FMCG advertising expenditure hits new heights on TV, print and digital platforms face decline

By

-

April 10, 2024

In calendar year 2023, there was a noticeable uptick in advertising volumes for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies on TV and radio, as reported by TAM Media’s ad expenditure data. Conversely, there was a decline in advertising activity on print and digital platforms compared to the previous year, 2022. Experts highlight that FMCG brands dominated advertising spending in the Indian market, estimated to be between INR 1,00,000 crore to INR 1,50,000 crore.

Advertising volumes for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) on television increased by more than 3% during the past calendar year, driven by robust expansion particularly in the second and third quarters.

Among the top 10 advertisers, their collective contribution amounted to 69% of TV ad volumes, with Hindustan Unilever emerging as the dominant entity on the list.

Continue Exploring: Good monsoon, improved macro indicators to drive consumer demand for FMCG products

FMCG firms showed a strong preference for general entertainment and movie channels, which collectively accumulated 62% of TV ad volumes.

In 2023, advertising space for the FMCG sector in print experienced a decline of 10%. Despite this, the sector maintained its dominance in print advertising, securing the highest share of ad space at 10% in October 2023. The lowest share of ad space for FMCG was recorded in February 2023, at 6%.

The over-the-counter (OTC) product range claimed the top position among categories, commanding a 7% share of ad space.

The top five publication languages—Hindi, English, Marathi, Kannada, and Telugu—collectively accounted for 86% of the print ad space. Hindi emerged as the dominant language, commanding a 52% share of the ad space.

Digital impressions for FMCG ads saw a 23% decline overall in 2023. In Q2 and Q4, impressions rose by 29% and 10% respectively compared to Q1, but experienced a 6% decrease in Q3.

November 2023 witnessed the FMCG sector reaching its peak ad impressions on digital media, commanding an 11% share, whereas the lowest share was recorded in February 2023, accounting for 6.5%.

Pharma & healthcare emerged as the leading advertising category within the FMCG sector on digital platforms.

Continue Exploring: FMCG growth to remain sluggish in current year: Emkay Global Report

PepsiCo India launches Sting Blue Current

By

SnackTeam

-

April 10, 2024

0

PepsiCo India’s brand, Sting, is ready to thrill consumers throughout India with the introduction of its limited-edition flavor, Sting Blue Current. This captivating new addition enhances the Sting Energy range. Alongside the launch of Sting Blue Current, the brand is unveiling a playful new marketing campaign that emphasizes Sting’s commitment to delivering electrifying energy. With the tagline ‘Sting Blue Current, Kamaal ka Current,’ the campaign invites consumers to personally experience the excitement of Sting Blue Current.

The film starts with a young couple sitting beneath a starry sky. The girl eagerly awaits a shooting star to make a secret wish. In a playful twist, the boy energizes himself by drinking Sting Blue Current, transforming into a shooting star as the girl closes her eyes to make her wish. The film concludes on an exhilarating note, echoing the brand’s tagline ‘Sting Blue Current, Kamaal ka Current,’ igniting a sense of potential with Sting Blue Current’s empowering ‘Can-Do’ energy.

Continue Exploring: Sting sets new record as PepsiCo’s fastest-growing brand, outpacing traditional soft drinks

Ankit Agarwal, Associate Director of Energy & Hydration at PepsiCo India, commented on the launch of Sting Blue Current and its associated campaign, stating, “In recent years, Sting has won a special place in the hearts of consumers across India.” Expanding on our success in the Indian market, we’re releasing Sting Blue Current, a new variation that offers consumers a revitalising flavour alongside Sting’s signature energy. Sting Blue Current captures our brand’s spirit of revitalising consumers and demonstrates our commitment to giving our audience an exhilarating boost while being true to the brand they’ve come to love.”

The new Sting Blue Current TV commercial will be promoted through a comprehensive 360-degree campaign, encompassing television, digital platforms, outdoor advertising, and social media.

Sting Blue Current is priced at INR 20/- for a 200 ml single-serve pack and is available nationwide in India. The classic red flavor of Sting remains accessible in small single-serve packs of 200ml and 250ml, as well as in multi-serve packs of 500ml, at all modern and traditional retail stores across India and on major e-commerce platforms.

