The new app aims to provide a centralized platform that enables individuals and businesses in the food industry to collaborate, share knowledge, and acquire talent.
Foodism, the social networking platform catering to food enthusiasts and professionals, is making a substantial advancement by introducing its new and enhanced all-in-one destination application.
The central goal of Foodism’s newly launched app is to provide a centralized platform that enables individuals and businesses in the food industry to collaborate, share knowledge, and acquire talent. The app’s ultimate aim is to connect users with the right people and opportunities, making it easier for them to advance their careers and businesses in the food industry.
In 2019, Vyom Shah founded Foodism, a social networking platform for food enthusiasts and professionals. The platform provides a space for its community of members to share, communicate, and conduct business via the Foodism app. Over time, the platform has grown to include a robust community of 8000 members from across the globe. Foodism’s mission is to unite the global food community and promote empowerment and growth within the industry. To achieve this mission, Foodism fosters connections, encourages knowledge sharing, and facilitates collaboration among its members.
Vyom Shah, Founder of Foodism, said, “Our vision is to create a thriving food industry ecosystem that fosters innovation, creativity, and growth. With the launch of our app, we aim to empower individuals and businesses in the food industry by providing them with a platform to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate.”
With an array of features such as work opportunities, portfolio creation, and event listings, Foodism’s new app provides a platform for individuals to showcase their skills, connect with potential employers, and learn new techniques.
Additionally, brands and business owners can expand their network, discover new opportunities, connect with potential customers and suppliers through the app, as outlined in the recent press release.
Starting a food brand can be an exciting venture, but expanding it to a global market requires a strategic approach. The key to success in exporting is to ensure that your brand stands out in a crowded market and meets the requirements of target countries.
Exporting a food brand can lead to significant rewards for a business. By expanding into new markets, a food brand can increase sales, reach a wider audience, and potentially achieve greater profitability. It can also provide opportunities for innovation and growth, as businesses may need to adapt their products to meet the tastes and preferences of different international markets.
Exporting food brands can bring various benefits such as access to new markets, increased revenue, higher profits, economies of scale, diversification of customer base, reduced dependency on the domestic market, enhanced brand recognition, and potential for business growth and expansion.
Exporting for food brands can be challenging due to various factors such as complying with import/export laws and regulations, navigating cultural differences, dealing with logistics, and finding trustworthy partners. It’s important for food brands to thoroughly research and plan before embarking on exporting to ensure success in international markets.
Exporting can present several challenges for food brands, including:
1. Regulations and certifications: Different countries may have varying regulations and certifications that need to be met before products can be exported. This can include requirements for labelling, packaging, and ingredient lists, among other things.
2. Logistics: Shipping products overseas can be a complex process, involving transportation, customs, and documentation. It can be costly and time-consuming to navigate these logistics, especially for small businesses.
3. Cultural differences: Different countries may have different preferences when it comes to taste, packaging, and marketing. Brands need to do their research and tailor their products and messaging to appeal to local markets.
4. Competition: Entering a new market often means competing with established brands, some of which may have a strong local presence and brand recognition.
5. Currency exchange rates: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact the profitability of exporting, affecting the cost of production, shipping, and sales.
While exporting can bring many benefits to food brands, it requires careful planning, research, and investment to overcome these challenges and succeed in international markets. Understanding the market and need could sustainably grow your business outside the borders.
we will provide a quick guide to setting up your food brand for success through exports.
1. Conduct market research
The first step in setting up your food brand for export is to conduct thorough market research. Identify the countries and regions that have a demand for your product and analyze their cultural and legal requirements for importing food products. This research will help you identify your target market and the necessary certifications and labelling requirements needed to meet import regulations.
2. Establish a strong brand identity
A strong brand identity is crucial in establishing a presence in the market. Ensure that your brand’s name, packaging, and labelling are distinct, appealing, and memorable. Your brand identity should reflect your product’s unique selling point and position it as a premium product in the market. Use professional graphic designers and copywriters to create a compelling brand image that resonates with your target audience.
