Retailers scale back MDH and Everest spice stocks amid contamination concerns

May 21, 2024

MDH and Everest Spice Mixes (Representative Image)

Approximately one-third (32%) of retailers are restricting supplies of branded packaged spices suspected to contain contaminants, as reported by Kirana Club, a grocery retail networking platform with 1.8 million kirana stores in its network.

Hong Kong, Singapore, and Nepal have implemented restrictions on the sale of certain variants of spices from the MDH and Everest brands, claiming that they exceed the allowable level of ethylene oxide.

Anshul Gupta, the founder of Kirana Club, stated that despite the controversy, the overall sales of branded spices have been minimally affected.

“The issue hasn’t reached widespread awareness yet. Those who are informed tend to associate the problem with just two specific brands rather than the entire category,” Gupta said. He noted that some retailers are keeping limited stocks of the two affected brands until the situation settles.

Continue Exploring: Nepal bans import, sale of Everest and MDH spices over ethylene oxide concerns

Despite the growth of quick commerce, India’s estimated 12 million kirana, or neighborhood, stores still account for over three-fourths of annual sales of groceries, staples, and daily essentials.

Following the controversy over contaminants in spices, the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation, representing FMCG distributors, advised retailers to reduce their inventory of branded spices.

MDH and Everest did not respond to inquiries regarding retailers limiting their stocks.

Continue Exploring: MDH and Everest spice controversy threatens over half of India’s spice exports, urgent action needed: Report

Early last month, Hong Kong banned several variants of MDH and Everest spice powders. Around the same time, Singapore recalled certain Everest spice variants, citing levels of ethylene oxide exceeding permissible limits. Long-term exposure to this chemical is believed to pose a cancer risk.

Both companies refuted the allegations regarding the presence of ethylene oxide in their products.

In a statement, MDH reassured buyers and consumers that they do not utilize ethylene oxide at any stage of storing, processing, or packing their spices.

Continue Exploring: After Hong Kong Ban, New Zealand investigates contamination concerns in MDH and Everest Spice products

In a statement, a spokesperson for Everest asserted that their exports undergo clearance only upon receiving necessary approvals from the Spice Board of India. They emphasized that their products are both safe and of premium quality.

The spokesperson clarified that Everest’s products were not subjected to bans in either Hong Kong or Singapore. They explained that Singapore’s food safety authority referred to Hong Kong’s recall alert and requested the Singapore importer to recall and temporarily withhold the product for additional inspection. This, they emphasized, was a standard procedure and not a ban.

Meanwhile, the national food safety regulator is currently testing samples of all branded spices to identify any presence of ethylene oxide. In a related development, the Ministry of Commerce announced that the Spices Board has implemented measures to guarantee the safety and quality of Indian spice exports to Singapore and Hong Kong concerning ethylene oxide residue.

Continue Exploring: Spices Board issues comprehensive guidelines to curb ethylene oxide contamination in Indian spice exports

Purabi Dairy Cooperative aims to sell 4 tons of local honey this fiscal year

SnackTeam

May 21, 2024

Celebrating World Bee Day on May 20th, Purabi Dairy, Assam’s largest dairy cooperative, has announced its target to sell over 4 tons of locally-produced honey this financial year.

In May of last year, the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd (WAMUL) launched honey as part of its ‘Purabi’ brand, procured from local beekeepers in Assam. This natural honey is sourced from the Naba Milon Beekeepers and Producers Cooperative Society Ltd., Hajo (Kamrup), as part of the NDDB’s efforts to enhance honey production through cooperative initiatives in Assam. The aim is to promote sustainable beekeeping practices and advance honey production techniques in the region.

Continue Exploring: Assam dairy cooperative, WAMUL, expands beyond milk with ‘Purabi Honey’ launch

WAMUL sources the honey and markets it under the brand name Purabi Honey.

During the initial 10 months, Purabi Dairy sold over 1.2 tons of Purabi Honey, underscoring the preference for natural and locally-produced honey among consumers.

