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India’s first Ayurveda-inspired functional chocolate brand Awsum makes sky-high debut on Akasa Air

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M Haziq Pandit
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Awsum

Awsum, India’s first Ayurveda-inspired functional chocolate brand, has recently announced its availability on Akasa Air, as revealed in an Instagram post.

Founded by two friends, Pranav Sharma and Kritik Thakur, Awsum aims to address the challenges of modern-day lifestyle disorders encountered by urban working millennials. The brand incorporates Ayurvedic principles to produce healthier products without compromising on taste. Their chocolates are infused with herbs and nutrients, aiding the body in addressing health disorders associated with the demands of modern-day lifestyles.

Awsum Pioneers Functional Chocolate in India:

Moreover, the brand asserts that functional chocolate represents a novel and unexplored category in the Indian markets, with no comparable brands occupying the same space.

The concept of Awsum originated against the backdrop of the nationwide lockdown imposed by the government due to Covid-19 in 2020. The co-founders, personally grappling with issues like sleep deprivation, daytime lethargy, and anxiety, transformed their own experiences into the creation of the brand. Awsum is designed to assist people in addressing these challenges in a more convenient and exciting manner. The inception of their ‘Awsum’ idea took place at the Gurugram-based startup incubator, Huddle, known for closely collaborating with selected high-growth startups. Additionally, the company receives support and mentorship from a group of highly accomplished individuals and industry experts.

Read Other Articles: Indian chocolate brands sweep over 20 awards at the Academy of Chocolate Awards 2023

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Akasa Air elevates in-flight dining with revamped Makar Sankranti specials

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M Haziq Pandit
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Akasa Air

Café Akasa, the in-flight dining service of Akasa Air, is reintroducing its special Makar Sankranti meal with a fresh menu to commemorate the first festival of the year in the skies. Travelers on Akasa Air can savor a culinary experience influenced by traditional cuisines, including Puran Polis, Gajar Mirch ka Achar accompanied by Til Dry Fruit Gajak, and a beverage of their choice.

This special meal is accessible throughout January 2024 across the Akasa Air network and can be conveniently pre-ordered through Akasa Air’s website or mobile app.

Akasa Air continues its ongoing effort to honor the diverse cultures and festivals of India through its festive meals, aligning with the brand’s commitment to providing an inclusive travel experience. The festive special meals by Akasa Air have garnered widespread appreciation from travelers nationwide over the past year. The airline has now introduced the second edition of its Makar Sankranti meal, featuring a new curation that aims to promote India’s rich culinary heritage and embrace the festive spirit in the skies.

Year-Round Celebrations with Akasa Air:

Since the launch of operations in August 2022, Akasa Air has introduced specially curated meal options that are inspired by regional specialties associated with celebrations during popular festivals and special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Mother’s Day, International Yoga Day, Monsoon season, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi Dussehra, Diwali, and Christmas, among others. The airline also offers a pre-selection of cakes on its regular menu for flyers who want to celebrate the birthdays of their loved ones in the skies.

As part of Café Akasa’s updated menu, patrons can anticipate a diverse selection of over 50+ meal options encompassing healthy, fusion, festive, and gourmet choices to accommodate a broad range of diets and palates.

Read Other Articles: IndiGo elevates in-flight meal experience with new 6E Eats menu inspired by Indian street food

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SaaS platform Kiko Live joins ONDC, targets activation of 50,000 retailers in the next six months

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M Haziq Pandit
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Kiko Live

Kiko Live, a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for local stores, has joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network as a seller.

The Kiko app solution was originally designed to aid local retailers in managing their delivery orders through phone calls, WhatsApp, and other channels. On the ONDC network, Kiko aims to tap into a broader customer base, providing an expanded choice for buyers.

“We are gradually onboarding our list of retailers onto the ONDC network due to the overwhelming surge in orders. Some sellers are already receiving 20-25 orders daily without running promotions. Orders are growing at over 100% week on week, leading us to scale our operations and support teams, too. Our sellers maintain a near 100% fill rate and successful delivery rate, a trend we aim to sustain during our expansion,” said Kiko’s founder Alok Chawla.

