The city of Noida is set to embrace the concept of food streets, with the Noida Authority taking the initiative to introduce these vibrant culinary destinations. In order to bring this vision to life, the planning department has been assigned the task of formulating a comprehensive blueprint for the project.
A brand-new food street is set to emerge within the existing vending zone at Sector 126, encompassing a bustling collection of more than 70 shops. Presently undergoing renovations, the area is on track to be completed within a few days, eagerly awaiting its grand opening.
With a vision inspired by the vibrant food streets of cities like Indore and Lucknow, the Noida Authority is actively working towards converting different zones in Noida into alluring tourist attractions. The goal is to replicate the charm and appeal of these renowned food streets, establishing Noida as a destination that entices visitors with its diverse culinary offerings and memorable experiences.
Officials have announced that visitors will be treated to a plethora of exquisite culinary delights as they explore the food streets. To enhance the overall experience, the streets will be adorned with vibrant lights, offering a lively and inviting ambiance. Thoughtfully designed seating areas will be available throughout the streets, providing convenient resting spots for visitors. Additionally, to maintain cleanliness, dustbins will be strategically placed in front of each shop. Adequate parking facilities will also be provided to ensure a seamless and enjoyable visit for all.
“The vending zone in Sector 126 will serve as a prototype for the food streets. This zone currently has 75 shops. Visitors will be able to savour a wide range of food items here. The project is nearing completion and will soon be open to the public,” said Indu Prakash Singh, officer on special duty, Noida Authority.
In a recent development, Papa John’s International has shared the news of its successful acquisition of the restaurants previously owned by Drake Food Service International’s (DFSI) M25 division in the United Kingdom.
The transition of restaurants will result in the creation of a collection of Company-owned restaurants within the market. The specific financial details of the transaction have not been revealed.
“The UK is important within our international footprint with the largest number of stores outside of North America, strong brand awareness with consumers and potential for long-term growth as we still have tremendous whitespace in the market,” said Amanda Clark, Chief International and Development Officer for Papa Johns by adding that owning and operating restaurants will allow Papa Johns to follow a similar model that they’ve created in the US.
The upcoming corporate-owned restaurant portfolio will encompass a total of 91 establishments located throughout London and various regions in the UK.
The company recognizes opportunities to implement enhancements to its operating model, which include bolstering revenue management capabilities, fostering product and technological innovation, and achieving operational efficiencies. These measures aim to improve sales performance and enhance profitability at the restaurant level.
As part of the transition, around 1,000 employees currently employed by DFSI M25 will join the company as team members.
However, DFSI will retain its master franchise rights for Papa Johns in Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Central America.
“By exiting our stake in the UK, we will be able to focus our efforts on our Papa Johns portfolio in Iberia and Latin America,” said Fernando Frauca, Managing Partner and CEO of DFSI.
Founded in 1984, Papa John’s International, Inc. has emerged as a global powerhouse in the pizza delivery industry. With a network of over 5,700 restaurants spread across approximately 50 countries and territories, it currently holds the distinguished title of being the third-largest pizza delivery company worldwide.
Subway, one of the leading multi-national fast food retail giants, has made an exciting announcement on social media. According to a company official, Subway has just opened its 104th store in Karnal, Haryana. The post highlights that this store is company-owned and company-operated (COCO), reinforcing Subway’s direct control and oversight. It’s another significant milestone for Subway as it continues to expand its presence in the fast food industry.
“Our beautiful 104th COCO Built Restaurant at Sector- 7, Karnal, Haryana,” wrote Kush Kumar, Business Development Manager – North, Subway on LinkedIn while sharing pictures of the store.
Earlier this year, the company inaugurated its inaugural store in Punjab at Sushma Group’s high-street retail project, Sushma Capital. The store is company-owned and company-operated (COCO).
Launched in 1965 by 17-year-old Fred DeLuca and financed by Peter Buck as Pete’s Super Submarines, the fast-food restaurant franchise underwent a significant transformation in 1972 and was rebranded as Subway. With a remarkable journey since its inception, Subway has expanded its reach to encompass more than 37,000 restaurants across over 100 countries worldwide.
To address challenges in exporting to Europe and meet the growing demand, the UK-based company has invested in the production of "cold pressed dog food," aiming to enhance gut health for dogs.
Walker & Drake, a pet food manufacturer, has recently injected £900,000 ($1.1 million) into the development of a state-of-the-art production facility.
To address challenges in exporting to Europe and meet the growing demand, the UK-based company has invested in the production of “cold pressed dog food,” aiming to enhance gut health for dogs.
According to David Taylor, the Director of Walker & Drake, the company’s investment in an in-house packing and production capability will safeguard and enhance its future productivity.
“Our cold-pressed dog food is a premium product focussed on gut health and we are constantly talking with our customers to understand what they want for their dogs,” he said.
