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Chai Sutta Bar expands into premium café market with Kaffee-La launch, eyes nationwide growth

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Kaffee-La
Kaffee-La

Chai Sutta Bar, a popular tea chain, has ventured into the premium café market with the launch of its new brand Kaffee-La, as reported by the Economic Times.

CSB opened the first Kaffee-La store in Indore, in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Spanning 4,500 square feet, the store provides a variety of premium teas and coffees. This expansion marks CSB’s entry into the upscale market segment.

The company is leveraging a franchise model for the expansion of Kaffee-La, echoing the strategy of its successful CSB format.

Co-founder Anand Nayak stated that discussions are underway to open additional outlets in the cities of Jalandhar and Delhi.

CSB has recently made its foray into the fast-moving consumer goods sector with its exclusive tea brand, Maatea.

Continue Exploring: Chai Sutta Bar launches its new tea brand ‘Maatea’

The brand is distributed via the company’s website, e-commerce platforms, and neighborhood grocery stores. Nayak expects Maatea to generate a turnover of INR 500 million ($5.9 million) by March 2025.

CSB presently boasts revenues of INR 1.5 billion and sets its sights on doubling this amount by the end of the fiscal year 2025.

Nayak also detailed plans to expand the network of CSB outlets, with a specific focus on the South India market.

Continue Exploring: Chai Sutta Bar to establish strong foothold in South India with 50+ new branches

The brand’s international expansion is underway, with intentions to inaugurate 20 new franchise stores in Canada in 2024. This expansion supplements its current international footprint in Nepal, Oman, and Dubai.

Subko Coffee, a contender in the specialty coffee and cocoa market, recently raised $10 million in Series B funding at a valuation of $34 million.

The investment round saw contributions from NKSquared, which is supported by Zerodha co-founders and existing investors.

In March 2024, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating its 100th café in Kolkata, West Bengal. Situated in the Ballygunge neighborhood, the café offers a meticulously curated range of premium beverages.

Continue Exploring: Subko Coffee secures INR 80 Crore in a funding round led by NKSquared

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Bikano expands portfolio with ‘Madras’ and ‘Kerala’ flavor mixtures, targets 2-4% market share in Southern India

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Bikano 'Madras' and 'Kerala' Flavor
Bikano 'Madras' and 'Kerala' Flavor

Bikano, India’s leading packaged snacks brand has launched its latest offerings – the ‘Madras’ and ‘Kerala’ Flavor Mixtures. This expansion into the flavors of southern India signifies a major milestone for Bikano, as it aims to cater to diverse regional preferences and tap into new market opportunities.

Manish Aggarwal, director of Bikano, Bikanervala Foods, shared his enthusiasm about Bikano’s expansion into the southern market, saying, “The launch of our newest offerings, ‘Madras’ and ‘Kerala’ Flavor Mixtures, represents a significant step for Bikano as we venture into the diverse culinary traditions of southern India. These innovative products highlight our commitment to creativity and our pledge to adapt to the changing preferences of our valued customers. By broadening our product portfolio and exploring new markets, we aim to strengthen our position as a key player in the snacks industry. These products will be available not just across India, but also in international markets.”

Continue Exploring: Bikano diversifies portfolio: Launches ‘Swad Anusar’ subsidiary for branded spices

Kush Aggarwal, head of Marketing at Bikano, emphasised the growing demand for mixes in the snacks category, noting, “The market demand for mixtures continues to soar, with a steady annual growth rate of 25%.” As a market leader in traditional snacks, we are convinced that our new items will help us grow even more. In terms of Bikano’s overall market strategy, we presently have a 5-6% market share in the snacks business, which we hope to raise to 8-10% in the near future. The introduction of our new goods is consistent with our larger objective of extending our market presence and providing quality snacks to customers in India and beyond.”

With high expectations, Bikano aims to secure a significant market share of 2-4% in the southern Indian snacks segment through the introduction of the ‘Madras’ and ‘Kerala’ Flavor Mixtures. Initially offered in a convenient 200gm pack size, these products are competitively priced to ensure accessibility to a wide consumer base. The company intends to expand its product range by introducing additional pack sizes in the future. Geared towards a target audience aged between 25 and 55 years, Bikano’s ‘Madras’ and ‘Kerala’ Flavor Mixtures are expected to appeal to a diverse demographic, ensuring widespread popularity across various age groups.

