ACME Hospitality launches Communion, a charming all-day cafe in Navi Mumbai

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September 23, 2023

Communion, an all-day cafe situated in Navi Mumbai, has recently made its debut. With a carefully crafted concept centered around reimagining timeless comfort, Communion provides a rustic ambiance where guests can come together to relish an array of global flavors and ingredients.

Introduced by ACME Hospitality, Communion emerges as the much-needed establishment in Navi Mumbai—a versatile café that effortlessly transitions from a cozy spot for coffee and dessert to a delightful destination for lunch and dinner. Its spacious, well-lit, and vibrant interior, complemented by an expansive outdoor area, greets guests with elements of nature that instantly evoke a sense of tranquility.

With the launch of Communion, Navi Mumbai residents now have the perfect all-day café to embark on a fulfilling and comforting culinary journey. Communion’s interior design exemplifies the beauty of minimalist elegance, adhering to the “less is more” philosophy. The design team has artfully integrated natural materials like sandstone and wood, interwoven with lush greenery. Earthy tones, including terracotta tiles, shades of green, grey, and white, dominate the decor, crafting a serene and inviting ambiance.

“With Communion, we wanted to create something that Navi Mumbai has not seen before – a community space serving the best of F&B in a charming atmosphere. . Communion is created keeping the new-age diner in mind – it is a space which is all about community and bringing people together from all walks of life. With a line-up of events including musical evenings, open mics, creative writing camps and more – this place will welcome one and all.” said, Sameer Uttamsingh, Founder and creative director, Acme Hospitality Management & Consulting.

Under the guidance of celebrity chef Karishma Sakhrani, the culinary offerings at Communion are thoughtfully crafted to cater to a wide range of taste preferences. Additionally, the menu features sharing plates designed to provide a delightful experience for everyone.

Talking about the menu, Sakhrani, said, “The menu was created keeping the community ethos in mind. Inspired by global ingredients and keeping in mind local palettes, the menu brings together the best of comfort in a plate. With an emphasis on comfort and familiarity, the menu will offer something for all. We are excited to go beyond the ordinary and deliver a beverage culture that Navi Mumbai hasn’t seen yet – From freakshakes to well roasted coffees, from smoothies to boba teas, Communion is all set to become the next-favorite hangout spot in the area.”

Britvic expands J2O soft drinks line with irresistible new mocktail collection

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September 23, 2023

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Britvic is broadening its J2O soft drinks collection by introducing a new line of pre-mixed mocktail beverages.

Offered in three delightful flavors – strawberry & orange blossom mojito, white peach & mango daiquiri, and blackberry & blueberry martini – these beverages are poised to bolster the brand’s appeal in response to the increasing importance of non-alcoholic options.

As per Britvic, this fresh selection is crafted for individuals who desire “elevated experiences and intriguing flavors” that mirror the mocktail enjoyment they savor when dining out.

Ben Parker, retail commercial director at Britvic, commented, “As a well-known and trusted brand, we are always looking at ways to stay innovative, and the launch of our J2O Mocktails will help us to offer shoppers even more choice, as well as entice consumers to trade up”.

He continued, “We know that many people are looking for ways to make their ‘big night in’ or special occasions at home stand out, to even measure up to an evening out. At the same time, the non-alcoholic drinks market is gaining relevance as people consider their alcohol intake, and J2O Mocktails will allow retailers to take advantage of the opportunity this presents.”

“With taste the number one driver of soft drinks, the products have been designed to offer delicious flavours based on some of the most popular cocktails, only without the alcohol.”

J2O Mocktails is available in the grocery channel for £1.29 per 250ml cans. In addition, it will roll out further into the convenience channel from next month.

Ethnic wear brand Soch achieves INR 400 Crore revenue milestone in FY23, aims for INR 1000 Crore in next 3-4 years

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September 23, 2023

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Women’s ethnic wear brand Soch, in its latest press release on Friday, revealed that it has surpassed INR 400 crore in revenue for the fiscal year 2023. Furthermore, the company disclosed an operating EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of INR 36 crore, equivalent to approximately 9% of its annual earnings.

