Supply Chain Tech Company Adcount Technologies Raises USD 2.25 Mn in Series A Led by Venture Catalysts, Artesian

Sweet brand Scandalous Foods that’s catering to the restaurant and catering sectors, is excited to announce its ambitious goal of raising $12 million in the coming months. 

This move comes on the heels of a successful pre-seed funding round in February 2024, where the company secured ₹3 crore from various esteemed angel investors.

The pre-seed round, completed with the backing of seasoned investors, including KRS Jamwal, Mrunal Jhaveri, Arjun Vaidya of V3 Ventures, Ajay Mariwala, MD of VKL and FSIPL, and celebrity Chef Harpal Singh marked a significant milestone for Scandalous Foods. 

These funds have already catalyzed growth, enabling the company to expand its production capabilities and establish a larger facility.

“Our recent pre-seed funding has laid a strong foundation for our growth. The additional ₹3 crore has allowed us to enhance our production and cater to a broader clientele. As we prepare to raise $12 million, we are more committed than ever to revolutionizing the Indian sweets landscape. Our vision is to blend tradition with innovation, creating sweets that resonate with both contemporary and traditional palates,” shared Sanket S., Co-Founder of Scandalous Foods.

Scandalous Foods has demonstrated robust growth, with a 22% year-over-year increase in FY24. Notably, the company saw a remarkable 75% growth in the last quarter (January–March 2024) compared to the previous quarter (October-December 2023). 

The company aims to leverage this enhanced capacity to strengthen its presence in key markets, including Mumbai and Nasik, and build a robust HoReCa base. 

As Scandalous Foods embarks on its next phase, it remains focused on delivering exceptional Indian sweets that cater to evolving consumer tastes. 

The upcoming funding round will enable the company to introduce innovative products, launch its Mithai parlors expand its offerings, and become a category leader in the industry.

Founded in August 2022 and led by Sanket S, and Pravesh Amin, it is a pioneering venture aiming to revolutionize the sweets industry for the restaurant sector. 
 

 

Poshn, an innovative food-tech startup on a mission to simplify the unorganized food supply chain, has announced that it has raised USD 4 million in equity and USD 2 million in debt in a pre-series A funding round held recently. 

The funding led by Prime venture partners and Zephyr Peacock India will help Poshn create the largest distribution network in the food ecosystem.

With that, the company founded by Shashank Singh and Bhuvnesh Gupta has raised around $8 million in equity since its inception in 2020.  

“Poshn has already cemented its position in the wholesale segment over the last three years. With the trust of investing partners and infusion of fresh equity, we aggressively integrate forward and backward in the chain and open foreign/export markets over the next 12 months while growing profitably,” shared Singh.

Poshn is a full-stack food-tech supply chain company taking an integrated approach to solving effectiveness and efficiency in the entire food value chain in phases that include food processing units, wholesale buyers, institutions, general trade, and retailers.

Poshn plans to use the fresh funds to build further its innovative stack of solutions that address the gaps in the system. Besides, it will use the funds to expand the business to global markets with imports/ exports in profitable categories to Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

Over the past three years, Poshn has experienced remarkable growth while maintaining profitability. The company's revenue has skyrocketed six-fold from FY22 to FY24. Poshn is one of the few startups that have been EBITDA profitable while supporting the growth trajectory. Since its inception, the startup has marked a presence in more than 16 states in India. In 2022, the startup raised  USD 4 million in equity in a seed round with Prime Venture Partner and Zephyr Peacock. Additionally, it has partnered with Banks & NBFCs for its debt requirements. Some notable names include ICICI Bank, Alteria Capital, UCIC, Northern Arc, Blacksoil, and Capsave.

“Poshn has led by being a supply-first company and has meaningfully solved for the B2B food value chain. The company has always been bottom-line focused with a remarkable ROCE and wants to continue expanding that further by going deeper into the supply chain while also pursuing some full-stack vertical integrations. We believe Poshn will be a category-defining company in the coming years, and we are excited to be their partners from day zero,” added a spokesperson from Prime Ventures.

The food supply chain market is over USD 800 billion and is highly fragmented on the supply side. The chain experiences inefficiencies due to a slew of intermediaries or middlemen, poor capacity planning, a lack of predictable demand, and a lack of technology. Poshn is working on bridging these gaps with technology.

“Poshn is using technology to simplify and organize the fragmented food value chain in India. Both buyers and suppliers are adopting Poshn's platform for convenient access to quality products at competitive prices.  We are excited to partner with Shashank and Bhuvnesh,” said Mukul Gulati, Managing Partner, Zephyr Peacock India.
 

 

MasterChow, the homegrown Indian brand specializing in ready-to-cook Asian staples, has joined hands with celebrity chef Ranveer Brar as its brand ambassador. 

This strategic collaboration aims to position MasterChow as the go-to destination for “Asli Chinese” cuisine, emphasizing credibility, trust, and relatability. 

MasterChow's decision to get Ranveer Brar onboard stems from a shared commitment to authenticity and quality. With the tagline "Asli Chinese," this partnership resonates with the chef’s culinary expertise and passion for genuine flavors. 

Chef Brar’s influence and reputation as a leading culinary figure are poised to enhance MasterChow's brand presence significantly.

By leveraging his credibility and expertise, MasterChow aims to differentiate itself in the competitive packaged food market, particularly in the Asian cuisine sector. 

Through this partnership, the brand seeks to establish a deeper connection with consumers who value authenticity and quality in their culinary experiences.

“As a chef, I believe in the importance of using genuine flavors and ingredients to create memorable culinary experiences. I am thrilled to join hands with MasterChow and champion authentic Asian cuisine through their amazing range of products. With MasterChow, I look forward to bringing 'ASLI Chinese' flavors to households across India,” added Chef Brar.

The partnership between MasterChow and Ranveer Brar is a long-term endeavor focused on spreading awareness and establishing MasterChow as the brand for ASLI Chinese cuisine. Over the next 6-8 months, the campaign will prioritize building credibility, trust, and relatability among consumers, with the ultimate goal of creating a legacy brand that endures for generations to come.

“Ranveer Brar epitomizes everything we stand for – authenticity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. With his unparalleled expertise and passion for good food, he is a stark reflection of MasterChow’s brand ethos, and together, we're ready to take on the industry. We're not just offering a product, we're offering an experience – one that promises unparalleled taste and quality with every bite. With Ranveer by our side, we're all set to revolutionize the way people experience Chinese food at home," pointed Vidur Kataria, Founder, MasterChow.

The campaign will kickstart digitally, primarily through social media platforms, with potential expansion into other channels such as OTT platforms later in the year. The company has also curated a fun, quirky and engaging spree of pre-launch content for ‘MasterChow Loyalists’ on Instagram. The content aims to multiply the hype surrounding this much-anticipated coming together of  the Chef (Ranveer Brar) and the Chef’s favorite (MasterChow).

MasterChow’s premium range of Chinese delicacies are available on the brand’s official website, i.e. www.masterchow.in, Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart and Amazon. 

 

In a latest innovation, Nestlé India has collaborated with SOCIAL, India’s favourite neighbourhood café, to test launch MAGGI Professional’s plant-based range.

The products have been used to craft The New Irresistible Menu, that is available at 41 SOCIAL and 40 BOSS Burger outlets across Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Chandigarh for three months.

The plant-based range has been especially developed for chefs and features two offerings - a burger patty and mince, alternatives to meat-based meals. The products provide similar sensorial attributes as chicken, with the familiar bounce and juiciness.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with SOCIAL, to pilot MAGGI Professional’s new plant-based range through a limited period menu. This is a part of our commitment to offer more food choices to our valued consumers, both in home and out of home. We are confident that the chefs would enjoy cooking with this range and create novel dishes for their consumers,” shared Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & Managing Director, Nestlé India.

They are a source of protein & fiber, and naturally free from cholesterol. The range caters to the evolving preferences of a young audience with global cultural exposure and mindful consumption habits.

Commenting on the initiative, Riyaaz Amlani, Founder & Managing Director, Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to embark on this culinary journey with Nestlé which brings together the culinary expertise of SOCIAL and the innovative plant-based range from Nestlé India. The New Irresistible Menu is not just a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences, but it also signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable, conscious, and innovative approach to dining. We believe this collaboration will redefine the possibilities of plant-based dining in India, and offer our guests a novel, sensory symphony of flavours.”

Guests can now try The New Irresistible Menu at select SOCIAL outlets, and for delivery on BOSS Burger via DotPe, Swiggy and Zomato.

 

Epigamia has unveiled a fresh lineup featuring ready-to-eat puddings in chocolate and caramel flavors.

