Ochre Spirits Disrupts India's Craft Spirits Market with Bold Flavors and Ambitious Growth Plans

Guttify, the gut health-focused startup launched by Lifechart, is in advanced talks with several venture capital firms to raise Rs 20 crore in its next funding round. The company is gaining traction in the wellness and consumer healthcare segments through its diagnosis-first approach to digestive health.

Sources close to the development suggest that 60 percent of the funding round is likely to be secured through a well-known VC firm with expertise in healthcare and consumer investments. This funding initiative follows the company's recent Rs 3 crore ($360,000) extended seed round in May 2025, which brought Guttify’s total raised capital to over $1 million. Existing investors include the family office of UNICHEM Laboratories.

The startup also recently onboarded Prashant Pitti, Founder of EaseMyTrip and Optimio, as a strategic advisor and investor, further strengthening its advisory and investor base.

Mukul Shah, Co-Founder at Guttify said, “Our mission has always been to help people solve chronic gut health issues from the core using the power of science and diagnostics. The new funding will be used to scale product development, expand distribution, and invest in research to further enhance personalised gut care solutions.”

Guttify plans to use the incoming funds to expand its portfolio of at-home diagnostic tools and wellness products in urban and semi-urban markets across India. A key part of the company's next phase of growth includes the launch of an RNA gene-based DIY gut testing kit, which claims to deliver results within 24 hours. The company aims to make gut testing more accessible and reduce reliance on invasive or clinic-based diagnostic methods.

Rebel Foods, the cloud kitchen operator behind brands like Faasos and Behrouz Biryani, is reportedly in talks to sell its majority stake in premium dessert brand Smoor. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the company has been exploring potential buyers for its approximately 57 percent holding in Smoor, though no deal has materialized yet.

This development comes as Rebel Foods undertakes operational restructuring, including the closure of its offices in Gurugram and Bengaluru. The company stated that it is consolidating its teams in Mumbai to enable faster decision-making and improve internal collaboration.

While responding to queries, a Rebel Foods spokesperson maintained that the company is still supporting Smoor and continues to invest in its long-term growth. “Over the past six months, we have made significant long-term investments in Smoor, including the commissioning of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility,” the spokesperson said.

Rebel Foods acquired its majority stake in Smoor in April 2022, valuing the brand at over $50 million. At the time, the acquisition aligned with Rebel’s broader plan to evolve into a brand aggregator in the food and beverage sector, with a commitment to invest up to $150 million in acquiring and scaling multiple brands. However, the company has not disclosed how much of that capital has been deployed so far.

Despite initial growth targets, Smoor’s performance has fallen short in key markets like Mumbai. In FY24, the brand posted a 16 percent increase in revenue, reaching Rs 149 crore, according to data from Tracxn. However, losses widened to Rs 19 crore from Rs 17 crore in FY23 and Rs 10 crore in FY22.

The underperformance has raised concerns internally, especially as Rebel prepares for a potential public listing. One person familiar with the matter said the company is under pressure to streamline operations and focus on high-performing assets before making its market debut.

Rebel Foods closed a Rs 1,750 crore ($210 million) funding round in December, led by Singapore’s Temasek, maintaining its previous valuation. Financial filings with the Registrar of Companies show that Rebel’s net loss narrowed by 42 percent to Rs 378 crore in FY24, while revenue rose 19 percent to Rs 1,420 crore.

Meanwhile, competitor Curefoods, backed by Binny Bansal, has filed draft papers for a Rs 800 crore IPO. Curefoods operates several digital-first food brands such as EatFit, Sharief Bhai Biryani, Nomad Pizza, and Krispy Kreme and is currently the second largest player in India’s internet-first cloud kitchen space after Rebel Foods.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Rebel Foods founder and CEO Jaydeep Barman shared that the company plans to acquire, invest in, or partner with restaurant brands that have reached a "minimum scale," as part of its continued growth strategy.

Quick-service restaurant chain Samosa Singh has announced a complete brand refresh, including a new logo, redesigned menu, and updated packaging aimed at aligning with current consumer preferences. The rebranding is part of the company’s strategic push to appeal to a broader and younger audience while maintaining its core focus on quality and innovation in Indian street food.

The revised menu features a mix of traditional offerings with new additions tailored to Gen Z tastes, integrating healthier ingredients and mindful cooking techniques. According to the company, this update is aimed at balancing modern consumer expectations with the nostalgic appeal of classic Indian snacks.

The updated visual identity includes a cleaner, globally oriented logo with a bolder moustache element, a design choice that nods to the brand’s cultural roots while adopting modern, streamlined typography. This rebranding extends across all customer touchpoints including packaging, digital platforms, and merchandise.

The company has also introduced a new packaging design that emphasizes sustainability and visual appeal. The updated look is intended to attract Gen Z customers who value aesthetic, eco-friendly packaging and shareable, social-media-friendly experiences.

Nidhi Singh, Co-Founder of Samosa Singh stated, “We are excited to unveil not just a new look and menu, but a renewed commitment to what Samosa Singh truly stands for, food that is healthier, tastier, and crispier, without losing its soul. Samosa Singh’s refreshed look is a reflection of our journey, our learnings, and our promise to keep evolving with our customers.”

Shikhar Veer Singh, Co-Founder added, “This change isn’t just cosmetic, it is a bold step towards building a brand that is more thoughtful, relatable, and future-ready. With a strong focus on sustainability, aesthetics, and storytelling, we are confident that our refreshed identity will strike a chord with both loyal fans and a new generation of snack lovers.”

The brand refresh comes as Samosa Singh aims to strengthen its position in the QSR market by staying relevant amid shifting consumer expectations and increased competition in the Indian food and beverage sector.

Yum China Holdings, Inc. has launched the pilot phase of its new hands-free, AI-enabled assistant called Q-Smart to assist restaurant managers with daily operational tasks. The tool, developed to support frontline managers, integrates with wearable devices such as wireless earphones and smartwatches, enabling voice-interactive functionality for labor scheduling, inventory monitoring, food safety checks, and equipment inspections.

Unlike traditional systems reliant on touchscreens or PCs, Q-Smart operates through natural language interaction, allowing managers to remain hands-free while accessing real-time operational insights. The assistant compares current inventory with projected sales forecasts and sends timely alerts to optimize stock levels. It also supports on-the-spot decision-making by providing immediate responses to voice commands, drawing on Yum China’s internal knowledge base.

The pilot is currently being implemented at select KFC outlets. Yum China plans to incorporate user feedback from the initial phase before expanding the tool across its broader restaurant network.

Leila Zhang, Chief Technology Officer, Yum China said, “Q-Smart is not just an AI tool, it is a potential game-changer for how restaurants can be managed. We believe that Q-Smart will not only help Yum China improve its operational efficiency, but can also serve as an example for the digital transformation and smart development of the catering industry.”

The introduction of Q-Smart marks a continuation of Yum China’s broader digital transformation strategy. Since introducing digital payments in KFC stores in 2015 and launching the KFC Super App in 2016, the company has consistently expanded its technology offerings. As of March 2025, its digital loyalty programs for KFC and Pizza Hut have surpassed 540 million members.

Over the past several years, Yum China has progressively integrated artificial intelligence into its operations. This includes the 2019 introduction of AI-powered scheduling and management tools, the launch of its comprehensive Super Brain decision support system in 2021, and the rollout of handheld Pocket Managers in 2022. In 2023, the company began applying generative AI (AIGC) in logistics, customer service, and other backend processes. By 2024, AIGC became integrated across key business functions.

The Q-Smart platform was introduced at Yum China’s first AI Day event held on June 20, 2025, in Shanghai. The event also included the conclusion of the company’s first All-Staff Hackathon, which began in March 2025 and saw participation from around 200 teams across 30 markets. The initiative encouraged employees to develop tech-driven solutions to operational challenges.

At the event, Yum China CEO Joey Wat announced a 100 million yuan (approximately $13.9 million) Frontline Innovation Fund to enhance technology adoption and support frontline restaurant teams. The fund will also make the Hackathon an annual event going forward.

