Thursday, February 19, 2026
Home Blog Page 642

McDonald’s achieves 100% cage-free egg sourcing goal for US operations ahead of schedule

By
SnackTeam
-
0
McDonald's
McDonald's

McDonald’s has announced that it has successfully reached its goal of sourcing 100% cage-free eggs for its US operations, two years ahead of its 2025 target date.

In 2015, the fast-food giant made the decision to transition to cage-free eggs, a move that necessitated substantial collaboration and innovation within the industry.

In 2023, McDonald’s US System, which includes the company, its franchisees, and suppliers, procured almost two billion eggs.

The successful establishment of a cage-free egg supply on such a vast scale was made possible through the support of key partners.

The key partners, including Cargill and their egg producers such as Minnesota-based fourth-generation family business Forsman Farms, were instrumental in making the creation of the required supply possible.

Continue Exploring: McDonald’s China and Cainiao collaborate to optimize supply chain efficiency

McDonald’s also partnered with animal welfare experts and academics to facilitate the transition.

These partnerships played a crucial role in aiding egg producers with farm construction and renovation, as well as in the adoption of new technologies tailored to meet the cage-free standard.

McDonald’s senior vice-president North America and chief supply chain officer Bob Stewart said, “Our journey to move to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs in the US was a huge undertaking — made uniquely possible by our owner/operators, Cargill and their egg producers, and our supply chain working together as one team.

“I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together and the positive impact we will continue to make on the path toward a more sustainable future.”

In January 2024, McDonald’s reported robust financial results for the fourth quarter of 2023, marked by a significant rise in net income and consolidated revenues.

For the fourth quarter ending on December 31, 2023, the company’s net income reached $2.03 billion, indicating a 7% rise from the $1.90 billion reported a year previously.

The fast-food giant’s diluted earnings per share also climbed by 8% compared to 2022, standing at $2.80.

Continue Exploring: McDonald’s Q4 results show 3.4% sales growth amidst challenges, West Asia boycotts impact performance

Advertisement

Coca-Cola to debut exclusive flavor on TikTok, setting a new trend in beverage marketing

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Coca-Cola
Happy Tears Zero Sugar

Coca-Cola is gearing up to launch “Happy Tears Zero Sugar,” a limited-edition drink exclusively available via TikTok‘s burgeoning e-commerce hub, TikTok Shop.

The global soft drink company’s venture into TikTok Shop represents a notable stride, aiming to directly engage users within the app’s ecosystem.

Happy Tears Zero Sugar, drawing inspiration from the purity of tears of joy, combines the familiar cola flavor with a hint of salty minerals, providing a distinctive sensory journey.

According to Oana Vlad, senior director for global strategy at Coca-Cola, the beverage embodies “the simplicity of happy tears — a small, clear droplet filled with optimism and joy that’s created from the smallest acts of kindness.”

Happy Tears Zero Sugar will officially release on February 17, coinciding with “Random Acts of Kindness Day.” The drink will be showcased in a specially curated “hype box” and will be priced at $9.99.

Continue Exploring: Coca-Cola’s Minute Maid diversifies portfolio: Enters alcohol market with innovative cocktails

Contained within each box are two cans of the limited-edition soda, accompanied by a T-shirt and stickers adorned with uplifting phrases such as #HappyTears and “Drops of Joy.”

The exclusivity of the product is underscored by its limited inventory, with only 15,500 cans available for purchase.

Coca-Cola’s marketing approach for Happy Tears Zero Sugar heavily relies on partnerships with influencers, with plans for 14 TikTok influencers to endorse the product.

These influencers will not only attract attention to the release but also motivate users to interact with a Happy Tears TikTok filter crafted to ignite acts of kindness. As Vlad emphasizes, “It’s all about spreading positivity.”

Continue Exploring: Coca-Cola renews global partnership with ICC, securing exclusive non-alcoholic beverage rights until 2031

The Happy Tears campaign, crafted by Forpeople, Influential, Virtue, and WPP Open X/Ogilvy PR, is integrated into Coca-Cola’s Creations platform, designed to spark dialogue and interaction among young audiences.

