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Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Why Ready-to-Eat, Home-Cooked Meals Are the Next Big Thing in Food Delivery: A TiffinStash Perspective
A wholesome Indian thali with nutrients rich sabzis, dals, millets, and handmade rotis — just like the ready-to-eat, homely meals TiffinStash delivers. TORONTO, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As food delivery matures into a $75.8 B market in North America—with a CAGR of about 12% through 2033 —consumer priorities are shifting from convenience to authentic, healthy, and comfort of home meals. Toronto's leading tiffin marketplace, TiffinStash believes this signals a pivotal shift: home kitchens, not dark or ghost ones, are poised to define the next wave of food tech. ' TiffinStash isn't just solving a food problem—we're bridging emotional gaps ,' says Krish Shah, Founder & CEO of TiffinStash. ' People miss the comfort of familiar meals made with care. They want something that feels like home, from someone who understands their pace of life and what real food means to them.' A Market Hungry for Homemade North America's online food delivery market reached $38 billion in 2024, projected to grow to $110 billion by 2034, with ethnic and home-style meals emerging as the fastest-growing subcategories according to Future Market Insights. Despite this boom, most consumers still value the comfort of home-cooked meals—something missing from most restaurant-style delivery menus. TiffinStash understands this growing shift in how people want to eat. In response, it became the first platform in Canada to help home-based chefs get licensed and to publicly list verified, hygiene-compliant home kitchens—ensuring safety, dignity, and trust not just for convenience, but communities. Beyond Meal Kits: Authenticity & Culture In the aftermath of COVID, cook-and-eat meal kits surged in popularity as more people stayed home and embraced cooking—making up 61% of the market in 2023 (approx. $12 billion) according to Wikipedia. But as life returns to its usual pace, consumer preferences are rapidly shifting. The ready-to-eat meals segment is now the fastest-growing in North America, projected to reach US $16.39 billion by 2025, growing at an 11.66% CAGR through 2029, according to Statista. TiffinStash caters to this demand by delivering freshly prepared, home-style heat-and-eat meals daily—combining authenticity with everyday convenience. Healthier Choices, Rooted in Tradition As consumers grow more conscious about what they eat, the demand for meals that are both nourishing and culturally familiar is rising. Research from the Harvard School of Public Health shows that home-cooked meals are typically lower in sodium, added sugar, and processed ingredients compared to restaurant or takeout options, contributing to better overall health outcomes. TiffinStash brings that balance to the table—offering a curated range of healthy, protein-rich tiffin meals—both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. From quinoa and tofu to grilled chicken and seasonal sabzis, these healthy meals balance taste and nutrition without the need for calorie counting or compromise. TiffinStash: Reinventing Food Delivery with Home Kitchens Since launch, TiffinStash has redefined tiffin delivery by enabling 60+ licensed seller listings to serve thousands of South Asian meals across the Greater Toronto Area, with 75% of repeat customers. Built without venture capital, the platform runs on a tech-enabled, trust-first model that balances affordability and cultural authenticity. ' We didn't raise venture capital, but we raised something more powerful—trust ,' adds Krish Shah. TiffinStash isn't just delivering tiffin—it's building a movement powered by comfort food, community empowerment, and cultural pride. About TiffinStash Launched in 2021, TiffinStash is a Toronto-based marketplace connecting customers with diverse multi cuisine tiffin sellers. The platform offers flexible, daily deliveries of freshly prepared tiffins across the GTA, with customizable subscription plans and free delivery. TiffinStash also provides catering services for events and large gatherings. By enabling sellers to list their services, TiffinStash offers a modern solution to a cherished tradition, delivering quality home-style meals to customers across the region. For more information, visit or follow TiffinStash on Instagram . Media Inquiries TiffinStash Inc. media@ +1 437-937-3267 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Irish Examiner
18-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Can you get your glow back with collagen?