Alongside these, their "Ultimate Luxury Milkshake" collection has three e options: Cookies & Cream, Belgian Chocolate, and Vanilla Coffee.

“We are enthused to introduce new flavours in the milkshake and pudding category right around the festive season. This is a time for making treasured memories and indulging in delectable delicacies. The newly q1introduced products are designed to elevate special occasions. Therefore, we are happy to introduce these exquisite treats that encapsulate the holiday spirit." said Rahul Jain, Co-Founder and CEO, Epigamia.  

These ready to eat puddings and high-quality bottled milkshakes, will be found in major retail stores and various online platforms across India.

 

Food Service India Pvt. Ltd. is organizing a series of roadshows across the country with the aim of educating restaurants and equipping them to grow their businesses during the ongoing Cricket World Cup. 

The FSIPL roadshows held so far in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Jaipur and Guwahati have been a phenomenal success and well attended by leading hoteliers, purchase managers, standalone restaurants, distributors and other industry professionals. 

Being held at all venues of the World Cup matches, the roadshow will also be held at Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. 

“Cricket is much more than a game in India with zillions of cricket fans watching matches together with friends and family at restaurants, hotels and at homes. The cities that host these matches have an average of 10 times jump in the hospitality and ancillary business. Leveraging this opportunity, FSIPL's ongoing roadshows aim to not only create fresh business prospects but also to educate clients on effective strategies to enhance their business growth during the World Cup season,” shared Piyush Chhaochharia.

Cricket World Cup in India is the best time to boost any business. FSIPL, in collaboration with various hospitality entities is actively engaged in maximizing sales during the tournament. 

Acting as a growth partner, FSIPL is committed to ensuring quick Turnaround Time (TAT), maintaining consistent offerings, introducing innovative recipes and generating significant cost savings for their clients. Our presentation and in-detail conversations with the customers are to support this very endeavor.

The FSIPL roadshows are marked by sessions showcasing World Cup themed region wise menus using FSIPL products. There are one-on-one sessions, live demonstration and tasting sessions that will help the guest curate their own World Cup special menus. Tips and expert advice are also provided on how hotel/restaurant/cloud kitchen owners can grow during this OND quarter. 
 

 

Chukde Spices, one of India’s leading spice manufacturers, has roped in the veteran bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor as its brand ambassador for the next two years. 

Karisma Kapoor will be the exclusive face of the brand from August 2023 till August 2025. Karisma has ruled the hearts of millions on silver screen and people has always loved her for her versatility and freshness that she brings to the screen. This makes her a perfect match for Chukde Spices as Chukde brings a wide range of versatile spices which can transform any meal into a tasty feast. 

Manufacturing spices since 2006, this association with popular star Karisma Kapoor will strengthen the brand awareness drive by Chukde across the country. 

“We are happy to have Karisma Kapoor as the brand ambassador of Chukde Spices. She is one of the finest actresses of Bollywood and has a great fan following across all age groups. We are sure this partnership will go a long way in driving the brand’s already established popularity across the world,” shared Rajat Luthra, Director, Chukde Spices.

Speaking about the association, Karisma Kapoor said,”Chukde Spices are an integral part of Indian cooking and have been serving us the most authentic Indian spices. Its wide variety of products covers all kinds of Indian cooking and is a ‘go-to-spices’ for households and hospitality chains. I am very glad to be part of this exciting brand story.”   

In nearly two decades of its journey, Chukde has become a household name with its very popular offerings of whole spices, blended spices and super food products. The brand believes in continuous innovations to be able to bring to its consumer the tastiest, safest and most authentic spices ever. Chukde lived up to its claim of being the manufacturer of the purest spices in India with the introduction of Garam Masala Sabut. 

 

General Mills India, a subsidiary of the Fortune 500 packaged food company General Mills Inc., has reached a noteworthy milestone by holding a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming plant in Maharashtra.

This event signifies General Mills' growing presence in India and underscores the expansion plan.

The new facility will be a central hub for producing Pillsbury Baking Mixes tailored for the Indian market and is projected to start operations by August 2024.

General Mills is establishing its second manufacturing site for Pillsbury Baking Mixes in India, earmarking an investment of around INR 100 crore to construct this advanced facility.

The new plant will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure. This expansion will result in a twofold increase in General Mills India's manufacturing capacity, allowing the company to satisfy the surging demand for its Pillsbury bakery offerings in India.

“The bakery industry in India is witnessing remarkable growth, Pillsbury’s bakery solutions empower bakers with consistent quality in every cake batch and enhances efficiency in the back-of-house operations of bakery businesses. The new facility will mark Pillsbury’s commitment to serving more bakers in India and supporting their business growth.”said, Anand Khurana, country director for General Mills India.

The Pillsbury brand is highly regarded in the Baking Mixes sector and is well-prepared to cater to the expanding bakery and food service sector in India.

Since its introduction to the Indian market in 1999, Pillsbury has emerged as the dominant player in Cake and Dessert Mixes among professional bakers.

‘’India is among General Mills’ priority markets worldwide’’said. “In recent years, our business in India has consistently accelerated growth and the new manufacturing plant reinforces our dedication to growing in India by delighting more consumers and catering to evolving consumer needs.’’said, Balki Radhakrishnan, Vice President and managing director of Global Emerging Markets at General Mills.

The upcoming Nashik plant is strategically positioned to solidify Pillsbury's reputation as the preferred brand for bakers across the country, effectively catering to their changing requirements.

India plays a crucial role in General Mills' worldwide expansion strategy. The choice to enhance production capacity through the new facility underscores General Mills' dedication to fostering the growth and prosperity of the baking industry.

 

EvolveX Accelerator, a startup accelerator spearheaded by a global community of successful founders & strategic angels, We Founder Circle (WFC), has announced its recent investment in the innovative startup, UcliQ –B2B Marketplace for Chicken & Seafood. 

UcliQ emerged as a notable startup from EvolveX’s Cohort 2.

This angel investment round, led by EvolveX, also saw participation from Vamsi Udayagiri, Founder of HESA. 

“Having closely evaluated UcliQ’s potential, we are confident by their unique approach to reshaping the B2B meat supply chain in India. The dedication and vision of the UcliQ team have been evident throughout our interactions, and I have no doubt that UcliQ will thrive and leave a lasting impression on the meat industry, benefiting both buyers and sellers alike. I look forward to seeing UcliQ’s continued growth and success in the market,” shared Bhawna Bhatnagar, Co-Founder of EvolveX.

With a total fund raise of approximately INR 7 Million, UcliQ is geared to expand its reach and impact. Having initially targeted around 1200-1400 HoReCa businesses in Delhi/NCR, UcliQ now sets its sights on reaching 20,000-25,000 businesses across Delhi/NCR, Bangalore, and Hyderabad in the next 12 months, aiming to achieve an estimated revenue of INR 150 Million.

UcliQ aims to revolutionize India’s meat supply chains by providing an easy, transparent, and secure digital platform that connects buyers and sellers, including HoReCa, manufacturers, wholesalers, brands, and other businesses. The platform offers seamless logistics and leaves digital footprints, paving the way for reliable, standardized, and high-speed supply chains while addressing inefficiencies and reducing food wastage in the poultry, mutton, fish, seafood, live chicken birds, and ready-to-eat categories.

UcliQ’s Founder, Sameer Malik, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having completed his B.Com (Hons) from Delhi University followed by an MBA in Finance and Marketing. His familiarity with the B2B industry and the hospitality sector, along with his experience in startups and social work, adds value to UcliQ’s mission.

“With this capital infusion, we are poised to accelerate our growth and elevate our innovative ideas to the next level. We are committed to revolutionizing the B2B meat supply chain, bridging gaps, and fostering transparency through a standardized marketplace. Our vision is to create a seamless and sustainable platform that positively impacts the meat industry while empowering businesses,” added Malik.

 

International flavor giant, MONIN, is all set to host the MONIN Coffee Creativity Cup (MCCC) —a competition to find the most innovative, progressive, and creative coffee mocktail designed by industry professionals.

The competition begins from July 19^th in Delhi and will move to Mumbai and Bengaluru for the other two regionals on July 27, and August 1 respectively.

For the first round, 10-15 participants at each regional will compete to create an innovative espresso-based mocktail that enhances and appeals to all five senses — sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. Each contestant will then be marked on how well they incorporate the experience of the five senses in their drink.

A total of 10 contestants from all three regionals will move forward to the Finale, which will take place on August 3 in Bengaluru. The winner will then represent India at the Global Finals in Malaysia and get an all-expenses paid trip to Malaysia.

The jury will consist of Coffee Trainers, Influencers in the Coffee Industry, Barista Champions, and key people from the F&B Industry. The regionals will have 3 jury members for each city while the National final will have 4 jury members.

