Nestle has launched four new ice cream-inspired variations of some of its most popular confectionery.
The F&B giant introduced its latest creation, the Aero Neapolitan sharing bag, drawing inspiration from the beloved trio of ice cream flavors. Inside the new bag, you’ll find Aero’s iconic bubbly chocolate in delightful strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla melts.
The latest lineup also features a Munchies Cookie Dough sharing bag, where the traditional soft caramel and crispy biscuit filling of the brand are substituted with a delectable cookie dough-flavored center encased in a chocolate biscuit shell.
The third product is a twist on Nestlé’s popular Milkybar brand – the creamy buttons have been given a raspberry ripple flavour twist to create the new Milkybar Raspberry Ripple sharing bag, filled with marbled white and pink raspberry-flavoured buttons.
Finally, Nestlé has reimagined its Rowntree’s Randoms sweets by introducing new foamy Randoms cones in strawberry and biscuit, and vanilla and biscuit flavors.
Cat Mews, brand manager at Nestlé, said, “We’re so excited to introduce our new Nestlé sharing bag range. Taking inspiration from those classic frozen flavours that we all know and love, we’ve developed some nostalgic taste combinations that chocolate fanatics will be sure to love.”
The latest selection is now on shelves, ready for purchase at leading supermarkets throughout the UK.
Heinz has collaborated with Paramount, the American film production company, to craft a fresh pasta sauce drawing inspiration from the iconic mafia film, The Godfather.
Heinz & The Godfather pasta sauce features the ingredients mentioned by the character Peter Clemenza in the film, as he teaches Michael Corleone to cook the perfect sauce.
Heinz crafts the pasta sauce by using sun-ripened tomatoes sourced from their trusted suppliers in Italy. These tomatoes are simmered with olive oil and garlic, and then enhanced with meatballs and sausage, seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper.
Caio Fontenele, Heinz’s new ventures director, said, “Paramount Pictures’ The Godfather remains one of the greatest films in cinema history. And, after we watched Clemenza teaching Michael how to make his perfect pasta sauce, alongside seeing a rising trend on social media of people replicating recipes from their favourite films and TV series at home, we knew it had to be Heinz that finally brought this iconic recipe to the nation.”
Rebecca Jenkins, VP of Consumer Products for Paramount Global, added, “At Paramount, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to bring our beloved stories and characters to fans. Our collaboration with Heinz brings one of cinema’s most iconic meals from the big screen onto dinner tables.”
The Heinz & The Godfather pasta sauce is presently exclusively available at Waitrose stores nationwide for a limited five-week period, priced at £3 per 490g jar.
The Body Shop, a UK-based ethical beauty brand, has partnered with Indian actress Diana Penty to endorse its British Rose body care line within the Indian market, the company announced in a press release on Friday.
“We are delighted to announce Diana Penty’s collaboration with The Body Shop for our exciting digital film showcasing the iconic British Rose range with 100% vegan product formulations,” said Harmeet Singh, vice president – product, marketing and digital at The Body Shop India.
Through this collaboration, The Body Shop aims to diversify its consumer base and tap into previously unexplored markets across India. This strategic partnership is intended to drive sales of its British Rose bath and body collection, encompassing an array of products such as shower gel, body butter, body yoghurt, and perfume.
“The initiative aims to convey that love encompasses many experiences nurturing a sense of ease within oneself. With its versatile selection, our goal is to broaden our customer base, nurturing loyalty among existing patrons and reaching out to new audiences,” added Singh.
“I am thrilled to be part of The Body Shop’s latest campaign, with British Rose, a nature-inspired floral touch. I’m glad to support a brand that prioritises both environmental responsibility and personal well-being,” said Penty.
Established in 1976 in Brighton, England, by Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop operates approximately 2,500 retail outlets across over 80 nations.
Operating in India since 2006, The Body Shop is managed by Quest Retail Pvt Ltd, a cosmetic manufacturing company headquartered in Delhi. Presently, The Body Shop boasts over 200 stores spread across 75 cities nationwide.
Recently, Quest Retail said to media that the Indian operations of cosmetics firm The Body Shop will not be impacted by the restructuring in the UK.
