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Apeal World expands RTD lineup with Organic Lemon and Mint Sparkling ACV

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Apeal World
Organic Lemon and Mint

RTD sparkling apple cider vinegar brand Apeal World has unveiled its third flavor variant: Organic Lemon and Mint.

The freshly launched RTD apple cider vinegar, infused with lemon and mint flavors, combines sparkling water, organic apple cider vinegar, organic extracts, and responsibly sourced spices. Each can offers a dose of potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Linked to digestive wellness and immune support, apple cider vinegar is produced through fermenting apple sugars, resulting in acetic acid, the vinegar’s active component known for its potential to regulate blood sugar levels. Apeal World highlights that acetic acid also boasts antimicrobial qualities.

Continue Exploring: Diageo’s Captain Morgan unveils exciting line of RTD cocktail-inspired malt beverages!

Apeal World’s newest release marks its third flavor variation, succeeding its ginger-infused apple cider vinegar can and its ready-to-drink blend featuring clove, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Salka Backman, founder at Apeal World ACV, commented, “This delicious new flavour of apple cider vinegar combines lemon and mint and is yet another convenient, affordable and effective way to harness the benefits of ACV while on the go – anytime, anywhere”.

The new Apeal World Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with Lemon & Mint will be available from 20th March for an RRP of £1.99.

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HCCB strengthens presence in Madhya Pradesh with INR 350 Crore investment

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Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola

In a strategic maneuver emphasizing its dedication to Madhya Pradesh’s economic development, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), a leading FMCG company in India, has announced a INR 350 crore investment in the state. This announcement was made during a meeting between Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, and a senior delegation from HCCB, further solidifying the company’s total investment in the state to over INR 660 crore.

The capital infusion will drive the establishment of two state-of-the-art manufacturing lines at HCCB’s Rajgarh facility, specifically geared towards producing Affordable Small Sparkling Packs (ASSP) and Juice Tetra Packs. In addition to expanding manufacturing capacities, this initiative is set to significantly bolster the state’s economy. With a strong network of 149 distributors and 127,080 retailers, HCCB holds a crucial position in Madhya Pradesh’s retail landscape, distributing around 10 million cases across 29 districts.

Continue Exploring: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverage’s Karnataka plant becomes first carbon-neutral facility in India and Southwest Asia

In reciprocation, the Madhya Pradesh Government has committed comprehensive support to expedite HCCB’s procurement of necessary permissions, approvals, and clearances, aligning with the state’s policies and regulations.

Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Officer at HCCB, stated, “This investment is a significant step in our journey with Madhya Pradesh – a state that is poised for growth and development. We see this as an opportunity to deepen our commitment and align our growth with the state’s vision. This is more than an expansion of our business operations; it is about reinforcing our roots in a state that is key to our market strategy and a hub for innovation. We envisage this project as a catalyst not only for regional economic growth but also as a conduit for nurturing local talent, thereby contributing to the socio-economic progress of Madhya Pradesh.”

Having invested over INR 311 crore in Madhya Pradesh since 2000, including recent expansions in 2022 and 2023, HCCB has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing production capabilities and supporting the local economy. This latest financial commitment not only cements its industrial presence in the state but also aligns with HCCB’s dedication to delivering innovative and high-quality products to consumers in Madhya Pradesh.

HCCB’s involvement in Madhya Pradesh extends beyond financial investments, encompassing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) endeavors. These endeavors prioritize water conservation, skill enhancement, and sustainable farming. Notably, they have benefited 1200 young individuals through sales and marketing training, empowered 1500 women with digital and financial literacy, and assisted over 100 farmers in embracing sustainable agricultural methods. Moreover, HCCB has facilitated the installation of water ATMs and Smartboards, enriching community resources.

Continue Exploring: HCCB and Y4D Foundation join forces to introduce Drinking Water ATM in Nalbari, Assam

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Himmaleh Spirits revolutionizes Indian craft retail with the launch of Bandarful

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Bandarful
Bandarful

Himmaleh Spirits, known for its innovative spirits, unveils Bandarful, an artisanal cold-brew coffee liqueur that transcends the ordinary in the Indian alcoholic beverage landscape. Building on the success of its pioneering product, Kumaon and I, India’s first Provincial Dry Gin, the distillery is trailblazing in breaking norms within the Indian alcoholic beverage industry.

Brewed for over 22 hours and meticulously blended in-house, Bandarful takes enthusiasts on a captivating journey across Kumaon’s grain fields, Chikmagalur’s coffee estates, and lush fruit trees. Crafted with hyperlocal rice, Himalayan spring water, and medium-dark single estate Arabica coffee beans from the foothills of the Western Ghats, each bottle becomes a homage to India’s diverse terroir.

