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Tapping into India’s $42 Billion Snacking Market: How Gaurav Palrecha’s Madmix is Challenging Legacy Snack Giants with Affordable, Healthy Alternatives

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Tapping into India’s $42 Billion Snacking Market: How Gaurav Palrecha’s Madmix is Challenging Legacy Snack Giants with Affordable, Healthy Alternatives

In a country where snacking is practically a tradition, finding a guilt-free, flavorful option has always been a challenge. Enter Madmix, a brand on a mission to shake up the industry by offering healthier snacks without compromising on taste or affordability. Founded by Gaurav Palrecha, the brand emerged from a need to provide consumers with an accessible alternative to traditional packaged snacks.

Back in 2019, the Indian government banned packaged junk food in institutions like schools, colleges, and hospitals. The absence of convenient, healthy options led to a market gap that Gaurav saw as an opportunity. “People were left with expensive choices like makhana or so-called ‘baked puffs’ that still contained high sodium and oil content,” he explains. Determined to offer something better, Gaurav embarked on a rigorous 9-month R&D journey. The goal? Develop a snack with the nostalgic crunch of popular options like Cheetos, but with cleaner ingredients and a budget-friendly price tag.

Crunching the Competition

Madmix stands out on three fronts — branding, texture, and price. With a striking and vibrant design, the packaging veers away from the conventional color codes that dominate snack shelves. “We wanted our product to pop, not just blend in,” Gaurav notes. More importantly, the taste and crunch of Madmix puffs rival leading brands, thanks to inputs from two of India’s largest namkeen producers. At ₹20 per pack, it’s a snack designed to be within reach for everyday consumers.

Disrupting the Marketing Playbook

While most new-age brands flood digital platforms with marketing campaigns, Madmix took a different route. “We focused on alternate channels like offices, schools, hospitals, and metro stations,” Gaurav shares. This hyper-targeted approach has allowed the brand to grow organically, without relying on traditional advertising or hefty listing fees. The goal was simple — be where the consumer is.

Flavor Innovation with a Twist

Innovation remains at the heart of Madmix. The brand’s upcoming launches are a testament to its commitment to bold, nostalgic flavors. Take their Millet Bhel, for instance — a wholesome blend of ragi, bajra, and rice flakes paired with nine different seasonings. Then there’s the Nardana Raisin, a tangy-sweet snack reminiscent of classic digestive candies like Hajmola. It’s this constant push for creativity that keeps customers intrigued.

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Shark Tank Spotlight

Madmix’s recent appearance on Shark Tank India brought well-deserved attention to its unique proposition. Gaurav recalls how the sharks couldn’t stop munching on the puffs mid-pitch. “The validation from the sharks, especially on the taste, was one of our proudest moments,” he says. Beyond the immediate visibility, the platform opened doors to consumers across smaller towns where healthier snacks are often harder to find.

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Looking Ahead

Gaurav envisions Madmix becoming a household staple within the next three to five years. From midnight munchies to an afternoon snack break, the brand aims to cater to every craving. In a market where consumers are increasingly conscious about their health, Madmix bridges the gap — offering premium quality without the premium price.

As the snacking landscape evolves, one thing’s clear: Madmix is here to stay, proving that good health and great taste can go hand in hand.

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Firefly Diamonds Raises $3 Million from WestBridge Capital to Expand Across 20 Cities, Betting Big on India’s $8.31 Billion Lab-Grown Diamond Boom

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Firefly Diamonds Raises $3 Million from WestBridge Capital to Expand Across 20 Cities, Betting Big on India’s $8.31 Billion Lab-Grown Diamond Boom

Lab-grown diamond jewellery brand Firefly Diamonds has secured $3 million in seed funding, with WestBridge Capital leading the round. The Bhansali brothers, Adit and Aayush, founded the company in December 2023, drawing from their family’s 60-year legacy in jewellery craftsmanship.

Expansion and Innovation Plans

The fresh capital will fuel Firefly Diamonds’ ambitious expansion plans, with the brand aiming to establish its presence in over 20 cities across India within the next two years. Currently operating stores in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, Firefly Diamonds intends to strengthen its retail network while also investing in R&D to develop innovative jewellery collections.

