Magicpin And Rapido Build A New Front To Break The Zomato Swiggy Duopoly In India’s Food Delivery Market

Quick Commerce

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November 24, 2025

magicpin and Rapido have teamed up in a move that directly targets the strong hold of Zomato and Swiggy in India’s food delivery world. The partnership brings together magicpin’s restaurant network and Rapido’s delivery strength through Rapido’s platform called Ownly. People familiar with the development say this combination aims to give restaurants a wider reach and more control.

magicpin has spent years building a deep base of restaurant partners and regular customers. Rapido, on the other hand, has built a large fleet of delivery captains across cities. By linking these two, both companies see a chance to offer restaurants another channel that is not controlled by the big two platforms. Restaurant owners speaking to PTI shared that the idea of a third major option in the market is encouraging, especially at a time when the food delivery ecosystem is maturing.

Shakir Haq, the chief executive of NKP Empire Ventures, which runs the Empire Hotels and Restaurants chain, said that the entry of more players will help create a fairer field for restaurants. He added that magicpin’s long standing presence and experience in the industry can give restaurants a meaningful advantage when combined with Rapido’s growing reach.

Once onboarding is complete, Rapido’s Ownly is expected to gain access to more than eighty thousand restaurants across the country. At the same time, magicpin will be able to use Rapido’s delivery fleet in selected areas. A Rapido spokesperson explained that the company usually brings restaurants on board through its own merchant team. Only a small percentage come through partners like magicpin, but this collaboration opens new possibilities in several cities.

Both companies see this partnership as a chance to offer a dependable and affordable service for merchants while giving customers a smoother overall experience.

Zepto Launches Super Mall and Home Diagnostics Services to Boost Non-Grocery Sales and Customer Order Value

Quick Commerce

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November 22, 2025

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Quick commerce platform Zepto is broadening its service portfolio with the launch of Super Mall, a non-grocery segment designed to drive higher-value purchases, and expanding its pharmacy offerings to include diagnostic services. The move comes amid growing competition in India’s quick commerce sector, where platforms are increasingly focused on raising average order values to strengthen unit economics.

Super Mall, integrated into Zepto’s mobile app, offers customers a wide array of products, including apparel, home appliances, kitchenware, décor, and other lifestyle goods. In addition, a ‘deals store’ features select discounted items across categories, providing an incentive for higher-value transactions. Analysts say such diversification reflects a strategic push by quick commerce firms to enhance cart sizes and generate incremental revenue from non-grocery products. Swiggy’s Instamart had previously experimented with a similar approach through Swiggy Mall, which was later merged into its broader quick commerce platform to span over 35 categories.

On the healthcare front, Zepto has partnered with Orange Health Labs to expand its pharmacy segment to include diagnostic services. Through the app, customers can now book home-based tests, including full-body checkups, complete blood count, blood sugar, thyroid function, and more, with results delivered within six hours. Prices start at Rs 180 for basic tests and go up to Rs 11,999 for comprehensive checkups, factoring in discounts.

This expansion coincides with Zepto’s renewed plans to file draft documents for an initial public offering, targeting $450-500 million in fresh equity along with an offer-for-sale by early investors. The company recently closed a $450 million funding round combining primary and secondary transactions, intending to scale its dark store footprint while increasing order volumes. Zepto’s dual push into high-value consumer products and home diagnostics underlines the platform’s strategy to capture broader consumer spending while solidifying its position in India’s competitive quick commerce market.

Bank Of America Signs David Beckham In Multi Year Deal Worth Millions To Power Its Global Sports Push

A&M

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November 22, 2025

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Bank of America has chosen David Beckham as the new face of its global sports initiative, giving the bank a recognisable personality to lead its growing presence in international sporting events. The multi year agreement places Beckham at the centre of the programme called Sports with Us, which brings together the bank’s involvement in soccer, endurance sports, golf and other large scale athletic gatherings.

For Bank of America, this is more than a simple ambassador deal. The brand is looking to build a closer connection with communities that follow major sports, and Beckham’s long career, wide appeal and credibility in global markets offer exactly that. His influence stretches far beyond football. Over the years, he has built a reputation as someone who can move between sports, lifestyle, business and culture with ease. That makes him a strategic choice for a bank that wants to appear approachable and active in the real world.

