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Health food startup Wholsum Foods soars with 200% year-on-year growth, eyes profitability by mid-2025

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wholsum foods
Wholsum Foods has outlined an ambitious growth strategy that involves expanding its presence in existing categories while also venturing into new product categories. (Representative Image)

Wholsum Foods, a health food startup, has its sights set on attaining profitability by mid-2025, according to Co-Founder Meghana Narayan.

With an impressive track record, Wholsum Foods has achieved a staggering year-on-year growth of 200 percent over the past three years.

“Last fiscal, we clocked INR 100 crore in revenue. We are targeting an ARR of INR 180 crore by this fiscal end,” she said.

Currently, Wholsum Foods generates its revenue from various channels. Direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales account for 20 percent of their total revenue, while another 20 percent is derived from retail partnerships. The remaining 60 percent of their revenue is generated through e-commerce platforms.

“We are expecting that the retail will grow to about 40-45 per cent over the next 18 months or so,” she stated.

Presently, Slurrp Farm has established its presence in an extensive network of 2,000 stores across tier 1 and 2 cities in India. These include prominent locations such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi.

“Our target is to increase our presence to 10,000-15,000 stores by the end of this fiscal year. Broadly, we are aiming to reach 40,000 in the next 3 years pan India with a focus on tier 1 & 2,” she stated.

In addition to its flagship brand, Wholsum Foods has recently introduced its second brand called Mille, catering to consumers in the 25-40 age group. This new brand expansion has been launched across various tier 1 and 2 cities, strategically targeting the desired demographic.

As part of its initial rollout, Wholsum Foods has introduced a wide array of products spanning multiple categories. The offerings encompass breakfast cereals, cake mix, pancake mix, and an assortment of whole grains, which serve as gluten-free alternatives to traditional rice and wheat options.

“Mille offers a range of high-plant protein and fiber-rich products for all ages. The brand uses a unique combination of millets, lentils, and legumes to bring the power of millets to consumers’ plates,” she said.

In the upcoming year, Wholsum Foods has outlined an ambitious growth strategy that involves expanding its presence in existing categories while also venturing into new product categories. The brand aims to diversify its offerings, catering to a broader range of consumer preferences and requirements.

Talking about the retail strategy of the brand, she said, “We will follow the Slurrp Farm trajectory with Mille. We will launch the products online first which includes our own website (D2C) and leading e-commerce platforms, then we will focus on retail expansion.”

“The next 18 months will be around experimenting in terms of product and market fit. We will be first building the brand in India and then in international markets. The US is a primary market that we are really excited about. After the US, the UK will be a key market,” she added.

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Evolved Foods secures INR 7.3 Crore in seed funding led by Rainmatter Health and Kamala Capital

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Evolved foods

Evolved Foods, a company specializing in plant-based protein, recently completed its seed funding round with a significant investment of INR 7.3 crore. The round was led by Rainmatter Health, a venture supported by Zerodha, along with Kamala Capital.

The round also saw participation from Anvitha Prashanth and Aprameya Radhakrishna, as well as a group of angel investors including Rachel Goenka, Karan Khetarpal, B G Mahesh, Sushant Arora, Swapnil Shah, and Vananam Ventures Trust.

According to a press release by the company, the raised funds will be allocated towards enhancing efficiencies in both production and supply chain operations.

Founded by Roma Roy Choudhury, Evolved is a company that utilizes ingredients such as soy, coconut, and rice protein to create their signature product – Evolved Plant Meat. Setting it apart from the rest, the company proudly highlights that their offering is packed with 15% protein and contains less than 5% fat.

Roma Roy Choudhury, Founder & COO of Evolved, expressed their excitement about the journey they embarked on, stating, “Our product is the result of three years of extensive research and countless consumer trials. With the infusion of funds, we will enhance efficiencies across our production and supply chain operations, propelling us towards achieving our next milestones.”

Dilip Kumar, representing Rainmatter Health, shared his perspective on the investment, saying, “Most Indians face protein deficiency in their diets, and this is a significant issue. Evolved Foods’ approach to tackle this problem with their innovative plant-based foods, rich in protein, while also considering the carbon footprint, resonated with us. We are excited to join them on this journey.”

Pradeep Rao, CEO of Evolved, emphasized the growing consumer demand for plant-based and protein-rich food options both domestically and internationally. He stated, “Our mission is to make every meal powerfully delicious in a healthier and more sustainable way. This investment will accelerate our growth plans and enable us to capitalize on the strong order pipeline from domestic and export markets. With our range of offerings, we intend to take India to the world.”

