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Experience culinary excellence: Chef Chow Chee Meng presents finest Cantonese cuisine at The Westin Mumbai Garden City!

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Chef Chow Chee Meng
Chef Chow Chee Meng

The Westin Garden City is delighted to present a refined epicurean event highlighting the excellence of Cantonese cuisine, expertly crafted by the well-known Chef Chow Chee Meng. Hailing from Bengaluru, Chef Chow arrives with a remarkable 30-year history in the culinary field, having served in prominent Hotels and Clubhouses. This addition significantly enhances the exclusivity of the gastronomic celebration at hand.

With a demonstrated history of culinary excellence, Chef Chow Chee Meng has established himself in esteemed roles such as a culinary executive, leader in staff training, and expert in administration. His dedication to inventive cuisine coupled with his robust leadership attributes has garnered him a distinguished reputation within the realm of culinary arts.

Presently positioned as the Chinese Chef at The Lantern within The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Chef Chow has embarked on a culinary odyssey spanning several distinguished global establishments. Particularly noteworthy is his significant contribution as the Pre-Opening Owner-Chef at MK Chinese Cuisine restaurant in Johor, Malaysia, as well as his pivotal role as the Pre-Opening Executive Chinese Chef at The Duck King Hotel Golden Tulip Galaxy in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Chef Chow’s global expeditions also encompass his role as the Pre-Opening Executive Chef at Peony Club Modern Chinese Cuisine and Goldfish Modern Chinese Restaurant in London, United Kingdom. His mastery has additionally adorned the kitchens of esteemed venues like the Royal China Restaurant at Raffles Hotel, Singapore, and Cocoon Restaurants on Regent Street, London.

The distinctive culinary event taking place at Seasonal Tastes within The Westin Garden City guarantees an unmatched dining venture. Chef Chow Chee Meng is set to curate an exceptional Cantonese menu, presenting the utmost flavors and culinary mastery. Indulge in rediscovered Oriental recipes, delectable roasted meats, exquisite dim sums, the renowned chef’s signature salt & pepper shrimp, and more, all while witnessing the fusion of tradition and culinary brilliance. Patrons are invited to savor the genuine essence and refinement of Cantonese gastronomy, all within the sophisticated ambiance of our tranquil oasis.

Scheduled from the 6th to the 13th of August, the event will unfold at Seasonal Tastes, nestled within The Westin Mumbai Garden City. It’s strongly advised to make reservations in advance to secure your place at this culinary extravaganza. Seize this remarkable chance to relish the skillfully crafted culinary creations by Chef Chow Chee Meng, a fleeting indulgence available for a limited duration.

Dates: 6th to 13th August 2023
Venue: Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Mumbai Garden City
Time: Dinner

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Ayurvedic babycare startup BabyOrgano raises $150K in pre-seed round led by DevX Venture Fund

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BabyOrgano
BabyOrgano

BabyOrgano, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform specializing in ayurvedic babycare, has successfully raised $150K in a pre-seed funding round. This funding round was led by DevX Venture Fund.

According to a press release from BabyOrgano, the company intends to utilize the funds to focus on new product development, scale up its customer base by 5 times, expand its team size, and raise awareness about ayurvedic baby care.

Co-Founded in January 2020 by Ridhi Sharma and Ripul Sharma, BabyOrgano is a company that creates safe and effective healthcare solutions for kids. The startup’s primary goal is to be modern, accessible, and easy to use for parents. It achieves this by offering products designed to provide kids with secure, natural, and effective healthcare solutions that mothers can trust.

As per the company’s statement, it meticulously attends to every minute detail, starting from ingredient sourcing to product formulations, and even the manufacturing processes.

