McDonald's, Uber join hands to deliver food in US

On October 18th, two renowned establishments, Mamagoto and Atelier V, will collaborate for the first time to offer a unique culinary experience in Indore. The partnership brings together Mamagoto’s Pan-Asian expertise and Atelier V’s fine dining concept to present a specially curated 4-course Prix Fixe Menu.

The dining experience begins with complimentary bread and rice crackers, served with marinated olives, soy dip, and brown butter. Guests will then choose between a Beetroot, citrus, and feta cheese salad or a classic Som Tam Salad to refresh their palate.

For appetizers, options include (V) Arancini with arrabbiata and garlic aioli, or Four Season Dim-sums with Thai Herb Sauce. Non-vegetarian choices include Buffalo chicken wings with homemade maple mayonnaise and Spicy Street Style Chicken Dim-sums.

Main course options include (V) Veggie Burrito Bowl and Kolkata Spicy Noodles, or (NV) Lamb chili con carne bowl with Kolkata Spicy Noodles. To conclude the meal, diners will enjoy Millefeuille with Mascarpone ganache and Homemade Coconut and Palm Sugar Ice Cream.

The collaboration also includes an option for cocktail or wine pairings to complement the flavors. Guests can choose between expertly crafted gin cocktails or select fine wines to enhance their meal.

Vedant Newatia, Founder of Atelier V, and Khushboo Banwari, Owner of Mamagoto, Indore said, “This is a great opportunity for Indore and central India to witness the ongoing trend of takeovers and collaborations between two different renowned restaurants in their respective genres.”

This collaboration between Mamagoto and Atelier V offers a distinct dining experience for food enthusiasts in Indore, showcasing a blend of Asian and fine dining traditions.

Fabindia, a prominent Indian lifestyle brand, has partnered with ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations to open dine-in cafes at select stores throughout India. Established in 1960, Fabindia is one of the country’s leading retailers in apparel and homeware, boasting 358 stores in 129 locations nationwide and 11 international outlets. The brand is known for its commitment to sustainable business practices.

ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations specializes in quality baked products tailored to the Indian market, offering a variety of cakes and pastries. The brand combines its expertise in baking with convenience, particularly in food delivery, ensuring customers can enjoy quality baked goods easily.

The cafes will feature a diverse menu, including pull-apart bagels, croissants, gourmet breads, and a selection of beverages. Customers can also celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and Diwali, and make bulk orders or host kitty parties at the ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations Café.

A Fabindia spokesperson stated, “We are super excited to partner with ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations. When you step into a Fabindia Experience Centre, it’s about more than just retail, it’s about the total experience. Our joint commitment to quality and freshness is in step with similar values both share. Health, nutrition, and quality are of equal importance, and Fabindia has always been about maintaining a balance between taste, ethically sourced ingredients, and our customer’s choices.”

An ITC spokesperson added, “We are thrilled to partner with Fabindia, a pioneer in not just the retail space, but in the craft space as well. Offering the best food, prepared with the finest ingredients has always been our ethos. ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations is privileged to be working with Fabindia and has a chance to reach out and touch more customers in many more places across the length and breadth of India.”

The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts has announced an exclusive collaboration with Chef Prateek Sadhu, in partnership with Conosh, to bring his renowned restaurant concept, NAAR, to four of its iconic properties. This collaboration will be showcased at The Leela palaces in Jaipur, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai, offering guests a unique culinary experience rooted in Himalayan traditions.

NAAR, meaning 'fire' in Kashmiri, reflects Chef Sadhu's philosophy, which emphasizes the use of wood-fired, grill-centric cooking to highlight the flavors of the Himalayan region. The menu crafted for this collaboration will bring the essence of Himalayan cuisine to life, with dishes like Akasalu and charcoal-grilled skewers, alongside desserts that blend seasonal fruits and grains with elements such as sea buckthorn.

Chef Prateek Sadhu said, “The Himalayas have long been a profound source of inspiration for me, not just for their awe-inspiring landscapes but for the rich flavors and deep-rooted traditions of the region. Collaborating with The Leela to introduce NAAR’s essence to these four cities is an opportunity to share the heart and soul of Himalayan cuisine with a discerning epicurean audience. This partnership allows guests at The Leela to experience a journey through time—tasting traditions steeped in history while indulging in the finest codes of modern luxury hospitality. Each dish is crafted to capture the spirit of the land, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience that resonates with the essence of the Himalayas.”

Shweta Jain, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at The Leela commented, “At The Leela, we are committed to curating extraordinary experiences that celebrate the versatility of Indian provenance. Our guests experience a surreal passage through time and tradition. This collaboration with Chef Prateek Sadhu and Conosh invites young epicureans to immerse themselves in the rich, evocative flavours of Himalayan cuisine, reimagined through the tapestry of Leela’s luxurious and indulgent service ethos. With this partnership, we celebrate the confluence of contemporary culinary explorations that resonate with the palate of today’s affluent global traveller.”

Neha Malik and Vaibhav Bahl, Co-Founders of Conosh said, “We are proud to bring one of the luminaries of the Indian culinary landscape, Chef Prateek Sadhu, and his ambitious destination dining restaurant NAAR, nestled in the Himalayas, to the cities of India. Hosted at the prestigious properties of The Leela Palace Hotels, these exclusive dinners will introduce culinary enthusiasts to dishes crafted with foraged, seasonal ingredients. Conosh aims to curate experiences that not only highlight exceptional cuisine but also foster a greater appreciation of the chef’s narrative. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support in bringing these extraordinary experiences to life.”

This partnership highlights The Leela's focus on offering guests a journey through India’s culinary heritage, providing an immersive dining experience that reflects both tradition and contemporary hospitality.

