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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Plant Based Foods Industry Association (PBFIA) is set to host its highly anticipated 3rd Plant Based Foods Summit in New Delhi on May 21, 2024. Presented by esteemed partners including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&Fw), the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), this visionary event provides a platform for industry players and exhibitors to harness the benefits of plant-based products on a wide scale. Building on the success of previous conventions, which united industry leaders and ignited innovative initiatives, this summit marks a pivotal moment for the plant-based sector as it strides into a transformative era. Taking place at the prestigious Hotel Le Meridien, Windsor Palace, the summit is supported by Ernst & Young as the Knowledge Partner, promising insightful discussions and groundbreaking insights.
The flagship summit will be honored by distinguished guests including Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and G. Kamalavardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), who will serve as the Guest of Honor. They will be joined by Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary of APEDA; Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General of the Indian Chambers of Commerce; Gaurav Taneja, Partner and Leader of Government & Public Sector at Ernst & Young, and other esteemed dignitaries.
The 3rd Plant Based Foods Summit is poised to make history, offering a platform for a diverse array of plant-based foods from various companies and startups. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative products and establish connections with key industry players, including potential customers, investors, and partners. Panel discussions and immersive sessions led by industry experts and policymakers will delve into significant yet often overlooked aspects of the plant-based industry.
Veterans and specialists will engage in fruitful discussions to explore strategies for overcoming ultra-processing labels and methods for enhancing India’s export potential to reduce price disparities. This gathering aims to advance the vision by providing insights into the industry’s latest trends, sustainability efforts, innovations, and prospects.
Sanjay Sethi, Executive Director of PBFIA, reflects, “The 3rd Plant Based Foods Summit stands as a testament to the vast potential of plant-based foods in reshaping our food systems. Our aim is to cultivate impactful partnerships and chart a course towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for India in the plant-based sector.”
The 3rd Plant Based Food Summit, boasting international participation, has garnered backing from numerous companies and institutions. Josh Tetrick, the forward-thinking Co-Founder and CEO of Eat Just, Inc., is scheduled to attend the summit in New Delhi on May 21st. Amidst industry excitement surrounding their pioneering plant-based egg made from Mung, Tetrick’s attendance hints at delving into India’s potential as a Mung exporter. Just Eat aims to forge export alliances, tapping into India’s robust agricultural sector for mutual advancement.
The summit boasts a diverse array of supporters, including Soupherb Nutrition, Amazon India Shipping, JBT Corporation, Plantaway Foods, Pall Corporation, Nutricircle Limited, DBS Bank and U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). Additionally, it receives support from a range of organizations such as ITC, ACME, RSPO, AAK, Patanjali, Hospitality First, Indian Culinary Forum, Food Service Distributors Association of India (FSDA), Symega, Marine Hydrocolloids, Continental Greenbird, Vezlay, Ella Foods, Mirtillo, and Relsus.
The upcoming 5th Mega Convention offers a promising platform to delve into and discuss the latest advancements and trends, providing valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of plant-based industries. Exhibitors will discover ample opportunities to forge partnerships and integrations across diverse sectors, making it a comprehensive forum for B2B marketing spanning retail and distribution to e-commerce, hospitality, and the food & beverage industries. The inclusive agenda facilitates both forward and backward integrations, fostering a concerted effort towards ecosystem building and connectivity.
The summit will feature live culinary demonstrations showcasing the extensive array of options within a plant-based lifestyle, alongside acknowledgments and accolades for members and the rising prominence of soy and other plant-based ingredients. With a specific focus on plant protein clusters, the session titled ‘Harnessing India’s Potential through Plant Protein Clusters’ aims to spotlight industry challenges and underscore sustainability using local raw materials and resource efficiency, while also addressing food security in densely populated regions.
To seize the pivotal opportunities presented at this summit, potential participants are urged to promptly secure their exhibition spaces, ensuring they don’t miss the chance to participate in this enlightening event. The PBFIA event endeavors to bring together a diverse community of industry professionals and consumers committed to sustainable and healthy food choices.
Radisson Hotel Group has opened Mandrem Beach Resort, marking the newest addition to its Radisson Individual Retreats in Goa.
