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Hindalco’s Freshwrapp Teams Up with Vikas Khanna to Launch ‘Bacteria ki Entry Ko Rokey’ Campaign; Targets 1.2 Million Homes with New FreshlockShield Foil

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Hindalco’s Freshwrapp Teams Up with Vikas Khanna to Launch ‘Bacteria ki Entry Ko Rokey’ Campaign; Targets 1.2 Million Homes with New FreshlockShield Foil

Mumbai | 10 June 2025 – Hindalco’s well-known kitchen companion, Freshwrapp, is rolling out a bold new initiative that’s as cheeky as it is serious. Teaming up with none other than Michelin-starred chef and bestselling author Vikas Khanna, the brand is leading a charge against bacteria lurking in traditional food storage methods. The campaign, cleverly titled “Bacteria ki Entry Ko Rokey”, introduces the brand’s latest innovation—FreshlockShield—a smart upgrade for Indian kitchens that still rely on age-old fixes like cloth wraps and newspapers.

“I’ve always believed that food reflects the love we put into our homes,” Khanna shared. “But we often neglect how that food is stored. I’ve used foil for years—it’s clean, reliable, and simple. Freshwrapp’s foil stands out. With this campaign, I want to nudge families toward safer kitchen practices.”

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The campaign lands a strong punch with science too. Tests from NABL-accredited labs confirm that Freshwrapp’s aluminium foil (available in 11 and 18-micron variants) can block bacterial infiltration for up to 48 hours. It’s effective even against common troublemakers like E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. In user trials, once families gave the foil a shot, many were quick to ditch their old wrapping habits.

Speaking about the vision, Nilesh Koul, Senior President & CEO – Downstream Aluminium Business, Hindalco Industries Ltd, remarked: “Freshwrapp is more than just foil—it’s part of our commitment to making everyday life healthier. With this campaign, we’re not just selling hygiene; we’re challenging the old ways of doing things in Indian kitchens.”

The campaign film brings this message to life with sharp humour: a bacteria couple attempts to crash a dinner date but are hilariously stopped at the door—by none other than Freshwrapp. Conceptualized by Network Advertising, the film combines wit with warmth to drive home a serious message in a refreshingly lighthearted manner.

More than just a wrapper, Freshwrapp is now being positioned as a defender of health and nutrition. The foil is ISI-certified, safe for cooking, freezing, storing—and stylish enough to serve with. Users say it keeps food fresher, cleaner, and less soggy than old-school methods. It doesn’t soak oil or hold onto bacteria, and while it’s not reusable, most people in the trials felt the trade-off for safety and freshness was well worth it.

What’s striking is how well mothers—the primary guardians of kitchen hygiene in most Indian homes—responded. “I’m not just wrapping lunch; I’m wrapping care,” said one mom from the study.

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Serving over 1.2 million households a month, Freshwrapp isn’t new to Indian kitchens—but with “Bacteria ki Entry Ko Rokey”, it’s stepping into a new role: not just as a product, but as a kitchen essential for modern, health-conscious homes. The brand has also been named a ‘Superbrand’ for three years running, underlining its place as a market leader.

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Katrina Kaif Named Face of Maldives Tourism as Island Nation Launches Aggressive Summer Campaign to Boost International Footfall

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Katrina Kaif Named Face of Maldives Tourism as Island Nation Launches Aggressive Summer Campaign to Boost International Footfall

Male, Maldives — The Maldives has tapped into star power to boost its global tourism profile, bringing on Bollywood A-lister Katrina Kaif as its official global brand ambassador. The announcement was made by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) just as the island nation rolled out its latest Summer Sale Campaign—a move aimed at luring more international travellers in the months ahead.

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The decision to bring Kaif onboard isn’t just about celebrity appeal; it’s a calculated move to tap into her immense global following. With fans across India, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, Kaif’s presence is expected to amplify the Maldives’ image as a high-end, idyllic travel hotspot.

