The Pantry has launched its ‘Wellness Menu,’ in collaboration with celebrity nutritionist and wellness expert Neha Sahaya.
“We are very excited to introduce this new wellness menu to all our loyal patrons. Our collaboration with Neha Sahaya signifies our dedication to providing our customers with not only delicious and healthy food options but also meals that are nutritionally balanced and nourishing,” says Pankil Shah, co-founder, of The Pantry Guilt-free Goodness.
“We believe that food should not only taste good but should also make you feel good, and this menu exemplifies that ethos,” adds co-founder, Sumit Gambhir.
Drawing upon her profound expertise in food and lifestyle habits, Neha Sahaya specializes in addressing life-altering illnesses such as PCOS, diabetes, thyroid issues, high blood pressure, and weight gain. She skillfully combines her knowledge of healthy eating practices with the potency of nutritious ingredients to craft innovative dishes that emphasize nutritional value without sacrificing taste. Neha Sahaya’s collaborative endeavors include partnerships with notable figures such as Sunil Shetty, Baba Ramdev, and various Bollywood celebrities like Kajal Agarwal and Tanisha Mukherjee, as seen in initiatives like Mission Fit India.
“It has been an absolute pleasure collaborating with The Pantry to create this menu. By combining culinary creativity with evidence-based nutrition, we have crafted dishes that offer a perfect marriage of taste and health. I am confident that these offerings will not only tantalize taste buds but also support individuals in their journey towards optimal health,” said Neha Sahaya.
With a focus on flavor, freshness, and wellness, the menu is conveniently available on Swiggy and Zomato, allowing for easy ordering from the comfort of one’s home or on-the-go. From vibrant salads brimming with seasonal ingredients to nourishing bowls, desserts, and protein-rich shakes, this menu promises to tantalize taste buds while nourishing the body.
In a significant milestone highlighting India’s growing presence in the global spirits industry, Kadamba Single-Malt Whisky has secured prestigious accolades from three of the world’s foremost industry publications. Among them is Ambrosia, Asia-Pacific’s oldest and most widely circulated magazine, which awarded Kadamba Single-Malt Whisky the title of “Emerging Brand of the Year” during a recent illustrious awards ceremony.
These accolades not only honor the rich heritage of the Kadamba dynasty, from which the whisky draws its name and symbolizes the Golden Age of Goa, but also firmly establish India as a producer of world-class single-malt whiskies.
“Kadamba’s victory in bagging several medals is a testament to its exquisite craftsmanship, incorporating the bountiful harvest of Indian barley-malt and achieving a unique zest that captivates with every sip,” said Dr. Mohan Krishna, Founder of Cheers group.
Ashwin Balivada, CEO of Cheers group, said, “Aged in a mix of bourbon, sherry, and virgin American oak casks, Kadamba’s Signature Expression delivers a complex, velvety, and full-bodied flavour profile, earning it top honours in its category.”
Dr. Divya Balivada, Global Creative Director of Cheers group, said, “Kadamba, leisurely aged Indian single-malt is nothing short of spectacular. The classic, earthy peat notes are balanced with a touch of salty Goan ocean breeze, it’s a smooth, warm blend that allows all the flavours to dance synchronously.”
Kadamba lives up to its hype. Its aroma is richly oaked and intricate, making it perfect for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate malty and nuanced flavors. Exhibiting a pronounced peaty taste, it also carries a subtle hint of sherry trifle, harmonizing the oak, vanilla, and fruit undertones. The whisky culminates in a satisfying spicy finish, offering a distinctive mouthfeel.
Kadamba, meticulously crafted at the prestigious distillery of the Cheers group near the historic town of ‘Kadamba’ in North Goa, stands as an exceptional single malt whisky. Remarkably, it undergoes triple cask maturation, a rarity in the world of whisky, embodying the essence of royalty. It’s akin to discovering a hidden gem, a whisky that astonishes with its complexity and magnificence!
Unilever Plc plans to separate its ice cream division, which includes renowned brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum, into a standalone business as part of a cost-cutting program that would also result in 7,500 job losses.
The separation process will begin immediately and is anticipated to conclude by the end of 2025.
“The separation of Ice Cream and the delivery of the productivity programme will help create a simpler, more focused, and higher performing Unilever. It will also create a world-leading ice cream business, with strong growth prospects and an exciting future as a standalone business,” said Ian Meakins, Chair of Unilever.
In a broader initiative to boost growth, CEO Hein Schumacher is overseeing the streamlining of the UK consumer-goods giant. The company has emphasized that the job reductions are integral to its Growth Action Plan, targeting €800 million in cost savings over the next three years.