“We are very excited to bring together the coffee community in India and give them a chance to represent India on a global platform. It is a way for MONIN to support the growth and development of the current generation of coffee professionals and baristas and acknowledge the growth of the coffee channel in India & the Asia-Pacific region,” shared Germain Araud, Managing Director, MONIN India.

A premium French brand created in 1912, MONIN is an innovative flavor solutions creator and a trusted partner for hospitality professionals across the world.

 

Gone are the days when people would visit cinemas and malls to watch their favourite movies, these days it’s all about creating experiences and taking it beyond that.

In a recent development, Nestle Professional has joined hands with PVR-Inox cinema halls to elevate the experience with NESCAFÉ.

Crafted with over 80 years of roasting and brewing expertise, NESCAFÉ, along with a range of beverage options from Nestlé including Nestea Cardamom Tea and Nesquik hot cocoa will now be available at more than 200 PVR-Inox theatres across 29 cities in India.

“It has always been our endeavour to ensure that our consumers enjoy Nestlé’s brands, both in home and out-of-home. This partnership is a step towards building multiple, relevant consumption occasions for our range of beverages. Movie theatres have traditionally served as a popular entertainment hub and through this association we intend to elevate the experience of new age cinema goers,” shared Saurabh Makhija, head – Nestlé Professional, Nestlé India.

Nestlé Professional is dedicated to address the unique business challenges and opportunities of Out of Home customers by providing high quality and relevant food & beverage solutions and services. Nestlé Professional offers solutions across product categories – whole roasted beans, premix based beverages, confectionary, dairy and food solutions. The company has recently launched its range of cutting-edge machines which offer fresh brewed coffee from whole roasted coffee beans, along with a range of other beverages across instant tea and cocoa.

“Cinema moments have evolved from watching a film to a larger experience with family and friends. Much like our partners, we take great pride in helping our patrons relax, unwind, and enjoy the small pleasures of life, through cinema. We are proud to partner with Nestlé Professional towards a common goal of elevating the movie experience. Nestlé Professional offers a range of beverages so there is something for everyone. We are confident that our patrons stand to gain immensely and their movie-viewing experience would go up a notch through this association,” added Gautam Dutta, Co-CEO, PVR INOX Limited.

 

Storia Food & Beverages has launched sugarcane juices made with 100% Sugarcane.

 

This refreshing drink is the perfect addition to Storia's lineup of beverages.

 

Storia's commitment to maintaining hygiene and ensuring top-notch quality sets a new standard for the sugarcane juice industry, providing customers with a dependable and invigorating beverage option that prioritizes safety.

 

"Storia's technical prowess is the driving force behind our commitment to launch this product in the highly unorganised sugarcane juice market. With only a few branded players in this space, our entry presents a great opportunity to provide a wholesome and hygienic alternative to the street-side options," said Shalin Desai, CMO, Storia’s.

 

Storia's sugarcane juices are available at popular Modern Trade Stores and leading eCommerce platforms such as Amazon, Bigbasket, Blinkit, Zepto, and more.

It is available in two sizes: a convenient 180 ml bottle for on-the-go consumption and a larger 750 ml bottle suitable for family packs.

 

KAAS startup Speed Kitchen raises Seed round led by Inflection Point Ventures with participation from other HNIs & angel investors.

The funds will be used for expansion and increasing the footprint pan-India and hiring a team that could accelerate the expansion.

Speed Kitchen's vision is to expand the value chain and become an infrastructure service provider for all F&B needs.

“Over the years cloud kitchen has witnessed a significant rise especially post-COVID. While the brand's cost is significantly reduced with the cloud kitchen concept it still has to consider multiple factors like kitchen setup, maintenance services, location and much more. Keeping this in mind Speed Kitchen has developed a unique commercial shared kitchen concept which will further reduce the cost to run a kitchen,” shared Madhukar Bhardwaj, Senior Vice President, Inflection Point Ventures.

Speed Kitchen was founded in 2021 by Paurav Rastogi (CEO) and founding partner Shamin Kapoor.

“One of the most enlightening experiences, got to learn a lot about the start-up world, processes and network with some great minds. We at Speed Kitchen are aiming to become the leading Cloud Kitchen infrastructure in the Indian market, the first step of which is to expand to 20+ locations and cross 200+ operational kitchens by the end of FY 23-24,” added Rastogi.

Speed Kitchen is a one-stop solution to all cloud kitchen needs from finding the ideal location for the culinary operation to building an F&B brand. It also provides brands with low capital expenditure and operating expenses and an easy expansion into new geographies.

In the last 18+ months, the company has expanded across Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Pune, Bangalore and Mumbai. They have a strong pipeline of brands and kitchen partners and will be focusing on expanding their presence to other Tier 1 and Tier 2 Cities.

At a CAGR of 39%, the Cloud Kitchen industry has been valued at $800 million in FY 22 which is expected to reach $1.9Bn by 2026.

 

Plant-based food brand Wakao Foods has announced its foray into the Singaporean market.

The company will launch seven popular products, including Butter Jack, BBQ jack, Raw Jack, Continental Burger Patty, Jack Supreme Burger Patty, Hot & Spicy Sausages, and American Herbs Sausages, in the Singapore market.

These products will be available at retail stores such as Everyday Vegan Grocer and HoReCa and online on popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, Amazon Singapore, and Redmart.

"We are thrilled to be bringing our range of delicious and healthy plant-based products to Singapore. Our products have high-quality ingredients, and we believe they will be well-received by the Singaporean market. We are excited to be partnering with Everyday Vegan Grocer, HoReCa, and various e-commerce platforms to make our products easily accessible to consumers across the country,” shared Sairaj Dhond, Founder and CEO of Wakao Foods.

According to a recent report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the plant-based food market in Singapore is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.9% during the forecast period (2021-2026). This growth is driven by increasing health concerns, a rising trend of veganism, and demand for sustainable and ethical food products.

In addition to retail stores and e-commerce platforms, Palate Sensations, a culinary school in Singapore, will also use Wakao Foods' products. The school is known for its innovative and sustainable approach to cooking, and Wakao Foods' products are a natural fit for its philosophy.

GFI India and Deloitte India foresee the Indian plant-based market to hit USD 2.2 Bn by 2030, with a USD 1.1 Bn export potential.

 

Cargill and the Baker's Association Kerala (BAKE) have agreed to collaborate and work together through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of developing healthier and more innovative food solutions for the Indian Food and Bakery industry.

By partnering with Baker's Association Kerala (BAKE), Cargill will be able to share its expertise in food ingredients, product formulation, technology, and innovation with consumers in Kerala.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Cargill Innovation Center in Gurgaon, with Mr. Vijesh Vishwanath, the President of BAKE, and Mr. Simon George, Managing Director of Cargill's Food Ingredients business, South Asia, present during the signing ceremony.

To support the partnership, Cargill will organize workshops and seminars aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of bakers in Kerala.

Additionally, Cargill will offer customer feedback on fats to help bakers better understand the current and future requirements and preferences of consumers.

This will enable bakers to create bakery products that are of higher quality and meet the changing needs of their customers.

“Cargill and BAKE coming together in research and innovation will help small and medium enterprise bakeries in the state of Kerala a big way. Cargill will work on specific product innovation, driving health, wellness and freshness, using its global trends, insights and innovation, and regional technical expertise in the Bakery category in close collaboration with BAKE. said Simon George, Cargill India.  

In addition to the workshops and seminars, Cargill plans to provide 'train the trainer' programs to upcoming bakers in Kerala, so that they can acquire new skills and techniques to improve the quality of bakery products in the region.

Cargill will also conduct tests on all new products developed at its Innovation Center in Gurgaon, to ensure that the products meet the highest standards of food safety and quality.

With robust growth rates projected for the bakery segment, we as an association, are always exploringnewpossibilities and bring that back to our consumers.This collaboration with Cargill will give us endless opportunitiesto do just that.” said Mr. Vishwanath, BAKE.

This initiative is a crucial step towards introducing global innovation to the state's bakery industry and promoting knowledge sharing and skill development among industry professionals.

 As a result, this will lead to the creation of better and more sustainable food products throughout the bakery industry in Kerala.

 

QSR chain 99 Pancakes has announced its entry into the FMCG segment, with its first product, Brownie Brittle Chips.

The product range will be available in 4 variants – Almond, Pistachio, Strawberry and Coffee.

The Brownie Brittle Chips will be manufactured and marketed by parent company, Euphoriya Hospitality and sub-branded by 99 Pancakes.

