Out with Vedic Tea and Diapers, In with Chyawanprash and Real: Dabur Bets Big on 7 Brands Crossing Rs 500 Cr Each

By

-

May 9, 2025

Image of dabur — Out with Vedic Tea and Diapers, In with Chyawanprash and Real: Dabur Bets Big on 7 Brands Crossing Rs 500 Cr Each

Dabur India is shaking things up. The FMCG giant is stepping away from certain product categories that just haven’t delivered, including tea, baby and adult diapers, and hand sanitisers. The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to sharpen its focus and free up resources for higher-growth opportunities.

“These categories barely move the needle for us — they contribute less than one per cent to our overall revenues,” said Mohit Malhotra, CEO of Dabur India, during a recent call with investors. For context, the company clocked in Rs 13,113 crore in revenue for FY25.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Among the products on the chopping block are Vedic Tea, Dabur Vita, and diaper lines. “It’s about shifting energy and capital towards bigger, bolder bets,” Malhotra added, outlining a plan to drive sustainable double-digit growth in both revenue and profit by FY28.

Dabur’s recalibrated strategy is grounded in its strengths — household names that dominate their segments. The company plans to double down on seven powerhouse brands that each bring in over Rs 500 crore annually: Dabur Red, Real, Chyawanprash, Dabur Honey, Hajmola, Dabur Amla, Odonil, and Vatika. Together, these account for more than 70% of the company’s business.

Expect deeper investments in these brands — not just more marketing, but product innovation too. Think new-age formats like hair serums and masks, benefit-driven toothpaste, and health supplements in the form of gummies and effervescent powders. The aim is to modernize and premiumize existing categories.

Digital and modern retail are key pillars in this new blueprint. Dabur is eyeing serious growth in e-commerce, quick commerce, and modern trade, while also pushing for smarter stockist consolidation and using digital tools to improve efficiency in urban retail.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

From cleaning house to chasing bold growth, Dabur’s next chapter is all about focus, agility, and future-ready execution.

D’manoj Pizza Sparks Online Frenzy: India’s Bold Answer to Domino’s with a Blue Signboard and a Twist

By

Online Desk

-

May 9, 2025

0

Image-of-Dmanoj-Pizza — D’manoj Pizza Sparks Online Frenzy: India’s Bold Answer to Domino’s with a Blue Signboard and a Twist

In the world of marketing and branding, imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery—but sometimes, it’s just plain hilarious. A new pizza outlet in India has caught the attention of social media users for its uncanny resemblance to a certain global pizza chain. Meet D’manoj Pizza—a name that sounds oddly familiar to anyone who’s ever ordered from Domino’s.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

This tiny eatery, tucked along a roadside, is going viral not because of its gourmet offerings, but for boldly treading the fine line between homage and imitation. From the nearly identical blue signage to its all-too-familiar menu featuring pizzas, pastas, burgers, and shakes, D’manoj Pizza seems to be riding the coattails of Domino’s branding in full throttle.

An Instagram video uploaded by a popular content creator added fuel to the viral fire. In the clip, the creator humorously quips, “Pehle America kehta tha, kya hai tu, ab hum kehte hai, tu kya hai, ye dekho, D’manoj Pizza,” poking fun at the way such lookalikes are now a cultural norm. The video walks viewers through the modest storefront, proudly advertising itself as “pure veg” and claiming to serve “The Real Taste of Pizza.”

It’s not just the name that mirrors Domino’s—the promotional posters, discount banners, and general aesthetic seem heavily inspired too. The video’s overlay text sums it up best: “India is not for beginners.”

What’s striking is how confidently D’manoj Pizza embraces the imitation. There’s no subtlety here; it’s as if the store is fully aware of the resemblance and is leaning into the joke. And the internet is loving it—because in a country where jugaad (creative workaround) is a way of life, this feels less like theft and more like local innovation with a wink.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

D’manoj Pizza might never go global, but it’s already earned its place as an internet sensation—one slice of viral fame at a time.

