Monday, January 12, 2026
Home Blog Page 956

How emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in building great leaders for the food industry?

0
leaders

In today’s competitive business world, building great leaders is essential for the success of any industry, including the food industry. One key aspect of building effective leaders is developing their emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It is crucial for effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building, all of which are essential in the food industry.

Emotional intelligence involves being able to accurately perceive and express emotions, uses emotions to facilitate thinking, understands emotional meanings, and manage emotions effectively.

Effective leaders must also have strong emotional intelligence (EI), which refers to their ability to recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This skill set is crucial in building strong relationships with employees, customers, and other stakeholders in the food industry.

EI is often broken down into four key components:

1. Self-awareness involves understanding one’s own emotions and recognizing their impact on behaviour and performance.

2. Self-management involves regulating one’s own emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in a way that promotes positive outcomes.

3. Social awareness involves understanding the emotions of others and being able to respond appropriately.

4. Relationship management involves using emotional intelligence to communicate effectively, build and maintain relationships, and positively influence others.

Why Emotional Intelligence is Important in the Food Industry?

The food industry is highly competitive, with a constantly evolving market and rapidly changing consumer preferences. Leaders who possess emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate these challenges, make informed decisions, and lead their teams to success. Overall, emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership in the food industry. Emotional intelligence is crucial in the food industry to effectively manage teams, handle customer interactions, and make strategic decisions.

1. Effective Communication: In the food industry, effective communication is crucial for successful relationships with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders. Emotional intelligence helps leaders to understand and communicate with others effectively, which enhances communication and leads to better outcomes.

2. Improved Team Collaboration: Emotional intelligence fosters teamwork, collaboration, and cohesiveness among team members. Leaders who possess high emotional intelligence are more effective at building and leading teams that work together seamlessly towards a common goal.

3. Better Decision-Making: Leaders with high emotional intelligence can recognize and understand the emotions of others, which helps them to make better decisions. They are better equipped to weigh all the factors involved in decision-making and to consider the impact their decisions will have on others.

4. Greater Resilience: Leaders who have high emotional intelligence are better equipped to handle stress and remain resilient in difficult situations. They can remain calm and focused, even in high-pressure situations, which enables them to make better decisions and lead more effectively.

Leaders who possess emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate these challenges, make informed decisions, and lead their teams to success.

How to Develop Emotional Intelligence in Leaders

Developing emotional intelligence in leaders is important because it allows them to effectively manage their own emotions and those of their team members. This results in improved communication, better decision-making, and increased productivity. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can handle stress and conflict healthily and productively, and they are better equipped to create a positive work environment. 

In the food industry, where teamwork, collaboration, and customer service are essential, leaders who possess emotional intelligence are better able to navigate challenges and build strong relationships with employees and customers alike. Ultimately, developing emotional intelligence in leaders can lead to better business outcomes and a more positive workplace culture.

Developing emotional intelligence in leaders involves identifying and assessing EI competencies, providing coaching and training, and creating a culture that values and supports EI development.

1. Self-Awareness: Leaders need to be aware of their own emotions and how they impact others. Encouraging leaders to engage in self-reflection and self-awareness activities, such as journaling or meditation, can help to build self-awareness.

2. Empathy: Leaders must be able to understand the emotions of others. Encouraging leaders to actively listen, practice active inquiry, and use non-verbal communication can help to build empathy.

3. Social Skills: Effective leaders need to be skilled in building and maintaining relationships with others. Encouraging leaders to participate in team-building exercises, training, and coaching can help to develop their social skills.

4. Motivation: Leaders with high emotional intelligence are self-motivated, have a positive attitude, and can inspire and motivate others. Encouraging leaders to set goals and take ownership of their work can help to build motivation.

Emotional intelligence is a vital factor in building great leaders in the food industry. To develop emotional intelligence in food industry leaders, it is important to identify and assess EI competencies, provide training and coaching, and create a culture that values and supports EI development. By investing in the development of emotional intelligence in their leaders, food companies can gain a competitive edge and build a stronger and more successful organization.

