Indian Food Brands

Health & Wellness Products Are Yet To Gain Popularity For Indian Consumers

2011-07-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

Numerous Health and Wellness products have been launched by Indian food manufacturers from low ,low sugar , fibres , probiotics ,fortified and other products but there has been lukewarm response from Indian consumers as they are yet to forgo their liking for sweets and fat laced food products .

A report

Health and wellness have been the most talked-about subjects in the food and beverages industry in recent years due to an alarming rise in obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle diseases, forcing companies to put nutritional information on food packs, stop promoting unhealthy food and introduce healthier items.

But the Indian buyer is not walking her talk on healthy food habits. Sugar-free juices and ice creams have not gained market and fast food giant McDonald's doesn't feel the need to introduce healthier foods like salads in India because "the Indian consumer's health habits haven't yet evolved".

source
The Economic Times

Amul Retains Its No -1 Rank In Asian Dairy Brands

2011-07-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

Amul India's leading Dairy brand has been ranked as No-1 dairy brand and ranked 89th in top 100 Asian brand by campaign magazine survey which included people from Australia , China , India , Japan , Korea , Hongkong, Malaysia,Singapore,Taiwan and Thailand .

A report

The Campaign magazine has ranked Amul as the No. 1 “Indian” brand in its list of Top 1000 Brands of Asia for the third consecutive year. Amul is also ranked as No.1 dairy brand, ahead of leading food and dairy brands of the Asia region like Dutch Lady, Dumex and Magnolia .

It has overall ranked Amul as the 89th Best Brand in its ranking of Top 1000 brands of Asia based on a consumer survey conducted in Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Amul’s has featured in the list of top 100 brands of Asia consistently for last 3 years.

There is no other “Indian” brand in the list of Top 1000 brands ahead of Amul (#89). The other Indian brands ranked as per the survey are Kingfisher (# 116), Big Bazaar (#184), ICICI Bank (# 215), State Bank of India (#216) and Airtel (# 221) to name a few.

source
medianewsline.com
Amul Ranked No.1 Indian Brand for third Consecutive Year

Local Indian Food Brands For Grab

2011-07-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Local food brands are drawing attraction from investors within and foreign countries . Food processing industry is in very nascent stage in India and have only 3- 5% processing done for its large stock of food items . Exports are negligible in comparison what we find for other major food producing nations like Brazil , Australia and China even smaller countries like Malaysia , Indonesia , Philippines and Thailand are far ahead in food processing . Looking into huge potential in this industry investors are putting money on emerging and local brands .

A Report

Lesser-known food and beverage brands in India are attracting large financial investors, a study of recent private equity deals in the space revealed.

Last week, US-headquartered Sequoia Capital India announced that it had bought a stake in Indore-based Prakash Snacks Pvt Ltd for US$30m. Prakash Snacks is the maker of Yellow Diamond brand potato chips, assorted Indian snacks, and a supplier of private label brands to retail supermarkets.

According to an official at Prakash Snacks, who asked not to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the media, Sequoia has bought a minority stake, though he was unable to confirm the exact percentage of the stake.

This is the second big investment in what can be called a Tier II brand after US-based buyout firm Carlyle Group invested US$22 m in Tirumala Milk Products Pvt Ltd in June last year. Tirumala was started as a small town enterprise in South India.

The same year, a fund backed by securities firm Motilal Oswal Ltd picked up 20 per cent of Bector's Food Specialties Pvt Ltd, maker of the Cremica brand of biscuits and breads, for an undisclosed amount.

Commenting on the increased activity in the second tier food and beverage space in India, a securities analyst who has a focus on the food industry said that it makes good business sense for investors.

for more
foodnavigator-asia.com

Mother Diary Plans To Take On Competition

2011-05-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

Mother Diary a house hold name in Delhi and NCR has woken up to the fact that its share of diary market has been taken over by rival Amul . Mother dairy markets dairy products like Milk , Ice creams , Flavoured Milk , curd , Chach etc . Delhi has wide network of Mother Dairy Milk booth and retail outlets with loyal consumer base providing vegetables , oils and cereals at reasonable price . Being under govt NDDB has its own drawback but things are changing now for billion dollar company . Top management has seen new appointments and are working on road map to capture the lost ground and expand to new territories .