From a Goa Café to India’s First Vegan Ice Cream Brand: How Sonal Built White Cub for Her Twins and a Nation Eyeing a ₹6,000 Crore Plant-Based Foods Market

Entrepreneurship

By

Online Desk

-

May 8, 2025

0

From a Goa Café to India’s First Vegan Ice Cream Brand: How Sonal Built White Cub for Her Twins and a Nation Eyeing a ₹6,000 Crore Plant-Based Foods Market

Born out of a mother’s love and necessity, White Cub has emerged as a pioneer in India’s vegan dessert market. The brand was founded by Sonal, a long-time advocate of plant-based food, when she realized the lack of vegan dessert options available for her twin children who had been vegan since the age of one. A humble vacation to Goa sparked the idea—after witnessing her son’s excitement over a rudimentary tofu-based frozen dessert, Sonal was struck with inspiration. “Why can’t we have this in Delhi?” her son asked—and White Cub was born.

Sonal’s advocacy background and deep understanding of plant-based nutrition laid the foundation for a brand that isn’t just vegan, but health-conscious. “Vegan is not always healthy,” she explained, “so our focus is on creating vegan products that are actually good for you—no cholesterol, no trans fats, no palm oil, no hormones, no antibiotics.” Unlike many commercial non-dairy products, White Cub prides itself on transparency and nutritional integrity.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Customer feedback plays a vital role in the company’s product development. One of White Cub’s most popular offerings, the “Choco and Dates” ice cream, was born from a diabetic customer’s request for a dessert sweetened naturally. This proactive and community-driven approach defines White Cub’s R&D. During the COVID-19 pandemic, customer demand for broader dairy alternatives led to the development of White Cub’s plant-based butter.

Health remains central to White Cub’s mission. Beyond avoiding harmful ingredients, Sonal emphasized the phytonutrients and antioxidants found in their products. “For me, vegan has to be healthy. That’s how I hope to convince non-vegans to shift—by offering them a healthy alternative.”

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

By aligning innovation with compassion and health, White Cub is not just selling desserts—they’re reshaping dietary habits and empowering conscious consumption in India. With every scoop, they’re making plant-based living a little sweeter.

Not Just a Fashion Brand Anymore: Prabhkiran Singh’s Bewakoof Takes First Step Toward Lifestyle Empire with Café Launch

By

Online Desk

-

May 8, 2025

0

Image of bewakoof — Not Just a Fashion Brand Anymore: Prabhkiran Singh’s Bewakoof Takes First Step Toward Lifestyle Empire with Café Launch

Bengaluru, May 8 – In a move that signals its ambitions beyond fashion, homegrown youth-centric brand Bewakoof has entered the food and beverage space with the launch of its first café. Located inside its Koramangala store in Bengaluru, the café is a collaboration with abCoffee, a fast-growing grab-and-go coffee chain founded by Abhijeet Anand.

Prabhkiran Singh, founder of Bewakoof, shared the milestone on LinkedIn, reminiscing about his early dreams when the brand was just an idea. “When you’re 20 and dreaming of starting a brand, you don’t think of just a business. You think of an empire. At least we did,” Singh wrote, reflecting on ambitions that stretched beyond fashion into amusement parks, cafes, and gaming arenas.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

The new Bewakoof Café might be modest in scale, but for Singh and his team, it represents a symbolic leap toward that broader vision. “It might seem like a small step to some,” Singh noted, “but for that 20-year-old kid who once dreamed of a whole world — it feels like a giant leap.”

The collaboration with abCoffee adds strength to the venture. Founded by Abhijeet Anand, abCoffee has carved out a niche in India’s grab-and-go coffee scene, focusing on convenience, affordability, and premium taste — a natural fit with Bewakoof’s youthful and aspirational customer base.

This expansion marks a new chapter for Bewakoof, which was founded in 2012 and has since built a loyal following through quirky, relatable designs and affordable fashion. By adding a café to its retail footprint, the brand is experimenting with experiential spaces that blur the lines between lifestyle, community, and commerce.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

Whether this is a one-off experiment or the beginning of a larger play into F&B remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Bewakoof isn’t just selling t-shirts anymore. It’s chasing a world it once only imagined.

