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Tirupati Foods achieves Sattvik vegan certification, setting a new standard in ethical manufacturing

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Tirupati Food Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Sattvik Certifications is delighted to announce the vegan certification awarded to the manufacturing unit of “Tirupati Food Industries Pvt. Ltd.” under the Sattvik Vegan code.

Tirupati Foods, a prominent conglomerate in the food industry, has been dedicated to manufacturing a diverse range of products while consistently showcasing a commitment to ethical practices and high-quality standards. With a legacy spanning over five decades, Tirupati Foods has specialized in pulses and agro-based products.

Tirupati Food Industries Pvt. Ltd.’s manufacturing facility in Sonipat has undergone a thorough assessment led by the Sattvik Certifications Lead Auditor. This rigorous evaluation guarantees that all products produced in this unit comply with stringent criteria set by both national and international vegan standards and guidelines. The assessment covers meticulous scrutiny of ingredient sourcing and production processes, ensuring adherence to the highest levels of ethical and sustainable practices.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Tirupati Food Industries Pvt. Ltd. for receiving Sattvik Vegan Certificate. It signifies a shared commitment to ethical and sustainable practices within the food industry. Sattvik Certification not only underscores establishment dedication to meeting the specific needs of the growing vegan community but also brings several key benefits to their valued customers. With dietary preferences becoming more varied, the Sattvik Vegan Mark becomes a reliable marker, making it easier for customers to identify products that align with their lifestyle choices. This simplification of the decision-making process contributes to a more positive and streamlined customer experience,” said Abhishek Biswas, Founder of Sattvik Certifications and Secretary General of Sattvik Council of India.

“I believe obtaining Sattvik Vegan Certification for our food product is a crucial step towards catering to the diverse needs and preferences of our customers. By receiving this certification, we are not only meeting the demands of a growing segment of health-conscious consumers but also demonstrating our commitment to transparency and ethical practices in the business of pulses and agro-based products. Sattvik vegan certification assures our customers that our product aligns with their dietary choices and lifestyle. It provides a clear and recognizable symbol of trust, indicating that our pulses and agro-based products are free from any animal-derived ingredients,” shared Krishan Jindal, General Manager at Tirupati Food Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Tirupati Food Industries Pvt. Ltd. is a prominent player in the food industry, featuring well-established entities with renowned names across corporate, government, Co Packers for Modern Retail Chain, and retail sectors. They engage in private labeling for esteemed organizations such as Haldiram Manufacturing, Adani Pvt. Ltd., Aditya Birla Retail, Mother Dairy, Patanjali Ayurved, and many others. As part of their commitment to social compliance, the company actively contributes resources to support various schools operated by NGOs and other organizations, aiding them in managing their day-to-day affairs.

The adoption of Sattvik Certification is a strategic step that addresses evolving consumer preferences while simultaneously reaffirming the brand’s commitment to values such as transparency, inclusivity, and a dedication to delivering top-notch, health-conscious products in accordance with their guidelines.

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

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CosMc

McDonald’s latest spin-off brand, CosMc, will feature a menu primarily focused on coffees, teas, and slushies.

As part of a preliminary trial, the initial CosMc establishment is set to launch this month in Bolingbrook, Illinois, with further openings planned in the upcoming months.

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

The emerging brand will embody a compact beverage-centric concept, offering a range of indulgent blended drinks, spanning from cold coffee to whimsical options such as Sour Cherry Energy Slush, Tropical Spiceade, and S’mores Cold Brew.

In addition to its beverage focus, the concept will feature a variety of snacks, including options like the Spicy Queso Sandwich, Savory Hash Brown Bites, and Pretzel Bites, as well as tempting desserts like the Blueberry Lemon Cookie Sundae and Caramel Fudge Brownies. The menu will also include select classics from McDonald’s.

The innovative format will emphasize digital services and drive-thru convenience. McDonald’s has announced its intention to establish 10 CosMc pilot locations by the end of 2024.

