Elangeni Hospitality recently entered into a franchise agreement with Airport Retail Enterprises UK Ltd, paving the way for the introduction of the Mexican fast-casual brand Benito at London Luton Airport.
Situated in the Departures Lounge of the airport, the 750 sq ft unit is slated to open in mid-December 2023. This upcoming restaurant marks the inaugural franchised unit for Benito’s, a brand acquired by Elangeni Hospitality in December 2022.
As stated by Michael Pearson, Chairman of Elangeni, the upcoming restaurant represents the result of extensive collaboration between the two entities.
“We have worked hard to reinvent the Benito’s brand over the last 12 months since we acquired the business. Our look and feel are now much more distinctive, in keeping with our premium fast casual positioning, and the introduction of our ‘Love Breakfast’ morning branding gives us the perfect platform for fast-paced travel hubs like LLA.,” Pearson said.
Benito’s, originally established as Benito’s Hat in 2008, is a highly regarded and long-standing Mexican brand. Acquired by Michael Pearson through Elangeni Hospitality in December 2022, the brand has undergone a transformation with a refreshed appearance, the introduction of self-service kiosks, and the addition of a branded breakfast option called ‘Love Breakfast.’
Moonglow Trading, a franchisee based in the UK, has obtained a seven-figure funding package from HSBC to support the expansion of Black Sheep Coffee across the United Kingdom.
The franchisee is set to open four new coffee stores in Cardiff and Oxford, creating 30 new employment opportunities.
HSBC UK relationship director Anthony Couzens stated, “It’s been great to support the team at Moonglow over the years with a range of successful businesses, and I have no doubt this partnership with Black Sheep Coffee will follow the same pattern.”
Headquartered in Cheltenham, Moonglow Trading has positioned itself as a holding company specializing in franchise lifestyle brands.
Moonglow trading director Jonathan Edwards stated, “Becoming a franchisee for Black Sheep Coffee has allowed Moonglow to use its experience in the retail and catering space to work with a unique coffee business with an upward growth trajectory.
“The move also fits with our aim to work alongside businesses that are shaking up traditions, using innovative tech for growth, as well as allowing us to explore opportunities outside London.”
According to the World Coffee Portal, the Black Sheep Coffee chain, founded in 2013, currently operates 73 units in the UK and a solitary location in Paris, France.
With an additional 27 stores in development in the UK, Black Sheep Coffee entered the US market in 2023, inaugurating two new stores in Texas.
The franchise is poised to make its entry into the Middle East market by establishing four stores in the United Arab Emirates.
Through a franchise agreement with Al Farran Investment, Black Sheep Coffee aims to open 250 stores across the Middle East by 2037.
DoorDash and Uber Eats have unveiled plans to cease pre-delivery tip requests.
The platforms intend to postpone tip prompts until deliveries are successfully completed, eliminating the need for customers to provide tips for expedited service.
Delivery enterprises are currently grappling with challenges arising from factors like minimum wage mandates and delivery fees, both of which can impact tip amounts.
In early December 2023, the tip-requesting prompt during the checkout process for customers in New York City, USA, was discontinued by both Uber Eats and DoorDash.
A representative from Uber Eats informed Business Insider that the platforms have introduced a new fee, representing an additional charge to compensate couriers.
In the city, DoorDash and Uber Eats are presently earning $29.93 for each “active” hour of delivery.
Established in 2013, DoorDash extends its services to businesses in over 26 countries globally.
Launched in 2015, the Uber Eats app provides a diverse range of services, encompassing deliveries of everyday essentials to a variety of restaurant dishes.
In September 2023, the food delivery platforms Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat entered into a charter agreement with the Transport for London authority in the UK.
The primary objective of the charter is to enhance the safety of motorcycle couriers and other road users in the capital city of England.
Earlier in the same month, Uber Eats integrated chef Gordon Ramsay’s London restaurants into its app.
PepsiCo, the American food and beverage conglomerate, has collaborated with various organizations to introduce the Mega Green Accelerator, accessible to startups in the Middle East and North Africa.
Timed to coincide with the COP28 climate summit in the United Arab Emirates, the accelerator aims to support businesses concentrating on circular economy solutions, clean energy transition, and climate mitigation technologies, including water and agriculture. A statement announcing the initiative emphasized that selected start-ups will be working on solutions addressing both regional and global sustainability challenges.
Partnering with PepsiCo in this initiative are Saudi chemicals group Sabic and the Dubai-based business support organization AstroLabs, which will be responsible for managing the accelerator.
Apart from receiving seed funding and mentorship, the selected startups will gain entry to “some of the most influential business leaders in the region.”
