Free food always hits the spot and it’s something we can all relate to. Whether it’s a treat from a friend’s party or a complimentary dish at a restaurant, we love taking advantage of delicious eats, especially when they’re free.
Two pranksters recently took this love of free food to the next level when they posed as officers from the “Centre for Disease and Prevention” to score some free chicken at KFC.
In a viral video posted on Instagram, the two men can be seen entering the KFC restaurant dressed in hazmat suits, introducing themselves as officers from the “Centre for Disease and Prevention.” They explain that there has been an outbreak of chicken in Europe and they need to take a sample for testing.
The manager of the KFC outlet agrees to give them a small chicken bite and before long, he’s handing over boxes of chicken wings to the “officers.” As they leave with their sealed packets of food, they jokingly tell the manager they’ll email him the results in six months.
The video has generated a lot of buzz online, with over 7.9 million views and mixed reactions from social media users. While some found the prank hilarious and praised the “officers” for their successful con, others felt it was illegal and could damage the reputation of the restaurant.
Social media users have given their verdict on the prank, with comments such as “Result: yummy yummy yummy” and “Result: it’s delicious”. However, not everyone was impressed with the stunt. Some commented that the prank could damage the restaurant’s reputation and that it was illegal to impersonate an agent.
Irrespective of comments and everything, the Two Pranksters have however ended up having free food which might hurt people more as they realize.
Hyderabad-based D2C superfood brand, Nourish You, has raised $2 million in a seed funding round. The investors include Y Janardhana Rao of Triumph Group, Rohit Chennamaneni of Darwinbox, Nikhil Kamath of Zerodha, Abhijeet Pai of Gruhas, and Abhinay Bollineni, CEO of KIMS Hospitals, among others.
The funds raised from this investment round will enable Nourish You to further invest in research and development for new products, diversifying its portfolio. The startup will also be using the funds for branding and marketing efforts, talent acquisition, and strengthening its distribution network and market presence.
Founded in 2015 by Rakesh Kilaru, Krishna Reddy, and Sowmya Reddy, the Hyderabad-based company sells quinoa and chia seed-based products, including nut mixes, edible seeds, flour, and meal mix. The products are sold through their website as well as e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, BigBasket, and Amazon, among others.
Nourish You positions itself as a clean-label and vegan brand and claims to manage 5000 acres of Quinoa and Chia farms across the states of Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. The startup also exports its products to several countries, including Singapore, Nepal, Kenya, Dubai, Mongolia, and the Maldives.
In India, Nourish You competes with companies such as Phab, Wellbeing Nutrition, and Lo! Foods.
Rakesh Kilaru, co-founder and CEO of Nourish You, said, “Having personally experienced the benefits of quinoa and chia- we launched Nourish You to introduce Superfoods to Indian consumers. As India’s foremost Superfood brand, we are confident of driving the category’s growth sustainably.”
According to a report by IMARC, the global superfoods market was valued at $152.71 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to $214.95 billion by 2027, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 5.74%.
Chai culture in India is an integral part of daily life and is deeply ingrained in the country’s social fabric. It’s more than just a drink – it’s a symbol of hospitality, a warm hug in a cup, and an opportunity to connect with friends, family, and strangers alike. Whether you’re stopping by a chai stall on the side of the road, sipping on a cup at a bustling railway station, or being served a steaming mug at a friend’s home, chai is a ubiquitous part of the Indian experience.
The tea industry in India employs millions of people and produces a variety of tea types, including black, green, and herbal teas. India is the second largest producer of tea globally, with the majority of its tea being grown in the states of Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala. The tea industry in India has a long history, dating back to the 19th century when British tea planters introduced tea cultivation to the country. Today, the industry is modernizing, with the introduction of new technology and techniques aimed at improving efficiency and quality.
The fact that advent of e-commerce has been ground-breaking for businesses of all kinds. Things are no different for the tea industry in India – with sales and services increasingly being made accessible online, tea brands have also started distributing their products in a D2C (direct-to-consumer) fashion.
The recent Covid lockdown has only further enabled such methods of sale to flourish, as more and more consumers gravitate towards the ease and convenience provided by online shopping as opposed to stepping out to a shop.
