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.

Farmley FY25 Revenue Jumps 71% to ₹394 Cr as IIT-Founded Healthy Snacking Brand Scales Up

Growth

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SnackTeam

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December 31, 2025

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Noida-based healthy snacking company Farmley is closing in on the ₹400 crore milestone after posting strong growth in the financial year ended March 2025. Founded by IIT alumni Akash Sharma and Abhishek Agarwal, the company reported operating revenue of ₹394 crore in FY25, up sharply from ₹230 crore a year earlier, translating into a 71 percent year-on-year increase.

The performance reflects Farmley’s steady shift from a bulk supply model to a consumer-facing brand focused on everyday nutrition. The company sells a wide portfolio of dry fruits, roasted nuts, seeds, makhana snacks, trail mixes and date-based products, with its catalogue now spanning more than 100 SKUs.

Sales momentum during the year was driven by rising demand on ecommerce and quick commerce platforms, alongside deeper penetration into offline retail. Farmley currently sells through Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Zepto and BigBasket, while also supplying to over 22,000 physical stores across India. Exports to markets including the US, Australia, Singapore and the Middle East contributed incremental growth.

Higher scale helped improve operating efficiency even as costs rose. Procurement of nuts and dry fruits remained the largest expense at ₹281 crore in FY25. Advertising spends climbed to ₹52 crore as the brand increased visibility across digital and rapid delivery platforms, while employee and logistics costs rose in line with geographic expansion. Total expenses stood at ₹419 crore, compared with ₹257 crore in FY24.

Despite remaining loss-making, Farmley continued to narrow losses. Net loss reduced to ₹22.5 crore in FY25 from ₹26.5 crore the previous year, with the operating loss margin improving to minus 3.68 percent.

The company has raised about $55 million to date, including a $40 million Series C round in May 2025 led by L Catterton. Founders retain a majority stake of roughly 52 percent. Farmley is now preparing to invest ₹40–50 crore in a new Noida manufacturing facility expected to come online by FY27, as it targets ₹600–700 crore in revenue in FY26.

Second Profitable Year in a Row: The Souled Store Posts Rs 11 Cr Profit as Revenue Jumps to Rs 492 Cr in FY25

Growth

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SnackTeam

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December 31, 2025

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D2C fashion brand The Souled Store has extended its profitability streak into FY25, reporting a net profit of Rs 11 crore, marking its second straight profitable year. While the bottom line remained in the black, profit declined 38 percent from Rs 17.7 crore in FY24, largely due to the absence of a tax credit that had boosted earnings in the previous year.

According to financial disclosures, the company recorded a tax outgo of Rs 1.8 crore in FY25, compared to a tax credit of Rs 7.6 crore in FY24. Despite this, profit before tax grew a healthy 26 percent year on year to Rs 12.8 crore from Rs 10.1 crore, pointing to improved operating performance at the core business level.

Revenue growth remained strong. Operating revenue rose 37 percent to Rs 492.4 crore in FY25, up from Rs 360.2 crore a year earlier. Including other income of Rs 7.9 crore, The Souled Store’s total income stood at Rs 500.1 crore, compared to Rs 368.5 crore in FY24. The growth reflects steady demand across online channels and expanding offline presence, along with higher average order values.

Founded in 2013 by Vedang Patel, Rohin Samtani, Aditya Sharma, and Harsh Lal, The Souled Store began as a licensed merchandise brand selling pop culture apparel. Over the years, it has evolved into a full fledged casual wear brand with a wide portfolio spanning t shirts, shirts, bottoms, and accessories.

The FY25 numbers suggest the brand is entering a more mature phase. Even as profitability dipped on paper due to tax adjustments, the underlying business continued to scale efficiently. In a D2C fashion market where many players are still struggling to break even, The Souled Store’s ability to grow revenue while staying profitable sets it apart and strengthens its position as one of India’s more disciplined consumer startups.

From Rs 7.3 Cr to Rs 29.1 Cr in a Year: How D2C Sneaker Brand Comet Scaled 4X in Its First Full Year

Growth

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SnackTeam

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December 31, 2025

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Homegrown D2C sneaker brand Comet has reported a sharp jump in revenue, with its topline nearly quadrupling to Rs 29.1 crore in FY25, up from Rs 7.3 crore in FY24. The surge comes on the back of rising demand for its products and a growing appetite for Indian sneaker labels among younger consumers.

FY25 was also the company’s first full financial year of operations. Comet began selling in July 2023 and scaled quickly through its own website and select offline touchpoints. Founded by Utkarsh Gupta and Dishant Daryani, the brand focuses on design led sneakers for both men and women and currently offers more than 15 SKUs across categories.

