Tag: Zomato

  • Itc Sunfeast Baked Creations signs off mango season with a juicy finale for #CertifiedAampaglus

    Itc Sunfeast Baked Creations signs off mango season with a juicy finale for #CertifiedAampaglus

    MUMBAI: Just when you thought mango season had packed its bags, Itc Sunfeast Baked Creations drops one last, delicious surprise with a zany digital film — the grand finale to its Mad Over Mangoes Again campaign.

    This final hurrah is equal parts dessert porn and fruit-fuelled frenzy. The video plunges viewers into a sun-drenched world where mango obsession turns dessert lovers into full-blown #CertifiedAampaglus — the mango-mad masses whose cravings know no chill. With toe-tapping music, hyper visuals, and unapologetic indulgence, it’s mango love turned up to eleven.

    Front and centre are three showstoppers:

    1    Mango Pudding — a custard-and-caramel jar layered with fresh mango

    2    Mango Mascarpone Cake — spongy, pulpy, and as breezy as a tropical holiday

    3    Mango Tres Leches — a creamy classic gone delightfully desi

    Joining the lineup are a riot of other tropical temptations: Mango Cheesecake Bento, Mango & Chocolate Mini Croissants, Custard Pastry, Tropical Cake, and a chilled Mango Shake. Each treat promises a different flavour of summer, designed to be devoured before the season does a disappearing act.

    And in true mango madness fashion, the brand has taken its campaign offline — with a mango-for-mango swap. In Bengaluru, show up at any Café Sunfeast Baked Creations outlet with a real mango, and you’ll walk away with a free dessert. Sweet deal, quite literally.

    Available for delivery in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad via Swiggy and Zomato, this mango farewell is more than just dessert. It’s a fruity frenzy, a sugar rush, and a seasonal tribute rolled into one.

  • Ranveer Singh’s McDonald’s meal launches across North and East India

    Ranveer Singh’s McDonald’s meal launches across North and East India

    MUMBAI: Warning: This meal may cause spontaneous dancing. McDonald’s India – North and East has teamed up with hindi movie energy powerhouse Ranveer Singh to launch ‘The Ranveer Singh Meal’, a limited-time offering that’s equal parts flavour bomb and fan service.

    Joining global icons like BTS and Travis Scott, Singh becomes the first Indian celebrity to be part of McDonald’s global Famous Orders platform, bringing his go-to favourites to golden arches across North and East India.

    So, what’s on the Ranveer menu? Fans can choose between a McVeggie (Xplode) or McChicken (Xplode) amped up with a chilli-creamy ‘Xplode’ sauce and crispy golden onions, dialling up the drama on your everyday burger. It’s paired with the brand-new Golden Pop Fries, crispy potato pops that crunch and melt in a single bite, and the debut of Bobaaa Blast, a poppy boba pearl drink that’s part beverage, part party trick.

    The meal starts at Rs 249 for the vegetarian option and Rs 269 for non-veg, and is available from 13th June for a limited period across all McDonald’s outlets in North and East India including via the McDonald’s App, takeaway, drive-thru, Swiggy, and Zomato.

    A celebration of personal taste, pop culture, and playful nostalgia, this collab turns a meal into a mood and perhaps, a quick bop at the counter.

  • Bobcard bowls a Mother’s Day googly with Shreyanka and her mum

    Bobcard bowls a Mother’s Day googly with Shreyanka and her mum

    MUMBAI: Some deliveries aren’t bowled on the pitch, they come from the heart. In a touching ode to mothers everywhere, Bobcard Limited, the credit card arm of Bank of Baroda, has launched a poignant brand film featuring Indian cricketer Shreyanka Patil and her parents. Timed with Mother’s Day, the film quietly celebrates the small sacrifices and everyday dreams mums put aside and what it means when their children turn around and say, “Now it’s your turn.”

    The narrative is refreshingly candid. No flashy sets, no dramatic voiceovers, just a warm exchange between Shreyanka and her parents, revealing how her mother once gave up a long-awaited trip. With her Bobcard Tiara in hand, Shreyanka decides to give it back, not as a grand gesture, but as a heartfelt tribute.

