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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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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India’s Food Delivery Platforms Generate ₹1.2 Lakh Crore Output in FY24, Employment Grows 12.3%: Report

By
SnackTeam
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India’s food delivery platform ecosystem has emerged as a significant contributor to the national economy, generating an estimated Rs 1.2 lakh crore in gross output during FY24, according to a new study by NCAER and Prosus. The sector is expanding at a pace well ahead of the broader economy, underlining its growing role in output generation, employment creation and tax contribution.

The report, titled Impact of Food Delivery Platform on the Indian Economy: GDP, Employment and Taxes, highlights a sharp rise in direct employment. Workforce numbers increased to 1.37 million in 2023–24 from 1.08 million in 2021–22. While the sector continues to account for about 0.2 per cent of India’s total workforce, its employment growth rate stands out. Between 2021–22 and 2023–24, jobs in the segment grew at a compound annual rate of 12.3 per cent, significantly higher than the all-India employment growth rate of 7.9 per cent during the same period.

Beyond direct impact, the study points to strong multiplier effects. For every Rs 10 lakh worth of production generated by food delivery platforms, the wider economy benefited from output worth Rs 25 lakh in 2021–22. On the income side, each Rs 10 lakh earned within the sector translated into Rs 24.8 lakh across the economy in FY24. Tax contributions also scaled alongside growth, with every Rs 10 lakh of production yielding Rs 40,000 in indirect taxes during the year.

The sector’s influence on job creation extends beyond its own workforce. For every Rs 10 lakh of output, three additional jobs were supported across the broader economy in FY24, while consumption-driven spillovers added Rs 7 lakh in economic activity.

NCAER Professor Bornali Bhandari noted that the sector’s rising contribution reflects a deeper structural shift. Restaurants operating on platforms are gaining wider market access, improving compliance and strengthening operational capabilities. A companion study found that 59 per cent of restaurant owners reported access to new customers, over half expanded menus, and platform-led revenues rose from 22 per cent to 29 per cent between 2019 and 2023, reinforcing the sector’s growing economic footprint.

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Swiss Beauty Unveils ‘We Got You, Girl!’ Campaign with Taapsee Pannu to Champion Self-Expression and Modern Beauty

By
SnackTeam
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Swiss Beauty has rolled out a new brand film as part of its “We Got You, Girl!” campaign, reinforcing its push to connect with young, modern consumers through a message centred on self expression and emotional relevance. The film features actor and brand ambassador Taapsee Pannu and positions the brand as an ally to women navigating multiple roles, moods and identities in their everyday lives.

The campaign draws from the realities of today’s young women, who often move seamlessly between professional ambition, personal expression and spontaneous moments. Rather than prescribing a single definition of beauty, the film highlights choice and flexibility, showing how makeup can adapt to an individual’s personality rather than shape it. Lipsticks play a central role in the narrative, presented as tools that allow women to express confidence, playfulness or simplicity without explanation.

For Swiss Beauty, the campaign marks a deliberate shift away from perfection led beauty messaging towards a more inclusive and relatable tone. The brand’s lipstick portfolio, spanning multiple shades and finishes, is positioned as a reflection of this philosophy, supporting varied looks that fit into real life rather than curated moments.

Company executives say the campaign reflects changing expectations among young beauty consumers, who increasingly value authenticity and freedom over rigid beauty standards. By anchoring the message in everyday situations, Swiss Beauty aims to strengthen its emotional connect with a generation that sees makeup as an extension of identity.

Taapsee Pannu’s presence adds credibility to the narrative, given her reputation for independent roles and outspoken views. The brand believes her persona mirrors the confidence and individuality the campaign seeks to highlight.

The film is being amplified across digital platforms through short format edits, creator collaborations and interactive content designed to drive engagement among beauty enthusiasts. These efforts are focused on building conversation around experimentation and self confidence, rather than spotlighting a single product or look.

With “We Got You, Girl!”, Swiss Beauty is seeking to position itself as a contemporary beauty brand that understands the evolving lives of young women and supports how they choose to show up, every day.

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Tata Sons Infuses ₹1,500 Crore More into Tata Electronics to Expand iPhone and Semiconductor Manufacturing

By
SnackTeam
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Tata Sons has infused an additional ₹1,500 crore into Tata Electronics, underlining the group’s growing commitment to electronics manufacturing and its expanding role in Apple’s global supply chain. Regulatory filings show that the fresh equity investment, made in October, takes Tata Sons’ total capital support to ₹4,500 crore over the past year.