For years, the Maldives has been a go-to getaway for Indian tourists, and this partnership seems designed to build on that momentum. Katrina Kaif, beyond her fame as an actor, also carries weight as a public personality and entrepreneur—something MMPRC hopes will bring a fresh edge to its international branding efforts.

In a statement, Kaif spoke warmly about the new role. “The Maldives is more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a feeling. There’s peace, elegance, and a kind of natural luxury that’s hard to find elsewhere. I’m truly thrilled to represent a place that I’ve personally come to love.”

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MMPRC’s Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree echoed the sentiment. “Katrina has that rare ability to connect with people across cultures. Her appointment is more than symbolic—it’s a signal that we’re serious about reaching a broader global audience.”

As part of the campaign, Kaif will appear in digital and print promotions, travel showcases, and a series of curated content designed to showcase the Maldives’ top-tier resorts, experiences, and natural beauty. The Summer Sale campaign will also include exclusive discounts and travel packages aimed at converting this visibility into actual bookings.

With this move, the Maldives is clearly looking beyond postcards and hashtags—and straight into the global spotlight.

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BigBasket Plots Nationwide 10-Minute Food Delivery Rollout, Sets Sights on Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit and Zepto

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BigBasket Plots Nationwide 10-Minute Food Delivery Rollout, Sets Sights on Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit and Zepto

India’s quick-commerce space is gearing up for a major shake-up as BigBasket, backed by Ratan Tata and part of the Tata Group, prepares to throw its hat into the 10-minute food delivery ring. The company is now setting its sights on aggressive nationwide expansion by the end of FY26, directly challenging the likes of Zomato, Swiggy’s Snacc, Blinkit’s Bistro, and Zepto Cafe.

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BigBasket currently operates around 700 dark stores, but plans are underway to take that number to between 1,000 and 1,200 by the end of next year. This massive infrastructure boost signals the brand’s intent to muscle into a space dominated by fast movers who’ve already rolled out lightning-fast food deliveries in top Indian cities.

In a conversation with Reuters, BigBasket’s leadership made it clear that they’re not just looking to poach customers from existing giants — they’re also betting big on tapping into an entirely new audience segment, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 towns, where demand for doorstep convenience is rising rapidly.

Meanwhile, the competitive heat is being turned up by numbers. A fresh forecast by Morgan Stanley pegs India’s quick-commerce total addressable market at a staggering $57 billion by 2030 — a sharp jump from the previous estimate of $42 billion. The brokerage has also raised its gross order value (GOV) projections for FY26 to FY28 by 9-11%, citing increasing penetration and frequency of QC orders across metros and beyond.

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The quick commerce turf war is no longer just about snacks and instant groceries. With BigBasket stepping in, the food delivery vertical is bracing for a new wave of disruption — and possibly, consolidation. For Zomato, Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto, the Tata-backed push is more than just another rival — it’s a full-scale declaration of war on delivery dominance.

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Wow! Momo Secures ₹85 Cr War Chest from Stride to Tackle Consumption Dip, Build National Food Empire

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Wow! Momo Secures ₹85 Cr War Chest from Stride to Tackle Consumption Dip, Build National Food Empire

Quick-service restaurant chain Wow! Momo Foods has raised ₹85 crore in debt funding from Stride Ventures as it pushes to widen its reach across India and diversify its operations beyond traditional dine-in and delivery formats.

The Kolkata-headquartered company, known for reinventing the humble momo into a mainstream staple, intends to channel the funds into strengthening its existing presence and building new revenue lines in the FMCG and HORECA (hotels, restaurants, catering) sectors. This move comes at a time when the Indian food services space is seeing slower consumer spending and margin pressures driven by food aggregators.

