Laddoos infused with ghee, soft rasgulas, chickpea flour burfis, and various other traditional sweets play a vital role during the festive period. Despite a rise in the costs of key kitchen ingredients, leading players in the sweets and snacks market like Bikanerwala, Bikaji Foods, and Haldiram’s have assured that these treats won’t excessively burden consumers’ wallets.
“This time in all likelihood prices would be in line with last year, hardly any increase,” said Manoj Verma, Chief Operating Officer at Bikaji Foods International.
Despite the prevailing high levels of food inflation, there is a silver lining for the prices of essential ingredients used in crafting traditional Indian sweets. This is expected to contribute to price stability, according to his statement. Notably, certain crucial components like dry fruits have experienced a 10-12% increase in price compared to the previous year. However, palm oil, a widely utilized frying medium during festivities, has seen a reduction in cost compared to the prior year. This factor serves as a dual benefit for both confectioners and consumers. Additionally, the price of another vital ingredient, milk, has remained consistent in the wholesale market. This stability has a positive impact on the affordability of other significant dairy products like mawa, chena, and ghee.
There has been only a slight increase in the price of sugar. Data from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs reveals that the wholesale sugar price has risen by 3.63% as of August 29, in comparison to the previous year.
Sweet manufacturers intend to absorb any minor rise in the expenses tied to their products, granting consumers some relief during the bustling festive season. This period, commencing with Onam and Rakshabandhan in August and extending through to Christmas in December, is marked as one of the most celebrated festival stretches.
“Despite industry challenges, we affirm our consumer-centric stance by opting not to implement any price hikes this year,” said Pankaj Agarwal, chief operating officer at Group Bikano, Bikanervala Foods.
Katjes, a prominent confectionery company from Germany, has successfully obtained a 50% ownership stake in Schoko Winterscheidt, a domestic counterpart recognized as Jokolade.
Previously, Joko Winterscheidt, a German TV presenter, producer, and actor, exclusively held ownership of Jokolade, a company located in close proximity to Munich.
Katjes has stated that the objective of this deal is to enhance its presence within the chocolate industry, aiming to “guarantee enjoyment on the chocolate aisle” as they pursue further expansion.
Specifics regarding the financial aspects of the agreement have not been revealed.
Tobias Bachmüller, managing shareholder at Katjes, said, “We see it as an exciting task and a great pleasure to be able to shake up the largest and growing segment of confectionery, the chocolate market, with a lot of fun together with Joko Winterscheidt and the Jokolade team.”
“Joko should play the central role,” said Katjes.
Jokolade offers a range of five distinct chocolate bars in its portfolio. The company is committed to utilizing Fairtrade ingredients, aligning with their significant mission of achieving “100% slave-free chocolate.”
“It is a great pleasure to welcome Katjes as a partner at Jokolade,” said Winterscheidt.
“For me, the company stands for fun and responsibility. By now it should be clear to everyone that Jokolade is not a marketing gimmick that bears my name, but that it really wants to and will change something.”
In collaboration with prominent chocolate supplier Barry Callebaut, the company has established a cooperative agreement. This partnership is associated with Tony’s Chocolonely’s ethical chocolate enterprise from the Netherlands and their initiative called Tony’s Chocolonely Open Chain. Jokolade has referred to this initiative as “one of the most transparent and equitable methods for cocoa trade.”
“All cocoa beans from Tony’s Open Chain are traceable to the partner cooperatives in Ghana and Ivory Coast. Jokolade also pays a surcharge on top of the Fairtrade premium to close the gap to the Fairtrade reference price and thus create a living income for cocoa farmers,” said the company’s website.
“In addition, the open chain strengthens cocoa farmers through long-term cooperation, [provides] support in setting up professional cooperatives and programs to increase quality and productivity.”
Jokolade’s products are available for purchase at various German retailers, including Rewe, Müller, Rossmann, Budni, Famila, and Billa Plus, as well as through the company’s official online platform.
