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.

Relaxo Bets Big on Premium Footwear as It Expands Spring Summer 2026 Portfolio to Drive Market Share Gains

Business

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SnackTeam

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December 20, 2025

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Relaxo Footwear is sharpening its focus on premiumisation as it rolls out an expanded Spring Summer 2026 portfolio, signalling a clear intent to strengthen its position in India’s organised footwear market. The company is widening its product mix across categories while refreshing its retail strategy to better align with evolving consumer preferences.

The new collection places greater emphasis on design, comfort and higher value price points, as Relaxo looks to move beyond volume driven growth. By expanding its premium offerings, the footwear major aims to attract urban consumers who are increasingly willing to spend more on branded and lifestyle oriented products. This shift also reflects a broader trend in the footwear industry, where demand is gradually tilting towards differentiated and fashion forward ranges.

Alongside portfolio expansion, Relaxo is revamping its offline retail network to improve store experience and visibility. The company is focusing on better layouts, curated assortments and sharper merchandising to drive walk ins and conversions. Offline expansion continues to remain a key pillar, even as digital channels play a growing role in discovery and engagement.

The strategy comes at a time when near term demand conditions remain uneven, especially in mass segments. However, Relaxo believes that a stronger premium mix and broader portfolio will help offset volatility and support recovery over the coming quarters. By targeting higher margins and deeper consumer engagement, the company is aiming for more sustainable growth.

With its Spring Summer 2026 rollout reaching stores across channels, Relaxo is betting that premiumisation, wider choice and retail reinvention will help it defend market share while setting the stage for long term momentum in an increasingly competitive footwear landscape.

GABIT Acquires Clean Nutrition Brand Näck to Strengthen Data-Driven Wellness Platform

Business

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SnackTeam

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December 20, 2025

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Health and longevity startup GABIT has taken a decisive step toward building a full-stack wellness platform with the acquisition of clean-label nutrition brand Näck, expanding its footprint beyond health monitoring into personalised nutrition and outcomes-based care. The company did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction.

Founded in 2022 by Gaurav Gupta and Arpana Shahi, GABIT has positioned itself at the intersection of health wearables, diagnostics and AI-driven coaching. Its flagship smart ring tracks a wide range of physiological indicators, including sleep quality, activity levels, stress patterns and nutrition-linked signals. The acquisition of Näck strengthens this ecosystem by adding clinically formulated supplements that can now be directly connected to user health data.

Näck, developed by a Sweden-based team, focuses on science-backed, clean-label supplements that meet international testing and quality benchmarks. As part of the integration, Näck’s portfolio will be distributed through GABIT’s platform, allowing users to align supplement intake with insights generated from wearables, blood diagnostics and metabolic assessments.

According to the company, the combined offering will enable users to observe how nutrition interventions influence measurable health markers over time, shifting supplements from a generic wellness add-on to a data-validated component of personalised care. GABIT currently tracks over 150 health indicators across its devices and digital platform, providing a broad base for linking consumption patterns with outcomes.

Founder Gaurav Gupta said the acquisition supports GABIT’s vision of making health decisions more objective and actionable. By bringing together tracking, guidance and nutrition within a single system, the company aims to help users understand what works for their bodies, rather than relying on broad wellness claims.

The move comes amid intensifying competition in India’s healthtech and wellness sector, where startups are racing to build integrated ecosystems that combine hardware, software and consumables. With Näck folded into its platform, GABIT is positioning itself as a differentiated player focused on closing the loop between data, intervention and results.

As consumers increasingly seek evidence-led health solutions, GABIT’s latest acquisition signals a shift toward measurable, personalised wellness at scale.

Shark Tank India–Backed Better Nutrition Launches India’s First XRF-Based Soil-to-Food Nutrient Verification System

Business

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SnackTeam

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December 20, 2025

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Lucknow-based wellness startup Better Nutrition has taken a decisive step toward redefining food transparency in India with the launch of an advanced X-Ray Fluorescence testing system, becoming the first private company in the country to deploy the technology at scale for batch-level food verification.

