In India, Kongsi Tea Bar has already opened its first ten outlets in Bangalore this year. The brand plans to launch its upcoming outlets through the franchise model. Kongsi Tea Bar ensures that each drink reflects the rich heritage of Asian tea culture, with a focus on using real Thai tea leaves and traditional ingredients.
Commenting on their expansion, Deepak Pulipati, Co-Founder & CEO said, “In India, it’s a new concept of Thai bubble tea and its premium brand. The presentation and the packaging are important. The beverage menus are same as we have in abroad and we haven’t Indianized the beverage menu.”
Kongsi Tea Bar is backed by the Pulipati group, a well-known conglomerate with a successful track record in various industries. The brand plans to launch 100 outlets by the end of next year, targeting airports as one of the launch locations. The target audience is Gen-Z and millennials.
Deepak Pulipati added, “The target audience is Gen-Z and millennial both. Moving further, we want to explore more in target audience.” Kongsi Tea Bar also serves a variety of desserts, including mocha, bao buns, dimsums, and more.
Blue Tribe Foods features Anushka-Virat in launch video of plant-based chicken nuggets
Blue Tribe Foods has introduced a new range of plant-based chicken nuggets, redefining sustainable snacking. The brand has launched a campaign featuring Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli to promote the product.
Hormone-free, 100% animal-free chicken nuggets
Thanks to a breakthrough high-moisture cooking process, these nuggets boast a remarkably meaty texture, making them almost indistinguishable from traditional chicken nuggets. Not only do these nuggets enhance taste, but they also increase the protein content by 50% compared to the previous batch, offering a nutritional profile comparable to traditional chicken nuggets. They also pack more than 4x the protein of regular veg nuggets. The nuggets come with a range of health benefits, including being protein-rich, zero cholesterol, hormone-free, and 100% animal-free.
Movement toward a better, conscious world – Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma, who has partnered with Blue Tribe to promote the product, said, “Blue Tribe is leading a quiet revolution, and these nuggets are the future of food which can be both indulgent and healthy. As someone who cares deeply about making mindful choices, I am happy that these nuggets are a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets purpose. It’s not just food—it’s a movement toward a better, more conscious world.”
Virat Kohli, who has also partnered with Blue Tribe, said, “The journey to better eating doesn’t have to be boring, and Blue Tribe has nailed that balance. These nuggets are more than just a snack—they’re a statement that taste and sustainability can go hand in hand. It’s exciting to see how Blue Tribe is making plant-based eating mainstream in such an authentic and delicious way.”
Swiggy’s 10-minute food delivery service now available in 400 tier II-III cities
Swiggy, a leading food delivery platform, has announced the expansion of its 10-minute food delivery service, Bolt, to over 400 cities and towns across India.
Swiggy launches bolt services in October
Initially launched in major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, Bolt is now available in Tier I, II, and III cities, including Jaipur, Lucknow, and Roorkee.
“Bolt is changing the way customers are experiencing food… With all the customer love we’ve received so far and the growing excitement from both national and local restaurants, expanding Bolt was an easy decision. We’re thrilled to bring this experience to even more cities and homes,” said Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy’s Food Marketplace.
Swiggy partners with 40,000 restaurants
Further, Swiggy has partnered with over 40,000 restaurants, offering a range of more than 10 lakh menu items. The Bolt service aims to deliver freshly prepared food, including snacks, beverages, and breakfast items, within 10 minutes. To ensure efficiency, the delivery radius for Bolt is limited to 2 km, with orders prioritized for delivery executives nearest to the Bolt outlets.
According to Swiggy, Bolt has seen the highest adoption in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, followed by Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. The company has also partnered with popular brands like KFC, McDonald’s, and Starbucks, as well as local establishments.
In Tier II cities, restaurants like Varalakshmi Tiffins in Guntur and Baap of Rolls in Roorkee report that over 10% of their orders are processed through Swiggy Bolt.
Soulflower hair oil overtakes Mamaearth as top-selling brand - Blinkit
Soulflower, India’s first farm-to-face brand, has emerged as a leader in the premium hair oil market, according to a report by Blinkit.
