Thursday, February 5, 2026
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ADM to acquire leading dairy flavor manufacturer, Revela Foods

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ADM

ADM has reached an agreement to purchase Revela Foods, a U.S. dairy flavor manufacturer, for an undisclosed amount.

Specializing in clean-label dairy flavor formulations through enzyme technology, Revela is equipped with three production facilities in the US Midwest. With a workforce of around 400 employees, the company serves diverse applications, including snacks, frozen meals, sauces, dressings, soups, seasonings, and desserts.

Anticipated to reach sales of approximately $240 million in 2023, Revela’s acquisition will enhance ADM’s global dairy flavors sector and contribute to the expansion of capabilities in the savory flavors segment.

Calvin McEvoy, ADM’s president of global flavours, said, “Revela has built a strong business around its unique range of dairy flavour ingredients and solutions for customers spanning major brands, retailers and foodservice”.

“ADM has a strong presence in the North America savoury flavours segment, and we’re excited to work with the impressive Revela team to expand our opportunities there, bringing their technology and innovation together with our global capabilities to power our unparalleled range of ingredients and complete solutions for customers who are looking for great flavours and clean labels.”

Terry Schneider, Revela’s chief executive officer, commented, “We are excited to partner with ADM to further Revela’s reputation as an innovative, turnkey provider of dairy flavour ingredients and solutions. We believe joining the ADM family will allow us to offer even broader solutions to our customers and will provide our employees with even greater opportunities for advancement.”

Ian Pinner, president of ADM’s nutrition business, added, “ADM’s integrated business model and unparalleled production and product application expertise power a portfolio of customisable, complete nutrition solutions that no other company can match. Our flavours business is an important pillar of our Nutrition growth strategy, and we are continuing to add to our flavours pantry to ensure we remain the partner of choice for customers around the globe.”

The finalization of the acquisition is contingent upon meeting standard closing conditions and obtaining regulatory approvals.

ADM intends to finalize the transaction in the early months of 2024.

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Lindt and ChoViva team up for special edition vegan chocolate bar

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Soft & Creamy Hazelnut

Lindt and ChoViva, a vegan chocolate brand, have collaborated to introduce a special edition chocolate bar in celebration of Veganuary.

ChoViva is the brainchild of foodtech start-up Planet A Foods, which developed its cocoa-free chocolate by fermenting oats and sunflower seeds.

Named “Soft & Creamy Hazelnut,” the bar highlights a delightful ChoViva hazelnut and oat crème filling paired with hazelnut and oat cookie pieces, all encased in Lindt’s classic Hello Vegan chocolate.

The new creation is the result of a collaboration between Planet A Foods and Lindt & Sprüngli. Sara Marquart, co-founder and CTO of Planet A Foods, said, “Lindt represents the highest chocolate craftsmanship and best taste, and it feels incredible to create such a great product with such a significant company”.

According to Planet A Foods, ChoViva is asserted to generate 90% fewer CO2 emissions per kilogram during manufacturing compared to conventional chocolate.

The release of the Lindt Hello Vegan Soft & Creamy Hazelnut bar is scheduled for a limited duration in January.

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Nestlé tackles protein gap with affordable, plant-based Maggi Soya Chunks

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Maggi Soya Chunks

Expanding access to nutritious and sustainable food is more important than ever. Today, many people do not have access to an adequate and diverse diet that provides enough protein and micronutrients. With this in mind, Nestlé is actively exploring the use of plant-based ingredients to bring nutritious proteins to consumers in an affordable and sustainable way.

The company recently launched Maggi Soya Chunks, a tasty, affordable, plant-based meat alternative that enables consumers in Central and West Africa to add high-quality protein to their everyday food.

Crafted from soy, every pack supplies ample protein for up to eight individuals, offering lower costs in comparison to animal protein, along with reduced saturated fats and cholesterol. In an effort to tackle prevalent micronutrient deficiencies in the region, these packs are enriched with iron and zinc.

