Burger King is currently facing legal action from discontented customers who contend that its flagship Whopper burger falls short in size, as per their claims.
In a potential class action lawsuit in the US, customers have alleged that Burger King engaged in false advertising by presenting images of their popular fast-food item, the Whopper burger, in a way that exaggerates its size compared to its actual dimensions.
The lawsuit asserts that the images depict the burger with ingredients spilling over the bun, creating an illusion of being 35% larger and containing over twice the amount of meat than what is actually provided.
Burger King’s recent attempt to have the case dismissed by a US judge was denied last week, thereby allowing the arguments to proceed for consideration by a jury.
The legal dispute surrounding the Whopper, Burger King’s signature flame-grilled burger, is just one among several cases in the US that highlight the discrepancy between fast food advertising and the actual product.
McDonald’s is currently facing a comparable lawsuit in Brooklyn, New York, while Taco Bell encountered a lawsuit last month in the same court. The lawsuit against Taco Bell accuses them of selling Crunchwraps and Mexican pizzas with purportedly only half the amount of filling as advertised.
Each of these lawsuits is pursuing a minimum of $5 million in damages. The plaintiffs contend that the evident nature of false advertising is so significant that it constitutes a breach of contract.
In relation to the Whopper case, Burger King asserted that there was no obligation to provide burgers that perfectly matched the appearance depicted in the images.
Nevertheless, US District Judge Roy Altman in Miami emphasized that it falls upon the jurors to determine the perspective of “reasonable individuals.”
The inception of the Whopper burger dates back to 1957 when James McLamore, Co-Founder of Burger King, introduced it. He was inspired to create the burger after observing a competing chain’s success with the sale of larger burgers.
The item has become synonymous with the chain, so much so that Burger King’s official motto is “the home of the Whopper”.
A spokesman for Burger King said, “The plaintiffs’ claims are false. The flame-grilled beef patties portrayed in our advertising are the same patties used in the millions of Whopper sandwiches we serve to guests nationwide.”
Exclusively available at Walmart, the collection named "By Chef Ramsay" comprises eight distinct meals
Walmart will be the sole provider of a fresh selection of frozen, prepared meals designed by none other than celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, as revealed by a report from People.
While Ramsay has explored various business ventures such as cooking shows, competitions, and restaurants, this marks his inaugural venture into the realm of prepared grocery store foods.
Exclusively available at Walmart, the collection named “By Chef Ramsay” comprises eight distinct meals, each designed to be conveniently heated and served within minutes. These eight meal options are currently accessible across all Walmart stores nationwide.
Amidst a growing trend of exclusive supermarket offerings, the introduction of this frozen food line coincides with the emergence of various “unavailable elsewhere” products. Following a similar strategy, Kroger has also joined the trend by presenting their own unique contribution – the time-limited Late Night Loaded Taco Doritos, exclusively procurable at Kroger outlets.
Ramsay’s frozen meal selection encompasses classic British favorites like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. Additionally, the assortment features a variety of other dishes such as four-cheese lasagna, macaroni bake, mushroom risotto, chicken pot pie, lemon caper chicken, and slow-roasted beef with potatoes.
Prominent boba tea label, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice, has just announced its intentions to broaden its presence in South Asia, capitalizing on the increasing global popularity of this East Asian delight.
In the midst of global challenges, South Asia’s economy has demonstrated remarkable strength. Concurrently, the global bubble tea market is poised to expand significantly, projected to increase from $2.46 billion in 2023 to $4.08 billion by 2030, with a steady CAGR of 7.51%. Given these advantageous circumstances on a regional level and the broader global market trend, CoCo has received notable interest from entrepreneurs in South Asia who are eager to uncover the yet unexplored possibilities within the bubble tea sector.
“We’re thrilled to be here and look forward to future partnerships and to scaling up localized support,” commented Kody Wang, deputy director of Business Development at CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice. “After reaching 5000 stores worldwide this year, CoCo has the most international coverage of any pearl milk tea brand, and our confidence level is high that South Asia is the next major market for bubble tea globally.”