A report in ET

With a new head, a new goal and a new strategy, Mother Dairy is putting together a new plan to put itself back in the game. By 2014-15, the company wants to almost double its revenue and headcount to Rs 10,000 crore and 9,000, respectively. This will come on the back of an aggressive business expansion. Heavily focused on the national capital region ( NCR ., which contributes 75% of its revenues, it hopes to expand to India's top 20-30 cities, with a focus on the south and west and generate 35% of its revenues outside of NCR.

To meet these targets the company is planning to widen its product portfolio with a bigger thrust on value-added products like ice cream, fermented milk and fruit-based drinks even as it explores new areas like frozen ready-to-eat offerings. "There is a need for accelerated change. A need to become consumer focused. The work has begun," says Nagarajan S, managing director of Mother Dairy. A graduate in dairy technology and an Indian Institute of Management , Ahmedabad alumnus, Nagarajan honed his skills over two decades in Nestle, Cadbury and Philips.

source
read more on
The Economic Times

India Attracts International Brands In Bakery

2011-05-17T01:32:00.000-07:00

Indian bakery market is predominately ruled by unorganised sector , but for the last few years it has seen massive investments and opening of bakery chains in this segment . Indian as well as International brands are investing in bakery retail chains and manufacturing . Bakery market is estimated to be Rs 11000/- crore worth thus attracting many International Brands .Biscuit segment in organised sector has been dominated by Parle , Britannia and ITC with large numbers of regional brands .Pizza , Artisan Bread s, Tarts , Pie , Cupcakes and Muffins are now in high demand apart from regular cookies .

Bakery retail chain has been new concept in India . Few of the International Brands which have declared areDunkin Donuts and Starbucks .In addition to numerous Pizza Chains such as PizzaHuts and Domino's

Even in manufacturing section we have seen major international brands starting operations in India . First came Mcvities from United Biscuits and then came Oreo from Cadbury ( Owned by Kraft Foods Inc ) . PepsiCo and GSKB are the other two majors who would be launching new products in biscuit segment .
We have already Unibic and Ceylon Biscuits limited doing business in biscuit segment.

Indian Noodles War

2011-02-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

In 80's we all were spellbound by " 2minute" magic of Maggi Noodles launched by Nestle . Till then Maggi has retained its numero uno position in noodles market . Almost loved by entire cross section of population much by mothers who have to prepare time consuming Indian quickies such as halwa , poha or dhokala s . Noodles have been instant hit in urban population for its ease of preparation and taste . Maggi has few competitors then but for now other major food manufacturers have turned their attention to this Rs 1300 crore market . Only the North East states have traditional chow -chow to compete with Maggi Noodles . Chow mein the chinese stuff have been all time favorites for families which acts as alternative to conventional foods in most of the homes .

We have plethora of brands coming up in Noodles section thus giving consumers a choice to select Noodles what has been Maggi's strangle hold for many years

Few of the brands trying to garner noodles market share

Top Ramen - Indo Nissin

Ching's secret - Capital food

Wai Wai - CG foods

Foodles - GSKB

Knorr Soupy Noodles - Hindustan Unilever

Yippee - ITC

Tasty treat - Future

many more regional brands and private label

Maggi which has now formidable competition is innovating noodles into health platform with atta and fortified noodles . To get things acceptable to Indian palate is a formidable task .

AMUL Ranked No- 1 Food & Beverage Company Of India

2011-01-29T05:02:00.000-08:00

Amul retains its prima donna position in India food and beverages brands , generations have relished its product s be it Milk , Ice creams , Butter or Ghee .. A report by Brand Trust Report 2011

A report

With 5 Gujarat based brands featuring among India’s Most Trusted Brands, Gujarat has one more reason to be proud. Amul debuts the Gujarat list at All-India 57th rank, leading the Food & Beverage sector countrywide among the 23 contenders in the F&B list in the “The Brand Trust Report, India Study-2011.

The other Ahmedabad-based brands include the 94th ranked Arrow from Arvind Mills, 130th ranked Vimal, Nirma at the 146th and the 148th ranked Zatak from Paras Pharma Ltd.

Coming close on the success of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, the findings show the growing might of the Gujarat brand as it makes its way into Indian hearts.

