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Pret A Manger launches its first-ever kids’ menu across UK cafes

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Pret A Manger

Pret A Manger, the renowned British sandwich and coffee chain, has unveiled its first children’s menu in a bid to appeal to a younger audience and their families at its UK cafes.

The menu will target children aged four to ten and is set to be available in 70% of Pret’s 460 UK shops, with ongoing expansion planned throughout the year.

Pret’s new children’s menu features Kids’ Ham Triangle Sandwiches, incorporating the same Wiltshire cured ham found in Pret’s adult offerings but with thinner slices.

The Hummus and Cucumber pot has undergone a redesign, incorporating a separate container—a modification inspired by feedback from a kids’ tasting panel.

The menu includes Kids’ Cheese Triangle sandwiches, Kids’ Chicken and Cucumber Triangle sandwiches, a Kids’ Pizza Toastie, and a Kids’ Mango & Banana Yoghurt Pot.

The packaging showcases hand-drawn illustrations, and as an extra perk, children can enjoy a complimentary babycino with their meal.

The initiative is part of Pret’s broader strategy to diversify its customer base, responding to the pandemic’s impact. This period led to the closure of several sites in London, prompting Pret to expand beyond the capital through collaborations with franchise partners.

Established in London in 1986, Pret A Manger boasts a global presence with 700 shops worldwide.

Pret A Manger UK and Ireland managing director Clare Clough said, “Launching Pret’s first full kids’ range has long been a personal ambition and we’ve worked closely with our food development team, franchise partners and even our extended Pret family to create a menu we’re proud of, using the same high-quality ingredients found in several Pret classics that kids will love.

“It’s a major milestone within our transformation journey to bring Pret to a more diverse customer base across the country, from office workers to entire families and everyone in between.

“We felt it was the right time to expand our menu offer as we continue to focus our growth outside of London. We can’t wait to hear the feedback and are excited to create a new role for Pret within the lives of customers.”

In January 2024, Pret A Manger collaborated with the Indian delivery platform Swiggy to expand its presence in Mumbai and Delhi.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy and Pret A Manger team up to offer online delivery of freshly made delights and organic coffees

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Ayurvedic pet food startup TABPS Pets secures INR 6.5 Crore funding boost from cricket stars Hemang Badhani and KS Bharath

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Brindha Prabhu, Co-Founder, TABPS Pets
Brindha Prabhu, Co-Founder, TABPS Pets

TABPS Pets, a pet food company, has secured a funding of INR 6.5 crore, attracting investments from renowned cricketers Hemang Badhani and KS Bharath, as well as other investors. The funds will be dedicated to bolstering production capacities, extending distribution networks, and channeling resources into research and development to introduce innovative products.

Established in 2021 by Prabhu Gandhikumar, Brindha Prabhu, Soumya Malani, and Arun Mukherjee, TABPS Pets is a Coimbatore-based pet food startup. The company distinguishes itself by incorporating Ayurvedic ingredients in the formulation of pet products, embracing a holistic approach to enhance pet nutrition and well-being.

Expressing the excitement about the successful fundraise, Brindha Prabhu, Founder and CEO of TABPS Pets, said, “We are thrilled to have received such overwhelming support from our investors, including the esteemed Hemang Badhani and K.S Bharath. This funding will play a pivotal role in propelling our mission to provide pet owners with high-quality, Ayurveda-powered products for their beloved companions.”

Investors Hemang Badhani and K.S Bharath also shared their enthusiasm for being part of TABPS Pets’ journey. “We believe in the company’s vision and dedication to pet well-being. TABPS Pets has showcased remarkable growth, and we are excited to be a part of their continued success,” said Hemang Badhani.

With the backing of prominent investors, including cricketers with a keen interest in the pet industry, TABPS Pets aims to strengthen its position in the market and continue delivering high-quality, Ayurvedic-infused pet products to meet the evolving needs of pet owners.

Continue Exploring: Indian pet food brand Drools secures $60 Million investment from L Catterton, valuing the company at $600 Million

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Health-conscious trend surges in Bengaluru and Hyderabad: Simpli Namdhari’s study reveals shift towards nutrient-rich foods in 2024

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Vegetables
(Representative Image)

Customers in Bengaluru and Hyderabad are increasingly prioritizing their health and expressing a desire to explore healthier food choices, as indicated by a study conducted by Simpli Namdhari’s, an omnichannel retail chain specializing in food and vegetables.