Continue Exploring: Himmaleh Spirits unveils farm-to-bottle artisanal gin, honouring Uttarakhand’s rich terroir

The story begins with the leader of the pack in Kumaon, where the spirited local Langur swings through the treetops, accompanied by its cousins, embarking on journeys to distant lands to carefully select the most robust coffee cherries. This charming primate, an inseparable part of Kumaoni culture, proudly takes credit for the inception of Bandarful, thereby establishing it as India’s premier branch-to-bottle spirit.

Ansh Khanna, Co-Founder of Himmaleh Spirits noted, “Bandarful captures the untamed essence of the country. In a world where coffee culture is becoming a serious affair, Bandarful stands out as an exquisite blend of high-quality coffee and spirit, appealing to both coffee aficionados and alco-bev connoisseurs. We’re breaking free from the ordinary, inviting you to swing into a world where life’s too short for boring drinks.”

Samarth Prasad, Co-Founder Himmaleh Spirits said, “Bandarful is our ode to endless joy and celebrations! Crafted with the choicest coffee beans, a dash of Himalayan flair, and a recipe tucked away amidst treetops, this artisanal coffee liqueur reflects Himmaleh’s commitment to introducing high-quality products using only the finest local ingredients sourced sustainably.”

Presented in a unique flint-clear glass bottle featuring a bar-top neck finish, Bandarful stands out boldly on any shelf, much like encountering a monkey amidst the dense jungle foliage. Whether savored neat over ice, mixed into cocktails, paired with desserts, or enjoyed as a post-dinner digestif, Bandarful guarantees a caffeine-infused adventure brimming with vibrant and evocative flavors.

Within the realm of Indian craft distillation, Himmaleh Spirits establishes a fresh benchmark with Bandarful, seamlessly merging tradition with innovation to deliver an unparalleled beverage journey tailored for discerning consumers.

Continue Exploring: Indigenous spirits shine: India’s liquor exports soar, set to break $1 Billion barrier

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Heiko Schipper named president of Unilever’s Nutrition Business Group

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Heiko Schipper
Heiko Schipper

Unilever has named Heiko Schipper as the President of its Nutrition Business Group.

Heiko, who presently serves as President of Bayer Consumer Health, brings extensive expertise and a proven record of success in the worldwide foods and nutrition sector. Commencing his career at Nestlé, he accumulated over two decades of experience in sales and marketing roles across Asia, eventually assuming the role of chief executive officer of Nestlé’s global Nutrition business division in 2014.

Having joined Bayer in 2018, he has been instrumental in spearheading notable enhancements in performance, resulting in Bayer’s Consumer Health division achieving industry-leading growth.

Continue Exploring: Unilever named official sponsor of UEFA EURO 2024, bringing favourite brands to the pitch

Unilever chief executive officer Hein Schumacher said, “Heiko is a global business leader with deep expertise and experience of the foods and nutrition industry and a long track record of delivering sustained high performance. He is a very impactful, values-driven leader. I look forward to working with him as we continue our focus on accelerating the growth of Unilever’s Nutrition business, including our leading Knorr and Hellmann’s global Power Brands.”

Heiko will join Unilever and its Leadership Executive on 1 May 2024.

Continue Exploring: Unilever eyes competitive volume growth in India, anticipates price reduction amid commodity trends

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JAB Holding Company to divest 100 Million KDP shares in potential $2.5 Billion deal

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Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP)
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP)

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has stated that a subsidiary of JAB Holding Company plans to sell an aggregate of 86,956,522 KDP shares through a secondary offering.

JAB also granted an option to the underwriter, Morgan Stanley, to purchase up to an additional 13,043,478 shares within the next 30 days.

According to Bloomberg, JAB is selling the block of shares for $29.10 to $29.25 each, potentially generating up to $2.5 billion for the company. This pricing reflects a discount of 2.2% to 2.7% compared to KDP’s closing price on February 29, 2024, which was $29.91 per share.

CEO of JAB Joachim Creus said, “The proceeds from our sale of KDP shares allow us to maintain our leverage target in line with our financial policies, as we continue to build out our investment portfolio. KDP will continue to be one of our most important investments and we expect to continue to be a long-term anchor shareholder in KDP, at or above the 20% ownership level.”

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Following the completion of the transaction, assuming full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares, JAB will own around 21% of KDP’s outstanding common stock, bringing KDP’s public float to approximately 79%.

KDP has stated that several of its directors and officers have expressed interest in acquiring the shares. As per the transaction terms, the remaining shares held by JAB will be bound by a 180-day lock-up agreement with Morgan Stanley.

A lock-up period restricts the quantity of shares that can be sold within a specified timeframe, which in this instance is 180 days. These periods commonly pertain to insiders, encompassing a company’s founders, owners, managers, and employees, but may also involve early investors like venture capitalists.

According to a knowledgeable source, JAB intends to utilize the funds to support its recent ventures in pet insurance. Additionally, the source noted that the sale of KDP shares is a singular event, with JAB currently having no imminent intentions to divest further shares in KDP or any other publicly held assets.

