Varanasi’s iconic Tiranga Barfi officially recognized with GI Tag

April 23, 2024

Varanasi’s iconic tiranga barfi was officially granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag on April 16, 2024, joining the esteemed ranks of protected regional products. Crafted from premium cashews for its white layer, pistachios for green, almonds for saffron, and enriched with mawa, this legendary confection remains an essential delicacy in the heartland of Kashi.

Dating back to the 1850s, tiranga barfi was crafted by Shri Raghunath Das Gupta, the proprietor of Ram Bhandar, a quaint sweet shop nestled in Varanasi’s Thatheri Bazaar. Though modest in origin, this delectable treat made a noteworthy contribution to the vitality of the Indian independence movement.

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During the era of the freedom movement, when British authorities imposed censorship on newspapers, a delectable treat originally named Rashtriya barfi emerged, doubling as a medium for conveying patriotic slogans. Adorned with the three hues of the tricolour flag, this barfi swiftly became a cherished dessert among freedom fighters. Even today, during Independence and Republic Day celebrations, tiranga barfi continues to be distributed in schools and various institutions across the nation.

Additionally, alongside the tri-colour delicacy, Ram Bhandar shop introduced other sweets paying homage to renowned freedom fighters, such as Jawahar Laddoo, Moti Pak, Madan Mohan, and Gandhi Gaurav, as a gesture of solidarity with the freedom movement. Legend has it that through enthusiastic word-of-mouth, these sweets, along with tiranga barfi, gained immense popularity throughout the city, eventually finding their way into the kitchens of local British government officers.

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Today, the original recipe has undergone slight modifications to streamline its preparation, considering the time and cost constraints. However, the profound sentiment and connection to the sacrifices of the freedom fighters remain intact. Presently, the key ingredients of this sweet include mawa (khoya) and edible food colors representing saffron and green.

FSSAI launches quality checks on MDH and Everest spice mixes following reports of high ethylene oxide levels

SnackTeam

April 23, 2024

MDH and Everest Spice Mixes (Representative Image)

The food regulatory body, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has initiated quality checks on MDH and Everest products. This move comes in response to complaints alleging that several popular spice mixes from these leading brands contain traces of ethylene oxide exceeding permissible levels, as reported by official sources.

This move comes after variants of the products from the two major masala brands were recalled in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Sources indicate that during the quality checks, FSSAI will also evaluate whether the products sold by MDH and Everest comply with the chemical residue standards mandated by Indian law.

Sources indicated that when it comes to exports, the regulator might have a limited role since it falls upon the importing country to conduct product testing and authorize entry.

Ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol serve as preservatives in spices and millets, prolonging their shelf life. Additionally, they function as stabilizing agents in pesticides.

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According to scientists, exceeding the permissible level of consumption of these chemicals may pose a risk of carcinogenicity.

In the meantime, sources have indicated that the food regulator has initiated sample collection to examine whether ethylene oxide levels in spices exceed the permissible limits.

On April 5, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in Hong Kong issued a recall for MDH and Everest spice mixes. Subsequently, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) also recalled Everest Masala. Both agencies stated in their press releases that the premixes contained the pesticide ethylene oxide.

In its statement, the CFS Hong Kong announced the recall of MDH Madras Curry Powder, Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder, Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and Everest Fish Curry Masala.

Following the release by CFS on April 5, SFA also issued a recall for Everest Fish Curry Masala on April 18.

In its statement, a spokesperson for the CFS mentioned, “The samples mentioned above were collected from three retail outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui as part of our routine Food Surveillance Programme. Test results revealed the presence of the pesticide ethylene oxide.”

Furthermore, it stated, “The CFS has notified the relevant vendors of these irregularities and directed them to halt sales and withdraw the affected products from circulation. In accordance with the CFS’s directives, the distributors/importers involved have commenced recalls for the affected products.”

It further emphasized that members of the public should refrain from consuming the affected products. Additionally, the trade sector is urged to cease the usage or sale of the affected products promptly if they are in possession of any.

SFA stated that since the implicated products were imported into Singapore, it has instructed the importer, Sp Muthiah & Sons Pte., to initiate a recall of the products. It noted that the recall process is currently underway.

SFA stated in its release, “Ethylene oxide, a pesticide unauthorized for food use, is permitted for sterilizing spices under Singapore’s food regulations. It is commonly employed to fumigate agricultural products to thwart microbial contamination.”