Speaking on the occasion, Ridhi Sharma, Founder – BabyOrgano, said, “The funding comes at a time when we are seeking to expand our product range while increasing awareness about Ayurveda’s intrinsic strengths. At BabyOrgano, we work on offering the best-in-class health & wellness solutions based Ayurvedic products to the Indian Kids. We are at a stage in our growth journey where our focus is to launch new innovative products and benefiting more children with power of Ayurveda.Funding will be deployed towards these goals and creating a robust team.”

Explaining further, Ripul Sharma – Co-founder at BabyOrgano, said, “There are baby care brands that offer natural approach, but none of them offer the higher order benefit of ‘Ayurvedic,’ which creates a clear white space. BabyOrgano, a D2C startup stands out from the rest because we focus on nurturing early life with Ayurvedic approach and connecting kids with our 5000 years old culture. From ingredient sourcing to product formulations, and even the manufacturing processes, we are taking care of every minute details.”

Commenting on the funding, Umesh Uttamchandani, Co-Founder & CGO, DevX Venture Fund, “Our investment thesis largely revolves around having a strong founding team since that is what early-stage investing is all about. With Riddhi Sharma’s strong credentials in Ayurveda and their value proposition, we had no doubts in capabilities of the team. Also, the wellness and child + family health vertical is growing rapidly and we are confident about BabyOrgano’s prospects, given their high quality product range and domain expertise. Their strong emphasis on new products development and customer experience would enable them to scale rapidly as they expand their customer-base and team”.

BabyOrgano competes with the likes of MaaMitahara, Krya, and Baby Forest.

DevX Venture Fund operates under the umbrella of DevX, a co-working cum accelerator initiative established in 2017. The primary objective of DevX is to foster innovative startups by offering comprehensive resources and unwavering support, enabling them to scale rapidly in their respective domains.

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Go Zero raises $1 Million in pre-series A funding to fuel expansion and innovate healthier ice creams

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Kiran Shah, Founder of Go Zero
Kiran Shah, Founder of Go Zero

Go Zero, the ice cream brand, has successfully raised $1 million in its pre-Series A funding phase. This infusion of fresh capital will fuel the company’s ambitions to broaden its market presence, bolster production capacities, fortify its distribution infrastructure, and unveil a diverse range of inventive flavors and product offerings. Notably, Go Zero has been dedicated to crafting ice creams that boast a remarkable absence of added sugars.

In a funding round spearheaded by DSG Consumer Partners, Saama, and V3 Ventures, Go Zero successfully secured financing. The round also saw enthusiastic participation from prominent angel investors, including Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of the Bombay Shaving Company; Arjun Purkayastha, Regional Head Greater China at Reckitt Benckiser; Nikhil Vora, Founder & CEO of Sixth Sense Ventures; Krishi Fagwani, CEO of Thrive, and several others.

Founded by Kiran Shah, Go Zero has established a remarkable product portfolio featuring ice creams that are not only zero-sugar but also high in protein and low in calories.

Kiran Shah, Founder, Go Zero, said in a statement, “Post the pandemic, people have become conscious of what they are consuming. More and more consumers are switching to healthier snacking options. With Go Zero, we aim to make the ice cream and dessert eating experience a healthy and guilt-free one for all. All our products are completely zero sugar, sweetened with plant-based sweeteners, which are completely safe and low in calories. For example, my favourite is the Belgian Chocolate flavour, which was designed such that consumers never had to feel a compromise while consuming a no-sugar product. With a wide range of low-calorie, high-protein, vegan, and keto ice creams, there’s something in it for everyone. Our wide range of zero-sugar popsicles will take you down memory lane. All products are made with natural ingredients, and there are zero artificial flavours or preservatives.”

“With this fundraise, we will look at expanding our presence in all major cities and on all e-commerce and q-commerce channels such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto. The funds will also be used for marketing and creating awareness about the brand,” added Kiran.

As per reports, the Indian ice cream market is projected to witness significant growth, with a twofold increase anticipated by 2026 and a quadruple surge expected by 2039. This substantial expansion is forecasted to reach an impressive value of INR 410,398 million ($5.1 billion) with a commendable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15%.

