PepsiCo is set to replace conventional plastic rings in its multipacks with paperboard wraps and clips
As an initiative within PepsiCo’s pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) sustainable packaging endeavor, aimed at preventing packaging from turning into waste, PepsiCo has taken the pioneering step among beverage companies by pledging to introduce paper-based alternatives for plastic rings used in multipacks across North America. This shift marks a significant move toward environmentally friendly solutions. PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) has unveiled innovative paperboard designs, set to launch gradually in different regions across the United States starting later this year. This announcement further extends the progress already underway in Canada, where the transition to paperboard packaging is already in motion.
PepsiCo is set to replace conventional plastic rings in its multipacks with paperboard wraps and clips, a shift towards more environmentally conscious packaging. This transition will encompass a range of brands, including Pepsi, Pepsi Zero, MTN DEW, Starry, Gatorade, and others. Even 7Up in Canada will adopt the new approach. The updated packaging not only boasts a consumer-friendly branded design but also facilitates straightforward shelf implementation for customers. Crafted from recycled materials, the packaging remains recyclable, aligning with PepsiCo’s commitment to sustainable practices.
This advancement will propel PepsiCo’s ambitious pep+ objectives, aiming to achieve a 50% reduction in virgin plastic sourced from nonrenewable materials per serving across our worldwide beverage and convenient foods assortment by 2030.1 As a consequence of this shift, PepsiCo is poised to eliminate countless pounds of plastic from its North American packaging in the forthcoming years, all the while sustaining the drive for packaging circularity.
PAI Partners, a private-equity company, has reached an agreement to purchase Alphia, a pet food manufacturer based in North America, from J.H. Whitney Capital Partners.
The specifics of the deal’s terms were not made public.
PAI Partners intends to expedite Alphia’s growth in North America through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.
In May, there were reports that Alphia had initiated an exploration of its future possibilities, which encompassed the potential for a sale. During that period, Reuters indicated that the company was collaborating with investment bank Goldman Sachs to explore a potential agreement that might have assessed the business at over $1 billion.
“PAI is committed to our ongoing vision for growth and shares the common values of innovation, food safety and industry leadership,” Alphia CEO David McLain said yesterday (24 August). “We appreciate the many years of support and partnership with J.H. Whitney, during which time we created Alphia, one of the leading pet-food co-manufacturing platforms in the world.”
Winston Song, who heads PAI’s consumer division in the United States, asserted that Alphia has established itself as the benchmark within the industry, serving as a valued partner to numerous brands and retailers.
“Alphia is a best-in-class company and plays an invaluable role in the value chain of pet food and treats, an exciting consumer category with strong secular tailwinds,” Song said.
Based in Denver, Alphia operates from six manufacturing facilities spread throughout the United States.
Annually, it manufactures over 1 billion pounds of dry pet food and treats, acting as the producer for various pet food brands and retailers.
Alphia serves as the parent company for LANI, a business specializing in ingredient milling solutions, and Veracity, a provider of warehousing and logistics services.
In 2020, Alphia was established as a result of the merger between American Nutrition and C.J. Foods, forming a comprehensive national platform for pet food manufacturing. J.H. Whitney had previously acquired C.J. Foods, the predecessor of Alphia, in 2014.
During June, Alphia made a $5 million investment in Better Choice, a company focused on pet health and wellness. This arrangement resulted in Alphia taking on the role of the manufacturer for Halo, the prominent dog and cat food subsidiary and brand under Better Choice.
Situated within the storied confines of Kitab Mahal in Fort, KMC* embodies an outlook of limitless ingenuity and flexibility, encompassing not only its culinary and beverage offerings but also its ambiance and spatial arrangement. As KMC* marks the completion of its inaugural year, the collective has curated a fresh menu that wholeheartedly embodies and commemorates the core essence of KMC*. This meticulously fashioned menu goes above and beyond, defying the confines of traditional fare, ensuring that each ingredient leaves a palpable impression. It transcends the ordinary notions of sustenance, evolving into a jubilation of tastes, sensations, and the artistry of gastronomy.
The KMC* menu unfurls in harmony with the venue’s essence: enigmatic, progressive, and yet comfortingly familiar. It caters to diverse dietary preferences including vegan, gluten-free, and Jain, embodying a sense of evolution.
