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.

After 75 Lakh New Year’s Eve Orders, Zomato’s 10-Minute Delivery Model Faces Fresh Scrutiny

Quick Commerce

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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A public exchange between two senior industry voices has brought India’s ultra fast delivery model under renewed scrutiny, as concerns over rider safety and working conditions intersect with record order volumes.

Former Jet Airways chief executive Sanjiv Kapoor questioned the necessity of 10 minute deliveries in Indian cities after Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal said his platforms continued operating at full scale on New Year’s Eve despite strike calls by sections of gig workers. Kapoor’s comments came in response to Goyal’s social media post highlighting operational performance on December 31.

According to Goyal, Zomato and Blinkit together fulfilled more than 75 lakh orders for over 63 lakh customers in a single day, supported by around 4.5 lakh delivery partners. He noted that the platforms maintained normal service levels and said law enforcement support helped prevent disruptions. The companies also said deliveries were completed without offering incentives beyond what is typically paid on New Year’s Eve.

Kapoor did not contest the data but shifted the focus to delivery timelines. He questioned whether such speed was essential outside of medical needs, asking if extending delivery windows to 30 minutes or an hour would meaningfully harm consumers while easing pressure on riders. His remarks echoed long standing complaints from delivery partners who argue that tight timelines increase stress and elevate accident risks in already congested urban environments.

Goyal, in an earlier post, defended the gig economy model, stating that systems which consistently attract and retain large numbers of workers cannot be described as fundamentally unfair. He also framed the sector as a major source of organised employment with long term social impact.

The exchange unfolded amid coordinated protests by gig workers on December 25 and December 31. Unions including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union and the Indian Federation of App Based Transport Workers claimed that between 1.7 and 2 lakh workers logged off apps nationwide. Their demands included an end to ultra fast delivery targets, restoration of earlier payout structures, safeguards against sudden account blocks, insurance coverage, and mandated rest breaks.

As quick commerce continues to expand rapidly, the debate highlights a growing tension between consumer convenience, platform growth, and the sustainability of work conditions on the ground.

Farmley Nears Rs 400 Crore Revenue in FY25 as Healthy Snacking Demand Accelerates

Growth

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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Noida-based healthy snacking company Farmley closed FY25 on a stronger financial footing, riding a sharp rise in demand for better-for-you food options across India. The company’s operating revenue climbed to nearly Rs 400 crore in the year ended March 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of about 71 percent, according to filings with the Registrar of Companies. In comparison, Farmley had reported operating revenue of roughly Rs 230 crore in FY24.

The growth was powered by wider adoption of Farmley’s core product categories, including makhana-based snacks, roasted nuts and seeds, and date-centric offerings. These categories have gained traction as Indian consumers increasingly shift away from traditional fried snacks toward products positioned around health, convenience and clean ingredients. The company’s expanding presence across online marketplaces, quick commerce platforms and modern retail channels also contributed to higher volumes.

While expenses rose in line with scale-up efforts, Farmley succeeded in tightening losses during the year. Net loss narrowed by around 15 percent to Rs 22.5 crore in FY25, compared with Rs 26.5 crore in the previous fiscal. The improvement indicates better cost controls and improving contribution margins, even as the brand continued to invest in marketing, supply chain and product development.

Key profitability indicators showed incremental improvement, although they remained in the red. Return on capital employed stood at minus 51.56 percent, while EBITDA margin improved to minus 3.68 percent. Industry observers view these trends as early signs of healthier unit economics, particularly for a direct-to-consumer brand operating in a competitive packaged food market.

Farmley’s FY25 performance highlights the momentum building in India’s organised healthy snacking segment. Rising health awareness, changing lifestyles and higher willingness to pay for perceived nutrition are reshaping consumer baskets across urban and semi-urban markets. For Farmley, the combination of strong revenue growth and a narrowing loss base signals progress toward long-term sustainability, even as competition intensifies and brands race to balance scale with profitability.