Evolved dishes are now available for order from a variety of renowned establishments across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and other locations. These establishments include popular restaurants, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), delivery kitchens, and star hotels. Among the notable names offering these innovative creations are Curefoods (Eatfit, HRX by Eatfit, Nomad Pizza, Olio Pizza), GOPIZZA, Shangri-La, Go Native, Royal Orchid, Toscano, and Trippy Goat.

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Say goodbye to bland food: Masterchefmom’s Andhra Special Mor Rasam recipe is the flavor bomb you’ve been waiting for!

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Masterchefmom
With its tangy, spicy, and comforting flavors, this delightful rasam promises to be a feast for your senses.

Imagine a bowl of piping hot, fragrant rasam, filled with the aromatic spices of Andhra Pradesh, ready to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a world of culinary delight. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and the perfect balance of tanginess and spice, then Andhra Special Mor Rasam is a dish that you simply can’t resist.

Let us introduce you to the culinary genius behind this incredible recipe, the passionate and talented influencer, Masterchefmom, aka Uma Raghuraman. With her deep love for cooking and a desire to experiment with Indian and World cuisine, Uma has become a sensation in the culinary world. Through her blog, she shares her expertise, step-by-step experiences, and amazing recipes, all while bringing together the right balance of taste, nutrition, and presentation.

As a self-taught and compulsive baker, Uma’s culinary skills are truly remarkable. But it’s her understanding of the role played by food in influencing eating habits, particularly in children, that sets her apart. With her background as a school teacher and a mother to two teenagers, she comprehends the significance of creating dishes that not only excite the taste buds but also cater to the nutritional needs of the entire family.

Now, let’s dive into the captivating process of making Andhra Special Mor Rasam as Uma guides us through each step. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will leave your loved ones in awe.

To begin, Uma starts by grinding a mixture of omam, jeera, green chilies, and ginger in a jar of a mixer. This aromatic blend forms the heart of the rasam, infusing it with a burst of flavors. Next, she adds curd and turmeric powder to the ground mixture, creating a vibrant and creamy base. The mixture is then poured into the rasam masala, and three cups of water are added, allowing the flavors to meld together.

As the rasam simmers on a low flame, Uma adds the final touches to elevate its taste. She prepares a tempering of ghee, ajwain, and dry red chili, infusing the rasam with a subtle smokiness and a hint of spiciness. The rasam continues to boil for a mere five minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and harmonize.

As the tantalizing aroma fills the air, it’s time to bring this masterpiece to its full glory. Uma adds a handful of fresh curry leaves, followed by a sprinkle of coriander leaves and salt, infusing the rasam with a burst of freshness. And just like that, your Andhra Special Mor Rasam is ready to be savored.

With its tangy, spicy, and comforting flavors, this delightful rasam promises to be a feast for your senses. The rich and creamy base, combined with the aromatic spices, creates a harmony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Whether enjoyed as a soul-soothing soup or served alongside steamed rice, this Andhra Special Mor Rasam is a true culinary gem that will transport you to the heart of Andhra Pradesh.

So, why wait? It’s time to unleash your inner chef and experience the magic of Andhra Special Mor Rasam. Follow Masterchefmom’s recipe, and let your taste buds dance with joy. Prepare to be swept away by the vibrant colors, the tantalizing aromas, and the explosion of flavors that await you.

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Bakingo sets the bar high with their unforgettable Father’s Day cake creations

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Bakingo
With a wide range of specially crafted cakes, Bakingo aims to make this Father's Day an unforgettable and delightful experience for all.

Bakingo, the leading online bakery known for its delectable cakes and desserts, has recently unveiled its exclusive Father’s Day Cake Collection. This remarkable collection offers a perfect way to celebrate and honor fathers everywhere. With a wide range of specially crafted cakes, Bakingo aims to make this Father’s Day an unforgettable and delightful experience for all.

Bakingo has built a strong reputation for its top-notch baking and delectable flavors throughout the years. The collection of Father’s Day Cakes lives up to this legacy, presenting a wide range of mouthwatering and visually captivating cakes tailored to suit diverse preferences. Whether one craves the timeless goodness of Chocolate Truffle and Red Velvet or seeks the excitement of innovative creations like Coffee Caramel Crunch and Blueberry Cheesecake, Bakingo’s cakes promise an absolute indulgence for every taste bud.