Troovy Raises Rs 20 Cr in Pre-Series A Round Led by Fireside Ventures to Bring Healthy Kids’ Snacks to India’s Quick Commerce Shelves

By

Online Desk

-

May 8, 2025

0

Image of troovy — Troovy Raises Rs 20 Cr in Pre-Series A Round Led by Fireside Ventures to Bring Healthy Kids’ Snacks to India’s Quick Commerce Shelves

Delhi-NCR-based kids’ snacking brand Troovy has raised Rs 20 crore (around $2.3 million) in a pre-Series A round led by Fireside Ventures, with additional backing from Sharrp Ventures, Spring Marketing Capital, and Veltis Capital.

Armed with fresh capital, the brand is gearing up to widen its distribution and dive head-first into quick commerce — a space it sees as a natural fit for parents making impulse or frequent grocery purchases.

“Our goal is to become the go-to choice for healthy kids’ snacks across India,” said co-founder Aditya Mukherjee. “Quick commerce aligns perfectly with how today’s parents shop — it’s fast, frequent, and habit-driven. We’re doubling down on it.”

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife duo Aditya Mukherjee and Mansi Baranwal, Troovy was born out of a shared frustration: the lack of genuinely healthy, kid-friendly snack options in Indian kitchens. Baranwal heads product development with a sharp eye on ingredient integrity, while Mukherjee focuses on scaling the brand across digital and retail channels.

From ragi chips and protein-packed pasta to clean-label ketchups and spreads, Troovy’s lineup promises no refined sugar, no preservatives, and zero artificial additives — a tall order in India’s processed food landscape.

The brand’s first product, a preservative-free tomato ketchup, debuted in May 2023 following a Rs 10.5 crore seed round led by Sharrp Ventures and Earlyspring, with Veltis Capital also joining in. That round was a mix of equity (Rs 9 crore) and debt (Rs 1.5 crore).

Troovy now finds itself in a race with emerging clean-nutrition names like Slurrp Farm, TruVital, and Little Joys, as Indian parents increasingly look beyond taste to demand transparency, functionality, and better-for-you ingredients in what goes into their children’s lunchboxes.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

As the market for guilt-free, functional, and plant-forward snacks picks up steam, Troovy is betting that its laser focus on Indian kids and nutritional integrity will help it carve out a sweet spot in the crowded snacking aisle — especially the ones now just a 10-minute delivery away.

CCI Rolls Out New Cost Rules to Crack Down on Predatory Pricing in E-Commerce and Quick Commerce

By

Online Desk

-

May 8, 2025

0

Image of cci — CCI Rolls Out New Cost Rules to Crack Down on Predatory Pricing in E-Commerce and Quick Commerce

In a move that tightens the screws on unfair pricing tactics in India’s rapidly growing digital retail space, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has officially released its new regulations for calculating production costs. This fresh set of rules will give the regulator sharper tools to evaluate cases involving predatory pricing and heavy discounting — practices that have come under increasing scrutiny, especially in the quick commerce and e-commerce sectors.

The final regulations, titled Competition Commission of India (Determination of Cost of Production) Regulations, 2025, come after the draft was put out in February for public feedback. Industry players, legal experts, and stakeholders weighed in during the consultation process, following which the updated guidelines were formally notified.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

This regulatory update is timely. Several complaints have surfaced recently alleging anti-competitive practices by platforms offering lightning-fast deliveries and steep price cuts. The CCI, already probing some of these claims, now has a firmer legal foundation to assess whether companies are slashing prices below cost in a bid to edge out rivals — a practice considered abusive if done by dominant players under India’s competition law.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

By laying down a structured method for determining production costs, the watchdog can now better distinguish between aggressive pricing and anti-competitive behavior. This could have far-reaching implications for how deep discounts and pricing wars play out in India’s fast-evolving digital marketplace.

