Following online backlash over the launch of its ‘Pure Veg Mode’ service, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal stated on Wednesday that the company has opted to remove the on-ground segregation of the fleet, which was set to wear green uniforms.
“All our riders — both our regular fleet, and our fleet for vegetarians, will wear the colour red,” Goyal said, adding that “the fleet meant for vegetarian orders will not be identifiable on the ground (but will show on the app that your veg orders will be served by the veg only fleet).”
Update on our pure veg fleet —
While we are going to continue to have a fleet for vegetarians, we have decided to remove the on-ground segregation of this fleet on the ground using the colour green. All our riders — both our regular fleet, and our fleet for vegetarians, will…
Zomato had announced on Tuesday the launch of a Pure Veg Mode service to cater specifically to customers who have a pure vegetarian dietary preference.
Goyal stated that for the ‘Pure Veg Mode’, the company will collaborate with select restaurants serving exclusively vegetarian food, while excluding any establishments offering non-vegetarian items. Additionally, he mentioned that the pure veg fleet will utilize green delivery boxes instead of the standard red ones.
However, the decision has not been well-received by a section of people, who argue that it would further “strengthen caste segregation.” Additionally, concerns have been raised about the possibility of some societies and resident welfare associations barring Zomato’s regular fleet.
Following this, Goyal stated in a late-night tweet that the food delivery platform would swiftly reverse the decision if it resulted in any negative social repercussions.
In a long post on X, Goyal also sought to allay concerns that Zomato’s regular fleet may be barred by some societies and RWAs. “We now realise that even some of our customers could get into trouble with their landlords, and that would not be a nice thing if that happened because of us,” he said.
Addressing the backlash, Goyal said, “Thanks everyone for talking about this last night. You made us understand the unintended consequences of this rollout. All the love, and all the brickbats were all so useful – and helped us get to this optimal point.”
According to a recent study conducted by WorldFish India, Indians are increasingly consuming fish, even in inland regions where it has not been a traditional dietary staple. This trend is attributed to rising incomes, evolving dietary preferences, and enhanced fish availability.
The surge in consumption, particularly among affluent consumers, can be attributed to the popularity of value-added products such as ready-to-cook meals and premium varieties like pomfret and lobster.
“If such options aren’t accessible, consumption won’t see an uptick,” explained Arun Padiyar, a specialist from WorldFish India and the primary author of the study.
Between 2005-06 and 2019-21, the percentage of individuals consuming fish rose from 66% to 72.1%, while annual per capita fish consumption increased from 4.9 kg to 8.9 kg. Data derived from National Family Household Surveys spanning the same period indicate that among fish consumers, per capita consumption surged from 7.4 kg to 12.3 kg.
The northeastern and eastern states, alongside Kerala and Goa, continued to exhibit a strong preference for fish consumption. Tripura boasted the highest proportion of fish consumers at 99.35%, trailed by Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and West Bengal. Conversely, Haryana recorded the lowest percentage of fish eaters at 20.6% in 2019-21, followed by northern Punjab and Rajasthan.
Jammu and Kashmir experienced the most significant surge in fish consumption, with a 20.9% increase. Arun Padiyar attributed this notable rise in Kashmir to enhanced connectivity and the establishment of cold storage networks.
Following Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a substantial increase of 15 percentage points, while Karnataka observed a rise of 10.1 percentage points. Additionally, consumption in the national capital increased by 8.7 percentage points.
The research also unveiled a rise in the frequency of fish consumption, with weekly intake showing an 11.3% increase. Kerala emerged as the region with the highest frequency of fish consumption, with over 50% of the population incorporating it into their daily diet, followed by Goa (36.2% daily consumption) and West Bengal (21.9%). Meanwhile, Assam and Tripura recorded the highest weekly consumption rates.
