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Burger King India hits 400 store milestone, continues expansion

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Burger King (Representative Image)

US-based Burger King has marked a notable milestone in India by unveiling its 400th outlet in the country, according to an announcement by the company.

In a social media update, Restaurant Brands Asia, the operator of Burger King franchises in India, a prominent quick service restaurant (QSR) company, shared that they have successfully launched their 400th store in Siliguri, West Bengal. This achievement comes after nine years of the company’s operations in India.

“Today, we are elated to announce the 400th Burger King restaurant in India. As we mark this important milestone, we can proudly say that we’re just getting started,” said Restaurant Brands Asia in a LinkedIn post while sharing the visuals of the new store.

Established in 2013 through a collaboration between real estate investment firm Everstone Capital and Burger King Corporation, Restaurant Brands Asia, previously recognized as Burger King India Ltd, holds the role of the master franchisee for Burger King across India and Indonesia. The primary objective behind its inception was to introduce Burger King restaurants to the Indian market.

In 2014, Burger King initiated its presence in India with the inauguration of its inaugural restaurant at Select Citywalk Mall, New Delhi. The Miami-headquartered quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain accomplished a significant feat by establishing its 100th outlet in Jalandhar in 2017. Following this achievement, the company reached another milestone in 2019, proudly announcing the opening of its 200th store. Demonstrating its versatility, Burger King introduced the BK cafe format in 2021 with the launch of BK cafe at Churchgate, Mumbai.

Established in 1953 under the name Insta-Burger King, this restaurant chain originated in Florida. However, due to financial challenges faced by Insta-Burger King in 1954, its acquisition was undertaken by David Edgerton and James McLamore, franchisees based in Miami. Subsequently, the company was rebranded as ‘Burger King’.

Lately, several quick-service restaurant (QSR) enterprises have been celebrating significant achievements in their retail expansion endeavors throughout the nation.

This month, American fast food restaurant chain Wendy’s, operated by cloud kitchen operator Rebel Foods launched its 100th outlet in India in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Read More: Wendy’s celebrates milestone achievement: Opens 100th outlet in India with plans for more

A week ago, Culinary Brands celebrated a remarkable achievement as the sandwich chain Subway, under its management in India, reached a milestone by inaugurating its 200th COCO (company-owned company-operated) store across the country.

During the month of July 2023, Pizza Hut, the American pizza restaurant chain, which is overseen by Sapphire Foods India Ltd – a franchisee operator under Yum! Brands responsible for managing KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell establishments across India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives – celebrated the inauguration of its 300th store in India.

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Artistry meets gastronomy: Cumulus by SMOOR elevates dining at The Museum of Art & Photography in Bengaluru

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Cumulus
Cumulus

The Bengaluru Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) now presents Cumulus, an outdoor culinary experience in collaboration with SMOOR, seamlessly blending the realms of art and gastronomy.

Enhancing the cultural fabric of MAP, Cumulus emerges as a refined al-fresco dining destination nestled against the picturesque panorama of central Bengaluru. With the commitment to heighten patrons’ senses, Cumulus embarks on a voyage of taste and creative stimulation, becoming a distinctive thread in the museum’s narrative.

Derived from the ethereal expanse of the skies, Cumulus seamlessly fuses the allure of digital ingenuity with the magnificence of the culinary realm. Much like MAP’s extensive collection finds its home in the cloud, Cumulus presents a captivating array of delectable dishes, each possessing its own distinct and delightful essence.

“At Cumulus, we strive to create a symphony of flavours where art and cuisine come together. Every eating experience is an extraordinary work of art because of our combination of lovely flavours and textures that reflect the brilliance of the treasures on display at the Museum of Photography. We sincerely hope that the diners genuinely love what we have to offer as much as we enjoyed bringing the restaurant to life,” shared Vimal Sharma, Founder-Director & CEO, SMOOR.

