‘Aliva’ Arrives

Evening tea-time has been a much looked forward occurrence in any Indian’s daily line-up of activities. And it’s got much to do with the snack that accompanies our chai! The options are plenty-biscuits,chips,cakes,cookies…we are spoilt for choice. In fact,when it comes to flavoursome finds,the last couple of years have seen the arrival of international tastes like ‘American Sour Cream and Onion’,‘Spanish Tomato Tango’,‘Caribbean Hot & Sweet’ to name a few. After the international line-ups apart,there’s been a spurt of umpteen Indian flavours we cab all dig into. Realising that the Indian consumer truly relishes an Indian snack,Frito-Lay India,the food division of Pepsico India has launched an all-new brand ‘Aliva’ that has been specially developed in the country keeping the Indian palate in mind.

“Kurkure has been an extremely successful Indian snack for us and buoyed by the growth spurt it got us,we decided to innovate further,” explained Vidur Vyas,executive vice president (marketing),Frito Lay India has he formally introduced ‘Aliva’ in the region this Tuesday. The new snack is a “baked savoury cracker” that borrows textures and ingredients from biscuits and namkeens. “The primary ingredients are wheat and Indian lentils or daal,” the company’s food technology head Sudhir Nema explained further. Interestingly,extensive customer feedback and survey suggested a trend in snacking. “The consumer not only likes Indian flavours but wants a healthier version as well,” informed Vyas. So Aliva is not only baked but contains no artificial flavours or colours and has zero transfat. As far as the flavours go,there are four in all – ‘Pindi Masala’,‘Tomato and Roasted Spices’,‘Mint Flavour with Herbs’ and ‘Original Salted’. One bite and you are convinced of the distinct Indian taste as well as spicy leanings! Priced at Rs 12 for 60 gms,the ‘chatpate crackers’ will be on the market shelves across the country from this week.