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Craving a late-night bite? Check out these 6 delicious delivery options to satisfy your hunger

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late night snack

Late-night cravings are a universal experience, and sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a delicious meal delivered straight to your doorstep. 

So, if Are you someone who frequently experiences late-night cravings and struggles to find satisfying food options? Look no further, as we’ve compiled a list of the top late-night food joints that offer delicious and convenient delivery options. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, pizza, chicken, or something sweet, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover some of the best late-night delivery options that will curb your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied.

  1. Boss Burger:

If you’re in the mood for a juicy burger with all the fixings, look no further than Boss Burger. With a wide variety of burger options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, there’s something for everyone. Their “Boss Fries” are a must-try, with crispy fries loaded up with all your favorite toppings.

  1. Baking Bad:

For those with a sweet tooth, Baking Bad has got you covered. This bakery offers a wide selection of desserts, from classic cakes and cookies to more creative options like “Unicorn Poop” cupcakes. Their delivery service ensures that your treats arrive fresh and ready to be devoured.

  1. Madam Curry:

If you’re craving something spicy and flavorful, Madam Curry’s Indian cuisine is the perfect choice. From butter chicken to lamb vindaloo, their menu features a range of dishes that will satisfy any craving. Don’t forget to add some naan and rice to complete your meal.

  1. Burgerama:

Another great burger option is Burgerama, which offers both classic and unique burger creations. Their “Crunchy Burger” with crispy onion rings and bacon is a fan favorite, but they also have vegetarian options like their “Impossible Burger.” Don’t forget to add a side of their truffle fries for an extra treat.

  1. Chickeera:

For those who prefer poultry over beef, Chickeera’s chicken-focused menu is the perfect choice. With options like Korean fried chicken and peri-peri chicken, you’ll find yourself coming back for more. Their sides, like mac and cheese and coleslaw, are also worth trying.

  1. Pizza Haven:

No late-night food roundup is complete without pizza, and Pizza Haven offers a wide variety of pies to choose from. Their classic margherita pizza is a crowd-pleaser, but they also have unique options like “Chicken Alfredo” and “Mac and Cheese” pizzas. Plus, their garlic knots are a must-try.

Hence, satisfying your late-night cravings has never been easier thanks to the abundance of delivery options available today. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger, a piping hot pizza, or a sweet dessert, there are plenty of places that offer convenient delivery options to satisfy your hunger. Don’t let your late-night cravings go unsatisfied any longer, try out some of the suggested food joints and enjoy a delicious meal delivered straight to your doorstep. So, what are you waiting for? Order in and indulge in some late-night goodness!

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Coca-Cola’s Minute Maid and Simply brands enter fresh fruit market through Frutura partnership

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The Coca-Cola Co. has entered into a new licensing agreement that will allow its Minute Maid and Simply brand names to be displayed on fresh fruit in the United States and Japan. This marks the first time that these brands will be featured on fresh fruit in these countries, providing an opportunity for the company to expand its brand recognition in the fresh produce market.

Coca-Cola, a US-based beverage giant, has reached an agreement with Frutura, a fruit supplier in California, to license the use of its Minute Maid and Simply brand names on citrus fruits and grapes sold by Dayka & Hackett. These brands are typically associated with fruit juices and beverages and will now extend their reach to fresh produce.

In 2021, Frutura, a California-based fruit supplier, acquired Dayka & Hackett, another California-based company that primarily supplies retailers in the United States. Despite the acquisition, Tim Dayka, the founder and CEO of Dayka & Hackett, has retained his position as the company’s leader.

As per the licensing agreement, fresh citrus fruits will be marketed in the United States under the Simply Select brand name, while fresh grapes sold in the US will feature the Minute Maid branding. In Japan, both citrus fruits and grapes will be sold under the Minute Maid brand name.

The financial details and benefits of the collaboration were not revealed in a joint statement released to announce the partnership. While the sales are set to begin in the current quarter, a specific date has not been provided yet.

