Wednesday, January 8, 2025
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Start following Kiara Advani’s simple yet powerful morning ritual for glowing skin

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:- 

  1. 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. 

Gargi by P N Gadgil & Sons expands with new stores in New Delhi and Pune

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Gargi by P N Gadgil & Sons expands with new stores in New Delhi and Pune

Fashion jewellery brand Gargi by P N Gadgil & Sons (PNGS) has made its debut in New Delhi with a new store at Kapil Vihar, marking its entry into the Delhi metro area. Simultaneously, the brand expanded its presence in Maharashtra by launching a franchise store in Pimple Saudagar, Pune, according to a company press release.

Vision for Accessible Jewellery

“As we step into a promising New Year, these store openings represent more than just expansion—they reflect our vision to make premium, accessible jewellery a part of everyday life across India,” said Aditya Modak, co-founder of Gargi by PNGS. He emphasised the importance of connecting with local communities through these new outlets.

Continue Exploring: Luxury Jewellery Brand Giva Registers 66% Revenue Growth To INR 274 Cr – Snackfax

The Kapil Vihar store in Pitampura and the Pune franchise further bolster Gargi’s growing market presence and aim to empower local entrepreneurs.

Growth Strategy for 2025

Gargi, launched in 2021 under the artificial jewellery segment by the 200-year-old PNGS brand, operates eight exclusive outlets across Mumbai and Delhi and sells through its online platform and over 25 shop-in-shops (SIS) in Shoppers Stop.

The company is targeting Rs 100 crore in revenue by March 2025, leveraging the legacy and support of its parent brand, P N Gadgil & Sons, which has an annual turnover exceeding Rs 10,000 crore.

Continue Exploring: Titan Sees 24% Q3 Revenue Growth, Boosted By Festive Jewellery Demand – Snackfax

Gargi’s growth plan includes opening 10 company-owned stores and expanding its shop-in-shop presence nationwide.

Aiming to Redefine Fashion Jewellery

“The openings in Pune and Delhi mark the beginning of an exciting chapter for Gargi as it sets its sights on further growth and innovation in 2025,” the company stated. With a focus on customer-centric design and immersive brand experiences, Gargi is poised to redefine India’s fashion jewellery landscape, one milestone at a time.

This expansion signifies Gargi’s ambition to bring affordable, high-quality jewellery to a broader audience while strengthening its position in India’s fast-evolving fashion jewellery market.

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FMCG companies face margin pressure amid inflation and high input costs

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FMCG companies face margin pressure amid inflation and high input costs

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies are grappling with inflation, higher input costs, and price hikes, leading to a contraction in gross margins and flat-to-modest operating profit in the October-December quarter.

Several FMCG players, including Dabur and Marico, expect low single-digit revenue growth due to rising costs of raw materials such as copra, palm oil, and vegetable oil.

Rural Markets Outshine Urban Amid Inflation

Despite implementing price hikes to offset inflationary pressures, urban markets struggled with subdued consumption amid high food inflation. However, rural markets, which account for over one-third of the FMCG sector, performed relatively better.

Continue Exploring: India’s Food Processing Boom: A Game-changer For FMCG Hiring In 2025-26 – Snackfax

Dabur’s quarterly update highlighted “low single-digit growth” and “flattish operating profit” due to inflationary headwinds in some segments. The company said that modern trade, e-commerce, and quick commerce saw robust growth, while general trade, comprising neighborhood kirana stores, faced challenges.

Marico, too, expects “modest” operating profit growth, citing higher-than-anticipated inflation in key inputs like copra and vegetable oil. The company reported steady demand trends, driven by improving rural consumption, while urban demand remained stable compared to the previous quarter.

Urban demand remains weak due to inflation, low wage growth, and higher housing costs. It projects this trend to persist for two to three more quarters, while rural demand is gradually recovering, aided by favorable rains and government freebies.

