Pepsi and Chef Bobby Flay team up to redefine summer BBQs with limited-edition flavors

April 20, 2024

The mingling aromas of meats, kebabs, smoke, and flames, complemented by the refreshing effervescence of chilled cola, constitute the essence of any outdoor BBQ gathering. With spring blooming and anticipation for a summer filled with family, friends, and delectable fare, these elements become the hallmark of weekly celebrations.

A recent survey by the Harris Poll revealed that 80% of Americans prefer the conviviality of outdoor BBQs over dining out, with grilling ranking as a beloved pastime for over half of all respondents.

This summer, PEPSI and renowned chef Bobby Flay are fully embracing this cherished seasonal tradition, elevating the experience with an array of backyard BBQ favorites, including burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and more. Together, they’re showcasing how grilling is truly #BetterWithPepsi.

To enhance the outdoor cooking experience like never before, Pepsi has partnered with renowned grill master and culinary expert Bobby Flay, inviting consumers nationwide to indulge freely all summer long in a delightful fusion of fun, food, and ice-cold Pepsi. Throughout the season, fans and cola enthusiasts will savor the revelation of how flame-kissed dishes – spanning from BBQ chicken and burgers to perfectly grilled steaks and beyond – are elevated to new heights when paired with Pepsi.

Moreover, Bobby will take center stage in an upcoming linear TV campaign, alongside in-store displays, digital content shorts, captivating stunts, and a social series delivering grill tips, tricks, and tutorials. These initiatives are set to kick off before Memorial Day and will continue throughout the summer, ensuring a season brimming with culinary inspiration and refreshment.

“The right drink can really elevate the experience when it comes to barbecue,” said Bobby Flay. “The rich, smoky barbecue meals that have been such a mainstay of my culinary journey pair perfectly with Pepsi’s nuanced flavour profile. Every mouthful is enhanced by the taste of Pepsi, whether you’re enjoying succulent ribs, succulent burgers, or expertly smoked brisket.

He added, “I’m as excited as anyone to discover the possibilities that Pepsi Lime & Pepsi Peach bring this season.”

Continue Exploring: PepsiCo to replace Coca-Cola as exclusive beverage provider for Subway in the US

Building upon the foundation of the successful #BetterWithPepsi campaign, which has celebrated favorite foods like Burgers, Pizza, and Hot Dogs, Pepsi is gearing up to take things to the next level this summer. Here’s what consumers can expect:

Limited-Edition Flavor Innovations Inspired by Summer Grilling: Embracing the essence of summer BBQs, Pepsi introduces two refreshing additions—Pepsi Lime and Pepsi Peach. These flavors capture the spirit of warm weather gatherings, offering the tangy citrus bite of lime and the plush sweetness of ripe peach. Perfectly complementing the bold, dynamic, and smoky flavors created on the grill, Pepsi Lime and Pepsi Peach enhance every sip with a delightful burst of summer freshness. Available soon nationwide in 12 oz. cans and 20 oz. bottles.

Jenny Danzi, Senior Director, Pepsi TM, said, “Bobby Flay is known for grilling and we all know any barbecue occasion is amplified by an ice-cold Pepsi, so it seemed right that we bring it all together as we prepare for summer.” “We have consistently shown that Food Tastes Better with Pepsi since 2021. Currently, America is being shown by the famed grill master himself, Bobby Flay, that summertime get-togethers are, in fact, Better With Pepsi—regardless of what is cooked on a grill for a backyard BBQ. We can’t wait to see how customers react to our two new limited-edition colas and are excited to cheer everyone up all season long with Bobby Flay on our side.

Continue Exploring: PepsiCo India launches Sting Blue Current

FAT Brands accelerates growth: 40 fresh franchised Fatburger outlets planned for Northern California

SnackTeam

April 20, 2024

FAT Brands, the overseeing entity of Fatburger and Round Table Pizza, has revealed plans for a development agreement aiming to establish 40 fresh franchised Fatburger outlets throughout Northern California.

The move entails co-branding 40 existing Round Table Pizza locations with Fatburger over the next ten years, with the first co-branded site anticipated to open in 2024.

The company has joined forces with franchisee California Burger to facilitate its expansion.

Taylor Wiederhorn, FAT Brands’ chief development officer, remarked, “Following the inauguration of our initial co-branded Fatburger and Round Table Pizza in the Dallas region last year [in October 2023], we’ve observed considerable enthusiasm for this collaboration among our franchisees.”