India’s First Korean Skin Clinic, KorinMi, Secures Rs 3 Crore in Pre-Seed Funding to Redefine Desi Skincare with 3D Diagnostics and K-Beauty Science

By

Online Desk

-

May 8, 2025

0

KorinMi, a skincare startup that claims to be India’s first professional Korean skin clinic, has secured Rs 3 crore in pre-seed funding from a mix of seasoned angel investors and corporate leaders. Among those backing the venture are Vikas Agarwal, former CEO of Kaya Skin Clinic (Middle East), and Vivek Kumar, CEO of Venture Garage — both bringing strategic heft to the table.

The Delhi-based brand plans to use the funds to fuel its growth engine: expanding its footprint, ramping up marketing, refining its tech stack, and rolling out customised Korean skin treatments designed for Indian skin tones and concerns.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

KorinMi was launched in 2024 by Reshbha Munjal and Jenovia Daun Jung, with a bold vision — to combine the precision and philosophy of Korean dermatology with the unique needs of Indian skin. The duo felt the Indian market was brimming with love for K-beauty, but lacked access to genuine, science-backed Korean skin care delivered in a clinical, professional format.

“People in India are crazy about Korean skincare, but there’s a big gap between online hype and real, effective skin treatment,” said Reshbha Munjal, Co-founder and CEO. “We wanted to bring that clinical authenticity — not just sheet masks and serums, but real solutions led by trained professionals and cutting-edge tech.”

One of KorinMi’s standout features is its Korean-developed 3D skin analysis system, which scans over 15 parameters to build a clear skin profile for every client. This data becomes the foundation for customised treatment plans — ranging from deep-cleansing facials to advanced dermatological procedures — designed and supervised by certified dermatologists.

Co-founder and COO Jenovia Daun Jung, who brings deep Korean skincare experience to the brand, added, “We’re not trying to ride the K-beauty wave. We’re creating a new category — personalised, tech-powered skincare that delivers real results and brings clinical-grade Korean protocols to Indian consumers.”

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

With this funding round, KorinMi is aiming to build more than just clinics — it wants to spark a skincare movement that’s localised, data-backed, and built for real people with real skin concerns.

Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan Becomes Brand Ambassador for Mangalore-Based Rohan Corporation, Backing 25+ Landmark Projects Across Karnataka

A&M

By

Online Desk

-

May 8, 2025

0

Image-of-rohan-corporation. — Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan Becomes Brand Ambassador for Mangalore-Based Rohan Corporation, Backing 25+ Landmark Projects Across Karnataka

In a major announcement that bridges cinema and construction, Rohan Corporation — a prominent real estate firm based in Mangalore — has roped in Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan as the face of their brand across Karnataka.

With its roots firmly planted in Mangalore for over 30 years, Rohan Corporation has steadily transformed the city’s skyline with landmark projects like HillCrest, High Crest, Rohan City, and Rohan Square. Each of these spaces speaks to the company’s focus on modern, inclusive communities designed for the evolving urban lifestyle.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

Teaming up with Shah Rukh Khan marks a bold step for the company. It’s not just about celebrity appeal — it’s about aligning with someone whose story reflects grit, imagination, and a drive to create something lasting. With 25 successful projects behind them and a sharp focus on sustainability and customer experience, Rohan Corporation is setting new standards in Karnataka’s real estate scene.

A Shared Belief in Dreaming Big

Dr. Rohan Monteiro, the founder and chairman, shared his thoughts on the association:

“Shah Rukh Khan’s journey is all about chasing dreams with relentless passion — something that mirrors our own story at Rohan Corporation. This partnership is rooted in the belief that real change comes from building more than structures — it’s about shaping experiences, lives, and communities. Having him as our ambassador is a proud moment for us.”

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Shah Rukh Khan echoed the sentiment, saying:

“I’m truly happy to be working with Rohan Corporation. Their vision of creating vibrant, meaningful spaces really connects with me. It’s not just about buildings — it’s about building for people, for families, for the future. I’m excited to be part of what they’re creating.”