South Asia’s dynamic consumer market:
Having already gained substantial popularity across various Asian regions, as well as in the United States and Europe, bubble tea has achieved a global following owing to its ability to captivate diverse demographics, notably Generation Z. Within the context of South Asia, a number of pivotal elements contribute to the profitability of this beverage:
Growing market size: Rising urbanization and a booming middle class in countries like India and Pakistan provide opportunities for international brands.
Changing consumer preferences: A growing interest in flavours from other countries combined with the Instagram-worthy appeal of bubble tea positions the beverage uniquely to captivate the younger, more urban populations of South Asia.
Cultural adaptability: CoCo embraces customization, enabling the creation of numerous region-specific flavors to amplify appeal and bridge global trends with local tastes.
The most expansive bubble tea franchise network worldwide:
Playing a pivotal role in the recent expansion of bubble tea culture in the United States and Europe, CoCo has achieved a remarkable stride, escalating its store count from 3,500 to 5,000 between 2019 and 2023. This impressive growth has solidified its widespread presence, strategically positioning the brand for its upcoming endeavors.
Furthermore, the substantial enthusiasm displayed by South Asian franchise holders and business visionaries during diverse international conferences underscores a substantial demand for bubble tea within the region. As part of this expansion strategy, the brand will primarily emphasize forging partnerships with established beverage enterprises and accomplished master franchisors.
Empowering South Asian entrepreneurs:
For franchisees in the region, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice offers:
Established brand reputation: High brand recognition to attract customers and drive business growth
Proven, flexible business model: The ability to apply a successful model to local economies with room for adaptation
Customisation for local tastes: CoCo’s diverse offerings allow for franchisees to cater to the various tastes within South Asia
Favorable long-term prospects: The brand’s strength translates to franchising opportunities having a positive outlook for long-term ROI
Active support and training: Comprehensive guidance for South Asian partners to seamlessly establish and run successful stores
According to a recent Bloomberg report, Uber Eats is in the process of creating an AI-powered chatbot. This chatbot aims to provide users with personalized recommendations and a more efficient method of placing their orders. The report reveals that Steve Moser, a developer, uncovered information about this chatbot within the concealed code of the Uber Eats app.
Collecting information from users regarding their budget and food preferences, the chatbot will subsequently assist them in placing their orders. The exact public launch date of this chatbot by Uber remains undisclosed.
A request for comment from Uber went unanswered.
The report coincides with recent statements made by Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in an interview with Bloomberg Television. Khosrowshahi mentioned the company’s ongoing development of an AI chatbot; however, he refrained from disclosing specific particulars about it. He did highlight that Uber presently employs AI to pair customers with drivers and couriers.
With this upcoming initiative, Uber is joining the ranks of other delivery apps that are also embracing AI integration within their platforms and services. Earlier, DoorDash made headlines by announcing its forthcoming AI-powered voice ordering technology, designed to empower restaurants in handling incoming calls efficiently and potentially amplifying their sales. Moreover, DoorDash is actively engaged in the creation of an AI-driven chatbot, aimed at expediting the ordering process and aiding customers in exploring a diverse array of food options.
Several months back, Instacart introduced an AI-powered search tool driven by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The recently unveiled “Ask Instacart” search feature is meticulously crafted to enhance time-efficiency for customers and provide guidance on shopping inquiries through tailored suggestions.
After the widespread adoption of OpenAI’s ChatGPT across the internet, technology firms have been integrating AI-driven functionalities into their offerings to make this technology more accessible to the public. Consequently, it’s logical for delivery platforms to follow suit. Many users might appreciate the introduction of a chatbot within their food delivery app that can consider their budget and preferences while assisting them, adding value to their experience.
Nestle SA continues to maintain its position as the most valuable food brand globally, reaffirming its dominance in Brand Finance’s latest report titled “Food & Drink 2023.”