Brands such as Teabox, Vahdam, Chai Point, Udyan Tea, Chaayos and Tearaja are some prime examples of budding tea sellers who are replacing the in-store experience of the traditional tea market. Such brands have been thriving because of the enhanced customer experience facilitated by an e-commerce platform.
For example, the website of Teabox provides information on the different types of tea available at their company by going into painstaking detail on its taste, fragrance and how it looks. This gives the customer a deep insight into the options available to them and ensures that a well-informed and educated decision can be made by them.
Such a privilege is likely to encourage tea enthusiasts to branch out and explore the “menu”, by testing out new and unique flavours and types of tea, such as organic kinds, or even more premium varieties. India’s love for tea and willingness to spend on it is one thing that hasn’t changed with the fast-paced transformation of technologies and the ever-evolving market. This is why even legacy producers of tea such as Tata Consumer Products have also recently commenced online selling of their Tata Tea products.
Many D2C brands have an ‘online-only’ method of business, which spikes a sense of exclusivity and mysteriousness to these new brands. By being easier to manage consumer experience, and thereby increasing overall revenue, the D2C model is not only growing attractive to both traditional brands and start-ups but has become an unavoidable necessity in today’s digital world. Indian customers are technologically advanced and this business strategy truly appeals to them. They seek a unique customer experience and the D2C business strategy provides just that.
Metropolitan households have found it easier to shift to these brands, while other cities are slowly following. It also depends on the retail availability of the location.
D2C lets the tea manufacturers garner fresh varieties of tea and ensure it passes directly from the estates, to the processing centres and then straight to the customers, without middlemen to delay the process or cause other issues. This diminishing reliance on such aggregators leads to cost-cutting on both ends. The resulting savings on the company’s side have been used to multiply the convenience of online tea sales even further through investment in same-day delivery, better website user experience etc., as well as providing discount codes for the consumers- all the more reason tea lovers are enjoying D2C brands.
Moreover, the websites themselves improve the direct relationship between the brand and the customer by enabling immediate feedback and gauging the demand more accurately. Thus, in many ways, Indian customers are benefitting from this D2C shift in the tea industry, and it looks like the model is here to stay.
In the Image: Mr.Vikram Cotah (CEO of GRT Hotels)
Saba Gaziyani (Workshop on Food Styling & Food Photography)
Chef Joseph Chahine (Executive Head Chef, Layalina Restaurant Group, London)
Chef Varun Inamdar (Chef – Oberoi Hotels/Gulf Royals, India’s Prince of Chocolate and record holder of the world’s largest Chocolate Mud Pie)
Chef Sabyasachi Gorai (President of the Young Chefs Forum, Director of Fabrica by Chef Saby)
Chef Sheetharam Prasad (Culinary Director at GRT Hotels)
Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai was proud to celebrate 25 years of the original “The Great Kabab Factory”. The restaurant is the first of its kind to enthral people with its inimitable taste for more than 25 years.
The event kicked off with “The GReaT Foodie Summit” which featured an exciting workshop on food styling and photography by Saba Gaziyani. This was followed by an expert panel discussion on the ‘Future of Food’ led by:
Chef Joseph Chahine — Executive Head Chef, Layalina Restaurant Group, London
Chef Varun Inamdar — Co-founder of Snackfax, Previously Chef at Oberoi Hotels/Gulf Royals, India’s Prince of Chocolate and record holder of the world’s largest Chocolate Mud Pie
Chef Sabyasachi Gorai — President of the Young Chefs Forum, Director of Fabrica by Chef Saby
Chef Sheetharam Prasad — Culinary Director at GRT Hotels
Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels, said, “The Great Kabab Factory is a celebration of the cuisine of the ‘Hindukush’ region, perfected over the last 25 years by culinary geniuses. It is the perfect place to taste your way through India’s history and spices. The menu celebrates Northwestern Frontier Cuisine with its melt-in-your-mouth kababs; rich, complex, creamy Dals and robust, mouthwatering Biryanis.”
