Building a culinary brand has never been as exciting and challenging as it is in 2024. Globally, the F&B industry has contended with several seismic shifts, and evolved and adapted in the most innovative ways, driven by changing customer tastes and preferences. So, how can culinary brands ride this wave to consistently come out on top? Can these key drivers of change also be agents of growth and contribute to the longevity of successful brands?  Let’s take a look at key considerations that culinary brands must make while devising a strategy that resonates with contemporary consumers. Assess your audience’s demographics: Customer behaviour largely changes from one generation to the next — while Gen Z’s appetite for early-stage trends has seen them become increasingly open to unique flavours, innovative styles of presentation, and hitherto under-explored cuisines, the often-overlooked Get X is becoming more clued into changing food trends and open to exploration. This gene...

 Swiggy, India's leading on-demand convenience platform, has introduced two new health initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of its delivery partners. In collaboration with Dial 4242 and the Reliance-powered Visit app, Swiggy has launched Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) and Teleconsultation Services as part of its 'Delivering Safely' charter. Mobile Medical Units Partnering with Dial 4242, Swiggy has rolled out Mobile Medical Units to offer comprehensive healthcare services to its delivery partners. These units are stationed at key locations and provide health check-ups, including vital sign monitoring, identification of health issues, and first aid for minor injuries. Additionally, vision screenings and eye care services are available from dedicated optometrists. Health education sessions are also conducted to promote wellness and preventive care. Starting in Bangalore, these MMUs will be deployed across various city locations, benefiting around 200 delivery partners d...

  Deepinder Goyal, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Zomato on Tuesday announced the launch of a "large fleet order", a first in India.  The new fleet will handle group or party events for a gathering of up to 50 people.  The feature will have "an all-electric fleet."  "Today, we are excited to introduce India's first large order fleet, designed to handle all your large (group/party/event) orders with ease. This is an all-electric fleet, designed specifically to serve orders for a gathering of upto 50 people,” he shared on a post on X. He added that earlier large orders were handled by multiple delivery partners and the customer experience was not what the company aspired for.  "Such large orders were earlier served by multiple regular fleet delivery partners, and the customer experience wasn't what we really aspired for. These new vehicles should solve most of the problems our customers face while placing large orders on Zomato," pointed. ...

The revised fee structure, as outlined in company notifications, is reported to include adjustments in several categories of items, alongside changes in long-term storage fees and refund charges Amazon India has announced its decision to revise the seller fees across various categories and products, with the adjustments set to come into effect from 7 April 2024. These changes are anticipated to impact prices on numerous items available for purchase on the ecommerce platform.  Sellers operating on Amazon are subject to a range of charges encompassing inventory management, technological services, shipping, returns, and a standard seller fee, payable upon each sale facilitated through the platform. The revised fee structure, as outlined in company notifications, is reported to include adjustments in several categories of items, alongside changes in long-term storage fees and refund charges. It may be noted that the fees mentioned do not include the 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (...

"D2C brands have the advantage of being quick-to-market and agile to adapt to changing trends – all while solving real consumer problems," she asserted Recognised for steering Nykaa, Falguni Nayar, the Executive Chairperson, Founder, and CEO has positioned as India's premier beauty and lifestyle destination.  Nayar shared invaluable perspectives on 'Omnichannel Strategy for D2C Brands', illuminating the vast potential within India's burgeoning economy. She commenced by painting a vivid picture of India's economic trajectory, stating, "We stand at the precipice of a new era in the Indian economy, one driven by innovation, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship." Furthermore, she highlighted India's status as the world's fifth-largest economy, poised to ascend to the third position by 2030, citing the startup sector as a vibrant force propelling this growth. Offering insights into consumer behaviour, Nayar remarked, ...

 GeM has facilitated transactions worth approximately Rs 7.8 lakh crore over the past seven years One of the indicators of the impact of India's economic growth is the growth seen by the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). From a modest beginning with procurement valued at Rs 422 crore in its inaugural year, GeM has surged ahead, reaching a milestone of Rs 4 lakh crore in the current fiscal year. Speaking to ANI along the sidelines of the 'Startup Mahakumbh' held at 'Bharat Mandapam', Ajit B. Chavan, the Additional CEO at Government e-Marketplace (GeM), said this would not have been possible with clear direction from the top leadership. "We started in the first year in 2016 with Rs 422 crore Gross Merchandise Value. Now we've reached Rs 4 lakh crore in this year. This wouldn't have happened without clear guidance and directions of topmost leadership and aptly executed by competent teams in GeM" Chavan said. Addressing the role of government initiatives...

  Embarking on the journey of opening a restaurant is an exciting jouney, but it requires meticulous planning and strategic decision-making to thrive in a competitive landscape. Before you set foot in the kitchen, it's crucial to map out a comprehensive business plan that encompasses various aspects of your venture. Here are five essential components to consider before launching your restaurant, ensuring a solid foundation for success. 1. Choosing the Right Model of Expansion The first step in your restaurant business plan is to determine the model of expansion that aligns with your vision and resources. Will you operate solely offline, leverage cloud kitchens for delivery services, or adopt a hybrid approach combining both? Each model has its own set of advantages and challenges, so it's essential to evaluate which one best suits your concept and target audience.  2. Deciding on the Investment Mode Financing plays a pivotal role in realizing your restaurant dream. Whether you...

  Quick commerce company Zepto has been exploring the introduction of platform fees alongside handling charges and delivery fees to enhance its profitability. Zepto has initiated a platform fee of Rs 2 per order, in addition to handling charges varying between Rs 5-20 based on factors such as order size, location, and time of day. This sets it apart from competitors like Zomato-owned Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, which solely levy handling fees. Contrarily, Zomato and Swiggy’s main food delivery services do impose platform fees. These fees, along with avenues like advertising, contribute to increased earnings for food delivery companies, even though escalating commissions from restaurant partners are sometimes met with resistance. In January, Swiggy hinted at a platform fee of Rs 10 for select users, a significant increase from the Rs 3 it typically charges most users. Similarly, on New Year’s Eve, Zomato briefly raised the platform fee to as high as Rs 9 per order in certain marke...

When applying for a domicile certificate you'll need to know about the eligibility and other associated information. Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for Domicile Certificate in Kolkata, West Bengal. A Domicile Certificate , also known as a Residence Certificate, is an official document issued by the state government to confirm an individual's residency within a specific state. It serves as a fundamental legal proof of residency in that particular state. Possession of a domicile certificate enables individuals to access various benefits, including educational opportunities, government-sponsored scholarships, and employment opportunities under state quotas. Additionally, it may facilitate preferential employment for certain job positions that prioritise residents. Eligibility Criteria For A Domicile Certificate In West Bengal To be eligible for a domicile certificate from the West Bengal government, you must meet one of the following criteria: Be a resident of West Ben...

 The firm had notably participated in Swiggy's USD 700-million funding round in January 2022. A US-based asset management firm Baron Capital Group has escalated the value of its stake in the renowned food delivery giant Swiggy to USD 12.1 billion, according to media reports. This new valuation represents a substantial 13 per cent increase from the USD 10.7 billion valuation at which Swiggy last raised funds in 2022. Baron Capital has marked up the fair value of its holding in Swiggy for the third consecutive time. The firm had notably participated in Swiggy's USD 700-million funding round in January 2022. Disclosed in filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, this latest valuation underscores Swiggy's value as of December 31, 2023. Notably, Baron Capital has elevated the value of its stake in Swiggy to USD 87.2 million from its original investment of USD 76.7 million in the company. This surge in valuation comes after US investment firm Invesco, which led Swig...