Sunday, March 1, 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. 

Supreme Court Says Rooh Afza Is a Fruit Drink, Slashes VAT to 4%

By
SnackTeam
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The Supreme Court has determined that Hamdard’s iconic beverage Rooh Afza should be treated as a fruit drink, making it eligible for a reduced VAT rate of 4%. The judgment rebuffed the Uttar Pradesh commercial tax department’s push to class the product under a higher tax category.

Ruling and immediate effect

The top court’s decision means Rooh Afza will attract the lower tax slab reserved for fruit-based drinks. For consumers and retailers, the ruling could translate into smaller price increases than would have followed from a higher levy.

Hamdard, the maker of Rooh Afza, stood to benefit immediately from the classification — the company will now be taxed at the 4% rate applied to fruit-derived beverages rather than the steeper bracket sought by the state tax authority.

Basis of the court’s decision

The bench concluded that the core composition of Rooh Afza is derived from fruit ingredients, a determining factor in assigning tax treatment. The court dismissed arguments by the Uttar Pradesh commercial tax department that the drink belonged in a different category attracting a higher tax.

Neither the ruling nor public filings suggest the court relied on procedural errors by the tax authority; rather, the classification hinged on the product’s ingredient profile and the statutory definitions that govern VAT categories.

Industry impact

This decision could set a practical precedent for other concentrated syrups and fruit-based beverages seeking lower VAT treatment. Manufacturers may be encouraged to present detailed composition data and labeling to support favorable tax classification. For the beverages sector, the ruling may spur a wave of re-examinations of tax positions, influencing pricing strategies and competitive dynamics between traditional fruit syrups and carbonated or artificially flavored drinks.

State tax departments could face downward pressure on collections from items reclassified as fruit-based, prompting closer scrutiny and potentially more litigation as authorities test the boundaries of statutory definitions.

Risks and uncertainties

The ruling’s scope is tied to the specifics of Rooh Afza’s composition and the legal arguments presented; it does not automatically guarantee the same outcome for every syrup or beverage with fruit elements. Tax authorities may respond by tightening classification criteria or launching fresh assessments under different legal theories.

There is also potential for administrative friction as states reconcile the decision with existing assessments and revenue targets. The outcome could unleash short-term uncertainty for retailers and distributors while tax officials adapt to the implications of the judgment.

Overall, the Supreme Court’s finding narrows the tax exposure for Rooh Afza and signals that ingredient-based classifications will play a decisive role in VAT disputes within the beverage industry.

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Medusa Beverages Targets Gulf Markets in Push Expected to Add 5–10% to Revenue by FY28

By
SnackTeam
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Medusa Beverages has launched a strategic drive into Gulf Cooperation Council markets, naming the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia among its early targets. The company says the move could contribute roughly 5–10% to consolidated revenue by fiscal 2028, signalling a major international push for the Indian brewer.

GCC rollout and immediate plans

The company will begin by exporting product from India to the region and plans to shift to local brewing over time. That staggered approach is designed to test demand while minimising initial capital outlay.

Medusa has highlighted the UAE and Saudi Arabia as priority markets within the GCC. Distribution will likely focus on hospitality, retail and outlets frequented by expatriate communities, where premium beer consumption is most concentrated.

Asset-light production model

Medusa’s expansion leans on an asset-light framework that prioritises flexibility. By outsourcing some production and leveraging contract brewing before building local capacity, the brewer aims to scale quickly without heavy upfront investment.

Executives argue this model preserves headroom in manufacturing and helps the company respond to demand spikes without being saddled by fixed costs. Local brewing, when introduced, would cut logistics costs and improve shelf-life control.

Domestic strategy: premiumisation at home

At the same time, Medusa continues to sharpen its home-market focus on premium offerings. The firm sees higher-margin craft and premium-label beers as the engine for margin expansion in India.

That domestic premiumisation push is intended to underpin broader international ambitions, creating brand equity that can be exported into new markets.

