Brands
Coca-Cola India and Gram Unnati Launch ‘Project Mango Unnati’
Mumbai: Coca-Cola India, in collaboration with Gram Unnati, is excited to announce the launch of “Project Mango Unnati,” with an aim to revolutionise sustainable mango cultivation initiative, focusing on the Alphonso and Totapuri varieties in Karnataka.
Project Unnati will collaborate closely with state horticulture agencies such as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the Mango Board, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), and various horticulture departments across different districts.
Commenting on the launch of the project, Gram Unnati, CEO & founder Aneesh Jain said, “Gram Unnati is proud to partner with Coca-Cola India on this transformative project that underscores our commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. By adopting modern practices and focusing on quality, we aim to significantly enhance the livelihoods of mango farmers in Karnataka. Together, we will drive sustainable growth and innovation in mango farming, benefiting farmers and the environment alike.”
“Farmers are the backbone of India’s horticulture system. With Project Mango Unnati, we aim to elevate the livelihoods of these farmers with advanced horticulture solutions, empowering them to significantly increase their incomes. This aligns with the Government of India’s vision for Atma Nirbhar Bharat, making the agrarian economy self-reliant”, said Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia senior director- CSR and sustainability Rajesh Ayapilla.
Project Mango Unnati will promote ‘Sustainable Agricultural Practices’ to enhance mango yields and farmer incomes by improving the quality, size, and shelf life of the fruit. This would help farmers achieve better market prices. The project will also demonstrate and facilitate the adoption of rejuvenation techniques for old and senile orchards and high-density plantation (HDP) practices.
Project Mango Unnati will also emphasise on sustainable agriculture through micro irrigation, integrated pest management (IPM), and water conservation techniques such as mulching and rainwater harvesting. Through this initiative farmers will receive training in safe and modern agricultural practices to ensure sustainable farming.
The project will provide crop advisory services, including climate forecasting and crop alert systems, to equip farmers with climate-smart techniques besides enhancing the traceability and sustainability of the crop that will help farmers achieve better returns for their produce. Special training modules have been designed to empower female farmers, promoting gender equality in the agricultural sector.
Brands
Siguler Guff invests $40m in Trimex Foods to fuel India expansion
Private equity bet backs global dining brands as India’s appetite grows
MUMBAI: Siguler Guff has committed $40 million to Trimex Foods Private Limited, marking the company’s first institutional fundraise and signalling fresh momentum in India’s fast-evolving food services sector.
Trimex, which brings global names such as Chili’s Grill & Bar, PAUL and Cinnabon to Indian diners, plans to use the capital to expand its footprint across the country and add new international brands to its portfolio.
Founded in 2010, the company operates more than 50 outlets across 13 cities, employing nearly 1,900 people. It has carved out a niche as a reliable partner for global restaurant chains looking to tap into India’s growing appetite for organised dining experiences.
Siguler Guff, which manages over $18 billion in assets, is betting on that appetite only getting bigger. “India’s food services sector is undergoing a structural shift as consumers increasingly gravitate toward globally recognised dining experiences,” said Siguler Guff partner and co-portfolio manager Shaun Khubchandani.
He added that Trimex’s 15-year track record offers a scalable platform with strong execution and customer loyalty, making it well-placed to grow further with the right backing.
For Trimex, the partnership is as much about expertise as it is about capital. A company spokesperson said the firm is looking to build on its reputation for consistent, high-quality dining while tapping into Siguler Guff’s global network to accelerate growth.
The investment also reflects a broader trend of private equity firms doubling down on India’s consumer story, particularly in sectors where rising incomes and urban lifestyles are reshaping spending habits.
Ernst & Young acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Trimex for the deal.
With fresh capital on the table and global brands waiting in the wings, Trimex now appears ready to turn up the heat in India’s increasingly competitive dining landscape.