3. Ensure compliance with regulations
Exporting food products requires adherence to various regulations, such as labelling requirements, food safety standards, and certifications. Ensure that your product meets the required standards in the target country by conducting thorough research and seeking the guidance of regulatory bodies and experts. Compliance with regulations not only ensures that your product is safe for consumption but also prevents legal disputes that could damage your brand reputation.
4. Develop a distribution strategy
Developing a distribution strategy that meets the needs of your target market is crucial for success. Identify the most effective distribution channels, that can reach your target audience, such as retail stores, online marketplaces, and distributors. Ensure that your distribution strategy aligns with your brand identity and values, such as environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and fair trade practices.
5. Create a digital presence
In today’s digital age, having an online presence is essential for any business, including food brands. Create a website that reflects your brand identity, showcases your product, and provides relevant information, such as product descriptions, nutritional values, and ingredients. Use social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, to engage with your target audience, create brand awareness, and generate sales. Leverage influencer marketing to reach new audiences and build brand credibility.
6. Build a strong team
Building a strong team is crucial in setting up your food brand for success. Hire individuals with expertise in areas such as sales, marketing, finance, and logistics. Ensure that your team members share your brand’s vision and values and possess the necessary skills to execute your export strategy effectively. Regularly train and educate your team to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest trends, regulations, and practices in the food industry.
7. Evaluate and adapt
Finally, evaluating your export strategy’s effectiveness regularly and adapting to changing market conditions is crucial in achieving long-term success. Collect feedback from customers, distributors, and regulatory bodies to identify areas of improvement and adjust your strategy accordingly. Continuously innovate your product and marketing strategies to keep up with industry trends and remain competitive in the market.
With exports, the potential for increased revenue and brand exposure is significant, but so are the potential challenges of navigating complex regulations and competing in a global marketplace. By following this quick guide, you can establish a competitive food brand that resonates with your target audience and achieves long-term success in the global market.
Leadership is essential to the success of any business, and the food and beverage industry is no exception. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, so too must its leaders. A leadership development program can help ensure that the current and future leaders in your company have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
Leadership development is the process of identifying and nurturing potential leaders within an organization to help them improve their skills and prepare for future leadership roles. In the food industry, strong leadership is essential to achieving success and ensuring sustainable growth. A leadership development program can help an organization identify and develop talent, cultivate a positive culture, and increase employee engagement.
Investing in leadership development can also help attract and retain top talent in the food industry. Employees are more likely to stay with an organization that offers opportunities for growth and development. A leadership development program can help employees feel valued, motivated, and engaged, which can increase job satisfaction and improve retention rates.
A leadership development programme is essential for any food and beverage company that wants to remain competitive and successful in the long term. It can help to identify and develop future leaders, create a culture of continuous learning and development, and improve the business.
A well-designed leadership development programme can help identify and nurture leadership potential within the company, while also addressing any skills gaps or knowledge deficiencies. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including training and development programmes, mentoring and coaching, job rotations, and exposure to different areas of the business.
Let’s explore the importance of a leadership development program and our guide for designing an effective program.
1. Building Future Leaders: A leadership development program helps build future leaders within your organization by identifying and nurturing potential talent. By providing targeted training and development opportunities, you can help employees develop the skills and experience they need to take on leadership roles within your company.
2. Retaining Top Talent: A leadership development program can also help retain top talent within your organization. When employees feel that their employer is invested in their growth and development, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term.
3. Improved Performance: Effective leadership is critical to the success of any business, and a leadership development program can help improve the performance of your organization. By providing training and development opportunities for your leaders, you can ensure that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions and drive your business forward.
4. Succession Planning: A leadership development program can also aid in succession planning. By identifying and developing future leaders, you can ensure that your company is well-positioned for success in the years to come.
Now as you know why you should have leadership development program within your organization, it is also important to understand How to Design an Efficient Leadership Development Program. Here are few elements that will make your Program deliver standout results
1. Define Your Objectives: Before designing a leadership development program, it’s essential to define your objectives. What specific skills and knowledge do you want your leaders to gain? What outcomes do you hope to achieve? By defining your objectives, you can ensure that your program is focused and effective.