“We’re focused on using more plant-based ingredients as part of our efforts to deliver affordable, nutritious products that contribute to closing the protein gap that exists for many consumers. Our soya chunks are not only delicious but serve an excellent choice for families looking to enhance their daily diets with increased protein and essential micronutrients in an affordable way,” says Céline Worth, R&D program manager for Affordable Nutrition at Nestlé.

With a flavor, texture, and versatility closely resembling meat, the soya chunks serve as a flexible protein source suitable for various family meals, including rice dishes, stews, and spaghetti.

Available in a shelf-stable format, the product is accessible to a diverse range of consumers, including those in regions with a limited cold supply chain. When cooked, the chunks hydrate and acquire a flavorful, meat-like texture.

Shivani Hegde, global category lead for Affordable Nutrition, Food Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé added, “The launch of Maggi Soya Chunks is another key step in our endeavor to offer our consumers convenient, enjoyable and sustainable food solutions that are nutritious, accessible and affordable.”

Harnessing its worldwide presence and innovation expertise, Nestlé is strategically positioned to introduce innovative ideas for cost-effective nutrition. The company is actively researching products that blend the nutritional benefits of milk with plant-based ingredients, offering consumers the best of both realms. A recent illustration of this approach is the introduction of Nido Milk & Soya—a budget-friendly, nutritious instant powdered beverage crafted from a combination of milk and soy, rich in essential nutrients like protein, fiber, iron, and calcium.

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Transform Your Eating Habits Using One Single Hack: Mindfulness

mindfulness

Our eating habits reflect not just our tastes but also our mental state and understanding of our bodies. Preferences can change, and what we enjoy today might not be the same tomorrow. Many people discuss the connection between food and mental health, but it seems more logical the other way around. When we’re fully tuned in to what our bodies need, how they react to different foods, and can distinguish true hunger from a craving induced by our minds, that’s when we can truly make mindful choices.

By exploring the transformative impact of incorporating mindfulness practices into our routines, we can enjoy a more conscious, enjoyable, and nourishing relationship with food.

What Is Mindfulness

Mindfulness offers us a pause—a moment to step away from the chaos and bring our attention to the present. Put plainly, it is about paying attention to the current moment— thoughts, feelings, how our body feels, and what’s around us—using a gentle and caring perspective. 

As we invite mindfulness into our daily routines, even just dedicating a few precious minutes, the impact on our well-being becomes increasingly evident. It’s more than a fleeting trend; it’s a lifestyle shift that goes beyond the boundaries of instant gains. The results of following this practice unfold in the form of a guide to making more informed decisions for our bodies. 

Mindfulness Meditation

When we integrate activities like meditation into our lives, we open a door to a heightened sensitivity to the present moment. Those unattended twinges and discomforts no longer stay dormant in the background; they come to the forefront, demanding acknowledgment and care. This newfound awareness, though sometimes uncomfortable, serves as a compass steering us toward a path of holistic health. Much the same way, we become more sensitive to the cues our body gives us with respect to hunger, thirst and cravings. 

How Does It Impact Our Eating Habits

By honing our ability to stay focused on the present, we cultivate a deeper connection with the process of cooking, planning, and ultimately, savouring our meals. The simple act of mindfully engaging in these daily rituals becomes a transformative journey towards a healthier and more conscious way of living. 

Think about the times you spend in the kitchen—usually, it’s a quick rush to get things done, ingredients put together in a hurry, and meals eaten without much thought. Mindfulness steps in and urges us to slow down, and be fully present in the culinary process. Suddenly, chopping vegetables turns into a calming rhythm, and the aroma of every spice and ingredient becomes a chance to explore our senses, going beyond just eating to feel fuller by the end of a meal. 

