Wednesday, February 25, 2026
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Start following Kiara Advani’s simple yet powerful morning ritual for glowing skin

By
Aashi Goel
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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. 

Second Sight Ventures Closes $75M Debut Fund to Back Culture-Led Consumer Brands

By
SnackTeam
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Early-stage investment firm Second Sight Ventures has closed its inaugural $75 million fund, positioning itself as a specialist backer of consumer brands and platforms that sit at the intersection of culture and commerce.

Founded by Patrick Finnegan, Chris Hollod and Jackson Eisenpresser, the firm is targeting early-stage companies that go beyond trend participation to actively shape consumer behaviour. Its core thesis revolves around what the founders describe as “cultural gravity” — the alignment of product, storytelling and community to create lasting influence and brand equity.

Betting on Cultural Momentum

Rather than spreading capital broadly across generic technology plays, Second Sight Ventures is concentrating on consumer-facing brands with strong identity, community resonance and social relevance. The strategy centres on identifying founders building culturally embedded brands capable of driving loyalty and conversation.

The firm has already assembled a notable portfolio that includes Poppi, the fast-growing prebiotic soda brand; Lemme, the supplement company co-founded by Kourtney Kardashian Barker; and Lucky Energy, a rising clean energy beverage player. Additional investments include Orion, Loyalist, Momentous and Blueprint, reflecting a bias toward performance-driven and lifestyle-focused consumer brands.

Expanding into Emerging Categories

The newly raised capital is already being deployed into high-growth sectors. Second Sight recently participated in a $15 million Series A round for Willie’s Remedy+, a hemp-derived THC beverage brand inspired by country music icon Willie Nelson. The round, led by Left Lane Capital, will support nationwide retail expansion in 2026.

Willie’s Remedy+ has sold more than 400,000 bottles online and is now targeting broader brick-and-mortar distribution, positioning itself as a modern, alcohol-alternative beverage within the rapidly evolving cannabis drinks category.

A Culture-First Investment Lens

For Second Sight Ventures, the investment in Willie’s Remedy+ underscores its broader playbook: backing brands rooted in authentic cultural narratives, entering disruptive categories, and engaging highly loyal consumer communities.

As consumer markets continue to fragment and niche communities gain influence, the firm is betting that cultural resonance will prove as critical as product functionality in building enduring brands. With $75 million in fresh capital, Second Sight Ventures aims to become a preferred partner for founders building the next wave of culture-defining consumer companies.

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Jollibee Expands Korean Footprint with $87M Acquisition of Shabu All Day

By
SnackTeam
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Philippine quick-service giant Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) is deepening its push into Asia’s fast-growing communal dining segment, announcing the acquisition of South Korea’s All Day Fresh Co. Ltd., operator of leading hot pot chain Shabu All Day, in a deal valued at approximately $87 million.

The agreement, signed on February 20, 2026, marks Jollibee’s formal entry into the Korean hot pot category and reinforces its strategy of acquiring high-growth, locally dominant brands across international markets.

Deal Structure and Strategic Rationale

Under the transaction, Jollibee will acquire a 70% stake in All Day Fresh through its subsidiary, Jolli-K Co. Ltd., while Seoul-based private equity firm Elevation Equity Partners Korea will retain the remaining 30%. The partnership model mirrors JFC’s broader international expansion playbook — combining capital strength with local operational expertise.

The acquisition is expected to immediately enhance JFC’s earnings profile, with projections indicating an approximate 8% uplift in global EBIT contribution in 2026. International operations are set to account for nearly 46% of Jollibee’s total revenues following the deal.

Headquartered in Seoul, Shabu All Day operates 169 stores as of January 2025 and generates around $285 million in annual system-wide sales. The brand has built a strong following through its premium all-you-can-eat beef offerings, extensive buffet selections and dessert counters — positioning itself as South Korea’s leading hot pot chain by store count.

Building Scale in South Korea

The transaction follows Jollibee’s earlier $340 million acquisition of a 70% stake in Compose Coffee in 2024, also executed alongside Elevation Equity Partners. Together, the deals underscore a deliberate strategy to establish a diversified and scalable platform within South Korea’s competitive foodservice landscape.

JFC Chairman Tony Tan Caktiong highlighted that the company continues to focus on acquiring profitable businesses aligned with its long-term strategic pillars, particularly those with strong unit economics and expansion potential.

