Latest news with #Pukka
Mint
5 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Multi-channel push: From quick commerce to premium beauty, HUL adapts to evolving consumer habits
Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) is expanding its sales channels, including health and wellness stores, premium beauty outlets, and quick commerce, to adapt to evolving consumer shopping habits, said Rohit Jawa, chief executive and managing director of India's largest packaged consumer goods firm, in its 2024-25 annual report. "We now have a dedicated premium retail organisation focused on distributing and creating demand for our premium beauty products through the beauty and pharma channels. New channels have necessitated superior point-of-sale availability. We are leveraging advanced technology expertise to strengthen our presence in modern trade, e-commerce, and the fast-growing quick commerce,' he added. In October 2024, HUL's beauty and well-being portfolio, which includes brands such as Lakme and Dove, went live in 75,000 outlets with the beauty premium retail organisation (PRO). PRO is an exclusive route to market for offline beauty, with 75% coverage focused on health and beauty stores. Meanwhile, HUL's foods category is witnessing a significant expansion in channels such as modern trade stores and e-commerce, including quick commerce, the company said. It has rolled out several exclusive products for such channels. "We had several modern trade and e-commerce exclusive launches in the year, led by Pukka herbal infusions, Bru cold coffee and Korean meal pots. With our premium ice cream portfolio of Magnum, Cornetto and Slow Churn, we continued to strengthen our play in channels of the future, building on the trend of in-home ice cream consumption,' it added. E-commerce currently contributes 7-8% to HUL's business, a share that is growing faster than the company's overall average. This contribution could potentially reach 15% in the next few years, according to the company's management during their post-earnings call for the March quarter. Quick commerce accounts for approximately 2% of the business. HUL's assortment on quick commerce has doubled in 2024-25 compared to a year ago. HUL said e-commerce has evolved into various models. It has set up teams for each model, focusing on future-ready, need-based portfolios. HUL's wide portfolio of over 50 brands reaches over 9 million outlets in India, making it among the most well-distributed packaged consumer goods companies in the country. It has invested ahead of the curve in organised trade, leading to higher market shares and strong leadership positions across categories. The growing demand in modern trade will help drive sales. "We are also investing in e-commerce capabilities to build a strong digital moat…Under the WiMI 2.0 mandate, HUL is also building specialised new routes to market (RTMs) for emerging segments, such as health and wellness, premium beauty, and gourmet food. These channels will help HUL reach more than 70% of the premium beauty and foods markets, while also driving assortment growth,' it added. The company uses the WiMI (winning in many Indias) strategy to understand and reach diverse consumer groups across the country. Apart from premiumization and more consumers trading up to better brands, HUL has also outlined rapid digitisation as a core area of future growth. This includes digitizing Kirana store partners via apps, bolstering e-commerce offers, and spending more on digital marketing channels. The company still draws a majority of its business from kirana stores or traditional sales channels. Kirana stores are vital to any large packaged consumer goods company's distribution and reach in India, making up to 70-80% of their sales. 'Over the last year, we have focused on strengthening this channel with a 'kirana-centric, distributor-inclusive' model. Our strategy involves building stronger relationships with our distributor partners and kirana stores, partnering with them in their journey of digitisation, empowering them with future-fit capabilities to ensure we position them to succeed in the rapidly evolving distribution landscape,' it said. HUL is also 'actively' collaborating with the Government of India's initiative, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). 'With the help of an integrated module in Shikhar, neighbourhood kiranas can go live on ONDC seamlessly and sell their entire range of products online,' it said.
