Licious appoints Karishma Gupta as CFO, targets profitability ahead of IPO

May 29, 2024

Licious, the fresh meat and seafood delivery unicorn, is ramping up its talent acquisition efforts as it aims for profitability and prepares for an initial public offering (IPO) within the next 24 months.

Delightful Gourmet, the parent company of Licious, has appointed Karishma Gupta, as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Her appointment fits in with Licious’ omnichannel growth strategy for profitable growth.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company aims to establish more than 500 Licious outlets across 20 cities within the next five years. Their goal is to achieve operational profitability by the end of the current financial year (2024-25).

Her role will be pivotal in nurturing sustainable growth and profitability, setting up governance frameworks, and implementing crucial standard operating procedures as Licious transitions into a pre-IPO phase.

“Our intention is to launch 500 stores within the upcoming five years. While it’s premature to specify hiring figures, we’ll be scouting for individuals possessing essential skills and specialized expertise,” stated a spokesperson for the company.

Continue Exploring: Licious embarks on offline expansion, plans to open five stores in Bengaluru by June, eyes 500 nationwide in five years

“The prerequisites comprise a nuanced hyperlocal comprehension, sharp insights to recognize consumer demands in crucial catchment zones for new stores, along with a deep understanding of primary differentiators and synergies between online and offline environments,” the spokesperson elaborated.

As a chartered accountant, she contributes more than 18 years of varied finance experience to Licious. Her skills encompass business collaboration, supply chain finance, governance, financial planning and analysis, auditing, and controllership.

Having served in leadership capacities within multinational and Indian firms, she boasts a demonstrable history of rejuvenating business performance, financial administration, and overseeing mergers and acquisitions.

Prior to her tenure at Licious, she led the charge in implementing expansion and revitalization strategies across various brands and regions for Jubilant FoodWorks.

Vivek Gupta and Abhay Hanjura, the co-founders of Licious, underscored the company’s robust financial standing, noting a nearly 20 percent annual revenue growth of $100 million last year. They pointed out the company’s shift from a loss margin to a gross margin of nearly 30 percent, along with an 80 percent decrease in burn rate.

Gupta and Hanjura emphasized, “Our primary focuses as we move forward into the next phase of our journey are maintaining financial health, fostering sustainable growth, driving innovation, and establishing robust financial frameworks.” They expressed confidence that Karishma’s extensive experience with prominent players in related industries, especially her retail acumen aligning with their omnichannel strategy, will prove immensely beneficial.

Continue Exploring: Licious crowned ‘India’s Juiciest Chicken’ by National Meat Research Institute

In her earlier career, she held roles at Diageo, GSK Consumer Healthcare, and ITC. Notably, she stands as one of the youngest female CFOs in India, a significant milestone given that only 50 out of the 2,328 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange have women serving in this capacity.

“We are in a phase where there will be a strong push for swift expansion,” she said. “We will go through a transformative journey over the next few years towards the next phase of innovation-led business growth, even though we already have best-in-class finance structures and governance.”

Licious’ Expansion and Financial Performance

Licious caters to consumers in more than 20 Indian cities, handling 1.2 million orders monthly, with over 90 percent repeat consumption across all markets. The company boasts a workforce of over 6,000 team members spanning various disciplines and functions.

The company has set aside approximately $100 million for the expansion of its stores. They are also planning to conduct a pre-IPO funding round at some point in 2026.

With an impressive annual revenue run rate of INR 850 crore, the company has seen a significant uptick in monthly revenue, climbing from INR 60 crore to approximately INR 72 crore year-on-year (Y-o-Y).

The platform anticipates reaching a revenue run rate of INR 1,200 crore by March 2025, reflecting a monthly revenue run rate of INR 100 crore. Out of this, INR 90 crore could stem from the app, with the remaining portion generated by the new retail stores.

