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Start following Kiara Advani’s simple yet powerful morning ritual for glowing skin

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. 

Kwality Wall’s to Debut on February 16 After HUL Secures Exchange Approvals

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Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has received listing and trading approvals from the BSE and the National Stock Exchange of India for its demerged ice-cream business, clearing the way for Kwality Wall’s (India) to list on the exchanges on February 16.

The approval covers 2,34,95,91,262 equity shares and marks the formal culmination of HUL’s first major portfolio separation in recent years.

The demerger of the ice-cream vertical became effective from December 1, with December 5 fixed as the record date to determine eligible shareholders. Under the scheme, shareholders received one share of Kwality Wall’s for every one share of HUL held as of the record date. With exchange approvals now in place, these shares will begin trading next week, creating India’s first pure-play listed ice-cream company.

The spin-off is part of HUL’s broader strategy to unlock value by separating a capital-intensive and seasonal business from its core FMCG operations. The ice-cream division includes brands such as Cornetto, Magnum, Feast and Creamy Delight and operates one of India’s largest cold-chain networks, with more than two lakh cabinets across the country.

Following the demerger, The Magnum Ice Cream Company will acquire a 61.9% stake in Kwality Wall’s from the Unilever Group, providing the standalone entity with global strategic backing.

Brokerage estimates suggest a potential valuation of ₹50–55 per share, implying around 5x EV/sales. This is lower than HUL’s broader FMCG multiple, reflecting the seasonal nature and relatively lower margins of the ice-cream business. While the recent reduction in GST on ice cream from 18% to 5% is expected to support affordability and volume recovery, the standalone entity faces profitability pressures.

Kwality Wall’s reported an EBITDA margin of 7.1% in FY25, which slipped to breakeven in the first half of FY26. Analysts have indicated that clarity on capital expenditure plans, manufacturing investments and cash position will be key triggers for margin improvement. Peers such as Vadilal and Havmor currently operate at higher margin profiles.

For HUL, the separation sharpens its focus on core categories including home care, personal care, beauty and foods. In Q3FY26, the company reported 2.8% year-on-year revenue growth with underlying volume growth of 4%, while EBITDA margin stood at 23%. Management has reiterated its guidance of maintaining margins in the 22–23% range.

The market debut of Kwality Wall’s will now serve as a test of investor appetite for a standalone ice-cream play, while marking a significant shift in HUL’s portfolio strategy.

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HUL Buys Out OZiva in ₹824 Crore Deal, Exits Wellbeing Nutrition Stake

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Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has acquired the remaining 49% stake in Zywie Ventures, the parent company of plant-based nutrition brand OZiva, for ₹824 crore, taking full ownership of the business.

At the same time, the FMCG major has exited its 19.8% minority stake in Wellbeing Nutrition maker Nutritionalab Private Limited, selling it to USV Private Limited for ₹307 crore.

Completing the OZiva buyout

HUL had first acquired a 51% stake in OZiva in December 2022 for ₹264 crore, with a pre-agreed roadmap to purchase the remaining stake after three years. The latest transaction completes that plan, giving HUL full control of the fast-growing health and wellness brand.

Since the initial acquisition, OZiva has scaled rapidly, reaching approximately ₹480 crore in revenue in 2025, delivering a 130% CAGR over the past two years, according to the company. HUL said growth was driven by portfolio expansion and synergies unlocked through its distribution and ecosystem capabilities.

Priya Nair, CEO and Managing Director of HUL, said the move reflects the company’s strategy of making “fewer, bigger bets” in high-growth categories. “By taking full ownership of OZiva, we are doubling down on this exciting space to unlock the next phase of growth,” she said, adding that HUL intends to leverage its strengths in science, distribution and market development to scale purpose-led brands.

Exit from Wellbeing Nutrition

HUL also divested its minority stake in Wellbeing Nutrition, which it had acquired in 2022 for around ₹70 crore. The exit aligns with the company’s sharper portfolio focus within the health and wellness segment.

The deal underscores HUL’s intent to consolidate its presence in high-growth consumer categories while rationalising smaller investments.