Backed by Shark Tank India, the biofortified staples brand said the XRF-powered system allows it to analyse nutrient composition and detect contaminants in real time across its entire production cycle. The analyser generates a detailed nutrient profile in under 100 seconds, measuring more than 20 essential elements including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese and boron. At the same time, it screens for over 10 potentially harmful heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury.

The move addresses a growing concern among nutrition experts that commonly consumed staples like wheat, rice and pulses now contain significantly lower nutrient density compared to previous decades. Studies have shown declines of up to 70 percent in key micronutrients, contributing to what public health researchers describe as India’s persistent “hidden hunger”.

Founded in 2023 by Prateek Rastogi and Aishwarya Bhatnagar, Better Nutrition focuses on producing everyday staples such as atta, rice, millets and dals that naturally deliver up to twice the nutrient value of conventional alternatives. The company works with more than 20,000 farmers and supports a network of rural micro-entrepreneurs, integrating agronomy practices with scientific testing.

What sets the brand apart is its soil-to-food verification model. Nutrient levels are not merely claimed on packaging but measured and validated for every batch before products reach consumers. According to Rastogi, the technology enables precise tracking of both beneficial minerals and toxic elements, ensuring consistency, safety and accountability at scale.

Industry observers say the use of XRF technology, typically seen in mining or advanced laboratories, signals a shift in how packaged food companies may approach quality assurance in the future. Better Nutrition has drawn early backing from athletes and culinary professionals including PV Sindhu and MasterChef winner Pankaj Bhadouria, underscoring rising investor interest in science-led nutrition brands.

As India grapples with widespread micronutrient deficiencies despite food availability, innovations that link farming, testing and consumption could play a critical role in improving everyday diets.

Alimento Agro Foods Raises INR 52 Crore as IvyCap Ventures Backs Its Bet on India’s Fast Growing Convenience Food Market

funding

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December 19, 2025

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Packaged food maker Alimento Agro Foods has raised INR 52 crore in a Series A funding round led by IvyCap Ventures, marking a strong vote of confidence in India’s evolving convenience food market. Founded in 2015 by Prateek and Mugdhaa Bhagchandka, the company has steadily built a portfolio that blends familiarity with modern consumption habits.

The fresh capital will be used to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen its nationwide distribution network, and invest in product development across its brands. Alimento operates MOM Meal of the Moment, which focuses on instant home style meals such as dal chawal and rajma rice, aimed at urban consumers who want comfort food without the effort. Its other brand, Gimi Gimi, plays in the fast growing Korean inspired noodles segment, tapping into younger audiences influenced by global food trends.

Over the years, Alimento has positioned itself as a brand builder rather than a single product company. CEO Prateek Bhagchandka has spoken about creating a house of brands that stays rooted in cultural relevance while adapting to changing tastes. This approach has helped the company stand out in a crowded FMCG space where speed, taste, and recall matter equally.

The funding comes at a time when demand for packaged and ready to eat foods is rising across metros and smaller cities alike. With improved supply chains and increasing acceptance of premium convenience foods, startups like Alimento are finding room to scale alongside established players.

As it grows, Alimento will be competing with heavyweights such as ITC, Tata Consumer Products, MTR Foods, and iD Fresh Food. The new funding gives it the firepower to sharpen its brand presence and expand reach, as it looks to become a meaningful name in India’s packaged food landscape.

Coca-Cola India FY25 Profit Jumps 46% to ₹615 Crore, Revenue Crosses ₹5,000 Crore

Growth

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December 19, 2025

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Coca-Cola India delivered a strong financial performance in FY25, posting a sharp jump in profitability even as revenue growth remained steady, according to regulatory filings accessed via business intelligence platform Tofler. The Indian arm of the US-based beverage giant reported a consolidated net profit of ₹615.03 crore for the year ended March 31, 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 46.3 percent.