Kiko Live Aims to Assist 50,000 New Sellers:

Retailers utilizing the Kiko app can explore and receive orders from a vast pool of potential customers via the ONDC network. The Kiko seller app additionally provides integrated payment and hyperlocal logistics solutions to registered retailers. The company stated that in the next few quarters, it intends to assist more than 50,000 new sellers, particularly those venturing into online selling for the first time, to join the network.

In November, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) announced its commitment to onboarding nearly 1.3 million kirana stores on ONDC, aiding them in competing with e-commerce and quick-service grocery retailers.

Read Other Articles: Hindustan Unilever to bring 1.3 Million kirana stores onto ONDC to counter e-commerce giants

“We are delighted to witness Kiko’s remarkable growth on ONDC. We strive to create a transparent ecommerce ecosystem with equal opportunities for all and Kiko’s success adds to the vibrancy and success of our Network,” said ONDC MD and CEO T Koshy.

Kiko Live is supported by early-stage investors, including 9 Unicorns, Venture Catalysts, SOSV, and GSF, along with angel investors like the Chief Executive Officers of Indiamart, Spotify India, and Nazara.

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SUGAR Cosmetics’ FY23 sales surge by 89%, reaching INR 420 Cr; reports net loss of INR 76 Cr

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M Haziq Pandit
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SUGAR Cosmetics

SUGAR Cosmetics, the beauty e-commerce brand led by Vineeta Singh, saw its sales inching closer to the INR 500 crore mark in the financial year ending on March 31, 2023. In FY23, the startup reported an operating revenue of INR 420.2 crore, marking an impressive 89% increase from the INR 221.8 crore generated in the previous fiscal year.

It is pertinent to mention that SUGAR Cosmetics earns its revenue by selling cosmetics and beauty products.

Established by Singh and Kaushik Mukherjee in 2015, SUGAR Cosmetics embarked on its journey as a D2C brand, utilizing an online platform. Later, it transitioned to an omnichannel model and claims to have over 40,000 retail outlets across more than 550 cities in India. The platform markets products in the lips, eyes, face, nails, and skin categories.

Taking into account other income, the startup’s total revenue amounted to INR 428.3 Cr, marking a 91.3% increase from the INR 223.8 Cr generated in the previous fiscal year.

With the increase in revenue, the startup has managed to control its losses. In FY23, the startup incurred a net loss of INR 76.2 Cr, a marginal increase from INR 75.9 Cr in the previous fiscal.

SUGAR Cosmetics Expenditure Breakdown:

The Shark Tank judge played a key role in the startup’s total expenditure increase by 69% to INR 505.5 Cr in FY23, as compared to INR 300 Cr in FY22.

SUGAR’s primary expenditure centered around marketing. In a bid to enhance brand awareness, the startup allocated INR 162.5 Cr, constituting nearly 40% of its revenue. The advertising expenses for FY23 were 67% higher than the INR 97.5 Cr spent in the preceding fiscal year.

To replenish its shelves, SUGAR allocated INR 113.9 Cr in the year under review, reflecting a 72% increase from the INR 66.3 Cr spent in FY22.

In FY23, SUGAR allocated INR 60.8 Cr for employee salaries and other welfare expenses, marking a 71% increase from the INR 35.5 Cr spent in FY22. According to LinkedIn, the startup maintains an employee headcount of approximately 1,000.

Read Other Articles: SUGAR Cosmetics surges with 90% revenue growth in FY23, targets profitability by FY24 as EBITDA margins show remarkable improvement

The startup enhanced its EBITDA margin to -14.55% in FY23, a notable improvement from the -30.48% recorded in FY22.

SUGAR Cosmetics secured approximately $85 million in various funding rounds, with Elevation Capital, A91 Partners, and India Quotient being some of its investors.