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Tata Tea Premium honors India’s Handloom heritage with ‘Desh Ke Dhaage’ campaign this Independence Day

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Tata Tea Premium

Tata Tea Premium, a leading brand among Tata Tea’s extensive retail offerings, has consistently celebrated India’s diverse cultural heritage, embracing art, culture, and legacy through its #DeshKaGarv initiative. As we mark another Independence Day, Tata Tea Premium embarks on a spirited and pride-filled journey with its Desh Ke Dhaage campaign, paying homage to the nation’s deep-rooted heritage of Handlooms. Building on last year’s commemoration of significant milestones in India’s 75-year post-Independence journey, this campaign aims to exalt the intricate artistry and profound legacy of Handlooms in our country.

India’s rich and multifaceted artistic heritage finds eloquent expression in a plethora of arts, crafts, and musical traditions. Among these, the artistry of intricate handlooms stands out as a particularly vivid embodiment of this diverse legacy. Over time, they have woven themselves intricately into the very fabric of India’s cultural identity, becoming an indispensable facet of the nation’s heritage. As we approach Independence Day, Tata Tea Premium – Desh Ki Chai takes this opportunity to pay homage to this multifarious and distinct art form. To celebrate the occasion, Tata Tea Premium introduces an exclusive limited-edition packaging collection inspired by India’s diverse handloom tradition. Through this initiative, they honor the timeless craftsmanship that has shaped the country’s cultural landscape for generations.

Every packaging design serves as a stunning canvas, vividly capturing the exceptional craftsmanship of Indian artisans and their timeless creations. Each design pays tribute to a specific handloom tradition, showcasing the splendor of Banarasi Silk from Uttar Pradesh, the meticulous Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu, the revered Muga Silk of Assam, and the intricate Paithani of Maharashtra. Through these handlooms, a rich tapestry of cultural dignity unfolds, narrating stories of artistry and heritage that have endured through the ages.

Mullen Lintas has artfully crafted a heartwarming TV commercial that interlaces the narratives of these captivating packaging designs, exalting India’s vibrant handloom heritage. Enriched by the melodious voice of the celebrated singer Usha Uthup, an avid enthusiast of Indian Handlooms, the film spreads warmth and joy as it journeys across the nation, showcasing the diverse range of India’s handloom tradition and uniting the country in a beautiful sentiment of national pride. Each frame emanates affection and reverence, paying homage to the skillful weavers who have painstakingly woven our cultural tapestry. From the opulent Banarasi Silk of Uttar Pradesh to the soulful Phulkari of Punjab, the film weaves a story that not only communicates but also commemorates each of these handlooms from across India. The heartfelt conclusion of the film resonates, urging every heart to honor the threads that intricately knit our nation’s magnificence.

As part of this remarkable campaign, a thoughtfully curated collection handcrafted by artisans from all corners of the nation is now accessible for purchase on OKHAI. Consumers have the unique opportunity to acquire these exquisite weaves at www.OKHAI.org. Moreover, Tata Tea Premium takes a pledge to contribute a portion of the proceeds from this collection towards the welfare of the artisan community, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to preserving India’s precious artistic heritage.

Puneet Das, President – Packaged Beverages (India and South Asia), Tata Consumer Products, said, “As we embark on this remarkable journey on the eve of Independence Day with the ‘Desh Ka Garv’ initiative, Tata Tea Premium celebrates the collective pride of our nation’s talented craftsmen, paying homage to their dedication, craftsmanship and their irreplaceable contribution to our cultural heritage. Through our heartwarming campaign, we hope to inspire every Indian to embrace and celebrate the legacy of our diverse regional handlooms, cherishing the threads that weave our nation’s pride. Each sip of Tata Tea Premium brings not just the taste of excellence but also the essence of ‘Desh ki Chai’, a cup that knits all of us together in a tapestry of love, unity, and pride.”