Situated approximately 28 kilometers from Manohar International Airport in Goa, the resort presents a fusion of beachfront and riverfront lodging options.
Customers can get to the resort using options like taxis, car rentals, and buses, all available within one kilometer of the resort.
“We are excited to unveil the debut of Mandrem Beach Resort, joining the esteemed Radisson Individual Retreats collection. Our distinctive portfolio within this brand extension comprises stunning properties providing bespoke stays that are genuine, eco-conscious, and unforgettable,” stated Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, South Asia, for Radisson Hotel Group.
“We are dedicated to meeting the increasing demand for upscale experiences through offerings such as Radisson Individual Retreats and expanding our footprint across India’s hidden treasures. This launch marks a significant stride in that direction,” Sharma emphasized.
Apart from beachfront and riverfront accommodations, the resort presents luxury suites featuring a private plunge pool.
The resort sits close to both Arambol Beach and Ashwem Beach, renowned for their Bohemian ambiance and pristine sands. Nature lovers can conveniently explore nearby Morjim, Galgibag, and Agonda beaches, known for turtle nesting.
Vinay Albuquerque, Director of Alcon Victor Group, stated, “With this collaboration, we are set to deliver a fusion of cultural experiences alongside top-notch hospitality standards to travellers seeking a break from the mundane and enjoying the charm of Goa.”
The resort features a 1,800 square feet banquet hall and a sprawling beach lawn, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. These spaces are perfect for events such as sunset pre-functions, evening sundowners, or lavish weddings.
In addition to beachside relaxation, guests can partake in activities like surfing, kayaking, river cruises, and wellness retreats, ensuring a diverse and fulfilling experience at Radisson’s latest resort.
“Our resort blends unique sustainable experiences and contemporary luxury with Radisson’s renowned hospitality. We cordially invite our guests to embrace the distinctive charm of our resort, crafting enduring memories on the shores of Mandrem Beach,” expressed Miguel Rebello, General Manager of Mandrem Beach Resort, a proud member of Radisson Individual Retreats.
Ospree has opened two new retail outlets at Mumbai International Airport Terminal 2: The Bharat Story, a luxury Indian destination store, and Bon Voyage, the airport’s first duty-free convenience store.
The Bharat Story aims to transform the Indian destination shopping experience, catering to international travelers in search of luxury and sophistication. Offering a carefully curated assortment of premium Indian brands, the store showcases a variety of Indian liquor, sweets, souvenirs, marble handicrafts, and exclusive spice and tea gift sets. Additionally, patrons can discover distinctive Ospree offerings such as Indian paintings and toys.
Bon Voyage, the airport’s leading duty-free convenience store, offers a wide array of products spanning categories including chocolates, beverages, travel necessities, books, digital accessories, toys, and souvenirs. Highlighting renowned brands like Rhine Valley, Lindt, Venchi, Marshall, and JBL, it ensures a premium shopping experience for travelers.
The introduction of these high-end retail destinations strategically aligns with the summer season, taking advantage of the influx of travelers at Mumbai International Airport. With Mumbai experiencing a steady rise in passenger traffic, Ospree intends to seize the opportunity in the thriving travel shopping market by introducing an enticing addition to its premium duty-free lineup.
Avishek Bambi Das, CEO of MTRPL, expressed excitement, stating, “We are delighted to unveil The Bharat Story and Bon Voyage at Mumbai International Airport. The Bharat Story represents our dedication to showcasing indigenous luxury goods on a global scale. With Bon Voyage, we aspire to set the standard for convenient travel retail nationwide. These inaugurations underscore our pledge to enrich the travel experience for our valued customers at every stage of their journey. Our unwavering focus on customer satisfaction remains paramount, and this initiative is a testament to that dedication.”
Around 33% of iD Fresh Food‘s sales originate from quick commerce platforms, while its traditional e-commerce sales have experienced a 25% decline over the past two years, as reported by Moneycontrol.
Sales through quick commerce channels have witnessed a remarkable surge, skyrocketing by over 100 times. According to the report, the company, which earned nearly INR 500 crore in FY23, generated INR 17 crore monthly from quick commerce in the first three months of 2024. This is a substantial increase from INR 15 lakh per month, recorded two years ago.
