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Craving for Biryani this Eid? Head over to Kadiri’s restaurant in London for the best Biryani

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kadiris

If you’re a biryani lover living in London, Eid can be a bittersweet experience. While you’re excited to celebrate with your loved ones, you can’t help but feel a little homesick for the flavors and traditions of home. But don’t worry – with Kadiri, you can bring a taste of home to your Eid celebrations in London.

Imagine this: you’re surrounded by your family and friends, and the room is filled with the aromas of aromatic spices and slow-cooked meats. You’re eagerly waiting for the main dish to arrive, and then it does – a steaming hot pot of biryani. The first thing you notice is the vibrant colors – golden rice mixed with bright green herbs and juicy chunks of meat. You take a spoonful and your taste buds explode with flavor.

This is the taste of Eid at home. Each bite of biryani takes you back to the sights, sounds, and flavors of your childhood celebrations. The perfectly cooked rice is infused with fragrant spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves. The tender meat is coated in a rich, savory sauce that is both spicy and sweet. Each bite is a mouthwatering explosion of taste and texture.

Founded by Jamal Kadiri, Kadiri London is a hidden gem located in the heart of London, serving authentic and delicious Indian cuisine. This family-run restaurant offers a menu filled with traditional dishes that are sure to satisfy any cravings for Indian food.

Kadiri is located in the trendy Shoreditch neighborhood, Kadiri London offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic date night or a casual dinner with friends. The restaurant’s interior is beautifully decorated with warm lighting, cozy seating, and elegant artwork, creating a relaxing and inviting ambiance that makes you feel like home, back in India. 

Known for its authentic and delicious Indian cuisine, Kadiri London is the perfect spot to celebrate Eid with a mouth-watering biryani. Eid is a time of celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a flavorful and aromatic biryani? At Kadiri London, their biryani is a must-try dish for anyone looking for an authentic taste of India. Made with fragrant spices and perfectly cooked rice, the biryani is cooked to perfection, and the tender meat is infused with rich and savory flavors.

The biryani at Kadiri London is made using only the freshest ingredients, with each spice and herb carefully selected to create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you choose to have chicken, lamb, or vegetable biryani, each dish is cooked to perfection, ensuring that every bite is a burst of flavor.

Kadiri London’s biryani is perfect for those looking to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. Whether you are dining in or taking the food to go, the biryani is the perfect dish to share with friends and family. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service only add to the festive vibes of the occasion, making it a memorable experience.

Aside from the biryani, Kadiri London offers a range of traditional Indian dishes that are perfect for Eid celebrations. From tandoori chicken to lamb chops, each dish is cooked to perfection, ensuring that every guest has a memorable dining experience.

So, if you’re looking to celebrate Eid in London with a delicious biryani, look no further than Kadiri London. With its authentic flavors, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate with your loved ones. Whether you’re dining in or taking the food to go, Kadiri London is the perfect choice for an unforgettable Eid celebration.

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5 best places in Mumbai every biryani lover should try this Eid

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biryani

Biryani to Eid is a mandate, no questions asked. You can’t really celebrate Eid without having The air filled with the aroma of aromatic spices and slow-cooked meats. Golden rice mixed with bright green herbs and juicy chunks of meat. You take a spoonful and your taste buds explode with flavor. The perfectly cooked rice is infused with fragrant spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves. The tender meat is coated in a rich, savory sauce that is both spicy and sweet. Each bite is a mouthwatering explosion of taste and texture.

But it’s not just the taste that makes biryani so special. It’s the way it brings people together. Biryani is a dish that can make any day festive – whether it’s a special occasion like Eid, or just an ordinary day that needs a little bit of flavor and excitement. Its aromatic spices, tender meat, and fluffy rice create an ambiance that instantly puts you in a celebratory mood. And the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones only adds to the festive vibes.

So if you’re looking for a dish that will make your day special, look no further than biryani. It’s the perfect way to bring a little bit of Eid into any day, and its delicious flavors and festive vibes are sure to make you crave it again and again.