    The Tiara, Bobcard’s women-centric offering, is designed for exactly these moments. With perks across travel, wellness, dining, and more, it’s a credit card that doubles as a thoughtful sidekick perfect for those looking to celebrate the women who raised them with grace and grit.

    “We grow up with moms who quietly give up so much. This film is a small reminder – it’s our turn to give back. Whether through planning a trip or gifting them their long-deserved ‘me time’, Bobcard is here to help make it unforgettable,” says Bobcard Limited MD & CEO Ravindra Rai.

    Beyond the film, Bobcard has sweetened the occasion with special Mother’s Day offers across MakemyTrip, Paytm, Amazon, Zomato, and more proving that when it comes to celebrating mum, the little things (like a trip or a dinner) can mean the world. Because sometimes, the best gift isn’t just a vacation, it’s validation.

  • Zomato serves profits on a hot plate, but GST bite still simmers

    Zomato serves profits on a hot plate, but GST bite still simmers

    MUMBAI: Eternal Limited (yes, the artist formerly known as Zomato) has dished out its full-year results for FY25 and it’s a mixed bag of spicy growth, some bitter tax overhang, and a sprinkle of strategic acquisitions.

    Clocking in a consolidated profit of Rs 527 crore, the company posted a sharp jump from Rs 351 crore last year. Total income rose to Rs 21,320 crore, up 64 per cent year-on-year, led by robust performance across its three main revenue streams food delivery (Rs 8,080 crore), Hyperpure B2B supplies (Rs 6,196 crore), and quick commerce (Rs 5,206 crore). Even its lesser-known “Going Out” vertical (think restaurant reservations and events) contributed a modest Rs 737 crore.

    But it wasn’t all gravy. Eternal continues to battle the ghosts of legacy operations, its subsidiaries Zomato Hyperpure, Blinkit, and Zomato Entertainment racked up accumulated losses of Rs 877 crore, Rs 2,328 crore, and Rs 130 crore respectively. Blinkit alone dragged down segment results, contributing to a Rs 21 crore loss in the quick commerce vertical, though that’s a significant improvement over last year’s Rs 253 crore deficit.

    The company also weathered a Rs 420 crore GST storm, with demand orders from Maharashtra and West Bengal authorities for taxes and penalties on delivery charges from 2019 to 2022. While Eternal believes it has a “strong case on merits” and has appealed the orders, the final outcome remains up in the air.

    Adding to its expansion menu, Eternal acquired the movie and event ticketing arms of Paytm Orbgen and Wasteland Entertainment in a Rs 2,014 crore deal, booking a combined Rs 1,020 crore in goodwill in the process.

    The company isn’t shying away from splurging either. It raised a cool Rs 8,500 crore through a QIP, and ploughed much of it back into investments, with mutual fund units, bonds and subsidiaries eating up a significant portion. Yet, Eternal ended the year with a hefty Rs 666 crore in cash, even after burning Rs 7,993 crore on investments and spending Rs 8,042 crore on financing activities.

    Employee stock options continue to be a favoured dish over 477 million shares were allotted to the ESOP trust this year.

    So, while the food’s hot and the numbers are sizzling, it’s clear that Eternal is still in the kitchen cooking up clarity on the tax front and trying not to get burned.

  • Zomato changes corporate name to Eternal

    Zomato changes corporate name to Eternal

    MUMBAI; After gorging on acquisitions from Blinkit to Paytm’s ticketing business, the Indian food delivery giant formerly known as Zomato has rebranded itself as Eternal Ltd—though fans need not worry, as the familiar Zomato app will continue to serve up curry in a hurry.

    The company, founded by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah in 2008, received approval from the registrar of companies at the ministry of corporate affairs on 20 March, marking the culmination of a rebranding process first announced to stock exchanges in February. (read: Deepinder Goyal’s Zomato levels up to its final form: Eternal Ltd)

    What began as a restaurant discovery service has morphed into an ambitious conglomerate with fingers in many pies. After floating on the stock market in July 2021 at a whopping valuation north of $8 billion, Zomato—pardon, Eternal—has been cooking up a storm of diversification.

