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

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.

Continue Exploring: Roastown Global Grill to expand beyond Kerala, eyes international markets by 2030

“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.

Continue Exploring: Radisson Blu Kaushambi delights palates with the launch of Skygrill Restaurant, featuring Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine

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.

Continue Exploring: Coca-Cola rakes in $290 Million from India by divesting bottling operations in Jan-Mar quarter

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

Reliance Retail partners with ASOS to launch exclusive fashion brands in India, marking ASOS’s first nationwide retail collaboration

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

Reliance Retail and ASOS have forged a long-term partnership to establish a multi-channel presence for the UK-based online fashion retailer’s own brands in India.

The agreement stipulates that Reliance Retail will serve as ASOS’s sole retail partner in India, overseeing all online and offline channels. This encompasses various retail formats, including exclusive brand stores, multi-brand store expressions, and digital commerce platforms.

Drawing upon its vast expertise in managing omni-channel retail networks, Reliance Retail will bring ASOS’s carefully curated selection of cutting-edge own-brand labels to the Indian market.

This partnership notably signifies ASOS’s nationwide exclusive retail collaboration for the first time.

Continue Exploring: Deepika Padukone’s 82°E joins forces with Reliance Retail’s TIRA for nationwide retail expansion

Isha Ambani, Director of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, emphasized that the alliance reinforces the company’s dedication to bringing global trends to the Indian market.

She added, “This partnership reaffirms our position as India’s foremost retail destination, ensuring our customers have access to the latest fashion trends they desire.”

Furthermore, José Antonio Ramos, CEO of ASOS, emphasized the company’s objective of offering fashion lovers access to the latest and best trends.

“Teaming up with Reliance Retail, we’re thrilled to introduce a selection of our fashion-forward own-brand labels to customers in India — including ASOS Design, one of the premier British fashion brands globally,” remarked Ramos.

ASOS prides itself on presenting a carefully curated selection of thousands of products from 900 global and local brands, alongside its own fashion-forward labels, available in over 200 markets through its app and website.

Meanwhile, RRVL has garnered recognition as one of the fastest-growing retailers worldwide according to Deloitte’s Global Powers of Retailing 2023 report. Additionally, the company disclosed a consolidated turnover of INR 306,786 crore and a net profit of INR 11,101 crore for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.

Continue Exploring: Reliance Retail leverages B2B potential to expand apparel reach

Decathlon debuts in Jharkhand with grand opening of first store in Jamshedpur

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

Decathlon, the renowned French sporting goods brand, has inaugurated its first store in Jharkhand, marking its entry into the state alongside other global sports brands. Situated at Bistupur, Jamshedpur, the standalone store was announced via a social media post by a company representative.

“Inviting all sports aficionados in Jamshedpur and throughout Jharkhand! The inaugural Decathlon sports outlet in Jharkhand is officially welcoming visitors, situated right here in Jamshedpur,” shared Bijay Bhan Singh, Business Development Manager – East and North East, Decathlon Sports India, in a LinkedIn update.

The store boasts an extensive selection of more than 5,000 products, featuring 60 different variations of sports apparel and equipment suitable for individuals of all ages and genders. It covers a diverse range of categories such as outdoor, water sports, fitness, racket sports, team sports, cycling, running, walking, roller sports, and target sports.

Continue Exploring: Decathlon India names Sankar Chatterjee as new CEO

“Through the magic of sports, we encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to adopt an active lifestyle, unlocking their true potential and nurturing a sense of community. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, Decathlon Jamshedpur has something for everyone,” Singh emphasized.

In addition to Decathlon, Jharkhand accommodates several other global brands, including Adidas, Levi’s, Lee, Wrangler, KFC, Domino’s, and many more.

Established in 1976 by French entrepreneur Michel Leclercq, Decathlon opened its first store in Lille, France. Presently, the company operates in over 72 countries, boasting a workforce exceeding 105,000 employees.

According to Steve Dykes, Chief Retail and Countries Officer, Decathlon anticipates that India will rank among its top five global markets within the next five years. This growth will be facilitated by the expansion of its store network and enhanced local sourcing efforts.

The brand plans to incorporate 10 new stores annually in India, concurrently boosting online sales and elevating local sourcing to over 90% within the next five years, a significant rise from the current average of 60%.

Continue Exploring: Decathlon sets sights on India as a ‘top priority’ market, eyes top five global position

Govt to launch mobile app to curb deceptive practices by online platforms

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

The Centre is purportedly gearing up to launch a mobile app that will notify users whenever online platforms attempt to deceive them through manipulative tactics known as dark patterns.