The collaboration is expected to include appearances at tournaments, community projects and promotional activities that highlight how the bank supports athletes and fans. The idea is to show that the institution is not just a financial service provider but also a partner in experiences that matter to people. Beckham’s presence adds personality to the initiative and brings attention from audiences who may not otherwise engage with corporate campaigns.

Bank of America’s decision comes at a time when brands are competing for visibility in sports, a sector that continues to attract massive global interest. With Beckham on board, the bank has positioned itself for stronger recognition at major events across countries and age groups. It signals a clear intention to deepen its connection with the sports community while strengthening its global image through a figure who carries trust, charm and international reach.

FSSAI Orders Immediate Removal of Non-Compliant ORS and Misleading Electrolyte Drinks from Indian Retail and Online Stores

Food Safety

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November 22, 2025

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to all state and union territory food safety commissioners, mandating the immediate removal of non-compliant oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and misleading electrolyte drinks from the market. The notice, circulated across regulatory channels, specifically targets beverages labeled as “ORS” or any derivative names, including products marketed as ready-to-drink or with composite terms suggesting rehydration benefits. Retail outlets, e-commerce platforms, and other distribution points have been instructed to comply without delay.

According to the FSSAI order, the action is aimed at protecting consumers from products that make unverified health claims or fail to meet the prescribed standards for electrolytes, hydration, and nutrient content. The regulatory body cited concerns over misleading labeling, which could potentially endanger health, particularly among children, elderly, and individuals with medical conditions requiring regulated electrolyte intake.

Industry sources note that the directive is part of FSSAI’s broader push to tighten compliance across functional beverages and health-oriented drinks, following reports of widespread misuse of the ORS term in the market. Products that do not adhere to the standards outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 are now considered violative, irrespective of whether they are sold offline or online.

Retailers and e-commerce operators have been asked to conduct immediate audits of their inventory, remove any products not meeting the ORS specifications, and submit compliance reports to the respective food safety authorities. Failure to comply could invite penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, including fines, product seizures, or legal action.

The FSSAI’s move underscores the growing regulatory scrutiny over the health and wellness segment in India, which has seen an increase in functional beverages making claims without robust scientific validation. Experts say the initiative is likely to create a clearer, safer marketplace for consumers while reinforcing accountability among manufacturers and distributors in the beverage sector.

BUM Energy to Launch in Target, Walmart and Costco as Growth Accelerates

Beverages

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November 22, 2025

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BUM Energy, one of the fastest-rising names in the functional beverage category, is gearing up for a high-velocity expansion in 2026 after posting more than eight hundred percent year-over-year growth. The brand has strengthened its commercial muscle with several seasoned industry hires, signalling an aggressive push into national retail.

The newly expanded sales team includes senior executives who bring experience from some of the most prominent beverage and wellness companies in the United States. Mark Sherer joins following roles at Congo Brands and Liquid Death. Tyler Larkin comes from Lucky Energy and Liquid Death, while Frank Williams brings tenure from Congo Brands and Coca-Cola. Rounding out the leadership additions is Teyo Branwell, who previously served at RYSE Fuel and REDCON1. Together, the group represents deep operating expertise in scaling distribution, navigating large-format retail, and building youth-centric beverage labels into household names.

The company is now preparing for a major rollout across leading mass-market retailers. BUM Energy is set to launch in Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco in the coming months, giving it access to millions of potential customers and significantly expanding its national footprint. Retail analysts say that the combination of category momentum, strategic talent acquisition, and high-visibility distribution positions the brand for another breakout year.

The beverage was introduced in 2023 by RAW Nutrition, a sports-nutrition company that has gained strong market presence among fitness-focused consumers. Earlier this year, RAW Nutrition was partially acquired by The Quality Group, a move viewed by industry observers as a catalyst that could accelerate BUM Energy’s scale and operational capacity.

As consumer demand for performance beverages continues to climb and younger buyers gravitate toward brands with cultural identity and functional value, BUM Energy appears set to intensify competition in an already crowded shelf. Many retailers are watching closely to see whether the startup can convert its early momentum into long-term market share.

Doctor-Founded Perelel Closes $27M Funding Round to Expand Women’s Wellness Product Line

funding

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November 21, 2025

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Perelel, a women’s health supplement company founded by medical professionals, has raised $27 million in growth funding to accelerate its expansion and product development, the company announced on Thursday. The round was led by Prelude Growth Partners, with existing investors Unilever Ventures, Willow Growth Partners, and Selva Ventures also participating.