In a recent interaction with the media, Bakingo’s Co-Founder, Himanshu Chawla, expressed his excitement about the Father’s Day Cakes Collection. He said, “Our Father’s Day Cakes are curated with love and care, offering a range of cakes that embody the spirit of appreciation and gratitude towards fathers. We are assuming a 20% to 25% growth in demand for the Father’s day special cakes, and to cater to that, we have added 50+ SKUs. We are confident that these delicious treats will add joy and sweetness to the Father’s Day celebrations.”

From cupcakes and pastries to jar cakes, brownies, cookies and dry cakes, Bakingo has a wide assortment of modern desserts along with cakes. Each dessert is handcrafted with premium ingredients, ensuring a delightful experience for dessert enthusiasts.

Along with Bakingo’s website and mobile app, Father’s Day Cakes are available for online delivery through popular food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy. Customers can easily browse the collection, select their preferred cake, and have it delivered to their doorstep with just a few clicks via well-networked online cake delivery service. This hassle-free ordering process ensures that everyone can enjoy Bakingo’s exquisite cakes and desserts without any inconvenience.

Established in 2016, Bakingo has emerged as a prominent brand specializing in a delectable range of baked goods, including cakes, brownies, pastries, jar cakes, cupcakes, dry cakes, and cookies. With a strong emphasis on customer convenience, Bakingo ensures doorstep delivery of their scrumptious desserts and confectionery. Currently, they hold a leading position in the bakery market across 36 cities, aiming to provide a delightful experience to every customer. Orders can be conveniently placed through their official website, Bakingo mobile application, as well as popular food delivery platforms.

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Netflix brings on-screen delicacies to life with ‘Netflix Bites’ pop-up restaurant in Los Angeles

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netflix bites
The pop-up will be located at Short Stories Hotel in Los Angeles and will welcome guests from 5-10 pm seven days a week.

After captivating a vast audience with addictive TV series, Netflix is now setting its sights on tempting viewers to engage in epic food binges.

In an exciting development for avid fans of Netflix’s culinary shows, the streaming service is bringing their on-screen delicacies to life through a pop-up restaurant set to open in Los Angeles later this month. Viewers will have the opportunity to savor and experience some of their favorite dishes firsthand.

Starting from June 30th, food enthusiasts can immerse themselves in an extraordinary dining adventure at the unique food concept known as ‘Netflix Bites.’ This limited-time experience promises an elevated culinary journey, featuring renowned chefs such as Curtis Stone from Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend and Ann Kim from Chef’s Table: Pizza.

The temporary pop-up event will bring together renowned chefs to craft a unique tasting menu, curated to provide a distinctive restaurant experience for both avid fans and passionate food enthusiasts, as stated by Netflix.

The restaurant marks Netflix’s recent venture into immersive live experiences, encompassing a wide range of offerings such as the “Queen’s Ball” inspired by Bridgerton and a temporary retail store located at The Grove shopping mall.

The chefs taking part will create an exclusive tasting menu, accompanied by skillful mixologists from the popular Netflix series Drink Masters, who will craft personalized cocktails.

The two-week pop-up will open on June 30. Guests who make a reservation will be required to put down a non-refundable $25 deposit which will go toward their final bill, the restaurant’s FAQ states.

The pop-up will be located at Short Stories Hotel in Los Angeles and will welcome guests from 5-10 pm seven days a week.

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India’s seafood exports reach record high of $8.09 Billion in FY 2022-23, driven by frozen shrimp

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frozen shrimp
(Representative Image)

According to a statement from the commerce ministry on Wednesday, India witnessed a notable increase in its seafood exports in the fiscal year 2022-23. The exports of frozen shrimp played a significant role in this growth, contributing to a 4.31 percent rise, reaching a total value of USD 8.09 billion.

In terms of volume, exports reached 1,735,286 tonnes in the previous fiscal year, compared to 1,369,264 tonnes in 2021-22.

“Frozen shrimp remained the major export item in terms of both quantity and value while USA and China turned out to be the major importers of India’s seafood,” it said.

In the fiscal year 2022-23, frozen shrimp exports experienced a growth, reaching a value of USD 5.48 billion. This sector constitutes approximately 41 percent of India’s total seafood exports in terms of volume.

According to the ministry, the largest market for frozen shrimp is the United States, with China, the European Union, South East Asia, Japan, and the Middle East following closely behind.

