Inglot, the renowned Polish cosmetics company, made a significant stride by inaugurating its very first retail store in Pune. The exciting news was shared via social media by Apparel Group India, the esteemed franchisee of the Inglot brand in India, just last week.
The latest store is conveniently located within the newly opened Phoenix Mall of the Millennium in Wakad.
“We’re thrilled to announce Inglot’s newest store is now open at the iconic Phoenix Mall of the Millennium. This marks the brand’s 1st store in Pune and the 3rd in India,” said Apparel Group India in a LinkedIn post while sharing the pictures of the store.
Founded in 1983 by the Polish entrepreneur Wojciech Inglot, Inglot Cosmetics marked its inception with the opening of its inaugural kiosk in Wrocław, Poland, in 2001. The brand then expanded internationally, with its first global outlet debuting in Montreal, Canada, in 2006.
In 2008, Inglot made its foray into the Indian market through a franchisee collaboration with Major Brands, now known as Apparel Group. In addition to Pune, this renowned beauty brand also maintains retail outlets at DLF Mall of India in New Delhi and Forum Mall in Bengaluru.
Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, Apparel Group stands as a prominent worldwide retail conglomerate focused on fashion and lifestyle. Beyond Inglot, the group represents over 80 brands in India, encompassing esteemed global names such as Aldo, Bath & Body Works, Tim Hortons, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West, it Spring, Charles & Keith, Beverly Hills Polo Club, La Senza, R&B Fashion, and Victoria’s Secret.
Chai Sutta Bar is renowned for its extensive tea selection, and its Agra branch boasts an impressive range of nine distinct tea flavors. The exciting news is that Chai Sutta Bar has expanded its presence in the state of Uttar Pradesh and currently operates a network of 61 outlets in the region.
The brand has ambitious plans to significantly expand its footprint, with a goal of opening approximately 100 more outlets in the near future.
“At Chai Sutta Bar, our passion has always been to serve the finest tea blends, and we’re thrilled to offer our customers in Agra 9 diverse tea flavors to choose from. Our rapid growth in Uttar Pradesh is a testament to the love and trust our customers have placed in us.” said, Anubhav Dubey, CEO of Chai Sutta Bar.
The brand’s strategic expansion initiative reaffirms its unwavering dedication to providing top-quality tea to every corner of Uttar Pradesh.
“Our Agra outlet has been running smoothly for the past 2 years, and I’m incredibly satisfied with the overwhelming response from the public. It’s heartening to see the community embracing our tea offerings, and I look forward to continuing to serve them with excellence.” said, Sonu Singh, franchise owner of Chai Sutta Bar’s Agra outlet.
Sodexo MasterKitchen, an innovative multi-client off-site kitchen, has recently launched in Hyderabad. This facility boasts advanced kitchen infrastructure and a suite of tech-enabled solutions, positioning it to seamlessly provide over 25,000 meals per day. To elevate the employee dining experience, the menu includes branded food concepts meticulously curated by celebrity chefs.
With the aim of achieving 10 percent of its food revenues from off-site kitchens by 2025, Sodexo MasterKitchen is gearing up for expansion in the coming months. The company’s expansion plans include covering Bangalore, Pune, and the NCR region.
“Sodexo Masterkitchen is more than just meals; it’s about delivering an improved employee experience. A wholesome, hearty meal can make one’s day. By bringing high-quality, diverse food concepts to corporate offices, we aim to deliver on our promise of partnering with clients to create happier, more engaged teams,” said Sambit Sahu, Managing Director, Sodexo India.
Talking about its business potential, he added, “Food is 50 percent of our total revenues. We are expecting 10 percent of the total food revenues to come from offsite kitchens by 2025. To meet this goal, we will launch our offsite kitchens in Bangalore, Pune and NCR region in the coming months.”
Emphasizing health and wellness menus as a core component of its service, Sodexo MasterKitchen, situated at Hitex in Hyderabad, is equipped with the capacity to prepare around 25,000 meals daily. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as quick bites and snacks. These meals are thoughtfully delivered in temperature-controlled vehicles to accommodate various work shift schedules.
Kolkata-based menswear brand Turtle Ltd. made a significant stride by unveiling its flagship store in West Bengal, as announced by a company official on social media on Sunday.
