Gulabs Introduces Iced Tea Concentrate Line with Real Ingredients

Yummy Bee, a prominent café chain in India, has introduced a new sugar-free version of its boba tea, now available exclusively on food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato. The launch marks the brand’s entry into the growing segment of low-sugar beverages aimed at younger consumers.

Originally from Taiwan, boba tea has gained significant traction globally, particularly among Gen Z and millennials. Known for its tapioca pearls and customizable flavors, the drink’s popularity has been amplified by its viral appeal on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

Yummy Bee’s latest offering aims to meet the demand for reduced-sugar options without compromising on taste. The sugar-free range includes three variants made with natural ingredients:

• Mango Boba Tea – A mango-based beverage paired with tapioca pearls for a fruity, chewy combination.
• Thai Boba Tea – A tea inspired by Thai flavors, featuring a spiced, aromatic base.
• Matcha Boba Tea – A blend of matcha and milk that delivers an earthy profile complemented by tapioca texture.

Sandeep Jangala, CEO and Founder of Yummy Bee stated, “We’ve seen boba tea become a global sensation, especially among younger consumers who are looking for more creative ways to enjoy their beverages. With our Sugar-Free Boba Tea, we’re bringing a flavorful twist to this beloved drink, allowing customers to enjoy all the taste without the guilt.”

This move reflects Yummy Bee’s focus on catering to changing consumer preferences in the beverage category, especially those prioritizing lower-sugar options. The brand continues to expand its portfolio in line with evolving dietary choices, leveraging online food aggregators for nationwide reach.

Yummy Bee’s sugar-free boba teas are currently only available through Swiggy and Zomato, positioning the product within the convenience-first consumption habits of urban consumers.

Easy Boba has launched a new experiential campaign in India’s bubble tea segment with the debut of the country’s first Boba Tower Challenge. This initiative aims to tap into the rising consumer demand for participatory food and beverage experiences.

The challenge features a 3.5-litre Boba Tower served alongside a specially curated ‘Boba Thali’. Participants are required to complete both within 15 minutes. The beverage base comes with two pricing tiers—Rs 1,500 for water-based teas and Rs 1,800 for milk-based teas.

Individuals who complete the challenge within the time frame are eligible for a full refund of the Boba Tower price, an additional Rs 1,000 cash reward, and a branded ‘Boba Smasher’ T-shirt. Their achievement is also recorded on the brand’s official leaderboard.

Adnan Sarkar, Founder of Easy Boba said, “The idea behind the Boba Tower Challenge was to break away from the usual bubble tea formats and spark something bold and interactive. It’s not just about finishing the Boba Tower, it’s about community, energy and a shared passion for this beloved drink.”

In addition to the individual challenge, Easy Boba has introduced a sharing version of the 3.5-litre Boba Tower. Targeted at groups of friends or families, this version also costs Rs 1,500 or Rs 1,800, depending on the beverage base, and serves approximately 10–12 portions. It is currently available only at select outlets.

Industry observers view the launch as a strategic response to evolving consumer behaviour in India’s fast-growing bubble tea market. With more than 20 outlets across the country, Easy Boba has been expanding its reach by offering options such as dairy-free, plant-based, and low-calorie beverages.

The Boba Tower Challenge is also designed to appeal to younger audiences who value both novelty and shareability in their food experiences. While competitive food challenges have long been popular in international markets, Easy Boba’s tea-focused format presents a localised concept suited to Indian preferences.

By introducing this format, Easy Boba continues to explore ways to differentiate itself in a competitive segment, combining product innovation with experiential marketing to drive footfall and engagement.

Chaimaa, a wellness-focused tea brand, has introduced a line of white tea blends aimed at India’s growing base of health-conscious consumers. The company is leveraging India’s tea heritage alongside modern preferences for clean ingredients and intentional living. In a recent promotional video on Chaimaa’s YouTube channel, actress Madhuri Dixit summed up the brand’s positioning by saying, “Start your day with Chaimaa Tea — the soul of India, poured into a cup.”

The brand’s offerings reflect a blend of traditional tea culture and evolving consumer expectations for wellness-centric products. Chaimaa’s teas are produced in small batches using ingredients sourced from established tea gardens. The product line includes four key blends: the original Chaimaa White Tea, Chamomile White Tea, and Rose Tea (each priced at Rs 599), along with a Green Tea variant priced at Rs 159.

Co-Founder and Managing Director Shubham Sharma described the brand’s approach as one focused on craftsmanship and quality. “At Chaimaa, we craft more than tea — we create intentional moments. We believe true luxury lies in intention and integrity. Each of our blends is a result of meticulous craftsmanship — handpicked from pristine tea gardens, curated in small batches, and infused with ingredients that are as therapeutic as they are indulgent,” he said. 

