Capital Foods, the company driving renowned brands like Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones, is set to amplify its marketing expenditure by 15-20% during this fiscal year, as stated by a high-ranking corporate official.
According to Digbijoy Chakraborty, the Marketing General Manager at Capital Foods, the company’s marketing expenses could potentially reach up to INR 100 crore during a bustling year.
“Our marketing budget will increase by 15-20% in FY24 compared to last fiscal year. Our marketing spend varies from year to year, but in a busy year, it’s around INR 100 crore,” Chakraborty said, while declining to share the marketing spend figure for FY24.
The majority of the company’s marketing budget is allocated to television and digital platforms, while the remaining portion is divided among other mediums such as print, outdoor, and activations.
In the realm of television and digital marketing, the company’s expenditure leans significantly towards reality shows, attributed to the substantial brand impact they generate.
“Overall, we spend between 25% and 30% of our marketing budget on reality shows,” he said.
Besides TV and digital, the company also uses regional print and outdoor advertising to reach its core consumers. “Our media mix for reaching out to our target audience comprises TV and OTT, followed by outdoor and print,” he said.
Chakraborty emphasized that creating strong top-of-mind recall among consumers is a crucial strategy for effectively competing against both global and regional competitors.
In a world that often prioritizes convenience over origin, the magnetic pull of farm-fresh goodness remains unwavering. Enter brands like Happy Nature, an embodiment of quality birthed from a reverence for nature, standing tall as a tribute to the enduring truth that authenticity is beyond compare. Behind the façade of every cherished brand, lies a narrative of fervor, tenacity, and a voyage that converts a vision into reality. This is the captivating chronicle of Happy Nature, the treasured purveyor of farm-fresh milk and breakfast delights, nurtured within the nurturing embrace of Doozy Farms.
Is it yet another classic story of how an IIT graduate started his own business and became a full-time entrepreneur after listening to his inner call? Perhaps, but it’s also about passion, hard work, and something that everyone loves – food! The genesis of Happy Nature traces back to Vishal Rastogi, the Founder of Doozy Farms, who, once a full-time IT professional, found himself at a college reunion. During this gathering of minds from IIT Roorkee, an unconventional idea germinated—an idea that would combine business with social corporate responsibility. In an exclusive interview with SnackFax, Vishal reveals, “something different which has a social corporate responsibility as well” was the notion that seized their imagination.
The idea took root in Vishal’s mind and began to evolve. Simultaneously, he realized the unsettling truth that milk, a staple of many lives, was tainted with reports of adulteration according to the World Health Organization. It was then that the seeds of a solution were sown, and the vision to provide unadulterated, high-quality milk materialized. As Vishal delves into how this notion emerged while juggling a demanding 9-to-5 IT job, the transformation from a technology professional to a dairy farmer gains clarity. The shift from an IT cubicle to cultivating a full-time dairy farm housing around 350 animals was no easy feat. Vishal confesses, “It was not an easy journey for the first couple of years because we never realized, after coming from IT where we just sat in a room, after taking a car ride from the morning to the office because that’s where you are and that’s what you become after two decades into IT.”
Cultivating Authenticity: The Essence of Happy Nature
At the heart of Happy Nature’s ascent lies an unwavering commitment to authenticity. The founders recognized the yearning for genuine connections with the source of sustenance – the land itself. Doozy Farms, nestled in nature’s embrace, became the nurturing canvas where authenticity found its brushstrokes. In this haven, cows roamed freely, vegetables flourished, and the symphony of life played on, all while fostering a sense of trust that would resonate with consumers.
The evolution of Happy Nature pivoted around the cornerstone of quality. Right from its inception, the brand was dedicated to nurturing the land and its inhabitants with profound care. This devotion translated into the milk that flowed from contented cows and the ingredients that adorned breakfast tables. The meticulous symphony of quality ensured that every product bearing the Happy Nature insignia bore witness to the farm’s unwavering pursuit of excellence.