The Unilever Board holds the view that the company should concentrate on a portfolio of exceptionally superior brands within highly appealing categories, supported by complementary operating models. With the Ice Cream business boasting its own unique operating model, the Board has concluded that separating this division will enhance future growth prospects for both Ice Cream and Unilever, as stated in a release.
The company announced that it will explore various options for the separation, with a demerger likely resulting in the establishment of a new publicly listed company being the most probable outcome.
Unilever, known for brands such as Hellmann’s mayonnaise and Domestos cleaners, disclosed that its ice cream business accrued sales of €7.9 billion ($8.6 billion) in 2023.
After the separation of the Ice Cream business and the implementation of its productivity program, Unilever envisions attaining a “structurally higher” margin. Subsequent to this division, the company forecasts achieving mid-single digit underlying sales growth and modest margin improvement.
“The separation of Ice Cream will assist Unilever’s management to accelerate the implementation of its GAP, announced in October 2023, which is focused on doing fewer things, better, with greater impact to drive consistent and stronger topline growth, enhance productivity and simplicity, and step up Unilever’s performance culture,” it said.
Building on the initial advancements of the GAP initiative, Unilever stated that it has pinpointed additional opportunities for improving efficiency, which can now be accelerated.
“The proposed changes are expected to impact around 7,500 predominantly office-based roles globally, with total restructuring costs now anticipated to be around 1.2% of Group turnover for the next three years (up from the around 1% of Group turnover previously communicated),” the company added.
Livpure, a prominent player in India’s home and living consumer product sector, has reported impressive financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24. The company achieved a remarkable 77 percent quarter-over-quarter revenue growth in its Water-as-a-Service (WAAS) category, reaffirming its pioneering role in the water subscription segment.
Throughout the quarter, the company’s range of products demonstrated substantial growth across multiple segments. Specifically, the water purifier category recorded a notable 61 percent increase, while the air cooler and sleep categories experienced impressive growth rates of 171 percent and 91 percent, respectively. This robust performance highlights Livpure’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its mission to deliver high-quality products that address the varied needs of consumers.
The growth trajectory traversed all sales channels, showcasing significant increases. Notably, general trade witnessed a robust 52 percent growth, while e-commerce experienced an astonishing surge of 336 percent. Modern trade and exports similarly enjoyed substantial growth, with increases of 181 percent and 289 percent, respectively. These figures highlight Livpure’s strategic expansion endeavors and its proficiency in connecting with consumers through diverse avenues.
Rakesh Kaul, MD of Livpure said, “We are delighted with the remarkable growth achieved in the third quarter, particularly in our flagship Water-as-a-Service category. Our achievement is a result of our steadfast commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. We remain dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance the well-being of our customers and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.”
Among the notable highlights of the quarter was Livpure’s first export of air coolers to Nepal, benefiting over 6 million satisfied consumers to date. Additionally, the successful introduction of new products, including Hydroboost, new air cooler models, and the integrated UTC-Stealth, greatly bolstered the company’s growth. Furthermore, Livpure expanded its retail presence by forging partnerships with renowned chains such as Aditya Vision, Maharashtra Elect, Surya Electronics, Reliance Digital, and JioMart.
With its innovative product lineup, expanding distribution network, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Livpure continues to reinforce its position as a leader in the home appliance industry. The company remains dedicated to driving sustainable growth and establishing new benchmarks for excellence in the retail sector.
The Indian alcoholic beverages industry is set for margin improvement and higher sales in the fiscal year 2025, as reported by ICRA, a credit rating agency.
ICRA anticipates a revenue increase of 8-10% for the sampled domestic alcohol beverages (alcobev) companies in FY2025. IMFL companies are expected to undergo revenue expansion ranging from 11-13%, driven by the increasing demand for premium offerings and an estimated volume growth of about 3-5%.
Beer companies are anticipated to witness a year-on-year revenue growth of 9-11%, chiefly attributed to a 4-6% increase in volumes.
“In addition to the healthy demand, the industry is expected to benefit from the moderation in input costs, especially packing material (such as glass bottles), which accounts for ~60-65% of an alcobev manufacturer’s cost, even though grain prices, particularly non-basmati rice, are not depicting a favourable trend,” said Kinjal Shah, Vice President and Co-Group Head – Corporate Ratings, ICRA.
ICRA anticipates a favorable season ahead for beer in Q1 FY2025, expecting warmer weather compared to the previous fiscal year, which was marked by unexpected rainfall.
“The OPM for ICRA’s sample set companies is expected to increase by ~50-100 bps in FY2025, owing to moderation in packaging material costs, coupled with price hikes approved by the state governments, partly offset by the increase in grain prices,” Shah added.