Cosy Box, a prominent venue in Delhi's nightlife, is known for its blend of luxury and comfort. Its stylish interiors and inviting atmosphere have become a favored spot for those seeking a sophisticated night out. Cosy Box is now preparing to enhance its 360-degree bar experience through an exclusive Bar Takeover by Rabbit Hole, a renowned bar from Bangkok. Rabbit Hole, which earned the No. 31 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2020, is celebrated for its innovative cocktails and creative approach to mixology.

The event at Cosy Box will allow patrons in New Delhi to enjoy Rabbit Hole's signature cocktails, bringing a taste of Bangkok’s bar culture to the city. Rabbit Hole's reputation for expertly crafted drinks is expected to appeal to the cocktail enthusiasts of Delhi. The evening will be further energized by the music of Zuma Dionys, creating a lively atmosphere that complements the excitement at the bar.

Scheduled for September 6, 2024, starting at 8:00 P.M., this event offers a unique experience for attendees. Whether you are a seasoned cocktail lover or curious about new flavors, the collaboration between Cosy Box and Rabbit Hole promises a night filled with exceptional drinks, vibrant energy, and memorable moments. This event is anticipated to be one of the highlights of Delhi's nightlife this year.

One8 Commune Bangalore has introduced a new dessert menu titled "Goodness is Serv’d," designed by Corporate Chef Agnibh Mudi of True Palate Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. This limited-edition menu, available starting from July 21, coincides with World Ice Cream Day and Ice Cream Month, offering a unique partnership with Ulo Ice Cream, a local small-batch creamery. 

Chef Agnibh has crafted a selection of four desserts that showcase Ulo Ice Cream’s artisanal flavors, aiming to create an indulgent experience for diners. Speaking about the collaboration, Chef Agnibh Mudi shared, “We are having a blast collaborating with Ulo Ice Cream. This monsoon season, we are bringing their unique flavours into our kitchen, and have created desserts that will make you fall in love at first bite! This collaboration allows us to create truly indulgent desserts that are delicious and celebrate the innovation we have brought to this menu.”

The dessert offerings include the Slow Baked Brazilian Filo Tart, featuring a rich brownie butter topped with Ulo's Mallow Fellow Ice Cream, and the Roasted Almond Dacquoise, layered with Ulo's Gimme S'more Ice Cream. Another nostalgic option is the Cap 'n' Crunch Honey French Toast, paired with Tonka Bean Ice Cream.

For those who enjoy customization, the Make Your Own Sundae option allows diners to select three scoops from Ulo’s flavors and add toppings like granola, almond nougat, and chocolate sauce. 

Ajay Joe, Co-Founder of Ulo Ice Cream said, “We're absolutely delighted to be partnering with one8 Commune Bangalore. Their innovative and community-driven approach resonates deeply with us. At the onset of Ice Cream Month and World Ice Cream Day, putting together these innovative desserts is the perfect occasion to showcase the magic that unfolds when handcrafted ice creams meet one8 Commune's culinary expertise.”

This collaboration offers a limited-time opportunity to experience a creative fusion of flavors, highlighting the culinary strengths of both one8 Commune and Ulo Ice Cream. The new menu is now available at one8 Commune Bangalore.

Sharief Bhai, a renowned brand under Curefoods known for its award-winning biryani, has launched a hip hop song titled "Sharief Bhai aur Chaalis Store" in collaboration with Dakhni rapper Pasha Bhai. This initiative marks the opening of Sharief Bhai's 40th restaurant in India, particularly strengthening its presence in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The campaign aims to blend culinary artistry with musical talent, highlighting the spirit of the Dakhini subculture and Sharief Bhai's culinary journey.

The new hip-hop song celebrates the brand’s rapid growth and significant achievement, with the 40th restaurant opening in Madurai. It captures the essence of Dakhini culture and engages the vibrant Dakhini community while showcasing Sharief Bhai's rich culinary history. The song, along with its music video, is available on YouTube, enhancing the brand's reach and engagement.

Gokul Kandhi, Chief Business Officer at Curefoods, remarked, "The opening of our 40th restaurant is a testament to the love and support from our customers. The 'Sharief Bhai aur Chaalis Store' anthem embodies our commitment to celebrating the Dakhini subculture and the food. The hip-hop song is a representation of the Dakhni attitude as it stands today in its inimitable dialect and memorable humour. This milestone is just the beginning, and we look forward to many more successful endeavours ahead."

Pasha Bhai, the renowned Dakhini rapper said, "Working with Sharief Bhai on this project has been an incredible journey. The hip-hop banger we’ve created celebrates the brand’s achievements and pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Dakhini food. It's an honour to be part of such a unique initiative, and I believe this campaign will resonate deeply with all the biriyani lovers."

In addition to the song, Sharief Bhai is partnering with popular Dakhini influencers and content creators to promote the distinct flavors and traditions of the Dakhni subculture. This strategy aims to offer an authentic and immersive experience for food enthusiasts.

Sharief Bhai, with a revenue of 150 crore, is targeting growth to 500 crore by 2026. The brand plans to open 100 stores by 2025, with a recent addition in Coimbatore, continuing its legacy as an authentic biryani brand.

Donna Deli, a well-known name in the culinary world, is excited to announce its collaboration with actress Tejasswi Prakash to introduce the new DollHouse Menu. This partnership aims to offer a unique blend of flavors and creativity, curated to provide an exceptional dining experience.

Tejasswi Prakash, a food enthusiast, has personally curated the DollHouse Menu, selecting her favorite dishes for this exclusive offering. The menu features four main dishes and two desserts, all crafted to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Vegetarians can enjoy options like the Mini Korean Bun and Ricotta and Arugula Confit Cherry Tomato Toastie, while non-vegetarians can indulge in the Chipotle Chicken Vol Au Vents and Spicy Chicken Sausage Toastie. For dessert, guests can savor the Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake and Pistachio Praline Choux.

