BrandsNext, a venture under WayCool, announced its entry into the specialty rice market through the KitchenJi flagship brand, as revealed in a press release on Wednesday.
To align with changing consumer preferences, this move caters to the growing desire for Biryani, particularly in Tier I and Tier II markets. The company mentioned that it aims to reach a wide network of over 60,000 retailers.
BP Ravindran, CEO, BrandsNext said, “We believe the Indian Basmati rice market has been growing at a CAGR of 10% in the last three years. Hence, we recognized this as a significant opportunity and introduced Basmati rice and Seeraga Samba Rice with a proposition of consistent Biryani experience for Biryani lovers.”
At present, the company acquires its rice supply from both Punjab and Tamil Nadu, as disclosed by the company.
Ravindran further said, “In line with WayCool’s vision of curating a food portfolio inspired by the Indian Thaali, we are confident that with this move, we are on the path to becoming market leaders, especially in the Biryani rice segment.”
In addition to the most recent inclusion in its product lineup, the enterprise offers pulses, spices, dry fruits, and sweeteners within the KitchenJi portfolio.
Snacking brand Natch has secured a significant boost with the successful closure of a seed funding round, raising INR 3 crore. This round was spearheaded by Artha Venture Fund (AVF) in collaboration with the DSP Group’s family office, a prominent player in the financial services sector. The infusion of funds is set to play a pivotal role in Natch’s expansion strategy, with a keen emphasis on bolstering omnichannel presence, optimizing distribution networks, intensifying marketing efforts, and fostering innovative product development.
Established in 2017, Natch has garnered a reputation for its unwavering commitment to delivering natural, gluten-free, and vegan snacks, free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and trans fats. The company’s rapid growth trajectory is set to receive a substantial boost with the recent funding, positioning Natch to solidify its leadership in the premium snacking landscape within the Indian market.
Matthew Taff, Co-Founder of Natch, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Artha Venture Fund and DSP Family Office, marking an important milestone for Natch. Their support is crucial as we aim to set a new standard in premium snacking in India. With this investment, we are well-positioned to broaden our reach, enhance our production capabilities, and introduce innovative products to our customers worldwide.”
Natch has firmly positioned itself in both retail stores and e-commerce channels, witnessing an impressive 300% surge in revenue over the last 18 months. Additionally, there has been a notable 30% growth in customer-facing touchpoints. The e-commerce segment plays a substantial role, contributing 15% to the startup’s overall sales.
Looking ahead, Natch is set to broaden its footprint in metropolitan areas and tier-1 cities across India, with a keen emphasis on deepening its presence in the quick commerce sector.
Anirudh A. Damani, Managing Partner at Artha Venture Fund, emphasized the growing shift towards healthier snacking options, noting, “The global snacking industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a noticeable shift towards healthier options. Natch has successfully captured a niche in this evolving market with its commitment to quality and understanding consumer preferences.”
Artha Venture Fund (AVF) stands out as a notable early-stage micro VC firm, boasting a substantial corpus of INR 225 crores. Its primary focus lies in the B2B SaaS and D2C segments. The fund’s diverse portfolio comprises 31 investments, featuring renowned startups like AgniKul, LenDenClub, Everest Fleet, and Daalchini.
According to Statista, the Indian snacks market was valued at $66.92 billion in 2023, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 9.01% CAGR until 2028. The market volume is projected to reach 19.02 billion kg by 2028, with an expected growth rate of 6.6% in 2024.
On Wednesday, United Spirits, the producer of Smirnoff vodka, announced a 14.2% increase in second-quarter profits. This surge was driven by robust demand for its high-end alcohol brands.
In the quarter ending on September 30, the Diageo PLC-owned company witnessed a growth in profit before exceptional items and tax, reaching 4.17 billion rupees ($50.08 million), compared to 3.65 billion rupees the previous year.
