Latest news with #Chandigarh-based
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Indian consumers are looking beyond colas. Jeera spices up this craving
New Delhi: Jeera or cumin, a staple spice in Indian kitchens, has triggered a battle among India's beverage makers. These companies are scaling up the production of cumin-infused drinks as the market for alternatives to colas swells. Coca-Cola, DS Group, Bisleri, and Reliance Consumer Products, alongside numerous regional brands, offer such spicy drinks. PepsiCo is reportedly eyeing an entry in the category dominated by bottles priced ₹10-20 apiece. "The unorganized segment for jeera-based beverages is estimated at ₹1,500–2,000 crore, and the per capita aerated beverage consumption in India remains 3–4 times lower than in several other Asian markets," said Nadia Chauhan, joint managing director and chief marketing officer, Parle Agro. 'That clearly signals untapped potential for growth. With strong consumer familiarity, functional relevance, and a flavour profile that aligns with Indian food habits, this category is poised for accelerated expansion," she said. "We believe it can double in size over the next three years." India's bottled beverage market is still dominated by fizzy colas. Think tank ICRIER estimates it to more than double from ₹67,100 crore in 2019 to ₹1.47 trillion by 2030. Still, the country is a vast market for traditional beverages like nimboo pani masala and aam panna, often made and consumed at home. Beverage makers have spotted an opportunity as jeera-based drinks become a popular alternative, particularly as a meal accompaniment due to their perceived functional benefits. Also read | Campa, Smoodh and now, Amul Tru: India's ₹10 beverage market is starting to get crowded Parle Agro, which launched Dhishoom for rural and small-town markets in 2012, rolled out the drink nationally last year. Compared to the scale of flagship brands such as Frooti, Appy Fizz or Smoodh, Dhishoom is still early in its journey but will carve out a differentiated space over the next 12-24 months, Chauhan said. The company expects this business to double over the next three years. Lahori Zeera, owned by Chandigarh-based Archian Foods Pvt. Ltd, plans to add six co-bottling units this fiscal. Earlier this year, Archian Foods secured ₹200 crore from Motilal Oswal Wealth. The company, founded by three cousins in 2017, plans to use these funds to expand manufacturing, transition to third-party bottling, and scale up distribution. Ethnic flavours There is a strong desire among Indian consumers for novel and ethnic flavours in non-alcoholic beverages. According to a 2023 research by market intelligence firm Mintel, 45% of Indians are interested in trying ethnic Indian flavours in packaged non-alcoholic drinks, and 41% are interested in global flavours. New flavours motivate 38% of carbonated soft drink consumers to try different beverages. Cumin is an emerging and popular flavour in both non-alcoholic beverages and yogurt drinks. Mintel sees a potential for further innovation. Smaller, homegrown brands such as Jeeru and Bindu have already established a niche in the category. Lahori Zeera aimed to target this market. 'The idea was to appeal to a more local taste palette and create mass-connect," said Nikhil Doda, co-founder & chief financial officer at Archian Foods. Read this | Hot summer forecast to boost consumer durables, beverage sales in India Over 90% of Lahori Zeera's business comes from the ₹10 price point. The brand is currently available in 17-18 states and plans to partner with at least six co-packing units or third-party bottlers this fiscal year. Demand, said Doda, has outstripped supply. 'This year, we will switch to an asset-light model; we are going into a co-bottling model similar to what other big brands do. That will help us bridge the gap between demand and supply and fast-track growth," he said. 'People from the industry, existing bottlers who vouch for the brand, are ready to invest." Noida-based DS Group, which sells candies and spices, launched its Catch Jira drink in mid-2016. 'Jeera is known to enhance flavour and aroma in food preparation, but it is also perceived to be a digestive, which is driving the consumer interest in the beverage segment," said PS Bedi, business head, drinks, DS Group. In 2018, Coca-Cola relaunched Rimzim jeera beverage, a brand it acquired from Parle in the 1990s. However, the category hasn't scaled beyond select markets for the beverage major. Read this | Bisleri to double sales in two years; not selling business: Jayanti Chauhan 'It is available in the rural markets of Gujarat, Karnataka, and a few rural parts of Northern India. Based on consumer insights, jeera flavoured drinks are being consumed and are gaining popularity among older consumers," a company spokesperson said. 