“Our commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and sustainable luxury drives us. Every piece we create reflects our dedication to quality and artistry,” said Adit Bhansali. “This funding will help us bring affordable luxury to more cities while redefining the fine jewellery experience for Indian consumers.”

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Sustainable Luxury with Lab-Grown Diamonds

Firefly Diamonds uses advanced technology to produce lab-grown diamonds that mirror the physical, chemical, and optical characteristics of natural diamonds. These ethically sourced stones offer consumers a more sustainable and environmentally conscious alternative to traditionally mined diamonds.

The growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) in India is evident, with the market valued at $2.61 billion in 2023. Consulting firm Technopak predicts the sector will surge to $8.31 billion by 2032, expanding at a 13% CAGR. Firefly Diamonds aims to tap into this booming demand by providing elegant, eco-friendly jewellery.

Exclusive Offerings and Personalized Services

Catering to the evolving preferences of modern buyers, Firefly Diamonds offers a diverse range of jewellery crafted in 14K and 18K gold. The brand also introduces personalized experiences through innovative services:

• Try at Home: Allowing customers to view and try jewellery from the comfort of their homes.

• Firefly Sparkle Plan: An instalment-based savings program designed to make luxury purchases more accessible.

• Old Gold Exchange: Providing an opportunity for customers to exchange old gold jewellery for Firefly’s creations.

• Firefly Reserve: A bespoke collection of high jewellery, offering tailor-made pieces for exclusive clientele.

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With a blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability, Firefly Diamonds is carving a niche in India’s luxury jewellery market. The brand’s focus on offering guilt-free, elegant diamond jewellery positions it well to capture the rising demand for conscious luxury.

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Decathlon Bounces Back: From ₹18.6 Crore Loss to ₹197 Crore Profit in FY24, Thanks to Aggressive Cost Control and Smart Spending

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Decathlon Bounces Back: From ₹18.6 Crore Loss to ₹197 Crore Profit in FY24, Thanks to Aggressive Cost Control and Smart Spending

French sports retailer Decathlon has made a striking financial comeback, reporting a ₹197 crore profit in FY24 after incurring a ₹18.6 crore loss the previous year. The shift to profitability came despite a modest 2.3% rise in revenue, which stood at ₹4,008 crore compared to ₹3,920 crore in FY23.

Cost Control Drives Profitability

Decathlon’s turnaround was largely driven by aggressive cost management. The company’s total expenses dropped to ₹3,797 crore in FY24, down from ₹3,975 crore in the previous year. Key savings came from trimming expenditures in areas like utilities, rent, maintenance, advertising, technology, and logistics. Even procurement costs, which typically account for the bulk of its spending at 64.4%, saw a noticeable reduction.

This efficiency push significantly improved Decathlon’s financial health, reducing its spending to just ₹0.95 for every rupee earned. The company’s EBITDA margin climbed to 14.49%, while its return on capital employed (ROCE) rose to 17.79%, underscoring its improved profitability.

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A Strong Retail Network and Customer Focus

With 90 stores spread across India, Decathlon maintains a robust physical presence that complements its online operations. The brand’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) model allows it to oversee everything from product design and manufacturing to in-store experiences and digital sales.

Decathlon’s diverse product range covers popular categories like cycling, hiking, football, swimming, and running. By offering affordable, high-quality sports gear under its own private labels, the retailer has built a reputation for value and reliability. Its immersive store layouts, complete with trial zones and interactive experiences, continue to draw foot traffic and foster customer loyalty.

Non-Operating Income Adds to the Bottom Line

In addition to operational improvements, Decathlon’s earnings were bolstered by non-operating income. The company earned ₹58 crore in interest from investments, contributing to a total revenue of ₹4,066 crore. This financial boost further strengthened its position as one of the leading sports retailers in the country.

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With its renewed profitability, cost-conscious operations, and focus on customer engagement, Decathlon is well-positioned for sustained growth in the competitive Indian market.

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Cold-Pressed Oil Market Heats Up: Gramiyaa Bags ₹7.2 Crore, Ramps Up Production to 4 Lakh Litres, and Targets ₹36 Crore ARR

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Cold-Pressed Oil Market Heats Up: Gramiyaa Bags ₹7.2 Crore, Ramps Up Production to 4 Lakh Litres, and Targets ₹36 Crore ARR

Gramiyaa, a cold-pressed oil brand with a vertically integrated production model, has secured ₹7.2 crore in a pre-Series A funding round. The investment was led by Homegrown Ventures, Campus Fund, and Mumbai Angels.

