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Tag: Zomato

  • Zomato partners with InCred to extend credit facilities to restaurant partners

    Zomato partners with InCred to extend credit facilities to restaurant partners

    NEW DELHI: Adding a fillip to India’s burgeoning food tech industry, Zomato has recently entered a strategic partnership with InCred, one of the leading fintech lenders in India. As part of the tie-up, InCred will extend hassle-free credit facilities to Zomato’s restaurant partners.

    The food delivery industry was one of the worst-affected segments during the pandemic with its gross merchandise value (GMV) falling short of the pre-Covid levels. However, we can now see a revival trend in the industry. The food delivery business has crossed the pre-Covid run rate and is expected to grow further in the months to come. The InCred-Zomato partnership will extend financial assistance to cash-strapped businesses for meeting their business growth and working capital needs.

    InCred empowered Indian businesses with unsecured business loans even during the peak of the lockdown. The tech-driven lender offers loans with minimal documentation and gives loan approval within 48 hours with zero physical interactions.

    InCred CEO (SME business) Saurabh Jhalaria said, “At InCred, we understand the value of financial assistance for businesses, especially the SMEs. The Covid2019 outbreak has led to a sharp decrease in footfall, order volume, and bucket size within the food services segment. In this context, platforms such as Zomato have emerged as a true gamechanger by enabling physical businesses to recover seamlessly. We are happy to join hands with Zomato and are confident that it will further aid the economic recovery of the vertical.”

     “While the food delivery business has made a strong comeback, the overall food service industry is still far from reaching pre-Covid levels. We have been working on many initiatives to boost its recovery and one such is our partnership with InCred. It will help our restaurant partners with easy, risk-free credit options designed to achieve their operational and bottom-line goals,” added Zomato chief sales officer Rakesh Ranjan. 

    InCred offers tech-driven credit services to its customers that are time-efficient and cost-effective. Apart from its SME loans (which comprises working capital loans, term loans, and channel finance), the product portfolio of the company also includes personal loans (wedding loans, medical loans, and travel loans) and education loans. 

  • Zomato’s Gaurav Verma is new PharmEasy CMO

    Zomato’s Gaurav Verma is new PharmEasy CMO

    NEW DELHI: PharmEasy has brought in former Zomato CMO Gaurav Verma to lead its marketing operations.

    "Delighted to announce that I am joining the excellent team at PharmEasy! They have built a phenomenal quirky brand and am super excited to see what new heights we can take it to," said Verma in a post on his LinkedIn profile.

    Verma joined Zomato in 2019. Soon, he was elevated to global growth head of dining out for a brief period of six months. Soon, he was given the mantle for marketing in April this year.

    He led the brand marketing activities for Zomato throughout the pandemic and spearheaded several interesting campaigns. He exited the food delivery platform in November 2020.

    Verma has 15 years of experience in the industry and has worked at leading companies like Pepsico, ITC, Lenovo, and Tata Tea. His longest stint was at Pepsico where he operated in different categories such as Tropicana, Lays, Kurkure, and others. 

  • Gaurav Verma moves on from Zomato

    Gaurav Verma moves on from Zomato

    New Delhi: Zomato CMO Gaurav Verma has moved on from the organisation. He announced the development on his social media handle.

    Verma joined Zomato from Pepsico as CMO for the brand in 2019. Soon, he was elevated to global growth head for dining out for a brief period of six. Later, he was again given the mantle for marketing in April this year.

    He led the brand marketing activities for Zomato throughout the pandemic and spearheaded several interesting campaigns.

    Verma has 15 years of experience in the industry and has worked at multiple brands such as Pepsico, ITC, Lenovo, and Tata Tea. His longest stint was at Pepsico where he worked in different categories such as Tropicana, Lays, Kurkure, and others. 

  • Guest Column: The greatest brands are the ones that take ‘Onus’ of customer experience

    Guest Column: The greatest brands are the ones that take ‘Onus’ of customer experience

    NEW DELHI: Customer experience is about brands demonstrating their commitment to prioritizing and anticipating the problems of the customers and taking the onus to provide a solution to the customers. One of the frequent problems that were most customers face while purchasing online is the whole complexity of the 'return' process.

    Agile brands are managing this, by using technology to simplify this process and some cases even ensuring that the need to return itself reduces. Service technology is changing the face of customer support and service and empowering the customers to make their lives convenient at all hours of the day.

