Latest news with #Devyani
New Indian Express
29-06-2025
- New Indian Express
The past is no longer tense
The book The Missing Rocks of Hampi centres around three children, Devyani, Nakul, and Sarang, who accompany their mother, Dr Brinda Ratnagar, a water resources expert, to Hampi. Ratnagar is scheduled to ratify the construction of a huge tourism project planned on the banks of the main branch of the river. So, while the book deals with how the children help protect their mother from the devious actions of the landsharks, it also explores history and the age-old water management system of Hampi and its relevance to the present times. The book oscillates between the past and the present, where every alternate chapter takes the readers back in time to the early 14th and 15th centuries. 'I wanted to make history engaging and inspiring for today's readers, which is why I explored the idea of bringing traditional water wisdom and modern situations, which every child can relate to,' says Mala Kumar. While history is often associated with insipid details of dates, battles, and rulers, the book showcases history in a manner that resonates with children. From the battles of the Vijayanagar empire and the resplendent Hampi Bazaar to the pioneering water management system that was built centuries ago, the book not only serves to educate but also highlights how history and the past hold solutions for our present-day problems. The writing style is crisp yet breezy, which makes it appealing for children.
Observer
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Floral artist fuses Ikebana with musical motifs
For over five decades, Muscat has been home to Devyani Sampat, a name that has quietly but elegantly blossomed in the Sultanate's artistic circles. A devoted practitioner of Ikebana — the refined Japanese art of flower arrangement — Devyani has spent more than 20 years translating emotion and inspiration into vibrant floral compositions, crafting not merely bouquets but meaningful expressions of life, rhythm, and culture. Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Originating from Buddhist rituals, it evolved into an art form that emphasises harmony, balance, and simplicity. Its techniques emphasize minimalism and the natural beauty of flowers, stems, and leaves, often involving asymmetrical compositions that reflect the changing seasons and natural landscapes. Over the centuries, Ikebana has grown in popularity beyond Japan, recognised worldwide as a profound form of artistic expression and a meditative practice. Its global appeal lies in its capacity to foster mindfulness and artistic creativity, making it a fascinating method that combines aesthetics, philosophy, and a deep connection to nature. Today, Ikebana continues to evolve, integrating contemporary styles while honouring traditional principles, and remains an inspiring practice for many international flower enthusiasts. The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat In Oman, this passion for floral artistry is mirrored in the flourishing flower shop scene that has seen significant growth in recent years. The increasing popularity of floristry can be attributed to Oman's vibrant cultural landscape and a rising middle class eager to express personal style and hospitality through flowers. Small boutique florists and large floral chains now dot cities like Muscat and Salalah, offering everything from traditional Omani arrangements to modern bouquets. These shops often source local blooms, such as desert roses, Jasmine, and frangipani, blending native flora with imported varieties to create diverse and culturally resonant displays. The intricacies involved in Oman's floral trade reflect a deep appreciation of colour, seasonality, and symbolism. For instance, the use of specific flowers during festivals or weddings carries cultural significance; white flowers may symbolize purity, while marigolds are used in celebratory arrangements. Many shop owners and floral designers pride themselves on their ability to curate bespoke arrangements that honour Omani traditions while embracing contemporary trends. Training and mentorship programmes are increasingly popular, helping elevate the skill level of budding florists and ensuring the preservation of intricate, culturally meaningful techniques. The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat Devyani Sampat's journey is a testament to this cultural richness, as her floral artistry intertwines Western techniques with local influences, demonstrating the growing global interconnectedness of floral design. At the heart of her vision lies a commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange through floral design. Her latest initiative—a thematic arrangement session hosted at her Shatti al Qurum residence—reflected this ethos beautifully. Titled 'The Music of Flowers,' the exhibition saw her Frangipani Flower Arrangement Group reimagine musical instruments such as the tabla, violin, flute, sarangi, and keyboard using floral foam and delicate petals. Around 20 flower enthusiasts participated in the session with great enthusiasm. Some pieces ingeniously incorporated everyday objects: an old CD cover was transformed into a textured base using strips of Washington Palm leaf, woven through a traditional technique. Unlike conventional exhibitions, the arrangements were crafted by members from their homes and later displayed collectively — a gesture that underlined the group's belief in collaborative learning. The interactive nature of the session saw participants not only presenting their work but also exchanging insights and techniques in a vibrant environment of mutual appreciation and discovery. Devyani, who has been teaching Ikebana in Muscat for over a decade and heading the Frangipani Flower Arrangement Group since 2009, believes that floral art is not simply decorative — it is a way to connect with nature and community. Her creative sessions often revolve around unifying themes, and a new exhibit inspired by Omani cultural elements is already in the works for November. 