Breaking the Cycle

You know those moments when you find yourself munching on snacks without even realising it? Or when a bag of chips disappears in no time? Mindfulness acts like a superhero for our eating habits, shaking things up and breaking the autopilot mode we often slip into- the habit of eating without thinking. Mindfulness steps in and asks us to slow down and notice those cravings and emotional triggers without being too hard on ourselves. Ever had a late-night binge or snacked on something just because it was there? Mindfulness gives us the power to choose intentionally, making us aware of what and why we’re eating. It’s like putting the steering wheel back in our hands, so we decide where our eating habits go instead of letting them drive us.

Emotional Eating

Think of daily meditation as your buddy during stressful times, the usual suspect behind emotional eating. It’s like a shield, helping you handle stress by keeping your mind calm and centred. When life gets tough, mindfulness steps in like a superhero, giving you the strength to face stress with resilience.  

Instead of reaching for snacks impulsively when stress hits, mindfulness guides you to make thoughtful choices. It’s like having a reliable friend that prevents you from using food as a quick fix for stress, turning you into a stress-fighting champion.

Mindful Eating Practices

When we eat mindfully, each bite becomes a chance to enjoy the textures, flavours, and goodness in our meals. It’s not about restrictive diets but appreciating the richness in every moment our plates offer. Mindfulness transforms meals from just eating to a thoughtful celebration of what sustains us—a perfect mix of nourishment of the body and the soul.

In our busy lives today, adding a bit of mindfulness can really change how we eat. Just by taking up a mindful practice like daily meditation, we can discover how powerful it is for our connection with food. It turns our everyday meals into thoughtful moments of nourishment, creating a healthier and more aware way of eating.

Why Top CEOs Swear By Mindful Eating for Maximum Productivity and Success!

 

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McDonald’s India teams up with Mondelez for exclusive Cadbury Gems dessert range

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McFlurry with Gems

McDonald’s India (West and South) has partnered with Mondelez to introduce a range of desserts.

McDonald’s presents an exclusive menu featuring Cadbury Gems. The fresh additions comprise McFlurry with Gems, Sundae with Gems, and Chocolate and Strawberry Shakes adorned with these iconic treats.

During this limited-time partnership, McDonald’s combines its expertise in creating delightful and convenient delicacies with Mondelez’s beloved Gems, a brand that has deeply connected with Indian consumers for decades.

“We are excited to partner with Mondelez to bring these innovative and playful treats to our desserts-loving fans. Gems have been a childhood favorite for many Indians, and we believe this collaboration will create a delightful experience for all. With this unique and playful twist to our iconic McFlurry and other desserts, we are set to provide our customers an enjoyable treat that will not only satisfy their sweet tooth but also offer novelty,” said Arvind R.P., CMO, McDonald’s India (W&S).

The McFlurry with Gems and Sundae with Gems showcase a creamy vanilla soft-serve base, complemented by a chocolate dip and hot fudge sauce, respectively, and topped off with a generous sprinkling of Gems. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Shake and Chocolate Shake with Gems achieve a perfect balance between creamy smoothness and crunchy delight.

“We are thrilled to unveil a symphony of flavors with exclusive Cadbury Gems-Topped Desserts with McDonald’s India. This collaboration brings together the iconic Cadbury Gems and McDonald’s expertise in crafting delightful treats, promising a delectable experience for dessert enthusiasts. We are excited to contribute to the sweet memories and moments that these treats will undoubtedly create for them,” said Nitin Saini, VP- Marketing, Mondelez India.

The limited-time offerings include the McFlurry with Gems, Chocolate Shake with Gems, Strawberry Shake with Gems, and Sundae with Gems.

These items will be available through McDelivery, takeaway, on-the-go options, dine-in, and Drive-Thru at McDonald’s locations across West and South India.

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Delivery Hero to shut down tech hubs in Turkiye and Taiwan, re-evaluates workforce in Berlin

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Delivery Hero

Germany-based online food delivery company Delivery Hero is set to close its global tech hubs in Turkiye and Taiwan.

