Food
India says PepsiCo, Monster marketed with 'energy drink' label to dupe consumers
India's food regulator FSSAI has accused PepsiCo and Monster Beverage of misleading consumers by marketing high-caffeine products as energy drinks, defending its ban on the label. The dispute has escalated into a legal battle, with the regulator citing public health risks linked to caffeine, sugar and taurine content.
Sugar prices jump Rs 4/kg in a month, rise Rs 12-13 over year despite supply steps
Sugar prices in India have risen significantly over the past month in both retail and wholesale markets. Retail prices have now reached Rs 59.50 per kg while wholesale prices stand at Rs 55.40 per kg. Kolkata has the highest retail price at Rs 65 per kg followed closely by Delhi at Rs 64. The government is implementing measures to manage supply, including stock limits and imports. India produced 8.
FDA collects samples of Patanjali cow ghee for laboratory testing
Patanjali Foods Ltd has reported that food safety officials collected samples of its Cow Ghee for testing. The company emphasizes that no authenticated report has confirmed any quality standard violations. Patanjali Foods stated that it is cooperating with the authorities regarding this issue. Additionally, the company remains committed to product quality and consumer safety. Further disclosures will be made as material developments arise in accordance with regulations.
Maharashtra FDA suspends 19 food licences; acts against Patanjali distributor over 'adulteration'
In a recent operation, the Maharashtra FDA suspended licenses of 19 food business operators for violations. They seized food articles worth over Rs 9 crore across multiple divisions in the state. This included significant amounts of Patanjali cow ghee found to be misbranded and adulterated. Further, the FDA registered FIRs, arrested several individuals, and sealed multiple establishments for serious hygiene issues.
KFC brings the scale; Biryani By Kilo and Vaango emerge as Devyani’s surprise performers
Devyani International is seeing promising advancements in its smaller Indian brand portfolio, particularly Biryani By Kilo and Vaango. In Q2 of FY27, Biryani By Kilo achieved impressive revenue leaps compared to last year, while Vaango noted strong same-store sales and increased its number of locations. The firm is strategically pivoting away from foreign franchises to nurture its indigenous brands, reflecting a shift towards enhanced profitability across its offerings.
McDonald’s supersizes its north and east India bet to $80 million, even as rising costs squeeze profit
McDonald's India is increasing its investment to approximately $80 million for growth and digitisation over the next two years. Surge in consumer demand and increased competition is prompting expansion. Despite the challenging environment due to inflation, the company aims for profitability while maintaining value for customers. McDonald's India's north and east division expects to achieve revenues of ₹2,000 crore by FY27.
Ferrero sees India entering top 10 global markets, bets on premiumisation, ramps up product launches
Ferrero sees India as a key market, expecting its growth in the premium chocolate segment. The company aims for sustainable growth, expanding its brand portfolio, strengthening distribution and building a sustainable growth trajectory. The company plans to enhance its presence in smaller cities, through wider retail distribution and e-commerce platforms. They are tapping into the Indian traditions and consumer aspirations through targeted campaigns.
Devyani-Sapphire merger gets CCI approval, bringing KFC, Pizza Hut India operations under one roof
The Competition Commission of India has granted approval for the merger of Sapphire Foods India Limited with Devyani International Limited, consolidating two prominent quick-service restaurant operators. The merger aims to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the presence of KFC and Pizza Hut in India, with the combined entity projected to operate over 3,000 stores globally.
Mondelez International upbeat on India despite cost pressures
The maker of Cadbury chocolates and Oreo biscuits added about 130,000 outlets in India during the third quarter ended September, as it pushes deeper into the country's fragmented retail market. It sees considerable headroom for further distribution expansion, alongside opportunities to increase the number of products stocked by existing retailers.
Karnataka to hike milk prices by Rs 8 per litre from November 1
Karnataka will raise milk prices by Rs 8 per litre from November 1, with Rs 7 going to milk-producing farmers and Re 1 to dairy cooperatives. Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the Cabinet unanimously approved the hike after farmers protested, raising their per-litre earnings to Rs 42, excluding the government incentive.
Must Watch
India may import more food, feed and farm commodities as drought hits crops
Amid predictions of drought in India this financial year, food and agricultural imports are anticipated to rise sharply. With serious reductions in kharif soybean and groundnut production, import requests are growing. The sugar and poultry industries are grappling with soaring feed costs, prompting an extension for raw sugar imports to be granted.
Hindustan Unilever Limited backs FSSAI labelling norms for food products high in fat, salt and sugar
Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has expressed support for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) proposed food labelling requirements. These requirements aim to enhance transparency for consumers regarding nutrition information. Managing Director Priya Nair emphasised that HUL is well prepared to comply with these regulations. The planned front-of-pack nutrition labelling will alert consumers about high levels of sugar, salt, or fat.
AWL Agri Business experiences 2% profit drop, emphasises growth in packaged food and exports
AWL Agri Business has reported a 2% decline in consolidated net profit for the September quarter. Revenue from operations, however, increased by 26.1%, reaching ₹22,270 crore. The company's food and FMCG business saw significant growth, with a 32% year-on-year rise in revenue. AWL plans to focus on expanding its packaged food offerings and entering new markets. Additionally, the company aims to develop the pulses category, which presents attractive profit margins.
Snacking brand Troovy raises fresh funding of Rs 100 crore
Clean-label snacking brand Troovy has raised Rs 100 crore in a funding round led by Fireside Ventures and Sharrp Ventures, more than double the Rs 45.8 crore it secured in January. Founded in 2021, the company plans to use the fresh capital to expand research and development, manufacturing capacity and distribution across quick-commerce and offline channels. The fundraise comes amid growing demand for healthier snacks and proposed front-of-pack nutrition labelling rules in India.
A Fresh Brew: Trent set to serve up Caffe Nero at Westside, Zudio outlets
Tata Group's Trent has entered into a licensing agreement with Caffe Nero to establish cafes in their retail stores. This decision follows unsuccessful negotiations with Tata Starbucks over a similar partnership. The differences included store formats, locations, and the desired prominence of the Starbucks brand. The terms of the Caffe Nero deal remain undisclosed, with potential for significant expansion in India.
Lahori Zeera maker to operate on an asset-light model, eyes next growth driver
Archian Foods is transitioning to an asset-light business model to drive its future growth. The company plans to collaborate with co-bottling partners without seeking further funding. Archian is also exploring a second hero product to complement its main offering, Lahori Zeera. The firm faces ongoing cost pressures while maintaining competitive pricing in the market. India's ready-to-drink beverage market is projected to significantly expand over the next decade.