Industry implications

Medusa’s Gulf expansion could intensify competition in a region where demand for specialised and premium beers is growing among affluent and expatriate consumers. For regional distributors and incumbent brands, a new Indian entrant presents both distribution challenges and opportunities to broaden category offerings.

If Medusa successfully transitions from exports to local brewing, it could shorten supply chains and put price pressure on competitors. The move also signals rising confidence among Indian craft brewers to pursue cross-border growth rather than concentrate solely on domestic expansion.

Risks and uncertainties

Political and regulatory complexity in the GCC remains a chief uncertainty. Alcohol rules vary widely across the region, and changes in licensing regimes or import duties could affect market access and margins.

Execution risks include building reliable local manufacturing partnerships and establishing distribution in markets with established players. Currency swings, logistics costs and slower-than-expected consumer uptake could push back the timeline for the projected 5–10% revenue contribution.

Medusa frames the Gulf push as part of a multi-year growth plan that extends beyond fiscal 2026. The company will start small, learn local market dynamics and scale where returns justify deeper investment.

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Akasa Air Taps Holi Nostalgia with Limited-Edition Café Akasa Menu

By
SnackTeam
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In India’s fiercely competitive aviation market, where fares often dictate choice, airlines are increasingly turning to experience-led differentiation. Akasa Air is the latest to lean into this strategy, unveiling the fourth edition of its Holi Special Meal under its onboard dining service, Café Akasa.

Available from March 1 to March 31 across the airline’s network, the limited-period festive platter is designed to coincide with the spring festival of colours. The pre-bookable offering features Club Kachori with Dum Aloo, accompanied by Thandai gujiya and a beverage of choice—bringing traditional Holi flavours to 30,000 feet.

Building Emotional Connect Through Food

The initiative reflects a broader industry trend where airlines curate culturally resonant onboard experiences, particularly during peak festive travel periods. By incorporating dishes associated with Holi celebrations, Akasa Air aims to evoke familiarity and nostalgia, enhancing the in-flight experience beyond functional travel.

Passengers can pre-order the festive meal through the airline’s website and mobile application, reinforcing the carrier’s digital-first approach to ancillary services.

A Pattern of Seasonal Curation

Since launching operations in August 2022, Akasa Air has consistently positioned curated seasonal menus as a brand differentiator. Café Akasa has previously introduced festival-themed offerings around Makar Sankranti, Eid, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Christmas. The airline also allows travellers to pre-select cakes from its regular menu to celebrate birthdays onboard—small experiential additions aimed at fostering emotional engagement.

The broader Café Akasa portfolio now features over 45 meal options, including regional Indian specialities, fusion dishes, snacks, and desserts. According to the airline, menu development involves collaborations with chefs from across the country, underscoring its focus on culinary diversity.

Beyond Price Wars

For a relatively young airline navigating a price-sensitive domestic market, festive menu launches may appear incremental. However, as competition intensifies and differentiation becomes harder to sustain through pricing alone, culturally meaningful gestures are emerging as subtle yet effective tools to cultivate brand affinity and long-term loyalty.

In a sector where margins are thin and choices abundant, even a thoughtfully curated festive meal can help an airline stand out—one nostalgic bite at a time.

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Quick Commerce Enabler Inamo Set to Raise ₹50 Cr in Series A Round

By
SnackTeam
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Quick commerce enablement startup Inamo is in the process of raising ₹50 crore (approximately $5.4 million) in what appears to be its Series A funding round, according to sources familiar with the development.

The round is being led by Five SB Limited, with participation from existing investors Shastra VC, Antler, and Gemba Capital. Regulatory filings indicate that the company is raising capital at a pre-money valuation of ₹110 crore (around $12 million), based on its October 2025 valuation report.

Capital to Fuel Expansion

Sources said the fresh capital will be deployed to scale operations amid intensifying competition in India’s fast-growing quick commerce ecosystem. The fundraise comes roughly five months after Inamo secured $3 million to expand its dark store network.

