Gujarat based CookdIN launches online for home cooked food

Markets regulator Sebi's has given go-ahead to float an initial public offering to Capricorn Food Products India Ltd, an integrated food processing company.

The company had filed IPO papers with Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in February and obtained its "observations" on April 12, latest update with the regulator showed.

Sebi's observation is necessary for any company planning to launch public issue like initial public offer (IPO), follow-on public offer (FPO) and rights issue.

With this, the total number of companies receiving approval from the capital markets regulator has reached 13 so far this year.

Going by the draft papers, Capricorn Food's IPO comprises fresh issuance of equity shares worth Rs 171 crore and an offer for sale of up to 76.43 lakh scrips by the existing shareholders.

Proceeds of the issue will be utilised towards repayment of certain indebtedness of the company; investment in its subsidiary Gonglu for repayment of certain borrowings availed by it; and general corporate purposes.

IIFL Holdings, ICICI Securities, and IDFC Bank will manage the company's public issue. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and NSE.

Established in 1998, Capricorn Food is a food processing company with both export and domestic operations. It serves clients across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd (HRPL) which is the master franchisee for McDonald’s restaurants in west and south India, has announced ‘The Good Food Story’ to reinforce its commitment towards promoting nutritive and wholesome food.

Having served the Indian food lovers for the last 22 years, McDonald’s always taken care of Indian tastes and sensibilities. It has kept its vegetarian kitchen separate from the non-vegetarian kitchen. The company also does not serve pork and beef in any of its restaurants in India.

The food giant has developed a menu that offers a wide array of choices to suit different preferences. There is a range of high protein products that have paneer, chicken, egg, and fish.

Outside of the signature burgers and fries, the company has launched Chatpata Naan a truly Indian delicacy with an international form. With the recent launch of rice having the goodness of bulgar, basmati rice and fresh vegetables in select markets, McDonald’s has ensured there is something for everyone. The menu also offers a plethora of sides and desserts to complete a meal. Through McCafé, it offers a range of over 30 cold and hot dairy and fruit-based beverages.

“Our customers are increasingly adopting healthier lifestyles and trust brands that behave responsibly and transparently, especially when it comes to food options. Our goal has always been to build a better McDonald’s by making little changes that add up to a big difference. All modifications in ‘The Good Food Story’ have been a result of over three years of persistent re-engineering of our products just so that we could offer more wholesome and balanced food choices to our customers at a great value,” said Amit Jatia, Vice-Chairman of Westlife Development Limited.

“The overall lifestyle of Indians is changing as many of them are leading a sedentary life with very little physical activity. This may cause obesity and deficiency of essential nutrients. It is a good step that restaurants are now offering food choices with a better nutritional profile which are richer in protein and dietary fiber as well as lower in fat and sodium. This along with nutritional awareness will go a long way in ensuring a healthy lifestyle.” Commented JS Pai, Executive Director, Protein Foods & Nutrition Development Association of India at the launch of the initiative by Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd.

Dr Nilesh Amritkar, Managing Director, Envirocare Labs Pvt. Ltd added that “It is indeed good to know that fast foods can be health positive. I think this is a good effort and will have a positive impact on the food industry.”

“Reducing salt and overall sodium content of the products are small yet significant steps initiated by McDonald’s. The effort taken to re-engineer their food towards a healthy shift is a good initiative. Using technology innovations to reduce overall fat content may be a sustainable solution towards responsible nutrition,” Naaznin Husein, President, Mumbai Chapter of the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) said.

“As Indians, the majority of our population is protein-deficient. In the future, more concentration could also be placed on increasing protein in all products. The steamed egg is a great value-add. Healthier choices like wraps, steamed eggs, and other such options should be added to the basket of products. Lastly but most importantly, portion control is important. Also, a takeaway message is that these foods are ’sometimes’ food and should not replace every day healthy balanced meals,” she added.

Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, one of India’s largest food service company, today announced its joint venture with Golden Harvest QSR Limited to launch Domino’s Pizza in Bangladesh. Post investment in JV, Jubilant FoodWorks will be the major shareholder in the joint venture entity ‘Jubilant Golden Harvest Limited’ with 51% of the total shareholding, while Golden Harvest QSR Limited, a part of the Golden Harvest Group, will own 49% in the JV.

Speaking on the announcement Mr. Shyam S. Bhartia, Chairman and Mr. Hari S. Bhartia, Co-Chairman, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited said, “Today’s announcement marks a significant step in our journey of international expansion. As one of the fastest growing economies, we believe that Bangladesh offers huge potential for Domino’s. We are delighted to partner with the Golden Harvest group to introduce Domino’s pizza in Bangladesh. In Golden Harvest, we have found a trusted and capable partner with a diversified set of businesses across Food, Dairy, Logistics, Commodities and other areas, and we look forward to building our business in partnership with them.”

Commenting on the development Mr. Pratik Pota, CEO & Whole time Director, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited said, “We are excited to be entering the Bangladesh market. As the eight most populous country in the world with the highest population density and a young demographic, the Bangladesh market presents a great growth opportunity for Domino’s. We are confident that with Jubilant’s strong operational expertise and Golden Harvest’s deep understanding of the Bangladesh market, we will be able to carve a strong position in the food services market in the country.”

According to Mr. Rajeeb Samdani, Managing Director of Golden Harvest Group, “We are excited to collaborate with Jubilant FoodWorks to bring the world renowned and iconic Domino’s Pizza brand to Bangladesh. Pizza is a growing food segment in the country as the consumers are opening up to more experimentation in food especially global cuisines. This partnership has a huge potential and with Jubilant FoodWorks’ support we are confident that we would be able to deliver a great pizza experience to our customers in Bangladesh.”

Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, which is a master franchise holder of Domino’s Pizza and Dunkin’ Donuts brands in India, has exclusive rights to develop and operate Domino’s Pizza brand in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal as well.

Golden Harvest QSR Limited is a part of Golden Harvest Group of Bangladesh which is a diversified conglomerate and has interests in various sectors such as food, commodities, IT, logistics, real estate, dairy and insurance.