Shake Shack eyeing further UK expansion with a new restaurant in Oxford

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October 9, 2023

Shake Shack, the restaurant chain, is said to be strategizing for further growth in the United Kingdom by introducing a new location in Oxford.

According to Oxfordmail, undisclosed contractors involved in converting the former Pandora jewellers store in Cornmarket Street into a restaurant have reported plans to open the new establishment in 2024.

At present, the chain possesses approximately 16 establishments in the UK, with the majority of these restaurants situated throughout London.

The gourmet fast-casual restaurant chain boasts a global presence with over 377 establishments worldwide.

Shake Shack has joined forces with illustrator and muralist Ellie Fryer to craft an exclusive illustration for the exterior of the building, as reported by Oxfordmail.

A statement said, “Incorporating some of Shake Shack’s signature menu items with an ‘olden’ twist, the artworks focus on bringing to life the stories, legends and cultural heritage of an Oxford past.”

A contractor at the site added, “This is going to be a Shake Shack selling burgers and shakes.”

The new restaurant in the UK will introduce a delectable menu, including flat-top dogs, ‘ShackBurgers,’ ‘ShackMeisters,’ ale, shakes, and more.

Earlier this year, Shake Shack made its debut by opening its first location at Atlantis Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas.

Shake Shack Atlantis, the restaurant’s name, boasts an extensive menu selection that encompasses made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hot dogs, hand-spun milkshakes, and house-made lemonades. Additionally, the restaurant is characterized by a full 360-degree hexagon-shaped bar and floor-to-ceiling glass walls, providing diners with captivating up-close views of the renowned Atlantis’ The Dig aquarium.

Titan Hospitality unveils second Blackwall Barn & Lodge restaurant in Downtown Columbia

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October 9, 2023

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Barn & Lodge restaurant ribbon cutting ceremony

US-based restaurant management company, Titan Hospitality Group, has recently launched its second Blackwall Barn & Lodge restaurant in the bustling Merriweather District of Downtown Columbia.

A dedicated ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the grand opening, with notable attendees including Howard County’s Executive, Dr. Calvin Ball, and Maryland Region President, Kristi Smith.

Titan Hospitality Group Founder and CEO James King said, “We are incredibly proud of reaching this point in the history of Titan Hospitality Group and this grand reveal not only celebrates the opening of The Blackwall Barn & Lodge in the Merriweather District but also highlights the importance of working with a community.

“Our collaboration with the various organisations and representatives of Howard County has truly allowed us to have an opening like we have had today. We are grateful to be a part of Howard County and we cannot wait to see its residents enjoy our establishment and make many fond memories.”

The new venue will offer six distinct dining spaces, providing guests with the opportunity to experience fine dining and host special events.

The restaurant’s menu features an array of delectable dishes, including options like flaming crab dip, red brick chicken, braised duck ragu pasta, and many other tantalizing choices.

Patrons can also indulge in signature cocktails, including the tequila-infused EspresSol Martini and the iconic Titan’s Massive Mary.

Howard Hughes Maryland president Kristi Smith said, “The Howard Hughes team is thrilled to welcome Blackwall Barn & Lodge to Downtown Columbia.

“The Merriweather District has quickly become a hub of activity with all the events at Color Burst Park and the wide variety of restaurant options.

“We are looking forward to an amazing fall and winter season with the opening of Blackwall Barn & Lodge and the return of some of the community’s favourite events.”

Absolut teams up with artist Osheen Siva to honor diversity with limited-edition bottle

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October 9, 2023

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Absolut has long been at the forefront of innovative cultural endeavors rooted in artistic self-expression and purpose. Throughout its history, the brand has engaged in remarkable collaborations with acclaimed artists such as Subodh Gupta, Anish Kapoor, Bharti Kher, and Vikram Seth, resulting in numerous impactful campaigns.

This year, Absolut embarks on a fresh campaign, forging a creative partnership with the versatile artist Osheen Siva. Together, they introduce an inspiring limited-edition bottle that pays homage to the diverse identities shaping the youth of India. The campaign carries a profound message, envisioning a future characterized by inclusivity and acceptance.

