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Tenzing introduces Lime and Mint Fusion in its natural energy drinks range

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Tenzing’s lime and mint blend
Tenzing’s lime and mint blend

Tenzing has broadened its range of natural energy drinks by introducing a fresh lime and mint fusion.

Tenzing’s lime and mint concoction showcases the brand’s distinctive combination of natural caffeine, vitamin C, and electrolytes, maintaining its commitment to exclude any artificial additives, sweeteners, or flavorings.

As per the company’s statement, Tenzing boasts “a 60% reduction in sugar compared to conventional energy beverages.”

Huib van Bockel, Tenzing CEO and Founder, said, “We’re so excited to be launching lime and mint. We only ever use the best natural ingredients in our blends, and both of these ingredients bring so many benefits to the body. It’s a flavour combination favoured by nutritionists, and it’s one we know our Tenzing community are going to love.”

Tenzing’s lime and mint blend is available to purchase online from the brand’s website and will roll out in grocery stores across the UK from late next month.

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Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas appoints Pankaj Singh Panwar as Executive Chef

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Pankaj Singh Panwar
Pankaj Singh Panwar

The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, an esteemed establishment within Marriott International’s vast collection of properties in India, is pleased to announce the appointment of Pankaj Singh Panwar as its Executive Chef.

Pankaj will assume a multifaceted role, which includes the oversight of culinary operations, ensuring operational efficiency, and supervising guest experiences to ensure quality and satisfaction.

With over a decade of international hospitality industry experience, Pankaj Singh Panwar, a seasoned chef, will take on significant duties such as managing culinary operations, upholding rigorous quality standards, optimizing efficiency, and placing guest satisfaction at the forefront.

Pankaj, a graduate of Punjab National University, initiated his professional journey in 2010 with Wyndham Hotels.

Over the years, he has garnered invaluable experience through roles at renowned venues, including J.W. Marriott Aero City in New Delhi, Sofitel Luxury Hotel on Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, St. Regis, W Hotel at the Al Habtoor City complex, The Show at Mawal Club & Lounge, Hilton Al Habtoor City, and Marriott Executive Apartments in Dubai Creek.

Throughout his career journey, he has honed his expertise in various aspects of the culinary realm, including outlet management, culinary creativity, team supervision, staff training, quality control, recruitment, administrative responsibilities, and the art of delivering fine dining experiences.

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Waitrose and Aldi announce further price reductions amidst improving food inflation in Britain

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Waitrose
Waitrose (Representative Image)

On Monday, both Waitrose and Aldi, prominent British supermarket chains, unveiled additional rounds of price reductions, contributing to the positive trend in the country’s food inflation outlook.

Waitrose, the premium grocery retailer, has announced its intention to reduce the prices of an additional 250 products this week, with an average price reduction of 10%. In contrast, Aldi, the discount supermarket, is set to lower the prices of 55 fruit and vegetable items by an average of 11%.

The focus on grocery prices persists as Britons continue to face a cost-of-living crisis that has extended into its second year.

In March, food price inflation in the UK hit its highest point since 1977, surpassing 19%. This official measurement eased to 14.9% by July, and although industry data indicated a further decline to 11.5% in August, the persistent increase in food prices continues to place significant financial pressure on numerous households.

The recent decline in food price inflation is drawing close scrutiny from consumers, legislators, and the Bank of England, especially as the latter considers the possibility of additional interest rate hikes.

Waitrose, a division of the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership, disclosed that these reductions, marking its third round of price cuts this year, would encompass items such as pasta, whole chickens, sausages, and potatoes.

Consistent monthly industry data reveals that Waitrose has been experiencing a decline in market share and falling behind competitors, including the industry leader Tesco, the second-ranking Sainsbury’s, and the German-owned discounters Aldi and Lidl.

Earlier this month, Kantar, a research firm, reported that Waitrose held a 4.4% share of the UK grocery market, indicating a year-on-year decrease of 0.2 percentage points.

The Grocer, an industry publication, consistently reports in its weekly pricing data that Waitrose tends to have the highest prices among Britain’s major supermarkets for a typical basket of goods. Conversely, regular surveys indicate that Aldi consistently offers the most affordable prices.

