Pakka Limited and Brawny Bear break new ground with India’s first compostable flexible packaging for food products

News

By

-

October 6, 2023

Pakka Limited, formerly known as Yash Pakka Limited, a prominent manufacturer of environmentally-friendly packaging solutions, has unveiled India’s first compostable flexible packaging. This pioneering innovation is the outcome of a partnership with Brawny Bear, a nutrition-focused company known for utilizing the natural sweetness of dates to craft delicious and healthy food products. This development signifies a substantial advancement in India’s packaging industry, which boasts a valuation of over $70 billion.

The flexible packaging segment commands the majority share of India’s packaging market, comprising over 60% of the total market share. It plays an omnipresent role in our daily lives, encompassing a wide range of products, from shampoo sachets to biscuit packets. This versatile packaging format has become an indispensable aspect of modern living due to its convenience, adaptability, and cost-efficiency.

However, as convenience has grown, so too has the concern regarding the environmental impact of conventional flexible packaging, most of which is crafted from non-biodegradable plastics. Given the multi-layered structure and thin composition of flexible packaging, recycling most types of it is an exceedingly challenging task.

Pakka Limited’s venture into the realm of flexible packaging represents a natural progression for a company that has dedicated four decades to producing compostable pulp and paper packaging solutions, as well as molded tableware. With ambitious plans to ramp up production of these eco-friendly packaging solutions over the next three years, the company’s global manufacturing facilities in Ayodhya, India, and Guatemala, America, are poised to become epicenters of innovation and production in this field.

The debut of India’s first compostable flexible packaging coincides with the burgeoning global demand for such sustainable solutions. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the Indian packaging market is set to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2023 to 2028. While the average per capita consumption of flexible packaging stands at 28 kg worldwide, India currently stands at 11 kg per capita, showcasing an untapped market with enormous growth potential.

The partnership with Brawny Bear, India’s pioneer in date-based food production, perfectly embodies Pakka’s commitment to compostability. Brawny Bear’s range of date-based food offerings encompasses chocolates, chikki, nut butters, milkshake/energy powders, and natural sweeteners.

Pakka’s innovative compostable flexible packaging incorporates a variety of essential attributes that reflect its mission to contribute to a cleaner planet. This packaging boasts food-grade compliance, certified compostability through heat-sealability, excellent barrier properties for enhanced product protection, top-tier quality, lightweight design, and affordability.

Shivaam Tibrewal, Founder of Brawny Bear said, “Brawny Bear’s unwavering mission is to deliver health-conscious consumers with an array of Healthy No Added Sugar Foods that redefine the boundaries of quality and flavor. Simultaneously, we are dedicated to fostering a sustainable business ecosystem that echoes our core values. This vision finds its perfect ally in an exciting new partnership with Pakka that embodies Brawny Bear’s objectives. By joining forces, we are empowered to showcase our offerings in packaging that not only underscores our dedication to well-being but also to the preservation of our environment. We view this partnership as a transformative step towards crafting a planet that thrives on wellness and cleanliness. Our commitment to customers extends beyond just taste and quality – it now encompasses a shared vision for a greener, healthier world.”

Ved Krishna, Strategy Head, Pakka said, “We are so excited and proud to be associated with Brawny Bear chocolates, a company that is truly committed towards sustainability. We have been working on evolving a compostable packaging solution for years and this will be our first launch. I would like to thank the Brawny Bear team for their trust in us and for their desire to contribute towards a healthier and cleaner planet. We wish them all the success.”

Established in 1981 as Yash Papers Limited, Pakka (officially known as Pakka Limited) is a company leading the charge in revolutionizing the Indian packaging industry through its unwavering commitment to sustainability and pioneering innovation. Over the years, the company has transformed into a global leader in compostable packaging solutions. Its core mission is to secure a cleaner planet for future generations by offering compostable and regenerative alternatives to non-compostable multilayer flexible packaging, single-use plastics, and Styrofoam, materials that can take hundreds of years to degrade.

Moreover, at its primary production facility, Pakka generates its own electricity through an 8.5 MW plant powered entirely by biomass-based energy, a sustainable and renewable energy source. The facility relies on locally sourced raw materials and fuel and boasts an impressive 95% recovery rate for the cooking chemicals used in manufacturing. Innovation and research and development are integral to Pakka’s ethos, as the company actively pursues groundbreaking products and processes in areas such as fiber, pulp, paper, biopolymers, molded products, waste management, and beyond.

Pakka’s dedicated team comprises over 450 employees situated across the globe, with a significant portion of the workforce at the Ayodhya manufacturing facility hailing from nearby towns and villages, fostering a strong sense of community and local engagement.

