Blue Tribe's plans to expand market, Tim Horton's entry into India. Heritage Foods' new product, Bikanerwala's Bikano now made in Hyderabad and Alpino Health Foods' announcement - past week was buzzing with major events in the vegetarian & vegan food segment in India
Blue Tribe to Enter Singapore Market
Food technology startup Blue Tribe Foods is all set to launch its products in Singapore, as part of its plans to expand into Southeast Asia. It is the first Indian alternative protein brand that produces plant-based mock meats. It is also the first plant-based meat brand from India to pursue the international expansion plan.
Mumbai-based Blue Tribe recently got investment from brand ambassadors and celebrity couple Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli. Its product range includes chicken nuggets, chicken & pork sausages, chicken & mutton keema, chicken momos, mutton & chicken patties. The mock meats are available for sale on its own website and Nature’s Basket, Benzers, Foodhall, and Society Stores, besides retail stores.
With a view to reduce its carbon footprint, the brand recently partnered with The Disposal Company, an authorized plastic recycler. Both the companies will work on ethical recovery and safe disposal of plastic used in the products’ packaging.
Tim Hortons to Open 300 Stores in India
Renowned Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons is all set to launch its first store in India in New Delhi, followed by Punjab, later this year. It is also planning to open over 300 outlets in the next 10 years.
According to Tim Hortons India CEO Navin Gurnaney, the brand is teaming up with AG Café – a joint venture owned by Apparel Group and Gateway Partners. India launch marks the food and beverage chain’s fourth country in the Asia-Pacific after Thailand, Philippines and China. Tim Hortons currently operates over 5,100 restaurants across 13 countries. With the Indian launch it will be competing directly with Starbucks, which has 224 stores in India (as of last August).
David Shear, President of RBI International (parent company of Tim Hortons) said: “We’re committed to serving India the premium quality coffee and delicious foods that Tims' fans in Canada and around the world love. This launch in India is another critical step in our continuing international expansion plans.”
Premium Badam Milk from Heritage Foods
Hyderabad-based Heritage Foods launched an all-new premium ‘Badam Charger’ made with real almond pieces. It is the new addition to the company’s list of value-added products portfolio.
The premium almond drink is made of toned milk, sucrose, milk solids, almonds, cardamom extract, natural flavor and turmeric extract. It has no artificial flavors, colors and ingredients, but contains 6g of added sugar per 100ml. the drinks comes with 120 days of shelf life when refrigerated.
Initially introduced in Hyderabad, the ‘Badam Charger’ will be launched across India soon. It is available on e-commerce websites and, general/modern trade stores including Heritage Parlors and Happiness Points.
Bikano Opens Hyderabad Plant
New Delhi-based snacks and sweets brand Bikano entered the South Indian market by opening its plant in Hyderabad. Currently, the brand is focusing on entire Telangana market and and would target the rest of southern states gradually. The brand is owned by Bikanervala Foods Pvt Ltd.
After lot of research & analysis in the southern market, Bikano decided to begin the production of namkeens and sweets at its Hyderabad plant. The products will be supplied in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharasthra states. The brand is looking forward to creating a lasting production and supply footprint in the South. It will also launch few other products to cater to the palate of South Indians, said Bikano’s Director Manish Aggarwal.
Alpino Health Foods Raises Funds on Klub
Indian nutritious breakfast brand Alpino Health Foods announced that it raised an undisclosed amount in a revenue-based financing round from patron investors on the Klub platform.
A part of this capital will be utilized for branding, marketing and building the team. Alpino is one of the few Indian brands that got a deal from four Sharks recently. The Gujarat-based company was founded by six friends – Chetan Kanani, Priyank Vora, Hiren Sheta, Mahatva Sheta, Milan Gopani and Umesh Gajera.
Alpino is well-known for its varied range of peanut butters produced in smooth & crunch formats – dark chocolate smooth, natural, chocolate, coconut and organic – available in unsweetened & sweetened flavors. The other products include Almond Butter, Super Muesli, Apple Cider Vinegar, Peanut Butter Powder and Organic Green Tea.
In a press release, Alpino Health Foods’ Co-founder and MD Chetan Kanani said, “With Klub, we felt like talking to a partner who is equally invested in making us a successful brand. We are planning to use these funds to expand our digital footprints and create more awareness about our brand and hire across verticals.”
