Prittle Prattle Pr

Tag: comma separated

  • Leadership Change at Warner Music India Puts Ashok Parwani in Charge of South Indian Music Strategy 

    With decades of experience, Parwani will oversee growth initiatives across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam markets in partnership with Divo.

    Warner Music India has appointed Ashok Parwani as Head of Music for South Indian markets, placing him in charge of the company’s strategy across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam music ecosystems. The leadership change comes at a time when the company is strengthening its regional focus following its majority acquisition of South India based digital media and music company Divo.
    The appointment signals a renewed emphasis on regional catalogue expansion, artist development, and long-term partnerships across South India. Warner Music India and Divo are working together to deepen their presence in local markets while aligning regional talent with national and global distribution opportunities.

    Ashok Parwani brings over four decades of experience in the music industry, with professional stints spanning India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates. He is widely recognised for his role in shaping the South India business of Sony Music India, where he spent close to two decades. During his tenure, he led several major catalogue acquisitions and built strong working relationships with producers, filmmakers, and artists across southern film and independent music industries.
    Divo has emerged as a significant player in South India’s music and digital ecosystem, offering services across music distribution, publishing, digital content creation, and influencer marketing. Warner Music India’s majority acquisition of Divo in 2023 reinforced its commitment to investing in regional cultures and strengthening locally rooted music businesses.

    Warner Music India currently manages a rapidly expanding music catalogue and has recently launched Loopd, an artist focused label aimed at supporting independent talent. The label operates with an artist first approach while leveraging Warner Music Group’s global network for wider reach and international exposure. The company has also extended its regional footprint through a collaborative initiative involving Sri Lanka based M Entertainments and Divo, creating additional cross border opportunities for regional artists.
    Commenting on the appointment, Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India and SAARC, said that Ashok Parwani’s regional expertise and long standing industry relationships align closely with the company’s long term vision for South India. He noted that South India remains a key growth pillar for Warner Music India’s national strategy and that Parwani’s leadership will play an important role in building structured pathways for local artists to reach broader audiences.

    Shahir Muneer, Co Founder and Director at Divo, said that Parwani’s experience adds significant value to Warner Music India’s South India strategy. He added that the appointment will also strengthen Divo’s integration within the Warner Music network, supporting catalogue growth, deeper partnerships, and stronger commercial outcomes for artists across the region.
    Ashok Parwani said he was joining Warner Music India at a moment of strong momentum and opportunity. He highlighted South India’s creative depth and noted that the combined strengths of Warner Music India and Divo offer a platform to expand the reach of South Indian music across India and international markets. He added that his focus would be on building sustainable growth models and opening new pathways for regional artists.

    Parwani’s appointment represents a step toward deeper integration of Warner Music India’s regional strategy with Divo’s local capabilities. The move underscores the company’s intent to strengthen South Indian music ecosystems while connecting regional creativity with global distribution and industry infrastructure.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Coffee Startup Toffee Coffee Roasters Attracts ₹5 Crore Pre Series A Funding Led by Inflection Point Ventures 

    Backed by investor Ritesh Agarwal, the brand plans to scale operations and target higher annual recurring revenue through expanded distribution.

    Toffee Coffee Roasters has raised ₹5 crore in a Pre Series A funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures, marking a significant step in the premium coffee brand’s growth journey. The round also saw participation from 66 bridge partners along with Abhijit Vemuganti and Invesst, as the company prepares to scale operations and strengthen its presence across India’s fast-evolving coffee market.
    The Bengaluru based startup plans to deploy close to 60 percent of the capital as working capital to support expanding operations, particularly across quick commerce platforms. Around 10 to 15 percent of the funds will be invested in enhancing and expanding backend roastery infrastructure, while another 10 percent will go toward improving packaging quality. The remaining 10 to 15 percent is earmarked for new product development as the brand broadens its portfolio.