Tejasswi Prakash shared, "Be a doll, be a queen, and treat yourself as one, with our DollHouse Menu."

Ayush Kapur, the owner of Donna Deli added, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Tejasswi Prakash to bring our customers a unique and delightful dining experience. The DollHouse Menu reflects Tejasswi's refined taste and our commitment to offering innovative and delicious options."

The DollHouse Menu will be available all day, inviting guests to enjoy a culinary adventure filled with warmth and flavor. Whether for a casual brunch or an intimate dinner, Donna Deli promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Mizu Izakaya, a prominent name in the hospitality sector, is set to collaborate with Cobbler and Crew. The event, scheduled for May 29th, will feature a unique partnership between Mizu Izakaya’s Head Mixologist, Avantika Malik, and Cobbler and Crew's talented mixologist, Aashie Bhatnagar, winner of the '2023 People's Choice Award'. Together, they aim to craft exquisite cocktails, blending their expertise to provide guests with a memorable drinking experience.

Founder and Director Vedant Malik and Head Chef and Co-founder Chef Lakhan Jethani of Mizu Izakaya expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration. "Teaming up with Cobbler and Crew is an exhilarating adventure for us at Mizu. With Aashie joining Avantika in Mumbai, this collaboration is about pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences together," said Malik. 

Avantika Malik, Head Mixologist of Mizu Izakaya, echoed the excitement. "Collaborating with Aashie from Cobbler and Crew is an exciting opportunity for me. We are set to blend our expertise and passion to create something truly extraordinary for our guests," she added.

This partnership between two top mixologists promises to bring innovative and delightful cocktail creations to the guests, making it an event not to be missed.

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, a new fusion is stirring—combining the gritty beats of hip-hop with the savory flavors of New York-style pizza. Chaitnya Sharma, better known as SlowCheeta, has launched an unexpected collaboration with Rocket Man Pizza, creating the groundbreaking 'Kar De Kaa?' menu. This partnership blends the music from SlowCheeta's latest EP, "Scene Mein Bawaal," with innovative culinary creations.

SlowCheeta's EP, especially the track "Kar De Kaa?", portrays the challenges and triumphs of the Indian hip-hop scene. The phrase "Kar De Kaa?"—a rhetorical question from the dialects of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar meaning "Should I do it?"—captures the spirit of challenging the impossible. Rocket Man Pizza has infused this ethos into their new limited-edition menu.

Each pizza on the 'Kar De Kaa?' menu tells a story, reflecting the bold and daring essence of the phrase. Highlights include the 'Slow Tikka'—a mix of three peppercorn chicken tikka, brie, and truffle oil; the '90s Ke Ladke', which reinterprets Bombay-style mutton keema on pizza; and the 'Kar De Kaa?' pizza itself, featuring butter paneer, stuffed pickled chilies, a feta drizzle, and grilled lacha onions. Another standout is the 'Bawaal' pizza, inspired by Mumbai’s monsoon street snack, Bhutta, with tandoori achari mushrooms and masala corn cream.

SlowCheeta sees this collaboration as an extension of his artistic expression. "Food and music are universal languages that cross cultural barriers," he said. "This menu isn’t just about flavor; it’s about feeding the spirit of anyone who dares to dream big."

Rocket Man Pizza's founders, Chef Anand Morwani and Rohan Mangalorkar, view the 'Kar De Kaa?' menu as a continuation of their story of innovation. "The 'Kar De Kaa?' menu embodies our philosophy of innovation and audacity," said Morwani. "It’s about pushing boundaries, in both taste and tradition."

As Mumbai’s food enthusiasts and music fans line up to try these unique dishes, the 'Kar De Kaa?' menu showcases the city's dynamic cultural landscape. This collaboration isn’t just about adding a new flavor to the menu—it’s about creating a moment where music meets meal, where lyrics blend with layers of cheese and sauce, and where every bite tells a story of ambition and creativity.

To experience this unique blend of flavors and rhythms, order the limited edition menu from Rocket Man Pizza’s website or via Swiggy/Zomato from May 24th to June 2nd, 2024. For those yet to hear it, SlowCheeta’s “Scene Mein Bawaal” is streaming across all major platforms, offering a bold and indomitable musical journey.

Reliance Industries is set to foray into the restaurant business by collaborating with a Michelin-starred Armani eatery for this purpose.

The Mukesh Ambani-owned company will be spearheading its food business in collaboration with Emporio Armani, the Milan-based luxury company. Reliance is aiming to launch the first Emporio Armani restaurant in its upcoming luxury mall in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.

After Paris, Milan, New York, Tokyo, Munich and Dubai, Mumbai will be the latest city where the Michelin-star Armani launches its restaurant.

The firm is developing a mega-commercial complex in BKC called Jio World Centre. This complex will house an international convention centre, hotels, two shopping centres including a luxury mall, a performing arts theatre, a rooftop drive-in movie theatre and commercial offices. The luxury mall will be opened next year.

A Reliance spokesperson said, “We are never the spokesperson as Reliance/India operator and always want our brand partners to be the face of the brand in India.”

The company is already a master franchisee of Armani. It operates Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani and Armani Exchange branded outlets in India.

At present, Armani is operating 20 restaurants around the world. The brand unveiled its first restaurant in Paris in 1998.

The new restaurant will be the latest addition to the partnership between Reliance and the Italian luxury giant.

Nukkadwala, a prominent street food cafe chain from NCR, has entered into an exclusive tie-up with Swiggy's brand factory for two new brands offering a luscious range of Biryani and Burgers from its multiple outlets in Gurgaon, bridging big vacuum and demand in this substantial corporate city with great taste, quality and affordability.