The Spinoff
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Spinoff
The cost of being: A full-time student, part-time nanny flatting in Wellington
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a 20-year-old second-year university student explains her approach to spending and saving. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female. Age: 20. Ethnicity: NZ European. Role: I'm a full-time second year student at Vic uni, also working part time as a nanny. Salary/income/assets: I earn around $320 per week from work and also receive the student allowance of $200ish per week. My living location is: Suburban. Rent/mortgage per week: I live in a five-bed flat, $1,200 per week – I'm in the smallest room so I pay $204. Student loan or other debt payments per week: Not currently paying anything off my student loan or other loans . Typical weekly food costs Groceries: We all cook our own meals due to dietary requirements, but I'm lucky enough to eat at work four nights a week. Food is the thing I splurge on most as I value healthy, often organic food. It costs a bit, but the markets are great for fresh produce. It can range from $80-$100 per week including toiletries and any extras. Eating out: Around $25, I get takeaways once a week and the odd dinner out with friends or my boyfriend. 1154 is one of our favourites – a great pasta place on Cuba Street. We like the $12 weeknight meals. Takeaways: Included in eating out. Workday lunches: I buy lunch at uni a few days a week, $30. Cafe coffees/snacks: I do love a good coffee or matcha but have been making them at home recently. On a splurge week I'll spend around $30… sounds a lot when you write it down! I love a vanilla shot which is usually an extra 60 to 90 cents. Other food costs: Iron supplements, which is around $40 a month. Savings: I have a $1,000 emergency fund and recently had a $1,000 car fund which just got spent on my yearly insurance and mechanic. I have around $10,000 in Kiwisaver and investments on Sharesies and Invest Now. I worry about money: Sometimes. Three words to describe my financial situation: Grateful, blessed, stressed. My biggest edible indulgence would be: Big on the drinks! Supreme coffee grinds for my at-home machine, matcha powder or Pukka tea. In a typical week my alcohol expenditure would be: $6 – usually buy some drinks or a wine once a month. In a typical week my transport expenditure would be: I drive into uni as I head straight to pick the kids up after my lectures, I spend around $70 on petrol per week. I estimate in the past year the ballpark amount I spent on my personal clothing (including sleepwear and underwear) was: $800. My most expensive clothing in the past year was: Bought a 21st dress recently for $120 I got on sale from Ownley (down from $200) and also a quilted jacket for the Welly winters which was around $160. My last pair of shoes cost: New Balance 480s, which were around $160. My grooming/beauty expenditure in a year is about: Found this amazing skincare made on Great Barrier Island called Aotea which hits the wallet, and I buy a couple makeup items per year, but apart from that I get at-home haircuts. My exercise expenditure in a year is about: I love to surf so mostly the free outdoor gym, I pay a $7 weekly membership to City Fitness (that I don't use, but locked in for a year). I love the climbing gym which I spend around $20-$60 per week on depending how much I go. My last Friday night cost: $55, paid for a gig for a friend and me. Most regrettable purchase in the last 12 months was: Gym membership. Most indulgent purchase (that I don't regret) in the last 12 months was: $120 skincare. One area where I'm a bit of a tightwad is: Clothes and shoes I put off buying. Five words to describe my financial personality would be: Saver, quality spender, investor. I grew up in a house where money was: Tight. Just my mum and me, who struggled to keep up with the bills. I always had what I needed but the stress of going into our family debt seeped in. The last time my Eftpos card was declined was: Taking my two cats to the vet! In five years, in financial terms, I see myself: I would love to save up a deposit for a tiny house by then, have an emergency fund of $5,000 and continue my investments. Having a small travel fund started in preparation for a world trip is also a goal. Describe your financial low: Ran out of leave, off work for two weeks sick with a rent increase coming up was stressful. I've found having an emergency fund a lifesaver, if you can even contribute a few dollars a week – when you need it, it can take a load off. I would love to have more money for: More than two-ply toilet paper. I give money away to: I'm grateful to be in a position to sponsor two beautiful kids through Tearfund, I also donate to Hagar International – an organisation working with women survivors of trafficking and modern slavery.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lipton Teas and Infusions appoints new CEO
Lipton Teas and Infusions has picked Pierre Laubies as its new CEO. Laubies steps in to lead the tea and herbal-drinks group after being chairman of the company's supervisory board since 2022. He has also been interim CEO for the past six months, replacing Nathalie Roos who stepped down as chief executive in September. The company said it had decided to formalise Laubies' appointment as it saw "maintaining continuity" as "the best way forward". Roos had been hired in 2022 by Lipton's owners, CVC Capital Partners, in the wake of their acquisition of the business from Unilever. In a statement at the time of her departure, the Netherlands-based group said Roos had 'for personal reasons, in agreement with the board' decided to step down. Today's (2 April) statement to announce Laubies' appointment cited his "30 years of leadership experience" at companies including Mars and Campbell Soup Company. He has also previously worked as CEO of coffee group Jacobs Douwe Egberts and beauty company Coty, and also as a board member of French agri-food business Groupe Panzani. At the time of her departure, the Lipton tea maker said Roos had 'relaunched many of the company's key brands with some considerable success'. The group also pointed to the formation of a new 'global responsible sourcing partnership' with tea exporter Brown's Investments. In May, Lipton Teas and Infusions handed off its tea estates in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania to Sri Lanka-based peer Browns Investment. The transaction included the Kericho plantation in Kenya that had been at the centre of historical violence and human-rights issues. Earlier this year, Lipton announced plans to invest zł60m ($14.7m) into its factory in the Katowice, southern Poland. The company is looking to grow demand for fruit and herbal teas, with drinkers interested in the reputed health benefits of the products. Lipton is known for its namesake brand, as well as Pukka, Tazo, T2 and Pukka teas. It manages eight packaging sites in four continents and has presence in more than 100 countries. "Lipton Teas and Infusions appoints new CEO" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Telegraph
17-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Are pricey ‘sleepy' drinks really worth it or is a cup of Horlicks just as good?