As Doozy Farms thrived, an exquisite synergy between people and nature flourished. Fueled by engaging farm tours, vibrant community events, and shared moments, this connection became the very soul of Happy Nature’s brand identity. The breakfast table transformed into a nexus where conversations meandered, laughter reverberated, and bonds deepened. Happy Nature ceased to be merely a brand; it became a bridge that united hearts.
Sustainability wasn’t a mere afterthought for Happy Nature; it was interwoven into its very essence. The farm’s commitment to ethical practices and eco-conscious choices seamlessly aligned with the values of discerning consumers seeking brands with a conscience. This commitment transcended responsible choices; it was a resounding pledge to safeguard the environment for generations yet to come.
A Journey Paved with Resilience and Growth:
Happy Nature’s ascent as a brand wasn’t without its share of trials. It demanded unwavering perseverance, adaptability, and an unflinching dedication to evolve in tandem with shifting consumer expectations. Whether it was expanding breakfast offerings or incorporating innovative packaging, the brand’s metamorphosis served as a testament to its resolute commitment to continuously enhance the customer experience.
The voyage from dream to reality underscores the transformative power of passion, authenticity, and connection. Happy Nature’s evolution into a cherished emblem of farm-fresh goodness wasn’t a mere occurrence; it was the culmination of boundless dedication, a profound love for nature, and a shared vision of spreading joy. From the fertile embrace of Doozy Farms to the breakfast tables of homes spanning continents, Happy Nature stands as a shining exemplar of how dreams metamorphose into brands that touch lives and stir souls.
Watch our exclusive conversation with Vishal Rastogi here:
Zomato, the prominent player in the food technology sector, initially introduced a platform fee of INR 2 per order for specific users. This fee has now been expanded to a larger user base and has also been subjected to an increase.
Analyzing orders made through the platform across diverse cities, it has come to light that Zomato is imposing a platform fee of INR 3 on certain users in Tier II cities. Conversely, the platform fee appears to stand at INR 2 for the majority of users in metropolitan cities.
Furthermore, Zomato has initiated the practice of levying the platform fee on Zomato Gold users as well. Previously, individuals with a Zomato Gold subscription were exempt from this charge.
Addressing inquiries regarding the alterations in the platform fee structure, a representative from Zomato commented, “Platform fee will be applicable for all our customers. We are still in the experiment stage, and are gradually rolling it out across India.”
Previously, the prominent food technology company had stated that the ‘fixed fee’ would be applicable regardless of the total order value, and this implementation would empower the company to enrich its platform features.
Zomato’s decision to impose the platform fee followed several months after its competitor Swiggy initiated a platform fee of INR 2 in April of the current year.
The introduction of the new fee can primarily be attributed to the food technology platforms’ endeavors to establish an additional income stream while striving for improved profitability.
This recent advancement arrives during a period when Zomato has been introducing fresh features. In June, the company introduced a multi-restaurant cart feature, and it has also been conducting experiments with generative artificial intelligence (AI) across its various platforms.
Zomato achieved profitability in the initial quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), reporting a consolidated post-tax profit (PAT) of INR 2 crore, in contrast to a net loss of INR 186 crore recorded in the same quarter of the preceding financial year.
In the previous March quarter, Zomato incurred a net loss of INR 188 crore, while also achieving a positive adjusted EBITDA, excluding Blinkit.
In the first quarter of FY24, the gross order value (GOV) for Zomato’s food delivery segment amounted to INR 7,318 crore, marking an increase from INR 6,425 crore recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year.
In today’s fast-paced realm, where the pursuit of enhanced nutrition converges with the requirement for exquisite taste, and in light of the prevalent issue of protein deficiency, Phab emerges as your ultimate ally on the path to a healthier life.