The Biryani brand "Dum-Nukk Biryani," which represents exquisite dum biryani from Nukkads of Hyderabad, has already been launched at 2 of its outlets in stealth mode. The addition of these two new brands will help treble the delivery sales of all its outlets.

Rajat Shail Kumar, Board Member & Serial Entrepreneur, Nukkadwala, said, “With the advent of new technologies like online delivery platforms and changing consumer habits with a large millennial population, a structural shift has happened in the way food and beverages are ordered and consumed now. For Nukkadwala, it has become extremely important to expand its dine-in outlets in the key market/ corporate locations while complementing it with delivery-only kitchens to capture the full potential of the surrounding market in and around 5-7 km of the outlet.”

“These initiatives help in bringing balanced fixed capital investment with asset-light expansion through delivery-only kitchens. The key to success is to offer multiple brands for delivery under one outlet, thereby gaining volume, profitability, and high ROI,” he further added.

Nukkadwala represents India's newest chain of smart and stylish food-oriented cafes for the value-conscious. It derives from more than five million street vendors across India who peddle tasty morsels every day to ensure that Indians eat their way through the streets of the country, currently serving more than 4,00,000 customers every year.

Growth Plans

Currently serving with seven outlets in Gurgaon, Nukkadwala plans to expand with a larger focus on asset-light expansion. The first leg of expansion involves strengthening the group's presence in its home turf of Gurgaon by adding four more dark kitchens in the region to ensure full serviceability across all nooks and corners of Gurgaon.

In addition, Nukkadwala plans to enter Delhi by opening six new outlets in Delhi's prime locations with 3-4 dark kitchens supporting each outlet. First of its Delhi outlets have been signed up to be opened at a prominent high street retail market of South Delhi, serving its three brands of Indian Street Food, Biryani, and Burgers under this umbrella. 

Ravi Gupta, CEO of Nukkadwala, stated, “With this plan, Nukkadwala is well placed to grow 5x in the next 18-24 months with 35-40 numbers of outlets including delivery only dark kitchens. Currently serving around 2,40,000 orders annually, with our current capacity of base kitchen and the expansion plan in NCR, we plan to reach around 12,00,000 annual orders in the next 18-24 months with an estimated annual turnover of Rs. 36-40 cr. The next step for expansion will trigger where Nukkadwala will go pan India and to NRI dominant international markets, making it a true Indian multinational Cafe chain.”

Jumboking Foods Pvt Ltd, western India’s largest QSR chain, has announced Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd as its beverage partner. Under the partnership, the portfolio of carbonated beverages of Coca-Cola and Sprite and also of the water product Kinley will be sold across all Jumboking’s stores in India.

Jumboking is the single largest quick service restaurant chain in western India, with more than 115 stores in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane.

A Coca-Cola India spokesperson said, “Consumer buying habits and preferences are rapidly evolving and at the same time Coca-Cola is also evolving into a total beverage company. In India, we provide a larger choice to the consumer and we also ensure we are present across all segments and channels. We are also constantly evaluating opportunities to partner accounts across the country to drive consumption.”

Dheeraj Gupta, Managing Director of Jumboking, stated, “We see an alignment with Coca-Cola’s sharp positioning, fun vibe and choice of young and progressive ambassadors. We are looking to provide a captive consumer base for them via our stores.” 

Also Read: Five Reasons Why QSR is an Evergreen Business

QSR’s Statistical View

As per a recent report, the food Industry is no doubt booming at a fast rate, with Full-service restaurants and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) together accounting for around 73% of the total restaurant industry.

According to the report by the National Restaurant Association of India, the overall restaurant market will touch Rs 510 billion in the next four years, from the current Rs 205 billion. It said that QSR space would be amongst the fastest-growing, touching nearly Rs 250 billion of the overall market in the next few years.

Popularity of QSR in India

QSRs have gained popularity with evolving lifestyles, urbanisation, and growing nuclear families. They are growing faster than the full-service restaurants across the globe due to their quick deliveries and competitive pricing that attract consumers. McDonald’s was the first QSR in India followed by various others such as KFC and Dominos.

QSRs have always been a zone of attraction for both consumers and business investors, making its franchises a lucrative segment for investment. QSR can be a one-stop destination for budding entrepreneurs that are stepping in this industry for the first time.

Also Read: Four Trends QSRs Shouldn't Ignore in 2019

The Changing Behavior of Customers

Standardization across food outlet chains in terms of ambiance, hygiene, easy accessibility, and service has caused an instant interest in the mind of the customers, increasing the QSR’s footfall. QSR’s are helping Indians to warm up the western cuisines.

Despite Indian food being the ultimate winner, cuisines like Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and American are gaining significant popularity because of the curious customers who are willing to experiment with their taste buds.

Seeing the potential of the Indian food industry, more franchisors could be seen entering the QSR segment for marking their existence as a brand.

Typical QSR Business Model

Investment range: Rs 5-50 lakhs

Area Required: 60-1200 sq. ft.

ROI: 30-70% annually

Note that the above statistics could vary depending upon different QSR brands and their offerings.

Food delivery company Swiggy and personal concierge startup Dunzo have partnered with wholesale stores to power their hyperlocal delivery operations.

Dunzo and Swiggy’s partnership with wholesalers will help them in keeping a track of the stores’ inventory, which was not possible in the case of Kirana stores partnerships.

Earlier this month, Food delivery major Swiggy forayed into the Dunzo’s hyperlocal delivery space with the introduction of its Swiggy Go vertical.

The company earlier said in a statement, “Swiggy Go was designed to keep up with today’s modern, busy lifestyles that are ruled by tasks, chores and to-do lists.”

The company’s Swiggy Go vertical launch came after the roll out of its Swiggy Stores, earlier this year. Swiggy Stores enable users to place orders from nearby stores to be delivered to their place.