Within Cumulus’ menu, an orchestrated fusion of Continental and Asian culinary traditions takes center stage. Meticulously curated, each dish harmoniously unites to create an amalgamation of exquisite flavors that accumulate into a delightful symphony for the palate.

Abhishek Poddar, Founder-Trustee at the Museum of Art & Photography, added, “Cumulus represents the seamless union of two passions – art and culinary excellence. We invite you to partake in an exceptional dining experience in the centre of MAP with SMOOR, where the canvas of flavours and the clouds above combine art and creativity.”

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Foreign liquor brands gain ground in Uttar Pradesh as imported offerings soar; local breweries face stiff competition

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Alcohol enthusiasts in Uttar Pradesh are increasingly favoring international brands, as a multitude of foreign companies are eagerly vying for the attention of patrons seeking alcoholic beverages within the state.

In the current fiscal year, the tally of registered liquor brands in the state has surged to 3,854, marking the highest count to date.

According to an official spokesperson, the government recorded the registration of 3,106 distinct alcoholic products in the preceding fiscal year.

As foreign liquor brands (including whisky, vodka, rum, and gin) continue to establish a stronger presence in the retail sector, local premium brands are encountering robust competition. The count of imported overseas liquor brands offered in Uttar Pradesh has surged from 199 in the previous fiscal year to 573 in the current period.

Likewise, producers of non-Indian wines have expanded their product offerings, and foreign beer manufacturers have also diversified their selections.

Over the span of a year, the quantity of imported wine and beer products has risen from 305 to 445 and from 34 to 41, respectively.

Officials have attributed the enhanced situation, characterized by a broader array of choices for end consumers, to the fortification and adaptability of the annual excise policy.

“We also have the full support of the state government to implement measures that improve the ease of doing business,” said excise commissioner Senthil C. Pandian.

The excise department also achieved elevated revenues by facilitating a greater number of brand registrations, resulting in a year-over-year (YoY) revenue escalation from INR 18.12 crore to INR 20.92 crore.

With the aim of enticing a higher influx of international enterprises, the department opted to eliminate the prerequisite mandating foreign brand registrants in Uttar Pradesh to provide an authorization letter from the principal importer.

“Till March 31, 2023 an individual or entity interested in marketing a foreign brand had to approach the principal exporter to authorise him/her to sell the product in UP. It was a pointless exercise which made no sense and was struck down. Anybody having ‘imported liquor – bottled in origin licence’ could register the brand. That is why we see a sudden rush of foreign brands this year,” said the officer.

The proliferation of hard liquor brands appears to have impacted the demand for brews, presenting challenges that beer manufacturers must now navigate.

Spokesperson of AB InBev India, the company owning beer brands, said, “During the last few years, industry-friendly rationalisation of excise tax slabs has fuelled the growth of the beer industry in the state. However, the growth of the beer industry recently has not been in line with the growth of country liquor and hard spirits in Uttar Pradesh. Duty increase on beer earlier this year along with certain technical issues on the excise portal last month, led to the surge in consumption of country liquor and hard spirits nudging consumers towards high alcohol strength beverages.”

The beer industry experienced a reduction in volume during the summer months, attributed to elevated taxes and adverse weather conditions in April.

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SmartSoda ventures into functional RTD market with innovative drinks

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SmartSoda Brilliant Life Drink series
SmartSoda Brilliant Life Drink series

SmartSoda has made its foray into the ready-to-drink market with the introduction of the Brilliant Life Drink.

The Brilliant Life Drink series by SmartSoda presents vitamin-enriched alkaline water, offered in three distinct varieties: Brilliant Sparkling Water, Optimize Plus Immunity, and Quantum Energy and Focus.

Within the Brilliant Sparkling Water range, you’ll find an array of three flavors: Wild Passionberry, Limone Dream, and Bright Citrus Sunshine. In contrast, the Optimize Plus Immunity collection, meticulously crafted to bolster daily immune activities through ingredients like zinc, turmeric, ginger, magnesium, and elderberry, boasts three unique flavors: Yuzu-Currant Noir, Posh Gran-Limone, and Pomelo Breeze.