The company did not respond to queries sent earlier this week.

Building the Backend of Quick Commerce

Founded in 2024 by former Dunzo VP Sumit Anand and ex-ApnaKlub product head Rupesh Thakare, Inamo positions itself as an operational and technology partner for quick commerce platforms.

The startup enables businesses to establish, manage, and optimise dark store operations while also offering last-mile fleet services. In addition to tech-driven dark store management solutions, Inamo provides outsourced operational support, delivery optimisation, curation, listing, and replenishment services to D2C brands.

Currently operational across six metro cities, Inamo claims to manage more than 50 dark stores supported by a dedicated last-mile delivery fleet. It competes with players such as Zippee and Blitz in the quick commerce infrastructure space.

Riding the Quick Commerce Wave

India’s quick commerce sector is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by evolving consumer preferences for faster deliveries and hyperlocal convenience. The market is projected to grow from $6.1 billion in 2024 to $40 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 37%—nearly double the 19% growth rate of the broader ecommerce industry.

With investor interest intensifying and competition heating up, Inamo is positioning itself to capitalise on the backend infrastructure opportunity powering India’s quick commerce boom.

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Monster Beverage Surpasses Q4 Estimates on Strong Energy Drink Demand

By
SnackTeam
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Energy drink maker Monster Beverage reported fourth-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by sustained demand for energy and sugar-free beverages despite broader economic uncertainty.

For the quarter ended December 31, the company posted net sales of $2.13 billion, marking a 17.6% year-on-year increase and surpassing analysts’ estimates of $2.04 billion, according to LSEG data. Adjusted earnings per share came in at 51 cents, ahead of the projected 48 cents.

Core Energy Segment Leads Growth

Monster’s flagship Monster Energy Drinks division, its largest revenue contributor, recorded an 18.9% increase in sales to $1.99 billion during the quarter. The growth reflects continued consumer preference for energy and reduced-sugar options over traditional carbonated soft drinks, even as inflationary pressures weigh on household spending.

However, the company’s alcohol brands segment saw sales decline 16.8% year-on-year to $29 million, partially offsetting gains in its core portfolio.

Margins and Cost Outlook

Gross margin improved slightly to 55.5%, compared with 55.3% in the same period last year. The uptick was supported by pricing actions and supply chain efficiencies that helped counter higher aluminium costs.

Chief Executive Officer Hilton Schlosberg indicated that while current tariffs are not expected to materially affect operating results, the company anticipates a modest increase in costs during at least the first half of 2026 compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. Monster plans to continue managing aluminium tariff exposure through pricing adjustments and hedging strategies.

Despite the earnings beat, shares of the company slipped around 2% in extended trading.

With resilient demand for functional beverages and sugar-free offerings, Monster Beverage continues to demonstrate strength in its core energy category, even as it navigates cost pressures and softer performance in its alcohol portfolio.

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Starbucks Expands Retail Portfolio with High-Protein Bottled Coffee Line

By
SnackTeam
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0

Global coffee chain Starbucks is extending its protein-focused beverage strategy from cafés to supermarket shelves with the launch of Starbucks Coffee & Protein, a new ready-to-drink (RTD) bottled range. Developed in partnership with PepsiCo through the North American Coffee Partnership (NACP), the products will roll out across US retail outlets beginning March 23, 2026.

The new launch builds on the strong consumer response to Starbucks’ in-store Protein Lattes and protein-infused Cold Foams, which were added as permanent menu items in late 2025.

A Functional Twist on Morning Coffee

Designed for health-conscious consumers, the 12-ounce bottled beverages aim to combine caffeine with nutritional benefits. With protein consumption becoming a priority for a large segment of American consumers, Starbucks is positioning the range as a functional, wellness-oriented alternative to traditional sugary bottled coffees.