Despite the recent price reductions on various products across British supermarkets, the Institute of Grocery Distribution, a research institution, has projected that food price inflation in the UK is expected to hover around 9% in December.

Retailers have issued warnings that additional supply chain challenges may exacerbate input costs in the upcoming months.

Possible concerns encompass unfavorable British harvests, Russia’s blockade of Black Sea grain, and its subsequent targeting of Ukrainian grain facilities, along with restrictions on rice exports from India.

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Oppo Brothers unveils delectable new range of chocolate-coated frozen fruits

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Oppo Dipped series
Oppo Dipped series

Oppo Brothers has broadened its selection of ice cream offerings by introducing a new lineup of frozen fruit treats coated in luxurious Belgian chocolate.

The Oppo Dipped series showcases a trio of delectable flavors: strawberries and raspberries enveloped in milk chocolate, banana and caramel swathed in milk chocolate, and pineapple and coconut enrobed in white chocolate.

As per the company’s statement, Oppo Dipped utilizes freshly harvested fruits that are picked at the pinnacle of their ripeness and promptly frozen at the source, before being enveloped in chocolate.

Harry Thuillier, Founder of Oppo Brothers, commented, “Since the mochi craze, everyone’s wondering what the next exciting thing is going to be in frozen snacking. So, we’re really proud to introduce Oppo Dipped, a new and genuinely disruptive frozen treat that no one will have experienced before.”

He continued, “We focused our range around the most popular fruits in the UK – strawberries, bananas and pineapple. Naturally sweet and packed full of flavour, these fruits deliver the sweetness people look for in a treat with the added bonus of a beautifully rich chocolate coating that gives a satisfying crack as you bite into it. Fruit has never been this indulgent.”

Starting next month, Oppo Dipped will be exclusively offered at Sainsbury’s retail locations and can also be purchased online through Ocado.

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IKEA India unveils eco-conscious Tabberas range, merging culinary expertise with mindful living

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Tabberas
This extensive collection encompasses a diverse array of products, such as aprons, baking mats, bowls, chopping boards, coasters, kitchen utensils, tablecloths.

Step into a world filled with energy, creativity, and mindful living as IKEA unveils the Tabberas Collection, a heartfelt homage to cherishing, safeguarding, and valuing precious family moments. This curated assortment perfectly harmonizes with IKEA’s fundamental values of sustainability and unity.

At the core of Tabberas, the central idea revolves around blending culinary expertise with eco-conscious living, while fostering a spirit of joy and family unity. This extensive collection encompasses a diverse array of products, such as aprons, baking mats, bowls, chopping boards, coasters, kitchen utensils, tablecloths, and more. Each item is thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted from resilient materials built to withstand the trials of time. With its striking and engaging presentation, Tabberas utilizes efficient packaging solutions to captivate customers with its vibrant selection.

Elena Pogosova, Country Commercial Manager at IKEA India expressed, “At IKEA, our constant endeavor is to curate products that enhance the daily lives of our customers. Tabberas is a fitting addition to Indian kitchens, where cooking, preserving, and sharing quality family time are integral aspects of households. Through this collection, we aspire to bring families closer together by encouraging cooking and dining as shared experiences.”

One remarkable feature of this collection is its child-safe design, which includes innovative thermochromic technology. When exposed to heat, such as when using gloves, these products change color, adding a distinctive and captivating element to the items.

The creative force behind Tabberas comprises the talented designers Anna-Maria Nilsson and Luna Gil, known for their dedication to simplicity, playfulness, and sustainability, which resonates in every piece they’ve crafted. As a result, the collection radiates an aura of happiness, innovation, and eco-conscious living. Tailored for those who prioritize sustainability, treasure precious family moments, and embrace mindful consumption, Tabberas represents the perfect choice for individuals aiming to make a positive environmental difference and inspire their children to join them on this meaningful journey.

