ABD Revolutionizes Whisky Packaging with Trendy 'Hippy' Design

ABD Revolutionizes Whisky Packaging with Trendy 'Hippy' Design

By Author

Published on November 14, 2023

Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABD) is making waves in the whisky segment with its innovative approach to packaging. The company has unveiled a stylish and trendy 180ML pack named 'Hippy,' a contemporary reimagination of the traditional 180ml SKU, commonly known as the 'quarter.'

ABD, known for its commitment to constant innovation, introduces the Hippy as a consumer-centric offering, aiming to broaden the occasions where consumers can engage with the brand. The sleek and stylish design of the Hippy pack enhances its appeal across all age groups, marking a departure from the conventional 'brown-bag syndrome' associated with the humble 'quarter' or 'pau-a.'

Alok Gupta, Managing Director of ABD, expresses the company's dedication to innovation. "Constantly Innovating is one of ABD’s core values. The Hippy is a great example of this core value brought alive on the back of consumer-centric thinking. It is an offering that allows for widening the occasions where consumers can engage with our brand on account of its style quotient and mobile form factor."

Bikram Basu, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at ABD, emphasizes the liberation that the Hippy brings to alcobev consumers. "For long, alcobev consumers have suffered from the ‘brown-bag syndrome’ where they would be hesitant to be seen with their humble ‘quarter’ or ‘pau-a’. The Hippy allows consumers to break free of inhibitions and flaunt their Sterling Reserve BX Whisky."

The Hippy is currently available in select regions, including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Daman, and Tripura, presenting consumers with a modern and stylish option to enjoy their semi-premium whisky. As ABD continues to prioritize consumer satisfaction and innovation, the Hippy stands as a testament to their commitment to redefining the whisky experience.


McDonald’s Returns to Sales Growth with Pop Culture Tie-ins and Budget Meals

McDonald’s Returns to Sales Growth with Pop Culture Tie-ins and Budget Meals

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

McDonald’s has bounced back to growth, reporting a 3.8% rise in global same-store sales for the second quarter of 2025, driven by smart value-driven offerings and creative pop culture collaborations. The uptick marks a positive shift for the brand after four quarters of sluggish or declining growth, helped along by consumer-focused strategies aimed at easing economic concerns.

International markets led the charge, while sales in the US rose by 2.5%, reversing the downward trend seen in previous quarters. The brand’s strong quarter was supported by promotions tied to pop culture, such as limited-time offers linked to the Minecraft movie and Squishmallows collectibles, which drew attention from younger audiences and families alike.

Alongside the promotions, the launch of a $5 meal bundle and the introduction of new chicken items helped McDonald’s connect with budget-conscious customers seeking both value and variety. These strategies appear to have paid off, positioning McDonald’s for continued momentum.

“The overall second-quarter results show that McDonald's strategy is working and could lead to sustained same-store sales outperformance compared to the rest of the industry,” noted Jon Tower, analyst at Citi.

The rebound in the US is particularly notable, especially when compared to competitors like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pizza Hut, which continue to face challenges in communicating value to consumers. McDonald’s blend of affordability and fun has given it a clear edge, demonstrating how well-timed promotions and accessible pricing can win over today’s cautious diners.


Popeyes Launches in Mumbai with Four New Outlets

Popeyes Launches in Mumbai with Four New Outlets

By Hariharan U

Published on August 10, 2025

Popeyes, the globally loved brand known for its Louisiana-style fried chicken, has officially arrived in Mumbai with the launch of four restaurants across the city. The new outlets are located at Inorbit Mall, Vashi, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla, and Viviana Mall, Thane, with a fourth store opening soon at Terminal 2 of Mumbai Airport.

Operated in India by Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, Popeyes is celebrated for its juicy, 12-hour marinated fried chicken infused with bold Cajun spices and hand-battered for a crispy, flavour-packed bite.

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Sameer Khetarpal, CEO and MD of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, said, “We are thrilled to bring Popeyes to Mumbai, a city renowned for its love for vibrant and diverse flavours. The brand has received an incredible response across India, and we are confident that Mumbaikars will embrace our signature offerings with the same enthusiasm.

Gaurav Pande, Executive Vice President & Business Head of Popeyes India, added, “Mumbai is a key market for us, and we are delighted to make a grand entry in the city with four stores at prime locations. We’re excited for our Gen Z and millennial audiences to experience everything from the Chicken Sandwich that broke the internet to new flavours in our wings range”.

With its mix of bold flavours, quality ingredients, and global appeal, Popeyes aims to offer Mumbai diners a unique fried chicken experience that stands apart in a competitive market.


Serve Robotics and Little Caesars Introduce Autonomous Pizza Delivery in Los Angeles via Uber Eats

Serve Robotics and Little Caesars Introduce Autonomous Pizza Delivery in Los Angeles via Uber Eats

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 9, 2025

Little Caesars customers in Los Angeles might soon find a robot at their doorstep delivering HOT-N-READY® pizzas, thanks to a new collaboration between Serve Robotics Inc. (Nasdaq: SERV), the nation’s third-largest pizza chain, and Uber Eats (NYSE: UBER).

The partnership introduces autonomous sidewalk delivery robots into Little Caesars’ Los Angeles delivery operations via Uber Eats, enhancing service speed, convenience, and sustainability. This move builds on Serve’s existing footprint in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta, with additional U.S. cities expected soon.

Ali Kashani, CEO of Serve Robotics, said: “Delivering for a beloved national chain like Little Caesars is another opportunity for us to show how we help merchants grow and give consumers a better delivery experience. Seeing a Serve robot at your door will soon become as much of a weekly tradition as pizza night.”

Serve’s third-generation robots are designed with pizza delivery in mind, featuring an expanded cargo bin that can hold four 16-inch pizzas plus sides and drinks, all while maintaining optimal temperature and quality en route.

Trish Heusel, Vice President of Innovation at Little Caesars, added: “Little Caesars is always looking for ways to be innovative in the restaurant industry, and we are proud to partner with Serve Robotics and Uber Eats to deliver our delicious pizzas to our customers in Los Angeles. Partnering with Serve allows us to deliver a solution that aligns with our commitment to better service and technology-forward solutions while reducing our environmental footprint.”

Megan Jensen, Head of Autonomous Delivery Operations at Uber Eats, noted: “By combining smart technology with everyday convenience, we’re making delivery easier, more reliable, and more sustainable.”

Customers in Serve’s Los Angeles delivery zone can now opt for autonomous delivery when ordering Little Caesars through the Uber Eats app.

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