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Currently operating more than 700 company-owned outlets across 70+ cities, Wow! Momo has ambitious plans to cross the 1,500-store milestone and enter over 100 Indian cities in the next three years. Alongside its original offering, the brand now houses sub-brands like Wow! China, Wow! Chicken, and Wow! Kulfi—all aimed at creating a full-stack food empire.

Despite headwinds, the brand has managed to retain solid unit economics and strong customer loyalty. Its performance in same-store sales reportedly rivals that of global QSR majors, making it a rare homegrown player to watch.

“Wow! Momo is building a truly scalable Indian QSR story,” said Apoorva Sharma, Managing Partner at Stride Ventures. “Their ability to innovate and execute at speed makes them an exciting partner.”

Co-founder and CEO Sagar Daryani added, “This partnership with Stride helps us accelerate our vision to take Indian fast food to every corner of the country.”

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Rapido Gears Up to Take on Zomato & Swiggy: Bags ₹125 Cr from Nexus, Plans ‘Ownly’ Food Delivery Rollout

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Rapido Gears Up to Take on Zomato & Swiggy: Bags ₹125 Cr from Nexus, Plans ‘Ownly’ Food Delivery Rollout

Bengaluru-based ride-hailing startup Rapido is raising ₹125 crore (approximately $15 million) from Nexus Venture Partners, according to regulatory filings accessed recently. The funding boost is part of Rapido’s ongoing Series E round, which also includes a previously reported ₹250 crore (around $28.9 million) investment from Prosus.

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The fresh capital infusion comes at a pivotal moment as Rapido prepares to launch its new food delivery vertical, branded as ‘Ownly’, marking its entry into India’s highly competitive quick-commerce and food logistics space. The strategic move will pit Rapido against established players like Zomato, Swiggy, and newer entrants such as Zepto and Blinkit, who are already experimenting with hybrid models that combine groceries and food delivery.

Rapido, founded in 2015 by Aravind Sanka, Pavan Guntupalli, and Rishikesh SR, began as a bike-taxi platform catering to urban commuters looking for affordable and time-saving options. Over the years, the company has diversified into auto-rickshaw services and local logistics, and is now betting on food delivery to expand its revenue streams and user base.

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With the fresh funds, Rapido is expected to bolster its delivery fleet, ramp up tech infrastructure, and possibly introduce aggressive promotional pricing to penetrate the market. The move also reflects a broader trend in India’s mobility startups diversifying beyond transport, tapping into the booming demand for last-mile delivery.

While the launch timeline for Ownly remains under wraps, insiders suggest the pilot may begin in select metro cities before a nationwide rollout later in the fiscal year.

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Mumbai Court to Strict Vegetarians: Why Order From Wow! Momo If Non-Veg Hurts Your Beliefs?

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Mumbai Court to Strict Vegetarians: Why Order From Wow! Momo If Non-Veg Hurts Your Beliefs?

Mumbai, June 10, 2025 — In a ruling that could have broader implications for food delivery businesses and consumer responsibility, a Mumbai consumer court has dismissed a complaint filed by two customers who claimed their religious sentiments were hurt after they were mistakenly served non-vegetarian food by Wow! Momo.

The complainants, who identify as strictly vegetarian, alleged that receiving chicken momos instead of the vegetarian variant caused deep emotional and religious distress. However, the court questioned the logic of ordering from a restaurant that clearly serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

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“If non-vegetarian food hurts one’s religious sentiments so deeply, why would a person order from a place that serves both types of food?” the court observed, calling for greater discretion and accountability on the part of consumers.

The case brings to light a growing challenge for food delivery platforms and QSR (quick service restaurant) chains like Wow! Momo, especially in a culturally sensitive market like India. Mistakes in food delivery — while often operational or logistical in nature — are increasingly becoming legal and reputational hazards.

For Wow! Momo, one of India’s most visible fast-casual food brands, the case is a warning shot despite the favorable ruling. While the consumer court sided with the restaurant, it underlines the importance of strengthening order verification systems and maintaining clearer food labelling — especially for deliveries involving dietary restrictions or religious considerations.