Soulflower’s revenue share surges 33%
The brand holds an impressive 33% revenue share in the segment, surpassing Hamdard and Mamaearth. Soulflower’s dominance in the premium hair oil category, which contributes 16% to Blinkit’s overall revenue, underscores its growing popularity.
“Soulflower has always been at the forefront of innovation and our partnership with Blinkit is a testament to that. As one of the first beauty brands to embrace e-commerce, we’ve become India’s New Tel (oil) for Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha,” said Natasha Tuli, Co-Founder & CEO, Soulflower. “Thanks to Blinkit, we are able to reach a large segment of our customers in just ten minutes. It brought us closer to our consumers and enabled us to solve their hair and skin problems at the soonest possible.”
Soulflower ranks 2nd in visibility on Blinkit
The brand has established a significant foothold in the small-pack segment, competing successfully with global players. Additionally, Soulflower ranks second in organic visibility on Blinkit, trailing only Parachute, which highlights its strong brand recognition and customer trust.
Further, the report highlighted regional demand, with Delhi NCR driving the majority of category revenue, followed by Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Soulflower’s reach and visibility on Blinkit have solidified its position as a trusted choice for premium hair oil consumers. Natasha Tuli further added, “We’re thrilled to see Soulflower emerge as a leader in the premium hair oil segment. Our commitment to using farm-fresh ingredients has resonated with consumers.”
Soulflower offers around 200 different products, such as carrier oils, essential oils, shampoo bars, soaps, masks, aroma oils, diffusers, and potpourri. Founded in 2001, it expanded globally in 2015, starting to sell its products in the US, Dubai, and the UK.
L'Oréal India’s net income plummets to INR 487.46 Cr, revenue surges 12%
L’Oréal India, a subsidiary of the French multinational L’Oréal SA, has reported a slight decrease in profit for the financial year 2023-24.
The company’s net income stood at INR 487.46 crore, down from INR 488.35 crore in the previous fiscal year. However, L’Oréal India saw a significant 12.6% increase in revenue from operations, which reached INR 5,576.47 crore.
Notably, the company’s total income, including other income, rose by 13.83% to INR 5,684.60 crore for the financial year ending March 31, 2024. In the previous fiscal year, the company’s total income was INR 5,000.68 crore, with revenue from operations standing at INR 4,952.55 crore.
Further, the company’s expenses also saw a significant increase, with advertising and promotional expenses growing by 23.7% to INR 1,714.54 crore in FY24. The royalty paid to its French parent company also increased by 16.3% to INR 265.16 crore. The company’s total expenses stood at INR 5,022.87 crore, marking a 16.56% increase from the previous fiscal year.
Revenue from product sales climbed 14% to INR 5,368.52 crore, compared to INR 4,711.96 crore in FY23. The company operates in India with a portfolio of 13 brands, including L’Oréal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline New York, and NYX Professional Makeup, available across mass-market channels.
Tata Starbucks to operate 1,000 cafes by FY2027-28, still under-penetrated - CEO
Tata Consumer Products is betting big on the coffee business in India, with plans to scale up its cafes under the Tata Starbucks joint venture.
According to Sunil D’souza, MD & CEO of Tata Consumer Products, “With Starbucks, we are very clear that the store profitability is not an issue. And as we get to scale, we know that we can generate profits out of it.”
Tata Starbucks, a 50:50 joint venture between Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks Corporation, currently operates 457 stores across 70 cities in India. The company plans to expand its presence to 1,000 cafes by FY2027-28. D’souza stated, “That’s why we had made a very clear statement of intent by saying that we will get 1,000 outlets by FY28… nothing changes there. In the short term, we might moderate the number of outlet openings, but the 1000 target remains there, and we will be focused on that.”
Despite having over 500 outlets, Starbucks is still considered “significantly under-penetrated” in India compared to other countries with similar per capita income. D’souza noted, “It’s still a small market and has a long runway.” Tata Consumer Products also expects growth from its vending business, Tata MyBistro, which offers a variety of coffee, tea, and other drinks to institutional customers.