Foodtech major Zomato‘s stock soared by as much as 4.67 percent, reaching a fresh record peak of INR 173.45. This surge is attributed to the company’s enhanced profitability, signaling promising prospects for future expansion and sparking a notable shift in investor sentiment.
With a market capitalization of over INR 1.51 lakh crore, Zomato stands as the most valuable internet stock in India, Asia’s third-largest economy.
Many of India’s new-age internet companies, which went public during the IPO frenzy of 2021, experienced initial surges post-listing but later faced declines due to investor concerns regarding inflated valuations and business sustainability.
Zomato, among the first to debut alongside peers such as Policybazaar, Paytm, and Nykaa, initially faced scrutiny due to its limited profitability track record and uncertain strategic moves.
However, Zomato’s consistent performance in surpassing expectations in quarterly results has led to a complete reversal in sentiment, according to Sachin Dixit, an internet research analyst at JM Financial.
Investors are increasingly recognizing Zomato’s efforts, alongside a noticeable consumer affinity for its business model.
Distinguishing itself from peers lacking clear paths to profitability, Zomato has showcased “consistent earnings improvement” and timely achievement of growth targets, as highlighted by Elara analyst Karan Taurani.
Meanwhile, Nykaa, once a favorite among investors, finds itself grappling with certain macroeconomic challenges, while Paytm faces regulatory scrutiny, resulting in a downturn.
Analysts predict that Zomato’s stronghold in the food delivery sector, capturing over half of the market share, gives it a favorable position compared to its IPO-bound competitor Swiggy.
Furthermore, Blinkit, the quick commerce business acquired by Zomato in 2022, is expected to reach EBITDA positivity in the next fiscal year, signaling the next stage of growth for the company according to investor perceptions.
At 2:44 pm, Zomato’s shares were trading at INR 166.75 per share, marking a 0.76 percent increase.
While it may appear otherwise, online shopping is no longer confined to metropolitan areas. With increasing digital literacy and widespread internet access, smaller cities and towns are also embracing this trend. Consequently, there are notable differences emerging in the purchasing behaviors, preferences, and attitudes of online shoppers across the country. According to a recent report by PwC, the online shopping demographic in India is no longer monolithic, necessitating distinct strategies for businesses catering to shoppers in major urban centers versus those in smaller locales.
The report titled “How India shops online: Consumer preferences in the metropolises and tier 1-4 cities” divides online shoppers into two distinct categories: those residing in metros and those in the rest of India. It delineates the key differences in preferences of online shoppers in these two geographies, underscoring the importance for digital sellers to take heed, as neglecting these disparities could pose a significant risk. With the continuous growth of e-commerce in India, these variations are expected to solidify further.
Location can significantly influence buyer preferences, leading to varying consumer behaviors. For instance, online shoppers in bustling metropolises, accustomed to frequent traffic congestion and long commuting distances, prioritize different factors compared to their counterparts in smaller towns, where distances are typically shorter.
City residents, placing a high value on efficiency in online shopping, gravitate towards swift delivery services that cater to their desire for immediate satisfaction, often willing to pay extra for such convenience.
However, shoppers in other parts of India prioritize discounts and deals. These consumers are avid bargain hunters, as they reside in smaller cities where the speed of delivery holds less significance owing to shorter distances.
It’s noteworthy that the majority of purchases in the sports and fitness, home and kitchen, and health and wellness categories are being driven by consumers outside of the major metropolitan areas in India. Meanwhile, residents in metropolitan areas tend to concentrate their spending on grocery items, electronics, and fashion.
The surge of social media has been instrumental in boosting awareness of these products, subsequently driving up demand. In response, platforms have introduced new and budget-friendly products to cater to these cities. As incomes in other parts of India have risen, spending on these categories has also increased accordingly.
Both residents of metro cities and those in other parts of India demonstrate similar levels of acceptance towards UPI payments, suggesting a growing adoption and familiarity with this payment method.
Nonetheless, ‘cash on delivery’ continues to be the favored choice among shoppers in other regions of India as it helps mitigate the risk of fraud. This indicates that while there is an increasing acceptance of UPI payments owing to their convenience, speed, and security, there are lingering apprehensions surrounding online platforms and payment methods, particularly among shoppers outside metro areas.
