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SOCIAL unveils new cloud kitchen brand ‘Aflatoon,’ elevating North Indian cuisine with creative flair

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Aflatoon

Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. proudly unveils its newest cloud kitchen venture, Aflatoon, just in time for the festive season. True to its whimsical name, Aflatoon guarantees a luxurious culinary journey within the confines of your home, presenting delectable North Indian cuisine with a creative twist.

Inspired by the love and essence of North India, the Aflatoon experience is a carefully curated blend where familiarity intertwines with surprise, and traditional classics are reimagined into creations that both astonish and delight the senses. Unlike ordinary dishes, the Aflatoon experience is truly extraordinary—an explosion of flavors and a quirky adventure that propels you on a thrilling journey through the marvels of culinary delights.

Aflatoon’s culinary offerings elevate the palate to a realm of luxury, all while encapsulating the joy of shared meals within the cozy confines of home. Distinctive delights such as the Kale and Palak Patta Chaat feature a medley of Kale and Palak Fritters, Quinoa, Orange, Pomegranate, and Dal Moth, accompanied by Mint Chutney, Saunth, and Yoghurt. The menu also boasts variations of Paneer Makhanwala and Butter Chicken—available in three enticing avatars: Creamy AF, Spicy, and Truffled. Aflatoon by SOCIAL guarantees a delightful experience, catering to even the most discerning taste buds.

The menu further features distinctive offerings such as Balsamic Beetroot & Papdi Chaat, Angoori Golgappe, Lemongrass Pesto Prawns, 6-chilli Kadai Paneer, and Aflatoon Wok Chicken—consisting of chicken tossed with rainbow peppers, served with Chilli-Mint Chutney, Laccha Onion, and Green Chilli. These are complemented by a selection of truly innovative North Indian delicacies, providing a twist to traditional flavors.

Divya Aggarwal, chief growth officer, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., shares, “Creating Aflatoon was a journey of passion and innovation. We wanted to seize the soul of North Indian flavours while surprising diners with unpredictable twists. We’re thrilled to bring this experience with foodies across the nation and we are sure that people will love this.”

The goal is to seamlessly integrate Aflatoon into the essence of every group gathering, where enjoyment and food converge, reshaping the way foodie Indians perceive and savor North Indian cuisine.

“Through Aflatoon, we aim to capture the true essence of North Indian flavours sprinkled with a twist of surprise. Backed by over two decades of collective experience, Aflatoon is our effort towards creating a memorable meal, where every morsel is an ode to North Indian flavours coupled with luxurious experience, all within the comfort of our patrons’ homes,” said Shamsul Wahid, group executive chef at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. and the culinary mastermind behind Aflatoon.

Aflatoon is currently accessible for home delivery exclusively via Zomato, catering exclusively to the Delhi-NCR region and progressively expanding its availability to other regions throughout India.

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ONDC network live in 500 towns & cities, MoS Commerce affirms full adherence to e-commerce regulations

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ONDC
ONDC

During the 13th day of the Parliament’s Winter Session, e-commerce took center stage as the government addressed a myriad of questions concerning regulation, competition, ONDC, and e-commerce exports.

Responding to a question, the Minister of State (MoS) for Commerce and Industry, Som Parkash, mentioned on Wednesday that the ONDC network is now live in 500 towns and cities across the country.

“The geographic coverage of ONDC is determined both by the capability of its Network participants and the independent business decisions of merchants onboarded by the Network participants,” he added.

Parkash’s comments were part of a written response to a question by Lok Sabha member Ravikumar D on whether ecommerce regulations extended to the state-backed ONDC.

“All existing laws and regulations of India, related to ecommerce apply to ONDC and the Network Participants on [the] ONDC network,” Parkash said.

The government additionally stated that ONDC was implementing ‘comprehensive’ measures to guarantee trust, fairness, and transparency on the network. This includes ensuring fairness in search and discovery, payment mechanisms, KYC requirements, reviews and ratings, and enforcement, among other aspects.