Arnab Chatterjee, Co-Founder of Tree Design said, “While Tata Tea Premium celebrates the spirit of India every year with its Desh Ka Garv initiative, the brief this year was to make the thought even grander by tying it with an element that is unique to India’s heritage. Thus, this year, we decided to dive into India’s rich and vibrant handloom weaving culture. Dating back hundreds of years, the amazing thing is the variety available across the country and the talent which continues to practice handloom weaving and keeping the artform alive and thriving. In collaboration with the Tata Tea Premium team, we carefully selected and partnered with eleven weavers across the country, resulting in a stunning limited edition pack collection, representative of the handloom culture of India across the North, East, West and Southern states of India.”

Hari Krishnan, CEO of Mullen Lintas said, “It was exciting to work on something so unique. You rarely see a brand redoing their packaging as a tribute to an art form. The brief was simple, to celebrate India’s one of the most unique artforms of handlooms, through handloom-inspired limited-edition packs on Independence Day. The idea was right there, if you look at it, these threads are what form the fabric of the nation, they portray unique stories from across India through motifs embroidered on to their weaves. The way the film portrays these unique stories and inspiration behind each of these fabrics, through a mix of eye-catching animation and playful sing-song narration, makes for a delightful watch, while landing the communication in an effective manner.”

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House of X collaborates with Celebrity Chef Sanjyot Keer to launch YFL Home, an innovative kitchenware brand for Indian homes

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Celebrity Chef Sanjyot Keer
Celebrity Chef Sanjyot Keer

House of X, the pioneering tech platform known for empowering creators to establish brands in just 7 days, continues its unwavering commitment with a new collaboration. This time, they have teamed up with Celebrity Chef Sanjyot Keer to launch an innovative kitchenware brand called YFL (Your Food Lab) Home.

The partnership between House of X and Sanjyot Keer marks a significant moment as it signifies the platform’s entrance into the kitchenware sector. House of X has a renowned reputation for launching, constructing, and expanding creator-led direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in India.

YFL Home aims to captivate the hearts of passionate Indians with a stunning range of high-performance household appliances that bring a touch of elegance and functionality to every kitchen. Sanjyot Keer’s expertise as a celebrity chef ensures that these kitchenware products are carefully designed to meet the needs of home cooks and elevate their culinary experiences.

This collaboration not only showcases House of X’s commitment to fostering creator-driven D2C brands but also signifies a new era of exquisite kitchenware products designed to delight Indian households. With the partnership of House of X and Sanjyot Keer, YFL Home promises to ignite the enthusiasm of home chefs across the nation.

YFL Home is a brilliantly engineered collection that empowers culinary spaces, enabling home chefs to transform their kitchens into captivating realms. With a diverse range of stylish and aesthetically pleasing products, each embedded with cutting-edge futuristic technology, innovation, and meticulous craftsmanship, YFL Home pays homage to the idea of Crafting Beauty in Every Kitchen.

Sanjyot Keer, a celebrated Celebrity Chef and the visionary behind YFL Home, shared, “My culinary journey commenced in my youth, with a young Sanjyot crafting his inaugural Pav Bhaji at the age of twelve, all inspired by the sizzling griddle of the bhaji wale bhaiya. My aspiration was to reimagine our kitchen as an immersive and empowering domain. Over time, my passion for cooking burgeoned, leading me to aspire to introduce a professional culinary experience into every household. This marked the genesis of my odyssey, and witnessing the realization of YFL Home, which flawlessly melds nostalgia with avant-garde design, is nothing short of a dream come true. Collaborating with my dear friend Raj, as we jointly channel our fervor to create The Next Big Thing, we eagerly anticipate the transformation of every kitchen into a haven of beauty.”