Hailed as an elixir of youth, collagen has got TikTok influencers enthusing about how it reduces wrinkles and firms up sagging skin. On Instagram, there are more than 13m hashtags linked to posts claiming that collagen drinks, peptides, and powders help with everything from painful muscles to aching joints. Celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson, have publicly said that collagen supplements have helped keep their skin looking youthful and smooth. And Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur who is devoting a significant amount of his time and $400m fortune to trying to prolong his life, takes 25g of collagen peptides every day as part of that quest. Prof Caitríona Ryan, a consultant dermatologist and a clinical professor at University College Dublin, explains that collagen is 'the most abundant protein in the human body and the primary structural protein in the skin, providing strength, support, and elasticity.' Caitríona Ryan, a consultant dermatologist and a clinical professor at University College Dublin, explains that collagen is 'the most abundant protein in the human body and the primary structural protein in the skin, providing strength, support, and elasticity.' Scientists have identified 28 different types of collagen. Ryan is most interested in type 1 because it accounts for over 80% of the collagen found in adult skin and is key to maintaining its firmness, resilience, and youthful appearance. The problem is that natural collagen production slows with age. 'It declines by approximately 1% per year from our mid-20s, leading to a gradual loss of skin elasticity and thinning of the dermis,' says Ryan. 'This decline contributes to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and visible sagging.' Women are especially hit hard during their perimenopausal years when oestrogen levels begin to fall, accelerating the decline in collagen production. Ryan cites research shows how women lose approximately 30% of their skin's collagen content in the first five years after menopause, followed by a further 2% per year thereafter. 'This sudden drop in dermal collagen is one of the key reasons why many women notice visible skin laxity, wrinkling, and jowling emerging around this stage of life,' she says. 'Collagen loss plays such a visible role in the ageing process.' Collagen supplements claim to compensate for this loss, and as a result, have become a big business. According to the research and consulting firm Future Market Insights, the global collagen market size was valued at $1.655bn in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.089bn by 2034. No such thing as a magic pill A Google search shows numerous options for those who want to experience the benefits of collagen in Ireland. These range from liquid supplements made from freshwater fish, costing €69.98 for a monthly supply, to strawberry-flavoured collagen gummies that cost €29 for a container of 60, and bovine collagen tablets priced at €10.99 for a pack of 30. The collagen in the plethora of products now available typically comes from cows, chicken, pigs, or fish and has been hydrolysed so that it's broken down into more easily absorbed molecules called peptides. Ryan believes this form of collagen can play a role in improving the appearance of the skin. 'Oral collagen peptides, when taken in hydrolysed form, are absorbed into the bloodstream and have been shown to stimulate fibroblast activity in the dermis,' she says. 'This encourages the skin to produce more of its own collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, all of which are essential for maintaining volume, firmness, and hydration.' Studies into the effects of collagen supplementation on skin health have been limited in scale to date, but the results so far suggest supplements are effective. For example, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2019 showed a significant reduction in facial wrinkles and improvements in skin elasticity in 805 people taking collagen peptides. However, a collagen supplement will never be enough by itself. Ryan says maintaining healthy and youthful skin takes more than popping a pill. 'There is strong clinical evidence to support the use of hydrolysed collagen peptides to help restore the structural and mechanical integrity of the skin,' she says. 'However, the most important steps we can take are daily sun protection, a scientifically formulated topical skincare regimen, and a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutrient-rich diet, adequate sleep and avoidance of smoking. These are the foundations of long-term skin health and remain essential at every stage of life.' Dietitian and founder of the Dublin Nutrition Centre Aveen Bannon says the collagen we consume in the form of supplements, powders, and drinks may be converted into another form of protein in the body once it's digested. The body's building blocks There is no guarantee that the body will utilise collagen it ingests through supplements to improve the skin. Dietitian and founder of the Dublin Nutrition Centre Aveen Bannon says the collagen we consume in the form of supplements, powders, and drinks may be converted into another form of protein in the body once it's digested. 'Our bodies make collagen from amino acids along with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, zinc, and copper,' she says. 'We can also consume collagen either from food or supplements. But when we do, the body breaks it down into building blocks called amino acids, which don't automatically become collagen to be used in the skin. The body determines how to utilise these building blocks; sometimes for collagen, sometimes for other proteins that it requires at that time.' A far safer bet for anyone aiming to enhance their skin's appearance would be to focus on improving their diet. 'Eat enough protein,' says Bannon. 