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.

Laani Raises ₹9.1 Cr to Build a High-Performance Personal Care Brand for Modern India

Beauty

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SnackTeam

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March 20, 2026

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Personal care startup Laani has secured ₹9.1 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by V3 Ventures and Saama Capital, as it sets out to disrupt India’s body care segment with a focus on high-performance, functional products. The round also saw participation from a strong lineup of industry leaders and angel investors, including Arjun Purkayastha, Manish Taneja, Kunal Bahl, and Dr. Aneesh Sheth, reflecting growing investor confidence in emerging, innovation-led personal care brands in India.

Founded in 2024 by Nirja Bhatt, a Harvard Business School alum, Laani is entering the market with a clear proposition—building high-performance personal care solutions designed specifically for Indian consumers, taking into account local climate conditions, skin types, and evolving lifestyle needs. At a time when the broader beauty and personal care industry is witnessing rapid premiumisation and increased consumer awareness, Laani is positioning itself at the intersection of efficacy, convenience, and modern formulation science.

The company’s strategy is deeply rooted in consumer insights. Prior to launch, Laani conducted extensive research involving over 500 women to identify key gaps in the existing body care market. The findings pointed to a consistent dissatisfaction with current products, particularly around effectiveness, ease of use, and suitability for Indian weather conditions, where heat, humidity, and pollution often reduce product performance. This insight-led approach is shaping the brand’s product development philosophy, ensuring that innovation is not just cosmetic but functional and outcome-driven.

Laani’s debut product, a Clear Deodorant Stick, reflects this thinking. In a category largely dominated by roll-ons and aerosol sprays, the brand has introduced a format-led innovation designed to offer up to 24-hour odour protection while eliminating common pain points such as residue, stickiness, and stains on clothing. By rethinking both formulation and delivery format, Laani aims to elevate everyday personal care routines into more effective and user-friendly experiences.

The fresh capital will be strategically deployed across three core areas: brand building, research and development, and portfolio expansion. On the branding front, Laani plans to invest in building a strong, differentiated identity that resonates with young, urban consumers who are increasingly seeking performance-driven products rather than purely cosmetic benefits. In parallel, the company is doubling down on R&D to develop a pipeline of innovative offerings across adjacent categories within body care, potentially expanding into areas such as hygiene, skin maintenance, and functional grooming.

This funding also comes at a time when India’s personal care market is undergoing a structural shift. Consumers are moving away from legacy, mass-market products toward science-backed, ingredient-led, and performance-oriented brands. The rise of D2C channels, quick commerce platforms, and digital-first discovery has further enabled new-age brands like Laani to scale faster and engage directly with consumers. Investors are increasingly backing startups that can combine strong product innovation with sharp consumer positioning, a space where Laani appears to be gaining early traction.

Speaking on the vision, founder Nirja Bhatt emphasised that the goal is not just to participate in the market but to redefine how personal care products are perceived and used. The brand aims to create solutions that seamlessly integrate into modern routines while delivering measurable results, addressing both functional needs and lifestyle aspirations.

Looking ahead, Laani’s roadmap includes expanding its product portfolio, strengthening its digital presence, and building a loyal consumer base through consistent innovation and performance delivery. As competition intensifies in India’s beauty and personal care landscape, the company’s success will likely depend on its ability to maintain product differentiation, consumer trust, and operational agility.

With a strong founding vision, early investor backing, and a clear focus on solving real consumer problems, Laani is positioning itself as a next-generation personal care brand—one that goes beyond aesthetics to deliver tangible performance in a market that is rapidly evolving.

Flipkart CFO Sriram Venkataraman Steps Down Ahead of IPO Push

E-Commerce

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March 20, 2026

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Flipkart is set to see a key leadership transition as its Group CFO Sriram Venkataraman steps down after nearly a decade with the company, amid preparations for a highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO). Venkataraman, who joined the Walmart-owned firm in 2015, will exit over the coming months, with the company yet to name a successor. As part of its IPO readiness, Flipkart has appointed Nishant Verman as senior vice president to support the transition and public listing efforts.

The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for Flipkart as it restructures its corporate framework, including a reverse flip of its domicile from Singapore back to India, a move aligned with its IPO ambitions. The restructuring involves merging multiple Singapore-based entities into Flipkart Internet Private Limited, including key business arms such as Ekart, Myntra, Cleartrip, Flipkart Health, and its fintech platform Super.money. Originally founded by Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, Flipkart had shifted its holding structure to Singapore in 2011 to access global capital, a strategy now being reversed as it gears up to list in India.

The exit of a long-time finance leader during such a critical phase underscores the scale of transformation underway at Flipkart, as it aligns its leadership, structure, and operations to transition from a private ecommerce giant into a publicly listed company.

