Britannia Industries, a household name in India and globally, has announced the closure of its iconic biscuit facility in Kolkata. This news comes as a significant development for the company, which has a rich history dating back to pre-independence India. We delve into the journey of Britannia, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a major food conglomerate.
Costa Rica participated in the Seoul Food & Hotel trade show from June 11 to 14, showcasing its high-quality food products to buyers and consumers from South Korea and other Asian countries. The event aimed to promote Costa Rica as a reliable supplier, increase trade with South Korea, and diversify exports into non-traditional markets.
Rajni Bector, a woman who rose from humble beginnings in post-partition India, built a multi-million dollar food empire. Her journey from a backyard ice-cream maker to the head of Cremica, a globally recognized brand, is a testament to her resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering support from her family.
Despite the challenges of bankruptcy, Clover Food Lab has emerged with ambitious growth plans. The vegetarian fast food chain maintains a stable employee count, local sourcing practices, and continued innovation. Through efficient bankruptcy processes and open communication, Clover has navigated the financial challenges and secured investor support. The company aims to expand by 50 locations in New England over the next five years, betting on the growing demand for vegetarian and affordable fast food options.
Nestle’s practice of adding sugar to infant formula sold in poorer countries, while excluding it from products sold in Europe and the UK, highlights the lack of corporate concern for public health in the absence of government regulation. Despite promoting its products as ‘healthy,’ Nestle’s actions align with a broader pattern of false health claims by food companies. This revelation follows a recent move by the Indian government to prohibit e-commerce platforms from categorizing beverages like Bournvita as ‘health drinks,’ as they often contain high sugar content. Despite concerns about childhood obesity and noncommunicable diseases, beverage companies continue to advertise aggressively to children. A study of protein powders in India revealed misleading protein information and contamination with fungal toxins, pesticides, and heavy metals. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), responsible for regulating these products, lacks transparency in its enforcement actions, undermining its ability to deter violations. Public health advocates have long criticized the excessive sugar, sodium, and chemical additives in ultra-processed foods, as well as contamination with heavy metals and pesticides in so-called ‘healthy’ foods. Social media has become a significant channel for promoting such products, often through influencers who conceal their affiliations with the companies.
Usage of GLP-1 drugs is reducing spending at restaurants and grocery stores, impacting the food industry. Morgan Stanley projects a significant market growth for these drugs, leading to analyst expectations of increased adoption rates. Fast-casual restaurants with healthier options are expected to benefit from this shift, while fast-food chains may face increased pressure.
The plant-based meat industry has witnessed a downturn in sales. Despite initial growth during the pandemic, sales in the US declined by 13% over the past two years. High prices, lackluster taste and texture, and increasing concerns about ultraprocessed foods are hampering sales. However, plant-based milk remains a strong performer, holding a significant share of the market. The industry faces challenges in meeting environmental goals, as the decline in meat alternatives sales raises questions about their impact on carbon emissions.
CNBC’s Frank Holland provides an overview of the recent fluctuations in cocoa prices, including factors driving the changes and potential implications for the industry.
