Hooch unveils new ‘enhanced’ RTD range featuring higher ABV and energizing elements

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August 23, 2023

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.

Erratic monsoon and currency depreciation could keep consumer staples prices elevated this festive season

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August 23, 2023

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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.”

Belagavi railway station to house captivating coach restaurant, offering unique culinary journey

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August 23, 2023

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railway restaurant — (Representative Image)

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.”

Govt allocates additional 2 Lakh metric tonnes of sugar to ensure stable prices for festive season

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August 23, 2023

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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.

Dunzo’s off-roll workers return to dark stores after salary disbursement

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August 23, 2023

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Off-roll pickers employed by Dunzo, the fast-commerce startup supported by Reliance Retail, have recommenced their duties at seven dark stores in Bengaluru. This decision follows the disbursement of their salaries for the month of July. Previously, a number of these workers had declined to resume work due to the postponed payment of their wages. Nonetheless, given the unsettled atmosphere within the startup, a portion of these employees are actively considering alternative job prospects.

The report also points out that Dunzo maintains two distinct groups of workers: those directly employed by the company and others overseen by third-party staffing agencies. Typically, the third-party staff receive a monthly stipend ranging from INR 15,000 to INR 20,000.

A dark store situated in the Frazer Town vicinity of Bengaluru has been temporarily closed as it undergoes a transition to a partner store model.

Although Dunzo is in the final stages of negotiations to obtain funding of around $100 million from its current investors Lightrock and Lightbox, Reliance Retail has chosen not to partake in this particular funding cycle.

The funding could potentially result in Dunzo experiencing a 50% decrease in its valuation.

Dunzo has been contending with a liquidity challenge and had disclosed intentions to transition its operational approach from business-to-consumer to business-to-business through the “Dunzo for Business” model. Furthermore, owing to financial difficulties, the company had also ceased its Dunzo Daily service in the majority of cities, excluding Bengaluru.

During the month of April, Dunzo implemented a workforce reduction, resulting in approximately 300 employees being laid off. This accounted for roughly 30% of the company’s total workforce, and was undertaken as a component of its cost-reduction strategies.

Reliance Retail possesses a notable ownership share in Dunzo, while Google also holds a substantial stake as a major shareholder. As of May in the prior year, the quick commerce initiative had achieved a valuation of $757 million.

The company has been actively investigating diverse funding avenues and debt restructuring strategies in order to effectively handle its cash flow and financial commitments. Concurrently, reports indicate that Reliance’s JioMart has implemented alterations to its delivery partner cost structure, which has had an impact on the overall business of Dunzo Merchant Services.

Radico Khaitan accused of underpaying INR 1,078.09 Crore in excise duty and taxes, CAG report reveals

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August 23, 2023

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The Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) of India has brought attention to an instance of Radico Khaitan Ltd, the producer of 8 PM whisky and Magic Moments vodka, underpaying excise duty and taxes amounting to INR 1,078.09 crore to the Uttar Pradesh government.

“Assistant Excise Commissioner, Radico Khaitan Limited, Rampur failed to monitor consumption of input excise material shown in excise records vis-a-vis returns filed in Income Tax Department resulted in not detecting understatement of consumption of input excise material involving excise revenue of INR 1,078.09 crore (including interest of INR 482.34 crore) during the period 2013-14 to 2019-20,” CAG has said in the report.

The audit reviewed the records related to diverse materials like molasses, grain, and barley malt, which are utilized in the production of liquor.

The audit conducted a comparison between the consumption data of molasses, grain, and barley malt as reported by the taxpayer through legally required filings to the Income Tax Department (ITD) and the corresponding quantities documented in the records of the Assistant Excise Commissioner (AEC) at Radico Khaitan Limited in Rampur. Discrepancies were observed between the quantities declared in the records and returns submitted to the Income Tax Department and those recorded in the State Excise Department.

“The variations found in the consumed material indicate that the assessee had understated the consumption of inputs items in excise records, involving excise revenue of INR 595.75 crore on which interest of INR 482.34 crore was leviable,” CAG has said.

Radico Khaitan accounts for approximately 30% of the state’s excise revenue. Over the past 3-4 years, the excise revenue in the state has experienced a twofold increase.

In a regulatory submission on Tuesday, Radico Khaitan has stated its adherence to all legal obligations, encompassing the revenue laws of the nation.

“We have not received any notice of any irregularity in the matter,” the company has said.

GRM Overseas broadens consumer staples portfolio with the launch of ’10X Shakti’ range

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August 23, 2023

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GRM Overseas Limited, known as “GRM,” a prominent exporter of basmati rice and an emerging contender in the consumer staples domain, reaffirms its dedication to superior quality by unveiling a novel range of packaged goods. These products, including Besan, Daliya, Maida, Poha, and Sooji, are launched under the brand “10X Shakti.” The endeavor is conducted in collaboration with its subsidiary, GRM Foodkraft Pvt Ltd (GFK). These freshly introduced offerings will be conveniently available to customers through both General and Modern trade avenues, with a specific focus on leveraging various E-commerce platforms to ensure widespread accessibility.