Tata Starbucks registers 12% revenue jump
Meanwhile, the company’s revenue from operations was up 12% to INR 1,218.06 crore in FY24. However, its loss for the period had widened to INR 79.97 crore from a loss of INR 24.97 in FY’23 due to expansion. D’souza said, “You have got to make sure you are within a particular range, especially on the store profit contribution. The total EBITDA is a different matter, because there are certain other investments and marketing, etc., capital that you will put in, but store profit contribution, that number we watch very very closely because the unit economics have to work when you scale.”
Further, D’souza emphasised the importance of creating efficiencies in operations, which requires a network of five to ten stores in every city. He added, “As we go to tier II & III cities, bar a few exceptions, we are seeing the reception there, and the throughput that we get is almost equal to the metros.” According to D’souza, coffee is a huge opportunity in India, with the country being under-penetrated in coffee consumption. He said, “Coffee is a huge opportunity in India. India is an under-penetrated country in coffee and when you look at global trends, coffee is a faster-growing category than tea.”
The council is organizing a mega textile show, Bharat Tex 2025, in New Delhi and Greater Noida next year. The event will showcase the entire textile value chain, with a focus on handicrafts, apparel machinery, chemicals, and dyes.
“India, with its robust textile and apparel sector, has long been a trusted partner for the UK. In the past year (2023) alone, India’s exports to the UK reached $1.2 billion, securing a 6.14 per cent share of the UK’s textile and apparel market,”said AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri. He added that exports of ready-made garments to the UK during April-October 2024-25 rose by 9.4 per cent.
To attract British participation, the council has organized the Bharat Tex Roadshow in London. Sekhri said that UK brands like Marks & Spencer, Primark, and Burberry already source high-quality products from India. “These are the values that will take centre stage at Bharat Tex 2025, as we highlight India’s advancements in eco-friendly materials, closed-loop manufacturing, and waste management principles that strongly resonate with the UK’s commitment to a sustainable future,” he said.
Bharat Tex 2025 will be held in New Delhi from February 14-17, 2025, and in Greater Noida from February 12-15, 2025. The event aims to promote India’s textile and apparel sector and attract foreign investment. With the UK being a significant market for Indian textiles, the event is expected to provide a platform for Indian companies to showcase their products and connect with British buyers.
Packaged food giants link CEO performance to nutrition goal; Nestle, ITC initiates
India’s largest packaged food companies, including Nestle, ITC, Britannia, PepsiCo, and Danone, are now linking the performance goals of their CEOs and other top executives to nutrition targets.
This move comes amid increasing pressure from shareholders, governments, and consumers to promote healthier eating habits.
FMCG links KPI with nutrition of leader
Companies are now including nutrition as a key performance indicator (KPI) for their leaders, alongside traditional metrics such as revenue growth and profitability. This shift reflects the growing importance of nutrition and wellness in the packaged food industry.
Britannia, for example, is reducing sugar and sodium content in its products, while increasing the whole grain content. This is a critical performance goal for all leaders at the company. Danone and PepsiCo have also included nutrition strategies as a direct responsibility of their leadership, with regular oversight.
Meanwhile, Nestle and ITC have set up dedicated nutrition teams, in addition to making nutrition a key part of their leaders’ performance goals. “This is the need of the hour and the trend has started. Almost all companies will follow this,” said Monica Agrawal, India Lead Board and Chief Executive, Services, at Korn Ferry to ET.
Companies are responding to the growing demand for healthier food options. “Companies, in order to sustain business models, need to stay ahead of the curve, given the focus on wellness and nutrition,” Agrawal added.
Nestle, ITC, Nusli Wadia’s to promote healthier food habits
Notably, Nestle, which makes popular brands such as Maggi noodles and KitKat chocolate, has a dedicated ‘health and wellness’ team to oversee the escalation of nutrition across its portfolio. The company has introduced millets in select variants of Maggi noodles and has launched 14 new variants of infant food Cerelac without refined sugar.