Tapping the Global Hot Pot Boom

Jollibee’s move comes amid rapid growth in the global hot pot market, driven by rising consumer appetite for experiential and customizable dining formats. Industry projections estimate the segment could reach nearly $90 billion globally by 2029.

By acquiring Shabu All Day’s franchise-heavy and capital-efficient model, JFC gains access to a format that can be replicated and scaled beyond Korea. The deal also strengthens Jollibee’s diversification strategy as it broadens its portfolio beyond quick-service chicken and coffee into higher-ticket, dine-in categories.

As the Philippine group continues to expand internationally and compete with global giants, the addition of a market-leading hot pot brand signals its ambition to build multiple growth pillars across Asia’s evolving restaurant ecosystem.

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UPDATE Ushers in a New Energy Era with Kim Kardashian as Co-Founder, Secures 4,000-Store Walmart Rollout

By
SnackTeam
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Functional beverage brand UPDATE is entering a pivotal growth phase, unveiling a comprehensive brand refresh while announcing that global entrepreneur and media personality Kim Kardashian has joined as co-founder.

The announcement coincides with a major retail breakthrough: beginning March 1, 2026, UPDATE will roll out in more than 4,000 stores of Walmart nationwide. The launch marks one of the retailer’s largest beverage expansions in recent years and signals growing confidence in functional, next-generation energy formats.

Betting on Paraxanthine Over Caffeine

Founded in June 2022 by CEO Daniel Solomons with backing from the Hess Family, UPDATE was built around a differentiated premise — delivering the performance benefits typically associated with caffeine, without caffeine itself.

Instead, the drink is powered by paraxanthine, the primary metabolite the body produces when breaking down caffeine. By delivering this compound directly, the brand positions itself as offering smoother, more sustained energy without the jitters, crashes, or sleep disruption often linked to high-caffeine beverages.

The formulation also aligns with broader wellness trends: zero sugar, zero calories, and no artificial flavors or colors — attributes increasingly valued by health-conscious consumers navigating the booming energy category.

Kardashian’s Strategic Role

Kim Kardashian’s involvement evolved beyond a typical endorsement. After being introduced to the product in 2023, she became a regular consumer, citing the formula’s sustained focus without overstimulation. As engagement deepened, she began contributing feedback on flavor profiles, packaging aesthetics, and long-term brand positioning.

By mid-2025, the collaboration formalized into a co-founder role. Her influence is reflected in UPDATE’s recent visual overhaul and sharpened positioning toward ambitious, performance-driven consumers seeking cleaner energy solutions.

A Massive Retail Inflection Point

The upcoming Walmart rollout places UPDATE squarely into mainstream visibility. Securing distribution across more than 4,000 stores within four years of launch underscores both retailer confidence and the accelerating demand for alternatives to traditional, high-stimulant energy drinks.

Consumers will find the refreshed cans available in five core flavors: Berry, Grape, Peach, Mandarin, and Pineapple.

As the functional beverage sector continues to expand — driven by ingredient transparency, mental performance claims, and reduced caffeine intake — UPDATE’s paraxanthine-based proposition positions it as a challenger brand with both scientific differentiation and celebrity-powered reach. With Walmart scale and Kardashian’s cultural influence behind it, 2026 could mark a defining year in the evolving energy drink landscape.

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Bewakoof Founder Prabhkiran Singh to Exit in March; TMRW Charts Next Phase

By
SnackTeam
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Prabhkiran Singh, founder and CEO of Bewakoof, will step down from his role at the end of March 2026, concluding a 14-year journey at the helm of the digital-first fashion label. The announcement was made by TMRW, which owns a majority stake in the brand.

Singh, who launched Bewakoof in 2012, cited personal reasons — including health and family priorities — for his decision to move on. He will oversee a structured transition through March to ensure operational continuity and leadership stability.

Bewakoof was acquired by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) in February 2023 through its digital venture TMRW in a ₹200 crore majority stake deal. Since the acquisition, the brand has accelerated its omnichannel expansion, moving beyond its core D2C platform to strengthen marketplace presence and build a growing offline footprint.