L’Oréal Eyes ₹4,000 Cr Innovist Deal to Reignite India Growth

Beauty

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March 20, 2026

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L’Oréal is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in Innovist, the parent company behind digital-first brands like Bare Anatomy, Chemist at Play, and Sunscoop, in a deal reportedly valued at around ₹4,000 crore. The potential acquisition reflects a strategic shift by L’Oréal to strengthen its position in India’s rapidly evolving beauty market, particularly as competition intensifies and growth momentum slows.

The move comes at a critical juncture for L’Oréal’s India business, which has seen sales growth moderate to around 5% in FY25, compared to 14% in FY24 and nearly 30% in previous years. Under the leadership of CEO Jacques Lebel, the company is under pressure to regain market share and accelerate growth in a market long considered a key expansion driver. Globally, CEO Nicolas Hieronimus has also acknowledged that India has not met expectations, further underscoring the urgency behind this strategic push.

Founded in 2018 by Rohit Chawla, Sifat Khurana, and Vimal Bhola, Innovist operates a house-of-brands model focused on science-backed personal care products, with a strong presence across e-commerce and quick commerce platforms. The company has demonstrated rapid growth, reporting a 182% jump in revenue to ₹301 crore in FY25 while turning profitable with a net profit of ₹12.5 crore, compared to a loss in the previous year.

The potential deal highlights a broader trend in the beauty industry, where global giants are increasingly acquiring digital-native, high-growth brands to stay relevant with younger, online-first consumers. For L’Oréal, acquiring Innovist could provide not just scale but also access to agile product innovation, data-driven marketing, and stronger traction in emerging channels like quick commerce.

If finalised, the acquisition could mark one of the most significant bets by a global beauty major on India’s D2C ecosystem—signaling that the next phase of growth in the country’s beauty market will be driven by digital-first brands, premiumisation, and consumer-centric innovation.

Pinq Polka Raises ₹4 Cr from IPV as Revenue Surges 19X to ₹20 Cr

Beauty

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March 20, 2026

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Innerwear and shapewear brand Pinq Polka has secured ₹4 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures, as it looks to accelerate its expansion in the fast-growing intimate wear segment. The Faridabad-based startup plans to deploy the capital towards scaling marketing efforts for its shapewear category, strengthening its core team, and supporting working capital requirements. Founded in 2017 by Manveen Ssharma, the brand has delivered a strong ~19X growth over the past three years, with revenue rising from ₹1.22 crore to ₹20 crore, driven by a focus on research-led product design, innovation, and a robust supply chain. After gaining visibility through Shark Tank India Season 4, Pinq Polka is positioning itself as a comfort-first brand in a category witnessing a clear shift towards better fit, functionality, and everyday wearability. With India’s lingerie and intimate wear market currently valued at around ₹50,000 crore and projected to reach ₹90,000 crore by 2030–31, the company aims to capitalise on rising demand, particularly in high-growth sub-segments like shapewear and comfort wear.

Sazerac Scoops Up Dirty Shirley to Strengthen Its RTD Playbook

Beverages

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March 20, 2026

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Global spirits giant Sazerac Company has acquired Austin-based RTD brand Dirty Shirley, marking a strategic push into nostalgia-driven, high-growth ready-to-drink cocktails. The deal, announced on March 19, 2026, underscores Sazerac’s ambition to deepen its presence in the fast-expanding RTD segment while diversifying beyond its traditional whiskey-heavy portfolio.

Founded by Adam Kost, Dirty Shirley rose rapidly by reinventing the classic Shirley Temple into a vodka-based adult beverage, tapping into a powerful mix of childhood nostalgia and modern convenience. The brand witnessed a breakout moment in 2024, recording a staggering 934% year-on-year sales growth and scaling distribution to over 3,500 retail outlets, including major chains like Target, Walmart, and Total Wine. Its clean, less-syrupy flavor profile helped it stand out in a crowded RTD market increasingly dominated by overly sweet offerings.

The acquisition fits into Sazerac’s broader expansion strategy, which has seen the company aggressively build a multi-category alcohol portfolio spanning RTDs, vodka, and premium spirits. Recent moves include acquiring BuzzBallz in 2024, adding scale in single-serve cocktails, and bringing SVEDKA Vodka and Western Son Vodka into its portfolio to strengthen its position in the vodka category. Alongside legacy labels like Buffalo Trace and Fireball, the company is now building a more balanced portfolio aligned with evolving consumer preferences.

For Sazerac, Dirty Shirley fills a critical gap—a playful, lifestyle-driven RTD brand that resonates strongly with Millennials and Gen Z consumers. The company is expected to leverage its global production and distribution capabilities to scale the brand efficiently, potentially transforming it from a U.S.-centric success into an international player.