On a year-on-year basis, the monthly cash burn has decreased to approximately INR 12 crore from INR 26 crore. The company aims to further slash this figure to about INR 10 crore. Sources indicate that gross margins have surged to 30 per cent.

In 2022-23, the company recorded a 9 per cent year-on-year revenue growth, reaching INR 748 crore. Meanwhile, the loss for the year decreased by approximately 38 per cent to INR 529 crore.

Continue Exploring: Licious records INR 748 Cr in meat sales for FY23 as growth plateaus

Healthy snack maker, Crrunchy targets new frontiers with offline expansion

SnackTeam

May 29, 2024

Crrunchy, a Gurgaon based healthy snacks brand and startup known for its premium flavored makhanas, is entering a new phase of growth. After successfully establishing its presence in Delhi-NCR and Maharashtra, recently, the brand introduced its exceptional offerings to the discerning palates of Gujarat. With numerous brands already competing in the North, Crrunchy is now strategically focusing on South India and exploring global markets. Not only this, the company is also working on expanding its product offerings.

Founded in 2021, Crrunchy began its journey in North India before expanding to Maharashtra, Gujarat including tier 2 cities like Aurangabad. Now its expanded into the South Indian market, particularly cities like Kochi in Kerala. “Our focus now is on South India and the global market,” says Dr. Saurabh Choudhary, the visionary behind Crrunchy, acknowledging the saturation of brands in North India.

“In North India, Makhana is well-known for its benefits. However, when I first entered the offline market in Kerala, I faced some interesting challenges. Distributors and super stockists would frequently ask, “Makhana? Is that what you use at Prasad?” This highlighted the need for increased awareness, especially in South India and global markets,” he says.

Continue Exploring: Healthy snacking brand Crrunchy sets sights on Gujarat and South India for expansion

While the Makhana market is increasingly crowded, Crrunchy stands out due to its commitment to quality and affordability. Dr. Choudhary highlights several unique selling points: “Our Makhanas are fresh and fumigation-free, sourced directly from our own land. Unlike other brands that use palm oil, we use high-quality vegetable oil, ensuring a healthier snack.” This dedication to quality allows Crrunchy to offer competitive pricing, with a 70-gram jar of Makhanas priced at 170 rupees, compared to over 200 rupees for 90-gram jars from competitors that often contain added palm oil.

On the other hand, Crrunchy is soon going to launch new product offerings with various dry fruits snacks. Giving the update Dr Choudhary informs that testing for various dry fruits such as almonds, peanuts and cashews and proceedings for food license is already completed.

Distribution Strategy

Additionally, unlike many brands that start with a D2C model, Crrunchy has always prioritized establishing a strong offline presence. “Our initial focus was to crack the offline market, which helps reduce marketing costs in the long run,” explains Dr. Choudhary. Currently, Crrunchy products are available in both General Trade (GT) and Modern Trade (MT) channels.

With this, Crrunchy is set to expand its reach even further. The brand has already signed up with major quick commerce platforms like Big Basket and Zepto, with plans to launch in the next month or two. This move aims to tap into the growing demand for quick and convenient online shopping, complementing Crrunchy’s robust offline strategy.

Financial Performance and Projections

Talking about the brand’s performance, the past quarter was a successful one for Crrunchy, with sales reaching approximately 58 lakhs, says Dr Choudhary. Looking ahead, Crrunchy anticipates significant growth: “We expect to reach approximately 90 lakhs in sales next quarter, marking an 80% growth.” The company plans to expand its presence to nine states and secure additional MT partnerships, solidifying its position in the market.

As Crrunchy continues to grow, its strategic focus remains clear. By prioritizing the South Indian and global markets, and leveraging both offline and quick commerce channels, Crrunchy is well-positioned to become a major player in the healthy snacking industry.

