Westlife Foodworld reports strong performance in Q1FY24; Cash PAT up 22% YoY

Telugu super news,National ,July 27, 2023:  Westlife Foodworld Limited (WFL), formerly known as Westlife Development (BSE: 505533) and the owner-operator of McDonald’s restaurants across West and South India, announces its financial results for the quarter concluding on June 30, 2023.

In the quarter under review, Westlife reported a sales growth of Rs. 6.14bn, marking a 14% YoY increase driven primarily by a 7% YoY Same Store Sales Growth (SSSG). The company reported a Cash PAT of Rs. 670mn, a 22% increase year on year. Backed by a robust increase in guest count, the on-premise business saw an 18% YoY growth, while the off-premise business expanded by 9% YoY on a high base. Overall Digital sales saw significant growth accounting for 64% of total sales on the back of Self-Ordering-Kiosks at restaurants and McDonald’s Apps, thereby bringing a seamless digital experience come alive for our customers.

Westlife’s Restaurant Operating Margin stood at Rs. 1,412mn, with a YoY growth of 21%. The ROM (%) for the quarter was 23% compared to 21.6% in Q1 FY23. Despite inflationary pressures, the company’s Operating EBIDTA was Rs. 1,053mn, a growth of 14% YoY. The average sales per store (TTM) rose to Rs. 66.9mn, up from Rs. 57.4mn in Q1 FY23.

The Westlife board approved an interim dividend of Rs 3.45 per share which is around 173% of its face value, amounting to about Rs. 538 mn.

Amit Jatia, Chairperson of Westlife Foodworld Limited, said, “We are pleased with our first-quarter performance, which reflects the resilience of our business model and the strength of the McDonald’s brand in West & South India. Despite the challenging market conditions, we have been able to drive growth by focusing on core menu innovation, digital transformation, and enhancing customer convenience.  Our commitment to serving good quality food and constantly improving the customer experience continues to be the cornerstone of our success. The first-quarter results reinforce our commitment to further strengthen our position as a leader in the QSR industry.”

As of June 2023, Westlife operates 361 restaurants across 58 cities, with four new stores opened in Q1. The company plans to add 40-45 new stores in FY24 and aims to reach between 580-630 stores by 2027.

This quarter, Westlife launched the new Piri-Piri McSpicy range, bolstering its supremacy in the burger segment and expanding its McSpicy platform. Further, the company roped in the megastar Jr. NTR to introduce McSpicy Chicken Sharers on the McDonald’s menu in the South Market. The brand also rolled out its Jain-Friendly menu, an offering devoid of onions, garlic, and roots as a part of its Eatqual initiative.

Westlife has strategically focused its efforts on store modernization, enhancing digital capabilities, and menu innovation, particularly in the burger meals, chicken, and McCafe categories, to meet the diverse tastes of its consumers.

 Particulars (INR Mn, Post INDAS 116)Q1FY24%Q1FY23%Q4FY23%
 Sales  6,145.4100.0%  5,379.3100.0% 5,563.7100.0%
 YoY Sales Growth %14.2% 107.6% 22.3% 
       
 Food & paper   1,808.529.4%    1,709.531.8%   1,561.928.1%
 Gross Profit  4,337.070.6%  3,669.868.2%  4,001.871.9%
       
 Payroll & Benefits       551.39.0%      425.87.9%     554.010.0%
 Royalty       317.55.2%      245.94.6%     250.34.5%
 Other Operating Expenses  2,056.233.5%    1,834.134.1%   1,833.032.9%
 Restaurant Operating Margin (ROM)   1,412.023.0%   1,164.021.6%  1,364.524.5%
       
 General & Admin Expense      358.95.8%      243.34.5%     445.58.0%
 Op. EBITDA  1,053.017.1%      920.717.1%      919.116.5%
 YoY EBITDA Growth %14.4% 1706% 26.2% 
       
 Depreciation      428.57.0%       357.96.7%       411.27.4%
 Other (Income) / Expense, net       (52.0)-0.8%          (0.2)0.0%      (49.2)-0.9%
 Financial Expense (Net)      260.24.2%       215.04.0%     253.34.6%
 Extraordinary Expenses*         10.60.2%         30.30.6%        26.50.5%
 PBT     405.86.6%       317.65.9%     277.35.0%
 Tax        117.51.9%          81.81.5%        76.31.4%
 PAT     288.34.7%      235.84.4%     201.03.6%
       
 PAT (pre-IND AS 116)     368.36.0%      316.05.9%     250.94.5%
 Cash Profit After Tax     669.610.9%      551.210.2%     567.4

McDonald’s India announces NTR Jr as its brand ambassador

Telugu super news,National,June 8th,2023: Adding another degree of excitement to its signature McSpicy Fried Chicken range, McDonald’s India (West and South), has taken a power-packed leap by signing the Young Tiger of Tollywood, NTR Jr as its brand ambassador, who recently made the entire world dance to the tune of Oscar-winning ‘Naatu-Naatu’. The brand has launched an action-packed TV commercial conceptualized by DDB Mudra, featuring the mass super star wherein he is seen driving the message #DontExplainJustShare in his quintessential cheeky style.

