Starbucks continues expansion in India with strategic Yamuna Expressway store

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March 15, 2024

Starbucks, the US-based coffee chain, has launched its new highway store on the Yamuna Expressway, as reported by a company official on social media.

This marks Starbucks’ second establishment along the expressway connecting Delhi, Noida, Mathura, and Agra.

“Excited to announce the launch of our new store last weekend at Yamuna Expressway (Agra-Delhi stretch),” said Rahul Chaudhary, business development head – North at Starbucks India in a LinkedIn post.

Situated strategically at the 16 km mark on the Yamuna Expressway, this Starbucks outlet serves as a key rest point for travelers heading from Agra, Vrindavan, or Mathura to Noida, Delhi, or Haryana. Beyond this point, the expressway is access-controlled, exclusively designed for high-speed vehicular traffic en route to Delhi.

Recently, the coffee retailer reached a milestone in India, with the opening of its 400th store located at The Lakshmi Mills in Coimbatore.

Continue Exploring: Starbucks hits 400th store milestone in India with grand opening in Coimbatore

In India, the Starbucks-branded coffee chain operates through a joint venture split evenly between Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Co. and Tata Consumer Products Ltd.

In 2023, Starbucks expanded its presence in India by entering 15 additional cities and inaugurating 71 new stores.

The beverage giant revealed plans to double its workforce, aiming to increase its partners to approximately 8,600 from the current 4,300. This expansion strategy includes entering tier 2 and 3 cities in India, as well as introducing services such as drive-thrus, airport locations, and 24-hour store formats to better serve the diverse needs of customers.

The company is currently striving to achieve a milestone of operating 1,000 stores in India by 2028, with the ambitious target of opening a new store every three days.

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

NRAI Pune Chapter to host exclusive panel discussion on AI’s impact on the hospitality sector

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March 15, 2024

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The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Pune Chapter is excited to announce an upcoming panel discussion on AI impacting Hospitality. Esteemed speakers such as Jaytesh Calpakkam (The Internet Generation), Vijayan Parthasarathy (ReserveGo), and Ayush Awasthi from (RenoApp) are part of the event. Scheduled on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at One Lounge in Koregaon Park, Pune, this panel discussion aims to shed light on the transformative effects of artificial intelligence on the hospitality industry.

This event caters specifically to Food & Beverage Brand Owners, industry decision-makers, venture capitalists (VCs), and other relevant stakeholders. With an anticipated attendance of 150 professionals, its primary goal is to offer invaluable insights into the impact and expansion of artificial intelligence in the hospitality sector. Attendees can anticipate a knowledge-sharing session with the panelists, accompanied by interactive Q&A sessions.

Praful Chandawarkar, NRAI Pune Chapter Head and Founder and Managing Director of Malaka Spice expressed his excitement about the event, “Emphasizing the significant impact of new-age technology and artificial intelligence on the hospitality sector, the panel discussion aims to highlight the capabilities, growth opportunities, focus areas, and challenges brought about by AI-enabled startups in the hospitality sector.”

Continue Exploring: From smart kiosks to AI-powered chefs: How artificial intelligence stirred up the food business and restaurants in 2023

AI is reshaping India’s Food and Beverage sector, ushering in an era marked by efficiency, personalization, and guest satisfaction. With intelligent chatbots facilitating seamless bookings and delivering real-time customer support, and data analytics platforms optimizing pricing strategies and forecasting guest preferences, AI technologies are streamlining operations, cutting costs, and boosting ROI. As AI evolves further, it holds the potential to reshape the hospitality landscape across India.

Established in 1982, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) stands as the voice of the Indian Restaurant Industry. Representing the interests of over 500,000 restaurants, contributing to an industry valued at INR 4.23 lakh crores, NRAI holds a pivotal position within the sector. As the leading association in the Indian Restaurant Industry, NRAI is dedicated to advancing and fortifying the Indian Food Service Sector. With a mission to guide the industry towards enhanced profitability and growth, NRAI advocates for its members through initiatives such as advocacy, training, research, and industry events.