Revenue from operations rose 7 percent to ₹5,042.56 crore, compared with ₹4,713.38 crore in FY24. Including other income, total income for the year climbed 7.7 percent to ₹5,171.48 crore. The improvement in bottom-line performance reflects tighter cost controls and operational efficiencies, even as the company continued to invest in its core brands across the country.

India remains Coca-Cola’s fifth-largest global market, supported by a broad portfolio that includes Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Limca, Maaza and Minute Maid. During the year, the company saw moderation in certain expenditure lines. Advertising and sales promotion spending declined to ₹1,311.13 crore in FY25, down from ₹1,520.22 crore a year earlier, indicating a more calibrated approach to brand investments.

At the same time, royalty payments to parent company The Coca-Cola Company increased by 9.65 percent to ₹556.52 crore, reflecting higher brand usage and scale. Total expenses for the year rose marginally by 2.8 percent to ₹4,328.37 crore, while tax expenses increased 33 percent to ₹228.08 crore.

Coca-Cola India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Coca-Cola South Asia (India) Holdings Ltd and remains an unlisted entity. Separately, the group operates its bottling business through Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, in which The Coca-Cola Company recently divested a 40 percent stake to the Jubilant Bhartia Group.

The FY25 results underscore Coca-Cola India’s ability to expand profitability in a competitive beverage market, balancing disciplined spending with sustained demand across its flagship brands.

Tata 1mg Crosses 200 Stores as Omnichannel Healthcare Push Fuels 22% FY25 Revenue Growth

Growth

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December 19, 2025

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Tata 1mg has crossed the 200-store mark, signalling a decisive push to build a nationwide omnichannel healthcare network that blends digital scale with neighbourhood access. Backed by Tata Digital, the platform is steadily expanding its physical presence even as its online pharmacy and diagnostics businesses continue to grow, reflecting a broader shift in how Indian consumers access healthcare services.

The company’s expansion comes alongside solid financial momentum. According to Tata Sons’ FY25 annual report, Tata 1mg posted consolidated revenue of about ₹2,392 crore in FY25, a year-on-year increase of roughly 22 percent from ₹1,968 crore in the previous year. Losses also narrowed to around ₹276 crore, pointing to improved cost controls and operational efficiencies in a category known for thin margins and high competition.

Tata 1mg’s offline footprint now spans more than 200 stores across a mix of metros and fast-growing Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. These include large urban markets such as Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, alongside cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Dehradun, Ranchi and Jamshedpur. The rollout follows a phased approach, strengthening presence in high-demand metro clusters before extending deeper into emerging urban centres.

The physical stores function as neighbourhood health hubs, supporting Tata 1mg’s digital services with quicker medicine fulfilment, local diagnostics collection, assisted purchases and faster last-mile delivery. In select locations, the proximity of stores has enabled deliveries within 30 minutes, tightening the link between online demand and offline fulfilment.

Founded as a digital-first health platform, Tata 1mg has built a large user base around e-pharmacy, diagnostics, consultations and health content. Its growing retail network now adds a layer of trust and immediacy, particularly for elderly customers and chronic care needs.

Operating in a crowded market that includes PharmEasy, Netmeds and Apollo 24|7, Tata 1mg is leaning on brand credibility and integrated execution to differentiate itself. With revenue nearing ₹2,400 crore and a rapidly expanding store base, the company appears well placed to capitalise on India’s evolving preference for hybrid healthcare models that combine speed, access and reliability.

Fixderma Bets on Retail Expansion and Global Markets to Drive Profitable Growth

Skincare

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December 19, 2025

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Dermacosmetics player Fixderma India is entering a measured growth phase, sharpening its focus on offline retail expansion, overseas markets and long-term brand credibility as competition intensifies across India’s beauty and skincare landscape. Founder and chief executive Shaily Mehrotra said the company is prioritising steady scale and profitability over rapid, discount-driven growth.