'This means lean meat, fish, dairy, beans, nuts, tofu, and tempeh. Eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods too. You'll find it in fruits and vegetables. Don't forget zinc and copper, which are to be found in nuts, seeds, and seafood. Make sure you eat oily fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts for their healthy omega-3 fats. And drink enough water.' She also recommends staying active, as exercise plays a role in maintaining healthy skin, and limiting alcohol consumption. Fergal J O'Brien is a professor of bioengineering and regenerative medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the head of a tissue engineering research group that develops implants to help repair damaged or diseased tissues. Collagen isn't simply a skincare ingredient. He says that there may be evidence showing that type 1 collagen can reverse some of the impact of ageing on the skin, but there is far more scientific evidence demonstrating the importance of type 2 and other types of collagen in other parts of the body. 'Collagen makes up the building blocks and the scaffolding of the body in many ways,' says O'Brien. 'And as a result, it's found in all of its tissues and organs. For example, it gives bones their tensile strength, which is what allows them to stretch or flex without breaking. Without collagen, they would be really brittle.' His research group engineers collagen so that it can be used to repair bone, cartilage, nerves and skin. 'Say, you've got a wound that won't heal that's caused by a cut, a burn, or a chronic condition like diabetes,' he says. 'A skin graft is painful and people only have so much skin available. We turn collagen, which we take from cattle, into a sponge-like material that we lay as a bandage over the wound. Because collagen is natural, it will degrade into the body over time but as it does, it will function as an environment for cells to attach to and grow and lay down new tissue.' Much more to learn Hongyun Tai works with a research team at University College Dublin that is investigating how collagen can be used in medicine. She is also the managing director of Blafar, a Dublin-based biotech company specialising in the development of medical-grade collagen products. 'While collagen is widely marketed for its skincare benefits, it has far broader physiological significance,' she says. 'It supports joint function and cushions cartilage. It contributes to the strength and flexibility of tendons and ligaments. It assists in muscle regeneration and repair and it plays a role in wound healing and repair. These are the reasons why collagen supplements and collagen-stimulating therapies are being investigated for potential benefits in managing joint paint, improving recovery from sports injuries and even aiding in post-surgical tissue regeneration.' There is significant international interest in exploring whether collagen can help athletes recover from injury or even improve athletic performance. Scientists are also investigating whether supplementing with the protein could reduce joint stiffness and the function of muscles and tendons in the elderly, making them less vulnerable to falls and resulting injuries. The research findings to date are promising. A 2021 British review examined studies in recreational athletes and the elderly, and found evidence that collagen is beneficial in improving joint functionality and reducing joint pain. An Australian study published in 2016 found that collagen supplements reduced the pain associated with osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease affecting the elderly worldwide. Bannon, who takes collagen herself because she believes it improves her skin, says there is still a lot to learn about the protein. 'My advice would always be to focus on food and lifestyle first,' she says. 'But collagen supplements are generally safe and may be of benefit to people's skin and joints, although the effects are typically mild and may take time to be noticeable. If someone chooses to try them, I suggest they pick a good quality, trusted brand, take them for four to six weeks and see if they notice any difference.' Who's who in the world of collagen products? Cork-based GP and women's health specialist Dr Doireann O'Leary has developed Supplements Made Simple. From doctors to Hollywood actresses and influencers, people from many walks of life are developing health and beauty products based on this potent protein. Cork-based GP and women's health specialist Dr Doireann O'Leary has developed Supplements Made Simple. This range includes a product combining marine collagen with vitamin C, which claims to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while increasing skin elasticity. Herology is the women's supplements brand created by Dr Michelle Hone, who got her PhD in nutrition from Dublin City University and went on to found The Fit Clinic, and Dr Sarah Kelly, a clinical exercise physiologist and former assistant professor in health and human performance at DCU. They have created a tailored collagen supplement for skin, hair, and nails. It contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and marine collagen. Jennifer Aniston claims to have been adding collagen powder from a company called Vital Proteins to her morning coffee since 2016. She was so taken with its effects that she became an ambassador for the brand and its lead creative in 2020. Just this year, Ireland's own Vogue Williams became another of these brand's ambassadors and has since posted on her social media platforms about how adding a few scoops to her morning coffee helps her feel and look her best. Limerick-based movement coach Leonie Lynch was an early adopter. When she was pregnant with her second child in 2016, she began developing a collagen and cacao protein blend to nourish her body. It's now widely sold as the Juspy Superfood blend and is designed to be used in shakes, coffees, overnight oats or even hot chocolate.