Continue Exploring: Radiohead Brands makes a bold move into energy drinks market with Hustle

Rise in out-of-home dining and processed foods: Indians cooking less at home than a decade ago, reports show

By

SnackTeam

-

April 10, 2024

0

Cafe Restaurant — (Representative Image)

Indians are cooking at home less frequently than they did a decade ago, as indicated by government data and research reports. This decline is accompanied by a rise in spending on out-of-home dining and processed foods. The trend is expected to intensify due to the growing popularity of quick commerce and food delivery apps, increasing income levels, and evolving food preferences.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) and ICICI Securities, urban elite households at the top of the pyramid allocated nearly half of their food budget to packaged food, restaurant meals, and food delivery in FY23. This is an increase from 41.2% a decade ago.

“Due to the growing prevalence of food delivery and quick commerce apps, the proportion of processed food in consumption is likely to have risen. As households ascend the income ladder, their consumption patterns evolve,” commented Paras Jasrai, Senior Analyst at India Ratings and Research.

Continue Exploring: Quick commerce platforms Blinkit and Zepto expand into e-commerce, targeting fashion, beauty, electronics, and more

During the period in review, spending on processed food by elite urban consumers increased by 2.2 times, while it rose by 3.3 times for middle-income consumers. This shift has occurred as the proportion of food items in overall expenditure has decreased.

In the same period, middle-income households increased their spending on processed food and beverages from 16% to nearly 25% of their food budget.

“Given the increasing spending power of the middle class, demand is expected to rise. Additionally, the growing number of working couples further contributes to this demand,” commented Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist at Bank of Baroda, highlighting the high potential for growth.

Sabnavis also highlighted that innovation in products like low-sugar and organic food and beverages is expected to resonate with higher income groups, further contributing to growth.

According to the ICICI Securities report, the top 5% of the urban population are reducing their absolute spending on staples, suggesting that the kitchen is becoming less central for elite urban households.

The report reveals that the urban elite spend an average of INR 971 per month per person on food delivery in FY23, compared to INR 60 per person in mid-to-high income families. This expenditure is projected to have increased by 18% in FY24.

Continue Exploring: India sees surge in fish consumption driven by rising incomes and evolving diets

“There is a shift in urban households from consuming staples to more value-added and experiential foods, which inherently are processed,” stated social commentator and brand specialist Santosh Desai.

“Undoubtedly, food delivery has been a dominant trend of the past decade, alongside the premiumization of food experiences. As a result, many households are shifting away from the need to cook every meal at home and are purchasing more processed foods even for consumption at home,” explained the source.

The trend is not exclusive to urban households, as the proportion of processed food and beverages has also increased among rural households during this period.

According to Mospi data, there is a significant rise in expenditure on processed food and beverages as the income level of urban households rises. In contrast, spending on cereals, eggs, fish, meat, and edible oil remains steady. Nonetheless, there is a slight uptick in spending on milk and milk products.

Although urban households cook less frequently, when they do, they tend to use branded packaged goods as ingredients rather than fundamental basics. This tendency has resulted in an increase in demand for processed foods, according to B Krishna Rao, Senior Category Head of Parle Products.

“Even the current fad of millet-based products offered by companies would eventually fall into (category of) processed food,” he said

According to experts, spending on dry fruits has increased from 0.8% to 1.3% of total household expenditure in urban areas over the past decade, and from 0.6% to 1.2% in rural households, indicating rising incomes and aspirations. Meanwhile, Mospi data revealed that spending on sugar and salt has decreased by half in urban households over the same period, dropping from 1.2% to 0.6% of the budget.

Continue Exploring: Dry fruit consumption in India soars by 25% in 2023, fueled by health-conscious trend post-pandemic

Rebel Foods to boost Oven Story Pizza’s reach with 250+ franchise outlets

By

SnackTeam

-

April 10, 2024

0

Rebel Foods, known for its network of cloud kitchens and digital brands, is making a significant investment in the offline channel. Having achieved unicorn status in 2021, the company is growing its leading brand, Oven Story Pizza, through franchising in the offline market. This strategic decision aims to capture a larger market share in the rapidly expanding pizza sector and challenge global pizza chains in the region.

