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Heritage Kulfi brings classic South Asian flavors to premium ice cream

Heritage Kulfi

In South Asia, kulfi holds a special place as a delectable frozen treat, lovingly crafted by local street vendors in small batches. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat and bond with loved ones on a sunny day. Crafted slowly with fresh milk and classic flavors like saffron, rosewater, and pistachio, kulfi boasts a rich, creamy texture that evokes a sense of home for South Asians everywhere.

Mansoor Ahmed, a first-generation American, is embarking on a mission to introduce his unique take on this traditional delight to American consumers. With the introduction of Heritage Kulfi, his range of premium kulfi ice cream featuring authentic South Asian flavors, he’s aiming to captivate American audiences.

Having grown up in New York, Ahmed enjoyed the best of both worlds: the flavorful heritage of South Asian cuisine, passed down by his Pakistani immigrant parents, and beloved American treats like ice cream. This fusion sparked his passion for blending these culinary worlds and paying homage to his family’s cultural ingredients in an innovative manner. Rather than resorting to flavor extracts, he opted for traditional recipes and cooking techniques, meticulously infusing whole Assam black tea leaves and sourcing top-tier, premium saffron threads carefully handpicked from crocus flowers.

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The outcome? Heritage Kulfi delivers an opulent and contemplative twist on traditional ice cream, featuring flavors, textures, and fragrances that transport you directly to South Asia: Saffron, Rosewater, Pistachio, Cardamom Chai, Alphonso Mango, Coconut, Vanilla Bean, Malai Sweet Cream, and Almond Blossom. Each distinct ingredient takes the spotlight, showcasing its unique character. While initially appearing straightforward, every spoonful unveils the intricate flavors resulting from Ahmed’s meticulous sourcing and treatment of each exceptional element. For instance, the Rosewater flavor harkens back to the cherished childhood favorite falooda, now elevated with a fragrant, sophisticated, and delicate rose essence, coupled with its stunning pink hue. And only the finest Alphonso mangoes, hailed as the “King of Mangos,” meet the criteria for Heritage Kulfi, imparting each scoop with the essence of the euphoric peak summer season when these prized “liquid gold” mangoes grace the markets for a fleeting moment.

Every facet of the manufacturing process receives meticulous attention to detail. The comapny’s packaging holds certification for sustainably sourced materials by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Collaborating with local farms, the company ensures optimal flavor, freshness of milk and cream, and minimizes shipping impact. All Heritage Kulfi ice creams are crafted without eggs, meeting halal, kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO standards, and sweetened solely with organic cane sugar.

“Kulfi holds a special place in the cherished memories of many South Asians, evoking a sense of home that’s not always readily available here in the U.S.,” explains Mansoor Ahmed, the founder and CEO of Heritage Kulfi. “My aim was to reconnect with my heritage while also catering to flavor enthusiasts keen on delving into international culinary experiences. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and genuinely enjoy witnessing the delight on people’s faces when they savor Heritage Kulfi for the first time.”

Continue Exploring: Unilever’s Wall’s expands handheld ice cream range with trio of new products

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Mondelez launches first-ever gluten-free Chips Ahoy! cookie

Chips Ahoy!

Confectionery giant Mondelez International has launched the first-ever certified gluten-free chocolate chip cookie under its Chips Ahoy! brand.

Set to debut on store shelves this May, the introduction of the Chips Ahoy! Gluten-Free cookie signifies a significant expansion within the brand’s product offerings.

Continue Exploring: Mondelēz International surpasses Q1 sales and profit projections

Drawing upon years of development, Mondelēz has crafted a cookie that not only adheres to the rigorous criteria of gluten-free certification but also ensures the iconic taste and texture that has cemented Chips Ahoy! as a beloved household favorite throughout America.

Jainette Quinones, the brand manager for Chips Ahoy! Innovation, expressed, “Our goal in developing our first Chips Ahoy! Gluten-free cookie wasn’t just to make a good gluten-free option, but to craft a remarkable cookie that happens to be gluten-free. I’m thrilled to announce that our innovation team has achieved that goal – the new Chips Ahoy! Gluten-Free cookie is undeniably delicious and accessible to all.”

The introduction of the new variant closely follows Mondelēz’s recent success with its revamped Chips Ahoy! Original recipe, known as “MMMproved.”