Wat stated, “Yum China has always believed that true innovation must originate from frontline needs and serve frontline scenarios. AI is not only a technical tool to improve efficiency, but also a core partner to stimulate employee creativity.”

With the introduction of Q-Smart and the continued investment in restaurant-focused AI solutions, Yum China aims to further modernize store-level operations, improve productivity, and enhance the customer experience. The company’s approach places technology at the core of its retail operations, emphasizing not just efficiency, but usability and relevance for frontline staff.

In a significant regulatory update impacting India's hospitality and alcoholic beverage sectors, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has extended the validity of the no-objection certificate (NOC) for imported alcoholic beverages with over 10 percent alcohol content. This applies to products bottled at origin or imported in bulk.

The change follows a directive issued on June 13 by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which clarified that alcoholic consignments without an expiry date will now be granted a 365-day NOC validity under the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017.

As per the updated guidelines, if consignments remain in customs-controlled areas beyond the 365-day period, they can still be revalidated. This revalidation will require a visual inspection and payment of the applicable inspection fee. The provision provides added flexibility for importers and warehouse operators dealing with alcoholic beverages, especially premium and aged variants that are often imported without specified shelf lives.

The CBIC has issued instructions to customs authorities to ensure officers are aware of the changes and to facilitate smooth implementation across all ports of entry. Stakeholders have also been encouraged to share any operational challenges related to the revised framework directly with the CBIC for timely resolution.

The extension is expected to streamline the import, clearance, and warehousing of alcoholic beverages in India, which is a key concern for hospitality businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and liquor distributors managing international inventories.

The hospitality sector in India, particularly wine tourism, is set to benefit from enhanced infrastructure linking major urban centres to emerging leisure destinations. Sula Vineyards, regarded as the country’s most visited winery, is expected to see an increase in visitor traffic following the extension of the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway.

With the newly operational 6-lane highway connecting Thane to Nashik, travel time from Mumbai has been significantly reduced. Commuters can now expect to reach Nashik in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The Thane–Igatpuri (Amane) stretch, which covers the initial 75 km, can be completed in about 40 to 50 minutes. Travellers from South Mumbai benefit further from reduced travel time—around 45 minutes less—thanks to the combined use of the Coastal Road and the Samruddhi Expressway.

Rajeev Samant, CEO of Sula Vineyards said, “The Samruddhi Mahamarg marks a significant step forward for wine tourism in India. As the country’s most visited vineyard, enhanced connectivity plays a crucial role in making Sula even more accessible to wine lovers from Mumbai and beyond. This new expressway makes the journey faster, smoother, and more enjoyable. We’re thankful to the government for enabling infrastructure that supports both tourism and the local economy.”

The improved accessibility has made visiting key hospitality offerings such as The Source at Sula and Beyond by Sula far more practical for day trips and weekend breaks. Positioned just a few hours' drive from Mumbai, these destinations now stand to benefit from higher footfall, particularly among urban consumers seeking short nature getaways with a focus on wine and local experiences.

The streamlined route is expected to not only promote tourism at Sula but also contribute to the surrounding hospitality ecosystem, offering growth opportunities to local businesses and services in the Nashik region. As weekend tourism continues to grow, this improved connectivity reinforces the potential of India’s wine tourism sector as a viable and expanding segment within the broader hospitality landscape.

Swiggy Limited has appointed Saurav Goyal as Senior Vice President and Head of its Driver and Delivery Organisation. The move reflects the company’s ongoing strategy to strengthen leadership from within and reinforce its operational backbone in India’s highly competitive food delivery and convenience services sector.

Goyal, who has been with Swiggy since June 2020, previously led the Business Finance function. During his tenure, he played a key role in aligning financial strategies with business goals and contributed significantly to the company’s growth, including its IPO process.

In his new role, Goyal will now oversee Swiggy’s delivery partner ecosystem—an essential component of the company’s service model. He is expected to lead initiatives focused on operational efficiency, partner empowerment, and service reliability. On LinkedIn, Goyal shared his thoughts on the new appointment, stating, “Delivery partners are the backbone of Swiggy’s reliability and reach.”

Girish Menon, Chief Human Resources Officer at Swiggy, said the appointment aligns with Swiggy’s commitment to fostering internal talent and building a future-ready leadership structure. “This recent transition underscores our belief in nurturing our internal talent and building leaders, for today and the future,” Menon noted.

In addition to his new responsibilities, Goyal will continue to serve as the Head of Business Finance until a new leader is named for that role.

Goyal brings over 18 years of experience across strategic finance and business transformation. Prior to joining Swiggy, he held leadership positions at companies such as Ola, Flipkart, and Tata Communications. His professional strengths include strategic planning, financial governance, and guiding businesses toward long-term profitability.

The appointment comes as Swiggy looks to optimize its operations and deepen engagement with its delivery partner network amid a fast-evolving landscape in India’s hospitality and food service industry.

Krispy Kreme, Inc. has completed the sale of its remaining stake in Insomnia Cookies Holdings, LLC to Insomnia Cookies and a group of existing shareholders who were also part of the majority stake transaction announced on July 17, 2024.

The deal brought in total cash proceeds of $75 million for Krispy Kreme. The company stated that these funds will be directed toward reducing debt, net of associated fees and transaction costs.

Josh Charlesworth, CEO of Krispy Kreme said, “We continue to take swift, decisive action to de-leverage our balance sheet and drive sustainable, profitable growth. This is an important step as we focus on our two biggest opportunities: profitable U.S. expansion and capital-light international franchise growth. We wish Insomnia Cookies and their ownership group well as they work to realize the full potential of this unique brand.”

The divestment marks a strategic shift for Krispy Kreme as it concentrates on strengthening its U.S. market presence and expanding globally through franchise-led models. The company’s exit from Insomnia Cookies is aligned with its broader financial strategy of improving margins and reducing leverage.

BigBasket is preparing to roll out 10-minute food delivery services across India by the end of fiscal 2026, as the company looks to strengthen its presence in the growing quick-commerce and hospitality space. The move places the Tata-backed grocery platform in direct competition with players such as Swiggy’s Snacc, Blinkit’s Bistro, and Zepto Cafe, all of which currently offer rapid delivery of coffee and ready-to-eat items.

According to co-founder Vipul Parekh, the initiative is designed to attract current users of platforms like Zomato and Swiggy, while also tapping into a broader customer base. The company intends to support the new service through its existing network of dark stores — small, hyperlocal warehouses in densely populated neighborhoods — which enable faster fulfillment by delivery partners on two-wheelers.

BigBasket currently operates around 700 dark stores and plans to scale this number to between 1,000 and 1,200 by the end of 2025. The company launched a pilot for the food delivery service in Bengaluru one month ago and plans to expand to 40 dark stores by the end of July.

“About 5 percent to 10 percent of customers offered the service are already combining quick-food orders with regular grocery purchases,” Parekh said, noting the potential for increased adoption as the offering scales.

The menu for the new service will include items from Tata-owned brands such as Starbucks and Qmin, the hospitality arm of Indian Hotels. BigBasket confirmed it will not collaborate with external restaurant partners for this service.

While speculation has circulated about potential fundraising efforts, Parekh dismissed these reports and emphasized that the company is focused on a public listing within the next 18 to 24 months. “One of the advantages we have is, being a part of Tata Group, you have enough internal capital available,” he added.

This expansion represents a strategic push by BigBasket into hospitality-oriented quick service, leveraging its infrastructure to compete in India's Rs 59,000 crore quick-commerce market.

Curefoods has entered into its first master franchise agreement for Arambam, a health-focused brand under its Millet Express portfolio, with EAT360, founded by Anand Goud Lingala. This agreement marks a strategic step in Curefoods’ franchise-driven expansion model.