Other segments that witnessed robust growth in exports include black tiger shrimp, frozen fish, frozen octopus, canned products, and frozen lobster.

The ministry further stated that in terms of value, the United States remained the primary importer of Indian seafood, with imports valued at USD 263 billion in the previous fiscal year.

“Exports to the US declined by 21.94 per cent in USD terms due to sluggish demand,” it said.

China emerged as the second-largest destination for seafood exports.

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British supermarket giant Asda announces price freeze on 500+ products to tackle inflation

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Asda (Representative Image)

Asda, the third largest supermarket group in Britain, has made an announcement stating that it will freeze the prices of over 500 products until the end of August. This decision aligns with the emerging signs indicating a potential easing and reversal of the recent surge in food inflation in the coming months.

Asda, currently positioned behind market leader Tesco and second-place Sainsbury’s, has introduced a price freeze on a wide array of products. This initiative covers both well-known branded items like Kellogg’s cornflakes and Premier Foods’ Oxo beef stock cubes, as well as Asda’s own brand products including salads, burgers, and ice cream.

In response to the significant price increases observed in certain items like milk, butter, bread, pasta, and vegetable oil, grocers have taken measures to lower their prices. Asda’s recent action aligns with this trend, as they have joined other retailers in reducing the prices of these particular products.

Waitrose, the high-end supermarket, made a significant move on Monday by lowering the prices of over 200 products in its range.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had set a target to halve the overall inflation by 2023. However, this objective has faced setbacks due to the persistent and stubbornly high inflation, specifically in the food sector.

The latest official data revealed that consumer price inflation in the UK reached 8.7% in April. Moreover, food and drink inflation stood at 19.1%, narrowly below a 46-year high.

According to industry data, grocery inflation showed a slight decrease, reaching 17.2% in May.

Food retailers have indicated their anticipation of overall price increases in 2023; however, they also expect the rate of inflation to decrease gradually throughout the year.

Clive Black, an analyst from Shore Capital, predicts that disinflation will be the primary driving force in 2023, rather than deflation. He highlights the expectation of more manageable commodity prices, yet points out that energy, labor, and packaging costs remain high.

In addition, Clive Black asserts that many observers underestimate the time required for grocers to recover costs, taking into account factors such as contracts, hedges, and the negotiation process.

Recently, the French government successfully obtained a commitment from 75 leading food companies to reduce prices on numerous products.

In the previous month, British finance minister Jeremy Hunt held discussions with food manufacturers to express concerns regarding the sharp increase in food prices. However, no formal proposals for price controls were put forward during these discussions.

The inflationary outlook will gain further clarity with upcoming events such as Tesco’s quarterly trading update on Friday and market researcher Kantar’s latest report, which is set to be released on June 20. These updates will provide valuable insights into the current market conditions and inflation trends.

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ITC’s FMCG business witnesses remarkable growth: Consumer spending crosses INR 29,000 Crore

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ITC (Representative Image)

ITC’s latest investor note reveals that consumers spent over INR 29,000 crore on ITC’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), excluding tobacco, during the fiscal year 2022-23.

During the last fiscal year, the consumer spending on the Kolkata-based company’s 25 core brands exceeded INR 24,000 crore, marking an increase of over 20% compared to the previous year.

During the pandemic, the rate of growth exhibited a notable decrease, with a 9% growth rate in FY22 and an 11% growth rate in FY21.

Consumer spend represents the total sales revenue generated by brands, inclusive of channel margins and taxes, and serves as a crucial metric for evaluating business performance. It is important to note that a company’s gross sales in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector may be lower than the overall consumer spend figure. In the previous fiscal year, ITC reported a gross sales figure of INR 19,122.5 crore for its non-cigarette FMCG segment, reflecting a notable increase of 19.5% compared to the fiscal year 2022.

According to ITC’s statement, the FMCG business achieved a remarkable growth in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) for the fiscal year 2023, with a substantial increase of 34.9% to reach INR 1,954 crore. Despite facing challenges of elevated commodity and input prices, the company managed to improve its EBITDA margin from 9.1% in FY22 to 10.2%. This margin expansion can be attributed to a variety of strategic measures implemented by ITC, including initiatives such as premiumisation, enhanced supply-chain agility, prudent pricing strategies, digital advancements, effective cost management, and the utilization of fiscal incentives such as production-linked incentives (PLI).

