Mankind Pharma Launches PetStar Delight, Targets India’s Rs 1,500-Crore Cat Food Category

Growth

December 4, 2025

Mankind Pharma has widened its presence in India’s pet nutrition market with the introduction of PetStar Delight, a new portfolio crafted specifically for cats. The company confirmed the launch on Thursday, marking its formal entry into a category that has expanded rapidly in recent years. India’s cat food market, currently valued at around Rs 1,500 crore, is growing at nearly twenty percent annually, driven by rising pet ownership in urban centres and a shift toward packaged nutrition.

The new line extends Mankind’s PetStar family, which first entered stores in 2022 with a dog food range. The company says the past three years have shown steady uptick in organised pet care spending, prompting it to move deeper into specialised formulations. Rajeev Juneja, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mankind Pharma, noted that the cat segment has become one of the fastest-expanding pockets within the overall pet care industry. He said the new launch reflects the company’s intent to build a scientifically informed portfolio across species.

The company’s pet food division has formulated the products around functional ingredients designed to address common feline needs. Dr Piyush Prashant, who leads the division, explained that the range includes blends aimed at gut comfort, urinary system support, hairball management and cognitive development in adult and young cats. He added that attention to these areas has become a key deciding factor for pet owners who are increasingly reading labels and seeking targeted nutrition.

PetStar Delight is produced in Thailand, a major hub for global pet food manufacturing, and will be distributed across India through Mankind’s existing retail and trade channels. The line will debut with three flavour variants. With this launch, the company aims to strengthen its position in a market that has seen both multinational and domestic brands invest more aggressively, reflecting the rising acceptance of premium pet diets among Indian households.

Swiggy Eyes QIP Fundraising of Rs 10,000 Crore Amid Intensifying Quick Commerce Competition

Quick Commerce

SnackTeam

December 4, 2025

Indian food delivery major Swiggy Ltd. is preparing to raise up to Rs 10,000 crore from institutional investors as early as next week through a qualified institutional placement (QIP), according to people familiar with the matter. The company has shortlisted Citigroup India, JPMorgan India, and Kotak Mahindra Capital to manage the share sale.

The move is part of Swiggy’s broader strategy to strengthen its cash reserves and accelerate expansion across food delivery and quick commerce, where competition has intensified sharply in recent months. The company’s board first approved the fundraising plan in early November 2025, allowing Swiggy to raise capital through QIP and other permitted channels, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Funds from the placement are expected to support multiple priorities. Swiggy plans to expand its quick commerce infrastructure, including dark stores and local warehouses, invest in technology and cloud systems, enhance customer acquisition, and step up brand marketing efforts. The capital will also be used for repaying or pre-paying borrowings and potentially pursuing strategic acquisitions. These steps aim to consolidate Swiggy’s position amid rapid sector growth and mounting competition from players such as Zomato’s Blinkit and Zepto.

The timing coincides with significant funding activity in the instant commerce space. Zepto recently raised $450 million at a valuation of $7 billion, while Blinkit is targeting a dark store network of 3,000 outlets by March 2027. Analysts say these developments have created an environment where deep capital reserves are increasingly essential for companies seeking to scale quickly and maintain market share.

Swiggy co-founder and CEO Sriharsha Majety has emphasized the importance of long-term growth investments and infrastructure development as key to staying competitive. By bolstering financial resources through the QIP, Swiggy looks to reinforce its leadership in India’s fast-evolving food delivery and instant commerce sector.

Arabian Delites Accelerates Expansion with Cloud Kitchens, Plans 100 Outlets in India

Food

SnackTeam

December 4, 2025

Middle Eastern food brand Arabian Delites is accelerating its expansion across India, with a goal of reaching 100 outlets by 2028. The company plans to double its current store count by 2026, signaling a strong commitment to scaling its presence in the fast-growing cloud-kitchen and delivery segment.

The growth push comes alongside the launch of Arabian Delites’ third cloud kitchen in Delhi, situated in Vasant Kunj. This facility marks the brand’s sixth outlet in the national capital region and strengthens its delivery network across Delhi-NCR. The company aims to leverage cloud kitchens as a core part of its strategy, catering to the rising appetite for Lebanese cuisine and Middle Eastern flavors in India’s urban markets.

