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Wingers gears up for growth with a new outlet at Telford Shopping Centre

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wingers
Dylan and Bill Sunner with Anthony Round (Business Development) and Co-Founder Amran Sunner.

Wingers has successfully acquired a new location for a restaurant in Telford.

The brand anticipates inaugurating the new restaurant in the first quarter of 2024, conveniently located near the cinema within the Telford Shopping Centre.

As per Anthony Round, the Business Development representative at Wingers, the upcoming restaurant will span 2,500 square feet, providing ample room for pick-up, delivery, and dining-in services.

“Telford is a busy, growing town and the location is perfect with numerous well-known brands plus hotels and leisure facilities close by. Telford Shopping Centre attracts a huge footfall and we are confident that Wingers Telford will soon become one of our most popular restaurants and so we are already investing in the store fit out. This means a new franchisee will simply be able to take turn-key delivery of the store to get up and running as quickly as possible following their training,” said Anthony.

Established during the pandemic, the Wingers restaurant and delivery concept was founded by brothers Amran and Dylan Sunner, assisted by their father, Bill. Today, the Wingers family is bolstered by a team of seasoned Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) franchise professionals, propelling the brand’s growth.

Wingers presently operates six successfully established restaurants in the Midlands, and there are plans to open an additional ten franchised outlets within the coming year.

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47% of British consumers love adding extra pizza toppings at home: Cooks&Co study

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Homemade Pizzas
Pizza (Representative Image)

According to a survey by Cooks&Co, personalizing pizzas is a favorite among consumers, with nearly 47% expressing a preference for adding extra toppings to their store-bought pizzas.

Approximately 19% have confessed to removing all the toppings and substituting them with their preferred choices. Amongst age groups, individuals aged 25 to 35 exhibit the highest enthusiasm for customizing their pizzas, with 33% of them engaging in this practice.

As a result, the survey identified the top five favorite pizza toppings among Brits, which include extra cheese, shredded or chopped chicken, pepperoni, onions, and mushrooms.

On the flip side, the roster of least-favored toppings includes figs, jackfruit, aubergine, broccoli, artichoke, and seafood. The perennially controversial pineapple sparks intense debate, with almost half (48%) welcoming its sweet tang, just over two in five (43%) staunchly rejecting it, and one in 12 (9%) remaining undecided.

According to the survey, the popularity of pizza toppings such as sweet peppers, chillies/jalapeños, and sundried tomatoes reflects larger culinary trends. These flavors provide distinctive and robust taste experiences, aligning with the increasing fascination with Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines, where these ingredients often take center stage.

The study, sponsored by Cooks&C, was carried out by Censuswide, surveying 2,000 UK General Consumers (National-Representation) between September 11, 2023, and September 13, 2023. Censuswide adheres to the principles of the ESOMAR and employs members of the Market Research Society, while also being affiliated with The British Polling Council.

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Chipotle continues UK expansion with a new restaurant in Putney next week

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Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill, the fast-casual eatery celebrated for its dedication to responsibly sourced, classically-cooked dishes featuring wholesome ingredients, has announced the opening of its first restaurant in Putney on November 27th.

Chipotle presently boasts 16 establishments in the extended London vicinity and stands as the sole company of its magnitude to possess and manage all its restaurants in the US, Canada, and Western Europe. Notably, Chipotle was honored as the premier choice for lunch at the Just Eat Best 2023 Restaurant Awards, while the brand’s burrito secured the distinction of being the most sought-after dish in the UK in 2022, as reported in Deliveroo’s annual review.

“Given the rising popularity of Chipotle across London, our expansion in the area remains a top priority for our international strategy,” said Jacob Sumner, Director of European Operations. “This new location will increase the Putney community’s access to real, fresh food.”

Pioneering the fast-casual dining scene, Chipotle is dedicated to Food with Integrity. The restaurant offers irresistible burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads crafted from genuine ingredients, devoid of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Chipotle takes pride in preparing fresh, real food daily, without the use of freezers in its establishments.