Apart from core sales, Comet earned Rs 2.7 crore from other income during the year. This included interest on bank deposits, interest on income tax refunds, and proceeds from the sale of scrap. This additional income pushed total revenue growth to over 300 percent year on year, highlighting how aggressively the business expanded during the period.

However, the rapid growth also came with rising costs. Comet’s net loss widened by 120.6 percent to Rs 4.4 crore in FY25, compared to a loss of Rs 2 crore in FY24. Higher spending on marketing, product development, inventory, and brand building contributed to the wider losses as the company focused on scale rather than short term profitability.

The numbers reflect a familiar pattern in India’s D2C space. Young brands are choosing to invest heavily in growth, even if it means absorbing losses in the early years. For Comet, the challenge ahead will be to convert strong demand and brand recall into sustainable margins. As competition heats up in the sneaker and lifestyle segment, how efficiently the brand balances growth with cost control will determine its next phase.

5 AM Threat Calls After a Rs 4,600 Order: How a Blinkit Delivery Dispute in Mumbai Dragged CEO Deepinder Goyal Into a Safety Storm

Quick Commerce

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SnackTeam

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December 31, 2025

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A late night Blinkit order in Mumbai has spiralled into a disturbing episode that has raised serious questions about customer safety and platform accountability in India’s quick commerce space. A Mumbai resident, Harsh Gupta Madhusudan, has alleged that he and his family received harassment and threat calls as early as 5 am from a Blinkit delivery partner following a dispute over a prepaid order.

According to details shared by Madhusudan on X, the order worth around Rs 4,600 was placed late at night and successfully delivered. However, the delivery partner later cancelled the order without any explanation. Blinkit’s system then automatically initiated a refund, which was scheduled to be processed on January 2. Madhusudan said he repeatedly told the company to stop the refund since some items had already been consumed and assured them that he would repay the amount if the refund was credited.

The situation escalated when the delivery partner allegedly began demanding money directly from the customer, referring to it as “his money”. Madhusudan further claimed that the calls soon turned threatening and that the delivery agent even attempted to visit his residence, causing fear and distress to his family.

The incident was publicly flagged by tagging Blinkit, its parent company Zomato, and Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal. The post quickly gained traction online, with users questioning how delivery partners are able to access customer details and why stronger safeguards are not in place to prevent such situations.

While quick commerce platforms have grown rapidly by promising speed and convenience, this episode highlights a darker side of the model. Beyond refunds and order glitches, customers expect basic safety and privacy. As platforms like Blinkit process millions of orders every month, incidents like this underline the urgent need for tighter controls, clearer dispute resolution systems, and swift action when customer security is at risk.

Papa Johns Targets 30 Stores in India by 2026, Plans to Launch Own Delivery Service

Business

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SnackTeam

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December 31, 2025

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American pizza major Papa Johns is stepping up its India play, setting an ambitious target of 30 outlets by the end of 2026 while preparing to roll out its own delivery service in the coming months. The move marks a shift from its current dine-in and takeaway-only model as the brand looks to tap into India’s delivery-heavy pizza market.

The world’s third-largest pizza chain entered India just over two months ago under master franchisee PJP Foods India, a joint venture between PJP Investments Group and Ambrosia QSR. Bengaluru was chosen as the launch city, with four restaurants currently operational across high-street locations. The company plans to add four more outlets in the city shortly, taking the total to eight before accelerating expansion next year.

Founded in 1984 in the US, Papa Johns today operates over 5,000 restaurants across 45 countries. In India, the brand is positioning itself slightly above the mass market, banking on premium ingredients, larger dine-in formats and a menu adapted to local tastes. While global favourites remain a core offering, nearly a third of the Indian menu features India-specific flavours such as makhani sauce, mint drizzle and paneer-based pizzas.

Quality control has been a key focus ahead of scale-up. Papa Johns operates a 14,000 sq ft central facility in Bengaluru where fresh dough is prepared and slow-rested for 72 hours before being supplied to outlets. Ingredients such as mozzarella, flour and toppings are sourced locally after extensive development and testing.

The company plans to validate its business model in Bengaluru before expanding to Chennai and Hyderabad in 2027, followed by Mumbai and other regions. Over the longer term, Papa Johns is aiming to build a network of around 650 restaurants in India over the next decade.

Alongside full-size dine-in outlets, future growth will include smaller delivery and carry-out stores, food court locations and, eventually, cloud kitchens. Delivery operations will begin with an in-house fleet, supported by a proprietary app and website featuring a loyalty programme, as Papa Johns prepares to compete more directly in India’s crowded pizza delivery space.

Blinkit CFO Vipin Kapooria Resigns After 18 Months, Set to Rejoin Flipkart Ahead of IPO

Business

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SnackTeam

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December 31, 2025

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Blinkit’s chief financial officer Vipin Kapooria has stepped down from his role, less than two years after joining the quick commerce firm, according to people familiar with the matter. Kapooria is set to return to Flipkart, where he will take up a senior finance leadership position, marking his third stint at the Walmart-owned ecommerce major.