“The ability to develop new products in a dynamic fashion is fantastic, and the relationships we have already nurtured with our suppliers means we get the access to the best ingredients available at any time.”
Established in 2019, the company based in Yorkshire relocated to expanded facilities in the previous year to accommodate the increased space necessary for their new factory and warehousing operations.
According to Tim Matthews, the sales director, Walker & Drake stands out as one of the rare dog food companies in the UK that is constructing a fresh pet food facility.
He stated, “Just like the ingredients we use in our products we’ve sourced the equipment, fabrication and installation from UK companies wherever possible. In fact, apart from one item, all the major components, the design and installation team are from within a 25-mile radius of our site.
“By starting with an empty space we’ve been able to create an efficient workflow from goods-in, through the production process to bagging, warehousing and then back out the door as finished product,” he added.
Domino’s Australia has recently announced a thrilling partnership with Red Bull, with the goal of bringing an invigorating experience to pizza lovers across the country.
Domino’s ANZ CEO Josh Kilimnik has enthusiastically announced that Red Bull will now be available in all of their 760+ stores across Australia, sparking excitement among pizza enthusiasts nationwide.
This move comes after the successful implementation of the partnership in international markets, marking the first-time availability of Red Bull in Domino’s outlets nationwide.
Miles Wilson, the Managing Director of Red Bull Australia, expressed excitement about providing an energy boost to Domino’s customers throughout the country.
He emphasized the opportunity to reach a broader audience in Australia and highlighted the strong synergy between the two leading brands. Wilson specifically mentioned that Red Bull, as the top-selling beverage in convenience stores across the country, found it fitting to collaborate with Domino’s in a way that would bring enjoyment and excitement to customers.
To kickstart their partnership, Domino’s is launching a contest that presents a unique opportunity for 10 lucky individuals to win an exclusive house party, complete with catering by Domino’s and Red Bull.
Two prominent winners will be delighted with a remarkable prize package worth more than $5,000. This extravagant package encompasses a wide array of Red Bull beverages, the expertise of a professional DJ to enhance their experience, and a generous supply of freshly-made pizzas for themselves and their friends to indulge in.
As trailblazers in the electric vehicle revolution, bigbasket effectively deployed a fleet of 5458 electric vehicles, resulting in a remarkable reduction of 7012 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2022. (Representative Image)
To commemorate World Environment Day 2023, bigbasket, a TATA Enterprise, has revealed The Green Report 2022, emphasizing its steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The report offers significant findings and information, spotlighting bigbasket’s sustainable strategies and endeavors aimed at fostering a more eco-friendly future.
The report emphasizes a significant accomplishment, which is bigbasket’s impressive utilization of electric delivery vehicles. As trailblazers in the electric vehicle revolution, the company effectively deployed a fleet of 5458 electric vehicles, resulting in a remarkable reduction of 7012 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2022. This reduction is equivalent to the environmental impact of 3.18 lakh trees, clearly demonstrating bigbasket’s unwavering commitment to combatting climate change.
Additionally, bigbasket’s initiatives in solar power generation have yielded impressive outcomes. By installing 4,512 kWp panels on the rooftops of 27 warehouses across 11 cities, the company successfully generated 54,57,000 kWh of solar power in 2022. This achievement resulted in a significant reduction of 1,670 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to the positive impact of 76,000 trees.
Furthermore, bigbasket demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by actively supporting organic farmers and sourcing organic produce from 1,782 farmers in 2022. The company employs various methods such as field geotagging, agricultural intelligence, and knowledge-sharing sessions to promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices. With these initiatives, bigbasket is working towards its vision of transitioning to a 100% organic supply chain in the near future.
Hari Menon, CEO & Co-Founder of bigbasket, said, “The right way to do business is by giving equal care to the environment as to customers and employees. Only then have you truly been responsible and fulfilled your duty to society. bigbasket’s holistic approach, where environmental stewardship is seamlessly integrated into our business strategies, drives our mission for a sustainable and thriving world.”
bigbasket, a distinguished entity under the TATA Enterprise, is at the forefront of the online grocery market, leading a transformative revolution in supply chains to ensure speedy fulfillment of customer orders. Operating in more than 400 cities across India and catering to approximately 15 million monthly customer orders, bigbasket sets itself apart by seamlessly incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats into its supply chain, while also boasting a robust portfolio of private label brands. In the year 2020, bigbasket achieved a significant milestone by surpassing US$1 billion in annual revenues.
The Green Report 2022 underscores bigbasket’s unwavering dedication to minimizing its carbon footprint and advancing sustainable practices throughout its operations. Through initiatives such as efficient wet and dry waste management, utilization of electric vehicles, solar power generation, support for organic farmers, implementation of energy-efficient cooling systems, and adoption of rainwater harvesting, bigbasket remains at the forefront of driving a greener and more sustainable future.
