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Marriott Bonvoy’s Homes & Villas: Latest Culinary Expansion in India

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Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy, a premium and luxury whole home rental collection, has recently launched in India. With over 100,000 premium and luxury whole-home rentals in 700 prime leisure destinations worldwide, Marriott Bonvoy offers an exceptional experience for travellers. 

In India, Marriott Bonvoy is in discussions with professional management companies to launch nearly 500 luxurious units throughout 2023. These units will be professionally managed, fully furnished, and boast exceptional design, cleanliness, safety, and amenities. The Homes & Villas also offer a world-class kitchen setup to elevate your cooking and regional cuisine experience. 

Marriott Bonvoy’s Homes & Villas enters India

India, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from snowcapped mountains to vast deserts, is a popular destination for international travellers seeking a culturally rich experience. 

The return of Indian travellers, especially after the pandemic, provides Marriott International with the opportunity to introduce their high-end rental options, ranging from luxury apartments to multi-bedroom luxury villas with private pools and a range of culinary options.

Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy (Representative Image)

In the first phase, Marriot will launch rental homes in major tourist locations such as Goa, Alibaug, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and Kasauli. The second phase will include cities in the West and South of India, such as Ooty, Coorg, Coonoor, and Mahabaleshwar. The North of India will include cities like Mussoorie/Dehradun, Nainital, Bhimtal, Shimla, Manali, Srinagar, Rishikesh, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Chandigarh.

Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy was launched in May 2019 to offer Marriott Bonvoy members more options during their travels. With over 90 years of expertise in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, these homes are listed on Marriott’s award-winning travel program, Marriott Bonvoy. Each home is professionally managed and meets Marriott’s design, cleanliness, safety, reliability, and amenity standards. This allows the company’s 173 million+ members to earn and redeem points for all stays.

Try more news: Flavourful Adventure: Exploring the Maharashtra’s Cuisine Beauty!

To ensure that each Home Management Company (HMC) meets Marriott’s high standards for regulation, design, and amenities, they were audited and reviewed by Marriott International before being shortlisted. These HMCs specialize in creating and curating luxury experiences and offer a range of top-class facilities and services, striving to provide the most comfortable and luxurious holiday experience for guests.

Marriott Bonvoy – Support System!

Making travel even easier, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy is managed by a specialist property manager and provides 24/7 support for any customer assistance during the getaway.

With the launch of Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy in India, Foreign and Domestic travellers can now enjoy a luxurious and extraordinary travel experience amid amazing views and cuisine, backed by Marriott International’s 90+ years of expertise in delivering exceptional food & hospitality.

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Sneak peek into 2024: Frito-Lay and Quaker reveal the next big things in food and snacking

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SnackTeam
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Snack
(Representative Image)

The recently released U.S. Snack Index for the fifth consecutive year validates a sentiment shared by many – the constraints of time are becoming increasingly evident. In 2024, the boundary between “snacks” and “meals” will further dissolve, particularly for parents and younger generations, as the struggle to find time for meal preparation and enjoyment persists.

“While Frito-Lay and Quaker’s latest Snack Index confirms that time is scarce, the data also reinforces the fierce passion that consumers have for their food preferences,” stated Denise Lefebvre, senior vice president of R&D for PepsiCo Foods. “As we look to 2024, we have a tremendous opportunity to continue meeting the evolving needs of our consumers. It has never been more important for us to infuse that inspiration with innovation, delivering on our promise of more smiles with every bite.”

Frito-Lay and Quaker are unveiling three food and snacking trends that are poised to shape the year ahead:

  1. The Time Crunch Dilemma:

While there are always technically 24 hours in a day, a significant 80% of Americans perceive their days as having fewer hours. This sense of time constraint is particularly acute among younger generations, reaching 85%, and shows no indication of easing, as 60% of consumers anticipate an increase in demands in the new year.

In 2024, Americans will say goodbye to hours spent marinating, chopping, roasting, or baking. The trend of the “no-prep dinner,” defined as a simple meal that requires little effort to make, will continue to grow in popularity, alongside dinners rooted in Americans’ favorite snack products.

