The meeting had a central focus on raising awareness within the ecosystem about perishable, high-risk food items.
With the approaching festive season in mind, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) organized a gathering on September 25th with Indian sweets producers. The primary focus of this meeting was to underscore the importance of adhering to regulations to guarantee the safety and quality of both edible products and raw materials. The event garnered participation from sweet manufacturers and associations nationwide, with over 150 food business operators actively taking part in the discussions.
The meeting had a central focus on raising awareness within the ecosystem about perishable, high-risk food items. The aim was to ensure the safety of these edibles at every stage, encompassing manufacturing, storage, distribution, and the point of sale to consumers.
During the meeting, greater emphasis was placed on monitoring the adulteration of raw materials, particularly in milk and milk products such as Khoa, Paneer, and Ghee. These items are particularly vulnerable to adulteration and contamination during periods of high consumption, such as the festive season. Additionally, food business operators (FBOs) were encouraged to prioritize testing and ensure the procurement of raw materials, specifically milk, Khoa, Ghee, Paneer, etc., exclusively from vendors who are registered or licensed by FSSAI.
All Food Business Operators (FBOs) were reminded of their obligation to monitor the quality of oil during frying in accordance with FSS regulations. Moreover, they were strongly advised to implement safe display practices for loose sweets and to discourage outdoor cooking practices, as these practices can potentially expose food and raw materials to environmental contaminants, thus jeopardizing food safety.
As the meeting drew to a close, a joint appeal was made to all stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of working together to guarantee the production of safe and high-quality sweets for consumers, especially in the upcoming festive season. This underscores FSSAI’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding public health by advancing food safety standards within the Indian sweets industry.
Pilgrim, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) personal care brand, has successfully secured $20 million (approximately INR 166 crore) in a funding round. This funding round was spearheaded by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, the venture capital arm of Temasek, and also featured contributions from Pilgrim’s existing investors, Fireside Ventures and the Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office.
Established in 2019 by Anurag Kedia and Gagandeep Makker, Pilgrim specializes in the sale of personal care items across various categories such as facial and hair care, as well as bath and body products. The company proudly asserts that its product line is FDA-approved and entirely devoid of parabens, sulfates, and mineral oils. With a growing customer base, the direct-to-consumer brand boasts more than 5 million customers, and it continues to expand with an impressive addition of 500,000 new customers each month.
Before the current funding round, Pilgrim had previously secured INR 1.8 crore in an angel round and INR 13 crore in its Series A round in June 2021. In total, the startup is reported to have raised approximately INR 48 crore in funding.
With the incoming funding, the direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand intends to allocate resources towards research and development endeavors, strengthening its brand identity, and enhancing its offline footprint. Pilgrim has ambitious plans to inaugurate five exclusive outlets by the conclusion of this year, with a strategic focus on cities including Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi.
In May 2023, the company appointed Vishakh Narendran as its Chief Business Officer (CBO) with the aim of expediting its foray into the offline market. Presently, the direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand asserts its presence in approximately 300 partner stores where it offers a range of beauty and personal care products.
In a statement, Co-Founders Kedia and Makker, said, “Our commitment to sourcing world beauty ingredients and addressing consumer requirements remains unwavering, bolstered by the invaluable support of our esteemed partners, Vertex Ventures, Fireside Ventures, and the Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office. Their faith in our solid business fundamentals fuels our ambition to emerge as frontrunners in India’s expansive beauty and personal care sector.”
The D2C brand has recently unveiled a loyalty program called PilgrimTRIBE, specially designed for frequent shoppers. This program grants customers PilgrimMILES for each transaction, allowing them to redeem these rewards on future purchases.
The brand competes fiercely in India’s highly competitive personal care industry, going head-to-head with prominent players like Mamaearth, SUGAR Cosmetics, Juicy Chemistry, Nykaa, and numerous other direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. According to the Q3 2023 State Of Indian Ecommerce Report by Inc42, the beauty and personal care market, valued at $4 billion in 2022, is projected to experience substantial growth, reaching $28 billion by 2030, driven by a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27%.
In a world where snacking has become an integral part of our lives, finding the perfect balance between taste and health has often felt like an elusive quest. But, there’s a brand that’s changing the game, and it goes by the name Roasty Tasty. With its unique approach to snacking, Roasty Tasty is redefining the way we munch on our favorite treats, offering a delicious alternative that not only satisfies our cravings, but is also a smarter choice.
At the helm of Roasty Tasty stands Mr. Raj Bagri, a second-generation entrepreneur with a remarkable 30-year journey in the food industry. His extensive experience in flour milling and breakfast cereals laid the foundation for Roasty Tasty, a brand that’s on a mission to introduce ancient grains like millets and pulses in their 100% roasted form to the world. The goal? To revolutionise the snacking experience by providing delicious, non-fried namkeen (snacks and savouries).
A Global Sensation:
Roasty Tasty’s innovative approach to snacking has garnered remarkable acceptance in over 22 countries across the globe, as well as a strong presence in over 2000 leading supermarkets. Customers were seeking an alternative to fried namkeen & snacks that would consistently offer the same authentic taste experience, and Roasty Tasty delivered.