So, if you are in Mumbai and want to feel like it is Eid right now, you’re in luck! This Eid, we’ve rounded up the 5 best places in Mumbai to satisfy your biryani cravings. From traditional and aromatic biryanis to unique and flavorful twists on the classic dish, these spots have it all:

  1. Lucky Biryani: Located in Bandra, Lucky Biryani is a small but popular joint that has been serving lip-smacking biryanis for over 50 years. The prices here are reasonable, with a plate of chicken biryani starting at just INR 120. The must-have here is their Special Biryani, which is loaded with tender meat and aromatic spices.
  1. Baghdadi: If you’re looking for a no-frills, authentic biryani experience, then Baghdadi in Colaba is the place to go. This iconic eatery has been serving delicious biryanis for over 100 years, and their Mutton Biryani is a must-try. Prices here start at INR 250 per plate.
  1. Delhi Zaika: If you’re in the suburbs, head to Delhi Zaika in Andheri East for their delicious Chicken Biryani. The biryani here is made in the Hyderabadi style, with long-grain rice and flavorful spices. Prices start at INR 170 per plate.
  1. Persian Darbar: With several outlets across the city, Persian Darbar is a popular chain that serves a variety of biryanis. Their Mutton Biryani is a fan-favorite, and is made with tender meat and fragrant spices. Prices start at INR 350 per plate.
  1. Shalimar: Last but not least, Shalimar in Bhendi Bazaar is a hidden gem that serves some of the best biryanis in the city. The Mutton Biryani here is a must-try, and is served with a side of spicy gravy. Prices start at INR 230 per plate.

No matter which of these 5 places you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a memorable biryani experience this Eid. So gather your friends and family, head to these eateries, and indulge in the rich, flavorful goodness that is Mumbai biryani.

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Here is how Nutritatva’s Quinoa seeds is an excellent addition to your post-pregnancy diet

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Nutritatva's Quinoa seeds

Bringing a new life into this world is an exciting and challenging experience for any woman. Pregnancy and childbirth bring a lot of physical and emotional changes, and the body requires the right nutrients to recover and heal after delivery. Post-pregnancy recovery is a critical period for new moms, and proper care and nutrition are essential for a healthy and speedy recovery.

Good nutrition is crucial for post-pregnancy recovery. A healthy and balanced diet can help in healing and repairing tissues, boosting energy levels, and improving mood and mental health. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats in your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and caffeine, as they can interfere with recovery.

Nutrients like protein and fiber act very very crucial in the post pregnancy recovery as protein helps in the improvement of cell health and helps in the overall healing of tissues which get damaged from the tissue-trauma after child birth. 

So if you really want to heal from the post pregnancy trauma, you really need to indulge in a protein rich diet. These foods include meat, quinoa seeds, tofu, paneer etc. 

Indulging in health supplements based on protein are another way to recover from the post pregnancy trauma. One such trusted brand when it comes to post pregnancy recovery is Nutritatva’s Quinoa seeds

How quinoa seeds help in Post Pregnancy Recovery?

Quinoa seeds are an excellent addition to a post-pregnancy diet, as they are packed with essential nutrients that can aid in the recovery process. Here are some ways in which quinoa seeds can help in post-pregnancy recovery:

High in protein

Quinoa seeds are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for tissue repair and recovery. Protein is also important for building and maintaining muscle mass, which can be lost during pregnancy and childbirth.

Rich in fiber

Quinoa seeds are rich in fiber, which can aid in digestion and help regulate bowel movements. This is especially important after childbirth, as many women experience constipation due to hormonal changes and the effects of pain medication.

Low glycemic index

 Quinoa seeds have a low glycemic index, which means they do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This is important for post-pregnancy recovery, as maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help regulate mood, energy levels, and appetite.

Packed with Essential nutrients

 Quinoa seeds are rich in essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and organs, and can also help prevent anemia, which is common after childbirth.

Versatile and Easy to Prepare

Quinoa seeds are easy to prepare and can be used in a variety of dishes, making them a convenient and versatile food for post-pregnancy recovery. They can be added to salads, soups, stews, and as a side dish.

Nutritatva’s Quinoa seeds

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free, and protein-rich seed that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It is an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help new moms recover after childbirth.

Nutritatva’s Quinoa seeds are a superfood that are an excellent addition to your diet. These Quinoa seeds are sourced from the highlands of Peru, where they are organically grown and harvested. They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy and nutritious food.

Quinoa is a versatile grain-like seed that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture, making it a great alternative to rice or pasta. Quinoa is gluten-free and easy to digest, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivity or digestive issues.

Nutritatva’s Quinoa seeds are non-GMO and free from any additives or preservatives. They are also low in glycemic index, which means they do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This makes them an ideal food for people with diabetes or anyone looking to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

These Quinoa seeds are packed with essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining strong bones, healthy muscles, and a healthy heart.