As part of its expansion strategy, Soch opened 18 new stores in the preceding year, reaching a milestone of 150 stores in August 2022. The company now has plans to double the number of new stores in the current year, demonstrating its commitment to further growth and expansion.

“Our success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Soch team. With a well-defined vision, we aim to achieve the 1000 crore mark within the next 3-4 years,” said Vinay Chatlani, chief executive officer of Soch.

Soch’s online business has experienced significant growth, with a remarkable 125% increase in revenue, surging from INR 19 crore to INR 44 crore. The brand’s adoption of an omni-channel approach, which includes digital kiosks within its physical stores, now provides customers with five times the product choices compared to a typical brick-and-mortar store. The online segment is poised to play a pivotal role in Soch’s future expansion, with expectations to contribute 20% of the company’s revenue by 2026, up from its current 11%.

Founded by Manohar Chatlani, who currently serves as its Managing Director, Soch Apparels made its debut in 2005 when it opened its first retail outlet at Forum Mall in Bengaluru. As of today, the brand has expanded its footprint to encompass more than 150 stores in over 60 cities throughout India. Additionally, Soch’s e-commerce platform extends its services to a wide-reaching network, catering to customers in over 30,000 distinct pin codes across the country.

Zoca Café celebrates unprecedented growth with 100+ outlets across India

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September 23, 2023

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After an extraordinary journey marked by unparalleled success, Zoca Café is excited to announce a significant milestone in its path. With a trail of triumphs resonating across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in India, Zoca Café now takes immense pride and joy in unveiling a sprawling network of over 100+ outlets across the country. Zoca Café, renowned for its tantalizing menu and warm ambiance, has been delighting patrons with a diverse array of culinary pleasures since its inception. From aromatic coffees and teas to irresistible snacks and meals, it has consistently delivered an enchanting dining experience.

The Zoca Café Mumbai location has now thrown open its doors to the public, inviting diners to savor a taste of culinary excellence. This expansion stands as a testament to Zoca Café’s unwavering commitment to extending its exceptional offerings to a wider audience across India. With outlets conveniently situated in major cities and towns nationwide, Zoca Café is dedicated to bringing its unique fusion of flavors and hospitable service closer to its cherished patrons.

Karan Makan, Co-Founder of Zoca Café, said, “We are ecstatic to reach this milestone of 100+ outlets across India. Our journey has been fueled by the passion for serving great food and beverages in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We look forward to continuing this culinary adventure and welcoming even more guests to our cafes.”

Every Zoca Café outlet is meticulously designed to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment, inviting patrons to relax, work, or relish a delectable meal. The menu is a celebration of diverse global flavors, offering an array of choices that span from classic espresso beverages to innovative fusion dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world.

Zoca Café’s commitment to delivering top-notch quality and ensuring customer satisfaction remains steadfast. The brand is steadfast in its mission to provide an exceptional dining experience to all visitors, whether they are in pursuit of a quick coffee pick-me-up, a leisurely brunch, or a venue to reconnect with friends.

As Zoca Café continues to expand its footprint, it remains firmly dedicated to its core values of culinary excellence, exemplary customer service, and active community involvement. The brand eagerly anticipates further growth, forging connections with more culinary enthusiasts, and becoming an integral part of communities across the nation.

Consumer groups rally to curb consumption of junk foods in India

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September 23, 2023

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A coalition of consumer groups led by the Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), in collaboration with public health advocates, lawyers, and medical professionals, is fervently urging the government to take decisive action against the soaring consumption of products laden with excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. This pertains to a variety of junk foods, such as sugary colas, fruit juices brimming with sugar, potato chips, frozen meals, purported health drinks, chocolates, and pizzas.

This marks the most extensive alliance to date, uniting in a collective plea to the government to implement restrictions on foods responsible for the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions.

