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Massive biryani order steals the spotlight as 2023 Asia Cup showdown between India and Pakistan washes out in rain

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biryani
Biryani (Representative Image)

On September 2, the much-anticipated 2023 Asia Cup cricket showdown between India and Pakistan unfolded at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, the match was abruptly halted due to relentless rain, resulting in a complete washout. This unforeseen turn of events must have been disheartening for a resident of Bengaluru who, during the game, placed an astounding order for 62 servings of biryani via Swiggy. Yes, you read that correctly. This colossal order even surprised the food delivery platform, prompting them to take to social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter), to share the astonishing update with their followers.

The tweet exclaimed, “A customer from Bengaluru just placed an order for 62 portions of biryani?? Who could you be? Where exactly are you? Perhaps hosting an #INDvsPAK match viewing party? Can we join?”

The post attracted a plethora of comments from users, with some expressing intrigue about the enigmatic person responsible for the massive biryani order, while others lightheartedly asked if they would be rewarded with biryani should India emerge triumphant in the showdown.

One user humorously speculated, “Perhaps it’s KL Rahul’s extended family.” Another chimed in, saying, “If India wins, can I expect free food Swiggy?

Swiggy also delightedly shared, “In the past 24 hours, a staggering 79,239 dosas were ordered, and Team India just served up another 200*!”

Swiggy also shared that India collectively purchased an impressive 9,922 packets of Blue Lay’s in the last twenty-four hours.

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Chivas Brothers announces £60 Million investment for carbon-neutral distillation by 2026

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Chivas Regal Whisky
Chivas Regal Whisky (Representative Image)

Chivas Brothers, the scotch whisky division of Pernod Ricard, has unveiled a £60 million investment strategy aimed at achieving carbon-neutral distillation by the conclusion of 2026.

The multi-year investment announcement coincided with Chivas Brothers revealing its financial results for FY23, which it characterized as its “most robust financial performance in ten years,” marked by a remarkable 17% increase in net sales.

Over the upcoming three years, this investment will expedite the brand’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon-neutral distillation by the close of 2026.

Chivas Brothers intends to utilize the earmarked investment to introduce heat recovery technologies and incorporate electric boilers in distilleries where feasible. In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, the brand will allocate resources to enhance strategic inventory management, thereby ensuring a future-proof model capable of consistently meeting the worldwide demand for its Scotch whiskies.

Chivas Brothers chairman and CEO, Jean-Etienne Gourgues, said, “The historic highs we’re seeing across our strategic brands signal the success of our premiumisation strategy which has enabled Chivas Brothers to outperform the market. Our highest growth of the last decade reinforces our position to shape the future of sustainable Scotch while continuing to meet demand.”

In July, the brand extended the availability of its carbon-reduction technology to the broader industry. This decision followed the successful integration of the company’s heat recovery technology at Pernod Ricard’s Glentauchers distillery in Scotland, resulting in a substantial 53% reduction in the site’s carbon emissions.

He continued, “We have fast-tracked a number of sustainability initiatives to meet our own ambitious targets and remain committed to supporting the industry in ushering in this new era – as we demonstrated earlier this year by making our heat recovery findings open source”.

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France’s food inflation to significantly decrease from January: Carrefour chief

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Alexandre Bompard
Alexandre Bompard

According to Carrefour’s chairman and chief executive, Alexandre Bompard, it is expected that food price inflation in France will see a substantial decrease beginning in January. This change is a result of the government’s decision to accelerate the annual price negotiations between retailers and consumer goods companies, which were originally scheduled for the following year.

“Starting in January, we should see the level of inflation come down significantly,” he said, speaking on French television channel BFM TV.

Bompard expressed his anticipation that food price inflation would decrease significantly, potentially falling to around 5%, a substantial drop from its current level. Recent data released in August, which marked the fifth consecutive month of easing from earlier peaks this year, revealed that food inflation stands at 11.1%, nearly double the overall inflation rate.

On Tuesday, Bompard had cautioned that elevated prices were compelling consumers to make substantial reductions in their spending on essential commodities.

In France, retailers and consumer goods companies have been engaged in a blame game, each accusing the other for the surge in supermarket prices, despite a recent decline in the cost of raw materials.

The Carrefour executive further noted his anticipation that food inflation would persist at higher levels in the upcoming years compared to the historical decades when it typically ranged from zero to 1%. This expectation is attributed to climate and geopolitical factors.

“The time of zero food inflation, I believe, is behind us,” he said.