Advertisement

Rush for liquor licenses in Telangana: Over 100,000 applications received

0

Having received over 100,166 applications by Friday, 5 pm, the Telangana excise department is poised to establish remarkable new benchmarks in the country’s liquor shop license auction.

Having accumulated 25,563 applications on Friday alone (until 5 pm), along with 30,752 applications on Thursday, the excise department is poised to generate over INR 2,000 crore solely from the application sales. This stands in stark contrast to the Rs 900 crore garnered in the previous auction for the 2021-23 period.

Officials have indicated that the count of received applications is likely to increase further by late Friday night, and the definitive tally will only be ascertainable on Saturday. The closing time for submitting applications to secure the liquor license was on Friday.

As per figures, 74,613 applications were filed till Thursday and 6,000 were to be added to the tally as they were filed by paying demand drafts,” an official said. “If one lakh applications were filed, it means each of the 2,620 shops got on an average 38 applications though there is no uniformity in average number of applications for each shop,” he said.

As per experts, the state’s excise division is poised to establish a unique record in the country with a substantial count of over one lakh applications. This marks a significant leap from the 69,691 applications received during the 2021-23 period. Initially, on August 4, only 191 applications were filed; however, the excise department’s vigorous marketing efforts propelled the numbers to unprecedented levels.

The surge in applications commenced on August 11, with a filing of 8,491 applications, followed by 6,252, 13,473, and 8,912 applications on August 12, 14, and 16 respectively. Notably, Shamshabad received a total of 8,409 applications for 134 shops, while Saroornagar secured a remarkable 8,263 applications for 100 shops.

“By the time scrutiny is done, both mandals will set new records as over 10,000 applications would have been received by each,” an official said.

Nalgonda, with 6,134 applications, and Khammam, with 5,906 applications, closely trail behind. Hyderabad garnered 2,331 applications for 80 shops, while Secunderabad received 2,396 applications for 99 shops. Remarkably, around 50 applications were submitted for a solitary shop in the open category within Ameerpet.

Out of a total of 2,620 shops, 1,834 establishments fall under the open category, while the remaining 786 are distributed across three reserved categories.

“Filing of applications will continue till late Friday and final figures will be out on Saturday,” said an official. Nirmal got fewest applications at 657.

Advertisement

Kerala’s picturesque Munnar to host state’s first clean street food hub: FSSAI allocates INR 1 Crore for the innovative project

0
street food
Street food (Representative Image)

Kerala’s inaugural clean street food hub is soon to be established in the picturesque hill station of Munnar.

A budget of INR 1 crore has been allocated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for the initiative. As per officials from the Food Safety department, the FSSAI has designated Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Munnar as the locations for implementing the street food hub project.

A department representative stated that Munnar was chosen as the site for establishing the inaugural street food hub due to the influx of tourists.

“Thousands of tourists from across the globe reach Munnar round the year. The street food hub aims at ensuring clean street food to them,” said the official.

“The Central government has decided to set up 100 street food hubs in the country. In north India, there are street food hubs already and the funds will be used for their modernisation,” said the official.

“The FSSAI allocates INR 1 crore for arranging amenities, including toilet block, waste management facilities, chairs, public rest place, roofing and lighting facilities. The local body concerned should set up food shops and they can collect rent from the vendors,” said the official.

“The street food hub will function under a committee comprising the Health Secretary, Local Self-Government department (LSGD) Secretary, Tourism Secretary, National Health Mission Coordinator, and the State Food Safety Commissioner. The District Collector of the respective district too will be part of the committee,” said the official.

Vasanth Vinu, the proprietor of a street food establishment in Munnar town, expressed that tourists would flock to street food vendors if they could enjoy high-quality food options.

K.N. Sahajan, the secretary of the Munnar Grama Panchayat, mentioned that a location has been already pinpointed at Moolakadai, close to old Munnar, for the hub’s establishment.

“The panchayat has given the preliminary sanction for the project. As per the FSSAI standard, we will set up 20 shops in the hub soon,” said the official.

