Iconic Fashion eyes Rs 1,100 crore revenue by FY28; rolls out Rs 150 crore expansion to capture India’s next 100 cities

Growth

November 13, 2025

Iconic Fashion India, a leading player in the premium apparel and lifestyle retail segment, has unveiled ambitious growth plans, setting a target of Rs 1,100 crore in revenue over the next three years. To fuel this expansion, the company has announced a capital expenditure plan of Rs 150 crore aimed at expanding its presence beyond metro cities.

The brand intends to increase its retail footprint by adding nearly 10 lakh sq. ft. of space across tier-1 and tier-2 cities, underscoring its focus on capturing India’s rapidly growing aspirational consumer base. Iconic Fashion, known for housing top global and Indian fashion labels, plans to strengthen its multi-brand outlets and exclusive stores network as part of this strategy.

In addition to geographical expansion, the company is diversifying its product portfolio to include new categories such as luggage, designer wear, and watches. This move is expected to contribute significantly to its revenue mix over the next two years.

Enhanced in-store experiences, omnichannel retail integration, and deeper digital engagement will form the backbone of Iconic’s strategy going forward. The company aims to leverage data-driven insights and technology to improve customer experience both online and offline.

As competition intensifies in India’s premium retail space, Iconic Fashion’s aggressive growth push signals confidence in the rising demand for high-end fashion and lifestyle products outside traditional metro markets. The brand’s focus on diversification and innovation is poised to make it a formidable player in the Rs 5 lakh crore Indian fashion retail market.

Patanjali’s ‘Dhoka’ Chyawanprash Campaign Blocked by Delhi High Court Over Misleading Content

Business

SnackTeam

November 12, 2025

The Delhi High Court has restrained Patanjali Ayurved from running its recent chyawanprash advertisement, calling it misleading and disparaging to other brands in the category. The ruling came after Dabur India filed a plea alleging that the commercial harmed the reputation of all other chyawanprash manufacturers.

The 25-second advertisement, titled “51 Herbs. 1 Truth. Patanjali Chyawanprash!”, showed a mother feeding chyawanprash to her child as yoga guru Ramdev declared that “most people are fooled in the name of chyawanprash.” The court said the ad falsely implied that only Patanjali’s product was genuine while all others were deceptive, a message that misled consumers and damaged competitors.

Justice Tejas Karia, delivering the interim order, said, “To convey that only Patanjali’s product is genuine and others are deceptive is incorrect and disparages the entire class of chyawanprash.” He added that any manufacturer following statutory and ayurvedic guidelines “cannot be denigrated as deceptive.”

The court directed Patanjali to remove the advertisement from all television, digital, and print platforms within three days. It observed that featuring Ramdev, a figure of authority in yoga and Ayurveda, amplified the misleading impact on viewers, making them believe that rival chyawanprash products lacked authenticity.

Patanjali argued that the commercial was merely creative expression protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. However, the court rejected the defence, stating that the campaign went “beyond permissible puffery” and amounted to “misleading disparagement.”

The court also noted that stopping the ad would not materially harm Patanjali, as the company remained free to promote its chyawanprash without maligning competitors.

This is not the first time Patanjali’s advertising has faced legal scrutiny. In July, the High Court had similarly ordered the removal of another chyawanprash line that implied rival products were inferior—a decision later upheld by a division bench.

Anveshan’s Smart Supply Chain Revolution: How FilFlo’s AI Cut Losses, Raised Fill Rates to 95%, and Boosted Growth

Growth

SnackTeam

November 12, 2025

Image-of-anveshan — Anveshan’s Smart Supply Chain Revolution: How FilFlo’s AI Cut Losses, Raised Fill Rates to 95%, and Boosted Growth

Six months ago, Anveshan, a fast-growing food brand, faced a supply chain crisis that was eating into its revenues. Despite being a ₹100 crore brand, its fill rates across quick commerce platforms hovered between 75–85%, leading to over ₹1 crore in lost sales every month as customers encountered frequent out-of-stock issues.

Founder and CEO Kuldeep Parewa says the turning point came when the company adopted FilFlo, an AI-powered supply chain management platform built by Shubham Vyas and Navdeep Parewa. Having faced similar operational challenges at Sleepy Owl Coffee and P-TAL, the duo designed FilFlo to eliminate the chaos of manual inventory tracking and Excel-based planning.