The 18-month agreement grants EAT360 the rights to operate Arambam outlets under a standardized framework approved by Curefoods. The partnership outlines a clear rollout plan, targeting the launch of 20 outlets within the first year. Each location will adhere to uniform store formats, curated menus, and consistent branding.

Ankit Nagori of Curefoods said, “We’re pleased to announce this agreement with EAT360, led by Anand Lingala. Arambam was built to reflect a balanced, health-oriented food philosophy rooted in Indian traditions, and we’re committed to maintaining that vision in every outlet. This agreement helps ensure brand consistency while tapping into strong regional expertise.”

Anand Goud Lingala, Founder of EAT360 added, “It’s an honour to partner with Curefoods and represent the Arambam brand. The clarity in their brand vision and operational excellence made this collaboration a fit for us. We’re aligned on quality, consistency, and creating value through disciplined execution.”

The partnership highlights Curefoods’ focus on expanding through franchise-led models while maintaining operational control and brand identity. Arambam has built a presence in the health food segment by offering Indian-inspired meals rooted in traditional wellness, appealing to consumers seeking consistent, nutritious options.

ixigo’s in-app food delivery service for train passengers has crossed a key operational benchmark, delivering over 10,000 meals daily in collaboration with Zoop. Since its rollout in October 2024, more than 20 lakh meals have been served through the platform across more than 200 railway stations in India.

The ‘Food on Train’ feature, available on the ixigo Trains and ConfirmTkt apps, enables passengers to access curated menus, place food orders from partnered restaurants, track deliveries in real-time, and receive meals directly at their train seats.

In the last six months, the service has registered notable consumer trends in ordering behavior. The Veg Maharaja Thali emerged as the most frequently ordered item across all routes, while buttermilk was the most preferred beverage. On specific routes, Chicken Biryani was the top choice among passengers traveling between Patna and Delhi, whereas the Jain Mini Thali saw higher traction on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Lucknow routes.

The platform also logged some high-value and bulk orders. The costliest single order placed amounted to Rs 9,082 at Ahmedabad Junction on the Shri Ganganagar Humsafar Express. Separately, the largest group order was placed by one customer who ordered 43 Veg Mini Thalis for delivery at Lucknow Junction on the Gangasatluj Express.

The five railway stations with the highest meal order volumes were Vijayawada, Kanpur, Nagpur, Bhopal, and Itarsi.

Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, and Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO of ixigo said, “At ixigo, our endeavour has always been to make travel more convenient, accessible and enjoyable. With over 10,000 daily meals now being delivered through our ‘Food on Train’ feature, powered by Zoop across our apps, we have expanded our scope of services for the 54 crore annual active users we serve. We are now solving for both the travel and food needs of Indian travelers pan-India with our network of 200+ stations.”

Puneet Sharma, Co-Founder and CEO of Zoop added, “With the broader reach of ixigo and ConfirmTkt, we have successfully scaled our business to become a Top-3 e-catering partner for IRCTC. From regional favourites to bulk orders, the diversity of food preferences we’re seeing across the country is pretty exciting and reflective of Bharat’s unique travel culture and the diversity of food offered by our restaurant partners. We intend to double down on this growth by adding more restaurant chains and integrating more deeply inside the ixigo and ConfirmTkt apps."

Zomato has announced the removal of its rain fee waiver for Gold members, a decision that reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to address operational costs and improve profitability. Beginning May 16, Gold members will be subject to the same surge rain fee as regular users, a charge aimed at ensuring fair compensation for delivery partners.

Previously, this fee was waived as a benefit under Zomato’s Gold Membership, which currently includes over 20 lakh subscribers. The change was observed during a quick review of the app interface. 

The policy revision aligns with broader market trends as Zomato’s parent company, Eternal, reported muted growth in its food delivery segment in the latest quarterly results. The slowdown has been attributed to declining urban demand, challenges in delivery partner availability, and the growing shift towards quick commerce platforms.

In a shareholder letter, Eternal acknowledged the challenging environment but expressed cautious optimism about ongoing efforts to drive profitable growth. "We have a number of promising initiatives in the pipeline – hoping some of them will work and lead to higher growth, without compromising on profitability," the company stated.

Zomato’s updated approach signals a recalibration of service benefits in response to evolving business dynamics in the hospitality and food delivery sector.

In response to recent media reports suggesting a possible disengagement between the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), both organisations have issued a joint clarification refuting the claims. They confirmed that their collaboration is ongoing and strategic, aimed at creating a sustainable digital ecosystem for food businesses in India.

The clarification follows speculation that NRAI may have withdrawn from its engagement with ONDC. Both parties, however, stated that these reports are inaccurate.

Sagar Daryani, President of NRAI said, “We have not paused anything. Our engagement with ONDC is ongoing and purposeful. We are currently in the process of building a viable and scalable model and engaging in discussions through ONDC's Food Council which includes participation of all stakeholders, like restaurateurs and Network Participants and NRAI.”

He added that the association's current focus is on developing a model that works effectively for all stakeholders, and described the initiative as a forward-moving effort. “This is not a step back — it's a step forward, focused on doing this right. We continue to believe in the transformative power of ONDC’s open, interoperable network for our members and the broader food service ecosystem. Hoping to make this viable and work together,” Daryani said.

NRAI has reiterated its long-term objective of ensuring that restaurants can engage in digital commerce on fair and transparent terms. The organisation maintains that its participation in ONDC is aligned with this vision and continues to evolve as the network expands.

Marichi Mathur, Senior Vice President at ONDC said, “We have an ongoing engagement with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and together, we are working to build an inclusive, transparent, and interoperable network that empowers lakhs of restaurants and food brands to participate in digital commerce on their own terms. This partnership is crucial to driving access, visibility, and equitable growth for food businesses of all sizes — from neighbourhood outlets to national brands. We are exploring innovative pathways that benefit both industry stakeholders and consumers.”

Both ONDC and NRAI urged stakeholders to rely on verified sources for updates regarding their collaboration and to avoid drawing conclusions from unconfirmed media reports. The partnership, they said, is focused on building a long-term solution that empowers food service businesses in the digital age.

Zomato has removed its Quick delivery tab—designed to offer meals within 15 minutes—from its main app just four months after rollout, suggesting a potential shift in its strategy around ultra-fast food service.

Previously integrated as part of the Zomato Everyday section, the Quick tab had been prominently displayed on the app’s homepage but is now unavailable in several key markets, including Bengaluru, Gurugram, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. While the feature has been pulled from the app, the company has not ruled out reintroducing a revamped version in the future.

The Quick service, positioned under the app’s explore page, provided ready-to-eat meals from nearby restaurants within a two-kilometre radius. That section has now disappeared.

Zomato did not respond to Moneycontrol’s queries about the change. However, company leadership had earlier indicated that the feature wasn’t making a significant impact.

"I don't think any of this has had a material impact on Zomato restaurant aggregation food delivery business so far. All these initiatives (any form of 10-minute delivery in India today), are still at a very early stage and are not likely to move the needle at all, even if you aggregate and put them together," said Akshant Goyal, CFO of Zomato, during the Q3FY24 earnings announcement.

By March, Zomato Quick had accounted for nearly 8 percent of the company’s total order volume. This was the second attempt by Zomato to enter the quick delivery market—its earlier venture, Zomato Instant, launched in 2022, promised 10-minute deliveries in Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR but was discontinued by January 2023.

Zomato Instant was followed by Zomato Everyday, offering homestyle meals with short delivery times, but that too has since been removed from the app.

In its place, Zomato has introduced Bistro by Blinkit, a separate offering focused on delivering ready-to-eat items through Blinkit’s dark store infrastructure. The service specializes in snacks and smaller meal items that can be dispatched rapidly, combining Blinkit’s quick-commerce capabilities with Zomato’s delivery experience.

Other players are also entering the segment. Swiggy recently launched Snacc, a standalone app for quick food deliveries. Meanwhile, Zepto, an early mover in this space, reported 100,000 daily orders via its Zepto Café initiative, translating to a $100 million annualised GMV, according to CEO Aadit Palicha.

