Bengaluru’s DrinkPrime introduces #DrinkPrimeForPets, offering free purified water for furry companions

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August 11, 2023

DrinkPrime, the innovative startup from Bengaluru that’s transforming the way people access clean drinking water, has once more seized the spotlight by introducing their newest project, #DrinkPrimeForPets. This trailblazing initiative presents pet owners with the chance to furnish their cherished four-legged friends with top-tier purified water, without any cost.

Under the umbrella of the #DrinkPrimeForPets movement, any individual who subscribes to DrinkPrime and is a pet owner can now receive a free allocation of 10 liters of DrinkPrime’s ultra-pure reverse osmosis water for their pets. This declaration has sparked a significant conversation on multiple online platforms, with individuals recognizing their previous lack of knowledge and displaying appreciation for this enlightening program. The dialogue has rapidly spread across social media, with lively exchanges inundating both Twitter and Instagram.

In a realm where the lines between residence and workplace have become indistinct due to the emergence of remote work and the aftermath of Covid-19, a growing multitude of people are adopting the role of pet owners. Nonetheless, numerous neophyte and even experienced pet guardians remain uninformed about crucial caregiving routines, such as recognizing the importance of furnishing their companions with hygienic and secure drinking water to uphold their well-being.

The process of urbanization and swift progress has heightened worries regarding water pollution, giving rise to uncertainties about the caliber of water accessible to both individuals and their animal friends. A perception persists that pets boast more robust digestive systems than their human equivalents, causing the habit of offering tap water as sustenance to pets.

Dispelling this misbelief and striving to inspire authentic transformation, the forward-thinking creators at DrinkPrime have embarked on a courageous journey by extending complimentary purified water to their esteemed subscribers who are pet parents. This endeavor not only intends to enlighten but also proactively involves pet guardians in enhancing the well-being and enduring vitality of their animal companions through the provision of secure, top-notch water.

Manas Ranjan Hota, Co-Founder & COO, DrinkPrime, said, “It is our firm belief that pets deserve the same level of care and attention as any other member of the family. We are committed to raising awareness about the vital role water plays in pets’ health and well-being. The #DrinkPrimeForPets initiative reflects our dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of pets and their caretakers.”

As the conversations continue to gather momentum online and throughout communities, DrinkPrime’s #DrinkPrimeForPets initiative stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation, education, and the well-being of all creatures, great and small.

Moreover, the influence of this endeavor reaches far beyond the boundaries of private residences. Stray creatures, particularly city-dwelling dogs, heavily depend on human assistance for their sustenance. Through the promotion of mindful water usage and attentive caregiving routines, the #DrinkPrimeForPets initiative possesses the capacity to steer caregivers of these homeless animals onto the correct path, cultivating a more wholesome and empathetic setting for our beloved quadruped companions.

Subway India adapts menu amid inflation: Free cheese slice replaced by sauce option

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August 11, 2023

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Subsequent to menu adjustments that analysts view as primarily driven by cost reduction rather than taste preferences, Subway outlets in India will no longer provide the complimentary cheese slice option with their sandwiches.

As a major player in the Indian restaurant franchising scene, the American chain Subway boasts a network of approximately 800 outlets. In a recent development, they have introduced an additional charge of INR 30 ($0.40) for the inclusion of a cheese slice in the majority of their sandwiches. However, as an alternative, they are now presenting customers with a complimentary option of a “cheezy” sauce.

The escalation in ingredient prices, encompassing dairy products, has exerted pressure on global fast food chains in India to manage costs while ensuring customer contentment.

In India, Domino’s has set a promotional price of only 60 U.S. cents for its most affordable pizza. However, the franchisee in the region has openly expressed apprehensions about a significant 40% increase in the cost of cheese during the fiscal year that concluded in March.

In recent weeks, numerous Subway and McDonald’s establishments in India have opted to exclude tomatoes from their menus, attributing this decision to concerns regarding quality. This move follows a staggering price surge of approximately 450%, leading to all-time high costs for tomatoes.

Also Read: McDonald’s in Delhi grapples with tomato crisis, temporarily removes tomatoes from offerings

To address the scarcity, India has turned to importing tomatoes from Nepal.

The cheese sauce now available for free at Subway India was “developed for qualitative reasons alone”, said Everstone Group’s Culinary Brands, which manages the supply chain for all 800 outlets and is the master franchisee for around 200.