Guests can relish the enticing flavors of Goa with the Balchao@bao at KMC*. Within this dish, soft steamed bao buns elegantly encase a zesty prawn balchao filling, thoughtfully paired with a Goan-inspired curry that adds depth to the experience. Drawing inspiration from Japanese mochi, the Button Dumplings in Green Scallion Sauce present a fusion of cultures. They arrive accompanied by a basil-scallion sauce, a touch of smoked chili oil, and a delicate ricotta crumb, all elegantly placed alongside a slice of freshly baked focaccia bread. The timeless favorite, Good Ol’ Pierogis, hailing from Eastern Europe, manages to unite individuals with its comforting and delectable flavors. These pierogis, crafted from tender dough and flavorful fillings, are served with creamy accompaniments, exemplifying a harmonious blend of tastes.
Elevate your day with the dynamic Warm Chilli Salad, a creation that adds a touch of spice to your palate. This dish showcases Bhavnagri chillies, brimming with flavor from their smoky bean stuffing. The ensemble is completed by a lively accompaniment of zesty labneh, tangy pickled cucumber, crispy moong dal, and a drizzle of smoked chili oil, offering a burst of complementary tastes. The menu further boasts the Dal Vada with Cilantro Hummus, an enchanting juxtaposition of lentil fritters’ aromatic essence with the creamy vibrancy of cilantro-infused hummus. This fusion achieves a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and creamy notes. Not to be missed is the Kimchi Sourdough, a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese. KMC*’s version features kimchi-infused sourdough, artfully paired with the comforting indulgence of Oaxaca cheese, offering a unique and satisfying experience.
The dessert selection reveals a collection of lavish and celestial choices. For those seeking a venture into comforting warmth, the scent of freshly baked Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam permeates the air, promising to enchant your senses. As a delightful surprise this month, the Lemon Drizzle and Onion Seed Cake takes the stage. This seasonal creation orchestrates a delightful medley of flavors, blending the invigorating notes of citrus with the satisfying crunch of onion seeds. It arrives paired with a dollop of sweetened, vanilla-infused mascarpone, elevating the experience to one of pure indulgence.
KMC* embodies a spirit of unity, where the ethos is “all for one and one for all.” It caters to a spectrum of experiences, encompassing everything from heartfelt Conversations to the comforting allure of Coffee, the array of Condiments to innovative Concoctions, and the convergence of minds in Confluence to the dynamic environment of Co-working. This space adapts to your desires, ensuring it transforms into precisely what you envision.
Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic, India’s pioneering Live Popsicle Concept & Dessert Café, is thrilled to introduce its new Director of Finance, Dimpal Kaushik. With an impressive background encompassing finance, taxation, corporate auditing, and management consulting, Dimpal is set to infuse Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic with a wealth of expertise. Her appointment promises to propel the café’s financial strategies and growth trajectory to new heights.
With a remarkable journey of over 15 years in the realms of both corporate and consultancy sectors, Dimpal Kaushik emerges as a distinguished Chartered Accountant. Her extensive expertise encompasses Goods & Services Tax, Income Tax, International Taxes, and Corporate Auditing, rendering her an indispensable addition to Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic. As the company embarks on its rapid expansion, Dimpal’s profound proficiency stands as a valuable asset.
Dimpal’s proficiency spans a wide spectrum of financial domains, encompassing policy formulation and adherence to SOX regulations. She has assumed pivotal responsibilities in regulatory projects, strategic blueprinting, and hands-on ERP engagement. Her adaptability truly comes to the fore in her role as a consultant, managing both management and tax aspects for multinational corporations. Moreover, Dimpal’s academic achievements underscore her dedication to remaining abreast of the latest advancements in financial and regulatory landscapes.
Gagan Anand, Founder & Director, Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic said, “Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic is honoured to welcome Dimpal Kaushik into its leadership team as a Director of Finance. Her extensive experience will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in guiding our financial strategies as we continue to grow and expand our dessert revolution across the country.”
Dimpal Kaushik, Director of Finance, Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic, said, “I am thrilled to join Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic on its journey to redefine the desert landscape in India. The company’s commitment towards quality, and innovation aligns perfectly with my own professional values. I look forward to contributing towards the financial growth and success of the unique brand.”
Furthermore, Dimpal Kaushik’s dedication to her profession is showcased through her appointment as a co-opted member of the Women & Young Members Empowerment Committee of the Northern India Regional Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for the fiscal year 2023-24. This acknowledgment serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to advancing inclusiveness and empowerment within the industry.
Established in September 2020 by Gagan Anand, Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic stands as India’s pioneering Live popsicle concept and dessert café, upholding the essence of traditional Indian frozen delights like barf-ka gola or chuski. A distinctive facet of Scuzo lies in its unwavering dedication to incorporating pure, wholesome, and natural fruits and nuts into their hand-crafted gelatos, waffles, sundaes, dessert cakes, and more. The objective is to infuse boundless joy into the lives of their patrons by serving the finest desserts from around the world.