According to ET, the introduction of this app is included in the government’s agenda for the first 100 days following the establishment of the next government.

Users can easily download the app, which will detect any dark patterns utilized by leading ecommerce companies and promptly notify the user. Upon receiving the alert, users can proceed to lodge complaints with consumer forums.

In a previous order, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) defined ‘dark patterns’ as deceptive design practices or patterns within user interfaces or experiences across platforms. These are crafted to deceive or manipulate users into actions they did not originally intend or desire, thereby undermining consumer autonomy, decision-making, or choice. Such practices amount to misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, or violations of consumer rights.

Continue Exploring: Govt cracks down on ‘dark patterns’ in e-commerce, labels it as unfair trading

Last year, the government issued a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at regulating dark patterns to counter the deceptive practices of ecommerce companies. These guidelines apply to all platforms providing goods or services in India, encompassing advertisers and sellers as well.

The CCPA outlined numerous deceptive techniques, commonly known as “dark patterns,” which online platforms might employ to manipulate consumers. These include tactics such as false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, subscription traps, interface interference, disguised advertisements, nagging, trick questions, SaaS billing, and rogue malware.

In the meantime, the government is considering mandatory compliance for ecommerce platforms with quality consumer review standards as a measure to combat the issue of fake reviews.

Continue Exploring: Govt to make quality consumer review norms mandatory for e-commerce platforms to combat fake reviews

During a meeting held on Wednesday (May 15), representatives from prominent ecommerce entities and tech leaders such as Flipkart, Amazon, Google, and Meta voiced support for a proposal advocating the mandatory adherence to standards concerning “online consumer reviews,” as outlined in the 2022 release.

Continue Exploring: Ecommerce industry backs govt’s mandatory quality norms for consumer reviews

Ecommerce platforms frequently face regulatory scrutiny. Earlier this year, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) allegedly instructed quick commerce platforms to validate their claims of ’10-minute’ delivery. Furthermore, Amazon, Flipkart, and Snapdeal were served notices by the consumer protection body regarding the sale of inferior quality toys.

UK intensifies scrutiny on Indian spice imports amid contamination allegations

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

The UK’s food regulatory body has implemented additional oversight protocols for all spice imports originating from India. This marks the first instance of heightened scrutiny being applied to all Indian spice imports, following allegations of contamination against two brands, which have raised concerns among food regulators worldwide.

Last month, Hong Kong halted the sale of three spice blends manufactured by MDH and one by Everest, citing elevated levels of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide.

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

Singapore has also mandated a recall of the Everest blend, while New Zealand, the United States, India, and Australia have subsequently announced investigations into concerns associated with the two brands.

MDH and Everest, both prominent brands in India, have assured consumers that their products are safe for consumption.

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

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced the most rigorous measures to date affecting all Indian spices, stating that, due to concerns, they have “implemented additional control measures for pesticide residues in spices from India, including ethylene oxide.”

The agency refrained from providing specific details regarding the steps it is undertaking.

James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, stated in a release, “Ethylene oxide usage is prohibited here, and we have established maximum residue levels for herbs and spices.”

“If any unsafe food or products are found on the market, the FSA will swiftly intervene to safeguard consumers,” assured the spokesperson.

The Spices Board of India, responsible for export regulation, did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment.

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

India is the world’s largest exporter, consumer, and producer of spices.

According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity website, in 2022, Britain imported spices worth $128 million, with India contributing nearly $23 million to this total.

MDH and Everest distribute their products to various regions, including the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.

Skincare brand Ilem Japan makes debut in Chennai with opening of flagship store

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

Ilem Japan, a renowned Japanese skincare brand, has opened its first retail outlet in Chennai, located at Phoenix Palladium Mall in Velachery.

The recently opened store marks the brand’s second standalone outlet in the nation, succeeding the inauguration of its first comprehensive store at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium in Pune earlier this year.

Continue Exploring: Honasa Consumer’s skincare brand The Derma Co hits INR 500 Cr ARR milestone

Ishvani Patel, the founder of Ilem Japan, expressed, “As we unveil our store to the lively Chennai community, we’re thrilled to introduce the essence of Japanese wellness to you all. With our Chennai store’s debut, we extend an invitation for you to delve into a voyage of self-discovery, discovering the rich traditions and top-notch products that epitomize the Japanese spirit.”

The store will feature an array of products, encompassing essential items for face, body, and hair care.

In February 2023, the retailer entered the Indian market, initially establishing its online presence through its website. Presently, Ilem operates over eight kiosks in diverse malls across India.