Link to buy:

https://www.nutritatva.com/products/product-detail/quinoa-500-g-x-2/1106

Price: INR 380 

Qty: 500g

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Khoya, the high-end Indian sweets brand, secures more than INR 6 crore in pre-seed funding from investors

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Khoya
Khoya specializes in creating and manufacturing high-end traditional mithai and luxurious confectionery items, which are sold directly to customers.

Khoya, the Indian luxury sweets brand operated by Lone Star Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. based in Delhi, has secured pre-seed funding worth INR 6.15 crore. The funding round was spearheaded by Riga Foods, a company founded by Chef Ritu Dalmia and a portfolio company of Max Group’s Chairman Analjit Singh’s family office. In addition to Riga Foods, other investors such as Priya Paul also participated in the funding round.

Khoya specializes in creating and manufacturing high-end traditional mithai and luxurious confectionery items, which are sold directly to customers. One of their newer offerings is luxury mithais, which were introduced about five years ago and can be priced anywhere between INR 20,000-30,000 per kilogram.

The company intends to utilize the funds for developing new products and venturing into new categories of related consumer goods. They plan to expand their retail presence in various other metropolitan cities throughout India and also plan to enter international markets.

The company faces competition from Gur Chini, Arq Mithai, Meethi, Bombay Sweet Shop, and other similar businesses. They sell their products both online and in physical retail spaces, including hotels.

According to Sid Mathur, the Founder of Khoya, the company was established in 2016 with the goal of revitalizing mithai by utilizing natural ingredients and meticulously handcrafting each piece, thoughtfully presenting and packaging them. The company boasts a clientele that includes prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Good Earth, and Lexus, among others.

Mathur said, “Khoya was a passion project, and we took our time to build it. We dived deep into the history, travelled, searched for ingredients, worked hard on recipe development, and spent months on packaging. The product spoke for itself, and Khoya has grown organically through only reinvestment of profits. With this capital raise, we will be able to take the brand to a new level, expanding our kitchens, teams & distribution both in India as well as internationally.”

Co-founder of Riga Foods, Dalmia said, “For me, this brand has always been the benchmark of luxury mithai, and we are thrilled to be part of their journey. With obvious synergies of catering, kitchens and restaurants, we have a head start on this relationship, and can’t wait to see this company grow.”

The Indian sweets and premium gifting market, as per industry estimates, is expected to be valued at INR 15,000 crore by 2028 for the organized sector.

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These Nankhatai cookies by Kilo Beaters are the perfect snack to try along with your tea

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Nankhatai cookies

The sweet aroma of cardamom, the rich taste of ghee, and the delicate texture of the cookie all combine to create a heavenly experience of nankhatai. This is what it’s like to enjoy nankhatai, a traditional Indian shortbread cookie that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With every bite of nankhatai, you’ll experience a burst of flavor that is unlike any other cookie. The combination of nutty chickpea flour, aromatic cardamom, and rich ghee creates a symphony of taste that will leave you wanting more. The texture of the cookie is soft and crumbly, melting in your mouth with every bite.

The origins of nankhatai can be traced back to the Mughal era in India, where it was a popular treat among the nobility. Today, nankhatai remains a beloved cookie in Indian households and is enjoyed as a snack with tea or coffee, or as a dessert after a meal.

What makes nankhatai so irresistible is its simplicity. Made with just a handful of ingredients – chickpea flour, ghee, sugar, and cardamom – nankhatai is a humble yet delicious treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Plus, it’s vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Nankhatai by the Kilo Beaters

Kilo Beaters’ Nankhatai is a classic Indian shortbread cookie that has been perfected to deliver an indulgent taste experience. Each bite of these delicious cookies is crispy on the outside and crumbly on the inside, providing a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is sure to delight.

What makes Kilo Beaters’ Nankhatai stand out from the rest is the premium quality ingredients used in their recipe. Made with a blend of the finest flour, sugar, and ghee, these cookies are baked to perfection with no added preservatives or additives. They are also enriched with a secret blend of spices that enhances the flavor and adds a unique twist to this traditional recipe.

Each pack of Kilo Beaters’ Nankhatai contains individually wrapped cookies, making them a perfect snack to enjoy anytime, anywhere. They are perfect to pair with your favorite hot beverage like tea or coffee, and also make a great treat to share with family and friends.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying snack or a special treat to enjoy during your tea time, Kilo Beaters’ Nankhatai is the perfect choice. With its premium ingredients and irresistible flavor, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves the classic taste of Indian shortbread cookies.