VRO Hospitality to host Oktoberfest at Bengaluru’s Lulu Mall on October 7-8

News

By

SnackTeam

-

October 6, 2023

0

Looking for the perfect place to celebrate Oktoberfest in Bengaluru? Your search ends at Lulu Mall, where VRO Hospitality is set to create a festive atmosphere. They’re uniting several of their renowned brands, including Plan B, Cafe Noir, and Badmaash, all in one location. Experience exclusive pop-up food stalls and specially crafted bars for Oktoberfest on October 7th and 8th, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, at the lively Lulu Mall.

This two-day event, in collaboration with Kingfisher, is set to be a celebration of gastronomic delights, live music, and captivating entertainment. Attendees can expect an unforgettable experience, with a special emphasis on Draught Beer, expertly curated music, and interactive entertainment. Secure your tickets now at https://sklbx.com/H1fhFXok and be a part of the excitement!

The Oktoberfest at Lulu Mall is an event designed to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for attendees by combining the elements of music, food, and interactive entertainment. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge their taste buds in a wide range of delicacies from Plan B, Cafe Noir, and Badmaash. The event will showcase a wide range of mouth-watering delicacies and culinary innovations, catering to every palate.

At the event, attendees can look forward to a thoughtfully curated live music lineup featuring talented artists such as Bikas Sunar, DJ Oppozit, and Mannat. This musical extravaganza will immerse the audience in captivating rhythms and melodies, infusing the event with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

In addition to the fantastic music, delicious food, and refreshing beer, Oktoberfest will also provide guests with a diverse array of entertaining games, including Jenga and Beer Pong, to put their skills and camaraderie to the test. Chugging contests will offer participants the chance to demonstrate their speed and prowess in a lively competition. Furthermore, entertaining trivia challenges will engage participants’ mental agility and introduce an element of fun competition to the event.

VRO Hospitality, a rapidly growing Bengaluru-based hospitality company, owns a portfolio of upscale bars and restaurants in both Bengaluru and Mumbai. The company’s inception traces back to the founding duo, Dawn Thomas and Safdhar Adoor, who, fresh out of college, kickstarted the party scene in Bengaluru with their event management agency, “Rices Obliquity.” Later, the experienced restaurateur Sharath Rice joined forces, culminating in the launch of VRO Hospitality in May 2018. Since then, VRO Hospitality has introduced popular brands like Badmaash Lounge, Hangover, Mirage, Nevermind, One Night in Bangkok, and Tycoons, providing patrons with a diverse culinary experience. Complementing their physical restaurants, VRO Hospitality also manages thriving cloud kitchens, including Burgers and Beyond, Holy Doh Pizzas, and Smashed and Whacky Chang. Furthermore, the founders’ venture into the online event and experience curation platform, “SteppinOut,” culminated in its acquisition by Times Internet Limited in early 2021.

Vistry revolutionizes restaurant industry with launch of conversational AI platform

News

By

SnackTeam

-

October 6, 2023

0

US-based restaurant automation solutions provider Vistry has unveiled its cutting-edge Conversational AI platform and AI Customer Assistant chatbot, designed exclusively for the restaurant industry.

LumoChat (Lumo), the chatbot assistant, aids customers in accomplishing their online ordering tasks through various channels, including web and mobile.

Lumo is an AI customer service assistant that leverages technology similar to ChatGPT to tailor customer experiences, with the asserted benefit of boosting online orders.

It enables customers to inquire about menu details, place orders for pickup and delivery, and also holds the capability to promptly address customer service concerns in real-time.

Vistry asserts that this is the restaurant industry’s first generative AI Chatbot.

The company elaborated that Lumo excels in intelligent menu parsing and location services, additionally employing a sophisticated algorithm to construct an optimized cart for customers.

Lumo is also crafted to guarantee a streamlined checkout experience through functionalities like automatically filled details and secure payment choices.

Vistry’s Conversational AI platform is seamlessly integrated with online ordering platforms and point-of-sale systems, offering accessibility via web, mobile, and social channels.

The technology company also mentioned that restaurants will have the choice to implement a chatbot for their customer base, aiding customers and driving online sales conversions.

Vistry Founder and CEO Atif Kureishy said, “Generative AI is reshaping the food service industry’s guest and employee experience. Our platform stands at the centre of this transformation, offering omnichannel capabilities and seamless integrations with existing digital platforms.”

