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iD Fresh Food names Rajat Diwaker as India CEO, PC Musthafa assumes global leadership role

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M Haziq Pandit
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Rajat Diwaker
Rajat Diwaker

Ready-to-cook packaged food company iD Fresh Food has appointed industry veteran Rajat Diwaker as the CEO for India, with PC Musthafa taking on the role of Global CEO. This move strengthens the company’s domestic and global leadership team, as mentioned in a media release on Friday.

Diwaker, an industry veteran with more than two decades of experience in the FMCG sector, previously held the position of managing director at Marico Bangladesh. Additionally, he serves as a director on the board of the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Bangladesh.

Musthafa will continue to serve as the chairman of the board of directors. His responsibilities encompass overseeing global expansions, developing food-tech capabilities, executing strategic acquisitions, fostering organizational culture, and spearheading innovative initiatives for iD Fresh in the global market.

In alignment with its growth strategy, iD Fresh will appoint dedicated Business Heads and CEOs for each international market. The company is currently in the process of hiring its CEO for the US market. Presently, more than one-third of its revenues are generated from outside India.

In 2024, it plans to enter new markets, such as Singapore and Australia, while expanding its footprints in the existing markets.

Commenting on the latest development, PC Musthafa, Global CEO, iD Fresh Food, said, “I am delighted to welcome Rajat Diwaker to the iD Fresh family. Under his able and forward-looking leadership, I’m confident that we will scale new heights and win more hearts in the years to come. And as we embark on new adventures, I am thrilled to lead the brand into new global markets, driven by the incessant consumer love that we have garnered over the years.”

The development comes at a time when there is an unprecedented surge in consumer demand for fresh and wholesome foods, along with promising opportunities for expansion in international markets. To harness this growth, the company is strategically planning an initial public offering (IPO) within the next three to four years.

The company had recently announced the appointment of Megha Latawa as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for India and international markets, and Enakshi Dasgupta as Head of New Business and New Product Development (NPD). As the Bengaluru-based company accelerates its global growth plans, the focus is on strong leadership that paves the way for a bright future.

Funding Milestone for iD Fresh Food:

In 2022, it secured a funding of INR 507 crore in its Series D round, marking one of the largest deals in the food start-up sector. This funding round was spearheaded by a prominent global private equity firm specializing in the Asia-Pacific region, accompanied by the continued support of existing investor Premji Invest.

Established in 2005, the company now operates in over 45 cities spanning India, the US, and the UAE, boasting a team of over 1500 employees.

Continue Exploring: iD Fresh Food plans relaunch in the US with popular products, eyes international expansion and diverse product lineup

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Godrej Consumer Products reports double-digit volume growth in December quarter

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M Haziq Pandit
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Godrej Consumer Products
Godrej Consumer Products

On Friday, Godrej Consumer Products issued a quarterly update, affirming that the volume growth in India for the quarter ending on December 31, 2023, remains in the double digits. The FMCG giant also emphasized that the operating conditions persistently mirror those of the second quarter.

“Despite this, our organic business delivered steady underlying volume growth of mid-single digit. Growth was broad-based across both Home Care and Personal Care,” said Godrej in an exchange filing.

According to the company, the recently acquired brands, Park Avenue and KamaSutra, under Raymond Consumer Care, are demonstrating strong performance and are on course to meet the full-year goals.

It’s worth mentioning that the brands mentioned above recorded sales amounting to INR 142 crore in the preceding quarter.

Although the Indonesia operations achieved nearly double-digit volume growth and high-single digit constant currency sales growth, the Godrej Africa, USA, and Middle East business experienced either stable or slightly declining volume growth.

“This was driven by trade destocking in geographies that we plan to restructure in Q4. Although it sustained double-digit constant currency sales growth, the impact of the Naira devaluation will result in high-single digit sales decline,” the consumer goods giant explained.

Additionally, due to a significant devaluation of the Argentinian Peso from 361 to 808 and hyperinflation in Latin America (LATAM), the business of Godrej Consumer in this region has been significantly affected, impacting nine months of revenue.