    The three, brands that are emerging as shining stars by using technology in effective ways to deliver effortless convenience.

    a) Zomato 

    When buying from an aggregator, the problem often becomes about who takes the onus in case of a product quality issue. In a recent experience, there was a wrong order delivered by a restaurant via Zomato, an Indian restaurant aggregator. The fault according to me lay with the restaurant, as it was a wrong variation of the dish that had been served up. It did not a case of an incorrect order picked up by the delivery boy. The restaurant in itself was unreachable / not contactable. None of the numbers worked. However, a simple chat exchange solved my problem; Zomato took onus and refunded the amount without the need for an actual conversation with a customer service executive or even any follow-up on emails/chats, etc. A simple chat message that can resolve the consumer’s concern, can create a lasting impact in the customer’s mind.

    b) UNIQLO 

    Given the pandemic, physically shopping for clothes is becoming an 'preferred' option for many, and rightly so. Yes, online shopping for apparel is possible. And it has its perks like saving time and effort, allowing us to compare brands, filter and shortlist our options at the convenience of a click, the aftermath of dealing with returns because of 'size' related issues just makes the shopping process longer. It is then that I do miss the occasional suggestion of the salesperson for the right size. Uniqlo’s size measurement technology tool solves this problem so efficiently for people like me. This simplistic technology on their website for online shopping requires you to enter your physical measurements, and it prompts a recommended size for you for that particular apparel, thus making the customer experience significantly much better. Gone are my days of taking the onus of opening size charts and trying to assess which size would be comparable basis a standard size chart and hence a better fit for me.

    c) Amazon

    Amazon has always been at the forefront of introducing innovations aimed at making the experience easier for its customers. It provides customers with a whole host of options to ensure minimal effort and convenience for the user. Minimal effort is a key and a determinant of your experience regardless of whether you are buying or returning a product. Effortless experience is what leads to customer loyalty. Many retailers are reaching new heights in ensuring a seamless purchase experience however only a few can surpass expectations when it comes to the 'return, ' experience. Amazon is a stand out brand in this aspect. Both the process and policies are aimed to please the customer and require minimal effort. Customer support is technology-driven yet easy to access, pick up is prompt and convenient to organize again via technology, and policies are fair, which are essential elements to ensure a seamless 'return experience.’

    (The article is written by Hansa Research senior VP and national head – CX Practice Piyali Chatterjee. The views are personal and Indiantelevision.com may not subscribe to them.)

  • Harkirat Singh of Gath Productions wins #Zomatoloot

    Harkirat Singh of Gath Productions wins #Zomatoloot

    NEW DELHI: A little over a month ago, food-aggregator and delivery platform Zomato, in its ever-quirky way, had announced a unique competition for the people who were tired of seeing their unskippable ‘rich butter chicken’ and ‘creamy pasta’ ads on YouTube. Termed #Zomatoloot, the video creating challenge was an interesting way to incorporate user-generated content in a brand’s marketing strategy, besides promising Rs 25 lakh to the winner as well as a lot of visibility on digital and TV ads of Zomato. 

    The challenge attracted many interesting entries, but the victory went to Harkirat Singh, who runs a production house called Gath Productions. Singh’s rib-tickling ad depicting the story of every hostel ever was as relatable as it was funny and was a big hit with the Zomato’s social media followers.

    Singh is pretty psyched about winning the challenge and the recognition it is getting him. “I have been in the industry for four years now and have worked on a number of brand films as director and cinematographer but never got the recognition for it. At the end of it, ad films become the property of the agency. So, it is very exciting and heartening for me to get recognition for my film.”

    On being asked about how he landed upon the concept, Singh shared, “I got to know about it from a friend on the 27th of September, just a few days before the last date of submissions. As time was short, I was not very confident if something can be pulled off and told her that I will only be participating if I can create something good. Luckily, the same night the idea struck me. I was having dinner with my sister, there was something on her plate that I was trying to grab and that’s when it struck me. Then I connected it to my hostel days where I have had similar experiences of my friends taking my orders and eating them.”

    He added, “It also happened that just a few days back I had seen this building that looked like a hostel and instantly I knew the location too.”

    Singh then shot the entire film within a span of six hours.

    Here are all the other entries that made a podium finish:

  • Brands leverage Rahul Tewatia moment

    Brands leverage Rahul Tewatia moment

    NEW DELHI: Over the years, IPL has given birth to several big stars who haven’t just entertained the crowds but went ahead to become viral-sensation.

    The latest to be a part of that elite club is Rajasthan Royals’ Rahul Tewatia who smashed five sixes in one over in a match against Kings XI Punjab and turned into an overnight sensation.

