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Unilever Dubai Personal Care embraces market shift, eyes niche markets for growth and innovation

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Unilever
Unilever

The growing consumer preference for personal care products through social media platforms has facilitated the Unilever Dubai Personal Care (DPC) factory to broaden its array of offerings, encompassing a wider selection of premium and niche products.

“DPC was set up with an AED 1 Billion AED (€250K investment). We have subsequently invested in growing its capabilities to produce many new products. We as a business are also looking into launching more premium and niche products from this site aside from our regular products which consumers already love,” said Mahmoud Abdel Naly, Head of Unilever and Well-being Supply-chain, Middle East and Turkey.

“This factory is primarily a hair and skin care products site, which is a growing business all around the world and within the region. Especially with the advent of TikTok trends, consumers are keener to care of themselves than before”, he added.

Read Other Articles: Unilever revives sale of non-core beauty brands, enlists Morgan Stanley and Evercore for major divestiture effort

The DPC factory adopts cutting-edge technologies and possesses the capacity to produce 250 million units of 400 distinct types of products.

“We are currently catering to the entirety of the Middle East with our skin and hair care products as well as exporting to parts of Latin America and have also exported to North America in the past as well” he added.

According to him, Dubai was chosen because it stands out as one of the most dynamic business hubs globally, reinforced by world-class infrastructure. The city boasts a highly competitive business environment and holds trade agreements with numerous countries both regionally and globally. Additionally, it serves as a magnet for talent in a region marked by turbulence, occupying a coveted position as the gateway between the East and the West.

DPC serves as a benchmark for incorporating cutting-edge technology throughout Unilever, integrating 4th Industrial Revolution (IR) technologies into all facets of its operations. It has been acknowledged by the World Economic Forum as an ‘Advanced Lighthouse of 4th Industrial Revolution’—a first within Unilever and the UAE, and the initial non-energy site in MENA to receive such recognition.

DPC’s AI-driven Approach:

Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies such as robotics, machine learning, and AI allows swift delivery of products to the market. The factory can promptly augment its production capacity to meet the demands of the market.

For instance, quality control is overseen by harnessing the power of machine learning, complemented by the integration of high-speed cameras on the production lines to automatically reject substandard products. Additionally, AI is utilised to enhance resource efficiency, such as energy usage, resulting in a reduction of the environmental impact by lowering CO2 emissions. This approach also leads to decreased water consumption and waste generation.

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Jubilant FoodWorks bets big on Popeyes, targets INR 1,000 Crore revenue in the next five years

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Popeyes
(Representative Image)

Jubilant FoodWorks, currently increasing its investments in the Domino’s Pizza brand, is also placing significant bets on Popeyes. The prominent food services company intends to elevate the US fried chicken brand to revenue levels of INR 1,000 crore within the next four to five years. Additionally, it aims to achieve a milestone of 250 restaurants in the coming years.

Sameer Khetarpal, MD & CEO of Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd, said, “We aim to make Popeyes the fastest QSR brand to get to INR 1,000 crore. We are very happy to see the progress made by Popeyes. India is a large chicken-eating market. Whether it’s North India, consumers love chicken tikka or tandoori chicken or the Southern region, where they love Chicken Chettinad or Chicken 65. Therefore, chicken is the front and centre of our protein consumption.”

“We will become the fastest QSR brand to get to INR 1,000 crore and that is what the teams are working on. It takes 11-12 years for a QSR brand to get to that level and we hope to do it in a fraction of that time,” he added.

At present, the company operates 22 Popeyes establishments across six cities. During the first half of this fiscal year, it added nine new restaurants under the brand, affirming its commitment to open a total of 30 additional restaurants by the end of this fiscal year.

During an earnings call in October, the company’s leadership stated that the Popeyes model has been internationally proven.

“Chicken is a large market and we have a benefit of learning from the sharp brand proposition and the experience of RBI (Restaurant Brands International), which is our partner and who owns brand Popeyes. So, therefore we have a good start. We’ve said that we’ll get to 250 odd stores in the medium term.”

