Apparel Group partners with Myntra to expand Victoria’s Secret presence in India

May 17, 2024

Apparel Group, a prominent fashion and lifestyle conglomerate, has joined forces with Myntra to bolster Victoria’s Secret‘s presence in India. Renowned for its lingerie, clothing, and beauty offerings, the American brand will now have a more accessible online platform in India, catering particularly to the style preferences of the younger demographic.

Through this partnership, Victoria’s Secret seeks to offer a seamless shopping journey customized for today’s generation, connecting global fashion trends with Indian consumers. Teaming up with Myntra enables Victoria’s Secret to extend its reach in the country, making its coveted products accessible to customers across almost 19,000 locations.

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According to Tushar Ved, President of Apparel Group India, “Partnerships are essential to seizing new opportunities and reaching higher levels of success. By collaborating with Myntra, we can take use of their digital marketing and e-commerce know-how to improve our online presence in India and provide customers with an unmatched shopping experience.”

Venu Nair, CXO of Strategic Partnerships and Omnichannel at Myntra, remarked, “This collaboration signifies a strategic step towards broadening the brand portfolio and underscores the synergistic alliance between the two entities.”

In the early phase of their collaboration, Victoria’s Secret will present an extensive range of beauty and accessory products on Myntra. As of December 25th, Myntra’s e-commerce platform featured 281 products from Victoria’s Secret.

Victoria’s Secret in India is marketed by the Apparel Group, a fashion and lifestyle conglomerate headquartered in the UAE. The brand has launched numerous exclusive outlets in major cities across the country and also operates its own online store.

Continue Exploring: Victoria’s Secret unveils its first beauty store in Mumbai

Beyondburg expands to Bangalore, bringing delectable smash burgers to the city!

SnackTeam

May 17, 2024

After successful ventures in Kochi and Kozhikode, Beyondburg Inc., renowned for its mouthwatering smash burgers and steadfast commitment to sustainability, is now expanding into Bangalore. With its chef-led approach and innovative menu, the company aims to attract burger enthusiasts in Bangalore. The new restaurant is located in Prestige Trade Tower on Palace Road, offering an immersive dining experience, with additional orders available through a cloud kitchen in Koramangala.

Putting flavor and nutrition first, Beyondburg Inc. is revolutionizing the fast food landscape in India by steering clear of processed ingredients. Every burger is meticulously concocted to provide a burst of flavor and a revitalizing energy with each mouthful.

Chef Mohammed Anas, Co-Founder of Beyondburg Inc., expressed his excitement, saying, “Bringing Beyondburg Inc. to Bangalore allows us to introduce our distinctive specialty burgers to the city’s discerning food enthusiasts. At Beyondburg, we’re more than just burgers; we’re creating culinary adventures.”

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Ajmal Jaseem, Co-Founder of Beyondburg Inc., emphasized, “Beyondburg Inc.’s mission is to transform fast food through a fresh and organic perspective. Since the beginning, we’ve committed ourselves to sourcing the finest ingredients and painstakingly handcrafting every burger. Our flagship dish, the Smash Burger, remains a favorite among patrons, whether they’re dining in or opting for takeout.”

Beyondburg Inc. distinguishes itself from other fast-food establishments by offering a gourmet dining affair centered on freshness and creativity. Every burger is presented on a freshly baked brioche bun, elevating the dining experience with its remarkable taste and texture. The menu showcases signature delights such as the Classic Swiss Cheese Burger, Nashville Fried Chicken Burger, the beloved Pastrami Sandwich, Brisket Whopper, and Animal Style Fries. Each offering mirrors the brand’s commitment to utilizing top-notch ingredients and concocting flavorful amalgamations.

Beyondburg Inc. remains steadfast in its endeavor to redefine the burger experience while championing sustainability. The venture into Bangalore signifies a pivotal milestone in the brand’s evolution. By amalgamating inventive culinary methods with a staunch dedication to environmental sustainability, Beyondburg Inc. strives to leave a meaningful imprint on Bangalore’s culinary landscape.

