Madras Mandi, a prominent name in the fresh produce industry and a cherished online farmers’ market in Chennai, proudly announces the opening of its fifth store in Neelankarai, Chennai. This strategic move not only signifies growth but also underscores Madras Mandi’s steadfast commitment to providing the community with the highest quality fresh produce. With a selection of 250+ fresh varieties, the new store introduces enticing products from curated brands like Farmley, Umami Brews, Pataakha Foods, and Andhra Deli, enhancing the shopping experience with unique offerings.
Nestled in the well-known East Coast Road, a distinctive locale in Chennai, the recent establishment functions as a central hub strategically designed to enable prompt delivery services to nearby regions such as Adyar, Besant Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, and beyond. This expansion is geared towards improving accessibility for customers in these areas and fostering connections beyond. The grand opening celebrations, complete with exclusive promotions, live sampling sessions, and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, underscore Madras Mandi’s appreciation for its customers and dedication to strengthening community ties.
“Madras Mandi’s fifth store opening is not just a celebration of growth; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing the community with the freshest, highest quality produce. As we expand our footprint, we invite our customers to join us in this culinary journey, celebrating not just a store but the collective vibrancy of a community that values and savours the richness of life in every bite,” said Prashanth Vasan, CEO, Madras Mandi.
In line with Madras Mandi’s enduring vision, the inauguration of the store emphasizes the brand’s dedication to quality, freshness, and active community involvement. In expressing gratitude to its users and the community, Madras Mandi underscores the significance of community support. The launch event extends an exclusive invitation to loyal customers, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to community engagement. The opening of the new store symbolizes Madras Mandi’s unwavering dedication to quality, accessibility, and fostering community connections, marking a continued journey of delivering the finest in fresh produce.
Jaypore, the renowned artisanal lifestyle brand operating under Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), has introduced its newest retail establishment in Dwarka, Delhi, establishing the 24th store within Jaypore’s extensive network. Beyond being merely a retail venue, this store situated in the heart of Dwarka serves as a tribute to the intricate tapestry of Indian craftsmanship, presenting a distinctive viewpoint on the country’s vibrant creative heritage.
Spanning 1350 square feet, the store invites visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse realm of genuine Indian crafts. It offers a thoughtfully curated environment showcasing handcrafted attire for both men and women, along with exquisite home décor, jewelry, and accessories.
The interior decor of the store mirrors the vibrant handmade culture of India, embellished with meticulous detailing and warm color palettes. Displays within the store feature ancient artisan techniques like the Khadi warping wheel, encapsulating the brand’s commitment to showcasing the inherent creativity ingrained in each piece.
Sooraj Bhat, CEO – Ethnic Business, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited stated, “The inauguration of Jaypore’s artistic venture in Vegas Mall, Dwarka, is a source of pride for us. This establishment is not merely a store; it is a vibrant canvas that displays the grace of Indian craftsmanship. At Jaypore, we extend an invitation to everyone to delve into and immerse themselves in the narratives woven into each creation.”
The Dwarka store not only expands Jaypore’s retail presence but also stands as evidence of the company’s dedication to crafting a comprehensive and visually delightful shopping experience that honors the diverse and intricate artistry of India.
Brand Studio Lifestyle (BSL), a prominent fashion company based in Bangalore boasting a diverse portfolio featuring popular brands like Highlander, Tokyo Talkies, Vishudh, Ketch, and Locomotive, has expanded strategically into the Middle East e-commerce market. This significant move aligns with BSL’s global expansion plan, making the company’s brands accessible to consumers across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman.
Established in 2015, Brand Studio Lifestyle has experienced steady expansion over the last eight years, attaining an impressive compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38 percent. Known in India for its contemporary and Gen Z-centric fashion trends, the company is now extending its reach into the Middle East through partnerships with prominent e-commerce platforms such as Styli, Noon, Namshi, and Centerpoint, all based in the UAE.
The Middle East’s burgeoning interest in the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) e-commerce segment, notably among the tech-savvy, trend-focused, and social media-influenced younger generation, presents a lucrative opportunity for BSL.
