Over 100 Restaurants Across India Join Hands To Curate Soy-Fed Menus To Increase Awareness About High-Quality Protein

In pursuit of educating consumers about high-quality protein food sources, Right to Protein, the nationwide public health initiative, is collaborating with over 100 restaurants to provide specially curated dishes made of high-quality poultry that is fed high protein soybean meals. Launched across 15 Indian cities, restaurant chains such as Oye Kiddan, Super Bowl, Burgrill, Sardaji Londonwale, Punjabi Nawabi, Farmhouse, among others, will create the customized ‘Soy Fed’ menu that will also be available on leading food ordering apps such as Zomato and Swiggy.

“Indian consumers are increasingly looking to make healthier choices. Most of our consumers not only believe that we are what we eat but also agree that we are what our food is fed or made of! Therefore, we choose poultry that is soy fed to prepare high-quality protein meals. The tailored ‘Soy Fed’ online menu is only the next step to further enable health-conscious consumers to easily choose meals created with soymeal fed poultry,” Shreh Madan, Owner, Burgrill said.

“We have always strived to offer the most nutritious food choices for all our consumers and with this menu, we go a step ahead in helping them exercise their right to high-quality protein! We’re happy to have joined this awareness movement, which we hope will bring a radical change in how our consumers perceive food and are better equipped to make informed decisions,” said Gurmeet Kochhar, Owner, Oye Kiddan.

“It is a delight to see the Soy Fed progress from being India’s first feed label to now also being a novel menu as we continue to raise awareness about the role of soy as a sustainable source of nutrition for humans as well as animals. We remain relentless in our mission to educate people about the importance of adequate protein consumption for better health and well-being and this is yet another step in that direction”, stated Jaison John, Lead - India, US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and Right To Protein supporter.

Soybean meal is a key protein source in the diets of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture offering a well-balanced amino acid profile, and high level of digestibility among plant-based protein sources. The complete nutritional value in soybean meals assists in maintaining the animals' wellbeing. The ‘Soy Fed’ menu with restaurants across the country, is therefore a radical next step by Right To Protein after the earlier launch of ‘Soy Fed label – India’s first voluntary feed label for animal protein products – towards making consumers identify and choose quality protein food.

About Right To Protein: Right To Protein is India's first awareness initiative to educate citizens about the importance of adequate protein consumption for better nutrition, health and wellbeing. #RightToProtein initiative aspires to build knowledge of different types of protein sources amongst Indians, especially plant protein, to meet larger nutritional goals. Right To Protein aims to develop an ecosystem of professionals to drive protein awareness and debunk myths and misconceptions about protein as a critical macro-nutrient for human health and of many protein foods sources. The ecosystem will aim to improve the production and consumption quality and consistency of both, plant and animal proteins. Right To Protein is supported by several like-minded Indian and global individuals, academicians, professionals and institutions. The initiative is open for those who would like to join and/or contribute in any capacity, including providing knowledge, technical support or as promotion partners. For more information, visit www.righttoprotein.com

BNP Paribas India Recognized As Best International Corporate Bank By Asiamoney

BNP Paribas has been acknowledged as the Best International Corporate Bank in India by leading financial publication, Asiamoney – part of the Euromoney Group.

Since 1860, BNP Paribas has been leveraging its strong international network and local market expertise to help corporates and financial institutions – across the globe– to find business opportunities, either domestically or internationally.

“Whether in promoting lending and acquisition financing, working capital loans, project finance, equity capital market solutions or debt capital market products, the bank provides the entire range of solutions to its clients, making Asiamoney’s best international corporate bank for India in 2022,” Asiamoney said in an announcement. Having syndicated various notable capital markets transactions, BNP Paribas has shown that it is the bank of choice for many of India’s large corporations, thanks to its deep local expertise and international footprint, Asiamoney added.

“We continue to be the preferred banking partner of top Indian corporates, be it for their plain vanilla banking needs or more sophisticated structured and advisory banking products as they forge ahead on their journeys of becoming global champions in an increasingly competitive market landscape. Being European Union’s leading bank, we are proud to serve as the gateway between India and Europe – supporting Indian corporates navigate through the European financial ecosystem; and similarly guiding European corporate clients looking to expand their footprint in India.” says Sanjay Singh, CEO of BNP Paribas India.

Another area where BNP Paribas brings its global expertise is in environmental, social and governance. In 2021, India committed to achieving net-zero status by 2070, but many of its corporates had already started to incorporate ESG into their businesses and had turned to BNP Paribas for the best solutions, Asiamoney added.

Shaka Harry, Best Performing Plant-Based Meat Brand Raises Seed Funding of US$ 2 Million

* Shaka Harry Aims At Aggressive Growth Over The Next 5 Years

Liberate Foods Pvt. Ltd., a plant protein company with a meat alternate line, Shaka Harry has received a total investment of US$ 2 M  in  seed funding round led by Better Bite Ventures, Blue Horizon and venture debt fund - Panthera Peak. Other investors include; Dexler Holdings, Chef Manu Chandra and a group of domestic family offices and angel investors.

Liberate Foods is founded by proven founders with prior experience and success in scaling businesses in India and globally. The co-founders include Anand Nagarajan, Sandeep Devgan, Hemalatha Srinivasan, Ruth Renita and Anoop Haridasan. The cofounders and leadership team consists of specialist, functional leaders with extensive experience in the food sector. Shaka Harry, one of the fastest growing plant-based meat brand offers a range of meal and snacking products which are designed around the Indian cuisine and palate. The range includes; snackables and meal accompaniments. The product has a distinct advantage with access to proprietary taste and flavour solutions coupled with the brand’s partnership with Chef Manu Chandra, one of India's top chefs.

Anand Nagarajan, Co-founder, Shaka Harry said, “It is the most exciting time to launch a consumer brand on the smarter protein platform. We are already the best performing brand in the online stores where we have presence. Our products are doing significantly better than competition on taste and customer response. When we think about sustainability, we usually think about energy and transportation. Food is an area that can move the sustainability needle much more. Winning a consumer segment in the food space needs a well-designed product range, deep expertise in taste and flavour and consistent customer experience. The team at Shaka Harry, with in-house flavour and taste solutions coupled with an experienced team is poised to build the market leading brand in plant-based products.”

Sandeep Devgan, Co-founder, Shaka Harry commented, “Plant-based meats have a huge scope of acceptability in India, particularly among the growing flexitarian population. Yet not many brands have been able to make a mark due to the inability to replicate real meaty tastes in vegetarian profiles. That’s where Shaka Harry has been able to make a difference. By partnering with top flavourists, who are masters in recreating impactful meaty top notes using vegetarian ingredients, we have been able to offer Indian consumers a first-of-its-kind ‘just-like-chicken’ & ‘just-like mutton experience’ minus the guilt.”

The company has a monthly customer base of 25,000. The monthly growth expected  for the next few quarters is around 20 to 30%. Shaka Harry aims at aggressive growth over the next 5 years. Shaka Harry range of products are available across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Gurgaon.

Simon Newstead, Founding Partner, Better Bite Ventures said, “As an Asian alt-protein fund, Better Bite Ventures invests in early-stage startups creating a more sustainable food system in the most populous region in the world. And as such, we're particularly optimistic about India's opportunity. The nation has a clear opportunity to become a regional leader in plant-based foods and leapfrog other countries in adopting climate-friendly smart proteins, driven by a growing movement of conscious consumers motivated by taste, health and the environment. Which leads us to our investment in Shaka Harry, who brings a range of crave-worthy, locally resonant plant-based products to market.  We've been impressed by both the team, technology and traction with consumers and channels alike. Anand's vision to have products to enjoy from morning till night, from snacking to main meals, and for everyone resonates strongly. We're excited to support the team for long term success in this important market.”

Bjoern Witte, CEO, Blue Horizon said, “We are very excited about our first investment in India. Shaka Harry is one of the first mover in a new sector offering a wide product range tailored to the Indian cuisine. This will work well not only in India but also internationally. In a very recent study, a large consumer survey conducted by Blue Horizon and BCG, we found that taste, nutritional value and health aspects rank highest when considering to increase the consumption of alternative proteins. Shaka Harry addresses all these points and we look very much forward to working together with this highly focused and impact-driven team.”

Nikhil Bhandarkar, Founding Partner & CEO, Panthera Peak Ventures highlighted, “We invest in early stage startups led by visionary entrepreneurs. This is one of the main reasons we have backed Shaka Harry as the founding and leadership team bring in lot of experience and expertise of the sector. The growth of plant-based meat sector in India, coupled with the Direct-to-Consumer boom underscore a massive potential for the Shaka Harry range of products. Further, their vision of becoming a plant based meat platform beyond just a product company opens doors for significant market expansion.”

Experts at non-profit Good Food Institute India work closely with Liberate Foods and across the industry for advancement across science, business, and policy. Varun Deshpande, Managing Director, Good Food Institute India, said "With leading companies like Shaka Harry bringing plant-based meats to consumers across India, the last year has been smart protein's breakout moment in the country. But funding in Indian smart protein companies continues to lag far behind, remaining at a tiny fraction of the $11b invested globally over the last decade. Respected investors like Blue Horizon, Better Bite Ventures, Panthera Peak Ventures and Manu Chandra bring deep credibility and expertise through their food and startup investing track record. Shaka Harry's fundraise is a further mark of the growing momentum in the Indian smart protein sector, as we enter a new phase of growth and centre India in the global landscape - all in service of protecting public and planetary health and improving food security."

Chef Manu Chandra stated, “If I could convert from a skeptic to a believer in plant based futures, I’m sure, so could a lot of you. We’ve come such a long way from the once dreaded rubbery substitutes with dubious processes - to clean labelled and delicious alternatives. Intervening as a chef to take the Shaka Harry product ranges to the next level of taste and texture has been an enriching experience, in realising how far this category can be pushed. The future is plant based, start now.”

India is becoming an increasingly lucrative market for plant-based meat startups, with a large population of non-vegetarians looking to cut down their meat consumption due to a combination of concerns like sustainability and health. Contrary to popular opinion, 77% of Indians self-identify as non-vegetarians as per the latest National Family Health Survey - NFHS 5. The Indian market is ripe for transformation, with consumers looking towards plant-based alternatives for a simple switch, without giving up the delicious appeal of meat. Research from expert nonprofit Good Food Institute India found that 63% of Indian consumers are very or extremely likely to purchase plant-based meat in a cross-country consumer acceptance study. This response from consumers - most of whom are currently ‘early adopters’ of plant-based meat - compared favourably with the U.S. and China.

Shaka Harry has a large assortment of plant based "Ready to Eat" foods range for customers looking to substitute/ supplement their meat intake with plant-based foods. The goal is to offer Shaka Harry as a healthy and tasty meat alternative and to deliver Shaka Harry products to every Indian household to begin a trial.

About Shaka Harry

Shaka Harry is a brand that is here to disrupt the food market with its delicious & innovative plant-based-meat products that not only taste just like meat but are also better - both for yours and the planet’s health. Plant based food has proven to be a rich source of protein and other nutrients essential for humans, with its recipe being all natural and the vegan plant-based category is a healthy choice for people and the planet. Get zero trans-fat and cholesterol-free products.

For more information, visit www.shakaharry.com

About Better Bite Ventures:

Better Bite Ventures is Asia Pacific’s first alternative protein regional fund, backing early-stage founders transforming the world’s largest food market for the better. The $US 15 Million fund has invested to date in 10 high-potential Asia Pacific startups, harnessing plant-based and cellular agriculture technologies to create climate-friendly meat, dairy, egg and seafood alternatives that are better for people, animals and planet. Better Bite Ventures was created by two operators turned impact investors, Michal Klar and Simon Newstead. With a combined 20 years as plant-based, sector expertise including running the Future Food Now newsletter and Vegan Startup podcast, and a track record of investing and venture building in food and tech, both are keen to help power a new wave of startups.

https://www.betterbite.vc/

About Blue Horizon:

Blue Horizon is accelerating the transition to a Sustainable Food System that delivers outstanding returns for investors and the planet. The company is a global pioneer of the Future of Food. As a pure play impact investor, Blue Horizon has shaped the growth of the alternative protein and food tech market. The company invests at the intersection of biology, agriculture and technology with the aim to transform the global food industry. Blue Horizon was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. To date, the company has invested in more than 70 companies. Its business model offers an attractive opportunity to invest in the evolution of the global food system while contributing to a healthy and sustainable world. www.bluehorizon.com

Top Order Management System Companies In The World

Order management begins when a consumer places an order and ends when the goods or service is delivered. It enables a company to manage the complete fulfilment process, from order collection through inventory and delivery visibility, as well as service availability.

The global multichannel order management market is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2 percent from USD 2.3 billion in 2021 to USD 3.9 billion by 2026. The adoption of multichannel order management solutions and services is anticipated to be influenced by a number of factors, including the COVID-19-led acceleration of organisations for new customer engagement through digital experiences, the booming retail and eCommerce vertical, growth in multichannel selling, low operational and initial costs, and the rapidly increasing number of internet users. Benefit of using an order management system is that it allows you to keep your inventory and tracking in check while also offering a seamless, front-facing experience for your consumers. 

With so many alternatives available and all claiming to have all the functionality you may need without actually backing it up, selecting an Order Management System (OMS) can be intimidating. Your online store is ready for an OMS, which is software designed to assist you in centralising order processing across sales channels and fulfilment methods. It automates your workflow and allows you to better control the customer experience.

Below is a curated list of the top OMS companies globally.

Fluent Commerce Order Management System

Fluent Commerce is a multinational software company that specialises in dispersed order management for businesses. To turn fulfilment complexity into a competitive advantage, both B2C and B2B enterprises rely on its cloud native, highly adaptable, and completely scalable distributed order management technology. Fluent Order Management offers near-real-time inventory availability across various locations, order orchestration, fulfilment optimization, fulfilment location management, in-store pick and pack, customer care, and reporting. Fluent OMS also allows you to adjust your fulfilment approach quickly and easily in response to changing conditions. Business users can make changes without requiring costly IT involvement. This enables retailers, brands, and B2B enterprises to profitably fulfil orders while providing the greatest customer experience possible.

IBM Sterling Order Management

With an advanced order management platform that enables centralised, real-time insight and administration of inventory, orders, and fulfilment across the network, IBM Sterling Order Management helps businesses transform. To satisfy the demands of connected commerce, the solution supplements existing systems. Sterling Order Management is available in cloud, hybrid cloud, and on premises (containers or traditional) solution architectures, allowing for flexible integration and accelerating your digital transformation.

SAP Commerce Order Management

With over 3500 clients spanning 20 industries and 100 countries, SAP Commerce has the most diverse and diverse customer base. Customers trust their system because of its scalability and performance; and have transacted over 570 billion dollars in gross merchandise value, representing over 120 million orders, on their ecommerce platform. A business can use the SAP Commerce Order Management service solution to streamline their order process across all channels. Companies can use their Order Management Service solution to view demand, inventory, and supply globally via the Order Management platform.

Oracle Order Management System

Oracle Order Management is an order-to-cash solution that enables consumers, partners, and workers to choose the finest products and services, negotiate the best pricing, and assure prompt order fulfilment. Oracle Order Management is at the heart of any company's order fulfilment operation. Non-customized, bespoke, and automated fulfilment procedures are all supported by the open, workflow-based design. It enables global order promising and is connected with Transportation Management as part of a complete order to cash system.

Mindtree And Rubrik Partner To Launch A Unified Cyber-Recovery Platform

Mindtree, a global technology services and digital transformation company, today announced that it has partnered with Rubrik, the Zero Trust Data Security™ Company, to launch a unified cyber-recovery platform named MINDTREE VAULT.

The platform combines Mindtree’s program management, cloud, data, and cybersecurity capabilities, best practices, and accelerators, with Rubrik’s data resilience, data observability, and data recovery capabilities. It enables organizations to work through the full scope of recovery, including assessment, discovery, migration with ongoing management services, and pilots for proof-of-concept projects. By empowering organizations to quickly shift to data-driven models, ensure data is immutable, and enhance their ability to guard against cyberattacks as well as swiftly recover from them, the platform delivers a seamless experience and a key component of an organization’s data security posture.

“With cyberattacks and ransomware on the rise, the need for data security has never been more critical,” said Ghazal Asif, VP, Global Channels and Alliances at Rubrik. “Our partner ecosystem is the lifeblood of Rubrik and the value partners like Mindtree bring to customers is tremendous. We are thrilled to work with Mindtree to help bring this unified cyber-recovery platform to life, as we continue to propel Rubrik’s mission to secure the world’s data.”

“Organizations are looking for speed and resiliency when dealing with cybersecurity risks in their digital transformation journeys,” said Sriram K, Executive Vice President and Service Lines Market Head for North America at Mindtree. “Greater connectivity and new innovations being used by attackers mean an ever more critical need for faster, more modern approaches to data recovery and protection. Our partnership with Rubrik will further strengthen our digital transformation offerings with enhanced data security and data protection, thus enabling customers to rapidly adopt new technology and realize their transformation goals.” 

About Mindtree

Mindtree [NSE: MINDTREE] is a global technology consulting and services company that enables enterprises across industries to drive superior competitive advantage, customer experiences and business outcomes by harnessing digital and cloud technologies. A digital transformation partner to approximately 275 of the world’s most pioneering enterprises, Mindtree brings extensive domain, technology and consulting expertise to help reimagine business models, accelerate innovation and maximize growth. As a socially and environmentally responsible business, Mindtree is focused on growth as well as sustainability in building long-term stakeholder value. Powered by more than 37,400 talented and entrepreneurial professionals across 24 countries, Mindtree — a Larsen & Toubro Group company — is consistently recognized among the best places to work. For more, please visit www.mindtree.com or @Mindtree_Ltd.   

pTron Launches 2 New TWS Earbuds On Flipkart Starting INR 799

•        The newest range offers an entry-level TWS the Basspods P11 with 24Hrs playtime at INR 799 only and the moderately advanced Basspods 251+ with 50Hrs playtime and ENC for noise-free voice calls at INR 999 only in a bold aspirational design.

•        With top-end specifications, features, and functions the Basspods series will be available for purchase exclusively on Flipkart starting 18th Jul at 12 am

pTron, the rapidly growing and leading maker of affordable digital lifestyle and audio accessories brand in India has unveiled its newest addition to the Basspods series - Basspods P251+ and Basspods P11. Carrying the lineage of the massively successful pTron Bassbuds series, the newest earbuds from pTron aim at Gen-Z consumers in Tier 1 & Tier 2 cities.

Basspods 251+ and Basspods P11: Specifications, Features, and more

Under the hood, both the earbuds are equipped with the latest and advanced BT5.1 chipset that offers faster pairing, more stable connection, and low power consumption. Weighing just about 4gms each, the earbuds are IPX4 rated for sweat and splash protection. The smart touch-controlled earbuds equipped with dual and mono bud capability also support voice control to awake Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri for a seamless hands-free experience. These Basspods can be fast charged via USB-C or compatible wireless chargers.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ameen Khwaja, Founder & CEO, pTron, said: “pTron lives with the vision to make revolutionary products that simplify life and help consumers adopt technology without the limits of accessibility or affordability. Our entry-level TWS has been well-received by the consumers across channels and there is demand for more such products, especially in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities. Our newest addition to the Basspods series, the Basspods P11 & Basspods P251+ is designed to cater to the GenZ consumers in these geographies to #MaxOutonBoldSound. With the wireless sound that packs top-end features, specifications, and performance, all at an affordable price tag, the Basspods series is designed to fulfill everyday tech needs of our consumers. Flipkart has been transforming the e-commerce space in India by catering to more consumers in Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, and beyond and we are excited to partner with Flipkart to bring the best of technology to the Indian consumers across these geographies.”

The revolutionary Basspods series signifies the latest breakthrough in entry-level true wireless technology making it the perfect companion of the Gen-Z for a range of uses, including working from home, gaming, listening to music, and more. Each product is specifically engineered to reinvent the true wireless experience in a sleek, minimal, and modern design offering rich sound, powerful bass, and clear class at an exceptionally affordable price point that suits every Indian pocket.

The pTron Basspods P251+ is available for purchase in 2 colour variants Black & White, while the Basspods P11 is available only in Black colour variant on Flipkart India with one year warranty.

Product Link:

•        PTron Basspods P11: https://www.flipkart.com/ptron-basspods-p11-24hrs-playback-10mm-driver-movie-mode-hd-mic-touch-control-bluetooth headset/p/itmde5e82af67674?pid=ACCGE3JFBZBCNGYU

•        PTron Basspods P251+: https://www.flipkart.com/ptron-basspods-p251-50hrs-playback-12mm-driver-enc-movie-mode-touch-controls-bluetooth-headset/p/itme648733bab0e1

About pTron:

pTron is a brand owned by Palred Electronics Private Limited which is a subsidiary of Palred Technologies Ltd, a public-listed company on BSE and NSE since 2004. pTron, today, is aspiring to be a global brand pushing boundaries far and wide. Ramping up capacities, opening up new channels of business and reaching out to consumers in new geographies are all steps being taken to explore new horizons. pTron has sold more than 11 million units until FY22. Growing at the rate of 26% YoY, pTron aims to sell an additional 5 million units in FY23.

Website: pTron.in

Gameskraft Foundation And Anju Bobby Sports Foundation Join Hands To Power Next Generation of Athletes

Gameskraft Foundation, the social arm of the online skill-based gaming and entertainment company Gameskraft, has associated with Anju Bobby Sports Foundation (ABSF) to support the development of ABSF’s new high-performance academy in Bengaluru. Through the grant, Gameskraft Foundation takes its first steps, demonstrating its intent in sports development and building the basis for future associations benefiting social upliftment and inspiring success stories in multidisciplinary competition.

Vikas Taneja, Group CEO of Gameskraft Group, said, “Our vision of corporate responsibility is creating a legacy that involves giving back to the communities and individuals whose perseverance and skill inspire us. Sports development is high on our list of focus areas, and it gives me immense pleasure to kickstart this journey with the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation. Anju’s vision for the academy will shine the spotlight on the most deserving talent our country has to offer, enabling them, their dreams and those of a billion others through them.”

ABSF is an initiative by Anju Bobby George, India’s only senior world championship medallist in athletics, and her coach Bobby George to nurture, develop, and groom next-generation world-class athletes. The upcoming facilities at Kengeri in Bengaluru will elevate Anju and Bobby’s dream of giving emerging athletes exposure to state-of-the-art amenities, delivering the best training modules and experiences in the country, from the running surface to the equipment to the coaching expertise.

Anju Bobby George, Founder of ABSF, said, “We are delighted to receive Gameskraft Foundation’s support in developing the infrastructure that will help train tomorrow’s stars and allow us to give back to the sport that has defined our lives. All while bringing the academy on par with world-class standards and letting us nurture and attract athletes and boost their performance levels.”

The Gameskraft Foundation begins its journey of empowering individuals and groups by wholeheartedly supporting their growth and stories and giving back to communities with purpose.

About Gameskraft Foundation

Gameskraft Foundation is the social arm of the leading online skill-based gaming and entertainment company Gameskraft Technologies Pvt Ltd. The foundation will engage with communities at a grassroots level to transform lives and create positive impact, powering ambitions and realising hopes through its efforts.

About Anju Bobby Sports Foundation

ABSF is a charitable trust registered under 80G and 12AA of the Income Tax Act. The training academy aims to give high-performance athletic training to chosen talents identified at the grassroots level, with a special emphasis on women’s empowerment through sports. Training shall be under the direct guidance and supervision of Dronacharya Robert Bobby George and Anju Bobby George per the latest world-class training protocols. The trainees enter following a stringent scientific selection process (jointly with the Sports Authority of India and the Athletics Federation of India) and come mostly from rural India with modest living conditions. One of ABSF’s trainees, Ms Shaili Singh, secured silver in the World U20 Athletics Championship at Nairobi in August 2021, highlighting the quality within the Academy’s ranks.