The tea variants are positioned to appeal to consumers seeking calming, antioxidant-rich, or floral profiles as part of their daily routines. According to Sharma, the company’s goal is to redefine tea as a product that supports both sensory enjoyment and wellness.

Madhuri Dixit, who has associated herself with the brand, spoke about her personal experience with Chaimaa. “As someone who values a balanced lifestyle, I believe that what we consume should support our overall well-being. With my busy schedule, I need to find moments of calm and nourishment, and Chaimaa helps me do just that. Their blends are not only soothing and delicious but also align perfectly with my focus on health, mindful eating, and maintaining a clean, wholesome diet,” she said. 

With the rising demand for premium and wellness-oriented beverages in India, Chaimaa appears to be targeting a niche consumer base that values both quality and conscious consumption. The company is banking on its curated product line, artisanal process, and endorsements from public figures to build traction.

The full product range is now available on the brand’s official website, www.chaimaa.com, giving consumers access to its offerings across India.

Loya at Taj Palace, New Delhi, has introduced a new cocktail program named VRIKSH, developed under the hotel’s evolving culinary and beverage initiatives. The program builds on Loya’s existing Paanch cocktail philosophy, integrating indigenous botanicals, seasonal elements, and experimental techniques to create a curated beverage experience.

VRIKSH has been conceptualized by Hemant Pathak, a noted mixologist associated with Junoon New York. The menu explores various stages of botanical life—root, fungi, flower, seed, leaf, and fruit—and incorporates ingredients such as ginger, truffle, mogra, saffron, bay leaf, jamun, and paan. Each cocktail has been crafted to highlight seasonal relevance and the natural abundance of India's northern regions.

"VRIKSH is a poetic expression of nature, tradition, and craft. With VRIKSH, we’ve distilled the spirit of the land into every glass, drawing from age-old traditions, shaped by bold creativity. It is a celebration of nature in its purest, most poetic form," said Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President and Brand Custodian, IHCL.

Through VRIKSH, Taj Palace seeks to offer guests a deeper connection to regional traditions and natural cycles, aligning its beverage offerings with contemporary preferences for authenticity and craftsmanship. This program marks a continued focus within the hospitality group on enhancing experiential dining and beverage innovation.

Tim Hortons India has introduced a limited-edition lineup of Summer Coolers aimed at expanding its seasonal beverage offerings across its café network in India. The new range includes three flavour variants: Mango and Ginger, Strawberry and Grapefruit, and Passion Fruit and Yuzu.

The beverages are positioned to align with customer demand for fruit-based, cold options during the summer season. Available at all Tim Hortons locations in India, the Summer Coolers aim to tap into growing consumer preference for fizzy and flavour-forward drinks as temperatures rise.

Tarun Jain, CEO of Tim Hortons India said, “We're thrilled to introduce our brand-new Summer Coolers at Tim Hortons India! Blending global cold beverage expertise with India’s favorite fruity and fizzy flavours, these refreshing sips are crafted to awaken your senses and delight your taste buds. This launch reflects our passion for seasonal innovation and our promise to keep the menu fresh, exciting, and full of surprises. Beat the heat in style — drop by your nearest Tim Hortons India to sip on our all-new Summer Coolers, or order your refreshment fix via Zomato and Swiggy!”

The Summer Coolers rollout comes as part of Tim Hortons India’s broader seasonal strategy to engage customers with timely menu innovations. The company also plans to introduce additional products in the coming months, including new food items and seasonal flavours.

In addition to beverages, the café chain continues to offer sandwiches and salads prepared with selected ingredients to maintain consistency in product quality and service standards. These initiatives reflect the brand's ongoing efforts to grow its footprint in India’s competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) and café segments.

Proost, a domestic beer brand established in 2017 by Tarun Bhargava and Vijay P. Sharma, has raised 30 crores in the Series-A investment round.

Hyderabad Angels, Chennai Angels, and other prominent HNIs participated in the venture, which was spearheaded by Chimes Group and Srinivasan Namala.

Commenting on this achievement, Tarun Bhargava, Co-Founder & CEO of Proost, said, "We are thrilled to announce this new round of funding, which represents a significant step forward in Proost's journey. With these funds, we will focus on expanding into strengthening our production capacity, expanding into a few new markets while also ensuring that we go deeper into our existing ones on the back of brand building.”

He further added, “This is Tranche-1 of our ongoing Series A round and it's great to see 90% of the round size being mopped by our existing investors. Our commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders remains unwavering, and this investment brings us closer to our goal of capturing a substantial share of the Indian beer market by the end of the decade."