2025 has been a pivotal year for Arabian Delites. The brand has fortified its operational infrastructure by doubling its workforce and upgrading technology systems to support delivery efficiency and order management. The menu has also expanded, now featuring a wider range of Middle Eastern desserts, including traditional baklava, aiming to appeal to both regular and first-time customers.

“Our focus is on sustainable growth while delivering authentic Middle Eastern experiences to Indian consumers,” said Mandeep Singh, Director of Arabian Delites. “By investing in operational excellence and expanding our delivery network, we are preparing to scale responsibly across key urban and emerging markets.”

Industry analysts note that the cloud-kitchen-led model is increasingly popular among food-service brands looking to reduce overheads while reaching a broader consumer base. With rising consumer demand for international cuisines and online food delivery in Tier-I and Tier-II cities, Arabian Delites’ expansion plan positions the brand to capture significant market share.

As it continues to roll out new outlets and enhance delivery operations, Arabian Delites is aiming not just for quantity but also for consistency in taste and customer experience, establishing itself as a serious contender in India’s premium Middle Eastern food segment.

Pan Masala Labeling Update: RSP Display Mandatory Across All Pack Sizes

Business

SnackTeam

December 4, 2025

The Department of Consumer Affairs has issued a major update to pan masala packaging regulations, mandating that all packs, regardless of size, display the Retail Sale Price and other statutory declarations. The notification, issued through GSR 881(E), will take effect from February 1, 2026, ending the long-standing exemption for small packs weighing 10 grams or less.

Under the amended Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, manufacturers, packers, and importers of pan masala will be required to ensure full compliance. The changes are aimed at strengthening consumer protection by providing transparent pricing information across all pack sizes and eliminating the possibility of misleading or inconsistent pricing.

Previously, smaller packs were not required to carry the retail price, often making it difficult for consumers to compare costs or for authorities to verify correct taxation. The government said that by enforcing uniform labeling, consumers will be better informed about the products they purchase and the prices they pay.

The amendment also aligns with tax compliance objectives. Displaying the Retail Sale Price facilitates accurate application of Goods and Services Tax on all pan masala products. This is expected to support seamless enforcement of RSP-based GST decisions by the GST Council and ensure proper revenue collection across every pack size, from the smallest single-serving sachet to bulk units.

Officials note that the move reflects a broader push for clarity in packaged commodities, where consumer awareness and transparency are priorities. Industry participants are advised to adjust their production, labeling, and supply chain processes to meet the February deadline, avoiding penalties for non-compliance.

The Department of Consumer Affairs emphasized that the amendment not only enhances regulatory oversight but also empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, strengthening trust in product pricing across the pan masala market.

Government Moves to Restore Tobacco Excise Duty as GST Cess Nears End

Business

SnackTeam

December 4, 2025

The Union government has moved to ensure that taxes on tobacco products do not fall after recent changes to the GST framework, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman telling Parliament that the proposed excise duty on cigarettes and other tobacco items is simply a continuation of the tax structure that existed before GST. Speaking during a debate on the Central Excise Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, she emphasised that the measure is not an additional levy and that states will receive their share of the revenue as part of the divisible pool.

The move comes as the GST compensation cess, currently applied to all tobacco products, prepares to sunset. The cess was introduced in 2017 for a five-year period to help states adjust to the new tax regime and later extended to 2026 so the Centre could repay a loan of 2.69 lakh crore that was taken during the pandemic years. Officials expect that loan to be fully settled within the next few weeks, after which the cess will end and the revised excise structure will take effect.

Under the Bill, the government proposes excise duty ranging from 2,700 to 11,000 rupees per thousand sticks of cigarettes depending on size and category. It also lays out a duty of 60 to 70 per cent per kilogram on tobacco used in various products and a full 100 per cent per kilogram on chewing tobacco. Sitharaman noted that cigarette affordability in India has remained largely unchanged over the past decade, citing a World Health Organisation finding that stagnant prices undermine public health goals.

India’s total tax incidence on cigarettes currently sits at around 53 per cent of the retail price. This is well below the WHO benchmark of 75 per cent and lower than rates in markets such as the United Kingdom and Australia, where total tax routinely crosses 80 to 85 per cent. The minister added that the aim is to prevent tobacco products from becoming cheaper once the cess ends, while continuing efforts to help farmers move away from tobacco cultivation.