Continue Exploring: Snacking continues to rise: Mondelēz International’s latest report reveals global surge in consumer snacking behaviors

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Cosmetics brand Typsy Beauty debuts flagship store at IGI Airport, New Delhi

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Typsy Beauty
Typsy Beauty

Typsy Beauty, a pioneering Indian cosmetics brand, has unveiled its flagship store at IGI Airport in New Delhi. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for the brand as it strives to redefine the standards of the beauty industry.

Tipsy Beauty presents a diverse array of makeup products crafted to encourage customers to celebrate their distinctive beauty. With meticulously formulated formulas and delightful packaging, every facet of the brand embodies its commitment to delivering an extraordinary journey in beauty.

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Located at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport, the latest flagship store serves as a gateway to a realm where customers can indulge in beauty and glamour. Tipsy Beauty offers an exclusive range of makeup products, from everyday essentials to statement-making items. Stepping into the Tipsy Beauty flagship store, visitors are greeted by a space that radiates warmth, creativity, and inspiration. The welcoming ambiance of the store invites guests to explore new products and experiment with different looks.

With its recent debut at IGI Airport, Tipsy Beauty has not only extended its reach but also redefined the landscape of beauty retail in India. Positioned to be a prime destination for beauty aficionados, the brand presents a comprehensive makeup collection for eyes, face, and lips. In honor of the grand inauguration, the brand is extending a special 10 percent discount on its products.

Continue Exploring: Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Cosmetics launches in India in collaboration with House of Beauty

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Hyphen expands anti-acne product portfolio, offering more solutions for Indian shoppers

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Hyphen

D2C skincare brand Hyphen, born from a collaboration between PEP Technologies and Celebrity Entrepreneur Kriti Sanon, is making waves in the Indian retail market with its latest venture. With the launch of its new line, the Ultimate Acne Care Range, the brand is expanding into a category of targeted skincare solutions.

Recognizing the prevalent demand for acne remedies among consumers, Hyphen has unveiled a holistic array of products meticulously crafted to tackle acne with efficacy. Encompassing a Clarifying Acne Cleanser, Acne Defence Serum, and Acne Fix Spot Corrector, this lineup showcases a fusion of powerful acne-fighting agents and natural elements.

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Infusing a rejuvenating blue tint into its packaging, the fresh lineup not only evokes tranquility but also elevates its aesthetic allure. Every product is meticulously crafted with a blend of potent ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, and Niacinamide, catering to diverse skincare requirements.

Kriti Sanon, Co-Founder, and Chief Customer Officer at Hyphen, expressed, “For years, many have battled persistent acne. There’s a universal need for anti-acne products that preserve skin moisture and prevent irritation, ensuring clear, balanced skin. Interestingly, since the inception of Hyphen, we’ve received numerous requests from customers for an acne-specific line. A substantial volume of feedback highlighted a strong demand for effective acne solutions.

Leveraging this insight and extensive consumer research, we introduced Hyphen’s Anti-Acne range. Our dedicated team has meticulously crafted a comprehensive range that combats acne while promoting skin balance and health. I’m thrilled to unveil this new product line, which has significantly improved my skincare regimen, to everyone!”

Vaishali Gupta, Co-Founder, and Chief Growth Officer at Hyphen stated, “Our objective with this latest anti-acne skincare range is straightforward: we aim to empower both men and women in their battle against acne with top-notch, efficient solutions. We’ve formulated products with innovative blends not only to tackle existing breakouts but also to thwart future ones, ensuring our consumers maintain confidence in their skin!”

Continue Exploring: Kriti Sanon unveils Hyphen’s innovative VIP Lip Balms at star-studded Nykaaland event

Aside from its gender-inclusive strategy, Hyphen has initiated the #MenNeedSkinCare campaign to promote skincare awareness among men. Through meticulous consideration of diverse skin types during product development, Hyphen guarantees that its Anti-Acne range is universally suitable.

Renowned for providing accessible and efficient skincare remedies, Hyphen remains at the forefront of transforming the skincare landscape. Its latest Anti-Acne range, now available for purchase on its website and leading e-commerce platforms such as Nykaa, Amazon, and Flipkart, is poised to leave a notable imprint on the Indian retail sector.

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IHCL continues expansion in Indore with fifth hotel signing

IHCL
IHCL

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a fresh hotel venture in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. This brownfield project will bear the Vivanta brand.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development at IHCL, commented, “This agreement aligns with IHCL’s goal of broadening its presence in key commercial centers. Indore, the financial hub of Madhya Pradesh, is strategically situated near major industrial zones and significant pilgrimage destinations. With this establishment, IHCL will venture into fresh micro markets within the city. We are pleased to collaborate with Amaltas Palace Private Limited on this hotel venture.”

