Category Archives: Business

Superior Grocers Opens Second Store Grand Opening in Victorville, CA

Santa Fe Springs, CA, July 11, 2024 — Superior Grocers, a leading name in the grocery industry, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its second store in Victorville, California. The new store, which officially opened its doors on July 3, 2024, marks another significant step in Superior Grocers’ expansion and ongoing commitment to serving the community.

A Warm Welcome from the Community:
The grand opening was met with enthusiastic support from the Victorville community. Local residents lined up around the building, eager to experience the superior shopping experience that Superior Grocers is renowned for. The overwhelming response underscores the strong community ties and the trust that Superior Grocers has built over the years.

Expanding Our Reach:
The new store in Victorville offers a wide range of departments to cater to the diverse needs of the community. Highlights of the store include:

· Fresh Produce Section: A vibrant assortment of locally sourced and fresh produce ensures quality and freshness for all customers.
· SR Superior Ranch Meats: Offering premium cuts of meat, ensuring the highest quality for every meal.
· Bakery: Indulge in freshly baked bread, pastries, and desserts crafted with care by skilled bakers.
· Tamales: Made with 100% fresh stone-ground nixtamal, these tamales bring authentic flavor to every bite.
· Prepared Foods: Enjoy a variety of freshly prepared meals and dishes, providing convenient options for every occasion.
· Grocery Aisles: Stocked with an extensive range of pantry staples, international products, and specialty items to meet every household’s needs.
· Tortilleria: Experience the tradition of handcrafted tortillas, adding a touch of authenticity to every meal.
· Boba: Satisfy your cravings with refreshing boba drinks, available in a variety of flavors.
· Healthy Snacks: Fresh cut fruits including freshly made Bionicos and Mangoneadas provide delicious and healthy options.

Community Engagement:
Superior Grocers remains deeply committed to supporting the communities it serves. As part of the grand opening celebrations, the company made generous donations to local organizations, reinforcing its dedication to making a positive impact. During the event, Superior Grocers presented $2,000 checks to the following organizations:

– Victorville Youth Soccer League
– AYSO – Victorville
– Victorville American Little League

These contributions highlight Superior Grocers’ commitment to supporting youth programs and fostering community development.

“We are excited to open our second store in Victorville and continue our mission of providing exceptional service and quality products to the community,” said Richard Wardwell, President and CEO of Superior Grocers. “The warm welcome and enthusiasm from the residents of Victorville motivate us to strive for excellence every day. We look forward to building lasting relationships and becoming an integral part of the Victorville community.”

Superior Grocers invites all residents of Victorville to visit the new store, explore its diverse offerings, and experience the superior quality and service that have made Superior Grocers a trusted name in the grocery industry.

Orient Craft Announces Debt-free Status, Eyes Jharkhand as Next Growth Destination

 New Delhi, Delhi, India  Orient Craft Limited, India’s leading player in the garments manufacturing and exports industry, today announced its 100% debt-free status. It worked closely with a consortium of 11 banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI), United Bank of India (UBI), HDFC, and Yes Bank to successfully monetize its marquee land and factory assets to pay off a total debt of Rs. 850 crores. It completed the resolution of the ‘One Time Restructuring’ it underwent, post the Covid pandemic-induced financial stress. Orient Craft’s efforts in voluntarily monetizing its non-mortgaged assets, and paying all dues in toto without seeking any haircut or waivers were lauded by members of the banking consortium.

Orient Craft is now free from Non-Performing Asset (NPA) status and is focussed on re-building its business under the leadership of its founder, chairman & MD, Sudhir Dhingra. Orient Craft will continue its legacy in garment manufacturing and export, under a new avatar, now housed in Ranchi (Jharkhand). This setup is a large world-class, state-of-the-art, and one of its kind in the country. It is a fully integrated manufacturing campus with a 3.5 lacs sq. ft. production facility, housing 2500+ machines working on double shift (effectively 5000+ machines), supported by in-house integrated services such as embroidery, washing, and printing, capable of delivering Rs. 1200 crores in annual revenue.

Talking about his focus on the growth of Orient Craft, Sudhir Dhingra, Founder, Chairman & MD shared, “The recent fulfillment of our financial commitments to banks and to all other business stakeholders has offered a vital fillip to our business. At Orient Craft, we have always been guided by strong business ethics focused on long-term partnerships with financial institutions and trade alike. With financial stress now behind us, we see immense growth opportunities in the coming years”. It is an opportune moment when the garment exports industry is at the cusp of multi-decade growth. “In the post-covid world, global fashion brands are looking to increase sourcing from India, Sudhir added.” The recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Australia, and the imminent FTA with the UK, and European Union will also open business growth opportunities.

