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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Karnataka Assembly passes bill on Palace Grounds amid opposition protest
Bengaluru, Mar 6 (PTI): The Karnataka Assembly on Thursday passed the Bangalore Palace (Utilisation and Regulation of Land) Bill, reaffirming state ownership over 472 acres and 16 guntas of land here, amid protests by the opposition BJP.
During the discussion, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the state government would have to provide Rs 200 crore worth of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) for each acre of land, which means that for 15 acres, Rs 3,000 crore worth of TDR would be issued.
“If we accept it, then this 2-km stretch of road will become the costliest road in the world. If we accept it then how are we going to develop the city in later stages? How will you carry out development works?” asked Patil.
He also pointed out that this question was raised not only under the Congress government but also during the previous BJP regime.
However, the BJP-led cabinet has opposed the project.
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“Suppose we agree to it then, what will be the valuation of the 472 acres? It will be lakhs and lakhs of crores of rupees. Can we accept?” Patil wondered.
The Minister said the government had previously exercised its executive powers to issue an ordinance, which was approved by the Governor. Now the government is bringing a bill with two amendments.
“In this bill, we have made provisions either to develop or drop the road development work,” Patil explained.
However, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra and BJP MLA Arvind Bellad opposed the move, alleging that the government was targetting Yaduveer Krishna Datta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the scion of the Mysuru royal family, and the BJP MP from Mysuru-Kodagu constituency out of political vendetta.
“We talk of 472 acres of Mysuru Maharaja but here there are many Maharajas who too own 400 acres, 500 acres and thousands of acres of land, which is known to everyone,” Bellad said.
He slammed the Congress government, saying political power should not be misused for personal vendetta.
“Why (the then Deputy Chief Minister) Siddaramaiah brought the law in 1996 pertaining to the Bangalore Palace? Why are you setting eyes on the Bangalore Palace?” he asked.
Vijayendra charged that Wadiyar won the election on BJP ticket so the state government realised that it should acquire it.
“This bill has been brought for political vengeance. We are not discussing whether Rs 3,000 crore is exorbitant or not but the moment Yaduveer became MP, the state government woke up. You should be ashamed. This house should not be used for political vendetta,” he said.
Intervening, Minister Priyank Kharge said Vijayendra should not have raised it because the intention behind building the road was noble.
According to him, the BJP too had the same plan when it was in power.
He sought to know whether thousands of crores of rupees be spent on a road which should have cost significantly less.
In response, BJP MLA B A Basavaraj (Byrathi) said issuing TDR will not be a burden on the state government and appealed to the ruling Congress to reconsider its stance.
Minister Ramalinga Reddy too explained that the Karnataka government acquired the entire land way back in 1996.
The Mysuru royal family went to the High Court, which gave ruling in favour of the state government. The royal family then approached the Supreme Court, where the case is still going on, the Minister pointed out.
“The final judgment is pending in the SC to decide whether the acquisition was right or wrong. If the SC says it’s the royal family’s property then let it be so. If the order is in the state government’s favour then we can take a decision. The bill is only about it,” Reddy explained.
Speaker U T Khader then called for a voice vote and the bill was passed by the Assembly amidst opposition BJP’s discontent.
