Godfrey Phillips, backed by the KK Modi group, is in discussions with Tata Trent, Reliance Retail, and Avenue Supermarts for a potential sale of its retail grocery chain, 24Seven, The Economic Times (ET) reported.
The outcome of the talks will depend on the valuation, the business daily said, citing sources.
The leadership of the (Modi) group had started discussions with entities that showed clear synergies and these are said to be currently ongoing, at different stages.
In an exchange filing on April 12, Godfrey Phillips India had disclosed its plan to divest of the loss-making 24Seven convenience chain after a thorough review of its retail business division.
Established in 2005, 24Seven has 145 stores operating across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), Punjab, and Hyderabad. These provide a range of grocery items, staples, snacks, beverages, products of the Modi group’s Colorbar beauty brand, and personal care products. They has sell ready-to-eat food items in some larger format outlets.
Given the growth potential in the grocery retail sector, the 24Seven model could be expanded to encompass hyper-convenience grocery, staples, general merchandise, and even small in-store cafes, despite the company’s current accumulated losses, the ET report said, citing another official.
Trent Ltd, the retail arm of the Tata group, manages the grocery chain Star Bazaar, but grocery constitutes only a small fraction of the conglomerate’s overall retail business. Acquiring 24Seven might, according to the report, offer only marginal benefits. Trent’s other retail chains, Westside and Zudio, have experienced more rapid growth and expansion than Star Bazaar.
Reliance Retail Ventures, as the master franchise partner of the Texas-based 7-Eleven chain since 2021, operates nearly 50 stores under this brand. The 24Seven acquisition, should be happen, would entail Reliance merging its current convenience store chain with it, considering the similarity in their formats, the report added.
Avenue Supermarts, the operator of DMart stores, which primarily focuses on grocery sales but also offers general merchandise and apparel, is actively seeking to expand its grocery segment. For the quarter ended March, the chain reported a 7 per cent increase in revenue per store and a 13 per cent year-on-year rise in store additions, marking 20 per cent growth over the same period last year.
For 2022-23, the retail business division of Godfrey Phillips reported Rs 396 crore in revenue from operations, which was 9.3 per cent of the tobacco maker’s total revenue. However, due to accumulated losses, the retail business division reported a negative net worth as on March 31, 2023.
“…decided to exit from carrying out the business operations of its retail business division… A decision in this regard was taken following a detailed review of the company’s retail business division and after due consideration of the stakeholders’ feedback, long-term performance, prevailing market conditions of the retail sector and long-term business strategy of the company,” Godfrey Phillips had announced last week while announcing its decision.
Source: Business-standard

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HyFun Foods announced the appointment of Soundararadjane S as Chief Executive Officer for their initiative HyFarm. Soundararadjane brings a wealth of experience of over 30 years in agriculture and a proven track record of success with global leaders like Monsanto and ITC (Technico).
His strategic vision coupled with a passion for sustainable agriculture, aligns perfectly with HyFun Foods’ commitment to delivering superior-quality fresh produce while minimising environmental impact.
Haresh Karamchandani, MD & Group CEO at HyFun Foods, said, “Our appointment of Soundararadjane S as CEO of HyFarm underscores our commitment to driving positive change in the fresh produce industry. His deep understanding of the industry coupled with his strategic foresight will positively contribute to driving HyFarm’s mission to create a sustainable and efficient ecosystem for fresh produce.
Source: Nuffoodsspectrum

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Krispy Kreme fans can order the all-new Kit Kat Collection, which will be available at participating shops for a limited time.
The new doughnut flavors are the following:
Kit Kat Salted Caramel Brownie Doughnut – Original Glazed topped with brownie batter-flavored buttercream, covered with chopped Kit Kat and brownie pieces and finished off with salted caramel flavored ribbons.
Kit Kat Crunch Doughnut – An Original Glazed hand-dipped in Hershey’s milk chocolate icing, finished with chopped Kit Kat pieces and chocolate-flavored “crispies.”
Kit Kat Cookie Dream Doughnut – An unglazed doughnut filled with cookie dough-flavored cream, hand-dipped in Hershey’s milk chocolate icing and covered with chopped Kit Kat pieces, cookie crumbles and semi-sweet Hershey’s chips with a drizzle of cookie dough-flavored icing.
“Life is busy. Take a break with our new Kit Kat Collection. Every creamy, crispy, chocolatey-sweet bite will help turn that busy day into a sweet one,” said Dave Skena, Global Chief Brand Officer for Krispy Kreme. You can also find a limited-time Krispy Kreme six-pack featuring the Kit Kat Crunch Doughnut and Kit Kat Salted Caramel Brownie Doughnut at select grocery stores. The assortment is available at participating Walmart, Kroger, Food Lion, Publix, Stater Brothers and other stores.
Source: WPDE