Against the backdrop of a rising demand for kitchenware in India, fueled by increasing consumer investment in kitchen upgrades, YFL Home steps forward with a thoughtfully curated selection of kitchen appliances. Personally handpicked by Sanjyot, these offerings are tailored to meet the diverse needs of the multifaceted Indian Family. YFL Home caters to modern individuals who cherish their cultural heritage and embrace unique culinary styles.

With a dedication to excellence, YFL Home delivers premium offerings that empower not only everyday cooks, weekend gastronomes, and occasional chefs but every individual aiming to elevate their home culinary spaces.

Raj Shamani, the visionary Content Creator and Founder of House of X, expressed, “This moment marks a dual celebration as House of X ventures into the realm of kitchenware and forges a partnership with Sanjyot. YFL Home embodies our vision of enabling consumers to relish the unadulterated joy of home cooking. It is an extension of Sanjyot’s unique style and a quest to infuse beauty into every kitchen. The brand’s opulent aesthetics and globally inspired innovations are destined to be embraced by consumers. Unified with House of X’s comprehensive toolkit, YFL Home is set to usher in a new era of contemporary kitchens. Our commitment to expanding the House of X family is resolute, and we anticipate robust growth in FY’24.”

YFL Home is delighted to unveil its first-ever offering, the BlendLabPro mixer/blender. This cutting-edge appliance boasts India’s sharpest blades, equipped with high-speed grinding capabilities fueled by a 1200-watt Atomic Precision Technology, and a range of intelligent blend modes. The BlendLabPro is competitively priced at INR 5999 and will be easily accessible through prominent marketplaces like Amazon.

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UNO Pizzeria & Grill expands footprint with grand inauguration of second outlet in Kolkata

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UNO Pizzeria & Grill
UNO Pizzeria & Grill

UNO Pizzeria & Grill has announced the opening of its second location at City Centre Rajarhat in Kolkata.

Having achieved remarkable success with its initial establishment in Kolkata, UNO Pizzeria & Grill now plans to broaden its presence, seeking to delight the refined tastes of the city’s culinary enthusiasts.

Nitin Kohli, CEO and whole-time director of Ambuja Neotia group, said, “We are elated to mark a significant milestone in Kolkata as UNO Pizzeria & Grill expands its presence with the grand inauguration of our second outlet. Kolkata has embraced us warmly, and we are thrilled to bring more of UNO’s delightful dining experiences to this vibrant city. We look forward to delighting our patrons with our signature dishes and creating unforgettable memories in our new outlet.”

The brand has long been celebrated globally for its signature deep-dish pizzas, classic Italian-American dishes, and an ambiance that fosters warm, welcoming, and memorable dining experiences.

Nestled within the vibrant City Centre Rajarhat, this eatery sprawls across a generous 4000 square feet, offering seating for as many as 90 patrons. The seating layout is partitioned into dual sections, assuring cozy arrangements and enhancing the overall dining pleasure.

The interior design of UNO Pizzeria & Grill has been intricately crafted to provide a remarkable and indelible atmosphere, skillfully blending Kolkata’s architectural nuances with Uno’s unique visual style.

The menu showcases a diverse range of dishes including ‘Oven Baked Fiery Chicken Drumsticks,’ ‘Pull Apart Garlic Bread,’ ‘Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla,’ ‘Chicago West Loop Chicken Pizza,’ ‘Windy City Pizza,’ ‘Prawn Scampi Pizza,’ and ‘Grill Lemon Smoked Salmon,’ among various others. The dessert options feature delights like ‘Deep Dish Apple Pie’ and ‘Uno Deep Dish Sundae.’ Their cocktail collection presents signature concoctions such as ‘Paloma Pinata,’ ‘Garibaldi Colada,’ ‘Perfumers G&T,’ ‘Mad Botanist,’ and ‘Tex Mex Chili Mango Margarita,’ alongside other spirits.