The food services company further mentioned that as it introduces the brand to new cities, it will inaugurate larger flagship stores. Additionally, there is a concentrated effort on establishing a robust back-end supply chain and identifying optimal store locations for expansion.

Domino’s Makeover

Meanwhile, the food services company is currently intensifying its investments in Domino’s Pizza through a brand relaunch initiative. The objective is to increase the brand’s share in consumption occasions within the country while concurrently expanding the overall pizza category.

Continue Exploring: Jubilant FoodWorks launches aggressive 360-degree rebranding for Domino’s

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Epigamia delights taste buds with new ready-to-eat puddings and milkshakes

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Epigamia

Epigamia has introduced a new range showcasing ready-to-eat puddings available in chocolate and caramel flavours.

In addition to these, their “Ultimate Luxury Milkshake” range offers three choices: Cookies & Cream, Belgian Chocolate, and Vanilla Coffee.

“We are enthused to introduce new flavours in the milkshake and pudding category right around the festive season. This is a time for making treasured memories and indulging in delectable delicacies. The newly introduced products are designed to elevate special occasions. Therefore, we are happy to introduce these exquisite treats that encapsulate the holiday spirit,” said Rahul Jain, Co-Founder and CEO, Epigamia.

Availability across India:

These ready-to-eat puddings and premium bottled milkshakes will be available at major retail stores and various online platforms throughout India.

Continue Exploring: Epigamia appoints Rahul Jain as CEO, charts new course for growth in the health snack market

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Lite Bite Foods charts growth with 10 new launches, extends presence to tier 2 cities

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Rohit Aggarwal
Rohit Aggarwal, Director of Lite Bite Foods

Lite Bite Foods has unveiled 10 new establishments across the country in December.

This indicates a significant expansion, with a particular focus on tier 2 cities such as Kochi, Mohali, and Faridabad.

“Our relentless pursuit isn’t just about growth; it’s a commitment to redefining culinary experiences. Each launch signifies our dedication to pushing boundaries and creating exceptional moments,” said Rohit Aggarwal, Director of Lite Bite Foods Pvt Ltd.

Lite Bite Foods’ Expansion Spree

The company has firmly established its presence in key cities, including Delhi-NCR, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Lucknow, Kanpur, Mohali, and globally in Singapore, Washington DC, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Bangkok.

Presently, they oversee 44 Punjab Grill outlets, 17 YouMee outlets, 32 branches of Street Food by Punjab Grill, and 27 establishments of Asia 7.

Continue Exploring: Punjab Grill continues expansion, unveils new restaurant in Delhi’s Defence Colony

The brand’s expansion into vital markets like Bangalore, Kochi, and Gurgaon, coupled with its successful establishment in tier 2 cities, underscores LBF’s adaptability and strategic acumen.

YouMee’s reach into tier 2 cities spreads the joy of Sushi, Dim sums, and Ramen, bringing delight to every corner of those urban areas.

These launches underscore the company’s vision for expansive growth and fulfilling customer requirements.

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Kalyan Jewellers expands global footprint with new Oman subsidiary

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Kalyan Jewellers
Kalyan Jewellers

Kalyan Jewellers has announced the establishment of a subsidiary in Oman as part of its business expansion. The recently formed subsidiary, named Kalyan Jewellers Procurement SPC, completed its incorporation on December 28, 2023, according to a regulatory filing.

“The object of incorporation of this step down subsidiary is to expand jewellery business in Oman,” it added.

Kalyan Jewellers’ H1 Net Profit Surges:

Kerala-based Kalyan Jewellers saw a 30 percent increase in consolidated net profit, reaching INR 278 crore in the first half of the current fiscal year, compared to INR 214 crore in the corresponding period last year.

It boasts 209 showrooms spanning India and the Middle East.

Find More Articles: Kalyan Jewellers teams up with Amitabh Bachchan for exclusive men’s jewellery line launch

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Parle-G takes playful jab at viral video, features influencer on iconic biscuit packet

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Parle-G

Biscuit manufacturer Parle caused a stir among internet enthusiasts when it shared a post featuring an influencer’s face on the packet’s cover instead of the iconic Parle-G girl. This amusing post was a reaction to content creator Zervaan J Bunshah‘s viral video, where he posed a humorous question to his followers. In the video, he asked, “If you meet the owner of Parle, do you call him Parle sir, Mr. Parle, or Parle G?”