During the session, Parkash highlighted that the government, thus far, has not conducted any studies to address the competition-related issues identified in the 172nd report of the Rajya Sabha on the promotion and regulation of e-commerce in India.

The minister further mentioned that the government had submitted an ‘Action Taken’ report in response to the recommendations put forth by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce regarding the issue.

Coincidentally, at that time, the government had opted not to adopt any recommendations concerning the aspect of competition.

The standing committee proposed alterations to the existing regulatory framework covering e-commerce, the Competition Act of 2002, issues related to the abuse of dominant positions by major players, and guidelines for mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, the committee suggested that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs make ‘concerted efforts’ to expedite the finalization and enactment of the Competition Amendment Bill as soon as possible.

In the action-taken report, the government highlighted that the amendment bill would incorporate the majority of the recommendations made by the standing committee concerning competition and would also fill gaps in the existing regulatory framework.

Regarding whether the government has entered into partnerships with any startup or private entities for ecommerce exports, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel mentioned that initiatives are underway to foster ecommerce exports through collaborations with diverse stakeholders.

“… outreach events are being held in the districts under Districts as Export Hubs initiative with [a] focus on promoting ecommerce exports of the identified goods from the districts in collaboration with various stakeholders,” said Patel in a written response.

Patel stated that the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is working in conjunction with different ecommerce platforms to boost the export of goods through ecommerce from the country.

“The core objective of this collaboration is to leverage ecommerce platforms operating in other countries to support local exporters, manufacturers, and MSMEs in India in reaching potential international buyers,” the MoS added.

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Swiggy follows Zomato’s lead, introduces a 2% collection fee on restaurants

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Swiggy
Swiggy

Swiggy, a leading player in the food technology industry, has implemented a 2% ‘collection fee’ on restaurants for every order. This fee is aimed at streamlining the payment process for customers using the food delivery platform.

Although the company refrained from providing an official statement on the issue, insiders have revealed that the platform has indeed started imposing the new charge. According to reports, the fee will be subtracted from the payouts allocated to the participating restaurants.

This development follows the company’s recent communication to specific partner restaurants regarding the forthcoming change.

As per a correspondence seen by The Economic Times, Swiggy said, “Commencing from December 20, 2023, we will be introducing a standardised 2% collection fee on all orders. This fee is designed to facilitate smooth customer payments on the Swiggy platform. It is important to note that this amount will be subtracted from your payouts.”

Interestingly, Swiggy is adopting a strategy similar to its competitor Zomato, which has already enforced a ‘payment gateway fee’ of around 1.8% on all orders. However, the noteworthy aspect is that Swiggy’s recent implementation of this fee comes more than four to five years after Zomato, led by Deepinder Goyal, introduced its own gateway fee.

Meanwhile, the decision appears to have stirred significant dissatisfaction among certain members of the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI). Sagar Daryani, the vice president of the industry body and founder of the QSR chain Wow! Momo, reportedly described Swiggy’s new charges as an ‘unwelcome distraction’.

In a statement to ET, he conveyed that the ‘collection fee’ serves as a method to indirectly raise commission costs. However, the NRAI opted not to provide comments on queries related to the matter.

The imposition of the new charge is likely part of Swiggy’s strategy to create alternative revenue streams and bolster its top line in preparation for a public listing next year. Earlier this year, the foodtech major also increased its platform fee to INR 3 per order, irrespective of cart value, as a measure to enhance unit economics and elevate revenues.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy increases platform fee to INR 3 per order to boost profitability ahead of IPO in 2024

Extend Your Reading: Swiggy lays groundwork for mega IPO launch; taps top banks for key advisory roles

According to reports, Swiggy maintains an average order value of approximately INR 400. Therefore, a 2% collection fee would result in an extra INR 8 in revenue per order for Swiggy. This has the potential to contribute to improved unit economics for the company, aiming to present a robust balance sheet to investors when filing for its IPO papers.

According to Prosus, Swiggy’s investor, the half-yearly financial report reveals a 28% year-on-year growth in gross merchandise value (GMV) for the startup’s food delivery business, reaching $1.43 billion in the first six months of FY24.