For some of us, a glass of water, a warm mug of tea, or a sturdy nightcap is all we need before drifting off to sleep at the end of the day. But nearly half of adults get less than seven to nine hours per night, and 90 per cent experience sleep issues, according to a 2024 study. Enter the functional drink. These beverages – which are infused with health-promoting ingredients – have stormed onto the wellness scene in recent years. Twinings, Teapigs, and Pukka are just some of the brands driving this trend with their 'sleep teas' that contain ingredients that supposedly help us to drift off. And we're buying it. The functional beverage industry is now worth an estimated £177 billion and is expected to reach £254 billion by 2030. Most recently, a 'category first' Bedtime Milk from Tom Parker Creamery in Wincanton has joined the party, containing chamomile, valerian root, and magnolia extract to help induce sleep. The functional drink market is overflowing with magnesium coffees, ashwagandha hot chocolates, and mushroom chai lattes ranging from £10 to £40 and beyond. They promise to aid relaxation and boost sleep quality, but are dedicated functional sleep drinks worth the money? Or is a cup of Horlicks just as beneficial? What do the experts think? 'There's nothing wrong with having a sleepy tea or trying these supplements before bed but there certainly isn't the evidence yet to say everyone should try this to fix their sleep,' says Dr Lindsay Browning, a chartered psychologist, neuroscientist, and author of Navigating Sleeplessness. 'Everyone wants a quick fix so the public are massively incentivised to pay for something that's marketed as a quick and easy solution to sleep,' she adds. 'So you might drink a particular tea and think it'll cure your insomnia but the reality is that there is no evidence to suggest these drinks are going to have a significant impact on sleep compared to rigorous treatment for insomnia such as CBTI [cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia].' Dr Kat Lederle, a sleep and circadian rhythm specialist and author of Sleep Sense, believes sleep teas are useful to include in a regular pre-sleep routine to signal to the brain that it's time for bed. ' Pick a tea or drink that you look forward to having before bed,' she says. 'Make it a ritual – so it's not just the tea but it's the whole set-up and atmosphere that allows your body and mind to wind down and relax before sleeping.' So, whilst the evidence on the effectiveness of sleep teas may be insubstantial, they can still be a soothing way to end the day. Just don't expect them to provide an immediate cure to your sleep problems. 'For somebody with insomnia who has normal levels of magnesium in their body, taking one of those drinks isn't likely to do much besides creating a significant placebo effect,' she explains. Are traditional drinks just as useful? So, what about those of us that like to keep it simple and end the day with a glass of water or cup of tea? A review conducted by researchers at Columbia University suggests a positive association between dairy intake and sleep quality. Adults who engaged in more leisure-time physical activity and consumed a higher amount of milk had better sleep in particular. Cow's milk contains tryptophan – 'an amino acid used in the body to make serotonin which is linked to melatonin production,' nutritionist Sophie Trotman explains. 'It's really good when it comes to sleep regulation.' Horlicks and other malted drinks are loaded with vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium and B vitamins that can help to aid relaxation. When mixed with milk, it may help to improve sleep. 'We just need to be aware of how much sugar those drinks contain,' Dr Browning says. 'If it's highly sugared, or if you opt for a drink like hot chocolate which has lots of sugar in it, then it's obviously not going to help us to feel sleepy.' A mug of Horlicks Original with 200ml of semi-skimmed milk contains 28.7g of carbohydrates, of which 19.2g are sugars – a fifth of an adult's maximum intake. Meanwhile, a serving of Cadbury Original drinking hot chocolate contains 20g of sugars. Dr Lederle says a simple glass of warm milk or a cup of tea might provoke a positive association to childhood which could psychologically aid relaxation and contribute to restful sleep. 'In addition to the ingredients, I also think that association to a place or memory is important,' she explains. 'If you don't like chamomile tea, don't force yourself to drink it. It won't help you to relax. Pick a tea or a drink that you look forward to having and can add to your restful pre-sleep routine.' Dr Browning says a glass of milk is 'ideal' before bed. She suggests drinking it warm as it can help to raise your core body temperature which aids sleep initiation. 