Donatos Pizza, a fast-casual restaurant chain, has recently inked two development agreements for the establishment of new eateries in Louisville, Kentucky, and Orlando, Florida.
As an integral component of the company’s strategic expansion initiative, these new agreements will signify Donatos Pizza’s inaugural entry into the Louisville market and a noteworthy extension of its footprint in Orlando.
Under the first deal, Donatos will be establishing two restaurants in Middletown and Jeffersontown in Louisville.
The first restaurant site is anticipated to commence operations in 2024, while the opening of the second location is planned for a later stage.
Donatos Pizza president Kevin King said, “We are thrilled to reveal these new development deals, which mark a momentous step in our journey to bring the Donatos Pizza brand to more communities throughout the country.
“Entering the Louisville market and enhancing our presence in Orlando is a testament to the strength of our brand and the appeal of our unique pizza experience. We look forward to providing our famous Edge to Edge toppings and warm hospitality to these communities.”
Under the second agreement, Donatos is set to enhance its footprint in Orlando by introducing new restaurants in the Clermont or Hunters Creek area.
Donatos Pizza franchise development vice-president Jeff Baldwin said, “It’s an exciting chapter in the Donatos Pizza story as we continue our growth momentum, expanding into two great American cities.
“These cities are not only focus markets for growth but also share a deep appreciation for community and great food, which makes them strong additions to our brand’s ever-growing reach.”
Donatos Pizza currently operates more than 460 locations across 29 US states.
In celebration of International Men’s Day, Kalyan Jewellers has introduced its exclusive men’s jewellery line, Senhor. The launch campaign prominently features the renowned Amitabh Bachchan showcasing exquisite pieces from the newly unveiled men’s collection in a uniquely crafted presentation.
Derived from the Portuguese term for ‘sir’ or ‘gentleman,’ the Senhor collection skillfully combines contemporary style with classic design. This distinctive line caters to the modern man’s preference for meaningful accessories, effortlessly blending affordability with elegance. Positioned as an accessible range, the collection seamlessly integrates into the lifestyles of today’s consumers. It accentuates the growing trend of selecting men’s jewelry as cherished gifts, particularly during the ongoing wedding season in India.
Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director – Kalyan Jewellers said, “The new exclusive men’s jewellery collection redefines elegance and strength for the modern Indian male. Each design in the Senhor collection is a testament to the modern Indian male’s dynamic spirit and unique style. With an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality, we continue to create timeless treasures that resonate with the bold and discerning consumer. Senhor unveils a new era of sophistication, where every piece tells a story of excellence and every jewel echoes the essence of masculinity.”
The Senhor collection showcases enduring pieces that celebrate the distinctiveness and fortitude of the modern man. It presents a varied array of textures, encompassing dual-tone elements and understated patterns. Ranging from gold to platinum, rose gold to white gold, and featuring diamond embellishments, the collection includes an assortment of neckpieces, chains, rings, and bracelets. Meticulously crafted, these designs aspire to achieve a harmonious blend of strength and style.
Guaranteeing quality and authenticity, the jewellery available at Kalyan Jewellers carries the BIS hallmark and undergoes rigorous purity testing. Customers are provided with the 4-Level Assurance Certificate, ensuring purity, complimentary lifetime maintenance, comprehensive product details, and transparent exchange and buy-back policies. This underscores the brand’s dedication to delivering the highest standards for its loyal clientele.
Anthm, the recently unveiled upscale bar and lounge, represents the pinnacle of culinary indulgence, providing a dining experience that flawlessly fuses inventive gastronomy with lavish surroundings. Encompassing a vast 45,000 square feet in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Anthm establishes itself as a sanctuary for discerning food enthusiasts amid the lively streets of the city.
Established by Harsha Vadlamudi and Vidhatha Annamaneni, who serve as Co-Founders of Ironhill Hospitality, and crafted by the talented Architect Aamir and Hameeda Sharma from AANDH, the lounge embodies the reimagined concept of luxury envisioned by Tarun Chitturi, Sandeep Krishna Padala, Karthik Rao Vempati, Avaneendra Upadrasta, Vishal Reddy Mandadi, and C. Pruthvish Reddy.
Anthm aspires to establish a fresh benchmark in the industry by presenting patrons with a diverse fusion of culinary delights, an elegant ambiance, and top-tier spirits. Positioned as the foremost destination for food enthusiasts in search of a distinctive and elevated dining experience, Anthm boasts a meticulously curated menu crafted by a team of globally acclaimed chefs. The establishment captivates palates with a harmonious blend of flavors that transcend conventional cuisine boundaries.