Continue Exploring: Packaging With A Purpose: How FMCG Is Driving Sustainability Forward – Snackfax

Rising Costs and Seasonal Challenges

Categories like soaps, snacks, and tea face significant margin pressure due to approximately 30% year-on-year inflation in palm oil and tea. Consumers are increasingly opting for smaller packs, which has negatively impacted sales volumes. Additionally, the late onset of winter dampened demand for seasonal products such as body lotions and Chyawanprash.

Despite current challenges, the FMCG sector remains optimistic about long-term growth, supported by rural resilience and evolving consumer preferences.

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Clovia: Redefining India’s lingerie Industry with ‘Joy’ and innovation

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Clovia: Redefining India’s lingerie Industry with ‘Joy’ and innovation

Founded in 2015 by Pankaj Vermani, Neha Kant, Suman Chowdhury, Soumya Kant, and Abhay Batra, Clovia has emerged as a leading Indian lingerie and apparel brand. 

The brand has served over five million women and aims to expand its reach to 50 million within four years. “You can’t sell to a woman based solely on form and function; you need to connect with her imagination and ambitions,” said Neha Kant, Founder and Director of Clovia, emphasising the importance of customer engagement through joy and positivity.

Continue Exploring: Clovia Enlists Manushi Chhillar As Its New Brand Ambassador – Snackfax

Growing Revenue

The brand is backed by Reliance Retail, the brand has carved its niche by delivering quality products under the theme of ‘joy.’ Its best selling product, the bra, remains a cornerstone of its success, significantly contributing to its revenue.

Clovia has a strong foothold in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, which generate 65% of its revenue. In FY24, Clovia recorded revenue of ₹279.24 crore. It expanded its physical presence by launching its general trade model in 2,000 multi-brand outlets (MBOs), entering 600 large-format stores, and opening 13 new exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), taking the total to 75.

Women led success 

The company takes pride in its 66% women workforce and has Shraddha Kapoor and Manushi Chhillar as brand ambassadors. Recently, Clovia diversified its portfolio by introducing John Players Men’s innerwear and kids’ nightwear.

Leveraging its in-house technology stack, Clovia developed proprietary tools like the bra fit-test, which boasts a 70% conversion rate and drives a fivefold higher customer lifetime value (LTV) than direct buyers. The company’s integrated supply chain ensures product quality and operational efficiency.


Continue Exploring: Lingerie Retailer Zivame Suffers 34% Net Loss To INR 39 Cr In FY24 – Snackfax

Clovia’s journey began in 2012 with a vision to disrupt India’s lingerie market. Despite funding challenges, the brand’s innovative approach helped it challenge established players like Zivame, eventually leading to its ₹950 crore acquisition by Reliance.

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NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

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NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

Mobility aids and wellness solutions brand NONSTOP has opened its first flagship store in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi area, offering a wide range of innovative products aimed at enhancing independence and comfort for individuals with mobility challenges.

The store features an extensive lineup, including wheelchairs, walkers, orthopaedic cushions, and bathroom safety aids. Additionally, it introduces a premium European brand of adult diapers to the Indian market.

“Opening our flagship store in Mumbai is a testament to our vision of empowering individuals with dignity and independence, this store reinforces our dedication to delivering innovative mobility and wellness solutions to a wider audience”, said Iftekhar Ahmed, CEO of NONSTOP.

Continue Exploring: Bodycraft Opens 22nd Beauty & Wellness Clinic In Dehradun – Snackfax

A Hub for Global Mobility Brands

NONSTOP’s store showcases leading international brands like Whill from Japan, Vermeiren from Belgium, and GoChirp and iWALKFree from the USA. It also includes products from its own private label, MEXPLE, designed in the USA. Offering interactive displays and personalized consultations, the store provides customers a hands-on shopping experience.

Star-Studded Inauguration

The store was inaugurated by former bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani, who praised NONSTOP’s mission to improve lives. “This store is more than a retail space—it’s a step towards enabling people to reclaim their freedom and confidence,” Bijlani said.