The study also noted a disparity in fish consumption between genders in the country. In 2019-21, approximately 78.6% of men consumed fish compared to 65.6% of women. This gender gap was narrower in states where fish consumption was more prevalent and frequent, such as Kerala. Padiyar suggested that this gap could be attributed in part to a higher proportion of men dining at hotels and restaurants compared to women. While urban areas exhibited higher fish consumption, including dining out, the analysis indicated that consumption in rural areas was growing at a faster rate.
Despite a general rise in non-vegetarian food consumption between 2005-06 and 2019-21, fish consumption continues to trail behind eggs and chicken. However, this gap is less pronounced in coastal states.
Interestingly, the study revealed a larger increase in weekly fish consumption among lower-income groups, possibly indicating improved availability and accessibility of fish. Over the same 15-year period, fish production in India more than doubled, reaching 14.2 million metric tonnes, with the majority being allocated for domestic consumption.
Much of the increase was attributed to the expansion of fish farming or aquaculture, encouraged by government schemes. According to a survey conducted by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) last year, 56% of households cited increased availability and more variety as reasons for higher consumption.
“Push for fish farming can lead to a big boost for local consumption,” said NCAER senior fellow Saurabh Bandyopadhyay.
Despite the increased domestic supply—India being the world’s second-largest producer of farmed fish—fish imports surged fivefold between 2005 and 2020, from 14,000 tonnes to 76,000 tonnes. Arun Padiyar suggested that these imports were probably comprised of value-added products like cleaned and deboned fillets tailored for high-end restaurants. According to the study, if current trends persist, annual per capita consumption could reach 16.1kg before 2050. Furthermore, the study highlighted the potential for this number to double with concerted efforts from both the government and private sectors.
When examining fish consumption on a global scale, India’s growth stood out as one of the highest within the World Bank group of lower-middle-income countries. In 2020, India’s per capita consumption slightly exceeded half of the group’s average of 14.9kg.
Hindustan Unilever stated on Tuesday that it is evaluating various options for the future of its ice cream business, following its parent company Unilever‘s strategic intent to separate the vertical globally. Unilever, headquartered in London, disclosed its plan to transform itself into a simpler, more focused, and higher-performing company by divesting the ice cream business. This shift is expected to lead to the loss of 7,500 jobs.
When asked about the possible impact of the move on the Indian business, the Indian subsidiary (HUL) of Unilever said it is evaluating various options.
“As far as the Indian ice cream business is concerned, we are evaluating the various options in light of this announcement. We will discuss this with the HUL Board and Unilever management in the coming months. Once the approach is finalised, we will communicate further,” said a HUL spokesperson in response to a query over the impact of Unilever’s decision on the Indian business.
Ice creams contributed 3 per cent or INR 59,144 crore to HUL revenue in FY23.
“We have a very robust cost savings programme in HUL called Symphony, that we have been driving for many years now. Through an end-to-end focus across all lines of the P&L (profit and loss), we have been generating gross savings…every year. This provides us with crucial fuel for growth, allowing us to invest competitively behind our brands and future capabilities.
“We will closely assess the global initiatives of Unilever under the productivity programme and assimilate best practices to take Symphony to its next phase,” the spokesperson said.
The ice cream business has an inherently different business model, including a cold-chain go-to-market operating model, seasonality, and a different innovation rhythm compared to the rest of Unilever’s business, the HUL spokesperson added.
HUL operates in the Indian ice cream market with three brands Magnum, Kwality Walls and Cornetto.
HUL’s ice cream business comes under the Food & Refreshment segment, which represents 25 per cent of its revenue.
In its latest annual report, Unilever said, “Our ice cream business had a stellar year with strong performance led by innovations and brilliant execution”.
Its ice cream business has helped HUL’s Foods and Refreshment vertical record strong performance in FY23, along with Foods and Coffee.
For expansion of the ice cream category, HUL was trying to “de-seasonalise” by expanding consumption occasions through innovative campaigns and launching exclusive products, centred around Indian festivals.