The coalition has called for the exclusion of such companies from participating in policymaking concerning packaged foods. They have proposed enacting legislation to clearly define junk food and imposing marketing restrictions on these products, similar to the regulations in place for infant foods, with a specific focus on safeguarding the health of young consumers.

The organization implored the government to establish an inter-ministerial committee tasked with crafting guidelines to prohibit the provision of unhealthy foods in schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and various other public venues.

“Existing regulatory policies on junk foods remain ineffective,” said Arun Gupta, convenor of NAPi, the national think tank on nutrition policy, while releasing a report on Friday entitled The Junk Push, which draws on the surge in consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Packaged food companies that could potentially be affected by any policy alterations encompass Nestle, Parle Products, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Britannia, ITC, Mondelez, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and several others.

“The industry certainly wants regulation, but in the absence of consensus, it is tough to implement such policies,” said a senior executive at one of India’s largest packaged foods companies who didn’t want to be named. “On whether food companies should be part of policy decisions, there must be representation from the companies, as they are experts at dynamics of consumption of respective categories, which public health advocates do not understand.”

A Nestle India spokesperson said in an email, “We are yet to see the report and therefore not in a position to comment.”

Members of the consortium highlighted that advertisements using celebrity endorsements and promoting unverified health claims, particularly those aimed at children, fail to provide the “paramount information” required under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019. This crucial information pertains to detailed upfront data regarding the levels of sugar, salt, or saturated fat present in the product contents.

“None of the legal frameworks or guidelines in India have the potential to stop most misleading ads of pre-packaged junk foods, or to ban misleading claims or warn people about the risks to health,” said Gupta, also a former member of the Prime Minister’s Council on India’s nutrition challenges.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has put forth a proposal for the adoption of front-of-the-pack labeling with health star ratings. However, this proposal is still in the draft stage due to conflicting viewpoints among food companies, health organizations, and activists regarding the matter.

An FSSAI executive said, “We haven’t seen the report.”

Previously, the regulatory body emphasized its commitment to formulating policies through a consensus-based approach, involving all stakeholders, which encompass food companies and consumer health organizations.

“Policy making on front-of-pack labelling has not been free from food industry involvement,” said HPS Sachdev, epidemiologist and researcher. He added that food and nutrition policy development should be completely devoid of conflicts of interest.

PepsiCo, Britannia, ITC, Coca-Cola, Mondelez, Parle Products, and Jubilant FoodWorks, the operator of Domino’s Pizza, remained unresponsive to inquiries.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has established an inter-ministerial committee to examine deficiencies in current policies; however, there is no recent information or update available on the subject.

India’s rice export ban is fueling global price surges and heightening potential for political instability, UN says

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September 23, 2023

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The head of a United Nations agency has stated that the ban on rice exports by India is causing global price surges and elevating the potential for political instability in Asia and Africa.

Also Read: India’s rice export ban expected to improve domestic supplies and modestly impact retail prices, says CRISIL

The cost of this essential crop, which serves as a staple for half of the world’s population, has skyrocketed to its highest level in nearly 15 years following restrictions on exports imposed by the leading rice exporter. India, responsible for nearly 40% of the global rice trade over the past three years, is now contributing to growing worries about food insecurity for billions of individuals in Asia and Africa who rely on this grain.

“Rice, especially in Africa, can certainly bring potential conflict or social unrest, which at this moment in time would be quite dangerous,” Alvaro Lario, who leads the International Fund for Agricultural Development, said in a Thursday interview in New York.

The export ban is evoking memories of the year 2008, a period marked by a global rice crisis that endangered the lives of 100 million people, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. During that time, both Vietnam and India imposed export limitations. Historical instances of food shortages have also played a role in sparking unrest, as evidenced by the soaring wheat prices that contributed to the onset of the Arab Spring, which led to the toppling of governments just over a decade ago.

Lario emphasized that the consequences of such bans extend beyond the boundaries of the countries implementing them. He pointed out that rice is of paramount concern for food security, even surpassing the importance of wheat in this regard.