India’s New Year’s Eve Food Frenzy: Swiggy Logs Record Biryani, Pizza and Burger Orders Nationwide

Quick Commerce

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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India rang in 2026 with an unmistakable marker of celebration: food, ordered in record volumes across cities big and small. Data released by Swiggy shows that New Year’s Eve turned into one of the busiest food ordering days of the year, with demand peaking well before midnight as households, parties and large groups planned ahead.

Biryani once again dominated the national menu. Orders surged sharply through the evening, crossing 2.18 lakh portions before 7.30 pm alone. At its peak, just before 8 pm, Swiggy logged an astonishing 1,336 biryani orders every minute, reinforcing the dish’s status as India’s most preferred party staple. The scale of celebration was evident in outlier orders too, including a single 16 kg biryani order placed by a customer in Bhubaneswar.

Pizzas and burgers followed closely, reflecting urban comfort food preferences. By 8.30 pm, more than 2.18 lakh pizzas and over 2.16 lakh burgers had been delivered nationwide. Bengaluru featured prominently, with one user placing an order for 100 burgers in a single transaction. Goa and Gurugram also saw unusually large orders, ranging from dozens of kebabs and tikkas to bulk dessert boxes.

Emerging cities played a significant role in the evening’s momentum. Places such as Patna, Surat, Vadodara, Jaipur, Nagpur, Pune and Indore recorded an early spike in orders, particularly for cakes, pizzas and biryani, indicating that celebrations were no longer limited to late night metro crowds.

As the night progressed, traditional Indian desserts took centre stage. Rasmalai, gajar halwa and gulab jamun ranked among the most ordered sweets after 10.30 pm, while pizza emerged as the most popular choice to usher in the new year.

Dining out remained equally strong. Bengaluru and Hyderabad led restaurant bookings on Swiggy Dineout, while cities like Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Jaipur posted sharp growth. Group celebrations were notable in Vadodara and Chandigarh, and Mumbai saw individual dining bills climb as high as ₹94,251.

Together, the numbers painted a clear picture of how India welcomed 2026: by feasting early, ordering big and celebrating everywhere.

Devyani–Sapphire Merger Creates India’s Largest QSR Chain With 3,000+ Outlets Across KFC and Pizza Hut

QSR & Cloud Kitchen

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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India’s quick service restaurant landscape is set for a major consolidation as Devyani International and Sapphire Foods India move to merge their operations, creating the country’s largest single QSR platform by store count. The transaction, disclosed through stock exchange filings, is expected to take effect from April 1, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Once completed, the combined entity will operate more than 3,000 restaurants across India and select international markets, significantly strengthening its scale in the highly competitive fast food segment. Both companies are key franchise partners of Yum! Brands, operating KFC and Pizza Hut outlets across the region.

Under the proposed share swap arrangement, Devyani International will issue 177 of its shares for every 100 shares held in Sapphire Foods. The merger is expected to unlock annual cost and operating synergies of around ₹210 to ₹225 crore by the second full year after integration, driven by efficiencies in procurement, supply chain, marketing and shared services.

Devyani International, controlled by RJ Corp chairman Ravi Jaipuria, is already Yum! Brands’ largest franchisee in India, with more than 2,000 outlets across India, Thailand, Nigeria and Nepal. Beyond KFC and Pizza Hut, its portfolio includes Costa Coffee, Vaango, Biryani By Kilo, Goila Butter Chicken and other emerging food brands.

Sapphire Foods, backed by Samara Capital, operates over 1,000 restaurants across India and Sri Lanka, adding a strong presence in the island nation to Devyani’s existing international footprint. Post-merger, Devyani will hold unified franchise rights for KFC and Pizza Hut across the Indian market, simplifying brand management and expansion planning.

The companies have indicated that full operational integration is likely to be completed within 15 to 18 months. As part of the broader transaction, Devyani will also take over 19 KFC restaurants currently operated by Yum! India in Hyderabad and make a one-time payment towards licence and approval fees.