The Great Kabab Factory offers an experience of the ‘Northwestern Frontier Cuisine’ at its finest. Home to 250 varieties of Kababs, their live kitchens bring flavours and aromas to life with clay tandoors, charcoal grills and smoky flames.
Enjoy a selection of Kababs, Curries, Indian breads, Biryanis, and their in-house speciality, the Telwar Kabab. They also have a separate kitchen that caters to vegetarian and vegan customers which has a vast variety of dishes to indulge in.
Fact Sheet of The Great Kabab Factory:
Cuisine: Northwestern Frontier Cuisine
Price: Vegetarian – Rs. 1807 + Taxes.
Non-Vegetarian – Rs. 1997 + Taxes.
Timings: Lunch – 12 PM to 3 PM (Daily)
Dinner – 7 PM to 12 AM (Daily)
Address: Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai, No. 531, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai – 600016.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is pushing its FOPL rules and is currently in discussions with various companies to include a “cautionary warning” on the amount of added salt, sugar, and fat present in packaged foods, as part of its proposed star rating system. This is intended to help consumers make more informed choices when selecting food products.
FSSAI is working on creating rules for front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPL) of packaged foods and has drafted guidelines that include the star rating system, among other measures. The draft regulation proposes a star rating system of one to five, based on the amount of salt, sugar, and fat in each food item.
However, the proposal has faced opposition from packaged food manufacturers who argue that it will negatively impact their business. To determine the most effective form of labelling, the FSSAI has considered various options, such as traffic light signs, nutrition scores, health star ratings, and warning symbols.
To help make a decision, FSSAI has reached out to the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad for partnering and to conduct a study on the impact of front-of-labelling for packaged foods on consumers. Based on the recommendations from IIM-Ahmedabad, FSSAI chose to implement the star rating system.
Australia and New Zealand have already adopted a similar system. The FOPL regulation for food packaging has been a subject of debate for several years, with processed and packaged foods companies expressing reluctance and health activists advocating for stricter regulations.
Multiple discussions with stakeholders have been held, but there has been no final decision reached as of yet. This is the first time an external entity has been involved in the labelling guidelines.
Lemon Tree Hotels has added a new location to its portfolio with the signing of the latest Lemon Tree Hotel in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The hotel is slated to be operational by June 2024 and will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels.
Lemon Tree Hotels offer a unique and personalized hospitality experience. The hotels are known for their contemporary design and comfortable rooms. The in-house restaurants serve a variety of delicious and authentic Indian and international cuisine. The hotels also provide a range of facilities and services to ensure a memorable and comfortable stay for guests, making them a top choice.
The new Lemon Tree Hotel in Jabalpur will offer 75 well-appointed rooms, dining options, a bar, a banqueting space, a gym, and various public areas. Guests will be able to engage in activities such as playing squash, and billiards, golfing on the simulator or relaxing at the spa.
Jabalpur is a major administrative, industrial, and business centre located on the banks of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. It is situated in the “Mahakaushal” region and was named after the sage Jabali who is said to have meditated on the river’s banks. The city is rapidly growing in commercial importance, although it is most renowned for its scenic beauty, particularly the stunning Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat which stand 100 feet tall and change colour based on the light shining on them.
The Jabalpur Airport is about 16 kilometres from the hotel, while the Railway Station is located 2 kilometres away. The hotel is easily accessible via public and private transportation from major cities in India.
Vikramjit Singh, President of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, commenting on the new Hotel in Jabalpur, said, “Jabalpur is a rising tier-II city with significant tourism and business potential. The signing of this hotel is in line with Lemon Tree Hotel’s vision of strengthening our presence in key domestic markets and we are pleased to partner with KA Real Build Private Limited for the same. The city is well connected to Madhya Pradesh’s famous tiger parks Kanha and Bandhavgarh, and will serve as a seamless connection for our properties there, both operational and upcoming.”
Ironhill India, a leading player in the restaurant industry has recently appointed Vejay Anand as its new CEO. The company announced the update in a press release and expressed excitement about having Anand onboard.