    Toffee Coffee Roasters has gained wider visibility after being featured on Shark Tank India and is backed by investor Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OYO Rooms. The brand currently ranks among the top five coffee websites in India based on online traction and holds an estimated 1 to 2 percent share of the overall coffee category.
    Commenting on the investment, Mitesh Shah, Co founder, Inflection Point Ventures, said that despite India being one of the world’s leading coffee producers, quality artisanal coffee remains largely limited to imported brands or café-only formats. He noted that the at-home segment is still dominated by instant coffee, leaving limited room for specialty roasts. According to him, Toffee Coffee Roasters addresses this gap by offering crafted, high-quality coffee that brings global-style coffee experiences into Indian homes.

    The company focuses on sourcing, roasting, and blending coffee using a lean supply chain model that reduces intermediaries. This approach allows the brand to maintain quality while offering products at accessible price points. All blends are created in house by a team that includes experienced master blenders and certified Q Graders, with expertise across multiple coffee sub categories.
    Toffee Coffee Roasters is led by co founders Rishabh Nigam and Nandini Shrivastava. Rishabh Nigam brings more than six years of experience in growth roles at consumer internet companies such as ZEE5, Pocket FM, and upGrad. He was also part of Pocket FM’s United States expansion team, where revenues scaled from zero to USD 15 million within a year. Nandini Shrivastava, who previously worked with JSW, heads product and operations at the company, overseeing alliances, process improvements, and portfolio innovation.

    Under their leadership, the brand has grown to serve more than 150,000 coffee drinkers across India. The company currently produces over five tonnes of coffee every month, with more than 40,000 units consumed monthly. This translates to an estimated three to four lakh cups of coffee prepared at home across the country each month.
    Looking ahead, Toffee Coffee Roasters aims to scale monthly production to 50 tonnes. This expansion is expected to support monthly revenues of ₹8 to ₹10 crore and reach eight to ten lakh customers who choose the brand as part of their daily coffee routine.

    Nandini Shrivastava said that India’s coffee landscape is changing rapidly, but a wide gap remains between mass-market offerings and premium brands. She noted that as consumption grows across formats such as roasted and ground coffee, cold brews, capsules, and filter coffee, the company’s goal is to build a mass-premium brand that caters to both at-home and out-of-home consumers at accessible price points. She added that the brand is focused on reaching not only metro consumers but also India 1 and India 2 markets.
    India’s coffee market is currently valued at around USD 2 billion and is growing at a compound annual growth rate of over 20 percent. The market is evenly split between at-home consumption and out-of-home channels such as cafés and restaurants. While brands like Nescafe and Bru continue to dominate at-home consumption, changing consumer preferences have driven growth in specialty categories. Premium brands such as Starbucks and Blue Tokai have contributed to this shift, though higher per-cup costs have left a large segment of consumers underserved.

    Against this backdrop, Toffee Coffee Roasters positions itself as a mass-premium alternative that bridges the gap between affordability and quality. The recent funding is expected to support the brand’s ambition to capture a larger share of the coffee category and work toward a long-term annual recurring revenue target of ₹60 to ₹80 crore.

    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTub

  • Satellite Broadband Enters Policy Agenda as Government of Goa Explores Collaboration With Starlink

    Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte discussed potential applications of satellite broadband to strengthen rural connectivity, maritime communication, and last-mile digital access across Goa.

    Satellite broadband has moved into active policy consideration in Goa as the State Government engaged in discussions with Starlink to examine opportunities for strengthening digital connectivity across urban, rural, coastal, and remote regions. The engagement reflects Goa’s broader push to reinforce its technology ecosystem and improve access to reliable communication infrastructure.
    The Government of Goa, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, held strategic discussions with representatives from Starlink to understand how satellite-based broadband solutions could complement the State’s existing digital infrastructure. The focus of the dialogue remained on improving connectivity in areas where traditional terrestrial networks face limitations.

    A key meeting took place at the Mantralaya in Porvorim, attended by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and senior State officials. The Starlink delegation included Ms. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink Business Operations, Global Access and Operations, Mr. Prabhakar Jayakumar, Head, Starlink India, and Mr. Manoj Ladwa, Government Affairs Strategist and Chairman, India Global Forum. Discussions centered on the potential role of low-latency satellite broadband in supporting governance, public service delivery, and infrastructure development.
    Speaking during the interaction, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted Goa’s progress in digital transformation and the State’s emphasis on strengthening digital services. He noted that satellite broadband could support sectors such as tourism, education, industry, fisheries, and rural development, all of which depend on stable and reliable communication networks for growth and efficiency.