Around 38% of customers in Bengaluru and 34% in Hyderabad express genuine concern about their health, showing a willingness to invest in premium, healthier food choices. Despite this, a lack of awareness regarding nutrition-rich foods is hindering their ability to reach their health objectives, according to the report.

64% of customers are oblivious to an array of exotic fruits and vegetables and their associated nutritional advantages. While 35% of customers in Bengaluru and 30% in Hyderabad perceive exotic foods as healthy. Additionally, nearly 40% of customers in Bengaluru and 27% in Hyderabad express a desire to opt for exotic produce in 2024.

The study, titled ‘Choose Goodness: A Comprehensive Analysis of Health-Conscious Grocery Choices in Bengaluru and Hyderabad,’ surveyed 34,000 customers in these cities in December 2023. It unveils insights into how customers intend to shop in 2024 and their perspectives on making healthy food choices.

In both Bengaluru and Hyderabad, there is a growing preference among customers for A2 milk, a type of cow’s milk that primarily lacks a certain form of β-casein proteins. This shift is attributed to the digestive discomfort associated with traditional milk consumption. A significant 70% of customers in Hyderabad and 55% in Bengaluru exhibit a strong inclination towards purchasing A2 dairy products, drawn by the purported health benefits.

Additionally, there is an increasing trend towards the preference for plant-based foods, with a 10% adoption rate in Bengaluru and 4% in Hyderabad.

Continue Exploring: The Good Food Institute India unveils first comprehensive report on India’s $4.2 Billion smart protein sector

In the aftermath of the pandemic, customer awareness and interest in immunity-boosting food have dwindled, as indicated by 65% of customers in Bengaluru and Hyderabad who report not purchasing such items. Despite an increasing concern for health, the report adds that only 13% choose millets and whole grains.

The survey findings also revealed a receptiveness to global culinary influences, with 52% of consumers in Bengaluru indicating a preference for imported and premium ingredients such as cheese, sourdough, spreads, etc., as opposed to Hyderabad’s 39%.

Presently, Simpli Namdhari’s has established a presence with over 30 strategically positioned stores in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, catering to a customer base surpassing 600,000.

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Paytm se ONDC network onboards popular restos in Bengaluru

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Paytm se ONDC

Paytm E-commerce Private Limited (PEPL) has onboarded well-known restaurants, including Meghana Foods, Andhra Gunpowder, Leon’s, and Empire Restaurant in Bengaluru, as announced in a press release.

With this, the platform enables users to order food from these restaurants through the Paytm se ONDC network using the Paytm app, asserting discounts of up to 20 percent.

The platform aims to transform the dining experience for Bengaluru residents, read the release.

“The incorporation of food delivery services from premier restaurants in Bengaluru into our network signifies a noteworthy advancement amplifying our commitment to elevate everyday experiences to an extraordinary level,” said Paytm se ONDC spokesperson.

Backed by the Government of India, the Open Network of Digital Commerce (ONDC) has its presence in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Hyderabad, Bagalkot, and Lucknow.

Continue Exploring: ONDC sparks price war, threatens Zomato and Swiggy dominance in food delivery space

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US retailer Target grapples with shipment disruptions from India and Pakistan amid Red Sea crisis

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Target

Target, a major U.S. retailer, is facing shipment disruptions from India and Pakistan, significant regions for apparel manufacturing. The source, familiar with the situation, informed Reuters on Friday that these disruptions are a result of the crisis in the Red Sea. However, the overall impact is described as “minor.”

The company has experienced delays in the receipt of some shipments due to extended transit times observed by vessel operators. The source indicated that the company is actively working with its shippers to redirect merchandise around the Suez Canal. Furthermore, the additional time and costs associated with this re-routing are anticipated to be minimal.

Attacks on vessels in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthi militia have led to disruptions in trade on one of the world’s most important shipping routes. This situation has added between 10 and 15 days to transit times, as ships opt for the safer route around southern Africa.