“This is likely to have a negative impact of mid-single digit on the consolidated sales. However, the impact on profit is minimal. Despite the challenging environment, the LATAM business continues to deliver positive volume growth,” the company said.

Godrej Consumer Products Anticipated Growth:

Nevertheless, the Mumbai-based company remains optimistic about achieving reported volume growth, anticipated to be in the high-single digits at the consolidated level. Simultaneously, it foresees reported sales growth to remain relatively stable in INR terms.

“At a Consolidated level (organic), we expect to deliver mid-single digit volume growth, double-digit constant currency sales growth but low-single digit sales decline in INR terms due to GAUM and LATAM currency and hyperinflation accounting impact,” Godrej Consumer added.

Despite significantly higher category development investments, the company continues to drive year-on-year expansion in EBITDA (incl. Forex) margin.

Continue Exploring: Godrej Consumer Products to raise INR 5,000 crore via NCDs; board to consider proposal for fundraising

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Myntra bolsters its offerings with a stellar lineup: 50 new international brands join the platform in 2023

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M Haziq Pandit
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Myntra

Myntra, the e-commerce platform, announced on Friday that it has seamlessly integrated over 50 international brands in 2023. The latest additions encompass a diverse range of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty labels, including Next, Oasis, Anne Klein, FCUK, BoohooMan, Parfois, Herschel Supply Co, Saucony, Gymshark, Champion, Iconic, Adidas by Stella McCartney collection, and Barry M.

In addition to the aforementioned brands, Myntra enhanced its global fashion offerings with renowned names such as Victoria’s Secret, NYX Professional, Peripera, Kanine, and Misspap.

Continue Exploring: Myntra expands international brand portfolio with Victoria’s Secret Beauty, teams up with Apparel Group for exclusive collaboration

Myntra presently features a diverse collection of more than 400 international brands, ranging from Mango, H&M, Levi’s, The Collective, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Aeropostale, Adidas, DKNY, Diesel, Birkenstock, to Forever New.

Myntra’s Nationwide Reach:

Based in Bengaluru, Myntra is home to more than 6,000 fashion and lifestyle brands, including H&M, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Louis Philippe, Jack & Jones, MANGO, Forever 21, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Puma, Crocs, M.A.C, and Fossil. The platform extends its services to over 19,000 pin codes across India.

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Honasa Consumer opens first pan-India multi-brand store in Pune

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M Haziq Pandit
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Mama Earth

Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd, the beauty and personal care conglomerate, has launched its first multi-brand store pan India at Seasons Mall in Pune, as announced by a mall representative on social media.

“Exciting news! Honasa Consumer Ltd. opens a new store at Seasons Mall. The first store in pan India in MBO format. Wishing them a year filled with success and growth,” said Aajjay Divatay, mall operations manager at Seasons Mall in a LinkedIn post.

Diverse Brands at Honasa Consumer’s Store:

The store showcases a variety of in-house beauty and personal care brands, such as Mamaearth, Aqualogica, The Derma Co, Ayuga, Dr. Sheth’s, and the hair care brand BBlunt.

Founded in 2016 by Varun Alagh and Ghazal Alagh, Honasa Consumer, adopting a digital-first approach, introduced Mamaearth, a toxin-free baby care brand. This brand subsequently expanded its offerings to include beauty and personal care products for adults.

In 2020, The Derma Co became a part of the conglomerate, and in 2021, Aqualogica and Ayug joined the lineup. The acquisitions of BBlunt and Dr. Sheth’s occurred in 2022, and in that same year, the parent company achieved an annual revenue milestone of INR 1,000 crores.

In October 2023, the company secured INR 765 crore from anchor investors ahead of its initial public offering (IPO).