'Rooted in indigenous taste preferences, it offers a refreshing addition to Coca-Cola's beverage portfolio in India." PepsiCo declined to comment on its future product pipeline. But those in the beverage industry said the company is planning a beverage under its Nimbooz refreshment brand. Bisleri also declined to comment. Pricing challenge While the market is growing, the ₹10 price point remains a challenge due to high taxation on sugary, aerated drinks. It is absolutely not sustainable as the category attracts goods and services tax of 28% and a 12% cess—a total of 40%, said Bedi from DS Group. Local retailers Mint spoke to said they typically sell the product in bulk or packs of 24 priced at ₹240. Parle Agro and Lahori Zeera remain committed to this price point. 'Frooti is nearly 40 years old and continues to be available at ₹10. We've also successfully built Smoodh at that same entry point in the dairy category," said Chauhan. Doda of Lahori Zeera said the ₹10 price point drives significant volumes. 'Having said that, competition has become intense," he said. 'The category has attracted more big boys." And read | Competition a positive force, keeps us sharp: Coca-Cola president Murphy
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
ED summons Chandigarh-based arms dealer for allegedly ‘routing questionable funds via Slovenia, Australia, UK & US'
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Hardeep Singh, alias H S Bedi, a Chandigarh-based arms dealer. According to sources, Bedi is under scrutiny and has been summoned for allegedly 'routing questionable funds through foreign bank accounts held in Slovenia, Australia, UK and US'. Sources added that the ED is probing deeper into the financial trail raising concerns over foreign fund diversions in the foreign bank accounts of Bedi and summons have been issued to him as part of the ED's agency's ongoing crackdown on foreign funds diversions through various bank accounts. They disclosed that Bedi has been asked to appear before the investigating officials of the ED at their office in Chandigarh, on Thursday. Talking to The Indian Express, on phone, Bedi said, 'I have not got it (the summons). Also, I would not like to talk on the phone about it'. Bedi runs a shooting arms and ammunition import company called Artek India. The company's website claims that it is one of the biggest importer companies for shooting arms and ammunition formed with an 'aim to create the high performance culture in India'. Bedi, who is based in Chandigarh, started the company in 2015. 'Shooting equipment and accessories should not be difficult to find, we put them all in one location so you don't have to search all over the internet. The company is working as a one-stop shop for Indian shooters requirements. We are the hub of the best brands in shooting sports from all over the world,' Bedi's company website mentions.
United News of India
13-06-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Tricity golfer Umed Kumar wins professional debut at PGTI NEXGEN Forest Hill Golf & Country Club
S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, June 13 (UNI) Tricity golfer Umed Kumar fired a steady one-over 63 in the third and final round to win his professional debut at the PGTI NEXGEN Forest Hill Golf & Country Club 2025 played in S.A.S. Nagar here on Friday. Chandigarh-based 24-year-old Umed (61-66-63), who was two shots behind the lead in second place after round two, totalled even-par 190 for the week as he triumphed with a three-shot margin. Bengaluru's Mari Muthu R (61-64-68), the overnight leader, signed for a six-over 68 on Friday to finish runner-up at a total of three-over 193. Kolkata's Irfan Ali Mollah (63) finished third with a total of five-over 195. The Forest Hill Golf & Country Club is a nine-hole course where the nine holes are played twice to comprise a round. In the first two rounds, the par for the course was 64, while in the third and last round, the par for the course was changed to 62. Umed Kumar, who was a winner of two titles on the amateur tour before turning pro, was rock-solid on day three as he conceded just one bogey on the 12th and made pars on all other holes. His par-saves with two-putts from 30 feet on the last two holes were the highlight of his round. Umed, who hails from the SEPTA golf course in Chandimandir and also has playing rights at the Forest Hill Golf & Country Club and the Panchkula Golf Club, earned a winning cheque worth Rs 2,54,300 that placed him sixth in the PGTI NEXGEN Order of Merit. Mari Muthu R made one birdie, five bogeys, and a double-bogey during his last round of 68 to finish second. Lucknow's Rajesh Kumar Gautam continues to lead the 2025 PGTI NEXGEN Order of Merit with a season's earnings of Rs 4,29,600. UNI PC BD
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Day 2 of PGTI meet in Mohali: Muthu takes solo lead
Bengaluru's Mari Muthu R (61-64), the overnight joint leader, carded an even-par 64 to move into the sole lead at a total of three-under 125 on day two of the PGTI event played at the Forest Hill Golf and Country Club in Mohali on Thursday. Chandigarh-based 24-year-old Umed Kumar (61-66), another overnight joint leader who is making his pro debut this week, returned a two-over 66 in round two to drop one spot and end the day in second place with a total of one-under 127. Bangladesh's Md Razu (65-65) was placed third at a total of two-over 130. The Forest Hill Golf and Country Club is a par-64 nine-hole course where the nine holes are played twice to comprise a round. The cut went at 10-over 138. As many as 41 professionals made the cut to progress to the third and final round. Muthu R, the overnight joint leader who is searching for his maiden professional title, made a slow start with two birdies, three bogeys and a double-bogey over the first 12 holes where he struggled with his putting. After being three-over for the day through 12 holes, 40-year-old Muthu made a splendid recovery with three birdies over the last six holes, landing his wedge shots within four feet on all three occasions. Muthu R said, 'Since it was windy, it was tough to control the shots, which was reflected in the scores. My wedge-play and chipping were excellent for the second straight day. But it was an ordinary day with the putter for me. I missed a lot of short putts.' He added, 'I managed to regain my momentum from the 13th hole onwards where I hit a terrific chip shot to set up a tap-in birdie. Thereafter, I played very well till the end. I now feel confident going into the final round.' Umed made two bogeys during his second round of 66.
India Today
09-06-2025
- India Today
Chandigarh Rapido driver reveals how he lost Rs 4,000 after passenger scammed him
A Chandigarh-based Rapido driver has drawn attention for all the right reasons. He shared a cautionary tale that shows just how easily digital scams can slip past even the most vigilant minds. He revealed that he lost over Rs 4,000 after a passenger tricked him by faking an a now-viral post on Reddit, the driver recalled receiving a ride request near the Command Hospital (CH), which he accepted since he was nearby. The passenger informed him that his wife needed to be dropped off at the railway station. What followed sounded a bit off, but not enough to raise suspicion got a ride in the morning near CH (Army hospital). As I was close, I accepted it. The passenger called me saying that his wife is in the hospital and needs to be dropped off at the railway station,' the Rapido Captain said. The caller claimed he had made a payment of Rs 4,200 for the ride but requested the driver to transfer the money to another account, as his own UPI was 'not working.' The driver checked his account and saw a credit of Rs 4,000, so he made the transfer to the QR code sent to him on WhatsApp.'Then he said he sent 4000, and I checked my account. There was Rs 4,000 received, but I didn't check the date of receipt. He said his wife was inside, and I should send money on QR, which he sent on WhatsApp, and I did. As I saw 4009 received, I wasn't worried, but he said he was sending more money to transfer, where I got doubt and disconnected,' said the driver. advertisementIt wasn't until later that the driver realised the Rs 4,000 credit was from a friend, sent the day before. The caller had played the timing well, and by the time the driver sensed something was wrong, the scammer had already tried to send another fake transaction. He cut the call, but the damage was done; his earnings from several days had vanished in seconds.'I was scammed, being understanding everything and being smart and educated,' the driver wrote, expressing frustration and helplessness. 'Where can I report this or is there any chance to get money back?' he asked in the a look at the post here: Reddit users resonated with his experience. One of the users said a similar incident happened to a Rapido driver they knew: 'Same hospital, same story, same scam.'Another user offered practical advice, from filing an online complaint ( to sharing the FIR with the bank to strengthen the case for a chargeback. 'I think this is all that you can do right now,' the user said. The story sparked discussions about how even the sharpest minds can fall prey to well-orchestrated scams, and why staying vigilant isn't always enough. For many, the driver's post was a much-needed wake-up call, not just for gig workers but anyone who deals with online Watch