The money will strengthen Proost's financial base and play a key role in its growth into new areas. With a significant presence in retail establishments in Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, Proost, which operates under the Grano69 Beverages banner, has established itself in the beer sector.

By the end of the decade, the brand hopes to have 5% of the Indian beer market thanks to strategic market expansion, customer-focused product development, and innovation.

Tilaknagar Industries Limited, a leading manufacturer of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), has announced the launch of a new Green Apple flavor under its Mansion House Flandy premium flavored brandy range. The new flavor is initially available in Telangana.

Amit Dahanukar, Chairman and Managing Director of Tilaknagar Industries said, “Our Mansion House Premium Flavoured Brandy is a category-first innovation. It has been well-received across markets and its saliency, as a percentage of Mansion House Brandy in relevant states, has grown significantly. The launch of the all-new Green Apple flavour is a testimony to Flandy’s strong performance since its introduction in FY23 and is in line with our plans to further enhance our premium Brandy portfolio while strengthening our regional foothold.”

Tilaknagar Industries has experienced a positive response to its Flandy range in Telangana, contributing to the company's rise to become the fourth-largest IMFL player and the third-largest IMFL Prestige and Above (P&A) player in the state in FY24.

Previously, Tilaknagar Industries launched the Mansion House Flandy range in Orange, Cherry, and Peach flavors. Telangana is a significant market for IMFL, with one of the highest Prestige and Above segment saliencies across the IMFL industry in India, exceeding 50 percent. The Brandy P&A segment in Telangana grew by 18 percent in FY24, compared to nearly 8 percent growth in the overall IMFL P&A segment over the same period. Green Apple is the largest-selling flavor in the flavoured spirits category in the state, offering a substantial opportunity for the brand to increase its market share.

Ahmed Rahimtoola, CMO of Tilaknagar Industries stated, “We are first-movers in the premium flavored Brandy category in India. The rising demand for flavored drinks and the prevalent cocktail culture trend gives Tilaknagar Industries a competitive advantage across markets. The new Green Apple variant of Mansion House Flandy is another step by TI to enrich consumer experience and drive growth.”

The Mansion House Flandy range combines natural fruit flavors, with the latest offering infused with sweet green apple essence and complemented by oaky undertones, providing a rich palate experience for consumers.

In the financial year ending March 2024, Tilaknagar Industries’ volumes grew 16 percent year-on-year, compared to the overall IMFL industry growth of 2-3 percent for the same period, making it the fastest-growing IMFL company in India for the second consecutive year.

India remains one of the largest markets for brandy globally, with brandy being the second-largest product category within IMFL, accounting for over 20 percent of the industry by volume. The premium brandy industry in India is expected to continue expanding its market share within the overall Prestige and Above IMFL segment.

Subko is an innovative brand specializing in artisanal coffee, handcrafted baked goods, and artisanal chocolate from bean to bar, celebrates a major achievement: the completion of a $10 million fundraising round, spearheaded by Nikhil Kamath.

The company now has a post-funding valuation of around $34 million.

“I am deeply impressed by Subko's commitment to showcasing the finest Indian craftsmanship on a global platform. It is paramount that a distinctive Indian brand like Subko leads the way in delivering our unique, curated experiences to the world. My journey with Subko, transitioning from a customer to an investor, has given me unique insights into the brand's evolution and potential. I am eagerly looking forward to witnessing the brand's narrative unfold and flourish in the coming years.” said Nikhil Kamath, Entrepreneur and Investor.

In the hub of HSR Layout, the newly unveiled North Star Cafe emerges as a coffee excellence, led by the visionary Ms. Devanshi Tripathi.

North Star Cafe offers a broad menu catering to various tastes, featuring Café, Bakery, Beverages, Desserts, Continental, and Healthy Food choices.

North Star Cafe presents a range of distinctive beverages such as the North Star Pistachio Latte, Spiced Coffee and Cacao, Mint and Bird’s Eye Chili Mocha, and the North Star Coffee Tonic, spotlighting the artistry of coffee.

Alongside these signature drinks, the café offers a assortment of baked goods and snacks.

"We are thrilled to introduce North Star Cafe as a unique destination for coffee enthusiasts in Bengaluru. With a focus on quality, innovation, and a welcoming atmosphere, we aim to redefine the coffee experience for our patrons," said Devanshi Tripathi, the visionary leader behind North Star Cafe.

North Star Cafe is influenced by the coffee culture across the nation and aims to establish itself as the destination for coffee enthusiasts.

Jimmy's, is the leading Cocktail Mixer brand in India, is set to add sparkle with their latest lineup of Martini Cocktail mixers: Green Apple, Popstar, and an Espresso Martini.

