Zomato and Swiggy, the popular food delivery platforms, recently took to social media to show their support by expressing their endorsement for the upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission. In a particularly creative gesture, Zomato shared an image featuring the delectable “dahi cheeni,” a traditional Indian dessert blending yogurt and sugar, coupled with their best wishes for the mission’s resounding success.
With a significant online footprint, both Zomato and Swiggy boast millions of followers across diverse social media channels. Through these shared posts, they not only showcased their solidarity with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) but also ignited a surge of exhilaration and eagerness among their vast array of followers.
Swiggy, on the other hand, shared a heartfelt wish. “1 delivery, 1.4 billion smiles! wishing #Chandrayaan3 a happy touchdown on the moon,” read the post.
1 delivery, 1.4 billion smiles! wishing #Chandrayaan3 a happy touchdown on the moon ?
— Indian Scientist | भारतीय वैज्ञानिक ?? (@deshivaigyanik) August 23, 2023
As the countdown to the Chandrayaan-3 launch commences, the support garnered from diverse corners of society, including these influential figures in the food delivery sector, acts as a poignant reminder of the shared spirit propelling our nation’s holistic progress.
Chandrayaan-3, the eagerly awaited third lunar exploration expedition led by ISRO, follows the success of the Chandrayaan-2 initiative, which garnered global attention due to its impressive advancements in space exploration. The forthcoming mission has the objective of deepening our comprehension of the lunar landscape and its multifaceted characteristics.
The India Club in London, renowned as a cherished haven for many Indians residing in the UK, is set to close its doors permanently next month due to an unfavorable outcome in a demolition lawsuit.
The delightfully unique India Club located at 143 Strand has retained much of its original charm since its establishment over half a century ago.
Nestled atop a staircase, the India Club holds a place within London’s historical fabric. Initially founded by the India League to foster Indo-British camaraderie in the aftermath of independence, it swiftly evolved into a hub for organizations catering to the Asian community. The India Club situated at 143 Strand soon gained renown as a hospitable haven, offering a platform for seeking guidance, cultural bonding, and the freedom to converse in one’s native language.
Yadgar Marker and his daughter Phiroza, the proprietors, initiated a “Save India Club” campaign in a valiant effort to sustain its existence. However, despite their endeavors, the group has regrettably declared the closure of the establishment.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the closure of the India Club, with our last day open to the public on September 17,” they shared.
During a period when the everyday lives and encounters of Asians in Britain might have posed challenges, 143 Strand emerged as a crucial gathering place for diaspora communities from the subcontinent. For a generation of trailblazing immigrants, it served as a comforting refuge, akin to a second home.
The interior of 143 Strand, with its uniquely charming features including the distinctive entrance, stairwells, reception area, first-floor bar, and second-floor restaurant, has retained its original state from the time of the India League’s occupancy.
Sharing a post on X, MP and politician Shashi Tharoor shared, “I am sorry to hear that the India Club, London, is to close permanently in September. As the son of one of its founders, I lament the passing of an institution that served so many Indians (and not only Indians) for nearly three-quarters of a century. For many students, journalists and travellers, it was a home away from home, offering simple and good quality Indian food at affordable prices as well as a convivial atmosphere to meet and maintain friendships.”
I am sorry to hear that the India Club, London, is to close permanently in September. As the son of one of its founders, I lament the passing of an institution that served so many Indians (and not only Indians) for nearly three-quarters of a century. For many students,… pic.twitter.com/bwyOB1zqIu
Vaum, a remarkable beverage enterprise operating within the retail domain, is committed to encapsulating the tranquil melodies of nature in each of its bottles. Established by Siddharth Saraf and Aakash Khaunte, Cousins and Co-Founders, Vaum derives its inspiration from the Sanskrit term “Vaum/Vahmn,” representing the serene echoes of water. With this ideology as their compass, the entrepreneurial pair took the lead in introducing India’s first collection of quinine-free botanical beverages.