Phab’s offerings encompass a protein-rich indulgence, devoid of artificial sweeteners, trans fats, GMOs, and other undesirable additives. Within their array of nutrition bars, protein milkshakes, energy snacks, and protein supplements lies a purpose to render the shift to a healthier way of life smooth and gratifying. This commitment ensures you obtain your daily quota of #ProteinForYourRoutine.
Established through the collaborative efforts of Gayatri and Ankit Chona, Phab amalgamates their individual journeys and their shared enthusiasm for crafting wholesome yet delectable snacks. Leveraging her credentials as a certified nutritionist, Gayatri assumes a pivotal role in shaping product development, guaranteeing that Phab’s selections consistently uphold top-tier nutritional benchmarks. On the other hand, Ankit, a seasoned entrepreneur in the food industry with a rich background spanning more than twenty years, draws inspiration from his own voyage towards achieving equilibrium and well-being. This journey involved surmounting weight and health hurdles from an early age.
Gayatri Chona, Co-Founder and Nutritionist said, “When I read these shocking stats, I realised that India has a vast protein deficiency. Our mission is to make protein accessible for all but also make healthy eating delicious and fun. I believe in taking small steps to create big changes in life. With Phab, you can make that easy switch to healthier living — anytime, anywhere.”
Discover the remarkable array of Phab’s products: Foremost among them are Phab’s Protein Milkshakes, boasting fresh variations such as mango and vanilla almond, which have gained widespread popularity. Fusing taste and nutrition seamlessly, Phab’s Protein Bars present a single-bar solution that furnishes you with superior, easily assimilated protein for your daily regimen. Meanwhile, their Energy Bars provide an impeccable snacking remedy that remains steadfast in delivering taste. With options like Chocolate Brownie, Strawberries and Greek Yogurt, and Mocha Nut Fudge, the flavors only amplify the delight.
The most recent inclusion to their repertoire is an assortment of high-energy Granola Bars, enriched with rolled oats and sweetened using Arabic date paste, offering a delightful amalgamation of crispiness and softness. Aptly named Protein and Energy Bombs, these compact dynamites pack a powerful punch. Additionally, for those in pursuit of workout supplements to bolster muscle growth and repair, Phab’s Protein Powders stand as an ideal choice.
Phab stands out due to their resolute dedication to both flavor and nutritional excellence. In a landscape where numerous “health-conscious” snacks are burdened with surplus sugar and deficient in crucial nutrients and fiber, Phab distinguishes itself by fastidiously choosing top-tier ingredients and partnering with a consortium of food scientists, nutritionists, and culinary connoisseurs. The outcome is a collection of delectably nourishing snacks.
Drawing from local farmers, Phab incorporates Indian superfoods like jowar and ragi into their offerings. Their assortment, designed to promote gut health, features prebiotics as well as specialized plant fibers that foster the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Phab presents budget-friendly pricing and is conveniently available on well-known online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Tata 1mg, and Bigbasket. You can also find their products on physical store shelves, including retail chains such as Reliance Smart, Nature’s Basket, Foodhall, 24Seven, Wellness Forever, Noble Chemist, and numerous others.
Ankit Chona, Co-Founder of Phab said, “With Phab, our mission is to make healthy snacking accessible to everyone, and I am thrilled about the positive impact we are making in people’s lives!”
The Qatar Investment Authority has committed to invest INR 8,278 crore (approximately $1 billion) into Reliance Retail Ventures, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries. This investment secures them a 0.99 percent equity stake in the company, which is valued at INR 8.3 lakh crore. This valuation is now twice the value it held three years ago.
During 2020, Reliance Retail Ventures successfully garnered INR 47,265 crore from a group of international investors in exchange for a 10 percent equity share. At that time, the equity valuation had amounted to INR 4.2 lakh crore. In an official exchange filing, the company stated that this transaction positioned RRVL as one of the four leading companies in the country in terms of total equity value.
RRVL oversees the entirety of RIL’s retail and consumer-focused enterprises, which encompass sectors such as groceries, consumer electronics, fashion and lifestyle, as well as pharmaceutical products.