Health and wellness push

HUL formally entered the health and wellness category in 2023, positioning it as a long-term growth engine. The full acquisition of OZiva signals increased confidence in the segment, which has seen rising consumer demand for plant-based, clean-label and performance-driven nutrition products.

Broader business update

Separately, HUL reported that total sales rose 4% to ₹15,614 crore in the December quarter, while net profit declined 15% to ₹2,590 crore. The company said demand trends showed early signs of recovery, supported by policy measures.

HUL also announced organisational changes under its ‘Unified India’ strategy. Business unit heads will now report directly to the CEO to improve agility and speed, with each unit having a dedicated chief marketing officer. Additionally, Unilever will establish a unified India R&D organisation aimed at accelerating innovation and execution.

With full ownership of OZiva and a streamlined portfolio approach, HUL is positioning itself for deeper play in India’s expanding health and wellness market.

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Nykaa Takes Over Kiehl’s India Ops in Exclusive L’Oréal Luxe Deal

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Beauty retailer Nykaa has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with the L’Oréal Luxe division in India to take over the end-to-end operations of premium skincare brand Kiehl’s in the country.

The move deepens Nykaa’s decade-long partnership with L’Oréal and marks a strategic expansion of its role — from retail partner to full-scale distribution and operations manager for the brand in India.

Under the agreement, Nykaa will oversee Kiehl’s entire India business, including its existing and upcoming exclusive brand outlets, the direct-to-consumer website (Kiehls.in), digital platforms, and multi-brand retail distribution. The brand will also be integrated across Nykaa’s omnichannel ecosystem, spanning its online marketplace and physical retail network.

The transition is not expected to disrupt current operations. Kiehl’s standalone stores and consumer touchpoints will continue to function as usual during the handover.

Kiehl’s operates in the premium skincare segment, known for science-led formulations and dermatologist-backed positioning. With the new structure, the brand is expected to leverage Nykaa’s customer base, logistics infrastructure, and faster delivery capabilities in select cities.

The partnership comes at a time when India’s beauty and personal care market is witnessing accelerated growth, particularly in the luxury and high-performance skincare categories.

L’Oréal Luxe India’s portfolio includes global beauty brands such as Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent and Kiehl’s. Executives from both companies said the agreement aims to strengthen their collaboration and scale Kiehl’s footprint in India’s expanding luxury beauty market.

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Nykaa Takes Over Kiehl’s India Ops in Exclusive L’Oréal Luxe Deal

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Nykaa Takes Over Kiehl’s India Ops in Exclusive L’Oréal Luxe Deal
Nykaa Takes Over Kiehl’s India Ops in Exclusive L’Oréal Luxe Deal

Beauty retailer Nykaa has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with the L’Oréal Luxe division in India to take over the end-to-end operations of premium skincare brand Kiehl’s in the country.

The move deepens Nykaa’s decade-long partnership with L’Oréal and marks a strategic expansion of its role — from retail partner to full-scale distribution and operations manager for the brand in India.

Under the agreement, Nykaa will oversee Kiehl’s entire India business, including its existing and upcoming exclusive brand outlets, the direct-to-consumer website (Kiehls.in), digital platforms, and multi-brand retail distribution. The brand will also be integrated across Nykaa’s omnichannel ecosystem, spanning its online marketplace and physical retail network.

The transition is not expected to disrupt current operations. Kiehl’s standalone stores and consumer touchpoints will continue to function as usual during the handover.

Kiehl’s operates in the premium skincare segment, known for science-led formulations and dermatologist-backed positioning. With the new structure, the brand is expected to leverage Nykaa’s customer base, logistics infrastructure, and faster delivery capabilities in select cities.

The partnership comes at a time when India’s beauty and personal care market is witnessing accelerated growth, particularly in the luxury and high-performance skincare categories.

L’Oréal Luxe India’s portfolio includes global beauty brands such as Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent and Kiehl’s. Executives from both companies said the agreement aims to strengthen their collaboration and scale Kiehl’s footprint in India’s expanding luxury beauty market.