The revelations were a result of a study, published by Trust Research Advisory, a leading research organization dedicated to understanding and simplifying concepts related to Trust. The study is compiled into a 116-page report titled “The Brand Trust Report, India Study, 2011” and was launched at a ceremony in Mumbai, recently.

The CEO of Trust Research Advisory, N. Chandramouli commenting on the report said, “Gujarat has a tradition of successful businesses, and truly speaking Business is nothing but Trust manifested. However, in the recent past, the difference from these brands emerging from Gujarat is that now brands and the intangibles that comprise it are beginning to get focus and attention.

read more on Indiainfoline.com
AMUL Most Trusted among India’s Food & Beverage Brands:

Rath Brand of Vanaspati Goes To Cargill

2010-11-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

Cargill has announced that it signed an agreement with Agro Tech Foods Ltd. to acquire its vanaspati brand Rath.

Rath is a leading vanaspati brand in North India and a market leader in the National Capital Region of Delhi. The scope of the acquisition is limited to the product brand only.

This acquisition not only strengthens Cargill’s existing portfolio of leading edible oil and vanaspati brands, but also expands its market reach in India’s vanaspati market. Cargill already locally produces and markets vanaspati under its NatureFresh Purita and Gemini brands.

Siraj Chaudhry, Chairman Cargill India, told FLEXNEWS: "Acquiring the Rath brand underscores Cargill's long-term commitment to growing our consumer food business in India. Rath is a trusted name associated with cooking delicious food, purity and goodness. We will build on Rath’s strong brand heritage and consumers will benefit from Cargill's commitment to quality, food safety, innovation and value.”

Cargill Foods India originates, refines, and markets a wide range of edible oils and fats to service the needs of food manufacturers, food service companies and consumers across India. Cargill’s NatureFresh and Gemini edible oils are amongst the strongest consumer brands in India. The business owns and operates three edible oil refineries located at Paradip (Orissa), Kandla (Gujarat) and Kurkumbh (Maharastra).

source : Flex-news-food.com

Major Food Companies Eyeing Break fast Meals

2010-11-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Certainly for several packaged food companies , if not for everyone.
Call it the breakfast war, the scramble to serve the first meal of the day is getting busier with companies such as Britannia, Marico, PepsiCo, Kellogg India and MTR Foods offering more and more options to meet Indian consumers' rising demand for quick-fix food.

Britannia Industries, which already occupies share of the breakfast table with bread, butter and cheese, is making early moves in the ready-to-cook breakfast meals segment, an official said.

One of the country's largest biscuit makers, Britannia is conducting trials of packaged products such as buttermilk oats and sweet multi-grain porridge under 'Healthy Start' brand, and is also toying with traditional Indian options such as upma and poha, an industry official said. "Healthy Start is being positioned as an umbrella brand for Britannia's plans in the breakfast space," the person said on condition of anonymity. The brand may be rolled out in Bangalore this year.

Major Ready To Eat Food Companies and Product s

PepsiCo : Quaker Oats

Kellogg India : Kellogg’s Corn flakes, Special K, Heart to Heart oats, Just Right muesli

Britannia Industries : Daily Bread, Britannia milk, butter, cheese

MTR Foods : MTR rava dosa, idlis, uthappam mix, Dhokla mix

Marico : Saffola Oats

Nestle : Nestle milk, fruit yogurt

GlaxoSmithKline : Horlicks cereal bars

Baggry’s : Oats, muesli & bran

Mohan Meakin : Corn flakes

ITC Foods : Rava idli, rice idli & rice dosa mix

Amul : Butter, milk, cheese

Future Group :Tasty Treat cornflakes (private label)

Aditya Birla More : Feasters corn flakes (private label)

Spencer’s Retail : Tasty Wonders cereal, bread (private label)

McDonald’s : Breakfast menu Mumbai, Delhi

Read more on
ET

Probiotics Drinks And Yogurts Doesn't Aid Digestion Says EFSA

2010-10-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Yakult has been recently launched in India by Danone as healthy Probiotic drink

Probiotic drinks and yogurts, popular with millions of consumers trying to eat healthily, do not aid people's digestion, a leading European food watchdog has ruled.

Products such as Yakult, which are sold at a premium over standard yogurts, cannot be proved to either boost the immune system or aid digestive health, it has been ruled.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has examined more than 800 health claims from food companies, including those submitted by the multi-billion pound probiotic industry.

