Brandjectory launches first-ever pitch competition

Brandjectory launches first-ever pitch competition

BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — Brandjectory, an online platform dedicated to connecting early-stage consumer products entrepreneurs to investors, is hosting an inaugural pitch competition. The virtual, two-hour event will be held on Sept. 14 and is free to attend.Founded by three industry veterans, Brandjectory provides access to business education, networking opportunities and one-on-one coaching with investors and experts to startup founders seeking seed capital. Since its launch, Brandjectory has facilitated more than 1,300 connections between founders and investors.The pitch slam is open to Brandjectory premium subscribers, and applications will be accepted through Aug. 15 at brandjectory.eb-sites.com/PitchSlam2022. All applicants will receive feedback from investors. Five finalists will receive investor coaching prior to the event, and the winner will be awarded a cash prize, plus additional prizes.“Everything we do at Brandjectory is designed to help CPG founders navigate the fundraising process and become comfortable communicating and working with investors,” said Michael Movitz, co-founder of Brandjectory. “While we provide a great deal of business education, our ultimate goal is to help founders clearly understand what investors are thinking, what they are looking for, and what they want to hear to know that a brand founder has built an investor-ready business. That is why we want to make sure all applicants get investor feedback, even if they are not a finalist.”Additional perks of a premium membership include invitations to all Brandjectory events and meet-ups; participation in coaching and mentoring with investors, buyers, brand marketers, product segment experts and more; a founder-only discussion forum; access to hundreds of articles from experts and partners; and brand exposure to a community of more than 500 investors.“The Pitch Slam is just one more opportunity to provide value to our Premium members,” said Susan Bryenton, co-founder of Brandjectory. “We are constantly adding features, speakers, events, new discussion topics and many more opportunities for CPG founders to learn and interact with CPG investors and industry experts. We are pleased to know the process is working. Not only are founders and investors connecting and continuing the conversation, we are learning of funding that is beginning to occur.”Startup founders may learn more or register for a premium membership at brandjectorynow.com.  .

The time is right to position your bakery product as guilt-free and conveniently nutritious

The time is right to position your bakery product as guilt-free and conveniently nutritious

Pre-packaged bakery is a staple item for consumers across the globe, with the majority purchasing bread, cakes and biscuits on a weekly basis.“This is not surprising given that the option remains a staple ingredient for informal and casual eating occasions in the morning and the afternoon,”​ said Will Cowling, marketing manager for the Hertfortshire-based market researcher.“Standard bread products remain a more popular option than better-for-you alternatives, however, there is a rise in consumers looking to address their health.”​According to FMCG Gurus, the number of consumers more focused on health is higher than ever before, which is driving the back-to-basics approach to nutrition.So, what will this mean for the bakery market?Health vs indulgenceCowling said the extent to which consumers prioritise indulgence over health in many product categories shows there is scope for brands to push the boundaries of premium through promoting experimental and hedonistic flavours, as well as the use of high-quality ingredients that will help position products as a genuine experience.“When it comes to flavours and sensory appeal, consumers tend to prefer traditional flavours,”​ he added, noting FMCG Gurus research shows 7 in 10 consumers prefer chocolate, raspberry and vanilla.“As well as the hedonistic element, these flavours will appeal to consumers because they are associated with trust and comfort. This is crucial in a time of uncertainty when consumers are prone to turning to products for moments of escapism from daily stresses.”​Although a sensory appeal is key when it comes to a baked treat, consumers still scrutinise the label to monitor (or eliminate) certain ingredients. On average, 35% of global consumers claim they regularly check nutritional labelling – and their top priority: sugar content.Sugar has long had a reputation as a dietary evil because of the link between excessive intake and rising levels of obesity and diabetes. In fact, Cowling said the war on sugar is expected to intensify over the next few years, especially as the general population has noticed a weighty gain as a result of reduced levels of activity and increased levels of comfort eating during lockdown.Elimination vs additionHowever, he noted that consumers today are not only looking to avoid or moderate their intake of certain ingredients, but would like to include more functional ingredients.“This is a trend that has also intensified as a result of COVID-19, with consumers seeking out active ingredient claims on products in order to minimise vulnerability to disease and illness,”​ said Cowling, adding this has certainly created an opportunity for fortification within the bakery market. Particularly protein, with 53% of global consumers to find high protein claims appealing in the bakery market.“Protein continues to have something of a health halo attached to it because of its association with a variety of wellbeing benefits, meaning many consumers are adopting the ethos of the more protein in their diet, the better.​While consumers prioritise indulgence when seeking out pre-packaged bakery products, that means the importance of nutritional value cannot be dismissed.“One way for bakery brands to respond is by positioning products as guilt-free and conveniently nutritious, by promoting active ingredients like high fibre and protein content.” ​This is bound to appeal as consumer embrace the concept of positive nutrition and are looking to maximise their intake of functional ingredients, concluded Cowling. .

Chhavi Mittal reveals what she eats in a day as she recovers from cancer

Chhavi Mittal reveals what she eats in a day as she recovers from cancer

Chhavi Mittal, who was diagnosed with breast cancer recently, has been actively sharing tidbits about her treatment and recovery. In her latest YouTube vlog, the actor went on to reveal what she eats in a day, and the nutrition required during cancer treatment.
“What does any cancer recovering patient eat in a day? Well, there’s no common answer to this since this disease can be widely different for people. It depends on the grade, the stage, the treatment, the body type and so much more!” she wrote, advising fellow patients to check with their doctors before following any diet.
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She added that she has devised a diet for herself “after researching a lot and taking into consideration each of my doctors’ advice… also understanding how my body is reacting to radiation and the diet. And I wanna say.. so far so good!”Best of Express PremiumAn 8-km elevated road, 3 ‘finger bridges’ to ghats: UP govt comes up with...PremiumRajiv Mehrishi: Finance secretary, home secretary, CAG — and now pickle-m...PremiumExplained: Why bond yields are rising, and what it means for markets and ...PremiumGagan Deep Sharma writes: Celebrating Indian universities’ rise in global...Premium
The first meal or drink of the day is very crucial. As such, Chhavi starts her day by drinking tea made of simarouba leaves. “These leaves are supposed to cure cancer and boost immunity in cancer patients. I boil 4-5 leaves in water at night and leave them overnight. In the morning, I strain and drink it,” she said. “After this, I consume a few dry fruits which I soak overnight. Some of these include walnuts, almonds, black raisins and figs.”