Shyam Prasad, CEO, Brand Studio Lifestyle said, “We are excited to announce our foray into the e-commerce market in the Middle East countries. At Brand Studio Lifestyle, we strive to offer trending fashion options to customers worldwide. Our home-grown fashion brands are now available to fashion enthusiasts in the Middle East. Our expansion into the flourishing GCC e-commerce market is in line with our objective of providing a diverse range of fashion choices to our global clientele. Our vision to deliver on-trend fashion through a robust fashion supply chain ecosystem is still the driving force behind our global expansion.”
Nirmal Jain, CEO, Styli (Landmark Group) said, “We are excited to partner with Brand Studio Lifestyle to bring its fashion forward and Gen Z centric portfolio of brands to consumers in the Middle East. We look forward to growing this partnership over the long term and continue to offer consumers the best in global fast fashion.”
BSL’s strategic entry into the UAE market signifies the first step in its global aspirations. With a focus on Gen Z-led fashion consumers, the partnership with popular e-commerce platforms positions BSL for a significant presence in the Middle East market. The company envisions enhancing its offerings by adding more relevant categories and products in the future, with plans to further expand its presence in South and Southeast Asia and European markets.
Zudio, the value retail fast fashion chain of the Tata Group, recently marked its entry into Palanpur, Gujarat, with the opening of its first store. The store is conveniently located at S9 Imperial, within the confines of a mixed-use project in Palanpur, as shared in a social media update.
“Happy to announce opening another Zudio store @S9 Imperial at Palanpur, Gujarat,” said Rashmi Patel, Director, DRC Multi Project Private Limited on LinkedIn.
The newly-opened store in Palanpur marks Zudio’s first establishment in the city, contributing to its total of 72 stores across Gujarat. Ahmedabad takes the lead with 25 Zudio outlets, holding the distinction of hosting the largest number of stores in the state.
In addition to Palanpur and Ahmedabad, Zudio has established its presence in various other cities across Gujarat, including Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Anand, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Gandhidham, Godhra, Jamnagar, Mehsana, Nadiad, Sanand, Surat, Vadodara, and Vapi.
Zudio, a fashion brand owned by Tata Trent, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, opened its first store in India in September 2016 at Commercial Street, Bengaluru. As of now, its website reports a total of 453 Zudio stores across the country.
Earlier this year, Zudio announced its plan to open 130 stores in the year 2023.
Barring country-made liquor, the prices of beer, whisky, vodka, rum, and wine are expected to remain largely unchanged.
The excise policy, scheduled to be effective from April 1 next year, received approval from the state cabinet on Tuesday.
Although no significant alterations have been proposed, the prices of country-made liquor (both tetra pack and bottled) are anticipated to increase by INR 5 due to a rise in duty. The excise duty imposed on beer and Indian-made foreign liquor remains unchanged. Additionally, the license fees for all retailers will experience a further 10% increase.
Implementing strategies to generate additional revenue, the department will permit the operation of premium liquor outlets at metro stations, railway stations, and airports, provided that approval and a no-objection certificate are obtained from the competent authority.
Likewise, bar operators can set up an extra counter by paying an additional 25% of the license fees. The duration of the occasional bar license has been reduced from 24 hours to 12 hours, with liquor service permitted until midnight of the same day.
Excise commissioner Senthil C Pandian said, “Instead of molasses, grain-based country made liquor can be produced by the distilleries. So far, usage of grains was allowed only for the premium UP liquor, the premium country liquor that is sold in glass bottles.”
Pandian stated that the objective of the policy is to enhance farmers’ income while also guaranteeing improved quality of liquor for the ultimate consumers.
Under an altered situation, liquor vendors would be permitted to allow customers to consume beer on the premises, provided a distinct permit room is available. Nonetheless, the provision of canteen services, including food and snacks, would not be permitted.
Retailers have expressed varied opinions in response to the policy.
