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.
On Tuesday, which marked Independence Day, Ashok Gehlot, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, inaugurated the Annapurna Food Packet Scheme initiated by the state government.
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.
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.”
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.
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:
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.
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.
According to a trade association’s report on Monday, India witnessed a significant surge in palm oil imports during July. The imports rose by 59% compared to the previous month, reaching a total of 1.08 million metric tons. This figure marks the highest import level in the span of seven months. Refiners capitalized on the favorable drop in prices to boost their buying activities.
Increased imports from India, the globe’s largest purchaser of vegetable oils, could contribute to reducing stockpiles and providing support to Malaysian prices, which in turn would benefit the primary producers Malaysia and Indonesia.
The Mumbai-based Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) reported that imports of soyoil experienced a decline of approximately 22% to reach 342,270 tons, while imports of sunflower oil saw a significant increase of 71%, totaling 327,259 tons.
According to dealers, India’s edible oil imports reached an all-time high of 1.76 million tons in July. Refiners boosted their stockpiles in preparation for upcoming festivals due to uncertainties surrounding supplies from the Black Sea region.
A Mumbai-based dealer from a global trade house mentioned that the price difference between crude palm oil and crude soyoil expanded to more than $150 per ton. This led refiners to shift towards palm oil.
“This trend would continue even in coming months. We are expecting around 1 million tons of imports in September,” the dealer said.
In a statement, the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) projected that the nation’s aggregate imports of edible oil for the marketing year concluding on October 31, 2022/23, could surge to an unprecedented 15.5 million tons.
India primarily procures palm oil from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Additionally, the country imports soyoil and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.
Naksha is introducing a pair of baking kits with delightful sweet themes, drawing inspiration from the rich flavors of the Middle East, within the United Kingdom.
Naksha asserts that its Baked Collection empowers individuals to create imaginative and lavish treats within the comfort of their homes, employing high-quality ingredients and accompanied by detailed recipe cards.
The selection comprises a duo of meticulously hand-crafted gourmet baking kits, available for individual or combined purchase: The first showcases milk chocolate blondies infused with Lebanese tahini and a delicate sprinkling of salted sesame sugar, while the second features dark chocolate fondant elevated with Turkish coffee and adorned with a subtle dusting of cocoa cardamom.
Naksha’s Co-Founder, Nisha Ramisetty, said, “Our vision was authentic, carefully curated recipe kits from diverse culinary destinations using lesser-known, off-the-beaten-track recipes and infusing specialist ingredients”.
Ramisetty continued, “While there is a spectrum of savoury recipe kits, when it comes to sweet baked treats, there was little that was truly luxurious or standout – something one might want to take to a dinner party or treat their family. Our first baking kit collection offers innovative flavour combinations with a light contemporary twist which celebrates the magical spirit of the Middle East.”
Starting August 23rd, the sweet baking kits will be accessible for purchase at renowned locations such as Whole Foods UK, Harrods, John Lewis, and other select retailers.
According to data released by the Ministry of Statistics on Monday, India’s retail inflation climbed to an almost 15-month peak of 7.44 percent in July on a yearly basis, compared to 4.81 percent in June.
In a recent survey conducted by Reuters involving 53 economists, the estimated annual increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was projected to reach 6.40 percent, driven by the sharp rise in food prices.
After a continuous four-month period of remaining within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) tolerance range of 2-6 percent, the consumer-price index (CPI) based inflation has now exceeded the upper limit.
The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) saw a notable increase to 11.51 percent from its previous level of 4.49 percent in June. In terms of breakdown, rural inflation reached 7.63 percent, while urban inflation reached 7.20 percent.
The notable increase can be attributed to an unexpected and substantial rise in vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes, throughout the previous month.
In the past two months, food prices, constituting nearly half of the inflation measurement, have experienced a significant surge. This surge can be primarily attributed to the erratic monsoon conditions across the nation, leading to wholesale market tomato prices rising by over 1,400 percent in the last three months.
“There are no signs of any sequential moderation in food prices in August,” Reuters had quoted Rahul Bajoria, chief India economist at Barclays, as saying. “Although it is still early in the month, we expect CPI inflation prints to remain elevated in the next couple of months, and then start easing in Q4 2023,” he added.
During its August Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the RBI revised its inflation projection for the current fiscal year, increasing it to 5.4 percent from the 5.1 percent forecast that was issued in the June policy.
The bank associated this decision with the elevated prices of food products, encompassing basic essentials as well as vegetables and even premium culinary offerings.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das stated that policymakers should be prepared to do more than just observe like Arjuna and be ready to utilize policy tools if required, in the August meeting.
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