The startup, last valued at around $500 million, was reportedly in talks to raise another $100 million at approximately a $700 million valuation. SUGAR closely competes against the likes of WoW Skin, which has seen its sales plummet in FY23, Plum, MamaEarth, and Nykaa, among others.

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HyugaLife secures $1 Million in funding to boost product and tech infrastructure

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M Haziq Pandit
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HyugaLife

HyugaLife, a health and wellness platform, has recently raised $1 million in a new funding round with contributions from Stride Ventures and Getvantage.

The newly acquired funds will be utilized to enhance the platform’s product and technological infrastructure.

“We are excited about the opportunities ahead as we leverage this support to drive innovation & enhance user experiences,” said Sachin Parikh, Founder, HyugaLife.

HyugaLife’s Impressive Growth:

Backed by cricketer KL Rahul and actress Katrina Kaif, HyugaLife reports a notable surge in its user base in 2023, achieving a fivefold expansion in revenue.

Read Other Articles: HyugaLife scores big with KL Rahul’s investment and partnership for a healthier India

The startup offers an extensive selection of more than 10,000 products across 10 categories, including health supplements, sports nutrition, health foods, and more. These items are sourced directly from over 400 brands, establishing HyugaLife as a comprehensive one-stop destination for health-conscious individuals in India.

Apart from its product range, the platform is actively cultivating its brand through initiatives focused on trust, authenticity, and education. Programs such as ‘H-Tested,’ introduced by the platform in collaboration with KL Rahul, guarantee that users receive products adhering to stringent standards.

Read Other Articles: KL Rahul joins HyugaLife to raise awareness on heavy metal-free products with H-Tested Program

The brand asserts collaboration with more than 100 brands across 8 diverse categories, aiming to onboard 1,000 brands within the next 12 months.

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Bengaluru-based B2B marketplace Captain Fresh raises $13.25 Million in Series C extension

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M Haziq Pandit
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Captain Fresh
Utham Gowda, Founder, Captain Fresh

Captain Fresh, a Bengaluru-based B2B marketplace for seafood, has secured $13.25 million in an extended Series C funding round. This additional funding comes after a four-month gap for the company.

As per regulatory filings from the Registrar of Companies, the board of Captain Fresh has approved a special resolution to issue 1,102 Series C6 compulsory convertible preference shares at an issue price of INR 9,98,399 each, amounting to a total of INR 110 crore ($13.25 million).

Captain Fresh’s Key Investors:

The funding round was spearheaded by Nekkanti Sea Foods, a seafood exporter based in Andhra Pradesh, contributing INR 50 crore or $6 million. Following closely, Shakti Finvest Pvt Ltd invested INR 30 crore in the same tranche.

The remaining amount of INR 27.46 crore and INR 2.50 crore was invested by Ravi Shankar Pemmasani and Shibu Mathai, respectively. This suggests an ongoing funding round, and the company might secure additional funds in the process.

Significantly, the company has raised the fresh capital at the same premium, and its current valuation stands close to INR 3,970 crore. To date, the company has raised around $150 million, including a $20 million funding as a part of its Series C round in September 2023.

Read Other Articles: B2B seafood startup Captain Fresh raises $20 Million in Series C funding for European and US expansion

Captain Fresh operates as a farm-to-retail platform specializing in animal protein, including fish, seafood, and sheep. The company directly sources its products from agents or farmers and distributes them through B2B, B2R, and B2B2C channels. In addition to its presence in India, Captain Fresh has established operations in the US, Dubai, and Madrid.

After the allotment process, Utham Gowda, the CEO and founder of Captain Fresh reduced his ownership stake to 19.20%. Nekkanti Sea Foods, Shakti Finvest Pvt Ltd, and Ravi Shankar Pemmasani acquired stakes of 1.26%, 0.76%, and 0.69%, respectively. Matrix Partners holds the largest external stake in the company, with a 13.44% ownership.

According to TheKredible, Captain Fresh experienced a nearly fourfold increase in gross revenue, reaching INR 817 crore for the fiscal year ending March 2023. However, its losses also rose by 2.6 times, amounting to INR 294 crore during the same period.