“Exciting news from Behrampore, West Bengal! We’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of our brand-new flagship store and it’s and it’s about to make history in the city! Visit our store and explore brand new style every day,” Shitanshu Jhunjhunwalla, director, Turtle Ltd. posted on Linkedin.
Turtle provides a comprehensive range of men’s apparel, encompassing shirts, trousers, jackets, suits, socks, shoes, accessories, and more. Their offerings cater to men aged between 22 and 45, residing in tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. The brand is accessible through prominent e-commerce platforms like Flipkart, Myntra, and Amazon.
The brand started its operations in 1993, and the factory commenced the next year. The first exclusive brand outlet (EBO) was opened in Kolkata in 2000. In 2005, the company moved into a 7,500 sq. ft. office. A significant milestone was reached in 2006, marking the first establishment of a design studio in Milan and the addition of trousers to the brand’s product portfolio.
The Aldi supermarket chain is set to introduce its very own pizza delivery service, marking the debut of its Ultimate Takeaway collection, drawing inspiration from the popular flavors found at Domino’s Pizza.
As stated in Aldi’s official press release, the upcoming pizzas will be offered at a significantly lower price point, coming in at just £3.99 each, which is an astonishing 83% less expensive than Domino’s.
Aldi’s new offerings feature three flavors inspired by Domino’s: The Meaty One (524g) resembling Meateor, a delectable blend of sizzling sausages and meatballs; The Banger (462g) akin to Absolute Banger, a flavorful hotdog delight with a spicy twist; and The Texas Style BBQ Chicken & Bacon (502g) drawing inspiration from Texas BBQ, showcasing zesty BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and smoky bacon. Each of these delightful pizzas, consisting of 8 slices, is priced at just £3.99.
Nevertheless, the pizza delivery service has limited availability, exclusively offered on October 3rd between 5 PM and 9 PM. This service is specifically being rolled out in prominent student hubs across the UK, including Manchester, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. In sync with Fresher’s Week, pizza enthusiasts residing in designated postcodes will have the opportunity to pre-schedule their delivery time slot via the dedicated website, with bookings commencing this week.
“With prices of takeaways soaring, we’re excited to be able to offer shoppers delicious pizzas at a fraction of the price of expensive high-street chains. The quality ingredients and affordable price of the Ultimate Takeaway range will no doubt change people’s idea of the supermarket pizza,” Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said.
Burger King, India’s second-largest burger chain, is currently engaged in advanced discussions to establish an exclusive beverage partnership with Coca-Cola, signaling the end of its nearly decade-long association with rival PepsiCo, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The executives stated that the formal announcement of the partnership with Coca-Cola is anticipated to be made by the conclusion of the next quarter.
Burger King has maintained its affiliation with PepsiCo since its inception in India in 2014. Upon the finalization of the prospective agreement, both of India’s leading global burger chains, McDonald’s and Burger King, will be in partnership with Coca-Cola.
“Coca-Cola has been escalating its ‘Coke with meals’ platform aggressively and has 15% stake in food delivery platform Thrive, which competes with Swiggy and Zomato, with a base of more than 14,000 restaurants. Such an association directly benefits both restaurants and the beverage maker, and was among the reasons that clinched the deal with Coca-Cola,” one of the executives said.
“Top-rung engagement with PepsiCo was also limited,” another of the executives cited above, said.
At the time of press, emails seeking comments from spokespersons of Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and the private equity company operating Burger King through Everstone remained unaddressed.
While Burger King has formed partnerships with Coca-Cola in numerous global markets, it has maintained an exclusive affiliation with PepsiCo since its inception in India, diverging from its usual worldwide practice.
KFC and Pizza Hut, both owned by Yum! Brands, operate in India through two franchise partners, Devyani International and Sapphire Foods. They have exclusive agreements to serve PepsiCo’s beverages, even though Burger King is shifting towards Coca-Cola in India.
If finalized, this prospective agreement will grant Coca-Cola immediate access to a network of over 391 Burger King stores and its coffee and beverage sub-brand, BK Cafe, throughout India. In addition to offering soft drinks such as Coke, Thums Up, and Sprite, Coca-Cola also markets Minute Maid juices and Georgia coffee.
Exclusive partnerships like these with prominent food service chains represent critical accounts capable of generating substantial additional sales in both out-of-home and delivery channels.