Swiggy store service was initially available in Gurugram. But now, the firm claims to be partnering with over 3,500 stores in the national capital region, including merchant-partners such as Ferns and Petals, Le Marche, Needs Supermarket, Licious, Zappfresh, MomsCo, Apollo and Guardian Pharmacy. This service is likely to drive the stores’ order volumes.

Want to invest in a food delivery franchise? Visit Franchise India 2019, Asia’s Biggest Franchise & Retail Show, and give wings to your entrepreneurial dreams.

Shake Shack, the popular burger chain, has teamed up with GrubHub for nationwide delivery across the US. The partnership includes technology integration at the point of sale to better time deliveries to enhance the guest experience.

Currently, Shake Shack is testing its new Grubhub delivery partnership at four locations, including Morningside Heights in Manhattan; the River North area of Chicago; Livingston, New Jersey; and Darien, Connecticut. Both the companies will expand delivery to Shake Shack's 150 or so US restaurants over roughly the next nine months.

Randy Garutti, CEO of Shake Shack, said, “It really does a dynamic job on the tech side of measuring time, giving guests and carriers a good marriage of time goals so we have the best shot at lessening the time. We decided Grubhub was the best partner overall. With their national footprint and the way we are going to integrate on the tech side, we have a really good opportunity to give the best guest experience.”

“In the old days, the power was in the restaurants’ hands to tell you how you could get there, what I love about this is we’ve put all the power in the guests’ hands, which is exactly what hospitality should be about, now however you want it, wherever you want it, you get it. And that is what’s so exciting,” he added.

Dunkin' has partnered with Grubhub, the US leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace, to start the rollout of its new Dunkin' Delivers service. In the initial launch, over 400 Dunkin' restaurants throughout New York City's five boroughs will now be offering delivery through Grubhub's New York brand, Seamless.

Going further, Dunkin' and Grubhub will be expanding the Dunkin' Delivers service to restaurants throughout other markets, including in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia.

Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, Vice President of Digital and Loyalty Marketing, Dunkin' US, said, "Keeping Americans energized with the coffee and food they crave, wherever and whenever they want, is what our guests expect from Dunkin'. By partnering with Grubhub, Dunkin' will be there for more people even when they're staying at home or are busy at work. We've collaborated closely with Grubhub to optimize the service in our initial testing, and we've been encouraged by the strong customer response. We are thrilled to launch Dunkin' Delivers in New York City today and look forward to working with Grubhub to expand the service in additional cities in the months ahead."

Seth Priebatsch, Head of Enterprise at Grubhub, added, "Dunkin' is an iconic, beloved brand that has long been a daily ritual for millions of people. The chance to help Dunkin' extend their reach by bringing their signature coffees, donuts and more to Grubhub and Seamless customers marks an exciting moment for both of our companies. By deepening our relationship through our direct POS integration, we're able to create the most efficient process, ensuring that both in-store operations run smoothly and that customers get their favorites delivered in the fastest way possible."

In order to connect with its younger audience, Chocolate Horlicks, a GSK Consumer Healthcare product, has collaborated with popular toon character Chhota Bheem. This partnership marks the first ever movie integration for the brand, with ‘Chhota Bheem Kung Fu Dhamaka’.

The collaboration is supported by an outreach campaign including television and digital campaigns culminating through an on-ground activation, in line with the campaign idea of “Horlicks Chocolicks ke liye Kuch Bhi Karega.”

Vikram Bahl, GSKCH Indian subcontinent area marketing lead, nutrition, and digestive health, said, “At GSK, we look forward to creating brands and campaigns that directly connect with our audience. Chocolate Horlicks is one of our most successful brands and its taste enjoys high equity with children.”

“To strengthen our connection with the younger audience, we associated with Chhota Bheem, which is one of the most loved toon characters amongst kids. This integration is aimed to delight them, not just with a fun time at the carnival but also with the taste of Chocolate Horlicks,” he added.

Perfetti Van Melle India is partnering with Baskin Robbins to introduce co-branded “Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly Strawberry Paradise” ice cream in India. As part of this partnership, Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly will be used as a key ingredient in the co-branded ice-cream.

The new introduction will be a base of vanilla flavoured ice cream with Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly mashed in the ice cream. Nearly 750 Baskin Robbins parlours across 200 Indian cities will be stocking this new, fun flavour starting April 2019.

Rohit Kapoor, Director Marketing, Perfetti Van Melle India, said, “Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly has played the role of category creator with its luscious texture combined with the goodness of real fruit, making it an irresistible offering and the leading Jelly brand in the country. It is a yummy jelly with 25% fruit pulp and a very soft texture, which enables its use as an ingredient in delectable food recipes catering to both kids and adults.”

“This partnership is unique within the confectionery category in India and we are very excited to collaborate with Baskin Robbins. Both brands being agents of fun in the family and leaders within their segments, there are several synergies in this association for both PVMI and Baskin Robbins,” he added.

Mohit Khattar, CEO of Baskin Robbins India, stated, “Baskin Robbins is loved as much for its drool-worthy, innovative flavours as it is for its rich, creamy and refreshing taste. Our association with Perfetti Van Melle India and Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly has brought together the winsome idea of blending one of India’s most loved confectionery and dessert –“Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly” with the perennial favourite- Baskin Robbins ice cream. We believe that the “Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly ice cream” is a co-creation that merges two beautiful brands to create one deliciously, creamy & tangy mouthwatering experience.”

McDonald’s is collaborating with AARP to offer more jobs to older workers. The fast-food giant is outlining a plan to incorporate mature workers into the company.

Ron Painter, President, National Association of Workforce Boards, said, “Considering the labor trends for both the 50-plus workforce and the growth of the quick service industry, McDonald’s leadership in this area is occurring an opportune time. People all over the country are facing challenges that are driving them back into the workforce and we need to connect them with employers that provide respect, dignity and opportunities for advancement and connection. It’s encouraging to see McDonald’s stepping up to the challenge.”