Details regarding the amount of capital contributed by the co-founders to the project and the funding allocated to the selected startups have not been disclosed yet.
A statement announcing the launch of the accelerator said, “The Middle East is warming almost two times faster than the global average, yet the support and investment for the sustainability innovation ecosystem in the region does not match this urgency.
“Since 2010, less than 50 new climate technology startups have been founded in the MENA region, compared to nearly 5,000 in Europe and the US. The Mega Green Accelerator aims to reduce this gap, foster regional collaboration and cultivate a network of MENA-based innovators addressing the most pressing sustainability challenges in the region.”
Eugene Willemsen, the CEO of PepsiCo’s operations in Africa, the Middle East and south Asia, said, “Innovators in the MENA region have incredible potential for scaling and are making important strides to develop homegrown solutions to address the unique challenges the region is facing.
“COP28 is already putting a spotlight on climate innovations coming out of the UAE and the region at large, and PepsiCo is excited to support the next generation of climate leaders through the Mega Green Accelerator. By bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and the networks and resources they need, we are committed to supporting breakthrough start-ups as they scale sustainability solutions, grow their businesses and form critical connections.”
The project is additionally supported by investors including the Dubai Future District Fund, Venture Souq, and Shurooq Partners.
The London Business School Entrepreneurship Club, Berytech, American University of Cairo Venture Lab, the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, and the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection will assist in identifying applicants through their networks.
PepsiCo has participated in various accelerator programs.
In Europe, the company operates its Greenhouse program, with the first European launch dating back to 2017. Earlier this year, the group initiated a sustainability-focused accelerator in the Asia Pacific region.
Last month, PepsiCo revealed its plans to allocate SR200 million (then $53.3 million) toward the expansion of a snacks facility in Saudi Arabia.
The owner of the Lay’s crisps and Doritos brands announced that the investment in its plant in the eastern city of Dammam is a component of its Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 plan. This initiative aims to “enhance the Saudi agricultural sector and promote sustainable food production in the Kingdom.”
Nissui, the Japanese conglomerate, has secured a controlling interest in Maxima Seafood, a fish producer headquartered in the Netherlands.
The agreement for Netherlands-based Maxima was facilitated through Nissui’s Danish subsidiary, Nordic Seafood.
“Maxima will continue as a standalone business,” affirmed a spokesperson from Nordic Seafood.
The company handles the processing and sale of locally sourced fresh fish, Japanese scallops, and tuna.
Nordic Seafood’s assortment comprises various fish and seafood varieties, such as shrimp, squid, and cod. The company distributes its products to clients in both the foodservice and retail sectors, as well as to food manufacturers.
As per a statement, Nissui expressed that the transaction is integral to its “long-term vision” aimed at expediting global expansion and fostering business growth in Europe.
The group’s recent activities in the region encompass the acquisition of UK-based Flatfish in 2019 and the 2021 deal for Three Oceans, another UK-based business.
During September, Sealord, a joint venture between Nissui and Māori-owned Moana New Zealand, successfully acquired Independent Fisheries, a local fishing company. This transaction positioned Sealord as the largest seafood business in New Zealand.
During the three months ending in September, Nissui recorded net sales of Y407.13 billion ($2.78 billion), marking a 7.9% increase from the previous year. Operating profit saw a notable growth of 22.1%, reaching Y16.28 billion, while net profit experienced a slight decrease of 0.5% to Y11.69 billion.
Nissui concluded its most recent full financial year ending in March. Net sales amounted to Y768.18 billion, marking a 10.7% increase compared to the previous year. Operating profit experienced a 9.6% decrease, reaching JPY24.49 billion, while net profit saw a notable rise of 22.9% to Y21.23 billion.
Cargill Meats (Thailand) Co, a subsidiary of a US-based food producer and distributor of food and agricultural products, plans to expand its product offerings in the Thai market by introducing its first protein-based snack next year.
Thiti Tuangsithtanon, the managing director of the company, announced that the extension into a new category under the Sun Valley brand is slated for the first half of 2024.
“Snacks represent a new business category for Cargill in this region. We chose to debut this snack in Thailand because of the substantial market size and love of snacking among people of all ages,” said Mr Thiti.
“The protein snack market, in comparison with the potato chip segment, is relatively small, presenting an opportunity for growth in this niche.”
Cargill Meats stated that the Sun Valley snack line, designed for the younger generation of consumers, will be accessible at major supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online channels.
Mr. Thiti explained that diversifying the product portfolio is a strategic initiative to align with changing consumer preferences.