Continue Exploring: Samantha Prabhu Invests In D2C Wellness Brand Secret Alchemist, Joins As Co-founder – Snackfax

A Game-Changer in Healthcare

NONSTOP, operated by Greenpioneer Mobility Private Limited, aims to set new standards in personal mobility and rehabilitation. Its products cater to those recovering from surgery, dealing with disabilities, or managing age-related conditions.

Empowering Lives

Mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers improve functional capacity, reduce stress on joints, and enhance independence. These devices are particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis, cerebral palsy, or walking impairments.

By providing cutting-edge products and exceptional after-sales support, NONSTOP aims to revolutionise mobility solutions in India, making life easier for seniors and those with temporary or permanent disabilities.

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Nykaa reports strong Q3 growth in beauty segment, stock rises 4%

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Nykaa reports strong Q3 growth in beauty segment, stock rises 4%

FSN E-commerce Ventures, the parent company of Nykaa, reported robust growth in its beauty vertical for the December quarter, with net revenue growth surpassing mid-20% levels. The company also expects gross merchandise value (GMV) for the segment to grow in the low 30% range, reflecting strong momentum across its e-commerce platform, retail stores, owned brands, and eB2B distribution.

In its exchange filing, Nykaa noted that growth in its beauty vertical has accelerated compared to previous quarters. Brokerage firm JM Financial echoed this sentiment in a research note, estimating core beauty and personal care (BPC) GMV growth between 26.5% and 28.5% year-on-year.

“This quells concerns about quick commerce (QC) expansion impacting Nykaa. On the contrary, growth in this segment is accelerating,” the report stated, emphasising Nykaa’s strong discovery-led shopping experience, bolstered by extensive product content and reviews.

Continue Exploring: K-Beauty Reigns, Luxury Grows, And Men Join In: Key Insights From Nykaa’s Report – Snackfax

Improving Delivery Timelines

Nykaa has also been reducing delivery times on its platform without significant investment that might impact profitability. During the second quarter earnings call, Nykaa Beauty CEO Anchit Nayar highlighted efforts to expedite deliveries while maintaining healthy revenue margins.

Fashion Vertical Shows Modest Growth

While Nykaa’s beauty segment thrived, its fashion vertical showed more subdued performance. The company expects net revenue growth of about 20% in this segment, with net sales value growth anticipated in the low to mid-teens. This follows the recent resignation of Nihir Parikh, CEO of the fashion vertical, due to personal reasons.

Continue Exploring: Nihir Parikh Steps Down As CEO Of Nykaa Fashion! – Snackfax

Stock Rises

Nykaa’s shares climbed 4% on the BSE on Monday, closing at Rs 174.62, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.

In Q2 FY24, Nykaa reported a 24% year-on-year rise in operating revenue, totaling Rs 1,875 crore, with consolidated net profit surging 66% to Rs 13 crore.

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Titan Sees 24% Q3 Revenue Growth, Boosted by Festive Jewellery Demand

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Titan Sees 24% Q3 Revenue Growth, Boosted by Festive Jewellery Demand

Indian jeweller and watchmaker Titan Company reported an estimated 24% rise in third-quarter revenue, driven by robust domestic festive demand for jewellery. The company, which derives 87% of its revenue from its jewellery business, attributed the growth to strong consumer traction during festivals like Diwali and Dussehra, considered auspicious for gold purchases.

This marks a continued upward trend, following a 22% revenue increase in the same period last year. Titan’s jewellery division, which includes popular brands such as Tanishq and CaratLane, saw a 26% year-on-year growth in the quarter ending December 31.