The funding comes as Tata Electronics scales up iPhone manufacturing in India, where it has emerged as one of Apple’s largest contract producers. A significant share of its output is exported to markets such as the United States and Europe, reflecting India’s rising importance in Apple’s production strategy. Industry estimates indicate that over 70 percent of iPhones sold in the US are now made in India, with Tata Electronics playing a central role alongside Foxconn.

The filings also reveal that Tata Electronics has doubled its authorised share capital to ₹20,000 crore, signalling room for further capital infusion. While the company has not detailed the purpose of the latest investment, it has indicated that additional long term funding will be required to support ongoing business activities.

At ₹62 per share, the latest equity issuance is expected to fund capital expenditure across electronics manufacturing and the company’s semiconductor ambitions. Tata Electronics reported consolidated operating income of ₹66,206 crore in FY25, a sharp rise from ₹3,752 crore in the previous year. Despite the surge in revenue, the company remains loss making, although net losses narrowed to ₹69 crore from ₹825 crore a year earlier, reflecting heavy spending on capacity expansion and integration.

Beyond smartphones, Tata Electronics is making a decisive push into semiconductors. The company has committed close to $14 billion towards building a chip fabrication plant in Gujarat and an assembly and testing facility in Assam. Earlier this month, Tata Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Intel to explore manufacturing, packaging and advanced chip solutions at these upcoming facilities.

The sustained investment highlights the Tata Group’s long term bet on advanced electronics and semiconductors, positioning India as a critical hub in global technology supply chains.

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Naturals Salons Appoints Sreeleela as Brand Ambassador to Drive Franchise Growth and Youth Connect

By
SnackTeam
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Naturals Salons has appointed actor Sreeleela as its new brand ambassador as the company sharpens its focus on expansion, entrepreneurship and workforce development in India’s organised beauty services market. The association comes as the salon chain works towards an ambitious goal of enabling 1,000 franchise entrepreneurs and generating more than 15,000 stylist jobs by the end of 2026.

Founded by K Veena, Naturals operates on a franchise driven model that has helped bring structure to a largely fragmented salon industry. The company provides its partners with centralised training, technology support and standardised service protocols, allowing individual entrepreneurs to scale with consistency and quality. Over the years, the brand has steadily expanded across metropolitan cities as well as smaller towns, building a nationwide footprint.

The choice of Sreeleela reflects Naturals’ effort to deepen engagement with younger consumers. With Gen Z and millennial customers increasingly driving demand for organised beauty and wellness services, the company believes the actor’s growing presence across regional and Hindi cinema aligns well with its evolving audience profile.

Alongside the brand ambassador announcement, Naturals has rolled out a new loyalty initiative titled the Customer First Card. The programme allows members to access salon services worth ₹30,000 for an upfront payment of ₹20,000, valid for one year. The offering is available across more than 900 Naturals outlets and includes flexible EMI options, reinforcing the brand’s focus on affordability and customer retention.

As it moves closer to its four figure franchise milestone, Naturals continues to invest in training academies, digital tools and operational systems to support its partner salons. The company says these efforts are central to professionalising the beauty workforce and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

For Naturals, the latest appointment is part of a broader strategy to build a scalable, responsible beauty services platform rooted in India’s domestic growth potential. With expansion underway and a renewed focus on younger consumers, the salon chain is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s evolving beauty and wellness ecosystem.

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Jonathan Srour’s Habiza Hummus Lands Backing from Foodbeast Ventures

By
SnackTeam
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Foodbeast has stepped into the investment game with a clear signal of intent, backing Habiza Hummus through its newly launched venture arm, Foodbeast Ventures. This marks the media company’s first-ever investment and reflects a growing trend of content platforms moving closer to the brands they help popularize.

Founded in 2023 by Jonathan Srour, Habiza has quickly carved out space in the crowded hummus category by doing something surprisingly simple. It removed seed oils and focused on taste, texture, and personality. In a category long dominated by mass produced, overly processed options, Habiza positioned itself as a cleaner, creamier, and more playful alternative.

That approach seems to be working. In less than two years, Habiza has landed distribution across major and premium retailers including Target, Erewhon, Central Market, Bristol Farms, Gelson’s, DeCicco & Sons, and Mollie Stone’s. Few new food brands scale that quickly without losing focus, which makes Foodbeast’s bet particularly interesting.

For Foodbeast, the investment is not just about capital. As a media company with a deep understanding of food culture, internet trends, and Gen Z taste preferences, it brings something many traditional investors do not. It brings cultural fluency. Foodbeast co founder Elie Ayrouth summed it up bluntly, calling Habiza what packaged hummus should have been for decades. Seed oil free, genuinely tasty, creamy, and fun.