The shift in quality is evidently not appealing to everyone’s palate.

Subway has “replaced the cheese slice with liquid cheese blend … You just lost a loyal customer,” one unimpressed customer, Sumit Arora, wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

According to a store manager at a Subway outlet in New Delhi, the newly introduced cheese sauce is priced at INR 400 per kilogram. Market prices indicate that cheese slices typically carry a cost of around INR 700 per kilogram.

A cheese slice, said Culinary Brands’ marketing head Mayur Hola, “can be added on at a small cost”. “Ingredient costs are not something we comment on … this is simply an upgrade to make our subs better.”

When inquired about Subway’s decision, Karan Taurani, a consumer discretionary analyst at Elara Capital in India, explained that the surge in cheese, grain, and vegetable prices has compelled restaurants to devise “innovative” approaches.

“It is a way of putting inflationary pressure on the customer rather than going for a blanket price hike,” he said.

In India, the price range for a Subway sandwich typically falls between INR 200-300 ($2.4 to $3.6). However, should a customer opt to include the previously complimentary cheese slice, the cost will now be elevated by up to 15%.

Subway representatives did not provide a response to a comment request.

In the current week, the central bank of India revised its inflation projection for the ongoing fiscal year to 5.4%, citing increased pressures stemming from food prices.

Mantis by Levels to ignite Goa’s nightlife with unforgettable launch event featuring top DJs and thrilling ambiance!

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August 11, 2023

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Mantis Dubai, known for its thrilling and memorable events, is on the brink of establishing a presence in Goa, India.

Mantis by Levels, the renowned nightclub, is preparing to take Goa’s nightlife to unprecedented heights and redefine the experience.

Boasting an impressive capacity that accommodates anywhere from 2500 to 3000 individuals, Mantis by Levels guarantees an exhilarating ambiance for party enthusiasts and music aficionados alike.

“We are thrilled to bring Mantis by Levels to Goa. The energy, emotions and enthusiasm surrounding this launch are beyond imagination. We promise an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on everyone.” said, Ritanshu Aneja.

The spectacular inauguration is scheduled to take place between August 11th and 15th. The event’s roster showcases a diverse selection of exceptional artists and DJs, including acclaimed personalities like Bismal and Chetas, Stebin Ben, DJ Yogii, Tech Panda, Kenzani, and many others.

These talented DJs will maintain a lively atmosphere throughout the night, while the bartenders will ensure an uninterrupted serving of signature cocktails alongside a delectable variety of savory appetizers.

Attendees can look forward to embarking on a musical journey that will have them dancing throughout the night.

Spencer’s Retail Q1 2023 performance: Net loss widens to INR 64.13 Crore, revenue sees 8.18% decline

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August 11, 2023

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On Thursday, Spencer’s Retail Ltd, a subsidiary of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, announced that its combined net loss for the initial quarter of June 2023 had expanded to INR 64.13 crore. This is in comparison to the net loss of INR 33.63 crore incurred during the same April-June period in the previous year, as stated in a regulatory disclosure by Spencer’s Retail.

During the reviewed quarter, the revenue from operations experienced a decline of 8.18 percent, amounting to INR 570.17 crore, in contrast to the INR 621 crore recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year.

In the initial quarter of FY2023-24, the company’s cumulative expenses amounted to INR 646.34 crore, marking a 4 percent decrease.

In the quarter ending June, the total income experienced a decline of 8.94 percent, settling at INR 582.11 crore.

Spencer’s operates 152 stores with a total trading area of 13.29 lakh square feet as of June 30, 2023.

On the business of Nature’s Basket, acquired from Godrej Industries, Spencer’s Retail said it has reported a standalone turnover of INR 67 crore.

Nature’s Basket operates 34 stores with a total trading area of 1.03 lakh square feet as of the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Share of Spencer’s Retail Ltd on Thursday ended 5.59 per cent lower at INR 62.28 apiece on the BSE.

ITC bets big on FMCG for growth: Annual consumer spend of INR 29,000 Crore showcases potential

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August 11, 2023

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On Friday, ITC Limited, a diversified conglomerate, announced that its FMCG business holds significant growth potential, boasting brands that drive an annual consumer expenditure of INR 29,000 crore.