Interestingly, the launch of Happy Tears Zero Sugar takes place just days before Coca-Cola introduces its latest flagship beverage: Coca-Cola Spiced.

The beverage marks the first permanent addition to the company’s product lineup in three years.

As per Forbes, Coca-Cola Spiced presents a subtle twist with a hint of raspberry, steering clear of an overwhelming heat in its flavor profile.

Shakir Moin, Coca-Cola’s marketing chief for North America, highlighted the company’s adaptation to changing consumer preferences.

“If you go to the aisles, you’ll see the amount of spiciness has gone up because consumers’ taste palettes have evolved. We realized that could be an opportunity for us,” Moin shared.

“Can we dial up something which is already part of our formula and bring in a taste profile that is interesting, unique, and brings in the next generation of consumers?” he added.

This initiative aligns with Coca-Cola’s overarching strategy to captivate younger consumers through inventive flavors. In 2022, the introduction of Coca-Cola Creations unveiled eight limited-edition Coke variants, showcasing notes of coconut, strawberry, watermelon, and more.

Continue Exploring: Coca-Cola trials labelless Sprite bottles in UK as a step towards eco-friendly packaging

Advertisement

North India’s first ‘Pizza ATM’ debuts at Chandigarh’s scenic Sukhna Lake

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Pizza ATM
Pizza ATM

Sukhna Lake, a serene oasis sprawling across 3 square kilometers and embedded into Chandigarh’s landscape since 1958, exudes picturesque charm, making it a must-visit destination in the city. However, a new irresistible addition is stirring up the tourism scene – a ‘Pizza ATM’!

The Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO) has unveiled a groundbreaking pizza maker capable of crafting piping hot pizzas in a mere three minutes, marking a first for North India. Situated amidst serene waters, it offers visitors a tranquil ambiance to savor their culinary delights.

As per a report by the Indian Express, this newly installed pizza vending machine stands as the sole operational ATM of its kind across India.

Dr. Rohit Shekhar Sharma, the Founder & CEO of iMatrix Group of Companies (iMatrix World Wide) and the visionary behind this culinary delight, shared his insights, stating, “We drew inspiration from France for the ‘Pizza ATM’ concept. Determined to make it accessible, we crafted the machine ourselves at our Mohali factory.”

Continue Exploring: Domino’s Pizza takes on upscale pizzerias in India with premium offerings and hyper-localized approach

Sharma mentioned that a similar endeavor was undertaken in Mumbai after the Covid-19 pandemic, but it did not achieve the same level of success.

Nevertheless, the narrative takes a different turn at Sukhna Lake. Sharma highlighted that their ATM dispenses an average of 100 pizzas daily, a number that surges to 200-300 on weekends. Moreover, the pricing is exceptionally reasonable, offering a 35% discount compared to the rates of Domino’s and Pizza Hut.

Pizza

As for how the machine operates, Sharma reveals, “Once you’ve chosen your pizza preferences, a robotic arm springs into action. It assembles the base with your desired toppings, bakes it to perfection, and serves it up in just three minutes.” And here’s the kicker – the machine can multitask, preparing up to seven pizza bases simultaneously!

CITCO officials revealed that the lakeside location, bustling with tourists seeking a variety of culinary delights, set the stage for this delicious sensation.

However, the journey was not devoid of challenges. Sharma recounted the struggle with a Chinese machine, which managed tasks ranging from dough preparation to toppings. Nevertheless, technical difficulties necessitated a change in strategy.

Continue Exploring: GOPIZZA’s growth soars with 50th outlet in India, crosses the 200-store mark globally

Sharma oversees the day-to-day operations of the pizza ATM, including staffing, training, upkeep, and maintenance. CITCO stressed that the licensee must guarantee a superior customer experience, ensuring excellence in every aspect, from the ambience to the cleanliness surrounding the kiosk.

Global Trends: Pizza ATMs in the US Universities

In the US, Pizza ATMs have become a common feature on college campuses, offering fresh pizzas around the clock.