What makes Nankhatai by the Kilo Beaters Different? 

Nankhatai by Kilo Beaters offers a premium quality, delicious, and unique twist on the classic Indian shortbread cookie. Here are some reasons why you should consider purchasing them:

Premium quality ingredients

Kilo Beaters uses only the finest ingredients, including flour, sugar, and ghee to make their Nankhatai cookies. They do not use any artificial preservatives or additives, making them a healthier option for a snack.

Unique blend of spices

Kilo Beaters’ Nankhatai is enriched with a secret blend of spices that enhances the flavor and adds a unique twist to this traditional recipe. This special blend of spices is what makes Kilo Beaters’ Nankhatai stand out from other similar products in the market.

Perfect texture

The texture of Kilo Beaters’ Nankhatai is crispy on the outside and crumbly on the inside, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Individually wrapped

Each pack of Kilo Beaters’ Nankhatai contains individually wrapped cookies, making them easy to carry around and share with friends and family.

Perfect snack

Kilo Beaters’ Nankhatai is a perfect snack to enjoy with your favorite hot beverage like tea or coffee, or simply as a quick and satisfying snack.

If you’re a fan of traditional Indian shortbread cookies, then you should try Kilo Beaters’ Nankhatai. With its premium ingredients, unique blend of spices, and perfect texture, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves indulging in delicious treats.

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Pizza Hut launches “Mood Badle, Pizza Badle” campaign with Saif Ali Khan and Shehnaaz Gill to introduce 10 new pizzas

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pizza hut
Pizza Hut (Representative Image)

Pizza Hut is set to release a diverse range of 10 pizzas, each designed to cater to various customer moods. To promote the new lineup, the brand has partnered with popular actors Saif Ali Khan and Shehnaaz Gill for their latest campaign titled “Mood Badle, Pizza Badle”. The campaign aims to highlight the new pizza range and its ability to cater to the diverse moods of consumers.

The new range of pizzas will be offered at a value price, starting from INR 299 for two personal pizzas, and will be available through dine-in, delivery, and takeaway options at all 800 Pizza Hut restaurants in India.

Pizza Hut has introduced a new pizza range featuring 10 exciting and distinct flavors, including Mazedar Makhni Paneer, Dhabe Da Keema, Cheezy Mushroom Magic, Mexican Fiesta, Awesome American Cheesy, and Nawabi Murg Makhni, among others.

Pizza Hut’s latest pizza range consists of a selection of ten unique and exciting flavors. Some of the notable options include Mazedar Makhni Paneer, Dhabe Da Keema, Cheezy Mushroom Magic, Mexican Fiesta, Awesome American Cheesy, and Nawabi Murg Makhni, among others.

The pizza range’s flavors have been meticulously crafted to enhance their irresistible appeal. For instance, Mazedar Makhni Paneer features a delectable buttery Makhni sauce, while Cheezy Mushroom Magic boasts a creamy and cheesy base sauce that’s infused with distinct notes of mushrooms and olives.

Aanandita Datta, Chief Marketing Officer, Pizza Hut India, said, “Our mood plays an important role in deciding our food cravings and we wanted to give consumers different options for their varied moods. This was our inspiration behind launching an extensive range of 10 new pizzas with so many added flavourful ingredients, for the first time. We are confident that consumers will love the wide variety being introduced and elevate their mood anytime, any day with Pizza Hut pizzas.”

With the “Mood Badle, Pizza Badle” marketing campaign, Pizza Hut intends to connect with customers on a deeper level. The all-encompassing campaign aims to create a 360-degree experience that engages customers and encourages them to try the new pizza range.

To ensure maximum exposure, Pizza Hut plans to implement the “Mood Badle, Pizza Badle” campaign across several mediums, such as television, digital and social media platforms, public relations and influencer outreach, out-of-home advertising, and in-store branding. The campaign will leverage a multi-faceted approach to reach a wider audience and generate buzz around the new pizza range.

By inaugurating its 800th store in India, Pizza Hut has reached a significant milestone and extended its presence to a total of 199 cities. The achievement highlights the brand’s commitment to expanding its reach and providing high-quality pizzas to customers across the country.

Pizza Hut remains steadfast in its dedication to the new brand platform, ‘Dil Khol Ke Delivering.’ The platform promises customers fresh, scrumptious, and soul-satisfying pizzas made with fresh dough each day. This commitment underscores the brand’s ongoing efforts to deliver a superior pizza experience to its customers.