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Duty-Free Boost for Indian Garments Using US Cotton Under Interim Trade Pact

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Duty-Free Boost for Indian Garments Using US Cotton Under Interim Trade Pact
Duty-Free Boost for Indian Garments Using US Cotton Under Interim Trade Pact

India will receive concessional duty access for garments made using American yarn and cotton under the proposed interim trade agreement with the United States, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

The benefit will mirror the arrangement currently available to Bangladesh, allowing Indian garment manufacturers to import US-origin raw materials, process them domestically, and re-export finished products to the US at concessional or zero duty.

“Whatever Bangladesh has got, India will also get in the final agreement,” Goyal said on the sidelines of a startup event, adding that the framework for the first phase of the India-US bilateral trade agreement has been finalised and is expected to be implemented in March.

No quota on cotton imports

Under the proposed arrangement, there will be no quota on the import of US cotton and yarn for re-export-linked manufacturing. Indian companies using American raw materials to produce garments for shipment back to the US will receive duty-free access, similar to the US-Bangladesh reciprocal trade pact.

The US-Bangladesh agreement allows tariff-free exports of apparel and textiles to America if manufacturers use US-produced cotton or man-made fibre inputs. Washington also lowered reciprocal tariffs on Bangladesh to 19% from 20%, narrowing the tariff gap between India and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest garment exporter, is one of India’s key competitors in the US textile and apparel market, alongside China and Vietnam.

‘No impact on Indian farmers’

Goyal emphasised that the proposed provisions would not adversely affect Indian cotton farmers. He noted that the US has limited cotton production and exports about $5 billion worth annually, while India’s cotton export target stands at $50 billion.

“Only those items that India already imports and which will not hurt farmers in any way have been opened in a calibrated manner,” the minister said. He added that 90–95% of agricultural produce remains outside the scope of the US trade deal.

Products such as dairy, poultry, rice, wheat, soybean, maize, fruits, vegetables, ethanol, tobacco, meat, pulses and millets are not part of the agreement, he said.

According to Goyal, the trade pact will help expand India’s exports not just to the US but also to other developed markets including the EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway and Australia. “The ₹5 lakh crore we export today can grow to ₹10 lakh crore,” he said.

Broader trade push

Goyal also said India’s trade agreements now cover nearly 70% of global GDP and that recently signed free trade agreements are opening developed markets to Indian industries, including medical devices, at concessional duties.

He urged industry stakeholders to provide suggestions on enabling startup founders to retain greater equity ownership and called for expanded infrastructure for sectors such as medical technology and data centres.

On clean energy and digital infrastructure, the minister said India is positioning itself as a competitive destination with round-the-clock renewable power availability, aiming to strengthen its standing in global supply chains.

The interim trade agreement with the US is expected to provide further clarity once finalised, with detailed provisions to be reflected in the fine print.

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Jaipur McDonald’s Outlet Pulled Up Over Rotten Tomatoes, Reused Oil

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Food safety authorities in Jaipur have issued a formal warning to a local outlet of McDonald’s after an inspection revealed the use of cooking oil deemed unfit for consumption and the presence of rotten tomatoes in storage.

The inspection was carried out earlier this week in Jaipur, Rajasthan. According to government food safety officer Sushil Chotwani, officials found approximately 40 litres of cooking oil that had been repeatedly used and classified as unsuitable for consumption under food safety norms. Samples of the oil were collected and sent for further testing.

Inspectors also found spoiled tomatoes stored at the outlet, raising additional compliance concerns. The violations prompted authorities to issue a warning notice to the restaurant.

The outlet has been given 14 days to rectify its practices, failing which stricter regulatory action may follow. Officials have also indicated that additional inspections of other McDonald’s outlets in Jaipur will be conducted as part of a broader review.

In response, Connaught Plaza Restaurants, the franchisee operating McDonald’s outlets in North and East India, said it is cooperating with authorities and adheres to the brand’s global quality and food safety standards. The parent company did not immediately respond to queries.

While food adulteration and safety violations are periodically reported across India, lapses involving large multinational restaurant chains remain relatively uncommon. The development has once again brought food safety standards at high-profile outlets into focus.