The ‘Prestige and Above’ segment, encompassing renowned brands like Johnnie Walker, Signature, and Antiquity and contributing to 88% of net sales, experienced a 12.8% increase, reaching 25.20 billion rupees in sales.
Despite a decline of 18.6% in the company’s revenue from operations, totaling 67.34 billion rupees, this decrease can be attributed to subdued demand in its ‘Popular’ segment, housing brands like McDowell’s No.1, Vat 69, and Royal Challenger liquors.
“Net sales in the popular segment were weighed by inflation impacting the target consumer,” the alcoholic beverage maker said in a statement.
Analysts noted that liquor firms faced a setback in the sales of non-premium products due to a delayed festive season in September. However, they anticipate a boost in sales growth during the third quarter.
Earlier this week, Radico Khaitan, the maker of Magic Moments vodka, achieved a remarkable 19.4% increase in second-quarter profit, driven by a surge in demand for its premium brands.
Separately, United Spirits approved an interim dividend of 4 rupees per share.
Shares of the company settled 1.6% higher ahead of the results and were up 10.4% in the September quarter.
On Wednesday, Nita Ambani, the Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, unveiled the first ‘Swadesh’ store by Reliance Retail in Hyderabad.
Speaking at the launch of the first standalone Swadesh store Nita Ambani said, “Swadesh is an ode to India’s traditional arts and artisans. It’s our humble initiative to preserve and promote our country’s age-old arts and crafts. Swadesh highlights the spirit of Make in India’ and offers respect and sustenance to our skilled craftsmen and craftswomen.”
“With Swadesh, our aim is to bestow upon them the global recognition they truly merit. That’s why we are thrilled to extend Swadesh beyond India, reaching international shores in the US and Europe,” she stated, as per a press release.
The first Swadesh store in Jubilee Hills in the city, covering 20,000 sq ft, will showcase an eclectic collection of carefully curated products made entirely by hand by India’s skilled and talented artisans using long-forgotten techniques and local materials, as stated.
The release further said that the initiative “born out of Reliance Foundation’s long-standing commitment to promoting traditional artists and artisans and Nita Ambani’s vision of creating a platform to showcase their talent and skill to a wider audience”, Swadesh aims to revolutionise the way India’s age-old arts and crafts are perceived globally.
Reliance Retail’s Swadesh stores will not only present India to the world through its centuries-old art forms and creative expressions but will also open up sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans and crafts persons to ensure that their work continues to be treasured in a world that is evolving rapidly, it said.
In addition, as a part of the Swadesh initiative, 18 Reliance Foundation Artisan Initiative for Skill Enhancement (RAISE) centres are in the process of being set up across India to ensure reach at the grassroots level and to contribute to sustaining regional artisan communities and art forms.
This is expected to enable sourcing of products made using 600 craft forms, the release added.
Homegrown FMCG giant Dabur India, backed by a formidable cash reserve of INR 7,000 crore, is currently on the lookout for acquisition opportunities in the healthcare and home & personal care segments, as disclosed by CEO Mohit Malhotra.
Besides, Dabur is looking for acquisition opportunities in the online space, and with several D2C (Direct to Consumer) brands operating in it, it finds the valuation “more reasonable” now and will pursue it if it finds a suitable one for growth, he said.
The company is scaling its presence in the online space, which includes e-commerce channels and D2C business, where it plans to introduce more innovations under existing brands and through inorganic opportunities.
“We are introducing innovations there. Those innovations are coming on the back of existing brands and these innovations will come on the back of some new brands that we might launch or we are looking at an acquisition for a new brand,” shared Malhotra.
The company aims for organic expansion by introducing new brands in both skincare and premium skincare segments, with the remaining growth to be achieved through strategic acquisitions.
“We do not want to do any organic new brand launches with the exception of skincare and premium skincare that we are not present in. That is where we might do an exception otherwise we look at it to see acquisitions,” he said.