Continue Exploring: Honasa’s Mamaearth IPO attracts INR 765.2 Crore from anchor investors ahead of IPO launch

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Taco Bell and Kraft Heinz unveil craving kits, allowing fans to recreate iconic fast-food flavors at home

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M Haziq Pandit
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Taco Bell and Kraft Heinz

Taco Bell and Kraft Heinz have announced the introduction of two new meal kits named Craving Kits, providing consumers with the opportunity to create homemade versions of the fast-food chain’s Crunchwrap Supreme and Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla.

Kraft Heinz is responsible for producing Taco Bell’s branded retail items, encompassing sauces, taco kits, taco shells, and seasoning mixes.

Taco Bell’s Signature Flavors in Craving Kits:

The Craving Kits use the same ingredients, seasonings, and sauces crucial for recreating the dishes at home.

Danielle Coopersmith, associate director of marketing for Taco Bell at Home, said, “A partnership founded on a mutual obsession with their consumers, Kraft Heinz and Taco Bell created the Taco Bell at Home line to bring signature and crave-worthy Taco Bell offerings and flavours straight to the grocery aisle and allow fans to make Taco Bell their way.”

“Grounded in this core mission, our innovation strategy focuses on creating new products inspired by beloved Taco Bell classics that encourage fans to customise their at-home creations and take them to new heights.”

Alan Kleinerman, VP of disruptive innovation at The Kraft Heinz Company, added, “Our release of the Cravings Kits – the first of several Taco Bell at Home innovations planned for this year – is a great example of how Kraft Heinz is delivering against its goal to lead the future of food”.

“As we kick off 2024, we’re focused on finding the white spaces at retail where we can make an impact for fans and develop products we know they will be excited to try. Our partnership with Taco Bell is a great example of this.”

The Craving Kits can be exclusively found in Walmart stores and are available for online purchase nationwide.

Continue Exploring: Taco Bell teams up with Mountain Dew for its first-ever gelato creation

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McDonald’s faces challenges in Middle East markets amid Israel-Hamas strife

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M Haziq Pandit
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McDonald's
McDonald's

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said on Thursday that various markets in the Middle East, along with some outside the region, are facing a “meaningful business impact” due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Additionally, he acknowledged the influence of “associated misinformation” concerning the brand in these affected areas.

Major Western fast-food chains, including McDonald’s and Starbucks, have faced largely spontaneous, grassroots boycott campaigns over their perceived pro-Israeli stance and alleged financial ties to Israel.

Kempczinski expressed disappointment and concern over the unfounded and disheartening misinformation circulating about brands like McDonald’s.

“In every country where we operate, including in Muslim countries, McDonald’s is proudly represented by local owner operators who work tirelessly to serve and support their communities while employing thousands of their fellow citizens,” Kempczinski said in a LinkedIn post.

McDonald’s and Western Brands Face Boycott Impact:

In October, McDonald’s Israel announced on its social media platforms that it had provided thousands of complimentary meals to personnel of the Israel Defense Forces.

This was later renounced by McDonald’s franchises in several Muslim countries, underscoring the intricate challenges global corporations face in navigating regional politics during times of conflict.

Some Western brands are feeling the impact of boycotts in Egypt and Jordan, with the movement now gaining traction in countries outside the Arab region, including Muslim-majority Malaysia.

On October 7, around 1,200 Israelis were killed by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Subsequently, Israeli bombardments have resulted in the death of approximately 22,438 people in Gaza as of Thursday.

In fiscal year 2022, the company managed approximately 40,275 McDonald’s restaurants through a combination of franchising and direct operation, spanning over 100 countries. The fast-food chain reported a total annual revenue of $23.18 billion for the year.

The company’s shares experienced a slight decline during afternoon trading.

Continue Exploring: McDonald’s unveils ambitious plan to open 50,000 restaurants globally by 2027, introduces CosMc’s concept with focus on cold beverages

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Systm Foods expands portfolio with acquisition of Humm Kombucha

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M Haziq Pandit
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Humm Kombucha

Functional beverage brand platform Systm Foods has recently announced its acquisition of Humm Kombucha for an undisclosed sum.

