Ahmedabad-based ice-cream startup Hocco has raised Rs 115 crore in the second tranche of its Series B funding, pushing its valuation to nearly Rs 2,000 crore. The round was led by Sauce VC, just four months after the company mobilised around Rs 85 crore in the first tranche.
The fresh capital will be channelled into working capital, expansion of manufacturing capacity, and strengthening distribution infrastructure. Hocco is setting up a new plant in Sonipat while simultaneously doubling production at its existing Gujarat facility. Together, the two plants will reach a combined daily capacity of five lakh litres. The company also plans to deploy hundreds of freezers across retail markets to support its widening distribution footprint.
Founded in 2022 by the Chona family, known for its legacy in the ice-cream industry, Hocco has expanded aggressively across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab and Chhattisgarh. The brand completed FY25 with revenues of Rs 220 crore and is on track to surpass Rs 500 crore this fiscal, more than doubling its top line within a year. For the first half of FY26, the company is already expected to cross Rs 300 crore in revenue.
Founder and Managing Director Ankit Chona said the surge in valuation was driven by stronger-than-expected summer sales. “We had committed to Rs 400 crore of revenue this year but are now on track to exceed Rs 500 crore. Based on the current momentum, next year could see us cross Rs 700 crore,” he noted.
Currently, nearly 80 percent of Hocco’s sales come from general trade, with 15 percent contributed by quick commerce platforms. The company expects digital commerce to account for about a quarter of its revenues in the coming years.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out a dedicated licensing and registration system for Ayurveda Aahara products on its Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). The move is expected to formalise and regulate India’s Ayurvedic food sector, which has long operated in a grey zone of traditional practice and modern consumer demand.
A key feature of the framework is the creation of a new “Kind of Business” category specifically for Ayurveda Aahara manufacturers. This allows companies to obtain licences directly aligned with Ayurvedic food products, marking the first time such a category has been formally recognised under FSSAI rules.
To ease compliance, the regulator has published a standardised list of 91 Ayurveda Aahara recipes, notified on July 25, 2025. These recipes have been drawn from authoritative Ayurvedic texts and adapted to meet present-day food safety requirements. Officials say the step will give manufacturers clarity and consistency, while ensuring consumers receive products that meet defined safety and quality standards.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, reflecting the government’s push to integrate India’s traditional food heritage with contemporary regulations. Industry watchers believe this could help India position itself as a leading exporter of Ayurveda-based nutritional products.
Companies seeking licences can now apply online through FoSCoS. The application process involves selecting Ayurveda Aahara under the business category, filling in operational details, uploading documents, and paying the prescribed fee.
For businesses, this offers a transparent system that simplifies entry into the Ayurveda Aahara market. For consumers, it ensures regulated and authentic products. For policymakers, it signals a step toward building a global identity for Ayurveda underpinned by safety and compliance.
Cupid Ltd, the Nashik-based healthcare products maker, is betting big on its consumer-facing business this year, with plans to cross the ₹100-crore revenue mark in its fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) vertical and expand retail coverage to 1.8 lakh outlets across India. The announcement was made by Chairman and Managing Director Aditya Kumar Halwasiya during the company’s annual general meeting on Friday.
Halwasiya told shareholders that the company is on track to deliver its strongest quarter ever in Q2 of FY26, citing a mix of fresh product launches, a healthy pipeline of institutional orders, and the scaling of its FMCG division. Cupid, long recognized for its range of contraceptives, is repositioning itself as a broader consumer wellness and health-tech brand, with a focus on preventive care and personal wellness.
In FY25, Cupid reported total income of ₹203 crore, with FMCG contributing just over ₹50 crore. The company now expects the category to double in FY26. “This outlook positions us for record performance while laying the groundwork for sustainable expansion across multiple business lines,” Halwasiya said.
Key launches lined up for the current fiscal include flavored and dotted condoms, mini packs of petroleum jelly, and a premium deodorant range for women. Alongside new products, Cupid is commissioning a modern manufacturing plant, which will serve as a next-generation production hub.