But what inspired Mr. Raj Bagri to embark on this journey? The answer lies in the traditional method of sand-roasting, a practice still employed by local hawkers to prepare snacks like popcorn and peanuts. Mr. Bagri modernized this ancient method, creating non-fried namkeen using nutritious grains, lentils & pulses, nuts, and seeds. He realized that to establish a brand in the snacks industry, taste is just as important as health benefits, and thus, Roasty Tasty was born.
Filling a Gap in the Snacking Market:
The snacking market is vast and diverse, with countless brands catering to various consumer preferences and taste profiles. However, there was a noticeable gap for a namkeen that could replicate the taste and crunch of fried snacks without the associated guilt. Roasty Tasty stepped in to bridge this gap by offering cholesterol and trans-fat-free snacks made from fibrous millets, high-protein legumes, and other premium ingredients. Moreover, their competitive pricing has made them acceptable even in smaller cities, proving that healthy snacking doesn’t have to break the bank.
Uniqueness That Sets Roasty Tasty Apart:
What sets Roasty Tasty apart from the crowd? Here are some key distinguishing factors:
Global Quality Standards: Roasty Tasty maintains the highest quality standards, ensuring that their products meet global expectations.
Taste at Par with Fried: Roasty Tasty has cracked the code for making healthy snacks that don’t compromise on the taste experience.
30 Years of Experience: With decades of experience in roasting grains, millets, pulses, and seeds, Roasty Tasty’s product range reflects their unparalleled expertise.
Cholesterol and Trans-fat Free: Roasty Tasty is committed to providing snacks that are not only delicious but also healthier, free from cholesterol and trans-fat.
Adapting and Thriving in a Changing Market:
Roasty Tasty’s journey has been marked by adaptation and evolution. They initially positioned themselves as a premium and gourmet brand but soon realized that taste was paramount to consumer loyalty. As a result, they expanded their range to include more mass-premium flavors, catering to a broader consumer base.
COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the retail landscape, with self-service standalone outlets becoming a successful platform for brand discovery. Roasty Tasty has embraced this shift, witnessing a positive response in such stores. E-commerce, while experiencing a temporary slowdown, is now picking up as the brand and its products gain traction.
Moreover, with the United Nations declaring 2023 as the “International Year of Millets,” Roasty Tasty is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing awareness of this superfood and its acceptance in both ethnic and mainstream stores worldwide.
Mission and Vision for the Future
Like any growing company, Roasty Tasty faced its share of challenges, especially during the initial launch phase when creating consumer awareness was crucial. However, through effective in-store marketing strategies such as wet sampling and online brand awareness campaigns, they’ve steadily gained consumer acceptance.
Roasty Tasty’s mission is clear: to become the number one choice for consumers when it comes to snacking. With a product range already making waves in 22 countries and across India, their vision is to further penetrate the global market and increase their presence in urban India.
They also plan to introduce more “better for you” and tasty products, leveraging their expertise in manufacturing with global quality standards. Roasty Tasty’s goal is not just to succeed as a brand but to see everyone associated with them flourish, creating a win-win scenario for all.
In a world where taste and health often seem at odds, Roasty Tasty is proving that you don’t have to compromise on either. With their delicious, wholesome snacks, they are not just changing the way we snack; they are changing lives, one munch at a time.
True Palate Pvt Ltd has announced the opening of its seventh outpost in India, launching the newest One8 Commune in Gurgaon at M3M International Financial Center (IFC). Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, One8 Commune Gurgaon has been designed by the renowned Studio Renesa, and opens up to a sweeping, graceful curvature that guides guests on a journey of serenity and style.
As the name suggests, One8 Commune embodies the spirit of community, and Virat Kohli expressed his excitement about its launch in Gurgaon, stating, “I’m thrilled to launch One8 Commune in Gurgaon. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a spirit of togetherness.”
One8 Commune Gurgaon captures the essence of being “the ultimate destination,” catering to daytime meetups and relaxed coffee moments as well as evenings filled with gourmet dining and vibrant nightlife. It truly embodies the dynamic spirit of Gurgaon. The venue is intelligently divided into two levels, ensuring a seamless and tailored experience for every visitor. It proudly stands as the top choice for enthusiasts in search of modernity, vibrancy, and an ever-evolving culinary journey.
Overseen by the skilled chef Agnibh Mudi, the restaurant takes diners on a global odyssey of flavors and innovation, showcasing the use of the freshest organic produce.
“I’m thrilled to announce our exciting new venture in Gurgaon. After dedicating eight months to One8, this marks my very first venture into a fresh opening, making it a truly special occasion. Gurgaon’s nightlife is a dynamic mosaic of vitality, thrill, and amusement. Whether it’s a chic rooftop bar with awe-inspiring city vistas or an array of options catering to every taste, Gurgaon’s nightlife has something to offer everyone. I’ve added several delectable new dishes to our already fantastic menu, and I can’t wait to serve the wonderful people in this city,” said Agnibh Mudi, corporate chef, one8 Commune.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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