Bikano plans to employ tactics like online advertising, direct marketing, and product sampling to promote the new offerings. These approaches are designed to reach a wide audience and build excitement around the products. The company anticipates attracting 1 lakh customers per month for these two new products.

Looking forward, Bikano remains committed to growth and innovation. With a positive outlook, Bikano is determined to achieve its ambitious turnover target of 1800 crores by FY 2023-24. Through strategic initiatives like expanding manufacturing facilities and exploring the potential of frozen products, Bikano aims to strengthen its global presence. On the international front, the company is targeting a notable 40% year-on-year growth in export sales, highlighting its commitment to sustainable growth practices. In FY 2023-24, Bikano saw an impressive 20% increase in sales and expects a further 20% growth in sales for FY 2024-25.

Continue Exploring: Bikano sets its sights on international markets with new range of frozen products, aims for 40% year-on-year export growth

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Starbucks reports robust 22% sales growth in the UK, plans to open 100 more stores

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Starbucks
Starbucks (Representative Image)

Starbucks has announced a notable 22% year-over-year sales growth in the UK for the 12 months ending on 1 October 2023, amounting to £547.7 million ($693 million).

The company also experienced a 15% increase in gross profit, reaching £149 million ($188.5 million).

This growth is credited to a significant rise in loyalty membership in the UK, now totaling 1.2 million members, as well as an increase in cold beverage sales.

The UK continues to be Starbucks’ leading market in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA region), with the coffee chain recording a 31% sales growth in 2023, amounting to $425.4 million.

This expansion was fueled by new store launches, resulting in a 37% increase in EMEA gross profit to $321.7 million and a remarkable 72% surge in operating profit to $125.5 million.

Continue Exploring: Starbucks CEO bullish on India’s coffee market, targets 1000 cafes by 2028

Starbucks successfully met its goal set in March 2023 to inaugurate 100 new stores in the UK within the upcoming fiscal year.

After substantial investment in its drive-through infrastructure, the company concluded the period with 1,168 stores in the UK and has subsequently grown to 1,260 outlets across the country.

Starbucks has revealed intentions to launch an additional 100 stores, prioritizing drive-through facilities and prime city center locations with high foot traffic. Presently, the company manages 340 drive-through sites in the UK.

Starbucks named Darren King as director of retail development in the United Kingdom in March 2024. King, a commercial and real estate specialist, will be in charge of the acquisition, design, and construction divisions as part of the company’s ongoing expansion.

Starbucks’ expansion in the EMEA region is anticipated to be spearheaded by the brand’s licensing partners, Alshaya Group and Alsea.

In October 2023, John Hadden, the CEO of Alshaya Group, revealed plans to launch 250 net new Starbucks stores each year, aiming for a total of 3,000 outlets by 2028, up from the existing 2,000. The Alshaya Group manages stores across several Middle Eastern countries.

Based in Mexico City, Alsea manages 576 Starbucks outlets across various European countries.

In March 2024, Alsea earmarked 25% of a proposed €329 million ($356 million) investment to enhance its footprint of Starbucks outlets in Europe.

The President of Starbucks Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Duncan Moir, said, “We are happy to have opened over 100 new stores in the UK this year, fulfilling our new store opening commitments.”

“Despite navigating through challenging market conditions, we are enthusiastic about collaborating with our partners to further expand our presence in the region.”

Continue Exploring: Starbucks doubles Greener Stores count in a year: Now stands at over 6,000 locations globally

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McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme join forces to bring doughnuts to all US outlets

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McDonald's
McDonald's (Representative Image)

McDonald’s USA has entered a partnership to offer Krispy Kreme doughnuts at its fast-food outlets starting in the latter half of 2024.

The partnership will bring three Krispy Kreme varieties to the fast-food chain’s menu: the classic glazed doughnut, the chocolate iced doughnut with sprinkles, and the chocolate iced doughnut with cream filling.