Restaurant loyalty platform Blackbird raises $24 Million in Series A funding round

News

By

SnackTeam

-

October 6, 2023

0

Blackbird Labs, a hospitality technology firm, has successfully raised $24 million in its Series A funding round, with a16z crypto spearheading the investment to fuel its expansion efforts.

Amex Ventures and Bolt by QED, along with Blackbird’s initial seed backers Shine, Union Square Ventures, and Variant, also participated in the funding round.

Restaurant chains like Quality Branded, Rustic Canyon Family, Souvla, and Brooks Reitz were also involved in the funding round.

Amex Ventures global head Matt Sueoka said, “Blackbird offers a compelling new platform with the potential to evolve how restaurants deliver on loyalty and supercharge the insights they need to thrive.

“We are thrilled to back Blackbird as they explore how to leverage web3 technology to positively transform the dining experience for consumers and the restaurant industry.”

Blackbird provides a highly customizable loyalty program platform, enabling restaurants to establish direct connections with their patrons and offer them rewards.

Furthermore, the platform aids restaurants in cultivating customer loyalty and generating additional sources of revenue.

Blackbird intends to utilize the fresh funding to broaden its services and enter new markets.

The company highlighted that its sophisticated platform enables restaurants to effortlessly gather valuable customer insights, including preferences and dislikes, and encourages repeat visits through incentives.

Patrons can establish their membership by inputting their phone number and then simply tapping their phone on a Blackbird NFC scanner upon entering a restaurant.

With each subsequent use, customers start levelling up to their regular status, which unlocks benefits and insider perks such as surprise off-menu items.

Blackbird also plans to use the new funding to launch new features such as $FLY Redemption, which allows consumers to use their collected $FLY points to “power up” and redeem perks at participating Blackbird restaurants.

The firm plans to unveil an all-new referral programme to enable diners to share a link with their friend to become members at a specific restaurant to gain access to exclusive offerings.

In a press statement, Blackbird said, “Diners will also be able to opt into global data sharing, where restaurants will gain visibility into their full dining history and any associated insights, in exchange for providing more $FLY on regular dining activity like tap-ins.”

The Second Cup Coffee sets sights on U.S. market expansion with franchise opportunities

News

By

SnackTeam

-

October 6, 2023

0

Canada-based coffee chain, The Second Cup Coffee Company, is set to extend its international presence by making its debut in the US market.

As part of its expansion plan, the coffee chain is currently on the lookout for new multi-unit franchise partners in the United States.

The company said, “The company is seeking partners who share its values and vision and who are committed to delivering the highest quality coffee along with friendly customer service.”

The Second Cup Coffee Company president and CEO Jim Ragas said, “We are excited to bring Second Cup Global to the US and we are looking for multi-unit franchise partners in select regions of the US who share our passion for the hospitality industry and our commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

“We believe that our unique blends and delicious treats will be a hit with American coffee lovers and we can’t wait to expand our presence across the country.”

With almost five decades of expertise in the coffee industry, The Second Cup Coffee is renowned for its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices.

At present, Second Cup has a presence in 20 regions worldwide, spanning 170 different locations.

In April 2021, Foodtastic completed the acquisition of all assets of Second Cup Coffee Co from Aegis Brands, in a transaction valued at C$14 million (equivalent to $11.2 million).

In February of that same year, the two companies entered into a definitive agreement to sell off all of Second Cup’s assets.

Domino’s Pizza slashes prices by up to 50% ahead of cricket World Cup season in India

News

By

SnackTeam

-

October 6, 2023

0

Domino’s Pizza has revealed that it will be offering substantial price reductions of up to 50% on its large vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas in anticipation of the cricket World Cup season in India, as reported by CNBC TV 18.

According to the report, starting from October 5, 2023, customers will have the opportunity to purchase a large vegetarian pizza for only INR 499 ($5.99), significantly reduced from its previous price of INR 79.

Likewise, customers will be able to acquire a large non-vegetarian pizza at a discounted rate of INR 549, down from its previous price of INR 919.

Through this pricing reconfiguration, the company seeks to allure new customers while also retaining its current ones.

Domino’s India intends to leverage the surge in fast-food demand driven by the cricket World Cup event.

The quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain has introduced a new promotion called “Howzzat50,” offering a straightforward 50% discount on all pizza orders.

In July this year, Jubilant Foodworks Limited, the Domino’s Pizza brand operator in India, opened the first Popeyes restaurant in Hyderabad, India.

At the time of opening, Jubilant Foodworks managing director and CEO Sameer Khetarpal said, “We are overjoyed to bring Popeyes to the energetic heart of Hyderabad, the fifth city for the brand in South India.