Siva’s striking design eloquently melds the traditional and the contemporary, echoing the brand’s fundamental principles. The artwork comprises three distinct elements: the leftmost figure embodies the profound traditional elements embedded in Indian culture, while the rightmost figure symbolizes fluidity, queerness, and a future characterized by non-binary identity. The hands in the center symbolize the harmonious intersection of the past and the present, drawing inspiration from Absolut’s core tenets of inclusivity and solidarity.

Pulkith Modi, head of Marketing – International Brands, Pernod Ricard India, said, “Absolut has always believed in a colourless world without biases and has a legacy of working with pop culture to encourage different forms of creative expression. The introduction of the new limited-edition bottle is a celebration of the diversity and pluralism that defines young India. Together with Osheen Siva’s exceptional design that has culminated into this symbolic edition, we hope to further Absolut’s commitment towards a more optimistic future.”

Artist Osheen Siva said, “I’m elated to have worked with Absolut again for this limited-edition design! The idea for this project is close to my heart and is in line with my existing practice. It is inspired by the multiplicity and plurality that exists in our society and the hope for a better future. I hope the artwork resonates with the youth of today.”

The newly released limited-edition 750ml bottle is now accessible in every major metropolitan area.

Orill Foods amplifies production with INR 50 Crore facility in Andhra Pradesh

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October 9, 2023

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Orill Foods, a renowned manufacturer of fried gram and ready-to-eat chutneys, has announced the inauguration of a new INR 50 crore facility in Padmanabham village near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, as revealed in their recent media release.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy presided over the inauguration ceremony of the company’s plant.

Sharing thoughts on the inauguration of the plant, Cherukuri Srinivasa Rao, Co-Founder and managing director of Orill Foods, said, “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as our commitment to contributing to the economic development of Andhra Pradesh. With this new facility, we look forward to continue providing our customers the highest-quality ready-to-eat instant chutney products.”

From basmati to chicken: Indian products in high demand as the UAE seeks to expand imports

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October 9, 2023

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The UAE food industry has reached out to the Indian government, expressing its interest in importing various products from New Delhi, including chicken, dairy items, basmati rice, frozen marine goods, and wheat products. They highlight a substantial demand for these products in Middle Eastern countries. The UAE industry has specifically requested the Indian government’s assistance in streamlining certification procedures, enhancing coordination with the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and aligning product standards.

They also said that high quality packaging of Indian products would help boost New Delhi players to increase exports of food and food products in countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, during his recent visit to the UAE, engaged in extensive talks with these importers, exploring avenues to enhance India’s export potential.

“There is huge scope for India to export frozen products in these countries,” Global Food Industries LLC Head of Sales UAE (Frozen and Beverages) Nissar Thalangara said.

A spokesperson from the Khimji Ramdas Group in Oman mentioned that there is a significant demand for Indian basmati rice, and a reduction in the minimum export price (MEP) for this rice would aid India in increasing its exports.

The government is contemplating a reduction in the minimum export price (MEP) from the current USD 1,200 per tonne to USD 850 per tonne.

Another importer from GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries raised the issue of halal certification.

India has a well-established halal meat certification system.

Fauzan Alavi, Executive Director of Allanasons Pvt Ltd, pointed out that the free trade agreement between India and the UAE is playing a pivotal role in fostering the export of meat products.

“We see more opportunities to increase our exports from India to UAE,” Alavi said.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Kirti Meghnani, Head of Retail Procurement at Choithrams, emphasized that an emphasis on product packaging will empower Indian exporters to expand their trade with the UAE and other nations in the Gulf region.

Nitesh Ved, Chairman of Appcorp Holding, proposed that establishing an APEDA office in this region would be beneficial for the food industry.

Another importer from the GCC group mentioned the demand for products from Indian cottage industries. To meet this demand, India needs to address matters related to standards, packaging, and labelling.

The India-UAE trade agreement was implemented in May last year.

The bilateral trade between the nations surged to USD 84.9 billion in 2022-23, up from USD 72.9 billion in 2021-22.