According to Delish, Pizza ATMs originated from Xavier University in 2016 and have since expanded to institutions such as Ohio State University, with the latest addition being the University of North Florida.

Managed by kitchen personnel, these ATMs guarantee that students can access hot meals, even during late-night study sessions.

They accept on-campus dining dollars, offering a convenient dining option for students.

Despite the $60,000 investment, universities deem them worthwhile for fulfilling students’ needs.

Expanding Innovations: WTC Vending Machine in Hyderabad

In June 2023, Hyderabad unveiled the world’s first Water, Tea, or Coffee (WTC) vending machine, transforming the landscape of beverage and snack dispensing. This fully automated innovation mimics the operations of a conventional street corner tea shop, providing tea, coffee, water, and biscuits round the clock without requiring human assistance.

Customers can effortlessly select their desired product by scanning the QR code on the machine, promptly dispensing it through the system. Engineered with user-friendliness in mind, the machine includes integrated voice assistance, guaranteeing a smooth experience for all users.

This initiative tackles the shortage of vending machines in India, especially in public areas such as malls, government schools, and offices.

Advertisement

Milma diversifies portfolio with Instant Pulissery Mix, eyes further innovations

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Milma
Inauguration of Instant Pulissery Mix

Following the launch of dark chocolates, the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) has unveiled an “Instant Pulissery Mix” made entirely from natural ingredients.

The debut of the product took place in Kochi, where KS Mani, the chairman of KCMMF, presented the inaugural packet of ‘Instant Pulissery Mix’ to Kishore M Jwala, advisor at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

The mix, free from any chemicals harmful to the human body, is available for INR 80 per 100-gram packet.

The Pulissery mix retains the traditional flavor of Kerala curry while also appealing to the tastes of the younger generation. As part of its ‘Repositioning Milma 2023’ initiative, the federation is launching new products that have been well-received in the market.

Continue Exploring: Reliance Consumer Products bolsters confectionery portfolio with acquisition of Ravalgaon’s assets for INR 27 Crore

Milma chairman KS Mani said, “It is boosting our market expansion and product diversification.”

Milma’s Ernakulam Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Chairman M.T. Jayan said the face of Milma has been changed now. “We are now capable of competing with the products of multinational companies”.

In November last year, Milma introduced the Deliza brand of dark chocolates and the Chocofull snack bar as a response to emerging trends and consumer demand for both delicious and nutritious snacks.

The launch marked KCMMF’s entry into this premium segment and was a key aspect of the ‘Repositioning Milma’ initiative, contributing to the federation’s growing popularity.

Milma is planning to launch more instant mix products to promote the state’s vintage culinary tastes among the youngsters, he said.

Continue Exploring: Controversy erupts amid Mahanand Dairy’s NDDB transfer, farmers and opposition claim move benefits Amul

Advertisement

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters joins forces with Royal Enfield to debut exclusive ‘Cruise Blend’

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Blue Tokai Coffee
Royal Enfield Cruise Blend

Setting off on a motorcycle road trip isn’t just about the excitement of the journey; it’s a unique experience that transcends the mundane, encouraging riders to establish a deep connection with the open road and the pulse of their machines. Bringing this experience to life in a cup of coffee, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has collaborated with Royal Enfield to introduce a distinctive blend – the Royal Enfield Cruise Blend.

Whether cruising along sun-drenched highways or tackling rugged terrains, this specialty coffee blend harmoniously combines flavors sourced from coffee estates in Southern India. With a rich, chocolatey, and nutty profile accentuated by hints of roasted hazelnut, caramel, and raisins, this aromatic blend aims to power the journey while enhancing the synergy of the open road and a leisurely cruise.

Continue Exploring: Bollywood star Deepika Padukone invests in specialty coffee brand Blue Tokai

To kickstart the collaboration, Royal Enfield led 12 avid explorers and coffee enthusiasts on a ride through the lush terrain of the Eastern Ghats, offering an immersive experience of coffee’s journey from crop to cup at the MSP Gowri Estate. Beginning from Bangalore, the expedition delved into coffee’s storied heritage, unraveling its origins and captivating tales of cultivation.