“We started 99 Pancakes six years ago with a specialty product – Pancakes, and we’ve been able to penetrate the markets across India very well. The overwhelming response from our customers has given us the courage and motivation to further expand ourselves and venture into a new segment of Fast Moving Consumer Durables (FMCG). The Brownie Brittle Chips is our first product in the FMCG segment. With this product, we wish to strike the mid-meal snacking craving or a dessert after-meal. The different flavours that we’re offering will match the taste buds of all generations,” shared Vikesh Shah, Founder, 99 Pancakes.

99 Pancakes, which came into existence in the 2017 with its first pancakes specialty outlet in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, currently has 40+ outlets across 15 cities of India.

Brownie Brittle Chips are priced at INR 110 and available in all stores of 99 Pancakes, the online store of 99 Pancakes, Swiggy, and Zomato.  

In the upcoming time, Brownie Brittle Chips will be available on Amazon, Flipkart, Big Basket, Blinkit, Zepto, and many more such marketplaces.

 

Nourish You, India’s one of the first homegrown superfood start-up, has received funding from actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

As the first to retail homegrown quinoa and chia seeds in India, Nourish You continues to lead in promoting locally-sourced and sustainable superfoods.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu's investment comes as part of Nourish You's seed funding round, which had earlier attracted pedigreed investors, including Y Janardhana Rao of Triumph Group; Rohit Chennamaneni, Co-founder, Darwinbox; Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder, Zerodha; Abhijeet Pai, Co-Founder, Gruhas Proptech; Abhinay Bollineni, CEO, KIMS Hospitals, among others.

“Investing in Nourish You was a natural progression since I have been consuming their products for a while. I was impressed by their story of bringing superfoods like Quinoa and Chia to India, growing them locally, and their product roadmap of millet based clean-label vegan superfoods. I believe that Nourish You can create value while making a positive impact on the health of consumers as well as the planet. I'm excited to partake in their innovative and sustainable approach to business,” shared Prabhu.

In addition to her investment, Samantha has also launched Nourish You's first plant-based, vegan, and lactose-free milk alternative - Millet Mlk.

The new product marks the company's foray into the alternative dairy category, and is an outcome of two years of research on innovative millet-based products undertaken by Nourish You.

“We welcome Samantha to the Nourish You family; her thoughts on ancient foods are well aligned with ours. Her investment in the company is a testament to the products we have developed so far and the success we have achieved. We believe this partnership with Samantha will help us strengthen our position in the market as we unfold India’s superfood growth story,” added  Krishna Reddy, Co-founder, Nourish You.

Nourish You is committed to reviving ancient food wisdom, promoting sustainable and healthy eating practices, and this new product is a testament to their efforts.

 

Heritage Foods Ltd, a dairy company in India, has introduced its latest line of Buttermilk products labeled as 'A-One' and a new range of milkshakes in convenient single-serve carton boxes.

 

The new product line, called 'A-One' by Heritage Foods, comprises low-calorie spiced buttermilk that serves as a natural and refreshing drink.

 

 “Launch of ‘A-One’ Spiced Buttermilk & new Milkshakes in Combi-block packs is yet another step in the direction of growing the contribution of value-added products (VAP) in our portfolio. I am sure these new products will not only delight our consumers, but will also help them face the harsh summer season with a smile.” said Mrs. Bhuvaneswari Nara, Vice Chairperson & Managing Director 

 

The company uses a unique combination of cultures to ferment fresh Heritage milk to create a smooth and thick texture with an ideal balance of sourness and saltiness. Natural extracts of ginger and green chilies are blended into the drink to give it a spicy twist, making it a perfect on-the-go drink.

 

'A-One' Spiced Buttermilk will be sold in 180ml packs with a six-month shelf life and a reasonable price tag of ₹20/-.

 

In addition, Heritage Foods has given a makeover to its line of Milkshakes with new flavors and an attractive appearance.

 

While classic flavors like Vanilla and Strawberry remain available, the company plans to introduce two new varieties, Chocolate & Caramel and Cookies & Cream, which will appeal to both adults and children. The new range of Milkshakes will be sold in 180ml packs for ₹40/- and 125ml packs for ₹15/-.

 

Heritage Foods Ltd. is preparing for reintroducing its popular "Premium Badam milk with real Badam bits" under the brand name 'Badam Charger'.

 

The revised product recipe includes a higher quantity of badam bits, aligning with the brand's promise of 'Stay Charged.' Heritage Badam Charger will be available in 180ml plastic bottles with vibrant packaging. This product will be sold at a convenient price point of ₹35/-.

 

“Heritage ‘BadamCharger’ is a product targeted to thriving adults who hustle through the day to achieve their dreams.. We have formulated this recipe to deliver great taste with absolutely no added artificial colours or flavours and with 30% less sugar as compared to other similar flavoured milk-drinks.” said Mrs. Brahmani Nara, Executive Director of Heritage Foods Limited

 

Heritage Foods intends to take its customers on a nostalgic journey by releasing ice lollies with authentic and fascinating Indian flavors like 'Kala Khatta' and 'Gol Gappa' this summer. These desi flavors are bound to evoke fond childhood recollections. Consumers can enjoy these refreshing treats on a scorching summer day for only ₹10.

 

Heritage Foods has introduced its 'A-One' Spiced Buttermilk and Milkshake products in various regions, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and the National Capital Region (NCR).

 

These products are accessible through various channels, such as general trade stores, Heritage Happiness Points, Heritage Parlours, modern retail stores, and online grocery platforms.

 

Reiterating its commitment to become the leading provider of end-to-end refrigeration solutions, Elanpro, one of the leading tech-driven commercial refrigeration company, has launched a new series of energy-efficient freezers, coolers and ice machines for foodservice industry.

The new product line-up encapsulates Elanpro’s vision to create an ecosystem of diverse cooling products catering to food and beverage businesses of different sizes.

“We have relentlessly pushed our boundaries to bring innovative products. We are delighted to launch our new range of practical products, including those that are a result of our new partnerships. With summer approaching, our new range will empower our customers,” shared Sanjay Jain, Director, Elanpro.

Addressing the key challenges of space, utility, productivity and convenience faced by food and beverage outlet operators, the company has launched ten innovative, customer centric products and their variants. These products will assist Hotel, Restaurant, Café, Bar and retail F&B operators, improve productivity, increase profitability and reduce carbon footprint.  

Elanpro has launched fresh, fruit juice vending machines by Orna Fresh from Italy. Elanpro’s exclusive showcase of retail refrigeration also includes breakthrough products such as Elanpro FreeTop and Island Freezer.

“We strive to become the holistic industrial refrigeration solutions provider that uses industry knowledge, cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to enhance customer experience”, he further added.

By extending presence in the most segments of food and beverage retail, delivery and cloud kitchen, Elanpro is aggressively developing a well-rounded portfolio catering to every Indian customer aspiring to open a restaurant, café, ice-cream parlour, F&B retail outlet. Consisting of seven and three products for HoReCa and F&B retail respectively, the new line-up will enter the market in the coming season.

 

South Africa based Frost Popsicles has partnered with FranGlobal to expand its presence in India and other neighbouring territories.

Born in 2016 by Natasha Fagri and her business partner Jon-Marc De Carvalho, Frost Popsicles is a premium, all-natural alcoholic and non-alcoholic popsicle brand.

The brand has seven alcoholic and non-alcoholic popsicle flavour profiles – Passion Fruit & Peach Margarita, Blood Orange Screwdriver, G&T Classic, G&T Berry Infusion, Vanilla Coffee, Peach, Strawberry & Banana and Pomegranate, Grapefruit & Hibiscus.

Frost Popsicles’ brand focus is to partner with long-term, like-minded importers. Since it’s 2016 launch in South Africa, Frost Popsicles has since been exported to Singapore, Mauritius and the USA.

“Our plans are currently in progress, and we are presenting Frost Popsicles to relevant potential partners in the Indian market with the help of FranGlobal. We see the potential for the import of our product specifically for the hospitality, retail and event markets in the country. We also see potential to manufacture Frost in India, if the demand suffices. Consistent product innovation, using only premium, all-natural ingredients in our popsicles, and staying true to the authentic flavour profile of the alcohols that we work with in our alcoholic range, allow us to always stay on the cutting edge,” shared Fagri.

She also added that as the business and brand owners, she and Jon-Marc will provide any and all ops info / training to the partners.

“This is a commitment we made from the beginning to do our best to ensure the success of whomever the Frost operator is,” she added.

 

Country’s largest providers of F&B solutions with over 350 SKUs across cuisines are expanding their portfolio with the addition of a delectable range of Fruit Crushes.

 

Their beverage brand Marimbula has launched fruit crushes to amplify FSIPL’s reach amongst consumers & penetrate new markets.