Ankit Jindal, the Business Head at Rebel Foods, stated, “Franchising is a key initiative we are prioritizing this year. Our goal is to establish Oven Story Pizza as a leading brand in its category, and we are accelerating its offline expansion to achieve this. We plan to launch 250-300 outlets over the next 2-3 years, which we believe is a significant milestone to compete effectively with global chains.” The company is also recognized for its brands such as Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, Mandarin Oak, and Firangi Bake, among others.

Continue Exploring: Pizza Hut ramps up expansion in India, targets younger demographic with new menu offerings

He further mentioned that the franchising model aligns perfectly with the brand’s current stage and will also facilitate the company’s access to a network of similarly minded individual entrepreneurs.

“Our emphasis will be on launching these stores in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. We see immense untapped potential in these areas. As disposable incomes rise and consumer awareness increases, people in these markets are increasingly spending on dining out and ordering food. There’s also a growing preference for national food brands, and consumers are open to trying new offerings. From a real estate cost standpoint, we believe our franchise partners will find profitable opportunities in these markets,” added Jindal.

In 2024, the company plans to launch 40-50 offline outlets for the brand.

Continue Exploring: Rebel Foods joins ONDC to expand D2C presence and enhance consumer reach

The company is optimistic about the pizza category. Jindal highlighted that in recent years, the category has gained momentum in tier 2, 3, and 4 markets, with numerous local brands emerging and attracting more consumers to the category.

Discussing the growth trends for FY24, Jindal stated, “We have seen robust year-over-year growth across our 75 locations, spanning Tier-1 and Tier-2 markets in India and the UAE. The EatSure Food-Court App has played a key role in driving this growth by catering to consumers’ needs for multiple restaurant options in one order.”

Rebel Foods is also the exclusive franchise holder for the American fast-food brand Wendy’s in India.

We are also growing Wendy’s offline presence. In Delhi-NCR, we now operate three to four restaurants, and we’re working on opening a few more,” Jindal continued.

Continue Exploring: Rebel Foods unveils Wendy’s first airport dine-in store in Bengaluru

Nissin Foods shakes up Cup Noodles lineup with bagel-inspired flavor!

By

SnackTeam

-

April 9, 2024

0

Nissin Foods has diversified its Cup Noodles portfolio with the introduction of bagel-inspired noodles.

The Everything Bagel variety merges noodles with sesame, poppy, and caraway seeds, garlic, and dried onion in a cream cheese-flavored sauce, creating a ramen dish with a saucy texture rather than a soup-based one.

Continue Exploring: Nissin Foods takes ramen to the next level with Hot & Spicy Fire Wok Chili-Infused Noodles

Priscila Stanton, Nissin Foods’ senior vice president of marketing, expressed, “We’re aware that noodle enthusiasts and food aficionados are always seeking innovative ways to enhance their instant ramen with diverse sauces, seasonings, and unexpected elements. In particular, consumers have been incorporating Everything Seasoning into their ramen since its popularity surged, and we drew inspiration from our consumer base to infuse everyone’s beloved noodles with a creamy twist.”

The Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese flavor is currently on offer for a limited period at Walmart outlets, priced at $1.18.

Continue Exploring: FMCG giants spice up instant noodle portfolios as Indian consumers crave K-noodles

Froneri expands Oreo ice cream line with new mini bites

By

SnackTeam

-

April 9, 2024

0

Froneri has introduced its latest ice cream creation, Oreo Mini Bites, under the Oreo brand.

With a twist on the classic Oreo sandwich cookie, these new bite-sized treats are perfect for those with hectic schedules and on-the-move convenience.

Each cup of Oreo Mini Bites features 14 bite-sized pieces, consisting of vanilla-flavored ice cream wrapped in a crushed Oreo biscuit crust.

Continue Exploring: Oreo expands line-up with gluten-free and NYC-inspired cookie flavors

Shreen Nobbel, the brand manager at Froneri UK, said, “After witnessing remarkable growth in the Oreo ice cream line, with the range expanding by 76% in recent years, we were inspired to introduce the new Oreo snacking mini bites. We recognize the large number of Oreo ice cream enthusiasts out there, and these Oreo mini bites are designed as a convenient on-the-go snacking option, sure to delight Oreo fans.”

This marks the newest addition to Froneri’s lineup of innovations. In February, the company introduced new Nuii ice cream flavors, followed by the launch of new Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars in January, and last year saw the debut of Häagen-Dazs Butter Cookie Cones.