“WAMUL provided beekeeping training to our farmers, thereby establishing a new livelihood avenue for milk producers alongside our existing dairy value chain. The training initiative, coupled with the introduction of Purabi Honey, has allowed us to offer high-quality locally-produced natural honey to our customers while simultaneously boosting farmers’ earnings. It’s a mutually beneficial ecosystem for all,” stated S K Parida, General Manager of WAMUL.

“Our customers have consistently provided positive feedback, commending the rich, genuine flavor and the purity of Purabi Honey. Initially, they sampled the product by purchasing smaller packs, but now there is a growing demand for larger packs, prompting us to introduce the half-kilogram pack,” stated S M Hussain, Marketing Representative at WAMUL.

Continue Exploring: Mother Dairy set to launch 30 new products this summer, anticipating a 25-30% surge in demand; announces INR 750 Crore investment for expansion

Cinemas see surge in food sales, outpacing ticket revenue

SnackTeam

May 21, 2024

For a long time now, cinemas have offered more than just popcorn and cold drinks on their menus. Following their post-pandemic resurgence, cinemas have focused on enhancing the overall experience to entice audiences out of their homes, and it appears to be paying off. Last year, cinemas saw record attendance, with the box office surpassing INR 12,000 crore. Remarkably, in the first quarter of this year, some cinemas have reported higher revenue from food and beverage sales than from movie ticket sales.

An evening at the movies is transforming from navigating crowds to experiencing luxury. Ajay Bijli, MD of PVR INOX, shares, “At our luxury screens, food is served not by regular staff but by experts hired from the hospitality sector. I emphasize to my team the importance of delivering exceptional service to ensure moviegoers return.”

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Yogesh Raizada, VP of Wave Cinemas, explains, “Integrating high-end restaurants, bars, and lounges with our screens is crucial for attracting moviegoers. They stay to socialize rather than just watch the movie and leave. This strategy has led to our food and beverage business not only thriving but also surpassing ticket sales.”

Bhuvnesh Mendiratta, COO of Miraj Cinemas, states, “Cinemas nationwide are striving to create environments where people want to linger, even if not for movies. However, the food must match the quality found outside, and the service must be impeccable.”

Continue Exploring: PVR INOX and Devyani International partner up to bring Costa Coffee to premium locations

Exhibitors point out that cinema halls attract far more visitors than any restaurant, requiring staff to put in significantly more effort. An usher at a cinema chain notes, “People quickly forget a bad movie, but they remember bad food and avoid those places in the future. That’s why we focus on continually improving our cinema snacks without compromising on quality.”

Devang Sampat, CEO of Cinepolis India, previously mentioned, “High-end services are transforming the moviegoing experience. Cinemas now offer gourmet dishes crafted by expert chefs, which have become immensely popular with audiences.”

Continue Exploring: Devyani International forms JV with PVR Inox to develop food courts in malls

Ferrero launches its first sugar candy ‘Tic Tac Chewy’ to delight US consumers

SnackTeam

May 20, 2024

Ferrero Group has launched its first sugar candy, Tic Tac Chewy, at the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis, US.

Tic Tac Chewy marks Ferrero’s inaugural innovation tailored specifically for the US market, showcasing the company’s dedication to ongoing expansion. Available in two enticing variants, Fruit Adventure and Sour Adventure, each pack boasts a fusion of five vibrant fruity flavors: cherry, apple, orange, lemon, and grape.

Continue Exploring: Alpenliebe sweetens summer with new mango flavor in Popfills Lollipop range!

Jim Klein, Ferrero USA’s chief customer officer, expressed, “In recent years, Ferrero has significantly bolstered its investment in North America, augmenting manufacturing and R&D capabilities, attracting top-tier talent, and fostering a culture of relentless product innovation. With captivating new offerings like Tic Tac Chewy, we are poised to sustain category growth and provide significant value to our retail collaborators.”