Each bottle contains:

  • 22 grams of complete protein
  • 5 grams of prebiotic fibre
  • Just 2 grams of sugar
  • Five essential vitamins and minerals

The formulation reflects growing interest in muscle support, satiety and gut health, while maintaining a low-sugar profile.

Launch Flavours and Retail Rollout

The Coffee & Protein line will debut with two flavours inspired by popular café offerings:

  • Classic Caffè, featuring a smooth, coffee-forward taste balanced with creamy protein
  • Caffè Mocha, combining cocoa notes with Starbucks’ signature Arabica blend

The beverages will carry a suggested retail price of $3.99 per bottle and will be available in grocery stores, convenience outlets, gas stations and online platforms nationwide. An exclusive 11-ounce Caffè Mocha version, offering 20 grams of protein, is set to launch at Sam’s Club locations in April.

Part of a Wider Retail Revamp

The protein beverage range is part of Starbucks’ broader “Back to Starbucks” transformation strategy, aimed at modernising its ready-to-drink portfolio.

Other products launching on March 23 include:

  • Doubleshot Energy Zero Sugar in French Vanilla and Dark Chocolate
  • Frappuccino Lite Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato with 100 calories and no added sugar
  • Iced Espresso Lite multiserve bottles in Vanilla Latte and Caramel Macchiato, featuring zero added sugar and 90 calories per serving

By entering the high-protein, low-sugar RTD segment, Starbucks is expanding its presence in the functional beverage category and positioning its retail offerings to compete with nutrition-focused and fitness-oriented brands, redefining the role of morning coffee in consumers’ daily routines.

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BPCL and Burger King India Forge National Alliance to Transform Fuel Stations into QSR Hubs

By
SnackTeam
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State-run energy major Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has entered into a strategic national alliance with Restaurant Brands Asia Limited, the master franchisee of Burger King India, to roll out quick service restaurant (QSR) outlets across BPCL’s retail network.

The partnership aims to convert select fuel stations and highway wayside amenities into integrated travel destinations by introducing Burger King dine-in formats, drive-thrus and BK Café concepts within BPCL premises.

Converging Fuel and Food

For BPCL, the collaboration supports its strategy to grow non-fuel revenues and enhance customer engagement at fuel stations. For Burger King India, the alliance offers access to a vast, ready-made retail footprint spanning highways and urban centres, enabling deeper penetration beyond traditional mall and high-street locations.

The rollout will prioritise high-traffic highway corridors and urban fuel hubs, offering travellers the convenience of quality dining without detouring from their route. Depending on the site, formats will vary from full-service dine-in restaurants to compact, high-speed drive-thru models.

Many of these outlets are expected to align with BPCL’s broader “Wayside Amenities” initiative, which includes upgraded infrastructure such as clean restrooms, EV charging points and secure parking facilities.

Supporting Burger King’s Expansion Goals

The alliance comes at a pivotal time for Burger King India, which has crossed over 575 restaurants nationwide and is targeting 800 outlets by FY2029. BPCL’s network of more than 21,000 fuel stations offers scalable “plug-and-play” real estate, particularly in Tier-II, Tier-III and highway locations.

The move also follows recent ownership changes at Restaurant Brands Asia, which was acquired by Inspira Global. The new promoters have outlined a strategy centred on sustainable expansion and operational efficiency, with the BPCL partnership emerging as a key growth lever.

Fuel Stations as Retail Destinations

India’s fuel retail landscape is increasingly evolving into a competitive convenience and lifestyle hub, mirroring global trends where gas stations double as food and retail centres. With private players expanding food partnerships, the BPCL-Burger King collaboration strengthens the public sector oil major’s positioning in the QSR-led “pit stop” ecosystem.

By blending nationwide fuel infrastructure with organised fast food, the alliance signals a shift in how Indian highways and urban fuel stations cater to the country’s growing, convenience-driven consumer base.