EFSA's independent panel of scientists found that the claims that these products could strengthen the body's defences, improve immune function and reduce gut problems were either so general as to be inadmissible, or could not be shown to have the claimed effect.

In a separate ruling, the panel examined a dossier of 12 studies submitted by Yakult for its own strain of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus casei shirota. It found that all were inadequate to support the company's claim that its products maintained immune defences against the common cold.

EFSA's ruling is being challenged by the industry, but if these appeals fail the companies will no longer be allowed to market the foods as aiding digestion or helping the immune system in future.

Yakult in its most recent television advert states: "Yakult's billions of friendly bacteria help keep your gut healthy and a healthy gut helps make for better digestion and stronger natural defences."

Danone, the country's biggest manufacturer of probiotic drinks and yogurts, said none of its products were subject to yesterday's ruling as it had withdrawn its claims that Actimel and Activia boosted the immune system and aided digestive health. However, in its most recent advert, fronted by Martine McCutcheon, it said its yogurts were "good for your digestive health".

The company added in a statement: "EFSA has not yet completed its review of all probiotic products and Danone remains fully confident of the science backing its products."

Nearly 60 per cent of UK households regularly buy probiotic drinks, and over £200 million of them are sold every year in Britain.

Yakult, in a statement, said it was very disappointed with the ruling. It said: "The company wishes to discuss the evaluation process, scientific criteria and this outcome with EFSA.

"Taking into consideration the outcome of this assessment by EFSA, we will focus all our efforts on the preparation and submission of new health claim dossiers. With the benefit of further guidance, the company anticipates a positive EFSA opinion in due course."

source :

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8074182/Probiotic-drinks-do-not-aid-health-Europe-says.html

FSSAI Issues Standards For Honey and Prohibition of Anti- Biotics

2010-10-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

Press release from Fssai

Recently some reports have been appeared in the newspapers regarding the permitted levels of antibiotics in honey. The following advisory is issued by Food Safety and Standards Authority to clarify the issues involved.

Honey is the natural sweet substance produced by honey bees from the nectar of blossoms or from secretions of plants.

When visually inspected, the honey shall be free from any foreign matter such as mould, dirt, scum, pieces of beeswax, the fragments of bees and other insects and from any other extraneous matter.

The colour of honey varies from light to dark brown.

Standards for honey have been prescribed under Prevention Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules, 1955 as under.

(a) Specific gravity at 27OC Not less than 1.35

(b) Moisture Not more than 25 per cent by mass

(c-i) for Carbia colossa and Honey dew Not less than 60 per cent by mass

(d) Sucrose Not more than to 5.0 per cent by mass

(d-i) for Carbia colossa and Honey dew Not more than 10 per cent by mass

(e) Fructose-glucose ratio Not less than 0.95

(f) Ash Not more than 0.5 percent by mass

(g) Acidity (Expressed as formic acid) Not more than 0.2 per cent by mass

(h) Fiehe's test Negative

(i) Hydroxy methyl furfural(HMF), Not more than 80

mg/kg

If Fiehe's test is positive, and hydroxy methyl furfural (HMF) content is more than 80 milligram/kilogram, then fructose: glucose ratio should be 1.0 or more.

Rule 44 D provides for restriction on sale of Carbia Callosa and Honey dew. Carbia Collosa and Honey dew shall be sold only in sealed containers bearing AGMARK seal.

Rule 45 specifies that food resembling but not pure honey cannot be marked as honey. No person shall use the word „Honey‟ or any word, mark, illustration or device that suggests “Honey‟ on the label or any package of, or in any advertisement for, any food that resembles honey but is not pure honey.

Violation of the provisions of PFA Act/Rules attracts penal action.

No pesticide residues or antibiotics are allowed in honey.