“When we consider licensing one of our brands, the quality of the product that will bear our name is paramount, as is the quality control the licensee exercises at every step along the supply chain,” Kayla Carlucci, Associate Licensing Manager at Coca-Cola, said. “We’re delighted to be in business with Frutura and consider this to be the start of a great relationship.”

Dayka & Hackett was established in 2005 and is a supplier of various citrus fruits such as clementines, lemons, limes, oranges, and mandarins. The company also supplies green, red, and black seedless grapes.

Dayka, who led the negotiations, added, “Partnering with the iconic Coca-Cola Company and their globally-recognised and respected brands is a transformative moment for our company and for Frutura. This will allow us to increase our market penetration in a meaningful way, as these brands resonate so strongly with the discriminating consumer.”

Frutura has a range of other businesses under its umbrella, including TerraFresh Organics in the United States, Frutura Uruguay, Agricole Don Ricardo in Peru, and Subsole in Chile.

The financial results of the parent group are not made public, and Coca-Cola does not provide a revenue breakdown by individual brands. However, the company reported sales of $43 billion and a net profit of $9.5 billion for the year ending December 31st.

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Wipro Consumer makes strategic move into spice and food market with acquisition of Brahmins, a Kerala-based Brand

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Wipro

Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting has announced its acquisition of Brahmins, a ready-to-cook and spice mix brand located in Kerala, for an undisclosed sum.

Wipro’s latest acquisition is a result of its announcement last year of venturing into the food business in India with the goal of establishing a prominent presence in the snack food, spices, and ready-to-cook market. In December of the same year, Wipro finalized its purchase of Nirapara, one of Kerala’s top-selling traditional food brands. This recent transaction marks Wipro’s 14th acquisition in the consumer sector.

Vineet Agrawal, CEO of Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting and Managing Director, Wipro Enterprises, said, “In Kerala, Brahmins is a strong heritage brand leading the spice and ready- to-cook category with a significant consumer recall. The high-quality standards adopted by Brahmins have played a key role in making it one of the most significant players in the market.”

Brahmins, which was founded in 1987, specializes in selling pre-mix powders for ethnic breakfast, as well as spice mixes, pickles, dessert mixes, and other products. Recently, Dabur acquired a 51% stake in Badshah Masala for INR 588 crore, while ITC purchased Sunrise Foods Private Ltd (SFPL), a spices manufacturer, for INR 2,150 crore in an all-cash deal three years ago.

Sreenath Vishnu, MD, Brahmins said, “This will enable access to resources that will help the brand grow rapidly. We are jointly focused on developing the brand supported by local consumer insights as well as streamlining manufacturing. We are confident that with Wipro’s distribution strength, network, and marketing expertise we will significantly expand our geographical presence and scale Brahmins to newer heights.”

The market size for sauces, dressings, and condiments is roughly estimated at INR 25,000 crore, as more urban consumers are shifting from unpackaged options to packaged versions of these products.

S Narendrakumar, the owner of the Everest brand, dominates the spice market category, closely followed by MDH. Furthermore, in select regions, domestic companies such as DS Foods, Ramdev, and Eastern, continue to hold the lead in masala, herbs, and spices. In recent years, Kerala-based Keya, Patanjali owned by Baba Ramdev, and Mother’s Recipe have expanded their range of spices, offering convenient and readily available packaging options.

Anil Chugh, President, Foods Business, Wipro Consumer Care, said, “Adding Brahmins under the Wipro fold will further bolster our position in blended spices and ethnic breakfast categories in Kerala and other markets such as the GCC countries, UK, US and Australia.”

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ICRA forecasts robust growth for QSR industry in India

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QSR industry
Representative Image

According to ICRA’s estimation, the leading five companies in the domestic quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector are expected to open around 2,300 new outlets between FY2023-FY2025. The estimated capital expenditure for this period is approximately INR 5,800 crore, excluding refurbishment costs, which is twice the amount seen during the pre-Covid era.