Quantum, enriched with l-theanine for a natural energy boost and complemented by ginseng, guayusa, and guarana for heightened concentration, offers a selection of flavors such as Peachberry Lust, Lush Berry, and Blackcurrant Affair.

SmartSoda’s CEO, Lior Shafir, said, “Today marks an exciting milestone in our journey to redefine the wellness beverage category with the launch of our Brilliant Life Drink. Now you can enjoy SmartSoda both in the office and on the go”.

SmartSoda’s VP of business development, Alex Garson, added, “Over the past two years, we made it our mission to perfect a sparkling, functional beverage that was crafted with clean ingredients, didn’t sacrifice taste and delivered on health benefits. We analysed the market to develop a beverage that stays true to SmartSoda standards and meets consumers’ demands for a better functional beverage option.”

The SmartSoda Brilliant Life Drink will be accessible on Amazon and various foodservice distribution channels starting this upcoming autumn.

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Annapurna Food Packet Scheme launched by Rajasthan CM on Independence Day

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Annapurna Food Packet Scheme

On Tuesday, which marked Independence Day, Ashok Gehlot, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, inaugurated the Annapurna Food Packet Scheme initiated by the state government.

Read More: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot to inaugurate free food packet scheme today

Referring to his government’s public welfare schemes, Gehlot said these are not freebies (Revdi) and are being implemented with “excellent” financial management.

He said, “My announcements are not just announcements, I have done what I have said.”

During the event, Gehlot also handed out Annapurna Food Packets to a selection of beneficiaries.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra were also present on the occasion.

Every package under this initiative will comprise chickpea lentils, sugar, salt, cooking oil, red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Providing these food parcels to recipients at an estimated cost of approximately INR 370 per package (covering all expenditures) would lead to a monthly outlay of around INR 392 crore.

This scheme is part of Chief Minister Gehlot’s INR 19,000 crore “Inflation Relief Package”, which was announced by him to provide relief to the public from the burden of inflation.

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With increased supplies, tomato prices in Uttar Pradesh fall to INR 100/kg

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Tomatoes
Tomatoes (Representative Image)

With the recent influx of new tomato supplies from Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the tomato prices in Lucknow have experienced a substantial decline.

In the past five days, prices have sharply decreased from INR 180 per kilogram to a range of INR 100-120 per kilogram in retail markets.

Traders anticipate a further decrease in prices within the upcoming 15 days.

According to traders, Himachal Pradesh, a significant provider to northern markets such as Uttar Pradesh, witnessed a notable surge in tomato production, escalating from 2,000 metric tonnes to 26,000 metric tonnes in August. This surge in supply resulted in a reduction in prices.

From August to October, there are expectations of substantial increases in tomato production from states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh.

A wholesaler on Sitapur Road said, “Wholesale tomato price has fallen from INR 180 to INR 60 per kg in the last five days. With the arrival of Maharashtra’s crop, prices are expected to fall further. However, some retailers are still selling it at INR 120 per kg.”

Another dealer, Sonu Sonkar, said they are daily receiving 13 truckloads of tomatoes again, which had gone down to three per day in July.

Wholesalers at Dubagga Mandi said, “Many had stopped buying tomatoes due to high prices, but now the kitchen staple will be back in demand. We are expecting that by the end of the month, tomatoes will be sold at INR 60 per kg in retail.”

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From Tennis Court to Kitchen: The Remarkable Journey of Ammamma’s

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Ammamma's

In a world where dreams and ambitions often unfold against a backdrop of fierce competition and daunting challenges, the story of Ammamma’s stands as a testament to the extraordinary power of familial love and unwavering dedication. What began as a heartfelt commitment to support a budding tennis star has now blossomed into a culinary empire that captivates taste buds and warms hearts across the region.