Blend these wonders with Jimmy’s renowned Espresso Martini for the ultimate Martini journey. Handcrafted at the Jimmy's Cocktail Labs, the Espresso Martini epitomizes India's growing affection for both coffee and cocktails.

Popstar Martini is the refined Green Apple Martini, or the richness of the Espresso Martini, Jimmy's offers options to suit every palate.

These Martini mixers is characterized by their rich flavours which are paired with either Vodka or Gin, ensuring a premium drinking experience.

Jimmy's Cocktails continuously try to introduce innovative developments that bring the realm of creative cocktails straight to your kitchen, requiring mere seconds for preparation.

Chai Sutta Bar (CSB), a tea chain is planning to launching over 50 new establishments in South India by the conclusion of this year.

The swift expansion in South India is a result of the increasing popularity of CSB's offerings in the area, coupled with the company's commitment to delivering a tea experience for its clientele.

"We are excited to bring our unique tea experiences to even more people and be a part of the vibrant South Indian tea culture. We look forward to creating cozy spaces where tea lovers can connect, unwind, and enjoy our delightful teas. With our continued growth, we remain committed to providing employment opportunities and contributing to society." said  Anubhav Dubey, Co-Founder and CEO of Chai Sutta Bar

By introducing additional outlets, Chai Sutta Bar (CSB) will extend its unique tea flavors, notably their renowned kulhad tea, to a broader clientele. From the streets of Bengaluru to the districts of Chennai, CSB strives to cater to the refined palates of tea enthusiasts in South India.

This concept has not only created a unique and memorable experience for customers but has also positively impacted the lives of over 500 potter families by offering them sustainable employment opportunities.

With a staggering usage of 4.5 lakhs kulhad per day across their franchise outlets nationwide, CSB has made a significant contribution to the local economy.

The launch of more than 50 new outlets in South India showcasing their commitment to spreading the joy of tea throughout the country.

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%. 

Indian home grown spirit brand Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited has extended its deluxe rum Jolly Roger to Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Jolly Roger offers an exceptional rum with matured special spirits.

The communication of Jolly Roger is reflective of the young audience who value the company of good friends with a great rum.

Jolly Roger Rum is available in 750ml, 375ml. and 180ml. sizes.

“We are excited to extend the franchise of Jolly Roger to the markets of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Winter gets out the woollens, bonfires, barbeque and more of a great rum in Jolly Roger with friends,” shared Bikram Basu, Vice-President- Strategy, Marketing and Business Development, ABD.

ABD is a multi-brand company that produces and supplies alcoholic beverages with presence in the whisky, brandy, rum, and vodka categories that are sold in over 22 countries. Today, its network includes 9 owned bottling units, 1 distilling unit and 20 non-owned manufacturing units.

Bacardi India, one of the country’s largest international spirits companies, has launched Martini Fiero, welcoming the newest innovation to the Martini portfolio.

Martini Fiero is a contemporary take on vermouth that offers a tantalising taste retaining all the goodness of Martini’s original white wine mixed with zesty and bold flavours of citrus, bittersweet orange, and wormwood.

“With the constant growth of premiumisation in India, Bacardi has been focusing on expanding its portfolio of premium brands in the country. As consumers become more affluent, even within the context of the Indian market, people are drinking better and hence trading up to premium global brands,” shared Aastha Gupta, Brand Manager for Premium White Spirits (India and South East Asia), Bacardi India Private Ltd.

Over the past few years, Bacardi has further strengthened its position in India as a premium brand. Known for its diverse brand portfolio, Bacardi aims at bringing superior quality spirits to the market.

Martini Fiero is now available to buy in Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Pune, and Nagpur.

LQI, the Gurugram-based beverage startup, has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from singer turned angel investor Sukhbir Singh. This is Singh’s very first investment in India. 

This investment is a part of $2,00,000 seed funding round that LQI is raising from angel investors. The funds will be used by the startup to increase the production capacity and the geographical expansion to newer markets.

Sukhbir said, “LQI’s core differentiator lies within its exceptional product and technology that targets urban youth to upscale lifestyle on a daily basis and parallelly helping restaurants to offer fresh beverages to the masses without any hassle.”

LQI was founded in mid-2016 by Shubham Khanna, Palak Kapoor, and Kapil Kumar. It utilises its proprietary technology for manufacturing smoothies, milkshakes, and fruit water frozen packs made with 100% raw fresh fruit.

Currently, LQI works on a B2B2C and HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Cafe) model. The startup has collaborated with around over 100 B2B brands such as Pitapit, Innerchef, Donor & Gyros, IHOP, Burgrill, etc.

Coca-Cola HBC (Coca‑Cola Hellenic Bottling Company) is planning to launch Costa Coffee products in at least 10 of its 28 markets next year. The move is part of Coca-Cola HBC’s aim to address a broad range of consumer and customer needs across multiple channels.

