AbCoffee, a Mumbai-based tech-enabled coffee chain, has unveiled its 41st coffee counter in Gurugram, according to a senior company official’s social media post.
The latest Point Of Sale (PoS) marks the company’s 14th PoS in Delhi-NCR and is situated within Global Foyer Mall, Palam Vihar, Gurugram.
“Inaugurating our deck signals the commencement of an enchanting journey for coffee aficionados in the Delhi NCR region. Swing by for a swift energizer and relish the impeccable fusion of efficiency, convenience, and excellence at abCoffee – where each sip narrates a tale and every moment is embraced with a smile,” expressed Ruben Samuel, City Operations Manager-Delhi, AbCoffee, in a LinkedIn update.
Earlier this month, the coffee retailer unveiled a new deck in Sector 18, Gurugram.
Gap Inc., a renowned Californian clothing and accessories retail chain, has opened a new store in Pune’s Amanora Mall, as revealed in a social media post by the mall.
Founded by Donald Fisher and Doris F. Fisher, Gap Inc. is currently operated by Reliance Retail. It manages Gap-branded stores across India, both in physical locations and online.
“The anticipation ends now! We’re delighted to unveil Gap, Reliance Retail at Amanora Mall. Explore the newest fashion trends with Gap at Amanora Mall,” shared Amanora Mall in a recent LinkedIn post.
The mall has introduced several new outlets, featuring brands like Nykd by Nykaa, Meena Bazaar, Burger Singh, and Yousta.
Earlier, the brand had opened stores in both Mumbai and Pune.
Gap Inc., founded in 1969, provides clothing, accessories, and personal care items for men, women, and children through retail stores, franchised outlets, and online channels. Its operations are divided into four main divisions: Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Athleta. In February 2023, the company unveiled its initial standalone store in India at Infiniti Mall, Mumbai, after setting up over 50 Gap shop-in-shops in 2022.
Reliance Retail Ltd (RRL), the retail branch of Reliance Industries Ltd., manages a comprehensive omni-channel network comprising more than 18,774 stores and digital commerce platforms.
McDonald’s India – North and East has unveiled its latest offering: the Chicken Surprise burger, just in time for the summer holidays. Priced at an introductory offer of INR 65/- for the a-la-carte (down from the original price of INR 69/-), this pocket-friendly delight promises to tantalize taste buds across the region.
The McDonald’s Chicken Surprise meal is now featured in the McDeal value meal, starting at just INR 99/-. This meal comes complete with French fries and a Coke, providing customers with both unbeatable value and a truly satisfying, flavorful dining experience.
Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director of McDonald’s India – North & East, said, “At McDonald’s India – North & East, we’re dedicated to staying in tune with our customers’ evolving tastes and needs through our menu innovations. Our goal is to consistently offer exciting, customer-centric, high-quality McDonald’s food and experiences. The Chicken Surprise burger, our latest addition, presents an irresistible choice for chicken lovers, featuring flavorful, juicy chicken and our signature crunch.”
Skillfully assembled with premium ingredients, the Chicken Surprise burger boasts a succulent, crispy golden chicken patty sandwiched between a soft, toasted bun and generously adorned with chipotle sauce and shredded onion. Customers can further customize their burger experience by selecting options like a whole wheat bun, double patties, and additional toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and cheese slice, allowing them to elevate their dining experience to their liking.
Availability and Ordering Options
Patrons can relish this delightful offering at McDonald’s locations throughout North and East India (excluding purely vegetarian restaurants), or conveniently order it via McDelivery services (Swiggy, Zomato, or Magic Pin). Additionally, customers can opt for takeaway or utilize the drive-thru for added convenience.
According to a report by ET, a Reliance Retail store named Shri Kannan Departmental Store in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is actively participating on the seller side of ONDC through Fynd.
“This is being conducted as a trial. Several more stores in Tamil Nadu are in the works. They’re experimenting with it. Should it prove successful, Reliance Retail intends to expand it to five stores initially, then to 100 stores on ONDC. Eventually, all brands under Reliance Retail’s umbrella will be integrated onto ONDC,” a source informed ET.
In December 2021, Reliance Retail purchased Shri Kannan Departmental Store for INR 152.5 crore.