As the RTD category continues to blur the lines between spirits, convenience, and culture, Sazerac’s latest acquisition signals a clear shift: growth in the alcohol industry is increasingly being driven not just by heritage, but by relevance, storytelling, and ready-to-drink innovation.

DryWater Eyes $100M Milestone as It Scales the “Next Liquid I.V.” Playbook

Beverages

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March 20, 2026

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Emerging hydration brand DryWater is rapidly scaling its presence in the competitive functional beverage market, with projections to reach $100 million in sales by the end of 2026—drawing comparisons to category leader Liquid I.V., now part of Unilever.

Founded in 2024 by Bryan Appio, the startup is transitioning from a D2C-led brand into a mass retail player, with an ambitious plan to expand into over 41,000 retail doors. The rollout includes launches across major chains like Target, Kroger, CVS, and The Vitamin Shoppe, building on early traction in Walmart and Walgreens.

To support this growth, DryWater has significantly scaled its operations, moving into a larger 17,900 sq. ft. headquarters in Irvine, reflecting its rapid expansion from startup to national contender.

At the product level, DryWater is differentiating itself with a clean-label, sugar-free hydration formula powered by its proprietary IsoCell Technology. Unlike many competitors that rely on sugar for nutrient transport, the brand uses natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit while incorporating real fruit bases (such as strawberry, mango, and peach). Each serving contains a blend of electrolytes, vitamins, and amino acids, targeting what the company calls “complete cellular hydration.”

The brand recently achieved NSF Certified for Sport status, opening doors to professional athletic partnerships, including its role as a founding partner of League One Volleyball—signaling a strong push into performance and sports-driven marketing.

Industry observers see clear parallels between DryWater and Liquid I.V.’s early trajectory: both leveraged D2C traction before rapidly scaling into big-box retail, with a strong focus on functional benefits and lifestyle branding. However, DryWater is betting on zero-sugar formulations and clean-label positioning as its key differentiators in a more evolved market.

Beyond retail expansion, the company is also targeting underserved segments like women’s sports and wellness-focused consumers, aligning with broader shifts toward performance nutrition and lifestyle hydration.

As the global hydration category continues to blur the lines between sports drinks, supplements, and wellness products, DryWater is positioning itself as a next-generation challenger brand—combining scale ambitions with a clean, science-backed narrative.

Kelly Slater’s Freaks of Nature Enters Functional Hydration with “Inside-Out” Sun Care

Beverages

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March 20, 2026

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Performance skincare brand Freaks of Nature, co-founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater, has expanded into ingestible wellness with the launch of its Skin Support Electrolyte, marking its entry into the fast-growing functional beverage space.

The move signals a strategic shift from topical skincare to “inside-out” skin protection, targeting consumers who want hydration products that go beyond basic electrolyte replenishment. Positioned at the intersection of sports performance and beauty-from-within, the product is designed to support skin health under environmental stress such as sun exposure, heat, and endurance activity.

Unlike traditional electrolyte drinks that focus primarily on hydration minerals, the formula incorporates a blend of antioxidants and botanical extracts aimed at internal photoprotection. Key ingredients include Polypodium Leucotomos (linked to improved UV tolerance), red orange extract, and astaxanthin, all working to combat oxidative stress caused by sun exposure. The product also taps into the emerging gut-skin axis, adding prebiotic fiber and ginger root to support microbiome health and skin resilience.

Further differentiating itself, the electrolyte mix includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to promote cellular hydration and collagen support—extending its appeal beyond athletes to wellness-focused consumers. The product is zero sugar, vegan-friendly, and free from artificial additives, aligning with clean-label expectations.

Priced at around $55 for a 30-serving pack, the electrolyte powder is being sold via direct-to-consumer channels and select performance retailers, positioning it as a premium daily ritual rather than a functional supplement.

The launch is backed by Squared Circles, the brand’s incubator, which recently raised funding led by L Catterton. With this expansion, Freaks of Nature is aiming to bridge two high-growth markets—the electrolyte hydration segment and the beauty-from-within category—by redefining how consumers think about sun care and performance nutrition.

As the lines between skincare, nutrition, and fitness continue to blur, the brand’s latest move underscores a broader industry trend: wellness products are evolving into multi-functional ecosystems that deliver benefits both externally and internally.

Urban Company Shares Jump 9% as SBI Mutual Fund Buys ₹632 Crore Stake

E-Commerce

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March 19, 2026

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Shares of Urban Company surged nearly 9% after SBI Mutual Fund acquired shares worth ₹632 crore through block deals, boosting investor sentiment following recent weakness in the stock.