The brand has recorded around 35 percent year-on-year growth so far this financial year, with expectations of further improvement as consumer demand stabilises. Fixderma currently derives close to 80 percent of its revenue from large online marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart and Nykaa. Its direct-to-consumer channel contributes roughly 15 percent, while quick commerce accounts for the remaining share, reflecting early but rising adoption in instant delivery formats.

Offline retail is emerging as a key pillar of the company’s strategy. Fixderma operates one exclusive brand outlet at present and plans to expand to five stores in the medium term. Beyond owned stores, the company is working towards a wider general trade presence, targeting more than 150,000 points of sale across the country. This expansion is being supported by gradual onboarding of trained beauty advisors and a stronger emphasis on secondary sales to ensure consistent sell-through.

International markets are also gaining importance. Fixderma has entered select East European countries, including Lithuania, marking its expansion into newer geographies. In the Middle East, demand is building steadily, with Qatar standing out as a strong market. The company sees growing acceptance of Indian skincare brands abroad as a positive signal for calibrated global growth.

While digital commerce continues to scale, Fixderma is cautious about rising clutter and low barriers to entry online. The brand is focusing on formulation upgrades, consumer education and trust-building rather than aggressive product launches. Quick commerce remains the fastest-growing channel, though the company is selective due to infrastructure and assortment limitations.

Looking ahead, Fixderma expects the next financial year to be pivotal as investments in retail distribution, branding and exports begin to translate into sustained, profitable growth.

Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor Back Luxury Jewellery Startup QWEEN Ahead of 2026 Store Launch

A&M

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December 19, 2025

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Bollywood actors Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor have joined the cap table of QWEEN, a newly launched luxury jewellery startup that is positioning itself at the intersection of fine craftsmanship and experience-led retail. The investments, made for undisclosed amounts, come alongside a substantial strategic commitment of ₹1,000 crore from global diamond major Rosy Blue and Japan-based Kashikey Co. Ltd., giving the brand both financial muscle and supply chain depth.

QWEEN describes itself as India’s first fine jewellery label built around self-discovery and immersive retail rather than traditional legacy storytelling. The company plans to open its first physical stores in Bengaluru and Delhi in February 2026. Each outlet will span 5,000 to 6,000 square feet and is designed to offer a curated, experiential journey that blends design, storytelling and personalised engagement.

Founded by entrepreneur Amit Kumar, QWEEN is entering a highly competitive jewellery market that is undergoing rapid change. Organised players are increasingly focusing on younger consumers who value design originality, ethical sourcing and modern retail environments over conventional buying formats. Against this backdrop, QWEEN plans to launch more than 20 collections and over 3,000 stock keeping units across categories.

Aamir Khan said the brand’s focus on authenticity and long-term value creation resonated with his own approach to investing. He pointed to QWEEN’s emphasis on craftsmanship and responsible sourcing as key factors behind his decision. Ranbir Kapoor highlighted the brand’s relevance to contemporary consumers, noting that it aims to speak to today’s women rather than relying solely on inherited narratives of luxury.

The backing from Rosy Blue and Kashikey is expected to play a critical role in scaling operations, securing high-quality gemstones and strengthening global sourcing capabilities. Industry watchers say the scale of the ₹1,000 crore commitment signals confidence in the experiential jewellery model at a time when India’s premium jewellery market is seeing growing demand from urban, design-conscious buyers.

With celebrity investors, deep-pocketed strategic partners and ambitious retail plans, QWEEN is positioning itself as a new-age luxury brand seeking to redefine how fine jewellery is discovered and experienced in India.

NextFoods Raises $10 Million Led by ECP Growth to Scale GoodBelly and Cheribundi Functional Nutrition Brands

Growth

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December 19, 2025

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NextFoods Inc., the Boulder, Colorado based parent of functional nutrition brands GoodBelly and Cheribundi, has raised $10 million in a new funding round led by growth equity firm ECP Growth, strengthening its push in the fast expanding everyday wellness market.