Should Dabur come across a “reasonable valuation,” it is open to considering an acquisition, utilizing the approximately INR 7,000 crore earmarked specifically for that purpose in its balance sheet, as mentioned by the CEO.
Malhotra emphasized the significance of innovation, stating that, in addition to acquisitions, it plays a crucial role in attracting younger or new-age consumers and extending the lifecycle of a brand.
“It is a necessity,” he said adding ” if a brand has to evolve or grow, it has to have a newer avatar every two to three years, only then will the brand grow.”
All the nine power brands of Dabur India, would “have to evolve and go through a cycle of evolution. That is what we are doing.”
Dabur boasts nine powerhouse brands—eight in the Indian market and one in international markets—collectively contributing to 70 percent of its overall sales.
The roster includes Dabur Chyawanprash, Dabur Honey, Dabur Honitus, Dabur PudinHara, Dabur Lal Tail, Dabur Amla, Dabur Red Paste, Real, and Vatika.
Its juice brand Real’s revenue is around INR 1,700 crore and the company wants to take it INR 2,000-2,500 crore in the next five years.
“The brand should trend around 15 per cent CAGR, which we have, so we should be able to double the turnover in six years time with this brand,” he said.
Besides, it has three INR 1,000 crore brands Dabur Amla, Dabur Red and Vatika, which Malhotra expects to increase to INR 1,500 crore.
Dabur has 17 brands that are above INR 100 crore but less than INR 500 crore in size, said Malhotra while addressing the investor meeting last week.
Earlier this year, Dabur completed the acquisition of 51 per cent stake in Badshah Masala to enter the branded spices and seasoning market.
Now, Dabur is expanding Badshah to international markets targeting the international diaspora.
“So we have got a very rich pipeline of brands to have a very future fit organisation,” said Malhotra adding, “we will have the 17 brands actually we have to nurture and they will all become power brands in due course of time for us”.
The power brands, which get higher allocation of funds and resources, from their manufacturing, and innovations to marketing, will continue to contribute 80 to 85 per cent of Dabur’s revenue, he added.
The Delhi government has instructed its agencies to refrain from granting P-10 liquor permits to independent restaurants organizing events and parties. The decision is motivated by concerns about a decline in excise revenue. Officials revealed that the excise department observed numerous instances where independent restaurants utilized P-10 permits to host events and parties involving the service of liquor.
The department has already debarred such restaurants from hosting functions using the P-10 permits as they are eligible for obtaining excise licences, they said.
“These restaurants use P-10 permits to get liquor instead of having excise licence to serve liquor because of the higher licence fee. This leads to excise revenue loss to the state exchequer,” said a senior excise officer.
A recent order issued by the excise department said, “All the L-6 retail vends are directed to ensure that no P-10 Permits be issued to the independent restaurants for hosting functions.”
“Non-compliance of the order will be viewed seriously and stern action including cancellation of licence may be taken against the defaulter L-6 vends,” it said.
Over 650 liquor stores in the city are operated by four Delhi government agencies: Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi Consumers Cooperative Wholesale Store, and Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation.
An INR 10,000 fee is required to obtain a P-10 license for serving liquor at any party, function, wedding, or similar events, with the exception of motels, banquet halls, and farmhouses where the P-10 license fee is INR 15,000.
As per conditions for issuing P-10 licences, the specific premises should not be any public park or such other place, and must be screened off from public view. Also, liquor should not be served to a person below 25 years of age.
A P-10 licence holder can purchase liquor from maximum three vends.
The officials said there are 935 hotels, clubs and restaurants in the city with excise licence to run bar at their premises. On the other hand, there are 5,374 independent restaurants that are eligible for excise licence but do not have it, they said.
Kamats Legacy, the culinary masterpiece crafted by The Vitskamats Group, recently celebrated its first anniversary with a flavorful announcement—the grand opening of a new establishment in the iconic South Bombay. Known for its authentic menu that skillfully blends tastes from the five peninsular states of India, this restaurant is now expanding its reach to the bustling heart of the city, doubling the joy for all South Indian food enthusiasts.