“Export bans have a lot of impact, especially on the most vulnerable, by raising prices and having a shock on prices,” he said. “Generally they are not positive, neither for the local populations in the medium term, nor for the other countries.”

Lario noted that certain regions in Africa, which heavily depend on rice imports, are already experiencing the effects of elevated prices.

“We have to understand that many of these people who consume this type of crop are sometimes on the brink of poverty,” he said.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse makes its debut in Detroit, promising luxurious dining experience

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September 23, 2023

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US-based Sullivan’s Steakhouse has announced the opening of its first restaurant in Michigan, located in the city of Detroit.

Situated at 1128 Washington Boulevard, the restaurant encompasses 9,300 square feet and is housed within the recently renovated Westin Book Cadillac Detroit.

With its main patio and private dining sections, the fresh restaurant venue will be capable of hosting over 285 guests.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse, a member of the Dividend Restaurant Group, specializes in serving bone-in and hand-cut steaks, along with fresh seafood and signature cocktails.

Within the menu of the new restaurant, you’ll find a range of appetizers like Cheesesteak Eggrolls, as well as an assortment of luxurious steak cuts, including the exceptionally rare A5 Wagyu Strip.

The indoor bar will feature a selection of signature cocktails, including the Knockout Martini, which takes its inspiration from the steakhouse’s namesake, the legendary boxer John Sullivan.

This Michigan restaurant marks the 15th establishment for the brand in the United States, and it will showcase live, local jazz performances.

Dividend Restaurant Group president and CEO Nishant Machado said, “Detroit is such a unique city with rich traditions and a storied history. It cannot be matched and we are excited to be a part of this community.

“When it came time to decide on where to open our newest Sullivan’s Steakhouse the choice was simple. We look forward to serving up our world-class dining experience to the fine people of the Motor City for years to come.”

In April 2022, Sullivan’s opened a new restaurant in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Foodpanda strives for agility with new layoffs amidst possible sale to rival Grab

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September 23, 2023

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On Friday, Foodpanda, a food delivery service headquartered in Singapore, officially announced its ongoing round of layoffs, emphasizing the continued importance of becoming “more agile” in response to evolving needs.

“Our company priority right now is to become leaner, more efficient and even more agile. To do this, we need to streamline our operations so we can take on a more structured approach for the coming days,” Jakob Sebastian Angele, APAC CEO of Foodpanda, said on Thursday in a letter shared with employees.

He refrained from specifying the number of affected employees or the departments involved.

According to media reports, Foodpanda is now undergoing its third round of layoffs, following previous job cuts in February and September of the previous year due to macroeconomic challenges. Additionally, both Grab and Deliveroo have also implemented workforce reductions this year.

“While we already implemented some measures earlier this year, there is more we have to do to create the right set-up for our operations,” said Angele.

Angele stated that these measures encompass a review of the organizational structure within both regional and country teams. Additionally, there will be a realignment of certain functional reporting lines to different leaders to enhance consistency and concentration.

The layoffs coincide with Delivery Hero, the parent company of Foodpanda, engaging in initial talks with potential buyers regarding the sale of a portion of its Southeast Asian food delivery operations, as confirmed by the Berlin-based company.

On Wednesday, a report from the German media outlet WirtschaftsWoche revealed that Delivery Hero is divesting its operations operating under the Foodpanda brand in Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Laos.

“Delivery Hero confirms negotiations with several parties regarding a potential sale of its foodpanda business in selected Southeast Asia markets. Any discussions or plans are in their preliminary stages,” the company stated without specifying the markets involved.

According to the German media report, competitor Grab was mentioned as a potential buyer. When contacted for a response, Grab chose not to comment on the matter.

“Grab’s competitors whether Gojek or Foodpanda are losing market share. Grab is gaining market share in deliveries from Foodpanda who might even exit few markets in due course. Foodpanda is dis-advantaged due to its stand-alone delivery model,” said Sachin Mittal, head of telecom, media and technology research at DBS Bank, in a Sept. 21 note.