    The aptly named Eternal has shown a voracious appetite for expansion. In June 2022, it splashed out $568 million to snap up quick-commerce upstart Blinkit, allowing customers to receive groceries and essentials in minutes rather than hours.

    .Last August 2024, the corporate tentacles stretched further with the launch of District, an events and ticketing app built on the bones of Paytm’s ticketing business. It runs a B2B service company addressing procurement and supply chain challenges for the HoReCa industry, which includes hotels, restaurants, and cloud kitchens. It offers ingredient sourcing, a modern central kitchen, and temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics to support the growth of restaurants and quick commerce. 

    Zomaland by Zomato is India’s largest food and entertainment carnival to enjoy a wide range of culinary delights, an assortment of fun games and a fantastic artist line-up to ensure your weekend is truly what it should be – filled with food, fun and frolic!It also runs Weather Union  – which tracks weather across the country.

    While the corporate entity will henceforth answer to Eternal Limited, the food delivery app that made the company’s name will continue to operate under the Zomato brand, ensuring that hungry Indians need not learn a new name when their tummies start to rumble.

  • Layers of Love campaign by Bakingo makes Valentine’s Day extra sweet

    Layers of Love campaign by Bakingo makes Valentine’s Day extra sweet

    MUMBAI: Love is best served sweet, and this Valentine’s Day, Bakingo is layering up the romance with its “Layers of Love” campaign. The leading online bakery is crafting confections that don’t just taste divine but also tell a story, one delicious layer at a time.

    Bakingo’s Valentine’s collection features an exquisite range of desserts, each symbolising the depth and beauty of relationships. From multi-layered cakes representing strong, lasting connections to delicate pastries mirroring tender moments, every creation is designed to make celebrations extra special. Just like love, these desserts are built with care, precision, and the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite is a heartfelt indulgence.

    “At Bakingo, we believe love isn’t just about grand gestures, it’s the little moments that truly matter,” said Bakingo co-founder Himanshu Chawla. “With ‘Layers of Love,’ we wanted to capture those emotions in every slice, making Valentine’s celebrations more meaningful. Whether it’s our best-selling heart cakes or personalised treats, we aim to add a touch of sweetness to every love story.”

    Bakingo’s special Valentine’s range is available for order on its website as well as on food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. 

  • Deepinder Goyal’s Zomato levels up to its final form: Eternal Ltd.

    Deepinder Goyal’s Zomato levels up to its final form: Eternal Ltd.

    MUMBAI: It’s official! Zomato, the brand that revolutionised food delivery in India, is stepping into a new era under the corporate name Eternal Ltd. Founder & CEO Deepinder Goyal has revealed this strategic transformation, marking a significant shift in the company’s vision beyond food delivery and into a broader, more enduring business ecosystem.

    Why the change? Well, when you’ve built a brand that’s synonymous with convenience, innovation, and sheer hustle, the next step is to future-proof it. Eternal Ltd. isn’t just a name—it’s a mindset. It represents a company that is built to last, a powerhouse that goes beyond Zomato’s food delivery dominance to encompass Blinkit, District, and Hyperpure.

    Revealing the motivation behind the rebrand, Goyal shared that Eternal isn’t about claiming invincibility—it’s about acknowledging the journey, the challenges, and the constant evolution required to stay relevant. “True permanence isn’t built on bold claims. It is forged in self-doubt, hunger, and the relentless pursuit of being better than yesterday,” he wrote in his letter to shareholders. Talk about poetic business moves!

    Beyond food, this marks the birth of a new age conglomerate. This shift signifies a larger play— Our beloved Zomato is no longer just about food. Eternal Ltd. will house four key businesses:

    Zomato (Food delivery and dining services)

     Blinkit (Quick-commerce champion)

     District (A yet-to-be-revealed exciting venture)

     Hyperpure (B2B food supply for restaurants)

    The company has already received Board approval for the name change, and once shareholders give the green light, Zomato Ltd. will officially become Eternal Ltd. The stock ticker will change from ZOMATO to ETERNAL, and the corporate website will transition from zomato.com to eternal.com.