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Dunzo adopts ‘batch-wise’ salary payments following multiple delays

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Dunzo
Dunzo (Representative Image)

Homegrown quick-grocery delivery provider Dunzo, initially grappling with fund-raising difficulties and subsequently deferring employee salary payments, has now decided to implement a “batch-wise” approach to disbursements, further extending the delay.

Sources have reported that the quick-grocery delivery provider failed to commence salary disbursements on September 4, resulting in another delay in paying some of its employees.

“Due to certain procedural requirements, we have to do this batch-wise. It may take an additional day or two for us to facilitate this transfer for everyone,” Dunzo told employees in an email.

“Rest assured you will receive your August 2023 salary within this week without fail,” according to the email.

In the previous month, it was reported that Dunzo had postponed salary payments to the first week of October due to fundraising challenges. This delay came after the startup had initially pledged to disburse salaries on September 4, shifting the payment date from the original target of July 20, as reported by Money Control.

Read More: Dunzo’s salary woes continue: Employee payments deferred again, new deadline set for October

“We sincerely apologise for this delay. Ensuring that you receive your due compensation as early as possible is our top priority. Please be assured that we are doing everything to make this happen, and we are confident that there will be no further delays after this,” according to an earlier email from the startup.

Furthermore, Dunzo had assured its employees that it would provide a 12 percent annual interest rate on the withheld salary portion from June.

Read More: Dunzo commits to pay 12% annual interest on withheld salaries amid financial challenges

In August, it was reported that Dunzo was in advanced negotiations to secure funding in the range of $80-100 million for its Series G round, primarily from existing investors such as Lightbox and Lightrock. Reports indicate that this funding round would primarily consist of equity financing, with a potential small debt component.

Read More: Dunzo navigates series G funding talks amid controversy, eyes $100 Million investment

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Gujarat High Court grants stay order in favor of Rasna, halting NCLT’s insolvency proceedings

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Rasna
Rasna (Representative Image)

In a significant development favoring Rasna, the Gujarat High Court issued a stay order on Monday, effectively halting the NCLT’s directive to commence insolvency proceedings against the indigenous beverage brand.

Last week saw a significant development as the Ahmedabad bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) directed the initiation of the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against Rasna due to a default of INR 71.27 lakh. This action also resulted in the appointment of an interim resolution professional, leading to the suspension of the board.

The promoters of Rasna Industries contested the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order and brought the matter before the high court. The high court subsequently issued a stay on the verdict, pending the listing of an appeal filed against it before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal.

“Considering the aforesaid, by way of ad-interim relief, the said order dated 01.09.2023 is directed not to be acted upon till the statutory appeal which is filed before the NCLAT is listed for hearing in the peculiar facts of the present case,” an order passed by Justice V D Nanavati stated on Monday.

The NCLT issued the order in response to a petition filed by one of Rasna’s operational creditors, Bharat Road Carriers, alleging a default of INR 71.27 lakh. In addition, Ravindra Kumar Goyal was appointed as the Interim Resolution Professional (IRP).

A statement from Rasna Group Legal Team said, “Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case, the High Court of Gujarat was pleased to entertain the petition filed by Rasna challenging the order of NCLT.”

“The Order of the NCLT passed on Friday i.e., 01.09.2023 has been stayed in the first hearing held today, i.e. 04.09.2023 in the High Court,” it said.

Bharat Road carriers had claimed operational debt of INR 71.27 lakh plus interest on service tax and interest on unpaid amounts as of March 31, 2019. It had transported various goods to Rasna, for which it had raised various invoices during the period from April 2017 to August 2018.

Rasna admitted that they had availed transportation services from the transporter but stated that there were pre-existing disputes between the parties.

In November 2018, Bharat Road carriers instituted a civil suit for damages amounting to INR 1.25 crore before the commercial court in Ahmedabad, which was referred for mediation.

However, during the mediation process, the operational creditor did not appear before the mediator and, hence, it failed.

NCLT said Rasna has failed to provide reasons for the dispute to the operational creditor.

“In our view, the arguments so as to the dispute appear to be moonshine. As such the applicant has proved that there is a default and the amount in default is more than INR 1 lakh,” NCLT said.

“Under the said circumstances, this tribunal is left with no other option than to proceed with the present case and initiate the CIRP in relation to the corporate debtor.

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FMCG giants predict stable edible oil prices amid festive season, warn of El Nino impact next year

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Edible oil
Edible oil (Representative Image)

Executives from top fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies have reassured that edible oil prices are unlikely to surge during the upcoming festive season, despite the severe moisture stress affecting the domestic soya bean crop. This stability is attributed to the favorable international supply situation. However, they caution that a potential price increase in edible oils may occur from December to April-May of the following year due to the anticipated impact of El Nino on oil-producing nations.