In 2022, according to a report from the tech research firm Momentum Works, Grab emerged as the dominant force in Southeast Asia’s food delivery sector, securing a 54% share of the region’s gross merchandise value. In comparison, Foodpanda claimed 19%, while Gojek held 12%.

Amid challenging economic conditions, food delivery companies are striving to maintain their operations. Grab has taken measures to reduce costs in recent quarters, prioritizing profitability. Delivery Hero has reiterated its commitment to building a sustainable, profitable business as its primary focus.

Delivery Hero, which was founded in 2011, has not achieved profitability to date. In the first half of 2023, the company reported a net loss of 832.3 million euros ($886.9 million), marking an improvement compared to the loss of 1.495 billion euros recorded in the same period the previous year.

According to Jonathan Woo, a senior research analyst at Phillip Securities Research, the potential sale of Foodpanda’s Southeast Asia businesses represents a common occurrence in the market, often seen as a form of consolidation following intense competition, particularly in light of the heightened focus on profitability.

“Only a few market players — Grab, GoTo — in Southeast Asia could buy out Foodpanda,” said Woo, adding that such an acquisition would be “most appealing to Grab” which is more entrenched in the region compared to GoTo or Deliveroo.

GoTo is the result of a merger between Indonesia’s Gojek, known for its ride-hailing and food delivery services, and the e-commerce behemoth Tokopedia.

Back in December 2021, Foodpanda revealed plans to reduce its presence in Germany and exit the Japanese market. As consumer behavior shifts towards resuming daily routines and dining out more frequently, both Foodpanda and Grab have also expanded their offerings to include dine-in services.

McDonald’s to raise franchise royalty fees in the U.S for the first time in 30 years

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September 23, 2023

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According to a report by CNBC on Friday, McDonald’s is increasing the royalty fees for new franchise operators in the United States for the first time in nearly 30 years. This adjustment was communicated through a message from Joe Erlinger, the President of McDonald’s U.S. division.

The company plans to raise these fees from 4% to 5%, effective January 1st, as reported.

According to the report, this alteration will have no impact on current franchisees who maintain their existing footprint or those who acquire a franchised location from another operator.

Additionally, the adjustment will not be applicable to refurbished existing locations or to restaurants transferred within the same family, as per the report.

McDonald’s has not yet provided a comment in response to the request.

In July, the company had announced its anticipation of a slowdown in revenue growth during the second half of the year. This adjustment was prompted by indications of decreasing inflation, leading McDonald’s to exercise caution in adjusting menu prices, despite reporting quarterly profits that exceeded expectations.

Myntra gears up for the Big Fashion Festival with enhanced supply chain and diverse workforce

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September 23, 2023

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Myntra, the online fashion retailer, has outlined its intentions to bolster its supply chain and enhance its contact center operations. Furthermore, the company aims to elevate its female workforce representation to more than 21%, compared to the previous festival season.

Leading up to the festival season, Myntra organizes its signature annual event, the Big Fashion Festival. This initiative aims to recruit women from economically challenged backgrounds and provide them with opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Recruitment will take place in rural areas within states like Haryana, Telangana, West Bengal, and Karnataka.

In-house specialists and external professional trainers will deliver training to ensure that these women not only secure employment but also excel in their assigned roles, which encompass tasks such as picking, packing, sorting, and unpacking.

“Our preparations for Big Fashion Festival are in full swing to cater to the high demand from our customers eagerly waiting to shop on Myntra for festive needs. We are particularly excited about onboarding the on-ground staff, where women will play a pivotal role in offering optimal experience to customers and adding to their joy in the festive season,” said Nupur Nagpal, CHRO – Myntra.

Apart from strengthening the supply chain, Myntra aims to have 45 percent of its total hires in the contact center for this festive season be women. Myntra offers various incentives to these female employees, including availability bonuses, festival bonuses, and performance-based special rewards. Additionally, they have access to a supportive work environment that includes late-night transportation, nap rooms, and period leave options.

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