“For the hundreds of tourists arriving in Munnar every day, hygienic food availability is a major concern. The street food hub will provide different varieties of food to tourists ensuring quality,” said Mr. Sahajan.

Advertisement

FrieslandCampina brings dairy-based chicken alternatives to UK shelves with Tender’lish

0
Tender’lish
Tender’lish

FrieslandCampina is introducing a fresh brand called Tender’lish, offering a meat-free chicken alternative.

The lineup comprises items such as Chik’n Cheese Escalope, Crispy Chik’n Fillet Burger, Crunchy Chik’n Tenders, and Crispy Chik’n Fillets. These products are set to hit shelves in UK stores starting from early October.

Tender’lish chicken is crafted using a foundation of up to 60% skimmed milk, forming the core of its protein content. This significant dairy inclusion is recognized for delivering a dependable and established supply of top-notch protein and calcium, along with being a wellspring of dietary fiber and iron.

The dairy base creates a succulent and moist mouthfeel, perfectly emulating the fibrous layers characteristic of real chicken. This results in a satisfyingly firm bite, accompanied by a vivid white interior and a crisp, golden crumb exterior.

Alison Lees, UK marketing lead for Tender’lish, said, “After several years of successive double-digit growth, performance in the meat-alternative category has been challenging over the past six months. However, at a time when some manufacturers are withdrawing from the UK market, FrieslandCampina is confidently investing for future growth, offering something genuinely new, different and superior within the key growth subset of chicken alternatives.”

The Chik’n Cheese Escalope, weighing 180g, will have a recommended selling price (RSP) of £3.25. The Crispy Chik’n Fillet Burger, also 180g, will be priced at an RSP of £3. The Crunchy Chik’n Tenders, in a 160g pack, will be available for an RSP of £3, while the Cripsy Chik’n Fillets, also 160g, will be offered at an RSP of £3.

Advertisement

ChefKart redefines culinary experiences with innovative in-home cooking services for every occasion

0
ChefKart

ChefKart, a pioneer in the food-tech space, is introducing a range of innovative services that are poised to redefine culinary experiences. With offerings like Chefit for one-time cooking services, Monthly Subscription for month-long culinary support, Chef for Party to elevate special occasions, and Royale for a dedicated full-time in-house cook, ChefKart is setting a new standard of excellence in the culinary industry. By adopting a modern approach, ChefKart aims to seamlessly connect households with skilled cooks, providing a diverse array of culinary solutions that cater to every palate.

The food-tech startup presents a selection of in-home culinary services designed to cater to a wide array of requirements. From supplying skilled and verified cooks for households to enlisting professional multi-cuisine expert chefs for special events, ChefKart covers a diverse spectrum of needs. A recent addition to their lineup is the user-friendly Chefit service, which allows you to engage a cook for a single occasion, preparing meals for groups of up to 8 individuals. This offering encompasses simple dishes such as Dal, chawal, Kadhi, and more, all prepared within your own kitchen. It proves to be an excellent option for those seeking respite from cooking or a stand-in solution when their personal chef is unavailable. This service is currently accessible in Gurugram, Noida, and South Delhi.

Among ChefKart’s array of services, the Monthly Subscription stands out, furnishing households with skilled and authenticated cooks for an entire month. This service presents a choice between the Basic Plan and the Basic Plan + Premium Upgrade, both accompanied by cooks who undergo consistent training to uphold standards of excellence and safety. A robust 28-day service guarantee is also in effect, guaranteeing that in the event of a cook’s absence, the company will promptly arrange a suitable replacement. To offer users a firsthand experience, a paid trial service is available in Gurugram prior to subscription.

When it’s time to celebrate, the Chef for Party service steps in, introducing the mastery of seasoned multi-cuisine chefs tailored to events spanning from intimate gatherings of 5 to larger soirées of up to 40 attendees. This service extends the expertise of a dedicated multi-cuisine specialist exclusively for your event. The menu can be personalized to harmonize with your culinary inclinations and dietary prerequisites. Moreover, beyond the chef’s talents, you have the option to enhance the experience with add-ons such as a bartender or waiter, guaranteeing a smooth and delightful dining affair for both you and your guests. This exceptional service caters to various occasions and is accessible in Delhi NCR, Bangalore, and Mumbai.