Founded in April 2021 as an Internet-first startup specializing in multi-category skincare products, Ilem Japan now operates in Japan, India, and the United States.

Continue Exploring: Dot and Key Skincare appoints Shanaya Kapoor as its brand ambassador

D2C paan brand The Betel Leaf raises $1.2M in bridge funding, eyes rapid expansion

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

Payal Raheja and Prem Rheja, Co-Founders, The Betel Leaf

The Betel Leaf, a Bengaluru-based online paan startup, has raised $1.2 million (around INR 10 crore) in a bridge funding round co-led by Inflection Point Ventures and Venture Catalysts.

The startup plans to utilize the new capital to amplify its existing retail and online footprint, scaling from 45 to 100 kitchens across India and overseas within the upcoming two years. Simultaneously, it aims to pioneer new automation technology to enhance consistency, ramp up production volume, and broaden its product range. Additionally, the fresh funds will fuel efforts to diversify its product portfolio.

Established in 2019 by Prem Rheja and Payal Raheja, The Betel Leaf operates as a direct-to-consumer (D2C) company specializing in the online sale of paan and other paan-derived products.

Its range includes Fresh Pans, ARID Pans, Celebration Hamper, Betel Chocolate, and Betel Leaf Tea. Within the Fresh Paan category alone, it boasts eight distinct flavors. Additionally, the company exports its products to Singapore, Malaysia, Nairobi, the UK, and the US.

Rheja expressed, “Our goal is to ensure that every consumer experiences the benefits of Betel Leaf through our range of paan and other paan-based products. We aspire to be pioneers and leaders in organizing this currently unstructured product category.”

“In today’s rapidly evolving India, sourcing authentic, hygienic, and convenient options for traditional Indian desserts like paan can prove to be quite a challenge. The Betel Leaf Co is tackling this issue directly by providing hygienic, fresh, and genuine paan, featuring a diverse range of flavors, delivered straight to our doorsteps,” stated Ivy Chin, a partner at Inflection Point Ventures.

Continue Exploring: Go DESi secures INR 41 Crore funding led by Aavishkaar Capital

The Betel Leaf is additionally seeking to broaden its retail footprint through collaborations with retail chains such as Reliance Retail, Spar, and other major players.

In 2021, the company successfully raised $800K in a seed funding round, with Venture Catalysts and 100Unicorns (formerly known as 9Unicorns) leading the investment.

The startup boasts prominent investors, including 100Unicorns, along with individual backers such as Amit Mehta, the promoter of S Amit group of companies, Arjun Vaidya, a venture investor at Verlininvest, and angel investor Masoom Minawala.

Continue Exploring: DrinkPrime secures $3 Million in Series B funding led by SIDBI Venture Capital

In 2023, India’s ecommerce market felt the impact of the broader funding downturn, witnessing a significant decline in startup funding compared to previous years.

Reports indicate that Indian ecommerce startups secured $2.6 billion in funding throughout the year, marking a 32% decrease from the $3.8 billion raised in 2022.

Continue Exploring: Ecommerce sees modest Q1 growth at 12-15%, industry anticipates 20% uptick by April

Fashion brand Lavie marks milestone with opening of 10th exclusive retail store in Pune

SnackTeam

May 16, 2024

Lavie, a renowned fashion and lifestyle brand under Bagzone Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd., has recently opened its 10th exclusive retail store in Pune, located at Aero Mall, as confirmed by a company official’s social media update.

In a LinkedIn post, Shekhar Gaikwad, zonal manager for Lavie in the West and North regions, announced, “Excited to share the launch of our 10th exclusive outlet at Aero Mall in Pune!”

Continue Exploring: Homegrown fashion brand Kazo makes bold move into accessories with launch of ‘Kazo Details’, plans aggressive retail expansion

The store provides a variety of products, including handbags, sling bags, tote bags, laptop handbags, and backpacks, among others.

In November 2023, Lavie expanded its offerings into the watch category by launching a line of watches tailored specifically for women.

Founded in 2010 by siblings Ayush and Shobha Tainwala, Lavie has since developed its online presence through its website and multiple e-commerce platforms. Additionally, the brand operates 119 physical stores across various regions of India.

Bagzone Lifestyle, headquartered in Mumbai, manages several brands, including Fé Lavie, a footwear brand, and Lavie Sport, specializing in athleisure wear.

Continue Exploring: Tata CLiQ expands pre-owned luxury offerings with Ziniosa partnership

1...487488489...1,403 Page 488 of 1,403

NewsHub