McDonald’s operates hundreds of outlets across India and remains one of the country’s most recognised quick-service restaurant brands.

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Jaipur McDonald’s Outlet Pulled Up Over Rotten Tomatoes, Reused Oil

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Jaipur McDonald’s Outlet Pulled Up Over Rotten Tomatoes, Reused Oil
Jaipur McDonald’s Outlet Pulled Up Over Rotten Tomatoes, Reused Oil

Food safety authorities in Jaipur have issued a formal warning to a local outlet of McDonald’s after an inspection revealed the use of cooking oil deemed unfit for consumption and the presence of rotten tomatoes in storage.

The inspection was carried out earlier this week in Jaipur, Rajasthan. According to government food safety officer Sushil Chotwani, officials found approximately 40 litres of cooking oil that had been repeatedly used and classified as unsuitable for consumption under food safety norms. Samples of the oil were collected and sent for further testing.

Inspectors also found spoiled tomatoes stored at the outlet, raising additional compliance concerns. The violations prompted authorities to issue a warning notice to the restaurant.

The outlet has been given 14 days to rectify its practices, failing which stricter regulatory action may follow. Officials have also indicated that additional inspections of other McDonald’s outlets in Jaipur will be conducted as part of a broader review.

In response, Connaught Plaza Restaurants, the franchisee operating McDonald’s outlets in North and East India, said it is cooperating with authorities and adheres to the brand’s global quality and food safety standards. The parent company did not immediately respond to queries.

While food adulteration and safety violations are periodically reported across India, lapses involving large multinational restaurant chains remain relatively uncommon. The development has once again brought food safety standards at high-profile outlets into focus.

McDonald’s operates hundreds of outlets across India and remains one of the country’s most recognised quick-service restaurant brands.

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From Cola to Coffee, India Goes Low-Sugar as Health Trends Go Mainstream

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India’s love affair with sugary drinks is cooling — and zero-sugar beverages are stepping into the spotlight.

Sales of zero- and low-sugar drinks climbed to a five-year high in 2025, marking a clear shift from what was once dismissed as an urban health fad to a full-blown mainstream trend. Industry data shows the segment’s share has surged to an average 30% of total beverage sales in 2025, up sharply from just about 5% in 2020.

Leading the charge is Coca-Cola, where zero-sugar variants now account for 30% of total volumes. This includes Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Thums Up X Force (no-sugar), Sprite Zero, Kinley water, and select juice and energy drink options. Diet Coke alone saw its sales double year-on-year. Coca-Cola currently leads India’s ₹60,000 crore-plus soft drinks market.

Rival PepsiCo is witnessing a similar shift. Its no-sugar and mid-sugar portfolio contributed 59% of total volumes in the October–December 2025 quarter, up from 53% a year earlier, according to bottling partner Varun Beverages. The portfolio includes Pepsi Black, 7 Up Zero Sugar, Sting energy drink, Tropicana no-sugar variants, Evervess Soda, and Aquafina water — marking the company’s strongest year-on-year jump in this category.

Executives attribute the surge to rising health awareness, changing consumer behaviour, and stronger participation from Gen Z. Industry insiders say Indian consumers are now paying closer attention to calorie intake and ingredient labels — without giving up flavour or indulgence.

The trend is no longer limited to fizzy drinks. Coffee chains are also responding to evolving preferences. Tata Starbucks introduced sugar-free flavour options across more than 500 stores in January, citing increased demand for customisable sweetness levels. According to company executives, the start of the year — driven by New Year resolutions and lifestyle resets — typically sees heightened interest in lower-calorie choices.

Coca-Cola is pushing affordability as well, expanding sugar-free offerings at accessible price points starting from ₹10. The company is also introducing no-sugar variants under Schweppes and leveraging digital campaigns to promote newer consumption trends, such as blending Diet Coke with espresso.

Industry observers say India’s urban consumers have reached a generational inflection point in wellness trends, with both health consciousness and aesthetic motivations playing a role. The increasing adoption of diabetes and weight-management drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide is also reinforcing dietary shifts.