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Chhattisgarh declares January 22 as ‘dry day’ to mark Ram temple consecration

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M Haziq Pandit
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Liquor
(Representative Image)

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced that his government has decided to declare January 22 as a “dry day” in light of the consecration of the Ram temple scheduled to take place in Ayodhya on that day.

“As you all know that from December 25 till January 2, we have been observing ‘good governance’ day. Ram Raj has been the model of our good governance,” Sai told reporters on Tuesday evening.

“We are fortunate that Chhattisgarh is Lord Ram’s ‘nanihal’ (the place of Lord Ram’s maternal grandparents) and it is also fortunate that ‘pran pratistha’ of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will take place on January 22,” he said.

There is happiness all over Chhattisgarh. The state’s rice millers association has sent 300 metric tonnes of aromatic rice to Ayodhya for the ceremony and cultivators from the state will also dispatch vegetables to the city in Uttar Pradesh, the CM said.

Festive Atmosphere in Chhattisgarh:

There will be a festive atmosphere across the state on January 22. Like Diwali, ‘diyas’ (earthen lamps) will be lit on the day, he said.

“The state government has decided that there will be a dry day in the entire state on January 22,” Sai said.

According to research scholars, Lord Ram had passed through several places located in Chhattisgarh during his 14-year exile from Ayodhya.

Chandkhuri, a village located 27 km from Chhattisgarh capital Raipur, is considered as the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya, mother of Lord Ram.

The ancient Mata Kaushalya temple situated in the village was given a magnificent look during the previous Congress government in the state.

Read Other Articles: Advance hotel bookings restricted in Lucknow ahead of Ram Temple consecration

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VRO Hospitality raises $10 million in bridge funding round, plans extensive growth

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M Haziq Pandit
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Safdhar Adoor (Co-Founder & Director), Sharath Rice (Co-Founder & Director), Dawn Thomas (Co-Founder & CEO)
Safdhar Adoor (Co-Founder & Director), Sharath Rice (Co-Founder & Director), Dawn Thomas (Co-Founder & CEO)

VRO Hospitality, India’s swiftly growing F&B fine dining chain, announces the successful closure of a $10 million bridge round in funding in a mix of Equity & Debt. This funding round was led by Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, and Gruhas, backed by Nikhil Kamath, along with the participation of UC Inclusive.

In addition to the primary investors, other participants in the bridge round included NB Ventures, Kunal Shah (Cred), and Actress Mouni Roy, among others. This recent injection of funds will bolster VRO Hospitality’s commitment to expanding the brand throughout India and establishing new standards in the fine dining ecosystem by delivering unparalleled guest experiences. The investment will play a crucial role in enhancing operational reach, expediting product development, and reinforcing its standing as a key player in the industry.

Expressing enthusiasm, Dawn Thomas, Co-Founder and CEO, VRO Hospitality, said, “We are thrilled to have the continued support and trust of our investors as we embark on this transformative journey. This funding round marks a pivotal moment for VRO Hospitality, empowering us to amplify our efforts in redefining the hospitality experience through innovation and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Commenting on the investment, Abhijeet Pai, Gruhas, commented saying, “Post-Covid the hospitality sector has witnessed an exponential growth and rightfully so VRO Hospitality has expanded across key markets in India. This successful bridge will help VRO Hospitality accelerate growth, expand its reach, and further solidify its position as a reputable brand & disruptor in the dining industry.”

VRO Hospitality Sets Sights on Nationwide Expansion:

VRO Hospitality possesses upscale lounges and restaurants in various cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Ooty. Among their prominent brands are Badmaash, Mirage, Plan B, Taki Taki, Los Cavos, Cafe Noir, One Night in Bangkok, Tycoons, Hangover, and Nevermind. Engaging in a comprehensive expansion initiative, VRO is actively pursuing both national and international growth, with flagship brands like Badmaash, Cafe Noir, and Taki Taki leading the way into unexplored territories under the VRO banner.