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Sunpure diversifies into the packaged jaggery market with new products

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Sunpure Jaggery

Sunpure, South India’s largest edible oil brand, has announced its foray into a new product category with the introduction of packaged jaggery. The newly launched Sunpure Jaggery Powder and Sunpure Jaggery Block in Bengaluru and Mumbai mark a significant step in the company’s vision to become India’s favorite food brand, championing chemical- and preservative-free healthy living. In the coming month, these innovative products will be made available across all existing markets in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, and Tamil Nadu.

MK Agrotech, the umbrella organization overseeing Sunpure, is a Karnataka-based entity renowned for amalgamating cutting-edge technology with traditional practices in the food industry. With lofty aspirations, the company aims to evolve into a nationwide FMCG brand, fostering a culture of healthy living among Indian consumers. Recognizing the growing health consciousness among Indian consumers, who are actively seeking healthier alternatives to refined white sugar in their diets, the company strategically chose to explore this new segment with the introduction of Sunpure Jaggery.

According to market reports, the packaged jaggery market in India achieved a valuation of INR 55.6 billion in 2022. Projections indicate that by 2028, it is anticipated to soar to INR 122.1 billion, demonstrating a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1% over the next five years. Sunpure has set its sights on achieving an annual revenue of INR 120 crores in this segment. In Mumbai, the products are introduced under the names Riso Jaggery Powder and Riso Jaggery Block. Notably, Sunpure expanded its market presence in the Western region by acquiring Riso, a premium edible oil brand in Maharashtra, in February of this year.

Commenting on the product launch, Sridhar Vaidyanathan, chief operating officer, MK Agrotech, said, “India is one of the leading exporters of jaggery in the world, and the domestic market for packaged jaggery is ripe for disruption. With mounting health concerns due to the growing incidence of diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity-related issues, more and more Indian consumers today are replacing white sugar with jaggery, an unrefined natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice. What’s more, jaggery also offers numerous nutritional benefits, making it a healthy addition to the household pantry staples.”

“Unlike traditional jaggery sold in open markets or other packaged jaggery products available in the market, Sunpure Jaggery’s USP is that it is produced using traditional methods with skilled manpower in hygienic conditions, and without the use of any harmful chemicals, artificial colors, or commonly used preservatives. You may notice that Sunpure Jaggery is darker in color due to the absence of bleaching agents; it is 100% natural and safe,” added Mannan Khan, Director, MK Agrotech

Jaggery serves as a beneficial source of iron and antioxidants, while also providing essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Sunpure Jaggery is thoughtfully packaged in both powder and block forms for convenient storage and easy transportation.

As a company certified under ISO 22000:2018, Sunpure implements rigorous quality checks to ensure that all its products adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and safety. The current product range encompasses Sunpure Sunflower Oil, Sunpure Filtered Groundnut Oil, Sunpure Rice Bran Health, Sunpure Palmpure, Sunpure Mustard Oil, Sunpure Sugar, Sunpure Vanaspati, Sunpure Swaad, Sunpure Red Chilli Powder, Sunpure Turmeric Powder, Sunpure Coriander Powder, and Sunpure Multigrain Atta.

The cost of Sunpure Jaggery Powder and Sunpure Jaggery Block is set at INR 80.

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Ashish Goenka steps down as CFO of Jubilant FoodWorks

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Ashish Goenka
Ashish Goenka

Ashish Goenka, who served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Jubilant Foodworks Limited, the company behind the Domino’s Pizza fast-food chain, has stepped down from his position.

According to the company’s regulatory filing, his final day in the role of CFO and Key Management Personnel (KMP) at the company is scheduled for December 15, 2023.

“I hereby tender my resignation from the position of President & CFO and as KMP of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited to take up an external opportunity. I request you to relieve me from my role and responsibilities with effect from the close of business hours on December 15, 2023,” Goenka wrote in his resignation letter.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) resigned to pursue career opportunities outside the company. He assumed the role of CFO in February 2021.