In April of this year, Coca-Cola India acquired a stake in Thrive, a company owned by Hashtag Loyalty, marking its initial investment in an Indian startup.
Wok to Walk, a globally recognized restaurant chain renowned for its Asian cuisine and distinctive open kitchen design, is further establishing its footprint in India with the inauguration of its newest outlet in the Safdarjung Development Area of New Delhi.
Wok to Walk currently runs five establishments in India, encompassing Noida, Safdarjung Development Area Market in Delhi, Bhartiya City in Bangalore, and a site adjacent to Dal Lake in Srinagar. This diverse array of locations ensures that it can serve a wide range of delectable Asian dishes tailored to suit Indian palates.
Anirudh Agarwal, Managing Director of Wok to Walk India, said “We are thrilled to bring the unique Wok to Walk experience to India and to our newest store in Safdarjung Development Area, New Delhi. Our mission is to redefine fast food by providing our customers with dishes that are not only fast but also fresh, flavorful, and skillfully crafted. With the launch of our newest outlet, we look forward to sharing the joy of transparency, high-quality ingredients, and delicious creations with the food enthusiasts of Delhi.”
The unique high-temperature cooking technique guarantees the rapid stir-frying of noodles, rice, and fresh ingredients right on the spot, ensuring that each dish is skillfully crafted within a matter of minutes.
Signature menu items like the Bali, Hot Asia, Create Your Own Wok, and Spring Rolls deliver an explosion of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
Furthermore, Wok to Walk provides hassle-free home delivery services through well-known platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy.
Wok to Walk gives customers the opportunity to unleash their creativity by customizing their own dishes or choosing from beloved classics like Pad Thai or Yakisoba.
The restaurant places a significant focus on transparency by featuring an open kitchen layout that offers a complete and unobstructed view of the entire cooking process.
With a price range spanning from INR 149 to 349, Wok to Walk has set its sights on a strategic expansion plan. The company’s goal is to establish a presence in tier 1 cities in India by the conclusion of 2024, followed by a phased expansion into additional cities in the future.
Heineken has made an investment in Served, a ready-to-drink brand based in the UK Co-Founded by pop star Ellie Goulding, securing a minority stake.
Announcing a deal for a “significant minority stake” in Served, Heineken has revealed its intention to bolster the brand’s growth and propel it toward a prominent position in the UK ready-to-drink market.
Served offers a dedicated line of hard seltzers tailored for individuals pursuing a “contemporary, health-conscious, and socially active lifestyle.” Their product lineup comprises three distinct flavor options: peach, raspberry, and lime. Crafted from vodka, fruit juice, and sparkling water, each variant boasts an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4%.
Served was launched in the summer of 2020 by Ellie Goulding and the Ginsberg brothers, Dean and Ryan.
Last year, Served added former Asahi Europe CEO Hector Gorosabel and ex-Lion Little World Beverages MD Matt Tapper to its board as advisors.
They were accompanied by former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King, who assumed a position on the company’s board in the summer of 2021. Notably, all three individuals have also made investments in Served.
“This is a significant milestone for the business,” Dean Ginsberg said on 18 September. “To date, our focus has been on building a brand that truly resonates with the next generation of drinkers. We are extremely proud of what the team has achieved in a short period of time but our vision has always been to lead the category, and this partnership with Heineken will enable us to accelerate our growth and maximise the potential of the brand.”
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Boudewijn Haarsma, the MD of Heineken’s UK business, said the beer giant had been “interested in expanding our premium portfolio beyond beer and cider, seeking the right opportunity to invest in new growth categories”.
In December, the Amstel owner invested in Toast Ale, a UK brewer that uses surplus bread to make its beer.
Heineken Mexico is set to inject €430 million into the construction of a new brewery in Yucatán, with the goal of promoting sustainable brewing methods and nurturing local community development.
The construction is slated for the Kanasín municipality, representing the company’s first-ever brewery in southeastern Mexico.
Heineken has announced that the new brewery will feature cutting-edge technology and is geared towards meeting the rising demand in the southeast region, leveraging the area’s strong road, rail, and port infrastructure.
In alignment with the company’s worldwide sustainability strategy, the brewery will incorporate circular economy principles to facilitate water reuse via advanced treatment systems. Furthermore, the new brewery is designed to minimize waste generation and harness renewable energy sources through state-of-the-art processes, equipment, and technology.
