Start following Kiara Advani’s simple yet powerful morning ritual for glowing skin

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December 8, 2023

Have you ever stopped to marvel at Kiara Advani’s radiant and flawless skin? In the exquisite glamour that is Bollywood, Kiara Advani stands out not just for her acting genius but also for her luminous and healthy skin. Amidst the overwhelming myriad of options surfaced by the beauty industry, this simple yet transformative ritual is not only a fad, but the cornerstone of her radiance.

The secret might be simpler than you think. It’s not a gruelling workout or a 10-step skincare routine; it’s a simple cup of warm water, with a slice of lemon in it. Kiara’s morning habit of indulging in warm water infused with the zest of fresh lemons has become a conscious choice rooted in her approach to holistic well-being. The actress recommends this refreshing elixir not only for its skin-enhancing benefits but also for the multiple benefits it has in improving your overall health and vitality.

Hansa Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute in one of her videos on the health benefits of lemons mentioned, “Drinking one glass of lemon water every day in the morning will benefit you for a lifetime”. Her claim can further be supported by a research published in the Journal of Science and Technology which reveals that “It is a healthy appetiser and helps to treat diseases with digestive aids. Lemon does not disclose any adverse effects, according to literature, but it is used all over the world as a traditional medicine”. Vitamin C, which is abundantly present in lemons, fights toxins and increases collagen production in the body, both of which help in treating acne as well as tightening the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. While lemons are famously known for their Vitamin C component, not many people are aware of their Potassium-rich skin, which is an important mineral for nervous stimulation as well as maintaining blood pressure. Here are a few more benefits of adding lemon water to your everyday diet:-

Immediately soothes muscle cramps
Peptin in lemons makes us feel fuller, thereby, helping in weight loss
Boosts immunity by stimulating the production of White Blood Cells in the body
Removal of kidney stones
The lemon peel when infused in water for 30 minutes, activates its bioactive compounds which boost immunity and prevent our bodies from cellular damage
It also helps in the release of digestive enzymes which help in better absorption of nutrients

This simple kitchen hack has proudly made its way into the celebrity wellness circuit. Not only Kiara Advani but also Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon, and Malaika Arora have this one drink in common at the break of dawn.

Here are 3 ways, you can incorporate the lemon water glow into your morning routine:-

Warm ginger lemon tea- Boil a glass of water with crushed ginger. When its done, squeeze a lemon into your glass and have it warm. To enjoy it in place of your morning tea, you may add a teaspoon of honey to it.

2. Ginger lemon shot – Take an inch of ginger root, and one squeezed lemon. Add enough water to blend it (3-4 tablespoons) in a blender, and have it as a morning shot.

3. Lemon-infused detox water- Cut up slices of one lemon and add it to your water bottle. Have 1-2 glasses of lemon water in the morning, and keep having the rest throughout the day.

While lemon water offers a myriad of health benefits, it’s crucial to exercise moderation. One lemon a day is a healthy limit, and people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should be cautious about excessive lemon juice intake. As with any dietary rituals, balance is key to ensuring you enjoy the advantages without overdoing it.

CCI Clears L Catterton’s Investment in Haldiram Snacks Food, Paving Way for Strategic Stake Buy

INVESTMENTS

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SnackTeam

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February 4, 2026

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India’s competition regulator has approved L Catterton India Fund’s proposed investment in Haldiram Snacks Food Private Limited, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for the global private equity firm’s entry into one of the country’s largest packaged food businesses. The Competition Commission of India confirmed that the transaction involves the purchase of a minority shareholding on a fully diluted basis in Haldiram Snacks Food.

L Catterton India Fund operates under the L Catterton India Trust, a Sebi registered alternative investment fund that backs consumer and lifestyle companies in the domestic market. The clearance allows the firm to move ahead with its strategic partnership with Haldiram, which was announced in December 2025.

Haldiram Snacks Food is the unified entity formed in April 2025 after the merger of the Delhi based Haldiram Snacks and Nagpur based Haldiram Foods International. The company has built a wide footprint across packaged savouries, traditional sweets, ready to eat meals, dairy products, bakery items, chocolates and non carbonated beverages. Its distribution spans general trade, modern retail and growing online channels, giving the brand a national presence.