Halwasiya emphasized that growth will be driven by both consumer demand and institutional contracts, ensuring balanced revenues. He added that Cupid’s long-term strategy is to make preventive healthcare and wellness solutions more accessible across markets, while simultaneously pursuing opportunities for international expansion.
With the FMCG business set to double and retail penetration widening significantly, Cupid is preparing to transform its brand perception and broaden its consumer base in FY26.
Two of India’s leading FMCG players, Tata Consumer Products and Godrej Agrovet, have signed investment agreements with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), committing a combined outlay of ₹2,960 crore to expand capacity and strengthen India’s food ecosystem.
Tata Consumer Products has pledged up to ₹2,000 crore over the next five years. While the company has not disclosed specifics of the deployment, the investment is aligned with initiatives under World Food India 2025 and will focus on scaling its packaged food and beverage portfolio. “Once terms and conditions are finalized, the company will make further disclosures,” Tata Consumer said in a statement.
Godrej Agrovet, meanwhile, has earmarked ₹960 crore for new facilities and an upstream research and development center. The projects will focus on its oil palm and pet food businesses, with planned facilities in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Completion is targeted by FY27, with expectations of job creation and skills development in rural and semi-urban regions.
Sunil Kataria, CEO and Managing Director of Godrej Agrovet, emphasized the long-term approach. “By investing in upstream infrastructure and R&D, we aim to create sustainable value across the supply chain while contributing to regional growth,” he said.
The MoU signing, witnessed by Avinash Joshi, Secretary, MoFPI, and Rakesh Swami, Group President, Godrej Industries, comes as India positions itself as a global food processing hub. Joshi praised Godrej Agrovet’s role in the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm and its broader contributions to the agri-economy.
“Driven by supportive policies, India’s food processing sector is witnessing unprecedented investor interest,” said Swami, highlighting the government’s role in boosting confidence and dispelling outdated perceptions around packaged foods.
Allen Career Institute has named Rakesh Ranjan, the former chief of Zomato’s food delivery business, as Chief Executive Officer of Allen Online, its digital-first education arm. The appointment comes soon after Abha Maheshwari, a former Meta executive who had been steering the business since 2023, stepped down earlier this month.
Ranjan brings more than a decade of experience in scaling technology-driven businesses. At Zomato, he led the company’s flagship food delivery division during a crucial phase, driving the push to profitability while maintaining market leadership. He also built Hyperpure, Zomato’s B2B supply chain vertical, into a significant revenue stream within two years. Prior to his time in the food-tech space, he worked with the Boston Consulting Group, advising Indian conglomerates on digital strategy and operational transformation.
Confirming the appointment, Nitin Kukreja, CEO of Allen Career Institute, said Ranjan’s ability to scale consumer internet businesses would strengthen Allen Online’s position as a leader in test preparation. “With his leadership, we will blend Allen’s 37 years of academic excellence with advanced technology to deliver reliable, outcome-driven education at scale,” Kukreja said.
Allen, founded in 1988 in Kota by Rajesh Maheshwari, began with just eight students and has grown into one of India’s largest coaching networks. Today, it runs more than 300 centres across 66 cities, serving aspirants of NEET, JEE Main, and JEE Advanced. The company entered the edtech sector in April 2022, shortly after securing a $600 million investment from Bodhi Tree Systems, led by James Murdoch and Uday Shankar.
Based in Bengaluru, Allen Online is developing AI-driven assessments, content, and student support. Ranjan said the focus will be on building personalised and accessible learning platforms that can serve millions of students nationwide.
In today’s digital-first world, running a restaurant isn’t just about serving delicious food—it’s about serving stories, visuals, and experiences online. With over 150 million foodies scrolling Instagram and Zomato every month in India, your social media strategy can make the difference between an empty table and a waiting list. If you’re wondering how to stand out, here are 15 actionable tips for restaurant social media marketing that actually work.