Continue Exploring: Fatburger and Round Table Pizza: FAT Brands Launches Co-Branded Restaurant in Dallas

Nestled within the Lantana neighborhood, this 3,500 square foot establishment provides patrons with a comprehensive, full-service, full-bar casual dining experience. It holds the distinction of being the inaugural destination in Lantana, Texas, to offer both burgers and pizzas under a single roof.

Wiederhorn added, “We are delighted to advance the expansion of the innovative co-branded model alongside California Burger Inc., which also oversees Circle Pizza LLC, the leading multi-unit operator of Round Table Pizza with more than 70 Round Table Pizza restaurants currently in operation.”

“We recognize significant potential for co-branded Fatburger and Round Table Pizza restaurants, leveraging the rich California heritage of both brands. This approach mirrors the success we’ve achieved with co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express locations, now exceeding 100 establishments globally.”

In March 2024, FAT Brands inaugurated a new restaurant in Orlando, further extending its presence in Florida.

The recent establishment at 1713 Future Way marked Fatburger’s debut in the Orlando region and stands as the second of 14 anticipated developments spanning Orlando and western Florida.

Continue Exploring: FAT Brands’ net loss narrows to $26.23M in Q4 2023, revenue surges

Sodexo expects robust sales growth in 2024 as it gears up for Olympic meals

SnackTeam

April 20, 2024

Sodexo, the French food services company set to provide meals at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, anticipates healthy growth in 2024 following a reported profit increase of over 15 percent last year.

As one of the world’s largest providers of meals in company canteens and school cafeterias, the company anticipates revenue growth to reach the upper end of a 6-to-8 percent range. This expansion is fueled by both the acquisition of new clients and an increase in service prices.

The company reported a 15.4 percent increase in net profit to 427 million Euros (USD 460 million) last year, alongside a 4.5 percent uptick in sales to 12.1 billion.

Continue Exploring: Sodexo to launch the UK’s first 24/7 automated food court for healthcare workers

Sophie Bellon, the Chief Executive, highlighted that Sodexo has benefitted from companies enhancing their food offerings as a tactic to entice employees back to the office post the Covid-19 pandemic.

She remarked, “Despite the prevalence of remote work, companies are adamant about their employees returning in person and are prepared to furnish them with top-tier amenities.”

Sodexo mentioned that it is close to completing its recruitment drive for the summer Olympics. The company plans to employ 6,000 individuals for the games and has already filled 85 percent of the positions with a mix of internal and external candidates.

Each day, around 1,000 individuals will be on duty at the athletes’ village, where Sodexo will cater up to 40,000 meals daily. The games are scheduled from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games.

Continue Exploring: Flex Catering expands global footprint, launches cloud-based platform in the US market

Indian tea and basmati rice exporters halt shipments to Iran and Middle East amid escalating geopolitical tensions

SnackTeam

April 20, 2024

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel, Indian tea and basmati rice exporters have decided to halt exports to Iran, Israel, and other Middle Eastern countries. The tension surged between the two countries following Israel’s strike near Iranian nuclear facilities in Isfahan, seen as a retaliatory move.

Anticipating further unrest in the region, exporters have decided to withhold shipments to the area.

We no longer ship teas to Iran, said Anish Bhansali, managing partner of Bhansali & Co., one of the largest exporters to that country. It doesn’t seem like the geopolitical situation will get better anytime soon. Shipping companies are going to avoid the area until things get better.”

“We anticipated shipping 40–45 million kilogrammes of tea to the Gulf country this year. The first purchase of the new season teas by Iran gave us hope,” said Asian Tea Company director Mohit Agarwal.

Continue Exploring: Indian rice exporters raise prices in response to hike in export duty

Iran also imports basmati rice from India, adding to the array of agricultural commodities exchanged between the two countries. In the fiscal year 2024, India exported one million kg of basmati rice to Iran, constituting a portion of its total exports of 4.9 million kg.

Gautam Miglani, the managing partner of LRNK, a basmati rice exporting firm based in Haryana with a 50-year legacy, stated, “We’ve suspended our exports and are refraining from accepting future orders due to the prevailing geopolitical tension.”

The Iranian port serves as a transit point for Middle Eastern countries and Turkey. Previously, 5-6 ships arrived from the Iranian port. However, the number has now been reduced by half. The wait time at the Indian port has increased for basmati rice exporters. Furthermore, insurance companies are reluctant to give coverage for exports to Iran. So there’s no use in exporting rice right now. “The industry is in wait-and-see mode.”