Generation X from regions outside of major cities in India typically favors card transactions for mid to high-value purchases on well-known platforms. This preference arises from the direct connection to bank accounts, providing a trusted layer of transaction safety. In urban areas, Paytm is popular for its user-friendly wallet, while in other parts of India, PhonePe is preferred for its intuitive interface. Google Pay ranks second nationwide.
Both categories of shoppers, regardless of their geographic location, exhibit a preference for shopping via apps rather than websites. This preference is consistent among all respondents. The reasons for this inclination include ease of navigation, a simplified user interface adhering to global standards, and support for vernacular languages.
Marketplace apps tend to garner higher download rates due to their diverse range of categories. When it comes to customer service and assistance, consumers generally prefer human interaction over engaging with chatbots.
Despite the geographical differences, marketplaces maintain a dominant position in the consumer market, especially with their combination of fashion and accessories offerings. In urban markets, Amazon holds a slight edge over Myntra, while Flipkart leads the way in the rest of India, followed by Meesho, Amazon, and Myntra. This preference for marketplace apps over category-based platforms is consistent among respondents from the rest of India, underscoring the significance of factors like deals, discounts, accessibility, user-friendly interfaces, and platform familiarity.
Designing experiences that resonate with all users across the country may not be the best way forward for digital sellers. The e-commerce experience that has worked in the urban centres may not necessarily work for the rest of India. The latter will need a more in-depth, human-centric view that acknowledges and capitalizes on the diversity that exists across in these smaller towns and cities.
“The report emphasises the need for tailored e-commerce experiences to resonate with diverse users across India,” says Prateek Sinha, Partner and Leader – Design and Experience Consulting, PwC India. “A human-centred approach, coupled with localised strategies and inclusivity, is crucial for success. It’s about connecting with each customer on a personal level, celebrating the rich tapestry of our cultures, and innovating every step of the way. By embracing agility and a deep understanding of consumer dynamics, businesses can chart a trajectory of sustained growth and profitability. When businesses get this right, they’re not just selling products; they’re creating experiences that people love and trust.”
The Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), led by Harsh Mariwala, is actively fostering partnerships between innovators and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies to promote inventive solutions aimed at reducing plastic usage. Additionally, MIF is directing its efforts towards promoting innovation in the realms of food and agritech, as well as clean technology, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Over the past year, the twelve startups highlighted in the MIF plastics portfolio have collectively reduced carbon dioxide emissions by a total of 124,360 tons.
“I have been questioned on the use of plastics by Marico, though we use recyclable plastics many times there are challenges in recycling. The team came up with a proposal to do a study on innovators operating in the plastic industry which led to a report. The report was triggered that there is a need to identify individuals who did not know how to scale up. We do not invest in the innovators but help with the challenges they are facing in the business. The growth impact will be seen in a few years because it is like scaling up a business. Many are at the startup stage with innovations at a very early stage. It will take three to five years to move from start-up to an established company,” said Harsh Mariwala, Founder, of Marico Innovation Foundation.
Harsh Mariwala’s Marico, a significant player in the FMCG sector, aims to transition to 100% recyclable plastic usage within the next five years.
“In Marico, we have reached a level of 94 per cent of recyclable plastic. Through this, we want to create a larger impact. It has to start from how garbage is collected from homes, segregation is important with end to end approach being very important. We will look at ourselves or with partners to work alongside municipal corporations on the issue,” he said.
Furthermore, the MIF foundation plans to adopt a circular economy approach to achieve zero waste, focusing on sectors such as food agritech, clean technology, and plastics.
“We have done facilitation of innovators and FMCG companies including Nestle and McDonalds. We look at a multiple array of brands. The foundation is looking at the ability to stay invested in the areas we have identified. Earlier we had identified innovation in particular sectors, engaged and then exited and found ourselves in other sunrise sectors. Going ahead we want to create an impact in the sustainability space, we will keep growing in the plastic waste management space, food and agritech is our next area of focus,” said Suranjana Ghosh, Head of Marico Innovation Foundation.