“We look forward to benefitting from QIA’s global experience and strong track record of value creation as we further develop Reliance Retail Ventures Limited into a world-class institution, driving the transformation of the Indian retail sector,” Isha Ambani, Director, said in the statement.
The company said that QIA’s “investment comes as the Qatari fund seeks to further invest in India’s fast-growing economy.”
The timing of this announcement holds particular significance, occurring just prior to RIL’s annual general meeting scheduled for August 28th.
RRVL’s upcoming listing is anticipated, and during the AGM, Mukesh Ambani, renowned for significant announcements, might also provide a timeline for this event. The conglomerate has recently accomplished the listing of Jio Financial Services, marking its first listing in approximately 17 years.
Retail stands as a substantial contributor to the revenue of the RIL Group. In the fiscal year 2023, RRVL disclosed a revenue of $31.7 billion, accompanied by an operating profit of $2.2 billion.
Having amassed a customer base of approximately 250 million and operating more than 18,000 stores, it commanded a cumulative retail space of 66 million square feet by the close of March.
Its expansion is being propelled by a combination of deliberate acquisitions and natural growth. A portion of the newly acquired funds from QIA will be allocated towards these acquisitions.
In the current year of 2023, the stock of RIL has experienced an appreciation of approximately 9 percent.
Being the sole partner of the renowned Swiss Chocolate brand Läderach in India, the DS Group, a diversified multi-business corporation and a prominent conglomerate in the FMCG sector, has revealed plans to open the inaugural exclusive Läderach retail store in the country. Positioned within the prestigious DLF Emporio mall in New Delhi, this upscale establishment marks a noteworthy achievement in India’s luxury chocolate retail scene. The partnership harmonizes DS Group’s commitment to excellence and top-notch standards with Läderach’s unparalleled artistry, presenting Indian customers with an extraordinary chocolate retail venture.
The store’s grand opening included a special masterclass led by Elias Läderach, the recipient of the World Chocolate Masters award. This international competition gathers top pastry chefs and chocolatiers to influence the direction of the chocolate industry. Elias Läderach, a third-generation chocolatier from the esteemed Läderach family, enthusiastically imparted his wealth of knowledge and artistic skills during the event.
Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group said, “The first exclusive Läderach store at DLF Emporio is sure to be Delhi’s ultimate chocolate destination. We’re excited to bring our customers a unique experience offering unparalleled moments of chocolate indulgence. Our family has been a loyal Läderach customer for over a decade, and it gives me immense pleasure to bring this quality-conscious brand to the Indian consumer. DS Group has always been committed to delivering best-in-class products, and our collaboration with Läderach further reinforces this commitment. With their unmatched expertise and unwavering dedication to quality, Läderach perfectly complements our vision of offering the best to our consumers.”
The inauguration of Delhi’s inaugural Läderach store signifies the initiation of an exceptional chocolate adventure for Indian patrons. The store is set to exhibit a wide spectrum of Läderach’s opulent chocolate innovations, encompassing their celebrated FrischSchoggi (fresh chocolate), Tablets, pralines, truffles, and exquisite chocolate bars. Every item is intricately crafted by hand, resulting in an unmatched fusion of flavors, textures, and aromas that elevate the act of savoring chocolate to unprecedented levels of delight.
Elias Läderach said, “We are thrilled to introduce Läderach to the vibrant Indian market. India has a rich cultural heritage and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and luxury, making it the perfect destination for our brand’s expansion. The launch of the first store in India is a testament to our continued efforts in providing exceptional products and experiences to our esteemed consumers.”
The DS Group has successfully established an exclusive collaboration with ‘Läderach’ to introduce the Swiss luxury chocolate brand to the Indian market. Within the upcoming two years, the Group plans to inaugurate 5-7 exclusive boutiques, strategically fortifying Läderach’s position within India’s thriving chocolate retail arena.