  • A Dash to Dine: As per the Index, the typical American has a mere 52 minutes daily to ready, consume, and savor their meals. One-third of consumers report having even fewer minutes, managing to allocate less than 30 minutes each day for meal preparation and enjoyment.
  • Snacks Move to Center Plate: A growing number of consumers are incorporating their preferred snack items into their meals, marking a 35% increase from previous years. Weekly, over half of consumers proudly incorporate snacks as essential ingredients in no-prep dinners, with more than one-third seizing this opportunity multiple times per week.
  • Top Truths: When questioned about the significance of snacks in their no-prep routine, Americans cite a desire for a particular snack (51%) and being too busy to cook (44%) as the primary reasons.
  • #GirlDinner Debunked: While the internet may have coined the term #GirlDinner for snack-focused meals, the trend is all-encompassing in 2024. Men (92%) assert an equal likelihood of incorporating snack foods into their meals as women (93%), with 36% pushing the boundaries between snacks and meals more than in previous years.
  1. Introducing the Snack Savant:

The rise of the self-proclaimed Snack Savant will undoubtedly make waves in 2024. These Savants show no hesitation in their snack game, openly embracing all aspects of food, adventure, and community.

Among those likely to embrace this title, Millennials (83%) and Gen Z (82%) take the lead, with the majority of these Snack Savants residing in urban areas (77%). Demonstrating resourcefulness, 55% mention that their favorite snack combinations are inspired by what is already in the pantry. Additionally, they turn to social media for additional ideas, with 32% relying on these platforms for snack inspiration.

Snacking as an Art, Not an Act: 80% agree that the creation of the perfect bite through the combination of multiple food products is an art form. Despite 65% admitting to indulging in eccentric snack pairings, they harbor no embarrassment and are ready to proudly declare their unique combinations, willing to “shout them from the rooftops.”

  1. Snacking for Tasty Satisfaction:

In 2024, snacking will be centered on the importance of purpose, protein, and packing a punch.

  • Protein Power: When eyeing snacks at the grocery store, Americans cite protein as the most important nutritional attribute (55%). Compared to previous years, an overwhelming 79% of consumers admit it’s more critical than ever for protein to take center stage – especially true for those most crunched on time (80%).
  • Energy Boost: Every week, 60% of consumers turn to their preferred snack products to boost their energy levels. Among the generations, Millennials (72%) stand out as the most in need of a pick-me-up, surpassing Gen Z (62%), Gen X (61%), and Baby Boomers (46%). Interestingly, parents lead the pack, with 72% relying on snacks to energize themselves.
  • Taste Triumphs: Across all generations, a significant majority of consumers (74%) are unwilling to compromise on taste when choosing their snacks. Baby Boomers emerge as the most steadfast in refusing to sacrifice taste, with 84%, followed closely by Gen Xers at 75%.
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Tims China partners with DiDi for strategic brand expansion across China

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SnackTeam
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Tim Hortons

As part of a strategic initiative to enhance its brand presence, TH International (Tims China) has established a collaborative alliance with the ride-hailing giant DiDi Chuxing.

Tims China manages the operations of Tim Hortons coffee shops and Popeyes restaurants within the country.

The partnership strives to boost the visibility of the Tims China brand by implementing cross-brand and cross-channel marketing strategies, capitalizing on DiDi’s extensive customer base.

The company highlighted that users of the DiDi app had the opportunity to accumulate points for a complimentary Tims bagel or coffee with every ride booked from November 27 to December 10, 2023.

Moreover, customers who made purchases from Tims China’s Orange Aroma series were given a co-branded sticker and cup sleeve as an additional offering.

The company established retail outlets with DiDi-themed decor in prominent Chinese cities such as Guangzhou, Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.

The campaign resulted in the acquisition of 20,000 new loyalty club members and generated an additional 1.7 million yuan in sales.

The campaign also garnered significant traction on China’s social media platform Xiaohongshu, accumulating over 11 million views.