Addressing shareholders at the company’s 112th Annual General Meeting, ITC’s chairman, Sanjiv Puri, highlighted that the FMCG brands are being distributed to numerous countries, emphasizing the substantial growth potential of this business segment attributed to the increasing per capita income among populations worldwide.

“The ITC Next strategy for the FMCG business is to build a future-ready portfolio. With more than 25 brands at the moment, the annual consumer spend is around INR 29,000 crore”, Puri said.

He said that the addressable market for the FMCG vertical of ITC is USD five trillion. “The business has immense opportunity to harness this potential”, Puri added.

In relation to the hotel business, the ITC board had granted preliminary approval for the demerger of this division, intending to establish it as a distinct and independent entity.

Puri expressed that the business is strategically positioned to seize the burgeoning opportunities within the expanding tourism sector.

“We have pivoted to an asset-right strategy. With 120 hotels at the moment under ITC fold, managed properties comprise 55 per cent of the total rooms”, he said.

In terms of the cigarette business, he mentioned that the company has been launching fresh brands while benefiting from a consistent taxation framework, resulting in an upward trend in sales volumes.

ITC continues to strengthen the cigarette business, he added.

Puri said the FMCG business is linked to the agri-value chain. The ITC MAARS project will support 4000 FPOs by 2030, he said.

Wendy’s partners with Flynn Restaurant Group to bring 200 new restaurants to Australia by 2034

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August 11, 2023

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The Wendy’s Company has recently entered into a fresh master franchise agreement with Flynn Restaurant Group. This collaboration aims to establish 200 new Wendy’s restaurants across Australia by the year 2034.

As the world’s largest restaurant franchise operator, Flynn Restaurant Group will take on the exclusive role of being the master franchisee in Australia.

This development follows an earlier announcement this year, in which the renowned American hamburger brand expressed its intention to make its debut in the Australian market.

Australia is regarded by Wendy’s as a strategically significant growth market, and the partnership with Flynn Restaurant Group underscores Wendy’s aspiration to broaden its global presence through its franchising approach.

“Australia is a strategic market for long-term growth for Wendy’s. Flynn Restaurant Group has incredible experience in the restaurant space, and we are thrilled to expand our relationship with them,” shared Abigail Pringle, President, International & CDO, The Wendy’s Company.

The arrangement between Wendy’s and Flynn Restaurant Group is poised to fuel expansion in Australia, especially post-2025, with the aim of achieving a network of 200 restaurants throughout the nation by 2034. This growth will be realized through a blend of company-owned stores and sub-franchise partnerships.

Apart from their involvement with Wendy’s, Flynn Restaurant Group manages restaurants for well-known brands such as Applebee’s, Taco Bell, Panera, Arby’s, and Pizza Hut across the United States. Operating under their Wendy’s franchise entity called Wend American, they presently oversee a portfolio of nearly 200 Wendy’s restaurants spanning five states.

“We couldn’t be more excited about expanding our partnership with Wendy’s. It is a tremendous brand with significant untapped potential outside of the U.S. and we think it is an especially great fit for Australia, given the savvy nature of the Australian consumer. We look forward to expanding the brand in the market and in the process re-defining what Australians should expect from QSR,” added Ron Bellamy, Chief Operating Officer of Flynn Restaurant Group.

Quality onion prices poised to double by September amidst supply concerns

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August 11, 2023

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Traders have indicated that the cost of high-quality onions, commonly purchased by households, is poised to undergo an almost twofold increase, reaching around INR 55-60 per kg by September. Despite the presence of an abundant onion supply within the nation, the prevalence of substandard onions caused by an extended period of intense summer heat this year has resulted in an escalation in the price of superior quality onions.

On Wednesday, the wholesale onion prices in Nashik varied from INR 5 per kg to INR 24 per kg, whereas the retail prices stood at INR 25-35 per kg.

The substantial difference between the lowest and highest onion prices was attributed by traders to the prevalent abundance of lower-quality onions, coupled with a decreasing influx of superior-quality onions. Traders noted that farmers have begun stockpiling onions, anticipating elevated profits similar to their counterparts in the tomato industry.

In addition to the significant presence of subpar onions, traders also pointed out that the elevated inflation rates affecting other vegetables have contributed to the upward surge in onion prices.