Contine Exploring: Naveen Dadlani Takes The Helm At Titan’s Retail Services Division – Snackfax

Gold Sales Surge

Sales of plain gold jewellery grew 24%, while gold coin sales jumped 48%, reflecting strong investment-driven purchases. Gold demand in India, the world’s second-largest buyer of the metal, typically peaks during the wedding season and festive months. A reduction in gold import duties in July further bolstered demand by making prices more attractive.

Other Segments Shine

Titan’s watches and wearables segment, which includes brands like Fastrack and Coach, recorded 15% revenue growth during the quarter, showcasing the company’s diversified success.

Continue Exploring: Titan Company Premiumizes Watch Line, Base Price Now INR 3,000 – Snackfax

The quarterly performance lifted Titan’s shares by 1.8% in early trading on Monday, signaling investor confidence in its festive-driven strategy and long-term growth potential.

As gold continues to be a favored investment and cultural symbol in India, Titan is well-positioned to capitalize on its strong brand presence and growing consumer base.

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Kevan Parekh becomes new CFO of Apple, Succeeds Luca Maestri

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Kevan Parekh becomes new CFO of Apple, Succeeds Luca Maestri

With the start of this year one more Indian-origin name has been added in top Industrial leaders, Kevan Parekh has officially assumed the role of Apple’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

Succeeding Luna Maestri who served as Apple’s CFO for a decade, Parekh has held key leadership roles, including the role of Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis and Vice President of Finance for Sales, Marketing, and Retail in the company.

Announcing Parekh’s appointment in August 2024, Apple has highlighted his 11-year experience at the company since his joining in 2013. 

Continue Exploring: Apple Set To Compensate IPhone Users With $95 Million Settlement Over Siri Privacy Claims – Snackfax

A Strategic Move for Apple

Before joining Apple, Parekh also held senior roles at Thomson Reuters and General Motors, bringing extensive experience in corporate finance and strategic planning. His expertise has been instrumental in strengthening Apple’s financial planning and operational efficiency.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, praised Parekh’s deep understanding of the company, stating, “For more than a decade, Kevan has been an indispensable member of Apple’s finance leadership team. His sharp intellect, wise judgment, and financial brilliance make him the perfect choice to be Apple’s next CFO.”

As per reports, the new CFO  will earn an annual salary of $1 million (Rs 8.57 crore) and will be eligible for performance-based incentives under Apple’s Executive Cash Incentive Plan for fiscal year 2025. Additionally, Parekh has been granted restricted stock units (RSUs) scheduled to vest in 2027.

Continue Exploring: Papa John’s Names Former Wendy’s Chief Todd Penegor As New CEO – Snackfax

Expansion in India

Parekh’s appointment comes as Apple continues to expand its footprint in India as the company plans to assemble 32% of global iPhone production volume in India by 2026-27. 

Apple is set to open four new retail stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai, capitalising on growing sales in one of its most promising markets.

Additionally, the company has recently established a new subsidiary, Apple Operations India, to focus on research, design, and support for local manufacturing partners.

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Table Space CEO Amit Banerji passes away at 44, startup community mourns

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Table Space CEO Amit Banerji passes away at 44, startup community mourns

Leaving the startup community in shock, The co-founder and CEO of managed workspace operator Table Space, Amit Banerji has passed away. At an early age of 44 CEO died of an heart attack on Monday.

The news was confirmed by the company via statement,  “With deep sadness we announce the passing of Mr. Amit Banerji, our Founder, Chairman, and CEO… His impact on the company, its people, and the industry will be lasting, and he will be profoundly missed.” 

Banerjee’s expertise in technology and real estate helped scale Table Space into a leading provider of managed workspaces. 

Continue Exploring: Founder Of Mango, Isak Andic, Dies In Hiking Accident Near Barcelona – Snackfax

Table Space Was Aiming IPO This Year

The company was also aiming for a IPO this year with a target valuation exceeding $2.5 billion. Its last funding round in August 2024 valued Table Space at $480 million, with Axis reportedly engaged as the book runner for the public listing.