By merging the expansive reach of DiDi’s transportation services with Tims China’s network of over 800 stores, the collaboration is reported to have expanded the customer base for both brands.

Tims China CEO Yongchen Lu said, “We are excited to be reaching new customers amongst Didi’s large ridership.

“Our collaboration with DiDi Chuxing, a world leader in transportation services, is a great example of cross-channel promotion that builds our loyal customer base, which currently includes at over 18 million programme members and is growing every day.”

DiDi offers a variety of app-based services encompassing ride-hailing, taxi services, designated driving, and other shared mobility solutions across Asia Pacific, Latin America, and beyond.

Earlier this year, Tims China announced the opening of its 700th coffee shop in the country.

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Avolta opens first Le Crobag store at Düsseldorf Airport, bringing French bakery bliss to travelers

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SnackTeam
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Le Crobag

Avolta has announced the launch of the first Le Crobag flagship store airside at Düsseldorf Airport, Germany.

Travellers awaiting their flights will have access to Le Crobag’s specialties and French baked goods at the store.

The store situated at Gate B covers a space of 190m² and has the capacity to accommodate 75 people for dining.

Offering an expanded array of products, the store includes traditional French snacks alongside a specially curated selection for air travelers.

It provides a diverse range of tarte flambée, complemented by a bar that serves beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Adorned with a golden logo and a blue counter, the store offers services from early morning until the final departure at night, managed by a team of 15 employees.

Avolta general manager for Germany Martin Heuer said, “We understand the unique needs of air travellers. With extended layovers, passengers seek a relaxing pre-flight experience. In line with Avolta’s Destination 2027 strategy, we want to make every journey as rewarding as the destination.

“That’s why we are offering a unique concept airside at Düsseldorf Airport, with a delicious range of products and a warm service that invites travellers to make the most of the time before their flight.”

Flughafen Düsseldorf head of commercial operations Pia Klauck said, “The team at Düsseldorf Airport is thrilled about the opening of the first airside Le Crobag and the upcoming shops in the new year.

“The tailored concepts designed specifically for our airport are set to enhance travellers’ experiences during their visit.”

Avolta’s recent addition signifies the company’s growth at Düsseldorf Airport, with a second Le Crobag store set to open in February 2024.

The store will present seasonal items along with fresh hot snacks like baguettes and pastries inspired by French cuisine.

Moreover, a Burger Federation restaurant is expected to open in March next year.

These two establishments will become part of Avolta’s existing portfolio of eight stores at Düsseldorf Airport.

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Korea’s E-Mart24 enters Cambodia, aiming for 100 stores by 2028

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SnackTeam
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E-Mart24

E-Mart24 Inc., a prominent South Korean convenience store chain, is set to enter the Cambodian market, aiming to establish a presence in one of Southeast Asia’s vibrant and rapidly expanding markets.

On Friday, E-Mart Inc., the parent company of E-Mart24, announced the signing of a master franchise agreement with Saihan Partners. Saihan Partners is a joint venture between Cambodia’s food and beverage conglomerate, Saisons Brother Holding Co., and Korea’s Hanlim Architecture Group.

Since 2017, Hanlim, a real estate developer, has been active in Cambodia.

The agreement was signed at E-Mart’s Seoul headquarters by E-Mart24 Chief Executive Han Chae-yang, David Sambo, the director of Saihan Partners, and Hanlim Architecture Group Chairman Park Jin-sun.

As per the agreement, Saihan Partners will possess the authority to manage E-Mart24 convenience stores in Cambodia, overseeing tasks such as site selections and product sourcing. In return, E-Mart24 will receive royalties from Saihan.

The first E-Mart24 store, also serving as Korea’s first convenience store in the country, is set to launch in Phnom Penh in the first half of next year. E-Mart24 aims to increase its store count in Cambodia to 100 by 2028.

E-Mart24 expressed confidence in its substantial business growth potential within Cambodia.

Prior to being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country had recorded a GDP growth rate in the range of 7%, and the influx of foreign tourists stood at approximately 6.6 million, constituting 40% of Cambodia’s population. The economic forecast for Cambodia anticipates a growth rate of 6.6% in 2024.