By assessing metrics such as brand resilience, revenue, and royalty rates to calculate brand worth, Brand Finance’s yearly publication has persistently granted the top rank to the Switzerland-headquartered corporation in Vevey. This trend has been unbroken since the report’s inaugural edition in 2015.
“As an iconic global brand, Nestle continues to raise the bar, setting new benchmarks for the industry and inspiring trust among consumers worldwide,” said Savio D’Souza, valuation director for Brand Finance. “With a rich heritage and a portfolio of trusted brands, Nestle has built a legacy of success and an unmatched global reputation.”
Over the past year, Nestle witnessed an 8% rise in its brand value, climbing from $20.8 billion to $22.4 billion. Brand Finance credited a portion of this increase to robust sales expansion across Nestle’s assortment of brands and notable advancements in plant-based products, exemplified by creations like Toll House’s whole grain cookie dough and novel non-dairy milk offerings. In a move to explore dairy alternatives, the company delved deeper in September by creating and testing an innovative product formulated using animal-free dairy protein from Perfect Day.
The report also highlighted Nestle’s coffee enterprise, which experienced substantial single-digit growth in organic sales in the initial half of fiscal year 2023. Nestle amplified this segment and furthered its worldwide coffee partnership with Starbucks, a progression that followed the incorporation of Seattle’s Best Coffee in October. Additionally, Brand Finance pointed out that Nestle’s Nespresso holds the title of the swiftest expanding non-alcoholic beverage brand on a global scale, exhibiting a remarkable 208% surge in value, currently resting at $2.9 billion.
“Nestle’s ability to meet evolving consumer preferences, stay ahead of trends, and effectively launch new products has been a driving force behind its continued brand value growth,” Brand Finance said.
Part of the company’s accomplishment in discerning consumer preferences stems from its Project Tasty initiative, which focuses on rationalizing stock-keeping units (SKUs). Initiated by Nestle in 2021, this endeavor aimed to streamline its product offerings, alleviate complexities, and enhance the availability of its top-performing SKUs, particularly given the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions during the pandemic. By implementing this program, Nestle effectively identified and phased out underperforming items within its extensive assortment of 100,000 SKUs. Remarkably, approximately 33% of these SKUs were contributing a mere 1% to the overall sales figures. Subsequently, the initiative’s scope expanded, transitioning from assessing individual product lines to encompassing entire brands and categories. Ulf Mark Schneider, the CEO of Nestle, anticipates that this broader approach under Project Tasty will yield positive outcomes for fiscal year 2023.
“We are seeing the first expected benefits come in as planned, in particular higher service levels for the company overall and for our high rotation items, in particular,” Mr. Schneider said in a conference call on April 25.
Following Nestle, Yili secured the second position in Brand Finance’s ranking of the most valuable food brands. The Chinese dairy manufacturer has consistently maintained this spot since surpassing Danone in 2020.
Yili achieved substantial value growth, experiencing a 17% increase to reach $12.4 billion, driven by robust domestic sales and enhanced international revenue. The inauguration of its Global Smart Manufacturing Industrial Park in Hohhot, China, also contributed to the brand’s value. Notably, this facility integrates cutting-edge, large-scale technology, making it one of the world’s most advanced, as indicated in the report.
“Yili has fostered strong customer loyalty in its local market by consistently delivering products of exceptional quality and perceived health benefits,” Brand Finance said. “Yili’s focus on quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility has contributed to its world-leading reputation in the dairy industry.”
Among food brands, the snack category demonstrated remarkable expansion, witnessing an average value surge of 40% among its top five brands. Notably, four brands under Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, Inc. based in Purchase, NY, attained prominent positions within the snacking domain. These include Lays (also holding the No. 3 position in the list of most valuable food brands), Doritos, Cheetos, and Tostitos. Additionally, the report’s compilation of the top five most valuable snack brands included Want Want, a Chinese rice cracker brand.