The company was founded by third-generation oil maker Sibi Manivannan and specializes in wood cold-pressed oils. Unlike conventional brands, Gramiyaa controls the entire manufacturing process at its own advanced facility to ensure consistent quality, hygiene, and process integrity. It sells its products through its direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform, major retail outlets, e-commerce sites, and quick-commerce platforms.

With the fresh capital, Gramiyaa is significantly scaling up operations. The company is set to expand its production capacity to 4 lakh litres per month. The funds will also be used to strengthen sourcing, streamline manufacturing, and improve distribution networks. Quick commerce has emerged as one of its fastest-growing channels, and the brand aims to deepen its presence in both online and offline retail.

Gramiyaa has set an ambitious target of reaching ₹36 crore in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by March 2025. This growth milestone would further cement its position as a leader in India’s cold-pressed oil market.

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“Our decision to manage production in-house has been key to delivering high-quality products at scale,” said CEO Yaseen. “This funding will help us not only expand but also raise awareness about the benefits of cold-pressed oils. We’re committed to building Gramiyaa into the preferred choice for health-conscious consumers.”

Nader Amiri, General Partner at Homegrown Ventures, expressed strong confidence in Gramiyaa’s growth trajectory. “Cold-pressed oils are no longer a niche market in India — they’ve become a significant segment driven by growing consumer demand for healthier choices. Gramiyaa is setting new standards in quality and transparency, and reinvesting in their growth was an obvious decision for us,” he said.

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With this expansion, Gramiyaa is well on its way to reshaping how Indians consume cooking oil, offering a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or quality.

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From Gurugram to Global: Burger Singh Valued at ₹430 Crore, Eyes Aggressive Expansion with 200+ New Stores Across India’s Smaller Cities

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From Gurugram to Global: Burger Singh Valued at ₹430 Crore, Eyes Aggressive Expansion with 200+ New Stores Across India’s Smaller Cities

Burger Singh, the homegrown burger chain known for its Indian twist on classic fast food, is gearing up for major expansion across India. The company has announced plans to open over 200 new outlets, mainly targeting tier-2 and tier-3 cities in the next few years.

The move comes as consumer spending in smaller cities surges, with more than half of India’s middle-class growth now coming from non-metro regions. Burger Singh has already capitalized on this shift, operating over 175 outlets, 103 of which are in non-metro cities. Unlike many other fast-food brands that focused on metros, Burger Singh took a different route — a strategy that now generates 70% of its revenue. The company also reported a doubling of year-on-year sales, highlighting the strength of its regional approach.

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“We identified the untapped potential of smaller cities early on,” said Kabir Jeet Singh, Founder and CEO of Burger Singh. “Our QSR model is designed to thrive in these markets, and by focusing on operational efficiency and making franchising opportunities more accessible, we’ve been able to lead the non-metro QSR wave in India.”

Founded in 2014 in Gurugram, Burger Singh has rapidly expanded across over 75 cities, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Shillong, Jaipur, Dehradun, Jammu, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Amritsar. The chain has also ventured beyond India, with three outlets and a food truck in London.

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Following its recent pre-series B funding round, which pushed its valuation to ₹430 crore, Burger Singh is well-positioned to continue its aggressive growth. With its focus on regional flavors and a localized approach, the brand is set to bring its signature desi burgers to even more cities across the country.

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Wonderchef’s South India Push: Sanjeev Kapoor and Ravi Saxena Set Sights on Doubling EBOs, Riding on 30% Regional Sales Surge

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Wonderchef’s South India Push: Sanjeev Kapoor and Ravi Saxena Set Sights on Doubling EBOs, Riding on 30% Regional Sales Surge

Wonderchef, the premium kitchen appliance brand co-founded by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Ravi Saxena, is set to significantly expand its presence by doubling its exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) in the upcoming financial year. The company is placing a strong focus on South India, with Bengaluru at the core of its growth strategy, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.

