Papa John’s pizza expands in China with grand opening of 300th restaurant

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September 29, 2023

On September 26th, Papa John’s celebrated a significant achievement by inaugurating its 300th restaurant in China, located in the vibrant city of Shanghai. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Shaquille O’Neal, a Papa John’s franchisee, board member, and brand ambassador, made a special visit. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the dedicated team members and warmly welcomed the enthusiastic customers to the brand-new restaurant.

As they celebrate the opening of their 300th restaurant in China, their gaze is set firmly on the future. Their ambitious plan entails the establishment of 1,750 restaurants in China by 2040, constituting the largest master franchise deal announced in the pizza industry in recent years.

“This occasion is to celebrate more than just another restaurant opening – it is also a testament to Papa Johns’ growth and vision for our presence in China,” says Amanda Clark, Papa Johns Chief Operating Officer, International. “With unwavering dedication to this market, we are excited to bring BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA and genuine pizza fandom to every corner of China; in a way that authentically connects with the local consumer. We are also delighted that our board member and franchise partner Shaquille O’Neal joined us in Shanghai to celebrate this special moment”.

Throughout the last two decades, Papa John’s has showcased its dedication to the Asian market by consistently providing high-quality ingredients and introducing culinary advancements tailored to satisfy the distinctive cravings of its consumers.

Papa John’s remains dedicated to catering to its market, staying attuned to cultural shifts, emerging trends, and evolving customer preferences. In recent years, they have employed quantitative research to gain deeper insights into their customer base in China. Leveraging data-driven insights, they have successfully collaborated with influential figures and celebrities such as IVE, a six-member, all-women K-pop group. This collaboration highlights how their pizzas serve as an ideal snack for various activities, such as cycling, camping, and more, aligning with the strong passion for outdoor pursuits observed among their Chinese customer base.

The prosperous global growth of Papa John’s in China is fueled by establishing meaningful connections with fresh audiences. They’ve established a robust presence on popular Chinese social platforms like Douyin (China’s counterpart to TikTok) and WeChat (resembling WhatsApp but with extensive social and service features). These platforms have significantly facilitated customer engagement, making it simpler for individuals to connect with Papa John’s.

Reliance Retail expands youth-fashion venture Yousta with a new store in Bilaspur

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September 29, 2023

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Reliance Retail, a leading player in the Indian retail industry, is advancing its youth-focused fashion retail venture, “Yousta,” with the inauguration of a new store in Bilaspur. Building on the triumph of its first store at Hyderabad’s Sarath City Mall, Yousta is poised to transform the fashion landscape for the youthful audience in Bilaspur.

Yousta, tailored for the fashion-savvy youth, provides the most up-to-date fashion trends at impressively budget-friendly rates. Maintaining its dedication to young customers, all items at Yousta Bilaspur are priced under INR 999, with a notable selection available for less than INR 499. Yousta’s wide range includes fashionable complete outfits, unisex and character-themed products, and regular launches of new styles through its “Starring Now” collection.

With its modern, technology-enhanced store design, the Bilaspur branch closely resembles its counterpart in Hyderabad, aspiring to be the ultimate fashion hub for the youth in Bilaspur. In line with Yousta’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric experiences, the Bilaspur store will feature various technological elements. These innovations encompass QR codes for effortless access to information, self-checkout counters for quick transactions, and convenient charging stations.

Furthermore, Yousta has partnered with a non-profit organization, allowing patrons to contribute their old apparel at the Bilaspur outlet for utilization in community initiatives. This endeavor encourages a charitable ethos and prolongs the utility of wearable clothing in an eco-conscious fashion. The Yousta fashion lineup is readily available at the Bilaspur store, and customers can also browse the collection on the AJIO platform online.

Dining with a purpose: Platform 65 fights hunger with food distribution drive in Hyderabad

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September 29, 2023

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Platform 65, the beloved Indian restaurant chain known for its charming toy train theme, has taken a significant step toward making a positive impact. In a recent endeavor held in Jubilee Hills, the restaurant chain organized a food distribution drive, providing 500 nourishing food packets to less fortunate individuals, skillfully prepared by Chef VH Suresh.

On September 25th, as a part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, a dedicated team of ten volunteers from Platform 65, comprising both employees and community members, assembled in Jubilee Hills. Their mission was to distribute freshly crafted meals to the underprivileged individuals within the community, with a keen focus on providing both nourishment and solace.

Srikanth Bandaru, the Corporate General Manager, said, “At Platform 65, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another. Our food distribution initiative is our way of giving back and ensuring that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. We are committed to providing nourishment, hope, and a helping hand to those in need.”

Sadgun Patha, Managing Director and Founder of Platform 65, said “Food has the incredible ability to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. We are extremely happy and fortunate to have initiated this CSR activity as an extension of our dedication to our community. Our aim is to share the blessings we have received by providing wholesome meals to those who may be facing tough times. Together, we can make a difference.”

This notable food distribution campaign represents merely one facet of Platform 65’s numerous community-centered endeavors. The restaurant continues to stand firm in its dedication to making a significant impact on the lives of its patrons, both within the walls of its dining spaces and in the wider community.

Emami Limited acquires 26% equity stake in Axiom Ayurveda, expands into juice category with AloFrut brand

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September 29, 2023

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Emami Limited, a prominent player in the personal care and healthcare industry, revealed in a press release on Thursday that it has successfully secured a 26% equity stake in Axiom Ayurveda. This strategic move marks Emami’s entry into the juice category under its brand AloFrut.

The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) giant refrained from revealing the specific investment figure.

Harsha V Agarwal, Vice Chairman & MD, Emami said, “We are excited to be present in this category which is in line with our corporate growth strategy to invest in categories or brands that not only have synergy with our existing business but offer potential for growth. We look forward to adding meaningful value to the brand.”

Commenting on the development, Rishabh Gupta, Founder, Axiom Ayurveda said, “Considering the trend where consumer is focussing on taste and health, we have tried to offer a perfect blend of the same which is a big differentiator from other beverage companies’ offerings.

In addition to the AloFrut brand, Axiom offers a diverse selection of carbonated beverages, encompassing mocktails and energy drinks. Furthermore, the company has a presence in the Ayurvedic healthcare juice sector through its Jeevan Ras brand.

Regarding its manufacturing operations in Ambala, Haryana, the company disclosed its plans to establish a state-of-the-art, fully automated facility in Jammu (Kathua) with a total investment of INR 160 crore.

At present, AloFrut boasts a robust market presence encompassing general trade, government institutions, modern trade, and e-commerce platforms, as reported by the company.

Burgrill brings its delicious offerings to Jaipur with three new locations

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September 29, 2023

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The QSR chain, Burgrill, has announced its upcoming expansion into Jaipur. Over the next quarter, the brand plans to open three new branches to cater to the residents of the Pink City.

Burgrill offers a varied menu that encompasses a wide array of choices, including nutritious bowls, wraps, subs, beverages, and additional options.

Remarkably, their healthful bowls provide clear information about calorie counts, specifically targeting health-conscious customers.

“Jaipur has always been a vibrant and dynamic market for us. I’m thrilled to announce our debut in Jaipur with the simultaneous launch of three outlets, marking a significant milestone in our expansion journey. Our commitment to quality and innovation drives us to continually enhance our menu and service, ensuring that every guest leaves with a smile on their face.” said, Mr. Ankur Madan, CEO and Co-Founder of Burgrill.

The brand is renowned for its dedication to utilizing the freshest ingredients, ranging from crisp vegetables and grilled patties to wholesome brown buns and tantalizing secret sauces that enhance the flavors of their burgers, wraps, and subs.

The addition of new outlets in Jaipur is in harmony with the brand’s ambitious growth strategy, fueled by the rising demand for its delectable culinary creations.

Customers can look forward to a diverse menu designed to cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences, featuring options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, as well as a selection of sides, beverages, and desserts.

The forthcoming Burgrill outlets in Jaipur will be strategically located in key areas across the city, guaranteeing convenient accessibility for both residents and tourists to indulge in their burgers and other menu offerings.

Myntra’s Big Fashion Festival set to draw over 8 Million shoppers with local & international brands

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September 29, 2023

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Myntra, the popular e-commerce platform, has unveiled its highly anticipated festival event, the ‘Big Fashion Festival.’ This extraordinary sale boasts the participation of 6,000 prominent brands, offering an impressive array of over 2.3 million selections encompassing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. The company anticipates an impressive turnout, with over 8 million enthusiastic customers expected to partake in the festival shopping extravaganza.

According to CEO Nandita Sinha, the company has commenced the festive season with strong momentum.

“We have seen a lot of good momentum around Rakhi, Ganesh Chaturthi and others, especially around categories, which are related to festivals. Ethnic categories across men, women, children, footwear, accessories, others, have seen almost a 3-5X demand spike in these festivals,” she said.

The Big Fashion Festival (BFF) is scheduled to kick off in early October, running for approximately ten days.

The Indian wear category has been broadened to encompass an impressive 450,000 distinct styles, catering to both men and women. This diverse range includes a variety of mass premium and premium styles, spanning from lighter to more elaborate Indian attire, as well as fusion wear. The fusion collection alone, featuring 45,000 styles from over 1,000 brands, is poised to be a favorite among GenZ customers seeking trendy Indo-Western fashion choices.

