Zomato denies involvement in viral video depicting model as delivery driver in Indore, CEO Deepinder Goyal clarifies position

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October 17, 2023

Deepinder Goyal, the Founder and CEO of Zomato, has unequivocally refuted any connection to the viral video in which a female model depicted a Zomato delivery driver while traveling through the streets of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

A verified user of X platform posted a video showing the “female model” riding a high-end motorcycle, dressed in clothing commonly linked to Zomato’s delivery personnel and carrying an empty Zomato bag.

“Indore Zomato marketing head had this idea. He hired a model to drive around with an empty zomato bag for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. Zomato is on a roll,” he said.

Nevertheless, Goyal clarified that Zomato had no involvement in this event. On X, he stated, “We don’t endorse helmet-less biking. Also, we don’t have an ‘Indore Marketing Head.’ This seems to be someone just ‘free-riding’ on our brand.”

Furthermore, Goyal emphasised, “There’s nothing wrong with women delivering food — we (Zomato) have hundreds of women who deliver food every day to earn a livelihood for their families, and we are proud of their work ethic.”

Since 2021, Zomato has been actively focused on increasing the presence of female delivery executives in its delivery team. The company initiated four significant programs aimed at improving the safety and well-being of its female delivery partners. These initiatives include compulsory self-defense training, the provision of hygiene and safety kits, the default option for contactless deliveries during late evening hours, and more.

Zomato has encountered numerous social media controversies in the past. Last year, an advertisement starring Hrithik Roshan was withdrawn following allegations that it had offended religious sensibilities.

Earlier this year, the foodtech giant found itself embroiled in a World Environment Day controversy surrounding an ad. Released on June 5th, the advertisement starred actor Aditya Lakhia, renowned for his role as ‘Kachra’ in the film ‘Lagaan.’ The ad’s focal point was a clever wordplay on ‘Kachra’ (trash), drawing connections between the character’s name in the movie and the issue of plastic waste.

The Good Food Institute India unveils first comprehensive report on India’s $4.2 Billion smart protein sector

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October 17, 2023

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The Good Food Institute India (GFI India) — the central expert organization, thought leader, and convening body in the alternative protein sector — has unveiled its first State of the Industry Report on smart protein in India. This pioneering report offers a comprehensive analysis of India’s emerging smart protein industry, highlighting a potential economic growth opportunity estimated at $4.2 billion by 2030 within the Indian landscape. It stands as a compilation of pivotal business advancements, cutting-edge technologies, regulatory developments, and noteworthy scientific achievements that have shaped India’s alternative protein sector over the past five years, with a keen focus on key developments from 2021 to April 2023.

The report highlights the critical demand for smart protein alternatives, aiming to tackle the intricate issues of food security, climate change mitigation, and public health. In parallel, it caters to the shifting dietary requirements of the populace while furthering India’s sustainability goals. Additionally, the report emphasizes the ever-changing realm of innovation and cooperation within the smart protein sector, encompassing the challenges related to cost competitiveness, infrastructure limitations, diverse consumer preferences, technological gaps, and regulatory complexities in India.

Speaking at the launch of the report, GFI India’s Acting manager director, Sneha Singh, said, “The road ahead is long, but we’re truly at an inflection point today, and this report is a testimony to that — 120 pages capturing the history and development of the smart protein sector from its inception through to April 2023, across business, innovation, investment, science, and policy. We hope for this report to be a sharp tool for those working to build the smart protein industry and anyone else looking to learn more about this sector, equipping them with reliable and appropriate information, to make strong, data-driven decisions.”

Divya Saravana, corporate engagement specialist at The Good Food Institute India added, “We are thrilled to launch our first-ever industry report on the smart protein in India. The report offers invaluable insights into consumer behavior, encompassing aspects such as labeling, nomenclature, branding, and repeat purchase intent, underscoring the imperative to enhance consumer awareness and relevance within the plant-based category. Furthermore, it shines a spotlight on the Indian government’s expanding commitment to fortifying the smart protein sector, including the pursuit of ambitious economic objectives and the cultivation of public-private partnerships.”

With a wealth of information and valuable insights, this report aims to become an essential resource for a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry professionals, investors, innovators, and informed consumers. Its purpose is to offer a comprehensive grasp of the current dynamics in India’s smart protein sector, shedding light on its transformative potential. By enabling informed decision-making and fostering meaningful conversations, this report is positioned to influence the dialogue concerning the future of protein in India.

Popeyes set to sizzle North India’s taste buds with its first outlet in Mall of Faridabad

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October 17, 2023

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The Miami-based fast-food chain Popeyes is gearing up to inaugurate its first outlet in North India, situated in the newly established Mint-Fresh Mall of Faridabad.

Mall of Faridabad opened its doors, debuting on Monday in the NIT area of Faridabad. The forthcoming Popeyes store is positioned to open within the mall’s bustling food court.