    Seventeen years ago, Goyal started Zomato—then Foodiebay—by simply uploading restaurant menus online. Fast forward to today, and the company has become India’s first tech startup to enter the BSE Sensex, creating significant wealth for employees, investors, and shareholders alike. The journey from a menu aggregator to a top-30 listed Indian company has been nothing short of legendary.

    Eternal Ltd. aims to be bigger, bolder, and broader in its impact. With Blinkit’s meteoric rise in quick-commerce, the food-tech giant is looking at new growth engines that will keep it relevant for decades to come. This isn’t just a name change-it’s a statement of intent.

    For customers, nothing changes-Zomato will remain your favourite go-to for food cravings. But as a company, Eternal Ltd. is setting its sights on an even grander future, one where it plays a bigger role in shaping India’s digital commerce landscape.

    Final bite – A food delivery empire turning into a multi-industry conglomerate? That’s one eternal glow-up! Now, the only question that remains-what’s next on the menu?

  • Zomato revenue hits Rs 5,657 million in Q3 while PAT shrinks to Rs 59 million

    Zomato revenue hits Rs 5,657 million in Q3 while PAT shrinks to Rs 59 million

    MUMBAI: Zomato, the poster child of India’s food-tech revolution, has released its Q3 FY25 results, revealing a fascinating mix of growth and persistent challenges. Founded by Deepinder Goyal, a man who turned his restaurant review dream into a billion-dollar reality, Zomato’s journey from a niche startup to a household name is nothing short of inspiring. Today, the company boasts a market valuation of over Rs 50,000 crore, but the path has been far from smooth.

    In a bid to outpace competitors like Swiggy and Zepto, Zomato has aggressively expanded its portfolio. From acquiring Blinkit, which revolutionised its quick commerce game, to launching ‘Zomato District,’ an experimental dining experience platform, the company is firing on all cylinders. However, this rapid growth hasn’t come without its challenges. The acquisition spree and investments in new verticals have added significant strain to its financials. And let’s not forget the Rs 803.4 crore GST-related setback from Maharashtra —talk about an unexpected delivery charge!

    With consolidated revenue hitting Rs 5,657 million, up from Rs 3,507 million a year ago, the numbers tell a story of resilience and reinvention. But as profitability continues to slip through its grasp, the burning question remains: can Zomato strike the elusive balance between growth and financial sustainability? Or is it simply running faster on a treadmill of rising costs? Buckle up, because this food-tech giant’s journey is far from over.

    Consolidated Results

    In Q3 FY25, Zomato’s consolidated revenue from operations surged by 54 per cent year-over-year to Rs 5,405 million, with additional income of Rs 252 million pushing total income to Rs 5,657 million. While these numbers showcase growth, they come with a hefty price tag—rising costs that seem as persistent as your favourite food app’s notifications.

    Employee benefits expenses climbed to Rs 689 million, which makes one wonder: are delivery executives being given gold-plated scooters? Advertising and sales promotion costs held steady at Rs 421 million, showing Zomato’s relentless pursuit of eyeballs and appetites. Meanwhile, delivery-related charges hit a whopping Rs 1,450 million—proof that staying ahead in the food-tech race isn’t a cheap sport.

    But here’s where the humour fades. Despite revenue growth, Zomato’s profit before tax tumbled to Rs 124 million, a notable dip from Rs 237 million in the previous quarter. The consolidated profit after tax (PAT) followed suit, shrinking to Rs 59 million, down from Rs 176 million last quarter. Even EBITDA, the trusty metric of operational health, showed only marginal improvement. Is this growth, or are we just running on a treadmill of expenses?

    Adding spice to the financial mix, Zomato’s segment performance revealed contrasting flavours: Hyperpure, its B2B vertical, grew a sizzling 94.5 per cent YoY, while Quick Commerce revenue rocketed 117 per cent YoY, contributing Rs 1,399 million to the top line. But profitability? It’s still playing hard to get—a romance worthy of a Netflix drama.

    So, what’s the takeaway here? Is Zomato on a path to future dominance, or is it stuck in a never-ending balancing act between growth and margin woes? Investors, grab your popcorn, because this plot just keeps thickening!