Sandeep Krishna Padala, Co-Founder of Anthm said, “Our goal is to redefine the dining landscape by offering an unparalleled experience that transcends traditional boundaries. With a start in Hyderabad, we plan to take the Anthm concept and experience to several other cities in the next 12 months. Our commitment to culinary excellence for discerning patrons positions Anthm as a distinctive and sought-after brand in the evolving gastronomic landscape.”
From meticulously designed appetizers to indulgent main courses and luscious desserts, each dish at Anthm is a work of art, presenting a fusion of global culinary influences using the finest, freshest ingredients. The ambiance mirrors a seamless mix of modern aesthetics and timeless elegance, providing a sophisticated setting for a memorable dining experience. The lounge offers plush seating, ambient lighting, and tasteful décor, making it perfect for both celebratory occasions and intimate evenings.
Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or an individual eager to venture into new culinary realms, Anthm welcomes you to indulge in the extraordinary.
Happie Curves, the Gurugram-based startup renowned for its expertise in plus-size innerwear and comfort clothing, has achieved a significant milestone by securing an angel funding of INR 20 Lakhs. This successful funding round resulted in a 30 percent equity dilution and was made possible through the support of two distinguished angel investors: Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, and Aparna Thyagarajan, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Shobitam Inc. The initiation of this equity deal followed Happie Curves’ active participation in ‘Indian Angels,’ the pioneering OTT angel investment show.
Operating on a bootstrap model from its inception, the startup plans to deploy the recently acquired capital with a strategic approach. The primary objectives include expanding business operations, elevating brand value, and extending its reach to a broader audience throughout India. Happie Curves envisions establishing itself as the premier and most coveted brand in the plus-size/curvy category.
Sonal Somani, Founder, Happie Curves said, “I am thrilled to get the backing of two renowned Angels for my venture, whose investments in Happie Curves not just validates the huge promise and potential of my business idea, but also reaffirms and strengthens our belief that every woman deserves to be happy, and deserves to feel good from outside and within. And to enable that, diverse body type inclusive clothing is, of course, the way to go. Beyond the funding support, the immense experience and knowledge of these Angels will help us to learn valuable entrepreneurial lessons, grow, and be able to scale the brand rapidly and efficiently in the upcoming months and years. Getting support from these big stalwarts of the startup world itself is a huge achievement, and marks a significant milestone in our journey of taking Happie Curves to the next level of phenomenal growth.”
“Our biggest achievement to date is the widespread acceptance and love received by the brand amongst the country’s plus-size women – for so many of whom Happie Curves’ comfortable and trendy bralettes and lingerie items have emerged as a game-changer. Going forward, we will endeavor to reach out with our inclusive and stylish offerings to the TAM entirely by scaling the brand, and in the long run, ultimately striving to make it the numero uno brand in India for the curvy-plus-size community. In the process of doing that, Happie Curves will continue to innovate constantly, and we will never cease to embrace and celebrate ‘curves’ as we attempt to expand into new forms of comfort clothing and athleisure shortly,” added Somani.
The notable hurdle in the Indian plus-size intimatewear market is the scarcity of sizes, as many existing brands tend to overlook the plus-size segment. Happie Curves is committed to bridging this gap by presenting stylish fits tailored for curvy individuals. The brand offers a diverse selection of intimate wear, beachwear, swimwear, and more – all crafted in India using high-quality fabrics.
Spearheading Happie Curves as a solo force, Sonal Somani has steered the brand towards heightened acceptance and success. Leveraging her expertise in finance and law, combined with her background as a digital marketer, she has played a pivotal role. Initially focusing on metro cities and tier-II cities, the startup has organically garnered acclaim in numerous smaller cities across India, signaling a positive trajectory for the brand’s expansion.
In Kashmir, apple growers, especially those with Grade A produce, are in high spirits these days. Understandably, their harvest is now securing the most favorable market rates in a decade. Often referred to as the ‘fruit bowl’ of North India, Kashmir is witnessing premium prices for its apples across all fruit markets, thanks to a limited supply unable to match the growing demand.
As per apple growers, there has been a significant decline in apple production this year in both Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, with the crop rate being 50 percent higher than the previous year.