On the storefront of the Popeyes outlet in the mall, a sign boldly declared, “Opening Soon.”

Owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc, the brand intends to expand its presence in the country by opening 250 Popeyes stores within the next four to five years, facilitated by its Indian franchise partner, Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JFL).

Popeyes made its Indian debut in January 2022 with the opening of its first store in Bengaluru. As of September 2023, the brand has expanded to operate 19 outlets across India, with a significant presence of 12 stores in Bengaluru. This fried-chicken franchise competes head-to-head with KFC, a major player in the Indian fast-food scene, boasting a widespread network of outlets across the country.

Jubilant has thus far launched Popeyes stores in several cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Manurai, and Maipal.

According to its CEO Joshua Kobza, India plays a pivotal role in the long-term growth strategy of the U.S.-based fried chicken brand.

Established in 1972 by Al Copeland in New Orleans, Louisiana, Popeyes is a renowned fast food brand celebrated for its delectable fried chicken. Presently, there are over 3,700 Popeyes locations worldwide.

VAHDAM India shines a spotlight on turmeric’s versatility during International Turmeric Day celebration

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October 17, 2023

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VAHDAM India has taken India’s finest teas and spices to the global stage while commemorating the 2nd edition of International Turmeric Day. This event plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about the multifaceted benefits of turmeric and its versatile applications. VAHDAM India, known for its steadfast commitment to wellness, dedicated an entire week from 8th October to 15th October to pay homage to the incredible virtues of turmeric.

In a unified endeavor to make this event truly extraordinary, VAHDAM India partnered with five renowned content creators hailing from various corners of the world. These creators expertly demonstrated the diverse applications of turmeric in beauty routines, lifestyle choices, culinary creations, and wellness rituals. Together, their collaborative efforts emphasized the enduring and worldwide allure of this age-old spice.

The VAHDAM India Flagship Experience Store presented a bespoke installation dedicated to highlighting the brand’s top-selling turmeric products. This visually captivating exhibit effectively conveyed the brand’s dedication to curating the highest quality turmeric-based offerings. As a part of this festive occasion, VAHDAM India provided an exclusive tea-tasting experience, featuring its signature turmeric blends, both hot and cold, infused with premium ingredients such as saffron and ashwagandha. This provided customers with an opportunity to savor the rich and aromatic flavors of these exceptional blends.

As an expression of appreciation for their loyal support, VAHDAM India generously offered complimentary turmeric treats to all participants in the festivities. In keeping with the essence of International Turmeric Day, VAHDAM India introduced “Turmeric Tales,” a meticulously crafted informative newspaper designed to enlighten consumers about the potency and versatility of turmeric. This invaluable resource aims to empower individuals with insights into the advantages and wide-ranging uses of this esteemed spice.

VAHDAM India’s steadfast commitment to crafting the finest Indian teas and wellness products continues to shine, and International Turmeric Day stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to spreading the benefits of turmeric to the world.

Pernod Ricard teams up with Coca-Cola for Absolut & Sprite cocktail release

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October 17, 2023

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Pernod Ricard has joined the ranks as the newest distillery to partner with The Coca-Cola Co., marking another step in the soft-drinks giant’s foray into the world of beverage alcohol.

The French wine and spirits company has formed a collaboration with The Coca-Cola Co. to create Absolut & Sprite, a pre-mixed cocktail featuring vodka. The launch of this product is planned for the upcoming year.

Initially, two product variants will be introduced, one utilizing regular Sprite and the other Sprite Zero. These products will make their debut in specific European nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain. The timeline for a worldwide release has not been disclosed at this time.

“We are expanding in the alcohol ready-to-drink space, including products that use select brands from our core portfolio,” The Coca-Cola Co. CEO James Quincey said. “We keep consumers at the centre of everything we do as we continue to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company.”

The anticipated alcohol by volume (ABV) for Absolut & Sprite is set to establish a “global benchmark” at 5%, although it may vary based on specific market conditions.

Pernod Ricard is the second global distillery to partner with The Coca-Cola Co. in the development of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages.

Last year, Brown-Forman introduced a pre-mixed cocktail featuring Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Coca-Cola. This beverage made its debut in Mexico in November and expanded to other markets throughout the year.

In July this year, The Coca-Cola Co. made public its formation of a subsidiary named Red Tree Beverages, with the purpose of delving deeper into alcohol-related opportunities.

The company explained that the unit, referred to as a “firewalled subsidiary” of its primary operations, obtained a federal basic permit (mandatory for all alcohol distillers, importers, and wholesalers operating in the US) in the latter part of the preceding year.

“This allows it [the company] to engage further in its relationships with third-party alcohol companies that use The Coca-Cola Company’s brands in the alcohol space,” the group said in a statement at the time. “RTB will not be distributing alcohol in the US, and neither will The Coca-Cola Company.”