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, speaking in an interview in October, noted challenges in scaling the model.

"Zomato Instant was not the right product market fit (PMF). Zomato Everyday, which is 10-minute deliveries, has a slightly better model…We're adding some canteen type food to that (Zomato Everyday). Simple samosas, puffs, cream rolls and others which can be delivered in 10 minutes," he said.

With Bistro by Blinkit now active as an independent service, Zomato appears to be transitioning its quick-meal delivery strategy away from the main app and into a more focused, infrastructure-backed approach through Blinkit.

For consumers, this means 15-minute deliveries aren’t being discontinued—they’re just being redirected.

Zomato, a leading player in India's food delivery sector, is undergoing a key leadership change amid broader market headwinds. Rakesh Ranjan, the chief executive officer of Zomato's food delivery business, is stepping down from his current role, according to individuals familiar with the development.

The company’s founder and group CEO, Deepinder Goyal, will now take direct charge of the food delivery vertical in the coming months. Despite the change in role, Ranjan will remain with the company. Sources indicated that this move is part of a routine leadership reshuffle that Zomato implements periodically.

Ranjan, who has been with the Gurugram-based firm for nearly eight years, was appointed CEO of the food delivery division in June 2023. Under his leadership, Zomato maintained and extended its lead in the competitive food delivery segment.

The sector, however, remains volatile, with market shares of key players—Zomato and rival Swiggy—frequently shifting. A definitive market leader has yet to solidify in the face of these fluctuations.

The timing of the leadership change coincides with a slowdown in the food delivery industry. In Zomato’s January 20 shareholder letter announcing quarterly results, Ranjan stated, “Currently we are going through a broad-based slowdown in demand which started during the second half of November.”

This slowdown isn’t limited to Zomato. Swiggy, its primary competitor, has also experienced similar headwinds. As demand softens and the competition continues to evolve, Zomato has made two significant executive adjustments in recent weeks. In addition to Ranjan’s transition, Rinshul Chandra, chief operating officer of the food delivery business, stepped down earlier this month.

On April 23, shares of Eternal—formerly known as Zomato—were trading 0.74 percent higher at Rs 239.2 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The latest leadership transition reflects Zomato’s strategic approach to navigating a maturing and increasingly challenging food delivery landscape, with the company’s founder now taking a more direct role in core operations.

More than 21,000 consumer grievances related to online food delivery apps have been registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) over the past five fiscal years. Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs BL Verma provided this information in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.

"FSSAI undertakes regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products from manufacturers, sellers, hotels, and restaurants, including those sold online through e-commerce platforms, throughout the year," Verma stated.

According to official data, a total of 21,042 complaints were recorded with FSSAI in the last five years. The number of grievances has risen steadily, with 7,482 cases registered in 2024-25, compared to 4,708 in 2023-24, 4,321 in 2022-23, 3,726 in 2021-22, and 805 in 2020-21.

In 2023-24, FSSAI took regulatory action by canceling 502 licenses and suspending 316 licenses. Additionally, penalties amounting to Rs 74.12 crore were imposed.

The minister emphasized FSSAI’s structured approach to handling consumer complaints. "The complaints of consumers received in FSSAI are mainly related to various food safety issues, including adulterated food, unsafe food, substandard food, labeling defects, and misleading claims and advertisements. These complaints are received through multiple channels, such as the web portal, mobile app, FSSAI helpline, Twitter, and Facebook, and are integrated into a single portal—the Food Safety Connect Portal, which is part of the online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS)," Verma explained.

Café Coffee Day (CCD) has reopened at the Capitol Building in Mumbai, a heritage site located opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST). This café continues to serve tourists and visitors with coffee sourced primarily from CCD’s own estates.

The menu features three 100 percent Arabica coffee blends:

• Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold – A coffee with chocolate notes, hints of caramel, and a bittersweet finish, grown in Chikkamagalur, Karnataka.
• Koraput – A blend with sweet citrus notes, sourced from the foothills of Deomali in Odisha.
• Araku – A specialty-grade coffee with raisin, caramel, and date-like sweetness, grown by tribal farmers in Andhra Pradesh.

In addition to coffee, the café offers food options and merchandise gift boxes. CCD’s rewards program allows customers to earn points redeemable for complimentary coffee.

McDonald’s has introduced a new Restaurant Experience Team to enhance restaurant operations and service efficiency. This initiative integrates multiple functions, including Operations, Supply Chain, Franchising, Development, Restaurant Design, Delivery, and Speedee Labs. Additionally, three new global Category Management teams will focus on beef, chicken, and beverages/desserts.

The move comes as McDonald’s faces increasing competition within the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. By creating dedicated category teams, the company aims to improve execution and accountability in key menu segments. “Setting up dedicated category teams on beef, chicken, and beverages/desserts will allow better accountability and execution to win with our core menu,” the company stated.

The new team will also address operational challenges as McDonald’s continues to expand its digital and technological capabilities. With frequent menu innovations and tech-driven solutions, the structure is designed to accelerate implementation across locations.

Since launching the "Accelerating the Arches" growth strategy, McDonald’s has increased its digital user base to over 175 million active users across 60 markets, generating approximately $30 billion in systemwide sales to loyalty members in 2024. The company has also expanded at its fastest rate in decades and introduced global menu innovations to multiple markets.

The restructuring includes leadership development opportunities within McDonald’s. “We’re giving new experiences to proven McDonald’s leaders to excel in the areas that matter most,” the company added.

With this approach, McDonald’s is aligning its operations to improve restaurant performance, optimize menu execution, and drive further growth in the competitive QSR sector.

Starbucks is set to lay off 1,100 corporate employees worldwide as part of an operational restructuring under Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol. The company will notify affected employees, according to a letter Niccol shared with staff. In addition to the layoffs, Starbucks is eliminating several hundred unfilled positions.

“Our intent is to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity and drive better integration,” Niccol stated in the letter.

Starbucks employs 16,000 corporate support staff globally, but the layoffs will not impact roasting and warehouse employees. Baristas, who make up most of the company’s 361,000 workers, are also not included in the job cuts.

Niccol previously indicated that corporate layoffs would be announced by early March, citing the need to streamline decision-making and reduce layers of management. “Our size and structure can slow us down, with too many layers, managers of small teams and roles focused primarily on coordinating work,” he wrote.

The job cuts at Starbucks follow similar moves by other major companies. Last week, Southwest Airlines announced it would eliminate 1,750 jobs, or 15 percent of its corporate workforce. In January, Bridgestone Americas shut down a plant in LaVergne, Tennessee, affecting 700 workers.

Niccol, who joined Starbucks last fall, has been focused on reversing declining sales. He aims to improve service times, particularly during the morning rush, and reinforce Starbucks stores as community gathering spaces. His strategy includes simplifying the menu and refining ordering processes across mobile, drive-thru, and in-store channels.

In its 2024 fiscal year, which ended on September 29, Starbucks’ global same-store sales declined by 2 percent. In the U.S., customers reacted to higher prices and longer wait times, while in China, the company faced increased competition from lower-cost rivals. However, Starbucks exceeded sales expectations in its most recent quarter, following adjustments such as the removal of extra charges for non-dairy milk.

AB InBev India marked the 5th Annual Barley Growers Day, reinforcing its focus on strengthening agricultural supply chains and farmer engagement through its SmartBarley Program. With over 2,000 farmers participating, the initiative has contributed to improving barley cultivation in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh—regions that account for more than 50 percent of India’s barley production.

The event featured demonstrations of crop management techniques, agricultural technologies, and success stories from over 350 farmers. Since its launch in Sirsa in 2016, the SmartBarley Program has expanded from an upskilling and digital connectivity initiative for 1,000 farmers to a broader effort aimed at enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

SmartBarley is part of AB InBev's global Smart Agriculture strategy, which has been in place since 2009. The program has led to consistent yield improvements of 5-15 percent while maintaining a 99 percent compliance rate with industry quality standards.