After its presence in India for over five decades, the Indian garment exports industry size is only $16 billion** of the total $1.36 trillion global garment market***. With structural shifts and additional regulatory support, India is well-positioned to double its size to $30 billion by 2027****. Orient Craft, through its new facility in Ranchi (Jharkhand), aims to gain a lion’s share of this opportunity.

In 2024, the textile and garment industry in India contributes approximately 2.3% to the country’s GDP*. The Government of India has ambitious plans for the textile industry with an aspiration is to secure a larger share of the global textile market, targeting an increase in exports from $45 billion to $100 billion. Orient Craft understands the opportunity, this focus, brings to players in the industry, and is investing in modern infrastructure and skilled talent to meet these aspirations.

Archies Limited Launches Heartfelt Digital Campaign MomNeverAsks to Honor Mothers this Mother’s Day

New Delhi, Delhi, India Archies Limited, renowned as India’s leading name in the social expression industry, unveils its latest digital campaign, #MomNeverAsks, dedicated to celebrating the selflessness and unconditional love of mothers this Mother’s Day.

The #MomNeverAsks campaign delves into the timeless truth that mothers seldom ask for anything, yet their love and sacrifices shape our lives in profound ways. Through this poignant campaign film released across its digital platforms, Archies encapsulates the essence of motherhood, portraying it as a tireless journey of love, nurturing, and unspoken sacrifices.

In the heart-warming digital campaign, Archies portrays a heartfelt conversation between a mother and her daughter, emphasizing the importance of personal gestures and heartfelt tokens of appreciation. The daughter expresses her longing to express love for her mother beyond virtual wishes, highlighting the significance of tangible expressions of affection. Through this narrative, the campaign not only celebrates the pivotal role of mothers but also underscores the importance of recognizing and cherishing their efforts and dedication.

Mr. Varun Moolchandani, Executive Director of Archies Limited, expressed, “While every day is an opportunity to celebrate love, Mother’s Day holds a special significance in our hearts. At Archies, we have always endeavoured to celebrate emotions through our merchandise, and now through our digital campaigns. With #MomNeverAsks, we aim to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the mothers who shape our lives with their unwavering love and devotion. Mother’s Day, for us, is not just a celebration; it’s a tribute to the pillars of strength in our lives, and Archies is honored to lead the way in expressing this gratitude.”

Construction Quality is Key to Winning Customer’s Trust

11th July 2024  Delhi NCR, India  The Indian real estate market is experiencing a significant boom, with a spotlight on premium and luxury housing, as well as commercial segments. While premium residences garner attention, media reports frequently highlight issues such as poor construction quality, failing infrastructure like lifts, collapsing ceilings, flooded basements, and wall seepages.

Though the percentage of such incidents isn’t alarming, imagine the perspective of buyers who invest their life savings into such projects, only to face such construction issues.

There’s a pressing need for a systematic approach to quality control. Leading developers are aware of their responsibilities, but it’s incumbent upon real estate bodies like CREDAI to establish mechanisms ensuring quality construction and regular maintenance by their members. This ensures the sector maintains a positive reputation and every developer adheres to high-quality standards, from design to post-handover maintenance.

Rajjath Goel, Managing Director of MRG Group, emphasizes, “Quality construction and craftsmanship are the cornerstones of long-term sustainability in real estate. They directly impact property value, durability, and overall customer satisfaction. It’s crucial for realty companies to prioritize these aspects, affecting not only brand value but also a moral responsibility.”

Educating stakeholders about investing in skilled labor is imperative. Training programs and upskilling efforts enhance workforce capabilities. Buyers must also be aware of their rights; developers are obligated to rectify structural defects or issues within 30 days for 5 years post-handover.

“Quality construction is indeed a challenge for the real estate sector. Although major issues are rare, they grab our attention. However, issues like seepage, peeling paints, and water accumulation are common. Prospective homebuyers should scrutinize developers’ credentials, visiting completed projects to assess construction quality,” says Salil Kumar, Director of Sales & Marketing at CRC Group.

“Developers view their projects as brand ambassadors. They use the latest technologies, grade A materials, trained workforce, and undertake quality audits regularly to ensure customers’ peace of mind,” says Harsh Gupta, CEO of Sundaram Group.

Before RERA, the real estate sector was largely unregulated. While RERA has addressed many issues, there’s still room for improvement. Regulatory authorities must inspect projects regularly during construction. Paperwork and occupancy certificates (OCs) should confirm that buildings are constructed as per plans. Thorough audits of workmanship and material quality are essential.