“We leverage production and transportation partners across the globe, and the majority of our freight does not travel through the Suez Canal,” Jennifer Kron, a spokesperson for Target said on Tuesday.

“For any freight that’s being routed around the Suez Canal, we’re working with shipping partners on alternative paths,” she added. “Target remains confident in our ability to get guests the products they want and need.”

Some retailers are proactively replenishing their stock of goods and exploring alternative transportation options by air or rail to prevent empty shelves during the spring season. Concurrently, automakers like Tesla and Geely-owned Volvo Car have temporarily suspended some production in Europe due to a shortage of components.

Currently, Target is not considering the use of air freight, as mentioned by the source, even though it employed this method during the pandemic.

During the NRF conference on Sunday, the CEO of FedEx Corp mentioned that the prominent U.S. parcel delivery giant has yet to observe a substantial shift to air freight that would significantly impact its operations.

Target sources a variety of products, including garments, plastic items, toys, and bath products, from suppliers in India and Pakistan, which serve as crucial sources for the U.S. retailer, as per its global factory list. The usual route for shipping these products involves passage through the Suez Canal.

While the Suez disruptions mainly affect Asia-to-Europe trade, about 30% of shipments to the U.S. East Coast go through the canal.

Most of Target’s products, however, come from China and are shipped directly across the Pacific Ocean to West Coast ports, unaffected by the disruptions in the Middle East.

The company is also not seeing any impacts to spring merchandise, the source said.

Continue Exploring: US online retailer Zulily faces liquidation, leaving customers and employees in the lurch

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Uber to discontinue alcohol delivery service Drizly by March

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Drizly

Uber, a prominent ride-hailing company, is discontinuing its acquired alcohol delivery service, Drizly, for which it paid $1.1 billion.

The company had planned to integrate Drizly into Uber Eats but never succeeded.

According to Axios, the Drizly brand will be phased out by March.

“After three years of Drizly operating independently within the Uber family, we’ve decided to close the business and focus on our core Uber Eats strategy of helping consumers get almost anything – from food to groceries to alcohol – all on a single app,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement.

“We’re grateful to the Drizly team for their many contributions to the growth of the BevAlc delivery category as the original industry pioneer,” the spokesperson added.

Drizly provided backend technology that let local liquor stores provide their own deliveries.

In 2020, it confirmed a hack that exposed information of around 2.5 million customers. It was the leading on-demand alcohol marketplace in the US, available in more than 1,400 cities.

After alcohol at your doorstep, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi had even planned to deliver cannabis or marijuana when “the road is clear”.

The Uber CEO had told CNBC News in 2021 that the ride-hailing company could start delivering weed once federal regulation allows the company to do so.

“When the road is clear for cannabis, when federal laws come into play, we’re absolutely going to take a look at it,” Khosrowshahi was quoted as saying in the report.

Marijuana still remains illegal under the US federal law, but some lawmakers have expressed a willingness to change the policy.

Continue Exploring: Uber Eats targets broader market with new AI features and expanded payment options

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Burger King’s parent RBI to acquire Carrols Restaurant Group for $1 Billion

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Restaurant Brands International
Restaurant Brands International

Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King, has finalized a deal to purchase Carrols Restaurant Group for a sum of $1 billion.

In an all-cash transaction, RBI will acquire all outstanding shares of Carrols at a rate of $9.55 per share, including those not currently held by RBI.

RBI presently possesses a 15% stake in Carrols’ equity and intends to complete the acquisition of the remaining equity as part of the transaction.

The transaction is scheduled to conclude in the second quarter of 2024, contingent upon regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions, including the approval of Carrols’ stockholders.

Carrols manages a network of 1,022 Burger King restaurants spanning 23 states in the US, generating $1.8 billion in sales for the 12-month period ending on September 30, 2023.

For Burger King, the acquisition represents a strategic maneuver as part of its “Reclaim the Flame” plan, geared towards accelerating sales growth and bolstering franchisee profitability.

Burger King US and Canada president Tom Curtis said, “Carrols has demonstrated strong and improving restaurant operations over the years.

“This acquisition is an exciting accelerator to our Reclaim the Flame plan that is focused on relentlessly pursuing a better experience for our guests.