'Sometimes people can't fall asleep because they're hungry,' she adds. 'And of course, milk is food. So if you have a warm glass of milk before going to sleep, you're not going to be hungry and you're going to feel more calm and settled.' It is high in protein so will keep you full throughout the night, meaning you're less likely to wake up at midnight desperate for a snack. And, of course, you can't go wrong with a glass of water before bed which helps to prevent dehydration and supports temperature regulation. The science behind the ingredients in sleepy teas Chamomile In 2018, Twinings launched their Superblends range of teas in the UK which included a sleep tea containing chamomile, passionflower, and valerian root. Chamomile has a long history of use for sleep. In fact, it dates back 2000 years, as far as ancient Rome when it was recommended for treating insomnia. It can reduce the number of awakenings and help people to stay asleep too, according to a 2024 study in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine journal, although it didn't affect sleep duration or efficiency. 'Chamomile contains an antioxidant called apigenin which can reduce anxiety and cortisol levels, promoting relaxation,' says Trotman. 'It can also help with digestion which might help to aid better sleep by reducing uncomfortable bloating.' Valerian root Valerian root is a powerful herbal remedy which can help to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, whilst passionflower may help to ease anxiety by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical the brain makes to help regulate mood. However, the science supporting the effectiveness of these sleep aids is limited and teas should not be treated as a quick fix to insomnia and other sleep issues. Magnesium Magnesium supplements have experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity in recent years, with Waitrose reporting a 44 per cent rise in sales in 2023. Scientists and wellness experts alike laud the mineral's various benefits from easing anxiety to improving workouts. A 2024 study published in the European Society of Medicine suggests that it can improve sleep quality, duration, and mood. Magnesium bisglycinate, a supplement which contains both magnesium and the amino acid glycine, is often a core ingredient in functional night drinks. Dr Lederle says that magnesium can certainly help with sleep as it binds to receptors in the brain to promote a deeper state of relaxation. However she urges people with sleep issues not to treat these functional drinks like 'a sleeping pill' – a view which Dr Browning shares. Whilst studies have shown that magnesium can be helpful for sleep, generally this is seen most clearly when people already have a deficiency, she explains. Therefore, whilst it may improve sleep most dramatically for those bringing their magnesium levels back to the 'normal' amount, those who already have an adequate level are less likely to experience such benefits. Magnolia Another common ingredient in sleep drinks is magnolia. It features in Tom Parker Creamery's functional Bedtime Milk alongside valerian root, lavender and chamomile. A 2012 study published in the Neuropharmacology journal conducted on mice found that magnolol - a polyphenol in magnolia bark - may help to induce and improve sleep. However, comprehensive research on other common functional drink ingredients such as ashwagandha and reishi mushrooms is lacking. Whilst a 2021 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ashwagandha extracts can improve sleep quality, especially for insomnia sufferers, researchers said that further clinical trials are needed to generalise the outcome. What's the best drink to have before bed? 1. Milk Milk is low in sugar, high in protein, and rich in tryptophan, all of which contribute to a more comfortable night's sleep. If the thought of a glass of milk before bed is distinctly unappealing, consider mixing it into your favourite decaffeinated tea. 2. Water Water will always be the best beverage to drink at any time of the day, including before bed. It prevents dehydration and supports temperature regulation, leading to a more restful sleep. Just be sure not to drink too much before bed in order to avoid a midnight trip to the bathroom. 3. Chamomile tea Trotman lauds the benefits of a soothing mug of chamomile tea before bed. Its relaxation effects are scientifically proven and incorporating it in a regular routine can help to signal to the brain that it's time to wind down in the evening.