Since implementation, Anveshan’s fill rates have jumped to 95%, with quick commerce revenue rising 33% in a single quarter. The company now enjoys live inventory visibility across warehouses, AI-managed replenishment for distribution centers in Mumbai and Bangalore, and a fivefold increase in capacity through third-party warehousing.

“The biggest shift wasn’t the metrics—it was mindset,” Kuldeep shared. “We stopped managing the supply chain. FilFlo started managing it for us.”

The brand also underwent a structural revamp, creating specialized logistics roles and introducing sharper KPI tracking powered by FilFlo.

For consumer brands still managing operations manually, the message is clear. “If you’re doing ₹10 crore-plus and still handling replenishment in Excel, you’re leaving money on the table,” Kuldeep said.

FilFlo now powers supply chains for seven brands, handling over ₹300 crore in monthly GMV—and according to its founders, they’re only just getting started.

Balaji Wafers valued at ₹35,000 crore as General Atlantic closes in on 7% stake purchase

INVESTMENTS

Online Desk

November 11, 2025

Image of balaji — Balaji Wafers valued at ₹35,000 crore as General Atlantic closes in on 7% stake purchase

US-based private equity firm General Atlantic is close to finalizing a ₹2,500 crore investment for a 7% stake in Balaji Wafers, valuing the Gujarat-headquartered snack maker at around ₹35,000 crore. The transaction, once complete, will mark one of the biggest private investments in India’s regional packaged foods space this year.

Balaji Wafers founder and managing director, Chandu Virani, confirmed that talks are in the final leg and that a formal announcement is expected soon. “It’s a done deal from our side,” Virani said, adding that the move is driven by the next generation’s ambition to bring in strategic capital and scale operations nationally.

The investment will give General Atlantic a foothold in India’s fast-growing savory snacks market, where Balaji commands nearly 65% share across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan in categories like chips, namkeen, and bhujia. Despite its stronghold being largely regional, Balaji ranks third in India’s overall salty snack segment, behind Haldiram’s and PepsiCo.

Founded in 1982 by Virani, who started out selling sandwiches and snacks at a Rajkot cinema, Balaji Wafers has built its business on a high-efficiency, low-cost model. The company generated ₹6,500 crore in revenue last fiscal year, with profits nearing ₹1,000 crore. Its lean approach—spending just 4% of revenue on advertising compared to the industry’s 8-12% average—has enabled consistent reinvestment in production and pricing control.

Balaji currently operates four large manufacturing units and plans to double capacity as it eyes broader national expansion.

The deal also highlights surging investor interest in regional consumer brands. Earlier this year, Haldiram’s sold a 10% stake to Temasek, Alpha Wave Global, and Abu Dhabi’s IHC at a valuation of over $10 billion. With evolving consumer preferences and quick-commerce reach, homegrown brands like Balaji are now rewriting the rules of India’s snack market.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s ARTH expands from Australia to India, UK, US and Canada

Food

SnackTeam

November 11, 2025

Celebrated chef and entrepreneur Sanjeev Kapoor is set to unveil his new global packaged foods brand, ARTH, at the upcoming India Food Forum 2025, marking a pivotal moment in India’s culinary industry. The brand, already launched across 440 Coles supermarkets in Australia, is expanding to the United Kingdom this quarter, with simultaneous rollout in India, followed by entries into Canada and the United States.

ARTH aims to showcase authentic Indian ingredients, snacks, staples, and convenient meal solutions that meet international quality standards. The brand represents Kapoor’s broader mission: taking Indian food beyond niche ethnic aisles and placing it firmly in mainstream global retail.

The launch aligns with Kapoor’s long-term vision of transforming Indian culinary heritage into globally recognized consumer brands. Over the past three decades, he has built a food and lifestyle ecosystem spanning consumer goods, cookware, restaurant chains, packaged foods, media ventures, and educational initiatives—collectively generating an estimated Rs 1,300 crore in top-line revenue across owned, licensed, and franchised operations.

Kapoor’s restaurant portfolio, with its blend of comfort and culture, continues to expand across India and international markets through multiple ownership and franchise models. His leadership philosophy, rooted in people-first values, emphasizes learning, consistency, and empowerment across teams and partners.