Strategically positioned on 2.3 acres, the Vivanta Indore boasts 180 keys and is conveniently situated just a short drive from both the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport and the central business district. The hotel will encompass an all-day diner, a rooftop restaurant, and a bar. Guests can enjoy recreational amenities such as a swimming pool and a fitness center. Additionally, the hotel will provide over 10,000 square feet of banquet space suitable for sophisticated social gatherings and corporate functions alike.

Continue Exploring: IHCL aims for double-digit growth, eyes international expansion in FY25

Suresh Singh Bhadauria, Director of Amaltas Palace Private Limited, expressed, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL, the forefront leaders in India’s hospitality sector. This establishment will offer guests the unique experiences synonymous with the Vivanta brand in Indore.”

Situated along the banks of the Kanh and Saraswati rivers, Indore is a bustling city in Madhya Pradesh. Renowned for its cleanliness, it holds the title of India’s cleanest city. Additionally, it serves as a significant transit hub for pilgrimages to the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain.

With this new hotel, IHCL’s presence in Madhya Pradesh will extend to 12 establishments, with an additional 4 currently under development.

Continue Exploring: Hotel giants bet big on India: Radisson, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Wyndham compete in intense race for expansion

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Plant-based specialty products firm Sanstar receives Sebi approval for IPO launch, plans to raise up to INR 500 Cr

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Sanstar
Sanstar

Sanstar Ltd, a company specializing in plant-based products, has been granted approval by Sebi to launch its initial public offering, as revealed in an update from the markets regulator on Tuesday. The IPO plan includes a fresh issue of 4 crore shares and an Offer For Sale (OFS) of up to 80 lakh shares by its promoters and promoter group selling shareholders, as disclosed in the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP).

According to market sources, the IPO size is expected to range between INR 425 crore to INR 500 crore.

Additionally, the company may explore a pre-IPO placement of up to 40 lakh equity shares. Should this placement be finalized, it will result in a reduction of the fresh issue size.

The Ahmedabad-headquartered company, which submitted its draft IPO documents to Sebi in January this year, obtained its observations on April 30, as per the latest update.

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In Sebi’s terms, obtaining observations signifies approval to proceed with the public issue.

Based on the draft documents, funds raised from the fresh issue will be allocated towards fulfilling the capital expenditure needs for expanding the company’s Dhule facility, repaying debts, and covering general corporate expenses.

Sanstar stands as a key manufacturer of plant-based specialty products and ingredient solutions within India. Its range of specialty products and ingredients enhances the taste, texture, nutritional value, and functionality of various foods, serving as ingredients, thickening agents, stabilizers, sweeteners, and more.

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With two manufacturing facilities located in Dhule, Maharashtra, and Kutch, Gujarat, Sanstar boasts an installed capacity of 1,100 tonnes per day.

The company will be selling its equity shares on the NSE as well as on the BSE.

Pantomath Capital Advisors is exclusively serving as the book-running lead manager for the IPO.

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Agritech startup Cornext secures $2.2M seed funding to fuel growth in silage production and dairy operations

Madhav Kshatriya and Feroz Ahmed, Co-Founders, Cornext
Madhav Kshatriya and Feroz Ahmed, Co-Founders, Cornext

Cornext, an agritech startup, secured $2.2 million (around INR 18.3 crore) in seed funding from Omnivore.

The startup, headquartered in Hyderabad, plans to utilize the new funds to increase its annual silage production to 1 million metric tons by 2026. Additionally, the funding will support investments in research and development for baling technology.

Established in 2015 by Madhav Kshatriya and Feroz Ahmed, Cornext operates as an agritech firm specializing in dairy, operations, and logistics. The company pioneers feeding solutions for dairy farmers and offers a patented preservation technique known as silage baling to tackle fodder deficits.

Silage refers to fermented grass or crops utilized by farmers to feed animals during periods of limited availability of fresh food.

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Kshatriya expressed, “Cornext strives to become the primary destination for all silage-related needs. Our institutional partners so far include AMUL, SUMUL, BANAS, MILMA, KMF, along with numerous other prominent dairies and cooperatives. We’re thrilled to have Omnivore’s backing as we aim to enhance smallholder incomes and promote cattle health.”