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“South India is a key region for us, and Bengaluru has been particularly responsive to our smart kitchen solutions and innovations in healthy cooking. Expanding our retail network here allows us to engage more directly with our customers and offer them better access to our products,” said Kapoor.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu will be at the center of Wonderchef’s expansion efforts. With the southern region contributing around 30% of its total sales, the brand is eager to strengthen its market presence.

“Our goal is to empower home chefs by providing appliances that simplify cooking while ensuring delicious results. Growing our footprint in South India brings us closer to this vision,” added Saxena.

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To mark its expansion, Wonderchef recently opened its 30th exclusive brand outlet at Garuda Mall in Bengaluru. The event featured a special session titled “Master Hues of Health with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor,” where the chef led a live cooking workshop, interacting with attendees and sharing his culinary expertise.

Founded in 2009, Wonderchef offers a diverse range of cookware and premium kitchen appliances designed to make home cooking healthier and more enjoyable. With a catalog of over 600 products, the brand has built a robust omnichannel presence. It supports a network of 80,000 women entrepreneurs, operates numerous exclusive outlets, and is stocked in more than 22,000 retail stores. Additionally, Wonderchef has expanded its reach globally, now available in approximately 25 countries across five continents.

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Amazon India Slashes Fees on ₹300 Products: Zero Referral Charges on 1.2 Crore Items to Boost Seller Profits

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Amazon India Slashes Fees on ₹300 Products: Zero Referral Charges on 1.2 Crore Items to Boost Seller Profits

Amazon India has announced a major fee overhaul to support small businesses and make its platform more attractive for sellers. Starting April 7, 2025, the e-commerce giant will eliminate referral fees on over 1.2 crore products priced below ₹300. This move is expected to encourage sellers to list more affordable products, expanding the range of budget-friendly options for shoppers.

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Referral fees are typically a percentage of each sale that sellers pay to Amazon for using its platform. By waiving these fees for low-cost items, Amazon aims to lower operational costs for sellers and help them offer more competitive prices.

“We are committed to empowering sellers and passing on the benefits of our operational efficiencies,” said Amit Nanda, Director of Selling Partner Services at Amazon India. “With zero referral fees on millions of products and reduced shipping charges, sellers can expand their catalogs and provide customers with better deals, especially on everyday essentials.”

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In addition to the zero referral fees, Amazon is also cutting down its shipping rates for sellers who use external fulfillment services like Easy Ship and Seller Flex. National shipping costs will now start at ₹65, a drop from the previous rate of ₹77.

  • Easy Ship: Amazon picks up packages directly from sellers and handles delivery.

• Seller Flex: Amazon partners with sellers to turn a section of their warehouse into a mini fulfillment center, offering quicker delivery.

Further, sellers shipping lightweight items under 1 kg will benefit from handling fee reductions of up to ₹17. The company also introduced a multi-unit shipping discount, allowing sellers to save up to 90% on fees for additional units in a single order.

The fee revisions span 135 product categories, including apparel, footwear, beauty products, toys, home décor, kitchen essentials, automotive items, and pet supplies.

With over 1.6 million sellers on its platform, Amazon India’s latest initiatives are designed to create a more cost-effective selling environment, especially for small and medium enterprises. By making these adjustments, Amazon not only strengthens its seller network but also enhances affordability for customers across the country.

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ShiprocketExpands Same-Day Delivery to Bengaluru: Empowering MSMEs to Compete with Ecommerce Giants in a $60 Billion Logistics Market

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Shiprocket Expands Same-Day Delivery to Bengaluru: Empowering MSMEs to Compete with Ecommerce Giants in a $60 Billion Logistics Market

Shiprocket, the logistics unicorn, is ramping up its presence in the instant delivery space by introducing same-day delivery services in Bengaluru. With the growing appetite for rapid shipping and the mounting competition in the ecommerce sector, the move aims to give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a much-needed competitive edge.

The company has already rolled out this service in major cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. By expanding into Bengaluru, one of India’s largest ecommerce hubs, Shiprocket hopes to empower smaller businesses to meet the fast-shipping expectations that customers have come to demand from larger brands.

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“We are committed to democratizing ecommerce technology for every seller across the country. Our same-day delivery service is another step in ensuring MSMEs can offer the same level of service as big ecommerce platforms, which directly translates into better customer loyalty and business growth,” said Saahil Goel, Managing Director and CEO of Shiprocket.