Founded by Victoria Thain Gioia, Alex Taylor, and Dr. Banafsheh Bayati, Perelel began as a prenatal vitamin brand and has since evolved into a broader women’s health platform. The company’s portfolio now spans supplements designed to support various stages of a woman’s life, including fertility, pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and general wellness.

The fresh capital will be deployed to scale product research, expand distribution, and enhance digital engagement with consumers. Perelel emphasizes evidence-based formulations backed by clinical research, positioning the brand in the growing segment of scientifically validated women’s nutrition.

Victoria Thain Gioia, co-founder, said, “This funding marks a key milestone in Perelel’s evolution. Our mission has always been to provide women with supplements that are rooted in science, transparent, and tailored to their unique needs. With the support of our investors, we are well-positioned to expand our reach and accelerate our innovation pipeline.”

Dr. Banafsheh Bayati added that the company will continue investing in clinical trials and product innovation to ensure that each supplement delivers measurable health benefits.

The women’s supplement market has been growing steadily, driven by rising health awareness, increased disposable income, and a shift toward preventive healthcare. Industry analysts estimate that the global women’s health supplement market could reach over $70 billion by 2030, with demand for evidence-backed, high-quality products leading the growth.

With its new funding, Perelel aims to solidify its position as a leading research-backed supplement brand while expanding beyond its initial prenatal focus into a comprehensive women’s health platform.

Non-Alcoholic Spirits Market Growth: Aplós Raises $5M to Scale Distribution

Beverages

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November 21, 2025

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Aplós, a US-based non-alcoholic spirits brand, has raised $5 million in fresh funding from undisclosed investors, signaling continued investor interest in the growing non-alcoholic beverage sector. The capital infusion is expected to support expansion into additional retail and hospitality channels and further strengthen the brand’s footprint in premium and experiential settings.

Founded by Emily Onkey and David Fudge, Aplós has rapidly gained traction since its launch, positioning itself as a leading player in the non-alcoholic spirits category. Over the past year, the company added approximately 2,000 new retail doors across the United States, while securing placement in high-profile hospitality venues including COTE, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Atelier Crenn, and Soho House. These partnerships reflect the brand’s focus on premium positioning and its alignment with fine dining and luxury lifestyle experiences.

The non-alcoholic spirits market has seen growing investor interest in recent years, driven by shifting consumer preferences toward wellness, moderation, and functional beverages. Analysts note that categories such as non-alcoholic wine, spirits, and cocktails have experienced double-digit growth in major markets, with premiumization emerging as a key trend. Aplós’ recent funding round positions the company to capitalize on this growth, enabling further product innovation and geographic expansion.

Emily Onkey, co-founder of Aplós, said the funding would allow the brand to accelerate its mission of offering sophisticated, zero-alcohol alternatives that cater to consumers seeking elevated drinking experiences without compromising on flavor.

With the non-alcoholic beverage category attracting significant capital from both venture funds and strategic investors, Aplós’ latest round reflects a broader trend of premium alcohol alternatives moving from niche experimentation to mainstream adoption, particularly in fine dining, lifestyle hospitality, and curated retail environments.

BigBasket Gets Rs 200 Crore Debt Injection from DBS Bank to Boost Quick Grocery Infrastructure

Quick Commerce

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November 21, 2025

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BigBasket, India’s leading online grocery platform, has raised Rs 200 crore in debt from Singapore-based DBS Bank, according to a recent filing with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The funds are earmarked for the expansion and upkeep of dark stores and for general corporate purposes, signaling the company’s intent to strengthen its quick-commerce infrastructure.

The company’s board has approved the issuance of 20,000 non-convertible debentures, each valued at Rs 1 lakh, with an 18-month tenure offering an annual interest rate of 8.2 percent. The move comes amid heightened competition in India’s rapid grocery delivery sector, dominated by Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, which together control roughly 80 to 85 percent of the market.

BigBasket, which pivoted from traditional slotted deliveries to a 10-minute delivery model through its BB Now service, has been actively exploring fresh funding options to maintain its operational edge. In FY25, the company’s B2C revenue fell marginally by 3 percent to Rs 7,673 crore, while losses surged to Rs 1,851 crore from Rs 1,267 crore the previous year.