    Standalone Results

    The standalone results painted a slightly brighter picture—a rare dessert in a financial menu filled with rising costs. Revenue from operations for Q3 FY25 climbed to Rs 2,226 crore, up from Rs 1,782 crore in the same period last year. Including Rs 311 crore in other income, total income reached Rs 2,537 crore, offering some much-needed cheer to investors. Who doesn’t love a surprise topping?

    But let’s not pop the champagne just yet. Employee benefits expenses rose to Rs 333 crore—are we paying delivery riders in Bitcoin now? Meanwhile, delivery-related costs surged to Rs 941 crore, showing that keeping up with a booming market comes at a steep price. Despite these headwinds, Zomato managed to serve up a standalone profit before tax of Rs 574 crore, a healthy increase from Rs 385 crore in Q3 FY24. The standalone PAT came in at Rs 494 crore, proving that even amidst turbulence, there’s room for optimism.

    So, can Zomato keep delivering these sweet surprises, or are rising costs about to steal dessert off the table? Investors, stay tuned!

    Operational Highlights

    1.  Segment Growth:

    Food delivery revenue grew by 21.6 per cent YoY to Rs 2,072 million.

    Hyperpure, Zomato’s B2B vertical, surged by 94.5 per cent YoY to Rs 1,671 million.

    Quick commerce, a new darling, contributed Rs 1,399 million, up from Rs 644 million last year.

    2. Acquisitions: Zomato’s acquisition spree continues to bear fruit. The recent addition of Wasteland Entertainment Private Limited (WEPL) and Orbgen Technologies Private Limited (OTPL) underscores its focus on diversification.

    3. Regulatory Challenges: The company faced a GST-related setback, with demands totalling Rs 420 crore from Maharashtra and West Bengal authorities. While management remains optimistic, these disputes add another layer of complexity to its financial landscape.

    Zomato’s results reflect the growing pains of a company caught between scaling operations and achieving profitability. While the rapid growth in Hyperpure and Quick Commerce shows plenty of promise, the company’s ballooning costs and pesky regulatory hurdles resemble hurdles in a marathon where the finish line keeps moving.

    So, what’s the final verdict? Is Zomato writing the next big food-tech success story, or is it cooking up a recipe for endless spending? As India’s food-tech landscape becomes more cutthroat, the stakes for Zomato couldn’t be higher. The question isn’t just whether they can deliver food on time but whether they can finally deliver profits to investors. One thing’s for sure: this is a journey worth watching—and it’s bound to be as spicy as a midnight biryani craving!

    Key Financial Highlights

    . Consolidated Revenue: Rs 5,405 million for Q3 FY25; Rs 14,410 million for nine months.

    Standalone Revenue: Rs 2,226 million for Q3 FY25; Rs 6,425 million for nine months.

    PAT (Consolidated): Rs 59 million for Q3 FY25; Rs 488 million for nine months.

    EBITDA Margin: Improved slightly but remains constrained by rising costs.

    Segment Growth: Hyperpure surged by 94.5 per cent YoY, Quick Commerce up by 117 per cent YoY.

  • FHRAI raises concerns over Zomato &  Swiggy’s private label business

    FHRAI raises concerns over Zomato & Swiggy’s private label business

    MUMBAI: This was bound to happen. Especially with the quick commerce guys evolving from delivery to making their own food products (call them private labels)  and delivering them. This is ruining the appetite of  hoteliers and restaurant owners.  

    And they are voicing their irritation through their representative body – The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the world’s third-largest hospitality association which has voiced strong objections to Zomato and Swiggy’s entry into the private label food delivery business.

    The association has alleged unfair competition, misuse of restaurant data, and potential food safety risks, citing the platforms’ market dominance as detrimental to the businesses they were initially designed to support.
    FHRAI has announced its intention to meet with the ministry of commerce to push for regulatory action to ensure fair practices in the food service sector.

    The association’s concerns center on the alleged misuse of proprietary restaurant data by Zomato and Swiggy. This data, encompassing customer preferences, sales trends, and order histories, is reportedly being used to create personalised deals and develop private label products.