    The 27-year-old all-rounder stunned the cricket lovers with his skills in Sharjah as he helped his team to score a win against Kings XI Punjab.

    Tewatia made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2014, but never become a household name until Sunday when he changed the game. After signing up for Rajasthan Royals in 2014, he played only 1 game in IPL 2015. He was bought by the Royals for Rs 10 lakh.

    Netizens went crazy after seeing his performance and #Tewatia started trending on the platform. Rajasthan Royals changed its Twitter bio to pay tribute to the 27-year-old all-rounder.

    The team’s new Twitter bio now reads — “Hoping 2020 does a Rahul Tewatia”.

    It was an excellent opportunity for brands to chip in and leverage the moment. Several big brands joined the conversation and congratulated him in their own signature style.

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    One Tewatia Password for victory. #IPL2020

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  • As Rasoda meme trends on social media, brands jump in to leverage the heat

    As Rasoda meme trends on social media, brands jump in to leverage the heat

    NEW DELHI- For the past few days, Rupal Patel Datta aka Kokilaben from a TV serial Saath Nibhana Saathiya has been trending on social media. The show might have ended in 2017 but scenes from the show have kept the humour alive. It also features other actresses Rucha Hasabnis aka Rashi and Giaa Manek aka Gopi Bahu.

    It started when a Youtuber Yashraj Mukhate posted a hilarious music video which included the dialogues of Rashi Ben Cooker and Rashode Me Kaun Tha! In the scene, Kokilaben is seen scolding her daughters-in-law Gopi bahu and Rashi for putting an empty cooker on the gas.

    “My sister-in-law sent me a message about it. Later my co-actor, Rhea Sharma sent me the rap. My immediate reaction was surprise and shock. I was perplexed about how Yashraj got this clip since I never sang on the show. Later, I realised that it’s a rap and he has used my dialogues for it. I liked it so much that I asked a few friends for his number. I spoke to him and expressed my gratitude,” Rupal said.

    “Only prominent characters or personalities become the subject of memes or caricatures, and I am proud that Kokilaben is one of them,” she added.

    The video instantly became viral and started dominating twitter trends in India. It received more than six million views.

    Participating in a meme trend helps a brand add a dimension of fun to its social media presence and strategy.

    The whole scenario triggered a meme fest online which led brands to join the bandwagon. Even Mamata Banerjee and Jaipur Police also tweeted about it.

    Zomato is known for its quirky posts which grabbed the attention as usual and posted on social media platforms saying; It’s better to order food online, instead of putting empty cooker on stove. Mc Donald’s also tweeted a post which mentioned, McDonald’s k kitchen Mein Fries Hai.

    Even brands like Dunzo, Twitter, Netflix, Hotsar, Parle-G, Manforce India picked up the trend and posted hilarious creative posts on the same.

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    Damn right it's better than yours

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    Kokilaben found out what #Rashi was up to

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  • Zomato progresses a step ahead in inclusivity; announces menstrual leaves

    Zomato progresses a step ahead in inclusivity; announces menstrual leaves

    NEW DELHI: “How many times have you had to send a message to your team saying “unwell today – taking the day off” and having to answer concerned questions about your health with a feeble “stomach upset / weakness” when you really wanted to say “on my period, terrible cramps – need a heating pad, some chocolate and a lot of green tea (or something stronger) so I’m taking the day off”?”

    This is how Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal started an interesting letter he sent the employees working at the restaurant aggregator and food-delivery company this Sunday. He was introducing an optional 10-day period leave policy for the women of Zomato, in a progressive step, becoming the third Indian company on-record to take menstrual leaves. Earlier, digital media company Culture Machine and independent digital agency Gozoop had announced such a policy for their female employees, back in 2017.

    Zomato is extending this option of taking 10 extra leaves a year during menstruation to its transgender people as well. Any person facing unnecessary harassment or distasteful comments from colleagues for taking a period leave can report them to an internal POSH committee via email.

    Goyal wrote, “At Zomato, we want to foster a culture of trust, truth and acceptance. Starting today, all women (including transgender people) at Zomato can avail up to 10 days of period leaves in a year. There shouldn’t be any shame or stigma attached to applying for a period leave. You should feel free to tell people on internal groups or emails that you are on your period leave for the day.”

    In its run to inclusivity, Zomato had earlier announced a 26-week paternity leave as well.

    Menstrual leaves became an issue of widespread debate in the country when “The Menstruation Benefit Bill” was tabled by Ninong Ering, a member of parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, in 2018, with forces against it citing increased workplace harassment and gender discrimination at the workplace as a reason.