The conglomerate is placing its bets on the FMCG business as the main catalyst for future growth, aiming to reduce its reliance on the cigarette business, which has faced heightened scrutiny from regulatory bodies for a number of years. This strategic move aims to mitigate risks associated with the cigarette industry.

ITC in the note said it shall continue to pursue opportunities for inorganic growth in FMCG “that are value accretive and synergistic”. In the personal care business, ITC has acquired brands like Savlon, Nimyle and Charmis.

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Uttar Pradesh set to redefine fine dining with exquisite restaurants on rail coaches

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rail restaurant
(Representative Image)

For food connoisseurs looking for some unique fine dining experience, the railways will soon provide a new food joint with an unmatched ambience.

As part of non-fare revenue opportunity in Uttar Pradesh, the Indian Railways (IRs) is giving its scrapped or discarded train coaches on a lease for three to five years to restaurant owners, who have liberty to turn the coaches into an exotic-looking restaurants.

Apart from this, the IR is going to start an open-air railway museum on its premises, which would enlighten visitors about railways history and previous mechanisms that helped India’s largest transport organisation to operate on mammoth scale.

Railway officials have stated that within the next one to two months, coach restaurants will be established at prominent stations such as Charbagh, Gomti Nagar, Sidhauli (Sitapur), Gorakhpur, Varanasi Junction, Varanasi City, Agra Cantt, and Jhansi.

Currently, the ‘restaurant on wheels’ concept is operational only at NER’s Banaras and Izzatnagar railway stations in Uttar Pradesh.

Ashok Kumar, PRO of Varanasi division of NER zone, said, “The concept of restaurant on wheels has received overwhelming response from the public. At Agra Cantt, the coach is being given a makeover of royal style, with ‘Jharokha’ windows, vintage lamps and royal style dining table sets. The coach is expected to accommodate nearly four dozen visitors at a time. Apart from that, Agra Cantt station premises with 15,000 sqft area will be used to construct an open-air railway museum.”

Divisional commercial manager of Agra railway division, Prashasti Srivastava said, “Railways will provide all vintage equipment used in earlier train operations along with historical text to the restaurant and hotel operator, who will then use it to build an open-air museum. While museum visits will be free of cost, dining in a restaurant on wheels will be a paid service.”

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Unnati Agri secures INR 28.5 Crore in fresh funding round led by IPL Biologicals for agricultural innovation

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Unnati Agri

Unnati Agri, a startup specializing in agriculture supply chain and financial services, recently secured INR 28.5 crore in funding. The investment was primarily led by the family office of IPL Biologicals, with additional participation from existing investors such as Incofin Investment Management, Nabventure, and Orios.

According to a press release by Unnati Agri, the funds raised will be utilized to prioritize the development of sustainable and climate-ready products. Additionally, the company plans to expand its product line through a joint go-to-market arrangement with IPL Biologicals.

In November 2021, Unnati Agri successfully raised $8 million in its Series A funding round. The round was co-led by Incofin Investment Management, Nabventure, and Orios.

Unnati Agri, established in 2017 by Amit Sinha and Ashok Prasad, former Paytm Mall chief operating officer, is a fintech-based agricultural platform. The company offers a range of services, including pre and post-harvest solutions, working credit lines, and more. Through Unnati, farmers have the opportunity to procure agricultural inputs and equipment, as well as directly sell their produce to affiliated food processors and agribusinesses.

Unnati Agri has a strong commitment to mitigating risks in agriculture through the utilization of its technology. By leveraging their innovative solutions, the company aims to enhance farm productivity while also addressing the risks associated with climate change. Unnati Agri strives to support sustainable farming practices and contribute to a more resilient agricultural sector.

With the objective of serving 5 million farmers, Unnati is actively working on expanding its network to reach a broader audience. Currently, the company boasts a strong presence, serving over 1.2 million farmers through its extensive network of over 75,000 stores. Unnati aims to strengthen its reach and impact by connecting with more farmers and providing them with its services and support.

Unnati witnessed impressive growth in the fiscal year FY23, with its revenue surging by 150% to reach INR 398 crore. The company demonstrated effective expense management, as its losses increased by only 29% to INR 12 crore during the preceding fiscal year. Unnati faces competition from other players in the market, such as B2B marketplace and retail platform Jumbotail, which achieved revenue close to INR 380 crore, and AgroStar, backed by HeroMotoCorp, which surpassed INR 250 crore in revenue in FY22.

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