In addition, ITC has also introduced a new brand called Right Shift, which includes cookies, roasted snacks, flour, and oats with millets. The company has a ‘head of nutrition sciences’ to oversee the inclusion of nutrition content across its portfolio.
“Adding nutritional content is crucial now, even for so-called ‘junk foods,’ such as noodles and sugary cookies, with the national foods regulator FSSAI planning to make it mandatory for all companies to declare ingredients prominently on the front of the packs,” said an executive at a packaged foods maker.
Further, Nusli Wadia’s company has removed trans fats from its bakery products, is making Nutrichoice biscuits with 100% whole wheat flour, and has reduced the sugar content in Nutrichoice Digestive by 9%, Milk Bikis by 13%, and Winkin Cow shakes by 16.7%.
Krishna Malladi, a partner at Deloitte, said, “We are increasingly seeing companies have dedicated roles, shared accountabilities towards building insights and strategies that shape new revenue lines targeting wellness and nutrition opportunities.” He added, “We are witnessing two key priorities in performance goals of consumer-centric companies. The first is towards building healthier variants of existing brands. The second, and a more major shift, is accelerated focus towards tapping into the wellness and nutrition market opportunity in India.”
The trend of linking executive performance goals to nutrition targets is not limited to India. A global report by the Access to Nutrition Initiative found that food companies are increasingly assigning formal ownership of their nutrition strategies to a named executive or executive committee. The report cited Danone, General Mills, and PepsiCo as examples of companies that have linked executive remuneration to nutrition goals.
sian cuisine brand MasterChow bags $6.5 Mn in Series A round led by Tangline Venture
MasterChow, a Delhi-NCR-based ready-to-cook Asian cuisine brand, has raised $6.5 million in its Series A funding round.
MasterChow aims to launch product and expansion
The round was led by Singapore-based Tanglin Venture Partners and also saw participation from Peak XV Partners‘ Surge, Anicut Capital, and existing investor WEH Ventures, among others. Meanwhile, the fresh capital will be utilized to launch new products and expand the company’s offline presence.
“MasterChow wants to become a household name with their noodles, sauces and condiments,” one of the sources told INC42. The startup’s annual recurring revenue (ARR) for the ongoing financial year (FY25) is at INR 50 crore.
Established in 2020 by Sidharth Madan and Vidur Kataria, MasterChow offers a range of premium Asian pantry staples like noodles, stir fry sauces, dips, among others. The company recently onboarded renowned chef Ranveer Brar as its brand ambassador.
MasterChow secures $10 Mn
This funding round comes almost a year after MasterChow raised $3.2 million in its Pre-Series A round from Surge and other investors. The company has raised a total funding of about $10 million till date.
In the market, the company competes against FMCG giants like Nestle, Orkla, Nissin, ITC, among others. In the D2C space, it competes against the likes of Yu Foods and Veeba. The development comes on the heels of MasterChow’s competitor Yu Foods raising its Series B funding.
This marks the restaurant’s expansion to the UAE, after successful stints in Delhi and Dubai. Pincode is Kapur’s tribute to India’s diverse flavors, inspired by the nostalgic era of handwritten letters and family recipes passed down through generations.
According to a release, Pincode’s latest chapter in Abu Dhabi is designed to serve the city’s cosmopolitan pulse. Kunal Kapur, founder of Pincode, said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be expanding the Pincode family to the stunning city of Abu Dhabi. The energy and diversity of this city are infectious, and I can’t wait to share our passion for Indian cuisine with the people here.”
With this latest venture, Kapur is pushing the envelope by reimagining traditional recipes, spotlighting ingredient-forward dishes, and reinventing classic fare in fresh, creative avatars that excite all senses. “Here, dining is more than just food—it’s an experience,” said a release.
Pincode is part of True Palate Pvt. Ltd., a leading multi-speciality hospitality conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of brands across India and an expanding international presence. Launched in 2017, True Palate operates in over 8 cities nationwide and is rapidly growing overseas.
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