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Furthermore, it highlighted that while there’s no immediate danger associated with consuming food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, prolonged exposure could result in health complications.

SFA also mentioned in its statement, “The International Agency for Research on Cancer has categorized ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen.”

This isn’t the first instance where Everest has faced scrutiny from an overseas food regulatory body.

In 2023, the US Food & Drug Administration recalled Everest Sambhar Masala and Garam Masala after samples tested positive for Salmonella. Consumers were advised not to consume the products and to dispose of them.

Reliance Retail’s Q4FY24 net profit surges 11.7% to INR 2,698 Crore

SnackTeam

April 23, 2024

Reliance Retail has reported a net profit of INR 11,101 crore for the financial year ended on March 31, 2024 (FY24), marking the first time its annual profit has crossed the INR 10,000 crore threshold. Notably, the grocery business recorded the highest growth in FY24 at 31 percent. According to Dinesh Taluja, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Reliance Retail, the fashion and lifestyle segment saw a growth of about 23 percent, while consumer electronics grew by 18 percent.

The company recorded a 11.7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in net profit at INR 2,698 crore in the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (Q4FY24).

The company’s profit before interest, depreciation, and tax surged by 18.1 percent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to INR 5,632 crore. Additionally, the nation’s largest retailer witnessed a 9.8 percent Y-o-Y revenue growth in Q4, reaching INR 67,610 crore.

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Depreciation also rose due to the higher asset base resulting from the addition of new stores and supply chain infrastructure enhancements. Similarly, the finance cost increased due to higher borrowings for business expansion.

The company’s gross revenue from operations for the quarter reached INR 76,627 crore, marking a 10.6 percent increase. This growth was attributed by the company to its consumer electronics and fashion & lifestyle businesses.

In FY24, its gross revenue reached INR 3.06 trillion, marking a 17.8 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, discussed the retail business’s omni-channel presence, product differentiation, and focus on providing a “superior offline experience through store remodeling and layout revamping.”

In the quarter, the company expanded its footprint by adding 562 stores and recorded a total of 272 million footfalls across various formats.

Isha Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Retail Ventures, said, “The strong expansion and growth of our retail business underscore our dedication to customer-centricity and our confidence in India’s consumption narrative.”

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During FY24, Reliance Retail raised equity funds totaling INR 17,814 crore, with RIL contributing INR 2,500 crore during the quarter.

In the quarter, it acquired the Indian operations of Kiko Milano and obtained the intellectual property, including trademarks and recipes, of sugar-boiled confectionery from Ravalgaon.

Flipkart taps supply chain head Hemant Badri to spearhead quick commerce expansion

SnackTeam

April 22, 2024

As competition intensifies in the quick commerce space, Flipkart, the ecommerce giant, has tapped its Senior Vice President and Group Head of Supply Chain, Hemant Badri, to lead its foray into this rapidly growing sector.

According to Badri’s LinkedIn profile, he has been with Flipkart for slightly over three years. Prior to joining Flipkart, he amassed nearly 11 years of experience at Unilever, serving as vice president of worldwide planning and holding various other roles.

Before that, he had stints at Colgate Palmolive and Kirloskar Oil Engines.

This development was first reported by MoneyControl. The report, citing sources, indicated that unlike existing players Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto, Flipkart intends to forge partnerships with kirana stores for its quick commerce operations.

However, according to a report by The Economic Times, Flipkart is presently in the process of establishing dark stores to inaugurate its quick commerce business in July.

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A Flipkart spokesperson confirmed that Badri would be spearheading the company’s quick commerce venture. However, the spokesperson refrained from commenting when queried about whether the company would establish its own dark stores or collaborate with kirana stores.

Last month, reports emerged stating that Flipkart was planning to enter the quick commerce sector by introducing 10-15 minute delivery services in at least a dozen cities within the next six to eight weeks.

Flipkart was also considering acquiring a controlling stake in the quick commerce unicorn Zepto. However, the talks ultimately didn’t materialize.

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These developments come at a time when the demand for quick commerce services is surging, particularly in Tier-I cities across the country.

As per a Deloitte report from 2023, it has become a favored channel among consumers, boasting a 51% purchase rate from a sample size of 841.