'Knowledge should flow like a river, not remain stagnant like a pond,' she says — a philosophy she brings to life through every petal, stem, and structure she teaches. Her approach is rooted in nurturing creativity, compassion, and harmony, all essential tenets of Ikebana. The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat A senior educator in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Devyani's journey in floristry began under the gentle guidance of the late Smt Leela Rajkumar. Since then, her artistry has taken root and flourished under the mentorship of international masters such as Poo (Thailand), Lesley (UK), Maryfransko (France), and Ms Madhu Shah (Australia). She has also mastered European floral techniques, which she shares during demonstrations and classes held both in the Sultanate of Oman and India. Beyond her teaching, Devyani has participated in global floral shows and is an active member of the world's foremost floral associations, including NAFA (National Association of Flower Arrangers), WAFA (World Association of Floral Artists), and the World Flower Council. Her involvement in these organisations not only broadens her artistic horizons but also allows her to bring international techniques and trends back to Oman, enriching the local floral culture. For Devyani, flowers are more than botanical beauties — they are a medium to interpret stories, emotions, and even melodies. Her dedication exemplifies how floral design can be a conduit for personal expression and cultural storytelling. She passionately advocates for the notion that floral artistry can unite communities, foster mindfulness, and celebrate cultural heritage. Oman's floral scene is also experiencing a renaissance driven by younger entrepreneurs who are blending traditional Omani motifs with contemporary floral styles. The rise of flower cafés and experiential floral workshops reflects a broader trend towards integrating nature-based art into daily life. These endeavours often incorporate local flora and craftsmanship, reinforcing the Sultanate's unique cultural identity. As Oman's cultural and artistic scene continues to bloom, Devyani's flower-led initiatives serve as a reminder of the intrinsic beauty and cultural symbolism within floral arrangements. Whether through the delicate lines of Ikebana, the vibrant bursts of celebratory bouquets, or community workshops that bring people together in creative expression, her work exemplifies how nature can be a powerful medium for storytelling, connection, and artistic exploration.
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Too many brands, too little growth? A deep look at Devyani International
Last Sunday, I was at a mall in Mumbai around lunchtime. I passed by the KFC outlet and noticed it was not that full. It may have just been a one-off, but for a brand as familiar and widely present as KFC, a quiet store felt unusual. That small moment raised a bigger question in my mind about what is happening with Devyani International, which operates KFC, Pizza Hut, Costa Coffee, Vaango, and several other food and beverage chains, both in India and overseas. Together, it runs more than 2,000 outlets, making it one of the largest quick-service restaurant players in the country. After listing in 2021, Devyani grew rapidly. It opened new stores across metros and smaller towns, added new brands, and expanded outside India as well. But lately, its growth has slowed down. Store-level sales are under pressure, customer footfall has dipped, and the stock has stayed flat for months. At the same time, the company has not stopped investing in expansion. So the key question now is: can Devyani return to strong growth, or is it entering a longer phase of slow recovery? Let us break it down and understand where the business stands today. When most people think of Devyani International, they think of KFC or Pizza Hut. But the company manages a much wider portfolio. As of March 2025, Devyani operates more than 2,000 outlets. These are spread across three main parts of the business: 📌Core Brands: This includes KFC, Pizza Hut, and Costa Coffee. These are run through franchise agreements with Yum! Brands and Coca-Cola. 📌Own Brands: Devyani also operates its own concepts, such as Vaango (focused on South Indian cuisine) and Food Street (multi-cuisine). 📌International Business: Devyani runs over 350 stores in countries like Nepal, Thailand, and Nigeria, where it has been expanding quietly over the years. Among these, KFC is the main driver of revenue. It accounts for approximately 45% of total sales and operates around 700 stores. Pizza Hut is the second-largest, with approximately 15% of the revenue. Costa Coffee is still small in size but is growing steadily. In the financial year 2025, Devyani added 235 new stores. Many of these came up in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where the company expects future growth. The belief is that smaller towns will bring in new customers who are trying branded food chains for the first time. However, while store count is increasing, the performance of existing stores is not improving in the same way. In the last quarter of FY25, same-store sales (SSSG) for KFC declined by 6.1%. For Pizza Hut, there was a marginal increase of 1%. For the full year, India revenue grew by 7%, but operating profit (EBITDA) fell by 8%. This is because costs have gone up. Food inflation, rent, staff wages, and delivery platform fees have all added pressure. To manage this situation, Devyani is: So far, the business is growing in size, but profit margins remain under stress. Devyani is betting on long-term consumption growth, but for now, it is trying to manage rising costs while keeping its store network expansion on track. What happens next will depend on whether consumers start spending more again and whether the new stores begin to perform better over time. Devyani International closed FY25 with consolidated revenues of Rs 4,951 crore, EBITDA of Rs 842 crore, and a net loss of Rs 69 crore. This means the company cannot yet be valued using the standard Price-to-Earnings ratio, since it is not profitable at the PAT level. However, the stock is still richly valued. Devyani's market capitalisation stands at approximately Rs 21,000 crore (as of June 9, 2025), and based on the latest balance sheet, it carries net debt of about Rs 2,500 crore. This gives it an enterprise value (EV) of roughly Rs 24,000 crore. That puts the stock at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 28 times based on FY25 EBITDA of Rs 842 crore. This is among the highest valuations in the quick-service restaurant space, despite the company reporting a net loss, seeing negative same-store sales growth in key segments, and operating at sub-optimal store-level margins. For such a valuation to sustain, the business must deliver a sharp turnaround, both in profitability and efficiency. The management