Under the licensing agreement between the two firms, a chain of retail outlets will be established, with the inaugural store slated for launch in Chennai. These outlets will showcase a variety of Kickers merchandise, spanning footwear, apparel, and accessories, as stated by the company.
Established in 1970, Kickers, a distinguished shoe brand, boasts worldwide popularity and serves families across the globe.
J Rafiq Ahmed, Managing Director of KICL, expressed that Kickers’ introduction into India has the potential to revolutionize both KICL and the retail fashion sector as a whole.
Regional Marketing Rights
Apart from India, the licensing agreement also confers marketing rights for Kickers to KICL in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
With large parts of India experiencing a heatwave and several cities recording higher-than-normal temperatures, food delivery and e-commerce platforms have introduced various measures to protect their delivery partners from the intense heat. Food delivery platform Zomato, for instance, has set up 450 rest points for delivery partners nationwide, irrespective of their affiliation. These rest points offer comfortable seating, free drinking water, mobile charging stations, and clean washroom facilities.
It has secured 5 lakh units of refreshments, juices, and glucose to be distributed to active delivery partners at over 450 locations in more than 250 cities.
For any health or medical emergencies, delivery partners have access to a 15-minute ambulance service and 24/7 SOS support across 530+ cities, ensuring immediate assistance if required.
“We also issue pre-emptive alerts about upcoming heatwaves and have introduced full-sleeve, dry-fit t-shirts for all delivery partners,” stated Rakesh Ranjan, CEO of Food Delivery at Zomato.
Zomato also encouraged its users on X to refrain from placing orders during peak afternoon hours unless absolutely essential.
Swiggy Instamart, Swiggy’s quick commerce platform, operates over 900 recharge zones in high-demand areas. These zones provide rest areas, refreshing beverages, mobile phone charging points, and restrooms that are accessible to all delivery partners in the industry.
Blinkit’s SOS Support:
Blinkit, a quick commerce platform owned by Zomato, has incorporated SOS support into its delivery partners’ app to ensure quick assistance in case of medical emergencies.
Albinder Dhindsa, CEO of Blinkit, stated that the company is installing air coolers in the waiting areas of its stores to offer immediate relief from the heat.
Ranjan added that all active delivery partners on both Zomato and Blinkit are covered by IPD insurance up to INR 1,00,000 and OPD insurance up to INR 5,000 for medical support, with no additional cost.
Flipkart, the e-commerce platform, is also implementing measures to safeguard its delivery workforce from the scorching summer heat.
“As an employee-first organization that values a culture of care, Flipkart prioritizes its supply chain, which serves as the backbone of our business. We are ensuring that our last-mile executives consistently have access to the necessary resources.”
“Throughout this summer season, we’ve introduced several additional measures into the daily routines of our wishmasters. These include distributing glucose beverages, providing extra fans and coolers at facilities, and conducting summer safety management briefings to ensure adherence to heatwave advisories,” explained Prajakta Kanaglekar, Vice President & HR Leader at Flipkart.
Hong Kong-listed Nissin Foods Co. has announced intentions to acquire Gaemi Food, a South Korean producer of baked grain crispy rolls.
Nissin Foods Co., a subsidiary of Japanese noodle manufacturer Nissin Foods Holdings Co., aims to acquire the business for a sum of Won48 billion ($34.9 million).
Product Portfolio Integration
Upon completion of the transaction, Gaemi Food will become part of the portfolio of brands under Nissin Foods Co., alongside shelf-stable and frozen noodle brands such as Fuku, Demae Iccho, and Nissin Donbei.
Nissin Foods Co. stated in a release that the acquisition will encompass Gaemi Food’s confectionery line, including the Kemy brand of sweets, chocolates, and chewy gum. This addition will, according to Nissin, “further enhance” the company’s “non-noodle business.”
The company’s array of offerings encompasses baked crispy grain rolls, spiced popped corn snacks, and confectionery items. Additionally, they manufacture crispy fruit and vegetable-filled rolls tailored for children and toddlers, marketed under the Kemy Kids brand.
Additionally, it engages in the processing of private-label foods and “original design manufacturer products.”
Nissin Foods Co. stated that the acquisition offers the chance to enhance the product’s “distribution capabilities in China and Southeast Asia, in response to growing market demand and evolving business landscapes.”
The company further expressed its anticipation of “ample opportunities for expanding the baked grain crispy rolls market,” citing the increasing consumer interest in “convenient” food options.
Expanding on the announcement, Kiyotaka Ando, executive director, chairman, and CEO of Nissin Foods Co., characterized the move as “a strategic milestone” for the company in advancing its presence “in the Korean and overseas markets.”
He further remarked, “By capitalizing on Nissin Foods’ strengths in marketing and food technology, the group is cultivating a non-noodle sector that can synergize with our instant noodle business.”
“Expanding into global markets not only enhances our revenue streams but also increases our understanding of local cultures & consumer behaviours,” he said.
In addition to South Korea, Gaemi Food’s primary markets span China, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, and the US.
Financial Overview
For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, the Seoul-based group reported revenues of Won20.1 million.