    A second meeting was held at Taj Cidade de Goa in Dona Paula, chaired by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Tourism, and Printing and Stationery. The meeting was attended by Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication, Mr. Pravimal Abhishek, IAS, Secretary, Science and Technology, Managing Director, Goa Industrial Development Corporation, Director of Transport, along with other senior officials and the Starlink leadership team.
    During the discussions, Shri Rohan Khaunte spoke about Goa’s emergence as a preferred destination for global technology players. He pointed to the State’s growing focus on innovation, digital infrastructure, and technology-led development, noting that international companies increasingly view Goa as a viable hub for building and scaling digital solutions.

    The meetings outlined several areas where Starlink’s satellite network could align with Goa’s development priorities. These included strengthening connectivity in rural and shadow areas, improving high-speed data access for industrial and electronic manufacturing clusters, and enhancing last-mile digital reach under the Har Ghar Fibre programme. The discussions also covered the use of satellite connectivity to modernise maritime operations and support fisheries through real-time communication systems.
    Additional focus areas included the potential for improved digital services in tourism, such as connectivity for homestays, beach surveillance systems, and maritime experiences. Officials also discussed the possibility of connecting schools in low-coverage regions under the CARES initiative and supporting digital infrastructure for emerging use cases such as CCTV surveillance at beaches and AV and AR-based visitor guides.

    Through these engagements, the Government of Goa is working toward a comprehensive connectivity roadmap aimed at expanding digital access across the State. The approach seeks to strengthen rural networks, improve communication capabilities for coastal and maritime activities, and ensure seamless last-mile connectivity, while supporting Goa’s long-term vision for inclusive and resilient digital growth.
    At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTub

  • Soil to Food Nutrition Gets Scientific Validation as Better Nutrition Brings XRF Technology to India’s Food System

    Better Nutrition introduces an X-Ray Fluorescence based verification model that measures nutrients and screens heavy metals across every food batch in under 100 seconds.

    Soil to food nutrition in India has moved toward measurable scientific accountability with Better Nutrition introducing an advanced nutrient verification system based on X-Ray Fluorescence technology. The New Delhi based biofortified food brand has integrated the XRF Analyzer into its production process to enable real time measurement of nutrients and detection of heavy metals across every batch of food produced.
    Better Nutrition is currently the only private organization in India using XRF technology for routine food verification and is among a small number globally to apply the system at scale. The approach creates a closed loop soil to food verification process, ensuring that nutritional content is tracked, measured, and confirmed rather than assumed.

    The XRF Analyzer produces a detailed nutrient scorecard in under 100 seconds. Each test measures more than 20 essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and boron. At the same time, the system checks for the presence of over 10 harmful heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, allowing nutrient validation and safety screening to happen together.
    According to Better Nutrition, almost every batch of food is tested using this method before reaching consumers. This batch level testing differs from conventional food quality checks that typically rely on limited sampling or standard nutritional averages.

    Prateek Rastogi, Co founder of Better Nutrition, said that the technology allows the company to measure nutrient levels with precision while ensuring food safety. He stated that Better Nutrition is the only private organization in India currently using this capability and added that verified batch results will be shared with consumers to improve transparency and trust.
    Most packaged food products depend on nutrient values calculated during formulation or based on regulatory benchmarks. In contrast, Better Nutrition’s system confirms the actual nutrient content present in each production batch, shifting nutrition from a stated claim to a measured outcome.

    Aishwarya Bhatnagar, Co founder of Better Nutrition, said the company has built India’s first system that can both increase nutrient levels in staple foods and validate them through scientific testing. She noted that nutrition is now treated as a measurable parameter rather than an assumption, establishing a new reference point for everyday food.
    The system also addresses India’s ongoing issue of hidden hunger, where micronutrient deficiencies persist despite adequate food intake. By enabling regular staples to contribute meaningfully to daily nutrient requirements, the approach reduces dependence on artificial fortification and supplements.