Continue Exploring: Japanese beverage giant Kirin Holdings to invest $25 Million more in B9 Beverages

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Beiersdorf forecasts slower sales growth for 2024 amid pricing moderation and market challenges

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Nivea
Nivea

Beiersdorf, the company behind Nivea, projects a deceleration in organic sales growth for 2024. This comes after a notable 10.8% surge in the previous year, with the company implementing measures to moderate price hikes.

Known for its cautious projections, Beiersdorf achieved total sales of 9.5 billion euros ($10.3 billion) for the full year, compared to 8.8 billion euros in 2022, in line with Beiersdorf’s guidance for low-double-digit organic growth.

The German company cautioned that sales growth would slow to a mid-single-digit percentage this year.

It anticipates more restrained growth for its consumer business segment in 2024, aiming for “more reasonable” price increases compared to 2023. However, it remains cautious due to high commodity prices, inflation rates, and strained consumer budgets.

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The sector is facing subdued demand as consumers, contending with inflation and rising borrowing costs, have become more discerning in their purchases.

At 10:15 AM GMT on Thursday, shares declined by 3% to 133.4 euros.

“Consumer segment sustained sector-leading growth in (the fourth quarter), but market expectations were high…hence we may see some modest profit taking today,” Stifel analyst Rogerio Fujimori said in a note to investors.

Fujimori noted that Beiersdorf’s core division reported quarterly organic sales growth of 9%, falling short of analysts’ estimates of 11%. This was primarily attributed to a decline in sales at its luxury brand La Prairie.

Luxury companies like L’Oreal have raised concerns about the impact of increased scrutiny by the Chinese government on the “Daigou” business model. This model involves resellers purchasing goods at lower prices from other markets and selling them at a discount in mainland China.

Sales at Beiersdorf brands La Prairie and Chantecaille fell by 15.4% and 18.4% respectively in 2023 due to such limitations affecting China and South Korea.

“Even though the Daigou business was a relevant part of our business, we are happy to see that unauthorized distribution contributing to price erosions is now regulated,” CEO Vincent Warnery said in a call.

Beiersdorf said it aimed to return to growth with La Prairie and Chantecaille in 2024.

Continue Exploring: Retail sales in India plunge as consumer sentiment remains subdued; recovery expected after two to three quarters

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FDA allows yogurt manufacturers to highlight type 2 diabetes risk reduction claims

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(Representative Image)

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized yogurt manufacturers to highlight that their products may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

According to a statement on March 1st, the FDA stated that it would not oppose specific claims as long as they are accurately worded to avoid misleading consumers and meet other necessary criteria for claim usage.

The food safety regulator described a qualified health claim as one that is backed by scientific evidence but doesn’t meet the stricter “significant scientific agreement” standard necessary for an authorized health claim.

Danone, a dairy giant, had filed a petition for a qualified health claim with the FDA, urging the agency to assess the connection between consuming yogurt and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. The FDA has since concluded that there is “credible evidence” supporting this association.

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According to the US regulator, a minimum of three servings of yogurt per week is required for this claim to be considered credible.

The decision arrives as an increasing number of US citizens are turning to GLP-1 weight-loss medications in their fight against the disease.

In November, a survey conducted by US investment bank Stifel emphasized the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.

Stifel determined that there is a potential risk to the packaged food sector due to the heightened utilization of drugs, notably Ozempic and Wegovy, produced by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

According to recent research by Trilliant Health, approximately nine million Americans were using a GLP-1 anti-obesity drug by the end of 2022, and Stifel’s survey indicates that this figure could now be significantly higher.

The bank’s research revealed that 15% of respondents over a three-survey average used a GLP-1 drug, with an additional 21% reporting they would be interested in using one if they were universally FDA-approved for weight loss, had proven results, and became widely available.

Continue Exploring: Dairy brand Epigamia focuses on profitability, targets 25% year-on-year growth in FY24

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Sports nutrition brand Warrior diversifies portfolio with Protein Water launch

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Warrior
Protein Water

Sports nutrition brand Warrior has added a new protein water product to its portfolio of high-protein snacks and supplements.

The high-protein, low-calorie beverage comes in two flavors: tropical and berry. Each bottle is enriched with essential vitamins and electrolytes for enhanced hydration. Additionally, it contains ten grams of collagen peptides, providing nourishment for skin, hair, and nails.

Continue Exploring: Califia Farms launches plant-based milk matching dairy nutrition levels

Warrior’s protein water is free from sugar and has under 50 calories per 500ml bottle. Both flavors are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and they are also free from genetically modified ingredients.

Kieran Fisher, founder of Warrior and parent company KBF Enterprises, commented, “Last year was a phenomenal year for product innovation and we are thrilled to be starting 2024 by introducing Warrior Protein Water to the market”.