Currently, Bewakoof operates over 30 exclusive brand outlets and is on track to reach 40 stores by March 2026 as part of its broader retail strategy. The focus under TMRW’s stewardship has been on enhancing supply chain capabilities, building operating discipline and driving sustainable growth across channels.

Prashanth Aluru, CEO of TMRW, highlighted that the post-acquisition phase has centred on creating a stronger foundation for long-term scale. Singh, meanwhile, expressed confidence in the brand’s trajectory, stating that the company is in a strong position and well-aligned with TMRW’s long-term roadmap.

With Singh’s departure, Bewakoof enters a new chapter — transitioning from founder-led entrepreneurship to institutionally driven expansion within ABFRL’s growing digital portfolio.

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‘Purpose Before Profit’: IKEA India CEO Patrik Antoni on Building for the Long Term

By
SnackTeam
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Patrik Antoni, CEO of IKEA India, outlined what it takes to build a billion-dollar brand in one of the world’s most diverse and complex consumer markets — clarity of purpose, deep customer understanding and long-term trust.

Antoni emphasised that for IKEA, business begins with vision rather than immediate financial outcomes. The company’s goal, he said, is to create a better everyday life for the many people — with profitability emerging as a result of delivering value to customers. “If you have happy customers, you will get profit. The brand comes from that interaction,” he noted.

India, he acknowledged, requires heightened sensitivity to regional diversity. With its varied languages, cultures and traditions, the market demands continuous learning and listening. IKEA invests heavily in consumer research to ensure its offering aligns closely with local needs. For Antoni, purpose and profitability are not opposing forces but complementary ones that must move together.

Central to this strategy is IKEA’s philosophy of “democratic design.” Every product must meet five criteria — functionality, aesthetic appeal, sustainability, affordability and quality. Rather than cutting features to lower costs, the company maintains global standards while adapting solutions to fit Indian lifestyles. “It’s the solution that matters, not just the individual product,” Antoni said.

Despite the rise of ecommerce, Antoni remains bullish on the role of physical stores in long-term brand building. While digital channels provide convenience and valuable consumer insights, he believes in-store experiences are critical for creating emotional connection. IKEA often enters markets online first to understand purchasing behaviour before rolling out physical formats. Going forward, the company envisions a portfolio of store formats ranging from compact 1,500-square-metre outlets to large 15,000-square-metre spaces, supported by digital reach.

On localisation, Antoni stressed the importance of staying relevant without diluting brand identity. With a global portfolio of 7,000 products, adaptation often lies in how products are presented rather than reinvented. Local sourcing, particularly in textiles, plays a significant role in IKEA India’s strategy, leveraging the country’s strengths while maintaining global consistency.

For Antoni, scaling in India is less about chasing short-term gains and more about building enduring trust — a foundation where purpose leads and profit follows.

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Zomato and Swiggy Reclaim Growth Momentum as Food Delivery Picks Up in December Quarter

By
SnackTeam
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India’s online food delivery sector staged a stronger-than-expected rebound in the October–December quarter, with Zomato and Swiggy both crossing the 20% gross order value (GOV) growth mark after several muted quarters.

Eternal-owned Zomato reported a 21.3% rise in GOV, while Swiggy posted 20.5% growth, outperforming their medium-term guidance band of 18–20%. The acceleration signals a shift in strategy as the duopoly pivots back to expanding its user base, particularly among price-sensitive and low-order-value customers.

Affordability Back in Focus

Both platforms have ramped up efforts to attract budget-conscious consumers and newer segments such as health-focused diners. Swiggy has scaled its “99-store” offering, featuring items priced under ₹99, while Zomato reduced the minimum order value for free delivery under its Gold loyalty programme to ₹99 from ₹199. Affordable menus, curated carts under ₹250, and value-driven campaigns have collectively driven volume growth.

A senior industry executive noted that growth had bottomed out two to three quarters ago, after which the trend reversed. Much of the recovery has been led by customers with average order values between ₹100 and ₹200 — a segment expected to compound over time.

Profit Cushion Enables Expansion

The renewed focus on user acquisition comes as both firms report stronger profitability in food delivery, giving them the margin cushion to step up investments. In the December quarter, Zomato posted ₹531 crore in adjusted EBITDA, up 25% year-on-year, while Swiggy’s food delivery business saw adjusted EBITDA rise 48% to ₹272 crore.