Founder and CMD of The Vitskamats Group, Dr. Vikram Kamat, expressed his excitement at this milestone, stating, “This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past year’s success; it’s a testament to the enduring love and support we have received from our patrons. As we expand soon to South Bombay this November, we aim to bring this authentic experience closer to more food enthusiasts who appreciate the taste of tradition.”
South Bombay’s latest Kamats Legacy brings an unmistakably authentic South Indian experience. As they expand, the legacy of their delectable flavors reaches even more eager taste buds. Excitingly, the brand revealed that their Bhandup outlet will kick off delivery services this month, making their South Indian cuisine conveniently accessible to a broader audience.
Delhi-NCR, a culinary melting pot, now has a new star on its gastronomic horizon, Currynama – a Modern Indian Cuisine delivery restaurant. This culinary venture is more than just about food; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the rich tapestry of Indian flavors, crafted with an exquisite blend of traditional spices and locally sourced premium ingredients, each dish a masterpiece of Indian gastronomy reimagined for a modern palate.
The brainchild of Seven Seas Kitchens by Dang Brothers, Currynama comes to life as a haven for all those who treasure the vibrancy and diversity of Indian cuisine. Carefully curated to satiate the ever-evolving food cravings of Indian food enthusiasts, Currynama promises an unadulterated culinary journey right to your doorstep
Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
At Currynama, quality is not just a promise but a commitment. The team at Currynama prides itself on sourcing locally produced ingredients, supporting local vendors, and ensuring guests are treated to the finest premium quality in every bite. It’s all about bringing the joy of a memorable dining experience to your home, shared with your loved ones.
Whether you’re planning a festive celebration or a cozy Netflix night, Currynama’s mission is to make good food effortlessly accessible in the comfort of your own space. And let’s not forget their commitment to the environment, evident in their choice of eco-friendly packaging that retains the warmth, durability, and freshness of the dishes. It’s quality without compromise.
A Platter for Every Palate
When it comes to the menu, Currynama delights in presenting platter combos that cater to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. For the plant-based palate, options like Paneer Tikka, Chatpata Soya Tikka, Dahi Ke Kebab, and Achari Mushroom are available, all brimming with tantalizing flavors.
Non-vegetarian platters offer a medley of delectable options like Dhungaare Murg Tikka, Malai Tikka, Mutton Seekh, and Fish Tikka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of kebabs and grills.
However, the real magic happens when you delve into Currynama’s artful dishes. They serve up innovative creations such as the ‘Ker Saangri Kebab Tacos,’ featuring a tantalizing fusion of flavors, or ‘Teh Pe Teh Paneer,’ which stands shoulder to shoulder with the ‘Rajma Galouti Slider,’ both vying for the affection of vegetarian connoisseurs.
For the non-vegetarian enthusiasts, ‘Dhungaare Murgh Tikka,’ ‘Fish in Banana Leaf,’ and ‘Kakori Kebab Tacos’ are rich, jam-packed with flavors, and sure to elevate your taste buds to new heights.
A Symphony of Flavors in Main Courses
At Currynama, they’ve left no stone unturned in ensuring a holistic dining experience. Their main courses are a testament to this commitment, with classics like ‘Dal Seven Seas,’ ‘Kadhai Paneer,’ and ‘Tulsi Kofta Curry,’ all prepared traditionally, with the slow simmering of handis overnight to create a symphony of flavors.
And for the meat lovers, there’s the ever-popular ‘Butter Chicken’ and the intriguing ‘Rawalpindi Gosht,’ which are bound to leave you yearning for more. Don’t miss the irresistible ‘Nizami Fish Curry,’ a house specialty featuring river sole fish and a peanut & coconut gravy, tantalizingly flavored with spices.