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Tetra Pak to unveil innovative ice-cream solutions at the 11th Indian Ice-Cream Expo

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Ice-Cream
Ice-Cream (Representative Image)

Tetra Pak, a globally recognized leader in food processing and packaging solutions, is gearing up to showcase its tailored, comprehensive solutions designed specifically for the ice-cream industry at the 11th Edition of the Indian Ice-cream Expo (IICE). This event, jointly orchestrated by the Indian Ice Cream Manufacturers Association (IICMA) and AIM Events, is slated to occur from September 13 to 15 at Biswa Bangla Prangan Milan Mela in Kolkata, India. The expo will serve as an ideal platform to spotlight the most recent trends and innovations in the ice cream sector.

“Roughly half of the world’s ice cream is produced with the help of Tetra Pak equipment, and this is one of the most exciting categories for us today. With manufacturers looking for partners who can bring in end-to-end support, especially market insights from other parts of the world while offering solutions that meet their specific local needs, Tetra Pak is strongly positioned to support the industry from ideation on formulation to automation, filling, and all the other aspects of the production process,” said Cassio Simoes, Managing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia.

Ice cream spans a diverse spectrum of choices, ranging from healthier alternatives with reduced fat and carbohydrates to indulgent treats loaded with fats and ingredients like chocolate, nuts, and syrups. Tetra Pak stands as the foremost global supplier of complete solutions, machinery, and consumables for ice cream processing and packaging. Their array of ice cream equipment encompasses every aspect, beginning with raw material storage and mix preparation, and extending to continuous freezing and inclusion systems. Tetra Pak’s production solutions encompass extrusion, molding, filling, hardening, and packaging for an assortment of ice cream products, including popsicles, cups, cones, sandwiches, cakes, and family-sized packages.

“To succeed in the ice-cream market, manufacturers need to beretail able to quickly respond to changing consumer trends. For instance, the inclusion of food pieces such as chocolate, candy, nut, and cake pieces is a growing trend, and so is the adoption of more intricate designs such as swirls, multiple coating layers, and sophisticated shapes. Our portfolio today is geared to respond to the dynamic needs of the market, and we are proud to be truly a one-stop solution for ice-creams,” Cassio added.

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J.M. Smucker nears $4-5 Billion deal to acquire Hostess Brands, reports suggest

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Twinkies
Twinkies (Representative Image)

J.M. Smucker is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to purchase Hostess Brands, a fellow U.S. food manufacturer, as per media reports within the country.

Both The Wall Street Journal and Reuters have disclosed that the two parties are closing in on a potential agreement.

As per The Wall Street Journal, which initially broke the story on September 10th, a deal valued at approximately $4 billion could be concluded as early as today.

Reuters, citing undisclosed sources, indicated that a deal worth nearly $5 billion (excluding Hostess’ debt) was on the brink of being finalized.

In the previous month, Hostess, the manufacturer of Twinkies, experienced a surge in its stock price following a Reuters report that the company had enlisted advisors to consider takeover offers from a group of prominent packaged food companies.

Subsequently, unnamed insiders informed the news agency that corporations such as Mondelez International, Hershey, General Mills, and PepsiCo had conveyed their interest in acquiring Hostess.

Upon reaching out to PepsiCo, Mondelez, Hershey, General Mills, and Hostess for their input, only Hershey had provided a response at the time of writing. A spokesperson from Hershey stated, “It’s our policy not to comment on M&A speculation.”

Following the release of the Reuters report, analysts from Morgan Stanley noted that Hostess could present “diverse strategic advantages to prospective purchasers” and proposed that the company would align well with larger snack-focused firms like Mondelez and Hershey from a strategic standpoint.

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Spice prices soar: Consumers struggle as costs surge 20-80%, posing budget woes

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Indian Spices
Spices (Representative Image)

The cost of spices has surged dramatically, ranging from 20% to 80%, placing consumers in a difficult position and disrupting domestic budgets.

In the past month, a significant majority of spices have experienced an unprecedented price surge, according to traders. This turmoil in the spice market has driven the price increases, they claim. Currently, the domestic spice industry is wrestling with a supply-demand imbalance, brought about by a multifaceted set of factors. These factors include changing weather patterns, intense heatwaves, diminished crop yields, and a surge in export demands. The aftermath of Cyclone Biparjoy and the adverse effects of the ongoing monsoon season have collectively disrupted transportation and exacerbated the current shortage, leading to the subsequent rise in prices.