In May of this year, Katjesgreenfood, the venture capital division of the Katjes Group, procured an ownership share of approximately 10% in Mymuesli, a German provider of personalized muesli products.
In 2022, the company also acquired Paluani, an Italian firm renowned for crafting panettone and pandoro.
Pernod Ricard has implemented organizational adjustments with the aim of enhancing efficiency and enabling swifter decision-making, reflecting the aspirations of the owner of Jameson whiskey.
The French wine-and-spirits conglomerate, set to release its annual financial results on August 31st, has reorganized its executive team structure and refined its approach to categorizing its geographical divisions.
Pernod Ricard stated that these adjustments would not only enhance overall efficiency within the company but also foster a heightened closeness and responsiveness to the rapidly evolving global market.
The firm, which also encompasses brands like Beefeater gin and Mumm Champagne, is substituting its executive board with a nine-member executive committee.
Among its fresh members, the committee will feature Ann Mukherjee, the CEO of North America, collaborating with group chairman and CEO Alexandre Ricard to steer the company’s operations.
Philippe Guettat, currently serving as the chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Asia, and Gilles Bogaert, who presently holds identical positions for the company’s EMEA/LatAm division, will assume new positions within the committee. Guettat will take on the role of executive vice president for global brands, while Bogaert’s new responsibility will be as executive vice president for global markets.
Maria Pia De Caro, Pernod Ricard’s global director of operations, joins the executive committee as another fresh addition. She became part of the company at the beginning of the year, transitioning from her previous role at frozen-food group Nomad Foods.
Pernod Ricard has restructured its approach to geographical management as well. The regional divisions encompassing Asia and EMEA/LatAm have been eliminated, a move aimed at expediting execution and decision-making across all levels of the organization, as stated by the company.
The group has decided to place all its markets into ten “management entities, ensuring critical scale and fostering mutualisation”.
Mr Ricard, who has been at the helm since 2015, said, “In an increasingly complex and volatile environment, I am confident our new organisation will allow us to successfully move to a new stage of sustainable, stretched, and profitable growth, benefiting to all our stakeholders.”
Christian Porta, a seasoned Pernod Ricard veteran with over thirty years of service, is stepping into retirement. His recent role was as the managing director overseeing global business development.
Asked about the overall impact on jobs, a spokesperson added, “The idea is to adapt our governance. The removal of the two small entities in terms of headcount of Pernod Ricard LatAm and Asia is not material. It is not a financial cost exercise. The aim is to support the group’s ambition with a simplified organisation, to align structures and accountabilities across all functions.”
A recent report indicates that the UK food and drink industry has incurred an approximate loss of £1.4 billion in the past year due to labor shortages, resulting in reduced output.
According to the State of Industry report by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), the cost over the past year, specifically during the last quarter from July 2022, has reached £192 million.
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) reports that the UK’s largest manufacturing sector is the food and drink industry, and it has consistently maintained higher vacancy rates compared to the broader manufacturing sector.
Approximately 57% of food and drink manufacturers exhibit vacancy rates of around 5%. Among these, mid-sized enterprises with a turnover ranging from £26 million to £500 million are disproportionately affected by the shortages. Roughly half of these businesses report vacancy rates reaching up to 10%, nearly three times higher than the national average. Vacancy rates indicate the proportion of unfilled positions within an organization during a specified time frame.
Vacant positions persistently impact a diverse array of roles within the sector, including project engineers, scientists, laboratory technologists, and plant engineering technicians. This is largely because potential recruits frequently disregard opportunities within the food manufacturing industry.
The Independent Review on Labour Shortages, published by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in June, will receive a response from the UK government in the upcoming autumn. This review examined the obstacles encountered by food and farming enterprises in their efforts to secure and maintain an adequate workforce. In anticipation of this response, food establishments are urging the government to endorse the ten recommendations presented in the review. These recommendations include actions like “Reforming the Apprenticeship Levy” and “Enhancing Access to Migrant Labour.”