Continue Exploring: Ace investor Ashish Kacholia acquires 17.2% stake in Indian burger chain Jumboking

Blinkit responds to viral post, starts offering free dhaniya with vegetable orders

SnackTeam

May 17, 2024

For many Indians, the vegetable shopping experience isn’t quite the same without the delightful addition of complimentary coriander leaves (dhaniya patta). However, this customary gesture seems to be absent when purchasing vegetables online. A resident of Mumbai brought attention to this matter on X platform, recounting how his mother was taken aback by the necessity to pay for coriander when placing an order through Blinkit.

He shared that his mother had suggested that the herbs should be complimentary with a specific quantity of vegetable purchases. His post garnered attention, even drawing a response from Blinkit’s CEO, Albinder Dhindsa, who reassured with a “Will do.” Later, Dhindsa surprised many users with an update on X.

Continue Exploring: Blinkit’s Q4 FY24 revenue hits INR 769 Crore; loss narrows to INR 37 Crore

It all started with a post from Ankit Sawant, a user on X, who shared, “Mom got a mini heart attack because she had to pay for dhaniya on Blinkit. @albinder – mom is suggesting that you should bundle it for free with a certain amount of veggies.” He tagged Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa in his post. Soon after, Dhindsa responded on X, announcing, “It’s live! Everyone, please thank Ankit’s mom. We will refine the feature in the next couple of weeks.”

Additionally, he posted a screenshot displaying Blinkit’s offer of 100g of complimentary coriander with specific vegetable orders. Since then, the post has accumulated over 440,000 views, with Dhindsa committing to executing the change.

Many users were impressed by Blinkit’s swift action. “Undoubtedly one of the most impressive uses of Social Media (specifically X) and quick implementation by the company. Putting my bets on Zomato & Blinkit,” remarked one user. Another user requested complimentary chillies along with coriander.

Another individual made a separate request to the Blinkit CEO: “It’s fantastic to see you responding so promptly to your customers. I have one more request: could you please introduce jute or cloth bags for carrying, with a refundable fee? I wouldn’t mind paying a small amount to ensure that my Blinkit orders always come in reusable bags. I believe we’re producing excessive paper waste.”

Albinder Dhindsa, the co-founder and CEO of Blinkit, launched the company in 2013. Based in Gurugram, this company was later acquired by Zomato.

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On Monday, the food delivery platform Zomato reported a quarterly profit smaller than expected, impacted by rising advertising and marketing expenses amid intensifying competition. For the quarter ending on March 31, it reported a consolidated net profit of INR 175 crore, falling short of analysts’ expectations of INR 188 crore. This Gurugram-based firm had incurred a loss of 1.89 billion rupees a year earlier. Zomato’s total expenses surged by nearly 50% due to increased marketing and sales promotion costs. However, its contribution margin, a crucial profit metric, expanded to 7.5% from 5.8% compared to the previous year, attributed to the introduction of a platform fee on all grocery and food orders.

Dry spell dampens Darjeeling tea harvest, prices surge by 10-15%

SnackTeam

May 17, 2024

The prices of premium Darjeeling tea have surged by 10-15% this season due to a six-month dry spell in the typically misty hills, which has nearly halved the crop size compared to last year.

Tea planters reported that the unusually long dry spell affected both the production and quality of the premium first flush teas that hit the market in April and May.

“Tea estates have reported a 40-50% drop in first flush teas, the primary revenue generator for the Darjeeling tea industry,” said Girish Sarda, co-owner of the 92-year-old Nathmulls Tea in Darjeeling.

He mentioned that teas which were priced at INR 1,700 per kg last year are now fetching INR 1,900-2,000 per kg.

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Nathmulls offers a range of high-quality first flush teas, with prices varying from INR 3,944 per kg to INR 53,586 per kg, depending on the quality. Sarda noted that these teas cater to high-end consumers and are produced in limited quantities. He added that the majority of customers purchase teas within the INR 1,500-2,000 per kg range.

“Nevertheless, the volume of high-quality first flush teas has been affected by the prolonged dry spell that started in November,” he said.