It all started with the spark of a young girl’s passion for tennis. Maanya, a determined and talented eight-year-old, embarked on a journey that would not only shape her life but also ignite a culinary revolution. Her parents, Vishwanath and Prathima, recognized the financial demands of nurturing a global athlete, and they made a resolute decision to stand by their daughter’s side, no matter the cost.

As Maanya’s tennis journey took her to international circuits, her parents chose an unconventional path. Instead of merely cheering from the sidelines, they became pillars of support in her quest for excellence. Little did they know that their commitment and love for their daughter would pave the way for a remarkable culinary enterprise.

Nurturing Excellence on and off the Court:

For Prathima Vishwanath, the journey of supporting Maanya’s athletic pursuits was more than a labor of love—it was a culinary odyssey that would redefine her life’s purpose. With limited financial resources, the prospect of hiring a dedicated nutritionist and manager remained a distant dream. Prathima took matters into her own hands, becoming both caretaker and nutritionist, driven by necessity and boundless devotion.

In the world of international competition, where dietary precision is paramount, Prathima’s commitment to nourishment became an art form. She delicately balanced taste and sustenance, crafting a culinary repertoire that combined indulgence with wholesome nutrition. From light and oil-free puris to moringa and methi-infused chapatis, each dish became a testament to the sacrifices made for excellence on the global stage.

From Love to Legacy: Building Ammamma’s

After Maanya’s departure for the international tennis circuit, Prathima found herself facing an unexpected void. Armed with an MBA credential from JNTU (Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad) and a passion for crafting nutritious meals, she saw an opportunity to transform her skills into an entrepreneurial venture. In 2019, Ammamma’s was born, seeded with a monetary infusion of INR 10 lakh.

As fate would have it, her husband, Vishwanath, a seasoned professional in the FMCG industry, returned from Africa, bringing his expertise and boundless enthusiasm to the table. Together, they started a humble tiffin business, naming it after Prathima’s grandmother, Ammamma. The venture was an instant hit, with their authentic Telugu delicacies winning hearts and taste buds.

Rising Above Challenges: A Tale of Resilience

Just as Ammamma’s was gaining momentum, the world was plunged into the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic. The challenges seemed insurmountable, but Prathima and Vishwanath refused to yield. In a bid to secure funding and expand their venture, Prathima appeared on the reality show ‘Neno Superwoman’. While the investment fell short of the desired amount, angel investors Sudhakar Reddy and Deepa Dodla recognized the potential and infused INR 50 lakh into the enterprise, solidifying their belief in Prathima’s vision.

“Our inception involved the modest production of 20-30 packets, each containing 10 chapatis per day. Today, our output has burgeoned to an impressive 5,000 packets daily,” Prathima proudly declares. What was once a small duo has now grown to a team of nearly a hundred dedicated individuals.

With a presence in over 1,000 retail points across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bengaluru, and Chennai, Ammamma’s has become more than a brand—it is a symbol of love, care, and passion on every plate. The culinary offerings range from nutritious ready-to-cook chapatis infused with methi, moringa, and ragi, to delectable savories like murrukalu and an array of mouthwatering chutneys. With plans to establish a manufacturing hub in Bengaluru, the brand is poised for further expansion, with an investment of INR 1.5 crore.

Ammamma’s transcends the realm of food—it embodies a remarkable journey of love, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. What began as unwavering support for a young athlete has transformed into a legacy that resonates with food enthusiasts and families alike. As Prathima and Vishwanath continue to weave their culinary magic, Ammamma’s stands as a true testament to the power of love, resilience, and the boundless possibilities that can emerge from even the most unexpected beginnings.

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Sip by Sip: Rajat Agrawal’s Recipe for Barista’s Success in India’s Coffee Scene

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Rajat Agrawal

In the realm where tea reigned as the quintessential beverage, a scent of change wafted through the air, carried by the enchanting aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. This aromatic uprising marked the emergence of Barista in India, an emblematic brand that not only introduced a novel libation but also ignited an unprecedented passion for coffee that swept the nation. For true coffee connoisseurs, ‘Barista’ became more than a name; it transformed into a sanctuary of flavor and culture.