“While beer shop owners would gain as on-premises consumption of brew would be possible. But the quota of country made liquor shop owners has been increased substantially and they would have to struggle. The margin of retailers has also been left unchanged,” said spokesperson of the UP liquor sellers welfare association, Devesh Jaiswal.
The revenue goal for the financial year 2024-25 has been raised to INR 50,000 crore.
Plant Based Meat is the new kid on the block who’s slowly taking the spotlight. While meat lovers may find it hard to give up their fandom for chicken or bacon, here’s the thing: the vegan substitute is catching up at a meteoric speed, in taste, price point as well as variety. Over the last two years, we have seen more brands come up with innovative solutions to introduce vegan alternatives into the meat scene, while gradually making their way into our kitchens and palates. Yet, many of us are either still holding on to the traditional idea of animal products or haven’t fully explored this rising star in the grocery store aisles.
If you’re new to the whole concept of plant based meat, and can’t fully make sense of it, don’t worry- I’ve got you covered with a complete overview of why we need it, how it’s making a positive impact on the world, health benefits and how is it going to seamlessly replace the lesser eco-friendly options without letting you compromise on your taste buds
What Is Plant Based Meat?
When we think of “meat”, the only association our mind is used to making is an animal derived food product. Fortunately, with advancements in food technology, the food industry has been able to come up with an answer to all our environmental concerns with respect to animal meat. It’s like meat, but without harming animals- pretty cool, right?
The first plant based protein foods to take over the market, and win our hearts, were Soya and Tofu. But over time, we have been able to go beyond our soyabean derived foods. Thanks to the creative expertise of food scientists, we now have more plant based options that resemble real meat in taste, texture and appearance. While soy and tofu are still commonly used ingredients to prepare plant-based meats, there are other ingredients like seitan, potato starch, pea protein, lentils, beans, coconut oil, seeds, nuts and vegetables.
So can you have plant-based meat on festivals, religious ceremonies, vegetarian fasts and events? The answer, is a 100% Yes.
The Challenge That Comes With Animal Meat
You might question the urgency and the sudden hype about Plant Based Meat. Let me break it down for you.
For many years, we have been consuming meat. Going back in time a few years, the human population was in check, and our greed and appetite were limited by availability. But with the population skyrocketing and every person having access to every resource from across the world, we have become oblivious to the survival of our planet. We are expected to reach a global population of over 10 billion within the next 2 years, and we can only see it accelerating from there.
Each generation that reaps the Earth’s benefits needs to make sure we’re not totally stripping it of everything it’s got. Even if you’re only consuming meat once or twice everyday, with the number of people holding on to that belief and commitment, guaranteeing survival for everyone after a few years is getting harder, and animal meat is one of the top reasons causing it.
More than 66 billion chickens, 300 million cows, and 1.5 billion pigs are slaughtered for global consumption every year. That’s a staggering number, highlighting the immense scale of animal agriculture.
Producing industrial meat comes at a cost. Farmers need to feed this massive number of animals, and for that, they are clearing forests by cutting downs trees or setting forest fires to clear the land to grow animal feed.
The production of meat demands significant energy, from raising animals to their transportation and eventual slaughter. To put it in perspective, the energy required to produce 2.2 pounds of beef could power a 100-watt lightbulb for twenty days.
Much of the livestock is fed with the same foods as consumed by humans, like corn and soy. If the produce is redirected towards humans, it could end world hunger.
1/3rd of the global land that is suitable for agriculture, is used by livestock. According to research, if everyone went vegan, the land used for livestock could be reduced to 1/4th.
According to the United Nations, the meat sector contributes to as much as 18 percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions, which is one of the major reasons causing global warming.
Meat products have a significantly higher water footprint compared to vegetables, beans, and other plant-based items. The production of meat requires more water resources, contributing to the overall environmental impact associated with meat consumption.
Putting all these issues into perspective, it gets a little easier to estimate where we’re headed as a global race. Now that we have all these alternatives to help save our party, here’s a few more reasons to add in favour of plant based meat.