Frustrated by the common issue of mixers overpowering the flavors of top-shelf spirits, Siddharth and Aakash set out to redefine the drinking experience. Siddharth acknowledges that the right mixer can elevate the enjoyment of spirits but notes the challenge of finding one that enhances rather than detracts from the spirit’s essence. He emphasizes, “We were frustrated with mixers that failed to enhance the taste of high-quality spirits, instead detracting from their flavor. With Vaum Tonics’ range of sophisticated soft drinks, you can enjoy a refreshing and satisfying drink without compromising your health or your taste buds.”
Vaum finds its pride in the artful concoctions of natural components, carefully balanced to present a delicate and intricate range of flavors. These are thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with, rather than overpower, your chosen spirits. Whether you’re indulging in a classic gin and tonic, a refined glass of rum, or a smooth sip of vodka, Vaum assures an unparalleled enhancement of your drinking journey.
Vaum distinguishes itself with an unwavering commitment to using only the finest ingredients sourced from top European flavor houses, ensuring that every sip bursts with authentic, high-quality taste. Siddharth, the co-founder of Vaum Tonics, proudly states, “We’ve partnered with Hayley Troup and Ed Swete, two of the world’s leading beverage innovators, to create seven distinct and memorable flavors that are produced in India with botanicals imported from Europe, blended and bottled with champagne-esque carbonation in Goa.”
Drawing upon the technical mastery and vast know-how of Liquid Fusions, Vaum has meticulously formulated distinctive recipes that belong solely to the company. The outcome is an assemblage of exquisite, naturally infused, and refined non-alcoholic beverages that boast an impressively low caloric content.
Akash Khaunte observes that India is currently undergoing a beverage revolution, reminiscent of the early 2000s in the United States. He said, “With consumers becoming increasingly adventurous in their taste preferences and seeking out high-quality international drinks, we have developed exceptional beverages in India that can be enjoyed by people all over the country.”
Vaum presents a duo of product lineups tailored to a wide array of preferences. The initial selection encompasses Traditional Tonic Waters, featuring variants like Classic Indian, Lite Indian (with zero calories), and Limone. These options are meticulously infused with quinine, embracing a more conventional flavor spectrum.
In its second array, Quinine-Free Botanical Sparklers emerge as a pioneering notion within India. These dual-infused botanical beverages offer the versatility of being enjoyed either as prepared sodas or as enhancers for any alcoholic libation. With each flavor boasting fewer than 30 calories per serving, they exhibit approximately one-third of the sugar content commonly encountered in conventional sodas. Among the prominent selections within this range are the well-received ‘Grapefruit-Rosemary’ and ‘Mango-Fig’ Botanicals, accompanied by other distinctive choices such as ‘Elderflower-Rosemary’ and ‘Cucumber-Mint.’
With a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation, Vaum has rapidly earned a reputation for excellence since commencing full-scale operations just 14 months ago. Notable milestones include partnering with Hosa Siolim, a subsidiary of the Indian Accent group in Goa, to produce bottled cocktails. In March 2023, Vaum established a collaboration with Impressario, the company behind all the Socials in Mumbai, further solidifying its position as an industry leader. Additionally, Vaum has joined forces with the Campari group to participate in the January 2023 edition of the Gin Explorers Club in Mumbai. Siddharth adds, “These partnerships have led to other successful events across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, featuring Campari/Bulldog Gin.”
Vaum is poised to redefine the landscape of the Indian retail beverage industry by harmoniously blending natural ingredients with the tranquil melodies of nature. This marks a refreshing departure from conventional beverages, offering a sensory experience that seamlessly combines serenity and invigoration. Embark on the voyage with Vaum today, immersing yourself in the soothing symphonies of nature with every delightful sip.
Foodlink is thrilled to present a fresh era of culinary mastery with the grand reveal of the remarkable transformation of China Bistro.
China Bistro 2.0 stands as an embodiment of contemporary dining, advancing from the achievements of a dozen restaurants and three cloud kitchens across India and the UAE. Renowned as a Pan Asian culinary destination, China Bistro proudly heralds the advent of its latest iteration.
Sanjay Vazirani, the visionary Founder of Foodlink F&B Holdings Pvt Ltd, said, “We aspire to captivate our guests with an elevated dining encounter. From the reimagined interiors and ambiance to an enriched Pan Asian Menu complemented by an exquisitely curated beverage selection, China Bistro is poised to become the quintessential haven for our discerning clientele.”