After working 13 years as Managing Director of Corporate Real Estate at Accenture, Banerji co-founded Table Space in 2017 with Karan Chopra and other key leaders. 

Rise in Revenue

In FY24, the company reported a 35% revenue increase to Rs 919 crore, fueled by rising occupancy and expanded leasable areas. Under his leadership, Table Space also raised $330 million, including a $300 million investment from Hillhouse Capital. 

According to a report by Tracxn, a private market data providing firm, his business acumen and leadership earned him an estimated Rs 866.8 crore in unrealized shares in Table Space.

Continue Exploring: Entrepreneurs And Startup Founders Pour Out Tributes To Ratan Tata Following His Sudden Demise – Snackfax

Keep Health on Check

His untimely demise is a sobering reminder of other recent losses in the startup world, including Epigamia’s Rohan Mirchandani and Pepperfry’s Ambareesh Murty.

Apurva Chamaria, Global Head of Venture Capital & Startups at Google, urged entrepreneurs and investors to take care of their lifestyles and mental health after confirming the news by a X post.

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Women Entrepreneurs Drive  India’s Startup Surge with $930 Million in Funding

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Women Entrepreneurs Drive  India’s Startup Surge with $930 Million in Funding

With the rapid evolution India’s startup landscape are all set to see women entrepreneurs playing even bigger role in shaping its future.

A startup funding report of 2024 by Inc42 claims that startups founded or co-founded by women raised $930 million (approximately Rs 7,900 crore) across 136 deals in 2024, marking a 93.75% jump from the previous year. 

This report has definitely proven women to be a major emerging force in India’s startup ecosystem. Highlighting women growing impact in the business sector, the report further states that nearly half of the 1.57 lakh startups were recognised under the Startup India initiative having women in leadership roles.

Continue Exploring:  Funding Frenzy: 14 Startups Secure $33 Million In December-January Stretch – Snackfax

Industry Based Funding

Topping the chart, the fintech industry secured $266.91 million worth of funding across 17 deals, followed by e-commerce with $212 million across 53 deals.

Enterprise tech claimed third place, attracting $130 million in funding. Healthtech and cleantech also made significant contributions, raising $102.3 million and $130.93 million, respectively. Industry experts attribute this rise to the increasing adoption of digital services and the growing sophistication of enterprise solutions. 

Rise in Female Investors

Adding to this, the year also saw a rise in female investors, who are strategically backing women-led ventures. Initiatives like the Women in Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF), launched in 2024 with a $10 million commitment, aim to close the gender gap by providing better access to capital, tools, and mentorship.

Continue Exploring: Women-Led Startups Are Transforming India’s Innovation Landscape – Snackfax

Leading female investors such as Divya Anand and Ghazal Alagh have been instrumental in driving this momentum. Prominent female entrepreneurs are leveraging technology and consumer insights to scale their businesses, drawing strong investor interest.

Additionally, 2024 also witnessed 13 startups launching initial public offerings (IPOs), collectively raising over Rs 29,200 crore from the stock market. 

Companies like TAC Security, MobiKwik, and Ola Electric led the charge, with 10 mainboard and three SME IPOs. While women-led startups are yet to dominate IPOs, experts foresee their growing presence in public markets as they continue to attract substantial funding and scale new heights.

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Harajuku Tokyo Café Aims for 90 Outlets and ₹200+ Crore Revenue by 2027

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Harajuku Tokyo Café, the Japanese quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand redefining the culinary landscape in India, is gearing up to raise its first funding round to fuel an ambitious expansion. With a vision to scale to 90 outlets and achieve ₹200+ crore in annual revenue by 2027, the brand is positioning itself as a frontrunner in India’s evolving food and beverage market.

“This journey has been about learning, adapting, and innovating to bring authentic yet approachable Japanese cuisine to the Indian market. By 2027, we’re targeting 90 outlets and ₹200+ crore in revenue,” said Gaurav Kanwar, Founder of Harajuku Tokyo Café.