Read Other Articles: VRO Hospitality’s PlanB chain grows to 16 outlets across India, including four new Bengaluru spots

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Goa advances with GI tags for fish curry rice and traditional bread varieties

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M Haziq Pandit
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Fish Curry

The Goa State Intellectual Property Corporation has spearheaded the effort to record and safeguard geographical indication (GI) tags for iconic Goan culinary delights. This includes the celebrated Goan fish curry rice, along with traditional bread varieties such as pao, poie, and uno.

Deepak Parab, the facilitation officer for the GI tag, confirmed that the documentation procedures are underway for the much-loved fish curry rice and the assortment of local breads. Parab stressed the importance of gathering suggestions and insights from locals and members of the restaurant industry to ensure a comprehensive and accurate representation of these cultural staples.

“We have started the process to obtain the GI tag for Goa’s iconic dish, the fish curry rice, and for traditional Goan bread varieties such as pao, poie, and uno. Our goal is to include valuable inputs from Goans and individuals in the restaurant sector,” he said.

Seeking input from locals is a pivotal stage in the documentation process, as the Intellectual Property Corporation aims to encapsulate the essence, historical significance, and distinctive characteristics of these culinary treasures deeply embedded in the cultural roots of the Goan community.

Read Other Articles: 5 Best Konkani Foods to taste when you are in Goa

The GI tagging doesn’t just seek to acknowledge and safeguard the authenticity of these traditional dishes; it also protects against misrepresentation. By engaging with and respecting the cultural legacy and gastronomic heritage of Goa, the procedure guarantees that these culinary specialties are accurately credited to their geographical origin, thereby contributing to the conservation of Goan culinary heritage.

Recent GI Tags in Goa:

Goa recently obtained GI tags for cashew feni, mancurad, Harmal chilli, bebinca, khajem (sweet), Myndoli banana, cashew kernel, seven-ridge okra, Khola chili, and more.

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Aloo Baingan ranked 60th among the world’s worst foods, according to Taste Atlas

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M Haziq Pandit
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Aloo Baingan

In India, ask anyone about the vegetables they dislike, and the prompt response will likely include Karela and Baingan. These two veggies are commonly disliked by people of all age groups. Baingan, or brinjal, is a purple-colored vegetable known to contain several nutrients and is used to prepare various dishes. While dishes like Bharta and Chokha made with this vegetable are appreciated, Aloo Baingan has recently been labeled as one of the “Worst-rated foods in the World.”

Aloo Baingan: 60th in Global “Worst-rated Foods” List:

Recently, the online food portal Taste Atlas unveiled the “Top 100 worst-rated foods in the World,” and Aloo Baingan secured the 60th position on this list. This gravy dish is crafted with potatoes, brinjal/eggplant, onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, a blend of spices, and a finishing touch of coriander leaves. Typically enjoyed with Tawa Roti, the dish received a modest rating of 2.7 out of 5. Many Indians might beg to differ with this ranking, as a significant number of us take delight in savoring this flavorful gravy dish.

The top spot was claimed by ‘Hakarl’ from Iceland in the list of worst-rated foods, and it is crafted from cured shark meat subjected to a three-month fermentation process. This dish carries a strong and pungent taste, served on a toothpick alongside a local spirit known as ‘brennivin.’ Those experiencing it for the first time may find it unappealing. Despite being a beloved delicacy among the locals in Iceland and considered a national specialty, tourists generally do not relish it. The high ammonia content in this dish, capable of causing choking, contributes to its reputation as the worst-rated.

Although Iceland claimed the first position, the second spot on the list belonged to the Ramen Burger from the US. This unique dish involves crafting a burger using a bun made of ramen noodles, filled with a meat patty. The third place was secured by Yerushalmi Kugel from Jerusalem, a casserole dish featuring noodles mixed with caramelized sugar. This sweet delicacy is particularly cherished during well-known Jewish holidays.

Read Other Articles: Indian classic ‘Rajma Chawal’ earns global acclaim, ranks high on Taste Atlas’ Finest Bean Dishes List

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