Sweet Ending
Of course, no meal is complete without a sweet ending, and Currynama doesn’t disappoint. They offer an array of house-made delights like the ‘Gur Rasgulla’ and the ‘Nariyal Ka Brûlée,’ ensuring your culinary journey concludes on a sweet note.
Currynama isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of the incredible tapestry of Indian flavors and culinary traditions, all served up with love and dedication. So, embark on this gastronomic adventure and savor the best of Indian cuisine delivered right to your doorstep. Your taste buds will thank you.
As the Festival of Lights, Diwali, approaches, the anticipation of joy, togetherness, and celebration fills the air. However, like any celebration, unexpected surprises can come our way, and one such surprise is the unpredictable weather that often graces the Delhi-NCR region. With severe air pollution in the area, it becomes even more crucial to ensure your children’s health and well-being during this festive season.
Diwali, with its dazzling fireworks, scrumptious feasts, and colorful decorations, is a time of the year when children eagerly anticipate festivities. But the challenges posed by air pollution, shifting weather patterns demand that parents take a proactive approach to ensure their children’s health and happiness.
Here are some essential strategies to help you navigate Diwali with your children while fostering resilience and maintaining their health in the face of unpredictable weather:
1. Prioritize Health and Safety
The first step in ensuring a bright Diwali for your children is to prioritize their health and safety. With the rise in air pollution levels during this season, it’s essential to monitor air quality and take necessary precautions. Invest in high-quality air purifiers for your home, keep windows closed, and limit outdoor activities when pollution levels are high. Additionally, make sure your children are equipped with masks that offer protection from particulate matter and allergens.
2. Foster Resilience Through Education
Children are incredibly adaptable and resilient, but they often need guidance to navigate challenges. Take this opportunity to educate your kids about the importance of environmental awareness and the impact of their choices. Teach them about the significance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, and how their actions can contribute to a cleaner environment. Encourage them to participate in eco-friendly Diwali celebrations by avoiding excessive firecracker usage and opting for alternative ways to celebrate, such as lighting diyas and candles.
3. Promote Emotional Resilience
Resilience isn’t just about adapting to environmental challenges; it also encompasses emotional strength. Engaging with your children on the topic of weather unpredictability and adaptability is crucial for emotional resilience. Help them comprehend that it’s alright if plans are disrupted and emphasize that Diwali remains a cherished and special occasion, rain or shine.
Further, the resilience thrives on the ability to confront and conquer challenges. Adverse weather conditions provide an excellent opportunity to impart problem-solving skills. When faced with an unexpected rainstorm or a sudden chill in the air, involve your children in finding creative solutions. Encourage them to participate in building makeshift shelters or invent imaginative games to keep their spirits high. Problem-solving not only enhances resilience but also nurtures self-confidence.
4. Focus on Healthy Eating
Diwali is synonymous with delicious feasts and sweets. While it’s essential to indulge in festive treats, it’s equally important to promote healthy eating habits. Encourage your children to enjoy traditional homemade sweets in moderation and incorporate a variety of fruits, nuts, and vegetables into their diets.
To ensure they receive their daily dose of essential nutrients and maintain their vigour, consider Kiddoze multivitamin and mineral gummies. These delightful gummies are a delectable and straightforward way to safeguard your children’s wellness, empowering them to stand firm against inclement weather. These gummies are not only designed with your child’s well-being in mind but are also committed to quality and health. They are crafted from natural ingredients, devoid of artificial sugars and flavors, and are entirely vegan.
Preparing healthy Diwali snacks together can also be a fun way to teach children about nutrition and involve them in the celebration.
4. Celebrate Indoors Creatively
The weather may not always cooperate during Diwali, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the festival indoors with creativity and enthusiasm. Engage your children in various indoor activities, like making colorful Rangoli designs, crafting homemade decorations, and preparing traditional sweets and snacks. These activities not only keep the festive spirit alive but also provide quality family time and opportunities to learn about Indian traditions and culture.