1. Showcase Your Menu Like a Story
Don’t just post your dishes—tell their backstory. Share how your signature biryani is made or why your cheesecake is special.
2. Invest in High-Quality Food Photography
Good lighting and a DSLR (or even a high-end smartphone) can turn a simple dish into an Instagram magnet.
3. Post Behind-the-Scenes Content
Chefs plating dishes, staff prepping for service, or your kitchen hustle can humanize your brand.
4. Leverage Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts
Quick recipe videos, food challenges, or plating tips work wonders with today’s short-form video trend.
5. Use Local Hashtags and Geo-Tags
#DelhiEats, #BangaloreFoodie, or #MumbaiBites help local diners discover your restaurant.
6. Run Seasonal Campaigns
Create special posts around Holi, Diwali, Christmas, or even IPL season to join conversations people are already having.
7. Collaborate with Food Bloggers & Influencers
Micro-influencers (with 5k–50k followers) can drive targeted footfall without costing a fortune.
8. Share User-Generated Content (UGC)
Repost customers’ food pics with credit—it boosts engagement and shows authenticity.
9. Create Interactive Content
Run polls (“Which pizza topping wins—paneer or chicken?”), quizzes, or contests with free meal vouchers.
10. Promote Limited-Time Offers
Scarcity works—“Only 20 plates of today’s special pasta!” encourages urgency.
11. Go Live with Cooking Demos or Q&As
Host a live stream with your chef showing cooking techniques or answering foodie questions.
12. Highlight Customer Reviews
Turn positive Zomato, Google, or Instagram reviews into visually branded posts.
13. Show Your Team’s Personality
Celebrate birthdays, team outings, or staff spotlights—it makes your restaurant relatable.
14. Cross-Promote with Delivery Apps
Share Swiggy/Zomato order links in your posts and Stories for instant conversions.
15. Track Analytics and Refine Strategy
Measure engagement, reach, and conversions. Double down on what works—whether it’s Reels, memes, or festive campaigns.
Final Word
Restaurant social media marketing isn’t about spamming feeds with food pictures—it’s about building an online dining experience that tempts people offline. By mixing creativity with consistency, and authenticity with analytics, you can turn your Instagram followers into loyal diners who keep coming back.
The food industry doesn’t just sell meals—it sells emotions, cravings, and experiences. With millions of Indians scrolling through Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and food blogs daily, social media has become the most powerful tool to attract hungry customers. Whether you run a café, a cloud kitchen, or a packaged snacks brand, here are 14 effective social media marketing tips for the food industry that can help your business grow.
1. Invest in Drool-Worthy Food Photography
In the food business, presentation is everything. High-quality, well-lit photos of your dishes can drive clicks and cravings instantly.
2. Tell the Story Behind the Dish
Share where your ingredients come from or the inspiration behind your recipe—storytelling adds depth to your brand.
3. Leverage Instagram Reels & TikTok-Style Shorts
Short, snappy videos showing recipe hacks, plating styles, or kitchen moments can go viral quickly.
4. Use Location-Specific Hashtags
Hashtags like #DelhiFoodie or #MumbaiEats make your posts discoverable among local audiences who might order or visit.
5. Run Polls, Quizzes & Contests
Ask your audience what they’d like on the next menu, or run contests with free vouchers—interactive posts increase engagement.
6. Collaborate with Food Bloggers & Micro-Influencers
Influencers with even 5k–50k followers can create authentic buzz for your food brand at a low cost.
7. Share User-Generated Content
Repost your customers’ photos and reviews—nothing builds trust like real people loving your food.
8. Promote Limited-Time Offers & Festive Specials
Scarcity marketing works—tie offers to Diwali, IPL, or Valentine’s Day to drive quick sales.
9. Go Live with Your Chef or Founder
Cooking demos, behind-the-scenes kitchen tours, or Q&A sessions make your food business more relatable.
10. Highlight Reviews & Ratings
Turn your positive Zomato, Swiggy, or Google reviews into branded social media posts.