Google Rolls Out AI Try-On Feature in India for Realistic Outfit Previews Across Billions of Listings

Business

SnackTeam

December 4, 2025

Google has begun offering Indian shoppers a new way to judge an outfit before spending a rupee. The company has introduced virtual try-on for apparel across its shopping results in India, allowing users to see how clothing might look on their own bodies simply by uploading a full-length photograph. The rollout brings India into a growing list of markets where Google has been testing AI-assisted fitting tools.

The experience is straightforward. When browsing apparel listings on Google, shoppers will now notice a small prompt that invites them to try the item on. Once a photo is uploaded, Google’s system analyses the person’s body shape, studies how different materials behave, and then produces an image of the outfit on that individual. Tops, dresses, jackets, trousers and shoes are supported at launch, effectively covering most of the mainstream fashion categories searched on the platform.

The tool was first introduced in the United States earlier this year, followed by launches in Australia, Canada and Japan. Google says users in these markets tend to share their virtual try-on images more often than standard product photographs, which the company sees as a sign that shoppers enjoy the personalised, playful nature of the feature.

India already has a strong culture of digital try-before-buy. Myntra’s beauty try-on helped significantly improve conversion rates for makeup. Lenskart familiarised the country with 3D eyewear trials. Nykaa, Ajio, Tata Cliq and CaratLane have each experimented with similar technology over the years. Google is betting that a universal, platform-wide version will help customers feel more confident about sizing, fit and drape, ultimately reducing returns during peak buying months.

Its arrival also coincides with a busy shopping period that includes weddings, office celebrations and festive gatherings. For many users, the fitting room is now as close as the camera on their phone, and the final choice may depend on how convincingly the outfit appears on their own screen.

Prada Buys Versace for 1.4 Billion Dollars as Luxury House Prepares for Major Transformation

Luxury

SnackTeam

December 4, 2025

The Prada Group has formally taken ownership of Versace after completing a 1.375 billion dollar cash purchase that brings one of Italy’s boldest luxury labels into the fold of one of its most influential fashion houses. The deal moves Versace out of Capri Holdings and places it beside Prada and Miu Miu, marking one of the most significant restructurings in European luxury this decade.

Regulatory approvals were finalized earlier this week. Capri Holdings confirmed that proceeds from the sale will help reduce its existing debt. Prada, in its brief confirmation note, signaled that the transaction is part of a larger plan to expand its footprint while unlocking new value from Versace, which has struggled to find its momentum in recent years.

Donatella Versace publicly embraced the transition in an Instagram tribute timed with the birthday of Gianni Versace. The post featured an archival photograph of her brother with Miuccia Prada, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment for the family and the brand.

Versace’s next chapter will be led by Lorenzo Bertelli, who takes on the role of executive chairman alongside his existing responsibilities within Prada Group. Bertelli has indicated that dramatic leadership shakeups are unlikely in the near term, although he acknowledged that the brand’s global influence has not matched its recognition in recent years. Prada maintains that Versace still holds substantial room for growth, especially with its strong name recall in key markets.

Industry analysts see potential in the combination of Prada’s minimalism and Versace’s maximalist identity. Versace has already started refining its creative direction under designer Dario Vitale, who presented his debut collection in Milan earlier this year.

Behind the scenes, preparations are underway to integrate Versace into Prada’s Italian production network. The group has continued to expand its manufacturing capacity in Tuscany and beyond, investing heavily in training programs that support hundreds of artisans each year. Prada believes this manufacturing strength will be central to Versace’s revival.

Patanjali Cow Ghee Fails Safety Tests, Uttarakhand FDA Fines Company Rs 1.4 Lakh

FMCG

SnackTeam

December 2, 2025

Patanjali Ayurved Limited, the consumer goods company founded by yoga guru Ramdev, along with two associated businesses, has been collectively fined Rs 1.4 lakh by Uttarakhand’s Food Safety and Drug Administration following repeated failures of its cow ghee in food safety tests. The penalty includes Rs 1 lakh on Patanjali, Rs 25,000 on the distributor, and Rs 15,000 on the retailer.

The action follows inspections carried out in October 2020 when a sample of Patanjali cow ghee was collected from a general store in the Kasni area of Pithoragarh district. Laboratory analysis at the state-run facility in Rudrapur indicated that the product did not meet prescribed food safety standards and could potentially be harmful if consumed.