Melissa Kersey, McDonald’s US Chief People Officer, stated, “For the first time ever, five generations are now working together under the Arches. Together with our franchisees, we have a responsibility to each generation to provide opportunity, flexibility and resources for wherever they are on their career journey. Thanks, in part, to our new collaboration with AARP and AARP Foundation we’re looking to position McDonald’s as a place where people at every stage of working life can see themselves grow and thrive while bringing stability and a different perspective that everyone can learn from.”

Susan Weinstock, Vice President for Financial Resilience, AARP, added, “We’re thrilled that McDonald’s has signed AARP’s Employer Pledge. We know that employees and employers across all industries succeed when they remain committed in words and in action to hiring and maintaining an age-diverse workforce. Integrating these workers with their younger staff can often bring unexpected benefits including two-way mentoring which supports growth for all. Our work with McDonald’s is a true first-of-its-kind for the quick-service industry and we hope others follow.”

Dairy farm Himalayan Creamery has tied up with tech startup Mr Milkman to launch a co-branded application for milk subscription and delivery. Few other firms such as Milk Mantra, Whyte Farms, Amlaan A2 Milk, Go4Life and Milk Valley Farms have also collaborated with Mr Milkman for hassle-free operations and smooth delivery. 

Samarth Setia, Founder of Mr Milkman, said, "With this partnership, we aim to improve delivery services and manage milk subscriptions. We are confident that Mr Milkman's technology will ensure operations in a smoother and more organised manner."

Mr Milkman’s cloud-based 'SaaS platform' will be offering Punjab-based Himalayan Creamery with automated processes, which will enable them to track subscriptions, revenue, sales growth, payments and customer consumption patterns. 

The application provides features like order-tracking and delivery, inventory management, and reverse logistics for glass bottles.

Deepak Gupta, Founder and CEO, Himalayan Creamery, stated, "One of the greatest challenges in the dairy industry is managing inventory and logistics. Our partnership with Mr Milkman will assist us to streamline our logistics and inventory management and allow us to focus on production and growth."

Founded in 2016, Himalayan Creamery is located in Patiala, Punjab. Unlike an aggregator, it is home to 350 Holstein Friesian and Jersey cows that daily produce unadulterated milk of more than 4,000 litres.

Cremica and Maison Routin of France have collaborated to foray into the bar syrup category with the introduction of Bonheur, a specialised range of syrups. Bonheur will be targeted at bars and cafés.

Cremica, the food product conglomerate, has further unveiled nine new flavours of mayonnaise that are combinations of both classic Indian and International flavours in order to meet the discerning taste of Indian customers.

Akshay Bector, Managing Director of Cremica, said, "Our effort has always been towards introducing an innovative product range that ranks high on taste and quality. As a home-grown brand, we have a fairly good understanding of the Indian palate and are also aware of the food preferences of the health-conscious people. We were the pioneer in the industry to introduce vegetarian mayonnaise."

"We thought Aahar is a perfect platform to unveil our latest product range. Here, we get a chance to interact with our customers and see their happy faces after they savour our products. For us, the customers’ faith and loyalty play a pivotal role. After all, they are the ones who have helped in making Cremica a popular brand and we intend to stay true to their trust in the years to come," he added. 

Sunfeast Dark Fantasy, one of India's leading biscuit brands, has collaborated with Bengaluru-based online restaurant Fresh Menu for launching its range of mouth-watering dessert creations. Priced between Rs 90 and Rs 180, this dessert range includes Sunfeast Dark Fantasy Brownie Pudding, Sunfeast Dark Fantasy Tiramisu and Dark Fantasy Berry Cheesecake.

Under this collaboration, Fresh Menu has added the chocolate crunch of Dark Fantasy blended with rich ingredients.

Paritosh Wali, Chief Operating Officer, biscuits and confections cluster, Foods, ITC, said, "We are excited to enrich the consumer experience by bringing an all-new range of Dark Fantasy Creations desserts. Each unique and delicious offering has been thoughtfully crafted and is a perfect dessert that satisfies one's sweet cravings. Through this association with Fresh Menu, we aspire to further bring the discerning consumers closer to Dark Fantasy."

Rashmi Daga, Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Menu, stated, "We are thrilled to partner with Sunfeast Dark Fantasy, one of the most celebrated brands in the biscuits segment. We aim to expand our dessert offerings and make Fresh Menu the destination for every dessert lover."

"Through this association, we have extended immense efforts to provide our customers with an irresistible range of desserts. We are certain that our consumers will be excited to explore the new range of Sunfeast Dark Fantasy creations desserts," she added.

Sunfeast Dark Fantasy dessert range will be available in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Gurgaon.

In order to support its strong market objectives, Barista Coffee Company Limited, one of the largest Indian coffee chains, has collaborated with a leading public relations firm, Saints Art. With this collaboration, Saints Art will support Barista with decisive and strategic services for various market penetration initiatives of the brand so as to uphold the leading position in the sector.

The chain of espresso bars has more than 200 Barista Cafe and Barista Express Kiosks across the country, including its franchise partners. Besides this, Barista Coffee Company Limited also has outlets in locations across Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal and Maldives.

Puneet Gulati, Chief Executive Officer, Barista, said, "We are growing at a fast pace and further plan to add more loyalty to our coffee, making sure our consumers are satisfied and increasing every day."

"Our partnership with Saints Art will help us communicate our vision and mission as per the directives as set for the Indian market," he added.

Puneet Sharma, Vice-President of Saints Art, said, "Barista, as a coffee brand, has been transforming through all these years, and consistently retained its position as a preferred brand among consumers."