Lastly, the opulent Royale service presents an opportunity to engage a skilled and authenticated in-house cook, available either for 24 hours or 12 hours, spanning an entire month. The service begins with a paid trial session, allowing you to experience the arrangement prior to making a full-time commitment. While currently operational in key cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR, provisions can also be made to extend this service to other locations.

The cooks undergo a thorough onboarding procedure facilitated by the ChefKart Partner App. This meticulous process encompasses background checks, comprehensive evaluations, and continuous training.

This stringent method guarantees the upholding of unparalleled standards during every phase of their engagement. The ChefKart Partner app integrates SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that are mandatory for all cooks to adhere to. These protocols encompass Check-In and Check-Out processes, in which chefs document their arrival and departure times. Additionally, they are obliged to upload images of their attire, kitchen setup, and the food they’ve prepared. These protocols play a pivotal role in fostering transparency and accountability, assuring that customers receive optimal service and quality across all aspects.

Vaibhav Gupta, Founder of ChefKart, expressed enthusiasm for these developments, stating, “We are excited to have the support of esteemed investors and partners, which underscores our commitment to delivering unparalleled culinary experiences and driving innovation within the industry. ChefKart is committed to revolutionising the way households find and connect with cooks. Our platform, powered by advanced technology, provides a seamless experience for customers to find the ideal cook based on their specific needs and requirements. By leveraging technology, we can efficiently match customers with the perfect cook, ensuring the highest standards of service and convenience for our valued customers.”

ChefKart has strategically cultivated valuable partnerships, propelling its success within the industry. Notably, the company has secured significant investments from esteemed individuals, including Deepinder Goyal (CEO, Zomato), and backing from prominent ventures like Blume Ventures and Pravega Ventures. In addition, the platform has fostered strong alliances with established companies such as MyGate, NoBrokerHood, Blinkit, ITC, and more, solidifying its position as a thriving player in the market.

Advertisement

D’Amelio Brands secures $5M investment, launching D’Amelio Foods for expansion into food and beverage sector

0
D’Amelio Brands

D’Amelio Brands has secured $5 million in funding, with leading investment from the media and technology company Fifth Growth Fund (FGF).

Established in 2022 by the well-known TikTok personalities Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, along with their entrepreneurial parents, Marc and Heidi, D’Amelio Brands specializes in developing a wide range of products spanning various sectors including consumer packaged goods, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

The investment will fuel the company’s expansion into the F&B sector, setting the stage for the imminent launch of D’Amelio Foods.

D’Amelio Foods has announced its intention to provide an array of “premium, flavorful, and easily accessible snacks.” The inaugural product is set to debut nationwide this upcoming autumn.

The D’Amelio family has expressed their strong involvement in product development, formulation, marketing, brand establishment, and fulfillment processes.

CEO Marc D’Amelio said, “D’Amelio Brands’ expansion into the food and beverage sector, fuelled by FGF’s investment, is a significant step in our journey of continuing to launch socially conscious brands that resonate with our audience”.

“Some of our family’s best memories are made at home, in the kitchen or snacking in the family room. The products we plan to launch under D’Amelio Foods are inspired by our favourite flavours and snacks. We’re excited for people to try them out and create lasting memories of their own,” he added.

Additionally, the company will collaborate with Trusted Influence, an agency specializing in product sourcing, brand activation, and marketing. This partnership aims to assist in “brand development, sourcing, and negotiating strategic retail agreements for nationwide distribution.”

FGF partner Royce Wilson will join the D’Amelio Brands’ board of directors. Wilson said, “With the D’Amelio family’s ability to identify Gen Z’s unique tastes and preferences, this venture promises to bring fresh, high-quality, exciting products to the marketplace. We’re not just investing capital; we’re investing in the future of consumer goods and the evolution of how brands connect with their audience.”