Its Kwality Wall’s mobile vending initiative, ‘I am Wall’s’ had provided entrepreneurship opportunities to nearly 12,600 people and 250 differently-abled persons across India.
Foodtech giant Zomato announced on Tuesday the launch of its ‘Pure Veg Fleet’ to cater to customers with a ‘100% vegetarian dietary preference’. However, the move faced backlash from social media users.
After a row over the company’s decision, Zomato cofounder and CEO Deepinder Goyal stated that the foodtech major is open to rolling back the new initiative if significant negative social repercussions arise.
“We understand our social responsibility due to this change, and we will not back down from solving it when the need arises. And I promise, that if we see any significant negative social repercussions of this change, we will roll it back in a heartbeat,” Goyal said in a post on X.
I have received an overwhelmingly positive response on this launch from so many people. A lot of comments from young people who eat non-veg food saying “now my parents can also use zomato”.
I would like to repeat that this feature strictly serves a dietary preference. And I know…
Nevertheless, he justified the recent launch by explaining that occasionally, food spills and odors from non-vegetarian orders can permeate vegetarian ones. He argued that this circumstance underscores the necessity of segregating the fleet.
“But why did we need to separate the fleets? Because despite everyone’s best efforts, sometimes the food spills into the delivery boxes. In those cases, the smell of the previous order travels to the next order, and may lead to the next order smell of the previous order. For this reason, we had to separate the fleet for veg orders,” Goyal added.
Reassuring users about the new launch’s adherence to dietary preferences, the Zomato CEO emphasized that the fleet would not “discriminate based on our delivery partners’ dietary choices.”
Additionally, he mentioned that the company would remain vigilant and collaborate with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to address situations where societies restrict access for the startup’s regular fleet.
Goyal’s recent social media update followed the uproar sparked by Zomato’s decision to separate its fleets online. While some praised the move, others criticized it.
“If the problem statement is about food spilling into delivery boxes, how is segregating veg & non-veg delivery a solution? You think non-vegetarians are okay with their tandoori chicken smelling like smoked salmon? How are the victims of food-spilling exclusively vegetarians?” said a user on X.
Another X user said, “Literally now, me and my family can use Zomato without any doubt. Trust me I had never ordered from Zomato or Swiggy because of the veg and non-veg food mix issue. I just can’t eat the food if it is touched somehow with non vegetarian food. Never.”
The company additionally announced its intention to expand its range of specialized fleets tailored to meet specific customer requirements. This expansion includes the introduction of a dedicated cake delivery fleet equipped with hydraulic balancers, ensuring cakes remain pristine and unblemished throughout the delivery process.
The developments came just a day after Goyal’s remarks at the ongoing ‘Startup Mahakumbh’, underscoring the imperative for startups to embrace constant innovation. He emphasized that amidst the rapid evolution of technology, no business model can sustain relevance for more than a decade.
The new experiment comes as Zomato continues to captivate retail investors, with its stock soaring over 180% in the past 12 months, fueled by three consecutive profitable quarters.
In Q3 FY24, Zomato posted a notable increase in its profit after tax (PAT), reaching INR 138 Cr compared to INR 36 Cr in the previous quarter. Additionally, Jefferies recently identified Zomato as one of its ‘top picks’ for the forthcoming five years, projecting a surge in the stock value to INR 400 within this timeframe.
After securing seed funding of INR 4.5 crore in a round led by Mumbai Angels and other marquee investors such as GSF, Anay Ventures, Ekcle Ventures, and Faad Network, Good Barrel Distillery (the parent company of Rock Paper Rum) has embarked on an exhilarating journey to secure strategic funding of INR 50 lakh on Shark Tank India. This pivotal moment signifies a thrilling new chapter for the premium rum brand, as it positions itself for national and international expansion.
Lalit Kalani, the Founder of Rock Paper Rum, captured the Sharks’ attention on Shark Tank India with his vision and the innovative spirit of the brand. This not only resulted in securing funding but also in acquiring a valuable mentor in Vineeta Singh. With her expertise in establishing successful offline businesses, she will play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the alcohol industry.