“For the first time since 2007-08, apples are being sold at the best prices in Kashmir. The significant shortage of supply has caused prices to skyrocket,” said Mohammad Ashraf Wani, an apple cultivator in Kellar village of Shopian district, some 52 kilometres south of Kashmir. “A 20-30 percent drop in crop production this year in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) as well as Himachal Pradesh, two major apple producing regions, has led to apple prices soaring in the market,” he said.
The apple production in Himachal Pradesh suffered a setback due to the havoc wreaked by this year’s monsoon in the state. The floods, a consequence of heavy rains, resulted in a staggering loss of INR 240 crore for Himachal’s apple industry. In contrast to the usual average of 8 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of apple production, this year saw a significant reduction, with only 3 lakh MT being produced.
Likewise, fluctuations in weather conditions in Kashmir impacted the crop at different stages of development, resulting in a reduction in output.
Wani, a trader and former president of the fruit market in Shopian, mentioned that apples from J&K and Himachal are not only predominantly sold domestically but are also exported to Bangladesh and Nepal.
“Such is the demand of our apples that every day, between September and November, 80-100 apple-laden trucks carrying 800 boxes of apples are transported to Delhi and other parts of the National Capital Region.”
According to official statistics, Kashmir annually exports approximately 18 lakh metric tonnes of apples, constituting 75 percent of India’s total apple production.
As stated by 55-year-old Wani, this marks the first instance where a 15 kg box of the Kulu delicious variety is being sold at INR 1,300-1,600, as opposed to INR 700-800 last year. Likewise, the 15 kg plain delicious variety is currently priced at INR 1,000-1,300, a significant increase from INR 400-600 last year.
Not far from Srinagar, in Sopore, hailed as Asia’s second-largest fruit market, the rates of grade A apples have doubled over last year.
“Two weeks before the A grade quality was sold at INR 1,300 to INR 1,400 per 15 kg box. This year, however, the rates started to decrease after apples from Iran entered the Indian market. However, the rates still are on the higher side as the Grade A quality is currently sold at INR 1,000 to INR 1,100 per 15 kg box against INR 500-600 per 15 kg box last year,” said Sopore fruit Mandi president Fayaz Ahmad Malik.
Suhail Ahmad, another apple grower from the Tral area of Pulwama district, mentioned that this year marks the first time growers have achieved record rates for their produce.
According to Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Deputy Director of Central Horticulture Planning and Marketing, the rise in rates for Kashmir apples is attributed not only to low production but also to advancements in the grading and packing of the fruit.
“This is the first time after nearly a decade that the rates of our crop have risen. We are seeing good demand in almost all the markets of the country, mainly in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Chennai.”
Mir further stated that this year, the improved color of the fruit has contributed to increased demand and prices.
“Whenever there are fewer fruits on the tree, the colour of apples gets better due to proper sunlight exposure. The fruit density on a tree impacts the colour and overall quality of apples,” he explained.
Malik, the president of Sopore Fruit Mandi, added that the gains wouldn’t be significant for growers as a considerable portion of the fruit has been affected by scab. He further noted that the overall production this year was only 60 percent of the levels in previous years, with just 30 percent being A grade, while the rest fell into the C grade category.
“Prolonged erratic weather, coupled with hailstorm and use of substandard pesticides in apple orchards, have reduced production drastically this year,” he said.
Bashir Ahmad Bashir, president of the Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, mentioned that while the rates for A grade apples are higher than in previous years, the output is comparatively low.
“Last year 21 lakh MT of apples were produced in J&K compared to 9 MT so far this year. A grower is getting good rates only for the A grade while the B and C grade apples either go to waste or are sold at cheaper rates,” said Bashir.
Over the last 15 years, Kashmir’s apple industry has faced substantial losses attributed to political instability, climate change, conventional farming practices, the impact of Covid-19, and the influx of Iranian and U.S. apples. Farmers lamented significant losses last year, primarily due to the frequent halting of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
Despite grappling with these challenges, the apple industry in J&K stands as the largest employment generator, involving 3.5 million people and contributing 9.5 percent to the union territory’s GDP.
To address the challenges facing Kashmir’s apple industry and compete with Iranian and American apples, Wani has proposed that growers redirect their focus towards high-density farming.
“The traditional apple trees in our orchards are 50-60 years old due to which our crop is not able to sustain current weather fluctuations. We need to introduce hybrid and climate-resilient varieties. Pesticide spraying should be done on the recommendations of horticulture scientists,” he explained.