Kartikeya Sharma, President, AB InBev India said, "The beer industry stands as a powerful catalyst for economic growth in India, uniquely positioned at the intersection of agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality. Our sector's strength lies in its inherently local and natural character, creating value from farm to glass. The impact extends far beyond direct employment - from empowering thousands of farmers through sustainable agriculture to energizing an extensive network of suppliers, retailers, and hospitality partners. Through our SmartBarley Program, we're leveraging this multiplier effect at scale, transforming barley cultivation into a cornerstone of rural prosperity while building a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for India.”

The initiative integrates technology, research, and financial resources to modernize barley cultivation while maintaining environmental sustainability. "The success of our SmartBarley Program lies in its holistic integration of technology, sustainability, and community empowerment. By achieving 100 percent performance across all metrics for three consecutive years, we've proven that when farmers are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and support, they become catalysts for transformative change. We are on our journey to creating a sustainable ecosystem where agricultural innovation drives both environmental stewardship and economic prosperity," said Abhinav Bodas, Director - Procurement and Sustainability, AB InBev India.

As part of its ongoing farmer welfare initiatives, AB InBev India is introducing a vision care program for barley farmers in Farrukhnagar, Haryana. The initiative will provide vision screenings for 400 farmers, along with eyeglasses and referrals for specialized care where necessary. Studies indicate that improved vision can enhance productivity by up to 32 percent, making it a critical aspect of agricultural efficiency.

With domestic barley demand projected to rise by 15 percent compared to 2015 levels, AB InBev India plans to expand the SmartBarley Program further while continuing to focus on sustainable practices and farmer development.

Bengaluru-based food delivery platform Swiggy reported a 39 percent increase in net loss, reaching Rs 799 crore for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, according to regulatory filings. In the same period last year, the company recorded a net loss of Rs 574 crore.  

Swiggy’s revenue from operations rose 31 percent to Rs 3,993 crore in Q3FY25, compared to Rs 3,049 crore in Q3FY24. The company attributed its financial performance to investments in quick-commerce, including dark store expansions and marketing.  

"The secular expansion in food delivery margins and cash flow generation is balanced by growth investments being made in quick-commerce including dark stores expansion and marketing, amidst high competitive intensity in the near term," said Sriharsha Majety, MD and Group CEO, Swiggy.  

Swiggy’s financials were reported shortly after its competitor, Zomato, announced a 57 percent year-on-year decline in net profit to Rs 59 crore for Q3FY25. However, Zomato’s revenue from operations increased 64 percent year-on-year to Rs 5,404 crore, compared to Rs 3,288 crore a year ago. Despite this growth, Zomato highlighted concerns over a slowdown in the food delivery segment.  

Swiggy’s gross order value (GOV) rose 38 percent year-on-year to Rs 12,165 crore. The company’s consolidated adjusted EBITDA loss declined by about 2 percent year-on-year to Rs 490 crore. However, on a sequential basis, the EBITDA loss increased slightly to Rs 149 crore, as per the filings.  

Swiggy’s financial results reflect ongoing challenges in the food delivery and quick-commerce sectors, where competitive pressures and expansion efforts continue to impact profitability.

Zomato shares were in focus on Monday as the company became the first tech-driven business to join the 30-share BSE Sensex index, replacing JSW Steel in a planned reshuffle on December 23. According to brokerage firm Nuvama, this shift is expected to drive inflows of $ 513 million into Zomato while JSW Steel could see outflows of $ 252 million.  

The reshuffle aligns with Zomato’s strong stock performance over the past year. The company’s share price has surged approximately 126 percent in the last year, outperforming the Sensex’s 10.7 percent returns over the same period. In the past six months alone, Zomato shares rallied by nearly 43 percent, while JSW Steel recorded about 9 percent returns during the year.  

“Over the past 18 months, as Zomato started to demonstrate its ability to gradually improve unit economics and move towards breakeven and beyond (especially in the food delivery segment), the stock rallied by almost 150 percent,” UBS noted in its report.  

UBS also reported that Zomato trades at an "FY27e EV/EBITDA (adjusted) of 39x, implying an FY27e EV/Sales of 6.3x."  

For the July-September quarter, Zomato reported a consolidated revenue of Rs 4,799 crore, marking a 69 percent year-on-year growth. The company also achieved a five-fold increase in net profit to Rs 176 crore during the same period. The relaunch of its subscription service, Zomato Gold, earlier in 2023 contributed significantly to higher ordering frequencies among top customers, as noted by UBS.  

As of December 21, Zomato’s market capitalization stood at Rs 2.72 lakh crore, surpassing JSW Steel's Rs 2.24 lakh crore valuation.  

The index rebalancing extends beyond the Sensex, affecting the BSE 100 index as well. New entrants include Jio Financial Services, Suzlon Energy, Adani Green Energy, Adani Power, Samvardhana Motherson International, and PB Fintech (Policybazaar). These companies will replace Ashok Leyland, P.I. Industries, IDFC First Bank, IRCTC, UPL, and APL Apollo Tubes in the broader index.  

This shift underscores the growing influence of tech-based and sustainability-focused businesses in India’s retail and financial markets. 

India’s food delivery industry is poised for significant growth, with Zomato expecting its food delivery segment to expand at an annual rate of 30 percent over the next five years. Rakesh Ranjan, CEO of Zomato’s food delivery division, shared this outlook while commenting on the broader implications of Swiggy's recent listing on the stock market, which he described as a positive development for the sector.

“The food delivery sector is still in its nascent stages in the country and ... more competition will only foster innovation and growth which will benefit the sector overall,” Ranjan said.

The growth of app-based delivery services catering to food and groceries has surged in India, driven by rising demand from affluent and middle-class consumers in urban areas. Swiggy’s public listing in November, which garnered a valuation of $12.1 billion, underscores the growing importance of this sector. Zomato, which went public three years earlier, holds a 58 percent share of the food delivery market, compared to Swiggy’s 34 percent.

In the last fiscal year, Zomato's food delivery business accounted for approximately 58 percent of the company’s revenue, with a gross order value (encompassing food costs, platform fees, and delivery charges) reaching Rs 322.24 billion ($3.82 billion). This represented an average annual growth rate of 30 percent over four years. Ranjan anticipates this momentum will continue, driven by the addition of new restaurant partners and expanded offerings.

As of March, Zomato had around 247,000 average monthly active restaurant partners on its platform, an 18 percent increase from the previous year. To enhance user experience, the company has introduced new features such as scheduled deliveries, discounted rates for canceled orders, and a large-order service for group events of up to 50 people.

Despite its growth trajectory, the company faces challenges, particularly with high attrition rates among delivery drivers. To address this, Zomato is focusing on offering additional benefits and flexibility to attract and retain gig workers, a crucial component of its operations.

Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, today made its debut as a publicly listed company on the NSE and BSE. To commemorate the moment, two of Swiggy’s delivery partners, Jigar Khan and Namrata, joined the company's leadership team—Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, Rohit Kapoor, and others—on stage to ring the ceremonial bell. This symbolic gesture highlighted the company's transition to the next phase as a public entity and acknowledged the crucial role its delivery partners play in its success.

Jigar Khan, a Bengaluru native, began his journey with Swiggy seven years ago. At that time, he faced significant personal challenges, including the loss of his father and the responsibility of supporting his family. Joining Swiggy provided him with an opportunity to rebuild, and today, Jigar has paid off his family’s debts and fulfilled his goal of owning a home. Reflecting on the milestone, he said, “It’s humbling to be here, celebrating Swiggy’s journey to becoming a publicly listed company.”

Namrata’s journey is similarly inspiring. After her food stall was forced to close due to the pandemic, she joined Swiggy on the encouragement of her husband. Two years later, she not only supports her daughters’ education but also helps them pursue their dreams of becoming a fashion designer and a makeup artist. “Swiggy stood by me during tough times. Being here today, on this stage, feels like a unique joy,” Namrata shared.