With a positive demand outlook, the domestic QSR industry is planning to undertake significant store capital expenditure in the medium term. The majority of this capex is expected to be financed through internal accruals and cash reserves, as the industry has raised funds through pre-IPO/IPO routes in the last two fiscal years to support the planned capex in the near to medium term.

Commenting further, Suprio Banerjee, Vice-President and Sector Head, corporate ratings, ICRA Limited, said, “The capex spree in the QSR industry is likely to be driven by favourable demographics, steady urbanisation in India, growing per-capita GDP and significant headroom available in terms of QSR penetration, compared to a developed economy like the US.”

He added, “Increasing formalisation of the sector is expected to improve the penetration levels considerably. Also, higher technological absorption amid the changing consumer behaviour post Covid, wherein delivery as a medium is much more accepted, shall support the increasing penetration. The CAPEX over FY2023-FY2025 is estimated at around INR 1,800 crore to INR 2,000 crore (excluding refurbishment) per annum, which would be around approximately 2.5 times that of the levels seen in FY2020 (pre-Covid).”

In FY2023, the domestic QSR industry experienced a remarkable revival in both average daily sales and revenues. This growth was fueled by various demand drivers, such as shifting food consumption habits, favorable demographics, increasing purchasing power, continuous urbanization, and the addition of new stores. Additionally, factors such as improved value proposition from QSR players with enhanced product and service offerings, widespread adoption of user-friendly and convenient delivery applications, and technology-enabled delivery networks contributed to the industry’s growth.

As the impact of the pandemic diminished and vaccination coverage increased, the QSR industry gained strong growth momentum. The industry saw a significant recovery in ADS levels, which increased to INR 85,789 in FY2022 from INR 67,479 in FY2021. Further, the ADS rose to approximately INR 97,696 in the ninth month of FY2023 compared to approximately INR 85,355 in the ninth month of FY2022.

ICRA estimates that the robust industry revenue expansion of approximately 30-35 percent in YoY terms for FY2023 will result in growth moderating somewhat but remaining strong at 20-25 percent in FY2024. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand and penetration, driven by the rapid expansion of stores. However, there are downside risks to these projections due to the possibility of further Covid waves or a significant weakening in purchasing power due to a high inflationary interest-rate regime. 

In the long term, revenue growth will be supported by various factors, such as rising QSR penetration levels, a shift from the unorganized to the organized segment, and a preference for branded QSR players due to hygiene and convenience factors, including delivery over dine-in.

Despite the healthy recovery of operational metrics, including ADS and sales per store, in FY2023, gross margins were negatively impacted by inflation and competition. For the sample analyzed from Q1 FY2022 to Q3 FY2023, gross margins have been contracting sequentially, indicating the QSR players’ partial ability to pass on the increase in raw material costs fully. This inability is due to stiff competition from both the organized and unorganized segments.

“India’s dependence on imports for edible oils further exposes the players’ margins to geo-political risks and forex fluctuations. The high lease costs, as well as rising overheads related to a growing delivery model, also impacts the cost structure. The operating margin in FY2023 and FY2024 is, therefore, expected to be flattish (despite the benefits of scale economies) and is likely to remain in the range of 20-22 percent compared to 20 percent in FY2022. The coverage metrics, however, are expected to improve in the near to medium term, given the limited borrowing levels anticipated for the store expansion and a favourable demand scenario,” Banerjee added.

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Sweeten up your Eid menu with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s delicious Green Pea and Pista Kheer recipe

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Green Pea & Pista Kheer

Eid is a time of joy and celebration, and food plays a significant role in marking the occasion. Families gather together to share meals and indulge in sweet treats, and one dessert that should be on your Eid menu this year is Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s Green Pea and Pista Kheer recipe.

This unique twist on the classic Indian dessert is made with blanched green peas and American pistachios, giving it a distinct flavor and texture that is sure to impress your guests. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it an ideal dessert for those who want to add a touch of creativity to their Eid menu. 