Platform fees — introduced at ₹1 in 2022 and gradually increased to ₹15 — have also contributed to improved margins. Food delivery remains the profit engine for both companies even as they continue to invest heavily in quick commerce.

Between the two, Zomato held a 57.3% market share in the quarter, compared to Swiggy’s 42.7%, with the Gurugram-based firm gaining incremental share over the past few quarters. Monthly transacting users rose 21.5% for both players, reaching 24.9 million for Zomato and 18.1 million for Swiggy.

Quick Delivery Models Under Scrutiny

While affordability has boosted core delivery volumes, the ultra-fast 10-minute delivery model continues to face economic challenges. Swiggy has retained its Bolt service but shut down its café-style vertical Snacc. Zomato exited its quick delivery experiment earlier, and other players have scaled back similar offerings due to high unit costs and inconsistent repeat demand.

Rising Competitive Pressure

The rebound also comes amid growing competitive interest in the space. Mobility platform Rapido is expanding its food delivery service Ownly, while Walmart-owned Flipkart is reportedly evaluating an entry into online food delivery, with a pilot expected in Bengaluru later this year.

India’s online food delivery market, estimated at around $9 billion in FY25, is projected to reach $25 billion by FY30, according to Jefferies. Analysts believe sustained order growth strengthens the incumbents’ ability to invest in pricing and incentives without significantly eroding margins.

At a time when new entrants are preparing to step up competition, the December-quarter rebound suggests that Zomato and Swiggy still command strong network effects and meaningful headroom for user expansion — reinforcing food delivery as a high-stakes, winner-takes-most business.

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Maazah Raises $2 Million Seed Round to Scale Retail Presence Amid Condiment Boom

By
SnackTeam
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Minnesota-based condiment brand Maazah has secured $2 million in seed funding from a group of family offices, marking a key milestone in its growth journey from farmers’ market favorite to a nationally distributed clean-label brand.

Founded by sisters Yasmeen and Sheilla Sajady, Maazah is known for its globally inspired dips and sauces that cater to the rising demand for bold flavors and better-for-you ingredients. The fresh capital will be used to accelerate retail expansion, strengthen supply chain operations and support broader distribution across the United States.

Expanding National Footprint

Maazah has already built a strong retail presence, securing shelf space in leading grocery chains such as Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market. The brand has also entered multiple regional divisions of Costco, underscoring its scalability and appeal among bulk-buying consumers. In addition, Maazah products are available in select independent and specialty grocery stores nationwide.

The brand’s clean-label positioning and flavor-forward offerings have helped it tap into consumer appetite for authentic, globally influenced condiments that elevate everyday meals at home.

Riding the Condiment Investment Wave

Maazah’s funding round comes amid heightened investor interest in the sauces and dips category, which has seen a wave of acquisitions and strategic investments in recent months.

Notable deals include Bachan’s, acquired by The Marzetti Company for $400 million; Tapatio, purchased by Highlander Partners; and Sabra, in which PepsiCo bought out its joint venture partner’s stake for over $240 million. Premium hot sauce maker TRUFF and other emerging players have also attracted significant investment.

With the condiment aisle emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic segments in the consumer packaged goods industry, Maazah’s $2 million seed round provides the runway to scale production, deepen retail partnerships and capture share in a category that continues to sizzle.

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Domino’s Tops US Sales Estimates as Value Deals Drive Demand

By
SnackTeam
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Domino’s Pizza exceeded Wall Street expectations for fourth-quarter U.S. same-store sales, buoyed by aggressive value promotions and new menu launches that resonated with cost-conscious consumers.

Shares of the pizza chain rose about 5% in early trading after the company reported a 3.7% increase in U.S. same-store sales, surpassing analysts’ estimates of 3.47%, according to LSEG data. The performance reflects a broader trend across the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, where brands are leaning heavily on value offerings to attract customers facing higher everyday expenses.

Domino’s has relaunched its “Best Deal Ever” promotion at $9.99 and introduced new items such as Parmesan-stuffed crust pizza to stimulate demand. The strategy mirrors moves by rivals including McDonald’s and Yum Brands, which have also rolled out value meals to capture budget-conscious diners.

