As the cricket fever reaches its zenith, the entire nation is gearing up for the grand showdown between India and Australia in the World Cup final. To add an extra dash of excitement to this already thrilling event, Khubani – Delhi is inviting fans to experience the World Cup final like never before.
Located in the vibrant heart of Delhi, Khubani is transforming into the ultimate cricket haven this Sunday, welcoming fans to witness the clash of titans on the big screen. The atmosphere promises to be nothing short of electric as cricket aficionados gather to cheer for Team India in a style that’s uniquely Khubani.
What sets Khubani apart is its commitment to ensuring that every moment of the World Cup final is celebrated in grandeur. The festivities kick off at 2:00 pm, right before the first ball is bowled, and continue until the final match whistle blows. The establishment is not just offering a live screening; it’s promising an immersive experience that combines the thrill of the game with an unmatched ambiance.
But what’s a cricket celebration without a touch of indulgence? Khubani has you covered with unlimited beers and appetizers, making sure that your taste buds are as satisfied as your cricketing spirit.
The invitation is extended to all – bring your friends, deck yourselves in the vibrant hues of Team India, and join the celebration at Khubani. The venue promises an ambiance where the collective heartbeat of passionate fans will resonate with the stadium cheers, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
The World Cup final is not just a game; it’s a spectacle, and Khubani – Delhi is your front-row seat to the action. Whether you’re a cricket fanatic or just looking for a great time with friends, this is an experience not to be missed.
The Ribbon Room Bar & Tequileria has opened its doors within the luxurious confines of Juhu’s Sea Princess Hotel in Mumbai. This establishment is a passionate endeavor, aiming to craft an exclusive dining space for the discerning food lovers of the city.
Established by Sunny Sara, Ritik Bhasin, Shashi Thadani, and Neha Gundecha, The Ribbon Room spans two expansive floors. It showcases an exquisite blend of wood and leather textures, embodying sophisticated grandeur.
Sharing his thoughts on the opening, Sunny Sara, director, Orion Entertainment, said, “With The Ribbon Room, we have crafted a dining and drinking space that oozes flair and finesse. Our bar and tequileria hosts a vivid variety of spirits, and our customised agave menu will surely fetch a lot of ardent fans. Our interiors also elicit a sense of wow and wonder. We have achieved the perfect marriage between chic and classy as well as colourful and flamboyant in our interior design. An unforgettable visual and unparalleled dining experience awaits patrons at The Ribbon Room.”
Procter & Gamble (P&G), the leading global consumer goods manufacturer, approached the $2-billion sales milestone in India, marking over three decades since its entry into the country. Despite challenges such as rising input costs and price adjustments, the Cincinnati-based company achieved a remarkable 15% year-on-year growth in FY23, accompanied by a substantial 26% increase in net profit.
The company disclosed sales totaling INR 16,089 crore and a net profit of INR 1,682 crore across its four Indian subsidiaries, namely pharmaceutical firm P&G Health, shaving products manufacturer Gillette, P&G Health & Hygiene, and P&G Home Products. Among these, P&G Home Products, an unlisted entity responsible for producing Tide detergent, Pantene shampoo, and Pampers diapers, experienced the most significant upswing. According to the latest regulatory filings, the arm recorded a 51% increase in profit, reaching INR 419 crore, with net sales rising by 27% to INR 8,464 crore in FY23.
The managing director, LV Vaidyanathan, attributed the company’s performance to robust volume growth, premiumization efforts, and productivity interventions.
“Our results can be attributed to our teams’ execution of our integrated growth strategies of focusing on daily use categories where performance drives brand choice, irresistible superiority across product, packaging, communication, go-to-market execution, and value, productivity, constructive disruption, and an agile and accountable organisation structure and culture,” said Vaidyanathan.
“We are confident these are the right strategies in near term to continue driving a balanced top- and bottom-line growth in a competitive macroeconomic environment.”
Over the last two decades, Procter & Gamble (P&G) has injected more than INR 20,000 crore into the country, solidifying its position as one of the company’s top 10 markets worldwide.
In India, P&G competes with Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Unilever’s local unit, which is nearly four times its size. Despite being the market leader, HUL controls more than half of the market for sanitary napkins and shaving razors. However, P&G has consistently gained shares in these segments, showcasing its competitive resilience.