Tic Tac Chewy will hit the shelves starting in September at major retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and Kroger, with nationwide availability anticipated by early 2025.

Continue Exploring: Burger King sweetens its menu with new frozen cotton candy drink

Renowned chef Gordon Ramsay unveils Ramsay’s Kitchen at Four Seasons Hotel in Missouri, US

SnackTeam

May 20, 2024

Ramsay’s Kitchen, helmed by renowned celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, has officially opened at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis in Missouri.

Located on the eighth floor, the new Ramsay’s Kitchen features a spacious layout, including a bar and lounge, a main dining room with a seasonal patio, two private dining rooms, and an outdoor RK Bar.

The restaurant can accommodate over 250 guests, offering a selection of Chef Ramsay’s signature dishes alongside new culinary creations.

Gordon Ramsay remarked, “St. Louis is an incredible foodie destination, rich with vibrant Midwest flavors and influences.”

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“I’m thrilled to open my venture at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, a beautiful restaurant with stunning views of the Gateway Arch and the famous Mississippi River. It’s the ideal spot for family celebrations, date nights, and gatherings with friends.”

The menu at Ramsay’s Kitchen St. Louis features a selection of Chef Ramsay’s renowned dishes, including Beef Wellington, Crispy Skin Salmon, Fish and Chips, and Pan-Seared Scallops.

Starters include Parker Rolls, Tuna Tartare, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, and Chef Ramsay’s twist on a local favorite, STL Style Ribs.

Desserts feature British classics such as the signature Sticky Toffee Pudding and Strawberry Eton Mess.

Additionally, there are revamped variants of Vanilla Mascarpone Cheesecake and Chocolate Tart on the menu.

Alper Oztok, the general manager of Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, expressed, “The Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis team is delighted to welcome Chef Ramsay to St. Louis, and we’re eager for both locals and hotel guests to savor his internationally inspired menu.”

Continue Exploring: Gordon Ramsay launches his first steak restaurant in Louisiana

“Reflecting Chef Ramsay’s tireless pursuit of excellence, this restaurant delivers elevated cuisine within a refined setting. It serves as a superb addition to the hotel, injecting fresh creativity and innovation that enhances the overall guest experience.”

The restaurant’s design, envisioned by California-based AO, embraces a color palette of navy blue, sienna, and cream, incorporating decor elements that honor the local culture and landscapes of St. Louis.

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

SnackTeam

May 20, 2024

Around 82% of Indians prefer indulging in traditional sweets like rasmalai and shahi tukda following their meals, as indicated by a survey report conducted by the business-to-business (B2B) company Scandalous Foods.

The fondness for traditional sweets notably surpasses that for other dessert choices, with only 25% favoring chocolates, 10% for ice creams, and 20% for Western desserts like cakes.

“Our latest survey reveals a clear preference for traditional Indian sweets, which reflect our rich heritage & culinary traditions. While Indians like novelty, they also value familiarity. As a result, we’re focusing on classic sweets like mithai sundaes, shahi tukda, jalebi, and rabri,” explained Sanket S, co-founder of Scandalous Foods.

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

Additional findings from the survey reveal a shift towards healthier dessert preferences, indicating an increasing desire for options with reduced sugar content, incorporating healthier ingredients, and accommodating various dietary requirements, including vegan alternatives.

Established in August 2022, Scandalous Foods offers sweets with a shelf life of 6 months, conveniently packaged in single-serve sizes. While currently functioning as a business-to-business (B2B) enterprise, it aims to broaden its horizons by venturing into business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) markets.

Continue Exploring: Scandalous Foods successfully completes pre-seed funding, secures INR 3 Crore

Flipkart unveils ‘IRIS’ insights platform, targets increased share of D2C brands’ ad spending

SnackTeam

May 20, 2024

Flipkart, a Walmart-owned e-commerce platform, has revamped its offerings for brands with the launch of an insights platform called IRIS.