The company will be introducing Costa Coffee in European markets, including Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia and Switzerland.

Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC, said, “This is fantastic news that will build genuine value for our customers and for us. Adding a brand as strong as Costa Coffee to our portfolio will allow us to capture more consumer occasions, to partner even more closely with our customers across all channels and strengthen our ability to address every drinking moment throughout the day.

“Our well-established infrastructure, processes and capabilities around coffee mean that we will hit the ground running with this exciting opportunity,” Zoran further stated.

Jennifer Mann, President of Global Ventures for The Coca-Cola Company, added, “We’re thrilled to partner with Coca-Cola HBC to bring our great coffee to more consumers. This new agreement is another example of how Costa Coffee is helping Coca-Cola become a total beverage company.”

Costa Coffee was acquired by The Coca-Cola Company in January 2019 in a deal worth £3.9 billion.

Starbucks is bringing its latest successor to the Unicorn Frappuccino, the Tie-Dye Frappuccino. The limited-time beverage will only be available in stores for five days or as long as supplies last.

In-store employees are already practicing making the drink which has surfaced on the social media website as baristas post photos of their practice versions.

As per one Starbucks employee, the drink tastes similar to the banana flavor of Laffy Taffy candy.

In April 2017, the American coffee chain has unveiled its colorful Unicorn Frappuccino, which sold out quickly with the help of social media buzz. However, the employees complained about the long lines of customers and the preparation time for the drink.

Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) has launched the Season's Treatings Menu, a range of beverages for Christmas. It is available at all Cafe Coffee Day outlets in Mumbai.

Priced from Rs 119 onwards, these beverages include Creamy Hot Chocolate, a smooth and silky chocolate along with creamy milk, and a chilled version of the drink called the Creamy Cold Chocolate.

CCD is also offering Gourmet Belgian Hot Chocolate, comprising silky Belgian hot chocolate topped with steamy hot milk foam along with a dash of cocoa powder on top. Gourmet Belgian Cold Chocolate, the cold version of this blend, is also available.

Zenith Drinks has introduced Auric beverages, positioned as the world's 1st complete Anti-Ageing beverage. 

With over 100 years of experience, Ayurvedic doctors and ancient literature have guided Auric to create unique concoctions of eight herbs, including Ashwagandha, Brahmi and Gotu kola. 

Auric is a 100% natural beverage with no chemicals or preservatives. It contains low-calorie and is much healthier than fresh juice.

Apart from helping in restoring the balance of free radicals and anti-oxidants, Auric also enhances the anti-inflammation capability of mind, body and skin. It is an epitome of vitality.

Auric is presently being retailed at more than 500 stores in New Delhi, Chandigarh and Gurgaon. The company is further planning to create a distribution network in the top 15 cities in India and in more than five countries over the next three years.

Deepak Agarwal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Drinks, said, "Auric is a unique innovation in the functional food segment that addresses the universal need of anti-ageing for health seekers and enthusiasts."

"Built with the mindset of contemporary Ayurveda, Auric wants to meet the aspirations of the modern consumer. I am confident that Auric will be a trendsetter in the functional beverage category," he added.  

The 60-year old Macallan Valerio Adami 1926, the world's most expensive bottle of whisky, has been sold for a total £848,750 (about $1.09 million). It was sold at an auction at Bonhams in Edinburgh.

This bottle of whisky has been sold for a new world record, beating a previous bottle from the same cask that was sold in Hong Kong in May for £814,081. 

Richard Harvey, a drinks expert at Bonhams, said, "The buyer is from the Far East where there has been an enormous interest in whisky."

"Whisky bars are opening up in the Far East everywhere, so there is a huge interest. In general, about "a third to 40 percent of our sales go out to buyers in the Far East," he added.

Currently, Bonhams is holding the record for the three most valuable bottles of whisky ever sold at auction. 

Martin Green, a Bonhams whisky specialist in Edinburgh, said, "It is a great honour to have established a new world record, and particularly exciting to have done so here in Scotland, the home of whisky."

It is not known how many of Adami’s still exist but, one is said to have been destroyed in an earthquake in Japan in 2011. It is also believed that one of them has been opened and drunk.

Charles MacLean, a Scotch whisky expert, said, "Whisky is the third most popular alternative investment during periods of stock market uncertainty, behind vintage cars and fine art, and its appreciation value has been higher than gold in recent years." 