The foodtech company also stood out as one of the Dutch investor’s top performers, boasting an impressive 7% internal rate of return (IRR) in the first half of fiscal year 2024.

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Domino’s Pizza Eurasia declines Jubilant Foodworks’ revised takeover bid

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Domino's Pizza

Domino’s Pizza (DP) Eurasia has rejected a revised takeover proposal from Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands (JFN) on the grounds that the offer does not reflect the true value of the business.

DP Eurasia holds the master franchise for the Domino’s Pizza brand in Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.

JFN stands as a fully owned subsidiary of Jubilant FoodWorks (JFW), a foodservice company headquartered in India.

JFN holds a 54.67% stake in the issued and outstanding share capital of DP Eurasia.

In its stock exchange filing, JFW stated, “Pursuant to the mandatory bid provisions contained in Article 30 of DP Eurasia’s articles of association, JFN through the Offer proposes to acquire, the remaining (up to 45.33%) of issued and outstanding ordinary share capital of DP Eurasia not already held by JFN.”

JFN’s original proposal, dated November 28, 2023, was set at 85p per DP Eurasia share. The revised offer now stands at 95p per share.

JFN intends to purchase the remaining 45.33% stake for a sum of up to €73.4 million ($80.52 million).

DP Eurasia stated in its stock exchange filing, “The non-conflicted members of the board of the Company have determined that it is significantly below what they consider to be the fair value of the DP Eurasia business and its prospects, particularly considering its continued strong performance.

“As a result, the Board, having taken advice from its financial advisors, Liberum, has concluded that it is not recommending the Revised Offer and continues to urge minority shareholders to take no action.”

The board aims to pursue ongoing discussions with Jubilant to attain a equitable offer price for DP Eurasia that aligns with their recommendation.

DP Eurasia operates 678 stores in Turkey, ten in Azerbaijan, and six in Georgia.

Additionally, it manages a coffee brand called COFFY, boasting 67 stores, of which 78% operate under franchise agreements.

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Cozy Soups & Stews (Bowlfuls of Comfort): A Parent’s Ultimate Guide!

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soups

As the colder months approach, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup or stew to bring comfort and coziness to our homes. For busy parents, these dishes provide nourishment and warmth but also require minimal time and effort, to prepare. That’s why we have developed The Ultimate Guide to Cozy Soups and Stews for Parents. In this guide, you’ll find a variety of easy stews and cozy soups that will surely satisfy your family’s cravings and keep them warm and happy during the chilly season. So get ready to dive into some delicious and comforting recipes this winter.

1. The Magic of Simple Ingredients

The magic often lies in the simplicity of ingredients while creating delicious soups and stews. Whether it is a comforting chicken noodle soup, a hearty mix veg soup, or a flavorful corn soup, using fresh and simple ingredients takes your dish to a whole new level. Only a few ingredients are what it takes to create a nourishing and delicious meal. Don’t underestimate the power of simple ingredients – they can always your soup or stew into a bowlful of pure comfort and joy.

2. Mastering the Art of Balance

Every parent can master the art of creating a perfectly balanced soup. There is a need to strike a balance between flavors and texture to create a delicious and comforting dish. Finding the right balance is the key be it the rich spicy flavors of Schzewan soup to the subtle blend of sweet and savory in a butternut squash stew. By experimenting a little with different ingredients and seasonings, you can create a bowlful of soup or stew that is full of flavor and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family. So get your creative minds to cooking and discover your perfect balance of flavors.

soup varieties

3. Variety is the Spice of Life

When it comes to soups and stews, variety truly is the spice of life! There is always something new to explore with endless combinations of ingredients, flavors and textures. From a bowlful of corn soup to a spicy Szechuan soup, the possibilities are endless. So don’t stick to those old recipes when you can spice up your meals and excite your taste buds. Embrace variety in your kitchen and let your creativity blend into something unique.