Continue Exploring: Healthy snack brand Mr Makhana to hit UK shelves, talks with Tesco and Sainsbury’s underway

Rapid growth of Zomato and Swiggy to dent QSR sales: BNP Paribas Report

SnackTeam

May 29, 2024

The swift growth and increasing popularity of foodtech giants Zomato and Swiggy are expected to negatively impact sales in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, which includes pizza and burger chains, according to a report by brokerage BNP Paribas.

The brokerage’s QSR Tracker report highlighted that Zomato’s average monthly active restaurant partners increased dramatically to 2.70 Lakh by FY24, up from 61,000 in FY19. Meanwhile, listed QSR chains had a total of 5,300 stores combined as of FY24.

Meanwhile, Swiggy, which is gearing up for an IPO, boasted 22.72 Lakh active restaurants on its platform by the end of FY23.

Continue Exploring: Zomato and Swiggy prioritize order frequency to drive growth amid slow user acquisition

“This indicates that the scale of these companies has grown significantly over the past few years, which helped to improve consumer reach, particularly for smaller restaurants,” said the report.

According to analysts at the brokerage, the number of restaurants operating on Zomato surged to 51 times the total branded QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) stores in FY24, up from 22 times in FY19, with expectations for this trend to continue expanding rapidly.

“With the growing number of options available to customers, sales are expected to become more fragmented. This further undermines the QSR industry’s already low average daily sales, which are exacerbated by overall demand weakness,” they explained.

Continue Exploring: Food delivery app Thrive hits record highs in consumer numbers and orders, unveils ‘Faves’ loyalty program and expands restaurant portfolio

Revenue and Sales Trends in the QSR Sector

The report highlighted that revenue growth for listed QSR companies dropped by 9% year-on-year in Q4 FY24, compared to an 18% rise in FY23 for the corresponding quarter. This decline primarily stems from factors such as subdued demand, prevailing macroeconomic conditions, and decreased consumer spending, among other contributors.

Even amid low demand and sluggish sales growth, QSR companies have affirmed their intentions to proceed with opening new stores or investing in capital expenditure, as per the report.

Jubilant FoodWorks, Devyani International – a franchisee of Yum Brands (KFC & Pizza Hut) in India, and Restaurant Brands Asia, operator of Burger King, stand out as prominent QSR brands in India aiming to expand their outlet count in the country.

The report comes at a time when both Zomato and Swiggy are actively working to expand their restaurant offerings and bolster support for establishments already on their platforms.

Earlier this year, Swiggy rolled out a marketing feature named ‘Smart Links,’ allowing restaurants to seamlessly guide customers from social media and ads to their menu pages within the food delivery app. Additionally, it initiated a digital learning academy in support of its restaurant partners’ development last year.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy unveils ‘Smart Links’ to enhance restaurant visibility and boost orders

In January, Zomato introduced a daily payout option for select restaurants.

However, Swiggy raised its restaurant collection fee to 2% last year following Zomato’s implementation of a comparable ‘payment gateway fee’ of approximately 1.8% on all orders.

Moreover, both platforms have implemented platform fees, which appear to have bolstered their revenues without significantly affecting the demand for their services.

Financial Performance of Zomato and Swiggy

Zomato saw its consolidated profit soar to INR 175 Cr in Q4 of FY24, marking a 26% increase from INR 138 Cr in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Meanwhile, its operating revenue for the same period surged by 73% to INR 3,562 Cr in Q4 FY24 compared to INR 2,056 Cr in Q4 FY23.

Similarly, Swiggy experienced a 40% surge in operating revenue, reaching INR 8,264 Cr in FY23, up from INR 5,704 Cr in FY22.

In the midst of these developments, Swiggy is gearing up for its IPO, expected to include a fresh issue valued at INR 3,750 Cr alongside an offer-for-sale component totaling INR 6,664 Cr.

As smartphone usage grows and online food ordering becomes more widespread, the country’s food delivery market is projected to expand rapidly, reaching 34.66 Cr users by 2028, according to Statista.

