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Varun Beverages Stock: Promoters to sell INR 850 Cr worth of Shares in a block deal

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varun-Beverages Pepsico

Promoters of Varun Beverages, one of the largest franchisees of PepsiCo outside the US, are reportedly planning to sell shares worth INR 850 crore ($116 million) via a block deal on February 10th, as reported by CNBC Awaaz, citing sources.

Edelweiss/Nuvama is said to be the broker for the deal. The promoters are expected to offer a discount of 5-7% on the deal.

Varun Beverages is one of the largest franchisees of PepsiCo in the world outside the US. The company operates in several countries, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Morocco. It was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in New Delhi, India.

The company offers a range of products, including carbonated soft drinks, juices, and bottled water, through its extensive network of franchisees. It has a strong reputation for its quality products and customer service, and is known for its commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement initiatives.

Varun Beverages, which closed 2.90% lower at INR 1,272.30 per share on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on February 9th, recently reported a 150.20% YoY increase in its consolidated net profit, reaching INR 81.52 crore ($11 million) for the quarter ending December 31st, 2022.

The company also saw a 22.7% increase in revenue, reaching INR 2,257.20 crore ($307 million), and a 17.8% growth in sales volume, totaling 132 million cases. Additionally, its EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) increased by 48.1% to INR 307.5 crore ($41 million) in Q4 of CY22 from INR 207.6 crore ($28 million) in Q4 of CY21.

This planned share sale by the promoters of Varun Beverages is a significant development for the company and the market will be closely watching the outcome.

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Panzanella Salad: A new way to keep up with your fitness goals

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Panzanella Sald

Panzanella is a traditional Italian bread salad that originated in Tuscany. The salad is often served as a refreshing and light summer dish, and its popularity has spread throughout Italy and beyond. In terms of taste, Panzanella is characterized by its blend of crunchy and soft textures, fresh flavors, and tangy dressing. 

The bread, which is the centerpiece of the dish, soaks up the dressing and the juices from the vegetables, giving the salad a hearty and satisfying flavor. Panzanella is a prime example of Italian cuisine’s focus on using simple, fresh ingredients to create delicious and satisfying dishes from ingredients readily available.

Add ons

Common add-ons to the salad in order to enrich its taste include grilled meat like chicken, fish or steak or fish and also cheese, fresh herbs, nuts, avocado, etc. These combinations are just suggestions, and feel free to experiment and find what you like best!

A healthy snack

Panzanella salad can be a nutritious and healthy dish, depending on the ingredients and portion size.  The bread in Panzanella can provide carbohydrates for energy, as well as fiber to help with digestion. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and antioxidants that can help protect against cellular damage. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a hydrating and low-calorie vegetable option. Olive oil is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

However, it’s important to note that the nutritional value of the salad will also depend on the amount of dressing used and the portion size of the dish. Additionally, the addition of ingredients such as cheese or cured meats can add extra calories and saturated fat to the dish, so it’s best to use these in moderation. 

Here is a recipe for Panzanella salad:

6 cups of stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped

1 large cucumber, sliced

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup of good-quality olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and sliced red onion.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

3. Pour the dressing over the bread and vegetable mixture, and toss to combine.

4. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the dressing and become softer.

5. Just before serving, add the chopped basil leaves and toss them again. Serve the Panzanella salad at room temperature, garnished with additional basil leaves or cheese if desired.

Panzanella salad is a traditional Italian dish that is characterized by its blend of fresh vegetables, stale bread, and tangy dressing. It can be a nutritious and healthy dish, with ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, and red wine vinegar providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. The dish is easy to make, with a simple procedure of tossing the ingredients together and letting them marinate for a few minutes. 

Whether you’re looking for a light summer dish or a hearty Italian-style meal, Panzanella salad is definitely worth a try.

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Pizza Recipe: Delicious Way to start a party 

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pasta

Originally belonging to the country of Italy, pizza has now gained popularity the world over, acquiring ever new variations as it comes into contact with the cultures outside of which it initially originated. A pizza is usually made with thin crusts and simple toppings such as tomatoes and olives but its American counterpart has a thicker crust and a wide variety of toppings ranging from meat, vegetables, and at times even pineapple!

Globally the dish has adapted itself to the tastes and preferences of different nationalities and remains one of the most popular choices for festive occasions. It is often consumed with beverages like coke and Pepsi but items like garlic bread and desserts are found to be more delicious when combined with any choice of pizza.