Oreo Mini Bites are now available for purchase at UK retailers, priced at £2.50 per cup.

Continue Exploring: From Olipop to Oreo: Brands roll out retro-inspired products to tap into consumer nostalgia, says GlobalData

Plamil Foods unveils world’s first chocolate bar made from coffee beans

By

SnackTeam

-

April 9, 2024

0

Plamil Foods has introduced the world’s first chocolate bar crafted from coffee beans.

The Coffee Bar, made from whole coffee beans instead of cocoa beans, has a silky feel similar to chocolate.

Utilizing a distinctive production method that involves meticulously selected beans roasted in small batches, each bar encapsulates the rich flavors of the coffee beans. The company notes that the introduction of The Coffee Bar aligns with an uptick in chocolate prices and global cocoa bean shortages.

Adrian Ling, CEO of Plamil Foods, remarked, “No one has ever done this before – the exceptional taste and silky texture are a result of our unique production method. It took a year of dedicated development, but we’ve finally mastered the recipe for crafting a coffee bar.”

Continue Exploring: Global cocoa supply shortage pushes Cadbury and major chocolate brands to consider price hikes

He added, “Turning coffee into a bar may seem like a novel idea, but it actually makes a lot of sense when you consider the evolution of chocolate. 175 years ago, chocolate was primarily consumed as a drink until Frys of Bristol introduced the chocolate bar.”

“We understand that The Coffee Bar won’t be replacing everyone’s traditional cup of coffee overnight. However, this barista-quality snack is designed for on-the-go individuals who crave coffee enjoyment anytime, anywhere. We’re confident that it has the potential to fulfill consumer demands and tap into the global billion-pound coffee market.”

The Coffee Bar will debut at the London Coffee Festival from April 11-14 and will also be showcased at the Food & Drink Expo from April 29-May 1.

The bar is anticipated to become accessible to customers in the UK shortly, making appearances at service stations, outdoor sports venues, and conventional retail outlets.

Continue Exploring: Planet A Foods raises $15.4M in Series A funding to expand global reach of innovative cocoa-free chocolate, ChoViva

Uber Eats introduces TikTok-style videos for restaurants to enhance user experience and boost food orders

By

SnackTeam

-

April 9, 2024

0

Uber Eats, the food delivery platform, has evolved beyond just delivering food. Now, users can also watch videos on the app. The platform is introducing a new feature that allows restaurants to share short videos, similar to those found on TikTok or Instagram.

These videos will be featured in various sections of the Uber Eats app. So, when users are browsing for meal options, they might come across a captivating video of a restaurant preparing a delicious dish and be inspired to place an order.

The aim of this new feature is to immerse users in the restaurant experience, letting them watch chefs prepare dishes and igniting excitement to try new foods. Awaneesh Verma, an employee at Uber Eats, informed TechCrunch that preliminary tests indicate people are more inclined to order unfamiliar dishes after viewing these videos. Even minor details, such as seeing the appearance of a dish or understanding its portion size, can pique interest and encourage users to give it a try.

Many other apps, such as Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, have incorporated TikTok-like features due to the current popularity of short videos. Even LinkedIn, primarily known for professional networking, is experimenting with a video feed. Therefore, it’s understandable that Uber Eats aims to capitalize on this trend.

Continue Exploring: Uber Eats introduces live location sharing to facilitate seamless deliveries

Restaurants often share videos on social media platforms to attract new customers and showcase their dishes. Allowing them to do the same directly within the Uber Eats app simplifies the process for users to discover new dining options without exiting the app. While some may feel overwhelmed by the influx of apps featuring short videos, Uber Eats believes it will assist people in discovering new and delicious foods they’ll enjoy.

Currently, Uber Eats is piloting this feature in select cities: New York, San Francisco, and Toronto. However, if successful, they intend to roll it out globally. Restaurants won’t incur additional charges to display their videos within the app. Uber emphasizes that these videos are not treated as advertisements; rather, they offer a creative avenue for restaurants to showcase their dishes.

Celebrity Chef Akshat Parihar joins Starshine Brands as brand ambassador

By

SnackTeam

-

April 9, 2024

0

Starshine Brands, a premier hospitality company committed to offering Indians the best in European, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine, is excited to welcome Celebrity Chef Akshat Parihar as its brand ambassador. Renowned worldwide for his culinary skill and creativity, Chef Akshat brings extensive experience and innovation to the Starshine team.