E-Mart24 currently runs convenience stores in various other Southeast Asian countries.

The Korean company expanded its presence into Malaysia in 2021 and entered the Singaporean market last year.

E-Mart, overseeing 46 convenience stores in Malaysia and three in Singapore, aims to increase the number of stores in both nations to 300 each within the next five years.

“Once we successfully settle in Cambodia, we’ll continue to expand our presence globally,” said E-Mart24 CEO Han.

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Indian chocolate brands sweep over 20 awards at the Academy of Chocolate Awards 2023

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SnackTeam
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Chocolate

This year, several Indian F&B brands and homegrown companies have achieved global recognition, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Notably, three Indian chocolate brands, namely Manam Chocolate, Paul And Mike, and Bon Fiction, have garnered accolades at the prestigious Academy of Chocolate Awards in the UK. The recently unveiled list of winners for the year 2023 spans diverse categories, and these Indian brands have collectively secured over 20 awards, further establishing their prominence on the international stage.

Hyderabad-based Manam Chocolate has achieved an impressive feat by securing 17 accolades in various categories. Particularly noteworthy is their recognition as “overall winners” in the brand experience category, where they competed against more than 1400 international entries. In addition to this prestigious title, Manam Chocolate clinched 1 gold, 10 silver, and 5 bronze awards for their exquisite creations. Among these, their 66% Dark Chocolate (Single Origin, Idukki, Kerala), 65% Dark Chocolate (Single Origin Cacao San Carlos Plain, Northern Region of Costa Rica), and 67% Dark Chocolate (Single Origin – House Fermented Cacao – West Godavari) stood out, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Adding to their list of achievements, Manam Chocolate had previously been honored with the International Chocolate Award 2023 by the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting, solidifying their reputation as a distinguished player in the craft chocolate industry.

Bon Fiction clinched five awards, with their ‘Out in the Dark’ and ‘Order of the Dark Roast’ chocolates earning recognition in the silver category for the best “Plain Dark Chocolate Bars.” Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Bon Fiction not only excels in crafting exceptional chocolates but also collaborates with farmers in the Godavari region, embodying a commitment to quality ingredients and sustainable practices.

Paul And Mike, the premium chocolate brand based in Kerala, secured a total of five accolades, underscoring their excellence in the industry. Notably, they earned silver awards for two of their distinctive creations: the 64 Per Cent Dark Golden Berry Chocolate and the 41 Per Cent Fine Milk Hokey Pokey Chocolate. This recent triumph adds to their impressive track record, as they also achieved significant recognition at the International Chocolate Awards 2023 last month, earning two spots in the coveted top 25 rankings.

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UK vegan dog-food maker Omni set for revenue surge after successful Fressnapf collaboration

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SnackTeam
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Omni

Omni, the UK-based producer of vegan pet food, is set to triple its revenues in 2024 following successful collaborations and listings with the European retailer Fressnapf.

According to CEO Dr Guy Sandelowsky, Omni aims to attain an annual revenue of £4 million ($5 million) in 2024, representing a significant increase from the projected £1.2 million for the year 2023.

The dry dog food and treats, categorized into ‘three life stages’ (puppy, adult, and senior), will be available for purchase through Fressnapf’s online store in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Italy.

“This launch is an important milestone for the entire alternative protein pet food movement as it clearly demonstrates the growing mainstream interest in plant-based and other alternative-protein dog food,” Sandelowsky said.

“As far as I’m aware, this is the first fully plant-based product [Fressnapf offers], especially as a full range of food.”

Before securing the Fressnapf deal, Omni primarily conducted sales within the UK through its official website. Approximately 10% of its sales were generated through the e-commerce giant Amazon and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.

Following the agreement, the company anticipates that approximately 30% of its sales will originate from the European market.

Omni’s projected revenue of £1.2 million in 2023 represents an approximate 84% increase compared to the £650,000 it earned in 2022. Regarding net profits, Sandelowsky mentioned that the company “cannot disclose that information at this stage.”