With regards to this specific recipe, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor offered his perspective, mentioning that “Pistachios are not new for Indians. However, we have been using them mostly as a garnish on Mithais, Biryani etc. It is only in the last few years that Indians have started to snack on pistachios and American pistachios stand out because of their quality, consistency, and food safety. They are also one of my favorite ingredients to work with in the kitchen and add a unique flavor, texture, and nutritional value to any dish. Whether you are using them in a savory dish or a dessert, American pistachios are a versatile and flavorful ingredient and I highly recommend trying them in your cooking.”

So why wait any longer? Let’s begin with the recipe:

Preparation time: 10-15 minutes

Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup blanched green peas
  • 1 cup American Pistachios
  • ¼ cup chopped American Pistachios
  • 1½ tbsps ghee
  • 4½ cups milk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp green cardamom powder
  • Blanched, peeled and slivered American Pistachios for garnish
  • Dried rose petals for garnish

Instructions:

  • Bring sufficient water to a boil in a pan. Add American Pistachios and blanch for 3-5 minutes. Drain the pistachios and put them into cold water to stop the carry over cooking to avoid discoloration.
  • Peel the pistachios.
  • Heat ghee in a  non-stick pan. Add green peas and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the peeled pistachios and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  • Put the green peas and pistachios in a blender jar. Add 1 cup milk in two batches and blend to a coarse paste.
  • Heat remaining milk in another pan. Bring it to a boil. 
  • Add the blended paste and mix till well combined. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring continuously.
  • Add sugar and green cardamom powder and mix well. Cook till sugar melts. 
  • Add chopped American Pistachios and mix well. Switch the heat off.
  • Transfer the kheer into a serving bowl. Garnish with slivered American Pistachios and dried rose petals.

For those looking to add a touch of creativity to their Eid celebration, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s Green Pea and Pista Kheer recipe is definitely worth considering. The blend of blanched green peas, American pistachios, and aromatic spices create a unique and delicious dessert that is sure to impress your guests. The addition of American pistachios not only adds a distinct texture and flavor to the dish but also provides a nutritional boost. It’s a perfect way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your dessert and still satisfy your sweet tooth.

With its simple preparation and unforgettable taste, it’s sure to become a new favorite among your family and guests.

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Indonesia’s Green Rebel Foods dives into South Korea’s alternative meat industry

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Green Rebel

Green Rebel Foods, a food tech startup based in Indonesia, has announced its entry into the plant-based protein food market in Korea. Bryan Toh, the Global Vice President of Green Rebel, disclosed the launch of Green Rebel in Korea during an event held at a restaurant located in Seoul’s Seocho district on Thursday. Toh also provided insight into the rationale behind this decision.

Green Rebel is a food tech firm that offers plant-based protein-based Southeast Asian cuisine. Having already extended its presence in Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, the company is now focusing on Korea and Vietnam as its latest markets for expansion.

Despite being relatively unknown in Korea, the Indonesian startup, Green Rebel, has already made its mark in Southeast Asia. The company has collaborated with over 800 global brands, such as Starbucks and Domino’s in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, as well as high-end hotels like Shangri-La, Westin, and Marriott.

In the previous year, Indonesian Starbucks outlets rolled out two plant-based pies across 464 locations and managed to sell over 111,700 units within six months. Additionally, Domino’s Pizza in Indonesia also introduced two exclusive menus that employed Green Rebel’s plant-based components and sold 38,500 pizzas. The success of these offerings led to an extension of their contract for another year.

In particular, Green Rebel formed a relationship with Korean food company CJ CheilJedang in July last year after successfully attracting investment. Toh stated that “CJ Group is a large company that leads not only the food and beverage industry but also various subsidiaries, such as logistics and entertainment, which can be utilized for various collaborations. The collaboration with CJ Group can be extended not only to the Korean market but also to global markets.”

CJ CheilJedang Corp. has expressed a keen interest in penetrating the Southeast Asian market, where Green Rebel has already established a competitive presence with its halal-certified products infused with Southeast Asian spices and flavors. This situation presents several opportunities for collaboration. However, it is worth noting that the plant-based protein food from Green Rebel and CJ CheilJedang exhibit distinct taste characteristics.