Lalit Kalani, Founder of Rock Paper Rum, said, “We are thrilled to partner with the marquee investors who have placed their trust in us. Our aim is definitely to become one of the leading rum brands for the new age Indian consumer. Our selection of rum caters to the modern drinker who is just beginning their journey into the world of craft liquors, as well as those seasoned drinkers in search of unique and refreshing choices. Shark Tank India was an incredible platform to gain national exposure and showcase our commitment to sustainable growth.”
With this strategic investment, Rock Paper Rum is all set for explosive growth. Lalit revealed, “We plan to become a national force within the next year, expanding to key markets like Goa, Haryana, and Karnataka. International expansion is also on our radar, with the aim of putting Indian rum on the global map.”
Shark Tank Judge Vineeta Singh, CEO and Co-Founder of Sugar Cosmetics who was impressed by the pitch, said “Lalit’s passion for Rock Paper Rum is contagious! Combined with their delicious flavours and strategic growth plans, I believe this brand is on the right track to reach newer heights in the coming days.”
Nandini Mansinghka, CEO of Mumbai Angels commented, “Good Barrel Distillery is on a mission to innovate and elevate the craft liquor industry, a niche segment. The company’s commitment to capital efficiency and steady growth is commendable, and we believe this funding round will help them further accelerate their expansion and market penetration and eventually capture a sizeable market share.”
After spending 17 years abroad, Lalit made his way back to India where he found a burgeoning market for premium, uniquely flavored rums. Inspired by his family’s three-generation legacy and fueled by a desire to revive India’s spirits industry, he launched Rock Paper Rum, aiming to redefine rum craftsmanship. His journey struck a chord with all the Sharks on the show, who were impressed by the product, branding, go-to-market strategy, and Lalit’s unwavering determination in navigating a challenging yet fast-evolving industry.
Today, the brand is devoted to utilizing the finest ingredients and crafting irresistible flavor profiles like the Indian Spiced, Coastal White, Zesty Lemon, Roast Coffee, and Tropical Coconut.
The infusion of these funds will help facilitate doubling the production capacity to meet the rising demand, as well as strengthen the team along with execution of strategic marketing campaigns. Rock Paper Rum’s commitment to innovation extends to exploring new flavour frontiers, promising a new realm of experiences for rum enthusiasts.
Zomato, a major player in the foodtech sector, has rolled out a new initiative catering to customers with a 100% vegetarian dietary preference. This initiative includes the launch of a dedicated delivery fleet named ‘Pure Veg Fleet’ and a specialized feature on its app called ‘Pure Veg Mode.’
Zomato’s founder and CEO, Deepinder Goyal, made the announcement on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“India has the largest percentage of vegetarians in the world, and one of the most important feedback we’ve gotten from them is that they are very particular about how their food is cooked, and how their food is handled,” he said in a post, adding that the new launches are aimed at catering to such customers
To solve for their dietary preferences, we are today, launching a “Pure Veg Mode" along with a “Pure Veg Fleet” on Zomato, for customers who have a 100% vegetarian dietary preference. pic.twitter.com/xzV9y9IQbU
Pure Veg Mode will feature a selection of restaurants exclusively serving pure vegetarian cuisine, excluding any establishments offering non-vegetarian items.
Meanwhile, the Pure Veg Fleet will exclusively handle orders from these pure vegetarian restaurants. This implies that meals containing non-vegetarian ingredients or those from non-vegetarian establishments will not be delivered by this fleet.
Goyal mentioned that the introduction of the new feature and fleet will be implemented gradually across the country over the next few weeks.
“In the future, we plan to add more specialised fleets for special customer needs. For example, there’s a special cake delivery fleet coming up with hydraulic balancers which prevent your cake from getting smudged during delivery,” he added.