He thanked the Board of Directors, saying, “I would like to thank you and the Board of Directors for the confidence in me and the support provided throughout my tenure.”

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McCain Foods India MD Piyush Patnaik steps down amid controversy

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Piyush Patnaik
Piyush Patnaik

McCain Foods India’s managing director, Piyush Patnaik, has resigned from his position within a year of joining amid allegations of “improper conduct,” according to a source familiar with the situation.

The typical duration for leadership positions at McCain is four years on average.

Over the last six months or so, McCain India’s Indian division has witnessed the departure of approximately six senior-level executives across various functions, including human resources, finance, agriculture, supply chain, retail key accounts, legal, and exports.

“We confirm that Piyush Patnaik is no longer with the company,” a spokesperson for McCain Foods India stated.

As per executives familiar with the situation, Patnaik’s departure stemmed from accusations of “inappropriate conduct” within the company. In response to inquiries directed to McCain India’s office and global headquarters, the company stated in an email response, “We will have no further comment on his departure for internal confidentiality reasons.”

In response to the inquiry, Patnaik stated, “I have resigned for personal reasons. I intend to explore other interests.”

On the mid-senior level exits within the company, the McCain spokesperson said “In the past year, we have made a number of personnel changes as part of our global strategy to align and optimise leadership roles across the team”.

The representative mentioned that this involved creating new leadership opportunities globally and implementing structural changes across various business areas in India.

Patnaik joined McCain Foods India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of McCain Foods, in October last year.

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Sugar prices to remain steady despite new sugarcane crushing season

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sugar
Sugar (Representative Image)

Sugar prices are expected to remain elevated throughout the year, even in the lean season, due to a decrease in carry forward stock and anticipated declines in production.

Prices have not eased even though the festive season has come to an end, and the new sugarcane crushing season has begun across the country.

This year, we have not seen any substantial decline in sugar prices after the beginning of the crushing season,” said sugar trader Abhijit Ghorpade.

The ex-mill price of sugar, which hovered between INR 36.50 a kg and INR 37.50 a kg for the smallest-sized S-30 grade around the first week of October due to festival season demand, continues to be within the same range.

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The Leela Gandhinagar sets the festive mood with a traditional cake-mixing ceremony

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The Leela Gandhinagar

The Leela Gandhinagar kicked off the Christmas festivities with a traditional cake-mixing ceremony, setting the stage for joyful celebrations.

Renowned as a favored weekend retreat, The Leela Gandhinagar hosted its annual cake-mixing ceremony by the infinity pool. Executive Chef Kapil Dubey and his team presided over the evening, where guests and patrons enthusiastically participated in blending fruits and nuts, heralding the festive season.

During the cake-mixing ceremony, a medley of traditional ingredients, including cashew nuts, walnuts, cherries, dates, prunes, figs, cinnamon, raisins, and black raisins, were enthusiastically blended by all the participating guests. The vibrant energy of the event foretells the creation of delectable, rich cakes and a range of customized gifting options by The Leela Gandhinagar’s skilled culinary team, just in time for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “The Christmas cake-mixing ceremony symbolises the festive spirit of getting together, celebrating good company, and relishing delicious food. We thank all our guests and patrons for their enthusiastic participation in the ceremony today. We look forward to hosting them for Christmas celebrations that will be coming soon at The Leela Gandhinagar.”

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Future Lifestyle Fashions receives two resolution proposals amid bankruptcy

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Future Lifestyle Fashions
Future Lifestyle Fashions (Representative Image)

Future Lifestyle Fashions, a subsidiary of the Future Group facing bankruptcy, has garnered two resolution proposals, as disclosed by its resolution professional in a filing with the stock exchange.

The identities of the involved parties were not revealed.

The company, which owns retail properties such as Central and Brand Factory, is indebted with over INR 5700 crore to its various creditors, the major portion of which is owed to financial creditors, including 11 banks.