In the realm of non-alcoholic beverage brands, Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. retains its top position yet again. Despite a 5% decrease in value to $33.5 billion in 2023, the brand successfully maintained its lead over PepsiCo, which experienced an 11% decline, securing the second rank.
“With a rich history, iconic brand story, and a steadfast dedication to customer experience and satisfaction, Coca-Cola has remained a global leader,” Mr. D’Souza said. “The brand continues to boost its international reputation and capture the loyalty of generations across the globe through ingenious and powerful marketing campaigns, product evolutions and innovative digital strategies.”
A recent survey, released on Monday, revealed that the typical delivery worker on a food platform possesses higher qualifications, works more extended shifts, yet earns less compared to a similar male worker in urban India.
The survey conducted by the think tank NCAER focused on employees of a food delivery platform based on apps. It demonstrated that the average platform worker dedicates 69.3 hours per week to their job, while a worker included in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) works for 56 hours weekly. This indicates that the platform worker puts in an additional 23% in terms of working hours.
Additionally, the survey indicated a decline in the average actual monthly earnings, dropping from INR 13,471 per month in 2019 to INR 11,963 by the conclusion of May 2022, primarily due to the increased proportion of fuel expenses. However, in comparison to a similar worker, the monthly income was lower by 8% at INR 20,774, compared to INR 22,494. The disparity in hourly wages would result in a substantially greater difference.
Exacerbating the issue is the lack of health insurance coverage, despite the availability of accident insurance. In contrast, approximately one-third of the average workers covered under PLFS enjoyed some form of social security protection. Additionally, the workers on the app-based platform did not receive compensated leave, unlike their comparable worker counterparts, over 35% of whom had access to such benefits.
The survey revealed that more than 66% of the food delivery workers had become part of the platform with the intention of achieving a higher income. While the respondents pointed to accessible entry as one of the factors, 9% joined as a result of unemployment, out of which 67% made this decision during the pandemic, amounting to 6% of the total worker base.
The survey findings unveiled that possessing a two-wheeler, which was a requirement for the job, did not pose as significant of an obstacle as owning a smartphone – a crucial tool for food delivery. Only 55% of individuals had smartphones prior to securing a contract. Additionally, the average app worker needed to invest more than INR 680 to purchase a kit containing T-shirts and bags.
Sanjiv Puri, the Chairman of ITC, revealed that the conglomerate has joined forces with around 45 startups. This collaboration aims to foster agility and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among employees, especially during a period when small businesses are progressively causing disruptions in larger enterprises.
The conglomerate, which spans industries from cigarettes to hotels, is actively collaborating with startups across various sectors including consumer goods, social commerce, content production, distribution, packaging, and agritech solutions. Sanjiv Puri, who serves as both the Managing Director and Chairman of ITC, highlighted this diversified engagement.
“As an organisation, the focus is on how do we remain consumer centric and resilient; how do we dial up on the digital journey and press the accelerator on purposeful innovation,” Puri said.
“All these multidimensional initiatives come together to make the organisation agile and nimble, paving the way for sustained growth,” he added.
The Chairman of ITC mentioned that the company has made investments in startups both directly and through venture capital funds.
“The idea is to look at new-age opportunities in an integrated manner and not in isolation,” he said.
Up until now, ITC’s direct investments have included startups like YogaBar in the realm of healthy food, Mothers Sparsh, a company focusing on baby and maternal care products, and Mylo, a content-community-commerce platform catering to baby and maternal care.
Furthermore, the conglomerate has extended its investments to encompass funds dedicated to startups, including Fireside Ventures and Chiratae Ventures. In addition, ITC is engaged in collaborations with startups spanning various domains. To illustrate, it has joined forces with logistics company Shadowfax to enhance its e-store deliveries and has formed a partnership with Zepto to bolster its online quick-commerce sales efforts.