In contrast to other companies where 40-45% of sales come from rural areas, P&G has traditionally emphasized premium and urban-centric products. Nevertheless, in certain states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, P&G’s rural market share surpasses its urban share. Additionally, Vicks exhibits a larger presence in villages than in urban areas. Even for its entry-level shaving brand, Gillette Guard, 45% of sales originate from rural regions.
Two months ago, Vaidyanathan, in P&G’s first-ever investor call, mentioned the company’s aggressive investments in the supply chain to cope with demand volatility.
“Historically, our supply chain has been a competitive advantage for us, and we are investing significantly to strengthen this advantage and be better positioned to handle larger capacity and higher ranges of demand volatility, while reducing over-dependence on singular nodes. We are calling this Supply 3. 0, an end-to-end synchronised, sustainable and resilient supply chain, amplified by data analytics,” he said.
SoundHound AI, a leading provider of voice-based artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, has unveiled its latest offering, Employee Assist, designed specifically for the restaurant sector.
The technology firm stated that its recently launched Employee Assist is a conversational artificial intelligence (AI) solution meticulously crafted to assist employees in the restaurant industry.
Employee Assist furnishes details regarding food and beverage items, addresses common business queries, and provides updates from the manager’s log along with essential daily tasks.
The innovative technology utilizes its voice AI in conjunction with generative AI capabilities to assimilate and comprehend instruction manuals, ingredients, and allergen information.
Details are subsequently relayed to the restaurant staff via their headsets in the course of a seamless two-way exchange.
Moreover, the company asserts that its innovative technology comprehends natural human speech without necessitating employees to alter their conversational style.
The innovative solution will also assist restaurant operators in minimizing the inherent challenges associated with inexperienced and multitasking employees.
SoundHound AI co-founder and chief product officer James Hom said, “Employee Assist offers a first-class solution to support busy employees and remove any friction and confusion from the equation. It’s an AI-powered expert in their ear that delivers the right information every time.
“Both restaurant operators and customers are now embracing cutting-edge technology like this because they understand that it’s capable of creating a more efficient and productive ordering experience.”
In September 2023, SoundHound AI seamlessly integrated with Olo, extending its technology accessibility to all locations utilizing Olo’s technology.
The integration smoothly directed voice orders to the Olo platform, seamlessly aligning with a restaurant’s operational processes.
Young’s, a pub operator based in the UK, has finalized a deal to purchase City Pubs Group for an estimated sum of around £162 million ($201 million).
As per the mutually agreed upon terms by the boards of Young’s and City Pubs, Young’s will acquire the complete issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of City Pubs.
Young’s CEO Simon Dodd said, “We are excited to be announcing the proposed acquisition of City Pubs, with the full recommendation of their Board.
“City Pubs is an excellent business we have followed for some time and one which aligns closely with Young’s in terms of both strategy and culture.
“Like us, City Pubs operates premium, individual and well-invested pubs and rooms, with a focus on the highest standards of customer service. Both businesses have performed well in a tough trading environment recently, a testament to the strength of our business models, people and approach to customers.”
Under the terms of the agreement, investors of City Pub Group will receive 108.75p in cash per share, with the remaining portion paid in Young’s shares.
As reported by the Caterer, the agreement is anticipated to expand Young’s managed trading estate by adding 50 pubs, bringing the total to 279 pubs.
City Pubs executive chairman Clive Watson said, “All at City Pubs can feel very proud of what has been built up over the past 12 years.
“City Pubs was an EIS start-up that began trading in March 2012 and now has an estate of fifty premium pubs in the great cities of Southern England and South Wales.
“Like all hospitality businesses, the pandemic derailed City Pubs’ progress, but it has been able to produce a strong performance since with a more focussed, reshaped business with the lowest debt in its history and a solid strategy in place.”
Pricepally, an online grocery store based in Nigeria specializing in fresh produce and packaged food, secured $1.3 million in seed funding. The funding round was supported by Samurai Incubate, a Japanese venture capital firm that had previously participated in the startup’s pre-seed round in 2021. Other contributors to the funding include SOSV, ELEA, Hi2 Global, Chui Ventures, and David Mureithi, a former executive at Unilever.
After securing the latest funding, the startup now joins a small group of African food e-commerce companies that have successfully raised funds this year. This includes Yebo Fresh in South Africa and Terraa in Morocco, highlighting a trend where venture capitalists are increasingly cautious in expanding their operations.