The maximum limits of heavy metals in various foods are prescribed under PFA Rules, 1955. Rule 57 of PFA Rules prescribes the limits of contaminants under category “Foods not specified” (which includes honey) as follows:-

1. Lead Not more than 2.5 ppm

2. Copper Not more than 30.0 ppm

3. Arsenic Not more than 1.1 ppm

4. Tin Not more than 250.0 ppm

5. Zinc Not more than 50.0 ppm

6. Cadmium Not more than 1.5 ppm

7. Mercury Not more than 1.0 ppm

8. Methyl Mercury Not more than 0.25 ppm

Standards of Honey under AGMARK

The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has laid down standards of honey under the Grading and Marking Rules (AGMARK), which lays down the grades, designation of honey as Special, Grade–A and Standard to indicate the quality of honey for the purpose of certification. It specifies the method of packing, marking and labeling and conditions for grant of certificate for authorization. The standards of AGMARK are voluntary.

In the matter of admissibility of antibiotics in honey, safety standards in India are similar to those in European Union, Codex Alimentarius and USA where they are completely prohibited.

for more visit : www.fssai.gov.in

Kwality Dairy Takes UP Plant On Lease

2010-09-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

Kwality Dairy India Ltd an Indian dairy processor has taken exclusive lease a dairy plant form M/s Varshnev Bandhu Pvt Ltd in Bulandshaher ( U.P).

The plant has a capacity to process 3 lakh litres of milk per day approximately", said the company.

“We are expanding in the northern region to capture the growing market opportunity and launch more products,” said a senior KDIL official. The company is making a foray into new segments like sweet curd, flavoured yogurt, branded white butter and flavoured milk, besides ice-cream.

Based in New Delhi, Kwality Dairy produces the Kream Kountry and Indana brands. The Company is also engaged in the import and export of dairy products globally.

source

Flexnews

Major Honey Brands Contaminated With Anti Biotics - Report

2010-09-19T00:29:00.000-07:00

With all major brands having failed into test carried by Centre for Science and Environment ( CSE) for presence of antibiotics . These brands have reported to have antibiotics which on consumption could results in reduction of resistance to antibiotics which in turn results to blood related disease and injury to the liver.

Brands that were found to be contaminated with antibiotics are

Dabur,Baidyanath,Himalaya,Patanjali,Khadi,Gold , Himflora , Mehsons , Umang and 2 imported brand Capilano and Nectaflor . Anit biotics like ampicillin , oxytetracycline ,ciprofloxacin were found in samples were to have anit biotics from range 2- 5 numbers .

Only one brand Hitkari was found to be without antibiotics .

These reports bust the myth that the commercially produced honey was pure and natural products . Anti biotics are widely used by beekeepers to keep bee colonies from any disease .

At present there no set standards for presence of antibiotics in processed honey in India . But by the standards of Export Inspection Council these samples would have failed .

Sunita Narain Director CSE was of the view as international standards are very strict on these standards products find there way into domestic market without any checks .

Source - TOI dt 16 Sept 2010

DS Group Plans Major Investment In Catch Spice Brand

2010-09-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

Catch Spices is a popular brand for spices in northen region in India . With competitors like MDH , Goldi , Everest and Goldi . DS group has planned major expansion of Catch spices.

The Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group) is looking to increase the production capacity of its Catch spices brand to 18,000 tonnes this year and also aiming at generating revenue of Rs 180 crore by March 2011, helped by the introduction of new products as well as stronger distribution in the south.

Satish K Rustagi, business head, DS Group (food division), said that as of now the company’s spices production capacity is 10,000 tonnes, which is expected to increase by this fiscal end, which in turn will help boost revenue from the spices business.

“We are also in the process of setting up a new manufacturing facility in Noida, which is further expected to raise our production capacity to 30,000 tonnes in the next two years,” he added. The company has earmarked an investment of Rs 100 crore for its spices business.

Green Peace Declares Safe Food Guide (2) For Indian Companies

2010-09-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Dabur, KRBL and Vippy have emerged as the top green companies, while Nestle, PepsiCo, Haldiram's and Hindustan Unilever Ltd, among others, have faired poorly in the recently released Safe Food Guide (version two) by Greenpeace, a non-profit organisation.

The Safe Food Guide ranks 25 of the most popular food companies in India according to their policy on genetically-modified (GM) foods. Based on their responsibility towards Indian consumers on the GM food issue, the guide categorises companies as 'green', 'yellow' and 'red'.

The green list, in fact, has only three companies: Dabur India, KRBL Ltd and Vippy Industries Ltd. These companies, Greenpeace says, have not only taken necessary steps to ensure that they remain GM-free now and in future, but also are ready to engage with the government and relevant industry associations to keep the Indian food market free from GM food.