Darjeeling tea has been grappling with nature’s challenges for some time. Production dipped from 6.93 million kg in 2022 to 6.18 million kg in 2023. Industry insiders note that factors such as violent unrest in the hills in 2017 and the resurgence of demands for Gorkhaland ahead of the ongoing elections have significantly impacted the gardens and their profitability. Despite growing domestic demand, the industry continues to face hurdles.

Continue Exploring: Surplus in global tea market to impact Indian tea prices and exports

Additionally, they mentioned that foreign buyers are absent this year, opting for Nepal tea over Darjeeling due to its lower cost and similar flavor profile.

Anshuman Kanoria, chairman of the Indian Tea Exporters’ Association, noted, “With banjhi (bud dormancy in tea bushes) beginning to set in, crop prospects appear bleak, and the April yield is anticipated to be reduced by 25% to 35%.” He added, “Despite the shortage, demand has remained subdued, primarily due to the Ukraine conflict and the depreciation of currencies in certain importing nations.”

Kanoria remarked that the combination of crop scarcity, rising expenses, and weak demand has exacerbated the already daunting challenge of survival for Darjeeling tea estates, which are already facing difficulties.

Continue Exploring: Commerce Ministry mandates auction route for dust tea sales in India

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

SnackTeam

May 17, 2024

MDH and Everest Spices (Representative Image)

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control in Nepal has issued a ban on the importation, consumption, and sale of two Indian spice brands, Everest and MDH. This action comes as the department initiates testing for ethylene oxide levels in these products.

This development comes after reports surfaced regarding high levels of ethylene oxide traces in the products, leading Nepal to ban these two spice brands.

Mohan Krishna Maharjan, spokesperson for Nepal’s Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, stated that Everest and MDH brand spices imported into Nepal have been prohibited from entry. This decision follows reports of harmful chemical traces found in the spices. The import ban was imposed a week prior, and sales of these products in the market have also been halted.

“Tests are currently ongoing to detect chemicals in the spices of these two specific brands. The ban will persist until the final report is released. Following the lead of Hong Kong and Singapore, which have already implemented bans, Nepal has taken this step,” Maharjan added.

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

According to Indian Government sources, the permissible use of EtO ranges from 0.73 percent to as high as 7 percent in various countries.

Government sources emphasized the need for establishing a universal standard for the use of EtO across different countries. Additionally, they noted that the spices banned in these nations constitute less than one percent of India’s total spice exports.

In the meantime, the Spice Board of India has initiated measures to guarantee the safety and quality of Indian spice exports to these regions.

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

The board has enacted the suggestions of the Techno-Scientific Committee, which conducted a root cause analysis, inspected processing facilities, and gathered samples for testing in accredited laboratories.

Additionally, the Spice Board of India convened a stakeholder consultation, engaging more than 130 exporters and associations including the All India Spices Exporters Forum and the Indian Spice and Foodstuff Exporters’ Association.

Furthermore, the board has disseminated guidelines for EtO treatment to all exporters. These measures have been implemented by the Spice Board to mitigate EtO contamination in spices exported from India.

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

In April, the Hong Kong food safety watchdog prohibited four spice products from Indian brands MDH and Everest after discovering the presence of cancer-causing chemicals, ethylene oxide.

On April 5th, the Centre for Food Safety of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region disclosed that its routine surveillance programs had detected ethylene oxide in three spices from MDH Group: Sambhar Masala Powder and Curry Powder.

Info Edge to invest additional INR 15 Cr in agritech startup Gramophone

SnackTeam

May 17, 2024

Ashish Rajan Singh, Tauseef Khan, Harshit Gupta, Nishant Mahatre, Co-Founders, Gramophone

Sanjeev Bikchandani-led internet company Info Edge is further expanding its stake in the agritech startup Gramophone by investing an additional INR 15 crore (approximately $1.8 million).

The company disclosed in a filing that it plans to invest in Agstack Technologies Pvt Ltd, the parent company of Gramophone, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Startup Investments (Holding) Ltd (SIHL) in two separate transactions.

SIHL is set to release INR 7.5 crore within a month, with the remainder to be disbursed over the next six months, contingent upon meeting specific conditions.