In the video, Bunshan is observed seated in a car, wearing a perplexed expression, while the catchy melody of ‘Ae Jee Oo Jee’ from Anil Kapoor‘s movie ‘Ram Lakhan’ plays in the background.

The video also captured the attention of Parle-G, who joined in the amusement with a humorous comment. The official Parle-G account remarked, “Bunshah ji, you can call us the OG.”

Parle-G’s Playful Twist featuring Influencer:

Subsequently, rather than the iconic girl, Parle-G showcased a cheerful image of Bunshah on the biscuit wrapper. “While you figure out what to call the owner of Parle-G, you can call us your favourite biscuit to enjoy with a cup of chai. What say @bunshah ji,” read the caption.

The content creator expressed immense joy at the gesture and responded to the post, recalling fond memories of enjoying Parle-G biscuits during his childhood.

“BAHAHAHAHAHA SEASONS GREETINGS INDEED. Parle G will always be my nourishment growing up, after any excursion, party, gathering, craving, fancy cake mein bhi ingredient rehta hai! I toh ate the biscuits as a kid thinking I’d become smarter. Usme toh kalti diya tum logon ne,” he wrote.

This amusing tale mirrors a comparable exchange at Lay’s last month. Bunshah, renowned for his entertaining Parsi caricatures, went on Instagram to convey his displeasure regarding the altered taste of Lay’s Magic Masala variant. Lay’s India noticed the influencer’s video, which presented a comical rant against the well-loved snack.

“What have you done to my Magic Masala? The magic is no longer there. Now, it is meetha masala. This is possibly the worst thing you could have done. Are you out of your goddamn mind?” he had said in the video.

In addressing Bunshah’s apprehensions, Lay’s provided reassurance that the cherished Magic Masala variant he enjoyed would make a comeback soon. They clarified that the variant he critiqued was a limited-edition pack.

“Hello! We understand that India’s Magic Masala has been your favourite, and you want the magic back. This pack was a limited edition, and we intend to add more joy to the life of our consumers. So, don’t worry, we have your back! India’s Magic Masala is coming back,” the company wrote in a DM to the content creator.

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Amazon and Flipkart’s ad revenue hits INR 8,705 Crore in FY23, reflecting a 39% upswing

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Amazon flipkart
(Representative Image)

Ecommerce giants Amazon and Flipkart saw a notable 39% surge in their combined advertising revenue, amounting to INR 8,705 crore for the fiscal year concluding in March 2023. This upswing is attributed to advertisers across diverse categories actively utilizing these platforms and tapping into the expanding user base, as per data filed by the companies with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

During the fiscal year 2023, Amazon Seller Services, the marketplace division of Amazon, reported a 29% increase in advertising revenue, reaching INR 5,380 crore, as per information sourced from RoC filings on the business intelligence platform Tofler. In a parallel trend, Flipkart Internet, the marketplace division of Flipkart, witnessed a robust 60% growth in revenue from this segment, reaching INR 3,325 crore.

In FY22, the two companies collectively generated INR 6,256 crore in ad revenue, with INR 4,171 crore attributed to Amazon Seller Services and INR 2,085 crore to Flipkart Internet.

As per a report by Bain & Co, India is projected to have approximately 230–250 million online shoppers engaging in transactions annually, and the ecommerce market is anticipated to reach $57–60 billion by 2023. Additionally, a report from Magna Global indicated an expected 13.8% growth in digital ad revenue in India, reaching INR 56,703 crore in 2024.

Experts state that both Amazon and Flipkart possess ad-tech platforms—Amazon Ads and Flipkart Ads—facilitating brands in reaching their target audiences in a cost-effective manner.

According to Uday Sodhi, Senior Partner at Kurate Digital Consulting, brands are allocating more of their advertising budget to ecommerce platforms due to their ability to enable highly effective targeting based on categories, brands, and user behavior.