Continue Exploring: Food delivery app surge leaves QSRs struggling with revenue and margins amidst fragmented sales: BNP Paribas Report

Radico Khaitan’s Morpheus Brandy sells 1 Million cases for consecutive years, commands 64% market share in premium segment

SnackTeam

May 28, 2024

Morpheus Brandy, crafted by Radico Khaitan Limited, an Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) company, has achieved sales of one million cases for consecutive years. The company asserts Morpheus to be the first premium brandy to reach this milestone and has captured a 64 per cent share of the premium brandy market in India.

Building upon the success of Morpheus XO Brandy, Radico Khaitan introduces a more premium extension to its brandy portfolio: Morpheus Blue XO Premium Brandy.

Continue Exploring: Radico Khaitan’s Magic Moments Vodka achieves remarkable milestone, sells 6.3 Million cases, surpassing INR 1000 Crores in FY24

Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director of Radico Khaitan Limited, expressed, “Morpheus Brandy, our inaugural offering in the premium segment, has attained remarkable success, emerging as a trailblazer within the industry. Its nationwide presence across 25 states signifies the realization of a dream, marking it as the first brandy to achieve true national recognition. This milestone underscores our steadfast dedication to excellence and the enduring trust of our consumers.”

He further noted that Morpheus primarily sells in the southern states, emphasizing that the company had always envisioned it as a national brand.

Morpheus Brandy’ Global Reach

Morpheus is presently exported to 27 countries, with its blend meticulously crafted using aged eau-de-vie sourced from grapes.

The brandy has garnered numerous Monde Selection Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, alongside various other industry accolades both on a global and local scale.

Continue Exploring: Radico Khaitan reports 26.43% rise in Q4 FY24 net profit

Confectionery retailer Dadu’s expands with new outlet and banquet space in Kompally, Hyderabad

SnackTeam

May 28, 2024

Dadu’s, celebrated for its fusion of traditional and contemporary Indian sweets and snacks, has opened a store in Kompally, Hyderabad. This expansive establishment stands as one of their largest, marking their milestone tenth location in the city. Showcasing an extensive array of offerings all under one roof, this outlet introduces Banquets, a generously-sized convention space ideal for events and social gatherings. Spanning five floors and covering a total area of ten thousand square feet, the building is home to both Dadu’s Sweets and Masala Republic.

Continue Exploring: 82% of Indians prefer traditional sweets over other desserts, survey finds

Masala Republic, an acclaimed restaurant situated on the first floor, has swiftly garnered a loyal following among Hyderabad’s culinary connoisseurs. Esteemed for its exclusively vegetarian menu, Masala Republic caters to the discerning tastes of young, urban diners who seek outstanding cuisine and desserts. Offering a diverse selection including Fusion Chaat, Modern Indian, Continental, Chinese dishes, and beyond, the restaurant embodies its dedication to vegetarianism through its tagline, #thevegetarian.

Diverse Delights: From Pan-Indian Mithai to Modern Fusion Flavors

Now, Kompally residents can indulge in a diverse range of authentic and premium mithais, featuring South Indian delights like Bobbatlu, Bellam Ariselu, Putharekulus, and Kaju Pakam. Additionally, the store presents an assortment of namkeens, including Chekkalus, Chekodis, Murrukkus, and Sakinalus, satisfying varied cravings and preferences.

Dadu’s offers a wide spectrum of delights, spanning Pan-Indian Mithai, traditional South Indian Sweets and Savories, and Modern Mithai ideal for gifting. Their selection also includes Turkish Delicacies, Dry Fruits, and premium gelato featuring fusion flavors like motichoor and rose kheer. Notably, the Kompally branch introduces an Interactive Gifting Station, empowering customers to craft bespoke gift hampers for any occasion. These personalized hampers and gift boxes can be tailored on-site to suit individual preferences.