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iD Fresh Food revolutionizes coffee making with new pour-to-perfection liquid bottle

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iD Instant filter coffee liquid bottle
iD Instant filter coffee liquid bottle

iD Fresh Food, the leading and pioneering brand in fresh food in India, has introduced the all-new iD Instant filter coffee liquid bottle. This innovative product empowers consumers to craft their ideal cup of coffee effortlessly, tailored to their personal taste. With the ability to adjust the precise amount of liquid needed, individuals can now enjoy a delightful coffee-making experience with ease, no matter where they are.

Upon squeezing, the uniquely designed pour-to-perfection bottle, resembling a traditional cup and dabara (a filter coffee tumbler), effortlessly releases the decoction according to individual preferences. Whether one desires a bold or mellow flavor, this innovative bottle enables them to swiftly concoct the ideal cup of filter coffee, achieving perfection in an instant!

Renowned for their inventive approach, iD’s latest entry into the coffee realm is set to revolutionize a sector that has experienced limited innovation. Within the coffee segment, iD’s diverse portfolio is assuming the role of a pioneering force, boasting an impressive 85% market share (as cited from an independent online study). This launch is poised to inject significant momentum into a field that has previously seen minimal transformation.

During the initial stage, the company intends to introduce the product to 10,000 stores within Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Pune markets. Subsequently, expansion into other markets will occur progressively. The product is currently accessible through General Trade and E-commerce/Quick Commerce channels.

Speaking about the company’s latest product innovation, PC Musthafa, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of iD Fresh Food, said, “From the time iD Fresh created the filter coffee decoction category in 2018 – with the launch of two customised blends of iD Instant Filter Coffee Liquid (bold & strong) – we have been receiving encouraging feedback from our customers. Particularly those who understand and appreciate the fact that filter coffee decoction — a mix of boiled water and ground coffee powder — is very different from instant coffee powder. With the iD Coffee Pour-to-Perfection liquid Bottle, we have attempted to find an innovative solution to the common challenge of measuring and pouring out the exact quantity of coffee decoction, based on one’s personal preferences. Brewing your perfect filter coffee, every single time, has never been this easy!”

Crafted with precision, the iD Instant Filter Coffee liquid Bottle combines 80% coffee and 20% chicory in a meticulous blend. This composition ensures a harmonious and balanced flavor, accompanied by a delightful aftertaste and captivating aroma. Notably, the product contains no additional preservatives, colors, or sugar, maintaining its natural essence.

Rahul Gandhi, Chief Marketing Officer, iD Fresh Food, said, “Some people like their coffee really strong, some prefer just right, and others light. The Pour to perfection coffee bottle yet again delivers on solving consumer latent need and allows consumers to make their perfect cup of coffee. iD Instant Filter Coffee liquid addresses this pain point effectively with a novel squeeze-and-pour coffee bottle, which easily calibrates the exact quantity of the decoction to make that extraordinary cup of coffee, just the way you love it!”

Since its establishment in 2005, iD Fresh has remained a pioneer in innovating the consumption of fresh home-cooked food. In 2018, the company took a significant step by introducing the filter coffee decoction (liquid) category with the introduction of three distinct products. This was further followed by the unveiling of the iD Instant Coffee Breakfast Blend in 2022, solidifying their commitment to innovation and catering to diverse preferences.

Presently, the company serves a wide range of more than 45 cities, spanning across 30,000 retail outlets in countries including India, UAE, US, Canada, UK, Australia, EU, and Singapore. The brand’s comprehensive selection of natural and health-conscious products includes items such as Idly and Dosa Batter, Ragi Idly and Dosa Batter, Rice Rava Idly Batter, Malabar Parota, Wheat Parota, Wheat Chapati, Natural Paneer, Natural Thick Curd, ‘Squeeze and Fry’ Vada Batter, Smart Sip Tender Coconut, Grated Coconut in a Coconut, tailor-made blends of Instant Filter Coffee Liquid, and the iD Instant Coffee Breakfast Blend.