The ‘Royal Enfield Cruise Blend’ is available at select Blue Tokai outlets and their corresponding Swiggy and Zomato pages.

Continue Exploring: A-Listers Spice Up Their Portfolios with Bold Bets on India’s Booming F&B Startups

Gurugram-based specialty coffee brand Blue Tokai Coffee was established in 2013 as a roastery. It has since become India’s largest in its category, dedicated to making high-quality Indian coffee more accessible across various formats.

At present, the brand boasts 4 roasteries and more than 90 physical outlets spanning major Indian cities and regions such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Mohali, and Pune. Additionally, Blue Tokai extends its reach internationally with operations in Japan. Beyond these establishments, the company has forged partnerships with prominent retail outlets, luxury hotels, restaurants, leading corporates, and co-working spaces, among others.

Continue Exploring: Indian specialty coffee brand Blue Tokai eyes 130 outlets and new overseas markets

Advertisement

BigBasket gears up for Valentine’s week rush, expects 300% surge in sales

By
SnackTeam
-
0
BigBasket
BigBasket

BigBasket, the Tata Group-owned online retailer, is expecting a 300 per cent increase in overall sales for Valentine’s week compared to the previous year, indicating a substantial boost in consumer spending and demand for Valentine’s Day-related products, it shared.

The e-grocer reported a significant uptick in sales across various categories, including teddy and heart soft toys, chocolates, makeup and fragrances, roses, and decor and gift sets compared to the previous year. Notably, sales of teddy and heart soft toys have witnessed a four-digit growth rate, highlighting a remarkable surge in demand for these particular items.

Likewise, there has been a remarkable surge in demand for roses, with sales experiencing a growth of 200 times compared to last year.

Continue Exploring: BigBasket aims for profitability in 6-9 months, eyes IPO in 2025

According to BigBasket’s data, items in the home and decor category such as candle lights, heart LED lights, balloons, and danglers have experienced a substantial growth rate of over 1,500 per cent. This surge underscores the heightened demand for Valentine’s Day-themed home decor.

Furthermore, chocolates have witnessed a significant rise of 100 per cent in sales compared to the previous year’s figures for the week. The company also disclosed a twofold increase in sales of special Valentine chocolates.

Continue Exploring: Bigbasket joins ONDC as a seller, expanding the platform’s reach in the grocery retail space

Advertisement

Amway India names Rajneesh Chopra as new Chief

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Amway
Rajneesh Chopra

Amway India, a prominent FMCG direct selling enterprise, has named Rajneesh Chopra as its newest Chief Executive for India. Chopra transitions from his role as Chief Commercial Officer at Immunotec, a wellness company based in Texas, where he oversaw operations across 14 global markets, focusing on digital innovation, sales, and marketing. He succeeds the former Amway chief, Anshu Budhraja, who departed from the company several months ago.

Before joining Immunotec, Chopra has had affiliations with Amway North America and the cosmetics giant, Revlon.

Amway’s primary offerings in India encompass Nutrilite nutrition and Artistry cosmetics.

Continue Exploring: PepsiCo India appoints Jagrut Kotecha as new Chief

According to the annual report of the Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA), the direct selling industry in India was estimated to be worth INR 19,020 crore in the financial year ’22, marking a 5.3 percent year-on-year growth.

In India, direct selling companies distribute their products directly to consumers through direct-seller members rather than traditional retailers. The IDSA reports that India currently boasts 8.9 million direct sellers.

Reputable enterprises like Amway, Oriflame, and Herbalife, functioning as direct sellers, have been advocating for increased government oversight and clear guidelines to distinguish themselves from transient multi-level marketing pyramid schemes.

Last year in June, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs revised the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021, through a notification, aiming to differentiate between illicit pyramid and money-circulation schemes and credible direct-selling entities. However, executives from the IDSA have highlighted the necessity for additional clarification in defining a network of sellers.