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Israeli food tech startup granted first-ever permit to produce cow-free milk, revolutionizing dairy industry

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cow-free milk
Representative Image

As per the announcement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, an Israeli food tech startup is all set to produce cow-free milk with the necessary approval.

Although Netanyahu did not disclose the name of the food tech firm that is expected to receive the approval in the next few days, Tech12 reported that Remilk, an Israeli company specializing in the production of cultured dairy and milk, is the recipient of the permit. However, the startup still needs to obtain regulatory approvals in Israel.

At the beginning of this year, Remilk received approval from regulators in Singapore to sell its milk that is free from cows, and the US Food and Drug Administration issued a letter stating that the startup’s animal-free whey protein can be used safely in food items. This happened after the company began marketing its protein in the United States the previous year.

Remilk, which was established in 2019, uses a yeast-based fermentation method to produce milk proteins that are chemically indistinguishable from those present in dairy products made from cow milk. According to the startup, the outcome is completely identical to genuine milk, but does not contain lactose, cholesterol, growth hormones, or antibiotics.

Remilk produces milk proteins by extracting the genes that encode them and inserting them into a single-cell microbe, which is genetically engineered to express the protein. The final product is then dehydrated into a powder.

On Wednesday evening, while visiting Steakholder Foods, a Rehovot-based company that creates lab-grown meat products, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the declaration. He sampled 3D-printed structured cultivated fish and meat cultivated from animal cells obtained through ethical harvesting methods, rather than slaughter.

“Today we ate fish that was produced without fish and meat that was produced without cattle. This is a global revolution,” said Netanyahu. “Israel is a global leader in the field of alternative protein and we will see to it that we continue to lead.”

“Soon we will have new permits and new heights that will change the world,” he added.

According to a report by the Good Food Institute (GFI) Israel, a non-profit organization promoting innovation in food technology, Israeli startups in the alternative protein sector raised $454 million in funding, placing Israel second after the United States in 2022.

Food technology was included in the Israeli government’s list of top five new national priorities for substantial investment over the next five years in 2022. The Israel Innovation Authority announced a plan earlier this year, with a budget of up to NIS 50 million ($13.7 million), to establish an R&D center for advanced fermentation technology of microorganisms, including yeast or fungi, to produce alternative proteins on a larger scale and maintain the country’s leading position in the sector.

Innovation, Science, and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis, Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Yossi Shelley, Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman Tov, Innovation Authority Director Dror Bin, Osem-Nestlé CEO Avi Ben-Assayag, and Tnuva’s Chief Innovation Officer Shay Cohen were among the attendees at the Steakholder Foods presentation.

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‘Organic Oasis’ in Lucknow takes organic dining to next level with cow as inaugural guest. Watch here!

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Organic Oasis
Organic Oasis (ANI photo)

A restaurant in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, recently made a unique move towards pure organic dining by inviting a “cow” as a special guest for its inauguration ceremony. The restaurant, aptly named “Organic Oasis,” welcomed the animal with traditional rituals and even served it some delectable food.

In a video shared by ANI, a brightly dressed cow can be seen strolling around the newly opened “Organic Oasis” restaurant in Lucknow. The footage also shows the cow being taken to the entrance of the kitchen.

The Hindu religion regards cows as sacred animals, imbued with special significance. This belief stems from Hindu mythology, which associates cows with various gods and goddesses. For many Hindus, the cow represents divinity and is linked with natural benefits.

The restaurant’s distinctive selling point is that all its food is made solely from produce sourced from organic farming. The owner explained that the idea for the establishment originated from a rising trend among people to prioritize their health and search for nourishing, chemical-free foods.

“Our agriculture and economy are dependent on cows, so we had our restaurant inaugurated by Gaumata,” owner of the restaurant, former Deputy Superintendent of Police said.

According to the owner, customers will be able to discern the difference in the taste of the food at their restaurant, as compared to other establishments that rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The owner is confident in the superior quality of their organic produce.