The yellow list includes popular brands such as Cadbury, ITC, Ruchi Soya, LT Foods, Heinz India, Bambino Agro and Kohinoor Foods Ltd, which have said that that they are committed to sourcing ingredients that are GMO-free, but are yet to take a long-term position on being GM-free or share their position with consumers.
The red list includes companies such as Nestlé, PepsiCo, Cargill, Hindustan Unilever Ltd, Britannia, Godrej Hersheys Ltd, Haldiram's, MTR, Parle Biscuits, Agro Tech Foods, Surya Foods, Amul, GSK, FieldFresh (Bharti Enterprises) and Kellogg's. These companies have not taken any concrete steps to provide Indian consumers with GM-free food for now or in future, thereby being irresponsible

more on
http://www.imagesfood.com/news.aspx?Id=2157&topic=2

Coca Cola To Launch Ready To Drink Maaza Milky Delite

2010-08-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kolkata, Aug 17 (IBNS): The country’s leading packaged beverage company, Coca-Cola India, here on Tuesday, announced its entry into the ready-to-drink (RTD) dairy market with the launch of Maaza Milky Delite.

At a press interaction held at a city five star, company officials showed off the mango and milk-based drink, which will first be launched in Kolkata in the coming weeks, and with a phased approach, shall be introduced to the rest of the country.

Maaza Milky Delite will see the beverage behemoth taking on the current segment leaders (nationally) Amul for the RTD dairy market which the company officials said ‘is nascent but growing at double digit rates’.

The drink, which uses fully indigenous raw materials and is currently packaged only at their Taratala (West Bengal) plant, was developed in Coca-Cola’s Research and Development Lab in Guragon.

“We couldn’t outsource an existing product from our foreign markets because understanding the Indian consumer was very important for this product. There’s an entirely different psyche associated with packaged beverages here than other countries,” company Vice President Marketing, Ricardo Fort said.

Coke already has similar dairy-based products in countries like China and Vietnam where it ‘was doing very well’ according to the company execs.

Pic Courtesy - ET

The drink’s performance is expected be intricately scrutinised as a similar product launched by Parle Agro, a few years ago, was not very well-received.

http://www.indiablooms.com/BusinessDetailsPage/businessDetails170810a.php

Indian Major Non -Alcoholic Beverages Companies Form IBA

2010-07-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: Rivals Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have come together along with other beverages makers and bottlers to form the Indian Beverage Association (IBA), which will be the industry’s single point of interaction with the government and help companies comply with food safety guidelines and other regulations.

Juices maker Dabur, packaging company Tetra Pak, bottling companies Pearl Drinks and Bengal Beverages, energy drink maker Red Bull, and drip and sprinkler systems firm Jain Irrigation Systems too have joined the association, while about 30-40 others including Bisleri International, Parle Agro, Amul, Godrej, bottlers, vendors and suppliers are expected to join in due course.

“Non-alcoholic beverages are on a growth trajectory but so far there has not been a comprehensive organization representing the industry. We felt it’s time,” said Arvind Varma, secretary general of the association.

He said the organisation will be the non-alcoholic beverages industry’s single point of interaction with the food safety authority and ministry of health.

It will help members deal with challenges like complying with the food safety authority guidelines, double taxation, VAT, state-level controversies like allegations of water depletion (as is the case with Coca-Cola and PepsiCo), sugar imports, spurious drinks and more.

“IBA’s formation has been triggered by the two cola companies, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, since they are the one’s facing maximum flak from regulators — whether it’s VAT in Delhi, charges of water depletion in Kerala or being perceived as only making sugary fizzy drinks by health activists,” said an official directly involved with the association.

Earlier this year, the Delhi government increased VAT on soft drinks from 12.5% to 20% on the category, but companies have not increased prices for fear of impacting demand. They have been lobbying with Delhi CM Shiela Dixit for a rollback because they believe the current taxation would ‘reverse their growth cycle’.

Several beverage makers, bottlers and suppliers ET spoke to said they would join the IBA.

The Indian Soft Drinks Manufacturers Association (ISDMA), represented by the two cola companies, is also being merged with the IBA.