 

FSIPL which is a one stop solution for all HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) needs is foraying into the mainstream retail formats as well with the launch of these crushes.

 

“The crushes range is a natural extension for Marimbula brand. We specialise in natural, unadulterated fruity flavours and what better way to take the brand to our new audiences such as kids and families than with the crushes range.” said Mr. Harshad Jain, Brand Head, Marimbula 

 

Brand’s Fruit Crush Range comprises of 8 fresh and fruity flavours, these are Pineapple, Strawberry, Mango, Butterscotch, Orange, Kiwi, Pink Guava and Litchi.

 

Their range contains 35% of fresh fruit content which is completely natural with good product consistency. With their flavours, one can create a limitless number of cocktails & mocktails ranging both Indian and International mixes.

 

It is the only brand that presents ethnic Indian flavours such as Saffron Cream, Paan, Cumin Spice, Tamarind, and Coconut Fudge. 

The brand USP is that it doesn’t require the addition of any preservatives and this helps in retaining its authentic taste & aroma at a competitive price of Rs. 250 and Rs. 280 for a 1-litre bottle.

 

Company’s range of crushes will be sold through E-commerce platforms, Modern trade formats and traditional HORECA distributors. 

 

Marimbula was launched in 2014 and is the first homegrown Indian brand of syrups. It is at the forefront of the expansion of the fruit-pulp market, which is anticipated to grow by USD 124.38 million from 2021 to 2026, at a CAGR of 7.61%. 

 

 

As the scale of the food delivery industry magnifies, especially since the advent of companies like Swiggy & Zomato, brands are continuously looking for sustainable alternatives for packaging. This is because with increasing convenience for consumers, there is also a looming danger of exponential increase in non-biodegradable waste as the commonly used materials for delivery are plastic, thermocol, aluminum, etc. However, there are a number of challenges being faced by such brands in terms of availability of effective alternatives to single-use plastic.

CHUK, an initiative of Yash Pakka Limited (YPL), has launched compostable delivery containers.

The brand already supplies compostable tableware to brands like Haldiram’s, Bikanervala, Chaipoint.

With the launch of delivery containers, the company aims to put a stop to the use of single-use plastic for food delivery, thereby strengthening its resolve of working towards a cleaner planet.

“Our delivery containers have been launched after rigorous research, multiple trials, and customer feedback, as a reliable and sustainable alternative to other available products. Having already launched and raised awareness around compostable tableware products, foraying into the food delivery packaging space was the next natural progression for us,” shared Satish Chamyvelumani, Business Head - Compostables, Yash Pakka Ltd.

These newly introduced delivery containers will be available in four different sizes - 350 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, and 1000 ml. All the containers come with snug-fit lids, and are therefore spill-proof and leak-proof.

In addition, these are also microwavable, freezable and ovenable. Some of these attributes add to the utility of CHUK delivery containers as opposed to regular plastic containers.

Another extremely important characteristic of the newly-launched containers is that these are free of artificial chemicals, making them food-safe, furthering the purpose of CHUK to help you ‘eat safe’.

The delivery containers have already found some takers in brands such as Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board, FabCafe, Salad Point, Greenit, and Basil Box. Further on, CHUK will cater to quick service restaurants (QSR), cloud kitchens and takeaway restaurants with its latest range.

 

The Delhi High Court Division Bench upheld Capital Foods' claim against Radiant Indus Chem in the "Schezwan Chutney" trademark infringement case.

 

In its order dated January 25th, the court noted that Radiant Indus Chem had copied Capital Foods' stylization, color combination, appearance, trade dress, and copyrights in its advertising material without proper attribution.

 

Capital Foods obtained a trademark certificate for "Schezwan Chutney" for their product "Ching's Secret" in 2017. Upon discovering that Radiant Indus Chem's "Mrs. Food Rite" brand was using Capital Foods' trademarked title and design to promote its products, Capital Foods filed a trademark infringement case at the Delhi High Court.

 

As part of the lawsuit, Capital Foods accused Radiant Indus Chem of not only infringing on its trademark, but also copying its website content and trade dress. Ching's Secret's unique "Desi Chinese" element in its "Schezwan Chutney" name is said to have been developed through years of promoting the product to Indian consumers.

 

 “Schezwan Chutney is not the category's name. It is our brand name. Schezwan Chutney as a name didn’t exist previously unless Ching’s first introduced it. We were the first to manufacture it commercially and term it 'Schezwan Chutney' in Mid of 2012. We have created a consumer base from nothing. Other rival brands cannot come in, copy us and ride on our success.” said Capital Foods’ spokesperson 

 

Capital Foods, during its appeal to the Delhi High Court Division Bench, claimed that it invested more than Rs 273 crores between 2012 and 2016 in promoting its "Schezwan Chutney" product and achieved sales worth over Rs 316 crores for that product.

 

In January 2023, on January 13th, a single judge of the Delhi High Court did not grant an injunction, stating that the trademark was simply a term describing the product.

 

After the initial ruling, Capital Foods appealed to the Division Bench, arguing that their trademark "Schezwan Chutney" was unique to their company due to its popularity, high sales volume, and the significant advertising and promotion costs incurred by the company for the product.

 

 

NIC Honestly Crafted Ice Creams has announced the launch of its newest product, NIC Waffle Cones.

These crispy, crunchy cones are the perfect complement to NIC's delicious ice creams.

Made with the same commitment to quality as all of NIC products, these waffle cones are vacuum packed to ensure they arrive at the consumer's home in perfect condition. The vacuum packing also ensures that the cones retain their crispness and crunch for the ultimate ice cream experience at the comfort of your home. This method of packaging is not only hygienic but also helps to avoid damages during handling and transport, making sure that the product reaches the end consumer in the best possible condition.

"We are thrilled to offer our customers another way to enjoy NIC Honestly Crafted Ice Creams. These waffle cones are the perfect complement to our ice creams and we are confident that they will be a hit with our customers. We understand the importance of convenience and accessibility and that's why we made sure to make these cones available on popular food delivery platforms, allowing our customers to enjoy them at the comfort of their homes,” shared Sanjiv Shah, Director, Walko Food Company Pvt Ltd.

NIC Waffle Cones are available in packs of 5, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.

These waffle cones will be available initially in major cities of Mumbai and Bengaluru through food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato and later will be available on all platforms.

 

Gujarat based tea brand, Seven Spring has introduced India’s first-ever 100% compostable tea bag sachets with zero plastic and aluminium foils.

This initiative will contribute its bit to build a pollution-free Nation, in-line with the Government’s G20 initiative.

The G20 Summit focuses on taking environmentally responsible and sustainable decisions, both at the level of personal lifestyles and national development, which will result in internationally transforming activities to contribute to a cleaner and greener future.

“Going environment friendly or sustainable is no longer an option. We have reached a point where absurdly large amounts of single-use plastic are being used. Every company needs to make effort to reduce the use of single-use plastics. All of Seven Spring’s product range comes with sustainable and eco-friendly packaging and we are going to follow this in the future too,” said Sejal Purohit, Founder. Seven Spring.

This new packaging will lead the brand to contribute and aims to improve the environment and reduce plastic pollution and focuses to cut back on waste, and carbon emissions.

After research the team came up with 100% compostable tea bag sachets that are completely plant-based and can dissolve in water or mud.

Recently, they had partnered with leading hotel chain, Accor Hotels, to supply its premium range of teas to over 21 brand hotels across the country.

Seven Spring was launched in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2020. The brand, which brews teas from tea leaves sourced throughout the world, has grown considerably over the past two years, both in terms of varieties and reach, currently offering 30 varieties.

 

Restaurateur and Graviss Good Foods has launched ‘Plantaway’ - an all-new plant-based food brand with a mission to be customers’ one-stop shop for everything plant-based.  

The products on offer span various categories, from plant-based meats, plant-based dairy alternatives to mayos and dressings.

The brand offers everyone a convenient way to adopt a plant-based lifestyle without compromising on taste, health or flavour.

At its very core, Plantaway is built on taste and the simple ethos to be kinder to the planet, animals, and of course, to all of us.

“As ecosystem builders for the plant-based industry in India, we’ve been eagerly waiting for a startup like Plantaway - with their end-to-end smart protein offerings that meet the trifecta of versatility, nutrition, and taste - to enter the arena. The Indian consumer is curious about plant-based foods, so much so that cross-country consumer research has found that 63% of Indians are ‘very or extremely likely to purchase plant-based meat’, more so than consumers in the US. At GFI India, we’ve seen the Indian market and appetite for plant-based products rapidly transform over the last few years and Plantaway’s range of alternatives offers HoReCa and home chefs a unique platform for culinary creativity - to retrofit existing dishes, to create new menu items altogether, and ultimately, work with a versatile set of new ingredients that are sustainable, nutritious, and most importantly, delicious,” shared Nicole Rocque, Senior Innovation Specialist, GFI India.