The report highlighted that the convenience of quick commerce has shifted household habits, diminishing the necessity for planning meals a day in advance, as everything is now accessible within just 30 minutes.
PC Musthafa, the Founder and CEO of iD Fresh Food, pointed out that the expansion of quick commerce hasn’t suppressed offline sales, which continue to be the main revenue source. Nevertheless, he stressed the growing importance of convenience and predictability to customers, underscoring the trend towards quick commerce compared to scheduled delivery models.
Among iD’s leading quick commerce platforms are Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, Blinkit, and BB Now. Musthafa noted that while Bigbasket has been surpassed by others, this change reflects consumer inclination towards quick commerce. However, Bigbasket retains its strength in scheduled deliveries, especially for long shelf-life FMCG products.
Despite critics questioning the financial viability of quick commerce models, Musthafa remains confident in their potential profitability. He points to uniform margins across platforms and advanced technological infrastructure as evidence of this potential.
He emphasised that quick commerce has provided a performance marketing model that enables precise measurement of advertising effectiveness, in contrast to traditional advertising mediums like streaming platforms, tv, or newspapers, where calculating the impact of spending is difficult.
Quick commerce allows for the immediate measurement of the outcome of every rupee spent on advertisements. According to Moneycontrol, iD usually targets a return on investment ranging from 1x to 3x. Through daily reports from quick commerce platforms, they quickly determine the sales generated from banner ads. This direct customer interaction facilitates efficient conversion, offering substantial opportunities for brands.
The swift rise of quick commerce is evident, with contenders like Blinkit and Zepto emerging as leaders in this unique market landscape. Flipkart‘s recent venture into this realm indicates further growth, heightening competition with established players such as Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart, and BigBasket.
According to data analysis conducted by BofA Global Research using Sensor Tower, these platforms have shown substantial growth in daily and monthly active users. From February 2023 to February 2024, Blinkit observed a 58% surge in its daily active user (DAU) base, while Zepto experienced even more rapid growth at 86% during the same period, and it’s noteworthy for its low delivery rates. Meanwhile, BB Now, associated with BigBasket, saw a growth of 14%.
Likewise, regarding monthly active users (MAU), Blinkit witnessed a 64% increase, Zepto surged by 93%, and BB Now saw an 18% rise.
Despite Zepto’s rapid growth, Blinkit maintains a substantial lead in subscriber numbers. As of February 2024, Blinkit boasted around 23-24 million MAU, surpassing Zepto’s 16-17 million, with a gap of over 7 million users.
In February 2024, BB Now, with a monthly active user base ranging between 9 million and 11 million, enhanced its delivery system to ‘supersaver’ in 40 cities, guaranteeing delivery within two hours.
Furthermore, Blinkit has effectively guided customers towards higher average order values, boasting an average of INR 635, surpassing its closest competitor by INR 185, as reported by BofA Research.
Rahul Chaudhary, Starbucks India’s Store Expansion & Business Development representative, wrote on his LinkedIn profile, “This store stands as our highest-altitude location in India, nestled at 7,697 feet. Offering breathtaking vistas of the majestic Trans-Himalayan ranges, it’s a true haven for nature enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the beauty of snow-capped mountains while savoring your favorite coffee.”
Chaudhary added, “Whether you’re a biker en route to Leh Ladakh or exploring destinations like Manali, Atal Tunnel, Sissu, and Rohtang, make sure to drop by this stunning store for your beloved cup of coffee.”
The outlet lies 8 km away from Manali city, in the direction of Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, and Rohtang Pass.
Earlier this month, it opened its first outlet in Jammu and Kashmir.
Starbucks entered the Indian market in 2012 through a 50:50 joint venture between Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co. and Tata Consumer Private Limited. Currently, the retailer operates around 400 outlets in India and aims to open 1,000 more nationwide by 2028.
In a bold and unconventional move, Lahori Zeera, the popular Indian beverage brand, chose to associate with a family comedy show on Sony Television instead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for its marketing campaign. Nikhil Doda, COO and Co-Founder of Lahori Zeera, shared the strategic reasoning behind this decision in a recent interview.