Yet, the illustrious stature Barista now enjoys wasn’t always its reality. It was once a distant aspiration, a flicker of a dream. And orchestrating this astonishing metamorphosis was none other than Rajat Agrawal – the visionary CEO behind Barista’s meteoric rise. For those who hold a genuine fondness for the distinguished offerings of Barista, this narrative is tailored to your discerning palate. Embark on a journey of discovery, as we delve into the essence of your cherished coffee experience.

As we navigate the chronicles of Barista’s genesis within the Indian coffee landscape, prepare to be entranced by the captivating tale that stirred the nation’s sensory inclinations, kindling an insatiable yearning for the essence of coffee like never before.

The Brains Behind Barista: Rajat Agrawal’s Revolution of the Market

“We don’t want perfect 11, we want cohesive 11.” This quote might ring a bell – it’s a sentiment that finds its roots in cricket, specifically the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). If you’re a cricket aficionado, you’ll recognize the philosophy of valuing teamwork and synergy over individual perfection. This philosophy, borrowed from the world of cricket, encapsulates Rajat’s approach, a strategy that he shared in an interview with SnackFax. Just as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) thrive on unity rather than individual brilliance, Rajat fostered a sense of togetherness within Barista.

Rajat’s background as a chartered accountant and his previous roles in consulting firms might seem disconnected from the food industry. However, this fresh perspective breathed new life into Barista. He never aspired to helm a business, but destiny had other plans. What transformed a two-decade-old company? A revitalized vision! Even during the throes of the pandemic (Covid-19), when businesses worldwide were grappling with losses, Barista’s resilience stood tall. It was Rajat’s financial acumen and the cohesive strategies he implemented that buoyed the brand, leading to his appointment as CEO in 2021.

23 Years of Barista: A Journey of Tenacity and Innovation

In an interview with SnackFax, Rajat Agrawal highlighted three pivotal factors steering a business in a country: technological advancement, infrastructure capabilities, and consumer spending potential. Over the past seven years, India has harnessed these factors to its advantage, resulting in an influx of brands.

Furthermore, Rajat’s understanding of consumers shines. He recognizes their education and awareness, shaping Barista’s offerings accordingly. He affirms, “Coffee as a culture is coming out in India in a big way.”

Yet, the most commendable aspect is Rajat’s unwavering commitment to quality. At Barista, coffee transcends being a mere beverage; it embodies uncompromising quality and a ceaseless dedication to excellence. Each cup crafted with precision becomes a testament to culinary mastery. The symphony of flavors and the bewitching aroma of freshly roasted beans coalesce, forming a sensory masterpiece. Every sip is an indulgent dance, a journey beyond taste, elevating the coffee experience into a realm of pure delight. In every aspect, Barista redefines coffee enjoyment, infusing each moment with sophistication and the pursuit of unparalleled pleasure.

A Coffee Revolution to Remember

From tea’s longstanding dominance to the irresistible allure of freshly brewed coffee, Barista’s journey is nothing short of a revolution. Rajat Agrawal’s visionary leadership breathed new life into the brand, steering it toward unparalleled success. As India’s coffee culture flourishes, Barista remains at the forefront, an emblem of quality and innovation, inviting us all to savor the symphony of flavors that redefine the art of coffee consumption.

Barista, founded in 2000 by Puneet Gulati, Ajay Kaul, and R. S. Soni, started as a single outlet in New Delhi, but quickly expanded to other locations in India and abroad. Today, Barista has over 200 outlets in India and a presence in several other countries, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates. The brand’s journey reflects a confluence of vision, passion, and dedication, spearheaded by Rajat Agrawal, a visionary who turned coffee into a cultural phenomenon, creating a legacy that will linger in every aromatic cup for generations to come.