IRIS, short for Insights and Research Intelligence System, purportedly assists homegrown direct-to-consumer (D2C) and new-age brands in gaining a deeper understanding of consumer behavior on the marketplace.

According to Flipkart, IRIS is set to furnish brands with comprehensive reports on user behavior insights, market trends, and industry-standard comparative analysis, aiding them in deciphering consumer perception of their brands.

Brands and sellers on the marketplace can utilize these reports to refine their marketing campaigns and improve customer engagement. Flipkart also asserts that data from IRIS will enable brands to expand their offline presence more efficiently.

Furthermore, the company announced the promotion of Sandeep Karwa, formerly the business head for fashion and softlines, as the new vice president leading Flipkart Ads. He assumed responsibility for the advertising vertical of the platform in January.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart expands VIP subscription to eight new cities, intensifying competition with Amazon Prime

The e-commerce behemoth aims to capture a larger share of online ad spending from D2C brands. The company noted that retail media spending constitutes only 15%–20% of digital advertising expenditure in India, in contrast to 25%–30% in the US and 55%–60% in China.

The company claimed that digital advertising expenditure in India surged to over 25–30% in the first quarter of 2024. Despite this rapid growth, they emphasized that there is tremendous potential for further expansion.

This marks the second development this month for Flipkart, intended to strengthen its relationship with sellers. In May, the e-commerce giant revised its rate cards for sellers, removing collection and shipping charges and instead incorporating fixed and commission charges.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart revamps seller rate card for transparent settlements and improved clarity

The debut of IRIS aligns with the company’s simultaneous plans to venture into the quick commerce vertical. The e-commerce giant has appointed Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Group Head of Supply Chain, as the head of the quick commerce business.

D2C brands are undoubtedly set to become a critical category for Flipkart in its quick commerce business, with IRIS expected to be extended to brands selling through this channel as well.

Regarding Flipkart IRIS, Karwa stated, “With Flipkart IRIS, our objective is to furnish brands with actionable insights regarding their business performance on Flipkart. By enabling brands to make strategic decisions supported by comprehensive data, the platform is positioned to unlock unprecedented growth opportunities for brands on the platform.”

Coincidentally, Flipkart is aiming to enhance its revenue streams and lower costs as it strives for profitability, in anticipation of a potential move towards public markets.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart mulls reverse flip to India as IPO looms on the horizon

The company’s senior leadership has commenced internal discussions regarding relocating the company’s domicile to India. These plans are anticipated to gain momentum in the coming months as preparations for the IPO take shape.

Previously, Walmart International President and CEO Kath McLay stated that Flipkart is on a growth trajectory and the company is waiting for the opportune moment for its public debut.

Alpenliebe sweetens summer with new mango flavor in Popfills Lollipop range!

SnackTeam

May 20, 2024

With the summer temperatures climbing, Alpenliebe, a cherished brand under Perfetti Van Melle, introduces a delightful new addition: Mango flavor to its irresistible Alpenliebe Popfills lollipop collection.

In August 2022, Alpenliebe Popfills transformed the lollipop scene, presenting consumers with a unique fusion: a lollipop blending the traditional crunch of candy with a creamy, smooth center, delivering a delightful “Lick & Chomp” experience. Expanding on the popularity of its original caramel flavor, Alpenliebe Popfills now introduces its latest addition: the Mango-flavored lollipop.

Continue Exploring: Nestle unveils irresistible ice cream-inspired confectionery lineup!

Capturing the very essence of summer, Alpenliebe Popfills’ Mango-flavored lollipop guarantees to whisk taste buds away to a tropical haven. Bursting with the irresistible sweetness of ripe mangoes, this decadent delight offers a refreshing escape from the scorching summer temperatures.

Gunjan Khetan, the Marketing Director of Perfetti Van Melle India (PVMI), expressed enthusiasm about the new release, stating, “Alpenliebe is delighted to broaden its Popfills lollipop assortment by introducing the Mango flavor. Each summer, children eagerly await the mango season, and now, with Popfills Mango, they can savor its delightful essence all year round! We’re thrilled to bring the joy of Alpenliebe Popfills Mango to our cherished customers throughout India.”