5. Embrace the Spirit of Giving
Resilience is not only about enduring challenges but also about giving back to the community and helping those in need. Use this Diwali as an opportunity to teach your children the value of empathy and generosity. Involve them in charitable activities like donating clothes or food to the less fortunate, or supporting local NGOs. These acts of kindness can instill a sense of purpose and resilience in children by showing them the positive impact they can have on the world.
As we look forward to celebrating Diwali, let’s remember that the Festival of Lights is not just about illuminating our homes but also brightening our children’s futures. By nurturing their resilience, we can help them endure any storm, whether it’s a pollution-filled Diwali night or the challenges life may throw their way.
With Diwali just around the corner, the air is abuzz with excitement and anticipation. Every street is adorned with a radiant display of lights, and the aroma of delectable food fills the atmosphere, creating an irresistible festive vibe. However, the festive spirit doesn’t have to lead you astray from your fitness goals. In the midst of all the celebration, the allure of sweets can be hard to resist. That’s where NOTO ice creams come to the rescue.
Crafted with nature’s goodness, NOTO ensures that there’s no compromise when it comes to taste, making it the perfect solution for those looking to indulge in the sweetness of the season while staying committed to their fitness journey.
Embracing Health-Conscious Desserts:
Traditionally, Diwali celebrations were synonymous with calorie-laden sweets and desserts. Families would prepare an array of sugary delicacies like jalebis, gulab jamun, and barfis, which were enjoyed with abandon. However, with increased awareness of health and fitness, there has been a significant shift in the way people approach Diwali sweets. Many individuals are now turning to healthier alternatives without compromising on taste. NOTO Ice Creams has launched a line of guilt-free, healthy cheesecakes and ice creams that deliver the same sensational taste without compromising on health.
These ice creams are crafted with natural ingredients, lower sugar content, and innovative flavors that provide a satisfying and guilt-free experience. What makes them so appealing is that they cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. This has allowed people with dietary restrictions to indulge in the festive spirit without worry. NOTO’s cheesecakes and ice creams come with 30 percent fewer calories than others, making them the perfect indulgence for health-conscious consumers today.
Reducing Sugar Without Sacrificing Taste:
One of the key challenges in creating health-conscious ice creams and desserts is finding ways to reduce sugar without sacrificing taste. These products often use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia to achieve the desired sweetness. For Diwali desserts, the use of fruits like dates, figs, and apricots as natural sweeteners can add a touch of natural sweetness to your dishes. Additionally, incorporating spices like cinnamon and cardamom can enhance the flavor profile without the need for excessive sugar. NOTO’s cheesecakes come in a variety of such flavors, like Biscoff, and Blueberry, that impart their own sweetness and flavor to the cake without the need for excess sugar.
Health-conscious desserts during Diwali are characterized by the inclusion of nutrition-packed ingredients. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews are popular choices, adding a delightful crunch and healthy fats. These nuts are not only rich in flavor but also provide essential nutrients that can contribute to your overall well-being.
Celebrating Diwali in a health-conscious manner also involves mindful portion control. While health-conscious desserts may be lower in sugar and healthier in terms of ingredients, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Practicing portion control not only helps in maintaining a balanced diet but also ensures you savor each bite to the fullest.
Diwali is a time to celebrate, and you can do so without feeling guilty about indulging in sweets and desserts. The rise of health-conscious ice creams and desserts provides a wonderful opportunity to savor the flavors of Diwali while prioritizing your well-being. By embracing these alternatives, you can enjoy the festivities to the fullest without compromising on your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This Diwali, make a conscious choice to celebrate with joy, togetherness, and health-conscious desserts from NOTO that truly light up your life. NOTO’s is more than just desserts; it’s an experience that joyfully embraces both flavor and satisfaction. Don’t pass up this incredible opportunity to indulge in the best guilt-free cheesecakes and ice creams available.
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