Management said the merged platform will prioritise faster KFC expansion, a turnaround strategy for Pizza Hut, and scaled investment behind newer homegrown brands, positioning the group for sustained growth in India’s evolving QSR market.

Zomato, Blinkit Hit Record 75 Lakh Orders on New Year’s Eve Despite Gig Worker Strike Call

Quick Commerce

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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Food delivery major Zomato and quick commerce platform Blinkit closed 2025 on a historic high, clocking a combined 75 lakh orders on New Year’s Eve, even as sections of gig workers went ahead with a nationwide strike call. The milestone was confirmed by Deepinder Goyal, founder of Eternal, the parent company of both platforms.

In a post shared on social media, Goyal said more than 4.5 lakh delivery partners were active across Zomato and Blinkit on December 31, serving over 63 lakh customers in a single day. According to him, coordination with local law enforcement helped prevent disruptions, allowing operations to continue smoothly despite calls for work stoppages.

New Year’s Eve is traditionally the busiest day of the year for food delivery and quick commerce companies, and this year proved no different. Zomato offered delivery partners payouts of roughly Rs 120 to Rs 150 per order, in line with incentives offered during previous New Year periods. Goyal clarified that no extraordinary incentives were rolled out beyond the usual festive-day structure.

Labour unions, however, presented a contrasting picture. Worker groups including the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union claimed that around 2.1 lakh gig workers participated in strikes on December 25 and December 31. Their demands centred on higher pay, improved safety conditions, social security benefits, and an end to ultra-fast delivery timelines, which they argue increase accident risks.

Despite the protests, companies had prepared extensively for the year-end surge. Industry executives said internal war rooms were set up to manage order spikes, logistics load, and customer support, continuing a trend seen over the past two years as New Year’s Eve order volumes hit fresh records annually.

Commenting on the broader debate, Goyal said the scale and consistency of participation from delivery partners reflected confidence in the platform model. He described the gig economy as one of India’s largest organised job creators, adding that its long-term impact would be felt as stable incomes enable better education and opportunities for workers’ families.

The record-breaking New Year performance underlines both the growing dependence on app-based delivery and the unresolved tensions shaping the future of gig work in India.

India to Hike Excise Duty on Cigarettes, Tobacco from February 1; Prices Likely to Rise

Business

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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The Union government has announced a fresh round of excise duties on cigarettes and other tobacco products, a move that will take effect from February 1, 2026 and is expected to push retail prices higher across categories. The revised levy is part of a broader overhaul of tobacco taxation and will directly impact both consumers and manufacturers.

The Finance Ministry has notified the Chewing Tobacco, Jarda Scented Tobacco and Gutkha Packing Machines Rules, 2026, which lay down a new excise framework linked to production capacity and product specifications. Under the revised structure, cigarettes will attract an excise duty ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on their length and category. This will be levied over and above the existing Goods and Services Tax, raising the total tax outgo on cigarettes and allied products.

The announcement had an immediate effect on equity markets. Shares of ITC, the country’s largest cigarette maker, fell nearly 2 percent, while Godfrey Phillips India declined over 4 percent in early trade. The broader FMCG index also edged lower, reflecting investor concerns around margin pressure and potential demand moderation following the price increase.

From February 2026, cigarettes and pan masala will continue to attract 40 percent GST, in addition to the newly introduced excise duty. Bidis will remain under a lower 18 percent GST slab, with duties applied as per existing norms. Other tobacco products such as chewing tobacco, gul and gutkha will be taxed at 40 percent GST along with excise duty and a Health and National Security Cess. The new cess will replace the current compensation cess, which will be withdrawn once the revised regime comes into force.

The legislative backing for the new taxes was cleared by Parliament in December through two reform bills. Officials say the changes are aimed at curbing tobacco consumption, improving revenue collections and streamlining the indirect tax structure. With prices set to rise, industry watchers expect shifts in buying behaviour, particularly in premium segments, even as companies reassess pricing and volume strategies in a tighter regulatory environment.