“Citizens of Hyderabad can now enjoy the bold Cajun flavours of fried chicken, burger (sandwich) in a brioche bun and French fries at the first store in Asian Satyam Mall.

“Seeing the lines outside the restaurant, we are humbled by the response that we are getting, motivating us to launch 30‐35 stores this year.”

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse appoints Chad Gretzema as new CEO to drive expansion and accelerated growth

News

By

SnackTeam

-

October 6, 2023

0

US-based Beans & Brews Coffeehouse has recently announced the appointment of Chad Gretzema as the company’s new CEO, as reported by the World Coffee Portal.

Prior to this appointment, Chad Gretzema had a background in various leadership positions within the Del Taco restaurant brand.

Throughout his 12-year tenure with the brand, Gretzema held significant roles, including serving as the Del Taco Brand President, Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning, and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

World Coffee Portal quoted Gretzema as saying, “I couldn’t be more excited to join Beans & Brews Coffeehouse as we accelerate growth. The brand has not only built a devoted following in its existing footprint but is also witnessing strong success as it expands to new states.

“With our proprietary high-altitude roasted coffee beverages, signature energy drinks and really attractive unit-level economics it is not surprising that the franchisee development demand is at an all-time high.”

With this new appointment, the Utah-based coffeehouse aims to further expand its presence in the country and open 100 stores by 2025.

Jeff and Kevin Laramie, the Co-Founders of Beans & Brews, stated that Gretzema will play a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion of the coffee chain brand.

As of now, Beans & Brews runs a total of 69 locations in the United States, with a presence spanning across Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas.

The coffee chain recently finalized a development agreement that entails the establishment of 40 new stores in the San Antonio and Austin areas.

Furthermore, the company has entered into additional franchise agreements aimed at launching new establishments in New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.

In January 2021, private equity firm Charger Investment Partners made an investment in Beans & Brews Coffeehouse.

The company did not disclose the exact amount of the investment.

Impact Capital acquires controlling stake in health-snack brand Junkless Foods

News

By

SnackTeam

-

October 6, 2023

0

Impact Capital, a private equity firm, has secured a controlling interest in Junkless Foods, a snack bar brand headquartered in the United States.

The newly acquired majority stakeholders will collaborate closely with Junkless’ founders to advance the presence of their chewy granola bars within the health-conscious snack market.

Established by Ernie Pang and Larry Beyer, Junkless snack bars are crafted using straightforward and natural ingredients, completely devoid of any artificial additives. According to the company, Junkless serves as a healthier choice in contrast to the sugar-laden and excessively processed snack bars prevalent in the market.

Pang said, “We have poured our heart and soul into getting Junkless to where it is today, but we knew we needed something more to take us to the next level”.

Mike Repole, owner of Impact Capital, commented, “We saw a huge opportunity for Junkless to become a major brand. Everyone is looking for better-for-you versions of their favourite snacks – and that’s exactly what Junkless provides. The passion of Ernie, Larry and the entire Junkless team combined with our experience growing small brands into scalable mainstream brands, is a perfect match.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

India prioritizes seafood substitute manufacturing over research: Seaspire Co-Founders

By

SnackTeam

-

October 6, 2023

0

In a world where dietary choices are becoming increasingly important, Seaspire stands out with a philosophy that is both simple and profound: “you are what you eat.” This mantra drives their mission to revolutionize the way we perceive seafood, placing a paramount focus on freshness and purity in their offerings, resulting in delectable choices that evoke the pristine allure of a glistening ocean wave.

Seaspire achieves this transformation by harnessing the power of innovative ingredients such as pea and rice protein, plant fiber, and algal extract. These carefully chosen elements not only eliminate the presence of fish entirely but also render their products 100% plant-based. Brace yourself for a culinary adventure that defies conventions, consistently tantalizing your taste buds with each savory bite.

At the core of Seaspire’s journey are two passionate food scientists, Varun Gadodia and Shantanu Dhangar. Together, they share a deep enthusiasm for culinary exploration and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of taste, paving the way for a seafood experience unlike any other.

Recently, we were fortunate to engage in a conversation with both of the Co-Founders. Here are the edited excerpts from the interaction..

Snackfax: To become a food producer, it’s essential to personally understand the texture and flavor profile of your products. Knowing the order in which they are available makes it easier to meet consumer demands. Have you and your team ever tasted meat?

Varun: I would describe my approach as being somewhat on the fence, as my meat consumption is quite minimal. Nevertheless, I make a conscious effort to primarily seek out plant-based options, especially with the abundance of choices available in eateries and elsewhere. Over time, my personal meat consumption has been steadily decreasing.