Rajesh Dadu, the owner of Dadu’s, expressed, “We are thrilled and delighted by the inauguration of our latest outlet in Kompally, Hyderabad. With confidence in this new venue and our innovative banquet space, we foresee significant success ahead. Our brand has been steadily expanding, and with the imminent launch of a state-of-the-art factory this year, we are poised for exponential growth. This new outlet will further enhance the diverse portfolio of Dadu’s Group. We have ambitious plans to introduce numerous additional branches in the near future, positioning ourselves to leave a notable imprint on the city’s hospitality sector.”

Muskaan Dadu, the Managing Partner, expressed, “We are delighted to introduce yet another outstanding addition to our repertoire. We are confident that our latest offerings will guarantee utmost satisfaction for our clientele. Looking ahead, we are gearing up to unveil two additional stores at the airport and one within the city. Our overarching vision is to extend the esteemed traditions of our mithai craftsmanship beyond borders through our forthcoming export initiatives. Our primary focus remains on upholding excellence in quality, surpassing customer expectations, sharing our cultural heritage, and enriching celebrations with the distinctive Dadu’s essence.”

Continue Exploring: Indian delicacy Ras Malai ranked among the world’s best cheese desserts by Taste Atlas

Mizu Izakaya and Cobbler and Crew set to shake up Mumbai’s cocktail scene with epic collaboration!

SnackTeam

May 28, 2024

Mizu Izakaya, a renowned name in the hospitality scene, is gearing up to team up with Cobbler and Crew. This anticipated collaboration, scheduled for May 29th, brings together two exceptional mixologists. Avantika Malik, the Head Mixologist at Mizu Izakaya, will join forces with Aashie Bhatnagar, the celebrated mixologist from Cobbler and Crew and winner of the prestigious ‘2023 People’s Choice Award’. Together, they aim to craft exceptional cocktails, merging their skills to offer guests a truly memorable drinking experience.

Continue Exploring: Renowned mixologist Yangdup Lama to launch Himalayan-themed bar in Gurugram

Vedant Malik, Founder and Director, alongside Chef Lakhan Jethani, Head Chef and Co-founder of Mizu Izakaya, shared their excitement about the collaboration. “Partnering with Cobbler and Crew is an exhilarating journey for us at Mizu. With Aashie joining Avantika in Mumbai, this collaboration is all about pushing boundaries and crafting unforgettable experiences,” expressed Malik.

Avantika Malik, the Head Mixologist at Mizu Izakaya, mirrored the enthusiasm. “Partnering with Aashie from Cobbler and Crew is a thrilling opportunity for me. We’re poised to fuse our expertise and passion to craft something truly exceptional for our guests,” she remarked.

This collaboration between two leading mixologists guarantees an array of inventive and enchanting cocktail concoctions for guests, rendering it an unmissable occasion.

Continue Exploring: Jimmy’s Cocktails turns profitable, targets INR 100 Cr revenue run-rate in next 18 months

Swiss luxury watch retailer TimeVallée opens first boutique in Mumbai

SnackTeam

May 28, 2024

TimeVallée, a Swiss luxury watch retailer, has made its debut in the Indian market by inaugurating a boutique in Mumbai, in collaboration with the city’s luxury watch purveyor, Art of Time.

The boutique can be found on Waterfield Road, in the Bandra West area of Mumbai.

“India holds great importance in TimeVallée’s expansion strategy,” stated Michael Guenoun, CEO of TimeVallée. “It presents a compelling opportunity for us to establish our presence and cater to the discerning tastes of both lifelong watch enthusiasts and newcomers who wish to explore, learn, and experience the captivating world of luxury watches.”

Luxury Watch Brands at the Mumbai Boutique

The boutique presents a carefully curated array of timepieces for both men and women, showcasing renowned brands including Baume & Mercier, Bulgari, Cartier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, and Zenith.

Continue Exploring: Jaipur Watch Company secures INR 2.4 Cr in funding, eyes further expansion with larger round

The establishment also boasts its inaugural TimeCafé in Mumbai.