Despite potential challenges such as the rise in minimum support price (MSP) and increased procurement rates for recent crop arrivals, ICRA forecasts a steady outlook for barley prices, a crucial raw material for beer production. Nevertheless, factors such as the diversion of grains towards ethanol production could maintain elevated prices for extra neutral alcohol (ENA).
In terms of packaging materials, ICRA observes that while there were spikes in aluminium and soda ash prices in previous periods due to increased demand and coal price hikes, there has been a slight decline in aluminium prices and a correction of about 20% in soda ash prices on a year-on-year basis in the first nine months of FY2024.
Additionally, ICRA predicts a decrease in working capital needs for the companies sampled in FY2024 and FY2025, mainly due to lower input costs and diminished funding requirements. This optimistic trend is likely to uphold robust credit metrics for ICRA’s sample companies, fueled by sound earnings and minimal debt accumulation in the absence of substantial capital expenditure initiatives.
Brij Hotels, a collection of boutique hotels, has secured $4 million in its Series A funding round, co-led by the Manipal Education & Medical Group (MEMG) Family Office. Notable high-net-worth individuals such as Abhay Jain, Abhiroop Jayanthi (MD of Bain Capital), Rajendra Rao, and Prashant Deshpande have also participated in this latest round of financing for the company.
The company plans to utilize the proceeds to strategically expand and strengthen its presence in the competitive hospitality industry.
Established in 1991 by Udit Kumar and Anant Kumar, Brij is a portfolio of hotels that provide hyperlocal experiences, prioritizing sustainability. It underscores sustainability through the zero-kilometer concept, aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Udit Kumar and Anant Kumar, Co-Founders at Brij Hotels said, “At Brij Hotels, our commitment goes beyond providing luxurious stays; it extends to celebrating and empowering the heart and soul of our destinations – the local communities. The essence of our hospitality lies in using the original creative entrepreneurs and artisans, who preserve centuries-old traditions and sustainable practices. We are excited to have the support of investors like the MEMG Family Office, Abhay Jain, Abhiroop Jayanthi, Rajendra Rao, and Prashant Deshpande, who share our vision. With their backing, we’re not just expanding; we’re on a journey to become a unique storytelling and hospitality destination, offering an authentic, and well-designed experience that connects our guests with the rich heritage of each locale.”
Dr. Ranjan Pai, Chairman of the Manipal Education and Medical Group said, “Brij Hotels’ blend of luxury and local engagement is a refreshing take for the modern traveler. We believe that under the leadership of Udit and Anant, the Brij team is creating a unique company in leisure travel.”
As per the statement from the Delhi-based firm, it boasts a portfolio of eight functioning hotels situated in tourist hotspots. These establishments are designed to forge a seamless bond between luxury and local culture, underscored by a strong commitment to sustainability. Operating on an asset-light model, the company primarily enters into revenue-sharing arrangements with property owners.
Yousta, Reliance Retail’s youth fashion retail format, has launched its second store in Kolkata, as announced by a company official on social media. The store is located at Aurobindo Mall, Salkia.
“Hey Kolkata…Second fashion destination is now open at Aurobindo Mall, Salkia. Experience new age fashion shopping in your city,” said Ramyaraj Rath, assistant vice president – head of inventory, Reliance Retail, in a LinkedIn post.
Yousta’s first retail store in the city is situated on Jessore Road, Madhyamgram.
The stores boast modern tech-enabled designs and provide trendy fashion items at budget-friendly rates aimed at the youth demographic. Every product is priced below INR 999, with most falling below INR 499.
Additionally, the brand introduces fresh styles weekly through its ‘Starring Now’ collection, presenting the latest fashion trends as complete outfits paired with coordinating accessories.
In August 2023, Reliance Retail introduced its youth-centric fashion brand, Yousta, with the opening of its first store at Hyderabad’s Sarath City Mall. Presently, it boasts a network of over 17 stores spread across 15 states nationwide.
Apart from its physical retail outlets, the Yousta collection is also accessible online through Ajio and JioMart.
Reliance aims to roll out 200-250 stores of the value retail format in the coming years to directly compete with Tata Group’s Zudio chain.
Reliance Retail Ltd (RRL), the retail division of Reliance Industries Ltd., manages a diverse range of fashion and lifestyle brands, comprising Reliance Trends, Avantra by Trends, Azorte, Yousta, Fashion Factory, and Centro. Additionally, the company boasts a portfolio of more than 50 international brands, including Armani, Burberry, Diesel, Gas, Marks & Spencer, Superdry, Brooks Brothers, and Steve Madden.