Additionally, the company is considering reducing its workforce at its Berlin headquarters.

Delivery Hero in a statement said, “While we believe that this is a necessary step as our business enters the next stage of its maturity, it does mean we will be letting go of employees who have made many valuable contributions in their time with us.”

The company had previously implemented a 13% workforce reduction at its Berlin headquarters and global service roles earlier this month. The exact number of employees impacted by its latest decision has not been disclosed.

The company is prioritizing profitability and aiming to sustain the confidence of its investors, which has waned following a pandemic-induced surge.

In September 2023, there were reports suggesting that Delivery Hero explored options to partially divest its Asian business to the Singapore-based tech company Grab.

The initial report on the deal came from the German weekly business news magazine Wirtschaftswoche.

While the ultimate value of the deal is still being negotiated, Wirtschaftswoche’s report suggests that Grab might pay slightly over €1 billion ($1.07 billion) for the unit.

The food delivery company intends to divest operations under the Foodpanda brand in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

In July 2023, Delivery Hero completed the acquisition of the remaining 37% stake in its Saudi Arabian subsidiary, HungerStation, for €267.3 million.

HungerStation, linking over 10,000 partners with customers, has positioned itself as a prominent player in the region’s food delivery landscape.

In the fiscal year 2022, HungerStation recorded a revenue increase of 36%, reaching €609 million, and achieved positive earnings before interest and taxes, which include group costs exceeding €50 million.

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Papa John’s unveils mouthwatering calzone-inspired Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza!

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Papa John's - Cheesy Calzone Epic Stuffed Crust pizza

US-based pizza restaurant chain Papa John’s International has introduced its newest offering, the Cheesy Calzone Epic Stuffed Crust pizza.

The calzone-inspired stuffed crust is the latest addition to Papa John’s pizza offerings, complementing the existing choices of pepperoni and garlic varieties.

It becomes part of the menu alongside items like the Crispy Parm Pizza, Doritos Cool Ranch Papadia, and Oreo Cookie Papa Bites.

The Cheesy Calzone Epic Stuffed Crust pizza showcases fresh dough filled with a blend of mozzarella and garlic-herb ricotta, allowing for customizable toppings and an additional side of sauce for dipping.

Papa Johns International senior vice-president of menu strategy and product innovation Kimberly Bean said, “Papa Johns has made a name for itself in the stuffed crust game by continuing to innovate and offer new flavour combinations that deliver on the quality we’re known for.

“We know fans are looking for more indulgent, savoury flavours and deliciously surprising textures, so we can’t wait for them to get a taste of the newest spin on the Epic Stuffed Crust they love.”

Starting December 18, 2023, the latest menu addition will be exclusively accessible to members of the Papa Rewards loyalty program.

On December 26, it will be available nationwide in the United States, with a starting price of $14.99 for a one-topping pizza.

In 2024, Papa John’s is set to unveil a new addition to its menu, the Cheesy Calzone Papa Bites, as a fresh and flavorful side dish.

Loyalty members can access it starting January 22, while it will be available for all customers from January 29.

In August 2023, Papa John’s International introduced its Garlic Epic Stuffed Crust pizza across Canada.

The franchise operates in over 5,800 restaurants spanning 50 countries and territories.

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Jubilant FoodWorks announces Suman Hegde as new Executive VP and CFO

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Jubilant FoodWorks
Jubilant FoodWorks

Jubilant FoodWorks, the master franchisee for Domino’s Pizza and Dunkin’ Donuts, announced on Tuesday the appointment of Suman Hegde as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the company.

In a Tuesday meeting, the board of JFL approved the appointment of Hedge. Currently serving as the Vice President of Finance – Beauty, Wellbeing & Personal Care, South Asia, at the prominent FMCG manufacturer Hindustan Unilever, Hedge brings valuable experience to the role.