At Scuzo, compromise is not an option when it comes to product quality. The brand diligently adheres to ethical practices throughout its production process. It maintains equitable trade relations with its suppliers and ensures that all offerings are not only delectable but also health-conscious, devoid of any added preservatives or chemicals.
Aspiring towards an ambitious goal, Scuzo envisions opening over 100 outlets across India by the year 2024, utilizing both franchise and company-owned networks to achieve this expansive reach.
With an unwavering commitment to fostering shared chocolate experiences, Choko La, conceived by Vasudha Munjal Dinodia, continues to adeptly epitomize a realm of happiness, togetherness, and affection. Extending its array of delightful chocolate indulgences, the brand takes a step further in the premium FMCG market by introducing the Choko La Chocolate Drink, now conveniently accessible in a can.
Expanding on the brand’s philosophy of proliferating joy, with a vision to shape the world into “A community of chocolate lovers,” Choko La’s chocolate drink is resolutely committed to motivating its customers to partake in a collective journey of savoring chocolate and crafting cherished moments as one.
As a trailblazer in bringing pure couverture chocolates to the Indian market, the brand’s rich beverage encapsulates a luxuriously smooth texture, ensuring a gentle impact on digestion. Purposefully eschewing any grainy or overly creamy sensations, it provides consumers with a preservative-free chocolate drink in its most exquisite state. With a protein content equivalent to 7.2 grams, the beverage establishes itself as a more nourishing option within the realm of chocolate drinks. Setting itself apart from competitors, this chocolate drink accommodates enjoyment in both hot and cold forms. Additionally, its ambient storage capability grants the flexibility to stock larger quantities for both consumers and retailers.
Commenting on the launch of her latest product, Vasudha Munjal Dinodia, Founder of Choko La said, “When developing this product, my primary goal was to of er my customers a heavenly chocolate beverage that not only delights their taste buds but also instils confidence in parents when serving it to their children. I aimed to create a market product that prioritises mindful nutrition, and one that I would serve my own family.”
Unveiling an innovative liquid chocolate delight, Choko La presents its inaugural venture into the realm of beverage indulgence. The velvety dark chocolate drink will make its debut in its original classic flavor, followed by an expansion to encompass a diverse range of five to six variants. With widespread availability across India, the beverage will grace modern grocery outlets, collaborate with e-commerce platforms, be showcased in Choko La’s proprietary stores, and be accessible through the brand’s official website. The initial offering price for this exquisite experience starts at INR 175/-.
Vibhu Mahajan, COO, Choko La, said, “While we already have a strong presence in the US and UK, we aim to be available in South East Asia, GCC and Western European markets soon. Our expanding product portfolio, especially with the chocolate beverage that finds itself in the premium FMCG space will help accelerate our growth.”
The Choko La Chocolate Drink is available in both individual and gift packaging, presenting a wonderful option for gifting on occasions like Rakhi, Bhai Dooj, Eid, Diwali, and Christmas. Whether you’re in a hurry on your way to work and require a revitalizing lift, or you desire to unwind during a cozy movie night, this delightful beverage serves as the ultimate companion. Its convenient portability ensures effortless consumption on the move, while its soothing warmth adds a touch of luxury to moments of leisure and indulgence.
Nestlé S.A., the world’s largest food company, is gearing up to introduce compact Starbucks-branded stores in South Korea, as reported by sources in the investment banking industry on Monday. The goal is to attract Starbucks cafe goers who are mindful of their budgets.
The distributor of the Swiss company in South Korea is exploring the possibility of establishing Starbucks-branded stores within moderately sized supermarkets, grocery stores, and university campuses. This approach deviates from the strategy of creating new standalone outlets.
Back in 2018, Nestlé secured the rights for $7.15 billion from Starbucks, granting them the authority to distribute Starbucks coffee and tea beverages through grocery stores and retail establishments.
This arrangement permits Nestlé to offer Starbucks coffee capsules compatible with its Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto coffee machines, along with an assortment of Starbucks food and drinks, across 80 nations.
Presently, it aims to maximize the utilization of its rights to vend beverages crafted from Starbucks’ coffee beans and ingredients sourced from the coffee chain. This will be implemented in the upcoming Starbucks stores that Nestlé is getting ready to establish in South Korea.
The sources based in Seoul indicated that the Starbucks branded stores will adopt a “store-in-store” approach, avoiding a focus on main streets where Starbucks operates its own directly managed outlets.