Licious leads the way in sustainable development with ‘Responsibly Licious’ initiative, attains plastic neutrality for fiscal year 2022
Licious, a well-known brand in the Indian retail industry, recently commemorated World Environment Day by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to sustainable development. The company unveiled its new initiative, aptly named ‘Responsibly Licious,’ which underscores its responsible approach towards growth. As part of this endeavor, Licious has made a significant stride towards plastic neutrality for the fiscal year 2022, thanks to its collaboration with Recykal, a digital solutions company specializing in circularity and sustainability. By joining forces, Licious and Recykal aim to contribute to a greener future and promote a more eco-friendly retail ecosystem in India.
By leveraging Recykal’s Plastic Neutrality solution, Licious has achieved a remarkable milestone in responsible plastic waste management. During the financial year 2021-22, the brand successfully recovered an astonishing 530 metric tons of plastic waste, effectively offsetting its plastic footprint for the entire year. This significant accomplishment showcases Licious’ unwavering commitment to sustainability and highlights their dedication to making a positive impact on the environment.
To put this achievement into perspective, the amount of plastic waste recovered by Licious is equivalent to preventing the disposal of a weighty Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger plane, into landfills. This comparison underscores the magnitude of the brand’s efforts in preventing plastic pollution and emphasizes the profound positive effect they have had on the environment.
Rajesh K., Chief Sustainability and Quality Officer at Licious, expressed, “At Licious, we constantly strive to set new standards and raise the bar for the industry. Our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives have positioned us as leaders in implementing sustainable practices throughout our operations. Our pledge to achieve plastic waste neutrality marks a significant milestone in our journey to become a responsible and sustainable brand. On this World Environment Day, we are delighted to contribute and support global efforts to #BeatPlasticPollution. Through our partnership with Recykal and their digitally transparent sustainability solutions, we aim to reaffirm our commitment to building a purpose-driven brand that safeguards the interests of humanity and the planet.”
Ekta Narain, Co-Founder and CBO of Recykal, congratulated Licious on achieving plastic neutrality and surpassing extended producer responsibility (EPR) compliance. She expressed pride in being part of this journey and supporting Licious in its sustainability commitment. Narain also highlighted the proactive approach of organizations like Licious in addressing the plastic waste crisis and adopting responsible waste management practices. She emphasized the significance of collaboration and expressed hope for continued partnerships to create a more sustainable future.
Licious’ commitment to creating a sustainable brand extends far beyond merely meeting obligatory plastic waste regulations. In the fiscal year 2022, the company took significant strides to offset its plastic footprint by actively recovering plastic waste from environmentally sensitive areas in India. Utilizing approved recycling methods, Licious processed this waste, effectively minimizing its impact on the environment. From the very beginning, Licious has operated as a purpose-driven organization, challenging industry norms by upholding global standards in quality, sourcing, processing, and technology.
Licious’ dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles is encompassed by a comprehensive pledge that encompasses eight specific themes, all of which prioritize quality, sustainability, and traceability. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), these themes guide Licious in its journey to become a socially and ecologically responsible organization. To validate its commitment, Licious has acquired multiple certifications, including ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management.
However, the most esteemed certification achieved by the brand is the SA 8000:2014 Social Accountability, an accolade that sets Licious apart as the first fresh animal protein brand in India and one of the ten globally recognized companies in this category to receive such a prestigious certification. With their ongoing dedication to the vision of being “Responsibly Licious,” the brand continues to tirelessly work towards a greener future, making a positive impact on the planet.
Prices of kitchen essentials like tomatoes and ginger have experienced a significant surge in the last fortnight. The tomato crop in northern India has been adversely affected by recent unseasonal rains, leading to a decrease in supply and subsequently driving up prices. At the same time, ginger farmers have chosen to withhold their crop, strategically allowing prices to rise in order to recover from the losses they faced in the previous year.
Meanwhile, the price of melon seeds (char magaz) has increased threefold as the armed conflict in Sudan, from where it is imported, has brought down the supply. “The price of a kg of char magaz is now ruling at INR 900, which was only INR 300 before the Sudan conflict,” said Sanjay Sharma, a trader in Delhi.
Tomato prices in the retail market have increased to around INR 80 per kg from INR 40 a fortnight ago. “Tomato supply to the Azadpur mandi (in Delhi) has dwindled as rains have damaged the crop. Prices will remain firm for some time now, till the new crop comes,” said Ashok Kaushik, president of the Tomato Traders Association at Azadpur market. There is a huge demand for tomatoes from southern India, which too is pushing up prices, Kaushik said. “Tomatoes are now coming from some parts of Haryana and UP. Prices are likely to remain firm for at least two months,” he added.