Continue Exploring: NRAI urges govt to restore input tax credit and raise GST to 12%

Bata India elevates sportswear retail experience with Power brand outlets

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March 15, 2024

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Bata India is overhauling its strategy for sports shoes and activewear by reintroducing Exclusive Brand Outlets for its well-known brand ‘Power’. With its roots in Canada, Power enjoys global acclaim for its top-notch sportswear and footwear. This strategic initiative mirrors Bata India’s acknowledgment of the burgeoning athleisure trend and the increasing adoption of an active lifestyle among Indian consumers.

Gunjan Shah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bata India said, “Power is a globally admired brand with a strong international presence. Recognizing the increased demand for athleisure in India, we decided to open Exclusive Brand Outlets for Power to offer a world-class shopping experience to our fitness-conscious consumers. With these new stores, we are making international technology-led footwear and apparel accessible to all. Our aim is to open 50+ Power EBOs by the end of 2025.”

Continue Exploring: Bata reports 31% drop in net profit due to muted demand for footwear

Pietro Schira, Chief Brand Officer, Bata Group said, “The entry of Power EBOs in India marks an exciting chapter for Power, strengthening its global presence. The outlets will provide Indian consumers an unparalleled access to our innovative products, satisfying local demand for international technology with high-quality performance shoes and apparel.”

The recently unveiled Power outlets display a diverse array of cutting-edge products tailored to elevate performance and ensure comfort across a spectrum of fitness pursuits, including running, walking, and training. Of particular significance is the flagship running shoe, Power XO Rise+, which boasts state-of-the-art midsole technology providing a remarkable 25 percent increase in rebound and shock absorption through tunnel technology.

The Power Exclusive Brand Outlet guarantees an immersive retail journey, empowering customers to engage with the brand’s groundbreaking offerings firsthand. In a bid to enhance customer contentment, it seamlessly incorporates cutting-edge global technologies such as digital receipts, Lift and Learn, and Omni-channel deliveries.

Continue Exploring: Bata enhances customer experience through Easyrewardz’s Zence CRM for ‘BataClub’

WOW Skin Science redefines skincare with innovative sunscreen range for Indian skin

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March 15, 2024

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WOW Skin Science, a leading name in beauty, skincare, and wellness across India, has just unveiled its latest creation: WOW Sunscreen. Carefully formulated, this fresh line of sunscreen gels and sprays is tailored to meet the specific requirements of Indian skin types, ensuring reliable sun protection during the challenging Indian summers.

The Indian sunscreen market is witnessing swift expansion, fueled by rising consumer consciousness regarding the necessity of continuous sun protection. Nevertheless, the industry contends with obstacles such as limited market reach due to consumer perplexity in selecting suitable products. Many consumers feel inundated by technical jargon like SPF, PA+++, and encounter difficulty in finding sunscreens that cater to their unique skin needs. Acknowledging this challenge, WOW Skin Science has innovated a lineup of sunscreens precisely crafted to meet diverse skincare needs, thereby enabling consumers to make educated decisions.

Choosing a standard sunscreen may result in a range of skin concerns, such as breakouts, irritation, and pore congestion. WOW Sunscreens distinguish themselves through their exclusive blend of Activated Naturals, comprising Aloe Vera and specifically chosen skin-active ingredients tailored to various skin types. This unique formulation guarantees thorough shielding against both UVA and UVB rays, including blue light. Furthermore, our Suncare Solutions offer additional benefits such as no visible residue, rapid absorption, non-sticky and non-greasy textures, water resistance, and an impressive SPF of 55PA++++.

Continue Exploring: Deepika Padukone’s skincare brand 82°E set to expand product lines, channels, and global footprint in 2024

“Our goal with the Suncare Solutions Range is to empower individuals to make the right choices for their skin. Sun protection is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and our customized approach ensures that everyone can enjoy the benefits of suncare protection without compromising their unique skincare needs,” said Manish Chowdhary, Co-Founder, WOW Skin Science.

Puja Bedi, Deputy General Manager, Marketing, WOW Skin Science added,” With the introduction of this new range, our objective is to transform how people perceive sun protection. It is not simply something you put on before going out, it is an essential part of your skincare routine.”