Alarming Levels of Antibiotic Resistance Found in the Poultry Environment

11th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  This World Poultry Day brings in a new study highlighting alarming levels of Resistance Genes against medically important antibiotics in the Poultry Environment.

A collaborative research report “Poultry’s pill problem; Antibiotics and its environmental concern” released by Toxics Link and World Animal Protection found high levels of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARG) in 11 out of 14 samples collected from poultry farms across the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The study analyzed 14 poultry litter and groundwater samples from the above-mentioned 6 poultry farms indicating an alarming presence of ARGs against 15 important antibiotics, including glycopeptides, carbapenems, and macrolides.

Toxics Link also conducted both offline and online surveys which found that poultry farmers are using antibiotics indiscriminately due to a general lack of awareness and understanding of the possible consequences. Despite the recommendation of the Bureau of Indian Standards to not use Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs) in poultry feeds, these continue to be available in the markets and used by poultry farmers. Incidentally, Colistin, a last-resort antibiotic drug for treating multidrug-resistant infections, banned for use in food-producing animals by the Union Ministry of Health in 2019, is still being sold through online platforms.

ARGs are genetic facilitators of AMR which causes bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. Although naturally occurring, ARGs in the environment have increased in recent years due to anthropogenic activities leading to overuse and misuse of antimicrobials across different sectors. This has led to diseases such as pneumonia, gonorrhea, post-operative infections, HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria becoming increasingly untreatable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least seven lakh people die each year due to drug-resistant diseases, including more than two lakh people who die from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

India accounts for 3% of the global consumption of antimicrobials in food animals and has one of the highest Intensity of Antimicrobial Usage (AMU) rates in the livestock sector. As the country intensifies its animal farming practices to meet food insecurity, there are growing concerns about the poultry sector emerging as a new hotspot for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR can spread through various routes, including contact with animals or their products and contaminated food, thereby increasing the risk of infection for veterinarians, farmers, and food handlers. Even waste from poultry farms, such as litter used as fertilizer in agriculture or feed in aquaculture, can cause the spread of AMR across different sectors.

Gajendra Sharma from World Animal Protection elaborates, “Poor animal husbandry practices, especially in poultry farming, significantly contributed to antibiotic overuse. Farmers often administer antibiotics preventatively and for disease treatment, resulting in high levels of antibiotic residues in both food products and waste. Addressing the root cause of antibiotic misuse in the animal farming sector especially poultry is critical for controlling and reducing AMR. World Animal Protection strongly advocates for the effective integration and implementation of animal welfare into National and State Action plans to combat AMR. The time to act is now to safeguard the health and welfare of animals, humans, and the planet.”

In 2015, the World Health Assembly adopted a global action plan on antimicrobial resistance to optimize antimicrobial use, increase awareness, reduce the incidence of infections, and build sustainable practices that align with the reduction in overall antimicrobial use. Consequently, India also developed its own Action Plan on AMR in 2017 emphasizing building surveillance networks to control the use of antibiotics across sectors.

According to Dr Vijay Pal Singh, Principal Technical Officer at CSIR-IGIB and Associate Professor at ASIR, “The findings of the current study provide evidence of antibiotic use in poultry and its role in increasing trends of AMR. I suggest there is a need to work closely with all stakeholders and to develop sound protocols and control measures for arresting this trend of AMR.”

Satish Sinha, Associate Director of Toxics Link, says of this study, “India is highly vulnerable to risk related to AMR and there is a need to revisit the implementation of National Action Plan. The country needs to identify potential hot spots, set up robust monitoring and surveillance systems to restrict the overuse of antibiotics across all sectors and adopt environmentally sound waste and effluent management practices.”

Key highlights of the research study are given below:

• The number of ARGs identified varied from 7,914 to 1,592 genes.
• Manure samples in Coimbatore contained the highest amount of ARGs compared to both samples in Vijayawada (borewell samples and manure).
• Multidrug Resistance Genes constituted 25%-45% of all the ARGs isolated in the samples, followed by Glycopeptide, Peptide, Tetracycline, Aminoglycoside and Macrolides.
• Identified ARGs were against fifteen antimicrobials listed under the New WHOs List of Medically Important Antimicrobials, three of which were Carbapenems, Glycopeptide and Mupirocin-like antimicrobials.
• Bacteria pathogenic to both humans and poultry, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, were found in manure samples, raising concern over the development of drug-resistant zoonotic pathogens.

Survey findings

• Poultry feeds available to the farmers are unregulated and unlabelled.
• Farmers were largely unaware of the risk related to AMR, the withdrawal period, and the guidelines provided by the pollution control board concerning poultry establishment.
• Critically Important Antimicrobials promoted for growth promotion were found in online retail shops, despite the recommendations and regulations against them, e.g. Tylosin.
• Colistin, banned for use in animals in 2018, is still being sold as a growth promoter in online retail shops for animal products.