Each morning, fresh items will be delivered to McDonald’s outlets. Customers can choose to purchase them individually or in a pack of six.

The decision to expand Krispy Kreme donut availability across the fast food chain comes after a successful trial in 160 Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky outlets.

Continue Exploring: McDonald’s India teams up with Lotus Biscoff for delectable dessert delights!

As the nationwide rollout continues, the pilot restaurants will continue to offer the products.

Tariq Hassan, the Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of McDonald’s USA, stated, “Our fans have a deep love for Krispy Kreme, and we’re excited to make it even more convenient for them to indulge their sweet cravings at McDonald’s locations nationwide.”

Josh Charlesworth, the President and CEO of Krispy Kreme, commented, “Every day, the most frequent request we get from consumers is: ‘please bring Krispy Kreme to my town.’”

“Teaming up with McDonald’s on a national level will offer our fans and doughnut enthusiasts unparalleled daily access to fresh doughnuts and the happiness that Krispy Kreme brings.”

In February 2024, Krispy Kreme entered a joint venture with AmPm Comestíveis to enter the Brazilian market.

The partnership will feature a blend of Krispy Kreme outlets and AmPm convenience stores, providing fresh doughnuts to consumers in Brazil. Market entry is targeted for the end of 2024 to early 2025.

Continue Exploring: McDonald’s achieves 100% cage-free egg sourcing goal for US operations ahead of schedule

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Papa John’s UK to close 43 stores following business review

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Papa Johns
Papa Johns

Papa John’s, the pizza restaurant chain, has announced plans to shut down 43 of its underperforming locations in the UK by mid-May 2024 to minimize operational losses.

The decision was taken after a thorough business review. The closures will be carried out following consultations with the impacted staff members.

The pizza chain did not reveal the number of employees impacted.

The affected restaurants are located in Barnsley, Upminster, Coulsdon, Eastbourne, Lancaster, Middlesbrough, Penge, and St Helens.

Continue Exploring: Popular pizza chain Papa John’s set to close dozens of UK locations amid rising costs

The company describes the targeted venues as “underperforming locations that are no longer financially sustainable.”

Chris Phylactou, the managing director of Papa John’s UK, stated, “Our foremost concern is for our team members, who will receive complete support during this transition. We aim to collaborate with affected staff to explore redeployment opportunities wherever possible.”

“We understand the impact this is going to have on our employees and are dedicated to helping them throughout this period. The closures enable the company to reinvest in other locations, fostering long-term growth.

Last month, the company revealed “strategic closures with the goal of reallocating funds towards investment while enhancing profitability at its remaining UK outlets.”

Continue Exploring: Papa John’s pizza expands in China with grand opening of 300th restaurant

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H&M beats Q1 profit projections with smaller sales decline, sees optimistic start to Q2

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H&M
H&M (Representative Image)

H&M, the second-largest publicly traded fashion retailer globally, surpassed first-quarter operating profit projections, aided by a smaller decline in sales than anticipated.

The Swedish company reported an operating profit of 2.08 billion crowns ($196 million), a significant increase from 725 million, surpassing analysts’ expectations of 1.43 billion in an LSEG poll.

Sales experienced a 2% decline, which was better than what analysts had anticipated. However, at the beginning of its second quarter, sales increased by 2%, indicating heightened demand for its clothing and accessories.

Continue Exploring: H&M bets big on glamour to rebuild profit margins amidst growing competition from Shein

“The sales for the quarter saw a gradual improvement throughout February, particularly with the positive reception of our Spring collections, indicating that we are moving in the right direction,” stated CEO Daniel Erver, who assumed the role two months ago.

Erver’s challenge will lie in demonstrating H&M’s ability to increase profit while also restoring sales growth.

H&M has announced its goal of achieving a 10% operating profit margin by the end of this year.

The company, famed for its $19.99 jeans and $15 dresses, also sells leather trousers for more than $300 and coats for up to $1,190 under its Cos brand.