“Ecommerce is growing at a healthy pace, and a lot of digital-first and traditional advertisers are spending heavily on these platforms. Both Amazon and Flipkart have become great platforms to convert users into buyers. The return on investment for brands is comparatively better than other platforms,” he said.

An Amazon spokesperson highlighted the complexity of the digital landscape, noting that customers fluidly move between browsing, streaming, researching, and making purchases across channels and devices.

“With hundreds of millions of worldwide active customer accounts, Amazon has a deep understanding of how shoppers engage with products and brands as they discover, browse, and purchase online. Advertising with Amazon Ads is helping businesses of all sizes and from all industries, regardless of whether they sell directly on Amazon or not, reach customers at every stage of their journey,” the spokesperson added.

Flipkart had not responded to queries as of the time of press.

According to Shashank Rathore, Vice-President of Ecommerce at Interactive Avenues, the digital arm of IPG Mediabrands India, ecommerce, as an advertising platform, is now on par with performance marketing giants such as Google and Facebook.

“Looking ahead to 2024, a significant disruption is expected with FMCG, dairy, grocery and F&B investments shifting from Amazon and Flipkart to quick-commerce platforms. This strategic realignment reflects the industry’s adaptability to evolving consumer trends,” he added.

Hareesh Tibrewala, Joint Chief Executive at Mirum India, pointed out that marketplaces such as Flipkart and Amazon also provide comprehensive media solutions from a brand-building standpoint.

“Finally, in consumers’ lifecycle, an ecommerce portal represents a point of conversion and, hence, a valuable touch point for a brand. All this is contributing to increased media spend on ecommerce platforms,” he added.

Tibrewala anticipates a migration of advertising expenditure from social channels to alternative platforms such as OTT and ecommerce.

Madison Digital CEO Vishal Chinchankar said, “Ecommerce advertising significantly levels the playing field compared to giants (Google and Meta), and the growth of ecommerce is not only on the back of giants but there is a huge headroom as the overall digital pie is increasing. A sophisticated mix of creativity and data works extremely well for brands on ecommerce platforms. In my mind, performance marketing is like a drip to the brands and their businesses; it’ll only increase.”

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Meesho’s FY23 revenue soars to INR 5,735 Crore, marking a 77% growth as losses narrow by 48%

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Meesho
Meesho

On Friday, the e-commerce platform Meesho announced that its losses for the financial year ending on March 31, 2023, decreased by 48%, amounting to INR 1,675 crore. Simultaneously, the operating revenue for the same period witnessed a substantial growth of 77%, reaching INR 5,735 crore.

The Bengaluru-based online marketplace, with a substantial portion of its sales stemming from non-metro markets, declared an operating revenue of INR 3,232 crore in FY22. However, it faced a loss of INR 3,247 crore during the same fiscal year. It’s crucial to note that the financials for FY23 pertain to Meesho’s Indian entity, named Fashnear Technologies, while its parent company, Meesho Inc., is domiciled in the United States.

The latest financials are pending submission to the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

For the first half of FY24 ending on September 30, 2023, Meesho stated that its operating revenue increased by 37% year-on-year, reaching INR 3,521 crore, alongside a noteworthy 90% reduction in losses to INR 141 crore. The company, however, mentioned attaining profitability for the September quarter without disclosing specific figures.

In August, Vidit Aatrey, the CEO of Meesho, had first announced that the company had achieved its first post-tax profit for the month of July.

Before that, in May, Meesho terminated 15% of its workforce, amounting to 251 employees. The company had indicated at the time that this measure was implemented to establish a ‘leaner organizational structure to attain sustained profitability’.

The firm backed by SoftBank and Peak XV Partners stated in a release that it managed to enhance its revenue in FY23, attributed to advancements in transaction frequency and monetization through diverse value-added services to sellers.

The primary source of revenue for Meesho comes from providing logistics services to sellers and advertisements. Additionally, the company has initiated the practice of levying fees from specific brands within Meesho Mall.

The company attributed the decrease in losses to an ‘enhanced focus’ on factors such as customer acquisition costs and expenditures related to servers and infrastructure, among other considerations.

The company asserts that it maintained positive cash flow throughout the first half of FY24.