The Tata Group, which acquired a majority stake in BigBasket in 2021 by buying out Alibaba’s holding, continues to oversee the platform, holding more than 65 percent. Other investors include Mirae Asset Venture and the UK’s CDC Group, now British International Investment. Reports indicate that BigBasket’s founders are gradually transitioning from day-to-day operations to mentorship roles, aligning with Tata’s long-term strategy for the platform.

Industry analysts note that while BigBasket faces stiff competition from well-funded quick-commerce rivals, investments in dark stores and infrastructure could enhance delivery efficiency and customer reach. Last month, Zepto secured $450 million in a mix of primary and secondary funding, highlighting the ongoing capital inflows in India’s fast-evolving instant grocery delivery market.

Marmite, Colman’s, Bovril Could Be Sold as Unilever Pushes Premium Personal Care Strategy

Food

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November 21, 2025

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Unilever is exploring the sale of several iconic British food brands, including Marmite, Colman’s, and Bovril, as part of a broader strategy to focus on higher-margin beauty and wellbeing products. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the move is aimed at streamlining the company’s portfolio and accelerating its turnaround under new CEO Fernando Fernandez, who took charge in February. Pot Noodle, another historic British brand, is expected to remain with Unilever.

The potential divestment would mark one of Unilever’s most significant sales under Fernandez’s leadership. The package, which includes Marmite’s century-old yeast-based spread, Colman’s mustard, and Bovril beef extract, generates estimated revenues of around £200 million ($261 million). The brands have been part of Unilever’s portfolio for more than two decades, with production consolidated at Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, after Colman’s manufacturing moved from Norwich in 2020.

This shift aligns with industry trends, as global consumer goods giants such as Nestle and Kraft Heinz have been actively reviewing non-core assets. Nestle, for instance, is selling its water business and evaluating underperforming vitamin brands, while Kraft Heinz has been restructuring its food portfolio.

Unilever’s focus is increasingly on marketing its top-performing “power brands,” including Dove, Axe, and Hellmann’s, where margins and growth potential are higher. The company has already divested The Vegetarian Butcher to Netherlands-based Vivera and personal care brand Kate Somerville to Rare Beauty Brands earlier this year. Analysts say the sale of Marmite, Colman’s, and Bovril would be consistent with Unilever’s ongoing effort to prioritize premium, high-growth segments over traditional mass-market food products.

The potential deal comes as global food brands navigate inflationary pressures, supply chain challenges, and evolving consumer preferences. With an estimated $1 billion to $1.5 billion worth of European non-core food brands under review, Unilever’s strategy underscores its pivot toward sectors with higher profitability and growth prospects, while maintaining its focus on global brand recognition and premiumization.

Zomato Prepares Landmark Agreement That Could Return Customer Ownership To Restaurants And Shake Up India’s Food Delivery Power Balance

Quick Commerce

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November 21, 2025

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Zomato is preparing to make one of its most talked about changes in recent years. The company is close to reaching an agreement with the National Restaurants Association of India that will allow restaurants to finally access customer information that has long been held tightly by food delivery platforms. This move has been requested for almost a decade and has often been the centre of heated conversations between restaurant owners and platform leaders.

The idea behind the shift is simple. Restaurants want to know who their customers are, what they order, how frequently they return and how they can build a direct relationship with them. For years they have argued that the delivery platforms have enjoyed an unfair advantage by keeping this information completely in house. According to the association president Sagar Daryani, the talks with Zomato have reached an advanced stage and both sides are willing to find common ground.

The association has also begun early conversations with Swiggy. Although these talks are still at a starting point, many restaurant owners believe that if Zomato opens the door, Swiggy will not want to be left behind. The restaurant community expects that this shift could reshape how loyalty, marketing and customer retention work within the food delivery market in India.

If the agreement comes through, it may encourage many restaurant brands to rethink how they engage customers. Some industry watchers believe it could even reduce the tension that has existed between restaurants and delivery platforms. For customers, the change may lead to better personal communication from their favourite eateries, more relevant offers and a smoother experience.

While the exact structure of data sharing has not been finalised, the willingness to move forward is being seen as a major step toward a healthier relationship between the two sides.

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