Co-Founder Romil Ratra, has an immense passion for a plant-based lifestyle and brings over 27 years of experience with luxury hospitality brands to the table. His past professional & personal experiences have given him invaluable insights into consumer taste preferences, as well as the issues that make adoption slower in the plant-based food space today. Keeping both these in mind, he has spearheaded the R&D, Vision & Strategy for Plantaway personally over the last 18 months.  Throughout his career, Romil has consistently been committed to shaping ideas that revolutionise the market, and Plantaway is no different.

“Plantaway, with its variety of future-forward offerings, aims to inspire you to make those minor but meaningful lifestyle tweaks, without vastly changing the life that you love. Our vision was to make the simple act of eating better an inclusive and wholesome experience for all. We created products that everyone whether vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian can enjoy with no compromise on taste,” added Ratra.

In their desire to do better for the environment, they have also introduced the ‘Plantaway Promise’ – where 1% of revenues are allocated towards planting trees and counteracting the effects of mass deforestation.

Plantaway will launch in Mumbai and then expand to other cities such as Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai over the coming weeks.

Their products will be launched in Mumbai through the D2C model on their website www.plantawayfoods.com as well as be available online at leading e-commerce platforms like Big Basket, Amazon, Veg Dukaan, Vvegano and key offline stores such as Bombay Gourmet, Rakhangi Store and more.

 

Rage Coffee, a Delhi-based caffeine innovation FMCG company that manufactures, markets, and distributes innovative packaged caffeine related products, has announced the launch of three exciting new snacks – Coffee Peanut Bars, Caffeine Almond Bars, and Chocolate Oats Cookies.

These munchables provide consumers with apt options in the healthy snacking category as all of them are gluten-free and crafted with natural premium ingredients and contain no preservatives or colorants.

These snacks are very handy and have been created for the fitness age where they can be consumed on-the-go. Rage Coffee will continue to be on the march within the healthy snacking market and introduce a diverse range of snacks.

“Rage Coffee’s core identity has always been to be recognized as a consumer feedback driven caffeine innovation brand. With the introduction of these three super healthy snacks, we are entering the snacking category with the promise of providing the absolute best to millions of our consumers, who are called as Ragers. We have received an overwhelming response to all our products till now, and we hope to keep creating a revolutionary rack of snacks that are purpose-built for health-conscious consumers,” shared Bharat Sethi, Founder and CEO of Rage Coffee.

Rage Coffee is India’s first 100% plant-powered coffee infused with 6 plant vitamins. Made using 100% Arabica beans sourced from some of India’s most renowned plantations, Rage Coffee is the tastiest way to seize the day and comes in 9 exciting flavors. One of the fastest growing FMCG brands in India, the company is backed by ace Indian cricketer Virat Kohli.

 

The initial share-sale of Bikaji Foods International was subscribed 1.48 times on the second day of offer on Friday, according to NSE data.

The Rs 881.22 crore IPO received bids for 3,04,44,000 shares against 2,06,36,790 shares on offer.

The category meant for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) was subscribed 2.33 times, non-institutional investors received 1.42 times subscription and Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) was subscribed 3 per cent.

The Initial Public Offering (IPO) is a pure Offer-For-Sale (OFS) of up to 2,93,73,984 equity shares.

The price range for the offer is at Rs 285-300 a share.

Bikaji Foods International Ltd has received Rs 262 crore from anchor investors.

Since the IPO is completely an OFS, the company will not receive any proceeds from the issue.

Bikaji is the largest manufacturer of Bikaneri bhujia with an annual production of 29,380 tonnes and is a leading maker of packaged 'rasgulla', 'soan papdi' and 'gulab jamun'.

Axis Capital, Intensive Fiscal Services, JM Financial, IIFL Securities and Kotak Mahindra Capital are the managers to the offer.

 

Momo brand Prasuma has launched Bao Buns, another first in the Indian market.

Bao Buns are a variety of dumplings, hugely popular globally for their flavourful fillings and their delightfully fluffy, soft, and airy texture.

100 million Bao Buns are sold in Japan monthly, making them a veritable staple in Japan and extending to Southeast Asia. Sold as a highly accessible snack for all, a majority of Bao Buns are bought from convenience stores such as 7-Eleven. Interestingly, with Reliance bringing 7-Eleven stores to the Indian market, Prasuma’s Bao Buns will have a familiar place to call home.

“At the heart of it, we are a customer-centric brand that thrives on customer love. We know India’s food lovers always want something new and exciting, and Bao Buns are our answer to their cravings. They’re a version of our widely loved dumplings which will give them access to a whole new flavour profile and texture experience,” said Lisa Suwal, CEO, of Prasuma.

Prasuma is introducing Bao Buns to the Indians as a delicious and convenient snack. An on-the-go delicacy, dumpling lovers can steam, microwave or pan fry the Bao Buns and enjoy a healthy snack that’s preservative-free, in just minutes. The variants start at INR 89 only.

The soft and delicious stuffed buns are filled with a sweet or savoury filling. Consumers can enjoy 6 delicious variants including the authentic Bao filling of BBQ Chicken or Char-Siu as well as variants designed for the Indian palette including Butter Chicken, Chicken Keema, Veg Pizza, Spicy Veg, and Chocolate Crunch.

 

Allana Consumer Products Private Limited, a subsidiary of the reputed Allana Group has furthered its offerings in India to include plant-based meat by introducing Beyond Meat.

Through the introduction, Allana Consumer Products aims to cater to the growing demand of healthier and guilt free foods in the country and offer the best quality product available in the globe.

“India is moving towards healthier lifestyle choices and people are looking for products which are sustainable and better for the environment. Our aim is to encourage such changes for the betterment of health and lifestyle. Thus, it is our immense pleasure to announce Allana Consumer Products’ collaboration with Beyond Meat to bring the premium taste of meat to the ever-growing demand for vegan and healthy living community in India,” shared Milind Pingle, CEO of Allana Consumer Products Division.

Beyond Meat is the pioneer and market leader in the United States for plant-based proteins, offering unrivalled taste and quality which many traditional meat eaters often find hard to distinguish. One of the brand’s key attributes, is offering consumers a chance to be part of the green revolution taking place around the world, without compromising on taste.

Allana Consumer Products has allied with Beyond Meat on a pan India basis to distribute their globally acclaimed offerings in the Indian market. The range includes delicious Beyond Burger, Beyond Sausage, Beyond Meatballs and Beyond Mince which are made of simple, plant-based ingredients and designed to deliver the same taste and texture as that of animal-based meat, while being better for people and the planet. It may be mentioned that Beyond Meat products do not contain any GMO, gluten, soy, or cholesterol.

“Beyond Meat is a brand that offers a wide range of products that are rich in terms of quality, starting from the texture that gives the consumer a feeling of eating meat and appetising taste which satisfies the taste buds. Infact, the world-class Beyond Meat range resonates with the forward looking, innovative and progressive values Allana Consumer Products stands for,” he added.

Beyond Meat’s range of products are currently available in more than 26 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and are available through gourmet stores such as Nature’s Basket, Le Marche, Modern Bazaar, Spencer’s etc. and also on reputed E-commerce portals such as Urban Platter, Vegan Dukan, Vegan World, Vvegano, Alt Mart and many more.

According to Industry estimates, the plant-based meat market is currently around ₹ 300 crores and is expected to accelerate to ₹ 3500 crores by 2026. 

 

With changing consumer dining preferences and economic conditions, the Foodservice industry mainly QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants) & HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, Fast Casuals, Travel & Entertainment, Caterers & Cafés) are taking bold steps in 2022 by finding innovative ways to improve on-site and off-site experiences for guests. To simplify their cooking experiences, Griffith Foods has announced the launch of their new range of sauces, specially customized to flavor up and cater to the Indian market.

These culinary-inspired sauces are authentically produced to deliver made-from-scratch quality and flavors that are popular among Indian consumers and are sure to exceed their expectations.

“Griffith Foods establishment will benefit Foodservice operators - QSRs, HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, Fast Casuals, Travel & Entertainment, Caterers & Cafés) across the Food Industry to delight their customers with tasty delicacies but also aid in business scalability opportunities for players in India. The global food organisation is expected to see more momentum in its product adoption due to multiple reasons,” shared Dhiren Kanwar, President & Managing Director – India & Middle East, Griffith Foods.