Furthermore, as a developer, it’s essential to immerse yourself in the core attributes of a specific product. This firsthand experience is crucial for creating superior products and solving the problems you aim to address. Drawing from a background in food and having a genuine taste of what we aim to emulate, our understanding of the intricacies is greatly enhanced.

Snackfax: What led to your decision to establish a seafood substitute brand rather than focusing on meats more commonly consumed in the Indian market? Could you also share the challenges you encounter in perfecting the texture of your product, and how closely does Seaspire’s meat substitute resemble real seafood?

Varun: Fish is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Seaspire. When the plant-based trend began around 2018, the focus was primarily on meat products like beef and chicken, and seafood was often overlooked as a source of protein for quite some time. Consequently, there were very few companies working on seafood substitutes.

Even during the post-pandemic period, the seafood supply chain faced significant disruptions, prompting those accustomed to seafood to seek alternatives. Speaking about texture, seafood is unique in its complexity compared to other meats like lamb, chicken, beef, or pork, which have relatively simpler structures. The intricacies of seafood’s structure presented inherent technological challenges. However, we recognized that the potential for seafood substitutes was greater than the hurdles we faced.

Moreover, consumers are increasingly embracing such products as this trend continues to gain momentum.

Expanding on this topic, Shantanu added: Moving on to the second stage, it’s worth noting that people have become increasingly conscious about the ingredients in their food. They are growing more discerning and are inclined towards avoiding highly processed foods. This trend, however, doesn’t hold as strongly in the Western world, where processed foods are more prevalent.

The primary challenge lies in creating plant-based foods that closely mimic the texture of meat. If the processing is excessive, you can achieve a texture that closely resembles real meat, meeting people’s expectations. However, if you don’t process it enough, you may miss out on many of the qualities inherent to meat textures.

Furthermore, in the context of seafood substitutes, India tends to lean more towards manufacturing rather than being a research hub. This means that many companies use similar ingredients when developing plant-based substitutes.

Final Thoughts:

Seaspire’s innovative approach to transforming seafood is rooted in the belief that the ocean’s abundance can be authentically recreated using plant-based ingredients, resulting in dishes that are not only delectable but also free from guilt.

Seaspire goes beyond simply redefining seafood; it’s pushing boundaries and satisfying cravings across the entire culinary spectrum. Their offerings aren’t limited to herbivores or strict vegans; they are thoughtfully designed to cater to everyone, whether you’re an avid meat enthusiast, a fervent supporter of vegetables, or someone who enjoys straddling the culinary divide. With Seaspire, you can immerse yourself in a world of tantalizing possibilities, all while knowing that each choice you make is both clean and environmentally friendly, promoting gut health.

Seaspire isn’t just revolutionizing our eating habits; it’s reshaping our perspective on food itself.

Carlsberg terminates Baltika’s license amidst brewing tensions with Russia

News

By

SnackTeam

-

October 6, 2023

0

Carlsberg Group has communicated to Baltika Breweries its decision to end the license agreements that grant Baltika the rights to manufacture, promote, and distribute Carlsberg products.

As part of the termination process, there will be a transition period extending until April 1, 2024, during which Baltika will be allowed to deplete existing stock and materials.

This development is seen as a response to Moscow’s perceived unlawful assumption of control over its Russian breweries in July. Carlsberg has stated that it is a reaction to the presidential decree issued on July 16, 2023, which temporarily placed the management of Baltika under Russian authorities.

In July, Vladimir Putin signed a decree announcing that the Russian government would temporarily assume control of Baltika, the local brewing subsidiary of Carlsberg, along with the Russian subsidiaries of several other global food and beverage companies.

In a statement, the beer giant said, “We have now concluded that we currently see no path to a negotiated solution for exiting Russia. We refuse to be forced into a deal on unacceptable terms, justifying the illegitimate takeover of our business in Russia.”

“We are continuing to take all possible actions, including legal, to protect our employees, assets and operations.”

Reuters reported that Russian court documents dated September 25th revealed that Baltika had attempted to compel Rospatent, Russia’s intellectual property agency, to disregard any requests from Carlsberg to revoke its rights to brands like Tuborg and Kronenbourg. However, the court dismissed Baltika’s request.

“It is unclear, what formally will be the next steps in relation to Baltika,” Carlsberg said. “As Carlsberg Group, we retain title to the shares in the company while the temporary management is transferred to the Russian state. What the Russian state chooses to do under these circumstances is not clear.”

“As a result, we will fully impair the value of our business in Russia,” the group added.

NewsHub

Final Thoughts: