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Skull X expands its premium vodka footprint to Punjab with the unveiling of Skull X Edition 2

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Skull X edition 2
Skull X edition 2

Skull X, the renowned premium vodka brand, is thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated Skull X Edition 2 in the vibrant region of Punjab. The House of Skull X has earned a distinguished reputation for its artfully curated spirits, tailored to diverse palates and discerning preferences. With the introduction of the meticulously crafted Skull X Edition 2, the brand is poised to captivate the connoisseurs of Punjab. This exciting new release will be accessible in select cities, including Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Nawanshahar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, and Mohali.

Roshini Nath, chairperson, House of Skull X, sharing her thoughts about the launch said, “We at Skull X are excited to give this product our best shot. The company plans to associate the brand with today’s youth and hence would do all the marketing activities around the same audience in mind. Our product always boasts of a remarkable clarity, a feature we wish to emphasize through our label design. While other companies typically use paper labels that obscure the product, we have opted for transparent labels. This choice aligns with consumers’ expectations of vodka being crystal clear, thereby providing greater transparency.”

Skull X Edition 2, recently introduced to the market, distinguishes itself in several remarkable ways. Unlike the conventional dual-distillation method commonly employed by most companies for filtration, Skull X Edition 2 employs a sophisticated triple-distillation process. This added level of filtration effectively eradicates any lingering roughness, resulting in a refined product that excels in both taste and texture.

Crafted under the expertise of renowned industry connoisseur Surinder Kumar, known for his exceptional blends such as Indri and Camicara, Skull X Edition 2 stands out with an impressive ENA (Extra Neutral Alcohol) grade exceeding 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. This meticulous grading is employed to preserve the product’s aromatic qualities, taste, and overall sensory experience.

Furthermore, during the production process, the brand meticulously selects and incorporates top-quality ingredients, including esteemed flavorings, to create an array of high-quality flavors.

Skull X Edition 2 will soon extend its availability to the Delhi-NCR region. With a price tag of INR 700 for a 750ML bottle, this exceptional offering is poised to become a beloved choice for many, thanks to its outstanding taste and strong appeal to the younger demographic.

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Slurrp Farm unveils healthy millet-based instant noodles for kids

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Yummy Masala
Slurrp Farm Yummy Masala noodles

Slurrp Farm, a healthy kids food brand backed by Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, has recently launched a nourishing Instant Noodles variety. This innovative offering introduces the goodness of nutrient and fiber-rich millets (Jowar) and whole grains to children, elevating one of their favorite foods to a healthier level.

Instant noodles, a convenient one-pot alternative to traditional noodles, are widely popular in the snack category. In contrast to numerous options on the market, Slurrp Farm’s Instant Noodles are free of highly processed maida and preservatives. Moreover, they are air-dried instead of being fried, setting them apart in terms of healthfulness.

Offered in two kid-friendly flavors, Yummy Masala and Mild Masala, these Instant Noodles are priced at just INR 35 for a 57g pack and can be found in grocery stores throughout India. They are also readily available on leading e-commerce platforms like Amazon and the official website. Slurrp Farm’s new Instant Noodles are a delightful, nutritious, and versatile choice, making them a guilt-free, hassle-free option for school lunchboxes or snacks that children will savor and mothers can prepare with peace of mind.

Slurrp Farm Instant Noodles offer the flexibility to be paired with a range of fresh ingredients, enhancing the nutritional benefits of supergrain millets while delighting children with their favorite meal. With this latest addition to Slurrp Farm’s extensive portfolio of more than 50 healthy products, adored by countless children, the brand is now providing health-conscious parents in India with a high-fiber, nutritious twist on the beloved snack-time classic, allowing each household to personalize it to their liking.

Anushka Sharma, Wholsum Foods (Slurrp Farm) Investor and Brand Ambassador and Bollywood Actor, said, “By offering these nutritious, millet-based Instant Noodles, Slurrp Farm is bringing a healthier twist to a beloved childhood classic. It’s all about making wholesome choices accessible and enjoyable for both kids and parents. This nutritious option is something I am happy to be a part of, and it reflects our commitment to promoting better choices for families.”

Meghana Narayan and Shauravi Malik, Co-Founders, Wholsum Foods – Parent Company of Slurrp Farm, said, “We’ve always believed in introducing healthy foods and supergrains to kids through the things they love to eat, and we are excited to launch Slurrp Farm’s new Instant Noodles, introducing a nutritious, and delicious, millet-based option in this hugely popular category. Our new Instant Noodles brings health-conscious Indian parents a zero junk, nutrient and fiber rich version of one of kids’ most loved tiffin, and snack time, foods. While instant noodles are often fried, Slurrp Farm’s are air-dried. Made with Jowar (Millet) and wholegrains they are free of maida and preservatives.”

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Henstone Distillery sells 50% stake to entrepreneur Mike Harris, plans major expansion

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Henstone Distillery
Henstone Distillery (Representative Image)

Henstone Distillery, a renowned spirit producer in the UK, has recently divested a 50% ownership stake to entrepreneur Mike Harris. This strategic move comes in anticipation of their forthcoming relocation to a more expansive facility, driven by their remarkable surge in growth.

The distillery’s founders have disclosed their intentions to move to an undisclosed location by the end of 2023, citing the outgrowing of their original site as the primary motive for this decision.

Harris, who serves as the chairman of the Welsh Premier League club The New Saints FC and is the founder of investment firm Ubuntu Holdings, expressed that the distillery is entering an exceptionally thrilling phase.

Established in 2017 and situated in Shropshire, this distillery crafts a wide range of spirits including gin, whisky, vodka, brandy, and rum. Additionally, it manufactures white-label and co-branded products, a practice that will persist following the acquisition.

Henstone Distillery’s spirits can be found in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Hong Kong through various retail outlets, including prestigious locations like the London department store Harrods. Additionally, they are accessible directly to consumers (D2C).

Co-Founder Chris Toller emphasized that expanding distribution within the UK and exploring export opportunities are top priorities following the investment. The distillery is on the verge of finalizing a distribution agreement in Italy and is currently engaged in ongoing discussions in China, according to him.

In a statement on the investment today (25 August), Toller said, “We have seen enormous growth since establishing Henstone back in 2017.

“Having outgrown our current site, this deal will provide us with a new space that will help us achieve our expansion goals and continue to produce products of the highest standard.”

Harris added, “I have watched with interest as the company continues to grow on a national scale. Now, I’m looking forward to helping the brand achieve its growth ambitions as we move into a particularly exciting time for Henstone Distillery.”

At present, the distillery manufactures between 5,000 and 10,000 70cl bottles annually, a volume that Toller aims to substantially increase at the new facility.

He added, “We plan to become self-sufficient in whisky wash production and increase capacity to circa four washes a week – this will mean distilling whisky four times per week too.”

Henstone Distillery was founded in Oswestry, Shropshire, by Chris and Alexandra Toller, and Shane and Alison Parr. The Parrs left in August this year “to concentrate on their brewing and hospitality business”.

Chris and Alexandra’s son Chris joined in 2021 as sales manager and his sister Florence joined as distiller last year. This month they added a brand ambassador to the team.

Chris mentioned that the business has been generating a “modest profit” over the past two years.

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Govt mulls potential rollback of 40% export duty on select onion varieties

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Onions
Onions (Representative Image)

According to trade sources, the central government is considering a rollback of the 40% export duty imposed on Bangalore rose onions and Krishnapuram rose onions grown in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, respectively.

On August 19, the government implemented a 40% duty on all varieties of onions exported from India in an effort to control the surging onion prices. Market sources noted that this move led to an approximately 70% decline in onion exports.

Read More: Govt enforces 40% export duty on onions in effort to counter soaring prices

Meanwhile, during a meeting convened on Monday, traders based in Nashik resolved to prolong their ongoing onion strike, which commenced on September 20. It is improbable that this will have any significant impact on onion prices within the nation.

The Agri Commodities Exporters’ Association, acting on behalf of rose onion exporters, has formally appealed to the government to permit the export of 10,000 tonnes of Bangalore rose onions and Krishnapuram rose onions without imposing export duties during the period from October to December.

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India allows export of 75,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to UAE

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rice1
Rice (Representative Image)

On Monday, India announced its approval for the export of 75,000 metric tonnes of non-Basmati white rice to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a notification, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said: “Export of 75,000 MT of non-Basmati white rice to the UAE is permitted through National Cooperative Exports Limited.”

In the fiscal year 2023, India recorded exports amounting to $2.2 billion for non-Basmati white rice, with Kenya, Madagascar, Benin, and the United Arab Emirates ranking among the primary destinations.

During July, India imposed a ban on the export of non-basmati white rice. However, export allowances will be granted on a case-by-case basis, considering permissions extended by the government to meet other countries’ food security requirements and in response to their governments’ requests.

Read More: India prohibits non-basmati white rice exports amidst supply concerns

Last month, export quotas for non-basmati white rice were allocated to Bhutan, Mauritius, and Singapore. According to a statement from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Bhutan was granted permission to export 79,000 metric tons of non-basmati white rice, while Singapore and Mauritius received export quotas of 50,000 tons and 14,000 tons, respectively.

Read More: In a special gesture, India authorizes rice export to boost Singapore’s food security

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Australia’s Burger Head to shut down amid rising financial challenges

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Australia-based burger restaurant Burger Head has decided to close its doors in the coming weeks. This choice stems from the worsening financial troubles the establishment is experiencing, with inflation and increased interest rates further contributing to its challenges.

As per a Sky News report, the eatery, established in 2017 by Joshua Deluca and Timothy Rosenstrauss, had expanded to include four restaurants and three food trucks.

Nevertheless, owing to the financial crisis, the restaurant brand had to shutter its establishments in both Blacktown and Casula.

Both the Blacktown and Casula restaurants were launched within a mere ten-week span of each other in the year 2022.

Alongside the two restaurant locations, a production kitchen in Wetherill Park was also inaugurated during that same timeframe.

The brand has currently made the decision to cease operations at its last two remaining stores in Botany and Penrith, with the closure scheduled for October 29, 2023.

The media house quoted Messrs Deluca and Rosenstrauss as saying, “The past seven years have been nothing shy of an incredible journey of ups, downs and everything in between, but unfortunately, we’ve decided to hang up the apron.

“There’s no denying that hospitality is considered one of the hardest industries there is. To survive and thrive for as long as we have, we’ll be forever proud of our accomplishments and eternally grateful for the support of everyone along the journey.”

After the Covid-19 pandemic, the restaurant brand expanded its presence in the region at an accelerated pace, a move that is now identified as the key contributor to the brand’s current financial challenges.

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Former Paper Boat Co-Founder, Neeraj Biyani, unveils skincare brand Asaya

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Asaya
Asaya

Neeraj Biyani, the former Co-Founder of Paper Boat, along with Vikash Singhal, Mandeep Bhatia, and Eeti Sharma, have introduced Asaya, a skincare brand for individuals with melanin-rich skin tones, as stated in a press release.

“Building a brand takes time, but I firmly believe in Asaya’s compelling proposition, both in product and emotion. With Asaya, we aspire to empower women and men across India to challenge outdated beauty norms and really revel in the skin we are in,” said Biyani, Co-Founder of Asaya.

Conceptualized and formulated in Florida, Asaya offers a variety of products across several platforms, starting at a price of INR 449, and available on the brand’s official website, Amazon, Big Basket, JioMart, and Flipkart.

“Melanin-rich skin like ours is structurally different from other skin tones. For instance, it’s much more sensitive, and care for it needs to be hypoallergenic. At Asaya, we have tirelessly worked to ensure our formulae are melanin-first, and our products are designed for Indian skin’s specific needs,” said Dr. Arundathi Nagaraj, head – research board, Asaya.

Asaya presents its product line, categorizing them into two distinct categories: “under one sun” for sun protection and “running deep” for hydration solutions. The materials used in crafting these products are sourced from the USA, Europe, and Korea.

Currently, the skincare brand has secured approximately $0.5 million in funding from angel investors and its founders. According to the release, it has set a target to raise $1.2 million within the next 4-6 months.

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Myntra unveils AI-powered chatbot Maya for enhanced shopping experience

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Maya
Maya

Myntra, a leading e-commerce destination in India for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products, has unveiled an innovative AI-powered chatbot named “Maya.” This chatbot is designed to enhance and customize customers’ shopping experiences, making them more efficient. Initially available during Myntra’s annual Big Fashion Festival (BFF), Maya empowers users to effortlessly navigate the extensive range of styles, offering tailored recommendations and real-time conversational assistance.

Maya serves as an intelligent and intuitive virtual assistant, adept at grasping the unique requirements of users. Harnessing the wealth of products within Myntra’s extensive catalog, which spans 2.3 million items across fashion, beauty, footwear, and home categories, Maya offers pinpointed product recommendations, ensuring customers discover precisely what they seek. Moreover, Maya excels in interactive shopping conversations, deftly managing intricate inquiries, such as event-specific fashion tips or gift suggestions. By maintaining contextual awareness throughout the dialogue, Maya provides a smooth and hassle-free shopping experience, substantially expediting the decision-making process.

Fueled by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Maya seamlessly blends natural language processing with Myntra’s proprietary cataloging and search technology, perfectly aligning with contemporary shopping and interaction preferences. Users can engage with Maya in a manner akin to interacting with a sales assistant, receiving instant and pertinent fashion guidance.

