Simpl, a Bengaluru-based one-tap checkout network, aims to boost its checkouts on the quick-commerce platform Zepto to 100 million by 2026.
Simpl aims to achieve this goal by integrating its industry-first instant checkout on Zepto Pass, thereby enhancing the experience for millions of customers across the country.
Zepto Pass, launched on February 29th, is a loyalty program developed by Zepto in collaboration with Simpl.
“The partnership between Zepto and Simpl is inherently synergistic, simplifying consumers’ lives with a unique blend of online grocery khata, one-tap checkout, and 10-minute deliveries,” stated Aadit Palicha, co-founder and CEO of Zepto.
The initiative is designed to replicate the seamless experience of shopping at an offline kirana store for consumers, allowing them to access their necessities and settle all their bills at once.
Nitya Sharma, founder and CEO of Simpl, commented on the partnership’s expansion, stating, “Being a longstanding partner of Zepto, we’ve served as a preferred checkout solution for millions of their customers. We’re thrilled to augment the khata experience on their newly introduced Zepto Pass. The fusion of quick commerce’s rapid deliveries with online khata will elevate convenience for customers and draw more into the quick commerce ecosystem.”
Since its partnership with Zepto in January 2022, Simpl has recorded over 13 million checkouts up to now.
CYK Hospitalities Pvt. Ltd, a prominent F&B consultancy in India, has recently played a pivotal role in establishing Sassy Desserts in the heart of Panipat. Sassy Desserts emerges as a fresh and captivating sweet destination, enticing locals with its creative menu and steadfast commitment to culinary excellence. It offers a delightful blend of flavors and innovative offerings.
CYK Hospitalities has been instrumental in the development of Sassy Desserts, offering a comprehensive range of services such as graphic design, branding, business planning, operational planning, menu development, chef recruitment, and the creation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
CYK has been the catalyst for the successful launch of Sassy Desserts. Pulkit Arora and Simranjeet Singh, serving as Directors of CYK Hospitalities, along with their skilled team, have spearheaded this endeavor, ensuring that every facet of the Sassy Desserts brand reflects an unwavering dedication to excellence.
Pulkit Arora, Director of CYK Hospitalities, commented, “We have worked closely with the Sassy team to ensure that their brand embodies passion and commitment in every aspect, from graphic design and packaging to brand identity and store operations.”
Sassy Desserts offers a diverse menu designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences. It features internationally inspired treats such as churros and bubble pop stick waffles, adding an international touch to Panipat’s dessert scene. However, Sassy Desserts is not limited to just churros and waffles. The menu offers a delightful variety of options, including waffles, crepes, mini pancakes, and ice cream sundaes, catering to a range of palates.
Sharing his enthusiasm upon the successful completion of the project, Simranjeet Singh, Director of CYK Hospitalities, commented, “Our partnership with Sassy Desserts has been extremely fulfilling. From crafting innovative dessert selections to ensuring smooth operations through detailed planning, our collaboration has established a new benchmark in dessert experiences. At Sassy Desserts, each item on the menu embodies a harmonious blend of creativity and practicality, captivating customers with delightful flavors and unforgettable experiences.”
Led by Vedant Hasija, Director of Sassy Desserts, the establishment strives to infuse a touch of sweetness and creativity into the community. “We aimed to introduce something truly unique to Panipat, catering to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re craving a refreshing cold coffee or a creamy shake, we have something to meet every desire. With CYK’s expertise and our mutual dedication to innovation, we’ve successfully introduced exciting new flavors and concepts that have captured the imagination of our customers,” expressed Hasija.
As global demand for sustainable confectionery products grows, Cargill recently announced a new commercial agreement with Voyage Foods to scale up & deliver tasty, nutritious, and, most importantly, sustainable alternatives to cocoa-based products, as well as nut spreads without traditional ingredients – peanuts and hazelnuts.
Cargill is set to become the sole global B2B distributor for Voyage Foods, broadening its conventional chocolate range to introduce more sustainable alternatives for cocoa-based products to its clientele for the first time. These cocoa-free confectionery options will be integrated into recipe formulations for sectors like bakery, ice cream, and confectionery. This expansion will enhance and diversify Cargill’s existing chocolate portfolio, offering a wider array of solutions that are vegan-friendly, label-conscious, and formulated without the use of nuts or dairy allergens.
“Cargill is delighted to collaborate with Voyage Foods, investing in the future of increasingly sustainable food solutions. We aim to be the primary source of inspiration and growth for our customers, establishing new benchmarks for innovation and partnership. To achieve this, we are proactively identifying upcoming trends, concentrating on dynamic, high-value categories like ice cream, sweet bakery, and chocolate confectionery,” says Inge Demeyere, Managing Director of Bakery, Ice Cream, and Chocolate Confectionery for Europe at Cargill.
Inge Demeyere further remarks, “Complementing Cargill’s conventional chocolate offerings, alternatives to cocoa-based products are a valuable addition. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to future-proofing our portfolio, aligning with consumer preferences, and adhering to market regulations by offering increasingly sustainable options.”
Voyage Foods employs its unique technology to mimic the chocolate flavor in products and applications that consumers are familiar with and adore.