Ironhill India was established in 2017 as the initial microbrewery in Andhra Pradesh. Currently, it has a presence in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana and is planning to expand to other states such as Maharashtra, Goa, Orissa, Rajasthan, Pondicherry, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
Ironhill’s New CEO, Anand is an experienced professional in the restaurant industry, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. He has a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the industry. With his leadership, Iron Hill India is poised for growth and expansion, positioning itself as a leader in the market.
Teja Chekuri, Founder of Ironhill India & Global Restaurateur, said, “When I met Vejay, we instantly clicked on our shared passion for microbrews. Given his vast experience in leading large teams, driving performance, and uniting them towards a common goal, I am confident that under his guidance the team will rapidly move towards the next phase of successful growth.”
Vejay Anand, who takes over as CEO of Ironhill India, said, “Microbrewery is a booming segment in India. I was impressed with the growth that Ironhill India has achieved under Teja’s leadership. As I step into my new role, I look forward to strengthening their existing position as market leaders and exploring new possibilities as we expand further into multiple cities. I look forward to working with the team.”
Under Anand’s leadership, Iron Hill India is expected to scale new heights and continue to provide its customers with the high-quality dining experiences that it is known for.
The Ukraine war, also known as the Donbas war, which began in 2014, has had a significant impact on wheat prices and the global wheat market. The war, which has been ongoing for several years, has affected the production, transportation, and export of wheat in the region.
One of the main effects of the war on wheat production has been the destruction of farmland and wheat fields. The fighting has caused extensive damage to the infrastructure and equipment used for farming, making it difficult for farmers to cultivate and harvest their crops. Additionally, many farmers have been forced to flee their homes and leave their farms, causing a significant reduction in wheat production in the region.
The transportation of wheat has also been affected by the war. The destruction of roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure has made it difficult to move wheat from the farms to the market. This has resulted in a shortage of wheat supply in the region and has led to an increase in wheat prices.
The export of wheat from Ukraine has also been affected by the war. The country is one of the world’s leading exporters of wheat, and the war has disrupted the export of wheat to other countries. The destruction of transportation infrastructure has made it difficult to transport wheat to ports for export. Additionally, the war has made it difficult to secure financing and insurance for wheat exports, which has further limited the export of wheat from Ukraine.
As a result of the war, wheat prices have risen globally, due to the disruption of wheat supply from Ukraine. The decrease in wheat production and export has led to a shortage of wheat in the global market, which has caused prices to increase. This has affected not only the wheat market but also the food industry and has had a significant impact on people’s livelihood and food security in the region and globally.
In conclusion, the ongoing Ukraine war also had a significant impact on wheat prices and the global wheat market. The war affected the production, transportation, and export of wheat in the region, leading to a shortage of wheat supply and an increase in wheat prices.
The war has also had a severe impact on people’s livelihood and food security in the region and at the global range. It’s crucial for the countries involved in the war to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict to ensure the stability of the food supply and people’s well-being.
Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has once again been selected as the official catering partner for the prestigious Aero India 2023, taking place from February 13-17, 2023 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station. This marks the hotel’s third consecutive year serving in this capacity.
Nestled in the charming neighbourhood of Malleswaram, the Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway proudly stands as the first Sheraton to receive the distinguished title of ‘Grand’ in South Asia. This magnificent hotel is a part of the sprawling Brigade Gateway lifestyle hub, which encompasses the World Trade Centre, Orion Mall, and much more.
Within its walls, the hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness centre, an infinity-edge swimming pool, and 8 restaurants and bars that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. For a gastronomic experience like no other, guests can visit Horizon – the highest Pan-Asian dining destination in Bengaluru – or savour drinks while taking in breathtaking views at High Ultra Lounge, South India’s tallest rooftop bar & lounge situated on the 31st floor of the World Trade Center. After a long day, guests can retreat to Shine Spa for Sheraton to be pampered with a range of premium treatments.
The Aero India exhibition is the largest Aero Show in Asia, gathering major players in the aviation industry and showcasing a significant trade show for the defence and aerospace sectors.
The Aero India show is expected to be a bustling hub of industry activity and innovation, with over 700 exhibitors and participation from over 30 countries. Approximately 3,000 business-to-business(B2B) meetings are scheduled to take place during the event.