He added, “This provides an easy and convenient solution for people to boost their protein intake whilst on-the-go and we are confident this new addition will excite new and existing customers”.

The protein water is available online and at selected SPAR stores across the UK.

Continue Exploring: Bain Capital invests in sports nutrition company 1440 Foods, boosting active lifestyle market

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Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland to acquire BDS Vending Solutions

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Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland has agreed to acquire 100% ownership of BDS Vending Solutions for an undisclosed sum.

Established in 1993, BDS Vending manages around 2,000 vending machines, offering food and beverage vending services across Ireland. After the deal’s finalization, founders David Mullan and Brian Berry will assist in the transition of BDS Vending’s ownership.

As per the company’s statement, acquiring BDS Vending is in line with Coca-Cola HBC’s strategy to enhance its route-to-market capabilities, particularly in last-mile delivery. Additionally, it presents opportunities across a wide array of cold and hot beverages as well as snacks.

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Coca-Cola HBC stated that BDS Vending provides “a valuable foundation, equipped with proven technology and services,” which Coca-Cola HBC intends to leverage for developing further capabilities across its markets.

The completion of the transaction is contingent upon approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Ireland, with expectations for it to be finalized in the upcoming months.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant wedding extravaganza: 21 Indore-based Chefs to craft culinary delights for pre-wedding celebrations!

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Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant

Since the announcement of the wedding between Anant Ambani, the youngest member of the Ambani family, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of Indian businessman Viren Merchant, there has been significant buzz surrounding the event. Anant Ambani is renowned for his dedication to animal welfare, while Radhika Merchant is passionate about the classical Indian dance form Bharatnatyam. With attention focused on every detail from the guest list to the gifts and food, the upcoming wedding promises to be an extravagant affair. The couple, Anant and Radhika, were engaged in a traditional Gol Dhana ceremony in January of the previous year, and their wedding is scheduled to take place on July 12th.

According to media reports, the pre-wedding celebrations are scheduled to take place from March 1st to March 3rd in Jamnagar, Gujarat. An estimated 1,000 guests are expected to attend the festivities. The three-day event will feature various themes and dress codes, following a pre-planned itinerary. The first day, themed ‘An Evening in Everland’ (March 1st), calls for evening cocktail attire. On the second day, guests will experience ‘A Walk on the Wildside’ (March 2nd), followed by activities at Mela Rouge with a ‘jungle fever’ dress code. The final day includes two events named ‘Tusker Trails and Hashtakshar’ (March 3rd), where guests will explore the beauty of Jamnagar and dress in ethnic Indian attire for Hashtakshar.

When it comes to the cuisine served during the pre-wedding ceremonies, reports suggest that a team of 21 chefs from Indore will be crafting delectable dishes for the guests. These three days are anticipated to offer the ultimate culinary delight for those attending the festivities.

Continue Exploring: From Panipuri to Rajasthani delights: Inside Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha’s luxurious wedding feast

According to ABP News, the chefs have been recruited from the Jardin Hotel. Among the 21 chefs, only one is male, while the remaining 20 are female. The Director of Jardin Hotel revealed to the media outlet that over 2500 dishes will be prepared during the three-day pre-wedding celebrations. The menu will feature a diverse range of cuisines including Japanese, Thai, Mexican, and Parsi Thali, in addition to Pan Asian cuisine.

Providing further details, Sharma revealed that there will be 75 varieties of dishes for breakfast, over 225 varieties for lunch, 275 varieties for dinner, and 85 items included in the midnight meal. The midnight meal is scheduled from 12 midnight to 4 am, and meticulous arrangements have been made to ensure that no item is repeated throughout the duration.

Guests can look forward to a dedicated Indori Sarafa food counter, featuring authentic dishes from Indore such as Indori Kachori, Bhutte Ka Kees, Khopra Patties, Upma, and Indori Poha Jalebi. Additionally, the chefs will bring spices from Indore to ensure an authentic Indori flavor, as reported.

According to media reports, the roster of confirmed attendees for the eagerly anticipated pre-wedding celebrations includes prominent figures such as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger, Morgan Stanley CEO Ted Pick, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, and Bank of America Chairman Brian Thomas Moynihan.

Furthermore, numerous distinguished individuals from the realms of sports and entertainment, both in India and abroad, are set to honor the occasion with their presence.

Renowned Bollywood luminaries including members of the Bachchan family, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh are among the esteemed guests expected to grace the event. Additionally, star performers such as American pop icon Rihanna and India’s singing sensation Arijit Singh will captivate the audience with live performances.

Kicking off the pre-wedding festivities, the Ambani family recently performed the Anna Seva (community food service) in villages located around Jamnagar.

Continue Exploring: Hotel chains ride the wave of India’s wedding tourism surge with innovative offerings

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