डुप्लिकेट बारकोड के उपयोग के कारण दो साल तक वैट 69 व्हिस्की और सिमरनॉफ वोडका की बिक्री को राष्ट्रीय राजधानी में प्रतिबंधित कर दिया गया है। दो लोकप्रिय ब्रांडों के निर्माता यूनाइटेड स्पिरिट्स लिमिटेड (यूएसएल) को दिल्ली सरकार के वित्तीय आयुक्त द्वारा ब्लैकलिस्ट किया गया है।

वित्तीय आयुक्त अनन्दो मजूमदार ने कहा कि यूएसएल ने अनधिकृत और लूज़ बारकोड का इस्तेमाल किया था, जिसने दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क अधिनियम, 2009 और दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क नियम, 2010 के प्रावधानों का उल्लंघन किया था। प्रतिबंध से यूएसएल दो साल तक दिल्ली में अपनी शराब नहीं बेच पाएगा।

वित्तीय आयुक्त के आदेश में कहा गया, "मेरा मानना है कि अपीलकर्ता ने दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क अधिनियम, 2009, दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क नियम, 2010 के प्रावधानों का उल्लंघन किया। इसके लिए जारी किए गए लाइसेंस के नियम और शर्तें और मानक ऑपरेटिंग प्रक्रिया दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क विभाग और इसके परिणामस्वरूप विभाग ने यूनाइटेड स्पिरिट्स लिमिटेड (यूएसएल), औरंगाबाद पर दिल्ली उत्पाद शुल्क नियम, 2010 के नियम 70 के तहत ब्लैकलिस्टिंग का जुर्माना लगाया है।"

The sale of Vat 69 whiskey and Smirnoff vodka has been banned in the national capital for two years due to use of duplicate barcodes.

United Spirits Limited (USL), the manufacturer of the two popular brands, is blacklisted by the Delhi government financial commissioner.

Financial commissioner Anindo Majumdar said that USL had used unauthorised and loose barcodes which violated provisions of the Delhi Excise Act, 2009 and Delhi Excise Rules, 2010.

The ban will force USL not to sell its liquor in Delhi for two years.

The order of the financial commissioner stated, "I am of the view that the appellant violated provisions of the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, the terms and conditions of the licence issued to it and the standard operating procedure framed by the Delhi Excise Department and that consequently the department has rightly imposed the penalty of blacklisting under Rule 70 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010 upon United Spirits LTD (USL), Aurangabad."

PepsiCo India’s Beverages head Vipul Prakash has resigned from the company. Prakash was heading marketing for beverages and had served almost a two-decade-long stint with the beverage and snack maker.

Vishal Kaul, who has been associated with PepsiCo since 1999, will succeed Prakash.

Prakash, who joined PepsiCo in 1998, has been through diverse roles across marketing and franchise functions, at sector and global levels.

Ahmed ELSheikh, Chairman of PepsiCo India, said, “PepsiCo India has built a strong talent pipeline by giving people a mix of different critical experiences in India and internationally.”

Manpasand Beverages, a fruit juice manufacturer, has set up a new manufacturing facility in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The company has invested approximately Rs 170-180 crore for setting up this facility.

This facility will lead to the capacity addition of 45,000 to 50,000 cases per day from its existing capacity of around 2,25,000 cases per day.

The company said, “The new facility is located in Varanasi. We propose to focus on manufacturing our existing range of products. With this, we will be better positioned to cater to the markets of North and East India."

In the effort to drive volume, Manpasand Beverages had earlier said that it would invest Rs 1,500 crore to set up 10 new manufacturing plants in the country by 2020.

Coca-Cola India recently appointed Shehnaz Gill as franchise head, ahead of implementation of GST that will convert the country into a 'single' national market.Shehnaz, has a rich experience of 12-year in Coca-Cola system and will take over the newly created role of Senior Vice-President Operations for India.

Furthermore, according to company sources, Shehnz will serve as the Franchise Head for all the 14 bottlers operating in India and will report to Venkatesh Kini, President, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia.

Announcing the felicitation, Kini said, "Under the new operating structure effective January 2017, the franchise management function of Coca-Cola India has been organised for geographical synergies, instead of bottling territories."

He further added, "Now that we have built a solid foundation for our business over the last two decades, we are ready to embrace India as one national market with common commercial metrics, marketing calendars and market execution standards."

According to him, this move will drive productivity, reduce duplication, leverage technology, enable digitisation and capitalise on the company's distribution scale.

The new structure als1o enables the company's business to be a growth engine for Coca-Cola Company by capitalising on emerging opportunities like e-commerce, modern trade, new beverages and digitisation, while continuing to build on its wide reach in traditional trade, the statement said.

This is Gill’s second innings with Coca-Cola India, after serving as Vice President and General Manager, Upstate New York and Pennsylvania for Coca-Cola Refreshments.