Kapil Sharma Launches Kap’s Cafe in Dubai, Marks Middle East Debut on New Year’s Eve

Hospitality

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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Indian comedian and television personality Kapil Sharma is closing out 2025 with an overseas business milestone, announcing the opening of Kap’s Cafe in Dubai on December 31. The launch marks the brand’s debut in the Middle East and its second international location after Surrey, Canada, signalling a broader push to build Kap’s Cafe into a global hospitality label.

The Dubai outlet was unveiled through a short promotional video shared on social media, featuring Sharma welcoming guests inside the new space. The visuals highlight a relaxed, contemporary café set against the city’s skyline, positioning the brand as a casual destination rather than a high-energy nightlife venue.

Kap’s Cafe has been designed as a lifestyle-led café, blending comfort dining with visual appeal. The interiors draw inspiration from the familiar aesthetic of The Kapil Sharma Show, using soft greens and pastel pinks to create a warm, Instagram-friendly environment. Early images suggest an intimate setting aimed at families, tourists, and café-goers looking for a quiet place to unwind.

The café will open to the public on December 31, operating from 4 pm to midnight. By choosing limited hours on New Year’s Eve, the brand appears to be targeting guests seeking a calmer alternative to large celebrations, with an emphasis on conversation, coffee, and comfort food.

While the Dubai menu has not yet been officially announced, the offerings are expected to mirror the brand’s Canada outlet. The Surrey café serves a mix of Indian street-style snacks such as vada pav alongside café staples including sandwiches, pasta, and a range of hot and cold beverages, from classic coffees to teas and matcha-based drinks. A similar blend of Indian and Western comfort fare is likely in Dubai.

Earlier this year, Kap’s Cafe in Canada faced temporary disruption following an incident that damaged part of the property. With the Dubai launch moving ahead as planned, Sharma’s latest venture underlines his intent to grow the café brand beyond entertainment and into an international food and lifestyle business.

Beauty Goes Instant Quick Commerce Drives $100 Million Monthly Sales in India

Growth

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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Quick commerce is rapidly redrawing the contours of India’s beauty and personal care market, turning what was once a considered online purchase into an almost spontaneous decision delivered within minutes. Skincare serums, makeup essentials and everyday beauty products are increasingly joining grocery baskets on instant delivery apps, signalling a structural shift in how consumers shop for beauty.

Industry estimates suggest beauty and personal care sales on quick commerce platforms have climbed to roughly $100 million in monthly gross merchandise value. That figure is approaching the average monthly beauty sales recorded by specialist online retailer Nykaa, underscoring how fast the category has scaled on ultra-fast delivery platforms. Until recently, quick commerce was largely associated with emergency grocery runs and household essentials. Beauty is now emerging as one of its strongest growth engines.

Executives say demand is rising across makeup, skincare and daily-use beauty items, with a notable tilt towards premium products. Zepto chief business officer Devendra Meel said the category has delivered some of the fastest growth on the platform this year, driven by higher discovery and impulse-led buying. Consumers are no longer waiting for planned sales or replenishment cycles and are instead opting for instant access.

Data from Redseer Strategy Consultants highlights the pace of this change. Beauty sales on quick commerce platforms grew 160 percent year on year in the most recent quarter, sharply outperforming the roughly 20 percent growth seen on traditional ecommerce channels. The speed, convenience and visibility offered by instant delivery are pulling demand away from slower formats.

Global and domestic brands are taking note. L’Oréal chief executive Nicolas Hieronimus recently said India has become a critical market as digital platforms allow brands to reach consumers nationwide with far greater speed and scale than before. For several direct-to-consumer and established beauty players, quick commerce already contributes between 7 percent and 25 percent of total sales. At Honasa Consumer, which owns Mamaearth and The Derma Co., the channel has emerged as its fastest-growing sales route, accounting for around a tenth of revenue.

As impulse buying replaces planned shopping, quick commerce is no longer just about speed. It is reshaping how beauty is discovered, purchased and consumed across urban India.