Indian classic ‘Rajma Chawal’ earns global acclaim, ranks high on Taste Atlas’ Finest Bean Dishes List

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October 9, 2023

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Indian cuisine is renowned for its diverse and vibrant flavors, and this reputation extends far beyond our borders. The global recognition of its excellence speaks to its universal appeal. Within the vast array of Indian dishes that offer comfort, ‘Rajma Chawal’ truly stands out. This dish holds a cherished spot in Indian homes, providing a deeply satisfying experience for the soul. The enticing aroma of red kidney beans simmered in a flavorful onion and tomato-based gravy, accompanied by fluffy steamed rice, creates a delightful harmony of tastes and textures. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace that brings solace and contentment.

In a recent update, Taste Atlas, a renowned global food catalog, has acknowledged Rajma Chawal as one of the finest bean dishes worldwide. Beyond Rajma Chawal, this travel online guide has also included Rajma in its esteemed list. Rajma holds the 18th position, while Rajma Chawal is placed at number 24, both receiving impressive ratings of 4.2 out of 5 for Rajma and a commendable 4.1 out of 5 for Rajma Chawal. These rankings undoubtedly affirm the widespread adoration for Rajma in the culinary world.

The Taste Atlas website has mentioned about Rajma as, “Although closely associated with North India, where it is a staple food, red kidney bean was actually brought to the country from central Mexico and Guatemala, but the Mexican version of the dish is much different than the Indian one. Hearty and nutritious, Rajma remains one of the most loved vegetarian curries in Punjab and North India.”

Curious to know which dish emerged victorious? Greece’s Gingandes Plaki has claimed the coveted number one spot with a stellar rating of 4.6 out of 5. This delectable dish features large white beans simmered in a zesty tomato sauce, generously infused with extra virgin olive oil and a medley of vegetables. It’s also commonly referred to as Greek-style Baked Giant Beans and is an ideal choice for a satisfying dinner.

Coming in at a close second is ‘Khoresh Gheymeh’ from Iran, boasting an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5. This dish is crafted with yellow split beans.

Securing the third spot is ‘Pasulj,’ a Serbian soup made with white beans, earning a commendable rating of 4.5.

Swiggy competes with Zomato Gold with its new affordable Swiggy One Lite subscription plan

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October 9, 2023

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Food delivery giant Swiggy has rolled out Swiggy One Lite, a budget-friendly variant of its subscription service, Swiggy One. This new offering provides users with advantages like complimentary deliveries, exclusive promotions, and discounted rates, all available at an introductory price of INR 99 for three months.

Subscribers to this service will be entitled to 10 complimentary food deliveries for orders exceeding INR 149, along with 10 free Instamart deliveries for orders surpassing INR 199. Additionally, they will enjoy further discounts at all participating restaurants, and a 10% price reduction on Swiggy’s pick-and-drop service, Genie.

The introduction of this new segment within the broader Swiggy One program enables the foodtech giant to enhance its platform’s monetization, a crucial move given Swiggy’s current position trailing behind Zomato in the Indian food delivery market.

In terms of the features included in Swiggy One, the company provides unlimited complimentary deliveries for both food and groceries, along with extra discounts at its partner restaurants. The subscription plan is priced at INR 249 to INR 749 for a three-month duration for the majority of users, with a reduced rate offered to select customers.

In contrast, Zomato’s subscription service, Zomato Gold, provides unlimited food deliveries, prioritized processing of Gold orders, and extra discounts, typically priced at around INR 199 to INR 299 for a three-month period. It’s worth noting, though, that Zomato Gold perks do not apply to the grocery delivery platform Blinkit.

Commenting on the launch of the cheaper version of the plan, Anurag Panganamamula, vice president of revenue and growth at Swiggy, said, “After a successful B2B launch with leading players, we’re excited to introduce Swiggy One Lite on the Swiggy platform as a pocket-friendly alternative designed to bring value to our customers, especially those yet to experience the unparalleled benefits of the Swiggy One program.”