During its beta launch in Bengaluru in September 2022, Dunzo, a quick-commerce company supported by Reliance Retail, became operational on ONDC. However, the report noted that Dunzo has been inactive as a logistics service provider on the network since April this year.
Established in 2012 by Farooq Adam, Harsh Shah, and Sreeraman MG, Fynd is an omnichannel fashion platform that offers a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, jewelry, and accessories, sourced from leading brands across the country.
The startup facilitates the transition of small and medium-sized businesses to the online sphere by aiding them in listing their inventory on various ecommerce platforms like Amazon and Nykaa, among others. Additionally, it assists these businesses with last-mile logistics delivery. Based in Mumbai, the startup enhances delivery efficiency by sourcing products from outlets closest to the customer.
Reliance’s Stake in Fynd
Reliance Industries Limited secured an 87.6% stake in Fynd back in 2019, with a deal valued at INR 295 crore (about $42.33 million).
During the quarter ended March 2024, Reliance Retail witnessed a 9.8% year-on-year increase in operating revenue, reaching INR 67,610 crore compared to INR 61,559 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. However, revenue experienced a sequential decline of over 9%, dropping from INR 74,373 crore.
Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited, boasting four menswear brands – Killer, Integriti, Lawman Pg3, and easies in its repertoire, has secured a 50% stake in Kraus Casuals Private Limited for a sum of INR 166.51 crore.
This move marks the company’s foray into the women’s denim and casual wear segment.
KCPL, presently operating under the Kraus jeans brand, engages in manufacturing, selling, designing, and exporting women’s clothing, primarily focusing on casual and denim bottom and top wear for women, teens, and kids.
Previously, the business operated under the partnership firm Oriental Trading Company.
Distribution Channels and Market Presence
Kraus distributes its products through 1,000 large format stores, such as Lifestyle, Pantaloons, Reliance, Shoppers Stop, and Lulu, and maintains a network of 8 exclusive brand outlets. Meanwhile, KKCL boasts a network of 488 exclusive brand outlets.
Kewalchand Jain, Chairman & Managing Director of KKCL, stated, “Our endeavor to acquire a brand in the women’s wear category has come to fruition with today’s acquisition, facilitating our expansion in this segment as well.”
Donna Deli, a prominent name in the culinary scene, has collaborated with actress Tejasswi Prakash to introduce the new DollHouse Menu. This collaboration aims to provide a one-of-a-kind blend of flavours and creativity, curated to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Tejasswi Prakash, a passionate food aficionado, has handpicked the DollHouse Menu, personally selecting her favorite dishes for this exclusive offering. The menu showcases four main courses and two desserts, each meticulously crafted to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Exploring the DollHouse Menu: A Culinary Adventure
For vegetarians, tantalizing choices include the Mini Korean Bun and the Ricotta and Arugula Confit Cherry Tomato Toastie, while non-vegetarians can relish in the Chipotle Chicken Vol Au Vents and the Spicy Chicken Sausage Toastie. To sweeten the experience, guests can indulge in the Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake and the Pistachio Praline Choux for dessert.
Tejasswi Prakash expressed, “Embrace your inner royalty and pamper yourself like a queen with our DollHouse Menu.”
Ayush Kapur, the owner of Donna Deli, remarked, “We are excited to partner with Tejasswi Prakash in delivering our patrons a distinct and delightful dining journey. The DollHouse Menu mirrors Tejasswi’s discerning palate and our dedication to providing inventive and delectable choices.”
The DollHouse Menu will be accessible throughout the day, beckoning guests to embark on a culinary journey brimming with warmth and flavor. Whether it’s a laid-back brunch or a cozy dinner, Donna Deli guarantees a memorable gastronomic escapade.
In February of this year, Meesho, a Bengaluru-based ecommerce platform, introduced Valmo, its own logistics marketplace. The goal was to democratize third-party logistics and alleviate delivery costs, particularly for smaller players.
Four months down the line, analysts observe that significant repercussions are being felt by major third-party logistics providers.
“In India, the sector is largely unorganised, with local and regional entities operating within specific regions. With Valmo, Meesho aims to eliminate entry barriers for these players and establish a nationwide logistics solution,” stated a knowledgeable source regarding the new initiative.