At present, Reliance Retail runs an integrated omni-channel network encompassing more than 18,650 stores and digital commerce platforms catering to grocery, consumer electronics, fashion and lifestyle, and pharmaceutical consumption categories.
Contrary to expectations, the lifting of Covid-era mobility restrictions and the return to regular business hours for brick-and-mortar stores haven’t put a damper on online commerce. The surge in web commerce during the pandemic, driven by the convenience of contactless doorstep delivery, continues unabated.
Recent data from market research firms NielsenIQ and GfK India reveals that a wide range of products, spanning from basic snacks like cookies to big-ticket items like televisions and refrigerators, are being sold on ecommerce platforms at rates comparable to or even higher than during the lockdown period.
“This reflects a post-pandemic change in consumer behavior, particularly in metro areas, where online shopping is gaining popularity due to its convenience, variety and competitive pricing,” said Praful Babar, head of e-commerce for FMCG at NielsenIQ.
According to the data, sales across various FMCG categories experienced a notable increase in calendar year 2023 compared to the preceding year. For instance, NielsenIQ data revealed that the contribution of e-commerce platforms to impulse food sales, including chocolates, confectioneries, and salty snacks, rose from 3% in 2022 to 5% in 2023.
Regarding fabric care products such as washing powders/liquids, pre-post wash solutions, detergent cakes/bars, and blues, the contribution increased from 6% to 7% during the period under review. Similarly, for home cleaners designed for utensils, toilets, floors, and glass, the surge was from 10% to 11% in 2023.
According to industry estimates, the surge in these categories alone would have contributed an additional INR 3,000 crore to e-commerce business in 2023.
In the realm of electronic products, there was a 1-2 percentage point rise in e-commerce contribution in 2023 compared to 2022. Last year, e-commerce constituted approximately 33% of television sales, 20% of washing machines, 15% of refrigerator sales, and 10% of air conditioner sales. Researchers anticipate this trend of gradual increases in web commerce to persist in 2024.
According to NielsenIQ, the growth of the online channel for FMCG products is mainly fueled by consumption, whereas offline growth is influenced by both price and volume factors.
Mayank Shah, the vice president of Parle Products, mentioned that in specific categories like protein, health, and gourmet food, the contribution of e-commerce is significantly higher.
“Several smaller and premium brands are exclusively on ecommerce. In metroes, it’s quick commerce which is driving adoption,” he said.
According to GfK data, electronic and household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions experienced faster growth in the online channel compared to offline in 2023. Categories like frost-free refrigerators, front-loading washing machines, and televisions sized 55 inches and above have doubled their growth online compared to their respective categories offline.
“Traditionally, consumers prioritized pricing and mass-market options when shopping online. However, recent trends indicate a shift towards premium segments,” said Anant Jain, head of customer success – India at GfK.
In FMCG, the trend is similar. According to Babbar, the online volume growth of impulse food and fabric care at 47% and 32% respectively in metropolitan areas was four times higher compared to offline sales. Likewise, categories such as soft drinks, biscuits, packaged atta, and refined edible oils are also demonstrating notable volume growth.
To leverage this trend, Babar highlighted that FMCG brands and retailers are strategically investing in omnichannel presence to expand their market share.
“This includes optimizing their online presence, establishing robust online distribution networks, tailoring marketing strategies to cater to online shoppers, and ensuring seamless e-commerce experiences for consumers,” he said.
According to GfK, urban Indian consumers are increasingly relying on social media for their shopping requirements. Over 70% of smartphone and computer users now utilize their devices for online purchases. Additionally, more than half of urban consumers find shopping on social media enjoyable, largely due to targeted product recommendations from brands.
India is catching the attention of global players, as emphasized by Nykaa founder and CEO Falguni Nayar on Monday. She pointed out strong drivers such as the young, aspiring population, rising income levels, and resilient infrastructure and digital networks. Nayar conveyed her “optimism” and “confidence” about India’s future.
The self-made billionaire further remarked that recent incidents of corporate governance lapses in certain well-known startups will prompt investors to conduct more thorough scrutiny within the ecosystem. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of establishing a governance agenda early on in an entrepreneurial journey.
She stressed that compromising on governance due to a company’s growth trajectory or pursuit of size and scale is unjustifiable.
She added that Nykaa has maintained a strong stance on governance.
Nayar – the top boss at omnichannel beauty and fashion retailer Nykaa – said her entrepreneurial journey – which started at the age of almost 50 – has been “amazing” and advised aspiring entrepreneurs to be driven by their dreams and stay invested in their venture to create sustainable value over a long term.
Nayar sees a lot of headroom for growth in beauty, personal care and fashion business in India and is optimistic about the future.