Kouzina Food Tech to Take Over Swiggy’s Bowl Company, Homely, Istah & Soul Rasa in Multi-Brand Deal Covering 100+ Cities and 250+ Kitchens

Quick Commerce

By

Online Desk

-

May 7, 2025

0

Image of the bowl company. — Kouzina Food Tech to Take Over Swiggy’s Bowl Company, Homely, Istah & Soul Rasa in Multi-Brand Deal Covering 100+ Cities and 250+ Kitchens

Kouzina Food Tech is set to take over the reins of some of Swiggy’s most popular in-house food brands in a major move that reshapes the digital-first food delivery landscape. The Bengaluru-based food services company has signed a deal with Swiggy to manage and eventually own four brands: The Bowl Company, Homely, Soul Rasa, and Istah.

For now, Kouzina will oversee everything from kitchen operations to innovation and growth. Full ownership will be handed over once a set of agreed-upon conditions is met.

“This deal marks a big leap forward for us,” said Gautam Balijepalli, CEO and Co-founder of Kouzina. “These are strong, loved brands that we believe can go a lot further, and we’re excited to lead their next phase of growth.”

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

The Bowl Company, launched by Swiggy back in 2017, has long been a favorite among working professionals looking for affordable, flavorful meals delivered fast. Dishes like their Peri Peri Chicken Bowl and Dal Tadka Rice Bowl have helped the brand earn its stripes in India’s competitive cloud kitchen space. Balijepalli called TBC “a benchmark in the space” and said that Kouzina would relaunch it later this week, starting with Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, Homely, which offers comforting, home-style Indian meals, is already operational in a few parts of the city, and the plan is to bring the other two brands—Soul Rasa and Istah—back into the fold shortly after.

Arpit Mathur, Vice President at Swiggy, said the move is about scaling what was already working. “We built these brands to fill gaps in the food delivery ecosystem. Kouzina’s model is built for scale and sustainability, so handing over the next phase of growth to them makes strategic sense.”

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

Founded by alumni from IIT, IIM, and former execs from the likes of Flipkart, Ola, and Amazon, Kouzina has quickly built one of the most aggressive food service footprints in India. The company now operates with over 250 kitchen partners in more than 100 cities, running a host of brands across different cuisines and price points.

With this takeover, Kouzina isn’t just inheriting recipes—it’s inheriting loyal customer bases, proven brand equity, and a real shot at leading the digital dining experience in India.

Devyani International Brings Canada’s Iconic New York Fries to India, First Outlet Opens at Mumbai Airport

By

Online Desk

-

May 7, 2025

0

Image of new york fries. — Devyani International Brings Canada’s Iconic New York Fries to India, First Outlet Opens at Mumbai Airport

French fry fans in India just got something to cheer about. Devyani International Ltd. (DIL), the company behind KFC, Pizza Hut, and Costa Coffee in India, has introduced New York Fries (NYF) to the country—kicking off the brand’s India journey with its first outlet at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.

NYF, born in Canada back in 1983, has earned a loyal following globally for its no-nonsense, hand-cut fries and hearty loaded options. Now, Indian travelers and snack lovers passing through Mumbai’s airport can dig into NYF’s signature classics—from crispy fries drenched in savoury toppings to fully loaded hot dogs and meal combos. A vegetarian-friendly menu tailored for local preferences is also on offer.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

“This is an exciting launch for us. Bringing NYF to India is a natural next step for DIL as we continue to expand our global food portfolio. We’re confident Indian consumers will fall in love with what NYF stands for—honest, indulgent comfort food done right,” said Ravi Jaipuria, Non-Executive Chairman, Devyani International Ltd.

The NYF brand, owned by Canada’s Recipe Unlimited Corporation, is no stranger to global markets, with stores already running across Canada, the Middle East, and recently the US. With its Indian debut, the brand is hoping to find a strong footing in a market that’s rapidly warming up to global QSR concepts.

“DIL knows this market inside-out, and their track record with international food brands speaks for itself,” said NYF President Dave Colebrook. “This partnership is the perfect springboard for NYF in India, and we’re thrilled to give Indian customers a taste of what we believe are the best fries on the planet.”

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

DIL, India’s largest franchisee of Yum Brands and the exclusive operator of Costa Coffee stores in the country, currently runs more than 2,000 outlets across 280+ cities in India, Nigeria, Nepal, and Thailand. With NYF now added to its roster, the company is set to expand its fast-growing footprint in India’s quick-service food space even further.

NewsHub