Analysts noted that Domino’s continues to gain share within the U.S. pizza category. Ari Felhandler of Morningstar said the company is well positioned to win customers through its value-driven menu, strong digital capabilities and efficient delivery network. The chain’s partnership with DoorDash has further expanded its customer reach.

Chief Executive Russell Weiner said the company expects to meaningfully increase its market share within the U.S. QSR pizza segment this year. Domino’s projects U.S. same-store sales growth of around 3% in fiscal 2026, similar to last year, with stronger growth anticipated in the first half.

Internationally, however, same-store sales rose 0.7%, missing estimates of a 1.03% increase amid softer demand and heightened competition in markets such as Australia and Japan.

On the earnings front, quarterly diluted earnings per share rose to $5.35 from $4.89 a year earlier, narrowly missing analysts’ expectations of $5.37.

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7UP Unveils ‘Mandarin Citrus’ as Part of Its New Endless Summer Lineup

By
SnackTeam
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7UP is adding a burst of seasonal freshness to its portfolio with the launch of Mandarin Citrus, a limited-edition flavor headlining its upcoming “Endless Summer” campaign. The new variant is designed to capture warm-weather demand with a lighter citrus profile aimed at consumers seeking refreshing alternatives as temperatures climb.

Rather than entering the crowded orange soda segment dominated by bold, syrup-forward competitors, 7UP is building on its signature lemon-lime heritage. Mandarin Citrus retains the brand’s classic crisp, clear base while introducing a subtle infusion of juicy mandarin. The result is positioned as a softer, slightly sweeter citrus finish engineered for refreshment rather than heaviness.

The flavor strategy reflects a nuanced shift toward more refined summer beverages, appealing to drinkers who prefer clean, crushable sodas over intensely sweet formulations. By keeping the mandarin notes balanced and understated, 7UP aims to differentiate itself within the seasonal category.

To broaden its appeal, Mandarin Citrus will launch in both regular and Zero Sugar formats, aligning with continued growth in the low- and no-calorie beverage segment. The dual rollout ensures the brand can cater to both traditional soda consumers and health-conscious buyers seeking lighter options.

As beverage shelves gear up for peak summer demand, Mandarin Citrus is set to position 7UP as a refreshing, easygoing contender in the seasonal soda lineup.

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The Cheesecake Factory Bakery Debuts in India with Bengaluru Launch, Targets ₹250 Crore in Five Years

By
SnackTeam
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The global bakery division of The Cheesecake Factory Bakery has opened its first outlet in India in Bengaluru, marking its entry into the country’s rapidly expanding premium dessert and café segment. The brand has partnered with Bengaluru-based The Gourmet Cafe for its India rollout, adopting a local operating partner model to drive expansion and market development.

Operated by The Gourmet Cafe, the India business is targeting revenues of ₹200–250 crore over the next five years, as it scales its footprint across key urban markets and taps into rising demand for premium dessert formats among affluent consumers.

55 Outlets Planned Nationwide

As part of its expansion roadmap, The Cheesecake Factory Bakery plans to open 55 outlets across India over the next four to five years. Following its Bengaluru debut, the company aims to launch three to six additional outlets in the city in 2026 before expanding into major metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. Over time, the brand also plans to enter emerging markets such as Chandigarh, Kochi and Coimbatore.

The company has already signed agreements with four malls and intends to open six stores this year across high-consumption centres.

Partnership-Led Strategy

The India foray is being led by The Gourmet Cafe, which will oversee store rollout, localisation and brand building.

“We see strong demand in India for globally recognised dessert brands and premium café experiences. Bringing The Cheesecake Factory Bakery® to India is a significant step in our journey to introduce world-class dessert offerings to Indian consumers through The Gourmet Café platform,” said Masthan Adam, Founder and CEO of The Gourmet Cafe.

Premium Café Market Gains Momentum

India’s growing base of globally exposed consumers, rising discretionary incomes and increasing preference for experiential dining have made the country an attractive destination for international bakery and café brands.

The Cheesecake Factory Bakery’s entry reflects a broader wave of global food and beverage players targeting India’s organised café and dessert retail space, where premium, occasion-led consumption formats are gaining traction.

Founded in Bengaluru, The Gourmet Cafe is a multi-brand F&B company focused on curated menus and dine-in experiences, and will anchor the brand’s expansion as it builds a nationwide presence.

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