India’s Oldest Snack Brand Wins Big: Inside Haldiram’s $10 Billion Deal with Temasek, Alpha Wave and L Catterton

Growth

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SnackTeam

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December 31, 2025

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For years, India’s startup story was dominated by apps, fintech platforms, and SaaS companies chasing scale and valuations. Investors from around the world poured billions into digital-first ideas while traditional Indian consumer brands were largely overlooked. Quietly, a very different kind of business kept growing in kitchens, factories, and kirana stores across the country. That business was Haldiram’s.

Founded as a small bhujia shop in 1937, Haldiram’s built its empire the slow way. It focused on taste, consistency, distribution, and trust. Without flashy pitches or venture funding, it became a household name across India and a familiar sight in Indian stores abroad. This year, global capital finally took notice.

Temasek led the shift with a 9 percent stake investment valued at roughly ₹8,000 crore. Alpha Wave Global and Abu Dhabi based IHC followed soon after. Together, these deals pegged Haldiram’s valuation at around $10 billion, placing it among India’s most valuable consumer companies. The latest and most significant entry came from L Catterton.

L Catterton is not just another private equity fund. Backed by LVMH and Bernard Arnault, the firm has built and scaled some of the world’s strongest consumer brands. From luxury fashion houses to everyday food products like Cholula Hot Sauce and Kettle Chips, its playbook is about taking local favorites and turning them into global names.

For Haldiram’s, this partnership signals a new phase. Expect sharper brand storytelling, stronger global distribution, new product formats, and professional leadership depth. With Sanjiv Mehta, former HUL chairman, guiding India operations, execution will matter as much as ambition.

This moment is bigger than one company. It marks a shift in how global investors view Indian consumption. Legacy brands with deep roots, loyal customers, and proven profitability are no longer invisible. Sometimes, the smartest bet is not on the newest idea, but on the one that has worked for nearly a century.

Zepto Claims ₹17,000 Crore in User Savings in 2025 as Fastest Delivery Hits 48 Second

Quick Commerce

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SnackTeam

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December 31, 2025

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Quick commerce platform Zepto says 2025 marked a turning point in how Indians shop for everyday needs, with consumers ordering more frequently, spending more per transaction, and increasingly depending on ultra-fast deliveries for both essentials and impulse purchases.

According to the company’s year-end trends report, Zepto users collectively saved an estimated ₹17,000 crore over the year through what the company describes as sharper pricing and quicker access to daily items. While the firm did not detail the methodology behind the savings estimate, the figure highlights the growing scale at which quick commerce is influencing household spending.

Speed remained central to the platform’s pitch. Zepto reported its fastest delivery in 2025 was completed in just 48 seconds. Over the year, delivery partners travelled more than 2.45 billion kilometres, underscoring the operational intensity behind the promise of near-instant fulfilment. The app itself was opened over 34.6 billion times, reflecting how deeply embedded quick commerce has become in routine consumption.

User behaviour data also points to rising order values and frequency. One Mumbai-based customer placed a single order worth ₹1.89 lakh, while another user completed close to 5,900 orders in a year, averaging nearly 16 orders a day. Tipping trends showed a similar uptick, with a Gurugram customer tipping delivery partners a cumulative ₹54,000 across multiple orders.

City-level insights reveal both common staples and local quirks. Milk, vegetables and packaged snacks dominated carts in Bengaluru, alongside unexpected tech purchases such as over 69,000 Type-C charging cables. Mumbai logged heavy demand for bottled water and energy drinks, consuming over 7.8 lakh litres during the year. In Delhi NCR, everyday essentials topped orders, though preferences varied, with guavas favoured in North Delhi and avocados more popular in the south.

Hyderabad showed a mix of modern and traditional tastes, with strong demand for carbonated drinks alongside over 65,000 kilograms of Osmania biscuits. The report also noted a growing pattern of mixed baskets, where health-focused products often sit alongside indulgent food items, reflecting evolving consumer behaviour rather than rigid shopping categories.

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