After the Rudrapur lab flagged the issue, the authorities issued a notice to Patanjali in 2021. The company requested a re-examination at the National Food Laboratory in Ghaziabad. In November 2021, the NFL confirmed the findings of the state lab, validating concerns over the quality and safety of the ghee.

The matter was subsequently reviewed by the Adjudicating Officer in Pithoragarh in February 2022, resulting in the imposition of fines. The Uttarakhand Food Safety and Drug Administration noted that repeated non-compliance necessitated regulatory action to protect consumers and ensure adherence to safety standards.

Patanjali has faced scrutiny in the past over product quality issues, and this development underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining consistency across its rapidly expanding portfolio. Authorities emphasized that regular monitoring and lab testing remain crucial in safeguarding public health and that penalties, though modest, serve as a deterrent against violations in the food and consumer goods sector.

The case highlights the intersection of regulatory oversight and corporate accountability in India’s booming packaged foods market, with consumer safety remaining a central concern for authorities nationwide.

Swiggy Plans Rs 10,000 Crore Share Sale to Raise $1.1 Billion from Institutional Investors

Quick Commerce

SnackTeam

December 2, 2025

Indian food delivery company Swiggy is preparing one of its largest fundraising moves to date, with plans to raise up to Rs 10,000 crore from institutional investors as early as next week, according to people with knowledge of the discussions. The move signals the Bengaluru-based firm’s attempt to strengthen its balance sheet ahead of an expected public listing and a period of increasing competition in the quick-commerce and food-delivery market.

Sources say Swiggy has shortlisted three banks to guide the transaction: the Indian arms of Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase, along with Kotak Mahindra Capital. These advisors have been working closely with the company since the board cleared the proposal on November 7, allowing Swiggy to pursue a qualified institutional placement of shares. The final size and exact timing of the offering may still shift, depending on market conditions and regulatory clearances.

The proposed fundraising round comes at a time when India’s food-delivery and hyperlocal logistics sector is witnessing aggressive capital deployment from global and domestic players. Swiggy, valued at more than $10 billion in earlier private rounds, has been focusing on improving profitability in its restaurant-delivery business while expanding Instamart, its quick-commerce arm that continues to attract both demand and investment interest.

Analysts note that a Rs 10,000-crore infusion would give Swiggy additional room to invest in logistics, technology infrastructure and market expansion. It would also help bolster its position against chief rival Zomato, which has strengthened its balance sheet through recent profitability improvements and capital-market gains.

Representatives for Swiggy and the involved banks did not immediately comment on the fundraising plans. Market observers expect clearer details once shareholder and regulatory processes move forward, likely placing the company on a closer path toward its long-anticipated public debut.

Hiyo Partners with Live Nation; Social Tonics to Roll Out Across Major U.S. Music Festivals

Beverages

SnackTeam

December 2, 2025

Live Nation has entered a multi-year partnership with Hiyo Social Tonics, marking one of the beverage brand’s most significant commercial breakthroughs as it looks to embed itself in the fast-growing non-alcoholic drinks space in the United States. The agreement, which also includes an equity investment from Live Nation, will bring Hiyo’s functional, mood-enhancing drinks to select venues and festivals across the country.

The collaboration arrives at a moment when live-event consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives that offer flavour, energy and sociability without alcohol. Live Nation’s own research indicates that nearly six out of ten concertgoers shift between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during a show, and eight in ten say that the beverage they choose influences how memorable the overall experience feels. For Hiyo, this data underscores a shift already visible in retail aisles and nightlife spaces.

Hiyo’s range is built around blends of adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals designed to create what the brand describes as an uplifting, clear-headed feeling. Fans will first encounter the Blackberry Lemon variant at participating Live Nation events, positioning the drink as a refreshing, low-calorie option suitable for warm outdoor festivals or late-night concerts.

Evan Quinn, the company’s chief executive, called the partnership a turning point, saying it brings the brand directly into spaces where consumers are actively redefining how they connect and celebrate. Chief strategy officer Ian Knowles added that the alliance allows Hiyo to meet audiences during cultural moments when they are most open to trying new formats.

The investment extends Live Nation’s growing portfolio of emerging food and beverage companies, which already includes names such as Liquid Death and Owen’s Craft Mixers. Tom Allison, senior vice president of new ventures, said the rise of balanced consumption at shows makes Hiyo a timely addition, reflecting how fan preferences continue to evolve inside the modern concert economy.

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