The development comes a day after Goyal, speaking during the ongoing ‘Startup Mahakumbh’, emphasized the need for startups to constantly innovate. He stated that in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, no business model can endure for more than a decade.
These new launches are also within Zomato’s ongoing series of experiments with novel services and features. Earlier this year, the startup introduced a daily payout feature for certain restaurants and expressed its ambition to achieve 100% delivery using electric vehicles by 2033.
Zomato is additionally establishing a facility to process value-added food supplies for its Hyperpure vertical. These supplies will include sauces, spreads, pre-cut, and semi-finished perishable products.
In Q3 FY24, Zomato achieved its third consecutive profitable quarter, recording a profit after tax of INR 138 Cr. This marks a notable increase from the INR 36 Cr profit reported in the preceding quarter.
Following these achievements, the startup’s share price has climbed by over 25% year to date. Just this week, Jefferies identified Zomato as one of its top selections for the next five years, anticipating the stock to reach INR 400 within this timeframe.
Zomato’s shares concluded today’s trading session slightly lower by 0.13% at INR 158 on the BSE.
The Body Shop, a UK-based ethical beauty brand, is planning to expand its presence by adding 100 more brand touchpoints by the year 2025.
“India is one of the top markets for The Body Shop globally. Our consistent growth reflects the popularity of The Body Shop and the immense opportunities we are tapping into in the country,” said Vishal Chaturvedi, vice president – retail and operations at The Body Shop.
“We will continue to scale up and focus on omni-channel expansion while leveraging newer opportunities in high convenience formats to build stronger brand affinity in India,” he added.
The brand is currently eyeing double-digit growth, prioritizing expansion in travel retail, standalone stores, beauty specialty outlets, and quick commerce segments.
The retailer recently partnered with Indian actress Diana Penty to promote its British Rose body care line in the Indian market.
Operating in India since 2006, The Body Shop has been under the management of Quest Retail Pvt Ltd, a cosmetic manufacturing company based in Delhi.
Currently, it boasts 200 stores nationwide and serves over 1500 cities through its online presence and partnerships with e-commerce brands in various marketplaces.
Established in 1976 in Brighton, England, by Dame Anita Roddick, the beauty retailer now runs approximately 2,500 retail outlets across over 80 countries.
Quest Retail recently informed the media that the restructuring in the UK will not affect the Indian operations of the cosmetics firm, The Body Shop.
Skin1004, a renowned Korean skincare brand, has exclusively launched its products in the Indian market on Reliance Retail‘s beauty platform, Tira Beauty.
“At Tira, our aim is to offer a curated assortment with the best of global and homegrown brands, catering to the growing demands of India’s booming beauty market. This exclusive partnership with Skin1004 allows us to offer their award-winning Korean skin care products to Indian consumers looking for formulations infused with natural and safe ingredients,” said Bhakti Modi, co-founder of Tira Beauty.
The products will be offered for purchase both online via the Tira app and offline at select Tira stores. This comprehensive product line includes cleansers, toners, serums, creams, masks, and more.
“We like to keep our finger on the pulse of the newest, most impactful and hottest brands across the world and we truly believe that Skin1004 is the next big thing in K-beauty,” said Suhrid Thacker, founder of Katalysst, an e-commerce partner for brands across marketplaces in India, which is also the exclusive India partner of the Skin1004.
“Its powerhouse star ingredient and diverse range of products make me confident in the success of this brand, as we launch exclusively via Tira Beauty, in the Indian market,” added Thacker.
‘1004,’ when pronounced in Korean, sounds like the word ‘angel’ and the brand is often referred to as ‘skin angels’.
“India is an exciting new market for us as we see the Indian consumer becoming more receptive to K-beauty and appreciative of clean beauty brands. With partners like Tira Beauty, the platform on which we are exclusively launching, and Katalysst, which is helping us navigate our India entry, we are confident of the brand’s success and look forward to a warm welcome from Indian beauty enthusiasts,” said Jake Kwak, owner of Skin1004.