Over the past year, Haldiram has brought in multiple long term investors as part of its capital strategy. In 2025, the company sold stakes to Temasek, Alpha Wave Global and International Holding Company, signalling strong interest from global funds in India’s branded foods space. L Catterton’s entry adds another marquee name to that list.

In India, L Catterton is led by Sanjiv Mehta, former CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever, and has a track record of building consumer brands in food and beverages across markets. The firm is expected to support Haldiram’s next phase of growth, including portfolio expansion, stronger distribution and brand development.

Regulatory approval was required as the transaction crossed the thresholds set under competition law. With the clearance in place, the partnership brings fresh capital and operating expertise into a homegrown brand that continues to scale beyond snacks into a broader packaged food platform.

CHINI KUM Raises Rs 1 Crore Pre Seed, Debuts Zero Sugar Prebiotic Drinks on Swiggy Instamart

Growth

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SnackTeam

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February 4, 2026

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Better for you beverage startup CHINI KUM has entered the Indian market with a Rs 1 crore pre seed round from a group of angel investors and founder capital, marking its first push into the fast growing low sugar drinks segment. The brand has rolled out its initial range through its direct to consumer website and has secured an exclusive quick commerce launch on Swiggy Instamart across major metro cities.

CHINI KUM is starting with carbonated and still beverages in lemon and mango variants. The drinks are sweetened using stevia and monk fruit extract and are fortified with prebiotic fibre. The company claims the formulations deliver about 7 calories per 100 ml, a sharp reduction compared to conventional sugar based soft drinks that dominate store shelves. The products are positioned for daily consumption, with entry pricing starting at Rs 30 for a 160 ml pack.

The funding round drew participation from a mix of consumer and digital operators, including Shobhit Gupta of One8 Commune Restaurants, Varun Sachdeva from boAt, Eiti Singhal of Eiti Ventures, along with other strategic angels. The company plans to deploy the capital towards flavour development, new formats and a wider rollout across urban markets.

Founder Priyank Jain said the brand is responding to a shift in food and drink choices as more consumers track sugar intake and link it to lifestyle disorders. He added that the market remains crowded with high sugar and synthetic options, leaving room for a clean label alternative that can be consumed more frequently.

The launch strategy combines rapid distribution with controlled expansion. Along with quick commerce, CHINI KUM is building its own digital channel to capture repeat buyers and feedback. The roadmap includes expanding beyond metros into Tier one cities, introducing additional flavours and formats, and investing in consumer education around low sugar choices.

With India’s beverage category seeing steady growth and heightened scrutiny on sugar content, CHINI KUM is positioning itself in the emerging space where wellness meets convenience, betting that demand for low calorie everyday drinks will move beyond niche health stores into mainstream consumption.

Loop AI Secures $14 Million Series A to Scale AI Tools for Restaurants and Retail Chains

funding

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February 4, 2026

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Bengaluru based enterprise AI startup Loop has raised $14 million, about Rs 126 crore, in a Series A round led by Nyca Partners, marking a fresh push to deepen its presence in the global food service technology market. As part of the transaction, Nyca Partners’ investment partner Osama Bedier will join the company’s board, adding operating and fintech experience to the startup’s leadership table.

The funding round also drew backing from a mix of venture funds and well known angel investors, including Gokul Rajaram, Base10, Afore Capital, Converge, Alumni Ventures, Data Tech Fund, John Pepper, 9Yards Capital and Operators Studio. The company said the capital will be used to widen its product portfolio and step up hiring across engineering, product and customer success teams.

Founded in 2022 by Anand Tumuluru, Sundar Annamalai and Vinod Pachipulusu, Loop builds AI driven tools that handle back office work for restaurant and retail brands. Its software is designed around AI agents that track delivery patterns, study customer behaviour and convert that data into operational and pricing insights. The aim is to help operators improve margins at a time when online ordering and delivery are reshaping how restaurants do business.

The company’s main market is the United States, where it works with large chains and regional players. Loop says its customer base includes more than 3,000 restaurants and franchise locations, counting brands such as McDonald’s, Whataburger, Koyo Ramen and Cowboy Chicken among users. Since launch, the startup claims to have grown six times and has expanded to more than 300 restaurant partners across global markets.

The raise comes as enterprise focused AI continues to attract most of the capital flowing into India’s AI sector, especially platforms building application level and agent based solutions. For Loop, the new funding is expected to accelerate product development and support its ambition to become a core operating layer for modern restaurant businesses.

Ajmal Group Bets Big on India, Plans 80 New Perfume Stores in 2026 as Fragrance Market Picks Up

Business

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February 3, 2026

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Ajmal Group is stepping up its India play, placing the country at the heart of its next growth phase as the domestic fragrance market shows strong momentum. The Middle East headquartered perfume house plans to open 80 new exclusive brand outlets in India this year, taking its total store count from about 105 to more than 170 by the end of 2026. The company is targeting over 225 exclusive stores by 2027, alongside a sharp expansion in multi brand outlets.

The brand currently sells through around 1,200 multi brand stores across chains such as Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons, Parcos and Westside. This footprint is expected to more than double to over 2,500 outlets by 2026 and reach 3,500 by 2027. Each new Ajmal store, typically spread across 400 square feet, requires an investment of Rs 10 to 15 lakh, translating into a planned capital outlay of roughly Rs 12 to 18 crore this year.

Ajmal is positioning itself in the mid premium perfume segment, with price points largely between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000. The company sees this as a wide gap in the Indian market, sitting between mass brands priced under Rs 1,000 and global luxury labels that start above Rs 10,000. India currently contributes about three percent to Ajmal’s global turnover, and the company aims to raise this to at least five percent over the next three years.

E commerce accounts for nearly half of Ajmal’s India sales, though offline retail remains central to brand building in a category driven by trial and experience. The company bottles and packs products locally for the Indian market, which helps deliver an estimated 32 percent cost saving to consumers. Ajmal follows a 30 day maceration process to ensure fragrance consistency, a practice it says improves product quality.

With operations across 60 countries, Ajmal is targeting faster growth from 2027 onwards, led by India and the US.

Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Q3 Results: Profit Jumps 66%, Revenue Crosses Rs 2,300 Crore on Strong Retail Push

Growth

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February 3, 2026

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Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Ltd delivered a robust performance in the December quarter, reporting steady top line growth alongside a sharp improvement in profitability, backed by traction across physical retail, online sales and wholesale channels.

For Q3 FY26, the company’s revenue rose 10 percent year on year to Rs 2,343 crore, up from Rs 2,138 crore in the same quarter last year. Operating performance strengthened meaningfully, with EBITDA increasing 21 percent to Rs 431 crore. This translated into an EBITDA margin of 18.4 percent, an expansion of 180 basis points, as better operating leverage and cost discipline kicked in. Normalised profit after tax jumped 66 percent to Rs 100 crore, while reported PAT stood at Rs 69 crore.

The company recorded its sixth consecutive quarter of positive like to like growth in retail, with comparable store sales rising 6 percent across a network of more than 3,000 outlets. Online and wholesale businesses also posted double digit growth, adding further depth to overall revenue momentum. Emerging labels continued to grow faster than the core portfolio.

Within the portfolio, established lifestyle brands such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England together posted 9 percent revenue growth to Rs 2,002 crore. EBITDA margins in this segment improved to 20.6 percent, supported by better sell through and a richer product mix. The emerging brands business grew 13 percent year on year, helped by strong traction in American Eagle, Reebok and the innerwear category, with margins expanding sharply.

During the quarter, the company added more than 90 new stores, taking its retail network to 3,315 stores covering nearly 4.8 million square feet. Management indicated that demand trends remain stable, with growth expected to be supported by new launches, premium offerings and faster store expansion in the coming quarters.

Protein Gummies Brand More/Less Launches With 10g Protein Per Serve, Backed by Global Creators and Pro Athletes

Business

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February 3, 2026

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More/Less, a new entrant in the functional nutrition space, has entered the market with a protein-first gummy format designed for consumers seeking convenient, portion-controlled nutrition on the move. The brand is founded by bestselling author and NBA performance coach David Nurse, who is known for his work with professional athletes and teams on mental conditioning and lifestyle habits.