On the flip side, FMCG companies express concerns regarding rice production in the nation, particularly in many eastern states that are major producers of non-basmati rice. The insufficient rainfall in these regions could pose a threat to the current standing paddy crop in the fields.

“Monsoon is critical for the soya bean and groundnut crop. It should rain well in the next 10 days, otherwise the yield will be severely affected,” said BV Mehta, executive director, Solvent Extractors Association.

As per the India Meteorological Department’s data, 287 out of the country’s 717 districts experienced a rainfall deficit from June 1 to August 4.

“India is sitting on a good volume of imported oil and prices are unlikely to go up soon. But definitely, the scanty monsoon will have an impact on the soya bean crop… That may leave an impact on consumption,” said Angshu Mallick, managing director, Adani Wilmar.

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TATA Starbucks celebrates 52 years with the return of the beloved Anniversary Blend

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Starbucks Anniversary blend
Starbucks Anniversary blend

In celebration of 52 years of coffee tradition and a toast to the future, TATA Starbucks joyfully reintroduces the enduring favorite – Anniversary Blend.

As coffee has evolved from a simple morning tradition into a platform for personal expression, a communal experience, and a cultural declaration, this cherished blend provides coffee enthusiasts with a cup that is both heavenly and significant.

Debuted in 1996 as a tribute to the company’s 25th anniversary, the Anniversary Blend quickly gained popularity as a seasonal favorite. This year’s festivities bring forth a reenvisioned blend, carefully aged for five years, highlighting the brand’s unwavering dedication to continually elevate the coffee experience for consumers nationwide.

Distinguished for its pronounced flavors, robust character, and unmistakable boldness, the 2023 Anniversary Blend is a harmonious blend of ethically sourced beans exclusively from Indonesia – a region that has been a source of inspiration for Starbucks since its inception in 1971. This unique blend draws its essence from the coffee-growing regions of Sumatra, West Java, and Sulawesi, resulting in a remarkable cup of Starbucks’ most daring blend. Enriched with spicy undertones, fragrant hints of smoked cedar, and allspice, complemented by subtle notes of black truffle and fresh tarragon, this dark-roasted masterpiece delivers an intense, earthy richness that truly embodies exceptional coffee.

The packaging of the Anniversary Blend captures the nurturing essence of the siren – an emblem closely associated with Starbucks – exuding a warm, inviting, and self-assured aura.

“The Anniversary Blend is our homage to Starbucks’ rich coffee heritage. Crafted with the finest ethically sourced Indonesian coffee and aged to perfection for five years, this blend showcases our steadfast commitment to innovation, offering a timeless taste. As Starbucks commemorates its 52nd year, we find immense joy in extending this extraordinary coffee experience to coffee aficionados nationwide. Coffee is no longer just a beverage; it’s an integral facet of our lives, a culture that binds us and the Anniversary Blend is here to further enrich this very culture,” shared Sushant Dash, CEO, Tata Starbucks.

The exclusive Starbucks® Anniversary blend comes in a 250-gram package, or customers can opt to enjoy any of their preferred beverages made with the Anniversary blend as their chosen espresso at Starbucks stores throughout India or through various delivery services.

Presently, Starbucks runs a total of 347 establishments in India, spanning 47 different cities. These outlets are operated through a joint venture known as TATA Starbucks Private Limited, operating under the brand name Starbucks Coffee – A TATA Alliance.

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NuNectar launches Super Vita: A healthy, junk-free drink for kids!

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NuNectar

NuNectar, a rising star in India’s health and wellness retail sector, is excited to introduce Super Vita, an innovative and nutritious health beverage specially crafted for children. The brand has launched a groundbreaking digital marketing campaign featuring Rakshanda Khan, a renowned television actor and a dedicated mother.

It’s concerning to find out that children can consume as much as 5 kilograms of chemically processed refined sugar in a year, all from products labeled as “health drinks.” What’s even more worrisome is that many of these supposedly wholesome beverages frequently include preservatives and artificial colors.

Nevertheless, parents can now breathe a sigh of relief, courtesy of the emergence of a new startup, NuNectar Foods, offering a solution.

NuNectar’s Super Vita stands as a wholesome, junk-free health beverage tailored for children, fortified with 40 vital nutrients, and composed of a combination of three super grains: Barley, Bajra, and Wheat. Enhanced with the natural sweetness of jaggery and a delightful Swiss Chocolate flavor, Super Vita delivers a delectable taste without sacrificing health. What truly distinguishes Super Vita as free from unwanted additives is its complete absence of refined sugar, added preservatives, and artificial colors. Hence, every sip of Super Vita delivers authentic nutritional benefits.