At present, Heineken Mexico has a workforce of more than 18,000 individuals and manages operations spanning seven breweries along with a single malting plant in Mexico.
The Yucatán-based Kanasín brewery is projected to generate over 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. It is slated to begin operations in 2026, producing popular brands like Tecate, Dos Equis, Indio, Bohemia, Amstel Ultra, and Sol.
Guillaume Duverdier, managing director of Heineken Mexico, said, “We take pride in being a part of Mexico’s history and in connecting with our customers and consumers in Yucatán and the southeast, all while safeguarding the environment and the welfare of our people”.
Raquel Buenrostro, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, characterized Heineken’s investment as an indication of the “confidence and positive economic environment” that Mexico provides for potential investments.
She added, “The Mexican southeast region is experiencing a moment of unparalleled growth, enriched by competitive advantages, such as the development of infrastructure, connectivity and the commitment to fostering well-being through sustainable progress as well as shared prosperity.”
Reliance Retail Ltd. has entered the competitive $27 billion beauty and personal care market in India with the launch of Tira, its omnichannel beauty platform, intensifying the competition in this rapidly expanding sector.
The Tira app and website, offering specialized categories such as makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance, bathing, wellness, and men’s beauty products, are now accessible to customers, as announced in the company’s statement on Wednesday. In addition to this, India’s leading retailer has inaugurated Tira’s flagship store in Mumbai.
“With Tira, we aim to break down barriers in the beauty space and democratise beauty for consumers across segments,” said Isha Ambani, executive director of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd., the holding company of Reliance Retail. “Our vision is to be the leading beauty destination for accessible yet aspirational beauty, one that is inclusive, and one that harbours the mission of becoming the most loved beauty retailer in India.”
According to sources requesting anonymity, Reliance Retail intends to expand Tira stores nationwide, aiming for at least 100 locations in the coming months.
This move places Reliance Industries Ltd., with its diverse portfolio spanning grocery, fashion, electronics, footwear, medicines, and home goods, in direct competition with Sephora by LVMH, as well as local competitors like Nykaa (FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd.), Myntra Designs Pvt., Shoppers Stop Ltd., and even the Tata Group.
Reliance Retail presently offers beauty and personal care items through its extensive network of department store chains and the JioMart platform. With the specialized platform, the company aims to cater to consumers across various price ranges, offering both affordable lipsticks and premium skincare products.
Tira’s online platform displays interactive videos that allow for shopping, blogs, tutorials, trendsetting tips, personalized recommendations, and a virtual try-on feature.
According to the company, the platform will offer consumers the broadest selection of color cosmetics for virtual try-ons in the convenience of their homes.
“An omnichannel retail concept powered by technology and customised experiences, Tira offers a curated assortment of the best global and homegrown brands, making it the go-to destination for all things beauty,” the company said.
Covering an area of 4,300 square feet, the Tira store located at Jio World Drive in Bandra Kurla Complex has been meticulously crafted by Dalziel and Pow, an innovation studio headquartered in London. This renowned studio has previously crafted design concepts for diverse industries, including well-known names like Marks and Spencer, Etude House, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
As per the company’s statement, Tira is set to become the inaugural specialty beauty retailer in India to introduce the “fragrance finder,” a distinctive feature designed to assist consumers in discovering fragrances that align closely with their preferences.
Companies like Nykaa, Shoppers Stop, and Tata Cliq Palette are also gearing up to extend their physical store presence in order to promote their beauty brands, as offline demand gradually returns to pre-Covid levels.
During the post-earnings call following the December quarter results, Nykaa’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Falguni Nayar, announced the company’s intention to expand its store count from the existing 141 to an additional 50 in 2023.
“Even though physical retail accounts for less than 10% of our revenue, there’s opportunity for growth in general trade and modern trade. The demand for beauty is very strong. It is one of the top three categories—along with footwear and sports goods—in malls all over India,” she had said.
According to a report by Avendus Capital, the online personal care and beauty market in the country is expected to reach $4.4 billion by 2025. The report also predicts a significant surge in the number of online beauty and personal care shoppers, with an estimated increase of more than fourfold, from 25 million in FY20 to 110 million in FY25.
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