Ranveer Singh, the captivating star of Bollywood, has joined forces with Britannia NutriChoice, a leading name in its field, to introduce a captivating new advertising venture called #FeelTheFit. Devised by the creative minds at Lowe Lintas Bangalore, this campaign seamlessly resonates with the brand’s dedication to advocating smart choices. It aims to highlight the remarkable power of making small strides towards embracing a healthier lifestyle.
The #FeelTheFit initiative is tactfully crafted to inspire individuals to remain dedicated to their journey of overall health and well-being. It emphasizes that every effort, regardless of its size, signifies advancement in the correct direction. The campaign aims to shift the conversation away from solely concentrating on the end goal, and instead, concentrates on the positive feeling that accompanies each virtuous choice.
The campaign consists of two cinematic creations where Ranveer embodies a metaphor, representing the feeling of being “fit waali” (associated with fitness) that individuals encounter when they make a virtuous decision – like opting for NutriChoice as their preferred snack. The core idea behind the TV commercials is to delve into the concept that a seemingly simple yet wise decision holds the capability to instill within us a deep sense of self-value.
Amit Doshi, CMO at Britannia Industries said, “In the contemporary world today, fitness is a state of mind, which transcends the appearance of a person. With this in mind, we have launched the #FeelTheFit campaign to celebrate every big and small effort that a person takes towards this journey – be it going to the gym or eating right. The idea behind the campaign is to motivate consumers to opt for a good choice, no matter what the scale of that choice is.”
Arpan Bhattacharyya, Executive Director and Head of Creative (Copy) Lowe Lintas, Bangalore said, “Most ads about fitness focus on the end result. We wanted to focus on the beginning. Because be it the first meal of a complete diet or the first day of a workout regime – every fitness journey begins with a small choice. Making that small choice makes us feel better and fitter, instantly. That’s what we wanted to celebrate with this campaign. Because a fitness journey well begun is half the job done.”
Through the #FeelTheFit movement, Britannia NutriChoice aims to inspire millions to recognize the significant impact that small, positive decisions can exert on their overall well-being. By selecting Britannia NutriChoice, individuals can relish the same feeling of fitness portrayed by Ranveer Singh in the campaign. Britannia NutriChoice remains dedicated to providing consumers with a diverse range of wise choices, including options with zero-added sugar such as Digestive Zero biscuits and Sugar-Free Crackers, along with delightful cookie selections like NutriChoice Seeds cookies. Additionally, the brand has notably transitioned to using ‘0 percent Maida’ in the majority of its product offerings.
Zomato, a digital-native company specializing in both food delivery and quick commerce, had a significant reason to celebrate. For the first time in its history, the company achieved profitability, recording a remarkable INR 2 crore profit in the initial quarter of this fiscal year.
In FY23, Zomato managed an impressive volume of over 640 million orders, serving an average of 17 million monthly customers. Alongside this resurgence in business following the pandemic’s initial impact, the company also experienced a proportional increase in its demand for computing power.
Fundamentally, Zomato is built as a technology-centric platform, a fact underscored by its substantial investments in information technology. In the fiscal year 2023, Zomato committed INR 386.7 crore to IT-related expenses, reflecting a notable 34% growth compared to the previous financial year. This increase can be largely attributed to heightened platform activity and the incorporation of Blinkit in August 2022. While this rise represents a slower pace compared to the impressive 88% surge in IT spending during the preceding year ending in March 2022, the cumulative technology budget is on track to surpass the $50 million milestone in the current year.
Zomato harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to drive advancements on its platform, catering to the needs of various stakeholders such as customers, delivery partners, and restaurants. Among these stakeholders, restaurant partners enjoy significant advantages through fully automated order management systems. These encompass a range of functions including order transmission, order processing, menu synchronization, payment reconciliation, content promotion, marketing tools, and invoice management features.
During the month of June, Zomato introduced a data analytics platform named “Food Trends” to provide its restaurant partners with a data-driven methodology for making decisions regarding dishes, pricing, and locations. Zomato Food Trends effectively processes data from millions of transactions spanning numerous cities across India and is accessible to a wide audience.