In May of this year, the company entered bankruptcy proceedings, leading to the solicitation of expressions of interest from interested parties for its resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

In May, at the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings, the company possessed approximately 26 leased stores, a significant decrease from the 331 stores it had at the close of 2021. Emerged from the demerger of Future Retail’s fashion business, it stood as a prominent lifestyle and fashion brand, offering a range of apparel and accessories.

During the fiscal year 2022, the company disclosed a revenue of INR 2994 crore and incurred a loss exceeding INR 2500 crore, primarily due to substantial interest costs and other expenses. In the initial half of fiscal year 2023, it recorded sales amounting to INR 421 crore.

Future Retail, the primary entity within Kishore Biyani’s swiftly deteriorating retail conglomerate, is poised for liquidation as its resolution professional has submitted an application to the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal for this purpose.

Earlier this month, the resolution plan submitted by Space Mantra, an online marketplace for construction and interiors, was rejected by Future Retail creditors. Despite being the sole bidder seeking to acquire the company in its entirety, the proposal did not garner approval.

Another group company, Future Enterprises, is currently navigating the bankruptcy court, while Future Consumer, characterized by losses and outstanding debts totaling INR 470 crore, is actively engaged in negotiations to mitigate its debt through asset sales and other strategic approaches.

During the September quarter, the board sanctioned the sale of subsidiaries ‘The Nilgiri Dairy Farm’ and ‘Aadhaar Wholesale Trading and Distribution’ for a combined sum of INR 87 crore.

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Wyndham to introduce Vienna House in India, eyes 100 Hotels by 2025

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Vienna House
Vienna House (Representative Image)

US-based Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is gearing up to introduce its European brand, Vienna House, to the Indian market by mid-next year. With ambitious expansion plans, the hotel company aims to elevate its total number of hotels from 60 to 100 by the year 2025.

“We’re the world’s largest hotel franchisor and aim to replicate our success in India. By 2025, we will have 100 hotels in India. With a robust pipeline and optimism fueled by substantial infrastructure development, especially in airports, roads, and ports, we anticipate significant growth in the hospitality sector across various cities in the next five years. Our enthusiasm extends not just to business prospects but also to the people of India,” stated Dimitris Manikis, President for Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa (EMEA) at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

In India, Wyndham currently operates 60+ hotels, boasting over 5,333 operational rooms. Additionally, the company has 35 hotels with over 3,116 rooms currently under development in 36 cities across the country. On a global scale, Wyndham extends its presence with approximately 9,100 hotels spanning 95 countries across six continents. The company manages a diverse portfolio of 24 hotel brands, with eight of them being present in the Indian market.

On the other brands the company plans to bring to India, he said, “Every brand is significant, but our recent acquisition, Vienna House, holds a special place in my vision for India. I believe its unique style, coupled with the grandeur of our recent addition, Wyndham Grand (opening in 2025), will resonate well with Indian consumers and attract inbound tourists from Europe. Despite having other impressive brands in our portfolio, Vienna House and Wyndham Grand are particularly exciting prospects for growth in India.”

Last year, Wyndham strengthened its position in the European market through the acquisition of the Vienna House brand from the Berlin-based HR Group. This strategic move included the addition of 28 hotels in Germany alone, marking a substantial expansion for Wyndham in one of its largest European markets. With a total of 120 franchised hotels and over 19,000 rooms, this acquisition not only solidified Wyndham’s foothold in Germany but also contributed to its broader presence across surrounding countries.

Discussing the potential in India and the company’s strategic approach, Manikis highlighted a significant focus on expanding to areas beyond major cities. The emphasis lies on tier two and tier three cities, aligning with ongoing infrastructure development initiatives.

“Key areas include religious and wellness tourism, with strategic positioning at significant pilgrimage sites.”

Further, anticipating a surge in global interest, “we target inbound tourism, leveraging the Wyndham Rewards programme to showcase India’s beauty. Actively engaging the Indian diaspora in the U.S., we seek support for India’s growth and encourage hospitality investments. This multifaceted approach aims for sustainable growth, emphasising regional expansion, cultural tourism, global outreach, and diaspora connections over the next five years,” he explained.

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