“There are a lot of onions in storage in the country even today,” said Rajinder Sharma, a Delhi-based wholesale onion trader. “However, about 30-40% of the onion we are getting in Delhi is of inferior quality, due to which the prices have increased about 40% in the past one and a half months. Inferior quality onions are mostly used by roadside eateries.”

According to data compiled by Agmarknet, wholesale onion prices in Maharashtra witnessed a month-on-month rise of approximately 34% in July, along with a year-on-year increase of 6%.

“We are going to see a wide range in onion prices. The large supply of inferior quality onions at lower price points will help to keep a check on the overall increase in onion prices,” said Danish Shah, an onion exporter from Maharashtra. “The price of good quality onions used at household level is likely to increase to INR 30-35 per kg in wholesale trade by September, which translates into a retail price of INR 50 per kg or more.”

Given the absence of a new onion crop across the nation during the monsoon period, consumers rely on onions preserved from the rabi harvest spanning March to May. These stored supplies are complemented by the fresh yield from the kharif crop, cultivated in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh starting from September. The primary kharif harvest in prominent onion-producing states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh usually commences around Diwali.

Nonetheless, this year has raised apprehensions regarding the harvest from the southern region.

“Normally we get full arrival of onions from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the months of September and October. However, this year, onion cultivation in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is down by 60-70% as farmers cut the area due to subdued prices of the last two years,” said Shah.

The postponement of onion crop transplantation in Maharashtra, responsible for over 30% of the nation’s onion production, is also contributing to the prevailing upward trend in onion prices. This delay has raised additional concerns in the market.

“The sowing of the kharif crop has been delayed in Maharashtra. If the rainfall spoils the new crop in southern India during its harvest period, it can result in further pushing onion prices upwards,” said Shah.

India’s FMCG sector achieves remarkable 7.5% volume growth in Q2 2023, value soars by 12.2%: NielsenIQ Report

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August 11, 2023

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India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector achieved a 7.5% growth by volumes in the April-June 2023 quarter, as highlighted in the latest quarterly report by researcher NielsenIQ. This growth, the highest recorded in the past eight quarters, was propelled by the revival in rural India and the amplified expansion of modern trade.

In terms of value, the sector expanded by 12.2% during the quarter, indicating a 1.3% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. The driving force behind this growth was the heightened consumption expansion, as pointed out by the research entity. This resurgence marks a significant shift, occurring two years subsequent to a phase where the industry had undergone price-driven growth due to the impact of elevated inflation.

NielsenIQ highlighted a noteworthy trend in rural markets, where volumes experienced a 4% year-on-year growth. This stands in contrast to the stagnant 0.3% growth witnessed in the previous quarter and the decline of 2.4% observed in the same quarter of the preceding year. Urban markets, on the other hand, sustained their momentum, achieving a remarkable consumption growth rate of 10.2%, which is double the 5.3% growth witnessed in the previous quarter.

“The quarter (April-June) is thus far the best quarter in a year and a half, with positive strides across all growth vectors we track. Recovery in rural markets, which was in negative territory for the last few quarters, is primarily driven by non-food,” Roosevelt D’Souza, lead, customer success, Nilesen IQ, said in a statement. “This combined with a 21% growth in modern trade augurs well for the upcoming festive seasons.”

According to NielsenIQ, the foods category experienced a volumetric expansion of 8.5% during the quarter, primarily propelled by the staples and impulse segments. In contrast, non-food categories observed a growth rate of 5.4%, a significant increase from the mere 0.2% recorded in the preceding quarter.

The researcher indicated that modern trade sustained its double-digit surge in consumption, with a growth of 21.1%. Meanwhile, traditional trade also demonstrated notable progress, expanding by 6.2% during the quarter. This stands in stark contrast to the 1.9% growth observed in the preceding quarter.

“The softening of India’s inflation rate and the decline in food inflation is good news for the industry. This has led to confidence in spending reflected in retail channels across the country,” said Satish Pillai, MD of NielsenIQ.