has outlined plans for margin recovery and cost control, but the results are yet to play out fully. In short, Devyani is priced for a recovery that is still in motion. Unless that recovery is faster and stronger than expected, investors may find limited near-term upside from these levels. The next few quarters will be crucial in showing whether the growth story is on solid footing or just running ahead of itself. That quiet KFC outlet I saw in Mumbai may have just been one store on one day. But it pointed to something real that even big brands are not immune to when the broader spending environment is tight. Devyani International is still building, still expanding, and still betting on India's love for quick, branded food. But it is now at a stage where more stores alone will not be enough. What matters next is how efficiently those stores perform, how margins are protected, and how the company adapts to a changing consumer mood. For investors, it is a story to track with patience. Watch the numbers, see how the margins move, and decide whether the brand engine can fire up again. Note: This article relies on data from annual and industry reports. We have used our assumptions for forecasting. Parth Parikh has over a decade of experience in finance and research and currently heads the growth and content vertical at Finsire. He has an MBA in Finance from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies. Disclosure: The writer and his dependents do not hold the stocks discussed in this article. The website managers, its employee(s), and contributors/writers/authors of articles have or may have an outstanding buy or sell position or holding in the securities, options on securities or other related investments of issuers and/or companies discussed therein. The content of the articles and the interpretation of data are solely the personal views of the contributors/ writers/authors. Investors must make their own investment decisions based on their specific objectives, resources and only after consulting such independent advisors as may be necessary.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Franchisee ad row hurting sales: Sapphire CEO
Differences between two of global restaurant chain Pizza Hut 's biggest franchisees in India -Sapphire Foods and Devyani International-have led to pausing of advertising in common franchisee zones, impacting sales, a top executive said. "Starting January-March '25 quarter, we have not been able to invest in mass media advertising (for Pizza Hut)... That's resulted in an impact on our transactions," Sanjay Purohit, group chief executive of Sapphire Foods , said in a post-quarter earnings call. "That's arising because of a difference of view between us and our sister franchisee (Devyani) on marketing strategy and investments on advertising." While Ravi Jaipuria-owned Devyani is the largest franchise partner of Yum! Brands-which owns quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains including KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell-with rights to operate these brands in North and East India, Sapphire operates the brands in South and West India. Devyani operates an overall 2,000-plus stores, while Sapphire's total store count is over 900. "While Yum is aligned with investing (on Pizza Hut ads) similar to us, the difference in opinion has meant that we've not been able to advertise in common markets," Purohit told analysts. When contacted by ET, Jaipuria declined to comment. Devyani International 's January-March quarter earnings are scheduled for later in this month. Store operations of both franchisees overlap in markets such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, with stores across delivery-only, takeaways and airports. Purohit's comments come amid continued slowing sales of QSRs. Reacting to an analyst query on when Sapphire Foods expected a resolution to the differences, Purohit said it may take one-two quarters. "The difference of opinion really stems from our belief whether spending on or investing behind mass media advertising is resulting in increased transactions or not... If there are questions in someone else's mind on that, that's perfectly alright... The only way to do that is through data and through actually proving that this can work," he said.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Franchisee ad row hurting sales: Sapphire CEO
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Differences between two of global restaurant chain Pizza Hut 's biggest franchisees in India -Sapphire Foods and Devyani International-have led to pausing of advertising in common franchisee zones, impacting sales, a top executive said."Starting January-March '25 quarter, we have not been able to invest in mass media advertising (for Pizza Hut)... That's resulted in an impact on our transactions," Sanjay Purohit, group chief executive of Sapphire Foods , said in a post-quarter earnings call. "That's arising because of a difference of view between us and our sister franchisee (Devyani) on marketing strategy and investments on advertising."While Ravi Jaipuria-owned Devyani is the largest franchise partner of Yum! Brands-which owns quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains including KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell-with rights to operate these brands in North and East India, Sapphire operates the brands in South and West India. Devyani operates an overall 2,000-plus stores, while Sapphire's total store count is over 900."While Yum is aligned with investing (on Pizza Hut ads) similar to us, the difference in opinion has meant that we've not been able to advertise in common markets," Purohit told contacted by ET, Jaipuria declined to comment. Devyani International 's January-March quarter earnings are scheduled for later in this operations of both franchisees overlap in markets such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, with stores across delivery-only, takeaways and comments come amid continued slowing sales of to an analyst query on when Sapphire Foods expected a resolution to the differences, Purohit said it may take one-two quarters."The difference of opinion really stems from our belief whether spending on or investing behind mass media advertising is resulting in increased transactions or not... If there are questions in someone else's mind on that, that's perfectly alright... The only way to do that is through data and through actually proving that this can work," he said.