It remains uncertain whether his suggestion will be taken into consideration. Currently, those who have harvested Grade A apples are experiencing satisfaction and contentment.
Tetra Pak, the world’s leading food processing and packaging solutions company, is pleased to announce its double victory at Gulfood Manufacturing 2023. Operating under the theme Unlocking Innovation, the company received two distinguished awards: the Exhibitor Excellence Award for the best stand at the exhibition and the Packaging Innovation Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to the industry.
Tetra Pak owes its success to the revolutionary Tetra Prisma Aseptic 330 square with DreamCap 26, a sustainable product crafted entirely from unbleached craft paper and plant-based polymers for both the pack and cap. This pioneering packaging solution seamlessly blends form and function, presenting a state-of-the-art design that elevates both the visual appeal and practicality of the packaging. Engineered for consumer convenience, the Tetra Prisma Aseptic 330 square, coupled with the DreamCap 26, adds a touch of sophistication and practicality to the packaging. This winning combination not only meets the highest quality standards but also establishes a new benchmark for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions within the industry.
Upon receiving the awards, Niels Hougaard, managing director at Tetra Pak Arabia said, “It is with great pride and gratitude that we accept not one, but two prestigious awards at Gulfood Manufacturing 2023’s edition: Exhibitor Excellence Award and Packaging Innovation Award. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability in processing and packaging has been recognized, and we are excited to receive these accolades. This achievement highlights our relentless pursuit of cutting-edge solutions in the industry.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to our incredible team, our partners, and our valued customers for their unwavering support. This recognition reflects the collective effort and commitment to excellence that drives Tetra Pak. Here’s to many more achievements in the years to come!”
Tetra Pak witnessed an exceptional level of engagement during this year’s Gulfood Manufacturing. The active involvement of the company’s Global President, Adolfo Orive, at the event added a substantial dimension, highlighting Tetra Pak’s global leadership and dedication to direct engagement with industry stakeholders. Additionally, the company finalized a groundbreaking agreement worth USD 12.3 million with Bagdad-based food company Alssad for Food Industries. This milestone not only underscores the trust and confidence our partners have in Tetra Pak but also signifies the commencement of a new era of collaboration and growth in the region.
Tetra Pak continues to lead the way in the food processing and packaging industry, instigating positive change and establishing fresh benchmarks through its unwavering dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. The company eagerly anticipates persisting in its mission to deliver state-of-the-art solutions that not only meet but surpass the ever-evolving needs of the market.
Tata Tea Agni Leaf, a well-known tea brand, has unveiled a unique Chhath Festive Campaign that celebrates the cultural heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand. The campaign showcases exclusive festive packs inspired by the renowned Madhubani art, a cherished artistic tradition in Bihar. Alongside, a special music video titled “Aava Mil Ke Chhath Manayi” has been launched to add an extra dimension to the Chhath festivities.
The four-pack collection artfully captures the essence of each day of the Chhath festival through various styles of Madhubani Art. The first pack, designed in the Godhna Style, portrays the ‘Nahaay Khaay’ rituals on the first day. The second pack, in the Kachni style, illustrates the ‘Kharna’ rituals with monochrome shades representing the preparation of traditional prasad. The third pack, dedicated to ‘Sandhya Arghya,’ showcases the festive spirit at the ghats with the Kohbar style. The final pack, curated in the Bharni style, depicts the concluding day of the festival, ‘Usha Arghya,’ where devotees offer prayers and Arghya to the rising sun.
Apart from the special festive packs, Tata Tea Agni Leaf introduces the music video ‘Aava Mil Ke Chhath Manayi.’ This song beautifully encapsulates the essence of Chhath, depicting families and generations uniting to celebrate the festival’s rituals with joy and reverence. The video serves as a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, incorporating meaningful symbols such as ‘kharna ki kheer,’ ‘thekua,’ ‘daura,’ and ‘arghya.’
Puneet Das, President, Packaged Beverages, Tata Consumer Products stated, “Tata Tea Agni has launched a special Chhath four-pack collection to pay homage to the rich cultural heritage. The campaign proudly celebrates the spirit of togetherness and festivities over a cup of tea.”
Azazul Haque, Chief Creative Officer, Media Monks, emphasized, “Choosing Chhath, the biggest festival for the region, was about connecting with the people as one of them. The four-pack idea resonates with the four-day festival, providing a connection for those celebrating. The festive music video conveys the message of togetherness and offers a new song to the Chhath celebrants.”