WOW Skin Science beckons all to embrace sun safety with its innovative Suncare Solutions Range. These products are now available for purchase at leading retail outlets, online platforms, and the official WOW Skin Science store.

Continue Exploring: D2C skincare brand Foxtale secures $14 Million in funding led by Panthera Growth Partners

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

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March 15, 2024

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On Friday, Emkay Global Financial Services released a report stating that corporate discussions regarding the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector highlighted the subdued demand environment prevailing in Q4FY24, a trend also projected by data agencies for CY24.

“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.

It said that with the El-Nino effect remaining till May 2024 (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.

Continue Exploring: FMCG sector to experience subdued growth until September quarter in 2024: Kantar

The report added that the demand is likely to see recovery from 2HFY25 and as per consensus estimates, for large and traditional listed companies, the revenue growth is likely to be in high single to low-double digits, which is factoring demand recovery ahead.

“We see an extended winter as unlikely to aid in primary sales, similarly, summer placement has been delayed, affecting Q4FY24 growth,” the report added.

“Sector valuations have seen de-rating, amid distressed demand setting and surge in competitive intensity in the value segment; though it still maintains a premium to a broader market index, given the promising sector outlook and fundamentals,” it said

Continue Exploring: FMCG companies and Kirana stores gear up for summer: Dairy and beverage sales spike across India

It said that the FMCG sector is poised for mid-single-digit growth in CY24, driven largely by volume, as per estimates of Nielsen IQ and Kantar.

“Demand setting is likely to remain muted in 1HFY25 and expected to recover gradually in 2HFY25, as the effects of El Nino subsides,” the report added.

Ironhill India partners with GoGround Beans & Spices to craft innovative cocoa-infused brews

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March 15, 2024

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Ironhill India has announced its collaboration with GoGround Beans & Spices, blending the finest Indian cocoa beans with inventive craft brewing experiences.

This partnership seeks to honor the diversity and excellence of Indian cocoa beans while venturing into innovative territories within the craft beer industry.

“Through our partnership with Ironhill India, we’re thrilled to bring the Indian cocoa beans into the spotlight. It is a well-known fact that Indian cocoa beans are renowned for their unique and distinct flavour profile, characterized by rich, earthy undertones with subtle hints of fruity and floral notes. They offer a versatile brewing experience, allowing for the creation of beers that have a harmonious blend of chocolatey richness and subtle undertones, providing a sensory experience that is distinctly Indian,” shared Luca Beltrami, Co-founder of GoGround Beans & Spices.

Led by Teja Chekuri, Ironhill India stands as a leading craft brewery, rapidly emerging as one of the most prominent brands in the nation. The brand has advanced significantly in fostering the segment and elevating the craft brewing experience to new heights.

Continue Exploring: Third Wave Coffee and Ironhill India collaborate to redefine tastes with innovative coffee-beer fusion

Partnering with GoGround Beans & Spices, they introduce yet another cocoa-infused brew to their collection. Founded in 2015 by Luca Beltrami and his wife, Ellen, GoGround Beans & Spices has been a pioneering force in backing cocoa farmers in Kerala’s Idukki region. Their mission transcends mere commerce; they aim to bolster farm yields, modernize production methods, and improve the socio-economic conditions of smallholder farmers in the area.

“Craft beer is a realm where innovation is only limited by your imagination. By incorporating Indian cocoa beans into our brews, we’re not only elevating the flavor profile but also shedding light on the incredible potential of Indian agricultural produce and native beans that are pleasing to the Indian palate,” added Teja Chekuri, Managing Partner, Ironhill India.

Jivamrit Organic expands portfolio with launch of 62 new organic products

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March 15, 2024

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Jivamrit Organic, a trailblazer in the realm of organic food, is set to transform the culinary landscape with its wide-ranging product selection. With a vision to emerge as the premier organic food provider, Jivamrit Organic presents a diverse range of offerings perfect for any mealtime, spanning from breakfast to dinner.