Nissin Foods Holdings Co., the parent company of Nissin Foods Co., manufactures a variety of noodle products, including the Soba and Nissin Premium Bag instant noodle brands distributed in Japan, China, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
The holding company made its entry into Hong Kong in 2018 through a partnership with its Japanese counterpart Kagome Co.
Black Lines, a cocktail producer headquartered in the UK, has just introduced its newest creation, the Black Lines Hugo Spritz.
Crafted with sapling gin, sparkling wine, elderflower, mint, lemon, and soda, the fresh RTS beverage offers consumers a gently sparkling, refreshing drink with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV).
Originating from the South Tyrol province in Northern Italy, the Hugo Spritz cocktail typically features prosecco infused with notes of elderflower, lime, and mint.
According to Kuleen Khimasia, co-founder of Black Lines, “The Hugo Spritz is aromatic, crisp, and delightfully easy to enjoy, and it’s finally getting the attention it deserves. We’re thrilled to present our interpretation at Black Lines, available both bottled and on-tap in London and beyond. In our opinion, Aperol has found its competition – this will be the go-to drink of the summer.”
Expanding Options in the Market
It seems like spritz-style drinks with lower alcohol content will be in demand this season, with major brands joining the trend. Just last month, Fever-Tree and French rosé maker Maison Mirabeau teamed up to introduce a fresh pale pink Rosé Spritz, boasting an ABV of 8%.
Crafted from a fusion of rosé and Fever-Tree’s Raspberry & Orange Blossom Soda, The Fever-Tree x Mirabeau Rosé Spritz is a subtly sparkling drink offering subtle hints of red fruit and floral essence. It harmoniously blends the fragrances of raspberry, stone fruit, orange blossom, and pink grapefruit for a balanced taste experience.
A freshly introduced coffee brand, Kamana, has made its debut in the US, offering consumers a novel mesquite-derived beverage option devoid of caffeine.
Mesquite, an age-old desert superfood, bears a striking resemblance in appearance, taste, and beverage production to traditional coffee. Laden with natural energy sources and gut-friendly fiber, this beverage crafted from mesquite offers the rich flavor and comforting ritual of coffee, while sidestepping the commonly reported side effects like anxiety, digestive discomfort, and sleep disturbances.
Versatile Brewing Methods: Espresso, Moka Pot, French Press
Kamana is created by slow-roasting and grinding the nutrient-rich pods of the mesquite tree, followed by brewing in a manner similar to traditional coffee-making techniques. Whether prepared in an espresso machine, moka pot, or French press, Kamana offers versatility in its brewing methods.
Kamana offers consumers a delicately sweet and velvety coffee taste, accentuated by hints of cacao, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It can be savored either in its pure form or enhanced with milk for added richness.
Established by CEO Summer Stewart following a trip to South Africa, where she initially mistook a cup of mesquite for decaf coffee, Kamana emerges as the pioneer in introducing the benefits of this beverage to US consumers. Its mission is to pioneer a completely new category of coffee alternatives.
Kamana is currently accessible for purchase on the company’s website, with upcoming plans to expand into coffee shops across Los Angeles in the following months.
Steve Perreira, the Operations Director of Redberry Taco Bell, expressed, “This marks our seventh new location opened this year, and we’re privileged to join the vibrant and historic Union Station community.”
“We’re eager to engage with Torontonians and visitors alike, offering the Taco Bell classics we know they’ll adore while they’re on the move.”
Redberry’s Expansion Goals for Taco Bell in Canada
The launch of the Union Station venue also aligns with Redberry’s goal to introduce 200 Taco Bell restaurants throughout Canada.
Devon Lawrence, the Marketing Director of Taco Bell Canada, remarked, “We’re continually exploring fresh avenues to deliver the taste, convenience, and value our fans cherish.”
“Union Station’s central location offers the ideal chance to connect with our customers right where they are – whether they’re waiting for a train, grabbing a quick lunch, or heading home after a game.”
“We’re absolutely delighted to commemorate this significant opening and offer Taco Bell favorites to even more Torontonians.”
In May 2024, Taco Bell Canada collaborated with Redberry to inaugurate a fresh restaurant spot in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Situated at 4440 Albert Street, this new venue marks franchisee Redberry Restaurants’ third Taco Bell opening in the area.
McDonald’s Japan is gearing up to elevate its dessert selection with the debut of an enticing Asian Sweets collection, featuring three delectable additions.
The fast-food giant plans to unveil the Salt Lychee McShake, the McFlurry Annin Mango, and the Banana Caramel Pie starting June 5th, 2024.
The Salt Lychee McShake: A Unique Fusion of Flavors
The Salt Lychee McShake tantalizes taste buds with its aromatic fusion of sweet lychee juice infused with a subtle touch of saltiness.
McFlurry Annin Mango: A Twist on Tradition
Inspired by the traditional Japanese dessert annindofu, also known as almond tofu, the McFlurry Annin Mango offers a delightful twist on familiar flavors.