Read more on
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/fmcg/Coke-Pepsi-join-hands-for-beverage-association/articleshow/6128875.cms

Amul Ranked No - 1 Indian Brand In Asia Pacific

2010-07-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

ANAND: Amul has maintained its position as number one 'Indian' brand in Asia Pacific for the second consecutive year in the list of top 1,000 brands released by 'Media Magazine' published from Hong Kong and Singapore, a Amul official release said today.

Amul is also ranked as no. 1 dairy brand, ahead of leading food and dairy brands of the Asia Pacific region like Kraft, Dutch Lady, Dumex, Walls, Anchor, Magnolia and Everyday.

The magazine survey has ranked Amul as the 73rd best brand in its ranking of Top 1,000 brands of Asia-Pacific based on a consumer survey conducted in Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Amul's ranking has jumped from 83rd in 2009 to 73rd this year, an official at Amul said adding "there is no other 'Indian' brand in the list of Top 1,000 brands ahead of Amul."

"Asia Pacific's top 1,000 brand listing is based on a proprietary survey conducted by Media Magazine which is sponsored by the Wall Street Journal," a official at Amul said.

Source
Dt-07-07-2010
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-company/corporate-trends/Amul-ranked-No-1-Indian-Brand-in-Asia-Pacific/articleshow/6140009.cms

MTR Looking Beyond South

2010-06-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Bangalore-based MTR Foods, manufacturer of spices, masala, instant mixes and ready-to-eat food is preparing the ground to become a well-known national brand. The 86-year-old heritage brand is a household name in South India, the market that currently accounts for 70 per cent of the company’s business.

MTR Foods was acquired by Norwegian company Orkla for about Rs 350 crore in early 2007. Adopting a two-pronged strategy, MTR Foods aims to strengthen its distribution in North and West. At the same time, the company will also double its total marketing spend to build the brand equity in these regions. The company spends about 14 per cent of its turnover, which is currently between Rs 250-300 crore, on marketing.

Though MTR Foods is market leader in spices and masala category in South, other brands such MDH and Everest outsell it in North. Therefore, to start with, instant mixes would be the face of the brand in North and West. Under instant mixes the brand aims to promote breakfast range by leveraging its popular Idli, Dosa and other South Indian food instant mixes.

Sanjay Sharma, CEO of MTR Foods said, “By 2015, North and West should account for 40 per cent of our targeted turnover. We aim to double our turnover and become a Rs 500 crore brand by 2012, while trebling our profits as well.” The company’s current EBDITA margin is about 11 per cent and it has a debt of around Rs 30 crore. It aims to become debt free by 2012.

Read more on

http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/mtr-foods-looks-expand-beyond-south-386

Indian Food Companies Global Footprint

2010-05-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: When Scott Price, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Asia, visited India last month, he talked about helping the country become food basket of the world and sourcing $1-billion worth of goods from here.

Perhaps he drew inspiration from the growing presence of Indian specialty food brands in the shelves of global retailers such as Wal-Mart, Tesco, Ralphs and Safeway.

Companies such as Bajaj Food Products, Nikasu Frozen Foods and Priya Foods have reported a spike in overseas demand for frozen foods, peanut butter and other products in the last couple of years, triggering hopes that the country will turn into a food outsourcing hub.

“After recession, we are getting a lot more inquiries from global giants of developed market,” says the owner of a Pune-based manufacturer of garlic paste and dry fish powder. “Outsourcing from India is lot cheaper due lower labour and infrastructure cost,” adds the person requesting anonymity on the grounds of the firm’s contract with retail chains.

Sanjay Bajaj, MD of Ahmedabad-based Bajaj Food Products, says that besides cheaper labour India also enjoys easy availability of raw materials. “India has diverse agro-climatic conditions and large raw material base suitable for all kind of food processing companies,” he says.

Bajaj Food supplies specialty food products such as peanut butter and instant powder drink under ‘Savory’ brand to Canada-based retail major Dollorama and French retail giant Carrefour.

Companies such as Bajaj Food, Nikasu, Priya Foods, MTR Foods, Gits Foods, Deepkiran Foods, Foods & Inns, Agro Tech Foods, ADF Foods, Kohinoor Foods and LT Foods have seen their exports grow at a rate of anywhere between 15% to 60% over the last three years.