In the preceding year, iD Fresh secured INR 507 crore through a Series D funding round, marking one of the most substantial transactions within the food startup domain. The funding endeavor was spearheaded by NewQuest Capital Partners, a worldwide private equity company concentrating on the Asia-Pacific zone, in collaboration with existing investor Premji Invest.

The iD Coffee Decoction Bottle (250 ml) comes with a price tag of INR 199 and will be conveniently accessible on prominent eCommerce platforms as well as conventional retail establishments.

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Zomato charges customer INR 60 for food packaging in Ahmedabad; company responds to viral tweet

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Zomato packaging
(Representative Image)

Time and again, we witness instances where customers stumble upon inequitable charges imposed by food delivery applications, prompting them to voice their grievances on various social media platforms. The most recent case involves a woman in Ahmedabad who was taken aback by the breakdown of costs when she placed an order through Zomato. Expressing her dissatisfaction with the perceived unfairness of the charges associated with the food containers, she turned to Twitter, urging the food tech company to provide a comprehensive explanation for the billing.

Twitter account holder Khushboo Thakkar shared a snapshot of her receipt which outlined a payment of INR 180 for three portions of theplas, along with an extra INR 60 designated for the food containers. It’s worth highlighting that each serving of the dish was valued at INR 60, mirroring the cost of the container itself.

Expressing disbelief, she questioned, “Container charge is equivalent to the item that I have ordered ₹ 60 for the container charge. Seriously?” as she tagged both Zomato and Zomato Care.

In a short span of time, her tweet started gaining traction, igniting responses from fellow users. A multitude of individuals joined the conversation, offering their viewpoints on the issue. While a faction stood in solidarity with her, reproaching the restaurant, another faction argued that she should have taken a moment to appraise the packaging fees prior to finalizing her order.

“Additional charges makes us irritable…” commented a user. Another user provided insight, writing, “The zomato cost of Thepla is 60 which would have already a mark up of 20. The actual cost had u visited the restaurant would have been 35 to 40 so not only the container but u have already paid 60 odd rupees to zomato menu. This is the convenience charge.”

Even Zomato addressed the tweet, clarifying, “Hi Khushboo, while taxes are universal and vary from 5 percent to 18 percent depending on the type of food. Packaging charges are levied by our restaurant partners, they are the ones who implement and earn from this practice.”

In response, Thakkar stated, “I find the Rs 60 container charge excessive and unfair. Shouldn’t it be the restaurant’s responsibility to provide containers without extra cost to customers?”

Since being shared, the post has garnered considerable attention, amassing over 42K views.

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Essential items witness unprecedented demand, surpassing decade-high levels

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shopping
(Representative Image)

In the April-June quarter, there was a notable 8.5% year-on-year increase in purchases of daily groceries and essential items, marking the highest growth in the past ten years. This surge was driven by a strong recovery in rural markets and a significant rise in demand for various high-volume product categories, particularly atta.

Data from Kantar Worldpanel, a global consumer research firm under WPP, revealed that sales volume for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) experienced a 5.3% upswing in rural areas and a remarkable 12% increase in cities compared to the same period the previous year. Notably, urban sales had experienced a decline during that period, making the current growth even more striking. Additionally, consumption in villages also saw a modest growth of 2%.

Kantar conducts an analysis of real household consumption in terms of volume, encompassing both branded and unorganized products, which even includes bulk unpackaged goods. In contrast, Nielsen and Bizom predominantly focus on tracking retail sales and kirana orders, primarily within the branded product segment. It’s important to note that there exists a one-quarter lag between Kantar’s data and the companies’ primary sales figures, as reported by these businesses.

“Since Kantar tracks consumption at the household level and we book sales to our distributors, there is a quarter’s lag in the demand trend. As a result, we could see strong demand in our sales in the July-September quarter. There is a positive sentiment now, with no fear of El Nino due to heavy rains, and we expect volume driven growth going forward,” said Krishnarao Buddha, senior category head at Parle Products.