To specially cater to the HoReCa channel i.e., Hotels, Restaurants, Fast Casuals, Travel & Entertainment, Caterers & Cafés, Custom Culinary® (a wholly owned subsidiary of Griffith Foods) is all set to launch its range of Master’s Touch & Chef’s Own line of sauces.

The new range of sauces is sure to hit the consumers’ taste buds with flavors ranging from innovative to popular variants to must haves.

Created by culinary experts at Griffith Foods’ established state-of-art manufacturing facilities in Bangalore, the sauces, dressings & gravies are crafted to deliver innovation, authenticity & convenience.

 

EVO - an alternate protein start-up based in India & USA has launched the world's first 'Plant-based Boiled Egg’- which can be grilled, fried or pickled just like a chicken egg.

EVO’s mission is to disrupt the chicken egg by creating a truly better egg, made from plants, which functions and tastes like an egg without any of the downsides i.e., efficient resource use, cruelty, cholesterol & antibiotic abuse. 

"We believe that food you crave should taste delicious and provide enough nutrition. Which is why we have boarded the superior ingredients, plant cells, and processing systems to get the best quality product with appropriate shelf life. I am very glad to introduce our EVO Boiled Egg - or, like to call it, 'the better egg,” shared Kartik Dixit, CEO & Co-founder of EVO.

EVO eggs are packed with 100 percent plant-based proteins which are easy to digest. The main ingredients in EVO’s boiled eggs are pea protein, rice protein and seaweed extract.

Not only do EVO eggs look, feel, and taste like boiled chicken egg whites, but they also have a similar nutritional profile. EVO’s Boiled Eggs have 8 Gms of protein per 100 Gms, with one portion having 0 mg of cholesterol.

“How do we eliminate animals from the food chain? By creating affordable & accessible alternative protein sources that provide all the benefits of their animal counterpart without any compromise. Our EVO Boiled Eggs are just that- delicious & nutritious eggs without any of the nasties (cholesterol, antibiotics, cruelty, inefficient land use) at the price of organic eggs. A win for the customer, for the chicken and for the environment,” added Shraddha Bhansali, Co-Founder of EVO.  

EVO's Boiled Eggs come in 2 flavour variants- Original & Peri-Peri & 2 shape variants- Cubes & Patties.

EVO Boiled Egg Cubes, 300 grams (equal to 6 eggs), Flavour Option- Original or Peri Peri priced at INR 250. EVO Boiled Egg Patties, 360 grams (equal to 7.5 eggs), Flavour Option- Original or Peri Peri priced at INR 300.

EVO, which will launch in the USA at the end of the year, is one of the only companies in the world which has reached price parity with multiple animal egg categories across geographies. Moreover, apart from being plant-based, EVO eggs are nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free & GMOfree, and there are no artificial colours, hydrogenated oils, or high fructose corn syrup. 

Founded by Shraddha Bhansali and Kartik Dixit in October 2019, Evo plans to create next-gen plant-based substitutes for animal products by leveraging the magic of indigenous Indian crops and cutting-edge technology.

 

India is one of the fastest-growing ice-cream markets. In 2022, soaring mercury levels, changing food habits and increased urbanization had a positive impact on the 9000-crore industry.

However, united by the love for ice-cream, the country stands divided in its love for flavours.  While flavours like vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch are still the favourite, pan, blueberry and coconut are grabbing consumer’s attention. And this leaves ice-cream sellers with a problem of choice. 

Catering to the booming demand of Ice Cream flavours, ELANPRO, India’s leading commercial refrigeration company, recently introduced Scooping Parlour. The contemporary product provides a flexible way to optimize display and increase ROI.

ELANPRO SCOOPING PARLOUR is designed to maintain the aesthetics of the outlet while retaining the properties of an ice cream. The product allows a temperature range from -16 to - 24 degree Celsius keeping the ice cream related food borne diseases at bay and taste intact. A thoughtfully designed product, it has well-spaced trays for tidy storage of frozen treats.  Equipped with a glass top, the product offers an effective display of upto twelve flavours. The user-friendly, low maintenance product comes with a temperature display and bottom trap door for easy access.

Giving an edge and opportunity to Ice cream parlours, cafes, Hotels and restaurants, Elanpro Scooping Parlour helps display variants such as low carb, vegan, allergen-free, favourites and trends simultaneously.

Available in four sizes – 235l, 325l, 415l and 575l, the product allows the ice cream seller to meet consumer’s changing preferences. The product is now available at all Elanpro Dealer Stores including the recently opened Elanpro Experience Centers in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Vijaywada.

 

Ahmedabad-based brand Karamat has expanded its offerings into dessert mixes like Moong Dal Halwa, Kesari Sooji Halwa, Phirni Premix etc.

A pioneer in the ready-to-cook segment, Karamat has pioneered RTC gravies for the food service industry for over three decades now.

Starting with just 3 base gravies like, Onion Gravy, Tomato Gravy and Cashew Gravy, it has now built up a basket of almost 80 products ranging from Starters, Gravies, Marinades to Dessert mixes. 

“The three USP of our products are : Comfortable, Convertible and Affordable,” shared the company spokesperson by adding that the most recent development that Karamat has done is introduction of range of regional Indian gravies.

These range includes; Kashmiri Rogan Josh, Rajasthani Lal Maans, Chettinad Gravy, Hyderabadi Salan Gravy, Coastal Gravy, Kundapur Ghee Roast Gravy, and many more. 

Further Karamat is looking forward to introducing range of products for Asian and Chinese products offerings by this year. 

Started in 1990, Karamat, a flagship brand of ‘Food Solution (India) Limited (FSIL)’, has pioneered the manufacturing of Ready-To-Cook products in India and now stands as one of the most trusted wholesale food suppliers for Hotels, Restaurants and Catering service providers.

 

In a new step towards revolutionizing the vegan food industry, GoodDot, one of India’s leading plant-based meat manufacturer has introduced the new UnMutton Dhaba Curry Kit, a 100 % plant based replacement of Mutton Curry.

Owing to its multiple health benefits, the UnMutton Dhaba Curry is the perfect alternative to the actual mutton curry.

With a perfectly balanced flavor of fragrant whole spices, this luscious plant-based delicacy can be paired with anything - from rice to your favorite bread.

The UnMutton Dhaba Curry, packed with high protein & dietary fibers and zero cholesterol, lets you enjoy the goodness of the classic dhaba style mutton curry in a cruelty-free and healthy manner.

Coming in a small and convenient travel-friendly packaging, the UnMutton Dhaba Curry takes only 10 minutes to cook, unlike traditional mutton curry which requires more than an hour of preparation time. All the ingredients to prepare the delicious curry is provided in the Kit and only cooking oil is needed externally. Amazingly no prior cooking skill is needed and anyone can cook this delicious curry.

“The 10 minute UnMutton Dhaba curry is a very unique offering from the house of GoodDot. Taste, ease of cooking and nutrition all have been taken into account while developing the product. Imagine making a really tasty Dhaba curry in just 10 minutes without having any need of prior cooking skills,” shared Abhishek Sinha, Co-founder and CEO at GoodDot.

Abhishek himself traveled from Udaipur to Bengaluru on a road trip and introduced the UnMutton Dhaba Curry to various restaurants and dhabas for trials and tastings.

 

The pandemic has caused the world to understand a sound way of life and brought the focus towards better urban health. Understanding this Bharath Agarwal, the young and dynamic entrepreneur has launched ‘Booster Water’ a range of Alkaline Ionised water.

At the beginning the focus would be on Alkaline Water, Black Water and Whiskey Water and more variations will be added to the line-up in the following months.

At present Alkaline and Black water are available in 500 ml cans while Whiskey water is available in 250 ml can.

“Water is one of the main ingredients which we human consume, and its main feature is not just to quench our thirst but has a very vital role in our well-being and we wanted to give the best to everyone. We wanted everyone to have a better lifestyle and the idea of launching a range of water is to cater to everyone as per their needs. The Black Water is enriched with 70-plus minerals; the refined minerals are processed without the use of chemicals,” shared Agarwal.

Alkaline water helps in increasing hydration level and elevates oxygen level in the body amongst other features. It also flushes out acids from the body which helps in protecting humans from diseases and it is important that people who suffer from kidney ailments consume this water.

The Black water which is focused for athletes and fitness enthusiast has a pH value of 8.5 compared to regular mineral water and is infused with more than 70+ natural minerals. It also helps in anti-aging and is also prevents or treats cancer

Whiskey water on the other hand is a deionized water and acts as a great replacement for your mixer and not only helps enhance whiskey’s taste but also is a great hangover cure.

Booster water is already tied up with various retail chains and hospitality sectors across key markets and very soon they will be establishing a network which will help it to reach every nook and corner of India.