The Coca-Cola Co.’s other interests in alcohol include Topo Chico Hard Seltzer and Simply Spiked Lemonade – two products developed with Molson Coors Beverage Co. – and Fresca Mixed RTDs, on which it worked with Constellation Brands.

Kamat Hotels India appoints Varun Sahani as Senior VP of Operations, setting the stage for growth and innovation

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October 17, 2023

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Kamat Hotels India Ltd., a prominent player in the Indian hospitality sector, has appointed Varun Sahani as the Senior Vice President of Operations.

Leveraging nearly thirty years of experience and a demonstrated history of success within the company, Sahani is in a prime position to guide the company into a promising new phase.

In his newly assumed position, Varun Sahani is well-prepared to propel Kamat Hotels India Ltd. to even greater accomplishments.

His vision embraces a comprehensive approach to hospitality, placing emphasis on guest contentment, innovation, sustainability, and strategic alliances.

“I am excited about the future of Kamat Hotels India Ltd.,” said Varun Sahani. “Our goal is to continue delivering exceptional guest experiences while adapting to evolving market trends. With a particular focus on our newly launched upper mid-segment hotel chain, ‘IRA by Orchid Hotels,’ we aim to fill gaps in the market by offering guest-centric, tech-friendly, and locally inspired experiences.”

The recently introduced ‘IRA by Orchid Hotels’ is poised to revolutionize the upper mid-segment hotel encounter. Varun Sahani and his team acknowledge the distinct cultural identity of each city, and IRA establishments will embody and mirror these local influences in all respects. This strategy distinguishes IRA from other upper mid-segment hotel franchises, ensuring that each visit becomes a culturally immersive journey. Kamat Hotels India Ltd. places sustainability and eco-conscious approaches at its core values. The organization is dedicated to diminishing its environmental impact through a range of endeavors such as energy preservation, waste control, and responsible procurement.

Varun Sahani’s advancement to the role of Senior Vice President of Operations underscores his commitment, proficiency, and forward-thinking vision for the future of Kamat Hotels India Ltd. The company anticipates reaching unprecedented heights under his guidance.

Stonegate looks to divest 1,000 pubs in the UK to reduce debt amid rising interest rates

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October 17, 2023

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Stonegate Pub Company is currently mulling over the possibility of divesting a quarter of its UK pubs, a move driven by the need to alleviate its debt in the face of escalating interest rates, as reported by The Times.

Insiders familiar with the situation informed the publication that the UK-based pub chain is assessing offers for 1,000 pubs, with bids coming from Cerberus and Morgan Stanley Real Estate.

Rising interest rates led to a surge in the company’s refinancing expenses. This action by the proprietor of Slug and Lettuce as well as Be At One brands forms a key aspect of its plan to alleviate its £4 billion ($4.9 billion) debt, with half of it set to mature in July 2025.

The report also mentioned that Stonegate’s advisors for this sale, namely Barclays and Eastdil, might contemplate one of the offers from the interested parties and move closer towards exclusivity in the days ahead.

According to reports, Stonegate is purportedly considering the division of the group, comprising approximately 1,000 outlets, into a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) with the intention of leveraging it to secure external debt financing.

The proposal could also be set aside should the company fail to garner appealing offers from potential buyers.

In February this year, it was reported that Stonegate was in the process of seeking buyers for a collection of 1,000 of its pubs, with an asking price of £800 million.

According to the Bloomberg report, Stonegate aims to downsize its portfolio as a response to increasing energy costs, staffing challenges, elevated inflation rates, and the shifting consumer preference for home-based drinking.

Before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Stonegate completed the acquisition of its rival, Ei Group, for £1.3 billion, solidifying its position as the largest pub group in the UK.

Burger King to strengthen UK presence with 60 new restaurant launches

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October 17, 2023

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Fast food giant Burger King is set to enhance its presence in the UK, with plans to inaugurate 60 new restaurants over the next two years, as reported by The Independent.

As of now, the fast food chain runs a total of 553 restaurants within the nation.

Under private equity ownership by Bridgepoint since 2017, the restaurant enterprise noted increased sales but a decline in profits over the previous year.

Burger King UK CEO, Alasdair Murdoch, highlighted that the company achieved substantial growth throughout the year despite facing challenges prevalent across the industry. These challenges were primarily driven by notable inflation in both energy and food costs.

The news agency quoted Murdoch as saying, “I am pleased to announce a resilient full-year performance and strong strategic progress in 2022 as we announce ambitious plans to open 60 new restaurants over the next two years.

“Alongside new restaurant openings and the acquisition of our largest franchise partner, Karali Group, we continued our strategic focus on growing digital sales, including home delivery and the introduction of our loyalty scheme on the Burger King app.

