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How Robin Hood Army is fighting Food Wastage and Hunger without funds?

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The Robin Hood Army (RHA) is an Indian non-governmental organization that operates on a zero-funds basis and aims to combat food waste and hunger. The organization was founded in August 2014 in New Delhi and has since grown to operate in over 200 cities across 12 countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Malaysia. The RHA has gained widespread recognition and support for its innovative approach to solving hunger and food waste problems, and its commitment to helping marginalized communities.

The RHA’s vision is to create a world where no one goes hungry. Its mission is to combat food waste and hunger by providing surplus food from restaurants, hotels, and individuals to those in need. The organization believes that surplus food can be utilized to feed people who are struggling to make ends meet and that no food should go to waste when there are millions of people who are starving. The RHA aims to make food distribution more efficient and effective by using technology and social media to connect donors with volunteers.

The RHA operates on a volunteer-driven model, with a network of over 50,000 volunteers who work on a zero-funds basis. The volunteers are called ‘Robins,’ and they work to collect surplus food from restaurants, hotels, and individuals, and distribute it to those in need. The RHA’s approach is unique in that it leverages social media to connect donors with volunteers in real time, enabling them to respond quickly to requests for help. The RHA has also developed a mobile app that allows donors to track the progress of their donations and connect with volunteers.

The RHA’s work has been particularly crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated food insecurity and hunger across the world. During the pandemic, the RHA has worked tirelessly to provide food to those who have lost their jobs, are struggling to make ends meet, or have been impacted by natural disasters. The RHA has also worked to ensure that frontline workers, such as healthcare workers and police officers, are well-fed and taken care of.

The RHA’s impact and reach have grown significantly over the years, and the organization has ambitious plans for the future. The RHA aims to expand its network of volunteers and partners and to develop new tools and technologies to make its operations more efficient and effective. The organization is also working to increase awareness of food waste and hunger, and to advocate for policies and initiatives that address these issues.

One of the RHA’s key initiatives for the future is the ‘Mission 2025’ campaign, which aims to feed 30 million people annually by 2025. The campaign aims to expand the RHA’s network of volunteers and partners and to develop new initiatives to tackle food waste and hunger. The RHA has also partnered with leading corporations and foundations to support its work and expand its impact throughout the world. 

The Robin Hood Army is a remarkable organization that has made a significant impact in the fight against hunger and food waste. The RHA’s unique approach to food distribution, which leverages technology and social media, has enabled it to connect donors with volunteers quickly and efficiently. The RHA’s commitment to zero-fund operation and volunteerism has also made it a model for other NGOs and social enterprises.

The RHA’s future prospects are promising, with plans to expand its operations, increase awareness, and advocate for policy change. The RHA’s ‘Mission 2025’ campaign, which aims to feed 30 million people annually by 2025, is an ambitious goal, but one that is within reach given the organization’s track record of success. The RHA is an inspiring example of how a dedicated group of volunteers can make a significant difference in the fight against hunger

Visit their website to know more about their work: https://robinhoodarmy.com/

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5000 year old refrigerator found under ruins in Iraq

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Archaeologists from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pisa have made a remarkable discovery in southern Iraq. They have uncovered the remains of a public eating space that dates back almost 5000 years in the ruins of ancient Lagash, which was an essential center of the Sumerian civilization. The discovery is significant because it provides insight into the dietary habits and social structure of this ancient civilization.

Holly Pittman, Archeologist, said, “What we understand this thing to be is a place where people – regular people – could come to eat and that is not domestic. We call it a tavern because beer is by far the most common drink, even more than water, for the Sumerians… there was a beer recipe that was found on a cuneiform tablet.”

Inside the tavern, the team of archaeologists found an oven, some benches, and an ancient clay refrigerator known as a “zeer,” which would have been used to keep food cool. The researchers also discovered leftover food in bowls and other vessels, including fish and animal bones, providing clues about the Sumerians’ diet. The presence of evidence of beer drinking suggests that this activity was widespread among the Sumerians, adding further insights into the culture and social life of this ancient civilization.