Systm Foods, a collaboration between Systm Brands and GroundForce Capital, specializes in acquiring and managing beverage brands that offer consumers Better-For-You (BFY) organic and functional products designed to promote healthier living.

Established in the United States in 2009, Humm asserts itself as one of the leading and rapidly expanding brands within the low- and zero-sugar kombucha and gut health beverage category.

Humm is set to join the Systm Brands portfolio, alongside plant-powered functional beverage brands Rebbl and Chameleon Organic Coffee.

Systm Foods says that the addition of Humm to its portfolio is set to advance its strategic objective of creating a leading functional beverage platform, strengthening its position in the refrigerated RTD category. Additionally, it aligns with Systm Foods’ commitment to offer BFY products with added health benefits, catering to diverse lifestyles.

Andy Fathollahi, CEO of Systm Foods, said, “Today’s consumers are seeking healthier, lower-sugar beverage options with functional advantages, ranging from digestive health to immune support, that don’t sacrifice taste or quality. Humm provides Systm Foods with unique capabilities and adds another incredible brand to our portfolio.”

Humm Kombucha’s Whole30-Approved Portfolio:

Humm boasts a product portfolio featuring the “first and only” Whole30-approved kombucha. Crafted through a proprietary fermentation process, their beverages are raw, vegan, keto-friendly, and gluten-free.

George Birman, principal at GroundForce Capital, added, “We are excited to support the Systm team in its latest acquisition, which adds significant scale and strategic capabilities to the platform. Humm is an outstanding brand with a knowledgeable team, well-positioned in a category experiencing increasing demand from consumers and retailers seeking innovative and healthy functional beverages.”

Continue Exploring: Tim Tam Tummy launches world’s first probiotic kombucha drinks for kids, redefining children’s beverage options

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Carrefour drops PepsiCo products across four EU countries amid price dispute

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M Haziq Pandit
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PepsiCo
Pepsi (Representative Image)

The French supermarket chain Carrefour has withdrawn PepsiCo products from its stores in four EU countries due to a dispute over price hikes.

Starting yesterday (4 January), items like Doritos, Pepsi, and 7up have been removed from Carrefour shelves in France, Italy, Spain, and Belgium. Instead, the shelves will bear signs indicating that the brands are unavailable “due to unacceptable price increases,” as reported by a spokesperson for the French supermarket giant.

The decision by Carrefour affects more than 9,000 stores across the four countries, constituting two-thirds of the retailer’s worldwide presence.

In several EU countries, various grocery retailers have also ceased placing orders with consumer giants due to rising prices. In May last year, the Belgian supermarket chain Colruyt restricted its acquisition of Mondelez products, including Milka chocolate and Oreo biscuits, following a disagreement over product pricing.

PepsiCo’s Response to Carrefour’s Move:

In a statement, PepsiCo said: “We’ve been in discussion with Carrefour for many months and we will continue to engage in good faith in order to try to ensure that our products are available”.

In October, the food giant announced its intention to implement “modest” price increases this year, as demand remained resilient in the face of price hikes. This positive market response prompted the company to raise its 2023 profit forecast.

Carrefour has a history of engaging in battles over prices. Last year, the French multinational initiated a ‘shrinkflation’ campaign, where warnings were placed on products that had reduced in size but were priced higher.

In a bid to mitigate inflation, the French government has urged retailers and suppliers to conclude annual price negotiations in January, a two-month acceleration from the usual schedule. France, which rigorously regulates its retail sector, mandates supermarkets to engage in price negotiations with food and drink producers only once a year. This measure aims to safeguard the nation’s farm industry.

“The French supermarkets, we know, are very, very ready to de-list people if they don’t like the deals that they get,” said James Walton, chief economist at the Institute of Grocery Distribution. “Obviously that’s a last resort, because nobody wins if the goods that people want are not available on the shelves.”

Continue Exploring: PepsiCo unveils Mega Green Accelerator for Middle East & North Africa startups

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Nissin Foods USA appoints Brian Huff as president and CEO

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M Haziq Pandit
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Brian Huff
Brian Huff

Nissin Foods USA has named Brian Huff as the company’s president and CEO, effective immediately.