Chalet Hotels Limited has announced the execution of definitive agreements for the acquisition of the ‘Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort, NCR’. The resort boasts 158 rooms and occupies 14 acres of land. CHL has executed the definitive agreement for admission into the partnership with ‘Ayushi and Poonam Estates LLP’, the owner of CYMA. The Enterprise Value for this transaction amounts to INR 315 crore.
The company stated that since its establishment in June 2022, the resort has become the top choice for leisure travelers, MICE events, and destination weddings. Situated within a 1.5-hour radius from New Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida, it offers convenient access to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
The company additionally revealed that CYMA boasts an all-day dining restaurant, a bar & lounge, a pool bar, and a pan-Asian restaurant. Alongside these amenities, CYMA provides a gym, spa, pool, and a children’s play area, as well as activities such as ziplining, quad biking, automated paintball, artificial climbing, horse riding, and camel cart rides.
Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO at Chalet Hotels Limited, stated, “Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort aligns seamlessly with our stated growth strategy to expand into the leisure space at a drivable distance from the National Capital Region. This strategic acquisition accentuates the company’s adaptability and growth prospects to capitalise on emerging opportunities and solidify its position as an industry leader.”
Nevertheless, the shares experienced a 0.78 percent decline, reaching INR 804.10 at 10:54 am on the BSE.
7-Eleven, the Texas-based convenience store chain, has marked a significant milestone by reaching 50 stores in India. According to a company official’s social media post on Thursday, the latest outlet opened in Pune at the World Trade Center in Kharadi.
“50 is not just a number, it’s a milestone for the brand 7-Eleven India as we opened doors to our 50th store today at World Trade Center in Kharadi, Pune,” said Hardeep Singh, chief executive officer of 7-Eleven India in a LinkedIn post.
“The team’s laser sharp focus and hardwork has ensured we are able to achieve our business goal of rapid expansion. As our footprint grows, our commitment to delight every customer stays at the center of what we do,” Singh added.
7-Eleven offers a one-stop convenience to customers who are always on the go, providing instant solutions through ready-to-eat food, beverages, and daily essentials.
Established as a storefront icehouse in Dallas, Texas in 1927, the Japanese-owned brand now runs over 84,000 convenience stores spanning across more than 20 countries worldwide. Nearly a third of its revenue stems from Asian markets.
According to the brand’s official website, the store chain is currently under complete ownership of Japan-based Seven and I Holdings Co. Ltd.
In India, Reliance Retail oversees the operations of 7-Eleven. The brand made its debut in the country with the opening of its first store in Mumbai in 2021. Prior to this, 7-Eleven had struck a deal with Kishore Biyani’s Future Group to enter the Indian market, but the agreement was terminated mutually by the two groups in 2021.
Diageo India, one of the prominent alcohol and beverage companies in the country, has reinforced its commitment to combating drink driving by furnishing Telangana Police with 50 state-of-the-art Alcohol Breath Analysers.
The event was held in Hyderabad in the presence of Director General police Ravi Gupta, Additional DGP Railways and road safety Mahesh M Bhagwat along with senior dignitaries and members from the Diageo India team. Road Safety SP Gone Sandeep, LB Nagar Traffic DCP Srinivasulu, Cyberabad Traffic Additional DCPs Venugopal Reddy and Shivakumar and others were also present at the event.
Diageo India leads initiatives to promote anti-drink driving, notably through its flagship campaign, ‘Wrong Side Of The Road.’ This program employs a range of real-life scenarios to raise awareness among adults.
Addressing the gathering, Director General of Police Ravi Gupta extended his appreciation to Diageo Company and the NGO CSR Box for their collaboration in supplying high-quality breath analyzers to the Telangana State Police Department. He emphasized the department’s pioneering role in several areas nationwide. Gupta underscored that this social responsibility initiative would bolster the capabilities of police personnel and contribute to curbing drunk driving. He expressed optimism that even saving a few lives with these devices would be a significant achievement.