Continue Exploring: California lifestyle apparel brand Dockers makes big bet on Indian market, plans five store openings in first year

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Bombay Shirt Company expands presence with new retail store in Navi Mumbai

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Bombay Shirt Company
Bombay Shirt Company

Bombay Shirt Company has just opened its 20th retail store in India, situated in the vibrant Seawoods district of Navi Mumbai. Since its inception in 2012 as a trailblazing online custom shirt brand, Bombay Shirt Company has gained acclaim for its attentive customer service and unique in-store ambiance. Alongside their renowned custom shirts, tailored bottoms, and tees, they’ve now unveiled a collection of deluxe tailor-made blazers, all accessible at their newest retail outlet.

Continue Exploring: Apparel brand Bombay Shirt Company raises $3.2 Million in bridge funding round led by Singularity Ventures

The innovative design of the new store breaks away from conventional product displays, opting instead for display boxes adorned with mannequins presenting each product category. Customers have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of fabric options for tailor-made shirts, blazers, jeans, chinos, and pants, with the added convenience of previewing their selected customizations on a large screen. Expert stylists are available to aid customers in choosing fabrics that align with their preferences and to navigate them through the complete customization process.

Akshay Narvekar, Founder and CEO, expressed, “Many of our customers who frequent the seven existing stores in Mumbai also reside in Navi Mumbai. With the new store layout, we aim to streamline the shopping experience by reducing visual clutter and enabling customers to make well-informed purchases that cater to their individual needs.”

Continue Exploring: D2C men’s fashion brand Snitch unveils fourth flagship store in Bangalore

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Retail brands flock to religious cities as spiritual tourism surges

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retail
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Retail brands are actively expanding into religious cities, drawn by the burgeoning tourism industry and the opportunity to establish a presence in these promising markets.

Ayodhya, Ajmer, Katra, Somnath, Shirdi, Mathura, Bodh Gaya, and Madurai have witnessed the arrival of brands like Blackberrys, Manyavar, Spykar, Decathlon, and Fab India, among others.

As per CBRE, retail brands spanning various sectors such as fashion & apparel, food & beverage, hypermarkets, homeware & department stores, and consumer electronics are expanding by customizing their offerings to meet the needs of pilgrims.

“Government initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and enhancing connectivity between pilgrimage sites are bolstering this growth. Additionally, the emergence of online retail platforms providing convenient access to faith-based products and services is another significant factor,” stated Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE.

This trend mirrors a larger change in tourist preferences, as travelers increasingly seek transformative experiences beyond conventional rituals. The emergence of urban spiritual tourism caters to this inclination, drawing visitors to cities renowned for their profound religious and spiritual significance.

Continue Exploring: Ayodhya becomes hub for FMCG companies and food service chains ahead of Ram temple consecration

The report highlights Amritsar, Ajmer, Varanasi, Katra, Somnath, Shirdi, Ayodhya, Puri, Tirupati, Mathura, Dwarka, Bodh Gaya, Guruvayur, and Madurai as pivotal cities experiencing this surge in retail activity. Retail brands are strategically adjusting their offerings in established mall clusters as well as high-street locations to accommodate the expanding tourist demographic.

The rise in spiritual tourism is a result of improved infrastructure, including well-connected roads, airports, and public transportation, alongside the establishment of diverse accommodation options like hotels, guesthouses, and wellness centers.

In response to increasing demand for spiritual travel, local governments and businesses are collaborating to develop distinctive retail experiences.

Leading hotel operators are responding to the shifting needs of spiritual tourists by offering clean, sanitary, and family-friendly lodgings at premium prices.

Continue Exploring: Ayodhya’s hotel industry booms: Investors pour INR 420 Crore into hospitality projects as Ram Temple spurs tourism growth

Numerous cities are witnessing a robust influx of new hotel projects, with renowned brands such as Marriott, Taj, and Hyatt demonstrating significant interest in venturing into this market. Branded hotels are emerging as pivotal contributors, providing a fusion of comfort and traditional hospitality customized for spiritual travelers.

In India, a collaboration has developed between wellness centres and lodging firms to meet the needs of spiritual tourists. These wellness centres provide services such as yoga and Ayurveda to improve physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

“Propelled by the increasing appeal of spiritual tourism, investors are rushing to capitalize on the market’s potential. This trend has opened up opportunities for the hospitality and retail sectors to flourish in these destinations,” remarked Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Advisory & Transaction Services, CBRE India.