According to Kantar, atta, being a high-volume and frequently purchased category, holds considerable influence on the FMCG market. Notably, the government’s initiative of providing free food grains also plays a significant role in shaping the overall FMCG data, contributing to the impact of atta on the market trends.

“With the government stopping this scheme in December 2022, we saw shoppers returning in hoards into the atta category again, which is in turn causing serious FMCG growth. During the quarter, this growth is 8.5% and is truly unprecedented in nature, driven largely by urban areas,” said K Ramakrishnan, Managing Director, South Asia, Worldpanel Division, Kantar.

If we exclude atta from the calculation, the FMCG growth stood at 3.7%, as indicated by the same source. This trend aligns with data from Nielsen, which reported a 5% growth in the FMCG sector for the quarter, accompanied by a 2% increase in volume within the rural market.

“With this moderation in inflation, there has been an uptick in volumes in both urban and rural markets, indicating promising signs of recovery in demand,” said Mohit Malhotra, Chief Executive Officer at Dabur. “The recovery is seen in the market per se. It is not just Dabur recovery. Rural business across the board has recovered and there is a volume uptick which is being seen in the rural business.”

Companies noted that several factors, such as retail inflation decreasing to below 5%, a delayed onset of the monsoon, an increase in minimum support prices for kharif crops, and elevated government expenditures, are collectively fostering optimism for a gradual improvement in rural sentiment. The moderation in raw material costs has prompted many companies to reduce their product prices, potentially contributing to a growth trajectory driven by higher sales volume.

“While companies are taking price cuts in reaction to moderating commodity inflation, pricing growth has been tapering off sequentially, and therefore, growth in the coming quarters is likely to be led by volumes,” Saugata Gupta, Managing Director, Marico, told analysts.

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Australian Vintage brand McGuigan Wines launches accessible premium wine range in the UK

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McGuigan Wine
McGuigan Wine (Representative Image)

Australian Vintage, a well-known winemaker from Australia, has introduced the McGuigan Gold Label, setting a fresh benchmark for attainable luxury within the expanding premium wine sector.

Blending accessibility with top-tier quality, the new wine collection caters to individuals in search of an elevated experience for their at-home moments.

Recent findings by Wine Intelligence indicate that the portion of expenditure on premium wines (priced between £8 and £10) is on the rise, notably within the 35–55-year-old demographic.

McGuigan Wines has upheld its enduring dedication to crafting exceptional wines tailored to a diverse consumer base. With the imminent debut of McGuigan Gold Label in September, the winemaker strives to revolutionize approachable premium wines, setting a fresh pinnacle of quality that can be savored purely for the pleasure of it.

The unveiling of McGuigan Gold Label will feature two quintessential Australian wine varietals: Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. Each wine has been masterfully created to capture and showcase the distinct qualities inherent to its grape variety.

The freshly introduced McGuigan Gold Label collection is deliberately crafted to make a bold impression on the shelves while satisfying the consumer desire for a dependable progression beyond the cherished McGuigan Black Label.

Oliver Hoey, Brand manager at McGuigan Wines, said “We are thrilled to introduce the McGuigan Gold Label range, designed to elevate at-home occasions, and provide consumers with an accessible premium wine experience. We are seeing a growing trend for premium wines, particularly trade ups with brands they trust. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a touch of luxury, and the McGuigan Gold Label collection embodies that ethos.”

Beginning in September, the recently unveiled McGuigan Gold Label collection will be available at Sainsbury’s outlets across the nation, retailing at a recommended price of £10.00. This range features two standout offerings:

The Shiraz, characterized by its aromatic blend of dark fruits and spice, offers a delightful sensory experience. On the other hand, the Sauvignon Blanc showcases a lively composition with prominent citrus notes, particularly lime. These selections cater to consumers seeking both premium quality and distinct flavor profiles within the accessible luxury segment of wines.

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