The buying activity coincided with the expiry of the mandatory pre-IPO lock-in period, triggering significant stake sales by early investors. Entities including DF International Partners II, ABG Capital, and Wellington Hadley Harbor Aiv Master Investors (Cayman) III collectively offloaded shares worth ₹734 crore, representing around 4.6% of the company’s equity. Notably, DF International Partners II and Wellington Hadley Harbor exited their entire holdings.

Despite the sharp rally, Urban Company’s stock performance has remained under pressure. The shares are down 16% year-to-date and have declined over the past month, trading only modestly above their IPO price of ₹103, after debuting at a strong premium in September 2025.

On the financial front, the company reported a net loss of ₹21 crore in the December quarter, compared to a profit in the year-ago period, as continued investments in its high-frequency services vertical—particularly housekeeping—impacted profitability. However, revenue from operations grew 33% year-on-year to ₹383 crore, while net transaction value rose 36%, indicating sustained demand and business expansion.

The recent block deal activity highlights a typical post-lock-in reshuffling of shareholding, where early investors exit and institutional players step in. SBI Mutual Fund’s entry at scale suggests long-term confidence in Urban Company’s growth trajectory, even as the company navigates profitability challenges amid aggressive expansion.

“Is Coffee the New Cocoa?” Price Rally May Reverse as Demand Softens

Food & Beverage

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March 19, 2026

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A growing number of industry experts believe coffee prices could mirror the sharp rise-and-fall trajectory seen in cocoa, with expectations building for a potential price correction in the coming months.

At the annual convention of the National Coffee Association in Tampa, analysts highlighted parallels between the two commodities. Cocoa prices had surged to record highs in 2024 due to supply constraints, only to plunge over 70% as consumers cut back on expensive chocolate and manufacturers adjusted formulations.

A similar pattern is now emerging in coffee markets. Prices for premium arabica beans rose sharply in 2025 due to adverse weather in key producing regions and trade disruptions, including tariff-related distortions. However, expectations of a strong recovery in production—particularly in Brazil—are now putting downward pressure on prices.

Market analysts suggest coffee could fall significantly from current levels. Some forecasts indicate prices may drop to around $2 per pound or lower, compared to recent levels near $2.93, as high prices begin to dampen demand.

Consumer behavior is already shifting. Surveys show that over 60% of consumers are cutting back on coffee spending, either by reducing café visits or switching to cheaper options. While overall coffee consumption remains stable, demand for premium arabica varieties is weakening, with more consumers turning to lower-cost robusta beans.

Industry players are also adapting. Coffee merchants report a shift in market share toward robusta, while brands are adjusting product mixes to maintain affordability. Unlike cocoa, however, coffee demand has not collapsed entirely—analysts expect consumption to recover modestly in 2026 as prices ease.

That said, not all experts are convinced coffee will replicate cocoa’s dramatic crash. Factors such as gradual selling by well-capitalized Brazilian farmers and structural differences in demand could limit the extent of the decline.

Still, the broader takeaway is clear: after a tariff-driven rally and supply shocks, coffee markets may be entering a correction phase, with pricing increasingly dictated by consumer sensitivity and shifting global supply dynamics.

Unilever Weighs Food Business Spin-Off to Double Down on Beauty and Wellness

FMCG

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March 19, 2026

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Consumer goods giant Unilever is exploring a potential separation of its food business, as it looks to sharpen focus on faster-growing segments like beauty, personal care, and wellbeing.

According to sources, the company is in early-stage discussions with advisors to evaluate options that could include spinning off all or part of its food portfolio. While no final decision has been made, any move is unlikely before 2027 and could value the food division at tens of billions of dollars.

A separation would allow Unilever to concentrate on high-margin brands such as Dove and Axe, aligning with CEO Fernando Fernandez’s strategy to pivot toward beauty-led growth. Analysts note that the company has already been actively streamlining its portfolio, signalling a clear shift in long-term priorities.

Unilever’s food division includes well-known global brands like Hellmann’s, Knorr, Maille, and Marmite, with Hellmann’s and Knorr alone contributing a significant share of total food sales.

The potential move follows a series of portfolio reshaping efforts by the company. In 2025, Unilever spun off its ice cream business into a separate entity, Magnum Ice Cream Co., while continuing to divest smaller and non-core food brands over the years.

The strategic rethink comes amid broader challenges in the global food sector, including slowing consumer demand, rising competition from private labels, and shifting consumption patterns driven by health trends. As a result, large FMCG players are increasingly prioritising categories with stronger growth and pricing power.

While Unilever may ultimately retain parts of its food portfolio or pursue a partial spin-off, the ongoing review underscores a clear direction: a leaner business model built around beauty, personal care, and wellness-led growth.

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