Kapooria had joined Gurugram-based Blinkit in September 2024 from Flipkart, where he served as vice president of finance. His exit comes at a time when Blinkit, owned by Eternal, is navigating an intensely competitive phase in India’s fast-growing quick commerce sector. The company is locked in a high-stakes battle with rivals including Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, Flipkart Minutes and Amazon Now, as platforms race to expand scale, improve unit economics and secure investor confidence.

For Blinkit, Kapooria’s appointment had been significant. He was the first full-time CFO after the position remained vacant for nearly two years following the departure of Amit Sachdeva in 2022, soon after Zomato acquired the company. Kapooria worked closely with Blinkit founder and CEO Albinder Dhindsa and Eternal CFO Akshant Goyal, particularly during the parent company’s Rs 8,500 crore qualified institutional placement completed last year.

His move back to Flipkart coincides with the ecommerce giant’s preparations for a public listing in 2026. Flipkart is currently completing its redomiciling process, shifting its headquarters from Singapore to India, and has also stepped up its push into ultra-fast deliveries through its Minutes service.

The leadership change reflects the churn at the top as India’s quick commerce market attracts heavy capital and sharp competition. Over the past year, the sector has seen aggressive fundraising, with Swiggy raising Rs 14,500 crore through an IPO and a subsequent QIP, while Zepto has confidentially filed for a proposed Rs 11,000 crore public issue.

Neither Blinkit nor Flipkart commented on the development. Eternal’s shares were trading lower on Tuesday, reflecting broader market caution amid heightened competition in the segment.

New Year Delivery Disruption Fears Drive Brands to Stock Kiranas and Supermarkets

Quick Commerce

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SnackTeam

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December 31, 2025

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As delivery executives across major food delivery and quick commerce platforms prepare for a nationwide walkout on New Year’s Eve, consumer brands and restaurant operators are racing to protect one of the busiest sales days of the year by shifting inventory and reworking last mile plans.

Manufacturers of packaged snacks, beverages, ice creams and confectionery have stepped up supplies to kirana stores, supermarkets and large-format retailers in anticipation of possible delivery disruptions on December 31. Companies including PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Parle, Nestlé and Britannia have increased stock placement in neighbourhood stores, housing societies and modern trade outlets such as DMart and Modern Bazaar, industry executives said. New Year’s Eve consistently ranks among the highest demand periods for impulse consumption, making availability critical.

Delivery partners associated with platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto and Amazon have announced strike action citing concerns over earnings, safety and job security. A similar protest on Christmas Day had already affected deliveries in several cities, prompting brands to prepare for a larger impact during the year end peak. Worker unions estimate that more than 100,000 riders could either stop work or significantly reduce deliveries.

Quick commerce platforms have attempted to limit disruption by offering temporary incentives, with some firms pitching additional earnings and per order bonuses during the holiday window. Despite this, companies are unwilling to rely solely on app based delivery.

Restaurant chains are also activating contingency plans. Several brands are promoting orders through their own apps, while others are tying up with logistics providers that are not part of the strike. According to industry representatives, some restaurants are partnering with third party fleets to ensure continuity, while also pushing dine in offers to capture festive footfall.

Packaged food makers say consumer buying has already picked up since the weekend, as shoppers stock essentials ahead of New Year celebrations. Brands in snacking, confectionery and beverages report high demand across offline retail even before the holiday rush.

The situation highlights the growing dependence of festive consumption on delivery networks and the vulnerability of supply chains during labour disruptions. With demand expected to peak through December 31, brands are betting that strong offline availability will help bridge any last mile gaps.

Dhampur Green Accelerates Growth as Demand for Natural Sweeteners Drives 60% YoY Expansion

Growth

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SnackTeam

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December 30, 2025

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Dhampur Specialty Sugars is scaling up its consumer-facing brand Dhampur Green as rising preference for natural and unrefined sweeteners fuels strong momentum across domestic and international markets. The company has recorded close to 60 percent year-on-year growth over the past few years, driven largely by products such as jaggery, khandsari and unrefined cane sugar, according to company leadership.

Shrey Gupta, Director at Dhampur Specialty Sugars, said demand has strengthened across channels including general trade, modern retail, quick commerce and exports. What was once a negligible channel has become a meaningful contributor, with quick commerce now accounting for around 15 to 20 percent of overall revenue. The company’s sales are currently spread almost evenly between general trade, modern trade and quick commerce, reflecting a diversified go-to-market strategy.

Urban, health-aware consumers seeking cleaner labels and convenience have emerged as the core audience for Dhampur Green. The brand has steadily expanded its presence across major cities and is deepening partnerships with quick commerce platforms to improve visibility and reach. Exports, though still a smaller part of the business, are gaining traction in markets such as the United States, Canada and Australia, supported by growing demand from the Indian diaspora for traditional sweeteners.