As per Panaganamamula’s findings, 90% of Swiggy One members utilize multiple services. Swiggy is introducing Swiggy One Lite to its user base through collaborations with telecommunications and financial institutions. According to the prominent foodtech company, various brands are offering Swiggy One Lite memberships bundled with their products.

The prominent foodtech company faced significant scrutiny recently when certain users claimed it was imposing excessive charges on their orders.

However, Swiggy said no customer was overcharged and attributed the issue to a technical bug. “We confirm no customers have been overcharged and they have paid the correct amount. This was due to a tech bug, which we have fixed. We continue to deliver thousands of orders every minute to our customers,” a Swiggy spokesperson said.

According to Prosus’ annual report, Swiggy’s losses surged to $545 million in 2022, up from $300 million in 2021. As per Prosus’ data, Swiggy’s total revenue also increased to approximately $900 million in the same year, compared to $600 million in the previous year.

Meanwhile, Swiggy’s financial filings for the fiscal year 2022 revealed a net loss increase to INR 3,628.9 crore, with revenue reaching INR 5,704.9 crore.

ITC to intensify green logistics programme for last-mile FMCG deliveries in FY24

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October 9, 2023

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ITC is intensifying its commitment to environmentally-friendly logistics by incorporating electric vehicles into its last-mile operations for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products. The company’s goal is to significantly increase the deployment of electric vehicles, aiming to complete more than 75,000 trips in the fiscal year 2024.

Presently, the company’s electric vehicle (EV) initiative is active in major cities throughout the nation, including Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Siliguri, and Patna. At the moment, these EVs are facilitating more than 30,000 trips annually, and there is a continuous expansion of this program underway.

The company emphasized the utilization of electric vehicles (EVs) for last-mile deliveries, focusing on smaller-sized vehicles that are well-suited for covering shorter travel distances.

In a statement, B Sumant, Executive Director, ITC Ltd said, “ITC embarked on its sustainability journey a few decades ago and today, we stand at the forefront of the movement to integrate sustainability into every facet of business operations. The introduction of electric vehicles is yet another pivotal step in greening our value chain.”

“Moreover, it serves as a catalyst for promoting planet friendly interventions aimed at transitioning to a net zero economy. As we move ahead, we are committed to scaling up our Green Logistics efforts significantly in line with our bold and ambitious Sustainability 2.0 Vision in order to contribute to a greener and cleaner earth,” he added.

He mentioned that this initiative aligns with the Government’s goals of achieving net zero emissions and follows the Gati Shakti master plan, which advocates for the implementation of eco-friendly logistics practices.

As part of its Sustainability 2.0 agenda, ITC has set a target to satisfy 50 percent of its overall energy demands using renewable sources by the year 2030. Currently, renewables already account for 43 percent of ITC’s total energy requirements.

ITC is working with various EV aggregators and OEMs for its green logistics programmes “The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the final leg of the company’s value chain will significantly reduce carbon footprint, while also enhancing cost competitiveness. This shift towards EVs will translate into annual savings on fuel expenditure,” the company added.

The FMCG company expressed that a more supportive environment in the future will result in increased access to electric vehicles, extended range for the EVs, and improved charging infrastructure.

ITC is focusing on optimising the use of logistics across divisions. “The primary objective is to enhance operational efficiency by optimising transportation routes, deploying higher capacity vehicles and transitioning to lower-emission modes of transportation, such as rail, waterways and sea routes,” it added.

The company has strategically located its Integrated Consumer Goods Manufacturing and Logistics (ICML) facilities near the market to serve its FMCG businesses efficiently. This strategic positioning allows for direct deliveries to customers, simplifying logistics and minimizing environmental effects.

Vahdam India sets sights on expansion with 8-10 stores in India and 1 overseas

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October 9, 2023

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Vahdam (Representative Image)

As part of its expansion strategy, Vahdam India, the tea and wellness brand, intends to establish 8-10 experience stores in India and one in an international market within the next two years.

The initiative seeks to enhance the brand’s footprint in the domestic market, where it presently contributes approximately five percent of its overall revenue, as stated by Bala Sarda, Founder and CEO. The company concluded the previous fiscal year with revenues surpassing INR 200 crore.