These products are commonly enjoyed essentials throughout the nation and have been carefully designed to elevate the everyday experiences of customers, delivering convenience, excellence, and dependability. This ethos resonates harmoniously with GRM’s established heritage.

Atul Garg, MD, expressed, “We are excited to introduce these new additions to our ’10X Shakti’ product lineup, as part of our ongoing efforts to expand our domestic branded business and establish ourselves as a prominent and independent consumer staples organization. These high-quality offerings reaffirm our commitment to providing households with trustworthy and nutritious products, ultimately enhancing the lives of our valued customers. We have meticulously developed this new product range to ensure it perfectly meets the evolving needs of modern households. This marks a significant and progressive stride for our domestic branded business, and we are confident that these new products will be warmly received by our customers, further solidifying our brand’s presence and reputation in the domestic market. We remain steadfast in our ability to position ourselves as the dominant and dependable standalone consumer staples brand in the country.”

From Farm to Table: How Zappfresh is Redefining the Meat-Buying Experience

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August 23, 2023

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In an ever-evolving food industry landscape where innovation and quality reign supreme, a new star is rising – the illustrious brand known as Zappfresh. Since its inception in 2015, this brand has not only grown steadily but has also been redefining the way we approach meat and poultry. Beyond being a mere purveyor of these products, Zappfresh is an embodiment of modern gastronomy, driven by a commitment to freshness, transparency, and convenience. The brand’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current acclaim underscores the profound impact of passion, vision, and a deep understanding of consumer preferences.

A Fresh Approach to Meat Procurement:

At the heart of Zappfresh’s ethos lies a devotion to freshness that is second to none. In a world where discerning consumers seek not only flavor but also ethical sourcing, Zappfresh has answered the call. Deepanshu Manchanda, the Founder and CEO of Zappfresh, reveals in an exclusive interview with SnackFax, “10-15 million people who reside in the tier 1 cities have a certain lifestyle, want to splurge on food and do better in terms of whatever they do.” He identifies this group of people as the target audience for Zappfresh.

**Deepanshu Manchanda, Founder and CEO of Zappfresh**

“More than a brand, we are a supply chain,” Deepanshu adds. In response to questions about sourcing, he explains that Zappfresh acts as a link between the producer and the consumer. The unique aspect here is that the producers are none other than farmers who raise high-quality meat. This distinctive approach means that Zappfresh’s journey begins at the source—the farms. It establishes direct partnerships with a network of trusted farms, ensuring that the meat and poultry offered are of the highest quality and sourced responsibly. By maintaining this direct link to the supply chain, Zappfresh guarantees that every cut of meat is a testament to its commitment to traceability, sustainability, and animal welfare.

From the farm to the table, the brand lays bare the journey that each piece of meat undertakes. Detailed information on sourcing, processing, and handling practices is provided, empowering consumers with knowledge that fosters a deeper connection between what they eat and the values they uphold. This high level of transparency not only builds trust but also underscores the brand’s dedication to delivering unadulterated, premium-quality products.

Convenience Meets Quality:

In a fast-paced world where time is a precious commodity, Zappfresh addresses a crucial need: convenience. Recognizing that today’s consumers seek quality without compromise, Zappfresh has redefined the meat-buying experience. Through its user-friendly online platform, customers can effortlessly browse through a wide array of choices, from succulent cuts of beef to marinated chicken delicacies. The convenience extends to doorstep delivery, eliminating the need for arduous trips to the butcher shop. This seamless integration of quality and convenience positions Zappfresh as a trailblazer in catering to the needs of the modern epicurean.

Culinary Creativity as a Driving Force:

Zappfresh’s journey is far from ordinary; it is an odyssey that celebrates culinary innovation. Beyond traditional offerings, the brand embraces creativity by offering an assortment of marinated meats and pre-seasoned delights that cater to diverse tastes. Whether it’s the aroma of tandoori chicken or the succulence of barbecue ribs, Zappfresh transforms home cooking into an extraordinary culinary adventure. The brand’s commitment to delivering not just meat, but an experience, resonates with today’s adventurous and discerning food enthusiasts.

From Emerging to Established: A Promising Trajectory

As Zappfresh continues to captivate palates and redefine culinary norms, its emergence as a prominent brand in the food industry is undeniable. The fusion of ethical sourcing, transparency, convenience, and innovation has struck a chord with consumers who demand both quality and experience. With an unwavering commitment to these principles, Zappfresh’s journey is not only a testament to its pioneering spirit but also an inspiration to the broader food industry. As the brand carves its legacy, one delicious morsel at a time, it invites us all to savor not just the flavors, but the values that make Zappfresh an emblem of excellence in the realm of food. In a world where food is more than sustenance, Zappfresh stands as a beacon of culinary delight, embodying the essence of a culinary odyssey that is set to redefine the future of meat consumption.