“At one point we say it is a long-term opportunity. It is evident from how the income levels have lifted throughout our country, that growth and infrastructure in the country are visible…Young people are energised with what they can do,” she said adding government policies too have been supportive and acted as enablers for overall growth.
According to her, as all these essential ingredients – rising consumption, entrepreneurship, physical and digital infrastructure — come together, India is being noticed by global players.
“What Nykaa has seen is that most of the global beauty company CEOs have visited us in recent times… it has been amazing to see how the global CEOs and chairmen of top ten beauty companies have all been in our country wanting to do more. That is what is telling us that the world has an interest in working with India. And the future is bright,” she said.
She advised entrepreneurs to brace for the long run, and be energised by their dream of building a strong venture.
“I have always told entrepreneurs ‘love what you do’….the journeys have to be long…I have always said more than 10 years-plus…to be able to reach your destination…and create value that is sustainable,” she said.
Nayar said the rising incomes and economic growth augur well for the beauty and fashion business in India. She added that consumption in these categories will only rise, going forward.
“In beauty and fashion, the per capita consumption in India is so low that it has to be going up, multifold, with new gains in income that we are seeing. We have seen this journey in China too. India is today where China was 15-16 years ago. And it just went through a consumption boom in all categories, particularly the beauty and fashion segments. So we are very confident that it is going to be repeated in India,” she said.
Nayar who is attending the ongoing ‘Startup Mahakumbh’ said the mega-event is an “amazing showcase” of India’s innovation, to the younger generation.
“The organisers have been able to bring together young innovators from many industries and it will be a delight for visitors to see the kind of innovation sweeping India,” she said.
The start-up ecosystem in India has always focused on consumers and solving their needs, through innovation.
“That is how they brought solutions that allowed new industries to flourish…today we see that the size and scale of startups is immense. Most of the startup companies have millions of customers,” she said.
Entrepreneurship, she said, is about risk-taking and being resilient through the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey.
“So sometimes emotion is positive but the journey is mixed and you have to be able to go through ups and downs of the journey and have that energy each day to move forward and reach your destination,” she said.
On the cases of corporate governance and regulatory lapses in the Indian startup ecosystem, Nayar emphasised that governance has to be at the core of operations.
“I think the companies also will learn their lesson that there cannot be compromises on governance…compromising on governance, because you’re growing or because you’re going after size and scale…that is not a justification for not following the rules. If the industry has rules laid out, then the companies have to follow them,” she said.
Donear Industries is gearing up to launch 50 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), with a particular focus on showcasing its newly introduced neo-stretch fabric, as revealed by Rajendra V. Agarwal, the company’s managing director.
Presently, within the Donear Group, three flagship companies drive operations: GBTL, OCM Private Ltd, and Donear Industries. These entities oversee five nationally acclaimed brands along with approximately 10-12 luxury brands, serving a wide-ranging consumer demographic throughout India.
“This year, we will be launching two new retail formats – specialty stores and multi-brand outlets. Specifically curated for menswear, the specialty stores will feature a comprehensive range of products crafted from our four-way stretch fabric.
“Apart from this, we will be establishing a chain of MBO stores under the Donear Group umbrella. These outlets will serve as one-stop destinations, showcasing collections ranging from premium luxury fabrics to general apparel,” he further added.
Over the next two years, the company plans to inaugurate 50 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) and Multi-Brand Outlets (MBOs), each spanning between 600 to 1,000 square feet, utilizing a franchise format.
“This is a very asset-light model. But by and large put together the investment by a franchisee as well as the company, the one-year turnover investment is there,” he asserted.
“We will be initially targeting the West Zone and North Zone as we have a strong footprint there,” he further added.
Under Donear Industries Ltd., the company currently manages more than 450 D’Cot stores, which operate under a value format. These stores specialize in offering casual trousers, shirts, and various accessories.
“D’Cot is an independent profitable retail business where we are clocking around INR 200 crore business,” he said.
For the company’s B2C segment, the year-on-year growth currently stands at 5-10 percent.
“We are clocking EBIDTA in the range of 9-11 per cent and post depreciation and interest, we have a surplus of 5-6 per cent. We have a total business turnover of around INR 1,700 crore. On average, we have a cashflow of around INR 70-80 crore every year, out of which INR 20-30 crore is required for existing business and we use INR 50 crore for our expansion projects,” he explained.
Additionally, within the next 2-3 years, the company intends to venture into the rugs and carpets business by establishing a greenfield facility in Jammu, covering an area of 10 acres.
“We would require more land, so we are in the process of that acquisition,” he concluded.
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