2. Identify Your Participants: Once you have defined your objectives, it’s important to identify the participants in your leadership development program. Who are the current and future leaders in your organization? What skills and knowledge do they need to succeed? By identifying your participants, you can ensure that your program is tailored to their specific needs.
3. Develop Your Curriculum: The next step in designing a leadership development program is to develop your curriculum. What topics and skills will be covered in the program? How will the program be delivered (e.g., in-person training, online courses, etc.)? By developing a comprehensive curriculum, you can ensure that your program is both engaging and effective.
4. Choose Your Delivery Method: There are many different delivery methods for leadership development programs, including in-person training, online courses, coaching and mentoring, and more. Consider the needs of your participants and choose a delivery method that will be most effective for them.
5. Evaluate Your Program: Once your leadership development program is underway, it’s important to evaluate its effectiveness. Are participants gaining the skills and knowledge they need? Are they applying what they’ve learned in their roles? By regularly evaluating your program, you can make adjustments as needed and ensure that it remains effective over time.
A leadership development program is essential for any business to succeed, particularly in the constantly evolving industry. It should also be tailored to the unique needs of the business and its employees. By investing in leadership development, companies can develop a talented pool of leaders who can steer the business towards long-term success and sustainability.
Nirula’s, India’s first-ever fast food chain established in 1977, transformed Delhi’s eating-out culture and is now on an expansion spree. In 2018, Mumbai-based PE fund BanyanTree Growth Capital acquired the brand, which played a vital role in popularizing global dishes in India.
Since then, the brand has grown from 26 outlets to 135+ outlets under BanyanTree’s leadership. The Nirula’s team has set an ambitious goal of opening 250+ outlets across India by 2023, and expansion is already underway in cities such as Goa, Kolkata, Jammu, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai.
Sumedha Singhal, Director of Marketing at Nirula’s said, “Nirula’s has 24 outlets in Gurgaon but our new thinking is to look at micro markets as opposed to looking at a sprawling urban mass that is Gurgaon. We are therefore opening 4 new Nirula’s outlets on Golf Course road alone. For the first time our daughter brands: Valentino Pizzeria (The Italian Fare), BigBoy Burger (All American Diner), Batter Days (Bakery & Confectionary) and Café Healthy High (Healthy Food) will be given an exclusive space in 3 additional outlets on the same road.”
The brand has an extensive presence in Delhi-NCR, with over 100 outlets covering 90%+ of the area’s pin codes. Around 70% of these outlets offer the complete ice cream parlour experience, while the remaining ones serve both food and ice cream.
In addition to its outlets, Nirula’s has kiosks located in Delhi Golf Club, NSCI, Gymkhana, and Friends Club. The brand is expanding further within Delhi through a shop-in-shop format and opening kiosks in convenience stores like 24×7 and Smart Bazaar. Nirula’s products are also available on all major e-commerce platforms such as blinkit, Amazon, and Instamart.
Nirula’s is also venturing into the FMCG space and has already made a mark by being available in over 50 GT and MT stores.
Under the leadership of Gaurav Gupta, President of Nirula’s, the brand is also focusing on building its catering vertical and expanding its presence in new cities. This is a testament to the brand’s legacy and its commitment to growth and innovation.
Food trucks will operate during the night hours from 8 pm to 2 am at the designated site where they will be stationed. (Representative Image)
The Delhi government is currently in the process of developing a food truck policy, which is expected to be completed in the next few months and subsequently made available for public feedback, according to officials.
Officials have revealed that meetings are scheduled with different stakeholders to discuss the different aspects of the food truck policy.
As per their statement, the stakeholders who will be participating in the meetings include the MCD, DMRC, traffic police, and Transport Department.
“We have identified metro stations and parking sites as hubs for setting up food trucks. But it will have to be seen under which category these trucks can be placed by the Transport department and also the rules governing their plying in Delhi, the official said.
We will also need the Delhi Metro and the MCD to be on board since we plan to station these food trucks at metro stations and parking sites,” he said.