The company’s strategy focuses on highlighting the health benefits of plant-based pet food, according to Sandelowsky. He explained, “We adopt the ‘veterinary assigns that’ approach.” Sandelowsky also noted that the primary trend propelling plant-based pet food sales in the UK and Germany is the “humanisation” of pets.

“What we do to ourselves we do to our pets,” he said. “Especially amongst millennials, who may actually defer having children later at some stage in life but have a pet first.”

People are also becoming “increasingly aware of the negative health impacts” of meat eating and are “conscientious about what happens to the planet”, he added.

Half of Omni’s customer base consists of individuals identifying as vegan or vegetarian, while the other half primarily comprises flexitarians. The latter group is characterized by individuals who are mindful of the “health and environmental impact” of meat consumption and are actively “trying to cut down,” as stated by Sandelowsky.

Omni positions its dry food at approximately £6 per kg, describing itself as “low-end premium.” Sandelowsky noted that pet owners are willing to invest more in quality products.

“One thing is clear: the budget sector of the market is not where there is growth. People understand that if they’re paying a very little bit for their dog food they’re probably not getting the most high-quality ingredients in their dog food,” he said.

Omni intends to introduce its wet food range in collaboration with Fressnapf, targeting a launch around the second quarter of the upcoming year.

The company is also about to launch a supplement line and expects to introduce a cat food product in the second quarter of 2024.

Omni collaborates with a third-party manufacturer that possesses the capability to produce in both the UK and throughout Europe. As the company expands its production on the continent, Sandelowsky mentioned this manufacturing partner’s extended capacity.

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

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Victoria's Secret Beauty

Myntra, the fashion e-commerce platform, has broadened its collection of international brands by introducing Victoria’s Secret Beauty through a collaboration with Apparel Group, a fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate based in the UAE, as stated in a press release on Friday.

To begin with, Victoria’s Secret will offer a diverse selection of over 300 options on Myntra, including segments such as mists and lotions, body care, perfumes, as well as bags and wallets.

“As we officially step into the season of parties and weddings, the addition of Victoria’s Secret’s leading range of fragrances, body mists, lotions, and fashion-forward accessories, will undoubtedly enhance the international fashion and body care offerings on Myntra,” said Jayanti Ganguly, vice president – business at Myntra.

“In association with the Apparel Group, we are confident that the iconic brand will deeply resonate with our burgeoning base of premium customers spread across the nation, who possess an innate appreciation for popular international brands,” added Ganguly.

The brand’s presence on Myntra will be enhanced through an Online Brand Store (OBS), allowing users to navigate through the fragrance and luxe stores on the app, access detailed product specifications, and utilize the “shop by note” feature.

“Apparel Group is delighted to partner with Myntra, to strengthen Victoria’s Secret position in the country by offering prestige fragrances, body care and fashion forward accessories to its customers. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for our brand, as it will enable us to connect with the discerning consumer base,” said Tushar Ved, President Apparel Group.

Bengaluru-based Myntra boasts a diverse offering of over 6,000 fashion and lifestyle brands, encompassing well-known names such as H&M, Levis, Tommy Hilfiger, Louis Philippe, Jack & Jones, MANGO, Forever 21, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Puma, Crocs, M.A.C, and Fossil. With services reaching 19,000 pin codes across India, Myntra has become a prominent player in the online fashion and lifestyle marketplace.

Established in 1977 by brothers Roy and Gaye Raymond, Victoria’s Secret, the American lingerie, clothing, and beauty retailer, has evolved into a global brand. Currently, the company has around 1,360 retail stores spanning 70 countries, according to information available on its official website.

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Flash sales take center stage as apparel retailers struggle with year-end demand slump

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apparel
(Representative Image)

Despite the festive season, the last quarter of 2023 is expected to see subdued demand for apparel and lifestyle products, as shoppers remain hesitant to make purchases, contradicting retailers’ hopes for double-digit growth.