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Amazon Fresh has recently launched the Mango Store to ensure the best quality mangoes are delivered right to your doorstep. From the nutrient-packed Safeda to the flavourful Badami and the honey-like Sindhura to the pulpy Totapuri, you can enjoy over 20+ varieties of mangoes available on Amazon Fresh. All mangoes available on Amazon Fresh are carbide-free, safely ripened, and subjected to a stringent 4-step quality check process before they reach you.
“We are happy to provide our customers not just a wide selection of over 20+ types of fresh and juicy mangoes but the assurance of quality and safety as well. At Amazon Fresh, we strive to provide our customers with the best online grocery shopping experience with the largest selection of products at unmatched quality, great value and the convenience of 3hrs doorstep delivery” said Srikant Sree Ram Director, Amazon Fresh
Customers in over 60 cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Noida, Ahmedabad, Mysore, Jaipur, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Indore, and Chandigarh can enjoy high-quality fresh mangoes delivered in two to three-hour delivery slots, from 6 AM to midnight.
Source: Nuffoodsspectrum

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Nestlé India has introduced Maggi ‘Nutri-Licious’ frozen food packets featuring Veggie KEBABS, Achari POCKETS, and Special Veggie POPS. The exclusive tasting of the frozen foods was done at the FMCG giant’s India head office.
This is Maggi’s second new offering after it introduced Korean Noodles in November 2023. With this introduction, Maggi will be competing with brands such as McCain, ITC Master Chef, Gadre, and more within the frozen snacks category.
The frozen food market has grown significantly in recent years. As frozen products require little time and effort for cooking, the growing consumer preference for convenience foods indirectly supports the increasing demand for frozen products.
According to data from Research and Market, an international market research company, the frozen food market in India was valued at Rs 144.30 crore in 2022. It is expected to reach Rs 367.97 crore by 2028, expanding at a CAGR of ~16.97% during 2023 – 2028.
Source: afaqs

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Launching initially under three distinct brands within its yogurt portfolio – Oikos, Too Good & Co. (formerly Two Good), and Light + Fit – the Remix platform offers mix-in options tailored to specific nutritional needs. Oikos emphasizes high protein content, Light + Fit focuses on low-calorie options, and Too Good & Co. prioritizes low sugar content.
According to Rafael Acevedo, President of Danone’s North American yogurt business, the decision to enter the mix-in market stems from consumer reluctance to purchase existing products due to concerns about health and nutritional attributes. Danone aims to transform this perception by offering healthier alternatives that align with consumer preferences.
The Remix lineup features three mix-in flavors for each brand, such as Coco Almond Chocolate for Oikos, Strawberry Cheesecake for Light + Fit, and Blueberry Almond Oat Crisp for Too Good & Co.
By introducing mix-ins with attributes like low sugar, high protein, or low calories, Danone seeks to attract consumers to the yogurt category while expanding usage occasions beyond breakfast to snacking throughout the day.
As snacking habits continue to rise, with approximately 90% of Americans indulging in one to three snacks daily, Danone recognizes the opportunity to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious snack options.
The establishment of the Remix brand allows Danone to streamline its offerings and communicate a cohesive snacking-forward message to consumers. Additionally, Danone plans to leverage Remix across its other yogurt brands in the future.
Remix joins the ranks of yogurt products allowing for customizable snacking experiences, joining popular options like Chobani’s Flip, which achieved significant sales growth over the past year.
Furthermore, the debut of Remix coincides with the repositioning of Danone’s Two Good brand, now known as Too Good & Co., to better highlight its taste and health benefits amid expansion into new usage occasions like mix-ins.
With an eye on future growth and consumer preferences, Danone sees Too Good & Co. as a key brand in its portfolio, poised to meet the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers and drive recruitment for the company.
Source: The DairyNews

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India claims a robust regulatory framework for its 548 seafood units, affirming its commitment to safety and quality in the fish processing sector. The Commerce Ministry emphasized that these facilities undergo regular inspections and monitoring by various government agencies to uphold standards.
The statement from the ministry comes amidst recent reports raising concerns about food safety and labour conditions within the Indian shrimp industry. It clarified that all seafood units are registered with key regulatory bodies such as the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), ensuring compliance with national laws.
The ministry also highlighted the registration of shrimp hatcheries and aquaculture farms with the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) and State Fisheries Departments, bolstering traceability systems, and adherence to international regulatory provisions like the Seafood Import Monitoring Programme (SIMP) of the US.
To promote safety, the ministry noted the ban on pharmacologically active substances in aquaculture since 2002 and the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)-based food safety management systems. Additionally, stringent monitoring measures, including the National Residue Control Plan and pre-export checks, ensure the exclusion of food safety hazards from the product value chain.
The ministry underscored its commitment to worker welfare through extensive training programs on sanitary practices and food safety hazards. Entities involved in seafood processing are obligated to follow labour welfare laws prescribed by union and state governments.
India’s steadfast commitment to producing quality seafood is evident in its record exports, reaching 17,35,286 tonnes worth Rs 63,969.14 crore (USD 8.09 billion) during the 2022–23 fiscal year. Frozen shrimp remains a significant export item, with the US and China emerging as major importers.
The ministry refuted allegations against the Indian shrimp farming and processing sector, highlighting India’s adherence to sustainable practices and stringent regulatory standards to meet domestic and international market demand for safe and high-quality seafood products.
Source: Agronfoodprocessing