To make this discovery, the team made use of advanced technologies such as drone photography, thermal imaging, magnetometry, and micro-stratigraphic sampling. These methods allowed the archaeologists to get a better understanding of the layout and structure of the tavern and to uncover artifacts that might have been missed using traditional excavation methods.

Lagash, which was built on marsh islands, was one of the most prominent sites in southern Iraq during the 3rd millennium. It was a hub of political, economic, and religious activity, and extensive excavations by different teams of researchers have been carried out in recent years. The discovery of this public eating space provides valuable insight into the daily lives and social structure of the Sumerian people who lived in Lagash, and it adds to our understanding of the broader history of this important civilization.

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IHM students to get degree certifications from JNU, NCHMCT to announce soon!

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The National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Its primary goal is to provide quality education and training to students interested in pursuing careers in the hospitality, Culinary and tourism sectors. 

One of NCHMCT’s flagship programs is its B.Sc programme in hospitality and hotel administration, which is a three-year undergraduate degree course. This degree is highly regarded and recognized both nationally and internationally, and many students aspire to join this program.

For several years, the NCHMCT has been searching for a regular university to serve as a certifying partner for its degree and postgraduate degree courses. This search has come to an end with the announcement that Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi will be the certifying university for NCHMCT’s B.Sc program in hospitality and hotel administration, as well as its M.Sc in hospitality administration program. This is a significant achievement for the NCHMCT, as JNU is a highly respected university in India and internationally, and this partnership will provide a significant boost to the credibility and recognition of NCHMCT’s flagship programs.

Senior principal of one of the prestigious IHM, said, “The students as well as recruiters were confused. Even students faced issueswhile approaching for education loans. Certain banks were reluctant to extend loans to students.”

The principal of an IHM, said, “Students were not getting proper credit for their degrees when they went for higher studies abroad. With JNU recognition, the weightage will definitely improve and also the trust level for IHM degrees globally,” 

Although there has been no official announcement from either party about the partnership, the NCHMCT has highlighted the new recognition in their prospectus for the NCHM-JEE exam in an unambiguous way. The prospectus makes it clear that the 3-year B.Sc program is recognized by JNU, and its graduates will receive degrees from the university. The prospectus also notes that JNU is ranked second by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in the university category in India, highlighting the prestige of the institution.

Sources at the NCHMCT have indicated that the formal announcement and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will occur later this month in Delhi, in the presence of the Union Tourism Minister. The source emphasized that this is not an affiliation but rather a recognition by JNU. This distinction is essential, as it indicates that the NCHMCT will retain its autonomy and independent status while benefiting from the prestige and recognition of JNU.

The recognition of NCHMCT’s flagship program by JNU is a significant morale booster for the NCHMCT, particularly as IHM admissions have experienced a decline in recent years. The NCHMCT has responded to this decline by authorizing individual IHMs to advertise and fill vacancies via walk-in interviews. However, this recognition by JNU will help attract students and provide an added incentive for them to choose NCHMCT’s programs over others. Overall, the partnership with JNU is a significant development for the NCHMCT, which will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of its programs and help it maintain its position as a leading institution in the hospitality and tourism education sector.

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As summer step in Stay hydrated with these top D2C drinks you can order online

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SnackTeam
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D2C

In the past few years, the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) sector of the Indian hydration market has undergone a substantial change. Due to rising consumer health consciousness, companies are now concentrating on offering hydrating drinks with fewer calories in order to meet the changing dietary preferences of the Indian populace. These low-calorie drinks frequently contain natural flavors, which gives customers another reason to choose them over beverages with artificial flavors.