Máka Mia Pizza, a subsidiary of JTM Food Group, proudly presents its latest innovation: the Mia V4.5 Robotic Pizza Shop. Teaming up with a cutting-edge European pizza robotic system, Máka Mia has ingeniously merged its renowned pizza expertise with the state-of-the-art robotic oven technology, now making its debut in the American food industry. As outlined by the company, this revolutionary process utilizes precision robotics to craft deliciously flavorful pizzas within a mere three-minute timeframe, ensuring an exceptional culinary experience.
Crafted using an exclusive blend of cheeses, an authentic Italian family pizza sauce recipe, and specially formulated dough balls that yield a delicately airy center paired with a satisfyingly crispy edge and base, Máka Mia Pizza is a culinary masterpiece. The centerpiece of this innovation is the Robotic Pizza Shop, boasting a duo of stone hearth ovens that flawlessly bake and serve pizzas in under three minutes, all without the need for human intervention. Impressively, Máka Mia presents a state-of-the-art, ready-to-operate solution ideal for retailers situated in high-traffic areas. This encompasses diverse locations like college campuses, airports, hotels, theme parks, convenience stores, as well as stadiums and sports complexes.
“This is a perfect opportunity for retailers looking to increase revenue with limited labor requirements while still delivering a premium product,” says Matt Maas, Founder and CEO of Máka Mia Pizza. “The quality is hard to believe until you experience it for yourself. That’s why we’re scheduling demos across the U.S., to give foodservice industry and retail partners the chance for a hands-on presentation and taste test. I challenge anyone to match the total package of quality, convenience, and advanced technology of Máka Mia’s Robotic Pizza Shop.”
Established in Berlin in 2020, Holy introduces a line of powdered soft drinks.
Germany-based soft drinks brand Holy has successfully raised €10.5 million through a Series A funding round, with the intention of expanding its reach across Europe.
Leading the funding round was Left Lane Capital, a global venture capital firm, with participation from current investors FoodLabs and Simon Capital (previously recognized as Bitburger Ventures). Additional contributions came from V3 Ventures, a London-based consumer fund affiliated with the international consumer investment entity Verlinvest, as well as OMR’s venture arm, associated with the media company based in Hamburg. Notable figures from the food and beverage sector, including Bela Seebach, co-founder of Just Spices, and YFood’s founders Benjamin Kremer and Noel Bollmann, also took part in the round.
Established in Berlin in 2020, Holy introduces a line of powdered soft drinks. This innovative range is designed to present a more environmentally conscious and health-oriented substitute to conventional soft drinks. The brand achieves this by utilizing a reduced packaging waste format and incorporating natural ingredients.
Founder and CMO, Philipp Nass, said, “With low sugar, low calories, functional ingredients like vitamins, nootropics, antioxidants and fibre, as well as natural flavours and colours, our drinks really appeal to the next generation of consumers”.
Functioning as a direct-to-consumer (DTC) enterprise, the firm boasts over 200,000 customers spanning Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. These customers have embraced the Holy Energy and Holy Iced Tea offerings from the company’s product portfolio.
Amidst a present decline in direct-to-consumer (DTC) investments, the funding round has garnered recognition from investors as one of this year’s most fiercely contested consumer-focused campaigns. This achievement marks a noteworthy milestone, elevating Holy’s accumulated funding to €12.3 million. These funds are poised to bolster the brand’s ambitious objective of assuming a premier position as Europe’s healthier soft drink choice. The strategy encompasses diverse facets, such as introducing fresh product lines, venturing into untapped markets including the UK, and making inroads into retail distribution channels.
Mathias Horsch, Founder and Co-CEO, said, “Holy is currently a team of 25. Now we’re looking for new talent to fuel our product, geographic, and channel expansion as we accelerate our growth across Europe.”
In a country known for its love affair with tea, a silent revolution was brewing, one cup of coffee at a time. Sleepy Owl, the embodiment of innovation and authenticity, emerged as a brand that not only transformed how India savors its caffeine fix but also redefined the concept of cold brew coffee.