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Winkin’ Cow, India’s beloved milkshake brand under the umbrella of Britannia, proudly announces a groundbreaking collaboration with Britannia Bourbon, marking a significant milestone in both brands’ legacies. The introduction of the Bourbon thick shakes signifies one of the first-ever category crossovers within Britannia, merging the classic flavor of Britannia Bourbon with Winkin’ Cow’s creamy richness to offer consumers an irresistible experience that breaks conventional boundaries.
Winkin’ Cow, known for its unwavering commitment to innovation and quality, has continuously pushed boundaries since its inception in 2018. With impressive growth, achieving a revenue of Rs 100 Cr in FY22, the brand has captured the hearts of consumers nationwide with its creamy richness and diverse flavor offerings. With the launch of the Bourbon Shake, Winkin’ Cow embarks on a new journey of flavor exploration, marrying the classic taste of Britannia Bourbon with its signature milkshake expertise. This commitment to quality and innovation reassures consumers of the exceptional taste and experience they can expect from the Bourbon Shake.
Commenting on the category crossover, Amit Doshi, chief marketing officer of Britannia Industries, said, “As we commemorate 70 years of Britannia Bourbon, the brand’s collaboration with Winkin’ Cow heralds an exciting new chapter in Britannia’s history. This partnership represents an exciting fusion of two beloved icons, creating the Winkin’ Cow Bourbon Shake, a fusion of flavors that redefines indulgence. Through this collaboration, we aim to honour the legacy of India’s original Britannia Bourbon biscuit and push boundaries and create unique experiences for our consumers. The Winkin’ Cow Bourbon Shake embodies our commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, reflecting our dedication to delivering exceptional quality and taste in every sip.”
Commenting on the launch of the Winkin’ Cow Bourbon Shake, Abhishek Sinha, chief business officer – Dairy, chief executive officer, Britannia Bel Foods, said, “We are excited to introduce our latest product under the Winkin’ Cow portfolio, the Bourbon Shake, which is an innovation poised to redefine beverage consumption nationwide. This new addition to our product portfolio, which stems from the fusion of two of the most iconic brands within Britannia, alignswith our goals to give consumers more of what they love and make our brand stronger. The increasing demand for flavored milk and dairy products in the Indian market fuels our commitment to innovation. As pioneers in infusing the original Britannia Bourbon flavor into shakes, this launch holds particular significance for our brand as it expands our chocolate-flavor range to meet the growing demand from chocolate enthusiasts.”
This indulgent beverage embodies Winkin’ Cow’s ethos of quality, innovation, and consumer satisfaction by seamlessly blending the distinct flavor of Britannia Bourbon with Winkin’ Cow’s expertise in milkshakes. It is specially crafted to appeal to new, younger consumers, reflecting Britannia Winkin’ Cow’s strategic initiative to attract a broader demographic with its innovative offerings. This strategic initiative underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving tastes and preferences of our valued consumers, making them feel included and valued in our journey.
The Winkin’ Cow Bourbon shake is available at your nearby stores and exclusively in Reliance stores among Large Format Retailers.
Source: Foodtechbiz

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Orion India, the India arm of South Korea’s confectionery maker Orion Holdings, is doubling down on its local portfolio of snacking products which include Choco Pie dessert snack and Turtle chips, the company’s managing director Saurabh Saith said.
The company, which entered India five years back, is expanding capacity at its existing manufacturing plant in Rajasthan, and adding new snacking products to respond to demand surge, Saith said. The snacks maker has signed actor Palak Tiwari to endorse its Turtle Chips franchise in India.
The rising popularity of Korean foods has led to large brands extending their portfolio to Korean brands, including Nestle which extended Maggi to Korean BBQ noodles in recent months and ITC which expanded its portfolio of Bingo chips to include Korean variants last week.
“To differentiate from existing competition and the number of similar products which exist in potato chips and tortilla chips, we need to break the clutter,” Saith said.
According to available NielsenIQ data, by value, the Indian market for Korean noodles increased to more than Rs 65 crore last year, from just Rs 2 crore in 2021. In comparison, instant noodles grew 10% though on a much larger base.
Other Korean foods on store shelves include Hindustan Unilever’s Knorr Korean meal pots, Top Ramen’s Geki K-noodles and Moi Soi noodles and sauces.
The overall snacks market is growing rapidly in India, aided by low barriers to entry, consumer affinity to all-day snacking and local innovation, a report by market research company IMARC Group noted. According to the report, the country’s snacks market was valued at Rs 42,694.9 crore last year, and is expected to more than double to Rs 95,521.8 crore by year 2032.
Source: IndiaTimes

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