Although detrimental to health if consumed in excess, a pizza still provides various health benefits if co-summed in appropriate amounts because it contains proteins, fats, and a relatively high concentration of carbohydrates. To mitigate the amount of calorie intake, one could also choose a whole grain crust and reduce the amount of cheese and meat added as toppings. The nutritional content of the dish aids in digestion, regulating blood glucose levels, and also helps the body repair tissues. A moderate concentration of antioxidants in pizzas also helps protect cells from damage.

The best thing about Pizza is it can be made as both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

The ingredients for a vegetarian pizza are: 

Veggie Delight

1 pre-made or homemade pizza crust

1 cup pizza sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives)

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Roll out the pizza crust on a lightly floured surface and place it on a baking sheet or pizza pan.
  • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edge.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  • Arrange the diced vegetables on top of the cheese.
  • Brush the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken Cheese Pizza Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pre-made pizza crust

1 cup marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or other meats of your choice (e.g. pepperoni, sausage, ham, etc.)

1 cup chopped vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, etc.)

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza pan.
  • Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the crust.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  • Add the cooked and shredded meat and chopped vegetables on top of the cheese.
  • Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

It is quite surprising that such a seemingly simple dish made with a few ingredients has won the hearts of many around the world. Maybe its widespread popularity, notwithstanding its appetizing nature, owes its explanation to the fact that the dish somehow manages to retain itself in spite of undergoing innumerable variations. Such resilience perhaps is why the Pizza continues to be relished. But whether pineapples desecrate the dish’s Italian origin still remains open to question.

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Spaghetti Pasta: The perfect start to your solo cooking journey 

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Pasta is one of those things that everyone loves to splurge on.  It can be a great food to cook with, or it can be a show-stopper when trying to eat healthy or are on a diet. However, pasta doesn’t just have to be eaten in one way. In fact, there are a variety of different ways to prepare and enjoy pasta.

Think about it – there are macaroni and cheese, carbonara, ravioli, cannelloni, and so many more options! So why not try something new and write about pasta in a fun way?

Pasta can be a nutritious and healthy food choice when consumed in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense ingredients. It is a modest source of protein and low in fat which makes it a good option for those looking to manage their calorie intake. Additionally, the nutritional value and health benefits can vary depending on the type of pasta and the ingredients used in the dish.

Here is a simple recipe for making spaghetti pasta with marinara sauce:

Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (28 ounces each) of whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for serving (optional)

Procedure:

  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano to the saucepan. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
  • Toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and a splash of the reserved pasta water, if needed, to moisten it. Serve the pasta topped with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Here are some tips for writing about pasta in a fun way:

1) Go beyond the traditional macaroni and cheese recipe. Try making variations such as tangy tomato sauce with parmesan cheese or creamy pesto sauce.

2) Be creative with your pasta shapes. There are endless possibilities, like penne arrabbiata with braised beef or spaghetti with seafood.

3) Take advantage of dried herbs and spices to give your dishes a unique flavor profile.

4) Make sure to serve your pasta warm or cold – it’s all up to you!

5) Serve your pasta in individual bowls or on palettes so that everyone can have their own personalized dish.

6) Have some fun with photo captions for your posts – who doesn’t love a good laugh?

7) Keep the conversation going by sharing recipes, cooking tips, or anything else related to pasta cuisine!

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Badam Milk: The sweet showstopper of every Indian festival 

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badam - milk

Badam milk is the go-to drink after a long day of work or a tiring workout. This sweet drink is enjoyed by everyone right from our kids to old people. It is also used as an ingredient separately in sweets and savory dishes. Badam milk is often used as a dairy-free option for those who are lactose intolerant or have other dietary restrictions. As for its taste, it is often described as a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that compliments many dishes and drinks well.

The perfect blend

Badam milk is widely used in Indian sweets such as kulfi, kheer, and rabri. It is also used in mid-eastern sweets such as Turkish delight. Often used as a dairy-free alternative in recipes such as smoothies, baked goods, and creamy sauces, badam milk is a healthy and yummy attraction for kids. Almond milk is a popular choice among vegans and those who follow a plant-based diet due to its dairy-free nature. Almond milk lattes, Almond milk smoothies, Almond milk and cereal, Almond milk chai, etc are some must-try variations.