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BrewDog enters the Indian market with Amritsar outlet, offers international beers and local cuisine

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Brewdog
The new BrewDog outlet is located in the upscale Ranjeet Avenue and offers a selection of 24 craft beers

International craft beer brand BrewDog has opened its first outlet in Amritsar, Punjab. Spanning over 8,500 square feet across two floors, the new BrewDog outlet is located in the upscale Ranjeet Avenue and offers a selection of 24 craft beers.

At BrewDog Amritsar, customers can enjoy a variety of popular international beers, including lagers, IPAs, and wheat beers. Guests at BrewDog Amritsar can choose from a meticulously curated selection of craft beers, including favorites such as Hazy Jane, Punk IPA, Elvis Juice, Arcade Made, Lost Lager, and many more.

Rohit Jain, Chairman, BrewDog India, AIBPL, said, “As part of our India expansion, Amritsar is a key location for the brand. A lot of thought has gone into the design of the space, making it vibrant, cosy and welcoming, while keeping it consistent with the international experience. We are keen to take the craft beer experience to even more cities across India.”

The reputed design firm in the country, Sumesh Menon and Associates, has designed BrewDog Amritsar, which is also the first pet-friendly bar in the city.

The bar will also house a specialty coffee bar named Habitat Coffee House in addition to serving craft beer.

Karan Jain, CEO, BrewDog India, AIBPL, said, “We bring a diverse variety of craft beers on tap which will be a great attraction for beer enthusiasts. Punjab has been our choice in our current leg of expansion given the evolving food and beverage scenario and an evolved consumer base.”

The bar will not only serve BrewDog’s signature menu but also offer a variety of regionally-inspired dishes.

The menu at BrewDog Amritsar not only features their signature dishes but also includes a variety of regionally-inspired options. Guests can choose from dishes such as Phulka Tacos, Mutton Chapli Burgers, Korean BBQ Chicken Burger, Thai Basil Fish Tikka, Gochujang Lotus Stem, Dahiwala Dhaba Meat, and Dum Ki Daal, among others.

Aloha International BrewPub, under the leadership of its Chairman Mr. Rohit Jain, played a key role in bringing BrewDog to India and facilitating its expansion in the country.

The brand, which already has two successful outlets in Mumbai and one in Gurugram, has ambitious plans to launch an additional 25 pubs across the country.

In the past decade, BrewDog has achieved significant growth worldwide, boasting over 200,000 crowdfunded shareholders, five breweries located across three continents, and distribution in more than 80 markets.

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Agri-tech firm WayCool sets up FMCG arm ‘BrandsNext’, names BP Ravindran as CEO

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BP Ravindran and Karthik Jayaraman
BP Ravindran and Karthik Jayaraman

WayCool, a food and agri-tech platform, announced on Friday the launch of its new entity, ‘BrandsNext,’ to boost its FMCG business, according to a media release. BrandsNext will serve as an umbrella company for WayCool’s consumer packaged goods brands, including Madhuram, Kitchenji, and Freshey.

Karthik Jayaraman, MD, WayCool, said, “BrandsNext is poised to thrive as a standalone entity with a portfolio that caters to the everyday Thali of our consumers.”

BP Ravindran has been named the CEO of the newly launched entity, as announced by the company.

On the launch of BrandsNext, Ravindran said, “A strong foundation has been laid in the past two years to win in the food business by establishing BrandsNext as an entity that will focus on its core strength of building brands and scaling distribution. We intend to be closer to the consumption occasions of our consumers by mapping their need states and addressing their pain points.”

According to the press release, Ravindran will lead the company’s efforts and future goals, including product innovations, category expansions, and other endeavors.

WayCool Foods operates in various categories, including fresh produce, staples, and dairy. Its consumer brand portfolio includes Madhuram, Kitchenji, L’exotique, Dezi Fresh, Freshey’s, AllFresh, and Just Potate. The company asserts that it serves more than 165,000 clients in the general trade, modern trade, and food services sectors.

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Global wine trade sees record-high value despite drop in volume sales

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wine
Global wine consumption was estimated to be around 232m hectolitres, which is 2m hectolitres less than the previous year (Representative Image)

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) revealed that the global trade in wine hit an all-time high in value last year. However, this increase was accompanied by a notable decrease in volumes due to substantial price hikes in the industry.

According to data released by the OIV on April 20th, global wine exports in 2022 were estimated to be worth €37.6bn ($41.24bn), representing a 9% increase from the previous year. The rise in export value was attributed to a 15% increase in average prices, as reported by the organisation.