FDF director for growth, Balwinder Dhoot, said, “Significant labour shortages have cost businesses £1.4 billion over the last year, with companies being forced to leave vacancies unfilled and reduce production – all of which contributes to rising wage bills, higher prices and stifles growth, which is vital for a strong economy”.
“Investment is essential if we are to build a sustainable and resilient food supply chain which supports the economy and feeds the nation. Our members are unable to expand their operations, principally because they haven’t got the staff. We need government to work with the industry to implement all ten recommendations in the Independent Review into Labour Shortages and to deliver the Prime Minister’s commitment to grow the economy,” he added.
In a recent happening, Mumbai bore witness to a truly unique culinary event named ‘Wonderchef Kitchen Queen.’ The event drew a crowd of more than 300 home chefs and food aficionados at Infiniti Mall. Attendees spanning various age groups and hailing from different corners of the city showcased their distinct, health-conscious festive dishes. These culinary creations were presented to none other than the renowned Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who undertook the role of judging this exceptional showcase.
The cooking competition known as ‘Wonderchef Kitchen Queen,’ orchestrated by the esteemed kitchen appliances brand Wonderchef, witnessed a remarkable gathering of home chefs. All of them competed fervently for the esteemed title by showcasing their culinary innovations, employing modern methods like air-frying, baking, and steaming. The air was filled with excitement as Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, joined by the Wonderchef experts, meticulously tasted and evaluated each pre-prepared dish. Their judgment criteria encompassed crucial aspects including healthiness, flavor, ingenuity, and visual appeal.
The contest presented a magnificent exhibition of culinary craftsmanship, and the coveted title of ‘Wonderchef Kitchen Queen’ was bestowed upon Mrs. Vaishali Poojari. Her creation, the Steamed Modak, perfectly embodied the fusion of health-consciousness and delightful flavors. Following closely, Mrs. Divya Gupta claimed the runner-up spot, astonishing the judges with her adept crafting of cakes and cookies — a true testament to her culinary inventiveness and expertise.
Reflecting on the event, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said, “The ‘Wonderchef Kitchen Queen’ cooking contest showcased the remarkable culinary talents of our participants. It was inspiring to witness their dedication to both health and innovation, which are the two essential aspects of modern cooking.”
The crowned winner, Mrs. Poojari, while expressing her elation, said, “Participating in ‘Wonderchef Kitchen Queen’ has been a personal milestone for me. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s feedback has inspired my culinary passion and drive.”
Beyond his position as the astute evaluator, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor generously shared his priceless wisdom and individualized advice with the participants. This mentorship facet underscored the event’s dedication to nurturing culinary zeal and advocating for healthful cooking techniques.
Central to the event was the commemoration of health-conscious home cooking, a principle that echoed through every dish showcased. The evaluation standards covered Health Quotient, Flavor, Originality, and Display, mirroring the participants’ commitment to creating dishes that not only satisfied taste buds but also aligned with mindful culinary approaches.
Founded in 2009 by serial entrepreneur Mr. Ravi Saxena and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Wonderchef stands as the forefront brand in top-notch cookware and high-end kitchen appliances, empowering individuals to effortlessly prepare nutritious and delectable meals. Boasting a diverse portfolio of more than 600 products, Wonderchef’s influence spans across every corner of the nation, facilitated by a robust omnichannel distribution system that includes the engagement of over 70,000 women entrepreneurs, 25 exclusive brand outlets, and a presence in excess of 12,000 retail establishments. The brand’s global presence is on an upward trajectory, spanning around 25 countries across five continents.
Dunzo, a troubled quick commerce major, has reportedly once again delayed the payment of salaries to its employees, extending the deferral by another month.
According to an internal email viewed by Moneycontrol, the startup has informed its employees that their pending payments will be transferred by the conclusion of the first week in October. Initially, the company had communicated to its employees that their salaries for June and July would be settled by September.
“Please note that pending salaries for the months of June and July, due to be paid on September 4th, will be paid in the first week of October. You will receive the salary dues along with a 12 percent p.a. interest, which will now be calculated for an additional month,” said the email.