Consequently, platforms such as Zomato’s Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart are broadening their stockkeeping units to include non-grocery items like apparel, electronics, and more, aiming to deliver them to customers within 10-15 minutes.

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Last week, Swiggy announced its integration of Swiggy Mall, a platform offering a diverse array of non-grocery items such as footwear and electronics, with Instamart, aimed at broadening the latter’s product range.

NIO Cocktails unveils four irresistible coffee and tea infused beverages!

SnackTeam

April 22, 2024

NIO Cocktails has unveiled four innovative concoctions highlighting the delightful fusion of coffee and tea: Cold Brew Negroni, Revolver, Tea Martini, and Manhat-tea.”

NIO Cocktails, abbreviated as ‘needs ice only,’ is a premium Italian premixed cocktail brand. Packaged in small square paper packets, these beverages require consumers to shake, tear, and pour over ice for a refreshing sip.

The Cold Brew Negroni combines coffee with the classic Italian negroni cocktail, featuring Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Cocchi Storico Vermouth Di Torino, and Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. Meanwhile, the Revolver offers notes of dark chocolate liqueur, coffee, and hints of orange and vanilla, blending Bulleit Bourbon Whisky, Bols Creme de Cacao Brown, Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, and Angostura Bitter Aromatic.

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The Tea Martini melds Ketel One Family Made Vodka, Tea Liqueur T+, Toschi Cane Sugar Syrup, and Citric Acid for a refreshing and zesty flavor profile. Meanwhile, the Manhat-tea intertwines Bulleit Bourbon, T+ Tea Liqueur, Cocchi Storico Vermouth Di Torino, Cocchi Storico Vermouth Di Torino Dry, and Angostura Aromatic Bitter, delivering a cocktail that’s both rich, spicy, and fruity.

The cocktails are expertly crafted in Italy by mixologist Patrick Pistolesi, the proprietor of Italian bar Drink Kong. According to Pistolesi, the Cold Brew Negroni merges two quintessential Italian customs into one: the cherished daily coffee ritual and the iconic aperitivo, seamlessly fused in a single glass. He emphasizes the growing trend among coffee cocktail aficionados worldwide, noting that blending coffee with a classic cocktail truly elevates its appeal to best-seller status.

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Speaking about the Manhat-tea, Pistolesi remarked, “The Manhattan embodies the vibrant spirit of New York City with its classic whiskey base. The bold spiciness of Bulleit Bourbon imparts its quintessential American character, while the inclusion of two renowned Italian Cocchi Vermouths and tea liqueur results in a cocktail with a delightful international flair.”

The latest cocktails are now on sale at select retailers, offered in packs of 3, 6, or 9, priced at £19.50, £39.00, and £55.00 respectively.

Purplle expands offline presence, unveils new store in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi

SnackTeam

April 22, 2024

Purplle, the Mumbai-based online personal care and beauty platform, has opened a new store in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, as revealed in a social media post by a top company executive.

“Great news! Purplle’s doors are now open at Laxmi Nagar (Mangal Bazaar), Delhi! We welcome you to visit our fresh store and indulge in an unmatched shopping journey. Explore amazing offers on your beloved beauty essentials and delve into a carefully curated array of must-have products. Join us in commemorating this achievement and enjoy some truly fantastic deals. Meet you at Purplle – where every Indian finds their beauty destination!” announced Samiran Sarkar, National Head of Business Development & Asset Management at Purplle.

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Established in 2012 by Manish Taneja and Rahul Dash, Purplle focuses on beauty, grooming, salons, and spa services. The company boasts over 1000 listed brands and offers a vast selection of 60,000+ products. Supported by investors such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Kedaara, Premji Invest, Sequoia Capital India, JSW Ventures, Goldman Sachs, Verlinvest, Blume Ventures, and Paramark Ventures, Purplle achieved unicorn status in 2022, marking it as India’s 102nd unicorn, according to the company’s LinkedIn profile.

As per the brand’s LinkedIn profile, Purplle scaled its private D2C brands, including Faces Canada, Good Vibes, Carmesi, Purplle, and NY Bae.

In FY23, Purplle recorded operating revenue of INR 474.9 Crore.