“We are delighted to partner with TimeVallée in bringing the finest selection of luxury watches to the Indian market. This collaboration perfectly complements our dedication to offering our clientele access to the world’s most prestigious and exceptional timepieces,” remarked Gaurav Bhatia and Bharat Kapoor, co-founders of Art of Time.

TimeVallée, established in 2014, is a network of multi-brand destination stores. Based in Switzerland, the brand operates internationally through strategic partnerships with over 40 boutiques worldwide.

Continue Exploring: Breitling’s revenue surges over 40% in India, eyes top three position in luxury watch market

Swiggy reveals burger ordering trends on International Burger Day

SnackTeam

May 28, 2024

To mark International Burger Day 2024, Swiggy, a foodtech giant, has shared insights into burger ordering trends over the past year. With close to 40 million burgers ordered, it underscores the increasing love for this timeless favorite across India.

Continue Exploring: From Ghee resurgence to K-Food craze: Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 spotlights culinary trends shaping India’s gastronomic landscape

One notable highlight was a burger enthusiast from Chandigarh who ordered a staggering 1,146 burgers, averaging about three burgers per day. This data shows a significant increase in burger consumption among Swiggy users. Dinner and late-night hours were the peak times for burger orders, accounting for over 19.5 million orders. Lunchtime saw 9.6 million orders, and snack time had more than 7.4 million orders, indicating that burgers are a go-to choice throughout the day.

Bangalore took the crown as the Burger Capital of India with over 6 million burgers ordered. Mumbai closely followed with nearly 5 million orders, and Delhi with over 3.2 million orders, showcasing the widespread adoration for burgers across major cities.

Top Five Most Ordered Burgers

Common accompaniments included fries and Coke, while cheese slices and cheese dip were the preferred toppings for burgers. Swiggy’s top five most ordered burgers were the Crispy Veg Burger, McAloo Tikki Burger, McVeggie Burger, Crispy Chicken Burger, and Chicken Zinger Burger – timeless favorites. Innovative flavors also gained popularity among Swiggy users, with unique options like the Signature Quinoa Burger, Beetroot Falafel Burger, Kurkure Chaap Burger, and Rajma Mexicana Burger becoming favorites.

Continue Exploring: From Masala Chai’s comeback to Herbal Tea’s rise: Godrej Food Trends Report unveils emerging trends for International Tea Day!

Ryze Nicotine Gums teams up with 100Days to drive expansion in India

SnackTeam

May 28, 2024

Ryze, the nicotine gum brand from Fertin Pharma, has partnered with 100days, a digital commerce specialist, to drive its bold expansion plans in India. Fertin Pharma A/S, the global leader in contract development and manufacturing of nicotine gums, brings over 25 years of experience in crafting nicotine products, including nicotine replacement therapy options.

Ryze’s Tailored Approach to the Indian Market

In its upcoming launch, Ryze seeks to lead a meaningful push towards healthier choices among smokers by offering effective solutions to assist in breaking the habit. After thorough research into the Indian market, Ryze is introducing nicotine gums with flavors specifically designed for the Indian taste buds, including mint, fruit, saunf, pudina, and paan. With this debut, Ryze aims to transform the process of quitting tobacco, empowering individuals across India to take charge of their health and overall well-being.

Continue Exploring: Haryana allows over-the-counter sales of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in retail outlets

Based in Gurugram, 100Days.co is a subsidiary of Visage Lines, established by Shantanu Deshpande, who also owns Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae brands. This company offers extensive e-commerce solutions, serving as a key ally to various international brands. It aids in the swift expansion of their direct-to-consumer (DTC) operations by providing marketing, logistical, and technological support.

Partnering with Ryze, they’re tasked with crafting and managing Ryze’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) online store, offering full-scale assistance spanning from executing marketing strategies to establishing technological frameworks, managing warehouses, and ensuring seamless last-mile delivery services.