11. Create Themed Content Calendars
Plan posts around food days like World Pizza Day or World Chocolate Day—they trend well on social media.
12. Focus on Packaging & Unboxing Content
Good packaging isn’t just practical—it’s Instagrammable. Encourage customers to share their unboxing moments.
13. Cross-Promote with Delivery Apps
Integrate Swiggy/Zomato order links into your posts and Stories for instant conversions.
14. Track Analytics & Evolve Strategy
Keep an eye on engagement, reach, and conversions—double down on content that works, whether it’s memes, reels, or recipes.
Final Word
Social media isn’t just a platform—it’s the new-age dining table where customers decide what to eat next. By mixing creativity, consistency, and customer engagement, food brands can turn casual followers into loyal buyers. If you’re in the food industry, the right social media strategy can be your secret ingredient to success.
Running a restaurant today isn’t just about serving good food—it’s about creating a digital experience that keeps diners hungry for more. With platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even LinkedIn turning into discovery engines for foodies, social media marketing has become as crucial as your kitchen menu. The good news? With the right strategy, your restaurant can go viral without spending a fortune on ads. Here are 23 creative social media ideas for restaurants that actually work in 2025.
1. Behind-the-Scenes Kitchen Shots
Show your chefs at work—chopping, garnishing, or plating. Authentic “behind-the-scenes” posts build trust and highlight hygiene.
2. Spotlight Signature Dishes
Every restaurant has that one dish people rave about. Highlight it with drool-worthy close-up photos and short videos.
3. Instagram Reels Challenges
Hop on trending reels—whether it’s plating hacks, recipe challenges, or dance trends in your restaurant space.
4. Seasonal Specials Content
Pumpkin spice in October? Mango mania in summer? Seasonal posts connect with foodie moods instantly.
5. User-Generated Content
Repost customer photos and reviews. Domino’s and Starbucks do this brilliantly to create community loyalty.
6. Recipe Teasers
Share simplified versions of your dishes. Not the full recipe—just a teaser to create curiosity.
7. Chef Interviews
Short clips of your chef sharing cooking tips or food stories make your restaurant relatable.
8. Polls & Quizzes
Use Instagram Stories to run polls: “Pizza or Pasta tonight?” It drives instant engagement.
9. Customer Spotlight
Feature loyal customers, families celebrating birthdays, or first-time diners.
10. Food Holidays Content
Leverage trending days like “World Pizza Day” or “National Coffee Day.”
11. Staff Stories
Introduce your team. A smiling waiter’s story can humanize your brand.
12. Reels on Quick Hacks
Show plating, cocktail tricks, or 10-second cooking hacks.
13. Throwback Content
Share your restaurant’s journey—old menus, first store photo, or milestone moments.
14. Behind-the-Bar Content
Cocktail-making or coffee brewing videos are gold on TikTok and Instagram.
15. Collabs with Local Influencers
Invite micro-influencers for tasting sessions. Their followers often become your customers.
16. Giveaways & Contests
“Tag 2 friends and win a free dessert” campaigns always drive reach.
17. Memes & Fun Content
Food memes always win. McDonald’s India often uses playful humor to connect with Gen Z.
18. Customer Reviews as Posts
Turn positive reviews into eye-catching graphics.
19. Live Cooking Sessions
Stream live cooking on Instagram or Facebook. It builds real-time engagement.
20. TikTok Challenges
Create a food-related challenge—like “Finish this burger in 2 minutes.”
21. Showcase Delivery Experience
Highlight eco-friendly packaging, contactless delivery, or quick service.
22. Local Partnerships
Tie up with local bakeries, farms, or suppliers and share their stories on your page.
23. Festive Campaigns
During Diwali, Christmas, or Eid, launch festive menus and create themed posts.
Final Bite: Why Social Media is the New Recipe for Restaurant Growth
In 2025, diners often check Instagram before they check your menu. A strong social media strategy can help small cafés look as appealing as global chains. From interactive Reels to influencer tie-ups, every post can be a way to increase footfall and online orders. The key is consistency—keep posting, keep engaging, and keep experimenting.