Watch our exclusive interview of Rajat Agrawal here:

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Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot to inaugurate free food packet scheme today

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Ashok Gehlot
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot (File Photo)

On Tuesday, which marks Independence Day, Ashok Gehlot, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, is set to inaugurate the Mukhyamantri Nishulk Annapurna Food Packet Scheme.

The Annapurna food packets, encompassed by the scheme, will be provided every month to families eligible under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) through fair price shops (FPS) at no cost. Each packet will comprise one kilogram of gram pulses, sugar, and iodized salt, along with one liter of soybean refined edible oil. Additionally, 100 grams each of chili powder and coriander powder, as well as 50 grams of turmeric powder, will be included in each packet.

In a statement, the government said that this scheme “will be a milestone in the direction of realising the state government’s resolution of ‘No one should sleep hungry in the state’.

The inauguration event will take place at over 25,000 FPS locations, spanning across district and block headquarters, even encompassing the recently established districts. The entire event will be live-streamed for broadcast.

At the district and block level function, designated FPS kiosks will be established. During this event, public representatives will utilize point of sale (POS) machines to distribute the food packets to beneficiaries. The program is anticipated to be attended by members of the state council, MLAs, and various other public representatives.

The scheme was unveiled by CM Gehlot during his budget presentation earlier this year. This initiative is estimated to incur an annual expenditure of approximately INR 4,500 crore for the state treasury.

“This sensitive initiative by the Chief Minister will provide relief to over one crore needy families in the era of inflation,” the government said.

Up to this point, more than 1.04 crore individuals have enrolled at the Mehangai Rahat Camps to access the advantages offered by this program. The registration process continues at the permanent camps designated for this particular scheme.

The scheme stands as the most recent addition to a series of public welfare initiatives proclaimed by Gehlot.

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Pizza Hut’s innovative emoji avatar film showcases diverse pizza range for every mood

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emoji
The film showcases a pair of emoji avatars, embodying diverse emotions that individuals experience in their everyday scenarios.

Pizza Hut has once again left the audience amazed, this time with its new film accompanying the launch of its latest brand campaign.

The film showcases a pair of emoji avatars, embodying diverse emotions that individuals experience in their everyday scenarios. It effectively illustrates how Pizza Hut’s selection of 10 new and unique pizzas caters to a wide range of moods, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every conceivable sentiment.

Aanandita Datta, Chief Marketing Officer, Pizza Hut India, said, “We understand the role of emotions in determining our food choices. This inspired us to introduce emoji avatars to further strengthen our bond with the audience. Pizza Hut acknowledges customer’s fluctuating moods and greets them with ample options to satisfy their cravings. Emojis have become a universal language today and our emoji avatars stand out to bring our customers together under one roof, making them experience best-tasting pizzas enveloped in our warm service.”

Varieties such as Makhni Paneer, Dhabe Da Keema, Cheezy Mushroom Magic, Mexican Fiesta, Awesome American Cheesy, and Nawabi Murg Makhni offer a plethora of choices for individuals to indulge their culinary desires, influenced by an array of emotions.

Additionally, the brand has introduced a value proposition, presenting an opportunity for pizza enthusiasts to enjoy 2 personal pizzas beginning at INR 299, accompanied by 2 complimentary glasses of Pepsi. This offer is available across Pizza Hut’s extensive network of over 800 restaurants.

Crafted and filmed by Creativeland Asia Pvt. Ltd, Pizza Hut’s latest cinematic creation is an integral component of the extensive 360-degree marketing endeavor. This comprehensive campaign spans television, digital platforms, social media engagement encompassing PR and influencer interactions, outdoor advertising, and in-store branding, ensuring consumer engagement at every conceivable point of contact. The film is being showcased across various mediums including television, OTT platforms, and prominent contemporary social media platforms such as Glance, Saavn, Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Amazon, PhonePe, Uber, among others.

Watch it here:

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