This incident also has implications for aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato, who act as intermediaries between customers and eateries. Any mistake made in labeling or delivering food can spark not just social backlash but also courtroom battles.

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Legal experts suggest this verdict could set a precedent in cases where emotional or religious hurt is cited in service-related complaints. The court, in effect, has drawn a line between personal belief and practical responsibility in food commerce.

For now, Wow! Momo escapes liability — but the spotlight is squarely on the food-tech ecosystem, where consumer emotions, corporate processes, and legal boundaries are increasingly entangled.

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Caterpillar in ₹3,000 Salad: IAS Couple Exposes Hygiene Lapses at Elite Fine-Dining Restaurant, Probe Launched

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Caterpillar in ₹3,000 Salad: IAS Couple Exposes Hygiene Lapses at Elite Fine-Dining Restaurant, Probe Launched

What was meant to be a relaxing fine-dining evening took a disturbing turn for an IAS couple when they spotted a live caterpillar crawling through their vegetable salad at a high-end restaurant last Saturday. The incident, which they captured on video, led to an official complaint with the local food safety department.

Following the complaint, food safety officer Ramesh Chauhan and his team carried out a surprise inspection of the restaurant. “We’re still awaiting the lab results, but the initial findings were troubling,” Chauhan said. “Basic hygiene protocols were clearly being ignored.”

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During the inspection, authorities collected food samples including paneer, peanuts, cashews, and green chutney for lab testing. What raised further concern was the lack of documentation—no recent pest control records were available, and the staff couldn’t produce food safety training certificates mandated by the FSSAI.

According to Chauhan, the restaurant had not conducted any pest control treatment in the recent past, and signs of negligence in kitchen sanitation were obvious. A formal notice has been issued, and the restaurant has been given ten days to submit all the missing records.

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The IAS couple, who chose to remain anonymous, said they were shocked by the incident and hoped stricter checks would be enforced, especially at places that charge a premium in the name of quality.

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Quick Commerce Booms: Kearney Projects ₹1.7 Lakh Crore Market by 2027 as Zomato, Blinkit & Others Race Ahead

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Quick Commerce Booms: Kearney Projects ₹1.7 Lakh Crore Market by 2027 as Zomato, Blinkit & Others Race Ahead

India’s retail industry is in the middle of a major shake-up, driven by the explosive growth of quick commerce—a model that promises groceries and daily essentials at your doorstep in just 10 minutes. As this format gains ground, consulting firm Kearney India has taken a deep dive into its impact with a new report titled The Rise of Quick Commerce: Transforming India’s Retail, Consumer Behaviors, and Employment Dynamics.

According to Kearney, India’s quick commerce grocery sector is on track to more than triple in size between 2024 and 2027, touching an estimated ₹1.5–1.7 lakh crore. Interestingly, the boom isn’t just restricted to the top metros; it’s spreading to tier-two and tier-three cities with populations of over five lakh.

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What’s fueling this rise? It’s not discounts. Shoppers are increasingly drawn by the convenience, speed, and variety on offer. From impulse buys to regular household needs, categories like snacks, personal care, gifting, and home essentials are all seeing rapid uptake. There’s also a clear trend toward premium products, with people willing to pay a bit extra for quality and speed.

Siddharth Jain, Managing Partner and Country Head at Kearney India, noted that quick commerce has moved beyond being a novelty—“It’s now an essential channel in India’s retail playbook,” he said. “Brands are responding by restructuring budgets, focusing on visibility, and customizing strategies for this fast-moving segment.”

Beyond just transforming how people shop, quick commerce is proving to be a powerful job engine. Around 6–7 lakh individuals are already employed in the sector, and Kearney expects that number to rise to 11–13 lakh by 2027.