Nestlé has initiated discussions with multiple food store operators in South Korea, which encompass entities like the fresh food distributor Oasis, the organic food label Chorokmaeul, and the University of Suwon. These conversations revolve around the prospect of establishing Starbucks branded stores within the available spaces of these entities.
The Starbucks brand stores are expected to feature a modest setup with just two to three tables and a minimal staff presence. This streamlined approach will empower the operators to offer coffee at a reduced price, approximately 3,000 won ($2.3) per cup.
Nestlé has clarified that the coffee brewed within these stores will be marketed under the Starbucks brand, and there will be no distinction in terms of taste, quality, or branding when compared to coffee purchased at Starbucks’ directly managed outlets.
Starbucks generates royalties through the sale of trademark rights across various product categories. In South Korea, companies like E-Mart Inc. (a supermarket chain), Dongsuh Foods Corp., and Seoul Milk offer Starbucks products under the terms of royalty agreements.
E-Mart and its parent company Shinsegae Inc. possess exclusive rights for the production and sale of Starbucks beverages and the operation of stores. Meanwhile, Dongsuh Foods and Seoul Milk are responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of Starbucks bottled beverages, including ready-to-drink products.
The distribution of Starbucks coffee beans and coffee capsules is managed by Lotte Nestlé Korea Co.
Given this context, Nestlé’s intention to establish Starbucks brand stores distinct from their directly operated counterparts might encounter resistance from South Korea’s retail conglomerate, Shinsegae Group.
A representative from Starbucks Coffee Korea (SCK), which is owned by Shinsegae, emphasized that the company holds the exclusive domestic business rights for Starbucks stores.
Observers within the food and beverage industry speculate that if Nestlé introduces compact and affordable Starbucks brand stores, it could potentially reshape the dynamics of the local franchise coffee market.
“With the domestic coffee market being divided into premium and low-end markets, if Starbucks advances into the low- to mid-price market with its brand awareness, it will threaten existing franchise brands,” said a coffee industry official.
The unique dining affair will consist of an 8-course menu
The JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, renowned for its opulence and exceptional guest services, has officially announced a collaboration with INJA, a culinary venture that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of Indian and Japanese gastronomic legacies.
Spanning the course of two days, starting from September 15th to 16th, 2023, this delectable gastronomic experience will take place within the luxurious confines of the JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru.
Mr. Gaurav Sinha, General Manager, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, said, “We are excited to join forces with INJA and create a one-of-a-kind culinary journey that showcases the artistry of Indian and Japanese cuisines, This collaboration reflects our commitment to offering our guests unique and memorable experiences that redefine luxury.”
Through this collaboration, an extraordinary amalgamation will emerge, intertwining the daring spices and sumptuous tastes of Indian cuisine with the sophisticated methods and subtle elegance inherent in Japanese culinary craftsmanship.
Diners will have the chance to indulge in INJA’s culinary mastery through a thoughtfully crafted set menu, leading them on a culinary adventure meticulously curated by Chef Adwait Anantwar.
“INJA is our debut restaurant in India, and we are extremely overwhelmed with the response in such a short time. As we strive to deliver this unique dining experience to enthusiasts all over the world, we are glad to collaborate with JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru for these exclusive dinners.” said Panchali Mahendra, President, Atelier House. Hospitality.
The unique dining affair will consist of an 8-course menu (with a vegetarian option available upon request), accompanied by a selection of wine pairings expertly presented by JW Marriott Bengaluru’s in-house sommelier.
The Karnataka state government on Monday brushed aside the decrease in liquor sales observed in the last days of July as a routine phenomenon. They asserted that this dip does not necessarily indicate reduced demand due to the recent tax hike on liquor. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced a 20% increase in the additional excise duty (AED) on Indian made liquor (IML) for all 18 price categories in his budget on July 7, a move that sparked protests within the industry.
The International Spirits and Wines Association of India expressed concerns that the tax hike could potentially drive individuals to purchase items from neighboring states using unofficial distribution channels. This could negatively impact the operations of licensed retailers.
In his July 8 budget, the Chief Minister set a goal of INR 36,000 crore in revenue from liquor and beer sales. The updated tax rates became operational on July 20. The Excise department clarified that retailers procure excess inventory in advance from the Karnataka State Beverages Corporation (KSBCL) in the days leading up to tax revisions announced by the government. They will subsequently continue to sell these stocks even after the revised tax rates come into effect.
Due to this recurrent pattern observed nearly every year, the demand for liquor cartons from the state-owned primary distributor KSBCL tends to decrease for a period following the implementation of revised taxes. The Excise department statement clarified that this is a transient occurrence and the demand is expected to return to its regular levels after a few days.