Continue Exploring: Oyo to open 400 properties in major spiritual hotspots amidst growing demand for spiritual tourism

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Landmark Group’s Lifestyle unveils first store in Aurangabad, expanding Western region portfolio to 24 outlets

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Lifestyle
Lifestyle

Lifestyle, the department store chain owned by Landmark Group, launched its first outlet in Aurangabad, marking the 24th addition to its portfolio in the Western region. Situated within the Prozone Mall on API Road, this new store spans across 22,000 square feet of retail area.

“We are excited to inaugurate the first Lifestyle store in Chh.Sambhaji Nagar. This is the 19th store in Maharashtra and the 112th across India. Expanding into new towns and markets is a goal for us, and this first shop in the region is a significant step forward,” said Vivek Thilakan, Senior Vice President – Operations (West) at Lifestyle International Pvt Ltd.

The new store is equipped with self-checkout options and provides an omnichannel experience, including services like ‘click and collect.’ This allows customers to shop online and collect their purchases from a Lifestyle store of their choice.

Continue Exploring: Landmark Group’s Lifestyle eyes Surat for 111th store launch

“We have ambitious expansion strategies in place. Our goal is to open approximately 4-5 stores in Gujarat and Maharashtra during the upcoming financial year. This expansion will encompass new towns as well as additional locations within existing cities,” Thilakan further elaborated.

Lifestyle is a large-format department store offering apparel, footwear, children’s wear and toys, furniture, home furnishings, and personal grooming products. Typically, a Lifestyle store spans an area of 20,000 – 50,000 sq. ft., varying based on location and product range.

The brand showcases over 350 national and international labels, including Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Arrow, Park Avenue, Benetton, Nike, Adidas, Allen Solly, Levis, Tommy Hilfiger, Swatch, Tissot, and Tag Heuer.

The chain marked the inauguration of its 100th store in May 2023. It aims to launch a minimum of 50 new stores over the next three to four years to enhance its retail presence in the country.

Continue Exploring: California lifestyle apparel brand Dockers makes big bet on Indian market, plans five store openings in first year

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Uttar Pradesh celebrates holi with a high spirit: Liquor sales soar to INR 17.75 Crore, a 24% surge from last year

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alcohol
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During this year’s Holi festivities, liquor sales in Uttar Pradesh once again surpassed previous benchmarks. The excise department reaped a remarkable revenue of INR 17.75 crore, marking a significant 24% increase from the previous year. Compared to the INR 14.25 crore generated in 2023 from retail sales of beer, foreign liquor, and country liquor, this season saw a notable uptick, with an additional INR 3.5 crore in revenue.

Weather conditions resulted in an increased sale of beer cans, with a corresponding rise in demand for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Despite shops being closed on the day of festivities, known as a dry day, the excise department evaluates the demand and supply scenario two days prior.

Shops were closed on March 25, but by that time, enthusiasts had already stocked up on their favorite drinks on March 23-24. Similarly, last year, Holi was celebrated on March 8, and the department took into account the sales figures from March 6-7.

Continue Exploring: Uttarakhand introduces new excise policy: Allows bottling of foreign liquor, targets INR 4,440 Crore revenue in FY 2024-25

Rakesh Singh, the District Excise Officer, mentioned that last year the temperatures were not as high. “Initially, we were concerned and anticipated lower sales since Holi fell towards the end of the month,” Singh commented.

Another factor contributing to the influx of liquor patrons at retail vends was the vigilant monitoring of illicit liquor trade on the outskirts and neighboring districts, as well as continuous surveillance of the UP-Haryana border in the national capital region.

Devesh Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Liquor Sellers’ Welfare Association in UP, commented, “I believe the youth are more inclined towards enjoying the festivities rather than being concerned about financial difficulties. A majority of the bulk buyers who purchased large quantities of beer cans from retailers in Gomtinagar, Indiranagar, Sushant Golf City, Hazratganj, Mahanagar, and Aliganj were in the 25-50 age bracket and made their payments using credit cards.”

Continue Exploring: Haryana takes bold step as first state to prohibit plastic bottles for locally produced liquor

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