Expressing regret for the delay, the company stated that its foremost focus is to process pending compensation at the earliest convenience. Dunzo further emphasized its dedication to resolving outstanding payments and expressed confidence in avoiding any future delays.
This marks the third significant instance in which the quick commerce startup has postponed the disbursement of employee salaries. Before the September 4th deadline, Dunzo had also failed to meet the July 20th target it had set for resolving the outstanding employee salary payments.
In July, it was reported that the startup supported by Reliance deferred salary payments for 500 employees, constituting half of its complete workforce, and established a maximum monthly salary limit of INR 75,000 per employee. As a dispute emerged, the company arranged a town hall meeting with its employees and assured them that their outstanding salaries would be settled by September 4.
In the midst of a funding predicament and a wave of employee resignations, the startup initiated extensive workforce reductions, resulting in the termination of approximately 300 employees, which accounted for 30% of its entire staff.
In the midst of these developments, the company is also contending with legal notifications from seven vendors due to outstanding dues exceeding INR 11 Crores. Additionally, it has initiated comprehensive cost-saving measures across various aspects, including the closure of a majority of its dark stores and a shift towards adopting a marketplace model.
Furthermore, the company has been actively seeking financial support from investors. Just this month, it was revealed that the troubled startup was engaged in advanced discussions to secure $100 million in its Series G funding round. This infusion would consist of a combination of equity and debt and is intended to come from current investors, among them Lightbox and Lightrock.
NueGo electric bus & McDonald's (Representative Image)
McDonald’s India – North and East has established a strategic collaboration with NueGo, a leading brand in electric bus services operated by GreenCell Mobility.
This partnership arises from a mutual commitment to embrace sustainability and advocate for eco-friendly transportation solutions. With a focus on addressing the preferences of modern, environmentally-aware travelers, the partnership aims to provide effortless and smooth dining choices for those who opt for NueGo’s sustainable travel offerings.
Travelers selecting NueGo’s bus service from the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in New Delhi to well-known destinations like Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Dehradun, Agra, or Jaipur, now have the option to request McDonald’s meals while they wait for departure in a dedicated lounge. The collaboration’s reach will gradually widen to encompass more routes, and a meal pre-booking option will be introduced to elevate the convenience of the travelers.
Speaking about this partnership, Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said, “Sustainability is central to McDonald’s in fostering robust and resilient food systems. Whether it is working on reducing carbon footprint using renewable energy at restaurants, or conserving water across the value chain, or re-utilizing available resources such as repurposing used cooking oil or eliminating single-use customer facing plastic using sustainably-sourced paper packaging or responsible ingredient sourcing, we are deeply committed to and invested in sustainable earth intention. We are excited about our collaboration with NueGo in jointly contributing to a carbon-neutral economy.”
Commenting on the partnership, Devendra Chawla, CEO and MD, – GreenCell Mobility, said, “We at GreenCell Mobility, are thrilled to join hands with the renowned global entity McDonald’s India – North and East, to pilot a new-age food delivery approach tailored for NueGo’s environmentally aware travelers. This unique collaboration will reinforce our commitment to sustainable mobility and our dedication to delivering innovative customer experiences.”
Passengers can look forward to experiencing the revamped 6E Eats menu starting from September 1, 2023 (Representative Image)
IndiGo is undergoing a transformation of its in-flight catering service, 6E Eats, with the aim of enhancing the overall customer experience. The updated fast-service menu has been meticulously crafted to offer novel choices to passengers, all the while emphasizing affordability, heightened service efficiency, and minimization of waste. Passengers can look forward to experiencing the revamped 6E Eats menu starting from September 1, 2023, across both IndiGo’s domestic and international flights.
IndiGo’s new offering introduces a unique opportunity for passengers to pre-book from a meticulously curated menu. This menu, now enriched with flavors inspired by India’s street food and kitchen traditions, showcases regional favorites. By celebrating the country’s culinary diversity and heritage, these delectable meals provide passengers, both on domestic and international routes, with a novel perspective of India. Alongside this, IndiGo is also revolutionizing its onboard services by introducing a poured beverage option, available as a combo. This enhancement aims to minimize waste and enhance overall service efficiency, benefiting passengers who pre-book meals or make onboard purchases.