Initially, this feature will be accessible to 10 percent of Myntra’s user base, with plans for broader availability in the future. Future enhancements will encompass summarizing ratings and reviews, assisting in size selection, and integrating voice and image capabilities. Additionally, Maya will soon extend its support to vernacular languages, catering to users in tier II and III cities. Robust safeguards have been put in place to prevent misuse, ensuring that Maya responds exclusively to relevant inputs on the platform.

Raghu Krishnananda – Chief Product and Technology Officer, Myntra said, “The introduction of our AI-powered shopping assistant, Maya, marks a significant milestone in our journey to elevate the shopping experience of millions of fashion-forward shoppers in the country by providing a conversational interface to our users. As the festive season kicks in, we eagerly look forward to our customers engaging with Maya, with the confidence that their quest for finding the perfect fashion and lifestyle needs will be met with enhanced convenience.”

Myntra’s Big Fashion Festival guarantees an exhilarating festive season with enticing deals on both domestic and international brands. Shoppers can further enhance their festive savings by availing an extra 15 percent discount when utilizing Myntra’s co-branded credit card, developed in collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank, thus amplifying the value of their celebratory purchases.

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DB Realty set to acquire stakes in three hotel firms for INR 2,300 Crore

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DB Realty
DB Realty (Representative Image)

Mumbai-based DB Realty Ltd. on Monday said it will acquire shares in Bamboo Hotel Global Centre Pvt., Goan Hotels & Realty Pvt. and BD And P Hotels Pvt. for more than INR 2,300 crore.

DB Realty stated that these transactions constitute related party deals and are conducted on an arm’s length basis. The company emphasized that this move will facilitate its entry into the hospitality industry.

In a regulatory filing, DB Realty informed that it has entered into separate share purchase agreements to acquire shares of Bamboo Hotel Global Centre (Delhi) Pvt Ltd, Goan Hotels & Realty Pvt Ltd and BD And P Hotels (India) Pvt Ltd.

As per the filing, Bamboo Hotel and Global Centre (Delhi), a joint venture between Prestige Hospitality Ventures Ltd. and Marine Drive Hospitality & Realty Pvt., is constructing a hotel complex ‘Prestige Trade Centre at Aerocity, New Delhi.

DB Realty will acquire 10,10,000 Class A equity shares in Bamboo Hotel for a total consideration of INR 608.88 crore.

The property is leased out by Delhi International Airport to Bamboo Hotel for 57 years, including a lease extension of 30 years.

The total built-up area of the project is about 3.3 million sq ft.

DB Realty will acquire 78,250 equity shares for a total consideration of INR 1,410.68 crore in Goan Hotels & Realty, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MDHRPL.

MDHRPL owns a five-star hotel under the brand of Grand Hyatt Goa, at Bambolim, Goa.

Separately, DB Realty will acquire 2,12,69,325 shares for INR 339.12 crore in BD And P Hotels (India). BD and P Hotels is a subsidiary of MDHRPL, which holds a 75% stake and owns the Hilton Mumbai International Airport hotel.

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Samosa Singh continues expansion with new outlet in Thane

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Samosa Singh Co- Founders Shikhar Veer Singh & Nidhi Singh at Thane outlet
Samosa Singh Co- Founders Shikhar Veer Singh & Nidhi Singh at Thane outlet

Samosa Singh, the popular fast-food restaurant chain, made an exciting announcement on Monday, revealing the opening of its latest outlet in Thane, Maharashtra. Positioned along the Sita Vihar CHS Ltd road in the heart of Naupada, Thane (West), this new addition promises to delight locals and samosa enthusiasts alike.

“Mumbai has always been a special market for Samosa Singh and we got a lot of love from this beautiful city so, opening our flagship store @Thane is special,” Shikhar Veer Singh, Founder, Samosa Singh said.

Nidhi Singh, Co-Founder Samosa Singh said, “Nothing beats the satisfying crunch, warmth, and flavour of India’s favourite snack–Samosas, and with our expansion in Mumbai–we are further strengthening the bond our country shares with food.”

Established in 2016 by Nidhi Singh and Shikhar Veer Singh, the Bengaluru-rooted snack brand, Samosa Singh, proudly asserts itself as India’s pioneering snacking company, boasting a dedicated scientific core team with over 100,000 hours of intensive research.

Over the past three months, the brand has successfully inaugurated around six brick-and-mortar outlets and significantly broadened its footprint, now encompassing over 50 locations across South and West India. Samosa Singh’s ambitious goal is to achieve nationwide expansion within the next 20 months.

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