Originally from Rajasthan, Chef Akshat Parihar has made a name for himself in the culinary world through his exceptional skills and deep passion for food. With an impressive portfolio that covers over 18 cuisines, Chef Akshat is renowned for skillfully combining international flavors with his own distinctive twist. His innovative dishes, such as the introduction of Exquisite Savoury Mousse Cocktails, have received widespread acclaim, earning him the title of “Molecular Gastronomic.”

Shweta Gupta, Executive Director of Starshine Brands, said, “Chef Akshat Parihar’s collaborative spirit and dedication to pushing the boundaries of culinary artistry have fostered partnerships with esteemed brands globally, solidifying his reputation as a culinary innovator. His zeal for crafting unforgettable dining experiences aligns perfectly with Starshine’s vision of enriching urban landscapes by providing a diverse range of cuisines and a splendid ambiance all under one roof.”

Continue Exploring: BigBasket teams up with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor to introduce frozen foods brand ‘Precia’, targets INR 100 Crore in online sales by 2026

“I am delighted to collaborate with Starshine Brands as their brand ambassador. Together, we aspire to reshape the culinary scene in India and offer food aficionados unmatched dining experiences. I am eager to contribute to Starshine’s mission of bringing gastronomic joy throughout the country,” expressed Chef Akshat Parihar.

Within the framework of Starshine Brands, celebrated for its commitment to offering Indians the finest European, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine, there exists a collection of culinary gems. Among these distinguished brands are Chhupa Rustam and Ivoryy, each providing a unique dining experience that captivates the senses and honors gastronomic diversity. Chhupa Rustam charms guests with its blend of traditional and contemporary flavors, while Ivoryy radiates elegance and sophistication, showcasing a thoughtfully curated array of culinary delights. With a dedication to excellence and a zeal for innovation, these brands encapsulate Starshine’s mission to redefine India’s culinary landscape, one memorable dining experience at a time.

As Starshine Brands pursues its expansion endeavors, Chef Akshat Parihar’s culinary expertise and Sandeep Gupta’s vision will be instrumental in bolstering the company’s footprint in the hospitality sector.

Continue Exploring: Celebrated Chef Arvind Prasad continues as Callebaut’s ambassador in India

Reliance Retail launches 13th Pret A Manger store in India

By

SnackTeam

-

April 9, 2024

0

Reliance Retail has launched the 13th outlet of the UK-based fresh food and organic coffee chain, Pret A Manger, in India, as stated in a social media post by a company official. Situated at Delphi, Downtown Powai, Mumbai, this new store marks the eighth Pret A Manger location in the city.

Chandramohan Ramadasan, the business head of Pret A Manger at Reliance Brands Ltd., wroten in a LinkedIn post, “Pret’s latest store is now open for business in the vibrant heart of Powai. I’m thrilled to bring our dedication to freshly made food and organic coffee to this amazing neighborhood.”

This comes just a week after Reliance unveiled the 12th Pret A Manger store at the renowned Horniman Circle in Fort, Mumbai.

Continue Exploring: Reliance Retail unveils 12th Pret A Manger outlet in Mumbai’s historic Horniman Circle

In India, Pret A Manger stores presently provide an assortment of sandwiches, baguettes, salads, and soups, alongside an array of organic coffee, tea, shakes, and smoothie choices.

Pret A Manger has ventured into the Indian market through a partnership with Reliance Brands, the retail arm of Reliance Industries.

In April, Reliance inaugurated its first Pret A Manger cafe at Maker Maxity in Mumbai. Spanning 2,567 sq. ft., the outlet captures the essence of the brand’s iconic London stores. Subsequently, Pret A Manger launched its second Mumbai outlet at Phoenix Palladium Mall later in the same month.

Currently, the cafe chain operates stores in various cities such as Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Delhi.

Reliance Brands, a division of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd., was founded in 2007 with the goal of introducing and expanding worldwide brands in the luxury to premium categories of the fashion and leisure industries.

The company has established long-term exclusive partnerships across various sectors with both global and Indian brands, including Ritu Kumar, Bottega Veneta, Tiffany & Co., Armani, Balenciaga, among others.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy and Pret A Manger team up to offer online delivery of freshly made delights and organic coffees

NewsHub