Nutty and healthy

Almond milk is a good source of certain vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of calcium and is low in fat compared to dairy milk. Almond milk can be a good choice for those who are lactose intolerant or have other dietary restrictions. It is important to note that while almond milk has many potential health benefits, it is not a complete source of nutrition and should be consumed as part of a balanced diet. 

However, a typical recipe for homemade almond milk requires the following ingredients.

Almond Milk recipe:

1 cup raw almonds

4 cups filtered water

2-3 Medjool dates (optional, for sweetness)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)

Pinch of salt (optional, for flavor)

Procedure for making homemade almond milk:

  • Soak the almonds: Place the almonds in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  • Drain the almonds: After soaking, drain the almonds and rinse them under running water.
  • Blend the almonds: Add the soaked almonds, filtered water, dates (if using), vanilla extract (if using), and salt (if using) to a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Strain the mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a nut milk bag or a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
  • Chill the milk: Transfer the strained milk to a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
  • Your homemade almond milk is now ready to use. It can be enjoyed on its own, added to coffee or tea, or used in cooking and baking. The milk will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Pro tip from a fellow foodie: 

 While making homemade almond milk, it is recommended to choose high-quality, raw almonds and blend them with filtered water for the best flavor and texture. Almond milk can be enjoyed on its own, added to coffee or tea, or used in cooking and baking. With its many health benefits and versatile uses, almond milk is a great choice for anyone looking to add more plant-based options to their diet.

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ASHA representatives held actions against GM Mustard Approval on National Fafe Food Day

Mustard Crops

On Thursday, February 9th, which marked National Safe Food Day, representatives of various organizations and individuals across India organized events to protest against the approval of GM Mustard.

This day was established after the indefinite moratorium placed on Bt Brinjal, India’s first GM food crop, by the central government on February 9th, 2010.

The representatives are strongly opposing the environmental release and commercial cultivation of GM Mustard, which was approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in October 2022. The matter is now pending in the Supreme Court. Civil society groups are claiming that the GM technique is not safe and does not result in any difference in yield.

A campaign named Sarson Satyagraha has also been launched, asking people to protect their right to safe food. On February 9th, various actions were taken, including round table conferences, cycle rallies, and consumer outreach events to raise awareness about the dangers of GM Mustard. In some places, signature campaigns were also held and social media was used to spread the message using the hashtag #NoGMMustardPoison.

Organic mustard products were gifted to ministers of mustard-growing or mustard-consuming states to emphasize that this is their last chance to consume safe and natural mustard if they don’t act now. The goal of these events is to educate consumers and raise awareness about the dangers of GM Mustard

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Zomato Q3 results disappoint investors amid Food Deliveries Slowdown

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Zomato Gold
Zomato (Representative Image)

The latest financial results from Zomato Ltd. for the quarter ending December (Q3FY23) were not well received by the market. The company reported a slowdown in the food delivery business after Diwali, with modest growth in key metrics.

The gross order value in the food business increased by only 0.7% compared to about 3% and 10% in Q1 and Q2, respectively. Additionally, the growth of average monthly transacting customers was flat at 17.4 million in Q3.

Zomato attributed the slowdown to a few temporary factors, including a macro slowdown for the mid-market segment, a boom in dining out for the premium segment, and a boom in travel at the premium end. However, there were also some positive developments. The contribution profit as a percentage of gross order value reached a multi-quarter high of 5.1% due to cost efficiencies.

Overall, including the quick commerce business Blinkit, adjusted Ebitda losses increased to Rs 266 crore in Q3 from a loss of Rs 192 crore in Q2. Excluding Blinkit, losses at the adjusted Ebitda level were lower at Rs 38 crore compared to Rs 60 crore in Q2. Despite improvement in key metrics such as orders and transacting customers in the quick commerce business, Zomato still operates at a loss at the adjusted Ebitda level.

Zomato remains confident in reaching its goal of becoming adjusted Ebitda break-even excluding Blinkit by Q2FY24. The company even expects to reach this level in Q4FY23 with the proper execution of its plans. However, the recent launch of Zomato Gold in January, which offers free delivery benefits to customers, may have a short-term impact on the company’s finances.