Watch our exclusive interview with Deepanshu Manchanda here:

Dal mills ramp up processing capacities to meet soaring retail demand for pulses ahead of festive season

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August 22, 2023

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An increased market demand for pulses has prompted dal mills to expand their processing capacities, aiming to accommodate higher retail consumption during the upcoming festive months.

Industry insiders have reported that dal mills have bolstered their processing capacities and procurement efforts in response to a surge in retail market demand for pulses.

All India Dal Mill Association secretary Dinesh Agrawal said, “Consumption of pulses has gone up and this has given a fillip to processing activities in dal mills. Mills have increased processing to cater to rising demand. But spike in rates of tur and urad has hiked the operative cost.”

Dal mills have indicated that the demand for pulses in the retail market is anticipated to remain strong during the festive season.

The price of tur dal has surged from INR 115 per kg to INR 130 per kg, while urad has risen from INR 90 per kg to INR 100 per kg. Similarly, chana has increased from INR 60 per kg to INR 70 per kg, and moong now ranges between INR 90 and INR 100 per kg, up from INR 85 per kg.

Madhya Pradesh serves as a significant hub for dal mills, hosting approximately 700 mills within the state, of which 160 are situated in Indore.

The All India Dal Mill Association has called for the exemption of the 1.70% mandi tax on pulses procured from other states for processing purposes.

The association president Suresh Agrawal said, “Madhya Pradesh government has exempted tur from mandi tax and we are demanding the government to extend exemption on all other pulses like urad, moong, masoor and matar. Exempting pulses purchased for processing purposes will give a boost to mills and increase their competitiveness in the market.”

During their annual general meeting on August 20, the association members appealed for a waiver of mandi tax and urged the government to prioritize mills when it comes to importing pulses.

Additionally, the association put forth the idea that the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India, which is the apex organization responsible for marketing cooperatives dealing with agricultural produce in India, should accord precedence to dal mills when it comes to selling pulses, given that these mills procure pulses for processing.

High-value pack sales dip as Indian consumers opt for affordable FMCG options

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August 22, 2023

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Despite the easing of inflation, a majority of Indians still find high-priced large consumer product packs unaffordable.

According to data from the retail intelligence platform Bizom, sales growth in high-value packs within FMCG categories contracted in July compared to the previous year. With the festive season approaching, consumers opted for lower and mid-priced packs due to the larger pack prices exceeding their expectations.

“When the price of a pack rises above a certain psychological threshold – say a INR 100 pack becomes INR 110 – then it’s difficult to get consumers to purchase these packs. Moreover, e-commerce and quick commerce, where consumers make impulse purchases of small-and-mid-priced packs, continues to grow faster than modern trade where high-value packs are usually bought,” said Mayank Shah, senior category head at Parle Products.

He further mentioned that consumers accept reductions in product quantity because it doesn’t lead to additional expenses for them.

Within packaged foods, sales of high-value packs experienced a 1% decrease, whereas mid-and-low-priced packs exhibited a growth of 0.5%, as depicted in the graphic. In the confectionery segment, consumers transitioned to mid-priced packs, resulting in a growth of 4.6%, while high-value packs encountered a decline of 4.7%. Similarly, in branded commodities, the growth of both high-value and mid-priced packs slowed down, as consumers shifted towards smaller packs, which saw a growth of 4.7%.

During the past two years, as inflation surged, high-value packs bore the brunt of escalating costs, whereas for low-unit packs, where adjusting prices is more limited, companies turned to reducing product quantities.

“Shifting to small-or-mid-price packs pinches consumers less on their pocket,” said Shah, who added that getting volume growth back is a challenge.

Although companies have conveyed the advantages of reduced raw material costs to consumers by augmenting the quantity in lower and medium-priced packs and decreasing prices for high-value packs, consumers still perceive a psychological barrier to the pricing of the latter. Even though the cost pressures have diminished due to a decline in edible oil prices, Shah noted that the costs of wheat, a crucial ingredient in biscuit production, remain elevated.

Bikano director Manish Aggarwal said, “We are focusing more on low-price packs as they are the best-selling product range.”

The festive season is expected to boost sales. “We continue to see stronger traction of discretionary across urban whereas we see strong traction of home care products across rural. With beverages, we see the end of season and hence a drop in sales across both urban and rural markets as consumption shifts towards a higher share of smaller packs. With input prices continuing to go down, we expect the upcoming festival season to trigger higher consumption,” said Bizom’s chief of growth & insights Akshay D’Souza. The FMCG industry posted flat year-on-year sales growth in July.

NewsHub

A Fresh Approach to Meat Procurement:

Convenience Meets Quality:

Culinary Creativity as a Driving Force:

From Emerging to Established: A Promising Trajectory

Watch our exclusive interview with Deepanshu Manchanda here: