Latest news with #Limonata
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bisleri partners Apparel Group for Middle East & Africa region distribution
Bisleri International has formed a landmark strategic partnership with the Apparel Group , the global retail and fashion lifestyle conglomerate headquartered in Dubai to manufacture, market and distribute Bisleri's portfolio in the Middle East & Africa region, beginning with the UAE launch in 2025. Bisleri product portfolio includes Vedica, premium Himalayan Spring water and a range of aerated beverages such as Limonata and Bisleri Soda. The company's operations span across 128 manufacturing centers with a distribution network catering to more than 500,000 outlets, alongside an established retail presence in the UAE Market with sports sponsorships like the Dubai Marathon. 'The Middle East and Africa markets represent significant opportunity for value creation in the beverage sector. There is a large Indian diaspora in the region which is already familiar with our brands. We have had sustained success in the UAE market in the past and I am delighted to announce the next chapter of our journey in the region with our strategic partnership with the Apparel Group," Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International said. The Apparel Group, founded in 1996 in Dubai, manages a portfolio of 85 brands and operates over 2,300 stores across 14 countries spread across the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia & Africa. Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, said, "Our partnership with Bisleri International marks a strategic milestone in Apparel Group's journey to diversify and scale new verticals across high-growth markets. Bisleri's strong heritage, combined with our operational expertise and deep market understanding, presents a powerful opportunity to deliver exceptional beverage experiences to consumers in the Middle East and Africa. We look forward to building a long-term, value-driven collaboration that redefines beverage retail in the region." This partnership reiterates both organizations' commitment to innovation, regional expansion, and elevating consumer experiences through strategic collaboration, it said.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bisleri partners Apparel Group for Middle East & Africa region distribution
Bisleri International has formed a landmark strategic partnership with the Apparel Group , the global retail and fashion lifestyle conglomerate headquartered in Dubai to manufacture, market and distribute Bisleri's portfolio in the Middle East & Africa region, beginning with the UAE launch in 2025. Bisleri product portfolio includes Vedica, premium Himalayan Spring water and a range of aerated beverages such as Limonata and Bisleri Soda. The company's operations span across 128 manufacturing centers with a distribution network catering to more than 500,000 outlets, alongside an established retail presence in the UAE Market with sports sponsorships like the Dubai Marathon. 'The Middle East and Africa markets represent significant opportunity for value creation in the beverage sector. There is a large Indian diaspora in the region which is already familiar with our brands. We have had sustained success in the UAE market in the past and I am delighted to announce the next chapter of our journey in the region with our strategic partnership with the Apparel Group," Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International said. The Apparel Group, founded in 1996 in Dubai, manages a portfolio of 85 brands and operates over 2,300 stores across 14 countries spread across the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia & Africa. Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, said, "Our partnership with Bisleri International marks a strategic milestone in Apparel Group's journey to diversify and scale new verticals across high-growth markets. Bisleri's strong heritage, combined with our operational expertise and deep market understanding, presents a powerful opportunity to deliver exceptional beverage experiences to consumers in the Middle East and Africa. We look forward to building a long-term, value-driven collaboration that redefines beverage retail in the region." Live Events This partnership reiterates both organizations' commitment to innovation, regional expansion, and elevating consumer experiences through strategic collaboration, it said.
Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
‘San Pellegrino Limonata? It's no better than Pepsi'
What is Italy's greatest export? Yes, we love the wine, the cheese, the olive oil and the pasta. But the other delicacy we have grown to know and love – which graces the shelves of wholefood stores and Italian delis – is San Pellegrino. Is there anything as refreshing as an ice-cold Limonata, San Pellegrino's thirst-quenching cloudy lemonade? We seem to put these fruity soft drinks on a pedestal above the likes of Pepsi, Lucozade and Fanta. Somehow, in pride of place in deli fridges across the country, they seem more natural and organic. They are made by a brand renowned for its sparkling water, so they must be healthier... right? Limonata lovers, look away now. Emma Shafqat, a paediatric dietitian, says that whilst she 'can see why people might think of San Pellegrino Limonata as a healthier drink, it's really no better than a can of Pepsi or regular lemonade'. Jeannette Hyde, a registered nutritional therapist and author of The Gut Makeover, agrees. 'Personally I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole,' she asserts. However, Bini Suresh, the lead for dietetics at Cleveland Clinic London and BDA spokesperson, believes Limonata has its place in a balanced diet, when enjoyed mindfully and not relied on for hydration or nutrition. Is San Pellegrino Limonata not as healthy as we think? And how does it compare to other fizzy drinks? Are there any health benefits of drinking Limonata? Both Shafqat and Hyde take a moment when faced with this question. It seems the health benefits of drinking a can of Limonata are decidedly minimal, although Hyde points to its list of ingredients being more natural and organic than the likes of Pepsi and Lucozade. It's made with 16 per cent fruit juice from 'ripe lemons from southern Italy', natural flavourings, and includes some zest, too. This marks a contrast to other soft drinks which contain all sorts of acids, caffeine, and artificial colourings. Additionally, Suresh points to the lemon juice providing a small amount of vitamin C. A 2025 review in Molecules highlights the importance of vitamin C for our health thanks to its antioxidant effect and role in immunity. However, Suresh notes the amount in a can of Limonata 'isn't a quantity significant enough to offer a functional benefit'. She therefore acknowledges that whilst a can of Limonata may be enjoyed socially as a refreshing alternative to alcohol, its health benefits are 'modest at best, context dependent' and, in her opinion, 'minimal'. She points to San Pellegrino's 'Zero Added Sugar' variation, which has just 13 calories and 1.1g sugar per can. Alongside water, lemon juice from concentrate, and natural lemon flavourings, it contains sweeteners. 'This is a lower-sugar alternative that may better support moderation and metabolic health, particularly for individuals with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or weight management goals,' she concludes. The case against Limonata So, what makes Limonata so lacking in the eyes of our nutritionists? One word: sugar. The Government recently announced its plans to expand the sugar tax – a levy applied to sugary soft drinks with the aim of reducing obesity levels. Whilst it currently applies to drinks with more than 5g of sugar per 100ml, the threshold may be lowered to 4g. Among the offenders that would be subject to this widened tax are Fanta, Pepsi, Lucozade, and – perhaps surprisingly – San Pellegrino's Limonta and Aranciata cans. Limonata contains 4.5g of sugar per 100ml which puts it on the same level as Fanta Orange, Lucozade, Rubicon and Pepsi. 'It's important to note that an entire can has almost 15g of sugar,' Shafqat says. 'The NHS recommends adults should consume no more than 30g of free sugars per day – if you drink two cans of Limonata, you've reached that maximum.' The health risks of a high-sugar diet are well-established. According to a comprehensive review in the Nutrients journal, people that consume more sugar-sweetened beverages tend to gain more weight and have a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the sugar in fizzy drinks is easily digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, which can cause a quick rise in blood sugar levels, Hyde explains. Whilst most fruits are sugary, they also contain fibre, which tends to be found in the skin, pulp and seeds. Fibre helps to regulate blood sugar levels and prevents rapid spikes and crashes. Therefore, when you drink a sugary fruit drink which doesn't contain fibre, and without food, Hyde says 'you're instantly putting yourself on a rollercoaster of a sugar high, followed by a dip, which is followed by further cravings'. Suresh adds that liquid calories are 'less satiating, making it easy to overconsume' which can be problematic for those maintaining or on a weight loss journey. These links are well-established in scientific research, with a 2021 study in World Journal of Diabetes highlighting that sugar-sweetened beverages can contribute to increased blood glucose concentrations, hunger, and potential weight gain. Additionally, San Pellegrino's fizzy fruit drinks used to contain much more sugar, around 9g per 100ml (almost 30g per can). The company launched its new recipe in the UK in 2018 with a proportion of the added sugar replaced with stevia, which saw the sugar content of its fruit beverage range drop by an average of 40 per cent. And whilst the 'Zero Added Sugar' variation is a low calorie and sugar swap, it does contain a couple of unfamiliar ingredients – acesulfame K and sucralose, both of which are artificial sweeteners. Whilst they are generally recognised as safe for consumption, the former has been linked to increased appetite, and the latter to weight gain in animal studies. How does it compare to other fizzy drinks? A can of San Pellegrino Limonata contains as much sugar as some popular fizzy drinks, although the company says its fruity drinks are 'made with 30 per cent less sugar than similar sugar sweetened beverages'. Suresh says Limonata 'may be perceived as a cleaner label product' compared to alternatives which contain artificial flavourings and sweeteners. What about other 'posh' sparkling drinks? With its sophisticated branding and Italian heritage, many perceive San Pellegrino as a class above the rest. In fact, in recent years, interest in premium and 'trendy' soft drinks has risen as many turn away from alcohol and sugar towards the world of wellness. Suresh, Hyde, and Shafqat all agree that Dash sparkling water is one of the healthiest 'posh' soft drinks as it has just three calories and no sugars or sweeteners in a can. 'It's the best for regular use,' Suresh says, as it's essentially infused water which provides hydration support. San Pellegrino's 'Essenza' fruity sparkling water range is nutritionally comparable. Its Lemon and Lemon Zest drink contains no sugars or sweeteners. Its purely natural mineral water, carbon dioxide, and natural flavourings – and also has just three calories per can. A San Pellegrino spokesperson says: 'At San Pellegrino, we offer a diverse range of authentic Italian products that cater to various tastes and occasions. From our no-sugar Essenza range to the newly introduced Zero Added Sugar range made with juice from Mediterranean fruits, we are committed to consistently delivering great-tasting and high-quality drinks that meet our consumers' needs.' Shafqat is also fond of Hip Pop Living Soda – a premium fizzy drink which claims to support gut health, with 8g of plant fibre per 100ml. It's also lower in sugar, with 1.6g per 100ml. And you can't reference 'posh' soft drinks without acknowledging the rise in popularity of kombucha. Hyde says she drinks it at social events when she doesn't fancy alcohol as it's low in sugar and good for the gut, but still tastes pleasant. Her favourite is Momo – an authentically brewed and unfiltered kombucha. Suresh therefore puts traditional Limonata on the same level as Cawston Press Elderflower Lemonade – whilst they're both sugary, she recommends people enjoy them as an occasional treat. She says the 'Zero Added Sugar' Limonata is a 'reasonable compromise' for those transitioning away from traditional fizzy drinks, whilst the Essenza Lemon and Lemon Zest drink 'provides a flavoursome alternative to plain water, which is great for anyone aiming to stay hydrated without added sugars or sweeteners'. The expert verdict 'Whilst traditional Limonata has more natural ingredients than Pepsi, just don't be fooled into thinking you're having any less sugar when you drink it,' Hyde says. 'Moderation is important – drink one now and again if you fancy it, but maybe consider sometimes swapping it out for sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.' What to drink instead – and still feel refreshed When you need a sweet, refreshing hit, Hyde recommends her simple chilled hibiscus tea. 'It's high in polyphenols with antioxidant powers, plus you get a fruity flavour without a fructose, sugar or aspartame dump,' she says. It's slightly tart and a vibrant red colour – if you prefer a sweeter beverage, Hyde recommends adding a touch of raw unpasteurised honey. More of her gut healthy recipes can be found here.