The Indian hydration market has also seen a substantial expansion of consumers’ palates as a result of firms experimenting with unusual and unconventional flavor profiles. With a rising desire for flavors like lemon, ginger, and mint, consumers are increasingly looking for beverages that give a distinctive taste experience. As a result, product innovation has significantly increased, with brands taking note of consumer preferences and a wider palette range. Here are 7 most prominent brands in the hydration market that are upscaling your hydration game: 

Epigamia Smoothies: 

Epigamia is a popular D2C brand in India that offers a range of smoothies made with fresh fruits and yogurt. These smoothies are high in protein and are a great source of hydration. Their smoothies can be a delightful and healthful after-workout treat. This dairy product keeps you full until your next meal and also includes a high-quality protein that aids in healing exercise-related damage. 

They are abundant in amino acids, which are the building blocks of important proteins and are necessary for the repair of fiber damage and the regeneration of muscle tissue. For a post-workout meal a bottle of epigamia smoothie is enough to help you bounce back again. 

Try Epigamia’s range of smoothies and flavors here 

Raw Pressery Juices:

We are all aware of the numerous advantages of coconut water, including the high concentration of nutrients and antioxidants. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that this emerging D2C brand hails its coconut water as the finest of its hydration range. Raw Pressey’s Coconut water has high levels of electrolytes including potassium and magnesium, just like Gatorade and other well-known sports drinks.

Try Coconut Water by Raw pressery here

Sipwise Beverages: Sipwise is a brand that offers a range of plant-based beverages that are free from preservatives and artificial flavors. These beverages are a great source of hydration and are perfect for people who are looking for a healthy alternative to traditional sugary drinks. They cater a selection of sugar-free, vegan, and all-natural coolers with an  assortment of green tea, oolong tea, yerba mate tea, herb, and digestive coolers that are  created using science and inspiration from nature. Their drinks are available in nine different international flavors.

Try their exciting flavors here 

Cocofly Coconut Water: Cocofly is a brand that offers pure and natural coconut water. Coconut water is known for its hydrating properties and is a great way to replenish lost electrolytes. Cocofly’s Coconut Water is a nutrient-rich, naturally isotonic beverage with no added sugar that is full of natural goodness. It is the ideal approach to recharge anywhere, at any time. Due to its abundance of electrolytes and other micronutrients that support your body’s optimal functioning, Cocofly’s Coconut Water hydrates and feeds your body from the inside out.

Try their range of products here

Kapiva Aloe Vera Juice: 

Kapiva is a brand that offers a range of natural and Ayurvedic products, including aloe vera juice. Aloe vera is known for its hydrating properties and is a great way to keep the body hydrated. It is made from Rajasthan’s highest-quality aloe vera that is rich in taste and texture. The leaves are juiced just four hours after being chopped, preserving all of the nutrients, thus helping you feel hydrated without nasty chemicals and preservatives. 

Benefits of aloe vera juice include relief from stomach disorders, aid with hair and skin problems, daily body detoxification, and regulation of blood sugar levels and overall hydration. 

Try their organic Home grown aloe vera juice here 

Paper Boat Beverages: Paper Boat is a brand that offers a range of traditional Indian beverages, such as aam panna, jaljeera, and kokum. These beverages are a great source of hydration and are perfect for people who are looking for a unique and flavorful drink. Their products are pocket friendly, thus, making hydration easy and sustainable. 

Try their range of nostalgic hydration drinks

Blue Tokai Coffee: While coffee may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of hydration, Blue Tokai Coffee offers a range of cold-brew coffees that are a great way to stay hydrated. Cold-brew coffee is less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee and is a great way to get your caffeine fix while staying hydrated. 

Coffee is widely used by gym and workout lovers as a pre-workout drink because of its energy and low-calorie propositions. With the Blue Tokai’s range of flavored cold brews, the hydration game just became tastier. 

Buy their cold brews here 

Overall, the growing need for healthier, lower-calorie choices and a growing desire for unusual and unorthodox taste experiences are what are driving the D2C industry’s transformation in the Indian hydration market. The outcome is a more varied and dynamic market for hydration products in India as businesses invest more money in research and development to create new products that respond to these shifting consumer tastes.

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7 foods you can eat while you keep MahaShiv Ratri fasting

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MahaShiva Ratri is considered one of the most auspicious nights of the year in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya, a cosmic dance that represents the cycle of creation and destruction, on this night.

The festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by devotees of Lord Shiva all over India. They observe a day-long fast and offer special prayers to the Lord. Devotees stay awake throughout the night, singing devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. On this day, worshippers engage in a unique ceremony (puja) known as “Rudrabhishek,” the successful execution of which is thought to fulfill wishes. One of the most sacred and pure Hindu ceremonies is this puja, which is also recognized as such.

Fasting is an essential aspect of the MahaShiva Ratri festival. Devotees abstain from eating food and drinking water throughout the day and night and break their fast only on the following day after offering prayers to Lord Shiva.

While fasting, it is important to consume foods that provide energy and keep the body hydrated. Here are seven foods that you can have while fasting for MahaShiva Ratri:

Milk: One of the most important sacrifices made to the Lord during Shivratri is milk. During Mahashivratri, milk is not only offered but also consumed. It is safe to enjoy your sweets as long as they don’t contain cereal. Sabudana kheer, makhana ki kheer, badam milk, and other delicious alternatives are excellent ways to boost your energy during Mahashivratri. Milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients. It is also a great way to stay hydrated during the fast.

Fruits: Fruit salads, smoothies, and chaats are acceptable if you’re keeping a phallar fast, which allows you to eat fruits, milk, and water. Add your favorite dry fruits to give them some extra crunch. Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, and oranges are good sources of vitamins and minerals. They are easy to digest and provide energy.

Sabudana Pakodas (Tapioca pearls): Sabudana is a popular fasting food in India. It is rich in carbohydrates and provides energy. You did hear correctly. You can observe the Mahashivratri fast while enjoying your favorite deep-fried treats. And as long as you go by the fasting regulations, which forbid the consumption of cereal, onions, garlic, and non-vrat spices, no one can prevent you from doing so. To satisfy your needs, try preparing aloo pakoda, kacche kele ke pakode, or even singhara pakodas.

Potatoes: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and provide energy. They can be boiled, mashed, or made into a curry. You might be mistaken if you believe that on Mahashivratri, you must give up eating your favorite aloo sabzi. As long as they don’t contain onion, garlic, or turmeric, you are free to eat your favorite aloo kadhi, aloo sabzi, aloo tikki, and similar dishes.

Nuts and Dry fruits: Dry fruits can also be consumed while fasting, just like fruits. They will provide you with the necessary levels of energy to go through the day. You can either eat the dry fruits raw or turn them into a smoothie. Nuts and dry fruits such as almonds, raisins, and cashews are good sources of energy and nutrients. They can be eaten as a snack.

Coconut Water: Coconut water is a natural electrolyte and is an excellent way to stay hydrated during the fast.

Singhara (Water chestnut) flour: Singhara flour is gluten-free and is commonly used to make pancakes or puris during fasting. It is rich in carbohydrates and provides energy.

Fasting is an essential aspect of the festival, and it is important to consume foods that provide energy and keep the body hydrated. The above-mentioned foods are some of the best options to consume while fasting for MahaShiva Ratri.

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Marriott International appoints Kunal Jain as the cluster director of revenue

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SnackTeam
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Kunal Jain is a highly experienced and accomplished hospitality professional, having worked in the industry for over ten years. In his new role as cluster director of revenue for Sheraton Grand Pune and Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, he will be responsible for overseeing the revenue strategy for both properties.

Kunal Jain holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from IHM Kurukshetra, one of the top hospitality schools in India. He also has a postgraduate degree in revenue management from Vedatya Institute, which is known for its expertise in the field. His education has equipped him with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in his role.

Throughout his career, Jain has worked for several notable hospitality brands, including IHG Hotels and Resorts and The Leela Group. He started his journey in the industry as a Front Office Associate at Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon Downtown, and has since climbed the corporate ladder to take on bigger roles in revenue management. His most recent position was as the Director of Revenue at Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, where he oversaw the hotel’s revenue strategy.