According to a statement from JFL, Hedge will officially assume the role effective March 1, 2024. JFL, serving as the master franchisee for renowned QSR brands like Popeyes and Hong’s Kitchen, provided this information.

Commenting on the development, JFL CEO & MD Sameer Khetarpal said, “As a leader, she brings high-quality experience in customer-first thinking, ability to partner with businesses and lead high-performing teams. The appointment is in line with the company’s strategic priority of building a solid yet diverse foundation of people and culture.”

Hedge brings more than two decades of experience and has occupied leadership roles within the finance domain.

She holds a Chartered Accountant designation and earned her MBA from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai.

Within India, JFL manages a network of 1,888 Domino’s stores spanning 397 cities.

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FirstCry plans to launch IPO, aims for a $500-600 Million funding round

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FirstCry

After postponing its initial public offering (IPO) last year amidst volatile market conditions, omnichannel retailer FirstCry is reportedly preparing to submit its draft IPO papers in the coming days, according to insiders. The company’s objective is to secure funding in the range of $500-600 million through its upcoming public offering.

Although the valuation has yet to be officially determined, insiders familiar with the ongoing discussions suggest that it could be estimated at approximately $4 billion for the IPO.

“The draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) is likely to be filed with the markets regulator Sebi before December 29. The listing is expected to be post the general elections..,” said a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Following Nykaa‘s IPO in 2021, FirstCry is set to become the second Indian vertical ecommerce platform to go public. Headquartered in Pune, the company specializes in offering a range of products for children and mothers through both online and offline channels.

Ahead of its initial public offering (IPO) in August, three family investment offices associated with India Inc acquired stakes in FirstCry, totaling approximately INR 435 crore. The MEMG Family Office of Ranjan Pai (Manipal Group), Sharrp Ventures of Harsh Mariwala (Marico), and the DSP family office of Hemendra Kothari participated in the investment, primarily acquiring stakes from the company’s largest investor, SoftBank.

FirstCry is required to maintain its foreign shareholding below 51%, adhering to the ecommerce Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulations in the country. Notably, SoftBank is actively seeking to reduce its stake to below 26% to avoid being categorized as a promoter of the company.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Ola Electric, another company within Masayoshi Son’s SoftBank Corp portfolio, is set to submit its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) in the upcoming days.

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V&RO Hospitality and Mouni Roy unveil Badmaash in Lower Parel, promising a memorable fusion dining experience!

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Badmaash

V&RO Hospitality, in partnership with Mouni Roy, has launched Badmaash at Lower Parel, Kamala Mills.

True to its name, Badmaash is a mischievous and playful homage to all things Indian. Infused with an unconventional and distinctive essence, the experience at Badmaash promises delightful surprises in every aspect – be it the cuisine, beverages, music, or overall ambiance.

Step into the lively world of Badmaash Kamala Mills, a sophisticated venue that envelops guests in a distinctive ambiance, seamlessly combining vibrant colors, daring patterns, and unrestrained energy with a touch of luxury.

The dining establishment provides cozy seating options, including booths and high tables. At its heart, the magnificent community table serves as a focal point, bringing everything together seamlessly.

The menu at Badmaash in Lower Parel takes a progressive approach to Indian cuisine and has been thoughtfully curated by Chef Ishant Khanna. Assisting him is Chef Japneet Singh, the Chef de Cuisine.

The varied menu pays homage to street food, local and regional recipes, a selection of home-cooked delicacies, and contemporary global influences, all infused with a hint of desi masala.

The diverse menu celebrates street food, local and regional recipes, some home-cooked delicacies, and contemporary global influences with a touch of desi masala.

Speaking about the launch, Dawn Thomas, Managing Director and Co-founder of V&RO Hospitality said, “We are excited to announce the expansion of Badmaash into a new location in Mumbai, building on the success and warmth received by other outlets in the country. Badmaash embodies the perfect blend of innovation, gastronomy, and vibrant energy.”

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