Shibil Malik, General Manager at Sheraton Grand Bangalore, said, “We are excited to partner with Aero India once again and have started the preparations for this prestigious mega event. Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has been a pioneer in executing large format outdoor events and will leave no stone unturned to ensure this event is a roaring success.”
Happening after a two-year hiatus post the pandemic, the Aero Show 2023 is expected to be one of the mega events this year, one where the world will be watching India.
Due to their high vitamin C content, oranges are a fantastic addition to anyone’s beauty regimen. In addition to being packed with vitamins and nutrients, they also include dietary fibre, potassium, magnesium, and beta-carotene. It also functions as a toner that moisturizes the skin.
The natural oils from the fruit help to hydrate and soften your skin. Its antioxidants fight free radicals, preventing wrinkles and early ageing. Citric acid’s function in skin exfoliating helps to minimize acne. Its vitamin C content allows the body to generate collagen and elastin, which keeps it youthful.
The following are the critical advantages of oranges for skincare and beauty:
1. Prevents Skin Damage
Orange’s antioxidants aid in preventing skin ageing caused by free radicals. The antioxidant properties of oranges help to hydrate dry, lacklustre skin. Orange eating and face masks can make your skin look young and fresh.
2. High In Vitamin C
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which is beneficial for the health and look of the skin. One orange contains 116.2 per cent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Due to its role in removing free radicals that harm DNA, vitamin C intake can help lower the risk of colon cancer.
3. Prevents Skin Ageing
Oranges may be able to shield skin against UV-related ageing. Citrus components can be consumed to lessen wrinkle depth and prevent collagen deterioration, according to studies. Additionally, it moisturizes skin and hastens collagen formation. They also smooth down the texture of your skin, giving it a cleaner, more refined appearance.
4. Prevents Acne
Oranges contain a lot of citric acids, which help treat acne. Sweat, itching, and acne are characteristics of summer. Oranges’ natural citric acid can treat oily skin and dry out acne. Consistent use will produce the best outcomes.
Although oranges are healthy and harmless, some people may very rarely develop allergies after eating them. Due to the presence of citric acid and ascorbic acid, eating this fruit may aggravate heartburn symptoms in sufferers. It is highly recommended to use oranges in your skincare regime carefully.
How to include orange in skincare
The best treat of any season is orange. You can replenish all the nutrients you’ve lost throughout the winter and fill up on energy every day with what the season delivers! Winter miracle oranges are a favourite among fruit lovers. People of all ages adore and savour them. However, what we all do is discard their priceless orange peels.
Orange peels work magic on your skincare. Here’s how to make an orange peel ubtan:
Orange Ubtan is believed to help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. It is made from a blend of natural ingredients including orange peel powder, sandalwood powder, turmeric, and other herbs and spices.
The ingredients in Orange Ubtan are thought to have exfoliating, brightening, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help improve the appearance of the skin, reduce pigmentation, and soothe and hydrate the skin.
The combination of ingredients in Orange Ubtan is also said to help improve blood circulation and unclog pores, which can lead to a clearer and more radiant complexion.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of dried orange peel powder
1 tablespoon of chickpea flour
1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
A few drops of milk
Rosewater (optional)
Instructions:
Mix the dried orange peel powder, chickpea flour, sandalwood powder, and turmeric powder in a bowl.
Add enough milk to make a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a few drops of rosewater to make it easier to spread.
Apply the mixture to your face and neck, avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes.
Leave the ubtan on for 10-15 minutes, or until it dries.
Rinse your face with lukewarm water, then splash it with cold water to close the pores.
Repeat this process once or twice a week for the best results.
Always do a patch test before using any new skincare product to avoid any allergic reactions.
Several summer fruits also have skincare advantages when used in your daily skin routine in all right manners and make for delicious fruit salads. Oranges are one of the fruits that are most commonly found and known for their high vitamin C content, which contributes to the skin’s natural radiance. With their characteristics, oranges can simply enhance our skincare routine.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Accept CookiesPrivacy policy