Huff takes over from Mike Price, who retired from the role he held since 2018. In his new role, Huff will lead Nissin Foods’ US division, managing its continued expansion and reinforcing the company’s standing as a frontrunner in the instant ramen market.

Huff’s appointment coincides with Nissin Foods’ recent announcement of expanding its US operations with a third manufacturing facility in South Carolina.

Continue Exploring: Nissin Foods Holdings to boost US presence with $228M plant in South Carolina

Additionally, he will play a crucial role in advancing and supporting Nissin Foods Group’s global initiatives, including the Earth Food Challenge 2030, a component of the company’s enduring environmental strategy.

With over two decades of experience in the food industry, Huff has held various leadership positions at companies such as Kellogg Company, Whole Earth Brands, and, most recently, Diamond Foods.

US Market Priority for Nissin Foods:

Yukio Yokoyama, chief strategy officer of Nissin Foods Group, said, “The US market continues to be a top priority for Nissin Foods, with our products seeing an unprecedented growth in demand. We are excited to welcome Brian Huff to the Nissin Foods team to lead our US operations. His leadership and experience in growing brands across the food and beverage industry brings significant value as we enter this new chapter for Nissin Foods USA.”

Huff added, “Nissin Foods is a brand that is steeped in rich heritage, and yet, it has maintained an entrepreneurial spirit that remains the cornerstone and accelerant behind its relentless innovation that continues to shape the category – then and now. The future holds great opportunity for Nissin Foods in the US and I look forward to working alongside this impressive team of professionals to continue on with the company’s mission.”

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UK govt unveils plans for enhanced food labeling transparency to promote high-quality British produce

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M Haziq Pandit
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food label
(Representative Image)

The UK government has announced plans to increase transparency in food labeling to ensure that high-quality British food stands out from the crowd.

Its proposals, announced at a conference in Oxford today (5 January) by Environment Secretary Steve Barclay, aim to “empower consumers to make informed decisions at the supermarket shelf and online, while supporting British farmers producing food to world-leading standards of taste, quality, and animal welfare.”

In what is likely to be perceived as a ‘buy British’ initiative, the outlined plans, set to undergo consultation, encompass proposals for enhancing food labeling transparency. This involves measures like “highlighting when imported products do not meet UK welfare standards.”

Barclay will engage in discussions with prominent online retailers to explore strategies for aiding customers in comprehending the origin of their food products during the purchasing process. This may involve considering the implementation of a “buy British button.”

Ensuring Fair Rewards for UK Farmers:

The government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has affirmed its commitment to ensuring that British farmers adhering to high welfare standards receive fair rewards. The goal is to emphasize and distinguish high-quality British food in the marketplace.

Barclay told the conference, “British farmers take pride in producing food that meets, and often exceeds, our world-leading animal welfare and environmental standards.

“British consumers want to buy this top-quality food, but too often products produced to lower standards overseas aren’t clearly labelled to differentiate them.

“This is why I am proud to announce that we will consult on clearer food labelling so we can tackle the unfairness created by misleading labelling and protect farmers and consumers.”

Clive Black, a seasoned observer of the food industry and a director at the UK investment firm Shore Capital, provided a mixed assessment of the announcement.

“That Defra is showing some interest in the economic interests of British farming – it should really be so for the whole food system – is a welcome change,” he said.

He added, “A consultation on labelling is, I guess potentially helpful albeit the motive of the idea generation if it comes from within Defra or its SPADs [special advisers] will most probably mean ‘we must be seen to do something’, rather than a real initiative with teeth, heart and legs.

“Let’s see, therefore, what emerges, but one material way to help the UK food system, particularly farming, would be to mandate that all central and local government procurement prioritises buying British and is not permitted to procure meat, for example, that does not comply with UK welfare regulations. Alas, such ideas did not emerge.”

Continue Exploring: UK’s food and beverage manufacturers optimistic of future, FDF report shows

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