Continue Exploring: McDonald’s to buy back Israeli franchise amid controversy over support for Israeli soldiers

Pluckk launches new line of preservative-free cold-pressed juices, catering to India’s growing demand for health-conscious choices

SnackTeam

April 20, 2024

Pluckk, a digital lifestyle-oriented fresh food brand has rolled out its latest line of preservative-free cold-pressed juices. This new offering underscores the evolving landscape of consumer preferences towards fresher choices, reflecting a rising demand for health-conscious living. In India, the market value of packaged juices currently stands at INR 1100 crore, showing a steady annual growth rate of 15%.

Featuring a selection of 10 enticing flavors, such as Mango, Pomegranate, Pineapple, and Valencia, these cold-pressed juices are meticulously crafted using only 100% fruit, providing a guilt-free treat without any additional sugar or concentrates. What’s more, these juices boast a shelf life of 21 days, made possible through innovative HPP technology.

Continue Exploring: Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan backs D2C startup Pluckk as brand ambassador and investor

Pratik Gupta, CEO of Pluckk, remarked on the launch, stating, “Here at Pluckk, we’re dedicated to sourcing our ingredients directly from trusted partner farms, ensuring top-notch quality and hygiene standards. As consumers increasingly gravitate towards fresh, preservative-free juice choices, we’re thrilled to unveil this new category. Pluckk Juices embody our brand ethos of providing clean label products crafted from the finest produce, underscoring our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence to our customers.”

Apart from its proprietary D2C platform, Pluckk juices can be found on a variety of platforms, including Zepto, Amazon, and Swiggy, as well as renowned outlets like Nature’s Basket and Foodsquare, ensuring widespread accessibility for consumers across the country.

Pluckk, which is available in six major cities—Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, and the National Capital Region—has received widespread recognition for its creative approach to fresh cuisine.

By placing purity and quality at the forefront, Pluckk consistently sets new standards within the industry, providing consumers with a healthier and more wholesome beverage choice.

Continue Exploring: Food-tech startup Pluckk acquires KOOK to tap into growing demand for DIY meal kits

Retail sector sees 8% growth in March 2024

SnackTeam

April 20, 2024

Retail sales in March 2024 saw an 8% growth compared to the sales levels in March 2023, according to the survey by Retailers Association of India (RAI).

Retail businesses across various regions have shown increased sales compared to March 2023 levels, with South India leading the way with a 9% growth. West India followed closely with an 8% increase, while North and East India reported growth rates of 7% and 6%, respectively.

“In March 2024, our assessment of the retail sector unveiled indications of growth recovery. The consumer landscape seems sturdy, buoyed by heightened discretionary expenditure on apparel and sporting goods. Nevertheless, the jewellery sector, despite its notable expansion since the previous Diwali, encountered a minor deceleration this month, possibly attributed to the recent uptick in gold prices. The CDIT (consumer durables and IT) segment is still in the process of rebounding,” remarked Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of the Retailers Association of India (RAI).

Continue Exploring: India’s consumer and retail sector sees surge in M&A and private equity deals, up 30% in Q1 2024: Grant Thornton Report

“As we approach the 2024 General Elections, we hold an optimistic view regarding the growth potential of the retail sector. Traditionally, election years stimulate economic activities, fostering heightened consumer spending across various regions and product categories. This year, we foresee a similar pattern, with significant rises in discretionary expenditure, especially within sectors like FMCG and consumer durables,” commented Rajagopalan.

Sports goods saw an 11% growth, while apparel and beauty categories both exhibited a 10% increase compared to sales levels in March 2023.

The optimism is evident in the resumption of retail chains expanding across the nation.

Continue Exploring: Digital wallets set to dominate retail payments, Worldpay study reveals

Agritech startup Ecozen secures $30 million in funding

SnackTeam

April 20, 2024

Vivek Pandey, Prateek Singhal & Devendra Gupta, Co-Founders, Ecozen

Ecozen, a Pune-based agritech firm, has raised $30 million (about INR 250 crore) in a mix of equity and debt from existing investors including US-based global investment manager Nuveen.

Ecozen’s adviser Setuka Partners facilitated the debt support provided by InCred Credit Fund and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.