Crafted by adept culinary artisans, China Bistro unveils an enriched menu that showcases a wide array of Neu Asian gastronomies, encompassing Japanese, Thai, Korean, Chinese, Burmese, and beyond.
The menu harmoniously combines timeless favorites such as Fire Roasted Mandarin Chicken and Vegetable Crystal Dumplings, alongside imaginative creations like Korean Kimchi Fried Rice and Ban Cahn.
Embarking on a gastronomic voyage, the culinary expedition presents dessert choices such as Choco Orange Tsunami and Buddha’s Fu, encapsulating the very essence of Asian tastes.
Elevating the realm of gastronomic delights, China Bistro 2.0 unveils a pioneering bar menu, presenting a medley of beverages inspired by Asian influences.
Spanning the fusion of Kiwi and lemongrass within the Vietnamese Punch to the playful tapioca pearls adorning the Lotus Biscoff Bubble Tea, every detail of the mocktail menu has been meticulously honed to perfection.
China Bistro’s accolades include the esteemed What’s Hot Owler’s Award for Best Chinese, as well as back-to-back Times Food and Nightlife Awards, crowning it as the premier Chinese Casual Dining Restaurant for both 2022 and 2023.
Reaffirming its resolute commitment to the welfare of delivery partners, Zomato Limited has now inaugurated a new rest point in Seawoods, Mumbai. This expansion, an integral part of the “Shelter Project” and building on the success of similar facilities in Gurgaon and Bangalore, exemplifies Zomato’s ongoing endeavor to foster a supportive ecosystem for the entire gig economy and the delivery partners representing various companies.
Much like its counterparts in Gurgaon and Bangalore, the recently unveiled rest point features amenities such as cozy seating, charging stations, restroom facilities, high-speed internet, a helpdesk, first-aid provisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, and food access. The intentional design of this project provides exclusive areas for delivery partners to recharge and unwind during their delivery schedules, promoting both their physical and mental health.
In partnership with Seawoods Nexus Mall, Navi Mumbai, the facility was unveiled with the participation of delivery partners representing various platforms. These esteemed partners were accorded the role of chief guests and took an active part in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting event. The inauguration of the delivery partner resting point took place to commemorate India’s 77th Independence Day.
Introduced earlier in the current year, Zomato’s pioneering initiative, named ‘The Shelter Project,’ is centered around establishing a more nurturing gig economy ecosystem for the delivery partners associated with diverse companies.
The inauguration took place during a ceremony held on the 17th of August, 2023.
Westfalia Fruit India is delighted to announce the launch of its first-ever Avocado ripening facility in Mumbai, India, marking a momentous stride forward. This pioneering initiative will empower the company to deliver perfectly ripe avocados to consumers in Mumbai and its surrounding areas, ensuring a delectable experience with every bite.
Situated in Navi Mumbai, close to the APMC market, the specialized ripening chamber has been meticulously constructed. The inauguration took place during a ceremony held on the 17th of August, 2023. Apart from the Westfalia Fruit India leadership cohort, prominent fruit distributors, wholesalers, brick-and-mortar retailers, and e-commerce operators graced the launch event with their presence.
Having positioned itself as the foremost contender and primary importer of avocados within India, Westfalia Fruit India has made a significant impact. Commencing its Indian operations just last year, Westfalia Fruit has already facilitated the delivery of more than 1,000 metric tons of avocados to the Indian market in 2023. This year also heralds the inaugural commercial harvest of domestically cultivated Hass avocados. Looking ahead, the forthcoming years will witness the activation of over 500 acres of our current Hass avocado plantations across Southern India, ensuring a dependable and uninterrupted year-round supply of avocados for consumers.
Speaking at the launch, Zac Bard, Director – Westfalia Fruit India, said, “Avocado ripeness has been a challenge for both retailers and consumers in India. Many consumers in India are not sure when is the perfect time to eat an avocado. Retailers also at times are unaware how to differently handle Hass avocados at different stages of their ripeness. Our perfectly ripened avocados will look to address this gap in the market.”
“Westfalia ripe and ready to eat avocados will be available in a special punnet and consumers can be assured of consistent quality and ripeness. This ripening facility will be a milestone in India and will change the way avocados are marketed and consumed,” added Zac.
“Westfalia Fruit India is excellently placed to offer avocados consistently from multiple origins all year round mentioned,” GVK Naidu, Director – Westfalia Fruit India and managing director of Sam Agri group, the Indian JV partners of Westfalia. “This ripening facility in Mumbai is just the start and in the coming months, we will have similar facilities in other major metros of the country,” added Naidu.
Global Brands, the owner of the alcoholic lemonade brand Hooch, has introduced a fresh line of ‘enhanced’ ready-to-drink beverages under the name Soopa Hooch.
Crafted to deliver the identical flavor profile as the brand’s timeless offerings, the novel lineup is described as a leap forward for Hooch. Infused with the energizing elements of taurine and guarana, the beverages boast an 8% ABV, doubling the potency of Hooch’s initial offerings which feature a 4% ABV.
The collection offers a selection of three flavors: Electric Lemonade, featuring hints of orange, lemon, and lime; Darkest Berry, an amalgamation of berries and lemon; and Twisted Tropical, presenting an enticing blend of orange and pineapple essences.
Within the new lineup, a velvety vodka spirit forms the foundation, complemented by a caffeine content of 32mg per 100ml. Additionally, the beverages incorporate natural caffeine sourced from taurine and guarana.
As stated by the brand, the expanded ready-to-drink (RTD) sector is presently undergoing a significant surge, witnessing a year-on-year growth of 25.5%.
Charlie Leaver, head of brand at Global Brands, said, “As a leading traditional RTD brand, Hooch has great brand recognition and an audience ranging from new consumers through to shoppers that know and love the brand from the 90s. We can’t wait to add value to the enhanced RTD category with an easily recognisable and innovative brand. The appeal and recognition of Hooch is set to shake-up an already high-growth area of RTDs.
“As the biggest supplier of packaged cocktails to the off trade, Global Brands look forward to elevating the enhanced RTD category with our innovation and expertise,” she added.
The recently introduced drinks can now be acquired at specific retailers in the UK, priced at a recommended rate of £2.89 for each 440ml can.
Back in January, Molson Coors relinquished Hooch, as well as the trademarks for Hooper’s and Reef, to Global Brands in a transaction of undisclosed value.
Consumer goods firms have indicated that unpredictable monsoon patterns and a devalued rupee could result in elevated prices of essential products during the approaching festive period. The focus has shifted towards the performance of the monsoon in the remaining weeks of the June-September rainy season, with increasing worries about the potential influence of El Nino.
Based on data from the India Meteorological Department, during the current southwest monsoon season from June 1 to August 22, a total of 270 districts experienced insufficient rainfall, with an additional 19 districts facing significant deficits. These districts are predominantly situated across West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Kerala.
“While we don’t see inflation as a big concern, patchy monsoons could impact some amount of consumer demand in the upcoming festive season, specially in rural markets. Shortfall in rain directly impacts crops, and that dampens consumer sentiment. We are hoping the deficit in rainfall will reverse in the coming weeks,” said Krishnarao Buddha, senior category head, marketing, at Parle Products, India’s largest biscuits maker.
In the past month, the costs of basmati rice have surged by 7-8%, following the government’s decision to prohibit the export of raw, white non-basmati rice.
“Exports of basmati are witnessing a surge post banning of non-basmati rice resulting in prices moving up. Now if the monsoon is erratic, then it will put further pressure on the overall availability of rice. The lengthy dry spell could impact the domestic soya bean crop, a major source of soybean oil,” said Angshu Mallick, managing director of Adani Wilmar, which sells the Fortune brand of products.
The depreciation of the rupee in comparison to the dollar has compounded the challenges for imported essential goods such as edible oils. Mallick mentioned that should the rupee continue to decline, the company will need to assess whether passing on the heightened cost of imported edible oil to customers is necessary.
Atul Garg, the managing director of GRM Overseas, noted that while rice cultivation gained momentum during the June-July period thanks to a revived monsoon, inconsistent rainfall in the subsequent period has adversely affected rice production. This, in turn, is anticipated to have a lasting influence on the pricing of essential consumer goods.
“Given the prevailing scenario, consumer staples prices are likely to remain elevated for a few more weeks,” Garg said.
In July, consumer inflation surged to a peak of 7.4% within a year, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India’s upper limit of 6%, primarily due to elevated food expenses.
Sraboni Haralalka, executive director of Wodehouse Capital Advisors, said, “Besides the monsoon, RBI’s policy statement also showed that firms expect inflation to trend upwards. In short, the economy is not yet past the point where inflation is no longer a threat to macroeconomic stability.”
In a captivating fusion of nostalgia and contemporary innovation, the Indian Railways has undertaken a clever endeavor to repurpose disused railway coaches, transforming them into enchanting dining establishments. This innovative project, known as the Coach Restaurant concept, is poised to revolutionize the culinary landscape at the Belagavi railway station.
With the intention of offering passengers and visitors at the Belagavi railway station an exceptional culinary journey, the department has strategically transformed out-of-service railway coaches into a fully functional restaurant. The presence of the Coach Restaurant within the station premises is set to infuse the atmosphere with a truly unique and captivating appeal.
In the initial stages, the South Western Railways had formulated a plan to introduce this concept at three specific locations: Hubballi, Belagavi, and Hospet. While the department effectively conducted auctions for decommissioned coaches in Hubballi and Belagavi, the auction process did not transpire as intended in Hospet.
Approximately one month ago, tracks were laid in a designated area on the right-hand side of the railway station, and just a few days prior, the coaches were carefully positioned upon these tracks. Presently, the process of renovating these coaches into a captivating restaurant is in full swing. This establishment, once completed, will boast a seating capacity of 50, offering a delightful dining experience.
Harietha S, a senior divisional commercial manager, SWR said, “Basically, the concept of Coach Restaurant is an extended gesture to the passengers, who wait at the platforms and for other visitors. It’s an attempt to make the ambience more fruitful and useful. As Belagavi railway station is in the middle of the city, it will surely attract the people and give them a historical view.”
According to the officer, the railway board will finalise the menu and rates of the dishes.
Sources in the railway department said, “Coach restaurant at Belagavi railway station has been auctioned for five years. It brings a revenue of INR 20 lakh per year to the department.”
Taking into account the substantial demand for sugar expected during the upcoming festival season, the government is allotting an additional 2 lakh metric tonnes for the month of August. This is in addition to the 23.5 LMT (Lakh Metric Tonnes) already allocated for this month.
According to official sources, the surplus sugar introduced into the domestic market will help maintain reasonable prices across the nation.
Even though there has been a 25 percent rise in international sugar prices over the past year, the average retail cost of sugar in the nation stands at approximately INR 43.30 per kg. It is expected to remain relatively stable within this range.
Sources indicate that the country has experienced an annual inflation rate of less than 2 percent in sugar prices over the past decade.
In the ongoing sugar season (October-September) of 2022-23, India is projected to achieve a sugar production of 330 million metric tonnes (LMT), taking into account the diversion of approximately 43 LMT for ethanol production. The anticipated domestic consumption is around 275 LMT.
In the ongoing sugar season (October-September) of 2022-23, it is projected that India will achieve a sugar production of approximately 330 million metric tonnes (LMT), accounting for the diversion of around 43 LMT for ethanol production. Anticipated domestic consumption is estimated to be around 275 LMT.
Currently, India possesses an ample supply of sugar to fulfill its domestic requirements for the remaining months of the ongoing sugar season 2022-23. By the conclusion of this season, which is on September 30, there will be an optimal closing stock of 60 million metric tonnes (LMT), ensuring a reserve sufficient to cover sugar consumption for two and a half months.
The recent surge in sugar prices is expected to subside shortly, following the usual pattern observed each year from July to September. This period, just before the start of the next season, typically sees a rise in prices, which then subsequently decrease with the commencement of cane crushing.
According to official sources, the increase in sugar prices is quite minor and of a brief duration.
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