Founded in Thailand in 1990, Cargill Meats manages two facilities in Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima, exporting approximately 70% of its cooked chicken products to 20 markets, which include Japan, the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Singapore.
He mentioned that the chicken market is anticipated to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year.
Between 2018 and 2023, the market experienced a yearly growth rate of 5.7%.
Mr. Thiti stated that the chicken sector, especially the cooked chicken segment, is expected to achieve a growth of 3.5-5% in the next five years, driven by the high demand for convenient food options in the Asian market.
“The proliferation of convenience stores across the country and the expansion of quick-service restaurants play a pivotal role in propelling the growth of cooked chicken,” he said.
“Cooked chicken emerged as the fastest-growing category within the chicken market, achieving 10% growth to 4.9 billion baht in 2022. This growth was driven by popular fried chicken snack products, such as chicken nuggets, chicken pop and others.”
Moreover, Mr. Thiti mentioned that the change in consumer lifestyles post-pandemic has encouraged a more positive inclination towards stockpiling and a heightened appreciation for frozen meat.
In addition to protein snacks, the company intends to broaden its product portfolio by creating an extensive range of chicken products. This strategic move aims to cater to market demand and attract new clients in emerging markets, as mentioned by him.
As per Mr. Thiti, Cargill’s goals for the next 3-5 years involve achieving the status of the leading exporter of cooked chicken, solidifying its reputation as an outstanding workplace, and positioning the Sun Valley brand among the top three in Thailand’s cooked chicken market.
Last Sunday, I treated myself to a Tiger Baby’s 60s themed party, complete with a burger and a milkshake, looking over a table lain with delectable strawberry shortcake, colourful cupcakes and a bowl of berries. Adorned in a riot of colours, amidst artsy pergolas, roller skates and bicycles, and a touch of leather every now and then, the vibrant setting of The Archies unfolded before me. The girls twirling in florals, puffed sleeves, flaunting long layered skirts with fringes complementing the printed headbands; and the boys, equally stylish, tucked-in polos paired with baggy trousers, bowties and sleek hairstyles. It was almost like a canvas of 60s aesthetics set in motion- everything echoed dreamy memories of an era we had only heard tales of.
A few minutes into the graphics, music and narration, as I found myself completely immersed in this cinematic time capsule, the thematic presentation of food became a delightful underline of the story. A newly picked up concept from the 50s, fast food culture became a fascinating chapter in the community’s evolving narrative. Throughout the film, food has been so integral to its iconography, that the producers rolled out several movie posters and character posters with references to baked goodies and thick shakes.
Simplicity Meets Savory
The focal point of this epicurean haven is a scene straight out of the swinging 60s—a classic depiction of burger, fries, and milkshakes— the holy trinity of fast food culture, in the heart of which, lies Pop Tate’s, an iconic retro diner that effortlessly captured the essence of 60s food culture. Every part of it is decked up to bring out the nostalgia— exteriors graced with white and red illustrations, coupled with cursive calligraphy, and the signboard proudly declaring, “Serving up delicious fun since 1945”; you step in to find leathered booth seats, wooden panels along the walls, and tiny salt and pepper shakers accompanied by squeezy ketchup bottles set up on every table, setting the stage for a culinary journey back in time. Pop Tate’s is a representation of the era of dance, music and freedom. It doesn’t overwhelm with an extensive menu or elaborate food variations; instead, it embraces the simplicity of a bygone era, offering the classic American grub that defined an entire generation that believed they could make a difference.
The typical burger steals the spotlight, with its timeless combination of a stuffed patty placed between soft baked dough. The legacy of Pop Tate’s honours an era where the burger wasn’t just a meal; it was a cultural phenomenon. A scene unfolds like a living snapshot of the 60s, capturing the essence of fast food simplicity that resonated with a generation hungry for convenience and flavour.
Besides the burger, an enticing side of golden fries, depicting the crisp perfection reflecting a time when less was more, and the idea was to savour each bite, each moment– a stark contrast to the myriad of gourmet options we have today.
And then, a glassful of rich, creamy milkshakes- with two generous scoops of vanilla whipped cream, topped off with a whimsical cherry, a not-so guilty pleasure that perfectly complemented the slow-paced, vibrant lifestyle of the time.
Stealing The Show with a Trick
Ever wondered how the tastemakers came up with the idea of bringing together sweet and savoury in the name of this classic trio. Maybe it was kitchen alchemy, or just a new found convenience of cruising with your friends after school and heading for a flavorful indulgence in the name of hamburgers, priced at a pocket friendly dollar or less. The origins may be deep dead in mystery, but one thing’s for sure—the amalgamation of these flavours marked a toothsome turning point in culinary history, and The Archies serves it up with a generous helping of cinematic charm.