The product is positioned as a macro-friendly alternative to traditional protein bars and shakes. Each serving of More/Less gummies delivers 10 grams of protein with zero sugar and 50 calories, targeting consumers who want high protein intake without excess sweetness or heavy formulations. The company says the format is built for everyday use, aimed at busy professionals, gym goers and athletes who want quick, clean nutrition without mixing powders or carrying bulky snacks.

More/Less has secured early backing from a mix of media entrepreneurs and professional athletes. The investor group includes John Durant, Max Lugavere, Jordan Harbinger, former MLB All Star Matt Holliday and NBA player Kelly Olynyk, among others. The company believes this blend of operators, creators and sports professionals brings both distribution reach and performance credibility to the brand at an early stage.

At launch, More/Less is rolling out three flavours, Strawberry Lemon, Orange Cream and Mixed Berry. The flavour lineup is designed to mirror mainstream confectionery tastes while keeping the nutritional profile aligned with protein-forward diets. The company is positioning the gummies for use across fitness routines, travel, office snacking and post-workout recovery.

The protein snacking category has seen growing demand as consumers shift toward high protein, low sugar formats across bars, beverages and supplements. More/Less is betting on gummies as a more approachable entry point for consumers who want functional nutrition without the taste fatigue often linked to traditional protein products.

PVR INOX Exits 4700BC in Rs 226.8 Crore All Cash Deal With Marico to Refocus on Cinema Business

Growth

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February 3, 2026

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PVR INOX has sold its entire stake in gourmet popcorn brand 4700BC to Marico Limited for Rs 226.8 crore in an all cash transaction, marking a clean exit from its snacking venture as the multiplex operator sharpens focus on its core exhibition business.

The deal involves the sale of Zea Maize Private Limited, the entity that owns and operates 4700BC. PVR INOX said the decision followed a strategic review of non core assets and is expected to strengthen the company’s balance sheet. The transaction is also projected to be positive for profit, cash flows and key return ratios. The company clarified that the sale will not impact in cinema food and beverage revenues, which remain central to its theatre experience strategy.

Launched as a niche gourmet popcorn offering, 4700BC expanded into a premium packaged snacking brand with national presence across modern trade, ecommerce and quick commerce platforms. PVR INOX backed the brand through its early years, helping build visibility and consumer recall beyond cinema halls.

For Marico, the acquisition adds a fast growing food brand to its portfolio as it deepens its play in premium snacking. The FMCG major plans to scale distribution, widen channel presence and accelerate new product development for 4700BC, while retaining its premium positioning. In FY25, Marico reported a turnover of Rs 10.8 billion from India and select international markets across Asia and Africa, reflecting its strong operating base to scale consumer brands.

PVR INOX said the exit allows it to redeploy capital into core priorities including premium large format screens, immersive viewing technologies and expanded programming formats. The company’s portfolio spans child friendly auditoriums, advanced projection and sound, and curated in cinema food offerings.

Axis Capital advised PVR INOX on the transaction, with legal counsel provided by Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas.

Delhivery Announces Board Changes as Chairman Deepak Kapoor, Director Saugata Gupta Exit in April; Q3 FY26 Profit Rises to Rs 39.6 Crore

Leadership

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February 3, 2026

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Gurugram based logistics company Delhivery Limited has announced a change at the board level, with Chairman and Non Executive Independent Director Deepak Kapoor and Independent Director Saugata Gupta set to step down from April 1, 2026. The company said the move is part of a planned board refresh aligned with its next phase of growth as a listed enterprise.

Kapoor, who joined Delhivery’s board in 2017, and Gupta, who came on board in 2021, were closely involved in shaping governance practices and guiding the company through its public listing in 2022. Delhivery stated that the transition follows the induction of new independent directors in 2025, including Namita Thapar of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Sameer Mehta of boAt Lifestyle, Yashish Dahiya of PB Fintech and Dr Padmini Srinivasan from IIM Bangalore, as the company strengthens board oversight for scale.

The announcement comes alongside Delhivery’s strongest quarterly operating performance to date. In Q3 FY26, the company reported a profit of Rs 39.6 crore, up from Rs 25 crore a year earlier and reversing a loss of Rs 50.5 crore in the previous quarter. EBITDA rose 227 percent year on year to Rs 147 crore, while margins expanded to a record 5.3 percent. Revenue from operations grew nearly 18 percent to Rs 2,805 crore, supported by higher volumes across core segments.