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Zuper Hotels & Resorts launches “The Cliff” with Panoramic nature Views in Panchgani

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Zuper resorts The Cliff in Panchgani

Zuper Resorts has added a new and exciting attraction to the already stunning destination of Panchgani. The resort, called “The Cliff,” offers a peaceful retreat for those who want to escape the fast-paced city life and relax amid nature.

Surrounded by breathtaking cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, and lush greenery, this resort is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate.

The resort features 41 rooms and four categories, all of which are spacious and equipped with state-of-the-art IoT technology. This technology has been incorporated into the design to ensure guests have a comfortable and convenient stay.

Those looking for an open-air dining experience can approach La Terrasse to savour a variety of Indian, Pan-Asian, and Continental delicacies. Rejuvenate yourself at The Scarlet Spa, which employs the best beauty professionals who provide you with the finest blend of eastern and western therapies with massage rituals meant to pamper you and restore calm and wellness.

Akaal Singh Manchanda, Founder and Director of Operations at Zuper Hotels & Resorts, said, “In line with our vision to curate countryside experiences for our guests, we are delighted to introduce The Cliff resort at a peaceful and tranquil location such as Panchgani. Our group is committed to the finest hospitality in an exclusive set-up, and “The Cliff” is just the right extension of our promise. We look forward to welcoming our guests for a quick getaway, retreat, or a special occasion.”

If you’re looking for a tranquil and relaxing getaway, “The Cliff” is the perfect destination for you.

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Starbucks Coffee: A couple gets a bill over INR 3 Lakhs for two coffee

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Starbucks

The cost of coffee at premium coffee shops has always been a topic of debate, with some people finding the beverages overpriced and others considering them worth the price. However, a recent experience in Oklahoma saw a couple charged an excessive amount for their usual coffee order at a local Starbucks drive-thru.

Jesse and Deedee O’Dell were shocked to see that they were charged $4,456.27(INR 3 Lakh+) for just two cups of coffee, which usually costs around $10, as reported by WSMV4. The couple was not initially aware of the inflated charge but discovered it when Deedee’s card was declined during a mall trip with her children.

Despite numerous attempts to contact Starbucks customer service, the couple did not receive a refund for the incorrect charge. Starbucks attributed the mistake to a potential human error. In the end, the company compensated the couple with two separate cheques.

Jesse said, “We contacted their (Starbucks) customer service helpline probably 30 to 40 times that day. We got a call from a representative who said they are sending new checks. But as of today, we still have not received checks.”

The couple also filed a report with the Tulsa Police Department. The situation got so bad that the couple were forced to cancel their scheduled family vacation.

“We had planned to take a trip but had to cancel and the tickets are non-refundable. This is something that has caused duress in our family and hopefully, others don’t have to go through something like this,” Jess was quoted as saying.

This incident serves as a reminder to always review bills carefully and be mindful when using credit or debit cards.

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Coimbatore’s TABP Snacks and Beverages raises INR 20 Cr funding led by LC Nueva AIF

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TABP

TABP Snacks and Beverages, a Coimbatore-based beverage and snacks startup has raised INR 20 crore pre-Series A funding led by LC Nueva AIF along with Arun Mukherjee and angel investors.

Some of the notable angels who have invested in this round include Koushik Chatterjee, CFO of Tata Steel, and Aniruddha Sarkar, Chief investment officer of Quest Investment Advisors among others.

With the funds raised in this round, TABP intends to expand into new territories, invest in research and development, and increase its production capacity. This investment will help TABP grow and achieve its goals of reaching a larger customer base and becoming a leading player in the food and beverage industry in India.

TABP Snacks and Beverages is a rapidly growing food and beverage start-up in India and is projected to reach INR 100 crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in the financial year 2023, which is a remarkable achievement given that the company has only been operating for four years.

TABP targets lower-income consumers in India and primarily sells beverages for INR 10 and snacks for INR 5. The start-up has a presence in several states across India, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha.

Prabhu Gandhikumar, Founder of TABP, said, “It’s been some really exciting years of growth for TABP. After coming back from the COVID-related slowdown, we have shown tremendous growth. In Q3 of 2022-23, we grew 172 per cent compared to Q3 of the previous year. We feel we have not even scratched the surface and are just getting started. This year we are planning to expand into the east and west geographies of India.”

Ashish Chand, Founding Partner at LC Nueva AIF, said, “TABP is poised to become a leader in India’s beverage and snack space with its strong growth in tier-2 and 3 markets.”

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