Continue Exploring: Hindustan Unilever restructures beauty and personal care division into separate entities

Advertisement

Fashion apparel startup Blissclub lays off 18% of workforce amid funding challenges

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Blissclub
Blissclub

Blissclub, a Bengaluru-based fashion apparel startup, reportedly laid off around 21 employees, or 18% of its workforce, in the second week of January, according to sources.

According to sources, during a town hall meeting on January 11, the startup’s founder and CEO, Minu Margeret, notified the employees of the decision to lay off 21 employees as part of a restructuring effort.

Nonetheless, multiple sources indicated that the number of employees impacted by the restructuring could potentially reach as high as 30.

“In the town hall, Margaret said the restructuring exercise was a pure business decision to move forward. Post this, impacted employees received invites for meetings within 10 minutes. They were informed about the layoffs in these meetings with their respective team heads,” one of the sources said.

The sources added that employees were instructed to voluntarily resign, or else face termination of their services.

Teams across various verticals, such as sales, marketing, growth, and product, were affected by the layoffs. However, the creative team suffered the most significant blow as it was entirely disbanded.

Continue Exploring: Apparel brand Bombay Shirt Company raises $3.2 Million in bridge funding round led by Singularity Ventures

The startup is paying a severance package of two months’ salary to the impacted employees.

Confirming the restructuring exercise, Margaret, said, “We had a one time restructuring done in Jan 2024 which impacted 21 employees of Blissclub. Come 2024, with some changes in strategy, our new direction meant these roles were impacted. In December 2023 we had our highest ever month in terms of topline for Blissclub.”

According to sources, the primary reason for the layoffs was the startup’s inability to raise fresh capital amid high cash burn. Blissclub last raised $15 million in its Series A funding round from Eight Road Ventures and Elevation Capital in May 2022.

Continue Exploring: Post funding bonanza of $340 Million, Udaan lays off staff in major restructuring move

Established in 2020, Blissclub initially operated as an online platform specializing in activewear products for women. Over time, it diversified its product offerings and ventured into opening several brick-and-mortar stores.

The company’s net loss surged 305.6% to INR 35.7 Cr in the financial year 2022-23 (FY23) from INR 8.89 Cr in the previous fiscal year. Operating revenue jumped 361.4% to INR 68.3 Cr from INR 14.8 Cr in FY22.

Meanwhile, total expenditure saw a significant increase, growing by 354% to INR 107.8 Cr from INR 23.7 Cr in FY22.

Following the layoffs, Blissclub has become another addition to the expanding roster of Indian startups engaging in restructuring efforts to reduce costs amid the funding downturn that began in 2022. Reports indicate that Indian startups have collectively laid off more than 34.7K employees since the start of 2022.

Continue Exploring: Meat retailer Licious lays off 80 employees in bid for enhanced efficiency

Advertisement

United Breweries reports INR 85.34 Crore net profit in Q3 FY24; sees growth in premium segment

By
SnackTeam
-
0
United Breweries
United Breweries

United Breweries, a renowned beer manufacturer, reported a consolidated net profit of INR 85.34 crore for the December quarter of FY24, marking a significant turnaround from the loss of INR 1.97 crore in the same quarter of the previous financial year.

The company stated in a regulatory filing that its total revenue stands at INR 4,154.98 crore, marking a 12.28 percent increase from the INR 3,700.49 crore recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

The company reported an 8 percent volume growth in Q3, primarily led by the South and East regions, although this was partly offset by the North. Additionally, the premium segment experienced a growth of 14 percent.

“Within the (premium) segment, we see strong double digit growth for Kingfisher Ultra Max and we continue to drive premium volume growth,” said the company in a release.

Continue Exploring: United Breweries sets sights on premium beer segment to reclaim market share

On a year-to-date basis, the company’s gross profit margin was lower compared to the previous year, experiencing a decline of 142 basis points. However, in Q3, there was an improvement of 215 basis points.

“We continue to invest behind our brands to drive topline growth and further improve margins by revenue management and cost initiatives,” the company said.