4. The Joy of Sharing – Soups and Stews!

One of the biggest pleasures of cooking is the opportunity to enjoy a cup of soup with family. It’s tremendously wonderful to gather around the table and offer a steaming cup of soup to your loved ones. It generates a sense of togetherness by creating a sense of connection. The act of sharing offers a sense of delight and fulfilment. So, embrace the joy of sharing and spread warmth and love with each bowl of comfort you make.

5. Catering to Modern Day Needs

In today’s fast-paced world, parents are busy working and are looking for quick and convenient meal options. That is why, when it comes to soups and stews, it is critical to meet modern demands. There are numerous ways to accommodate the demands of busy parents, from supplying pre-packaged soup kits that can be readily produced in minutes to introducing novel flavours like Szechuan soup. You can ensure that parents have access to soothing meals that fit into their hectic schedules by providing convenient, tasty, and nutritional options.

6. Wrapping it Up with Warmth and Love

In the world of parenthood, where every day is an adventure and every moment counts, the comfort of a cup of soup or stew is unsurpassed. Through the simple act of sharing a cosy meal, this definitive handbook invites you to explore, create, and savour the joys of parenthood. So

gather the family around the table, spoon in hand, and allow the warmth of a well-crafted soup or stew to serve as the backdrop to innumerable family memories.

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Pret A Manger expands its global reach with a first store in Qatar

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Pret A Manger
Pret A Manger

Pret A Manger, the UK-based sandwich and coffee chain, has opened its first restaurant in Qatar through a partnership with Al Mana Holding, as reported by World Coffee Portal.

The recently opened store can be found on the fifth floor of the City Center Doha shopping center.

Pret A Manger CEO Pano Christou stated on LinkedIn, “It’s so great to see Pret A Manger opening its first store in Qatar. If you are in Qatar and looking for handmade freshly prepared food and fantastic organic coffee, this is the place to go. This is probably the most beautiful Pret shop in the world.”

According to a Zawya report, the deal was first announced in February 2023 after Al Mana Holding became the Qatar franchisee of the Pret A Manger brand.

One PM Holding, the master franchisee overseeing the sandwich and coffee chain in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, has granted sub-franchising rights to Al Mana Holding in the country.

At that time, Al Mana Holding Deputy CEO Abdulrahman Hamad Al Mana stated, “We’re thrilled to partner with One PM holding to bring Pret A Manger, the iconic British food and coffee brand, to Qatar, and look forward to launching and expanding its presence in the Qatari market.

“We are confident we can bring Pret to more people through their freshly made food and organic coffee offering.”

In addition to Pret A Manger, Al Mana Holding’s portfolio encompasses brands such as Caribou Coffee, Cinnabon, Wendy’s, Subway, and MOOYAH.

The UK-based sandwich and coffee chain presently runs five establishments in the UAE through its franchisee, Emirates Leisure Retail.

Pret A Manger Asia managing director Eira Jarvis was quoted by World Coffee Portal as saying, “After announcing our partnership with the Al Mana group earlier this year, it is great to be finally bringing Pret to Qatar.

“Our mission is to offer delicious and freshly made food and organic coffee to people all over the world, and we’re thrilled to now include the people of Doha in our growing global customer base.”

Pret A Manger has set a goal to achieve 700 stores across 18 international markets by the end of the upcoming year.

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Winter Comfort: Explore the Best 10 Hearty Vegetarian Soup Recipes

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Winter Comfort - Soup Recipes

When the harsh winter days arrive, there’s nothing like a warm and soothing bowl of soup to curl up with. Finding nutritious and fulfilling soup dishes might take a lot of work for vegetarians. But don’t worry; we’ve got what all it takes to help you this winter! This blog post will look into the top 10 vegetarian soup recipes that would satiate your tongue this winter. From creamy vegetable soups to spicy lentil stews, these soup recipes will warm your body and soul. So take a spoon and prepare to enter the realm of winter comfort soups!

Vegetarian Soup Recipes for Winter Comfort!

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of winter comfort food and reveal the best 10 hearty
vegetarian soup recipes that will provide warmth to your heart and delight your taste senses.