The company also named six region directors who will assist Gill in the operations. These include Ravinder Singh for North; Ashish Jain, Delhi-NCR; Alka Shukla, Uttar Pradesh; Arpita Maitra, East; Alok Kohli, Central and West; Vikas Sunkad, South.

The new structure is only applicable to Coca-Cola India and the operating structure Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB) remains intact.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCBL), the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in India, is setting up two greenfield plants at Ahmedabad and Nellore with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore, a top official confirmed.

HCCBL currently operates 26 bottling plants and covers about 65 per cent of bottling operations for Coca-Cola in the country.

T Krishnakumar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, HCCBL, said, "We are setting up two greenfield plants at Ahmedabad and Nellore. Sanand (Ahmedabad) will be commissioned this year and Nellore next year."

He further added, "Between the two plants, over the next three years the investment would be at least Rs 1,000 crore. The two plants would add 4-5 per cent of our capacity."

Besides these, the company will invest Rs 750 crore to set up a plant at Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh. It recently laid the foundation stone for the 110-acre plant which is likely to be commissioned by 2018.

Krishnakumar, however, said it would be difficult to estimate the capacity addition from the Madhya Pradesh plant at present.

The greenfield plants would house multiple bottling lines for carbonated beverages such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Thums Up and Limca, juices and juice-based drinks like Minute Maid and Maaza, packaged water, as well as Kinley soda.

In 2012, the Atlanta-based beverages major Coca-Cola announced investment of $5 billion along with its partners in India by 2020 on various activities, including setting up of new bottling plants.

Last year, HCCBL had suspended manufacturing at a few of its plants. Krishnakumar said the closure or opening of new plants is to establish a supply chain that meets the demand from consumers.

"Our supply chain was set up in 1997-98, with certain geographical thought process, with a certain portfolio thought process.

"From 1997 to 2016, the whole landscape has changed. We have a different mix, we have a larger portfolio, and we have a larger choice. We constantly need to re-engineer our supply chain to match that demand pattern that we have established," he said.

Coca Cola, an American carbonated soft-drink company, which has planned to manufacture its products using orange pulp in two of its plants in India. It would also promote NOGA (Nagpur Orange Grower Association) brand, a subsidiary of Maharashtra government, which is well-known in Vidarbha region.

The Maharashtra government inked a tripartite pact with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited, the largest bottling partner of the soft drink major, and Jain Irrigation Company, during its 'Make in India' event in Mumbai in February. It proposed setting up 'Oranges Unnati Project' on 100 acres on public-private partnership. The Butibori plant would manufacture juices, with a mixture of Vidarbha oranges and Marathwada's sweet lime.

According to minister of state for industries, mining and environment Pravin Pote-Patil, "A number of employment opportunities would be generated, once the plant starts functioning, in a couple of years. They have started its set up. Importantly, the oranges would be in demand and its growers would be ultimately benefited."

Orange could be used not only in beverages, but also for producing jam, sauce and even wine, the source said.

Sources close to his ministry said the company would help farmers to cultivate and increase the yield with the help of new scientific techniques like ultra high density plantation. They said growers would also be provided classroom training and demonstrations.

Sources said the oranges would see more demand once the soft drink giant starts using it in products. Every year, the growers face huge losses on account of poor demand for oranges, forcing many of them to switch to other crops.

Paper Boat, a beverage brand, which produces non-carbonated beverages and energy drinks, marketed by Hector Beverages has decided to venture into the Indian snack food category.

Reports say that Paper Boat has its eye on the snack food shelves by coming up with traditional Indian snack.

As per an interview done by ET, Neeraj Kakkar, co-founder, hector beverages, a Bangalore-based company, said, "Foods will give us reverse seasonality. Beverages have high traction in summer; we hope to keep growth momentum with foods through the year."

He also added that the company is going to stick its essence, 'Drinks and Memories’, which it uses in its beverage and will focus only on Indian ethnic snacks.

It is going to create similar aura and will live up to it as it has aced in marking its stamp for coming out with the unique flavours, which reminds of childhood memories.

Kakkar said the product will be 'fair trade' certified (where farmers are offered better prices than others).

ET also reports, Devendra Chawla, Retailer Future Group president food and FMCG, also mentor to Paper Boat, said: "Extending the brand to ethnic foods which aren't easily available and which can be made relevant for the younger generation with innovative packaging and formats, also adds to business across all months."

Life Health Foods (India) Pvt. Ltd., a brand known for health beverages, has launched plant milk extracted from almonds for the first time in India under the brand name ‘Almond Fresh’.