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Home Essentials Raises $8M to Scale Omnichannel Play in India’s Fragmented Home Market

By
SnackTeam
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0

D2C home and kitchen brand Home Essentials has secured $8 million (₹70 crore) in a Pre-Series B funding round led by 360 ONE Asset, with continued participation from early investor India Quotient. The capital infusion marks a pivotal moment for the fast-scaling startup as it transitions from a digital-first challenger to a broader omnichannel retail brand.

Founded in 2024 by brothers Tanishq Jain (CEO) and Divyam Jain (CMO), the Gwalior-born company was built to bridge the gap between expensive luxury home décor and low-quality, unbranded utility products. In just two years, Home Essentials has expanded from its small-town origins to a Gurgaon-headquartered operation serving more than one million customers nationwide.

The brand’s proposition centres on “design-first utility” — offering aesthetically appealing yet functional products across categories such as storage solutions, cookware, bathroom accessories and home organisation. With over 1,000 SKUs, it targets aspirational middle-income consumers seeking premium aesthetics at accessible price points.

Omnichannel Expansion in Focus

With fresh funding, Home Essentials plans to deepen its retail presence through a structured offline push. The company aims to open 20 experiential stores by 2026 across Tier I and Tier II cities, allowing customers to engage with its products physically — a key step in building brand trust in the home category.

The capital will also support category expansion into kitchen improvement and loose furniture segments, areas still dominated by unorganised players. Strengthening supply chain capabilities to integrate online and offline inventory systems forms another core focus, enabling a seamless omnichannel experience.

Targeting ₹500 Crore Revenue

India’s home and kitchen market, estimated at $31 billion, remains highly fragmented. By emphasising capital efficiency and disciplined growth, Home Essentials has positioned itself as a scalable alternative to both legacy players and informal market operators.

Sumit Jain, Senior Fund Manager at 360 ONE Asset, highlighted the founders’ execution capability and strong unit economics as key investment drivers. Looking ahead, the company aims to reach five million households and achieve ₹500 crore in annual revenue within the next three years.

As consumer demand shifts toward organised, design-driven home products, Home Essentials is betting that its blend of affordability, functionality and omnichannel reach can help it emerge as a leading destination for the modern Indian home.

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OoMee Raises $13M to Take Seaweed-Powered Nutrition Mainstream

By
SnackTeam
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Marine nutrition is gaining momentum in the functional beverage space. Aqua Theon, founded by Forbes Japan 100 honoree Alissa Miky, has closed a $13 million seed funding round, with $5 million specifically allocated to scale its beverage brand OoMee.

The investment follows rapid early traction for OoMee, which has sold more than 100,000 units within its first six months and secured placement in over 700 retail outlets, including Sprouts Farmers Market, Raley’s, and Bristol Farms.

Betting on Marine-Based “Seabiotics”

Unlike many prebiotic sodas that rely on land-based fibres such as inulin or chicory root, OoMee’s formulation is powered by Seabiotics™, a proprietary technology derived from agar-agar, a red seaweed traditionally used in Japanese cuisine. Aqua Theon has adapted this ingredient into a smooth, non-carbonated beverage format designed to support gut health and satiety.

Agar-agar functions as a soluble fibre that expands slightly in the stomach, promoting fullness and helping manage snack cravings. The drink is also positioned as gentler on digestion compared to carbonated “prebiotic” beverages. Each 12-ounce can contains 20 calories, under 5 grams of sugar sourced from fruit juice and monk fruit, and no caffeine.

Expanding into the Matcha Category

With dedicated capital earmarked for beverage growth, OoMee is now entering the ready-to-drink matcha segment. Its upcoming canned matcha line blends organic green tea with its seaweed-derived fibre, combining the antioxidant and L-theanine benefits of matcha with Seabiotics’ digestive support.

New flavours include Lemon Mint, Passionfruit & Yuzu, and Berry, positioning the brand as a multi-functional hydration option for wellness-focused consumers.