“We always wanted to position ourselves as a fun and joyous brand, positioning ourselves as a fun, “Masaledaar” drink,” Nikhil explained. “IPL, while immensely popular, is more aligned with sports and energy drinks. Our product, on the other hand, fits perfectly with the lively and humorous vibe of a comedy show.” By sponsoring a comedy show, Lahori Zeera aimed to reach a broader, more diverse audience that resonates with the brand’s identity as a fun and masaledaar drink.
This strategy has proven to be more effective for the brand, helping people relate to the product in a more meaningful way.
Reflecting on the past few months, Nikhil highlighted a period of significant growth and new product launches for Lahori Zeera. “We have been continuously expanding our base, distributor network, and team,” he noted. The company, which initially focused on North India, has now extended its reach to over 15 states, with a robust increase in its distributor base from 1,000 to over 1,600, which implies 60-70% increase in DB count.
The company’s financial performance has also been impressive. Last year, the brand closed at INR 315 crores in net revenue and almost INR 500 crores in gross revenue. This year in April, the brand clocked INR 60 crores in net revenue. “With the new plants fully operational, Lahori Zeera is targeting a 100% growth, aiming for INR 600 crores in net revenue and INR 800 crores in gross revenue this year. The peak summer months alone are expected to contribute INR 200 crores in net revenue,” Nikhil stated.
Recognizing the importance of logistics in the beverage industry, Lahori Zeera strategically expanded its manufacturing capabilities. ” You can’t produce beverages in a single location and distribute them nationwide without incurring significant logistics costs. So, last year, we set up a plant in Vapi to serve the western part of the country,” Nikhil explained.
This plant also seeds the eastern markets, including Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. Plans are underway for a third unit in Lucknow, which is expected to operationalize next year, further strengthening their supply chain.
“The strategy is to use the Vapi plant to establish our presence in the East, so by the time the Lucknow plant becomes operational next year, the market will already be mature and ready for expansion. This phased approach ensures that we can efficiently scale up and meet the demand across different regions,” he said.
With this, the brand is also working on new products, as innovation remains at the core of Lahori Zeera’s strategy. Recently, the company introduced two new flavors: Masala Cola and Minty Lemon. “These distinct flavours are aimed at catering to the Indian taste and are expected to contribute substantially to our revenues,” Nikhil said. These products, along with traditional favorites like Aampanna and Shikanji, resonate well across different regions of India.
The brand SKUs has expanded from offering a single product last year to around seven flavors. The newly launched products are also been well received nationwide. These flavors are made from ethnic Indian condiments commonly found in Indian kitchens and households, making them familiar and beloved.
Despite the growing popularity of energy drinks, Lahori Zeera remains committed to its core identity. “Lahori as a brand will only do ethnic Indian drinks,” Nikhil emphasized. However, he didn’t rule out the possibility of entering the energy drink market in the future, though it would be under a different brand name.
Parag Milk Foods has reported a 56.1% decline in consolidated net profit to INR 9.81 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 2024, as stated in a regulatory filing. This contrasts with the consolidated net profit of INR 22.35 crore recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
According to the BSE filing, Parag Milk Foods’ total revenue from operations in Q4 FY24 dropped to INR 790.11 crore from INR 800.95 crore in Q4 FY23.
However, its total expenses in Q4 FY24 decreased to INR 784.23 crore compared to INR 793.57 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.
The company’s chairman, Devendra Shah, remarked, “In FY24, our consolidated revenues have surpassed the INR 3,000 crore mark, accompanied by enhanced margins and profitability. The Profit after tax for the year reached INR 91 crore, buoyed by robust operating cash flows of INR 99 crore.”
“Prices for milk procurement have been good in the last few quarters, but a rise is anticipated. We are ready to improve our margin profile even in the face of obstacles,” Shah continued.
Parag Milk Foods intends to broaden its presence in the global market by establishing a foreign wholly owned subsidiary (WOS) in Dubai, UAE. This strategic expansion aims to enhance the company’s global outreach and establish streamlined supply chain operations worldwide to cater to the international market, according to the company statement.
“We are improving efficiency across the value chain and moving closer to revolutionising our business operations. We want to create a foreign wholly owned subsidiary (WOS) in Dubai to service the global market as we grow and expedite our distribution network. We are convinced that, with a solid basis in place, we will experience growth and profitability in the future that will lead the industry, said Shah.
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