Advertisement

KFC teams up with Dead Man’s Fingers to launch unique ’11 Herbed and Spiced Rum’

0
11 Herbed and Spiced Rum
11 Herbed and Spiced Rum

KFC and Dead Man’s Fingers, owned by Halewood Artisanal Spirits, have collaborated to craft a distinctive and limited-edition rum blend known as “11 Herbed and Spiced Rum.”

The newly crafted custom blend draws inspiration from KFC’s famous 11 secret herbs and the Cornish heritage that characterizes Dead Man’s Fingers’ spiced rum.

Although KFC’s formula remains undisclosed, Dead Man’s Fingers has disclosed that the fresh rum incorporates a harmonious blend of herbs and spices such as black and white pepper, combined with KFC’s signature freshly fried golden breading. Infused with the distinctive spiced rum from Dead Man’s Fingers, this novel beverage offers discernible hints of caramel, vanilla, treacle toffee, and nutmeg.

The new spirit is available to purchase now for a limited time on The Drop Store and Amazon sites.

Advertisement

NOTO redefines dessert luxury with the delectable Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich

0
Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich

NOTO, a renowned brand recognized for revolutionizing dessert experiences, has unveiled its latest creation: the Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich.

Blending sophistication with a diverse range of flavors, this exquisite treat presents a dessert that caters to health-conscious individuals.

NOTO has built a name for itself by creating irresistible delights that encourage guilt-free enjoyment.

Ashni Shah, Co-Founder of NOTO, affirms that the Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches flawlessly capture the equilibrium between opulence and exceptional quality. With the introduction of this delightful innovation, the company remains enthusiastic about upholding their commitment to guilt-free pleasure, all the while unwaveringly prioritizing the essence of flavor.

Encompassing gelatos, ice creams, miniature delights, and popsicles within their diverse assortment, they manifest their dedication to redefining the notion of indulgence.

Each box contains four flavours, each a testament to the marriage of exquisite taste and guilt-free indulgence.

From the captivating depths of Dark Chocolate to the enticing aroma of Coffee flavors, the symphony of macarons harmoniously merges with creamy ice cream swirls. Chocolate Hazelnut takes center stage, conducting a rich ensemble of flavors, while the Mango Cheesecake variation elegantly combines delectable tastes within a crunchy macaron shell.

The unveiling of the Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich underscores NOTO’s ongoing mission to reshape the concept of guilt-free indulgence.

Advertisement

Licious completes 8 years of delivering meaty delights, introduces exclusive Licious Infiniti rewards program

0
Licious Infiniti
Licious Infiniti

Licious, your ultimate destination for all meat and seafood needs, has recently marked a successful 8-year journey of delivering delectable meaty experiences. In recognition of the unwavering affection and loyalty of its customers, the brand has proudly introduced Licious Infiniti – an exclusive rewards program designed for Licious enthusiasts. True to its name, this program promises boundless advantages to its members, completely devoid of any restrictive conditions.

Participants in this program can now relish a guaranteed 10% cashback on every order, regardless of the order’s total. Elevating the offer even further, all orders will be accompanied by complimentary delivery and a foolproof money-back assurance.

Exclusively accessible through the Licious App, Licious Infiniti presents consumers with the flexibility of choosing between 3, 6, or 12-month subscriptions, empowering them to select the option that aligns perfectly with their needs. What sets this program apart from others of its kind is the promise of boundless advantages, completely devoid of any restrictive conditions. Notably, there exists no requirement for a minimum order value to unlock the perks of free delivery or cashback.

The guaranteed 10% cashback is promptly deposited into your Licious wallet upon the successful completion of your order. Thus, the more orders you place, the greater your benefits accumulate. The assurance of a money-back guarantee ensures that the difference between your savings and the program’s fee is refundable. Furthermore, the benefits bestowed by Licious Infiniti complement other existing offers, discounts, and coupons applicable on the App.

For existing Meatopia users, there’s no need for concern, as their ongoing Meatopia membership seamlessly upgrades to the Infiniti Program subscription, without any additional charges. For a captivating insight into the prowess of Infiniti, you can view the captivating campaign video on the brand’s YouTube channel, showcasing the ‘Power of Infiniti.’