Health Benefits
Other than the solutions that plant based meat offers to the challenges the world is facing due to overproduction of animal meat, there are a few health benefits that can be taken into consideration while making a choice.
Since plant based meat is lighter in terms of calories, it is the way to go for weight loss
Choosing the right options (ones that contain soybean, legumes and lentils) ensure that our daily need for protein is matched.
It is carcinogen safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concerns about carcinogens present in red and processed meats, indicating a potential increased risk of cancer associated with their consumption.
Plant Based Meat may also help prevent various health issues, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Some manufacturers have also started adding Vitamin B12 to their mix, which is an essential nutrient for human health.
Now that you have answers to every question that might tamper with your decision in picking up plant based meat at the grocery store, I’m going to ask you to give it a try!
Make this decision for yourself, and your families, for our planet and for the generations to come who are going to inhabit it.
Parfois, the Portuguese fashion accessories brand, has officially entered the Indian market through a strategic partnership with Myntra, as revealed in a press release on Tuesday.
To kick off, the brand will present a selection of more than 250 handbags, totes, and slings, with an average selling price set at INR 2,000.
“We are thrilled to introduce Parfois to our customers, and thus further enhancing the appeal of our international brands’ portfolio, especially as we ramp up our global accessories segment,” said Jayanti Ganguly, vice president – business at Myntra.
Additionally, the brand will utilize Myntra’s on-app channels in conjunction with Myntra’s social media and social commerce features. As part of the brand’s launch promotions, customers will enjoy perks such as a flat 20% price reduction.
Established in 1994 by Manuela Medeiros, Parfois specializes in a wide range of products, including bags, shoes, apparel, and accessories such as jewellery, sunglasses, scarves, hats, and gloves.
“From Parfois, we are very excited to launch our brand in one of the most important markets, India. The opportunity to build Parfois globally is one of the most important steps for our growth in international markets,” said Susana Sánchez, chief executive officer of Parfois.
“We hope that with Myntra as our partner, that opportunity will likely turn into an amazing experience for having new customers and opening new regions around the world,” Sánchez added.
Experiencing growth since 2010, the brand achieved a significant milestone in 2019 by expanding its reach to 1,000 stores. Currently, it has a presence in over 70 countries worldwide.
Bengaluru-based Myntra boasts a collection of over 2.3 million styles from more than 6,000 domestic and international brands. The diverse offerings span across categories such as fashion, beauty, lifestyle, encompassing home, luggage, travel accessories, as well as watches and wearables.
Ferns N Petals has diversified its business ventures by stepping into the food and beverage industry with the introduction of The U Kitchen (Luxury Catering).
This strategic move marks a noteworthy milestone in the brand’s expansion, extending its services to cater to the diverse preferences of customers during various festive occasions.
Operating from its central hub in Delhi-NCR, The U Kitchen offers a global culinary experience that transports diners through a diverse array of cuisines, including European, Asian, Korean, Japanese, Continental, French, India’s street fare, and a rich selection of regional Indian dishes.
They are committed to satisfying diverse palates, offering a blend of flavors ideal for various occasions, including birthdays, get-togethers, weddings, and other special events.
“With the introduction of The U Kitchen, Ferns N Petals aspires to elevate its legacy into the realm of culinary excellence across India. U Kitchen isn’t merely a luxury catering service; it embodies a harmonious blend of flavors, a delightful journey of taste, and a tribute to the art of gastronomy. Each dish crafted at U Kitchen is a celebration, transforming every meal into a cherished memory for our patrons,” said Vikaas Gutgutia, Founder & MD of Ferns N Petals.
The U Kitchen is poised to make a significant mark on the catering industry, with the goal of effectively catering to over 10,000 guests simultaneously by December 2023.
The brand is headed by Dineshwar Chauhan, a seasoned hotelier with more than two decades of culinary expertise gained from renowned hotel chains like Taj Hotels, Le-Meridien, Devere Hotels (UK), Hilton Hotels (UK), The Claridges, and others. Dineshwar Chauhan serves as the Brand Head of The U Kitchen.