Beyond business, Kapoor remains deeply involved in nutrition advocacy and social causes. He has been associated with initiatives like Akshaya Patra Foundation, Forum for Autism, and the NutriPathshala program with HarvestPlus Solutions. His efforts during the pandemic, in collaboration with World Central Kitchen and IHCL, supported thousands of frontline workers.

Recently recognized by the World Food Prize Foundation as a Top Agri-Food Pioneer 2025, Kapoor continues to evolve his brand universe—through Wonderchef’s retail scale, Signature’s fine-dining presence, and now ARTH’s global reach—cementing his role as one of India’s most influential voices in the business of food.

Wendy’s to Close Up to 350 U.S. Stores After Sales Dip: Fast-Food Giant Struggles to Keep Up with McDonald’s and Burger King

Food

SnackTeam

November 11, 2025

American fast-food giant Wendy’s has announced plans to shut down a portion of its U.S. outlets following a slump in sales and profitability. The company said it would close a mid-single-digit percentage of its roughly 6,000 domestic restaurants, amounting to about 200 to 350 locations.

The move comes after Wendy’s reported declining same-store sales and lagging profits in its latest quarterly results. According to a CNN report, the closures were disclosed during the company’s November 7 earnings call, where executives cited tough market conditions, rising operational costs, and slowing consumer spending as major challenges.

Wendy’s, known for its square-shaped burgers and Frosty desserts, has been facing intense competition from rivals like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A, all of which have been aggressively expanding their menus and digital offerings. Inflationary pressures and higher input costs have also squeezed margins across the U.S. fast-food industry.

Despite the closures, Wendy’s management emphasized that the company remains committed to long-term growth. It plans to focus on optimizing its restaurant footprint, investing in digital innovation, and strengthening its delivery and drive-thru business, which have become key growth drivers post-pandemic.

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Wendy’s operates over 7,000 restaurants worldwide. The upcoming closures mark one of the brand’s largest restructuring efforts in recent years, signaling a shift in strategy to maintain profitability in a tightening U.S. market.

As consumer spending patterns evolve, the company’s ability to adapt to changing preferences will be critical in determining Wendy’s future in the fiercely competitive fast-food landscape.

Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Lands $60M as Wellness Sector Sees $400M Investment Boom

INVESTMENTS

SnackTeam

November 10, 2025

The health and wellness sector is buzzing with investment activity this week, with startups across supplements, AI health tech, diagnostics, beverages, and fitness raising over $400 million combined.

Bioavailable supplement brand Cymbiotika led the charge, closing a $25 million funding round to expand its premium nutrition offerings. AI-powered health companion Bevel Health followed with $10 million, signaling continued investor confidence in digital wellness solutions.

Meanwhile, Prenetics, the parent company of IM8 Health, secured a massive $48 million to boost its global presence in personalized healthcare. Longevity-focused startup Generation Lab raised $11 million for diagnostic innovations, while Blueprint Longevity, led by tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, topped the longevity category with a $60 million raise.

Functional beverage brand Recess scored $30 million to expand its range of mood-boosting drinks. Graymatter Co., a nootropic drink startup, brought in $1.3 million for its brain-enhancing mix. Even snacks made headlines—Cobs Popcorn, with support from tennis star Novak Djokovic, popped $5 million, and The Fruitist Co. secured a staggering $150 million for healthier snacking innovations.

In the fitness tech space, SweatPals, a social fitness platform, raised $12 million to scale its community-driven model. Lastly, probiotic soda maker Cove Soda landed $15 million, reflecting growing consumer demand for gut-friendly beverages.

From bioavailable supplements to longevity diagnostics and functional drinks, investors are betting big on the future of holistic health. As wellness increasingly blends science, community, and convenience, these fundings mark a new era in the global health economy.

Nykaa delivers 154% YoY profit jump in Q2 FY26 as beauty business drives growth

Growth

SnackTeam

November 10, 2025

FSN E-Commerce Ventures, the parent company of Nykaa, reported a sharp rise in profits for the September quarter, reflecting strong consumer demand across its core beauty and fashion businesses. The company posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 33 crore for Q2 FY26, marking a 154 percent jump compared to the same period last year.

Revenue from operations rose 25 percent year-on-year to Rs 2,346 crore, while overall Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) touched Rs 4,744 crore, up 30 percent. Nykaa’s gross profit climbed 28 percent to Rs 1,054 crore, the highest level in three years, underscoring steady margin improvement. EBITDA grew 53 percent to Rs 159 crore, with margins expanding to 6.8 percent from 5.5 percent in the previous year.