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Ankur Singh, Partner in Consumer and Retail at Kearney India, explained that quick commerce stands out because it merges speed, assortment, and operational efficiency like no other format. “It’s not just about topping up your pantry,” he said. “We’re seeing deeper consumer engagement across categories and a shift in buying patterns, including more premium choices.”

Ankur emphasized that this is not a short-lived phenomenon. “This is a structural shift in how India buys its groceries,” he said. “Quick commerce is setting new benchmarks for convenience and delivery expectations, and that’s going to keep reshaping the retail map in the years to come.”

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Hard Rock Cafe Teams Up with Lionel Messi for Limited-Edition Merch Drop as Global Soccer Tournament Fever Rises

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Hard Rock Cafe Teams Up with Lionel Messi for Limited-Edition Merch Drop as Global Soccer Tournament Fever Rises

Hard Rock Cafe has teamed up once again with football legend Lionel Messi for a brand-new merchandise launch, just in time for one of the year’s most talked-about international soccer events.

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Unveiled today as part of the brand’s “WE PLAY TOGETHER” campaign, the collection celebrates the unifying power of the sport. Fans can expect themed clothing, unique retail bundles, and curated dining combos built around Messi’s presence and persona. The promotion is designed to create an immersive experience for guests tuning in to the tournament: from casual diners to die-hard football fans.

Messi himself revealed the new line through an Instagram post earlier today, proudly sporting one of the custom-designed tees now available in Hard Rock’s stores and online.

Speaking on the launch, Eric Martino, President of Hard Rock Cafe & Retail, shared his excitement. He emphasized that the partnership with Messi brings together the love for football, food, and music under one roof. According to him, the campaign isn’t just about merch: it’s about creating moments. From match-viewing experiences to exclusive deals that blend themed meals with limited-edition collectibles, the idea is to celebrate the game in true Hard Rock spirit.

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For fans looking to get their hands on the new gear, select Rock Shop locations and Hard Rock’s online store are now offering exclusive Messi-inspired apparel and soccer merchandise: available only for a limited time during the tournament season.

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Ranveer Singh Joins McDonald’s India as Brand Ambassador, Launches Signature Meal Inspired by His Personal Favourites

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Ranveer Singh Joins McDonald’s India as Brand Ambassador, Launches Signature Meal Inspired by His Personal Favourites

McDonald’s India (North & East) has announced a high-energy new partnership with Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh, who now steps in as the brand’s official face in the region. Along with this announcement, the company has rolled out a special offering called ‘The Ranveer Singh Meal’, a limited-edition combo crafted around the actor’s go-to picks from the McDonald’s menu.

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The move places Ranveer in the same league as international stars like BTS and Travis Scott, both of whom have had signature meals launched through McDonald’s global Famous Orders platform. The idea behind the campaign is simple: spotlight the authentic connection between celebrities and their favorite comfort food.

Anant Agarwal, Vice-Chairperson of Connaught Plaza Restaurants (CPRL), which operates McDonald’s India (North & East), shared his excitement about the collaboration. According to him, Ranveer brings the same joy, colour, and mass appeal that the brand has long been known for. He explained that the partnership was driven by genuine fan stories and the emotional nostalgia McDonald’s creates for so many Indians. Agarwal called the new meal a celebration of that bond and said it reflects the shared love for bold flavours, fun, and familiarity.

Ranveer himself is clearly enjoying the moment. “McDonald’s has always been close to my heart,” he said. “Getting my own meal with them is such a cool feeling. It’s packed with flavour, fun, and everything I personally enjoy. I can’t wait for people to try it.”

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

The Ranveer Singh Meal will be available from 13 June for a limited time. It includes a choice between the McVeggie Xplode or McChicken Xplode, both layered with a new creamy and spicy sauce, crispy golden onions, and extra crunch. To round off the combo, the meal also features Golden Pop Fries and a Bobaaa drink. It’s a bold twist on crowd favourites, designed to match Ranveer’s personality—vibrant, fearless, and full of flavour.

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