Founded by Mukesh Kumar, Jivamrit Organic takes pride in upholding principles of purity, sustainability, and a farm-to-table ethos. Additionally, Jivamrit collaborates with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), currently engaging with over 2500 farmers across 5 states, providing them employment and cultivating on 12,000 hectares of land. All products by Jivamrit Organic adhere to both Indian and US Organic standards.

The product line, consisting of 62 meticulously crafted organic offerings, encompasses fundamental kitchen essentials such as oil, ghee, dal, and more. Through partnerships with certified Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), the company ensures that each product embodies a dedication to sustainable farming practices and upholds the highest quality standards.

Continue Exploring: India to invest INR 105 Crore to boost organic food testing capabilities amid growing market demand

Mukesh Kumar, Founder & Managing Director of Jivamrit Organic, expressed his excitement about the launch, saying, “Jivamrit Organic is not just a brand; it’s a commitment to health, sustainability, and the environment. We have carefully curated a diverse range of organic products to cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of our consumers. With our diverse range of 62 products, we aim to make every meal a celebration of health and taste. We aspire to become the largest organic food producer.”

One of its standout offerings, the delicious Kaju Katli, is poised to win hearts as a household favorite. Demonstrating their dedication to research and development, Jivamrit Organic has provided 100 liters of fresh cow milk to IIT Roorkee, signaling the start of a collaborative journey to explore innovative possibilities in organic dairy.

In the competitive realm of organic products, Jivamrit Organic distinguishes itself by supplying vital ingredients to prominent brands such as Organic India, Organic Tattva, Pure n Sure, and others. This strategic partnership emphasizes the brand’s credibility and commitment to advocating for organic lifestyles.

Continue Exploring: Akshayakalpa Organic raises $12 Million in funding round led by A91 Partners

The brand is also gearing up to tap into the B2B hospitality sector and is currently in discussions with renowned hotels such as Taj and Radisson. Additionally, they are targeting B2C consumers and households through platforms like Country Delight, Big Basket, Amazon, Flipkart, and more.

As Jivamrit Organic maps out its trajectory, the company is already strategizing to broaden its product range, providing a wider array of organic options for health-conscious consumers. These products are easily accessible through numerous grocery outlets, ensuring that organic living is within reach for everyone.

McDonald’s India North and East regions tap into ONDC network for greater reach

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March 15, 2024

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Fast food chain McDonald’s North and East regions have integrated into the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) network, as announced by the food services players on Friday.

According to the company, McDonald’s India North and East offerings will now be accessible through ONDC buyers’ applications, featuring exclusive à la carte and meal selections.

Rajeev Ranjan, the Managing Director of McDonald’s India – North and East, emphasized in a statement that the collaboration aims to accelerate McDonald’s accessibility for existing and new customers.

Following Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JFL) operated Domino’s Pizza, McDonald’s becomes the second major fast food services player to join the government-backed ONDC network in recent times.

Continue Exploring: Domino’s Pizza in Delhi-NCR joins ONDC to boost profit margins

Since its inception early last year, the ONDC has processed over 7.1 million cumulative orders as of February. Operating in markets including Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai, among others, the platform facilitates order services.

Continue Exploring: ONDC surpasses 7.1 Million orders milestone in February since inception last year

Meanwhile, the network is piloting a project to integrate street food vendors, starting with Delhi and Lucknow. The pilot project plans to collaborate with 500 street food vendors in Delhi and Lucknow over the next couple of months, leveraging buyer applications to stimulate demand for the small-scale operators. In Delhi, the pilot has begun with Zomato-backed Magicpin.

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

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March 15, 2024

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Landmark Group‘s Lifestyle department store chain is actively expanding, with plans to open its 111th store in Surat, located at Aashirwad High Street along Citylight Main Road.

Covering an expansive retail area of 22,800 square feet, this will be the company’s second store in Surat and its 23rd in the Western region.

“We are extremely delighted to launch the second Lifestyle store in Surat. This would be our fifth store in Gujarat and the 111th store in India. We believe that Surat is an evolving and promising market for fashion retail,” said Vivek Thilakan, senior vice president – operations (West) at Lifestyle International Pvt. Ltd.