Under the guidance of Dhruv Sharma, Vice President of FNP Weddings & Events, this expansion marks a significant milestone in the brand’s development.
Spice Lounge, the primary franchise operator for Buffalo Wild Wings, a well-known American Sports Bar franchise celebrated for its delicious wings and lively sports ambiance, announced today the successful fundraising of $1 million through Klub, India’s leading Revenue-Based Financing platform.
The infusion of funding marks an exciting new chapter for Spice Lounge, as it has teamed up with Klub to oversee a mandate to raise an additional $10 million for its expansion plans in 2024.
“This infusion of funds comes at a pivotal moment for us as we continue our expansion journey in India. We are grateful for the partnership with Klub, which aligns with our vision and recognises the potential of our brand. Our new outlets aim to offer an unforgettable experience, bringing together great food, camaraderie, and the thrill of sports under one roof,” shared Mohan Karleja, Managing Director, Spice Lounge.
With recent financial support, Spice Lounge has swiftly inaugurated two new outlets, including its latest venture nestled in South Bangalore at the Falcon City Mall. These openings signify the brand’s dedication to bringing its signature flavors and spirited ambiance to additional cities.
The allocation of the raised funds primarily focuses on financing new stores, guaranteeing that each upcoming outlet reflects the brand’s unique essence. The franchise aims to establish 25 outlets in India by 2024, spanning across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, and Delhi-NCR. Presently, Buffalo Wild Wings operates eight outlets in India, located in Hyderabad and Bangalore.
Spice Lounge aims to transition to a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) model in 2024, projecting a revenue of INR 150 crores by the end of FY25. Notably, the brand served as the official club partners for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL seasons of 2022 and 2023.
“Store financing plays a crucial role in the dynamic restaurant & hospitality sector especially after the pandemic has subsided with FY22 growth being 11% more than FY20, and Klub is dedicated to addressing this need. Our collaboration with Spice Lounge underscores our commitment to supporting visionary brands. We believe this partnership sets a significant precedent, highlighting the potential for sustainable growth through Revenue Based Financing,” added Anurakt Jain, Co-Founder and CEO at Klub.
Significantly, this partnership establishes Klub as the first Revenue Based Financing player in India to finance an American franchisee, reinforcing its standing as an innovator in the financial technology landscape.
From the sizzling streets of Mumbai to the rural villages, From the famous Vada Pav, the Mumbai burger, to the spicy Misal Pav, Maharashtra’s Cuisine is a true representation of India’s diverse culinary heritage. The cuisine makes you indulge in the rich and buttery Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread filled with a mixture of chana dal and jaggery, and the flavorful Bharli Vangi, stuffed eggplants in a spicy masala.
Maharashtrian cuisine in itself is a true explosion of many flavours! One of the major specialities is the unique spice blend, the famous Goda Masala. This blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, coriander, and other spices creates a depth of flavour in every dish.
Beauty of Maharashtra’s Cuisine!
Street food is another attraction across the region. With dishes like the famous Vada Pav, Mumbai burger, and Tangy Bhel Puri, the Maharashtrian street food is a total deal alone. Coastal areas of the region also boast an array of seafood delicacies like crispy Pomfret Fry and spicy Surmai Fry.
And for those who prefer vegetarian dishes, Maharashtrian cuisine offers a range of delicious options, from the creamy Sabudana Khichadi to the spicy Missal Pav and stuffed Bharli Vangi. And let’s not forget the sweet treats like Puran Poli, rich and creamy Shrikhand, and sweet and juicy Modak.
This is one such cuisine that will make your tastebuds thank you. Each region and community in Maharashtra’s Cuisine incredibly diverse and a Flavourful adventure. The Maharashtrian cuisine holds up for Varadi Cuisine, Konkani Cuisine, and Malvani Cuisine, along with Desi and Brahmin Cuisines. Each of these cuisines has its identity in the region, based on its ingredients and geography.