Jinesh Shah, managing partner at Omnivore, commented, “Cornext addresses a critical issue in Indian agriculture: providing affordable cattle nutrition. India’s low milk productivity is largely attributed to fodder scarcity. Cornext is reshaping this landscape.”

This development comes at a time when the broader agritech space is seeing interest from investors, with startups like Ninjacart, Dehaat, and Cropin emerging as prominent players in the sector.

Recently, agritech startup Poshn secured $4 million (around INR 33.3 crore) in equity and an additional $2 million in debt during a pre-Series A funding round. This investment was co-led by Prime Venture Partners and Zephyr Peacock India.

Continue Exploring: Foodtech startup Poshn secures $4 Million in pre-series A round

Earlier this year, Ninjacart strategically invested in Mayani, an agri-fisheries startup based in the Philippines.

According to data, the Indian agritech sector has amassed over $2.4 billion in funding across 285 deals from 2014 to February 2024.

Despite a decline in numbers in 2023, with funding totaling $208 million across over 28 deals compared to $817 million across over 60 deals in 2022, industry experts attributed this to an overall decline in funding levels.

Continue Exploring: Ninjacart makes strategic investment in Philippines-based agritech firm Mayani

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Agritech startup BharatRohan secures $2.3 Mn in pre-IPO round

Rishabh Choudhary and Amandeep Panwar, Co-Founders, BharatRohan
Rishabh Choudhary and Amandeep Panwar, Co-Founders, BharatRohan

BharatRohan, a Gurugram-based agritech startup, has raised $2.3 million (INR 19.2 crore) from Villgro Innovation Foundation, Caspian, RevX, and Venture Garage as part of a pre-IPO round.

The startup is gearing up for an IPO on the BSE SME Platform in the coming months, with additional details about the public listing to be disclosed shortly.

Combining both debt and equity funding, this round brings the total funds raised by the startup to INR 25 crore.

The startup will utilize the funding to primarily focus on developing proprietary edge computing drones specifically for precision farming, crop monitoring, and pesticide applications. These drones will then be made available to rural entrepreneurs through franchise-based models.

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Furthermore, the startup intends to design and produce compact hyperspectral and multispectral sensors for drones.

Established in 2016 by Rishabh Choudhary and Amandeep Panwar, BharatRohan asserts its collaboration with 50,000 farmers across five states, covering 2 Lakh acres, through its drone-based decision support system (DSS) known as BharatRohan CropAssure.

The startup empowers farmers with real-time, data-driven insights, enabling them to make more informed decisions, optimize resources, and enhance the resilience of their crops against climate change and unpredictable weather patterns.

BharatRohan experienced a nearly 200% surge in profits compared to the previous fiscal year, as operating revenue rose to INR 6.47 crore for the year ended March 31, 2023, up from INR 2.11 crore for the year ended March 31, 2022.

Its goal is to broaden its operations and offerings across 15 Indian states, encompassing 10 lakh acres by 2025.

The drone technology sector is experiencing rapid growth in India, poised to influence industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and defense. The increasing adoption and demand for drones have spurred the emergence of numerous Indian startups in this field over the last decade.

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As per reports, the Indian drone market is predicted to reach a size of $13 billion by 2030, up from $2.71 billion in 2022.

Among the 200 existing drone tech startups, notable names include Garuda Aerospace, Marut Drones, BonV Aero, Skylark Drones, Skye Air Mobility, and Preimage. Additionally, two drone tech startups, ideaForge and DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations, have successfully listed on the exchanges.

DroneAcharya was listed on the BSE SME Platform in December 2022, while ideaForge was listed on the main board of the Bombay Stock Exchange in July 2023.

In addition to offering farmers technology solutions for farm monitoring, the company also delivers residue-free farm produce to retailers. This produce is cultivated using integrated pest management (IPM) practices by farmers who utilize the BharatRohan CropAssure services.

The startup stated its goal of exporting pesticide residue-free farm produce worldwide, thereby extending opportunities for Indian farmers on a global scale.

Continue Exploring: Ninjacart makes strategic investment in Philippines-based agritech firm Mayani

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Rural markets outpace urban consumption in FMCG growth for the first time in five quarters: NielsenIQ Report

FMCG
(Representative Image)

In the January-March ’24 quarter, rural markets surpassed urban consumption in the growth of packaged consumer goods for the first time in five quarters, as reported by consumer intelligence firm NielsenIQ (NIQ) in its latest sector update on Tuesday. Urban demand experienced a sequential decline of 5.7% during the quarter, whereas rural markets, essential for overall FMCG growth, exhibited a growth rate of 7.6%.