“Using culinary innovation to address concerns about the health of people and the environment has always been a goal for Voyage Foods. Getting our potent ingredients into the hands of food product manufacturers and brands worldwide is the greatest way to accomplish this. Collaborating with Cargill, a preeminent leader in the food industry for more than a century, is the optimal approach towards expanding these solutions worldwide. That way, food manufacturers can expand their product line to include spreads and cocoa-free chocolates that are created without using any nuts or dairy. Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Voyage Foods, Adam Maxwell, states, “Together, we are growing our positive impact on nature and people.”
The Beer Café has launched two new outlets in Mumbai: one at Phoenix Market City, Kurla, and the other at Growel’s 101 Mall, Kandivali. Embracing a distinctive concept, these cafes seamlessly merge the enduring charm of beer with the inviting ambiance of a café, offering a delightful fusion of craft beers, scenic surroundings, and an eclectic global cuisine. With these additions, the brand’s presence in Mumbai now extends to a total of seven outlets.
Rahul Singh, Founder and CEO, said, “Guest satisfaction stands as the cornerstone of our brand’s ethos. We are committed to ensuring that every guest departs with an unforgettable experience filled with delight. This dedication has been integral to our operations for over a decade, where we have consistently delivered on our promise to offer refreshing, chilled beer suitable for every budget and occasion.”
Rugged elements like concrete, metallic accents, & industrial materials are used in the decor, which has an overall rustic tone. The area exudes an industrial charm, enhanced by the industrial fixtures and distressed wood that provide a cosy yet homely feel. Pops of vivid colours give a little personality while the neutral tones create a calming atmosphere.
Sleek leather sofas provide a comfortable lounging space, while exposed ceilings and a wooden ceiling add to the industrial style. The living room becomes alive with the addition of hanging vines and plants that provide a breath of fresh air against the stark backdrop.
The brand is planning further expansion with the goal of bringing its signature style to new locations.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds, a prominent jewellery conglomerate, has surpassed an annual retail global turnover of INR 51,218 crore in the last financial year, as announced in a recent media release.
Additionally, the company plans to launch 100 new stores in the coming year and intends to expand its current workforce of 21,000 by adding 7,000 new employees, underscoring its dedication to inclusive growth.
With a strategic expansion plan targeting both domestic and international markets, the brand seeks to strengthen its position as a global leader. In addition to its existing operations in India, Malabar Gold & Diamonds plans to venture into new states including Jharkhand, Goa, Assam, Tripura, and Jammu & Kashmir.
At present, the company runs 345 stores spanning 13 countries. Moreover, it intends to broaden its presence by inaugurating new stores in New Zealand, Egypt, Bangladesh, and several locations across Europe.
MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group, underscored the company’s commitment to responsible practices, saying, “Maintaining our status as a Responsible Jeweler is our top priority. We are committed to responsibly sourcing our materials and making a positive impact on the communities we operate in.”
The company runs 14 supply chain management units in 8 countries and operates 15 jewellery manufacturing units in 5 countries. These are complemented by design studios that feature over 25 exclusive brand collections. Additionally, the company is in the process of setting up new jewellery manufacturing facilities in several locations throughout India.
With over 15 million customers spread across 100 countries, Malabar Gold & Diamonds stands as a beacon of excellence in the global jewellery industry, driven by the philosophy of ‘Make in India, Market to the World’.
Approximately 15,000 local stores in Bengal have partnered with Amazon India to supply fresh flowers, rangoli, and puja essentials for various new year celebrations such as Poila Baisakh, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Bohag Bihu, and more.
Stores offering home furnishings, kitchenware, personal care items, computers, and peripherals have also collaborated with Amazon for this special occasion.
The e-commerce company’s local partner stores are situated in Kolkata, Howrah, Durgapur, Nadia, Hooghly, and Kharagpur. Abhishek Jain, the head of local shops at Amazon India, mentioned that the orders will be delivered from these locations.
The festivals of Poila Baisakh, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Bohag Bihu, Maha Vishubha, and Sankranti are celebrated in various regions. Many of these new year celebrations are also observed in Bengal by the respective communities residing there.
Jain commented, “This year, nearly 4,700 sellers are providing approximately 60,000 festival-themed products across India on our platform. We anticipate an increase in the number of sellers on our platform.”
Supermarket giants such as Tesco, Australia’s Woolworths Group, and Africa’s largest grocery retailer, Shoprite, have joined forces to establish a $125 million venture capital fund aimed at speeding up retail innovation.
The retailers announced that their new fund, W23 Global, will invest in start-ups and scale-ups over the next five years. These investments aim to enhance consumer experiences by enabling faster, more personalized, and interconnected shopping both in-store and online.
This will encompass investments in start-ups using technology to transform the grocery value chain and tackle sustainability issues in the industry.
Each retailer, that include Ahold Delhaize as well as Empire Company, is an equal contributor & partner in W23 Global, and their CEOs will also serve on the investment committee, according to the release.
“We aim to give our investors unrivalled access to ground-breaking innovations in grocery and sustainability globally in a time when innovation is revolutionising retail and value chains across the economy,” said Ingrid Maes, CEO & Chief Investment Officer of W23 Global.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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