Due to the delayed onset of winter, many retailers have now started offering early discounts to attract shoppers. According to the survey conducted by the Retailers Association of India (RAI), retail sales in October and November 2023 exhibited a 7% growth compared to the sales levels during the same period in 2022.

“The last two-three months have seen muted growth despite being the festive season and the way things are going, we don’t expect any major uptick in demand for the next two quarters. Peak winter has not set in which has impacted the sales and we hope by June onwards, there will be some positive movements in demand,” said Devarajan Iyer, chief executive of department store chain Lifestyle International.

Since January of this year, the fashion retail sector has been grappling with a decline in demand, primarily attributable to inflationary pressures.

According to the Retailers Association of India (RAI), there was a slowdown in overall growth to 6% in both March and April, marking the slowest sales expansion in over 14 months. The growth marginally increased to 9% in August and September.

“In comparison with the last festive season, this festive season has been muted. This has forced us to rethink the store expansion strategy,” said Lalit Agarwal, chairman of hypermarket chain V-Mart.

Brands such as Marks & Spencer and Lifestyle acknowledged that festive sales were subdued this year. Allen Solly noted minimal growth, while Shoppers Stop, situated in a prominent mall, reported lower footfall in malls but higher activity in local markets.

Owing to lackluster festive sales, brands like Pantaloons are optimistic about winter sales. H&M mentioned that the prolonged Black Friday sales contributed to the delayed winter sales in their brand.

“Retailers had anticipated double-digit sales growth during the Puja and Diwali seasons in October and November. However, the sales growth has been muted for many retailers. Most retailers have indicated that the footfalls were not even equal to 2022 though the sales were just about the same as last year,” said Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, RAI.

In terms of segments, the value fashion segment sustained a greater impact compared to the premium segment and has not yet reached its pre-pandemic level of average sales per square foot.

With sales of homes and cars going up, taking the largest share of the wallet, people are preferring to spend the balance on experiences. Hence, there is an uptick in demand for travel and F&B and apparel sales are impacted,” said Pankaj Renjhen, chief operating officer at Anarock Retail.

In the last 6-8 months, the majority of companies have either reduced price tags or provided substantial discounts to clear unsold inventory following price increases across all apparel categories in the previous year.

“Many retailers, especially in the apparel category, only grew over last year because of new store openings and online sales. While like-for-like store business was negative in more than 50% of the retailers surveyed. Retailers did witness a growth in high-value products,” said Rajagopalan.

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Maharashtra govt eases restrictions for hotels and restaurants, extends operational hours until 5 am for festive celebrations

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Restaurant
(Representative Image)

Considering the festive season’s heightened demand in the hospitality industry, the Maharashtra government has granted permission for hotels and restaurants in the state to extend their operational hours until 5 am, as opposed to the usual 1:30 am. This relaxation will be applicable on December 24, 25, and 31.

While it is customary for the state government to ease regulations during the Christmas and New Year period, the decisions are typically announced at the eleventh hour, posing a challenge for establishments to make necessary preparations in advance.

“It’s a regular feature every year for the government to allow hotels and restaurants to stay open till 5 am. We wanted the government to give that permission in advance so that we can prepare accordingly. We are happy that the government has decided it in advance,” says Sukesh Shetty, president of AHAR, a trade body of restaurateurs in the state.

Earlier, the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), in its appeal to the government, sought a swift decision to afford the industry adequate time for preparation and the organization of exciting activities around the upcoming festive days for their patrons.

Reacting to the government decision, Pradeep Shetty, president of HRAWI said, “This is a welcome move. It will definitely help the public plan their celebrations. We anticipate a lot of domestic travel this New Year and Christmas too. Hotels will gear up for a responsible and safe Christmas and New Year celebration.”

Agreeing that the decision of extending opening hours was something that happened every year and this year’s timing was a welcome change, Anurag Katriar, past president and trustee of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), said, “These are the days when people come out to celebrate and it gives us a chance to, really get those extended hours of business when the consumption is higher and people are spending money, which is great for the trade. While I welcome this whole heartedly. I also believe the time has come for India, to now really look at 24/7 hours of commerce.”

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