Zomato also joined forces with ICICI Bank this year to roll out its very own unified payments interface (UPI) offering named Zomato UPI. This innovative feature enables customers to conveniently settle payments for their orders directly through the app by establishing their unique UPI ID. This streamlines the payment process, eliminating the requirement for redirection to external payment gateways. Moreover, these strategic endeavors accentuate the necessity for enhanced computing power while maintaining a strong emphasis on security protocols.
Technology holds a crucial position in another aspect critical to Zomato: the enlistment of its delivery partners. This process involves leveraging Aadhaar-based verification through Digilocker, thereby strengthening the validation of authenticity and deterring impersonation. Additionally, the company has integrated checks based on application programming interfaces (APIs) to ensure compliance with regulatory licenses. In the pursuit of refining logistical operations, Zomato has taken a step further by installing automated weather stations across select cities, including Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, and Chennai. This initiative enhances rain forecasting accuracy and offers customers improved visibility through the application.
There is a perception that Zomato might face robust competition from the government-supported Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an open protocol crafted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce. ONDC’s objective is to unite buyers, sellers, and logistics operators, and it has attracted significant players like PhonePe, Paytm, Meesho, as well as international giants such as Microsoft and Amazon, who have already become part of the platform. Nonetheless, ONDC has not yet managed to significantly impact the landscape of digital native ventures.
This effort aims to guarantee the quality and safety of milk and dairy products that are transported to Kerala from neighboring states. (Representative Image)
During the Onam festival season, the Food Safety department will enhance its surveillance at border check-posts. This effort aims to guarantee the quality and safety of milk and dairy products that are transported to Kerala from neighboring states.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Health Minister Veena George announced that food safety authorities have been instructed to conduct frequent inspections of shipments arriving from neighboring regions. These inspections will be conducted in collaboration with the Department of Dairy Development. Teams of officials have been assigned to maintain continuous monitoring at border check-posts located in Kumily, Parassala, Aryankavu, Meenakshipuram, and Walayar. These inspection efforts are scheduled to persist until August 28th.
As stated in the press release, mobile laboratories have been deployed at the check-posts to conduct testing on milk and dairy items during transportation. These laboratories will gather samples from the tankers and conduct thorough analyses. If any samples are found to contain chemical residues, they will be forwarded to laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety department. This step is taken to ensure a comprehensive examination of the samples.
Depending on the outcomes of the tests, appropriate measures will be implemented against shipments that breach food safety standards. Additionally, samples of fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and vegetable oils transported from other states will also be gathered at the check-posts for evaluation.
Taco Bell, the internationally acclaimed brand recognized for its Mexican-inspired fare, has recently introduced its new Indian Desi Menu.
This flavor fusion aims to bridge the offerings of Mexican-inspired fast-food with the diverse tastes of Indian consumers.
The Indian Desi Menu offers a variety of selections, ranging from the indulgent Paneer Makhni Taco to the flavorful Butter Chicken Taco and the savory Chicken Seekh Kebab Taco.
Every item has been meticulously prepared using a blend of unique ingredients, expertly paired with a medley of crisp vegetables, all encased in a comforting, airy chalupa bread or presented in a delightfully soft shell.
“With the introduction of the ‘Indian Desi Menu’ we are thrilled to offer our consumers something culturally desi, crazy and delicious. As we continue to expand our footprint across the country, it becomes imperative to bring about an offering that bridges the gap between the rich flavours of Indian cuisine and the beloved taco concept Taco Bell is renowned for.” said, Gaurav Burman, Director, Burman Hospitality Private Limited, Taco Bell’s exclusive franchise partner in India.
The company is excited to initiate a captivating online campaign, introducing the menu through a digital video available across various social media platforms.
The Indian Desi Menu is now accessible at all Taco Bell outlets across India, with prices starting at a mere INR 165.
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