Today’s listing serves as a recognition of the hard work and perseverance of delivery partners like Jigar and Namrata, whose personal stories contribute to Swiggy’s ongoing journey. To celebrate the occasion, the company also released a light-hearted video that linked the bell-ringing ceremony to the metaphorical significance of “ringing different bells” throughout Swiggy’s delivery process.

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has announced a partnership with online food delivery platform Zomato to launch a financial literacy and investor awareness initiative targeting gig workers. This program will specifically focus on Zomato’s delivery partners, aiming to provide financial education to over 50,000 gig workers across India.

The initiative will cover essential personal finance topics, including budgeting, saving, debt management, investing basics, and insurance. To make the program accessible to a broad audience, NSE plans to offer it in multiple regional languages, allowing delivery partners from diverse backgrounds to benefit.

"This partnership with Zomato is a significant step in expanding our outreach to a critical segment of the workforce that drives the digital economy. By equipping delivery partners with financial skills, we aim to contribute to their financial independence and overall financial well-being," said Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer, NSE.

Rakesh Ranjan, CEO of Food Delivery at Zomato stated, "This program has been curated to suit delivery partners' needs, equipping them with the right knowledge and skill-set to become financially independent. Over 2,000 delivery partners have already taken a step toward financial literacy, and we’re looking forward to scaling this further in the next few months."

In a related development, Zomato recently introduced a food rescue feature aimed at reducing food wastage. This feature allows nearby customers to claim canceled orders at a discounted rate, ensuring the food reaches customers in its original packaging within minutes. This initiative, shared by Zomato Co-founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal on LinkedIn, represents Zomato’s broader efforts to address food wastage by making canceled orders available at "unbeatable prices." 

Through initiatives like these, Zomato and NSE demonstrate a shared commitment to supporting the gig economy workforce and fostering financial independence and sustainability.

KFC has announced plans to recruit over 700 permanent employees in the UK and Ireland to support increased demand during the upcoming holiday season. The available roles include both full- and part-time positions across various levels, with opportunities for customer-facing team leaders, team members, and kitchen staff.

Kathryn York, Chief People Officer at KFC UK and Ireland shared, “We’re really excited to be growing our restaurant teams to help serve up KFC’s delicious fried chicken to customers at our busiest time of year. These roles are a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to learn and build a career in a fun, energetic and supportive environment, where people are recognized for their potential above all else. With a range of jobs available, I’d encourage anyone interested in joining us to apply now.”

This recruitment drive aligns with KFC's long-term growth strategy in the UK and Ireland, where the brand is planning to open 500 new restaurants over the next decade. This expansion is expected to create more than 20,000 jobs, boosting local economies and extending KFC’s reach to more customers in the region.

Food delivery platform Zomato has confirmed an increase in its platform fee to Rs 10, which is in place across certain cities just ahead of the festive season. The company clarified that this adjustment is part of routine business operations, refuting claims that the fee hike is merely a rumour.

In a regulatory filing, Zomato stated, “At the outset, we would like to state that this is not a rumour, as the source of information mentioned in the article is the Zomato mobile application itself which is public and available for everyone to see and check. We have indeed increased the platform fee yesterday across certain cities. Such changes in our platform fee are a routine business matter and are done from time to time and may vary from city to city."

Zomato first introduced a platform fee in August 2023, charging Rs 2 per order, which was increased to Rs 4 by January 2024. The latest hike to Rs 10 applies to all users, including Zomato Gold members, and is in addition to other charges such as GST, delivery fees, and restaurant service fees.

In response, competitor Swiggy also increased its platform fee to Rs 10 per order. However, unlike Zomato's app, which labels the fee as temporary due to the festive season rush, Swiggy’s fee hike appears to be permanent, as no notification has been issued about its duration.

This fee increase follows Zomato’s strong Q2 performance, where the company reported a profit surge of 388.9 percent to Rs 176 crore. Revenue from operations grew by 68.5 percent, reaching Rs 4,799 crore, compared to Rs 2,848 crore during the same period in FY24.

As detailed in its annual report from August, Zomato collected Rs 83 crore in platform fees by March. The platform fee has been a key contributor to Zomato's 27 percent year-on-year revenue growth, with total revenue reaching Rs 7,792 crore for FY24.

Zomato's decision to increase the platform fee reflects broader efforts in the Indian retail and hospitality sectors to manage operational costs while capitalizing on the seasonal demand surge.

Swiggy, a leading on-demand convenience platform in India, has launched a new initiative called "Swiggy Seal" aimed at improving hygiene and food quality standards across its extensive network of restaurant partners. By leveraging insights from over 7 million verified customer reviews collected over the last six months, the Swiggy Seal program seeks to enhance hygiene practices and food packaging in the hospitality sector, ensuring that customers receive clean, well-prepared meals.

This initiative, which is currently live in Pune, will be expanded across more than 650 cities by November. The program reflects the growing importance of hygiene in India's food delivery industry, where customers now place as much value on cleanliness and food safety as they do on taste.

The Swiggy Seal program focuses on providing restaurant partners with detailed feedback based on customer reviews, helping them improve in areas such as contamination prevention, optimal cooking methods, and packaging quality. Swiggy also offers dedicated account managers and regular reports to assist restaurants in reaching and maintaining these hygiene benchmarks. Additionally, restaurant partners will have access to educational webinars on hygiene best practices to ensure they maintain high standards.

To further support the initiative, Swiggy has partnered with FSSAI-accredited agencies, including Eurofins and Equinox, to offer professional hygiene audits at special rates. These audits will assess crucial areas such as food handling, contamination control, and overall cleanliness. Restaurant partners will also benefit from exclusive pricing on third-party cleaning and pest control services, helping them maintain their commitment to hygiene.

Deepak Maloo, Head of Customer Experience and Restaurant Experience at Swiggy Food said, “As Swiggy completes a decade in food delivery, we continue to believe that access to clean hygienic food is as important as food that tastes great. With the launch of the Swiggy Seal, we aim to support our restaurant partners with actionable insights to help them enhance hygiene standards. The Swiggy Seal empowers customers with the confidence to order what they want, backed by genuine customer reviews, while also supporting restaurant partners to step up through collaboration with experts.”

Restaurants that meet the required hygiene standards will receive the Swiggy Seal badge, which will be displayed on their menu pages to highlight their track record of serving safe, high-quality meals. The badge is awarded based exclusively on customer feedback, and Swiggy will monitor the performance of participating restaurants, with the option to revoke the badge if standards are not maintained.

Yash Chavan, owner of Fried Chicken Destination in Pune added "Happy to see Swiggy’s Seal program offering valuable insights related to hygiene, along with services that help us improve our standards further. This initiative not only benefits us but also assures customers about the hygiene track record. I appreciate the Swiggy team for providing detailed feedback and suggestions based on customer reviews."

The Swiggy Seal program is part of the company's broader effort to build trust among consumers and help restaurant partners uphold high hygiene standards. It underscores the platform's commitment to providing a positive and safe food ordering experience across India's hospitality industry. 

Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Food Marketplace at Swiggy, also shared the news of the initiative's launch on his LinkedIn profile, highlighting its potential to reshape hygiene practices in the food delivery sector.

According to a regulatory filing, Zomato’s board of directors will meet on October 22, 2024, to consider raising funds through a qualified institution placement (QIP). The company has not disclosed the exact amount it intends to raise.

The filing stated, "A meeting of the board of directors of the company is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, inter-alia, to consider and approve raising of funds by issuance of equity shares by way of qualified institutions placement, as may be permitted under applicable laws, subject to such regulatory/statutory approvals, including the notice for the postal ballot for obtaining the shareholders’ approval in this regard." 

Additionally, the board will review and approve Zomato’s financial results for the second quarter (Q2) of the financial year 2024-25 (FY25).

If approved, this will mark Zomato's first fundraising event since its stock market listing three years ago. The timing is significant as competition within the food delivery and quick commerce sectors intensifies. Zomato’s key competitor, Swiggy, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) and aims to raise up to $450 million through fresh capital.