The official has clarified that as per the framework, food trucks will operate during the night hours from 8 pm to 2 am at the designated site where they will be stationed. They will come and go from the location.
“Currently there are no food trucks in Delhi. There are only shops that are given the shape of trucks but these will be proper food trucks. We will have concessionaires who will bring in different vendors along with these trucks and they will be responsible for clearances and other things,” the official said.
He mentioned that the Tourism department aims to conclude the policy within the next few months.
“We are looking at finalising the policy within the next couple of months, following which it will be put up online for public feedback,” the official said.
In the previous year, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had announced that the government was in the process of preparing a food truck policy.
During the presentation of the Rozgaar Budget for the fiscal year 2022-23, he had announced that the government was preparing a policy to permit food trucks to operate at designated locations in the city from 8 pm to 2 am.
“This will strengthen the night economy of Delhi and new employment opportunities will be created,” Sisodia had said.
According to government estimates, the promotion of the food truck business in the city could lead to the creation of at least 15,000 new job opportunities.
Alcohol consumption in Maharashtra saw a 23% jump in sales between 2021-22 and 2022-23, as per data from the excise department. Despite a rise in prices, senior officials have noted that this surge marks the biggest year-on-year increase seen in several decades.
A significant boost of nearly 25% in revenue was recorded by the state through a record-breaking excise haul of INR 21,550 crore. This was a result of the surge in alcohol consumption between 2021-22 and 2022-23 in Maharashtra.
Officials have stated that the impressive performance of beer and wine can be attributed to a liberalized policy that aims to increase their sales.
The regions of Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Kolhapur have witnessed the most remarkable surge in revenue, surpassing the traditionally profitable Mumbai-Thane, Pune, and Nashik regions. Nagpur recorded the highest growth with a 42.9% increase in revenue, followed by Aurangabad and Kolhapur with 29.7% and 28.5% respectively. On the other hand, Mumbai-Thane, Pune, and Nashik have experienced an annual increase of approximately 23% in excise revenue.
Sumit Chawala, who serves as the Vice President of the Association of Progressive Retail Liquor Vendors (APRLV), has stated that the state’s policy to liberalize the sale of beer and wine, particularly in Nagpur, Kolhapur, and Aurangabad, has enhanced the availability of these beverages. As a result, there has been an increase in consumption as well as revenue.
According to Chawala, a significant increase in sales can be expected in the Mumbai-Thane, Nashik, and Pune regions if the state eventually reduces taxes on beer.
Westlife Foodworld, the franchisee of McDonald’s in India, has stated in a BSE filing that it has plans to expand its restaurant chain by opening 580-630 new locations by 2027.
During the fourth quarter (Q4) of FY23, Westlife opened 18 new restaurants and is now planning to accelerate its expansion by adding 40-45 more restaurants in FY24.
According to a regulatory filing, Westlife had a total of 357 restaurants across 56 cities, including 311 McCafés, 220 Experience of the Future (EOTF) restaurants, and 68 Drive-Thrus as of March 2023.
Amit Jatia, Vice-Chairman of the company said, “FY 23 was a landmark year for Westlife Foodworld. Our strong performance, delivered by our omnichannel strategy, menu innovations, store modernization, and cost optimization strategies, is a testament to our scale and agility.”
According to Jatia, the company is currently experiencing a robust growth trajectory and intends to leverage its competitive strengths to maintain its business advantage going forward.
In the previous fiscal year, Westlife bolstered its menu offerings with a focus on big burger innovations, introducing new items such as the chicken big mac and cheesy nuggets.
Branded edible oils, rice, and wheat flour have witnessed a surge in sales of up to 15% in small towns since April, as reported by industry officials. This increase is attributed to the fall in commodity prices and the profitable yields for farmers’ rabi crop.
Gemini Edibles & Fats India, Adani Wilmar, and GRM Overseas, marketers of kitchen staples, have confirmed a shift towards branded products from unbranded ones in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. This shift is due to the reduction in prices of branded products.