Despite the surge in wine export value, inflation and a notable deceleration in sea freight had a negative impact on shipments, resulting in a 5% decline in volumes year on year to 107m hectolitres.

The OIV reported that global wine production was estimated to be 258m hectolitres in 2022, indicating a 1% decrease from the previous year. The EU’s wine production, on the other hand, reached 161.1m hectolitres, which is a 4% increase from 2021 and consistent with the average production of the last five years, as stated by the OIV.

The US saw a 7% decrease in production, with an output of 22.4m hectolitres. In addition, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa experienced drops in production of 8%, 7%, and 6%, respectively.

Australia’s wine production witnessed a 14% decline, but this figure was in line with the five-year average, according to the organisation. On the other hand, New Zealand’s wine production soared by 44%, reaching a record high of 3.8m hectolitres, as reported by the organisation.

In contrast, global wine consumption was estimated to be around 232m hectolitres, which is 2m hectolitres less than the previous year, primarily due to increasing prices.

“In such a context, wine consumption behaviours at the national level have been quite diverse across geographical regions,” the OIV said.

According to estimates, the total surface area of vineyards worldwide was approximately 7.3m hectares in 2022, indicating a slight decrease of 0.4% from 2021.

“The surface area of the world vineyard seems to have stabilised since 2017,” the organisation noted.

In the past few weeks, various countries have released their national export figures. An analysis of data from Istat by the Italian farmers’ organisation Coldiretti revealed earlier this month that wine exports from Italy increased by 10% in 2022, primarily driven by demand for sparkling wines.

According to the country’s industry association, although the volume of wine exports fell year on year, Austria’s wine industry experienced a record in export revenues in 2022.

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FSSAI to clamp down on food companies for ads that violate norms

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FSSAI
FSSAI (Representative Image)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is preparing to issue notices to food businesses for making “misleading” health claims, prompted by an influencer’s retraction of a video featuring Bournvita chocolate drink.

According to sources, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) advertisement monitoring committee has received 138 cases over the past six months, involving popular brands, for allegedly promoting misleading information that violates the regulatory provisions of the FSS Act, 2006.

Sources stated that the advertisement monitoring committee of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has referred 138 cases of misleading promotions, including those involving prominent brands, to the concerned licensing authorities for issuing notices to the FBOs. The FBOs have been directed to either withdraw the misleading claims or substantiate them scientifically. However, the sources did not disclose any brand name.

The advertisement monitoring committee reviews advertisements and claims made by FBOs on social media, e-commerce platforms, and other platforms on a regular basis.

According to sources, under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements and Claims) Regulations 2018, false or misleading advertisements and claims are prohibited and can result in penalties.

Under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements and Claims) Regulations, 2018, a FBO must withdraw or amend any deceptive claims made by them. Failure to do so can result in penalties including a fine of up to INR 10 lakh, and suspension or cancellation of license for repeated offences.

“Where a claimed health benefit is attributed directly to the product, it shall be based on statistically significant results from well-designed human intervention studies, conducted by or under guidance of established research institutions, in line with the principles of GCP (Good Clinical Practices) and peer reviewed or published in a peer reviewed reputed scientific journal,” sources said.

Despite regulations aimed at protecting consumers, health experts suggest that misleading advertisements for packaged food products persist. The lack of specificity in regulations that define “misleading advertisements” has allowed the food industry to exploit loopholes.

“Objectivity in the definition of misleading advertisement may also be helpful. If the definition of misleading or deceptive is objective, actions against FBOs could be taken in a quick manner,” said Arun Gupta, Paediatrician and convener of NAPi, an independent think tank on nutrition.

A research paper Gupta co-authored with others highlights the need for vigilant monitoring of advertisements for ultra-processed foods or high-fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) pre-packaged food products that are linked to obesity and non-communicable diseases.

“We recommend more formal studies on the influence and prevalence of misleading advertisements,” said Gupta.

Three weeks ago, an influencer named Revant Himatsingka went viral with a video claiming that advertisements for Bournvita, a brand owned by Mondelez International, misrepresented the product’s nutritional value. However, he deleted the video after receiving a legal notice from the company.

At that time, Mondelez had refuted Himatsingka’s allegations and released a statement stating that their product is created through scientific methods by a team of food scientists and nutritionists.

“All our claims are verified and transparent and all ingredients have regulatory approvals. All the necessary nutritional information is mentioned on the pack for consumers to make informed choices,” it said.

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