Jain’s comprehensive knowledge of pricing, competitor analysis, and revenue management principles in the hospitality industry makes him the perfect candidate for this role. He will be responsible for driving market share for both properties by focusing on total revenue management, forecasting market demand, and managing various segments to ensure the optimal mix is achieved for maximum profitability.

In his leisure time, Jain likes to indulge in adventure sports like trekking and hiking. He is an adrenaline-seeker and enjoys exploring terrains that challenge him physically. He also enjoys driving to lesser-known, quaint towns, which allows him to unwind and explore new places. Overall, Jain is a talented and dedicated professional who is passionate about the hospitality industry, and he will undoubtedly bring a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

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Zoff Foods on Shark Tank India: These founders are empowering food entrepreneurs to enter competitive markets

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shark tank india

The size of the Indian spice market is vast, and it is estimated to be around USD 3 billion. The demand for spices in India is growing rapidly, owing to the increasing population, rising income levels, changing food habits, and growing awareness about the health benefits of spices. The domestic market accounts for almost 90% of the total spice production in the country, and the remaining 10% is exported to various countries across the globe.

The Indian spices industry is dominated by a few large brands, such as Everest, MDH, and Catch, which have been in the market for decades. These brands have built a strong brand image and customer loyalty over the years, and they continue to hold a significant market share. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in the number of small spice brands that are challenging the dominance of these big brands.

One of the primary reasons for the rise of small spice brands in India is the increasing demand for organic and natural spices. Customers are becoming more health-conscious and are willing to pay a premium for high-quality, chemical-free spices. This trend has created an opportunity for small brands that specialize in organic and natural spices to enter the market and cater to the needs of this growing segment.

Zoff, founded by Akash and Ashish Aggarwal, an emerging spice brand is developing its brand image under the organic, cutting-edge technology startup, that has now become one of the leading stories of Shark Tank India, Season 2. In the 28th episode of Shark Tank India’s second season, ZOFF, one of the up-and-coming competitors in the Indian spice market, secured funding totaling INR 1 crore. 

Aman Gupta, a well-known businessman, and the co-founder and CMO of boAt has provided funds to the startup in exchange for 1.25% equity. Four of the five sharks on the show were interested in the company due to its intriguing proposal, and Vineeta Singh, CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, Aman Gupta, co-founder and CMO of boAt, Amit Jain, CEO and co-founder of CarDekho, and Anupam Mittal all made separate bids (founder, People Group). The bootstrapped company has raised capital at an INR 80 crore value. 

But what are they doing differently? 

This was a budding question for viewing and the Shark Namita Thapar who integrated the entrepreneurs on “How they manage to step in such a cluttered market”. The co-founders had a funny reply, asking her to name 4 masala brands which Namita failed to answer. This became a light moment of discussion for the Sharks while Namita laughed with them. They replied humbly that the species market is vast and gives equal opportunity to small players like them to have a fair play with India being one the largest consumer of species. Not only that they opened up opportunities abroad by stating the US as the biggest importer of Indian species. 

In using cutting-edge cool grinding technology, Air Classifying Mills, the five-year-old firm is a pioneer (ACMs). It is a completely automated, mechanized production facility that preserves the spices’ potency, oil, fragrance, and flavor. ZOFF has also created a “Zip Lock Packaging” with 4 layers, which keeps the spices fresh and resists the external temperature, in order to send them in the purest form possible after grinding and retain all of their attributes until consumption.

The founders of ZOFF emphasized both their strong unit economics and their plans for the future expansion of the business in their Shark Tank India pitch. They also displayed their advancements in the industry as well as the expanding need for Indian spices. According to a statement from the firm, over 1 million satisfied customers have already used ZOFF, which is also available on popular e-commerce sites including Amazon, Flipkart, Jio Mart, Zepto, CRED, and Big Basket.

