no choice but to dispose of their produce or employ the method of driving tractors through the crops to remove them.
“Prices were low till the first week of June. We can’t predict what the prices will be in the coming weeks. They can come down as harvest from many new pockets will begin soon. But if it rains heavily in Himachal Pradesh and other growing areas, then prices may remain firm,” said Ganor.
Weight loss is a journey that many individuals embark on, seeking to shed those stubborn love handles and achieve a trimmer waistline. While there are various approaches to weight loss, incorporating natural ingredients into your diet can have profound effects on your progress. Ginger, a root spice commonly found in Indian households, is not only known for its flavor but also for its potential health benefits. From boosting immunity to aiding digestion, ginger has long been recognized for its therapeutic properties. However, the link between ginger and weight loss is often overlooked. In this article, we will delve into the captivating effects of ginger on your waistline, unveiling how this humble spice can contribute to shedding those extra pounds and achieving a healthier body.
The Indirect Effects of Ginger on Weight Loss
Ginger, widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been revered for its medicinal properties for centuries. While ginger is commonly associated with aiding digestion and reducing nausea, its effects on weight loss are more indirect. Simply consuming large quantities of ginger alone will not magically lead to weight loss. However, incorporating ginger into your diet can stimulate specific bodily functions that support and enhance weight loss efforts. Let’s explore some of the prominent ways in which ginger can aid in weight loss.
Increased Satiety
Feeling full and satisfied plays a crucial role in preventing overeating and maintaining portion control. Studies suggest that ginger may increase feelings of fullness and reduce appetite, leading to a lower calorie intake. By incorporating ginger into your meals or consuming ginger-infused drinks, you may experience improved satiety, making it easier to resist temptations and adhere to a healthy eating plan.
Enhanced Digestion
Efficient digestion is essential for proper nutrient absorption and waste elimination. Ginger has traditionally been used to aid digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and improving gastric motility. By supporting these digestive processes, ginger can enhance the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, ensuring that your body optimally utilizes the fuel you provide it. Improved digestion can also alleviate bloating and discomfort, contributing to a flatter and more toned abdomen.
Thermogenic Effects
Ginger has been found to have thermogenic properties, which means it can increase the body’s heat production and calorie expenditure. By enhancing thermogenesis, ginger may boost metabolism, resulting in a higher rate of calorie burning. This can have a positive impact on weight management efforts, as the body utilizes stored fat as an energy source more efficiently.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Stable blood sugar levels play a crucial role in weight management. Ginger has shown promise in positively impacting blood sugar control by enhancing insulin sensitivity. By promoting stable blood sugar levels, ginger may help prevent energy crashes and cravings, reducing the likelihood of overeating due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. By maintaining balanced glucose levels, ginger supports weight loss efforts and overall metabolic health.
Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation has been linked to weight gain and obesity. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce low-grade inflammation in the body. By addressing inflammation, ginger contributes to overall well-being and supports weight management endeavors. Reduced inflammation may also result in a more efficient metabolism and improved fat-burning capabilities.
Incorporating Ginger into Your Weight Loss Journey
Now that we understand the potential weight loss benefits of ginger, let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate this powerful spice into your diet.
Ginger-Lemon Tea
Enjoy the refreshing and invigorating combination of ginger and lemon in a cup of hot tea. By infusing ginger into your tea and adding a dash of lemon juice, you can not only stay hydrated but also boost your metabolism and digestion. Sip on this delightful concoction twice a day to reap its benefits.
ACV Ginger Juice
Combine the renowned weight loss properties of apple cider vinegar with the digestion-enhancing effects of ginger. Start your morning with a glass of ACV ginger juice to kick-start your metabolism and promote a healthy digestive system.
Ginger Green Tea
Green tea is widely recognized for its antioxidant content and weight loss benefits. By adding ginger to your green tea, you create a potent weight loss drink that can support your journey towards a slimmer waistline.
Ginger Cucumber Water
Detoxify your body and promote weight loss by infusing water with the alkaline properties of both ginger and cucumber. This refreshing drink can aid digestion, boost metabolism, and support overall hydration.
Ginger Turmeric Milk
Harness the power of turmeric milk, a popular beverage known for its various health benefits, and amplify its effects by adding ginger. This golden elixir can promote good sleep, enhance digestion, and contribute to weight loss.
Final Thoughts:
Ginger, a versatile spice ingrained in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine, offers remarkable benefits for weight loss. Although ginger alone cannot work miracles, incorporating it into your diet can positively impact digestion, metabolism, appetite control, and inflammation reduction—all of which are crucial for effective weight management. By enjoying ginger-infused beverages such as ginger tea, ACV ginger juice, ginger green tea, ginger cucumber water, and ginger turmeric milk, you can harness the potential of this spice and support your weight loss journey.
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