    FHRAI vice-president Pradeep Shetty  highlighted the ethical and legal implications of these practices. “These platforms were originally designed as neutral marketplaces to connect consumers with restaurants. However, by introducing and promoting their own food products, they are exploiting sensitive data to compete directly with the restaurants they serve. This creates an uneven playing field and jeopardises the livelihoods of small and medium-sized businesses,” said Shetty.

    He further emphasised that restaurants lack access to the same data, making it even harder for them to compete in an already challenging market.

    Another significant issue raised by  the FHRAI is the lack of transparency surrounding food safety standards for these private label products. While restaurants are subject to stringent safety regulations, the same standards may not be enforced for products sold by the platforms. This lack of accountability, FHRAI argues, could undermine consumer trust and damage the reputation of the restaurant industry.

    Originally established to connect restaurants with customers, Zomato and Swiggy have expanded their operations into the quick commerce space by creating private label food products. This move has raised fears of monopolistic practices, as the platforms now control not just the distribution but also the creation and sale of food.

    The association warned that without clear regulations, these developments could harm competition and consumer choice in the food service market.

    FHRAI is advocating for enforceable guidelines to:
    * Protect restaurant data from misuse.
    * Ensure private label food products meet the same safety and quality standards as restaurant food.
    * Maintain transparency and fairness in the food service industry.

    “We urge regulators to take swift action to address these issues. A transparent and competitive environment is essential for the survival and growth of all stakeholders, including restaurants, delivery platforms, and consumers,” Shetty stated.

    Will the regulators do something to restore the FHRAI’s appetite?

  • Zomato-Sony partner for CID for content integration through a co-branded promo

    Zomato-Sony partner for CID for content integration through a co-branded promo

    MUMBAI: In another clever marketing ploy, Zomato and Culver Max Entertainment have 
    partnered each other to give their respective brands -CID and Zomato – a bit of a nudge into consumers minds.  In an interesting and entertaining attempt at content integration, the duo has released a video that is grabbing eyeballs and generating conversations – basically buzz online.

    It begins with a Zomato partner calling up ACP Pradyuman (Shivaji Satam) and informing him that he found the CID office door broken when he had come to make a delivery – a perfect set up for a CID investigation.

    On arriving at his office, the ACP is informed of the break in and the missing door and he concludes in his typical style that “daal mein kuchch Kaala hain (There’s something funny about this.” )

    To which the delivery boy responds “Nahin, Sir.  Daal Tadka ka order hain.

     

    Sony CID

    CID’s investigation and forensics team discovers in a funny round about way that the burglar wears size 12 footwear. ACP Pradyuman immediately orders Daya (Daynanad Shetty)  to question the neighurhood shoe sellers to find out who in recent times has purchased  a size 12 shoe.

    But Daya is not available so his replacement does the questioning of shoe shop owners and comes back to inform ACP Pradyuman that his deputy was the only recent buyer  of the footwear.

    The assistant commissioner then questions Daya who is eating his favourite bhel about his act and his response is that inspector Abhijeet (Aditya Srivastava) had talked about having an open-door policy which is why he broke the door.

    To which ACP Pradyuman responds: “We had talked about an open-door policy and not a broken door policy. Ab tumhe bhel bi nahing milegi, bail bhi nahin, sirf jail. (Now you will not get the snack, nor bail, only jail) to Daya’s astonishment.

    The video then cuts to the dates and times when Sony is airing CIID.  

    (To watch the video on I nstagram click here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DD13n12T4jl/)

    Does the video work for both brands equally?

    The jury is out on this one. Some believe that the promotional message is probably more skewed towards CID, while others point out that it’s okay if the talent was provided and production was done by Sony.

    “Zomato’s short form videos normally highlight the partner’s ability and back stories. Either they are informative or they bring forth a chuckle. Followers are familiar with their style of presentation; so let’s not make a hue and cry about this,” says a marketing consultant. “In my opinion the setting works for both. I see a lot of clever marketing and content integration coming out of Sony now that they have a leader who is creative on top.”