Needless, to say their story and to-the-point business sense had the sharks in splits, which led to a bidding war for the now viral pitch. Such food entrepreneurs entail an example for other emerging brands and individuals go are too afraid to enter a cluttered market with largely funded competitors. With a sustainable brand strategy and eye on innovation and cutting-edge technology, the founder of Zoff stands as an example for both with and intelligence with their spice brand set to dominate the taste of India. 

For more information on Zoff’s product range visit their website: https://zofffoods.com/

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Rage and Keventers shake hands to introduce Hazelnut Cold Coffee, the coolest coffee shake in town

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As spring approaches, Rage Coffee and Keventers have a treat in store for all cold coffee lovers. Rage Coffee’s intensely pure caffeine and Keventers’ classily cool shakes are infused in a bottle together to create the Hazelnut Cold Coffee.

The new flavour, born from the collaboration of one of the fastest-growing caffeine innovation FMCG companies in India and one of the most iconic milkshake brands in the country, will be available for consumption at more than 200 Keventers outlets in India.

A delectable slurp, the Rage X Keventers affiliation is surely ready to evoke fandom with this blissful blend. Specially crafted for the cold coffee-loving cohort and the Ragers, the flavour is available in the attractive and elegant Keventers glass bottled segments of regular and large.

The regular coffee is perfect for on-the-go caffeine gratification, while the large bottle is the perfect grab for a long and tiring day when you want to experience the creamily divine caffeine slide gracefully through your tastebuds. The regular bottle costs INR 189, while the large bottle costs INR 249.

Bharat Sethi, Founder and CEO of Rage Coffee, said, “Rage Coffee is all about flavour experimentation, innovation and a maverick mindset. This is the millennial outlook that we have imbibed into our ethos. However, we also understand that heritage and history have a role to play in the creation of something special. With that in mind, we have collaborated with Keventers, one of the biggest and oldest milkshake brands in India, to bring a brand-new caffeine experience. We hope to see our fans flocking out in numbers to try the Hazelnut Cold Coffee and enjoy the luscious energy of Rage Coffee and the creamy goodness of Keventers in a bottle.”

Aman Arora, Co-founder and CMO of Keventers, said, “We are thrilled to partner with one of India’s leading coffee brands to create a product infused with love and warmth for our audience. As a brand, we are committed to making innovative products & with our aim to create a remarkable cold coffee experience, we believe that Rage Coffee is the perfect match! We are optimistic that the Hazelnut Cold Coffee will be a brewtiful addition to our menu.”

Being a caffeine innovation brand, Rage Coffee has always been working towards curation of a product range which supersedes the segment in superiority, and originality and has innovation in them whether it be the caffeine-based snacking range or collaborating with brands to introduce coffee-infused products and work towards Menu engineering; Rage has always been ahead of the conventional curve. Rage Coffee is a true made-in and made-for-India brand where customers can enjoy their coffee with flavours infused in it.

Keventers is India’s iconic dairy brand with a legacy spanning over 100 years, best known for its authentic and delicious milkshakes. Being an iconic milkshake brand, its core brand values lie in celebrating its legacy of making authentic and delicious milkshakes and desserts while bringing the flavours of today to the world.

Major cities in India with Keventers outlets like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Srinagar, Dehradun, Imphal, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Guwahati, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Siliguri, among others, will be home to this dynamically engineered delectable beverage.

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Swiggy selling its Swiggy Access, Kitchen Infra business ahead of IPO

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Swiggy (Representative Image)

Swiggy, a popular food delivery service, is reportedly planning to sell its kitchen infrastructure business, Swiggy Access, as it prepares for its upcoming IPO. Swiggy Access, which has been in operation for over five years, provides a kitchen-as-a-service platform for restaurants to establish their cloud kitchens. Due to the high costs of managing the infrastructure, Swiggy has decided to transfer its kitchen infrastructure business to another cloud kitchen company called Kitchens@. 

Sources told ET that the costs of infrastructure were too high to sustain the business. “The biggest problems for restaurants are real estate and labour. That’s exactly what it was trying to solve. The trouble was its long gestation period as with most infrastructure-heavy businesses,”

Swiggy, which was founded in 2014, is an Indian food delivery company that delivers food from restaurants to customers’ doorsteps. Swiggy has been expanding its services over the years, and in addition to food delivery, it has also launched a grocery delivery service, Swiggy Instamart.