Business Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Startup partnerships can help corporations unlock deep tech innovation
DEEP tech – including breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), synthetic biology, quantum computing and advanced materials – is shaping the future of industries, economies and everyday life. In 2023, the global deep tech market was valued at US$548 billion, and it is expected to grow to US$2.7 trillion by 2034, according to Future Market Insights. These technologies are not just creating new products and services; they are driving transformations in key industries such as energy, healthcare, mobility and manufacturing. Governments are responding accordingly: the US Chips Act, Europe's EIC Accelerator, and China's sovereign AI programmes reflect a shared strategic priority – accelerating deep tech commercialisation. For corporations, the implications are clear. Capturing the value of deep tech is no longer optional. It is crucial to develop long-term competitiveness. Yet despite growing urgency, many firms find that internal research and development (R&D) effort alone is not delivering at the speed or scale desired. Why corporate R&D alone often falls short Corporations are not short on resources or talent. Yet, deep tech innovation presents structural challenges that traditional R&D systems struggle to overcome. Siloed organisation structures often separate research teams from business units, procurement, and compliance functions. Layered decision-making slows down experimentation momentum. Short-term performance focus creates friction with the long development timelines that deep tech requires. And many organisations lack internal capabilities to evaluate unproven technologies at early maturity stages. Startups, by comparison, operate differently. They plan scientific and commercial milestones around the urgency and constraints of limited capital and time. Their flat teams enable faster iteration and testing cycles, guided by market feedback and commercial traction. According to Startup Genome's 2023 deep tech report, top-performing startups consistently compress time to Technology Readiness Level 7 (real-world prototype validation) through agile development, lean operating models, and fast feedback cycles. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up These dynamics do not suggest that startups are inherently superior. Corporations bring advantages that startups often lack – such as regulatory expertise, global market access, and deep industry relationships. This contrast reveals an opportunity: partnerships that combine the scale and resources of corporations with the speed and adaptability of startups. What effective partnerships can achieve When structured correctly, corporate-startup partnerships can accelerate time to market, de-risk emerging technologies and create value for both parties. For example, Tokio Marine subsidiary ID&E launched a pilot to modernise road maintenance in Japan using deep-tech startup partnerships. Traditionally reliant on manual inspections, the company saw an opportunity to shift from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance. It did this by integrating AI-enabled mobile tools using smartphone video to detect road defects in real time – eliminating bulky sensors and significantly improving speed and accuracy. This aligned with Japan's market shift from new construction to maintenance of ageing infrastructure, and helped ID&E close capability gaps in data collection and analysis. Building on the pilot's success across multiple prefectures, ID&E launched a broader initiative in Singapore under the Economic Development Board's Corporate Venture Launchpad programme, aiming to deliver predictive, AI-supported road asset management across South-east Asia's US$13 billion to US$14 billion road maintenance market. Another example comes from wastewater treatment startup Hydroleap which partnered with IX Technology to reduce the environmental impact of water-intensive data centres in Singapore. Hydroleap's electrochemical solution removes up to 95 per cent of pollutants and cuts water discharge by 70 per cent, offering a more sustainable approach to cooling tower operations as industrial water demand – and AI data processing – surges. With plans to expand across Malaysia and Vietnam, the partnership reflects how deep-tech solutions can scale rapidly when paired with the right industry platform. These examples demonstrate that when corporates provide the structure, and startups provide the technical domain expertise, the combination can outperform either approach alone. A framework for high-impact startup partnerships Despite the potential, many corporate-startup collaborations fail to scale. Based on observation across sectors, four enablers consistently distinguish successful partnerships: Protected pilot space Corporates must create dedicated environments – what we call 'sandboxes with teeth' – where startups can test technologies under real-world conditions without navigating standard corporate procurement and compliance processes. These spaces require their own budgets, legal protocols, and executive sponsorship. Business-aligned ownership A pilot that succeeds technically but lacks business unit buy-in rarely moves forward. Tie partnership outcomes to operational KPIs and profit-and-loss goals from the start. This ensures shared accountability and increases the likelihood of scale-up. Startup translators Startups and corporates operate on different assumptions. Hiring individuals who understand both environments – start-up 'translators' – can bridge communication, translate startup value into corporate context, and align expectations throughout the collaboration. Portfolio thinking Rather than investing in isolated pilots, manage startup collaborations as a portfolio of experiments. Measure learning velocity – how quickly lessons from one engagement are reused across the organisation – and create stage gates to reallocate resources towards the most promising pilots. The strategic imperative Startup partnerships are not a shortcut. They are a strategic mechanism to unlock value that internal systems alone cannot deliver. Corporations that rely solely on internal R&D risk falling behind more agile players – both startups and competitors who collaborate with them. With the right structures in place, corporations can accelerate innovation, reduce risk, and bring transformative technologies to market faster. The question is no longer whether to partner – but how. Daniel Chow is a principal at Arthur D Little Singapore, with a focus around advising on strategy, M&A and innovation across Asia-Pacific. Joel Koh is an engagement manager at Arthur D Little, where he advises clients across South-east Asia on innovation strategy, digital and business transformation.