“We are going to rapidly remodel these restaurants over the next five years or so and put them back into the hands of motivated, local franchisees to create amazing experiences for our guests.”

Carrols president and CEO Deborah Derby stated, “Today’s announcement is a testament to our more than 24,000 Carrols team members who have helped drive the company to record levels of profitability over the past 12 months.

“These results have allowed us, through this transaction, to deliver immediate and certain value to Carrols’ shareholders at an attractive premium to the company’s current and historical share prices.

“Additionally, we believe our team members will now have additional opportunities as part of the greater RBI family – in our office, in the field and especially in our restaurants, including for long-time managers who may want to become franchisees themselves.”

The acquisition follows a $400m investment by Burger King in September 2022, focusing on remodels, operations, marketing and technology enhancements.

Burger King intends to allocate $500 million for the renovation of 600 restaurants, utilizing Carrols’ operational cash flow. The remodeling efforts aim to achieve a contemporary image and are scheduled to take place over the five-year period leading up to 2028.

Carrols’ operators, in collaboration with Burger King’s operations teams, will jointly manage the acquired restaurants.

The restaurant chain’s long-term strategy involves refranchising the majority of the portfolio to smaller franchise operators within local communities.

Post franchising, which is expected to take five to seven years, Burger King will retain a strategic portfolio of two hundred restaurants.

Continue Exploring: Restaurant Brands International reports strong Q2 performance with 14% YoY growth and surpasses 30,000 restaurant milestone

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Mufti’s parent Credo Brands reports a 7.5% surge in Q2 net profit to INR 27.9 Crore

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Mufti

Credo Brands Marketing, the operator of the men’s casual wear brand Mufti, has reported a 7.5 percent increase in consolidated net profit after tax (PAT) at INR 27.97 crore in the quarter (Q2) ending on September 30, 2023. It disclosed a consolidated net profit of INR 26 crore in the same period last year, as mentioned in a regulatory filing.

In Q2 FY24, the company’s total income increased to INR 166.79 crore, compared to the total income of INR 143.63 crore recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year.

Additionally, as per the BSE filing, the company witnessed a rise in expenses to INR 129.82 crore in Q2 FY24, up from INR 108.74 crore in Q2 FY23.

Kamal Khushlani, Chairman & MD, Credo Brands Marketing Limited said, “Over the recent months, the retail sector experienced a slowdown owing to subdued consumer demand. Despite facing these external challenges, the company has successfully sustained its growth momentum. Moreover, some demand typically linked with the festive season has been deferred to the third quarter of this year, leading to comparatively lower growth for Q2 & H1 FY24.”

Khushlani further said, “We believe in providing a meaningful wardrobe solution for multiple occasions in a customer’s life, with our product offerings ranging from shirts to t-shirts to jeans to chinos, which caters to all year-round clothing.”

As part of its brand reinvention, the company has introduced a fresh Brand Identity, a revamped merchandise structure aimed at expanding its share of the customer’s wallet. This involves offering designs tailored for various occasions in the customer’s life, spanning from laid-back holiday attire, authentic daily casuals, and urban casuals to party wear and athleisure. Additionally, a new Retail Identity has been introduced.

The company plans to enhance its footprint by establishing new points of sale (PoS) and extending its Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO) network in both current and additional cities and regions throughout India. Anticipating a surge in demand from both existing and new cities, the company foresees this as a catalyst for its growth.

Mufti additionally aims to bolster the brand recall of its products by expanding the footprint of its Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) and implementing targeted marketing initiatives.

Continue Exploring: Mufti’s parent company, Credo Brands, reports robust 6.94x subscription in IPO

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HRAWI and Ingram Micro collaborate to drive digital transformation in hospitality sector

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HRAWI

The Hotel & Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ingram Micro India, a subsidiary of the US-based Ingram Micro. The collaboration aims to jointly promote awareness of upcoming technologies among the association’s hotel and restaurant members. Ingram Micro specializes in assisting businesses in fully embracing the potential of technology.

According to a statement from the association, the partnership with the technology company will combine HRAWI’s significant presence in the hospitality sector with Ingram Micro’s diverse solutions portfolio, fostering cutting-edge advancements in technology and business practices.