The owner is convinced that once individuals have savored the flavors of Organic Oasis’ food, they will want more and request it frequently.

The Animal Welfare Board of India issued a notice earlier urging cow enthusiasts to celebrate February 14, globally known as Valentine’s Day, as “Cow Hug Day.” The government advisory board stated that embracing a cow can enhance emotional well-being and promote individual and collective happiness.

The welfare board emphasized that cows are the “backbone of Indian culture and rural economy” and represent “cattle wealth and biodiversity.”

“It is known as “Kamdhenu” and “Gaumata” because of its nourishing nature like mother, the giver of all providing riches to humanity,” it said.

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India’s sugar industry to meet local demand and export despite El Nino forecast, confirms official

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sugar
Sugar (Representative Image)

According to a senior government official, India is expected to produce enough sugar in the upcoming season to cater to the domestic demand as well as have surplus quantities available for export, despite apprehensions about the El Nino weather phenomenon.

The sugar industry in India has expressed worry about the impact of the El Nino phenomenon on the production of sugarcane and subsequent sugar output, as this weather pattern is often linked to insufficient rainfall in the country. Nonetheless, Subodh Kumar Singh, who serves as the Joint Secretary at the Department of Food and Consumer Affairs, has attempted to alleviate these concerns.

“IMD (India Meteorological Department) has forecast a normal monsoon. So, production of sugar will also be in a normal range,” Singh told ET. “Even if production is impacted, it will not be that huge that there will be ashortage of sugar,” he added.

India, ranked as the world’s second-largest sugar producer, after Brazil, has the potential to significantly contribute to the global sugar supply through its exports. However, due to the forecast that India will not export any additional sugar during the ongoing sugar season that concludes in September, international sugar prices have surged to an 11-year high.

“Whatever (monsoon) forecast we have, we will be in a position to export some quality of sugar next year,” said Singh.

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US truffle maker Sabatino secures private-equity investment to fuel growth

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Sabatino
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Sabatino Tartufi, a producer of truffles, has secured an investment from Traub Capital Partners (TCP), a private-equity firm based in the United States.

The specifics of the financial transaction were not made public.

With the newly obtained funds, Sabatino Tartufi, which is a family-owned business, plans to enhance its facilities and infrastructure, in addition to strengthening its distribution channels and elevating brand recognition.

In this investment round led by Three Hills Capital Partners (THCP), a multinational investment firm with offices in the UK, Italy, and Luxembourg, both Sabatino Tartufi and TCP, based in New York, will also be participating.

Sabatino Tartufi, established in 1911, is a manufacturer, importer, and distributor of products that use truffles as a primary ingredient. The company has production facilities in Connecticut, USA and in the Umbria region of Italy, with a combined workforce of over 100 employees. In addition to five branch offices across the United States, Sabatino also has a presence in Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Sabatinos CEO Federico Balestra said, “TCP is the ideal partner for Sabatino as they have a history of backing companies in the aspirational lifestyle categories. Our new partners will provide us with strategic capital and will ensure clients and consumers are supported to the highest degree.”

He added, “We are now in a position with this unique partnership to broaden the reach of the truffle experience more than was ever possible before.”

Sabatino Tartufi provides its products to both end consumers and manufacturers, primarily through its online store and various specialty stores located throughout the United States.

“We are proud to partner with Sabatino, a clear leader in the fine foods world,” said Mortimer Singer, Co-managing partner of Traub Capital Partners.

“Sabatino’s commitment to quality and innovation aligns with TCP’s philosophy and approach. We believe we are uniquely positioned to actively support Sabatino in achieving their strategic growth plans.”

In 2018, TCP acquired Signature Brands, a manufacturer of dessert decorating products, marking their first direct venture into the food industry.

Lance Contento, Managing Director at Three Hills Capital Partners, said, “Partnering with Sabatino is an exciting opportunity for us to build on the already strong growth momentum in the market for truffle-based products and support the Company’s future development, notably in Europe.”

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