Continue Exploring: Powerlook Apparels expands offline presence: Unveils two new stores in Mumbai, eyes 50 nationwide by 2027

The latest store introduces self-checkout amenities and offers an omnichannel experience, incorporating features like ‘click and collect’, enabling customers to place orders online and retrieve items from a Lifestyle store of their preference.

“We have robust expansion plans. We aim to add around 4-5 stores in the coming financial year in Gujarat and Maharashtra. These will include stores in new towns as well as new catchments in existing cities,” added Thilakan.

On Thursday, Lifestyle marked the milestone of 110 stores with the launch of its latest store at Raipur City Center Pandri Mall, Chhattisgarh.

This marks the 11th outlet in Central India and the second consecutive store in Raipur within the fiscal year 2024”, said deputy general manager – operations at Lifestyle International in a LinkedIn post.

Lifestyle is a large format department store that offers a variety of products, including apparel, footwear, children’s wear and toys, furniture and home furnishings, and personal grooming items. Typically, a Lifestyle store occupies an area of 20,000 – 50,000 sq. ft., varying based on location and assortment.

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

The brand showcases an extensive collection of over 350 national and international brands, featuring renowned names such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Arrow, Park Avenue, Benetton, Nike, Adidas, Allen Solly, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Swatch, Tissot, and Tag Heuer.

In May 2023, the chain marked a milestone with the inauguration of its 100th store. Looking ahead, it intends to broaden its retail presence within the country by launching a minimum of 50 new stores over the next three to four years.

ADS Group expands portfolio with Woodnote Premium Whisky launch in Delhi and Haryana

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March 15, 2024

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ADS Group, a prominent player in India’s alcoholic beverages industry, has expanded its portfolio into the ultra-premium whisky market by introducing Woodnote Premium Blended Select Cask Whisky in Delhi and Haryana.

Dubbed as “Serenity Uncasked,” Woodnote Premium Whisky seamlessly combines the finest Scotch malts with handpicked Indian grain spirits, resulting in a blend that captures the serene essence of nature’s tranquility through its harmonious flavors.

Woodnote Premium Whisky is available in Delhi and Haryana, priced at INR 1000 and INR 850 per quart (750ml) respectively in these regions. It is also offered in Pint (375 ml) and Nip (180 ml) sizes. In the Delhi market, consumers can find it in miniature bottles (90ml) and a trendy Hip Flask pack (200ml).

Continue Exploring: Kadamba Whisky wins prestigious title of ‘Best Indian Single-Malt’ at Icons of Whisky awards

In the swiftly expanding premium market, Woodnote Premium Whisky endeavors to enchant whisky aficionados with its sophisticated flavor profile and stylish packaging.

Paras Maan, Chief Operating Officer at ADS Group, expressed, “Woodnote Premium Whisky represents our homage to the untouched tranquility of nature. From its distinctive teal-colored monocarton design, which introduces a refreshing contemporary aesthetic, to its refined flavor profile, every aspect embodies our dedication to delighting whisky enthusiasts with an exceptionally premium product and an elevated sipping experience. We are thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive reception from consumers in Delhi and Haryana.

Initially launching Woodnote Premium Whisky in Haryana and Delhi allowed us to gauge consumer feedback before a nationwide rollout. The high rate of repeat purchases and the praise for its premium packaging and superb blend have surpassed our expectations. Crafted to appeal to the discerning palates of modern consumers, Woodnote Premium Whisky, with its refreshing teal-colored monocarton design and sophisticated flavor profile, is poised to resonate deeply with our target audience as we introduce it to more markets under the banner of ‘Serenity Uncasked’.”

Woodnote Premium Whisky tantalizes the senses with delicate peat and maritime aromas, accompanied by nuances of vanilla and ripe fruit. Upon tasting, it presents a harmonious fusion of gentle peat, vanilla, pepper, and oak undertones, leading to a velvety finish accentuated by the sweetness of oak and fruit.

Following its successful launch in Delhi and Haryana, ADS Group plans to expand the availability of Woodnote Premium Whisky in premium retail outlets and on-premise locations across India.

Continue Exploring: Alcobrew Distilleries targets INR 850 Crore revenue in FY24 with expansion into single malt whisky, gin, and vodka

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