The brand has reimagined the offering of its marquee chicken range – McSpicy Fried Chicken by introducing the ‘McSpicy Chicken Sharers’ in first-time ever sharing buckets. The brand film highlights this proposition of ‘just sharing’ the McSpicy Chicken with everyone without any need for explanation, as the delectable spicy flavour must be experienced by all.

This latest TV commercial features a delightful surprise with the actor in a playful and whimsical setting. With a touch of magic and a cheeky remark, NTR Jr perfectly captures the essence of the #DontExplainJustShare theme of the new offerings. In the TVC, he is seen tinkering with the moon charismatically to make sure his favorite McDonald’s store remains open so that he can keep devouring the McDonald’s McSpicy Chicken sharers with his friends.

Arvind R.P., Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s India (West and South), said, “We are ecstatic to have NTR Jr join the McDonald’s India family as our brand ambassador. His incredible on-screen presence, charismatic personality, and relatability among the youth and families complement our vibrant brand and this new offering very well. We look forward to captivating our fans with our latest campaign that spotlights the joy of sharing our delicious McSpicy Fried Chicken with friends and family.”

NTR Jr said, “I’m happy to join McDonalds’s (W&S) as their brand ambassador for McSpicy Chicken Sharers! It is an iconic brand that resonates with millions of people across the world, and to be a part of this journey feels amazing. I have always believed in collaborating and sharing, and the McSpicy Chicken Sharers speaks volumes about this spirit – #DontExplainDontShare.”

Rahul Mathew’s, Chief Creative officer and Executive Director, DDB added, “In NTR Jr we have an icon who has changed how the world sees Indian cinema. And with McSpicy Chicken Sharers we’ve changed the way the consumer looks at fried chicken. We wanted to make sure that NTR Jr’s inimitable style comes through in our communication.”

Customers from the South can now treat themselves and their loved on to the crispy coated chicken marinated in unique flavourful spice with McSpicy Chicken Sharer buckets. In keeping with its belief of ‘Real Food, Real Good,’ McDonald’s India is committed to providing its customers with high-quality food made from real ingredients. The McSpicy Chicken Sharers offers a bucket of scrumptious bone-in chicken that has no artificial colours, no artificial flaours, and no added MSG. McSpicy Chicken Sharers is available at McDonald’s India restaurants in South India for dine-in and drive-thru and on the McDelivery® app for delivery, takeaway, and on-the-go consumption.

Links for the TVC – https://youtu.be/xjJnbBelUpQ

McDonald’s launches multi-nation campaign to celebrate Diversity on International Women’s Day #StoriesThatTakeYouForward

McDonald's

Telugu Super News,National,March 8, 2023: With an aim to celebrate the success of female employees and to foster the culture of diversity, McDonald’s launched a unique multi-nation campaign with the umbrella thought that ‘Inspiring Women, Inspire Women’. This International Women’s Day, six countries of McDonald’s in the APMEA region including India (S&W), India (N&E), Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand, came together to narrate #StoriesThatTakeYouForward.

This social media campaign brings to fore real inspiring stories from real voices, driving real impact. The campaign focuses on the women’s commitment to creating opportunities for themselves and others in the company while celebrating their achievements of some of the inspiring women of McDonald’s who are like the role models for many.

These women took the center-stage and spoke about their journeys, ambitions, dreams, day at work, families, break time and how they encourage other crew members at the restaurants. These reels are followed by bite-sized Instagram stories throughout the day, highlighting the fact that wherever our women may be, their passion, dreams, and determination to make it happen are the same.

Smita Jatia, Managing Director (MD), Westlife Foodworld said, “We at McDonald’s India place utmost importance on promoting a culture of gender equality and diversity. We recognize and celebrate the essential role of women in our workforce and are ever committed to creating equal opportunities that empower our employees and foster an inclusive culture that provides a level playing field.”

Insta links to the campaign:

India (W&S) – https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpbxwZqo4MD/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D 

India (N&E) – https://www.instagram.com/p/CpcbXF8tjr4/ 

Philippines – https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cpb5uX4PI46/ 

Brunei – https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpb6V5TuuYN/ 

Indonesia – https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cpb9PlWgadA/ 

McDonald’s India brings the iconic ‘Chicken Big Mac®’ to India

McDonald's

Telugu Super News,National, January 5, 2023: After its global success, the iconic Chicken Big Mac® now debuts in the country. McDonald’s India West and South – owned and operated by Westlife Foodworld Ltd (formerly known as Westlife Development Ltd) has launched the much-awaited Chicken Big Mac® burger. The brand has roped in the iconic, swashbuckling opening batsman and former Indian Captain Virender Sehwag for this grand launch. 

The new campaign brings to life the thought – “Chicken Big Mac® ke saamne har Big Name bhool jaaoge!” and how legends like Virender Sehwag also pale in comparison and appear insignificant in front of the Globally iconic Chicken Big Mac®. The new 25 seconds TVC depicts several hilarious instances of people forgetting Sehwag’s name thanks to the big name that Chicken Big Mac® is. Even worse, the names they ‘recall’ are quite strange and bizarre, and certainly not ‘Sehwag’. From being confused to annoyed and to finally giving up, Sehwag goes through a range of emotions – making the TVC unintentionally funny and a memorable watch for the viewers.