With the convenience of corporate and other patrons in mind, whose fares encompass a meal yet opt not to pre-book it, IndiGo is unveiling ‘Snacks on the Plane’. This tailored, on-the-go snack bag is designed to cater to their needs.
Commenting on the new service concept, Sanjeev Ramdas, Executive Vice President of Customer Services & Ops Control, IndiGo said, “As India’s leading carrier, we are constantly looking at ways of improving our service offering for our customers. Our new 6E Eats menu incorporates feedback from customers, cabin crew and service partners and brings a host of new options. They say food unites a country and that is exactly what we are attempting with our new choice-of-the day regional meals to present #IndiaByIndiGo.”
IndiGo will continue to offer sale of alcoholic beverages and newly introduced options of mixers at affordable prices, in international sectors.
In today’s digital age, building trust and credibility with your audience is paramount for the success of any business or brand. Consumers are more discerning than ever, and they rely on authenticity as a key factor in their decision-making process. Video marketing has emerged as a powerful tool to convey authenticity, establish trust, and build credibility with your target audience.
Authenticity is the cornerstone of effective video marketing. It’s about being genuine, transparent, and true to your brand’s values and promises. In a world saturated with advertising and content, consumers crave authenticity, and video marketing provides an ideal platform to deliver it. Here’s how you can use video to unveil authenticity and strengthen your brand’s trustworthiness.
1. Storytelling: Video allows you to tell your brand’s story in a compelling and emotionally engaging way. People connect with stories on a deep level, and when your video conveys the genuine journey and values of your brand, it creates a strong emotional bond with your audience. Authentic storytelling is not about creating a perfect narrative; it’s about showing the human side of your brand, including your challenges and successes.
2. Transparency: Authenticity thrives on transparency. Use video to give your audience a behind-the-scenes look at your company, manufacturing process, or the faces behind your brand. This transparency shows that you have nothing to hide and builds trust. Customers appreciate knowing where their products come from and who they are supporting when they choose your brand.
3. Testimonials and Reviews: Video testimonials and reviews from satisfied customers are powerful tools for building trust. When potential customers see real people sharing their positive experiences with your product or service, it creates a sense of authenticity that traditional advertising cannot match. Encourage your customers to create video testimonials and share them on your platforms.
4. Live Streaming: Live video, whether it’s a product launch, a Q&A session, or a behind-the-scenes tour, is an excellent way to interact with your audience in real-time. Live streaming allows for unfiltered, spontaneous communication, which can be highly authentic. Your audience sees your brand in its raw, unedited form, and this can foster a sense of trust and connection.
5. User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to create their own videos related to your brand or product. User-generated content is inherently authentic because it comes from real people who have experienced your offerings. Sharing this content on your channels not only builds trust but also strengthens your community.
6. Consistency: Consistency in your video content is crucial for building trust and credibility. When your audience knows what to expect from your videos in terms of style, tone, and frequency, they are more likely to trust your brand. Inconsistency can lead to confusion and erode trust.
7. Value-Driven Content: Focus on creating video content that provides value to your audience. Whether it’s educational tutorials, how-to guides, or entertaining stories, when your videos genuinely help or entertain your viewers, they are more likely to trust your expertise and return for more.
8. Authentic Personal Branding: If you are the face of your brand, being authentic in your videos is essential. Be yourself, share your personal experiences, and let your passion shine through. Authentic personal branding fosters a connection with your audience that goes beyond just the products or services you offer.
9. Respond to Feedback: When viewers leave comments or feedback on your videos, engage with them authentically. Respond to questions, acknowledge concerns, and thank them for their support. This level of interaction demonstrates that you value your audience’s input and are committed to providing the best experience possible.