The startup plans to use the funding to meet the growing demand for its solar-powered agricultural solutions, including cold storage boxes and irrigation systems. Additionally, it aims to expand its product offerings and enhance its market presence in Africa and Southeast Asia.

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

“Ecozen is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by the rising market demand for our innovative climate-smart solutions,” stated Devendra Gupta, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecozen.

The funds received will allow us to expand both domestically and internationally, as well as to grow our operations. We’re dedicated to empowering consumers and accelerating the worldwide adoption of climate-smart solutions,” he continued.

Founded by IIT Kharagpur alumni Devendra Gupta, Prateek Singhal, and Vivek Pandey, Ecozen assists farmers cultivating perishable crops to boost their yields, extend storage duration for their produce, and fetch higher prices in the market.

The company reports achieving a fivefold growth over the last two years, while profits have tripled during the same period. Anticipating a doubling of revenue in the current fiscal year, the company attributes this projection to strong demand for its existing product offerings.

It intends to leverage its technology stack, encompassing motors and controls, thermal energy storage, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to explore new industries transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.

In December 2022, the startup secured $25 million in a Series C funding round led by Nuveen and Dare Ventures. India EXIM Bank and existing investors also participated, leading to partial exits for early backers Omnivore and IFA.

Continue Exploring: Agritech startup DeHaat forays into consumer market with Honest Farms brand

ABFRL to raise INR 2500 Crore post-demerger of Madura business into Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands

SnackTeam

April 20, 2024

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) said that it will raise INR 2500 crore within a year by splitting its retail business and forming a new listed entity, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Ltd (ABLBL), which will encompass the Madura Fashion division.

The demerger will be executed using an NCLT scheme of arrangement. Once finalized, all ABFRL shareholders will hold equal stakes in both resulting companies. For every share they currently possess, ABFRL shareholders will receive one share in the new entity, in addition to retaining their existing holdings. ABFRL’s borrowings, amounting to roughly INR 3000 crore until March 2024, will be apportioned between the two companies, with an estimated INR 1000 crore debt shifted to ABLBL. The division of business assets and liabilities will be carried out in accordance with regulatory provisions.

Continue Exploring: ABFRL to spin off Madura Fashion & Lifestyle into independent listed company

“The demerger is anticipated to generate substantial value for ABFRL shareholders, as each separate entity will possess distinct capital structures, pursue independent growth paths, and present unique opportunities for value creation,” stated the company in a filing with the stock exchange. “Within a year following the demerger’s conclusion, ABFRL intends to secure approximately INR 2,500 crore in equity capital to bolster its balance sheet and finance the expansion of its ongoing operations. The company’s promoter group is fully committed to backing this proposed equity raise.”

The Madura business segment will encompass four lifestyle brands—Louis Phillippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Peter England—alongside casual wear labels American Eagle and Forever 21, sportswear brand Reebok, and the innerwear division under Van Heusen. With annual sales reaching INR 7,607 crore, Madura brands and affiliated businesses contributed to nearly two-thirds of ABFRL’s total revenue amounting to INR 12,418 crore. Following the demerger, the remaining ABFRL portfolio will feature value brands Pantaloons and Style Up, an assortment of ethnic and designer labels including Sabyasachi, Shantanu and Nikhil, and Tasva, luxury establishments such as The Collective and Galeries Lafayette, and digital-first fashion brands under TMRW.

Continue Exploring: ABFRL’s Style Up continues Bengaluru expansion, opens third store

Analysts noted that the decision stemmed from the need to elevate stagnant valuation and offset losses observed during the last fiscal year, attributed to heightened investments in newer niche businesses.

In the last five years, ABFRL’s stock price has remained stagnant, with its market capitalization of INR 20,000 crore now standing at just one-seventh of Tata-owned Trent. This is a notable contrast to 2019, when both companies held similar valuations on the BSE.

Taco Bell teams up with Secret Aardvark to bring back Nacho Fries with a spicy twist

SnackTeam

April 19, 2024

Taco Bell, a US-based fast food chain, has announced the return of Nacho Fries in partnership with sauce maker Secret Aardvark.

This partnership will debut the brand-new Serrabanero Ranch sauce, a fusion of serrano and habanero peppers, on Taco Bell’s menu for the mid-year season.

The Secret Aardvark Nacho Fries will hit stores starting April 25th of this year.

The return of Nacho Fries signifies Taco Bell’s 11th iteration of this item, with each occasion offering a distinct flavor profile.