“While the business continued to demonstrate sustainable growth, Meesho also became the first horizontal ecommerce company to turn profitable in India since July 2023 and has continued to remain so,” it added in the statement.

On October 13, reports indicated that Venture Highway, one of the earliest investors in Meesho, divested a portion of its shares in the e-commerce startup to the India-focused investment fund WestBridge Capital. The size of the stake sale and the proceeds from the transaction were not disclosed by Venture Highway.

In September 2021, Meesho secured $570 million in its latest funding round, valuing the company at $4.9 billion. The round was spearheaded by Fidelity and B Capital Group. To date, Meesho has garnered a total of over $1 billion in funding from notable investors, including Prosus Ventures, SoftBank, B Capital, and Peak XV Partners.

Established in 2015 by Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, Meesho is in competition with e-commerce giants such as Flipkart and Amazon India. Notably, Meesho does not levy commissions on sellers.

The company has undergone several strategic shifts from its initial business model, which heavily depended on individual resellers in small towns and villages. These resellers would purchase products in bulk from the company and sell them within their local communities and broader social circles.

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Worried about your babies skin? Natural and effective skincare routine for babies this winter

Skincare babies

Have you ever wondered how to use the purest form of nature to nourish your child’s sensitive skin? Finding the fine balance between nature and skincare in a market full of chemical products might be intimidating. However, there are various natural products in the market that provide your baby with delicate care and efficacy. They skilfully combine advanced technology, ancient Indian skincare knowledge, and the power of natural ingredients. For all your baby’s skincare needs, these products are a natural refuge in a world overflowing with artificial chemicals.

The unique features of these products are what make them stand out and trustworthy by Indian consumers. These brands incorporate traditional Indian methods in their products, as India is abundant in all the natural components for nourishing your baby’s delicate skin safely and effectively. These natural components are mild and safe for your baby’s skin.

Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil is a time-tested remedy known for its ability to moisturise and leave your baby’s skin feeling smooth and velvety. Dabur Baby is one of the brands, which incorporate coconut oil in its line of skincare products.

Coconut Oil

If you are looking for good-quality Almond Oil, which is rich in vitamin E and protects sensitive newborn skin, you should look at the products in the skincare line of Little Rituals.

Almond Oil

Olive Oil is an established component that naturally emollients skin and has antioxidants to support skin health. Figaro is one of the big names, which incorporate olive oil into their baby skincare range for its antioxidant properties.

Olive Oil

The light and readily absorbed rice bran oil gives your baby’s skin the vital fatty acids to be fed, moisturised, and smoothed. FirstCry is one of the sellers, which you can get rice bran oil and ashwagandha oil from. On the other hand, there are brands like The Moms Co., Chicco India, Maape, and Mother Sparsh are readily available in the market.

Rice Bran Oil

Brahmi Leaf Oil, having soothing and antioxidant qualities, promotes the growth of healthy skin. Himalaya Baby offers Brahmi Leaf Oil in its lineup due to its ability to soothe skin, incorporating all the required ingredients.

Brahmi Leaf Oil

The antimicrobial qualities of Cinnamon bark oil help promote growth and avoid rashes. Himalaya Baby and Sebamed are some of the well-known brands recognising and utilising the beneficial properties of camphor bark oil, Brahmi leaf oil, and cinnamon bark oil in their respective baby skincare ranges.

Cinnamon bark oil

Himalayan Baby, Figaro, CITTA, and other mentioned brands provide a vast range of products. The Thoughtful and effective bath and skincare range, which utilises each of these substances to its full potential, includes products like talc-free baby powder, nourishing baby massage oil, tender foaming baby wash, and gentle foaming baby shampoo. These products from CITTA, Dabur Baby, Little Rituals, and other fellow players cater to different verticals of a baby’s skincare routine. These goods demonstrate how to expertly combine science and nature to give your child the best of both worlds. Made with care and dedication to giving your baby the finest that nature offers. These products are going to help you bid adieu to harsh chemicals and welcome you to experience the goodness of time-tested ingredients.