Investor interest is following consumer behaviour. Direct-to-consumer brands focused on low- or no-sugar positioning — such as Go Zero, Yummy Bee, and Chini Kum — have attracted fresh funding in recent months, signalling growing confidence in the category.

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The Glenwalk Crosses Rs 100 Crore in Nine Months, Rolls Out Five New Scotch Variants, Eyes Rs 200 Crore FY26 Close

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Sanjay Dutt backed Scotch whisky label The Glenwalk has reported net revenue of Rs 100 crore for the April to December 2025 period, marking a sharp rise in scale for the young premium spirits brand. The company is now targeting revenue of Rs 200 crore by March 31, 2026, on the back of higher volumes, wider distribution and an expanded product line-up.

The Glenwalk closed the first nine months of FY26 with sales of about 2.40 lakh cases and has set a full-year volume goal of up to 2.70 lakh cases. The brand recorded its strongest performance in Maharashtra, where it emerged as the top selling Scotch whisky by volume in 2025, according to industry executives. Maharashtra continues to be the largest market for premium whisky in India, making the milestone significant for the brand’s national ambitions.

To fuel its next phase of growth, The Glenwalk is introducing five new variants across peated and smoked profiles. The new launches include two five year aged expressions and two seven year aged expressions, offered at 43 percent and 48 percent alcohol by volume, along with a new 48 percent ABV variant under the core range. The company said the additions are aimed at premium consumers seeking bolder flavour profiles while strengthening shelf presence across retail and on trade outlets.

Founded by Cartel Bros in partnership with Living Liquidz and Mansionz, The Glenwalk has focused on building a Scotch portfolio tailored to Indian taste preferences while maintaining global quality benchmarks. The brand has picked up multiple international awards across 2023 to 2025, including medals at the London Spirits Awards and IWSC, helping boost trade acceptance and consumer recall.

Looking ahead, the company plans to step up production, add distributors in new states and deepen its presence in key urban markets. With demand rising across bars, hotels and retail stores, The Glenwalk is positioning itself to scale faster in FY26 and strengthen its footprint in the premium Scotch whisky segment in India.

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Coca Cola to Phase Out Minute Maid Frozen Juices After Eight Decades as Consumer Demand Shifts

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Coca Cola is set to discontinue Minute Maid’s frozen juice concentrates, bringing down the curtain on a category that has been part of American kitchens for nearly 80 years. The company confirmed that it will exit the frozen can segment in the coming months, with products remaining on store shelves only until existing stocks are exhausted.

The move comes as consumption patterns continue to change, with shoppers favouring ready to drink and fresh juice options over concentrates that require home preparation. Company executives said the decision reflects a sharper focus on formats that align with how consumers buy and consume beverages today.

Minute Maid’s frozen range includes orange, lemonade, pink lemonade, raspberry lemonade and limeade. Once a staple in family freezers, the concentrates lost relevance as refrigeration, cold chain logistics and pasteurisation improved, making chilled and shelf stable juices widely available across retail outlets.

The frozen juice concept dates back to 1946 when Vacuum Foods Corporation introduced concentrates as a way to offer fruit juice year round. The Minute Maid name followed three years later and quickly became associated with convenience at a time when fresh juice was not easily accessible. Coca Cola acquired the brand in 1960 and expanded it into one of its largest juice platforms globally.

While the frozen segment has struggled, the broader juice portfolio remains important for Coca Cola. In its most recent quarterly earnings, the company reported market share gains in juices, supported by demand for zero sugar variants and value added formats.

Industry data underlines the decline of frozen concentrates. Sales in the category dropped close to 8 percent in the 52 weeks ended January 24, according to retail tracking firm NIQ. In contrast, fresh and chilled juice continues to see steadier demand, supported by convenience led buying and a shift toward lower sugar options.

Minute Maid will continue to sell its fresh juices and flavoured drink lines, including alcoholic variants in select markets. For long time consumers, the exit of frozen concentrates marks the end of a familiar ritual. For Coca Cola, it signals a recalibration of its portfolio toward categories showing stronger growth and relevance in modern retail.

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