Sharing about the brand’s journey and gratifying consumers with Licious Infiniti, Vivek Gupta, Co-Founder, Licious said, “8 years on, we continue in our endeavour to redefine the category, powered by our strong belief that India deserves better meat. One key learning in our journey has been how distinct this category is from everything else in the consumer’s grocery cart. Meat & seafood witness high engagement with consumers feeling personally involved right from buying to preparation & consumption. Even coming together over a meal of choicest meat & seafood dishes is a celebration in itself. Licious is humbled to be a part of such special occasions & moments with our consumers; with 90% of our business coming from repeat consumers, the brand love & loyalty coming our way is overwhelming. The Infiniti program is specifically designed to add a zing of meaty delights to these special moments, not just for our existing consumers but also for those keen on experiencing Licious.”

Vakul Agarwal, Vice President, Growth at Licious, said, “The Licious App has always been the exclusive meat store offering an extensive range of meat & seafood products. And now with Licious Infiniti our aim is to offer exclusive benefits every time you order from the App. The program is rewarding in more ways than one, with unlimited benefits & without any hidden terms & conditions. The simple subscription-based model places the power in the hands of our consumers, enabling them to earn rewards with every order; now they can enjoy juicy delicious Licious products with even juicier benefits.”

Established by Abhay Hanjura and Vivek Gupta, Licious stands as India’s inaugural Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Unicorn, dedicated to bringing unparalleled selections of meat and meat products to the world. The enterprise is forged with the ambition of becoming India’s cherished meat food brand, distinguished by its commitment to delivering products of the utmost quality. With a presence spanning more than 20 Indian cities, Licious caters to a customer base that generates 1.2 million monthly orders, boasting an impressive 90% recurring patronage across diverse markets. The Licious team, numbering over 6000 members, is composed of skilled professionals hailing from various disciplines and roles.

Advertisement

Fine dining on tracks: Exclusive restaurant aboard Noida’s Aqua Line metro coach set to delight guests

0
railway restaurant
(Representative Image)

An exclusive fine dining experience will soon be available aboard a stationary metro coach stationed along the Aqua Line. The restaurant, previously situated near the Depot station, has been moved to a spacious 300 sqm area close to the Sector 137 station. Presently undergoing renovations, it is anticipated to welcome guests in approximately one month.

The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) intends to enhance its non-fare revenue by means of the restaurant. Within the Sector 137 station vicinity, there are already three restaurants, a car showroom, and a salon in operation.

In March of the current year, the NMRC granted the contract for the commercial utilization of the metro coach to the private company City Supermart, as informed by NMRC spokesperson Nisha Wadhwan. The contract was secured through an open bidding process.

“Recently, the company shifted the metro coach from Depot station to Sector 137 station and started work on setting up a restaurant near the Sector 137 metro station. It is arranging the required infrastructure for starting the restaurant,” she said.

City Supermart is currently in the process of refurbishing the metro coach in alignment with its business concept. The restaurant’s kitchen will be situated outside the coach. Additionally, the company has obtained approval from the NMRC to create a circular landscape area around the coach, complete with seating arrangements.

Wadhwan explained that the license duration for the combined metro coach and restaurant spans nine years, with the possibility of extension for a suitable period upon mutual agreement between the involved parties.

Sector 137 predominantly comprises residential establishments and has experienced notable real estate growth in recent times. Dwellers from adjacent high-rise buildings, such as Vishnu Saini from Supertech Ecociti, have expressed their approval of this initiative.

“The initiative will enhance the commuter experience and positively contribute to urban mobility. Earlier, people visited restaurants in Sector 18 as this sector lacked good restaurants. But now, it has become a residential and commercial hub. We also have a bio-diversity park and a medicinal park, which attract many visitors, but they did not have proper dining arrangements earlier. The metro coach cum restaurant will surely help commuters, residents, and visitors,” Saini said.

The Aqua Line, linking Noida Sector 51 to the depot station in Greater Noida, maintains an average daily ridership of 50,000 passengers.

Advertisement