McDonald’s CEO and president, Christopher Kempczinski, unveiled the spin-off brand during the company’s second-quarter earnings call in July. Described as “a compact format embodying all the DNA of McDonald’s but possessing its own distinctive personality,” the concept was officially introduced.

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Tanpopo and HMart eye UK expansion amid rising demand for fresh Japanese cuisine

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Japanese cuisine

Tanpopo and HMart have outlined plans to further expand across the UK, providing more retailers access to the growing market of fresh Southeast Asian food.

Tanpopo, a specialist in Japanese cuisine, is currently centrally listed with Booker, Bestway, and Nisa. Additionally, retailers have the option to directly order products from the company. Boasting a product range of over 50 items, Tanpopo includes sushi, gyoza, salads, rice bowls, and Doroyaki dessert-filled pancakes among its offerings.

According to Alex Conchie, the sales manager of the company, their product range is currently available at Booth’s and various Costcutter stores across the UK. He mentioned that the company is actively pursuing additional expansion opportunities.

“Fresh Japanese food is a growing market and we’re selling into independents, as it’s a big opportunity for us,” he said. “We launched our full range into Bestway this year, and we have a selected range with Booker and Nisa. Demand has been really good in stores. For example, we’ve been in the Costcutter University of Salford store for several months and they’re ordering from us daily.

“We offer products for all types of budgets. Salad boxes are more affordable, but fresh sushi is a bit more premium due to the ingredients. We’ve got a real mix and the average margin we offer is 40%. We deliver between Bristol and York and we’re looking to eventually expand.”

Conchie mentioned that delivery times will differ based on the country. However, he emphasized that the company provides next-day delivery for locations in London, requiring a minimum spend of £45. The products, crafted fresh from their own facility, boast a shelf life ranging from two to six days.

The company’s best-selling items include chicken katsu curry, tempura rice bowls, nigiri, sushi, as well as salmon and poke salad boxes.

Leading supermarkets have recognized the potential in the market for fresh Japanese cuisine. In September, Waitrose introduced its own Japanese own-label line named ‘Menyu.’

Meanwhile, South Korean wholesaler HMart, who operates the Oseyo convenience chain across the south of England, has also outlined ambitions to become a national supplier. In recent financial accounts filed for the year ending 31 December 2022, the firm said, “The company has achieved an increase in wholesale customers as well as increased sales and hopes to increase the speed of expansion into the north of the UK.

“Great efforts and investments are being made to reach further in both retail and wholesale divisions. London has reached saturation of Asian food brands and there are stronger financial opportunities in Wales, Scotland and the north of England. The company will make greater efforts to expand at a faster pace in the coming year.”

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Relief for consumers: Onion prices to fall below INR 40 per kg by January

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Onion
Onion

On Monday, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh announced that the government anticipates a drop in onion prices to go below INR 40 per kilogram by January, down from the present average of INR 57.02 per kilogram.

Last week, the government banned onion exports until March next year after the retail sales price of the kitchen staple crossed INR 80 per kg in the national capital, with mandi prices remaining around INR 60 per kg.

In response to a question about when onion prices are anticipated to drop below INR 40 per kilogram, Singh stated, “It will happen very soon, in January.”

“Somebody said it will touch INR 100 per kg, we said it will never cross INR 60 per kg. So, all India average is now INR 57.02 per kg this morning and it will not cross INR 60 per kg,” Singh said on the sidelines of the ‘Deloitte Growth with Impact Government Summit’.

The restriction on exports will have no impact on farmers; instead, a limited number of traders are taking advantage of the price difference between the Indian and Bangladesh markets.

“They (the traders who were exploiting differential prices) will lose. But who will gain, (it) is the Indian consumer,” he said.

Onion inflation within the Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) basket has consistently been in double digits since July, reaching a nearly four-year peak of 42.1 percent in October.

From April 1 to August 4 of this fiscal year, the country has exported 9.75 lakh tonnes of onions. In terms of value, the top three importing countries are Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the UAE.

Onion prices are gradually rising due to reports indicating a delay in onion coverage during the current kharif season.

Before implementing the export ban, the Central government, in October, opted to increase the distribution of buffer onion stock at a subsidized rate of INR 25 per kg in retail markets to offer relief to consumers.

To regulate prices, the government has implemented various measures, including the imposition of a Minimum Export Price (MEP) of USD 800 per tonne on onion exports from October 28 to December 31 this year.

Additionally, in August, India enforced a 40 percent export duty on onions until December 31.

While the wholesale price inflation in vegetables eased to (-) 21.04 percent in October, the annual rate of price increase in onions remained elevated at 62.60 percent during the same month.

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Chandon India unveils ‘Under the Stars’ limited-edition sparkling wine for festive season

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Under the Stars

Trailblazers in the production of outstanding sparkling wine, meticulously cultivated and crafted across six Chandon estates spanning four continents, Chandon has consistently garnered acclaim for its sparkling wines in India since its establishment in 2013, rooted in the scenic Nashik region. Chandon India is delighted to introduce its newest creation, ‘Under the Stars,’ a limited-edition package designed for the festive year-end season.

Chandon India has curated an experience meant for sharing with friends and family alike. The “Under the Stars” package serves as a homage to these collective moments, embodying the happiness, laughter, and unity that define this special time of the year. Capturing the essence of celebration, this exclusive package showcases the acclaimed Chandon Sparkling wine in a timeless flute gift set adorned with a captivating celestial design. The packaging visually pays tribute to the enchanting moments that unfold beneath the night sky during the festive season.

The “Under The Stars” pack is crafted for patrons to relish both hosting and gifting experiences. This package encapsulates the core of Chandon India’s commitment to being the preferred sparkling wine for various occasions, be it formal gatherings or impromptu, casual get-togethers.

Commenting on the new launch, Ipsita Das, Managing Director, at Moët Hennessy India said, “As we revel in the festive cheer, a lot of our celebrations move outdoors, with the season getting cooler. Our all -new limited-edition pack, ‘Under The Stars’ is an offering to elevate those transient magical moments shared together with family & friends at home.

Chandon India has consistently upheld its reputation as the preferred sparkling wine for both formal gatherings as well as the spontaneous informal occasions. We trust that this gift set will add a touch of joy to our consumers’ festive season, and a perfect partner in their moment of togetherness.”

The exclusive Chandon gift pack, showcasing two refined options, Brut and Rosé, is currently available for a limited period in cities like Mumbai, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Pune, Goa, Lucknow, and Chandigarh.

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Dunkin’ and Dymatize roll out new ISO100 protein powder with iconic Glazed Donut flavor

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Dymatize ISO100 Glazed Donut flavor

Dymatize, a prominent brand in performance nutrition, has collaborated once more with Dunkin’ to introduce an enticing innovation. This new creation seamlessly blends Dymatize’s scientifically supported, acclaimed hydrolyzed whey protein isolate with the iconic flavor of Dunkin’s Glazed Donut. The outcome is ISO100 in the irresistible Dunkin’ Glazed Donut flavor, providing 25 grams of swiftly absorbed, premium-quality protein per serving. This fusion caters to both fitness enthusiasts and Dunkin’ aficionados, empowering them to support their peak strength and fitness aspirations.

“Our consumers work overtime to meet their ambitious fitness goals. The last thing they want after a long workout is to reward their hard work with a protein powder that falls flat on flavor. That’s why Dymatize is always looking for new flavors and exciting partnerships, while never sacrificing our commitment to science-backed nutrition,” said Matt Echave, Associate Director at Dymatize.

“Our partnership with Dunkin’ underscores that commitment; the melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness and flavor of Dunkin’s iconic Glazed donut plus hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, empowers our consumers to go further,” he added.

Remaining faithful to the ISO100 tradition, the Dunkin’ Glazed Donut flavor is backed by scientific research and crafted to enhance fan endurance. It boasts 25 grams of ultra-filtered whey protein isolate, delivering 120 calories and just one gram of sugar. Each scoop is expertly formulated for effortless mixing and is enriched with 5.5 grams of muscle-building, branched-chain amino acids, ensuring essential nutrition for elevated performance potential.

Adding to the cherished ISO100 lineup that includes Dunkin’ Cappuccino and Mocha Latte flavors, this newest variant simplifies the enjoyment of the beloved combination of donut and coffee flavors during workout routines. ISO100 in Dunkin’ Glazed Donut flavor now stands alongside eleven other irresistible flavors in the ISO100 collection, all offering unbeatable taste and superior formulations to satisfy cravings.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Dymatize and provide our fans with another way to enjoy the iconic flavors of Dunkin’ while empowering their fitness journeys,” said Brian Gilbert, Vice President of Retail Business Development at Dunkin’. “This new innovation perfectly captures the time-honored Dunkin’ Glazed donut, offering fans a classic flavor they will instantly recognize and savor.”

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Toys ‘R’ Us set to begin manufacturing in India by mid-next year

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Toys 'R' Us
Toys 'R' Us

In its quest for rapid expansion in India, global toy retailer Toys ‘R’ Us is gearing up to initiate manufacturing in the country by mid-next year, according to a report by The Economic Times (ET) on Monday. This information was shared by Stanley Silverstein, the Chief Commercial Officer of WHP Global, the parent company.

According to reports, the company anticipates that India will rank among its top five markets within the next four to five years. Presently, the toy manufacturer operates two stores in the country and has ambitious plans to open an additional 75 stores over the next three years.

Continue Exploring: Toys ‘R’ Us bets big on Indian market, eyes top five position within 4-5 years

Toys ‘R’ Us initially entered the Indian market with a different licensee partner shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the company successfully launched 10-12 stores, but unfortunately, had to close them down due to lockdown measures. It made a re-entry into the market in March of this year and has since accelerated its manufacturing efforts in India.

In accordance with the prevailing regulations of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), both electric and non-electric toys are required to carry an ISI mark, and the sale of any toy lacking this mark is prohibited in the Indian market. This regulatory requirement has prompted the company to explore manufacturing in India. Prior to the implementation of these norms, a significant portion of the company’s toys were imported from China.

Six years ago, the toy maker filed for bankruptcy, and subsequently, WHP Global acquired a majority stake in the brand. As of now, the company’s primary markets, ranking among the top five, include the USA, Japan, China, Italy, and Dubai.

In India, the toy retailer competes with Hamleys, which falls under the umbrella of Reliance Industries. Operating with an omnichannel strategy, the US-based retailer intends to establish smaller stores in India compared to its outlets in other regions.

The majority of the stores the company intends to open in India will span between 8,000 and 10,000 square feet. Recently, it inaugurated a store in Mumbai, covering an area of 12,000 square feet.

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Starbucks reaches out to union in a bid to resolve tensions with frontline workers

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Starbucks
Starbucks (Representative Image)

Starbucks has made contact with the union representing numerous U.S. stores, seeking to repair its tense rapport with certain frontline employees, as revealed in a letter observed by Reuters on Friday.

In an email to Reuters last month, Starbucks conveyed that the Workers United union had not participated in contract bargaining for over five months.

Representing over 9,000 Starbucks employees across approximately 360 U.S. stores, the union has been advocating for improved wages, staffing, and schedules from the coffee giant.

“I am writing you in the hope that Workers United and Starbucks can find a way to resume bargaining at the earliest possible time,” Starbucks Chief Partner Officer Sara Kelly said in a letter addressed to Workers United President Lynne Fox.

Kelly suggested resuming negotiations with a designated set of representative stores in January 2024.

“We are open to hearing other ideas and rules of engagement on how bargaining could proceed,” the letter said, adding that the current impasse has not helped either the company or the union.