The service has been designed for efficiency. Orders collected between 12 PM and 1 PM from the seller’s location will be delivered on the same day. Even orders picked up by 3 PM will qualify for same-day delivery, thanks to Shiprocket’s partnership with Bengaluru-based courier service Pico Xpress.

Founded in 2017 by Saahil Goel, Vishesh Khurana, Akshay Gulati, and Gautam Kapoor, Shiprocket has quickly established itself as a leader in the ecommerce enablement space. Offering a comprehensive suite of logistics solutions, including shipping, fulfillment, and customer communication tools, the company claims to operate across 24,000 pin codes in India and has a global reach spanning 220 countries.

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By providing faster deliveries at scale, Shiprocket continues to play a key role in leveling the ecommerce playing field, helping local businesses compete with established online retail giants.

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From Savings to Splurging: How India’s Rising Workforce and ₹3.3 Lakh Crore Tax Relief Will Double Consumption by 2034

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From Savings to Splurging: How India’s Rising Workforce and ₹3.3 Lakh Crore Tax Relief Will Double Consumption by 2034

India is on track to become the world’s consumption powerhouse, outpacing major economies as spending surges across households. A new report by Angel One and Iconic Asset projects that India’s private consumption, which already makes up 56% of the nation’s GDP, will double by 2034. The rapid rise is being fueled by a growing workforce, increased disposable income, and a shift toward discretionary spending.

More Homes, More Spending

One of the biggest factors driving this growth is the expansion of nuclear families. Household formation is now outpacing population growth, meaning fewer people per household and more individual spending power. As urbanization accelerates and aspirations grow, more families are splurging on consumer goods, services, and experiences.

The report highlights that India’s workforce is also expanding at a faster pace than most countries. With more people entering formal employment, incomes are rising, and so is spending. Additionally, urban migration and the rise of middle-class households are set to create a robust demand for everything from fashion and electronics to entertainment and travel.

A $103 Trillion Savings Powerhouse

India’s massive savings pool is another factor bolstering consumption. Between 1997 and 2023, Indian households saved a staggering $12 trillion. But the real jump is yet to come — the report forecasts household savings will soar tenfold to $103 trillion by 2047. With this financial cushion, consumers will have greater confidence to spend on both necessities and indulgences.

Tax Cuts and a Spending Surge

The government’s recent tax reductions are expected to further boost spending. The report estimates that the ₹1 lakh crore released through tax relief could result in an additional ₹3.3 lakh crore in consumption. This injection of spending power is likely to add 1% to the country’s GDP growth, creating a ripple effect across industries.

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Luxury and Leisure on the Rise

Following global trends, India’s consumption growth will lean heavily toward discretionary spending. Categories like electronics, apparel, jewellery, and travel are expected to see exponential growth, outpacing spending on essentials. As incomes rise, so will aspirations, pushing brands and businesses to cater to an increasingly affluent and experience-driven consumer base.

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With these factors combined, India is set to redefine global consumption patterns, capturing the attention of both domestic and international businesses eager to tap into the country’s immense market potential.

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Chinese Wok Unveils Interactive AR Experience Across Outlets, Blending Culinary Theatre with Tech-Savvy Engagement

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Chinese Wok Unveils Interactive AR Experience Across Outlets, Blending Culinary Theatre with Tech-Savvy Engagement

Chinese Wok has introduced an Augmented Reality (AR) experience at its outlets, bringing a new twist to customer engagement. Now, diners can scan a QR code placed on tables, takeaway bags, or delivery boxes to watch a virtual Chinese Wok chef come to life on their screens. The animated chef flips woks, tosses noodles, and serves up signature Desi-Chinese dishes in a fun, interactive display.

“We love blending innovation with our vibrant brand identity,” said Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director of Lenexis Foodworks. “This AR experience takes customer interaction to the next level, making every visit to Chinese Wok a little more memorable. It’s a fresh, tech-driven way for people to connect with our brand, whether they’re dining in or enjoying a takeaway.”

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To add to the excitement, customers can share videos of their AR encounters on Instagram Stories by tagging @chinesewokin. Participants stand a chance to win exclusive gift vouchers — a playful incentive to spread the experience online.

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With this interactive campaign, Chinese Wok is tapping into the growing demand for digital-first experiences while offering a dash of entertainment along with their signature flavors.

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