“As part of a larger round, SIHL has agreed to purchase 69,790 compulsorily convertible cumulative preference shares, each with a face value of INR 10/-, in two tranches,” stated the filing.

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Following the investment, Info Edge’s ownership in Gramophone through SHIL would rise to 39.5%.

Additionally, the company, known for its investments in Zomato and PB Fintech, mentioned that Gramophone is seeking to secure further funding.

Established in 2016 by Ashish Rajan Singh, Harshit Gupta, Nishant Mahatre, and Tauseef Khan, Gramophone operates on an omnichannel model, distributing seeds, fertilizers, nutrients, pesticides, farming equipment, and more directly to farmers and through small retailers.

To date, the startup has accumulated approximately $20.5 million in funding and boasts investors such as Z3 Partners, Asha Impact, and Siana Capital.

According to Info Edge, Gramophone reported a turnover of INR 98.5 crore for the fiscal year ended on March 31, 2024 (FY24).

Info Edge has been an early supporter of the startup, steadily increasing its stake over time. In January last year, Info Edge announced a INR 9.3 crore investment in Gramophone, elevating its ownership to 32.89%.

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In addition to investing in the agritech startup, Info Edge’s board, in its meeting on Thursday (May 16), also sanctioned the divestment of SIHL’s 34.93% stake in the B2B catalogue company Wishbook Infoservices.

“During FY 2019–20, the aforementioned investment has already experienced impairment. Furthermore, the selling value of the investment is assessed to be around INR 14,112.9 based on an independent valuation analysis,” stated the filing.

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

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

In a recent ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the sale of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in retail outlets has been given a thumbs up.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is acknowledged as an effective means for quitting tobacco and has been included in the National List of Essential Medicines since its addition in 2022.

“This decision marks a significant change in perspective concerning Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). NRT serves as a crucial support for individuals aiming to quit smoking, enabling them to progressively reduce nicotine consumption and attain a smoke-free lifestyle—a goal sought by many smokers. The recent lifting of the ban and its increased accessibility will undoubtedly bolster smoking cessation efforts,” stated Dr. Chandrakant S Pandav, from the Department of Community Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi.

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The court’s ruling eliminates Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) from the Poisons Act of 1919. NRT is available in various forms such as gums, patches, and inhalers, all delivering controlled doses of nicotine to aid in smoking cessation. Gums release nicotine gradually, patches offer sustained effects, and inhalers provide instant relief. Additionally, mints dissolve in the mouth, effectively addressing cravings.

“This decision marks a significant turning point as it opens avenues for enhancing the accessibility of NRT. With its broader availability, we can empower countless smokers earnestly seeking to quit but grappling with withdrawal challenges. The availability of NRT at retail outlets will steer individuals towards tobacco cessation,” expressed Dr. Niranjan Naik, Director of Onco-Surgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram.

Last year, the government made it mandatory to obtain a medical prescription for purchasing NRT products. NRT gums are offered in doses of 2mg and 4mg, with the sale of 2mg gums conducted over the counter (OTC).

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Chili’s Grill & Bar expands presence in India with new outlet launch in Ahmedabad

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

Chili’s Grill and Bar, a Texas-based casual dining restaurant company, has opened a new outlet in Ahmedabad, as announced in a recent social media post by a company executive.

Located at Nexus Ahmedabad One Mall, the new outlet aims to provide a casual setting for outings and family dinners.

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“Incredible news for Ahmedabad! Chili’s is now open for business at Nexus Ahmedabad One Mall, introducing a dynamic new destination for both locals and visitors to relish. With a welcoming ambiance and a dedication to ensuring each visit is exceptional, our new location is eager to greet you. Whether you’re seeking a lively night out or a laid-back gathering, Chili’s guarantees an unforgettable experience. Come join us and share in the excitement!” expressed Malav Trivedi, Operations Manager at Nexus Ahmedabad One, in a LinkedIn post.

Stellar Concepts Pvt. Ltd, a Delhi-based restaurant franchise company, owns and manages Chili’s Grill & Bar across India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Established in 1975, Chili’s Grill and Bar serves as the leading brand under Brinker International Inc., boasting a global presence with 1,600 restaurants worldwide. With 17 outlets spread across India and Sri Lanka, Chili’s made its debut in India in 2010.