We recognise that, as parents, your child deserves the best care possible. Developing a skincare regimen that goes beyond simple habits and instead highlights your baby’s inherent beauty is crucial. Every touch and moment become a homage to the purity of nature while using these baby skincare products.

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Culinary Odyssey in Delhi: Unveiling the Top 4 Greek Restaurants That Will Transport You to the Aegean 

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Greek cuisine

As we make our way through four of Delhi’s most renowned Greek restaurants, we will allow ourselves to get engrossed in the absorbing food of Greece. During this journey, each and every one of our senses will be stimulated. These restaurants provide rich flavours, aromatic scents, and long-standing traditions that will transport you to the heart of the Aegean. Diners who are looking for a genuine Greek experience should be on the lookout for these restaurants. That being said, let’s get started on our journey into the world of Greek food. 

1. Norwang CafeWhere Magic Meets the Aegean Breeze 

Go to Norwang Cafe in Majnu Ka Tila if you want to experience the most authentic Santorini in your life! Featuring white walls, pastel blue furnishings, and a sophisticated atmosphere with a view of the Signature Bridge, this location is ideal for anyone who wants to take pictures that are worthy of being included on Instagram. This upscale café is not lacking in terms of the quality of the cuisine that it serves, either! During your time spent basking in the Greek atmosphere, you should make it a point to sample a variety of meals, like Garden Fresh Panino, Golden Fried Prawn, Cajun Chicken Satay Stick, and many more. Now is the time to check out this fantastic location with your significant other. 

Location: Majnu Ka Tila, New Delhi 

2. Marbia Athenian Opulence: Exquisite Dining Transformed in Delhi 

Located in the New Friends Colony, Marbia will unquestionably take you to the beautiful country of Greece! The location is perfect for a romantic dinner or brunch date with your significant other. With an atmosphere that is worthy of being posted on Instagram, friendly hospitality, mouthwatering cuisine, and beverages that are worthy of being savoured, you will keep coming back. Individuals indulge in some of the delicacies that are associated with the Mediterranean region, such as Tzatziki and Pita, Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad, and Mediterranean Bowl, to mention just a few. Therefore, be sure to note this location for your future date! 

Location: New Friends Colony, New Delhi.

3. Ten Twenty Two – 1022 A Delightful Harmony of Flavours in Every Serving 

Plans to take a vacation in Greece are not coming to fruition. In that case, Ten Twenty-Two has got you covered! This charming eatery is painted white with pink accents in various tones. In order to recreate the atmosphere of dining al fresco in Europe, the restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options. As a result of the fact that they provide a breakfast and brunch menu, this establishment is an excellent choice for breakfast dates with your significant other. Take your pick from their Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowl, Polenta Chips, Smashed Avocado Fattoush Salad, and much more! When exactly do you plan to go and have a look at them? 

Location: DDA Market, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi

4. Olive Bar and Kitchen The Place Where Every Bite Feels Like a Holiday 

No introduction is necessary for this location! This tiny restaurant is a favourite among the people of Delhi because it offers a calming atmosphere that is influenced by Greek culture, as well as wonderful cuisine and beverages. How about a view? In that case, you are in luck since the restaurant overlooks the breathtaking Qutub Minar and offers seating both inside and outside, all of which are covered with canopies over the seating areas. When you order their Caesar and Sea Salad, Ravioli, Gnocchi, and balsamic-soaked mushrooms, you will be transported to a gourmet paradise. Therefore, if you are looking for a fun time and delicious cuisine, make your way over to Olive. 

Location: 6-8, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi 

Getting a Taste of Greece Right in the Middle of Delhi 

A Gastronomic Odyssey: Bringing the Pleasures of the Aegean to Delhi Without Leaving the Capital 

As we come to a close on our tour of Delhi’s four best Greek restaurants, take a moment to appreciate the many ways in which each one serves up authentic Greek cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned Greek food fan or just getting your feet wet in the culinary world, these places guarantee an experience with no boundaries. Enjoy an Aegean journey without ever leaving Delhi, thanks to these enterprises that bring a touch of Greece to the heart of India’s capital city.

Thus, be ready to have a sensory adventure with the flavours of Greece without ever leaving Delhi!

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