Rapid Expansion and Operational Statistics of Valmo
Indeed, Valmo has rapidly expanded its operations to handle an average of 900,000 orders per day, representing approximately one-fifth of all third-party ecommerce shipments in India.
Its reach now extends to over 6,000 postal codes spanning across more than 20 cities.
The marketplace hosts at least 3,000 micro-entrepreneurs.
With Valmo, Meesho reduces delivery expenses, already achieving a 5% decrease. The company anticipates a further reduction of around 10%.
According to a report by Kotak Institutional Equities, Meesho has the potential to generate revenue from logistics, as it has significantly increased the proportion of insourced operations beyond 20%, affecting the growth of third-party players. The report states that Meesho represents approximately 20% of Delhivery’s Express Parcel business and captures 45% or more of the revenues of other major ecommerce players such as Flipkart, Amazon, and others.
Elara Capital said in a note, “While the ecommerce sector is projected to grow at 15-20%, Meesho, handling 24% of total shipments in India in FY23, has expanded its captive logistics share, resulting in reduced reliance on third-party logistics providers. This shift could potentially constrain segmental growth in the future.”
However, Delhivery refutes any suggestion of such impact on its operations.
In a conference call with analysts following the company’s fourth-quarter results, Sahil Barua, the co-founder and CEO of Delhivery, stated, “Neither do I expect significant volatility coming any further from here from various players deciding to experiment with various logistics models in terms of volume nor do I anticipate it having a material impact on our EBITDA.”
It’s tougher to establish a logistics company than it is to grow one past a certain point, he noted. And that Delhivery’s primary business was logistics. “Part of what enables us to provide the margins that we do is our ability to operate a fully integrated and a part truckload system, which even lowers our costs in the Express Parcel sector. To be sure, things would be difficult if we were currently a parcel-only business, depending on a single supplier for a significant portion of our volumes, launching self-logistics, and applying price pressure. However, thankfully for us, that isn’t the situation, Barua stated during the analyst call.
In a statement last December, Meesho announced it had attained profitability for the July-September quarter of FY24.
In a transformative move poised to redefine the fitness and nutrition industry in India, Good Fettle Private Limited has launched Pod Nutrition, a groundbreaking vegan protein brand. Distinguished by its superior taste, purity, and nutritional excellence, the brand sets a new standard in plant-based supplements. Meticulously crafted, it offers a guilt-free indulgence without compromising on flavor or quality.
Pod Nutrition represents a significant milestone in Good Fettle’s mission to provide premium, sustainable, and ethically sourced nutritional products. Following the success of India’s first low-calorie, low-carb, guilt-free ice cream, Good Fettle has now ventured into the vegan protein market, aiming to make a substantial impact on health-conscious consumers.
Akhil Gupta, Co-Founder of Good Fettle Private Limited, expressed, “Through Pod Nutrition, our goal is to transform perceptions around vegan protein supplementation. Our products not only offer outstanding taste but also supply essential nutrients for optimal health and vitality. We aspire to have a significant impact on consumers’ lives by addressing their nutritional requirements through Pod Nutrition, thereby making a meaningful difference every day.”
Addressing India’s Protein Deficiency
Research indicates that 73 percent of Indians lack sufficient protein intake and are unaware of their daily needs. To address this gap, Pod Nutrition emerges as a timely solution for health-conscious individuals seeking high-quality plant-based nutrition. This innovative protein blend stands out for being free from artificial colors, sweeteners, soy, and dairy. It effortlessly mixes into water, smoothies, or macro-friendly recipes, catering to diverse dietary preferences and restrictions.
Ayush Gupta, emphasized, “Pod Nutrition transcends being merely a protein brand; it embodies a lifestyle choice that enables individuals to embrace wellness without compromise. We’re setting new standards, and the evidence lies in the protein. Our innovative plant-based protein blend is meticulously crafted and designed to support your body’s recovery, empowering you to pursue your most ambitious fitness objectives. These products signify a new chapter in the realm of protein supplements, reminiscent of our iconic Ice Cream. We are committed to catering to the needs of Indians through health-oriented product offerings that resonate with both current and future food trends.”