Continue Exploring: Taco Bell introduces refreshing Agua Frescas beverages in California!

In this latest version, Taco Bell has infused Secret Aardvark’s Serrabanero sauce, blending the tastes of green tomatoes, roasted tomatillos, serrano, and green habanero peppers.

This dish showcases crispy fries seasoned with vibrant Mexican spices, adorned with slow-roasted chicken, a trio of cheeses, light sour cream, nacho cheese sauce, and pico de gallo.

Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s global food innovations officer, expressed excitement, stating, “We’re delighted to reintroduce the beloved Nacho Fries for the 11th time, now with an added burst of flavor through our exciting collaboration with Secret Aardvark.”

“Secret Aardvark’s commitment to robust flavors and culinary creativity aligns perfectly with Taco Bell and our renowned Nacho Fries. Collaboratively, we’re elevating flavor discovery, guaranteeing our fans indulge in the ultimate taste adventure with every mouthful.”

Continue Exploring: Taco Bell launches Mexican-inspired frozen coffees and shakes in California

In July of last year, Taco Bell broadened its menu offerings with the introduction of the grilled cheese dipping taco.This fresh addition, accessible nationwide in the US, consists of a three-cheese blend encased within a crispy white corn shell, accompanied by nacho cheese sauce and a flavorful red dipping sauce.

This fresh addition, accessible nationwide in the US, consists of a three-cheese blend encased within a crispy white corn shell, accompanied by nacho cheese sauce and a flavorful red dipping sauce.

Flipkart’s UPI hits new high: Records 5 Million transactions in March

SnackTeam

April 19, 2024

Walmart-backed e-commerce major Flipkart recorded 5 million UPI transactions worth INR 197.24 crore in March, marking its first month of full-fledged UPI launch.

Demonstrating its growing influence in the fintech sector, Flipkart surpassed Jio Payments Bank apps, Navi, and numerous banking apps in UPI transactions during its inaugural month, according to data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Flipkart remarked in a statement, “We’re pleased with the positive feedback from our customers. UPI has significantly enhanced accessibility and convenience for both commercial and non-commercial transactions. Our aim at Flipkart is to extend this same level of convenience across our platform.”

It’s worth noting that the total volume of UPI transactions in March reached approximately 13 billion, amounting to around INR 20 lakh crore.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart expands VIP subscription to eight new cities, intensifying competition with Amazon Prime

While Flipkart registered 5 million UPI transactions in its first month, MobiKwik’s total transactions stood at around 8.3 million in March. Conversely, Groww logged 6.7 million UPI transactions last month, and Jupiter recorded 5.6 million.

Meanwhile, Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and CRED maintain their dominance in the UPI landscape.

In March, Google Pay handled 5 billion transactions totaling around INR 7 lakh crore, PhonePe recorded 6.5 billion transactions valued at INR 10 lakh crore, and Paytm witnessed 1.2 billion transactions amounting to INR 1.3 lakh crore. Conversely, Amazon Pay processed 65.3 billion UPI transactions last month.

It’s important to highlight that Flipkart introduced its UPI service in January of this year, albeit to a restricted group of users.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Flipkart’s UPI service was launched for approximately 10,000 users in the initial phase during that month. The company had plans to expand its availability nationwide in the coming weeks.

Additionally, Flipkart partnered with Axis Bank for its UPI offerings. The @fkaxis UPI handle is poised to facilitate a range of transactions, spanning online and offline activities like e-commerce transactions, recharges, and bill payments.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart launches UPI handle to elevate digital payment experience for over 500 million users

According to an industry executive cited by Moneycontrol, Flipkart’s long-term UPI usage is expected to surpass that of Amazon Pay UPI.

The executive said, “Amazon focuses on premium customers in areas with high credit card penetration. Flipkart, on the other hand, is favored in tier 2 cities, towns, and villages, which may result in significantly higher UPI usage.”

In a statement last month, Dheeraj Aneja, Senior Vice President of the Fintech and Payments Group at Flipkart, expressed that the introduction of Flipkart UPI seamlessly combines the convenience and cost-effectiveness of UPI with the trusted efficiency that customers anticipate from the company.

“At Flipkart, we are dedicated to providing customers with the best possible online shopping experience by providing a variety of safe and practical payment options in addition to a vast array of benefits and incentives like Supercoins, brand vouchers, & others,” the spokesperson stated.

1...531532533...1,404 Page 532 of 1,404

NewsHub