An award-winning independent ready-to-drink cocktail brand, Kocktail, has recently launched its first concessions in three John Lewis stores.
These openings signify Kocktail’s first-ever physical presence in a department store and the brand’s initial activation of this kind.
Shoppers at John Lewis Cheadle, Cribbs Causeway, and Kocktail’s hometown store in Newcastle can now enjoy a stylish and sophisticated shopping experience.
Kocktail Co-Founder, Emil Stickland, said, “We wanted to do something truly unique for our first instore pop-ups with John Lewis. Building on the visual language we’ve developed over the last three years, incorporating our signature blue and fluted texture, we created a shopping space that’s designed to encapsulate shoppers in the Kocktail experience.”
During weekend opening hours, each concession offers a complimentary personalization service. As a distinctive Christmas gift idea, customers can design a personalized label for their chosen Kocktail.
For Christmas 2023, Kocktail has crafted an exclusive cocktail, the Candy Cane Martini, available solely at John Lewis.
After debuting with John Lewis in the fall of 2022, the premium range of ready-to-drink bottled cocktails and gift sets from Kocktail has gained popularity among customers. The introduction of three Kocktail concessions further extends this success, reaching out to new customers across the UK.
Crafted by skilled bartenders, Kocktail bottles up bar-quality mixes, ensuring the perfect serve for enjoying at home. Since their introduction during the lockdown in 2020, the team has made a significant impact on the ready-to-drink bottled cocktail category, securing their second Great Taste Award this year.
Fody Food Co., a company specializing in pantry essentials designed for individuals with digestive sensitivities, has successfully concluded a Series B equity financing round. The funds raised will be utilized to fuel the company’s growth in the United States, facilitate new product development, and enhance brand awareness.
Established in 2016, Fody provides a range of products that are designed to be low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP). This composition addresses the potential discomfort and bloating experienced by millions of consumers in North America dealing with irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive challenges.
The product range comprises sauces, ketchups, salsas, salad dressings, and snacks. These items are available in over 10,000 grocery stores across the United States and Canada, including major retailers such as Walmart, Wegmans, Whole Foods Market, Kroger, Loblaws, and Metro.
Steven J. Singer, the founder and chief executive officer, has a prior co-founding experience with the gluten-free brand Glutino.
Jonathan Ross Goodman, from Paladin Labs and Knight Therapeutics, spearheaded the funding round. Joining him were Jonathan Wener from the real estate firm Canderel and Ronald Reuben from Medicom Group, a company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of infection prevention products. Notably, existing investors such as Clover Vitality, District Ventures, New Acres, and EDC also contributed to the funding round.
“The addition of Jonathan Ross Goodman, Jonathan Wener and Ronald Reuben, three highly successful entrepreneurs, is extremely validating,” Mr. Singer said. “I welcome them to the Fody community and look forward to learning from them to the benefit of the 15% of North Americans suffering from some form of irritable bowel syndrome.”
Joel Warady, currently the president of Catalina Crunch, is set to assume the role of chairman of the board within the company. Having previously overseen the allergen-free brand Enjoy Life Foods at Mondelez International, Mr. Warady acknowledged the expanding market potential for products targeted at consumers experiencing digestive discomfort.
Salad Station, a quick-service restaurant based in the United States, has announced its intention to expand its presence in the southeast region, aiming to triple its current footprint.
The company aims to increase its store count from 30 to 33 by the end of this year, with plans to add 17 additional locations by the end of 2024.
The company plans to open its first location with a drive-through facility in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, by the end of this year.
It also has the objective of incorporating an additional 50 restaurant locations within the next two years.
Established in 2012 by vegetable farmers from Louisiana, Salad Station provides fast, salad-based meals to its customers.
The brand features freshly crafted salads, recently prepared fruit, gourmet toppings, a choice of 16 dressings, and exclusive soup recipes, all made from scratch.
It has solidified its presence in the southern states, encompassing Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Additionally, it has intentions to broaden its presence in the state of Tennessee.
Salad Station founder and CEO Scott Henderson said, “We are laser-focused on our vision to deliver an unparalleled variety of fresh, premium ingredients, staying true to our farming heritage.
“Franchising a Salad Station is a unique opportunity to be a local hero. My mom and I opened the first Salad Station simply because we identified that our community was lacking a quick and easy way to eat a fresh and customisable meal, large or small.
“When leaving one of our locations, we hope our guest’s day is just a little brighter and they crave to have the same feeling the next day.”
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