Foodbeast Ventures appears to be designed for brands exactly like this. Brands that already resonate with consumers but need a partner who understands how food, culture, and content intersect today. For Habiza, the backing offers credibility and amplification. For Foodbeast, it is a move from storytelling to ownership.

If this first deal is any indication, Foodbeast Ventures is positioning itself as a serious player in modern CPG, one that bets on products built as much on taste as on cultural relevance.

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L Catterton Acquires Stake in Haldiram, Partners to Accelerate Global Expansion of Indian Snacks Giant

By
SnackTeam
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Global consumer focused investment firm L Catterton has entered into a strategic partnership with Haldiram, acquiring a stake in India’s largest snacks and packaged foods company. While financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, the investment underscores growing global investor confidence in India’s branded food sector and Haldiram’s long term growth potential.

L Catterton, which manages around $39 billion in equity capital worldwide, said the partnership is aimed at strengthening Haldiram’s leadership in the domestic market while accelerating its international expansion. The firm believes Haldiram’s strong brand equity, deep distribution network and consistent performance provide a solid foundation for global scale up.

Earlier in the year, Haldiram had attracted investments from Temasek, Alpha Wave Global and Abu Dhabi based International Holding Company. Though the company did not reveal valuation details at the time, industry sources pegged the transaction at nearly $10 billion, making it one of the largest valuations ever achieved by an Indian packaged food business.

L Catterton’s India operations are led by Sanjiv Mehta, former CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever, who now serves as Executive Chairman of the firm in the country. According to the company, Mehta’s experience in building consumer brands and navigating complex markets will play a key role in shaping Haldiram’s next phase of growth.

The partnership is expected to focus on several strategic priorities, including brand building, product innovation, supply chain and distribution optimisation, talent development and geographic expansion. A key objective will be positioning Haldiram as a global brand rooted in Indian food culture, catering to both diaspora and international consumers.

L Catterton has a strong track record in the packaged foods and snacking category, with investments across brands such as Kettle Foods, Ferrara Candy Company, Kodiak, Little Moons and Plum Organics, among others.

Founded in 1937 as a small sweets and namkeen shop in Bikaner by Ganga Bhishen Agarwal, Haldiram has grown into a global food powerhouse, with products sold in more than 80 countries. In April 2025, the packaged snacks businesses of Haldiram Snacks and Haldiram Foods International were merged to create Haldiram Snacks Food, consolidating operations under a single entity.

With L Catterton joining its cap table, Haldiram is poised to deepen its presence at home while taking a sharper push into international markets.

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Horlicks Rebrands as Lifestyle Nutrition Brand, Shifts Focus to Superfoods and Everyday Wellness

By
SnackTeam
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Horlicks, one of India’s most recognisable nutrition brands, has embarked on a significant repositioning exercise as it looks to align with changing consumer expectations around health, wellness and preventive nutrition. Long associated with childhood growth and family nourishment, the brand is now reshaping itself as a lifestyle focused nutrition offering aimed at everyday wellness and active living.

The refreshed identity introduces a contemporary visual language, simplified packaging and a renewed emphasis on functional ingredients. The move reflects a broader shift in India’s nutrition landscape, where consumers are increasingly prioritising long term health outcomes over basic calorie intake. Demand for foods that support immunity, sustained energy, digestion and mental well being has risen steadily across urban and semi urban markets, prompting legacy brands to rethink their role.

As part of the overhaul, Horlicks is expected to spotlight nutrient rich ingredients commonly associated with superfoods. These include millets, turmeric, ashwagandha, antioxidants, plant based proteins and gut supportive nutrients. The intent is to move beyond the traditional perception of a malted drink and position the brand as a daily nutrition companion suited to fast paced lifestyles.

Company executives indicate that the transformation goes beyond aesthetics. The brand is recalibrating its product development strategy to address the needs of young adults, working professionals and fitness aware consumers, segments that are increasingly driving growth in the health and wellness category. Industry estimates suggest that the premium nutrition and preventive health segment in India has been growing at double digit rates since the pandemic.

Horlicks is also expected to expand its presence across new formats over time. While the classic powdered beverage remains part of the portfolio, the brand is exploring opportunities in ready to drink options, fortified foods and convenient nutrition formats that cater to on the go consumption.

With competition intensifying from both global players and homegrown wellness brands, the repositioning is aimed at ensuring long term relevance. By blending its legacy of trust with a sharper focus on modern nutrition science, Horlicks is seeking to secure a place in India’s evolving lifestyle health ecosystem while staying connected to its roots.

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