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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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 Cafe – Where 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!
Hotels, upscale dining establishments, and cafes in Delhi are gearing up to welcome the new year with precautionary measures in place after the national capital reported its first case of the new JN.1 Covid sub-variant. These venues are committed to ensuring a secure and pleasurable experience, prioritising sanitation and hygiene. As residents of the national capital get ready to welcome the new year, these establishments are focused on providing a safe environment.
On Wednesday, Delhi reported its first case of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1.
Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, however, urges people not to panic. He conveyed that the city government has escalated Covid testing, conducting 636 tests on Wednesday.
In this scenario, the establishments are enforcing rigorous health protocols for their patrons.
Raasta owner Joy Singh, recalling the pandemic and its impact on the industry, said, “The emphasis is on creating a lavish celebration while ensuring the health and wellbeing of patrons.”
Singh mentioned that approximately 70 to 80 percent of restaurants in Delhi have already been reserved, and preparations for the restaurant celebrations are in full swing.
“We are emphasising sanitation and hygiene to ensure that safety protocols are in place for hosting 250 guests at once,” Singh said.
Reflecting on the repercussions of COVID-19 on the hospitality sector, Devnath, the manager of Diggin Cafe, underscored the difficulties faced during various waves of the pandemic.
He highlighted their readiness with safety measures, emphasizing the significance of responsibly hosting events as the hospitality sector navigates the festival season.
“The emphasis is on creating a lavish celebration while ensuring the health and wellbeing of the guests,” Devnath said.
Connaught Place, renowned for its lively nightlife, is gearing up once more to be the go-to destination for New Year parties. As the clock ticks down to the commencement of 2024, clubs and cafes are partnering with artists to allure patrons.
“New Year’s time is the biggest period for the hospitality industry and everyone wants to be part of the celebrations. We are ready to give a new experience to music lovers,” Randeep Narang, a DJ, said.
As per a New Year event organizer, the festivities will include diverse elements such as artiste nights, food packages, and live music. The culinary offerings will span a variety, ranging from traditional English foods to Mughal cuisine, with inclusive options for vegans.
“The industry has faced multiple challenges. However, optimism prevails as Delhiites eagerly anticipate the grandeur of New Year’s Eve festivities,” she added.
All of the city’s favoured social hubs, particularly those with a social media theme, are getting ready to welcome revelers.
In places like Khan Market, the festive ambiance is evident, as decorations attract both shoppers and diners, according to the event planner.
The manager of Unplugged Courtyard in Connaught Place mentioned that individuals are anticipated to assemble with their families and friends for barbecue parties.
“Despite initial concerns following Covid cases reported in some states, cafe owners are confident of the safety measures implemented,” he said.
On Thursday, the Union Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, announced the extension of incentives within the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for e-commerce exports.
“The government will be extending RoDTEP benefits for exports through ecommerce,” said Goyal while addressing an event organised by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
He further mentioned that the incentives will be officially communicated by the DGFT in the upcoming weeks.
The scheme provides reimbursements for taxes, duties, and levies incurred by exporters during the production and distribution of goods, a reimbursement that is predominantly unaddressed by any other mechanism at the central, state, or local level.
A spokesperson additionally conveyed that the Union Commerce Ministry is poised to promptly establish the requisite IT framework and other facilitators to facilitate the extension of the scheme for exporters.
The move is anticipated to enhance e-commerce exports and provide incentives and benefits to domestic micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), supporting the government’s objective of achieving $1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030.
At the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the DGFT and the logistics startup Shiprocket to conduct ‘holding capacity building and handholding sessions’ as part of the DGFT’s ecommerce outreach programme.
Speaking about the upcoming ecommerce policy, Goyal said that the proposed rules are at the final stages of discussion. He added that the government is hopeful of bringing out the policy very soon.
The RoDTEP sops come at a time when the DGFT and the Centre have taken a slew of steps to spur e-commerce exports in the country. In November, the government stated that the foreign trade agency was working with the Department of Revenue to develop an initiative on the lines of the ‘composition levy scheme’ to waive GST for smaller MSME players.
The DGFT has collaborated with the Department of Post to enhance and extend Dak Niryat Kendras and foreign post offices (FPOs) to support e-commerce exports. On an international level, the government is also collaborating with postal services from various countries to establish a comprehensive online tracking mechanism for export consignments.
In the domestic arena, the DGFT has partnered with the e-commerce platform Amazon to initiate a pilot program aimed at training e-commerce exporters in 20 districts. The prominent e-commerce player is optimistic about e-commerce exports from India and aims to elevate the figure to $20 billion by 2025.
McDonald’s is set to “release a report next year examining the pros and cons of reusable packaging in its restaurants worldwide,” according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
McDonald’s has commissioned studies and reports on this matter and, in 2018, pledged to utilise 100% renewable, recycled, or certified sources for its packaging by 2025. Nevertheless, the company has not achieved this target, and there is no assurance that it will indeed fulfill its stated goal.
Fortunately, there is a proven method to compel corporations to cease using single-use plastics: compelling them through legal changes.
There is no denying that single-use plastics have become a pollution crisis, causing devastating impacts on our planet. In recent years, investors, governments, and the public have started exerting pressure on corporations that contribute to the pollution of oceans and landfills with plastic waste, urging them to explore and adopt alternatives.
McDonald’s has modified its practices in France and Germany in response to more stringent laws in those countries regulating the use of single-use plastics in restaurants. In France, McDonald’s is obligated to serve all on-site meals in reusable containers, and in Germany, it is required to offer reusable containers upon request.
As the company has sustained its operations in both of those countries, the restrictions evidently haven’t been so burdensome as to render the sale of fast food economically unfeasible. In other words, McDonald’s can — and does, when compelled — cease using plastic packaging while still remaining profitable.
A similar restriction on single-use plastics was recently passed in England. India has also passed a similar law.
McDonald’s will release its report at some point and is likely to make commitments regarding its future practices. However, as demonstrated by France, Germany, and others, such changes have frequently been implemented only when mandated by law.
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