Arvind R.P., Senior Director – Marketing and Communications at McDonald’s India (West and South) said, “We are excited to launch the Chicken Big Mac® in India, yet another menu innovation and a limited time offering for our customers. The Chicken Big Mac® is an iconic product that has its unique equity worldwide. For the launch of Chicken Big Mac®, we really wanted to dramatize its filling size and indulgence and also bring alive its iconic stature. We think Sehwag’s big, bold, and playful personality is a perfect fit for our brand, and we are sure that our customers will adore the dazzling pairing of these two icons.”

Virender Sehwag, former Indian Captain, said, “It has been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with McDonald’s India, a brand which has always been my favourite. I’m excited about the arrival of Chicken Big Mac® and am sure that this is going to become the new favourite for all the chicken burger lovers in India.”

Pallavi Chakravarti, Creative Head West, DDB Mudra said, “The Chicken Big Mac® is an international icon with fans across the world. To launch its chicken variant in India, we wanted to create a campaign just as iconic. Hence, we partnered with celebrated Indian cricketer, Virender Sehwag, to show how every big name pales in comparison to the Chicken Big Mac®.”

McDonald's

With the Chicken Big Mac®, customers can now expect to lose themselves in the harmony of flavours and layers of messy goodness. This burger has a unique balance of savoury, tangy, and meaty flavours, with a hint of sweetness that defines nothing but heritage. It is a 11-layered burger with 3-tier buns, 2 layers of crispy golden patties, crunchy shredded lettuce, melting cheese, internationally sourced special secret sauce, and gherkins. The Chicken Big Mac®, which is a limited time offering, is a significant addition to the Mac Family alongside Chicken and Veg Maharaja Mac®. 

McDonald’s India has consistently adhered to the tenet of “Real Food, Real Good” and is committed to giving its customers high quality food with real ingredients. In keeping with this strategy, the new Chicken Big Mac® is free from artificial flavours and colours, making it a delectable goodness.

The Chicken Big Mac® is available on the McDelivery® app for delivery, takeaway and on the go as well as for dine-in and Drive-Thru across McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India. 

Link for TVC – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvM02CH2fiM 

Three years of McDonald’s India’s ‘EatQual’ initiative 

Three years of McDonald's India's 'EatQual' initiative

Telugu super news,Hyderabad,Decmber 28,2022:In its constant endeavour to drive inclusivity through its marquee EatQual initiative, McDonald’s India – owned and operated by Westlife Foodworld Ltd has launched a new brand film. This third film from the EatQual franchise has a unique take on inclusivity and aims to shine a light on how specially-abled individuals lead normal lives in their own ways proving how we all are different and yet the same.

The film is about a young girl with limited upper limb mobility and it showcases the girl going about her day finishing everyday tasks independently and with ease. She brushes her teeth, gets ready for the day, ties her shoelaces, and so on. She lets nothing stand in her way of living life just like any other individual. Instead, she simply finds unique ways to accomplish everyday tasks. The film ends with her enjoying her favourite McDonald’s burger in the specially created EatQual packaging, as joyfully as her other friends.

Arvind RP, Senior Director – Marketing & Communications, McDonald’s India (West and South) said, “EatQual will always remain the key inclusivity platform of McDonald’s India. With this new brand film, we wanted to emphasize that each individual has their own unique way of living life, irrespective of their special abilities. McDonald’s has always been a feel-good brand wherein we continue to spread happiness and promote inclusivity. With EatQual, we are constantly working towards strengthening our commitment to making McDonald’s India a brand that is truly inclusive.”

Yogendra Shetty, Director General, National Society for Equal Opportunities for the Handicapped (NASEOH), India said, “We must recognize that people with upper limb disabilities are more than capable of leading regular lives. However, making life simpler for them is a cause that deserves attention. The EatQual initiative by McDonald’s India puts into sharp focus the kind of thoughtful changes that can be made to help people with disabilities feel included. It’s time for all of us to come together to advance the cause of individuality over disability.”

Three years of McDonald's India's 'EatQual' initiative

McDonald’s India started the journey of EatQual in 2020 to provide an effortless, seamless, and most importantly equal burger-eating experience for all their fans. The EatQual packaging – which is available in-store and on the McDelivery App – has been designed in consultation with experts from NGOs that have been working actively for the specially abled community for over 50 years. Extensive research was conducted among individuals with limited upper arm mobility to understand their plight in eating a burger and that led to the birth of EatQual packaging. 

Over the last three years, McDonald’s has been fostering an inclusive eating experience through the EatQual campaign. The brand continues to reach out to specially-abled individuals through NGOs. In December 2022, the brand engaged with hundreds of specially-abled children from National Society for Equal Opportunities for the Handicapped (NASEOH), India and The Association of People with Disability (APD, India) to help them enjoy McDonald’s burgers in the EatQual packaging.

Link to TVChttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BybZXC7FubA