So, whether you’re a family-owned diner, a cloud kitchen, or an upscale fine-dine, these 23 social media ideas for restaurants can help you stay top-of-mind (and top-of-feed) for hungry customers.
Coca-Cola India has stepped up its support for Delhi’s kirana stores, aiming to enhance both sales and customer experience through a mix of cooling infrastructure and digital tools. The initiative, launched under the company’s Locally Yours campaign, is being executed in partnership with bottlers Moon Beverages and Kandhari Global Beverages.
As part of the program, Coca-Cola is installing energy-efficient coolers across small and medium retail outlets, ensuring beverages remain fresh and visible to consumers. These coolers not only extend product shelf life but also help store owners attract more footfall, particularly during peak festive seasons. In parallel, the company has introduced Coke Buddy, a digital platform providing self-ordering capabilities, AI-driven insights, and 24/7 support to streamline inventory management and order fulfillment for kirana owners.
“This initiative goes beyond products; it’s about enabling retailers to thrive while creating meaningful experiences for customers,” said Sundeep Bajoria, Vice President – India Operations, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia.
Local shopkeepers report tangible benefits from the support. Raksha Ram Gupta, a Delhi tea stall owner for nearly two decades, noted that adding Coca-Cola products during festival periods has boosted sales and made his shop a community hub. Similarly, Yash Pal, who manages a family-run juice centre, said the combination of popular beverages and digital tools has allowed him to serve a growing customer base more efficiently. Kirana owner Ankit Gupta, whose family has operated a store for over 30 years, emphasized the role of consistent support in keeping operations simple while enhancing customer loyalty.
Through this program, Coca-Cola India aims to strengthen traditional retail networks in the capital, helping micro, small, and medium businesses increase revenue while improving in-store experiences. The campaign reflects a broader effort by the company to modernize kirana operations using a combination of technology, infrastructure, and retailer-focused initiatives, ensuring that neighborhood shops remain competitive and relevant in a changing marketplace.
Farm-to-fork brand KisanKonnect has raised ₹72 crore in its Pre-Series B round, led by Bajaj Finserv Ventures. The round also saw participation from Mistry Ventures, Desai Brothers, Dhanuka Agritech and Action Tessa Family Office, all of whom doubled down with follow-on investments.
Founded with the mission to bridge farmers and urban consumers, the Mumbai-based startup has built a technology-led supply chain tailored for perishables. Unlike conventional e-commerce models, which often struggle to handle fresh produce, KisanKonnect focuses exclusively on safe, residue-tested fruits and vegetables. The company currently serves consumers across Mumbai and Pune, where it has positioned itself as a trusted brand for quality-conscious households.
The company’s moat lies in its farmer-first approach. KisanKonnect works with thousands of growers, integrating digital payments, crop calendars, and farm-level data into its supply chain. Proprietary tools, including IoT and RFID-based traceability, AI-powered demand forecasting, and a farmer advisory app, enable the company to manage more than 650 stock-keeping units of highly perishable items. These tools also help reduce wastage while maintaining freshness at scale.
In addition to its mobile app, which offers 60-minute delivery in key markets, KisanKonnect operates physical Farm Stores for consumers who prefer offline shopping. This dual-channel approach has helped the company attract both younger digital-first buyers and families seeking convenience and assurance in their daily purchases.
“We have built proprietary tech tools and strong farmer partnerships that transform perishables logistics into a predictable, scalable and consumer-friendly model,” said Vivek Nirmal, Co-Founder of KisanKonnect. “This fundraise will help us expand our technology stack further, deepen our farmer network, and scale both our digital and offline presence.”
About KisanKonnect: Founded in Mumbai, KisanKonnect is a farmer-driven fresh produce platform delivering safe, residue-tested fruits and vegetables through its app and Farm Stores across Mumbai and Pune.
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