During the first 9 months of the year, investments in capital expenditure amounted to INR 134 crore, mainly directed towards supply chain initiatives to accommodate future growth. The company noted that despite observing some inflationary softening since Q2, volatility is expected to persist.

“We remain optimistic about the long-term growth potential of the industry, driven by increasing disposable income, favorable demographics and premiumisation,” it added.

Continue Exploring: Premiumization trend to fuel India’s soaring liquor industry, Crisil Report reveals

Meanwhile, the Board of Directors has appointed Anand Kripalu as the Chairman of the Company, effective immediately. Kripalu currently holds positions as a Non-Executive Independent Director, Chairperson of the Stakeholders Relationship/Share Transfer Committee, and Member of the Audit Committee within the Company.

Anand currently serves as the Managing Director and Global CEO of EPL Limited, a company backed by Blackstone (formerly known as Essel Propack Ltd). Until recently, he held the position of Managing Director and CEO at United Spirits Ltd (Diageo India), also serving as a member of Diageo’s Global Executive team.

Earlier, he served as President for India and South East Asia at Mondelez International, President for Asia and Managing Director of Cadbury India, and was a member of Cadbury’s global leadership team. Prior to that, he spent 22 years at Unilever.

Advertisement

Wahter and Scrapbuddy join forces to recycle 10 Million PET bottles in Delhi-NCR

By
SnackTeam
-
0
Wahter and Scrapbuddy
Wahter and Scrapbuddy

In a groundbreaking step towards environmental sustainability, Wahter, a trailblazer in packaged water, and Scrapbuddy, an innovator in PET recycling, have partnered to address plastic pollution in Delhi-NCR. Their shared objective is both ambitious and impactful: to recycle 10 million PET bottles within the next three months, transforming waste into valuable products such as fabrics and paver blocks.

Continue Exploring: At just INR 1 per bottle, Wahter shakes up India’s bottled water industry with game-changing approach

Armed with certifications from industry authorities such as FSSAI and ISO, Wahter is taking a significant stride in environmental responsibility by providing PET scrap to Scrapbuddy for its large-scale recycling initiative. Scrapbuddy, boasting a commendable history of recycling over 1,000,000 kilograms of PET scrap, demonstrates a steadfast dedication to decreasing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable waste management practices.

Scrapbuddy Founder Sachin Garg expresses excitement about the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Wahter is a significant stride towards a greener and more sustainable future. Scrapbuddy aims to make a lasting impact on plastic waste reduction in Delhi-NCR.”

Wahter Co-Founder Amitt Nenwani echoes this sentiment, saying, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Scrapbuddy in this impactful venture. Together, we aim to set new standards in PET recycling, fostering environmental responsibility and community engagement.”

Beyond mere business collaboration, this initiative mirrors a shared dedication to community-centric sustainability. The recycled PET materials generated by Scrapbuddy play a pivotal role in environmental preservation and community advancement, resonating with the shared vision of both companies for a greener and more sustainable Delhi-NCR region. Through their partnership, these two entities aspire to establish pioneering standards in PET recycling, nurturing environmental consciousness and community involvement.

Wahter will additionally serve as a distribution partner, facilitating the provision of clean and safe drinking water to the public and communities throughout Delhi NCR on behalf of boAt, a premier consumer electronics brand in India. This arrangement is established through boAt’s collaboration with the Shoobhi Foundation, a reputable NGO committed to social initiatives.

Wahter, a subdivision of the renowned Shiva Group, embodies a pioneering vision in marketing spearheaded by Amitt Nenwani and Kashiish A Nenwani. Employing a groundbreaking strategy, Wahter endeavors to revolutionize the marketing landscape by leveraging its bottles as dynamic platforms. It dedicates 80% of the space for brand advertisements, while reserving 20% to showcase its own identity, thereby advocating for affordability and transparency. Additionally, Wahter offers premium-quality drinking water at an unparalleled rate of just INR 1 per bottle.

Continue Exploring: Clear Premium Water expands portfolio with acquisition of Kelzai Volcanic Water

Advertisement
1...641642643...1,407Page 642 of 1,407