"We believe our strong experience and well-thought PR strategy will bring in desired results for the brand and will further help them achieve their market objectives," he further stated.

The Westin Mumbai Garden City in collaboration with Eazy Diner welcomed select patrons to indulge in an inviting and hearty Italian fare at Prego on 02nd December 2018. The spread was specially curated by the famed food critic Vir Sanghvi, and adroitly prepared by the in-house Italian culinary maestro Chef Antonello Cancedda.

This special feast told a story of an authentic Italian meal, themed around the concept of 'Sprezzatura', an Italian relaxed way of life.

Prego offers its guests a laid-back culinary experience combined with home-style authentic Italian cooking and scrumptious signature dishes that are close to perfection on a plate. Using traditional Italian flavors and skilled techniques, guests were in for an afternoon soirée with the best of Prego's spectacular menu.

They reveled in laughter, togetherness and liveliness along with luscious food at Prego, The Westin Mumbai Garden City. 

Sumeru Frozen food, the 30-year-old heritage brand of Innovative Foods Limited, has launched its signature 'frozen gourmet meals' in collaboration with Michelin star chef Alfred Prasad.

The frozen food range consists of four products, namely millet khichadi, roasted chicken, shahi paneer and pepper chicken. Each of the products is made from locally-sourced ingredients, with no added flavours, colours or preservatives.

Mithun Appaiah, CEO of Innovative foods, said, "We want to disrupt the way consumers perceive and purchase frozen food. Our association with a renowned chef Alfred Prasad, a first in the country within this space reiterates our commitment to bring to consumers new and better experiences in consuming their daily food." 

Chef Alfred Prasad added, "The recipes follow my 3-H philosophy – Heritage, Health, and Happiness. This reflects in the ingredients we have chosen whether it is the usage of ancient grains of India like millets or following a healthier cooking process like roasting to unique packaging technology which ensures that nutrients and flavours are retained."

Barista Coffee Company Limited, one of the largest Indian Coffee chains, has collaborated with Saints Art, a leading PR Firm, to further support its strong market objectives. As part of the module, Saints Art will be supporting Barista with decisive and strategic services for various market penetration initiatives of the brand so as to uphold the leading position in the sector.

The Barista Coffee Company Limited has over 200 Barista Cafe and Barista Express Kiosks across India including its Franchise partners. Besides India, Barista Coffee also has cafés in locations across Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal and Maldives.

Puneet Gulati, CEO of Barista, said, "We are growing at a fast pace and further plan to add more loyalty to our coffee, making sure our consumers are satisfied and increasing every day. Our partnership with Saints Art will help us communicate our vision and mission as per the directives as set for the Indian Market."

Puneet Sharma, Vice President of Saints Art, stated, "Barista as a coffee brand has been transforming through all these years and consistently retained its position as a preferred brand among consumers. We believe our strong experience and well thought PR strategy will bring in desired results for the Brand and will further help them achieve market objectives."

Food-delivery firm UberEats has collaborated with Tata AIG, a general insurance provider, for offering comprehensive insurance covers to its delivery fleets in India. 

The insurance programme provides Uber Eats delivery partners for up to Rs 5 lakh against accidental death or permanent disability. The programme is applicable when delivery executives are on the road providing delivery services through the Uber Eats App.

The policy also offers Rs 2 lakh in medical expenses and outpatient cost of Rs 50,000. It covers all delivery personnel across 29 Indian cities, where UberEats is present in.

Deepak Reddy, Head of Central Operations, UberEats India, said, "While the programme currently offers accidental insurance, we are thinking of extending it to areas relating to life and medical insurance. We are also running small pilots to negotiate term policies for agents in their individual capacity, at attractive rates due to the scale of UberEats' platform."

Parag Ved, Executive Vice President & Head, Consumer Lines, Tata AIG, said, "Our expertise in risk understanding and knowledge of various industries has helped us build insurance solutions that are relevant to diverse consumer needs. Today's new age business ecosystems provide an opportunity for us to develop innovative product constructs that delivers value to the end consumer. We believe that this product will surely add to 'building a rewarding experience' ethos for Uber Eats and their delivery partners."

The Union Cabinet Minister of Food Processing, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, has urged UK companies to participate in India's food processing value chain, saying a market worth $600 billion is waiting for the British firms.

Badal was addressing a round-table in London to promote her ministry's first-ever World Food India summit in New Delhi in November and called on British companies to use the platform to finalise their entry and collaboration plans.

Badal, at the Indian High Commission in London, said, "India has a $600 billion retail sector, of which 70 per cent is just food retail. This is set to treble in the next three years and in the next five years, Indians will be spending 50 per cent more on food. That is the kind of huge market we have. This market is waiting for you in India to participate in any part of the food processing value chain."

She said, "India-UK share many warm bonds and I hope we can take our food diplomacy to the next level with World Food India."

Using Amazon's commitment of a $ 500 million dollar investment in the Indian food sector as an example of the growing foreign investor interest in the industry, the minister highlighted a range of incentives being offered by the Indian government in the form of mega food parks and cold chain schemes.

Badal said, "As we are creating the right infrastructure, we think the platform is now ready for World Food India, which is going to be a platform for people to meet and take partnerships to another level. Geographically, India is also very close to food importing countries, like UAE or Japan, and we have a highly skilled cheap labour force and one of the fastest growing economies in the world."

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) supported summit to be held between November 3 and 5 in New Delhi is planned as a biennial conference to bring together various states of India to showcase business opportunities as well as their own unique cuisine as part of a Food Street, which is also likely to be replicated in the UK.

CII said in a statement, "The summit is designed to offer an unusual peek into India's food and culture as well as opportunities to invest and prosper from one of the world's largest consumer markets."

Coca-Cola China has launched a new label design on its packaging to feature the young segment’s own language codes as the cola company attempts to appeal the younger segment in the country, advertising + marketing Malaysia reports.