Meera Debnath, a homemaker, said, “Retail prices of common spices like turmeric and cumin have skyrocketed to the point where we’re barely using a pinch. Our dishes have lost their zest. In an average Bengali household, food is a top priority, and we strive to make it delicious. But the soaring spice prices are making it increasingly challenging to strike that balance.”

Wholesale spice prices in the domestic market have undergone a substantial increase, approximately reaching 40%. Various spices, including cumin (jeera), both small and large varieties of cardamom, dry turmeric, and cloves (laung), have experienced significant price hikes. This mounting price pressure within the domestic spice market has been ongoing for several months. Notably, farmers in major spice-producing regions have redirected their efforts toward cultivating alternative crops like cotton, mustard seed, groundnut, and soybean. This shift is primarily a response to erratic weather patterns, particularly the unpredictable rainfall during the sowing season across the country.

Crops with prolonged growth cycles, such as turmeric, coriander (dhania), and cumin (jeera), are particularly affected. Typically sown during the Rabi season, these crops typically reach maturity by late December or early January of the subsequent year.

Biswanath Agarwal of the Post Merchants Association said, “Jeera is a once-a-year crop, and this year’s damage is estimated at a staggering 30%-40%. Sowing for several crops, such as turmeric, has seen a sharp decline due to unseasonal rains. The coriander belt in Rajasthan has been decimated by the cyclonic storm Biparjoy. Dry chili production has dwindled due to deficient rainfall in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.”

Agarwal went on to forecast a minimum 15% price increase within the next three months. Anticipated high demand during the upcoming festival season is likely to further exacerbate the situation. The domestic spice market is already grappling with significant pressure, and as the scarcity of spices worsens and prices continue to rise, these essential kitchen ingredients have transformed into valuable commodities.

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India’s first clean label plant-based brand, Seaspire, prepares for exciting debut with pre-orders launching on Sep 19th

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SeaSpire’s Co-Founders Shantanu Dhangar and Varun Gadodia
SeaSpire’s Co-Founders Shantanu Dhangar and Varun Gadodia

In a thrilling announcement, Seaspire, India’s pioneering clean label plant-based brand, is gearing up for its much-anticipated debut after months of dedicated research and consumer tastings. With the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner, Seaspire is set to add to the festive fervor with the launch of its innovative products and the commencement of pre-orders, scheduled to begin on September 19th at 12 pm, exclusively on their website.

To kickstart their exciting journey, Seaspire will be initially introducing their products in four major Indian cities. This strategic approach will allow them to gradually expand their reach and provide consumers with the opportunity to savor their innovative plant-based offerings.

The company has been teasing its arrival with the motto, “Good things take time,” reflecting their commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable, and delectable plant-based options to the Indian market.

In a LinkedIn post, Seaspire expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming launch and the opportunity to cater to the growing demand for clean label, plant-based alternatives in India. They also encouraged everyone to stay tuned for more exciting updates and urged interested individuals to visit their website on September 19th to place their pre-orders.

Founded in 2021 by Shantanu Dangar and Varun Gadodia, Seaspire is a pioneering foodtech company specializing in plant-based seafood alternatives. Replicating structured seafood substitutes from plant-based and other protein sources remains a significant industry challenge. Seaspire has developed a protein structuring process that leverages proprietary 3D printing technology and extracts plant-based scaffolds from native horticultural byproducts—a scalable solution for the production of edible, organic scaffolds that can emulate live fish forms using plant-based and synthetic biology-derived proteins.

Recognizing the market demand for scalable and lucrative solutions for plant-based alternatives, Seaspire has also crafted a range of plant-based seafood products using existing commercial processes. These include seafood fingers and fillets made from just eight ingredients, offering a clean label and a delectable product for consumers.

Seaspire’s journey to become India’s first clean label plant-based brand has been marked by unwavering dedication and meticulous attention to detail. Their products are carefully crafted using the goodness of Pea and Rice protein, ensuring a wholesome and nutritious experience for consumers.

For more information and updates, visit Seaspire’s website and join them on their exciting adventure towards a greener, healthier future.

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Indian startup Responsible Whatr shines at G20 Summit with sustainable spring water and eco-packaging

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Ankur Chawla, Founder and CEO, Responsible Whatr
Ankur Chawla, Founder and CEO, Responsible Whatr

Responsible Whatr, an innovative Indian startup brand committed to sustainability, has made a significant impact at the recently concluded G20 summit hosted by ITC Hotels by showcasing its natural spring water beverage. The brand is proud to present its eco-friendly packaging solution, featuring aluminum cans crafted from over 70 percent recycled aluminum.

Demonstrating its dedication to sustainability, Responsible Whatr supplied forward-thinking and eco-conscious aluminum cans to meet the hydration requirements of world leaders and summit attendees. This collaboration underscored Responsible Whatr’s unwavering commitment to advocating for sustainable initiatives on a global stage.

Furthermore, the company proudly declared that it has achieved an impressive milestone, surpassing the sale of one million aluminum cans through a combination of online and offline distribution channels. This success has led to a significant reduction in the use of plastic bottles, showcasing Responsible Whatr’s effective transition to eco-friendly aluminum cans.

Situated amidst the Himalayas in Solan, Responsible Whatr takes pride in its cutting-edge facility and the pure water source it harnesses. The exceptional quality of their product originates from their sourcing of water from an unspoiled, pristine spring aquifer nestled in the Himalayas. This source provides water with naturally balanced essential minerals and a pH level of around 7.4.

Emerging amidst the global pandemic, the brand experienced a remarkable surge in demand as consumers placed growing importance on environmentally responsible choices. In direct response to this heightened interest, the indigenous startup is now gearing up for expansion into multiple new states. These include Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Goa, all within the upcoming quarter. This expansion endeavor not only promises to generate more employment opportunities but also pledges support to the local economy in Solan, Himachal Pradesh.

Since its establishment on June 5, 2020, in commemoration of World Environment Day, Responsible Whatr has remained steadfast in its dedication to sustainable practices and vigorous marketing efforts, even in a period when the hotel and tourism sector faced severe challenges due to the pandemic. Despite the demanding circumstances, the brand reached a notable milestone by selling 50,000 cans within just 70 days of launching its product, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the midst of adversity. The demand for Responsible Whatr has been evenly spread across various distribution channels, including retail, online, and HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Cafe). With a robust online presence spanning across India and physical availability in Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Himachal Pradesh, Responsible Whatr has established a strong presence in the market.

At present, Responsible Whatr has a physical presence in six Indian states. In Delhi, the brand is available both online and through the HoReCa segment, which includes renowned establishments such as ITC Hotels, Taj Palace, JW Marriott, Grand Hyatt, The Lodhi, The Leela, Holiday Inn, and more. Additionally, Responsible Whatr can be found in various restaurants like Kampai and Sidecar, as well as cafes and clubs like The Quorum Club, Meta offices (Facebook), and Greener, among others.

The brand enjoys a nationwide online presence, and sales through direct website orders have played a substantial role in driving its increasing sales figures, thereby expanding its outreach to a broad and diverse audience.

“The decision to use aluminium for packaging was a natural choice, as it avoids contributing to landfills and is infinitely recyclable, unlike glass and plastic, which are typically downcycled. In fact, the cans currently in circulation are crafted from 70 percent recycled aluminium. Furthermore, aluminium cans maintain the water’s freshness even when exposed to light or heat, ensuring that consumers enjoy a consistently refreshing and cold beverage,” says Ankur Chawla, Founder and CEO, Responsible Whatr.

“Responsible Whatr remains committed to its mission of promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility through its premium natural spring water product. As the brand expands its presence to new regions in India, we anticipate continued success and a growing impact on reducing single-use plastics while delivering a refreshing and environmentally conscious beverage option to consumers,” added Bhrigu Seth, Co-Founder, Responsible Whatr.

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