1. Roasted Butternut Squash

The rich and silky Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is perfect to begin your winter culinary expedition. The sweetness of Roasted butternut squash’s blends with aromatic spices to produce a soul-soothing combination. This soup is not only delicious, but it also adds a splash of colour to your winter table.

soup

2. Spicy Lentil and Kale Soup

Spicy Lentil and Kale Soup is filling and very healthy meal. This soup is a powerhouse of flavour and health benefits, thanks to its protein-rich lentils and nutrient-dense kale. The moderate heat from the spices adds another depth, making it ideal for those chilly winter evenings.

3. Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup

Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup is earthy and satisfying. This dish mixes a variety of wild mushrooms to produce a velvety texture with a strong umami flavour. A dash of cream adds richness, making this soup a sumptuous and soothing option for those cold winter days when you need something a little more decadent.

best lentil soup

4. Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe

The Vegetarian Minestrone Soup will bring a taste of Italy to your winter dinner. This soup is a nourishing and hearty meal, packed with a mix of colourful veggies, beans, and pasta. It’s a tasty classic that’s both warm and nourishing thanks to the aromatic blend of herbs and tomatoes.

5. Curried Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup

Curried Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup will warm up your chilly evenings with its delicious flavours. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and a dash of spice combine to provide a delicious flavour fusion. This soup not only warms you up but also gives a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.

cold soup

6. Coconut Lentil Soup

The Coconut Lentil Soup will transport you to a tropical paradise. This dish blends the heartiness of lentils with the creaminess of coconut milk to create a beautiful and filling soup. The inclusion of aromatic spices enriches the overall experience, making it a cosy choice for cold winter days when you crave unique flavours.

7. Quinoa and Vegetable Stew

Warm yourself this winter with the hearty Quinoa and Vegetable Stew. This stew is full and healthful, thanks to the protein-rich quinoa and colourful vegetables. Its rich combination of textures and flavours makes it a delectable alternative for anyone looking for a filling and nourishing winter lunch.

Chicken soup

8. Tomato Basil Orzo Soup Recipe

Tomato Basil Orzo Soup celebrates the classic mix of tomatoes and basil. The inclusion of orzo pasta to this soup recipe gives a soothing and substantial aspect. Soup recipe, bursting with freshness and simplicity, is a go-to alternative for a quick and delicious winter lunch.

9. Chickpea and Spinach Stew

You can fuel your body with Chickpea and Spinach Stew. This protein-rich stew is highly rich in vitamins and minerals. The flavorful combination of spices and the heartiness of chickpeas make it a hearty option for cold winter nights.

soup-recipe

10. Cauliflower and Leek Chowder

Cauliflower and Leek Chowder will round off your investigation of hearty vegetarian soups. This velvety chowder combines cauliflower’s delicate sweetness with leeks’ faint onion flavour, resulting in a creamy and comforting pleasure. It’s an excellent way to end your winter supper on a high note.

As winter wraps its icy grasp around us, these 10 hearty vegetarian soup recipes provide not only warmth but also a symphony of flavours that celebrate the wealth of the season.

These dishes, from the earthy depth of mushroom soup to the exotic allure of coconut lentil, demonstrate the flexibility and sustenance that vegetarian soups can give. So gather your ingredients, put on your warmest jumper and allow these soul-warming bowls of goodness be your winter companions, giving comfort and delight to every frigid day.

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Snoop Dogg and Hill Beverage Co partner to launch cannabis-infused ‘Do It Fluid’ beverages

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Do It Fluid

Hill Beverage Co has partnered with rapper Snoop Dogg and the independent record label Death Row Records to introduce a new line of beverages called Do It Fluid, featuring cannabis and hemp infusion.

This product range, incorporating THC and CBD infusions, presents a natural and high-quality substitute for traditional alcoholic beverages and smoking.

The lineup features four robust flavors—Blood Orange, Blue Razz, Cherry Limeade, and Peaches N Honies—offered in both CBD-only and Delta-9 THC + CBD blend variations. Geared towards consumers aged 21 and above, the brand aims to enhance its nationwide in-store presence by 2024.