Coca-Cola China in collaboration with McCann Worldgroup Shanghai has launched this campaign as part of its summer campaign. The new packaging, dubbed “code bottle”, is decorated with different emoticons and phrases that the younger segment in China create and use on a daily basis.

It also debuts with two films that will run on both TV and digital platforms. The stories focus on friendship and romance, two themes which appeal to Chinese youth. The first spot, Friend Hunt, stars Chinese influencer Lu Han, and follows his journey of using code bottles to connect with friends.

The brand will also be introducing limited edition Lu Han bottles with special codes and packaging, to grab attention from his 32 million followers.

A second film will be launched in mid-July to feature a young couple’s relationship journey, from the first time they met, to their first date, first kiss, first fight and first break-up, and ultimately how they reconcile over a bottle of Coke.

The code label designs will be launched nationally and activities such as product placement and TV show sponsorships will also be introduced the same time to enhance campaign influence and facilitate social conversations.

Burger chain, McDonald's has collaborated with Japnese brand, Beams to launch a line of Big Mac merchandise for its customers, new.com.au reported. 

The brand has introduced a collection of Big Mac-themed T-shirts, hats, tote bags, iPhone cases and pouches. However, there are 300 of each item available. 

The Big Mac merchandise will be on sale on the Japanese site, Rakuten. 

The collaboration has been created to celebrate the release of the Big Mac sauce to consumers. 

Customers can also buy jars of Big Mac sauce for 1,900 yen from the website.

State-run, Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd (BCPL) has announced its collaboration with hyper local delivery startup, BigBasket to sell its home products for the Kolkata market. 

BPCL products are available on the website and mobile app of the online store from Saturday. 

P M Chandraiah, Managing Director and Director (Finance), BCPL, said, "We are initiating a new front and going online. We have joined hands with Big Basket for Kolkata market.”

Chandraiah stated that BPCL products will delivered by BigBasket at the doorstep of the customer within 90 minutes.

The company reported a net profit of Rs 4 crore in 2016-17 for the first time in six decades.  

Piveta Estates, being led by billionaire Analjit Singh, has acquired 51 percent stake in Riga Foods, a chain of Italian-cuisine restaurants in Delhi-NCR.

Billionaire Analjit Singh, also the founder of the Delhi-based diversified Max Group, which underwent a major organizational restructuring earlier this year, which saw the split of the firm into three separate companies subjected to different businesses – life insurance, health and allied businesses and manufacturing.

Founded by celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia and Gita Bhalla in 2000, apart from a chain of Italian- cuisine restaurants, Riga Foods runs a catering service, also known as 'Diva'.

According to reports of The Economic Times, Piveta has owned a majority stake, which is why Riga's founders will retain management control.

Delhi-based Piveta Estates provides services including facilities management, brokerage and lease management, thus Riga Foods will use the funds mainly to expand its operations across the country. Other than expanding in the country, the company is also eyeing opportunities to expand in the international market such as South Africa and the UK.

ZO Rooms, Uber and foodpanda have come together to provide a seamless and unmatched travel experience to its customers.

ZO Rooms, a chain of premium budget hotels, Uber, the cab service provider and foodpanda, the online restaurant delivery platform, has partnered together to bring a comfy experience to their customers.

Zo Rooms offers comfortable and reliable rooms across 13 cities with 150+ properties to choose from. The brand has been built to cater to the needs and tastes of the modern travellers, such as – free breakfast, good Wi-Fi etc.

Karun Arya, Communications Lead, South Asia and India, Uber, said, "Uber is all about providing seamless experiences at the push of a button. We are excited to partner with ZO Rooms and now Foodpanda to provide travellers unparalleled convenience on-the-go. Booking a comfortable room, getting their conveniently and ordering something delicious to eat has never been easier. Advanced smart technology is ensuring we complete the travel loop: Stay. Eat. Ride."

The motto of ZO is – guests aren’t customers, they are friends. ZO’s tech-fluency is also something that sets them apart from the rest. When you book via the ZO Rooms app, on check-in, you will receive 100 per cent ZO cashback. This is like getting a free stay!

Uber comes on board to provide you with comfy rides, across all major cities of the country. Uber is the cheapest AC ride in town.

The customers can download the Uber app, press a button and a comfortable ride will arrive at their location. Once you check-in into your ZO Room, you will receive a free ride up to Rs 500.

And, foodpanda- India's largest food ordering platform will not only connect the travellers with all over 12,000 restaurants nationally and delicious local joints of the city but also make sure the food is delivered to your room’s doorstep. At the time of check-in you will get up to 50 per cent off coupons.

“This is a strategic collaboration for us as the three have come together only to ensure that travelers have an amazing and relaxing experience, when away from home. As the service industry is continuously converging their focus towards rigorous customer experience, with this move the trio we're addressing a traveler’s primary concerns, i.e. stay, travel and food,” shared Saurabh Kochhar, MD, foodpanda.

This is a significant collaboration as the three have come together only to make sure that travellers have an amazing experience, when away from home. As the service industry’s focus is continuously moving towards rigorous customer experience, with this move the trio have covered a traveller’s planning concerns, i.e. stay, travel and food. All that will be left now is to actually concentrate on the City.

Abhishek Shivhare, Director, Strategic Partnerships, ZO Rooms, added, "With our brand Zostel, the focus has always been on customer experience and now we are trying to replicate that same wow factor with ZO Rooms. We are extremely excited about this three way strategic collaboration as it has all the ingredients to ensure that customers have a delightful time when they travel. Technology is ensuring that travelers can now Stay, eat and ride at a click of a button"

To avail the ‘must-not-miss’ opportunity download the ZO Rooms app and use coupon code ZOTRAVEL.