The new Alpenliebe Popfills Mango-flavored lollipop is now available at nearby stores for a price of INR 5.

Continue Exploring: Reliance Consumer Products bolsters confectionery portfolio with acquisition of Ravalgaon’s assets for INR 27 Crore

Hershey delights fans with debut of Pink Lemonade-Flavored KitKat

SnackTeam

May 20, 2024

The KitKat brand has introduced a fresh addition to its US range with the unveiling of a limited-edition flavor: Pink Lemonade.

The latest iteration coats KitKat’s iconic wafer with a creamy pink lemonade flavor, delivering a refreshing sensation with subtle hints of strawberry.

The bar was crafted to appeal to the preferences of Gen Z and Millennials, as the brand notes that over 93% of these consumers favor pink lemonade-flavored treats.

Continue Exploring: Krispy Kreme teams up with KitKat and Aero to launch exclusive doughnut flavors in the UK

Hilary Long, KitKat’s brand lead, expressed, “Innovating new and surprising flavor journeys for our KitKat enthusiasts is fundamental to our mission. The KitKat Pink Lemonade bar offers a delightful experience with each bite, evoking the refreshing essence of a pink lemonade on a summer day.”

This marks the most recent addition to KitKat’s series of flavor innovations. In January of this year, the brand introduced a new ethically-sourced KitKat in the UK, crafted with cocoa mass sourced from beans cultivated by farmer families engaged in Nestlé’s income accelerator program. During the same period, the brand also revealed a new 70% Dark chocolate bar.

In November of the previous year, Hershey, the distributor of KitKat in the US, unveiled a new frosted donut-flavored bar in the country. Additionally, in May of the same year, they introduced a limited-edition churro variety.

The bars are now available for purchase nationwide in both standard and king-size formats.

Continue Exploring: Nestlé launches first-ever ethically sourced KitKat

Pernod Ricard unveils new Spanish wine brand Tapabrava

SnackTeam

May 20, 2024

Pernod Ricard UK has unveiled Tapabrava, a new Spanish wine brand that the company describes as a fusion of Spanish culture and modern winemaking.

The latest wine offering features two variations: a red blend and a white blend, aiming to encapsulate the spirit of a tapas evening, evoking the vibrancy of gatherings and flavorsome memories.

A burgeoning category, blended wine is crafted by melding diverse wine varietals sourced from various grapes, regions, vintages, and aging techniques, resulting in a distinct composite creation.

Continue Exploring: Pernod Ricard’s Absolut Shots range gets zesty addition with Orange peel flavor

The Red Blend from Tapabrava boasts a 12.5% ABV, offering a rounded, inviting profile characterized by intense, fruit-forward flavors. Bursting with lively red berries and sweet spices, it presents a warm and alluring taste experience.

With an ABV of 11.4%, the White Blend from Tapabrava exhibits a luminous pale appearance complemented by green undertones. It showcases refreshing citric and floral aromas, accentuated by delicate hints of white peach and apricot.

Lucy Bearman, brand director at Pernod Ricard UK, emphasized, “Tapabrava embodies the essence of unity and the allure of Spain. Dining experiences and wine are intertwined; there’s no greater joy than sharing quality moments around the table, cherishing companionship, and raising a glass in celebration with friends.”

She further added, “Our target demographic prioritizes quality over quantity and values finding great bargains. They relish hosting gatherings at home, frequently experimenting with new recipes and selecting wines to complement their cuisine. Each variation of Tapabrava showcases unique traits and an accessible appeal, ranging from the rich, fruit-forward profile of the red blend to the vibrant, citric notes of the white blend.”

The recently launched Tapabrava wine collection is currently accessible for purchase at chosen UK retailers, priced at £8 per bottle.

Continue Exploring: Canned wine company The Uncommon secures £1.2 Million in funding for expansion

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