Adani Wilmar’s new campaign inspires healthy beginnings with Fortune Xpert Total Balance Oil

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August 11, 2023

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Adani Wilmar Limited (AWL), a prominent participant in India’s food and FMCG sector, has launched an extensive comprehensive campaign to market their latest health-oriented oil product, Fortune Xpert Total Balance Oil. Developed in collaboration with Ogilvy, the captivating initiative titled ‘Health Aaj Se’ highlights the unique attributes and benefits of embracing Xpert Total Balance Oil as a foundation for embarking on a health-conscious journey, effectively tackling the contemporary challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The ‘Health Aaj Se’ project will encompass a variety of digital platforms, modern trade venues, HD channels, connected TVs, and unconventional media, ensuring widespread reach and active involvement.

The core of the campaign centers on a widespread consumer habit of deferring their health intentions to ‘Kal Se’ (tomorrow). Often, expressions like “Gym- Kal Se! Yoga- Kal Se! Diet- Kal Se!” resonate when discussing fitness aspirations. Nevertheless, the campaign strives to transform this mentality by promoting the idea of initiating minor steps today that cumulatively guide towards a significant health voyage – ‘Aaj Se’ (starting today).

Consisting of a trio of short films, the ‘Health Aaj Se’ initiative depicts individuals who have plans to commence their fitness voyage at a later time. However, influenced by the encouragement of their dear ones, they opt to kickstart their health pursuits without delay, underscoring the importance of timely commencement of healthcare with the support of Fortune Xpert Total Balance Oil. This groundbreaking fusion incorporates the benefits of three vital oils – soybean, rice bran, and flaxseed.

The ads highlight the impressive qualities of Fortune Xpert Total Balance Oil’s unique tri-oil blend. This blend achieves an ideal balance of fatty acids and boasts anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to the perfect combination of soybean, rice bran, and flaxseed oils, it effectively provides vital nutrients in the ratios of Safa: Pufa:Mufa and Omega 3:Omega 6 as advised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). These ratios align with the dietary preferences of the average Indian, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a low-cholesterol diet.

Vineeth Viswambharan, Associate VP of Marketing and Sales at Adani Wilmar Limited, expressed, “Being a leading player in India’s food and edible oil domain, Adani Wilmar places paramount importance on the nutritional value that consumers seek in their grocery selections. A significant portion of our consumers possess a profound understanding of diverse nutrients present in various oils and switch their edible oil choices periodically to harness these benefits. We have introduced Fortune Xpert Total Balance, presenting consumers with a holistic solution that seamlessly combines the goodness of three potent oils. It’s a game-changer within the edible oil segment, aligning with the heightened health consciousness prevalent in the post-pandemic era.”

Adani Wilmar’s Fortune Xpert Total Balance Oil is available in 1-liter pouches and 5-liter jars, alongside other variants like Fortune Xpert Pro Sugar Conscious and Fortune Xpert Pro Immunity. These offerings are conveniently accessible on a multitude of leading e-commerce platforms.

Watch the short films here:

Food delivery app Deliveroo makes remarkable strides, nearly halving losses

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August 11, 2023

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On Thursday, Deliveroo, the global food delivery application, announced that its net losses for the initial half of this year were nearly reduced by half. This improvement was attributed to cost reduction measures and increased revenues.

After-tax losses witnessed a 46 percent decline, amounting to £83 million ($106 million), as stated by the London-based company. This reduction was observed in comparison to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Amid a cost-of-living crisis and controversies surrounding the treatment of riders, revenue experienced a five percent growth, reaching £1 billion. This increase was attributed to elevated food prices, which helped to counterbalance the decline in orders.

“We have delivered a strong financial performance despite challenging macroeconomic conditions,” said Chief Executive Will Shu, who founded the company a decade ago.

Deliveroo announced its intention to distribute £250 million back to investors, resulting in a share price surge of over three percent during the early trading hours in London.

Earlier this year, it reduced its non-rider workforce by approximately one-tenth, which amounted to around 350 job cuts.

The company, which saw a surge in demand from customers affected by lockdowns during the Covid pandemic, employs tens of thousands of self-employed riders. This employment status remains a subject of ongoing controversy.

During the month of June, the European Union supported proposals that have the potential to compel Deliveroo and similar gig-economy enterprises such as Uber, to classify their workers as employees, thereby enhancing their labor rights.

“We continue to see strong rider application pipelines and rider retention rates,” Deliveroo said in Thursday’s earnings statement.

“However, we have actively managed our rider fleet size by onboarding fewer new riders in the period to reflect the impact of macroeconomic conditions on order volumes.”

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