10. Ethical Marketing: Finally, ensure that your video marketing practices align with ethical standards. Avoid clickbait, misinformation, or manipulative tactics that can erode trust. Authenticity goes hand in hand with integrity.
Final Thoughts:
Video marketing is a powerful tool for unveiling authenticity, building trust, and establishing credibility with your audience. By incorporating storytelling, transparency, testimonials, live streaming, user-generated content, consistency, value-driven content, authentic personal branding, responsive feedback, and ethical marketing into your video strategy, you can create a genuine connection with your audience that goes beyond the transactional. Remember, authenticity is not just a marketing tactic; it’s a commitment to being true to your brand’s values and delivering on your promises, and video is the perfect medium to showcase that commitment.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their audiences. However, successful social media strategies go beyond simply posting content; they revolve around creating customer-centric connections. In this era of heightened competition and information overload, a well-crafted social media strategy that places the audience at its core can make all the difference.
Understanding the Audience:
The first step in crafting a customer-centric social media strategy is to thoroughly understand your audience. It’s not enough to have a vague idea of who your customers are; you need to delve deep into their demographics, psychographics, and behaviors. Conduct surveys, analyze data, and engage in social listening to gain insights into what your audience cares about, what problems they face, and how they use social media.
Once you have a comprehensive understanding of your audience, you can create buyer personas. These personas represent different segments of your target audience, helping you tailor your content and messaging to specific groups. For example, a fitness brand might have personas for fitness enthusiasts, busy professionals, and seniors looking to stay active. Each persona would have distinct preferences and pain points that the brand can address through its social media content.
Content that Resonates:
With a clear understanding of your audience, you can now create content that resonates with them. Customer-centric content is not about pushing your products or services relentlessly; it’s about providing value to your audience. This can take various forms:
1. Educational Content: Share informative articles, how-to guides, and tutorials related to your industry. This positions your brand as an authority and helps your audience solve problems.
2. Entertaining Content: People love to be entertained. Share funny memes, inspiring stories, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business. Such content humanizes your brand and fosters a sense of community.
3. Interactive Content: Run polls, surveys, quizzes, and contests to engage your audience. Interactive content encourages participation and fosters a sense of involvement.
4. User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to create content related to your products or services. Share their testimonials, reviews, and experiences. This not only provides social proof but also strengthens your customer relationships.
5. Storytelling: Narratives are powerful. Share stories about your brand’s journey, values, and the impact you’ve had on customers’ lives. Authentic storytelling can create emotional connections.
Remember that the content should align with the interests and needs of your specific buyer personas. Use the language and tone that resonate with each group, and don’t forget to incorporate relevant keywords for better discoverability.
Consistent Engagement:
A customer-centric social media strategy is not a one-way street. It involves ongoing engagement with your audience. Respond promptly to comments, messages, and mentions. Acknowledge feedback, whether positive or negative, and use it to improve your products or services.
Consistency is key. Maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Use social media management tools to plan and schedule posts in advance. However, don’t rely solely on automation. Real-time engagement and spontaneity can also help build authentic connections.
Building Community:
Beyond individual interactions, aim to build a sense of community among your followers. Create a space where your audience can connect with each other over shared interests. Encourage discussions, facilitate networking, and provide valuable resources.
Host live events, such as webinars or Q&A sessions, where your audience can interact with you directly. These events humanize your brand and allow for real-time engagement.
Measuring Success:
A customer-centric social media strategy is not complete without measuring its success. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the impact of your efforts. These may include metrics like engagement rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and customer sentiment.
Regularly analyze the data to see what’s working and what needs improvement. Adjust your strategy accordingly to better cater to your audience’s preferences and needs.
Final Thoughts:
In today’s digital age, a customer-centric social media strategy is paramount for businesses looking to thrive. Understanding your audience, creating valuable content, consistent engagement, and community-building are the pillars of such a strategy. By putting your audience at the center of your social media efforts, you can create meaningful connections, foster brand loyalty, and ultimately drive business growth. In a world where competition is fierce and attention spans are short, it’s those who truly connect with their audience that stand out and succeed.
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