Jagbir Singh Sidhu, Corporate Relations Director, Diageo India, said, “Promoting responsible consumption is one of the key pillars of Diageo India’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress ESG plan.We stay committed to championing road safety in Indiaand promoting responsible consumption through focussed initiatives to curb underage drinking, drink driving, and binge drinking. Aligned to our ‘Wrong Side Of The Road’ program, these advanced alcohol breath analysers will support the TelanganaPolice Department in addressing the issue of drink driving and promoting road safety in the region.”
Moreover, Diageo India has partnered with over 25 Regional Transport Offices and set up tab labs to advocate awareness through the “Wrong Side of the Road” program.
Last year, over 230,000 adults engaged in this educational anti-drink driving campaign.
In the coming years, the Indian retail industry is set for significant growth, as emphasized by Mohit Malhotra, CEO of Dabur. He anticipates its potential to reach a $2 trillion market, creating employment opportunities for 25 million individuals. Malhotra underscores that this surge will play a pivotal role in contributing to India’s GDP and overall economic advancement.
During his address at the Great India Retail Summit 2024, he highlighted that the primary catalysts reshaping India’s growth trajectory include the rise of the affluent demographic, the emergence of Bharat, and the widespread adoption of technology.
“India is changing at a fast pace in demographics, psychographics, usage behavior, and purchase behavior as the consumer is changing, and along with this, their buying patterns are also changing. Mom-and-pop stores were taken over by the modern trade, and it is now replaced by e-commerce,” he said.
Currently, e-commerce penetration in the nation stands at 7-9 percent, a significant increase from less than 1 percent five years ago.
“At Dabur, e-commerce contributes to 10 per cent of the business. It’s amazing, the way technology is changing the retail landscape,” he said.
He added that credit card penetration in India is at 6 percent, while UPI penetration is around 30-40 percent.
“Indian consumer is becoming richer as per capita income in the last 12 years has risen to double from $1,400 to $2,500 and is projected to be going at $4,000,” he said.
“Going ahead, India will have higher disposable income as 50 per cent of the population of this country will be earning around INR 3 lakh plus every month. So, one in every four households will belong to the upper middle class and this leads to premiumisation and personalisation,” he further added.
Talking about shifts in consumer behavior, he observed that India’s population is younger. This younger demographic favors brands, retail environments, and ecosystems that prioritize responsibility, sustainability, social improvement, respectfulness, and transparency. He stressed that clean labeling signifies the future of the country.
“Going ahead, consumers will embrace only those brands who believe in not marketing but in transparency, trust, and genuineness,” he stated.
In India, the growth is going to come from the nine metro cities, and 30-plus boom towns, along with 50, 000 plus villages in Bharat, he said.
“The consumption in rural is going to be 4.3X as compared to urban growth, which is going to be 3.5 X. So Bharat becomes as important as urban,” he asserted.
“Going ahead, rural shrinkage will happen because the economic power will move up in the country and India will also become urban and that’s what we call Viksit Bharat,” he further added.
The growth in rural India will be led by increased penetration and a transition from unbranded to branded products.
Additionally, there is a rise of new-age channels entering the country such as modern trade, quick commerce, e-commerce, and O2O. However, each channel operates with a distinct approach and caters to a unique consumer base, he remarked.
“This retail change is leading to the birth of digital-first brands and paving the way for premiumisation and personalisation,” he said.
“Apart from this, the path to purchase is also changing now. Instead of TV commercials, mobile has become the path to purchase. Social media has become an important tool. So, almost 30 percent of our spending today is on digital media or social media,” he further added.
Wrapping up the session, he mentioned that currently, 70 percent of the business still occurs through traditional trade. To keep pace with the evolving retail landscape, there’s a need to adapt and readjust; otherwise, profit margins may dwindle, potentially hastening the decline of traditional trade.
“Mom-and-pop will have to reconfigure them to self-service stores or standalone modern trade stores. They will have to adopt technology and install a POS and billing software,” he said.
“Every retailer has to become relevant. Retailers will have to gear up to be on ONDC, and become more technology savvy. Retailers will have to increase relevant assortments and channel financing will become important,” he further added.
He concluded by stating that physical stores will increasingly transform into experiential centers where customers can interact with and experience products firsthand, although ultimately, purchases may occur online.
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