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

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December 23, 2023

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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.

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

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December 23, 2023

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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.

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

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December 23, 2023

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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.

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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.

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

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December 23, 2023

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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.

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

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December 23, 2023

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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.

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

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December 23, 2023

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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.

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

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December 23, 2023

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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.”

The Original Rainbow Cone expands footprint with new franchise in Florida

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December 22, 2023

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The Original Rainbow Cone, a US-based establishment, has unveiled plans to open a new franchise location in Key West, Florida.

The upcoming venue, set to be located at 126 Duvall Street, will feature Rainbow Cone’s signature ice cream treat, along with an array of sundaes, shakes, and cakes.

This expansion marks the second Rainbow Cone location in Florida, following the opening of a Bradenton franchise in September 2023.

The company also intends to launch additional franchises in Tampa Bay, West Palm Beach, and Orlando in 2024.

The Original Rainbow Cone third generation owner Lynn Sapp said, “We are excited about the growth of our franchise programme in Florida.

“The responses we have received from the Florida communities have been incredible, and we are confident that Key West will be no exception.”

Founded in 1926 by Grandpa Joe Sapp, The Original Rainbow Cone opened its first shop in a pink building on Western Avenue in Chicago.

Subsequently, the company has broadened its presence to include kiosks and trucks across the Chicago area.

In 2022, the company launched its new franchise partner program, securing franchise agreements in Florida, California, Nashville, and Texas.

In May this year, The Original Rainbow Cone and Buona inaugurated their first dual-branded store in Valparaiso, Indiana.

The dual-concept venue, covering 4,900 square feet, features twin drive-through lanes and has the capacity to accommodate up to 80 guests.

The Original Rainbow Cone is presently exploring opportunities to expand its presence, with upcoming plans for an ice cream truck tour from Chicago to Florida.

Jamie Oliver unveils new restaurant at Ambience Mall in Gurgaon

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December 22, 2023

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British celebrity chef and restaurateur, Jamie Oliver, has unveiled a new restaurant at Ambience Mall in Gurgaon, as announced in a social media post by the company on Thursday.

The establishment will feature an array of culinary highlights spanning over 20 years of the celebrity chef’s career. It will present a diverse global cuisine crafted from sustainable ingredients. Operating with an all-day menu, the restaurant will also provide a selection of modern beverages, encompassing coffee, mocktails, and boba.

“It’s the first full format we’ve done in India. We did an all-veg one in Ahmedabad recently with no alcohol, but this is a veg, non-veg, bar, all-day dining,” said Jasper Reid, Managing Director, Dolomite Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., the India Master Franchise partner for Jamie’s Italian, Jamie’s Kitchen, Jamie’s Kitchen Cafe, Jamie’s Pizzeria and Jamie’s Diner.

“The new restaurant has every single best dish that Jamie ever cooked with a wider range than Jamie’s Italian, the emphasis is on handmade, fresh sauces, careful sourcing of ingredients, super service, amazing cocktails, amazing mocktails,” added Reid.

Reid also discussed the brand’s expansion plan, mentioning that another outlet is scheduled to open soon in Indiranagar on 12th Maine. Additionally, there are plans for 30 more restaurants, encompassing a mix of pizzerias, cafes, and kitchens, in the near future.

“We’re the largest player in the space now and are on track to the big target of INR 500 crore top line in a few years and we want to get up to 130 sites,” Reid said.

Operating within the Jamie Oliver Group, the Jamie Oliver Kitchen is part of a diverse portfolio of brands. These include Jamie Oliver Catherine St, Chequer Lane, Jamie’s Italian, Jamie Oliver’s pizzeria, Jamie Oliver’s Diner, Jamie’s Deli, and the Jamie Oliver cookery school, which spans across various regions in South America, Asia, and Europe.

As per the company’s official website, the brand has established its presence in various Indian cities, including Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Delhi-NCR, Lucknow, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

The brand has over 15 restaurants in India, emphasizing a commitment to anti-junk, anti-processed food, and anti-preservatives.

Lacoste debuts in Kerala, unveils trendsetting retail store in Kochi’s Forum Mall

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December 22, 2023

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French casualwear giant Lacoste has entered Kerala, inaugurating its first retail store in Kochi, as announced by a company official on social media. The newly opened store is situated at Prestige Group’s Forum Mall in Maradu.

“Vanakkam Kerala! The first store of Kerala, now open at Kochi, Forum Mall,” said Abhishek Raj, chief operating officer of Lacoste India in a LinkedIn post.

The brand offers a diverse range of products, including clothing and accessories, leather goods, watches, sunglasses, perfumes, footwear, and underwear.

Lacoste began its retail operations in India in 1993 and has since established approximately 40 stores across 17 cities in the country over the course of three decades.

The company is looking to adopt a more assertive approach, with aspirations to launch approximately 50 standalone stores in the country over the next five years. Marcus Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of Lacoste for the Central and Northern European Region, shared this vision during his inaugural visit to India in an interview with IndiaRetailing.

Established in 1933 by the French tennis player René Lacoste and co-founder Andre Gillier, Lacoste is a renowned French clothing brand. It holds the distinction of being the first clothing brand globally to prominently showcase its logo on its apparel.

Presently, the company boasts a network of over 1,000 stores and 15,000 points of sale spanning 98 countries. Additionally, its products are accessible through 32 online stores worldwide.

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