Ginger prices, which were at INR 30 per 100 gms, have shot up to INR 40. Shriram Gadhave, president of the All India Vegetable Growers Association, said, “Last year, the farmers suffered due to a lower price. This time they are offloading the crop carefully. Now that the prices have gone up, they will start offloading their crop in the market.”
India’s yearly ginger production amounts to approximately 2.12 million metric tonnes.
Rebel Foods, the leading global internet restaurant company, recently allocated ESOPs (employee stock ownership plans) to its vast workforce of over 5,000 employees spanning across more than 350 kitchens and corporate offices. The latest distribution has significantly boosted the cumulative value of ESOPs held by Rebel employees to an impressive INR 550 crore ($65 million).
With this ESOPs distribution activity, Rebel Foods has become one of the trailblazing foodtech companies in India. It has successfully implemented a wide-scale distribution of ESOPs across all levels and regions, setting a noteworthy precedent in the industry.
Rebel Foods has expressed its intention to acknowledge the efforts of its employees and reward them for their significant contributions to the company’s growth. The organization is committed to strengthening the sense of ownership across all levels of the organization, recognizing the invaluable role played by its workforce. As part of this endeavor, Rebel Foods is extending a unique opportunity for wealth creation to Rebels employed in diverse positions, including kitchen staff, riders, runners, administrative teams, and corporate staff across India, UAE, and the United Kingdom. Through this transformative approach of making employees owners and fostering the Rebel Spirit, the company aims to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship and empower its workforce to achieve shared success.
Ankur Sharma, Co-founder of Rebel Foods, said, “At Rebel Foods, we believe that every employee is an owner in the company and it is the team that sticks together and works together that wins. We are proud of each and every employee and we appreciate their contribution and faith in the company.”
“Through this ESOP programme, we aim to democratise wealth creation for our team and recognize their passion, customer centricity and performance. We will continue creating similar opportunities in the future while rewarding our employees for their hard work, contribution and belief in Rebel’s vision and mission,” he added.
The foodtech unicorn has recently made another significant announcement regarding its ESOPs liquidation program, marking the second consecutive year for this initiative. Rebel Foods has introduced this program to allow both current and former employees to convert their vested options into liquid assets this year. This ESOP program by Rebel Foods grants employees the opportunity to liquidate their shares once within a span of one year. To ensure the employees can reap the rewards of ownership, the company allocates a dedicated pool of funds annually, specifically for facilitating such liquidation.
Rebel Foods is providing its employees with a valuable opportunity for long-term wealth creation through ESOPs (employee stock ownership plans), which involve granting company shares to employees. In the midst of uncertain times and widespread challenges faced by various sectors, Rebel Foods aims to offer its employees a significant chance to build wealth over time. This initiative is just one among several noteworthy announcements made by the company this year. Rebel Foods has achieved several “firsts,” including being the first foodtech company to secure exclusive franchise rights for online and offline operations of Wendy’s, the world’s second-largest burger chain. Additionally, the company has also become the first player in its category to curate the entire food experience at a stadium through a partnership with Royal Challengers Bangalore during the IPL season.
The Bakers Association Kerala (BAKE) has initiated a campaign, aiming to rally support from MLAs and MPs in order to exert pressure on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to withdraw the compulsory six-month testing mandate for all their products.
They are currently seeking an exemption specifically for MSMEs. This is because small bakers operating in local shops have a diverse range of products, typically ranging from 100 to 300 types. These products are sold in small quantities and are not produced on a large-scale basis.
“This law is more ideal for big companies who have fewer products than us, maybe 10-15 varieties and they can afford it,” said Indian bakers federation president P M Sankaran.
To ensure the continuity of their licenses, entities must adhere to the FSSAI’s mandate of uploading or linking their lab test reports every six months. Failure to do so may result in license cancellation.
“In Kerala, all FSSAI rules are strictly implemented and almost 80% of food business have licences. The remaining 20% must be either small ‘thattukadas’ or roadside eateries or vendors. We have different kinds of cakes, rusks, mixtures in the nearly 10,000 bakery units in the state. And most of us sell in a local neighbourhood and most people buy our local breads and rusks before opting for big brands,” he added.
The association said that most of the FSSAI rules are scientific and very practical and safe for both the businesses and customers. “However, these tests costs anywhere between INR 3000 and INR 14,000, which is highly expensive for small business like ours,” said a baker.
“As part of taking the licence, we do all the basic tests, get a health certificate and a local body NOC for filing our returns,” said Biju Prem Sankar, state secretary, bakers’ association Kerala.
The initial petition was presented to opposition leader V D Satheesan through the symbolic act of handing over a cake, conveying the message that testing such products every six months is impractical.
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