As of the first quarter of FY25, Zomato holds cash reserves of Rs 12,539 crore (approximately $1.5 billion). Industry experts suggest that this potential fundraising move could be a strategic play to counter Swiggy's upcoming IPO.

In the first quarter of FY25, Zomato reported a consolidated profit of Rs 253 crore, up from Rs 175 crore in the previous quarter and Rs 2 crore in the same period last year. The company's revenue from operations grew by 74 percent year-on-year to Rs 4,206 crore, compared to Rs 2,416 crore in the previous year. 

Zomato's food delivery business is now profitable, and its quick commerce unit, Blinkit, is also nearing break-even, according to the company's management.

Meanwhile, Zepto, another player in the quick commerce sector, is looking to raise between $100 million and $150 million, following a series of fundraises amounting to over $1.2 billion in the past 14 months.

Lamb Weston, McDonald’s largest French fry supplier, has adjusted its operations by closing its Connell, Washington, production plant and reducing its workforce by 4 percent, impacting around 375 employees. The move comes in response to changes in supply and demand, partially influenced by McDonald's introduction of a $5 meal deal.

"Lamb Weston is confident in the world's ongoing love of fries," said company spokesperson Teresa Paulsen, noting that the facility closure accounts for less than 5 percent of their production capacity and aims to balance the current market situation.

The $5 meal deal, which includes fries, has been extended through the end of the year, further contributing to market adjustments. Lamb Weston’s stock has declined 35 percent since January, reflecting ongoing challenges in the industry.

In a move towards greater inclusivity in the hospitality industry, KFC India has introduced a Sign Language training program for all 17,000+ employees, including those in corporate offices. This initiative, launched to mark the International Day of Sign Languages, aims to create a more accessible environment across its 1,200+ restaurants in over 240 cities. The program is part of KFC India’s Kshamata initiative, which focuses on bridging gender and ability gaps.

The training, designed in consultation with a Sign Language expert, consists of online modules that introduce Indian Sign Language (ISL). The first module covers ISL alphabets, while the following sessions focus on common phrases and greetings essential for everyday communication. By 2026, KFC India aims to double the number of speech and hearing-impaired (SHI) employees through this program.

In addition, as part of the #SpeakSign campaign, KFC has launched India’s first interactive Sign Language kiosks at Select CityWalk, New Delhi, and Ambience Mall, Gurugram. These kiosks allow visitors to learn how to order food items across various cuisines using ISL, including popular KFC dishes like Hot and Crispy and Zinger. 

Moksh Chopra, General Manager of KFC India and Partner Countries, said, "We are proud to announce that 100 percent of our teams will be trained in basic Indian Sign Language, making our restaurants more inclusive. We're also taking this movement beyond our organization into the wider hospitality industry."

KFC’s franchise partners, Devyani International Limited (DIL) and Sapphire Foods India Limited (SFIL), have been instrumental in implementing the Kshamata initiative. Pradeep Das, CEO of DIL, emphasized the importance of bridging the ability gap, stating, "The rollout of Sign Language training will help ensure that we’re fostering an environment where speech and hearing-impaired individuals can interact confidently."

Deepak Taluja, President and CEO of SFIL, added, "The training is a significant step toward fostering inclusive environments. We at SFIL are committed to feeding people’s potential with KFC Kshamata."

The interactive kiosks will be available at Select CityWalk and Ambience Mall until September 21. Additionally, on September 23, International Day of Sign Language, consumers can visit any of the 54 special KFCs operated by speech and hearing-impaired employees to learn ISL through special menus and tutorial videos.

Swiggy has announced its fifth employee stock ownership plan (Esop) buyback, totaling $65 million across various levels. This move marks a cumulative Esop liquidity of over Rs 1,000 crore across five events, benefiting more than 3,200 employees.

Girish Menon, head of HR at Swiggy highlighted, "Employees owning shares of their company creates alignment of incentives and a sharp focus on collaborative excellence, which is a virtuous cycle that we believe in and espouse." He further emphasized that the Esop event reflects Swiggy's commitment to recognizing employee contributions and sharing its success and growth.

This buyback underscores Swiggy's ongoing efforts to incentivize and retain talent through ownership opportunities, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a culture of mutual success and engagement.

McDonald's Korea has introduced kiosks with voice guidance across all its stores nationwide, aiming to better serve visually impaired customers, as reported by AJU Press.

These self-service kiosks can connect to earphones, allowing visitors to select their food even in noisy environments. The voice guidance provides information on food names, prices, and calorie content.

"Visually impaired customers can now access product information and freely order their menu items through voice guidance at any McDonald's across the country," stated McDonald's Korea in a release.

This initiative follows McDonald's U.S., which adopted the device in its stores in September of last year. Korea is the second market to implement this technology.

McDonald's has announced the termination of its Automated Order Taker (AOT) system powered by AI technology, according to a brand statement.

The fast-food giant, headquartered in Chicago, has been utilizing AI at drive-thrus in collaboration with IBM since 2021. However, the system has faced challenges with inaccurate orders, such as adding bacon to ice cream and excessive sweet tea orders, as reported by the New York Post.

"Through our partnership with IBM, we have captured many learnings and feel there is an opportunity to explore voice ordering solutions more broadly. After thoughtful review, McDonald's has decided to end our current global partnership with IBM on AOT beyond this year. IBM remains a trusted partner and we will still utilize many of their products across our global System," the brand stated.

AI ordering technology is currently implemented in over 100 McDonald's drive-thrus.

In light of the severe heatwave affecting much of India, food delivery platform Zomato recently urged customers to avoid ordering food during peak afternoon hours. The advisory comes as several states experience record-breaking temperatures, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting continued extreme heat in the coming days. However, Delhi saw some respite on Saturday with a light drizzle cooling the temperatures slightly.

“Please avoid ordering during peak afternoon unless necessary," Zomato posted on social media platform X, prompting a strong response from users online.

The request aimed to protect Zomato's delivery executives from the intense midday heat. Despite the good intentions, the message was criticized by the internet community.

Many users disagreed with Zomato's suggestion, arguing that a food delivery company should not ask customers to avoid ordering during lunch hours. Several commenters pointed out that if Zomato truly cared about its delivery staff, it should consider halting services during the hottest part of the day.

One user remarked, "Bro, you are in food services and people order food when it is essential. If you care about your employees, you would be posting ‘Our services are unavailable during peak afternoon hours.’”

Another user added, "Is it even real? Though I appreciate the concern, lunchtime orders cannot be postponed to dinner. If so, Zomato needs to identify ‘necessary’ orders and not-so-necessary orders.”

A third suggested, “Please close the business for 4 hours, 12-4 PM. That would be the right approach.”

Other comments included concerns about those who live alone and rely on food delivery during the day. One user wrote, “Wow, a food delivery app asking its customers not to order in the afternoon. What about those who stay alone? If you’re really concerned about the delivery guys' well-being, increase their incentives. You guys already charge a platform fee on every order to pay Goyal’s bills.”

The heated response underscores the challenge of balancing employee welfare with customer expectations in extreme weather conditions. Zomato's advisory, while well-intentioned, highlights the need for more robust measures to protect delivery staff during adverse weather conditions.

Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, a major player in the emerging markets' food service sector, has announced its financial results for the fiscal year and quarter ending March 31, 2024.

Shyam S. Bhartia, Chairman, and Hari S. Bhartia, Co-Chairman, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, noted, “FY'24 marked a significant shift as the acquisition of DP Eurasia enhances the profitable growth trajectory of the JFL Group. This acquisition further cements JFL's partnership with Domino's, the world's largest pizza company, to profitably grow in high-potential emerging markets. The Group also made significant strides during the year in supporting and nurturing new growth vectors, solidifying its position as a leading emerging markets’ foodservice company.”