The brand presents a selection of seven delightful flavors: Strawberry Cream, Hazelnut Cream, Vanilla Smoothie, Iced Cappuccino, Sweet Mango, Pineapple Punch, and Chocolate Latte. It is offered in two variations: Lean POD containing 16g of protein and Strong POD with 26g of protein, catering to diverse consumer preferences, from those focused on maintaining a lean physique to others supporting an active lifestyle. Pod Nutrition can be conveniently purchased through the company’s official website.
Nestlé has launched a limited-edition plant-based fork for Maggi cup noodles in India. Experts in food science and packaging at company’s R&D center in India worked with a local startup to create a two-piece edible fork made from wheat flour and salt. This unique combination, along with a proprietary design and manufacturing process, ensures the fork’s functionality while preserving the noodles’ nutritional value and taste.
Redesigning accessories such as straws, cups, and cutlery is a key aspect of Nestlé’s commitment to reducing or eliminating plastic use in packaging. This initiative complements efforts to simplify packaging materials, expand reusable and refillable systems, and explore alternative packaging materials across various product categories.
Gerhard Niederreiter, head of Nestlé’s Institute of Packaging Sciences, states, “At Nestlé, we are constantly investigating alternative sustainable packaging solutions that guarantee food safety, enhance consumer experience, and preserve product taste and quality. In this instance, our packaging experts created a unique alternative fork, leveraging our scientific expertise in various food-grade packaging materials and designs.”
Antonia Wanner, group head of ESG Strategy & Deployment, explains, “Minimising packaging & designing for recyclability are central to Nestle’s sustainability commitments. Our teams continually explore innovative materials and advanced technologies to create packaging solutions that are convenient, protect the food, and benefit the planet.”
Testing Innovative Packaging Solutions: Paper Scoop for Adult Milk Powders
Furthermore, Nestlé’s packaging experts in R&D Nutrition and China are testing a patented paper scoop for adult milk powders in China. This innovative packaging design, featuring a flat, foldable scoop and a metal cap, eliminates the need for plastic entirely.
By 2021, Nestlé had replaced 4.5 billion plastic straws worldwide with paper straws. Nestlé’s R&D teams have continued to innovate with recyclable straws, looking for new solutions and improving the functionality of existing paper straws. The Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences has also made significant efforts to create new paper cups, including researching non-plastic coatings that can withstand hot beverages.
These recent examples highlight Nestlé’s commitment to innovative solutions aimed at reducing the use of virgin plastics by incorporating less plastic, recycled plastic, and alternative packaging materials.
Arla Foods, the Danish dairy group, has entered into a licensing agreement with Mondelez International, the US confectionery giant, to manufacture and distribute chocolate milk bearing the Milka brand in three countries.
Arla disclosed that the chocolate milk products will be introduced in Germany, Austria, and Poland.
Milka, a chocolate brand under the ownership of Mondelez, which also owns Cadbury and Oreo brands, currently offers products in various categories such as ice cream, cakes, and pastries. The upcoming chocolate milk, set to be launched next month, will be manufactured at Arla’s dairy facility in Esbjerg, Denmark.
“I’m thrilled to embark on a long-term strategic partnership with Mondelez International, bringing delicious and sought-after products to our consumers,” stated Patrik Hansson, Arla Foods’ Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
“Milka is a cherished brand, and I’m confident in our manufacturing, commercial, and marketing prowess to elevate it further. Our ambition is crystal clear: We aim to secure the top position in our launch markets,” emphasized Patrik Hansson.
Product Varieties and Flavors
Arla disclosed that the beverage will come in three distinct formats and offer three different flavors.
Clive Jones, President of Central Europe and EU Central Sales at Mondelez International, remarked, “This partnership enables us to extend the cherished Milka brand across Europe, offering consumers an exciting new avenue to savor their favorite chocolate.”
“As we persist in innovating and expanding our portfolio, this venture into a new category represents a pivotal milestone in Milka’s journey of success,” remarked the spokesperson.
On May 28th, Mondelez inaugurated a biscuit and baked snacks NPD facility in Singapore to serve its Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa markets.
The company emphasized that this move reaffirms its dedication to innovation and product development throughout Southeast Asia, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
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