Japan Times
04-07-2025
- Japan Times
Tokyo and Kyoto feature among top ‘noctourism' destinations
Tokyo and Kyoto are top cities for 'noctourism,' or nighttime tourism, among more than 100 major cities worldwide, according to a recent report by U.K. travel company Travelbag . Tokyo ranked second after New York, and ahead of Dubai and Singapore. Kyoto, meanwhile, was No. 6 in the rankings, said the report, which scored cities on safety, number of venues and foot traffic, as quantified by using social media mentions. 'Tokyo offers a neon-lit wonderland after sunset. Whether it's watching the city pulse from the top of Tokyo Tower, exploring the buzzing alleys of Shinjuku's Golden Gai, or enjoying a nighttime food tour of local izakayas, Japan's capital is a blend of futuristic lights and deep tradition,' it said. The company estimated New York offered some 2,302 late-night venues, while Tokyo offered around 996. Among Southeast Asian cities, the Thai cities of Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok were listed in the top five. Noctourism, which is also referred to as 'dark sky' experiences, has gained traction among travelers in recent years. predicted last October that it would emerge as one of the top travel trends for 2025. Travelers aiming to dodge crowds and escape increasingly severe heat were listed among the factors contributing to the trend. Estimates suggest the global nocturnal tourism market is worth around $10.3 billion in 2025, according to Future Market Insights, with the number projected to more than double by 2035. While Tokyo and Kyoto are already top tourist destinations globally, the two cities' nightlife scenes have not typically garnered acclaim. While New York is famously known as the 'city that never sleeps' due to its buzzy nightlife activities and late-night venues, advocates in Tokyo have long said more needs to be done to ensure the city's quality and quantity of nighttime activities sufficiently compared to its daytime offerings. In Japanese cities, public transport services do not run all night, which is also viewed as hampering nighttime ambitions, with few public transport avenues for late-night revelers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tokyo's nightlife activity suffered more than daytime activity due to restrictions for restaurants to close early. But in recent years, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has actively sought to revive the city's nightlife and capitalize on booming tourism inflows around the clock. In February last year, the metropolitan government allocated ¥1.65 billion ($11.2 million) for a night projection mapping show in the Shinjuku business district. The metropolitan government and the Osaka Prefectural Government are also subsidizing a range of activities in order to boost participation in the nighttime economy. More than 18 million foreign visitors came to Japan between January and May this year, with 3.6 million in May alone, according to the latest available official tourism data.
Fashion United
26-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Australian rental platform The Volte expands to UK
The Volte, an Australian peer-to-peer rental marketplace, has entered the UK market for the first time as part of an ongoing international expansion. In a release, co-founder and chief executive officer, Bernadette Olivier, said venturing into the UK marked a 'significant milestone' for the company. She added: 'Our proof of concept with our thriving marketplace, technology and brand partners in Australia give us the insight and drive as we offer UK consumers something new in the rental segment.' Founded in 2017 by Olivier, Genevieve Hohnen and Kellie Hush, The Volte has expanded to become a global marketplace, 'connecting borrowers and lenders to more than 70,000 designer dresses'. Its intention is to aid customers monetise their wardrobes through a 'one-click' solution, allowing them to 'generate income from the circular economy'. Hush, who also serves as chief brand and strategy officer, said: 'When customers make more conscious and quality additions to their wardrobe, they can make a return up to four times the amount of their initial purchase price via The Volte and extend the life of their garment.' The Volte's expansion to the UK comes as the rental market continues to grow in the region. According to Future Market Insights, the UK's online clothing rental market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.81 percent from 2025 to 2035, as sustainable fashion preferences influence demand.