This treat harmonizes almond tofu cream, mango purée, and McDonald’s renowned soft serve ice cream, garnished with crushed corn snacks infused with almond flavor.
Banana Caramel Pie: Indulgence in Every Bite
The Banana Caramel Pie boasts a luscious filling of banana purée and creamy caramel, enhanced with the richness of brown sugar and condensed milk.
During May 2024, McDonald’s Singapore unveiled the comeback of its beloved Spicy Chicken McNuggets, alongside other seasonal delights including the McShaker Fries available in Roasted Sesame and Seaweed flavors, and the refreshing Peach McFizz beverage.
Chowman, the renowned Chinese restaurant chain, is expanding its presence across Delhi-NCR with the opening of its first outlet in Sector 31, Gurgaon.
Following its remarkable success in Kolkata, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad, this new outlet signifies another significant milestone in the brand’s already illustrious journey.
“We are thrilled to announce the inauguration of Chowman’s latest venture in the vibrant city of Gurgaon. Situated strategically in Sector 31 and paired with our renowned culinary expertise, we aim to craft yet another success story by becoming the favored Chinese dining destination for the city’s residents,” expressed Debaditya Chaudhury, Managing Director.
Renowned for its cozy and welcoming dining space, the Gurgaon outlet of Chowman replicates its inviting interiors, blending a warm and soothing ambiance inspired by Chinese culture. Reflecting elements from China, Chowman creates a captivating world for its patrons to enjoy.
The diverse menu offers a wide array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights, including Chilli Prawns, Crispy Fried Crab Wontons, Double Cooked Crispy Chilli Fish, and Pan-Fried Chilli Mushrooms, ideal for starting your meal. For the main course, indulge in timeless favorites like Kung Pao and Khao Suey, alongside a variety of rice and noodle dishes such as Seafood Fried Rice, Chilli Garlic Noodles, Shanghai Meifoon, and more.
Chowman’s Presence in Delhi-NCR:
Chowman now boasts a total of 4 dining locations in Delhi-NCR, including East of Kailash, Noida Sector-18, and Indirapuram, Ghaziabad.
At present, Chowman has undergone significant expansion, operating 21 outlets in Kolkata, 7 in Bangalore, 4 in Delhi-NCR, and 2 in Hyderabad, with numerous additional openings planned for the future.
BIGGUYS, a homegrown chicken QSR chain, has secured a significant investment of $2 million (over INR 16.62 crore).
This funding is a mix of equity and other instruments that comes entirely from a group of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
The increasing NRI investment underscores the growing allure of India’s QSR sector among investors in search of high-growth prospects within the country.
“We’re delighted by the immense interest shown by NRIs looking to invest in Indian homegrown QSRs. Their trust in our vision and dedication to the Indian market is highly affirming. This investment will play a pivotal role in driving our ambitious expansion goals and cementing our position as a frontrunner in the Indian QSR landscape,” remarked Sunil, CEO of BIGGUYS.
Since its establishment, the brand has undergone explosive growth, boasting a remarkable achievement of 120 stores within just one year of its launch. This swift expansion is driven by its dedication to innovative, high-quality chicken offerings and a deep understanding of the Indian palate.
This investment will enable BIGGUYS to expedite its expansion plans throughout South India, focusing on major cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
The brand’s objective is to appeal to Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities with innovative strategies, aiming to establish BIGGUYS as a household name throughout the region.
BIGGUYs, conceived by Biraja Rout, the founder of Biggies Burger, is swiftly growing with a clear aim to emerge as the “KFC of India.” Their strategy involves a strong focus on high-quality sourcing, presenting unique flavor choices, and establishing collaborations for an extensive rollout of 120 stores nationwide.
Situated within Banjara Hills’ GVK One Mall, this newly opened outlet marks Jaypore’s third establishment in Hyderabad.
“We are thrilled to unveil our 26th store, now open at GVK One Mall in Hyderabad,” shared Jayesh Nair, regional business manager at ABFRL, in a LinkedIn update. Nair highlighted the company’s dedication to enhancing customer experiences through this expansion.
The store provides handcrafted attire for both men and women, in addition to a selection of home decor, jewellery, and textiles inspired by craft traditions from across India.
Founded in 2012 by Puneet Chawla and Shilpa Sharma, Jaypore initially operated as an online platform. In 2018, the company ventured into offline retailing by inaugurating its debut store in New Delhi. The subsequent year, it became a part of the Aditya Birla Group through acquisition.
ABFRL recently collaborated with Ingenuity, a commerce solution provider, to introduce Jaypore to the US market. Ingenuity will provide technological and marketing support, facilitating the company’s expansion of its direct-to-consumer (D2C) presence worldwide.
Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL), the retail division of the Aditya Birla Group, manages a portfolio of international fashion and lifestyle brands, including Ralph Lauren, Hackett London, Simon Carter, Ted Baker, Fred Perry, Forever 21, American Eagle, and Galeries Lafayette.
As of March 2023, the company boasts a network of more than 3,977 stores spanning approximately 33,535 multi-brand outlets, along with 6,723 points of sale within department stores throughout India.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