The company’s product mix has evolved significantly. While specialty sugars for bakeries and beverages once dominated the portfolio, natural sweeteners now lead growth. Value-added formats including spiced jaggery powders and infused honey blends are seeing increased acceptance. Tier one cities remain the largest contributors, but pilot launches in tier two markets have delivered encouraging results despite premium pricing.

To support expansion, Dhampur Green is reviewing regional distribution and packaging hubs to address logistics challenges linked to its North India-centric manufacturing base. The brand is also entering adjacent pantry categories such as salts and alternative grains, positioning itself around quality, traceability and sourcing rather than price competition. Capacity expansion is being funded through internal accruals, with the company open to evaluating external capital if growth continues at its current pace.

YumYum Launches SNACKiT High-Protein Snacks with Millets and Pulses for Everyday Nutrition

Business

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SnackTeam

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December 30, 2025

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India’s packaged snack market continues to see a steady shift toward nutrition-led products as consumer preferences evolve beyond indulgence. Riding this trend, YumYum has expanded its portfolio with the launch of SNACKiT, a protein-rich snack positioned for everyday consumption rather than niche fitness use.

The brand has been introduced by SKB Food Products Private Limited, with Director Naman S Gupta stating that the objective is to make protein intake more accessible to a wider audience. Each pack of SNACKiT delivers 18.8 grams of protein, targeting consumers seeking convenient nutrition during workdays, travel, or between meals.

Unlike traditional protein snacks that rely heavily on dairy or soy, SNACKiT draws its formulation from millets, pulses, and seeds, aligning with the growing demand for plant-forward and grain-based nutrition. The product is also free from palm oil, a factor increasingly influencing purchase decisions among urban consumers.

Beyond protein, the snack is designed to provide high dietary fibre, aimed at promoting satiety and sustained energy release. Industry analysts note that fibre-enriched snacks are gaining traction as consumers become more aware of blood sugar management and digestive health.

Taste remains a key differentiator in the crowded snack segment. SNACKiT has been launched with flavours tailored to Indian palates, including Indian Tadka, Millet Hot and Sweet Chilli, and Millet Hing Jeera. These variants reflect a broader industry move toward regional and familiar flavour profiles rather than globalised tastes.

The launch comes at a time when India’s better-for-you snacks category is witnessing strong growth, driven by rising health awareness, busier lifestyles, and increased experimentation with functional foods. According to industry estimates, the protein snack segment is expected to grow at a double-digit rate over the next few years.

With SNACKiT, YumYum is positioning itself within this expanding space by combining nutrition, clean-label ingredients, and mass-market appeal. The company aims to tap into consumers looking for practical energy solutions that fit seamlessly into daily routines, without compromising on taste.

Radico Khaitan Focuses on Premiumisation to Fuel Growth in India’s Spirits Market

Growth

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SnackTeam

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December 30, 2025

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India’s spirits market is entering a new phase of growth, led by a decisive shift toward premium and high-value products, with companies like Radico Khaitan sharpening their focus on consumers willing to trade up. Industry executives say rising aspirations, expanding disposable incomes and changing consumption habits beyond metro cities are reshaping demand patterns across the country.

Radico Khaitan, which owns brands such as 8PM whisky, Rampur Indian Single Malt, Magic Moments vodka and Jaisalmer gin, is increasingly concentrating on the prestige and above category, a segment that already accounts for a significant share of its revenues by value. According to the company, this premium portfolio now contributes close to two thirds of overall sales, underlining how higher priced products are becoming central to growth strategies in the spirits sector.

Management believes the strongest momentum is emerging from tier two cities, where younger consumers are showing greater willingness to experiment with global styles, craft offerings and better quality spirits. This trend is not limited to urban elites. Improved retail access, wider brand awareness and aspirational lifestyles are steadily pushing premium consumption deeper into smaller markets.

Radico Khaitan expects its prestige and above portfolio to grow at a healthy pace over the next few years, driven by both volume expansion and improved pricing. The company has also identified the super premium category as a key profit driver, an area where it had limited presence earlier but now sees substantial headroom for expansion. New launches and brand building investments are aimed at capturing a larger share of this high margin segment.

Industry analysts note that premiumisation is becoming one of the most reliable growth levers in India’s otherwise tightly regulated alcohol market. While overall volume growth remains moderate, value growth is accelerating as consumers shift to more expensive brands. For companies with strong portfolios and distribution reach, this shift offers an opportunity to improve margins and generate operating leverage as scale increases.

With consumer demand expected to remain resilient and aspirations continuing to rise, premium spirits are likely to play a defining role in shaping the next phase of India’s alcohol industry.

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