 

Liberate Foods Pvt. Ltd., a plant protein company with a meat alternate line, Shaka Harry has received a total investment of US$ 2 M  in  seed funding round led by Better Bite Ventures, Blue Horizon and venture debt fund - Panthera Peak.

Other investors include; Dexler Holdings, Chef Manu Chandra and a group of domestic family offices and angel investors.

Shaka Harry offers a range of meal and snacking products which are designed around the Indian cuisine and palate. The range includes; snackables and meal accompaniments. The product has a distinct advantage with access to proprietary taste and flavour solutions coupled with the brand’s partnership with Chef Manu Chandra, one of India's top chefs.

“It is the most exciting time to launch a consumer brand on the smarter protein platform. We are already the best performing brand in the online stores where we have presence,” shared Anand Nagarajan, Co-founder, Shaka Harry.

“Plant-based meats have a huge scope of acceptability in India, particularly among the growing flexitarian population. Yet not many brands have been able to make a mark due to the inability to replicate real meaty tastes in vegetarian profiles. That’s where Shaka Harry has been able to make a difference,” added Sandeep Devgan, Co-founder, Shaka Harry.

The company has a monthly customer base of 25,000. The monthly growth expected for the next few quarters is around 20 to 30 per cent.

“As an Asian alt-protein fund, Better Bite Ventures invests in early-stage startups creating a more sustainable food system in the most populous region in the world. And as such, we're particularly optimistic about India's opportunity. The nation has a clear opportunity to become a regional leader in plant-based foods and leapfrog other countries in adopting climate-friendly smart proteins, driven by a growing movement of conscious consumers motivated by taste, health and the environment. Which leads us to our investment in Shaka Harry,” pointed Simon Newstead, Founding Partner, Better Bite Ventures.

Shaka Harry aims at aggressive growth over the next 5 years. Shaka Harry range of products are available across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Gurgaon.

“If I could convert from a skeptic to a believer in plant based futures, I’m sure, so could a lot of you. We’ve come such a long way from the once dreaded rubbery substitutes with dubious processes - to clean labelled and delicious alternatives. Intervening as a chef to take the Shaka Harry product ranges to the next level of taste and texture has been an enriching experience, in realising how far this category can be pushed. The future is plant based, start now,” said Chef Manu Chandra.

India is becoming an increasingly lucrative market for plant-based meat startups, with a large population of non-vegetarians looking to cut down their meat consumption due to a combination of concerns like sustainability and health.

Shaka Harry has a large assortment of plant based "Ready to Eat" foods range for customers looking to substitute/ supplement their meat intake with plant-based foods. The goal is to offer Shaka Harry as a healthy and tasty meat alternative and to deliver Shaka Harry products to every Indian household to begin a trial.

Liberate Foods is founded by proven founders with prior experience and success in scaling businesses in India and globally. The co-founders include Anand Nagarajan, Sandeep Devgan, Hemalatha Srinivasan, Ruth Renita and Anoop Haridasan. The cofounders and leadership team consists of specialist, functional leaders with extensive experience in the food sector.

 

Mumbai based MD Food Product Limited (Cremeitalia) has raised an amount of USD 600,000 funding from Mumbai based B L Taparia Family Office (Venktesh Investment & Trading Private Limited).

This marks the first round of external investors for MD Food Product Private Limited, while having received initial funding from family and friends in the last 3 years.

“We started off small, took small steps, did the right things at the right time, navigated the challenging pandemic times and survived, and built a fundamentally strong business so far. We look forward to making Cremeitalia a household name when it comes to gourmet and fresh cheese category,” shared Prateek Anil Mittal, Co-Founder at Cremeitalia.

From product segment perspective, Cremeitalia focuses on natural, fresh and non-processed cheese in the market with important characteristics such as natural & high-quality ingredients, competitive pricing, gluten free and easy usage.

The current product portfolio includes the following products Bocconcini, Burrata, Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Cherry Mozzarella, Buffalo Mozzarella, Fiordilatte Pizza, Stracciatella, Ricotta, Mascarpone, Sour cream, Scamorza and Flavour Provola

In 2016, the two founders, Prateek Anil Mittal and Rajas Kishore Dhote, came together to follow their common passion – create a gourmet cheese company and brand to serve consumers with fresh and naturally made cheese and not a processed product which includes a bunch of ‘enhancers’ and ‘preservatives’. The founders started research on their venture in the last quarter of 2016, and launched the “Cremeitalia” brand of cheese products and started with 4 products in December 2018. Cremeitalia was conceptualized with an armory of techniques from the best in this field – the Europeans. Armed with their know-how, recipes and technology, Cremeitalia aims to ensure that our country receives the standard of fresh cheese it deserves.

Cremeitalia has been successfully serving the HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants and Catering) clients and have been preferred suppliers to some of the premium pizza chains, luxury hotels, stand-alone restaurants, shipping lines and flight kitchens, amongst others. Cremeitalia has catered to more than 150 clients so far.

On the retail side, the Cremeitalia’s products are available in 18 cities across more than 200 stores.

With this fund raise, the company plans to deploy this capital towards new product launches, entering new markets (Tier 2 and 3 cities), retail expansion from the current 242 stores to 500+, expansion of current manufacturing capacities by 4-5x, marketing and branding initiatives across multiple online stores and also performance marketing in order to grow the online presence.

“The confidence bestowed upon us by our incoming investors only adds fuel to our passion to go big and go wide. This investment will help us strengthen our manufacturing processes and standards to a different level which will help us go closer to our dream of being a significant national player in the segment. With our investors’ support and value-add, we are looking forward to build Cremeitalia as the most preferred brand in the gourmet and fresh cheese segment,” added Dhote.

Senior investment banker and corporate finance professional, Harshal Kamdar advised MD Food Product Private Limited on this fund raise.

 

The ZeSUP challenge (Zero Single-Use Plastic challenge), launched by VC Fund Climate Angels, has been supporting various innovative start-ups working towards reducing single-use plastic straws.

Bangalore based Sunbird Straws is one of the start-ups backed by The ZeSUP challenge to promote the alternatives to plastic straws at the onset of Single Use Plastic Ban.

Starting 1st July 2022, the government of India has implemented a nationwide ban on single-use plastic straws. Manufacturers in India have been prohibited to produce single-use plastic straws in India. This ban has created many opportunities for companies to produce alternatives to plastic and paper straws.

ZeSUP challenge, launched by VC Fund Climate Angels bridges the gap between innovation and established F&B partners intending to eliminate single-use plastics.

It provides support to innovative start-ups that are leading the fight against single-use plastic in the F&B industry, by providing them with an opportunity to connect with restaurants, cloud kitchens and other food outlets like Rebel Foods, The Beer Café, and Burger Singh. The selected startups get project and startup funding from a pool of US$ 500,000, dedicated mentorship and technical assistance for the project.

“ZeSUP will greatly help start-ups overcome key challenges such as lack of collaborative industry partners, underdeveloped value chains, and complex policy and regulatory framework. Through ZeSUP, we will try to be a key factor in connecting innovative start-ups with F&B partners. This will further strengthen the single-use plastic ban as we eventually adopt alternatives to it”, said Shailesh Vikram Singh, founder of Climate Angels.

Founded by Saji Varghese in 2020, Sunbird Straws is the producer of environmentally friendly and long-lasting straws from naturally dried and fallen coconut leaves, reducing the consumption of paper and plastic straws. Their in-house technology has managed to produce close to two hundred straws from a single coconut leaf. The company is creating value by reducing the burning of leaves along with solving the issue of single-use plastic straws. The company has been actively employing women in their production process creating women empowerment in villages.

Climate Angels is a network that invests in start-ups working in Clean Energy, Clean Mobility, Clean Water, Clean Food & Clean Cities sectors.  

Photo Courtesy: Karmicseeds

 

India’s first omnichannel meat and seafood retail TenderCuts has stepped up its sustainability efforts by going green across all its products and minimising the carbon footprint throughout its supply chain.

“It is our collective endeavour to enable sustainability in whatever we do. Our business process and approach has always been to use sustainable best practices, this endeavour of reducing carbon footprint is our commitment to our mother earth and this would minimise carbon footprint substantially at all our touchpointsm” shared founder and CEO Nishanth Chandran.

The 60 plus stores of TenderCuts in the three cities of Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad has made a huge commitment towards Earth by continuing to not use single use plastic across all its products.

TenderCuts clocks 2500 orders per hours have already begun going eco-friendly by making all its online deliveries in Food grade boxes with the meat packed in bio-degradable material and encourages customers to bring their own bags for its offline purchases.