Leveraging its extensive array of advanced and specialized solutions, including cloud services, mobility solutions, and IT asset disposal capabilities, Ingram Micro will play a crucial role in driving the digital transformation of the hospitality industry.

According to the strategic partnership framework, the collaborators will collaborate to develop technology seminars tailored for the association’s membership. These seminars and workshops aim to raise awareness among industry members about various topics, including data privacy issues, responsible e-waste disposal, and the transition to cloud-based technologies.

Ingram Micro India will assist in formulating and executing a comprehensive technology infrastructure for HRAWI members. The company will offer support in terms of procuring technology licenses, implementing cost-effective technology solutions, and ensuring due diligence in the overall process.

As per the official release by HRAWI, as part of the partnership, Ingram Micro India will also provide friendly financing and leasing options for technology purchase and deployment to association members.

Commenting on the collaboration, Pradeep Shetty, president, HRAWI, said, “The collaboration with Ingram Micro is a testament to HRAWI’s commitment to harnessing new-age tech solutions and expertise for the betterment of our members in the hospitality industry. By joining forces, we aim to co-create and lead technology seminars that will empower our members with the latest global advancements in the sector. It also aligns with our commitment to creating a global circular economy through responsible disposal and reverse logistics. The partnership is not just about technology; it’s about shaping the future of the hospitality sector through innovation, sustainability and enhanced business practices.”

Continue Exploring: India’s hospitality industry toasts to 2024 with high hopes and record-breaking revenue growth

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Disturbing discovery: Customer hospitalized after finding dead mouse in Barbeque Nation’s veg meal

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Rajeev Shukla

While visiting Mumbai, Rajeev Shukla, a man from Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, ordered a meal from the popular brand Barbeque Nation on January 8 at the Worli outlet. However, little did he anticipate that this meal would lead to his unexpected hospitalization.

Moments after consuming a portion of his meal, Shukla stumbled upon a lifeless mouse in the vegetarian dish he had ordered. The shocking revelation left him aghast, and he soon fell ill, eventually requiring hospitalization.

Shukla took to X to share images of the receipt, the packaging in which he received the vegetarian meal box, and the disturbing discovery of a dead mouse in the dal. Additionally, he posted a picture of himself on a hospital bed.

In the post’s caption, he asserted that he had been hospitalized for more than 75 hours, expressing dissatisfaction with the limited assistance provided by the Mumbai Police. As of now, no FIR has been filed in connection with the case.

In a conversation with IndiaToday.in, Shukla detailed his “traumatic experience” and shared medical reports from the hospital where he was admitted on January 9.

I ordered a vegetarian meal from the online app of Barbeque Nation on January 8, but the food was contaminated. The veg meal box contained rice, sabzi (vegetable curry), dal, parathas, gulab jamuns and salad. I had the sabzi. The dal, however, tasted weird. As I dipped the spoon further in the container of the dal, I was shocked to find a dead mouse inside,” Shukla, a private teacher in Prayagraj, said.

He also claimed to have found dead cockroaches in the box of gulab jamuns, further intensifying the situation and causing him nausea.

“I called the Barbeque Nation customer care but nobody cared. Since I was feeling terribly sick, I vomited quite a number of times throughout the night,” Shukla told IndiaToday.in.

“I spent the night somehow. In the morning, the hotel staff arranged a cab for me. I went to Nair Hospital and was admitted immediately. Tests were conducted and I was treated for food poisoning. I was discharged on January 12,” he added.

“I also went to the Food & Drugs Administration in Bandra because police asked me to speak to them. FDA authorities said that a complaint has been registered but no action has been taken as yet. I went to the Nagpada Police Station on January 15 as well and was there till midnight. An FIR has not been filed as yet,” Shukla quoted further.

As Shukla’s post gained traction on X, Barbeque Nation took note of it and wrote, “Hi Rajeev. We regret any inconvenience you may have experienced. We believe Mr. Paresh from our Regional Office, in Mumbai is already in touch with you to understand the details of the situation and work towards a resolution.”

“We are committed to addressing your concerns promptly and effectively,” the brand in a separate tweet.

Continue Exploring: Indigo passenger’s unpleasant surprise: Live worm found crawling in veg sandwich

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