“We also continued to invest in our customer proposition – our remodeling programme is well underway with 42 restaurants being upgraded during 2022 and 2023 and we are progressing our menu innovation to cater to all preferences.”

Burger King operates 279 restaurants directly in the UK, while the rest of the locations are operated as franchises.

In August this year, Bridgepoint was reportedly in talks with Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King, for a new franchise deal.

Australia braces for a major dairy strike as workers seek higher wages

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October 17, 2023

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Approximately 1,400 dairy workers in Australia have scheduled a 48-hour strike commencing on October 18th, seeking higher wages and enhanced working conditions.

The strike, centered in Victoria, will focus on major dairy corporations including Saputo, Fonterra, Peter’s Ice Cream, and Lactalis.

The United Workers Union (UWU) has claimed that the companies have declined to provide “equitable wages” and better working conditions “in the face of increasing living expenses.”

“Workers don’t make this decision lightly,” said Tim Kennedy, national secretary of UWU.

“Dairy workers have been dedicated, especially during the pandemic, with some even agreeing to wage offers as low as 1.5% to support their companies. But with the soaring cost-of-living, they believe it’s time for change,” he added.

“They’re not even asking for a wage increase that matches inflation, just 5% or so that gets them a little closer to being able to keep up with skyrocketing costs.”

The striking workforce is also pursuing provisions for “personal leave that aligns with their 12-hour shift schedule,” leave for community service in the event of natural disasters, and clauses for community engagement that guarantee corporate responsibility to local communities.

According to the UWU statement, Fonterra in New Zealand saw its profits increase by 170% to NZ$1.6 billion ($946 million) in the 2023 fiscal year, yet the employees have not reaped the rewards of this growth.

The union has reported that a combined total of 869 employees will go on strike at Saputo locations in Allansford, Cobram, Leongatha, Kiewa, and Laverton. Peter’s Ice Cream will have 205 participants in the strike action, while 22 employees at Lactalis’ Longwarry site and 322 across three Fonterra sites will also join the strike.

Kennedy added, “This is more than a wage tug-of-war; it’s about safeguarding the heartbeat of our regional communities.”

Honasa Consumer accelerates global expansion of Mamaearth brand ahead of IPO, aiming for significant growth

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October 17, 2023

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IPO-bound Honasa Consumer Ltd is significantly escalating its initiatives to extend the reach of its flagship brand, Mamaearth, into international markets, setting ambitious goals for substantial growth.

According to ET, Honasa has pinpointed strategic regions where it plans to amplify the expansion of Mamaearth through partnerships with local channels. Bangladesh, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand are highlighted as top-priority markets in this endeavor.

The company has already made its presence felt in various global markets, such as the UAE, Qatar, Nepal, Malaysia, Maldives, and Mauritius, with Amazon playing a pivotal role. Honasa utilizes a wide array of distribution channels, spanning from modern retail establishments and e-commerce platforms to operating dedicated brand websites in specific instances.

This global expansion effort aligns with Honasa Consumer Ltd’s proactive engagement with investors, aimed at securing a pre-IPO funding round within the range of $120 million to $150 million.

In the initial red herring prospectus issued in December last year, Honasa Consumer outlined its strategy to keep India as its main focus market in the medium term. Nevertheless, the company also expressed its strategic readiness to opportunistically expand its presence in markets such as the UAE, Nepal, and Bangladesh, either through organic growth or via strategic acquisitions.

The heightened emphasis on global markets aligns with a notable shift in leadership at Honasa Consumer. Ashish Mishra, the senior vice president for Offline and International Business, has been succeeded by Nishchay Sale Dan, former chief business officer at The Good Glamm Group, now serving as the new senior vice president for Offline Sales.

Established in 2016, Honasa Consumer initially began as a babycare brand and subsequently shifted its primary focus to the core beauty and skincare products sector. The company markets its hair care, skincare, and makeup products under the Mamaearth brand and additionally possesses other brands such as BBlunt, The Derma Co, and Ayuga.

In August, Honasa Consumer Ltd, the corporate entity behind the beauty e-commerce unicorn Mamaearth, obtained approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch its initial public offering (IPO).

According to the DRHP, a number of Honasa investors, which include founders Ghazal and Varun Alagh, along with Evolvence, Fireside Ventures, Sofina Ventures SA, Stellaris Venture Partners, Snapdeal founder Kunal Bahl, and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra, are anticipated to reduce their stakes in the IPO.

During the six-month period ending on September 30, 2022, the revenue from offline channels for all brands under Honasa Consumer Limited, the parent company of the direct-to-consumer beauty brand Mamaearth, constituted 35.39% of the total revenue from operations.

The share of revenue from offline channels, as per the DRHP, witnessed a remarkable 27-fold growth during the period, increasing to 28.87% in FY22 from 9.06% in FY20.

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