Swiggy Access, the kitchen infrastructure business that Swiggy is reportedly divesting, was launched in 2018 as a way to enable restaurants to set up cloud kitchens without investing in their own infrastructure. The idea was that Swiggy Access would provide the necessary infrastructure, while restaurants would focus on food preparation and menu development.

Cloud kitchens, also known as ghost kitchens or virtual kitchens, are delivery-only kitchens that operate without a physical storefront. They enable restaurants to expand their reach and increase their revenue without the need for expensive real estate or storefronts. Cloud kitchens have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially during the pandemic, as more people have turned to food delivery services.

Kitchens@, the cloud kitchen company that Swiggy is reportedly selling Swiggy Access to, was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Bangalore, India. Kitchens@ claims to have a presence in 20 cities across India, with over 1,000 kitchens in around 100 locations. In addition to providing kitchen infrastructure, Kitchens@ also operates its own private labels across various cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, and Italian. Kitchens@ has partnerships with several international food chains and national foodtech startups, including Subway, Domino’s Pizza, and Wow! Momo.

Overall, the divestment of Swiggy Access and the sale to Kitchens@ appear to be part of Swiggy’s efforts to focus on its core business of food delivery and prepare for an IPO. By selling Swiggy Access, Swiggy can divest a business that was reportedly burning through significant amounts of money while still allowing restaurants to benefit from the cloud kitchen infrastructure that Swiggy Access provided.

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‘Millets are the smart food’, Exhibition launched by India’s Misson to UN upholds the Nutricereals

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The United Nations General Assembly has recognized the wide-ranging benefits of millets and declared 2023 the International Year of Millets to highlight their potential for sustainable production, processing, marketing, and consumption. 

The exhibition launched by India’s mission to the UN during the International Year of Millets aims to raise awareness about the benefits of millets, including their nutritional value and health benefits. Millet-based refreshments and grains were also displayed at the exhibition, which saw the presence of UN delegates and senior officials.

Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that have been cultivated for thousands of years and serve as a traditional staple crop for millions of farmers in dry zones of Asia and Africa. 

India is the top producer of millets, followed by Nigeria, Niger, and China. Millets are diverse and include pearl, proso, foxtail, barnyard, kodo, browntop, finger, and Guinea millets, as well as fonio, sorghum, and teff. They are considered “smart foods” due to their high nutritional value, adaptability, and resilience.

Millets provide a rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, protein, and minerals, earning them the nickname “Nutri-Cereals.” They are also gluten-free, making them an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. 

Millets are also climate-resilient and can tolerate poor soils, drought, and harsh growing conditions. They are adaptable to different production environments without high fertilizer and pesticide needs, making them ideal for small farmers in developing countries.

Millets contribute to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action), and SDG 15 (Life on land). The exhibition aims to promote the cultivation, processing, marketing, and consumption of millets to improve the livelihoods of many smallholder farmers and actors along the value chain.

Arun Nagpal, Director and Co-founder of the MRIDA Group, shared his experiences on his journey with millets from the farm to the table, emphasizing that millet-based products can bring taste and value to almost every world cuisine today. From flours to cookies to pizzas, pastas, muffins, cakes, breakfast cereals, and smoothies, millets need not be forced into diets but can be easily integrated into an existing style or pattern across ages, cultures, cuisines, and nations.

In summary, millets are a group of diverse and nutritious cereals that provide a rich source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, protein, and minerals. They are climate-resilient, adaptable, and considered “smart foods.”

The exhibition launched by India’s mission to the UN during the International Year of Millets aims to promote the cultivation, processing, marketing, and consumption of millets to contribute to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Millets can bring taste and value to almost every world cuisine today and need not be forced into diets but can be easily integrated into an existing style or pattern across ages, cultures, cuisines, and nations.

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