Karnataka's own 'Hana' soft drinks now set to enter gulf markets
The brand will be launched in Dubai following its launch in Saudi Arabia
Bengaluru: Karnataka-based company 'Swadeshi Food and Beverages' announced that its popular natural and healthy soft drink brand, 'Hana,' will soon be available in the markets of the Gulf countries. Currently, 'Hana' soft drinks are being exported to major markets in Saudi Arabia, and the company plans to introduce them to the markets of Dubai.
Established in 2015, 'Hana' soft drinks have gained significant popularity since their inception. The company's production plants, located in Bengaluru and Mysuru, have been successfully delivering the natural and refreshing beverages. As part of its expansion strategy, 'Hana' aims to diversify into different markets and has planned to set up new production units in Ahmedabad and Mangaluru. Preparations for establishing these units are underway, as stated in the company's release.
The 'Hana' brand is widely recognized for its healthy and natural qualities, with no alcoholic content in its drinks. In addition to Karnataka, the delicious range of 'Hana' soft drinks has garnered a loyal customer base in major cities across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, and Odisha. The brand's popularity in coastal Karnataka has positioned it as a strong competitor to soft drinks offered by renowned multinational companies.
The 'Hana' brand offers a variety of popular drinks, including Ginger, Lemon, Kokum, Mint Lemon, Tamarind, Jeera, Grape, Litchi, Sweet Lassi, Fizz Jeera, Mango, Guava, and buttermilk, available in sizes ranging from 170ml to 2L. In total, more than 12 delightful flavors are offered under the 'Hana' brand.
The company takes pride in its farmer-friendly approach, procuring ingredients such as lemons, ginger, mint, and grapes directly from farmers. By eliminating middlemen, 'Hana' ensures fair practices and aims to empower farmers to become self-sufficient. The brand's commitment to promoting people's health is evident through the exclusive use of natural ingredients, avoiding artificial additives or intoxicants.
In February of this year, 'Hana' soft drinks received positive feedback at the prestigious "Gulf Food" fair for soft drinks held in Dubai, attended by representatives from leading companies across 155 countries. Encouraged by the response, several companies expressed interest in introducing 'Hana' products in markets worldwide and extended invitations to collaborate. Responding to these opportunities, 'Hana' has prioritized entering the Gulf countries' market and has already made significant strides in Saudi Arabia. The company plans to enter the Dubai market soon and aims to reach consumers across all Gulf markets in the coming two months.
The expansion of 'Hana' soft drinks to the Gulf countries signifies a significant milestone for 'Swadeshi Food and Beverages' and presents an opportunity to introduce their natural and refreshing beverages to a broader international audience.
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UDF leaders see local body poll trends as pointer to 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Buoyed by the strong performance of the Congress-led UDF in the local body polls, KPCC president Sunny Joseph said on Saturday that the front's results indicated the people had rejected the LDF government.
According to early trends, the UDF was leading in more grama panchayats, block panchayats, municipalities and corporations than the LDF.
The local body polls were held in two phases in the state earlier this week.
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Speaking to reporters here, Joseph said the people of Kerala had extended their support to the UDF.
"We could expose the LDF government’s anti-people stance and the people understood it. The LDF’s fake propaganda was rejected by the people. The UDF is moving towards a historic victory," he said.
He said a united effort, proper preparations, good candidate selection and hard work had resulted in the Congress and the UDF’s victory in the elections.
Asked about the prospects in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Joseph said the party was studying the matter and would comment later.
LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the results would be closely examined.
According to him, the government had done everything possible for the people.
"Why such a verdict happened will be examined at the micro level. People’s opinion will be considered and further steps will be taken," he said.
He added that decisions would be taken after analysing the results. "If any corrective measures are required, we will initiate them and move forward," he said.
AICC leader K C Venugopal said the results showed that people had begun ousting those who, he alleged, were responsible for the loss of gold at Lord Ayyappa’s temple.
"This trend will continue in the Assembly elections as well. It is an indication that the people are ready to bring down the LDF government," he said.
Venugopal said the UDF had registered victories even in CPI(M) and LDF strongholds.
"I congratulate all UDF workers for their hard work. Congress workers and leaders worked unitedly," he said.
Referring to remarks made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against the Congress on polling day, Venugopal said the voters had responded through the verdict.
"I do not know whether the chief minister understands that the people are against him. Otherwise, he does not know the sentiment of the people. The state government cannot move an inch further," he said.
He said the results indicated a strong comeback for the UDF in Kerala.
Asked whether the Sabarimala gold loss issue had affected the LDF in the local polls, Venugopal said the CM and the CPI(M) state secretary did not take the issue seriously.
"We took a strong stand on the matter. The BJP played a foul game in it," he alleged.
On the BJP's role in the local body elections, Venugopal alleged that the party operated with the CPI(M) 's tacit support.
"The CPI(M) supported the central government on issues such as PM-SHRI, labour codes and corruption in national highway construction. The CPI(M) is facing ideological decline, and the state government’s policies are against the party’s own decisions," he said.
Meanwhile, LDF ally Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K Mani said the party could not win all the wards it had expected in the elections.
He congratulated winners from all parties and said the party would closely examine the losses and identify shortcomings. "Later, we will take corrective measures," he added.
Senior Congress leader and MP Rajmohan Unnithan said the trends in the local body elections indicated that the UDF would return to power in the 2026 Assembly elections.
"We will win 111 seats as in 1977 and return to power in 2026. The anti-government sentiment of the people is reflected in the elections," he said.
Unnithan said the people were disturbed and unhappy with the present government.
"The trend indicates the end of the LDF government," he added.
CPI(M) MLA M M Mani said the people had shown ingratitude towards the LDF despite benefiting from welfare schemes.
"After receiving all welfare schemes and living comfortably, people voted against us due to some temporary sentiments. Is that not ingratitude," he asked.
Mani said no such welfare initiatives had taken place in Kerala earlier.
"People are receiving pensions and have enough to eat. Even after getting all this, they voted against us. This is what can be called ingratitude," he said.
Muslim League state president Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said the results were beyond expectations.
"The outcome points towards the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, indicating that a change of government is imminent. We are going to win the Assembly election," he said.