Snoop Dogg said, “As I take the next step forward in my smoking evolution, Hill Beverage Co.’s vision for cannabis beverages was the perfect transition. What we’ve created is an all-natural and delicious alternative that doesn’t sacrifice the high while providing fans with the perfect option for day or night.”

Hill Beverage’s CEO and founder, Jake Hill, added, “Taking my passion for cannabis and curating an all-natural high alternative for consumers that is both bold and fulfilling in flavour is a testament to the new direction the cannabis industry is heading”.

“Our debut line alongside Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records is the perfect way to cement our brand within the cannabis and beverage space, and I’m excited for consumers, whether or not they’re familiar with the cannabis marketplace, to experience the line.”

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McDonald’s partners with Accenture to boost innovation and efficiency with AI

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McDonald's

McDonald’s has announced a strategic expansion in partnership with Accenture to incorporate generative AI technology across its restaurants worldwide.

The effort will concentrate on enhancing operational efficiency, customer service, and the digital skills of employees.

The partnership aims to harness technology for optimizing restaurant operations and elevating the dining experience.

The prominent restaurant chain seeks to expedite innovation in automation, empowering restaurant managers to promptly tackle and resolve operational challenges.

The endeavor will strengthen McDonald’s technology team, as Accenture delivers learning and development programs to enhance employees’ expertise in AI, data, and edge computing (the deployment of computing and storage resources at the location where data is produced).

Additionally, it will bolster McDonald’s technology strategy, which seeks to harness scale for unlocking quicker and more efficient services for customers.

This involves accelerating automation innovation in collaboration with equipment manufacturers. It will assist restaurant managers in promptly identifying and resolving issues to minimize business disruptions and address complex situations for restaurant staff, ultimately leading to improved service for customers.

Accenture will deliver training and support services to McDonald’s workforce, fostering proficiency in AI, data, and edge computing skills among employees.

McDonald’s global chief information officer Brian Rice stated, “To unlock the opportunity in our ongoing digital investments, we chose Accenture, our long-time partner who has helped us build our digital foundation, to work with us on this next phase of innovation.

“Accenture’s deep understanding of our business, our industry, and, of course, technology, will allow us to leverage the full potential of the cloud and generative AI solutions by implementing advanced practices to quickly leverage those technologies as well as to nurture and empower the talent within our organisation.

“Lifelong learning and digital upskilling are at the heart of our culture and long-term growth plans – and embedding this across our workforce will enable greater business agility and performance.”

In December 2023, McDonald’s announced plans to expand its network to 50,000 restaurants worldwide by 2027.

It had a total of 40,275 restaurants in operation by the end of 2022.

Continue Exploring: McDonald’s unveils ambitious plan to open 50,000 restaurants globally by 2027, introduces CosMc’s concept with focus on cold beverages

Extend Your Reading: From Spiced Slushies to Spicy Queso: A sneak peek into McDonald’s new spin-off, CosMc!

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Ethnic wear brand Kalki charts course for global expansion & personalized tailoring

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Kalki

Kalki, the ethnic wear fashion brand, has outlined its expansion strategy for 2024. The brand has earmarked Hyderabad, Punjab, Lucknow, and Indore as the four potential markets for its growth. Currently headquartered in Mumbai, Kalki already has established stores in Surat, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai, spanning a total retail space of 35,000 square feet across the country.

The brand aims to achieve 18 crore in revenue with the latest store in Surat, that was launched on December 18, 2023.

Furthermore, the brand intends to extend its reach globally and has arranged temporary pop-up stores in the United States, Thailand, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada.

It also focuses on optimizing inventory management through personalized tailoring of offerings to meet individual requirements for various occasions, including festive and wedding styles.

Nishit Gupta, Director and Co-founder, Kalki, said, “We aim to set enduring trends, consistently offering a blend of traditional and contemporary style that resonates with diverse global audiences. Fueled by innovation and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, we aspire to be recognized as a go-to destination for those seeking timeless, yet modern, ethnic fashion.”

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