In February 2023, Reliance Retail, the retail arm of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), launched Tira as an e-commerce platform. Following this, in April, they inaugurated their flagship store situated at Jio World Drive within the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai.
Currently, Tira retails over 150 Indian and international brands in its stores.
FMCG index is among the top sectoral losers. Sensex stock Nestle is down more than 3 per cent.
Colgate Palmolive is down almost 4 per cent. Honasa Consumer is down 3.7 per cent, Tata Consumer is down 3.4 per cent, Patanjali Foods is down 3.2 per cent, United Breweries is down 3 per cent, Godrej Consumer is down more than 2 per cent, Britannia is down more than 2 per cent.
BSE Sensex is down more than 600 points on broad based selling. Most sectoral indices are trading in the red.
Corporate commentary on the FMCG sector has highlighted the muted demand setting prevailing in Q4FY24, which has been projected by data agencies for CY24, Emkay Global Financial Services said in a recent report.
Nielsen, which tracks retail data, is building a case of 4.5-6.5 per cent value growth for the sector. Kantar, which tracks household consumption data, echoed the same muted outlook, the report said.
With the El-Nino effect remaining till May-24 (agri growth is projected at 1.8 per cent in FY24; a seven-year low), and expectation of no material shift in consumption from elections (as in the past), demand outlook remains weak for 1HFY25, Emkay Global Financial Services added.
Tramontina, a renowned name in household products, boasting a century-long Brazilian legacy, is making its much-anticipated debut in the Indian retail market. With a footprint in over 120 countries, the brand aims to bring its hallmark quality and innovative offerings to India, offering specially curated product lines that cater to the preferences of Indian consumers.
The debut of Tramontina in India signifies a significant milestone in the company’s journey of growth and expansion, following successful ventures in North America, Latin America, and Europe. With a focus on health and safety, the brand will initiate its Indian operations by introducing a line of cookware free from toxins, with plans for rapid expansion into a comprehensive range of household solutions, including cookware, tableware, cutlery, furniture, and more. Simultaneously, Tramontina aims to forge strategic partnerships to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in India, further solidifying its presence and broadening its product portfolio.
Marcelo Borges, CEO of Tramontina US said, “With our foray into the dynamic Indian retail landscape, we are excited to extend Tramontina’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation to discerning Indian consumers. Our diverse product portfolio caters to a wide array of household needs, blending practicality with elegance, and we are confident of a warm reception in India. We are assembling a seasoned leadership team in India, led by Aruni Mishra, to oversee operations and ensure an unparalleled experience for our Indian clientele.”
Aruni Mishra, CEO of Tramontina India said, “I am delighted to embark on this new chapter with Tramontina as we enter the vibrant Indian market. With a burgeoning young demographic in the country, there is a growing inclination towards cooking and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Tramontina is well-positioned to meet this evolving demand by offering Indian consumers durable products that prioritize health and safety, ensuring a 100 percent worry-free cooking experience.”
Founded in 1911 in Carlos Barbosa, South America, Tramontina has become a household name over the past century. With a vast product range of more than 22,000 offerings spanning cookware, furniture, appliances, and more, the brand’s meticulous manufacturing processes ensure products that are not only aesthetically superior but also durable.
To showcase its dedication to sustainable practices, Tramontina maintains an extensive Environmental Management Program. This program ensures the careful utilization of natural resources, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
As it enters the Indian market, Tramontina plans to introduce an initial lineup featuring a “worry-free” cookware range and its acclaimed knife collection. Subsequent phases will include offerings of flatware and tableware assortments. Engineered to meet the demands of everyday home cooks and professional chefs alike, this professional-grade cookware is crafted without toxins and PFAS, ensuring safety and preference among Indian households. Tramontina aims to enhance household experiences for Indian consumers, striving to establish itself as an indispensable part of Indian homes for generations to come.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