Continue Exploring: Purplle achieves rapid growth in FY23, edging closer to the INR 500 Cr revenue mark

Guduchi Ayurveda expands offerings with six specialized health juices

SnackTeam

April 22, 2024

Guduchi Ayurveda, a renowned name in the Ayurvedic domain esteemed for its proficiency in addressing lifestyle-related maladies, has introduced a series of six health juices tailored to combat prevalent health concerns. This pioneering lineup seamlessly merges age-old Ayurvedic insights with contemporary nutritional expertise, offering holistic solutions for wellness.

The range includes Weight Loss Plus, Diabetes Plus, Ova Plus, Ortho Plus, Immunity Plus, and Digestive Plus. With each purchase of the INR 180 health juice, customers receive a complimentary premium Aloe Vera Gel infused with Vitamin C, valued at INR 180, making it a cost-effective choice. These specialized juices are crafted from 100 percent natural ingredients and undergo rigorous quality checks, providing targeted remedies for common health concerns including obesity, diabetes, PCOS, arthritis, immunity, and digestive health.

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Prashanth Vastred, MD of Guduchi Ayurveda, emphasized, “In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to offer convenient yet effective solutions for maintaining health and vitality. With this launch, Guduchi Ayurveda aims to expand the accessibility of Ayurvedic products, ensuring their availability in supermarkets, general trade stores, and modern trade channels. Additionally, we’ve carefully priced our health drinks to remain affordable while maintaining quality standards. We have full confidence in the robust sales potential of these products, driven by their accessibility and efficacy in addressing prevalent lifestyle disorders. Our target is to achieve INR 40 crore in sales over the next 18 months, focusing specifically on the Karnataka market.”

The brand currently provides a diverse selection of more than 256 Ayurvedic medicines customized to address various health conditions. Several of these products have showcased remarkable efficacy compared to modern medicines for specific conditions, surpassing competitors in the Ayurveda industry. Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Udupi, Karnataka, the brand’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility maintains the utmost quality standards, emphasizing its dedication to authenticity and superiority.

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Levi’s unveils its largest mall outlet in India at Nexus Mall, Bengaluru

SnackTeam

April 22, 2024

Levi’s, the renowned denim and lifestyle label, has unveiled its latest flagship store at Nexus Mall in Bengaluru, proudly presenting its largest mall outlet in India thus far.

Nestled in the lively heart of Koramangala, this store endeavors to enhance the denim aficionado’s journey throughout Bengaluru. Reflecting Levi’s ongoing expansion and prioritization of direct-to-consumer initiatives in India, the store is meticulously crafted to deliver a profound brand immersion, offering an extensive array of style selections and personalized services to discerning shoppers.

Expanding over an impressive 6,000 square feet of retail space, the new Levi’s outlet at Nexus Mall Koramangala embodies the brand’s cutting-edge NextGen Indigo store concept, meticulously curated to provide a sophisticated shopping milieu adorned with deep indigo walls, intuitive product placements, and inviting lounge areas. This marks a significant advancement in the store experience within Levi’s overarching Icon store format.

Catering to both men and women, the store boasts a vast array of offerings, from timeless classics like the 501 and Trucker Jacket to the latest denim lifestyle trends. For women, fashion-forward choices encompass flare, straight, and loose fits, complemented by chic tops and cropped styles.

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Meanwhile, men can explore innovations in stretch denim, relaxed jeans, as well as an assortment of cargos and chinos, paired with an eclectic selection of shirts and tees.

Moreover, the store is equipped with the iconic Levi’s Tailor Shop, providing an array of personalized services including alterations, restoration, and embellishments. Here, customers can imbue their favorite Levi’s garments with personal flair through options like embroidery, patchwork, pins, and more, thus reflecting their distinctive style and self-expression.

The launch of the Nexus Mall outlet reaffirms Levi’s dedication to broadening its reach throughout India. Complementing the expansive Brigade Road store, the largest in Asia, and the 100ft Road Indiranagar location, the Nexus Koramangala store reinforces the brand’s presence in Bengaluru. In line with Levi’s direct-to-consumer approach, this store provides customers with an immersive environment to discover the finest offerings from Levi’s.

Hiren Gor, General Manager, South Asia at Levi Strauss and Co, commented, “India holds a pivotal position in Levi Strauss and Co’s market strategy, and the unveiling of our largest mall store at Nexus Mall signifies a crucial milestone in our expansion efforts across the country. We are committed to reaching consumers wherever they shop, and this new store exemplifies our dedication to providing a destination where shoppers can engage with the Levi’s brand, encouraging authenticity and self-expression.”