World Animal Protection

World Animal Protection has moved the world to protect animals for over 55 years. With offices in 13 countries, we work to give animals a better life. The organization’s activities include working with companies to ensure high standards of welfare for the animals in their care; working with governments and other stakeholders to prevent wild animals from being cruelly traded, trapped, or killed; and working for the better treatment of farmed animals.

Through research, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns, World Animal Protection strives to foster a world where animals are treated with compassion & dignity, and their needs are integrated into all aspects of human life aiming towards a future where animals are valued and protected.

Toxics Link

Toxics Link is a Delhi-based environmental research and advocacy organization set up in 1996, engaged in disseminating information to help strengthen the campaign against toxic pollution, provide cleaner alternatives and bring together groups and people affected by this problem.

Toxics Link has unique expertise in areas of hazardous, medical, and municipal wastes, international waste trade, and the emerging issues of pesticides, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), hazardous heavy metal contamination, etc. from the environment and public health point of view. We have successfully implemented various best practices and have brought in policy changes in the aforementioned areas apart from creating awareness among several stakeholder groups.

Pratap IVF: Pioneering Affordable IVF Solutions with Strategic Backing from RFO, UAE

11th July 2024  Jaipur, Rajasthan, India  Pratap IVF, a trailblazer in reproductive healthcare, is poised to reshape access to fertility treatments both in India and globally. The global In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) market is projected to reach USD 51.73 billion by 2032, reflecting the growing demand for fertility solutions worldwide. Meanwhile, the IVF Services Market in India is anticipated to surge from USD 1,092.3 million in 2024 to USD 5,051.3 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 16.23% during the forecast period. This growth is a testament to the increasing accessibility and acceptance of fertility treatments in the region.

BlueWeave Consulting, a leading strategic consulting and market research firm, estimated the Middle East and Africa In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market size at USD 2.46 billion in 2023. This underscores the significant potential and growing relevance of regions like the Middle East in the global IVF market landscape.

In a landscape dominated by established names such as Indira IVF centers, Neelkanth, Nova IVF centers, and Cloud Nine, Pratap IVF distinguishes itself with its unwavering commitment to affordability without compromising on quality. With a vision to empower parenthood globally, Pratap IVF continues to lead the charge in revolutionizing reproductive healthcare.

With a staggering 27.5 million married couples in India facing infertility challenges, Pratap IVF stands as a beacon of hope, offering cutting-edge treatments and personalized care. The company’s commitment to affordability and quality has not only set it apart in a competitive landscape but has also attracted prestigious international attention, including a Letter of Intent from the Royal Family Office of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi of the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Vikram Singh Tanwar, a visionary in the IVF industry, champions a low-cost, protocol-driven approach, ensuring that high-quality reproductive healthcare is accessible to all. His leadership and commitment have earned the respect and partnership of international stakeholders, emphasizing a global vision for empowering parenthood.

Dr. Suman Tanwar, alongside her husband, reiterates the significance of their mission, “The recognition from the Royal Family of UAE not only honors our innovative approach but also underlines the global relevance of our work. Together, we aim to make a lasting impact worldwide.”

Pranav Jyoti, Chief Investment Officer at the UAE-based Royal Family Office, remarks, “We are enthused about our investment in Pratap IVF. Their innovative fertility treatments not only empower individuals and couples but also enhance societal well-being by enabling the realization of family aspirations. We take pride in endorsing their commitment to advancing reproductive healthcare, thereby contributing to the fortification of communities.”

Pratap IVF, with its pioneering model of affordable, quality care, is not only leading the charge in India but is also setting a global standard for accessible reproductive healthcare.

Vegas Mall Felicitates Retailers with Reward and Recognition for Their Commendable Contribution

11th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Vegas Mall organized the Retailers’ Reward and Recognition 2024 event held at Imperfecto Club to acknowledge the meritorious contribution of its retail partners. The event offered recognition to all the retailers and served as a platform to bring together industry leaders and retail icons.

The event was graced by various prominent retail brands who were recognized and rewarded for their unwavering commitment towards delivering unparalleled services and products. Each retailer was lauded for their unique contributions, innovative approaches, and steadfast dedication to customer satisfaction.

Mr. Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President of Vegas Mall, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their exceptional contribution, saying, “We feel extremely privileged to honor our praiseworthy retailers. They are pivotal in elevating Vegas Mall’s shopping experience and providing our customers with the utmost satisfaction. We look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership with them and offering our visitors an unmatched shopping experience.”