Pricepally has announced its intention to utilize the funding to broaden its reach beyond the three cities it presently caters to in Nigeria. Additionally, the startup aims to reintroduce group buying as part of its commitment to providing consumers with affordable food options. The company ensures efficient delivery of ordered produce through its digital platforms, such as the app and WhatsApp chatbot, offering same- or next-day delivery. While maintaining fulfillment centers within its current operational cities, Pricepally outsources delivery services.
In 2019, Luther Lawoyin (CEO), Deepak Bansal (CTO), Mosun Lawoyin (CXO), and Jummai Abalaka (COO) founded Pricepally with the goal of mitigating the impact of rising inflation, shortages, and escalating prices on food. Their mission was to lower the cost of food, enhance availability, and maintain price predictability.
According to Luther Lawoyin, Pricepally acquires fresh produce directly from farmers, including those with whom the startup has contractual agreements, and packaged food from manufacturers. The pricing of the produce is frequently subject to negotiation. This, combined with the use of short food supply chains, contributes to maintaining affordable costs for the supplies.
“We have more control over quality and supply because we have specific farmers supplying specific products. We also carry out price research across local markets and our prices are a lot fairer and that’s just because we’ve taken out several layers of middlemen. The idea now going forward is for us to capitalize on our sourcing strength to solve one of Nigeria’s biggest problems currently, which is food insecurity,” said Lawoyin.
“In many ways we are more than just selling products. We are bringing transparency and visibility into the market.”
Lawoyin attributes Pricepally’s consistent growth in customer accounts and impressive customer retention to transparency. Over 80% of its revenues come from existing buyers, serving as a testament to the credibility of its value proposition.
Lawoyin stated that Pricepally primarily focuses on retail buyers, constituting 70% of its customer base. This preference is attributed to the fact that individual consumers pay upfront, are more cost-effective to acquire, and offer higher profit margins compared to businesses.
The startup foresees that the reintroduction of online group buying, allowing retail customers to unite and access wholesale prices, will expedite its growth amidst the ongoing challenges of rising food prices. Additionally, the company aims to attract new customers through April, its recently launched WhatsApp chatbot, specifically targeting the mass market in Nigeria, a country with one of the highest WhatsApp usage rates globally.
Commenting on the deal, Rena Yoneyama of Samurai Incubate said, ”The great thing about Pricepally is their execution ability. There are still many difficulties with e-commerce in Nigeria, and many things that work normally in other major African cities often do not work due to a lack of both hard and soft infrastructure and trust issues.”
“However, Pricepally has worked hard to improve the quality of service, increase customer satisfaction, earn the trust of customers, and has built up a very high percentage of repeat customers. Their healthy unit economics and continuous business growth proves that.”
Meituan, the prominent Chinese delivery company, is reportedly considering the possibility of acquiring the Foodpanda delivery business in Southeast Asia. This move is part of Meituan’s strategy to expand its operations beyond the domestic market, as disclosed by individuals familiar with the situation.
Discussions regarding a potential acquisition have taken place between Meituan and Delivery Hero, the Germany-based parent company of the Foodpanda brand. The individuals providing this information requested to remain anonymous as the details are confidential.
The outcome of the discussions remains uncertain, and there is no guarantee that they will result in a transaction. Other potential bidders may also come forward. Despite requests for comment, a representative from Meituan did not respond, and a spokesperson for Delivery Hero declined to provide any comments.
Established in 2010, Meituan has grown to become the largest food delivery platform in China. With a presence in over 2,800 cities and counties within the world’s second-largest economy, the tech giant launched KeeTa, a new food delivery brand, in Hong Kong in May.
Meituan’s entry into Southeast Asia would pose a competitive challenge for Grab Holdings Ltd, the super-app dominating the region with its services in ride-sharing, food delivery, and fintech.
The Singaporean company, which has recently achieved profitability on an adjusted basis after a decade of operation, would face a significantly more formidable competitor in Meituan compared to its existing regional counterparts.
Grab has been suggested as a potential contender for the acquisition of the regional Foodpanda operations.
Foodpanda holds a substantial presence in Southeast Asia, contributing to approximately 20% of the region’s gross merchandise value in 2022. According to Bloomberg analysts, Grab is viewed as a more suitable candidate for acquiring Foodpanda compared to regional counterparts Sea and GoTo. The latter faces challenges related to competition and cash flow risks. Analyst Nathan Naidu suggests that a potential deal could elevate Grab’s market share from the current 40-50% to above 70%.