    However, several countries have these policies in place for decades. Japan had passed a law allowing women with debilitating periods to take days off in 1947, more than 20 years after Japanese labour unions started demanding it. Indonesia announced two days of menstrual leave per month under its Labour Act in 2013. As of 2015, women in Zambia are legally entitled to a day off each month during periods and one has the right to prosecute the employer if denied.

    In South Korea, not only are female employees entitled to menstrual leave but they are also ensured additional pay if they do not take the menstrual leave that they are entitled to.

    In India, as mentioned, the discussion is still in its nascent stages, however, and this decision by Zomato has met with mixed reactions on social media.

  • Mother Dairy begins home delivery with Zomato

    Mother Dairy begins home delivery with Zomato

    MUMBAI: To make life easier for consumers in the post Covid2019 world, Safal, the fruits and vegetables arm of Mother Dairy has partnered with restaurant aggregator and food delivery company Zomato for offering the convenience of home delivery of fresh farm produce to the door steps of consumers in select locations of Delhi NCR.

    In the first phase, Safal has initiated delivery from 11 booths in select locations of Delhi-NCR. Safal booths located in these areas will ensure stock availability while Zomato will deliver fruits and vegetables at the doorsteps of consumers. Each of the 11 Safal outlets will cater to a radius of 10 km around them. Consumers can avail the facility of home delivery by ordering the products through Zomato application.

    Safal, Mother Dairy Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd business head – Pradipta Sahoo said, “To catalyse the ease of living and convenience for our consumers, Safal has initiated the home delivery option in partnership with Zomato. As a consumer centric organisation, we are taking requisite precautions to offer safe and quality produce to our consumers. In the initial phase, key locations of Delhi-NCR like Saket, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, Janakpuri and Panchsheel Enclave in Delhi and Sector 50 and sector 29 in Noida will be covered. Going forward, the service will gradually be expanded to other outlets to ensure coverage to the entire Delhi-NCR region.”

    Safal currently has more than 300 F&V booths across Delhi-NCR selling an average volume of 270 ton of fruits and vegetables per day.

    Since the lockdown, Safal has been making all efforts to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain to ensure adequate supply of its products to its network across Delhi NCR including the containment zones. Apart from the fresh F&V, the brand has been a one stop shop for

  • Fraazo partners with Swiggy, Zomato, Dunzo

    Fraazo partners with Swiggy, Zomato, Dunzo

    MUMBAI: To service an outpouring of orders for essentials during the Covid2019 lockdown,  Fraazo, a Mumbai-based consumer agri-tech brand is providing doorstep-delivery of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Fraazo has partnered with leading hyperlocal platforms viz. Swiggy, Zomato, and Dunzo to expand its footprint to provide quality, hygienic fruits and vegetables to every household.

    The Covid2019 pandemic has struck fear in the heart of people who are wary of venturing out of their homes.  There has been an overall increase in customer demand for online delivery of groceries and essentials, and Fraazo has launched innovative service models with a focus on hygienic and quality foods while performing contactless delivery across societies. The brand is currently witnessing heightened interest for their services from people in areas like Powai, Chandivali, Andheri (West), and Andheri (East) in Mumbai and Margarpatta, Hinjewadi, and Vishal Nagar in Pune. With its teams burning the midnight oil to provide express delivery of quality fresh vegetables and fruits. Fraazo stands apart from the competition.

    Fraazo sources farm-fresh vegetables and fruits directly from over 500 farmers bypassing the traditional chain to minimize handling helping maintain quality and hygiene, and with their pocket-friendly prices and customer convenience boosting sales significantly over the last two months. The pandemic has helped Fraazo accelerate their offerings at a faster pace from the 200 orders per day earlier to almost 1,500 orders a day.

    Fraazo co-founder and CEO Atul Kumar said, “In such unprecedented times, we are striving to ensure continuity in the supply of hygienic and fresh quality of fruits and vegetables to our consumers. In our efforts to ensure the same, we have partnered with Hyperlocal platforms for smooth, and safe delivery of our products across major cities in Maharashtra, providing accessibility and convenience to our consumers.”

    Kumar further added, “We are highly obliged to our customers for their trust in our services and we’re focused on ensuring safety measures as our top priority for both our employees and the consumers during this pandemic. We also want to appreciate our Hyperlocal partners for standing up for the citizens in this situation. Seeing the current situation, we all need to work together to help our country fight with the pandemic.”