According to NielsenIQ, the FMCG sector recorded a 6.6% growth in value primarily driven by consumption, with price growth remaining stagnant at 0.1%.

Roosevelt D Souza, Head of Customer Success, India, at NIQ, remarked, “The ongoing growth of the FMCG industry is fueled by consumption trends, marking a significant milestone as rural areas outpace urban growth for the first time in five quarters.”

In terms of volume, or the quantity of units sold, the overall sector experienced a national growth of 6.5% in the January-March ’24 quarter. This marks a notable increase compared to the 3.1% volume growth recorded in the same quarter of the previous year.

Continue Exploring: FMCG firms eye volume growth rebound in FY25 with hopes pinned on lower inflation, favorable monsoon

Non-food sector sales surged by 11%, doubling the growth rate of the food sector, which expanded by 4.8% in terms of volume.

Observing that home and personal care categories (HPC) excelled over foods, D Souza commented, “While food categories experience greater unit purchases, the growth in HPC is predominantly propelled by the increasing popularity of larger pack sizes.”

NielsenIQ reported a consumption slowdown in urban markets and modern trade channels, contrasted by an increase in rural India and traditional trade.

In the retail sector, modern trade maintained robust double-digit volume growth, reaching 14.7%. Conversely, Traditional Trade showcased consistent growth, with volumes increasing by 5.6% in Q1’24, compared to 5.3% in the previous quarter (Q4’23), indicating the resilience of traditional retail channels.

In the expansive FMCG sector, major corporations persistently showcased superior performance in contrast to their smaller counterparts, as highlighted by NIQ. Nonetheless, within the realm of non-food categories, smaller producers have outpaced larger entities in terms of volume growth rates over the past two quarters. This phenomenon could stem from the hurdles smaller players encounter in maintaining price stability within the food sector, whereas non-food categories, witnessing notable price hikes, have enjoyed heightened volume growth.

Continue Exploring: FMCG companies and Kirana stores gear up for summer: Dairy and beverage sales spike across India

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Bengaluru-based jewellery marketplace Eternz secures $1.15M pre-seed funding led by Kae Capital

Arthi Ramalingam, Founder, Eternz
Arthi Ramalingam, Founder, Eternz

Bengaluru-based jewellery marketplace Eternz has raised $1.15 million (around INR 9.6 crore) in a pre-seed funding round led by Kae Capital.

Gemba Capital, IIMA Ventures, TDV Partners, and Venture Lab also participated in the funding round.

The company plans to utilize the funds to expand its presence across urban India. Additionally, it intends to partner with international brands to establish their presence in India. Moreover, it aims to open a retail experience center to offer shoppers a touch-and-feel experience around jewellery.

Founded in 2023 by Arthi Ramalingam, a former marketing lead at Udaan, Eternz operates as an online marketplace catering to both international and Indian jewellery brands. Alongside direct sales of jewellery, the platform offers customers customization and personalization features.

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“The primary focus of our platform is to address the trust and discovery challenges encountered by consumers when buying jewellery online. There’s a significant trust gap in the online market, often leading consumers to hesitate even when they find designs they like,” explained the founder and CEO.

The company’s objective is to establish strategic partnerships with brands, facilitating their wider distribution by linking them with high-intent customers.

At present, Eternz showcases items from renowned brands like GIVA, Angara, Kisna, Touch925, and more. Though presently specializing in fashion and silver jewellery, Eternz has ambitions to broaden its selection to include gold and diamond pieces in the coming days.

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In the digital sphere, the marketplace contends with formidable competitors like BlueStone and Caratlane, alongside numerous other brands and jewellery chains with online presences, such as Tanishq.

In terms of magnitude, Caratlane and BlueStone stand out as the premier online jewellery marketplaces within the startup ecosystem.

Earlier this year, Titan, a company within the Tata Group, finalized the acquisition of Caratlane, valuing the marketplace at over $2 billion. This acquisition, in the works since 2016, marked a significant milestone. CaratLane’s revenue in FY23 was reported at INR 2,177 crore, surpassing Bluestone’s revenue of INR 771 crore in the same fiscal year.

Continue Exploring: Titan completes acquisition of remaining 0.36% stake in CaratLane for INR 60 Cr

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