Falguni Nayar, Executive Chairperson, Founder and CEO of Nykaa, said the company’s performance reflected “accelerated growth momentum” across all verticals, supported by strong consumer engagement and a wave of new brand partnerships. The beauty segment, which continues to anchor the business, saw GMV increase 28 percent to Rs 3,551 crore, aided by robust e-commerce growth and expansion of Nykaa’s own brand portfolio. The “House of Nykaa” line recorded a 54 percent jump in GMV.

Nykaa added 19 new stores during the quarter, taking its physical network further across India, while also scaling its rapid-delivery service, Nykaa Now. The company’s cumulative beauty customer base reached 40 million, up 31 percent year-on-year.

The fashion vertical, which had been under pressure in previous quarters, showed signs of revival with GMV growing 37 percent, driven by new listings from brands such as GAP, Guess and H&M.

For the first half of FY26, Nykaa reported revenue of Rs 4,501 crore, up 24 percent year-on-year, and a profit of Rs 57 crore, nearly double the previous year’s figure.

Indian Silk House Agencies Sets Rs 1,000 Crore Target, Plans 400 Stores as Part of Nationwide Expansion Drive

Growth

SnackTeam

November 8, 2025

Kolkata-based ethnic wear brand Indian Silk House Agencies has unveiled ambitious expansion plans, targeting Rs 500 crore in revenue within two years and Rs 1,000 crore in the next five years. The company aims to achieve this growth through a strong focus on offline expansion, opening 400 stores across India, and strengthening its omnichannel presence.

Founded in 1926, Indian Silk House Agencies has built its legacy around premium sarees and ethnic wear that highlight India’s rich textile heritage. Now, the brand is looking to modernize its retail approach while maintaining its traditional identity. The company plans to scale up its footprint across metro cities as well as Tier-II and Tier-III towns to reach a broader customer base.

The aggressive expansion will be supported by investments in technology integration, logistics efficiency, and customer engagement through both online and offline platforms. The brand’s omnichannel model aims to offer seamless experiences across physical stores, its website, and online marketplaces, ensuring accessibility to customers across the country.

As demand for ethnic and fusion wear continues to rise, Indian Silk House Agencies is positioning itself to capture a significant share of the growing Indian apparel market. The company’s focus on quality craftsmanship, coupled with a data-driven retail strategy, is expected to fuel its next phase of growth.

With a century-long heritage and renewed business ambitions, Indian Silk House Agencies is ready to weave its traditional charm into a modern retail success story.

Mukesh Ambani’s Tira Turns Up the Heat: Reliance’s Beauty Arm Debuts in Makeup with Vegan Lip Plumping Tint

Beauty

SnackTeam

November 8, 2025

Image of tira — Mukesh Ambani’s Tira Turns Up the Heat: Reliance’s Beauty Arm Debuts in Makeup with Vegan Lip Plumping Tint

Reliance Retail’s beauty platform, Tira, has taken a major step into the makeup category with the launch of its first colour cosmetic — the Tira Lip Plumping Peptint. This marks the brand’s entry beyond skincare and fragrances into a fast-growing segment of India’s beauty market, dominated by both global and homegrown players.

The Peptint is a vegan and cruelty-free product available in nine shades, catering to a wide range of Indian skin tones. It combines colour and care, offering the dual benefit of a tint and a lip-plumping effect. With this launch, Tira aims to make beauty routines simpler, more inclusive, and experiential for modern Indian consumers who are increasingly drawn to multi-purpose products.

Reliance’s entry into the makeup space through Tira is seen as part of its larger strategy to establish a strong foothold in India’s booming beauty and personal care market, which is projected to touch $30 billion by 2027, according to industry estimates. The move also positions Tira to compete with major brands like Nykaa, Sephora, and Sugar Cosmetics.

Tira, which debuted in 2023 as a beauty e-commerce and retail platform, has been expanding its offline presence through exclusive stores in major metros. The introduction of its own makeup line reflects the brand’s ambition to build a 360-degree beauty ecosystem — from retailing international labels to creating homegrown innovations.

With the launch of the Peptint, Tira is signalling its intent to become a serious player in the colour cosmetics space, appealing to India’s fast-evolving, young, and conscious beauty consumers.

1...232425...1,377 Page 24 of 1,377

NewsHub