Sinha said that almost five lakh new styles have been added from popular brands coming from T2 cities and beyond, which will include a ‘big chunk of our new customers too.’

Myntra is set to introduce more than 150 new products, in addition to the debut of 50 new made-in-India D2C brands celebrated under the Myntra ‘Rising STARS’ label, offering a wide-ranging assortment for both men and women. Remarkably, the D2C sector has exhibited a robust 70 percent year-over-year growth in the current quarter on Myntra.

“Since the program’s inception, we’ve witnessed a remarkable 70-80 per cent growth in the performance of these D2C brands. This growth trajectory is crucial for these brands as it helps them achieve the scale they need to thrive,” she added.

International brands continue to attract shoppers, with more than 20 highly desirable global brands participating in this year’s BFF.

Myntra’s beauty and personal care selection has seen substantial growth, now encompassing more than 90,000 SKUs from over 1,500 brands, including over 200 international brands. Additionally, the Home category, which has experienced a remarkable 50 percent year-over-year demand surge, will gain even more momentum with the introduction of over 50,000 new home products to the catalog.

BFF will offer incentives to customers who make purchases exceeding a specific threshold, such as providing them with gold coins, shopping carts, and backpacks as rewards.

L’amant Café brings the rich flavor of Vietnamese organic coffee to the Indian market

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September 29, 2023

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L’amant Café, the leading organic coffee brand from Vietnam, is poised to make its debut in the Indian market. This exciting development comes after the brand recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its Indian partner, Rayanssh Impex, as they jointly embark on a mission to introduce the exquisite flavors of Vietnamese organic coffee to India.

This announcement was made during the ongoing 2023 World Coffee Conference in Bengaluru on Thursday. Additionally, L’amant Café is anticipated to inaugurate its own cafés and retail outlets in India by the end of 2025.

This partnership marks the beginning of a new venture for L’amant Café, as it ventures into the world’s largest consumer market.

L’amant Café holds the distinction of being the first Vietnamese brand to operate a coffee farm compliant with USDA organic standards set by the US Department of Agriculture. According to the company’s statement, L’amant Café sources its raw materials in accordance with various international standards, including 4C, UTZ, BRC, Japan Organic, and EU Organic.

“The Indian market holds immense potential, and we believe our unique blend of organic coffee will resonate with the discerning Indian consumer,” L’amant Café Founder Thai Nhu Hiep said.

World Coffee Conference will give Indian coffee its due recognition: Coffee Board CEO K G Jagadeesha

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September 29, 2023

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The CEO of the Coffee Board of India, K G Jagadeesha, stated on Thursday that the World Coffee Conference-2023 in Bengaluru will finally provide India with the well-deserved acknowledgment for its sustainable cultivation of top-quality coffee. He emphasized that India produces some of the world’s finest coffee that remains unparalleled by any other nation, yet it has not received the international recognition it rightfully deserves until now.

“If you look at Indian coffees, we are the ones who grow coffee under shade. Our coffees are the most sustainable ones because we create forests to grow them. It’s something which is remarkable about Indian coffees,” Jagadeesha said in a press conference.

Speaking to journalists at the conclusion of the four-day World Coffee Conference, which attracted attendees from more than 80 countries, he highlighted that the event featured a total of 45 sessions. These sessions included contributions from 127 speakers, with 80 of them being international experts and 47 hailing from the national domain.

Dwelling further on Indian coffees, the Coffee Board CEO said, “Nobody can compete with Indian Robusta. In terms of Arabica, we are as good as Colombian coffees. But if you see in the global market, have we got our due recognition for our coffees? You go to any of the European cafes and see the menu, there is no Indian coffee at all. So India never got its due recognition for growing such sustainable and high quality coffees,” Jagadeesha said.

He expressed optimism that the conference would contribute to establishing a distinct identity for Indian coffee.

“This event is definitely going to open doors in the respect that India is a country that grows coffee in a more sustainable manner. India is a country which grows some of the finest coffees in the world,” the Coffee Board CEO explained.

Jagadeesha noted that the event would play a pivotal role in enhancing consumers’ perception of Indian coffee, potentially resulting in improved pricing. Additionally, he emphasized that it would facilitate the discovery of long-term solutions to the various challenges confronting the coffee sector. According to the CEO of the Coffee Board, the four-day conference featured a remarkable total of 347 business-to-business meetings and numerous informal gatherings.

People expressed their satisfaction with the establishment of such a platform, which provided them with valuable leads to foster stronger business connections. According to Jagadeesha, the prevailing sentiment was that India had set a noteworthy example for the world to follow.