India, a nation steeped in tea tradition, has long been synonymous with the aromatic brew that fills every home, street corner, and bustling market. Yet, amidst this sea of tea leaves, a subtle shift began to percolate. Sleepy Owl, a brand that would soon become a beacon of flavor, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit, was taking shape.
At the heart of Sleepy Owl’s inception lay the passionate hearts of its founders. Inspired by a devotion to coffee and a desire to infuse innovation into India’s coffee culture, Sleepy Owl was born. The audacious vision of crafting a premium cold brew coffee experience in a market dominated by tea was the seed that would germinate into a thriving coffee revolution.
Seeds of Inspiration:
For the makers of Sleepy Owl, this endeavor was more than just business; it was a manifestation of their unwavering love for coffee. Arman Sood, the Co-Founder of Sleepy Owl Coffee, reminisces about the genesis of their journey, “We wanted to introduce India to a trendy new innovation that hadn’t hit the market here but was still gaining popularity.” The concept was daring yet rooted in a simple question: if tea could be easily brewed, why not coffee?
Recognizing that coffee culture in India was ripe for innovation, the founders embarked on a mission to introduce something spicy and exciting to the coffee industry. Arman insightfully noted, “Indians are used to taking a tea bag to make tea. Why not brew a cup for coffee like that instead of using a French press?” This thought marked the turning point. Today, instant coffee stands as the flagship product for Sleepy Owl, a testament to their visionary understanding of people’s desires.
Revolutionizing the Coffee Culture:
The rise of Sleepy Owl marked a pivotal moment in India’s coffee culture. In a landscape where instant coffee held sway, the brand introduced the concept of cold brew coffee, reshaping the taste and experience of this beloved beverage. With painstaking attention to quality, Sleepy Owl’s cold brew offered a smoother, less acidic alternative, captivating the palates and hearts of coffee connoisseurs.
At the core of Sleepy Owl’s ascension lies an unswerving commitment to authenticity. The brand is more than just a coffee retailer; it is a curator of an experience. Every batch of Sleepy Owl cold brew is meticulously handcrafted, brewed slowly to perfection. This dedication to authenticity stands as a testament to the founders’ aspiration to provide consumers with a genuine coffee experience, devoid of artificial additives and shortcuts.
A Blend of Innovation and Community:
Sleepy Owl’s journey from obscurity to prominence was propelled by its innovative approach. Recognizing the potential of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales in the digital era, Sleepy Owl made its premium cold brew coffee accessible to a broad spectrum of consumers. This approach bypassed traditional distribution channels, forging a direct connection with its audience.
Beyond the realm of coffee, Sleepy Owl nurtured a community. Through dynamic social media campaigns, interactive content, and events, the brand initiated a dialogue with its consumers. This connection extended beyond transactions; it was a shared ardor for exceptional coffee. Sleepy Owl evolved into a platform where enthusiasts could exchange stories, experiences, and tips, fostering a sense of belonging.
Caffeinating Dreams and Redefining Culture:
Sleepy Owl’s journey to prominence was not devoid of challenges. The brand deftly navigated obstacles, from the intricacies of the supply chain to educating consumers about the nuances of cold brew coffee. Yet, each challenge was met with resolute determination for growth, culminating in a fortified brand identity and a devoted customer base.
The emergence of Sleepy Owl as a brand stands as a testament to the potency of dreams realized through innovation and perseverance. It is a narrative of transforming a love for coffee into a cultural metamorphosis. With every sip of Sleepy Owl’s cold brew, India’s coffee landscape awakens to a new era of flavors, experiences, and possibilities.
From a mere concept to a revered brand, Sleepy Owl’s journey epitomizes authenticity, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. In a nation where tradition is steeped in tea, Sleepy Owl dared to provide an alternative that resonated with the contemporary palate. As Sleepy Owl continues to kindle aspirations and redefine coffee culture, it serves as a living testament to how a humble cup of brew can transcend taste, becoming an emblem of passion, identity, and a brewing revolution.
Watch our exclusive conversation with Arman Sood here:
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