In the past, consumers in small towns generally opted for loose products due to their lower prices.
“Prices of branded oils are almost on par with loose oils, which has prompted buyers in smaller towns and upcountry consumers to shift to the branded category,” said Pradeep Chowdhry, Managing Director of Gemini Edibles & Fats that sells edible oils under the brand name Freedom.
According to him, consumers from tier-2 and tier-3 markets are showing a preference for premium brands instead of local ones, as the disparity in prices between imported sunflower and soybean oils and domestic oils has greatly diminished.
“Since April, there has been a 10%-15% rise in sales of branded oils in these markets,” Chowdhry said.
Experts in the industry suggest that the prices of edible oil could see a further decrease as international prices continue to trend downward. This could potentially lead to an increase in the consumption of branded oil products.
“With the edible oil prices beginning to show a downward trend and are set to witness further reduction…the Indian consumers can expect to pay less for their edible oils,” the food and public distribution ministry had said in a statement last week.
Angshu Mallick, the Managing Director of Adani Wilmar, has reported an 8% to 10% shift towards branded oil in tier-2 and tier-3 markets due to a decrease in prices of these products.
“In the case of wheat flour or atta, we have seen a 12% shift to branded products from April in smaller towns and villages,” he said.
Between January and March, there was a surge in wheat prices, leading consumers in tier-2 and tier-3 markets to switch to purchasing loose wheat flour.
“But as the prices cooled off from the end of March, we saw a shift to branded atta,” Mallick said.
Atul Garg, the Managing Director of GRM Overseas, has reported that the company has experienced a 15% transition from unbranded to branded categories for basmati rice and atta in tier-2 and tier-3 markets.
“The farmers have got good money for their crops, which is driving them to shift from unbranded to branded staples,” he said.
He further mentioned that there are indications of a revival in rural demand.
“We cater to the 5-lakh plus towns like Meerut from where our products go to sub-towns like Alwar. We are seeing that farmers from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, where we majorly operate, are attracted towards branded products. Also, post-Covid, health and hygiene have become a big issue and therefore, they are shifting to branded products.”
According to industry experts, the Indian market for bagged wheat flour is experiencing favorable conditions for expansion due to a combination of positive micro and macroeconomic factors. This trend is projected to persist, particularly as key market players extend their presence into rural markets across the country.
CBTL presently operates roughly 30 stores in India (Representative Image)
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL), a popular coffee shop chain originally established in the United States, has set its sights on expanding its reach in India. Following its acquisition by Jollibee Foods Corporation, a fast food brand headquartered in the Philippines, CBTL is actively searching for new franchise partners in India. This strategic move aims to strengthen CBTL’s presence in the country and capitalize on the growing demand for its offerings.
According to sources, CBTL intends to engage with up to two master franchise partners to oversee its operations in India.
“The company is holding preliminary discussions with Indian conglomerates, large restaurant partners and family offices,” they added.
CBTL has enlisted the services of Lodha Capital Markets to provide guidance on its business plan for India and assist with the selection of a master franchise partner.
CBTL presently operates roughly 30 stores in India but has terminated its master franchise agreement with Pan India Food Solutions, a company owned by Prabhuji Pure Foods, which had store franchise rights for approximately 10 CBTL outlets under the 2019 agreement. While a store franchise partner is usually confined to a single location, a master franchise agreement provides exclusive territorial rights and unlocks greater potential for growth.
WAAYU was founded in late 2022 by Anirudha Kotgire and Mandar Lande, with the backing of AHAR and Bollywood actor, Suniel Shetty.
For years, Zomato and Swiggy have held a significant portion of India’s food delivery market, creating an unchallenged duopoly in the segment.
In recent times, we have witnessed the emergence of some contenders challenging the dominance of Zomato and Swiggy, such as the government’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Thrive, among others.
Once again, the food delivery industry has a new contender in the form of WAAYU. The platform, which operates without charging commissions, made a splashy entry on May 8th, aiming to disrupt the status quo dominated by Swiggy and Zomato. Its objective is clear – to empower restaurants by freeing them from the burden of high commissions levied by other food delivery platforms.