During this fiscal year, from April 1 to August 25, the department has gathered INR 13,515 crore in taxes, representing 37.5% of the intended revenue. The collected amount reflects a 13.7% increase in revenue compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, as stated by the Excise department. They further affirmed their commitment to achieving the revenue goal set by the Chief Minister.
The budget anticipates that the five guarantee schemes will require approximately INR 52,000 crore for a full year, and the government has looked to the liquor industry to contribute partially to the funding of these ambitious programs.
Juvee, the revitalizing energy beverage created by Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag, the Founder and CEO of 100 Thieves, is gearing up for its global introduction as the company ventures into Canada. The drink can now be conveniently purchased throughout the country via Amazon.ca, complete with complimentary Prime shipping benefits. Residents of Canada can now relish in the invigorating and nostalgic essence of Juvee’s top two flavors: Kiwi Strawberry and Blue Raspberry. This move into Canada represents Juvee’s inaugural step beyond the borders of the United States, primarily driven by the enthusiastic demand of the company’s devoted fan base and online community.
“We’ve been blown away by the outpouring of requests from our Canadian fans to have Juvee available for purchase in their country,” stated Sam Keene, Co-Founder and VP, General Manager of Juvee. “Our team has been working diligently for months to ensure consumers receive the same high quality drinking experience they’ve come to love in the U.S. while adhering to Health Canada’s specific product and labeling guidelines.”
Juvee goes beyond the conventional energy drink concept by incorporating a unique blend of ingredients that not only provide long-lasting and natural energy, but also uplift mood. Each 355 mL (12 oz.) can of Juvee boasts a combination of B Vitamins, Taurine, and 128 mg of Caffeine for sustained vitality, while L-Theanine enhances emotional well-being. Panax Ginseng ensures consistent focus, and the inclusion of Vitamin C promotes overall health and wellness. Notably, Juvee stands out with its commitment to health, containing zero sugar and merely 5 calories per can for the Kiwi Strawberry flavor, and just 10 calories for the Blue Raspberry variant exclusive to Canada.
Both the delightful Kiwi Strawberry and the enticing Blue Raspberry flavors of Juvee will be up for grabs in individual 12-pack options, priced at $38.99 CAD each. For enthusiasts who relish both flavors, a fantastic choice comes in the form of a two-flavor variety 12-pack, available at $39.99 CAD. To commemorate Juvee’s entrance into the Canadian market, customers have the opportunity to revel in a 15% discount on their Amazon.ca purchase until September 10th. This can be availed by simply selecting the “coupon” box featured under the listing.
According to the first Cafe Retail Network Report by GapMaps, a cloud-based data intelligence platform, Café Coffee Day continues to hold the most prominent coffee store network, boasting over 400 locations, despite up to 1,000 store closures over the past three years.
The report discovered that Barista possesses the second-largest network of stores in India, spanning 350 locations across the nation, closely pursued by Starbucks, which operates 340 stores.
While the leading three brands have established store networks in a significant number of the 26 cities with over 20 lakh residents, the report indicates that they have presence in only half of the Tier-1c cities with populations ranging from 10 to 20 lakhs. Additionally, their coverage extends to just 20% of the 75 Tier 2 cities, where populations range from 5 lakhs to 10 lakhs.
The Café Retail Network Report for 2023 in India meticulously observes the store counts and market penetration of nine leading café brands across nearly 1,800 locations throughout the nation. Furthermore, the report takes into account notable names such as Chaayos and Theobroma, both of which maintain significant store networks, each comprising of over 150 locations.
Andrew Smith, Director of economics and research, GapMaps, said, “Even after adjusting for incomes, the store provision of the major brands is relatively low by international standards and there remains ample opportunity for store growth within major cities across India. In addition, continued income growth across the country will further increase the addressable market and store potential for these brands.”
GapMaps’ first Café Retail Network Report for India in 2023 outlines the remarkable growth prospects that exist for brands seeking to expand their store networks within the region. Additionally, the favorable economic conditions are predicted to expedite and facilitate this growth, creating new avenues for brands to establish their presence in the country.
Established in 2013, GapMaps is an Australian company dedicated to aiding businesses in making informed location-based choices. They achieve this by seamlessly integrating up-to-date socio-demographic, economic, customer, and competitor data into a user-friendly platform known as GapMaps Live. This innovative platform is accessible in 23 countries and serves over 500 clients across various industries such as fast food, cafes, health and fitness, and more. These clients rely on GapMaps Live to shape their network expansion and optimization strategies. For those seeking further assistance, GapMaps Advisory experts are available to provide additional support in areas like market planning and location intelligence strategies.
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