For breakfast, she opts for an omelette and bread toasts. “Post breakfast, I’ll eat a mango. Ever since I have been diagnosed with cancer, I feel like I have lost a lot of weight so I need to put on weight,” Chhavi on why she consumes a heavy breakfast.
She revealed the food items she has been asked to completely avoid. “I have been told to completely avoid dairy. But I can drink almond or oat milk (instead of cow or buffalo milk). I have also been told to completely avoid soy until the time radiation therapy goes on, and one month after that. It is advised to avoid sugar as cancer cells feed on sugar.”

One thing that Chhavi has been asked to consume generously is caffeine. “I am really happy I can have coffee,” she said.
Around 12:30 pm, she consumes sugar-free cookies and chocolates. She said, “Snacking is extremely important right now because you can’t starve yourself. It is important to maintain your energy levels.”
Next, she drinks a concoction made of chia seeds, kokum and roasted hemp seeds. “This regulates the acidity and is a coolant for the body. I drink this every day around 12:30-1 pm,” the actor stated.
For lunch, she has bottle gourd, chane ki dal, a stir-fried salad made of broccoli, baby corn and yellow zucchini, a little bit of chicken and ragi rotis. She revealed that she can’t eat anything raw as “when you are undergoing cancer treatment, your body’s immunity is low and you are more prone to infections. To avoid that, it is advised to not eat anything raw”.

“Another thing I consume once in a day is a mixture of beetroot powder, coconut cream, grated coconut and peanut powder. I am trying to eat as many superfoods as possible,” she added.

Adding to the list of food items she has been asked to eat and avoid, Chhavi said, “In non-veg food items, I am allowed to eat fish and chicken, but not red meat. In veg food items, I am not allowed to consume spinach and fenugreek because they counter the effects of radiation.” Further, she is advised against consuming alcohol during the treatment.
As an evening snack, she consumes a banana and sattu laddoos made of desi ghee and dry fruits. “I make sure I drink enough water in a day,” she said.
“For dinner today, I am eating dal, rice and arbi along with a salad made of zucchini and capsicum,” said Chhavi as she concluded her day.
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Are ‘guilt-free’ food items really healthy? Find out here

Are ‘guilt-free’ food items really healthy? Find out here

With people increasingly becoming conscious of their health and fitness, they now pay extra attention towards what they consume. And, rightly so. As such, to woo these health-conscious customers, brands now use tags like ‘guilt-free’, implying that a said food item is low in calories or sugar-free or trans-fat-free.
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But, are food items tagged ‘guilt-free’ really healthy, in comparison to others? Nutritionist Bhuvan Rastogi disagrees. In an Instagram post, he wrote, “Have you fallen for gimmicks like ‘guilt-free’ foods? It is the new fad term brands are obsessed with, and I hate it.”

The nutrition expert added that most of the time, “brands use gimmicks like stating a product is gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein, clean, natural, with a fad ingredient, etc, to entice you to try it”.
However, these are not healthier than the classic option, he revealed. “They are much more expensive.”

“The problem is that there shouldn’t be any guilt about enjoying your favourite food, to begin with. An effort to understand nutrition in food is all you need to fit everything you love in your diet in a healthy way. Because, when it comes to food, there is no good or bad option. (Unless you are allergic, of course),” Rastogi explained.
“As you can see, ‘guilt-free’ is just a label. It’s a tag meant to play with your emotions and paint any other product as bad or unhealthy,” he concluded.
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Expert shares the best foods ‘for an aging brain’

Expert shares the best foods ‘for an aging brain’

Much like the body, over time, the brain can also start ageing if proper attention towards boosting its health is not paid. As such, experts suggest consuming certain foods that help protect the brain from illnesses, improve memory and concentration, and also keep it healthy and young.
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Nutritional psychiatrist Dr Uma Naidoo had earlier shared a few food items that are best for an ageing brain. “Looking for the fountain of youth for your brain? Start including these foods in your diet to work towards a healthier brain and fight off many of the ways our brain can get hurt over time, including free radicals, decreased blood flow, and more,” she wrote.
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Extra virgin olive oil
According to Dr Naidoo, “Extra virgin olive oil is linked to a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s because it increases autophagy of brain cells.” Try mixed with dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar for a “brain-healthy” salad dressing.
Spices
Indians just can’t do without their spices. But, did you know that they can help boost brain health, too? “Turmeric with a pinch of black pepper, cinnamon, saffron, rosemary and ginger — all help to promote healthy brain ageing and memory.”

Omega-3
“EPA and DHA are omega 3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like wild-caught salmon that help to protect the brain from ageing. ALA, the omega 3 found in plant sources, like nuts and seeds, can be converted to EPA and DHA in small amounts,” she said.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are rich in folate which is one of the most important vitamins for maintaining a healthy brain. “Foods like spinach, swiss chard, arigula and dandelion greens help to maintain cognitive integrity with age,” Dr Naidoo explained.
Rainbow of veggies
Different coloured plant foods contain different brain-healthy nutrients and fibre. “Plant-based diets are consistently associated with cognitive longevity,” she said.
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