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MasterChow taps Chef Ranveer Brar as brand ambassador, pioneering ‘Asli Chinese’ cuisine

SnackTeam

April 22, 2024

Chef Ranveer Brar

MasterChow, the indigenous Indian label renowned for its array of ready-to-cook Asian essentials, has partnered with the esteemed celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, appointing him as its brand ambassador.

This strategic partnership seeks to establish MasterChow as the ultimate destination for authentic “Asli Chinese” fare, highlighting credibility, trustworthiness, and resonance with customers.

MasterChow’s decision to enlist Ranveer Brar reflects their mutual dedication to authenticity and excellence. Under the banner “Asli Chinese,” this collaboration echoes the chef’s culinary mastery and fervor for real, unadulterated flavors.

Chef Brar’s standing and influence in the culinary world are primed to greatly bolster MasterChow’s brand presence.

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Utilizing his credibility and expertise, MasterChow endeavors to set itself apart in the fiercely competitive packaged food market, with a specific focus on the Asian cuisine segment.

Through this collaboration, the brand aims to forge a stronger bond with consumers who prioritize authenticity and quality in their culinary journeys.

“As a chef, I advocate for the significance of utilizing authentic flavors and ingredients to craft unforgettable culinary moments. I’m excited to collaborate with MasterChow and advocate for genuine Asian cuisine through their exceptional product line. Together with MasterChow, I’m eager to introduce ‘ASLI Chinese’ flavors to households throughout India,” Chef Brar expressed.

The collaboration between MasterChow and Ranveer Brar is a committed, long-term initiative aimed at raising awareness and solidifying MasterChow’s position as the go-to brand for authentic Chinese cuisine. In the upcoming 6-8 months, the campaign will emphasize the development of credibility, trust, and connection with consumers, striving towards the overarching objective of establishing a timeless brand that transcends generations.

“Ranveer Brar embodies everything we value – authenticity, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to culinary perfection. With his unmatched skill and love for great food, he perfectly aligns with MasterChow’s brand principles, and together, we’re poised to make a mark in the industry. We’re not just providing a product; we’re offering an immersive experience – one that guarantees unmatched flavor and excellence in every bite. With Ranveer as our partner, we’re prepared to redefine how people enjoy Chinese cuisine at home,” stated Vidur Kataria, Founder of MasterChow.

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The campaign will commence digitally, starting with a focus on social media platforms, with the possibility of extending to other channels like OTT platforms later in the year. Additionally, the company has curated a lively, playful, and captivating series of pre-launch content for ‘MasterChow Loyalists’ on Instagram. This content is designed to amplify the excitement surrounding the highly anticipated collaboration between the Chef (Ranveer Brar) and the Chef’s favorite (MasterChow).

The premium selection of Chinese delicacies from MasterChow can be found on the brand’s official website, as well as on Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart, and Amazon.

Wow! Momo diversifies portfolio, enters dessert segment with Wow! Kulfi launch in Kolkata

SnackTeam

April 22, 2024

Sagar Daryani, Co-Founder & CEO of Wow! Momo

Following the successful expansion of Wow! China and Wow! Chicken, the Wow! Momo brand has ventured into the kulfi segment with the opening of its latest establishment, Wow! Kulfi, in Kolkata.

Located at City Centre Mall Kolkata, this is the brand’s first exclusive kiosk.

Sagar Daryani, Co-Founder & CEO of Wow! Momo, shared on LinkedIn: “#WowKulfi is now available! Excited to announce the opening of our first exclusive ‘Wow! Kulfi’ kiosk at City Centre Mall in Kolkata, our latest addition to the Wow! Momo family.”

He continued, “Prepare to indulge in #KulfiRabri, #Falooda, #KulfiThickshakes, and #KulfiSundaes – we can’t wait to Wow! you.”

Last week, Wow! Momo secured INR 70 crore (around $9 million) in an expanded Series D funding round from Z3 Partners.

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The company aims to advance and expand its quick-service restaurant brand, improve distribution channels, and allocate resources to research and development for its FMCG division, which it ventured into in 2021.

Established by Sagar Daryani and Binod Homagai, and Shah Miftaur Rahman, Wow! Momo Foods, a 16-year-old company, manages three quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands—Wow Momo, Wow China, and Wow Chicken.

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