Sustainability at the Core

Aqua Theon’s marine-based model is also rooted in sustainability. Seaweed grows rapidly—up to 12 inches per day—and captures significantly more carbon dioxide than many terrestrial plants while requiring no freshwater or fertilisers. The company operates a zero-waste process in which agar extraction byproducts are fermented and repurposed into agricultural fertiliser, producing more than 2,800 tons annually.

Riding the Blue Economy Wave

The $13 million raise reinforces Aqua Theon’s ambition to lead in marine-based nutrition, a segment gaining attention as consumers seek alternative functional ingredients beyond traditional superfoods. Following recognition as “Best New Drink Concept” at the Beverage Digest Awards and an expanding retail footprint, OoMee is positioning seaweed not as a niche health ingredient but as a mainstream hydration staple for 2026 and beyond.

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From Street Stall to Global Brand: How The Betel Leaf Co. Modernised India’s Paan Industry

By
SnackTeam
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0

What began in 2019 as a simple recommendation from a nutritionist has evolved into one of India’s most distinctive food startups. The Betel Leaf Co., founded by Prem Raheja and co-led by Payal Raheja, has transformed the traditional paan market by introducing hygiene, standardisation and premium positioning into a largely unorganised sector.

Positioned as India’s first FSSAI-certified, 100% tobacco-free paan brand, the company has reimagined paan not as a roadside indulgence but as a curated, dessert-style experience suitable for modern retail and global export.

Reframing a ₹3,000–4,000 Crore Market

India’s paan industry, estimated at ₹3,000–₹4,000 crore, has long operated through fragmented local vendors with limited standardisation. Consumers often faced inconsistent taste, hygiene concerns and the stigma associated with tobacco.

The Betel Leaf Co. identified an opportunity to premiumise the category by eliminating tobacco, improving preparation standards and introducing consistent recipes. By repositioning paan as a refined post-meal digestive rather than a street-side habit, the brand created a new aspirational segment within an age-old tradition.

Quick Commerce as a Growth Catalyst

Recognising that paan is typically an impulse purchase, the company adopted a dark kitchen model and partnered with Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zomato to enable rapid delivery. Today, nearly 55% of its revenue comes through online quick-commerce channels.

A key innovation has been its nitrogen-flushed, triple-layer packaging, which preserves freshness for up to 48 hours without refrigeration and extends shelf life up to nine months for its “ARID” product line. This packaging breakthrough has enabled national distribution and export readiness.

Expanding Footprint, Global Ambitions

From its base in Bengaluru, The Betel Leaf Co. now operates 45 kitchens and aims to scale to 100 within the next year. Internationally, it exports to Singapore, Malaysia, the UK, the US, Nairobi and the UAE, signalling growing global demand for standardised, hygienic paan.

The brand is also strengthening its offline presence through experiential retail formats and partnerships with major chains such as Reliance Retail and SPAR.

Growth Metrics and Investor Backing

The company has raised $4.44 million to date, including a recent $1.2 million bridge round, backed by investors such as Inflection Point Ventures, Venture Catalysts, and 100Unicorns.

In FY24, it reported revenue of ₹7.52 crore and currently produces up to 1,80,000 paans per month across more than 50 flavour variants — ranging from traditional blends to experimental offerings like Tiramisu, Coffee and Cognac.

Beyond Paan: Building a Dessert Ecosystem

To expand its share of the digestive and dessert market, The Betel Leaf Co. has diversified into paan-inspired products including Betel Tea, dark chocolate Betel Bars, paan ice creams and confectionery lines. The strategy positions the brand to extend beyond a single product category into a broader “modern Indian dessert” ecosystem.

By applying food safety compliance, brand storytelling and quick-commerce agility to a 5,000-year-old tradition, The Betel Leaf Co. has demonstrated how even deeply entrenched, informal sectors can be modernised. What was once confined to street corners is now being served in global markets — packaged, preserved and redefined for a new generation of consumers.

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