WAAYU was founded in late 2022 by Anirudha Kotgire and Mandar Lande, with the backing of Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) based in Mumbai and Bollywood actor, Suniel Shetty.
Partnering with AHAR has enabled WAAYU to save a substantial amount on customer acquisition costs. The founders have a unique plan to use these savings to enhance customer retention by passing them onto their customers.
“The tie-up with the association is helping them acquire thousands of restaurants and millions of customers,” Suniel Shetty said at the launch event on Monday.
According to reports, WAAYU has succeeded in getting 1,500 restaurants in Mumbai to sign up on its app, and the total number of downloads for the app has now crossed 25,000.
Could WAAYU be the next bully in the food delivery market, challenging Swiggy and Zomato’s reign?
Similar to Swiggy and Zomato, WAAYU is a food delivery application that assists restaurants in managing their online orders. However, what sets it apart is its role as an aggregator that operates without charging exorbitant commissions per order. This is a significant differentiation, as many restaurants struggle to operate with slim profit margins when burdened with such fees.
By following a zero-commission strategy, the company aims to motivate restaurants to offer competitive pricing and pass on the benefits to their customers, as per their assertion.
“With WAAYU, restaurants will start offering their own schemes. Further, they will be able to add value to their products, which would make a huge difference,” said Shetty.
One of the Co-Founders, Anirudha Kotgire, discussed how the platform generates revenue. He said “We have 16 revenue streams, but not all will kick in from the beginning. We will have a fixed fee deal with the restaurants at an introductory price of INR 1,000 per month per outlet. Later, it will be increased to INR 2,000 a month.”
Additionally, Kotgire mentioned that there is a one-time onboarding set-up fee of INR 3,650.
Although the co-founders of WAAYU stated that restaurants would have the option to choose between Grab, Dunzo, or their own in-house delivery personnel, they did not specify who would bear the delivery costs.
Considering the approximate monthly cost of INR 2,000 that restaurants would incur to utilize WAAYU’s platform, there is a significant possibility that these establishments may ultimately be responsible for covering delivery charges.
In addition, the platform has created a specialized application for delivery personnel, allowing restaurants to effectively oversee and organize their own delivery fleets.
WAAYU aims to provide restaurants with enhanced flexibility and control over their online ordering system, offering instant payments through the UPI network. By adopting this approach, the platform’s founders intend to counter the longer payment cycles of competitors such as Zomato and Swiggy, which can negatively impact the cash flow of restaurants.
WAAYU’s nationwide expansion strategy:
The Co-Founders have expressed their intentions to soon expand to additional cities.
“Our plan is to add additional 10,000-plus restaurants in Mumbai, Pune and the suburbs in the next three months, and then expand WAAYU to both metro and non-metro cities across India,” Lande said.
Additionally, WAAYU has plans to integrate with ONDC, which is also making its mark as a prominent player in India’s food delivery market. This integration opens up interesting possibilities for how WAAYU and ONDC can collaborate to strengthen the network and provide enhanced services to their users.
Adding to the competitive landscape, Thrive, a food delivery startup backed by Coca-Cola, presents an interesting potential rival for WAAYU. With its focus on reducing commission fees and adopting a more agile and restaurant-friendly business approach, Thrive aims to challenge the dominance of Swiggy and Zomato. This intensifies the competition between Thrive and WAAYU, making the food delivery market even more dynamic and compelling.
Regardless of the outcome, it will be captivating to witness how WAAYU competes against the formidable presence of Swiggy and Zomato in India’s thriving $5.3 billion food delivery industry. The future will unveil the dynamics and performance of WAAYU as it navigates through this competitive landscape.
Interestingly, both Swiggy and Zomato faced setbacks at the beginning of the week. Swiggy witnessed a reduction in its valuation to $5.5 billion by one of its significant investors, Invesco. On the other hand, Zomato’s two-week-long positive streak on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) came to an end as it experienced a 7% intraday decline on Tuesday, May 9th. These developments marked a challenging start to the week for both food delivery giants.
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