Ryze spokesperson remarked, “Teaming up with 100days allows us to leverage their extensive experience in launching and expanding direct-to-consumer platforms for modern brands. With them, we’ve found a partner equipped to provide strategic insights and robust execution capabilities for our ambitious market entry strategies, ensuring our exceptional product reaches a broad audience swiftly.”

“We are excited to work with Ryze Nicotine Gums to bring their groundbreaking tobacco alternatives to Indian consumers. Drawing on our experience elevating digital commerce for leading brands, we’re excited to support Ryze’s efforts and impact positive change in countless lives, one nicotine gum at a time,” said Maninder Singh, Co-Founder and Head of 100Days.co.

Continue Exploring: Karnataka Legislative Assembly passes bill to ban hookah bars and tighten tobacco regulations

UK-based Wagamama to enter India, teams up with Travel Food Services for expansion

SnackTeam

May 28, 2024

Wagamama, a prominent pan-Asian restaurant operator, has teamed up with Travel Food Services (TFS), a rapidly expanding travel food and retail company, to enter the Indian market later this year.

After the expansion, Wagamama will be operational in 19 countries worldwide, maintaining its enduring global appeal.

Launch Strategy

Initially, Wagamama will open in Mumbai Airport’s International Terminal, with plans for further expansion in transport hubs across the country.

“We’re thrilled to make our debut in India later this year in collaboration with Travel Food Services,” said Thomas Heier, Wagamama’s CEO. “Introducing our pan-Asian cuisine to a market we expect will show significant demand is incredibly exciting. We eagerly anticipate working closely with TFS to expand our footprint across India as we continue our global expansion into dynamic growth markets.”

Wagamama is a beloved pan-Asian dining hotspot in the United Kingdom, renowned for its culinary ingenuity, top-notch food quality, and unwavering dedication to providing a memorable experience for every guest. Its global recognition is anchored by iconic dishes like the savory grilled chicken ramen, zesty firecracker specialties, and comforting chicken katsu curry. Moreover, Wagamama’s menu continuously evolves to accommodate various dietary preferences, with an impressive 50% of its offerings tailored to plant-based diets.

Continue Exploring: Malaysia’s Union Artisan Coffee enters Indian market, opens first cafe in Delhi’s Worldmark, Aerocity

Stepping into the Indian market signifies the latest chapter in Wagamama’s impressive success saga.

The journey began in 1992 with the opening of its first location in London’s Bloomsbury. Taking cues from the dynamic atmosphere of Japanese ramen bars and a reverence for Asian culinary traditions, Wagamama set out to innovate dining: providing a unique experience where customers could savor fresh, nourishing flavors while seated together on its iconic, inclusive benches.

India presents an enticing market opportunity for Wagamama, given its rapidly expanding economy. The country boasts a sizable, diverse population, including a burgeoning middle class characterized by rising disposable incomes and a growing penchant for travel. Moreover, India is predominantly youthful, aligning closely with Wagamama’s core customer demographic, particularly those who favor the vegetarian options the brand is celebrated for.

“We’re delighted to introduce a well-known brand to Indian travellers. Varun Kapur, Executive Director of Travel Food Services, said, “We’re eager to open our doors and welcome customers later this year.”

Continue Exploring: UK-based casual dining chain Giraffe to enter Indian market, partners with Franglobal for expansion

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NewsHub

Licious’ Expansion and Financial Performance

Distribution Strategy

Financial Performance and Projections

Revenue and Sales Trends in the QSR Sector

Financial Performance of Zomato and Swiggy

Morpheus Brandy’ Global Reach

Diverse Delights: From Pan-Indian Mithai to Modern Fusion Flavors

Luxury Watch Brands at the Mumbai Boutique

Top Five Most Ordered Burgers

Ryze’s Tailored Approach to the Indian Market

Launch Strategy