Aggressive Expansion Plans

Harajuku Tokyo Café plans to open 15 new outlets in 2025, focusing on high-growth regions like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Punjab. This will be followed by expansion into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities such as Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Among its key upcoming launches is an outlet at Mumbai’s Jio World Drive, BKC, scheduled for February 2025. By December 2025, the brand aims to hit an ARR of ₹72 crore.

The café operates with a dual sales focus, achieving an impressive Average Order Value (AOV) of ₹800 to ₹1200 per person. “We’re strategically targeting new markets, including Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Ahmedabad, to complete 15 operational outlets by the end of 2025,” Kanwar said.

The expansion strategy includes clustering multiple outlets in urban hubs, with each flagship outlet serving as a feeder for smaller QSR formats and delivery-only kitchens. This approach ensures efficiency and proximity to customers while maintaining operational control.

A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Kanwar, a first-generation food entrepreneur, began his venture in 2019, inspired by his time in the UK and a growing passion for Japanese cuisine. “Back then, Japanese food was mostly confined to fine dining. My goal was to make it casual, accessible, and offer a more immersive experience for the Indian market,” he shared.

His transformative trip to Japan became a 40-day immersion into its culinary traditions, where he collaborated with two renowned Japanese chefs. Harajuku Tokyo Café launched its first outlet in Delhi in 2021, receiving an overwhelming response. “We were sold out every day in our first month,” Kanwar recalled.

Today, Kanwar continues to emphasize authenticity and innovation, ensuring Harajuku stands out in the crowded QSR space.

Scaling with Purpose

From a humble 580-square-foot café to a growing network of outlets across Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, Harajuku Tokyo Café has laid a strong foundation for rapid scaling. Its central kitchen in Noida plays a pivotal role in maintaining consistent quality and standardization across outlets.

“We’re operating like a Japanese McDonald’s,” Kanwar said, highlighting the brand’s ability to deliver consistent quality through a scalable, streamlined model.

The brand’s operations are built around two verticals:

●     Harajuku Tokyo Café: A casual dine-in concept offering a full Japanese culinary experience.

●     Harajuku Bakehouse: A scalable QSR format specializing in bakery and pastry offerings for takeaway and delivery.

These dual formats enable the brand to cater to diverse customer preferences while maximizing market penetration.

Riding Consumer Trends

The Indian palate is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driving Harajuku’s growth. “It’s amazing to see children enjoying sushi and ramen, which was unimaginable a few years ago. Japanese and Korean cuisines are set to become mainstream,” Kanwar noted.

Even smaller cities are embracing Japanese cuisine, with premiumization becoming a dominant trend. “Consumers are willing to pay for quality, and this shift isn’t confined to metros. We’re seeing widespread acceptance across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities,” he added.

Harajuku’s menu showcases a blend of authenticity and creativity, featuring dishes like Naruto Ramen, inspired by the popular anime series Naruto, and Korean-inspired Corn Dogs, which are also iconic on Japanese streets. “The influence of manga and anime culture is immense, and India is now the second-largest consumer of manga and anime globally, after China,” Kanwar said.

The FMCG Vision

Harajuku Tokyo Café is gearing up to venture into the FMCG space, leveraging its expertise in sauces, curries, and frozen foods. “We’re working on ready-to-eat Japanese products that reflect our culinary philosophy. It’s a small step today, but we’re dreaming big,” Kanwar shared.

This initiative aligns with the brand’s long-term vision of becoming a household name in Japanese cuisine while tapping into the rapidly growing FMCG market.

A Transformative Journey Ahead

With its innovative formats, aggressive expansion plans, and deep understanding of evolving consumer tastes, Harajuku Tokyo Café is not just scaling but leading a cultural shift in India’s food scene. “We’re setting the stage for a Japanese food revolution in India, and this is just the beginning,” Kanwar concluded, brimming with confidence about the road ahead.

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