Sarda emphasized that the brand’s primary focus is on crafting a successful playbook and delivering an exceptional customer experience through its first company-owned and operated experience store in Delhi.

Despite encountering challenges such as a strained bottom line resulting from the global recession and elevated input costs in the prior year, the company maintains an optimistic outlook regarding its growth prospects.

“We were in the negative last year, but I think we are recovering this year. By next year, we should get back to net profitability for the long term,” said the CEO.

Furthermore, it aims to attain an annual growth rate of 30-40 percent in the forthcoming years.

The central thrust of this expansion will be directed toward crucial international markets, encompassing the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. At present, international markets account for over 95 percent of its total revenues. The brand maintains a presence in 6,000 retail locations in the US, over 250 in Canada, and more than 500 in the UK.

Moreover, it plans to strengthen its foothold in current markets and distribution channels, with a specific focus on expanding within the spice category.

Vahdam recently ventured into the spice category, targeting the international market. “This strategic move aligns with the brand’s expertise in crafting blends that often consist mainly of pure spices with minimal tea content, such as chamomile tea.”

The expansion into spices was also driven by customer demand, resulting in the introduction of 25 single-origin spices tailored specifically for the US market,” he added.

In terms of fundraising, Vahdam currently does not have any immediate intentions to secure additional capital. So far, it has successfully garnered over INR 290 crore in funding from investors, including venture capital firms like IIFL AMC, Fireside Ventures, Sixth Sense Ventures, Mumbai Angels, and family offices such as Mankind Pharma. Nevertheless, as per Sarda, the tea brand remains open to the possibility of raising more capital in the future should the need arise.

Haldiram’s takes convenience to a new level with ‘Minute Khana’ frozen Indian delicacies

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October 9, 2023

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Haldiram’s Nagpur, a renowned brand in the realm of Indian ethnic snack foods, is delighted to unveil the long-awaited introduction of “Minute Khana” in India, a range of frozen and ready-to-eat (RTE) food products that are free from preservatives.

With a shelf life of two years, Minute Khana will soon be accessible in retail stores nationwide and in more than 40 countries spanning five continents, solidifying its status as the most widely available Indian ethnic frozen food range worldwide.

The Minute Khana lineup showcases a selection of India’s most beloved ethnic snacks, sweets, and cuisines. These offerings blend the traditional flavors that Haldiram’s Nagpur is famous for with the convenience and speed demanded by today’s 21st-century lifestyle. This enables consumers to savor the authentic taste of Indian cuisine effortlessly, even when they are on the move, all within a matter of minutes.

Avin Agarwal, Director, Haldiram’s Nagpur, said, “As one of India’s best-known food brands, we have been consciously working towards catering to the evolving food palette of the modern and discerning consumer in India and beyond. We are seeing a rapid growth in consumption of convenience food that is beyond just instant noodles. Minute Khana will offer consumers the widest possible range of ethnic Indian snacks and food ranging from parathas to samosas that are not only flavorful but also extremely safe to consume. With Minute Khana, we have also taken the lead in creating an entirely preservative-free RTE food range that will redefine the way people access and consume Indian food even outside India. Through the unmatched distribution strength of Haldiram’s, we expect to be on the shelves of all major modern retail across India.”

On the USP of the Minute Khana frozen and RTE food range, Agarwal elaborated, “It adheres to the age-old traditions of creating Indian food with recipes that have been passed down from generations. For those who want to enjoy a real Indian meal that is quick and affordable, Minute Khana is a symphony of spices and tastes.”

The Minute Khana frozen food range will be produced at Haldiram’s expansive 400-acre Food Park in Nagpur, boasting a production capacity of 15 million portions per year.

The Indian market for ready-to-eat (RTE) and frozen foods is on the verge of experiencing remarkable growth, driven by the increasing preference for the convenience of frozen food. This growth is further fueled by the rapid expansion of cold chain infrastructure across the nation to meet the rising demand. According to IMARC Group, the Indian frozen foods market reached INR 144.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach INR 353.3 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%.

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