Fox said in a statement to Reuters, “We have never said no to meeting with Starbucks. Anything that moves bargaining forward in a positive way is most welcome.”

Starbucks possesses nearly 10,000 company-owned locations in the U.S., and the company reports that fewer than 3% of these stores are unionized.

In November, Starbucks announced a minimum 3% increase in hourly pay for its U.S. retail workers from 2024. Concurrently, in that same month, employees at numerous stores staged a walkout during the prominent Red Cup Day promotional event.

Last month, the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC), a coalition of North American labor unions, announced the nomination of three candidates for board seats at Starbucks.

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European wine and spirit producers call for duty-free imports in India

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European wine and spirit producers are advocating for duty-free imports as part of the potential free trade agreement (FTA) with India. Their goal is to offer Polish Vodka, Champagne, and Irish Whiskey at more affordable prices within the country.

“It is still early in the negotiations as six rounds have been completed. But we would want duties to be significantly reduced in the first year and hope that it is phased out over five years,” said Ulrich Adam, director general spirits EUROPE, an industry lobby group, which was part of a delegation that travelled to India last week.

He proposed with the condition that states should refrain from raising domestic levies to compensate for the price difference.

Similar to the UK, where tariff reductions on Scotch are pivotal, the EU views wines and spirits as a significant component in the discourse on duty reduction. With 2,000 geographical indications (GIs) for wines and 250 for spirits, constituting nearly half of the GI tags in the trading bloc, the EU is also pursuing an agreement on GIs. This would assist its producers by relieving them from the obligation to adhere to food standards in India, among other advantages.

Although a substantial decrease in duties in India, currently estimated at around 150%, is perceived as potentially harmful to the domestic industry, which aims to safeguard its interests, Adam contends that permitting the importation of bulk items into the country will promote domestic bottling and associated activities. He also argues that local producers, specializing in the predominant brown beverages, will not experience significant repercussions from tariff cuts, as white spirits wines have a relatively small share of the market.

“I don’t think so. It’s the price point (for drinks)… It takes time,” Adam said, adding that there is a large shipment of bulk consignments from the EU to the US, where the final product is bottled for the American market.

“It (duty cuts) has worked in other FTAs and it has shown to deliver results… it can act as an accelerator of trade,” he added.

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Toys ‘R’ Us bets big on Indian market, eyes top five position within 4-5 years

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ToysRus

Toys ‘R’ Us, having recently commenced operations in India, anticipates that the Indian market will rank among its top five within the next four to five years.

“The Indian economy is more dynamic than many others. Our experience with toys is that globally there are very strong markets and Toys ‘R’ Us as a brand works in all geographies,” explained Stanley Silverstein, Chief Commercial Officer at WHP Global, during an interview.

The global toy retail chain, owned by WHP Global, has established partnerships with Ace Turtle and Flipkart in India.

“I believe that the India business will be among the top five for Toys ‘R’ Us globally in four to five years,” said Nitin Chhabra, chief executive officer, Ace Turtle.

According to Silverstein, the toy retail chain based in the US operates successfully in diverse geographical settings, and the key lies in selecting the appropriate partner.

“We are satisfied and happy about our relationship with Ace Turtle and Flipkart,” he said.

Chhabra mentioned that owing to the recent regulations set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the retailer is increasingly sourcing the majority of its toys from India, given that even high-end toys are now being manufactured within the country.

Prior to the BIS norms, India relied heavily on importing such toys from China.

“The government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative seems to be coming in full swing with people setting up manufacturing facilities, and I think we should get there in the next year or so by having even high-end toys manufactured here,” Chhabra said.

At present, Toys ‘R’ Us operates two stores in the country. Recently, the flagship, spanning 12,000 square feet, was inaugurated in Mumbai as its second store. Chhabra mentioned a three-year plan to open an additional 75 stores across the country.

“We have signed up about 12 more locations to open more stores across the country.”

Most of the toy retail chain’s stores will typically fall within the size range of 8,000 to 10,000 square feet.

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