Read more on

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/food/Indian-cos-get-ready-for-the-global-food-market/articleshow/5955739.cms

Popular Food Trends in food Industry

2010-04-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here are list of popular trends in recent time s .Food manufacturers and processors are eagerly following developments ,consumer reactions and market response to such products .

TRENDS

Eco friendly foods
Prebiotic and Probiotic foods
Low fat or Low trans fat products
Low salt products
Alternative Sweeteners
Green packaging
Labelling and Ingredients
Natural products or Organic Food
Gluten free products
Whole Grain products
Food safety related labels and symbols
Higher Price of Food products

Ruchi Soya To Sell Protein Drinks And Snacks Under Nutrela Brand

2010-04-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ruchi Soya Industries will sell protein drinks and snacks under its edible oil brand, Nutrela, to cash in on the popularity of its main

money-spinning brand and growing opportunities in the health and wellness food market in India, says a top company executive.

Indore-based Ruchi will start selling protein drinks with mango, lemon and orange flavours and snacks under the Nutrela brand in a few quarters, said Sarvesh Shahra, business head, consumer brand division.

An analyst said Ruchi is taking a leaf from Marico's book. FMCG company Marico has been adding new products like salt, rice and food supplements to its flagship brand Saffola, which was initially a sunflower oil brand.

Ruchi will also repackage its 'N'rich' brand of protein drinks, available in three exotic flavours such as Apple Kiwi, Apple Peach and multi-fruit. Ruchi had launched these products in late 2008 but did not taste much success because Indian customers do not like exotic flavours, according to market research by Ruchi. Ruchi earned half of its Rs 1200 crore revenue from the 'Nutrela' brand last year. It targets to double the brand sales in the next two years.

"The company may find it challenging to put substantial capital for distribution and promotion in the drinks and snacks segments," said Sageraj Bariya, research analyst, Angel Broking. "There is opportunity in the sector; but new entrant like Ruchi will have to compete with the established multinationals and the local player."

source :
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/food/Ruchi-to-sell-protein-drinks-snacks-under-Nutrela-brand/articleshow/5755965.cm

Dietary supplements to come under FSS Act 2006

2010-04-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Dietary supplements, which are currently not in the purview of any food law, will be brought under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act 2006. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will implement the law through the sate governments, municipalities and panchayats.

At a recent seminar held in Ahmedabad, FSSAI chairperson P I Suvtharan said that the “nutraceuticals, which also include functional foods” would be covered under the Act. A notification to this effect will be issued in a couple of months.

Source : express news service

FSSAI, which was established under the FSS Act, has been entrusted with the task of laying down science-based standards for food items. Dietary supplements for losing and gaining weight, and health improvements have flooded the Rs 4,500-crore nutraceutical market in the country.

Until recently, these food items were imported. But now, some local dairies have started making nutraceutical products. “As awareness about health is increasing with the rising income levels, more people are using functional foods. Since it is related to the health of public at large, there is a need to keep a check on the content of these foods,” said Suvtharan

Bisleri's expansion thirst for new plants

2010-03-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Bottled water brand leader, Bisleri’s new plants at Pune and Nagpur are ready to meet the summer demand. And over the next six months, the company will start operating more plants at Thane, Ratnagiri, Nasik, North Bengal and Bhubaneswar.

This is part of the company’s plans to open as many as 35 new plants across the country to tap the fast-growing market for packaged water (at Rs 2,400 crore now) in India’s hinterlands. Each of these plants is expected to service a radius of 100-150 kms. The growth will come, Parle Bisleri says, as there is an increasing consciousness even in villages to the fact that over 1,600 Indians are dying every day because of waterborne diseases and almost four million people in India are affected by water-borne diseases every year.

Read more
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/bisleri%5Cs-expansion-thirst/389299/

New Indian wafer brands giving tough fight to imported brands

2010-03-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

While one sshop for daily grocery in these uptown food retail super market one cannot ignore the presence of two Indian wafer brands with bright and colorfull packaging .

Interestingly the Indian wafer markets has been dominated by UAE based brands such as

"Tiffany " wafers manufactured by IFFCO

"Nutro " wafer now brand of Britannia Industries ltd

Both are imported from UAE

But presence of Pickwick wafer packs and Dukes Waffy packs are giving tough competition to these two imported brands

Pick wick wafers

Dukes Waffy