YES Securities Launches #GiftHerTheFuture Campaign Encouraging Mothers to Pursue Dreams

11th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  YES Securities, a leading financial services company, is excited to launch its Mother’s Day campaign, #GiftHerTheFuture as a tribute to the idea that mothers are more than just moms. The campaign aims to inspire mothers to take the first step towards shaping their future while managing their motherhood responsibilities.

The campaign invites mothers seeking part-time employment to explore opportunities with YES Securities. The company is eager to welcome applicants who are motivated to balance career growth with family responsibilities.

Through a compelling ad film, YES Securities aims to empower mothers and support the idea that they are capable multitaskers who can simultaneously nurture their families and pursue their career goals. The ad film campaign is live across all social media platforms of YES Securities.

Speaking about the campaign launch, Mr. Anshul Arzare, Managing Director & CEO of YES Securities India Limited, says “We strongly believe that motherhood is about empowering women to reach their full potential and bringing out their versatility. Our #GiftHerTheFuture campaign is a testament to the strength of mothers and an invitation to explore new horizons without compromise. We believe every mother deserves a chance to follow her passion beyond daily duties. Hence, as part of our Mother’s Day campaign, we are opening our doors to mothers who are seeking part-time job opportunities. We hope our campaign will encourage homemakers to take the first step towards shaping their future and chasing their dreams.”

The #GiftHerTheFuture campaign aligns with YES Securities’ longstanding commitment to women’s empowerment and social progress. Through initiatives like investor education and financial awareness sessions, the company continues to make meaningful contributions to the empowerment of individuals and communities across the country. Further, the company is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that allows individuals to thrive professionally while prioritizing their family commitments.

BLS International Signs Contract with the Embassy of Portugal for Visa Outsourcing Services in Morocco

11th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  BLS International Services Ltd., a globally renowned tech-enabled services provider, today announces the signing of a significant contract with the Embassy of Portugal in Morocco for visa outsourcing services. Over the last few years, we have been actively collaborating with the Portuguese government; this is our second major win, following our initial contract with Portugal in Russia. This exclusive agreement marks a milestone in enhancing the visa application process for travelers to Portugal from Morocco.

Under this contract, BLS International will introduce an innovative appointment system fortified with cutting-edge facial recognition technology. This advancement promises to streamline the visa application process, ensuring efficiency and security for the estimated 20,000 visa applicants expected annually at the center. The locations served include Rabat and Casablanca, with an expansion plan to open a few more centers in the coming months, reflecting the expansive reach of BLS International’s services across Morocco.

Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International Ltd., emphasized the significance of this partnership and said, “This ground-breaking collaboration with the Embassy of Portugal heralds a new era for visa services in Morocco. With state-of-the-art technology at our core and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, we are not merely improving the visa application process—we are transforming it. Our commitment is to provide a secure, efficient, and unparalleled visa experience that sets a global benchmark for quality and customer satisfaction. As we forge ahead, our focus remains on ensuring that every interaction is as remarkable as our vision.”

Under the terms of this agreement, BLS International will undertake several critical services at their Visa Application Centre (VAC) locations. These services include the acceptance of visa applications along with passports, visa fees, and supporting documents. Moreover, BLS International will distribute visa application forms at the service counters and through a dedicated website, where applicants can easily download the forms. The team will also assist applicants in completing these forms and provide accurate information about the different visa categories available and detailed guidance on the application process. This comprehensive approach ensures applicants receive all necessary support and information, facilitating a smoother and more efficient visa application experience.

India to Benefit from FedEx’s USD 2 Million Investment in Global Urban Conservation Efforts

11th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is investing over USD 2 million toward sustainable communities. FedEx will support 40 urban conservation projects worldwide, including India from March through May of 2024.

FedEx Cares volunteers, in collaboration with local NGOs, have successfully planted nearly 10,000 saplings in Mumbai and Delhi. These new trees will help reduce air pollution, mitigate the effects of urban heat islands and climate change, and enhance community health and wellness. These efforts are part of FedEx’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship.

“More than just a symbolic act of environmental commitment, our initiatives reflect our dedication to India,” expressed Suvendu Choudhury, Vice President Operations, India and CE, MEISA, FedEx. “By enhancing urban landscapes, these initiatives also contribute to broader ecological efforts, with FedEx actively participating to shape a greener future for India.”

This initiative aligns closely with India’s pledge under the Bonn Challenge to restore 26 million hectares of forest by 2030(1) and its National Forest Policy, which aims for forests to cover 33% of the country(2). The work of FedEx Cares volunteers showcases how FedEx’s global efforts support India’s progress toward a sustainable future.