    Better Nutrition’s soil to food model focuses on improving nutrient availability during cultivation and production rather than adding nutrients at the final stage. The XRF Analyzer enables visibility into how nutrients are retained from soil conditions through processing, allowing continuous assessment and correction.
    As food safety, transparency, and nutrition remain key public concerns in India, the use of real time nutrient and heavy metal verification introduces a higher level of accountability into food production. The application of XRF technology in everyday food moves scientific testing closer to consumers rather than keeping it confined to research settings.

    With the system now in active use, Better Nutrition plans to rely on verified data to inform consumers about nutrient content, reinforcing an evidence based approach to nutrition. The development places measurable science at the center of everyday food choices at a time when nutritional reliability is increasingly under scrutiny.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Christmas Gets Sweeter in India as Santa Steps Into Kitchens Through Sweet Truth’s Festive Campaign 

    Sweeten The Season 25 initiative introduces interactive letters, festive desserts, and a nationwide Santa-led experience across Sweet Truth locations this December.

    Christmas celebrations across India are taking on a distinctly sweeter note this December as Sweet Truth rolls out its seasonal campaign titled Sweeten The Season 25. The festive initiative brings Santa Claus directly into the brand’s kitchens, digital platforms, and customer conversations, blending desserts, storytelling, and holiday participation into a nationwide experience.
    Sweet Truth, known for its western dessert offerings and operating under Rebel Foods, has activated the campaign across more than 350 locations in India. The initiative moves beyond a conventional festive menu launch, positioning Santa Claus as an active character who engages with customers through letters, social media interactions, and personalised touches attached to every order during the season.

    At the heart of Sweeten The Season 25 is a Christmas-focused dessert lineup curated specifically for the holidays. The menu includes a traditional Plum Cake, Red Velvet Yule Log, Chocolate Yule Log, Tiramisu Cake, and Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. The selection reflects a mix of classic seasonal favourites and indulgent chocolate-forward options aimed at both family gatherings and individual celebrations.
    What sets this campaign apart is its interactive element. Customers placing orders with Sweet Truth receive a letter from Santa Claus along with their dessert. They are invited to write back, sharing wishes that range from simple festive desires to more personal aspirations. These letters and messages extend beyond physical notes, with Santa also engaging with customers through Instagram comments, direct messages, and campaign-led video content.

    As part of the storytelling approach, Santa appears across Sweet Truth’s digital platforms, including reels that show him stepping into kitchens and becoming part of the brand’s festive narrative. The campaign leverages humour and familiarity to create an emotional connection, positioning Santa not as a distant symbol but as an active participant in the customer experience.
    Speaking about the intent behind the initiative, Nishant Kedia, Chief Marketing Officer at Rebel Foods, said the brand wanted to go beyond seasonal sales and focus on creating lasting memories. According to him, Sweeten The Season 25 was designed to make Santa an integral part of Sweet Truth’s story, one that reflects warmth, participation, and shared joy during Christmas.

    The response from customers has already begun to take shape. Messages addressed to Santa include reflections on family moments, small celebrations, personal milestones, and hopes tied to the season. The volume and tone of these letters underscore how festive campaigns rooted in participation can resonate more deeply than traditional promotions.
    To extend the experience further, Sweet Truth has also introduced a Santa’s Sweet Office geotag on Google Maps. Customers can visit the location virtually, leave messages, and engage with the campaign beyond food delivery. The digital extension reinforces the brand’s attempt to blur the line between physical products and emotional experiences during the holiday season.

    The campaign is set to culminate on December 25, when Sweet Truth will release a Wishes Granted list. The announcement will highlight select wishes fulfilled during the campaign, offering customers a glimpse into how their participation translated into real moments of celebration and surprise.
    Sweet Truth operates as part of Rebel Foods, the internet restaurant company behind brands such as Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story Pizza, The Good Bowl, and Wendy’s. With hundreds of kitchens across India and international markets, Rebel Foods has built its portfolio around scalable digital-first food brands.

    As Christmas approaches, Sweeten The Season 25 positions Sweet Truth not only as a dessert provider but as a participant in seasonal storytelling. By combining festive food, interactive engagement, and a familiar holiday figure, the campaign reflects how food brands are increasingly using narrative and emotion to connect with customers during key cultural moments.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.