Operational momentum was led by the express parcel business, where shipments increased 43 percent year on year to 295 million parcels during the festive quarter. The part truckload segment crossed 500,000 metric tonnes of throughput for the first time, with volumes rising 23 percent.

Delhivery also expanded Delhivery Direct to Mumbai and Hyderabad and launched Delhivery International to support SME exports. Shares ended higher following the results, reflecting positive market response to the performance and governance update.

Maybelline New York Appoints Kiara Advani as India Brand Ambassador, Unveils Serum Lipstick Range

A&M

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February 2, 2026

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Maybelline New York has named actor Kiara Advani as its new brand ambassador for India, strengthening the global beauty label’s push to deepen cultural relevance in one of its fastest growing consumer markets. The partnership marks a fresh phase for the brand’s India strategy, with a sharper focus on everyday makeup, youth engagement, and performance-led innovation.

The appointment is timed with the India launch of Maybelline’s latest lip category offering, the Serum Lipstick range. The product is positioned at the intersection of colour and care, featuring a formula infused with hyaluronic acid and a blend of nourishing oils. The company says the range delivers long-wear comfort with visible hydration benefits, addressing rising demand for makeup that combines performance with skin-friendly ingredients. The line is available in 13 shades across satin and matte finishes, developed to suit diverse Indian skin tones.

For Maybelline, the association with Advani supports its strategy to connect with younger, urban consumers who increasingly view makeup as part of daily self-styling rather than occasional use. India remains a priority growth market for L’Oréal owned Maybelline New York, with mass premium cosmetics seeing steady traction across modern trade, e-commerce, and quick commerce channels.

Maya El Aramouni, General Manager for Maybelline New York India, said the collaboration is aimed at building stronger resonance with Indian consumers by pairing global product innovation with a locally relevant face. The brand plans to scale category growth through frequent product drops and wider shade availability across key formats.

Globally, Maybelline New York operates in over 120 countries and remains one of the largest colour cosmetics brands by footprint. Alongside product expansion, the brand continues to invest in social impact initiatives, including mental health awareness through its Brave Together program. In India, the focus remains on driving volume growth in lip, eye, and face categories while expanding digital reach and creator-led engagement.

ProVFoods Bets on Nutrition-Led Snacking, Deeper Distribution to Build Rs 1,000 Crore Brand: CEO DP Jhawar

Growth

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SnackTeam

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February 2, 2026

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Mumbai based ProVFoods, part of Proventus Agrocom Ltd, is sharpening its growth playbook as healthier snacking shifts from a niche preference to a regular habit for Indian households. The company is prioritising nutrition-focused products, wider retail coverage, and repeat consumption as it scales toward its stated ambition of building a Rs 1,000 crore brand by FY28.

Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder DP Jhawar said recent performance is being shaped less by one-time trials and more by consumers returning to the brand. Repeat purchases, stronger visibility across stores, and rising demand for functional snacking formats are driving momentum. Seasonal demand, particularly during winter for dry fruit and makhana based snacks, is also adding to volumes.

Nutrition-led products already account for more than half of ProVFoods’ revenue, and the share is expected to climb steadily through the decade. The company is expanding everyday formats such as flavoured makhana and clean label mixes to move nutrition from an occasional choice to a daily routine. Premium variants are being balanced with value packs to widen reach without pricing out mass consumers.

The brand’s channel mix is split across online, modern trade, and general trade. Digital channels, including quick commerce and direct to consumer, contribute about 46 percent of revenue and are seeing the fastest growth. Modern trade accounts for roughly a quarter of sales, while general trade contributes around 30 percent as the company deepens its footprint in new cities and in South India.

Marketing spends are being directed toward outcomes rather than scale. Early markets focus on store visibility and ground activations, while mature clusters lean on performance marketing and repeat purchase triggers. Influencer partnerships are chosen for credibility over reach, reflecting the trust-led nature of health categories.

ProVFoods’ farm to home sourcing model gives it control over quality and pricing, helping it respond faster to demand trends. The company says data from consumer behaviour guides product design, pack sizes, and pricing decisions. Over the long term, management is measuring success not only in revenue growth but in becoming a trusted, everyday nutrition brand across Indian households.

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