“We have declared that India is one of the important coffee producing countries, that Indian coffee sector is very vibrant and we have arrived on the global map. Our presence was really strong earlier also. This has further enhanced the image of India as a producer of some of the finest coffees of India and a country with a vibrant coffee sector,” he noted.

The Coffee Board of India had appointed three universities as knowledge partners in each of the conferences, Jagadeesha said, adding that these universities will later bring out details of the proceedings of this event, which will be be published in the next few weeks.

Delhi govt extends existing excise regime for six more months amidst ongoing investigations

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September 29, 2023

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The Delhi government has opted to extend the existing excise regime for an additional six months, citing concerns about introducing a new policy while several aspects of the previous one remain under investigation by law enforcement agencies.

According to officials, both the Delhi government and the lieutenant governor have granted their approval for the extension until March 31, 2024. Following clearance by the chief minister, the excise department’s proposal to extend the policy was submitted for the LG’s approval. Subsequently, the file was returned to the government from the LG’s secretariat, indicating it had been acknowledged with a “seen” mark.

The announcement regarding the extension is expected to be officially made on Friday.

As per a senior Delhi government official, the excise department intends to extend permits for both retail liquor shops operated by four government corporations and establishments such as hotels, clubs, and restaurants until March 31, 2024, subject to the payment of fees on a pro rata basis.

Officials indicated that the existing policy, slated to expire on September 30, necessitated either an extension or the implementation of a new policy to address regulatory requirements for conducting retail and wholesale liquor trade in the national capital. Under the current excise duty-based liquor system, only government corporations are permitted to operate retail liquor stores in the capital.

Nevertheless, industry associations held the view that the liquor trade in the capital required a stable regulatory environment to facilitate seamless business operations and enhance the overall consumer experience.

“The existing policy is being extended repeatedly just to keep business going. It is not a planned excise policy design to work for all stakeholders. What the industry needs more than anything else is regulatory stability,” said Vinod Giri, director general of Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverages Companies.

Giri further emphasized that without a comprehensive, long-term excise policy in place, companies are unable to formulate extended-term strategies. They require clear policy direction for the coming year or two, at the very least, to make investments and carry out operations within the state.

“In recent times we have seen frequent major changes in excise policy, which have had an unsettling effect. Since Delhi’s operating margins are not great, companies with pan India footprint have the option of prioritising other markets for supplies if faced with such an uncertain regulatory framework,” he said.

Third Wave Coffee raises $35 Million in Series C funding round led by Creaegis, plans to enhance cafe experience and expand technology innovation

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September 29, 2023

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Third Wave Coffee, a quick-service coffee chain headquartered in Bengaluru, has secured $35 million in a Series C funding round, with private equity firm Creaegis taking the lead. Notably, this funding round also witnessed the continued support of previous investors, such as WestBridge Capital and Sujeet Kumar, Co-Founder of Udaan.

In an official statement, the startup expressed its intention to utilize the newly acquired funds to intensify its focus on technology and product innovation. This strategic approach aims to enhance the overall cafe experience it offers throughout the country.

Established in 2017 by Ayush Bathwal, Anirudh Sharma, and Sushant Goel, the startup presently manages a network of more than 100 stores spanning the entire nation. Additionally, it markets its coffee products via both its dedicated website and various e-commerce platforms.

In the announcement, Third Wave Coffee revealed that it secured $21 million in a Series B funding round back in May 2022, with WestBridge Capital as the leading investor. It’s worth noting that the startup did not make the funding round public at that time.

Before this, the company had successfully raised $6 million in its Series A funding round, with prominent investors such as Sujeet Kumar, Arpan Seth, and Ayyappan Rajagopal taking the lead.

Following this recent funding injection, the startup has accumulated a total of $62 million in funding up to this point.

As reported by ET, the startup’s valuation after the most recent funding round is estimated to be $150 million.

Third Wave Coffee faces competition from startups such as Blue Tokai and Slay Coffee, as well as formidable industry giants like Starbucks and Tim Hortons, among others.

At the beginning of this year, Blue Tokai, headquartered in Delhi NCR, secured $30 million in a Series B funding round, with A91 Partners taking the lead. Additionally, just earlier this month, the startup announced that it had also received an undisclosed amount of investment from actor Deepika Padukone.

In the retail sector, Third Wave faces competition from companies such as Rage Coffee, Sleepy Owl, and Country Bean, among others.

Creaegis, the leading investor in Third Wave Coffee’s recent funding round, recently completed the fundraising for its debut fund, amassing a total of $425 million (INR 3,529 crore) with a focus on investing in domestic startups. Just this Wednesday, SaaS startup Doceree revealed that Creaegis had taken the lead in its Series B funding round, securing $35 million.

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