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Pizza Hut makes bold entry into burger business with new ‘Cheeseburger Melt’

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

Pizza Hut, renowned for its extensive pizza selection, has expanded its menu by introducing a fresh addition: the Cheeseburger Melt – marking its first entry into the burger business in the US.

The Cheeseburger Melt showcases Pizza Hut’s distinctive Thin N’ Crispy crust packed with toppings and cheese, folded over, baked until melted, and served with a delectable dipping sauce.

The latest assortment of Pizza Hut Melts offers four additional flavors: Pepperoni Lovers and Meat Lovers – each paired with a marinara dipping sauce – Buffalo Chicken, accompanied by buffalo and ranch dipping sauces, and Chicken Bacon Parmesan, served with a side of ranch dipping sauce.

Continue Exploring: Pizza Hut launches global bestseller Melts in India; marks entry into a new category in the Indian market

The new selections are also included in the My Hut Box deal, where customers can opt for either Melts or a Personal Pan Pizza topped with two toppings, along with a side of either four boneless wings or fries, a 20oz beverage, and a dipping sauce.

The My Hut Box offer starts at $6.99 for customers at participating locations across the US.

Rachel Antalek, Pizza Hut’s Chief Food Innovation Officer, expressed, “We’ve ingeniously infused all the beloved elements of a cheeseburger into our irresistible Thin N’ Crispy crust for the very first time to create the new Cheeseburger Melt.”

“Unlike a classic, our cheeseburger effortlessly dunks into what we really believe to be the best dipping sauce on the planet. We challenge you to discover a better combination.”

To generate excitement around the new product, Pizza Hut’s delivery drivers will be stationed at drive-through locations of select fast-food burger chains, showcasing a QR code. This code grants interested customers the opportunity to win a complimentary Cheeseburger Melt and Pepsi.

The promotional campaign focuses on markets in Chicago, Illinois, and Miami, Florida, home to some of the largest fast-food burger chains.

Continue Exploring: Pizza Hut appoints Carl Loredo as president of Pizza Hut U.S.

Coca-Cola unveils ‘Coca-Cola Lens’, offering valuable insights for food and beverage industry

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

Coca-Cola has launched Coca-Cola Lens, a new platform designed to provide retailers and foodservice operators with crucial consumer insights and industry trends. This endeavour is designed to help firms navigate today’s rapidly evolving environment.

Coca-Cola Lens boasts a comprehensive library comprising 16 articles, each exploring different facets of shopper behavior, accompanied by macroeconomic data and forward-thinking insights.

Crafted by Coca-Cola’s in-house experts and enriched with data from proprietary tools and external sources, the articles delve into pressing topics like the surge in premium water, the sway of multicultural consumers, and the effects of digital ordering technologies.

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Furthermore, the platform offers actionable guidance on enhancing restaurant menus and curating cold vault inventories.

The content is presented in a user-friendly format, complemented by visuals like charts and graphics. Coca-Cola intends to regularly update the platform with four to six new articles per quarter, integrating feedback from its customers and associates.

Pamela Stewart, Chief Customer Officer for Coca-Cola North America, expressed, “With the launch of Coca-Cola Lens, we aim to fulfill our commitment of delivering value beyond beverages to our customers. We aspire to be more than suppliers, serving as trusted thought partners and consultants. Together, we will navigate this ever-changing landscape, utilizing data and tools to propel our business strategies and foster growth.”

Coca-Cola North America, catering to more than 250,000 retail stores and 500,000 foodservice outlets, continues its legacy of nurturing growth through collaboration. Coca-Cola Lens exemplifies this dedication, equipping customers with the resources to foresee consumer demands and remain at the forefront of industry trends.

Dagmar Boggs, Head of Foodservice at Coca-Cola North America, remarked, “The introduction of Coca-Cola Lens marks a significant step forward in our commitment. It enables customers to access actionable insights on demand, empowering our partners to navigate the ever-changing landscape with confidence and agility.”

Coca-Cola Lens is slated to be officially introduced ahead of the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, running from May 18 to May 21.

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

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