In the quarter ended in June, Meituan announced its swiftest revenue growth since 2021, driven by the resurgence of dining and travel following the depths of the Covid-19 crisis, despite a broader slump in consumer spending.
The company is broadening its scope, venturing beyond grocery retailing into group-buying. In March, it opted to discontinue its self-operating model for ride-hailing services as a cost-cutting measure. Additionally, it is making substantial investments in live-streaming services to compete with rivals such as Douyin, the local counterpart of TikTok.
In September, Delivery Hero announced ongoing discussions regarding the potential sale of a portion of its operations in Southeast Asia, where growth has plateaued since the easing of Covid lockdowns. The proposed deal would include the divestment of the Foodpanda brand in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.
According to reports, key players in the industry have advocated for the central authorities to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in inventory-based e-commerce platforms that engage in the export of goods.
As per the news agency PTI, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Kumar Sarangi has indicated that the Department for the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has received requests from ecommerce platforms to reconsider the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy on the matter.
According to the existing policy framework, foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed exclusively in e-commerce platforms following a marketplace model, while it is prohibited for inventory-based e-commerce entities.
Sarangi mentioned that the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is actively engaged in implementing various measures. Additionally, he noted that the DGFT is considering the concept of establishing e-commerce export zones to boost exports through online platforms.
“For export purposes, if these (rules) could be revisited is something that we are requesting the DPIIT to examine and explore… and this could be one step forward for creating the ecommerce export zones that DGFT and its team has been working on,” Sarangi was quoted as saying.
Simultaneously, efforts are in progress to provide warehousing facilities and expedited packaging clearance services within these e-commerce export zones.
“But the present policy ecosystem does not support creation of this because the export-oriented unit (EOU) model is exclusively for manufacturing. But here we are talking of a facility which is not exactly manufacturing but a little bit of processing and packaging,” he added.
According to Sarangi, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is actively constructing an Export Oriented Unit (EOU) model specifically tailored for e-commerce exports, starting from the ground up. He remains optimistic about persuading the Department of Revenue regarding the viability of this innovative approach.
“The possibility that our people will be able to sell their own brand to the entire globe using ecommerce platform is something which would require a lot of mindset change…So we are working with the DoR, RBI, and the DPIIT to see how this mindset change can come,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to boost e-commerce exports, he mentioned that the DGFT is collaborating with the Department of Revenue to conceptualize an initiative resembling the ‘composition levy scheme.’ This initiative aims to exempt smaller players from GST until they reach a specific threshold export value.
Sarangi emphasized that efforts were underway to guarantee that benefits and incentives provided by the central government, such as duty drawback, Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), and Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL), are effectively delivered to the intended recipients.
According to reports, the DGFT has entered into a collaboration with the Department of Post to enhance and broaden Dak Niryat Kendras and foreign post offices (FPOs) for the purpose of optimizing e-commerce exports. Sarangi highlighted that over 1,000 such Kendras are in the pipeline, operating on a hub-and-spoke model to facilitate rapid customs clearance and ensure a streamlined export process for e-commerce entities.
Internationally, the department is collaborating with postal services from various countries to establish a comprehensive online tracking system for e-commerce export shipments.
There are reports suggesting that DGFT is considering collaboration with private entities to boost awareness and support for e-commerce exports. Providing examples, Sarangi mentioned that the DGFT is on the verge of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amazon to launch an initiative aimed at training e-commerce exporters in 20 districts.
He additionally mentioned that the department is in the process of developing a comparable proposal in collaboration with Flipkart and Walmart. Discussions are also underway with entities like eBay to extend the trial to additional districts.
Meanwhile, Sarangi anticipates that India’s e-commerce sector will drive the expansion of both goods and services exports, reaching a market size of $2 trillion by 2030. These remarks were made shortly after a senior Amazon executive announced the platform’s intention to increase exports from India to $20 billion by 2025.
HunyHuny, a leading player in the world of premium baby and maternity products, has announced its entry into Rajasthan with the inauguration of its latest store in Pink City at the Mall of Jaipur. This strategic expansion is a testament to HunyHuny’s unwavering commitment to providing families across India with unparalleled access to an extensive range of high-quality baby furniture, baby transport, baby clothing, and many more.
The inaugural event not only celebrated the grand opening of the brand’s first establishment in the vibrant state of Rajasthan but also underscored the brand’s commitment to evolving into a one-stop destination for families in search of the finest offerings for their young ones.
