Food
Patanjali inaugurates Asia's largest orange processing unit in Nagpur
Patanjali has inaugurated Asia's largest orange processing plant in Nagpur, Maharashtra, with a capacity of 800 tonnes per day. The project, costing Rs 1500 crore, aims to benefit farmers and create numerous jobs, focusing on zero-waste operations and producing export-quality products.
PepsiCo to double India revenue in 5 yrs, invest in capacity building in key market
PepsiCo plans to double its revenue in India over the next five years, considering the country a key anchor market. The company is making aggressive investments to expand its capacity, focusing on sustainable solutions and region-specific strategies to drive growth in the Indian market.
Mahashivratri 2025 vrat special: How to make crispy Sabudana Vada at home
Mahashivratri is a time for devotion and fasting, and Sabudana Vada is a delicious vrat-friendly snack to keep you energized throughout the day. Made with sabudana, potatoes, and peanuts, this crispy delight is light yet filling—perfect for your Shivratri fast.
Araku Coffee should become next Starbucks: Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu aims for Araku Coffee to become a global brand like Starbucks, establishing 100 pilot outlets. Agreements to expand Araku Coffee, partner with international entities, and support rural women were signed, alongside financial and training initiatives to empower women, including distributing free sewing machines and electric vehicles.
Ready for bottling opportunity from Coca-Cola in foreign territories: Kandhari Global Beverages
Kandhari Global Beverages aims to double its turnover in 5-6 years and is prepared for more Coca-Cola bottling opportunities, including abroad. The company recently acquired Coca-Cola's bottling operations in North Gujarat and plans substantial investments in supply chain, sales execution, digitalisation, and sustainability.
Bake or break? ChrysCapital, Theobroma in talks again
ChrysCapital is in discussions to acquire Theobroma Foods at a reduced valuation of Rs 1,800 crore, down from Rs 3,000 crore. Talks had stalled due to Theobroma's poor financial results but have recently resumed. ChrysCapital plans to create a quick-service restaurant platform by acquiring brands like Theobroma. Market conditions and declining consumer spending have impacted the valuation.
Blackstone out of race for Haldiram's over valuation, sources say
Private equity investor Blackstone has withdrawn from acquiring a minority stake in India's Haldiram's snacks business due to valuation disagreements. Blackstone sought a 15% stake with a $8 billion valuation, while Haldiram's desired $10 billion. Rival bidder Temasek remains interested. Additionally, there was a conflict regarding the timeline for Haldiram's potential IPO.
Adani Wilmar to acquire GD Foods Manufacturing at Rs 603 crore
Adani Wilmar Ltd has signed an agreement to acquire GD Foods Manufacturing, known for its Tops brand. The acquisition will occur in stages, with 80% of shares acquired initially and the remaining 20% over three years. GD Foods achieved a revenue of Rs 386 crore in FY24, expanding Adani Wilmar's portfolio with high-quality food products catering to North India.
India' edible oil imports hit 4-year low, dealers say
India's edible oil imports in February fell to their lowest level in four years due to decreased soyoil and sunflower oil imports, while palm oil imports saw a 36% rise from January. Lower imports for two consecutive months have reduced stocks sharply, potentially increasing future purchases.
Coca-Cola sells North Gujarat bottling operations for Rs 2,000 cr
Coca-Cola India has sold its north Gujarat bottling operations to Kandhari Global Beverages for nearly Rs 2,000 crore, aligning with their asset-light business model. This move is part of Coca-Cola's strategy to transfer regulatory compliance to local partners and reduce its bottling business share. The deal awaits regulatory approvals.
Protein drinks muscle up to enter mainstream market
Protein-based foods have expanded from gym-centric products to mainstream consumption, with brands introducing affordable and diverse formats. The market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increased awareness and investor interest, leading to several high-profile acquisitions and funding in the sector.
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NDDB, WAMUL ink MoU to double milk processing capacity at Purabi Dairy’s Panjabari plant in Assam
The dairy and organic farming sectors in Assam received a boost with the signing of MoUs to expand Purabi Dairy’s capacity and establish an Organic Demo Farm cum Food Innovation Hub. These initiatives, worth significant investments, aim to enhance productivity, ensure quality dairy products, promote best practices in organic farming, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers.
Coca-Cola to bring sports drink BodyArmorLyte to India, expects ThumsUp, Sprite to be $2 bn brands
Coca-Cola is set to introduce BodyArmorLyte, Honest Tea, and expand its Vitaminwater line in India this summer. The company anticipates ThumsUp and Sprite to potentially become $2 billion brands. Coca-Cola is focusing on scaling operations, enhancing cooling infrastructure, and managing inflation through strategic pricing to drive growth.
Varun Beverages extends deadline for acquisition of Ghana-based SBC Beverages to March 31
Varun Beverages extended the acquisition deadline for Ghana-based SBC Beverages to March 31, 2025. Initially, the purchase of 100% shares was planned to conclude by February 28, 2025. This extension follows VBL's substantial fundraising in 2024 aimed at debt repayment and acquisitions.
'Baseless, False...': Jubilant Bhartia Group Chairman Shyam Bhartia denies allegations amid FIR registration
Jubilant Bhartia Group chairman, Shyam S. Bhartia, denies recent allegations against him, calling them baseless and with malafide intent. He commits to fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation, highlighting that the company’s operations remain unaffected. Bhartia requests privacy for his family during this period.
Makhana side effects: 7 reasons why you should eat in moderation
Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, comes from the Euryale Fox plant. It is a popular snack in India, often roasted and seasoned. It is rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a great healthy alternative to processed snacks. Makhana aids weight loss with its high protein and fiber, supports heart health by being low in cholesterol, boosts immunity with antioxidants, strengthens bones with calcium, regulates blood sugar, improves digestion, and slows aging by reducing free radicals.