Sameer Khetarpal, CEO and MD, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, commented, “The March quarter performance was remarkable as Domino's India's like-for-like trajectory turned around in Q4. This was achieved through several strategic interventions, including strengthened regional infrastructure, enhanced on-ground execution, a comprehensive brand revamp, and refining the value proposition with targeted delivery fee waivers during a period of weak demand. Moreover, the year saw substantial progress across every strategic priority, with increased business reinvestments that weigh on near-term margins but will be crucial to driving future growth across all brands and markets.”

The company's Revenue from Operations increased by 9.6 percent to Rs 56,541 million. The JFL Group network now includes 2,991 stores with a record 356 net new stores opened in the year. Gross Profit rose by 10.3 percent to Rs 43,130 million, with a gross margin of 76.3 percent. Operational EBITDA was Rs. 11,435 million, with an EBITDA margin of 20.2 percent. Profit after tax stood at Rs 4,008 million, with a PAT margin of 7.1 percent.

The Board of Directors has recommended a dividend of Rs 1.2 per equity share of face value of Rs. 2 each for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, amounting to Rs 792 million, pending shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting.

For the quarter, Revenue from Operations rose by 23.9 percent to Rs 15,728 million. Gross Profit increased by 26.4 percent to Rs 12,055 million, with a gross margin of 76.6 percent. Operational EBITDA was Rs 3,103 million, with an EBITDA margin of 19.7 percent. Profit After Tax for the quarter was Rs 2,089 million, with a PAT margin of 13.3 percent.

Revenue from Operations in India grew by 6.3 percent to Rs 13,313 million, driven primarily by a 4.9 percent growth in Domino’s India. Domino’s like-for-like sales (LFL) growth was 0.1 percent, while Domino’s Delivery LFL was 7.8 percent. New brands contributed 1.4 percent to overall growth, with a total of 89 stores added across all brands in India.

Internationally, Revenue from Operations was Rs 2,427 million, driven primarily by a two-month revenue contribution of Rs 2,174 million from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Revenue from Domino’s Bangladesh grew by 52.1 percent to Rs 134 million, due to accelerated network expansion. Revenue from Domino’s Sri Lanka increased by 4.1 percent to Rs 119 million. A total of 23 stores were added across all international markets.
 

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 daily.

Teleconsultation Services
Swiggy has also teamed up with the Reliance-powered Visit app to offer teleconsultation services to all delivery partners and their families. This initiative provides virtual access to specialized doctors in General Medicine, Gynecology, Orthopedics, and Pediatrics. Delivery partners will also receive prescribed medicines at subsidized rates, ensuring access to necessary healthcare.

Mihir Shah, Head of Operations at Swiggy said, "Ensuring the safety and well-being of our delivery partners has always been a priority for Swiggy, leading to many initiatives like on-demand ambulance, paid period time off, telemedicine facilities, and summer recharge zones. The introduction of mobile medical units and teleconsultations is another step in this direction. Our delivery partners are always on the go, but their health should not take a backseat. These mobile medical units reach them where they are, encouraging them to prioritize their health. By providing access to essential healthcare services, we aim to promote a culture of wellness among our delivery partners."

Both initiatives will be expanded to other cities in the coming weeks. This launch builds on the successful implementation of other initiatives like the on-demand ambulance service introduced in 2022, reinforcing the company’s dedication to the health and safety of its delivery partners through the 'Delivering Safely' charter.

McDonald’s invites you to celebrate cherished memories with grandma this summer by indulging in the new Grandma McFlurry, available from May 21 for a limited time. This sweet treat, reminiscent of grandma’s special touch, features a delicious syrup and crunchy candy pieces blended into creamy vanilla soft serve.

Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s said, “Grandmas have always held a special place in our hearts, and today they’re having a major moment influencing culture inspiring trends in fashion, decor, and now, even food with our newest McFlurry. The Grandma McFlurry tastes like a trip down memory lane, and we’re excited to give our fans that experience while honoring the grandma-figure in all our lives.”

A Special Connection with Grandma

To celebrate the Grandma McFlurry, McDonald’s is offering fans another way to connect with their grandmothers. In partnership with two breakthrough artists, McDonald’s is releasing covers of classic songs. Singer-songwriter Remi Wolf will cover “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” available on all music platforms on May 21, while Puerto Rican star Jay Wheeler will cover the iconic Latin song “Piel Canela.”

Grandma’s McFlurry Mobile

McDonald’s will also launch Grandma’s McFlurry Mobile, an ice cream truck offering a free first taste of the new Grandma McFlurry before it’s available in restaurants. On May 17 and 18, the truck will stop at various locations around New York City, including senior centers and assisted living homes, to create moments of connection between grandparents and their families. 

Supporting the Elderly

In honor of this occasion, McDonald’s will donate to Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly, a national organization dedicated to supporting older adults experiencing isolation and loneliness. Whether she is your Grams, Abuela, Oma, Lola, Halmoni, or Yiayia, recreate some of your favorite memories with McDonald's new Grandma McFlurry starting May 21, while supplies last.

Zomato's share price fell by 6 percent during early trading on Tuesday following the release of its Q4 financial results. The shares dropped to Rs 182.10 on the BSE, a decline of 5.98 percent.

The food delivery service reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 175 crore for Q4 FY24, a significant turnaround from the Rs 188 crore loss in the same quarter last year. This represents a 27 percent increase from the Rs 138 crore net profit in the December quarter. Zomato's operational revenue for Q4FY24 rose by 73 percent year-on-year, reaching Rs 3,562 crore compared to Rs 2,056 crore. The gross order value (GOV) for the March quarter increased by 51 percent year-on-year to Rs 13,536 crore.

At the operational level, Zomato posted an EBITDA of Rs 86 crore, a notable improvement from the Rs 226 crore loss in the same period the previous year. Additionally, Zomato's quick commerce arm, Blinkit, achieved operational EBITDA break-even in March 2024. Analysts have maintained a positive outlook on Zomato shares, with some raising their target prices based on Blinkit's continued strong performance.

Emkay Global Financial Services commented on the results, stating that Zomato's revenue exceeded their estimates, although margins were impacted by higher-than-expected ESOP costs. They have adjusted their FY25E earnings per share (EPS) estimates down by approximately 20 percent but retained a 'Buy' rating with a target price of Rs 230 per share.

Nuvama Institutional Equities highlighted Blinkit's plans to increase its dark store count from 525 in Q4FY24 to 1000 by the end of FY25. This expansion is expected to impact short-term profitability but solidify Blinkit's leadership in quick commerce. Nuvama raised their target price for Zomato shares to Rs 245 from Rs 180, maintaining a 'Buy' rating.

Elara Capital expressed confidence in Zomato's strong position in the food delivery market and Blinkit's superior execution. They raised their consolidated revenue estimates for FY25E and FY26E by 22 percent and 33 percent, respectively, but only modestly increased their consolidated earnings estimates due to higher ESOP costs and lower EBITDA for Blinkit. Elara raised their target price for Zomato shares to Rs 280 from Rs 250, maintaining a 'Buy' rating.

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel and Residences has appointed Manish Bedi as their new Director of Food and Beverage.

In his new capacity, Manish will supervise all F&B operations at the luxury hotel, aiming to uphold the highest standards of service and ensure an exceptional dining experience for guests.

With a career spanning more than twenty years, Manish is a well-known figure in the hospitality sector. Graduating from the esteemed Robert Gordon University of Scotland, Manish brings a wealth of experience from renowned establishments such as Shangri-La Bengaluru, Shangri-La Dubai, and The Park hotels, among others.

His responsibilities will include enhancing team efficiency, integrating F&B trends into culinary offerings, and aligning F&B activities with seamless operations. Known for his dedication to elevating dining experiences, Manish is poised to bring his expertise to The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel and Residences.

Manish said, “I am thrilled to be part of The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel and Residences and to contribute to its renowned hospitality legacy. It is an honor to oversee its F&B services and ensure they continue to set industry standards.”

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel and Residences is confident that Manish will play a crucial role in enhancing culinary offerings and solidifying the hotel's reputation as a premier destination for exceptional dining experiences.