Founded in 2006, NextFoods has built its business around science backed nutrition aimed at gut health, immunity and functional hydration. The fresh capital is expected to support brand building, product innovation and wider consumer reach as demand for functional foods continues to rise across the United States.

The company’s flagship brands, GoodBelly and Cheribundi, are positioned at the intersection of convenience and clinical credibility. GoodBelly is known for its probiotic drinks and shots formulated to support digestive health, while Cheribundi focuses on tart cherry based beverages linked to muscle recovery, sleep support and inflammation management. Together, the brands are distributed through more than 20,000 retail locations nationwide, alongside direct to consumer and online channels.

Industry data shows the US functional food and beverage market growing at a high single digit rate annually, driven by consumers seeking preventive health solutions that fit into daily routines. NextFoods has capitalised on this shift by offering products that are shelf stable, widely accessible and grounded in nutritional research rather than trend driven claims.

ECP Growth, the lead investor in the round, has an established track record in scaling purpose led consumer brands. Its portfolio includes names such as Aloha, Base Culture, Murphy’s Naturals and Milk + Honey, reflecting a focus on clean label, wellness oriented businesses with national expansion potential.

For NextFoods, the investment signals renewed momentum after nearly two decades in the category. With strong retail penetration, recognizable brands and increasing consumer focus on gut health and recovery nutrition, the company is positioning itself to deepen market share while broadening its product portfolio.

As competition intensifies in functional nutrition, the funding provides NextFoods with additional firepower to invest in research, marketing and operational scale, reinforcing its ambition to make science based wellness part of everyday consumption.

Reliance Consumer Acquires Majority Stake in Udhaiyams Agro Foods to Expand Branded Staples Portfolio

Business

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December 19, 2025

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Reliance Consumer Products Limited has moved a step closer to strengthening its presence in India’s fast-growing packaged staples market with the acquisition of a majority stake in Chennai-based Udhaiyams Agro Foods. The transaction value has not been disclosed, but the deal places the Mukesh Ambani-backed FMCG arm firmly into categories such as pulses, breakfast mixes, snacks and everyday staples.

The acquisition has been structured as a joint venture, with RCPL holding a controlling interest while Udhaiyams’ promoters, S Sudhakar and S Dinakar, continue as minority shareholders. Founded over three decades ago, Udhaiyams has built a strong regional footprint and brand recall, particularly in South India, backed by a diversified portfolio and deep sourcing relationships.

With this move, RCPL expands its competitive landscape, positioning itself alongside established players such as Tata Consumer Products, MTR and iD Fresh Foods. The company has been steadily assembling a broad FMCG portfolio that spans beverages, packaged foods, personal care and beauty. Its existing brands include Campa soft drinks, Spinner sports beverages, SIL jams, Lotus Chocolate, Velvette personal care and Alan’s Bugles snacks.

Industry sources indicate the deal follows Reliance’s recent pattern of mid-sized acquisitions aimed at scaling trusted Indian brands. Similar transactions in the past have included Campa Cola and Velvette, which were revived and expanded using Reliance’s distribution and retail muscle.

T Krishnakumar, Director at Reliance Consumer Products, said the partnership would deepen RCPL’s play in branded staples, a segment seeing rising demand as consumers shift from loose to packaged products. Udhaiyams’ Managing Director S Sudhakar described the alliance as an opportunity to accelerate growth by leveraging Reliance’s supply chain, retail reach and capital support.

The acquisition comes amid a broader push by Reliance to scale its consumer products business. The FMCG arm recently became a direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries, signalling sharper focus on packaged goods. RCPL reported revenues of over Rs 11,000 crore in FY25 and has announced plans to invest Rs 40,000 crore in food manufacturing facilities nationwide.

Market outlook remains favourable. Industry estimates project India’s packaged foods market to grow from $121 billion last year to nearly $225 billion by 2033, driven by urbanisation, rising incomes and evolving consumption habits.

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