Mr Himanshu Tambi, Franchise Owner of HunyHuny, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “Our mission at HunyHuny has always been to provide parents with the best for their little ones, and this new store at the Mall of Jaipur will allow us to extend our reach and share the joy of parenthood with even more families.”
He further added, “As we witness the rise in the population of working women, particularly in an emerging country like India, we recognise the immense potential in the baby and maternity products sector. “
Having originated in the realm of online retail, HunyHuny has undergone impressive growth in the last three years, effectively extending its reach to offline stores across the nation.
Mr Shrikanth Komarla, Business Operations Head at HunyHuny, shared his insights on the brand’s vision, stating, “HunyHuny’s vision has always been to provide parents with a range of premium, handpicked products such as baby cots, baby cribs, baby strollers, baby prams, baby clothing that embody safety, style, and comfort. From elegant baby furniture that elevates your nursery to adorable baby wear that exudes charm, we have consistently delighted parents and parents-to-be.”
Ms Madhurima Rungta, Director at HunyHuny, shared insights into the brand’s future plans, stating, “We are excited to announce our next two store openings at Ahmedabad and Noida as part of our strategic expansion. This year alone, we have successfully opened 8 number of stores, with plans to open 25 more by next year. Our focus is not just on quantity but on providing a diverse range of sustainable and smart baby furniture & baby transport supporting the growing demand for environmentally-friendly solutions in parenting products. Experience the love at HunyHuny’s newest store in Jaipur, where motherhood meets perfection.”
The recent inauguration of the Jaipur store, along with the recently opened Pune branch, signals just the initial phase of HunyHuny’s ambitious expansion strategy. The brand is gearing up to introduce additional stores in prominent malls located in Noida, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore, including various high street markets later this year. This move aims to strengthen its position as the ultimate destination for families in search of top-quality baby cots, cribs, strollers, prams, and an array of other products.
As a component of its expansion strategy, HunyHuny is extending business opportunities for investors, young entrepreneurs, and mompreneurs. The brand aspires not only to establish itself as a household name for premium baby products but also to contribute to local economies by creating job opportunities.
Poorna Satya, India’s pioneering platform committed to enhancing nutritional literacy and ensuring food safety, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated website. The platform is designed to educate and empower customers by offering valuable insights to facilitate informed decisions about nutritional values.
This marks the first website in India, providing a convenient platform for individuals to swiftly assess, compare, and engage with their dietary preferences across a diverse range of popular and organic brands. The unveiling ceremony was honored by the presence of Mr. Pawan Agarwal, the former CEO of FSSAI and Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (2020), along with the participation of Revant Himatsingka, a health and wellness influencer with a substantial following of 1 million, alongside other influential figures from India’s food and health safety sectors.
The inaugural event featured an engaging panel discussion titled “The Importance of Food Awareness,” skillfully moderated by Dr. Pratichi Mishra. The conversation delved into critical facets of food awareness, underscoring the imperative to make well-informed choices concerning nutrition and food safety.
Poorna Satya’s remarkable venture started with a noteworthy investment of USD 5 million, underscoring its potential to reshape India’s food environment. Unveiled during the event, the platform’s roadmap outlines strategic initiatives, including the development of a user-friendly app, direct scanning for over 5000 items, a 3X expansion of the comprehensive database, ongoing UI/UX enhancements, and collaborative efforts with various brands.
Poorna Satya has set an ambitious target of reaching one million users by March, underscoring its commitment to making nutritional literacy accessible to a broad audience.
During the company’s research, it was observed that over 80% of popular packaged foods consumed in India are halal. This observation reinforces the significance of Poorna Satya’s objective to enhance customer awareness and educate them about their food choices, thereby fostering industry transparency. The platform classifies food into broad categories such as Sattvic, Halal, Kosher, Vegan, and Keto.
Speaking on this launch, Chahat Aggarwal, CEO, Poorna Satya, said, “The success of our launch event reaffirms the need for comprehensive nutritional information among today’s consumers. We as a brand are dedicated to empowering people through information and this is only the beginning.”
Dev Datt Sharma Promoter, Poorna Satya said, “There is a significant rise in the lifestyle diseases, obesity and incidents of CVD in the last 5 years. As per The National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau the food habits of urban Indians which is tilting towards processed foods coupled with sedentary Lifestyle is a strong contributor to the health quotient. Therefore we are happy to invest in a nutrition literacy platform that will help people make informed choices about the food they consume and move towards healthier food habits which will have a strong impact on curbing food borne illness.”
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