In a marketing arena frequently filled with conventional messages from well-established brands, NuNectar is boldly delivering genuine communication to its audience through a unique digital campaign. This campaign not only introduces the product but also highlights the crucial significance of holistic nutrition in a child’s life. It underscores NuNectar’s dedication to becoming a reliable ally for parents in fostering their children’s health and overall well-being. This approach has resonated remarkably with the audience, generating overwhelmingly positive feedback.

“Super Vita is probably the only junk-free health drink for kids in India that is power-packed with 40 essential nutrients known to aid muscle and bone growth, bolster immunity and help support brain development. For parents seeking a truly wholesome choice for their children, Super Vita is the go-to health drink. Super Vita is tested by an accredited lab and is reviewed and recommended by professional nutritionists for kids,” said Hermann Arora, Founder.

In a brief period, Super Vita has rapidly gained momentum and is currently emerging as the favored choice among children’s health drinks on Amazon India. Additionally, it is conveniently accessible for purchase on the brand’s website, complete with attractive offers.

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Goodgudi secures seed funding, plans to launch 40 retail outlets in 24 months

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GoodGudi
GoodGudi

GoodGudi, a high-speed lifestyle retail chain specializing in household and consumer goods, has successfully secured seed funding. The financing round was spearheaded by AC Ventures, with active involvement from April Ventures, Capinity Partners, High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs), and notable angels such as Kunal Shah and Aprameya Radhakrishna.

According to insider reports, the funding in this round amounts to between $800,000 and $1 million.

Established by Anurag Gupta, Sagar Yarnalkar, and Chandan Kumar, Goodgudi has ambitious plans to establish over 40 retail outlets within the upcoming 24 months. The brand specializes in offering high-quality utility-focused products across diverse categories, encompassing home utilities, travel accessories, gifts, fashion accessories, personal care items, kitchenware, stationery, children’s products, and toys.

It’s important to highlight that Anurag Gupta and Sagar Yarnalkar previously founded the e-grocery startup Dailyninja, which was acquired by the Tata-owned grocery giant BigBasket in early 2020.

According to Goodgudi, the key feature of these stores will be the regular launch of new designs and product lines, ensuring that something innovative and appealing becomes available on the shelves every 30 days. This strategy is designed to cultivate an interactive and ever-evolving shopping experience for their customers.

The fast lifestyle retail sector has achieved remarkable global success, with prominent entities like Miniso, Daiso, Mumuso, and Ximivogue running highly profitable enterprises. Miniso, for instance, has expanded into the Indian market and currently operates over 250 stores in India.

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Restaurant chains and food delivery platforms seek ‘essential’ status amid G20 closures

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Food delivery platforms, restaurant chains, and food service companies have urged the government to classify deliveries as “essential services, similar to those during pandemic lockdowns,” ahead of the G20 summit.

The government has announced that New Delhi will be designated as a “controlled zone” along with a series of restrictions and closures.

“Food and groceries are essential services. These deliveries were permitted even during Covid-19 lockdowns. From a consumer convenience perspective, it will be helpful if the government permits these services in compliance with guidelines,” said Dinker Vashisht, vice president, public policy, at food delivery and aggregator platform Swiggy.

In accordance with a public notice released by the Delhi government, all employers operating shops, commercial, and business establishments in New Delhi are required to shut down their operations from September 8 to September 10.

“Various government departments and ministries had been engaging with hospitality companies for the past many months with the objective of providing good experiences to guests during G20,” said Prakul Kumar, Secretary General of National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), which represents 500,000 restaurant companies. “We were looking forward to it. But with complete closures leading to losses, at least deliveries should be permitted. We have no clarity and no guidelines on the matter so far.”

Executives have mentioned that the G20 long weekend, officially declared as a public holiday by the Center, is resulting in an increased number of people leaving the town, which is expected to have an additional impact on sales.

In a letter addressed to the Delhi government, the NRAI said, “Food delivery from restaurants may be permitted as part of essential services as was also done during the Covid-19 pandemic. This will help in mitigating to some extent the business disruptions and losses faced by industry due to the closures and restrictions.”

The G20 Summit is set to take place from September 9 to September 10, and it will witness the arrival of numerous world leaders in the capital.

While Delhi Police has said there is “no restriction on movement of essential commodities coming through Delhi borders”, it has not given any directives on allowing food deliveries. Traffic police has cautioned commuters that they may experience more-than-normal traffic on select roads, advising citizens to avoid such places during specified periods.

While groceries may be classified as essential services, executives said food delivery platforms will suffer the most in terms of loss of business opportunity.

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