But why do these classic burgers pair so seamlessly with milkshakes? There’s a touch of science behind this harmony. Our taste buds have evolved to relish the combination of sugar, fat, and salt, and your standard burger and fries offer a symphony of these flavours. The burger, rich in fat and salt, finds its sweet counterpart in the milkshake, creating a palate-pleasing balance that goes beyond the flavours of a regular gourmet, cleansing your palate with a sweet sip before every bite can make its way to quenching your thirst for more flavour.
The Archies, through this gastronomic journey, invite us to savour not just the taste but the profound cultural resonance of each bite—a delightful feast for the senses that transcends time and takes us to experience the magic of a bygone era.
The funds acquired by Emergent Cold LatAm will be utilized to expand its regional cold storage network through business acquisitions, greenfield projects, and facility expansions. Furthermore, the company intends to invest in technology and adopt best practices to improve operational standards and customer service.
Primary investors in this funding round included private equity firms Stonepeak Partners, Lineage, and Losa Group.
Neal Rider, CEO of Emergent Cold LatAm, said, “This equity raise validates the strength of our investment thesis and demonstrates our investors’ confidence in the company’s business and management team. We proudly advance our mission to reshape the future of food chain logistics across Latin America for the benefit of our customers, employees and the communities where we invest.”
He added, “The investment opportunity is substantially greater than our original assumptions. Latin America is an essential part of the global food trade, and I believe this trend will grow as the region benefits from more modern logistics infrastructure and focus on food safety”.
“We expect to continue capital deployment at current levels for the foreseeable future with a good balance between strategic acquisitions and new builds.”
Bacardi has successfully completed the “world’s first” commercial production of a glass spirits bottle filled with hydrogen.
Earlier this month, Bacardi collaborated with premium glass manufacturer Hrastnik1860 in a trial aimed at advancing technology for a glass furnace fueled primarily by hydrogen. This initiative is designed to decrease greenhouse gas emissions linked to conventional glass bottle production.
For the trial, Bacardi utilized the St-Germain elderflower liqueur bottle design, ensuring an indistinguishable appearance from bottles produced through conventional methods.
In the trial phase, which involved the production of 150,000 70cl glass bottles for the brand, hydrogen accounted for over 60% of the fuel for the glass furnace, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30%.
Rodolfo Nervi, VP of safety, quality and sustainability for Bacardi, said, “Piloting this lower carbon glass production is another example of Bacardi leading the industry in environmental best practice”.
“We will take the learnings from the trial to help shape a pathway to hydrogen-fuelled glass production and create a blueprint for others to follow. It’s only through making change as an industry that we can bring significant change to our impact on the environment.”
Peter Čas, CEO of Hrastnik1860, added, “Successfully producing lower emission, premium glass bottles at a commercial scale, with absolutely no compromise on quality, has made all the hard work worthwhile”.
“Like Bacardi, we are committed to developing new innovations that lower emissions while maintaining premium quality. This revolutionary technology proves the two can go hand in hand, and we are now taking the first steps in bringing it to market.”
The updated bottles will be available in bars and stores in the coming weeks.
Profura, by means of its Provator subsidiary, has successfully obtained full ownership of Framptons, a renowned British food and beverage company recognized for its production of oat-based beverages.
Provator specializes in investing in companies facing financial challenges, provided they possess a robust core business and exhibit significant growth potential.
Located in Shepton Mallet, UK, Framptons manufactures top-tier products and is dedicated to fostering support for the local community.
Established in 1898, Framptons boasts a significant heritage in the processing and packaging industry. Over the years, the company has diversified its product range, encompassing eggs, dairy, and, more recently, venturing into the production of plant-based items like oat milk. Collaborating with renowned brands such as Shaken Udder milkshakes and Mighty, Framptons has solidified its position as a key player in the market. Beyond its commercial success, the company upholds a strong commitment to sustainability, evidenced by a waste management initiative that minimizes landfill contributions and achieves nearly 100% recycling of on-site waste.
The newly formed board consists of members from both Profura and Framptons.
Bernt Ivarsson, owner of the Profura group, said, “Our experience with this type of business makes me look forward to being able to start our change work. We have the right key people to be able to develop Framptons and take a leading position in the market.”
Profura expressed its dedication to upholding Frampton’s legacy in Shepton Mallet, with the aim of securing its enduring role as a cornerstone of the community and a steadfast employer for years to come.
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