Konkani Cuisine
Originating from the Konkan region of western India, along the coast of the Arabian Sea, Konkani cuisine is known for its use of seafood and coconut in dishes. Its highly unique blend of spices and flavours will blow your mind.
One of the notable ingredients in Konkani cuisine is the kokum fruit, which gives dishes a sour flavour and is also used to make the popular drink solkadi. Coconut is also widely used in this cuisine, adding a rich and creamy texture to dishes like fish curry, prawns masala, and other seafood dishes.
Konkani Cuisine (Representative Image)
Konkani cuisine is influenced by the local geography and culture, with the abundant seafood from the Arabian Sea playing a significant role in the dishes. This cuisine is considered to be one of the most flavorful and aromatic in India.
Here are 3 must-try dishes/drinks from Konkani cuisine:
Fish Curry – A flavorful and aromatic curry made with fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices.
Prawns Masala – A spicy and tangy dish made with prawns, coconut, and a mixture of spices.
Solkadi – A refreshing drink made from kokum and coconut milk, perfect for hot summer days.
Varadi Cuisine
Varadi cuisine is characterized by its use of spices, especially chilli peppers, garlic, and ginger. It is known for its fiery, spicy flavour and will be loved by those who enjoy bold and spicy dishes. This cuisine is influenced by the Portuguese and is commonly found in the Konkan and Varadi regions of Maharashtra.
The dishes from the Varadi cuisine include staple foods such as fish curry, chicken curry, and rice, along with a variety of other dishes like pithla, sukka, and kolambi bhajji. Its unique style of spices creates a fiery, tangy flavour that is both bold and delicious. It is often enjoyed with freshly made bread or rice, making it a staple of the local diet.
Varadi Cuisine (Representative Image)
In addition to its delicious flavour, Varadi cuisine is also known for its use of locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, making it a sustainable and healthy choice for those who wish — Good Food and Mood.
Here are 3 must-try dishes/drinks from Varadi cuisine:
Fish Curry – A spicy and tangy fish curry made with coconut milk, chilli peppers, and a mix of spices.
Chicken Xacuti – A spicy chicken dish made with a unique mix of aromatic spices, coconut milk, and chilli peppers.
Pithla – A thin, spicy lentil soup made with besan flour and a blend of spices.
Malvani Cuisine
Malvani Cuisine represents the rich cultural and traditional influences of the Maharashtra coastal region with a style Mix of Spices, Herbs and Seafood. The significance of Malvani cuisine lies in its deep roots in the cultural heritage and traditions of the coastal people, who take great pride in their culinary heritage.
The cuisine has become an integral part of the regional identity and has gained popularity beyond the coast, enjoyed by people all over India and beyond. From its use of spices and seafood to its reflection of cultural heritage, Malvani cuisine is a delicious and important part of the food landscape of Maharashtra.
Malvani cuisine (Representative Image)
Here are 3 must-try dishes/drinks from Malvani cuisine:
Kombdi Vade: A traditional Malvani dish made with spicy chicken curry and a type of fried bread.
Mutton Rassa: A spicy mutton dish made with a blend of spices and coconut milk, it is a popular dish in the region and is often served with rice or roti.
Kolambi Bhaat: A rice dish made with prawns and spices, it is a flavorful and delicious dish that is popular in the coastal region.
If you are new to the Mighty Maharashtrian Cuisine, Here are 10 recommended dishes from the Maharashtrian Cuisine before you get ready for the Flavoured Adventure:
Maharashtrian cuisine is a symphony of spices and textures. The cuisine uses ingredients like coconut, peanuts, and the famous Goda Masala, adding depth and richness to every bite.
Festivals in Maharashtra are a feast for your senses, especially when it comes to food, as the range explodes! During festivals, families and communities come together to cook and enjoy traditional dishes – Puran Poli(Definies every festival), Modak(A definite dish during the Ganesh Chaturthi), Karanji and Sheera.
These traditional dishes are not only delicious but also hold significant cultural and religious importance in the households of Maharashtra. Therefore, try them on your next visit to Maharashtra and give our socials a thumbs up for giving you the best of information.
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