The product high on calcium and vitamin D, Almond Fresh is made from the highest quality Californian Almonds. It is available in natural, chocolate and vanilla flavors in 200 ml and 1l formats. Company has roped in Brett Lee, former Australian speedster, as its brand ambassador. Speaking about his new associations, Aussie cricketer commented that he is passionate about healthy products that taste great and it’s exciting to see almond milk now available in India. He encourages people, young and old, to try this new health drink which is a healthy source of calcium and vitamin D with lower calories than dairy milk.

Rohit Bhagat, Business Head, Life Health Foods (India) Pvt. Ltd., opined that Almond Fresh is an innovative and nutritious health beverage from the stable of Life Health Foods. Traditionally, almonds have always been popular in India’s culture for their richness and nutritive value. Brand is very positive about almond milk and company is confident that it will also earn a deserving spot on the Indian breakfast table”.

The formulation and technology for making almond milk has been designed with the support and careful oversight from the parent company from Australia. Being plant-based, Almond Fresh is naturally Cholesterol Free, low in Sodium and preservative free. 

Coca-Cola has launched a limited-edition red, white, and blue can for Memorial Day.

The company’s new design–“I’m proud to be an America” edition– commemorates Coca-Cola’s 75-year partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO), which provides entertainment and aid to service members while overseas.

When a service member visits one of the 180 USO locations (in countries such as Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, and South Korea) he or she can have a meal, call a loved one, or relax while watching a movie.

“Since the organisation’s very beginning in 1941, the USO has been near and dear to us. The patriotic graphics on special 16 oz. cans and multiple club packs are a small way of saying thanks to the USO for all they do,” shared Erika von Heiland Strader, director of community marketing at Coca-Cola North America, in a press release.

It can also be seen as an effective marketing tactic.

“It’s our way of celebrating our partnership with Coca-Cola and helping everyone show their support for our service members,” adds Travis Burgin, USO’s director of marketing and advertising, in Coca-Cola’s press release in response to the joint campaign.

The cans will be available nationwide at convenience stores until July 4.

On Thursday, Coca-Cola Co said it plans to sell nine production facilities to three of its largest independent bottlers as it seeks to unload low-margin assets and reduce manufacturing costs in the United States, reported by Reuters.

The company said it would create a new nationwide supply group that will include Coke and independent U.S. bottlers, Coca-Cola Bottling Co Consolidated, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United and Swire Coca-Cola USA, will acquire the nine plants, valued at about $380 million, from Coca-Cola Refreshments, which Coke created after buying its top bottler in North America in 2010.

Moreover, Coke said all four entities, along with Coke's operating group in North America, will form a new supply group to work together on decisions in areas such new packaging launches and ingredient purchases, Coke said.

The new group will represent about 95 percent of the company's production volume in the United States.

The world's largest soda maker is facing slow sales volumes in the U.S. It has been selling bottling operations, which partly entail getting its products to retailers, to franchisees to shift away from the capital intensive and low-margin business of distribution.

So far, though, it has not sold production facilities, where its concentrate is combined with other ingredients and bottled up. The sale of the plants, which produce soft drinks like Coke, Sprite and Fanta, is expected to take place between 2016 and 2018, Coca-Cola said.

"By selling production facilities, we expect (Coke) will generate higher return on invested capital as its capital base is reduced, and have incremental cash to reinvest and return to shareholders," said Bonnie Herzog, an analyst at Wells Fargo.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co will buy plants in Virginia, Maryland, Indiana and Ohio, Coca-Cola Bottling Co United will buy a plant in New Orleans and Swire will buy plants in Arizona and Colorado.

Coca-Cola Co is the largest shareholder in Coca-Cola Bottling Co with a 34.8 percent stake as of May. Coke shares were little changed at $38.81 in Thursday afternoon trading.

Coca-Cola says it will begin disclosing its investments in scientific research and advocacy about the impact sugary soft drinks have on public health, reported Reuters.

On Wednesday, according to The Wall Street Journal, Muhtar Kent, chief executive of Coca-Cola, said the company would assemble a panel of independent advisers on its financial support for academic research.

"As we continue to learn, it is my hope that our critics will receive us with an open mind," Kent wrote. "At times we will agree and at times we will passionately disagree."

The New York Times article revealed the financial ties between Coke and the Global Energy Balance Network, a nonprofit advocacy group that contends people worry too much about what they eat and not enough about how much they exercise.

Coca-Cola provided the seed money that started the group and its vice president, Steven Blair, appeared in a video in which he chastised "the media" for blaming overconsumption of fast food and sugary drinks for the country's high rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

In the video, Blair said, "There's really virtually no compelling evidence that that, in fact, is the cause."

Blair, a professor at the University of South Carolina, suggested that the problem was not too many calories but rather not enough physical activity and exercise and Coca-Cola has spent millions of dollars over the past several years in marketing to persuade people to get more active and on improvements to parks and playgrounds around the country.