India’s Fruit Exports Surge 47.5% in Five Years, Driven by Trade Agreements and Quality Measures

Growth

March 31, 2025

Image of fruit-vegetable — India’s Fruit Exports Surge 47.5% in Five Years, Driven by Trade Agreements and Quality Measures

India’s fruit exports have jumped 47.5% in the past five years, marking a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural trade, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday. The surge has been fueled by expanding trade partnerships, particularly Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the UAE and Australia, which have led to a 27% increase in exports to the UAE and a 6% rise in shipments to Australia.

India’s Growing Global Footprint in Fruit Exports

India is currently exporting fresh fruits to over 85 countries, with mangoes, grapes, bananas, apples, pineapples, pomegranates, and watermelons among the top varieties. The government is aggressively exploring new markets while maintaining stringent quality control.

“Every fruit that leaves India carries the reputation of Brand India,” Prasada emphasized, assuring that strict pesticide residue limits and international quality standards are being adhered to.

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Strengthening Infrastructure to Boost Exports

To further enhance exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with state governments, has been focusing on:

• Post-harvest handling improvements

• Cold chain networks, including integrated pack houses, reefer vehicles, and in-house testing facilities

• Advanced treatment processes like Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) and Hot Water Treatment (HWT) to prevent pest infestations

Additionally, Indian fruit exporters are actively participating in international trade fairs such as Asia Fruit Logistica (Hong Kong) and MACFRUIT (Italy), along with buyer-seller meets and global branding campaigns.

Breaking into New Markets

India has been making steady progress in gaining access to new international markets. In the past three years, market access has been secured for:

• Fresh bananas in Canada

• Pomegranate arils in Australia, USA, Serbia, and New Zealand

• Whole pomegranates in Australia (via irradiation treatment)

Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal highlighted that negotiations are ongoing with agencies in Europe, the USA, and other emerging markets to further expand India’s footprint in the global fruit trade.

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Impressive Growth in Value and Volume

India’s fruit exports have seen a 69% rise in quantity, from 7.55 lakh MT in 2019-20 to 12.76 lakh MT in 2023-24. In terms of revenue, exports have increased from $668.7 million to $986.3 million in the same period.

With strong government support, expanding trade agreements, and a focus on quality, India’s fruit export industry is on an upward trajectory, positioning itself as a key player in global markets.

India’s Ice Cream Industry Booms, Set to Hit ₹45,000 Crore in 3 Years

Growth

Online Desk

March 31, 2025

Image of ice-cream — India’s Ice Cream Industry Booms, Set to Hit ₹45,000 Crore in 3 Years

India’s love for ice cream has skyrocketed over the past decade, with the market growing four times its size and showing no signs of slowing down. According to the Indian Ice Cream Manufacturing Association (IICMA), the industry is on track to reach ₹45,000 crore by 2027 and could cross ₹90,000 crore by 2032.

While ice cream sales have traditionally been seasonal, the industry has thrived due to rising disposable incomes, changing consumer tastes, and a wider distribution network. The IICMA noted that stable prices for key ingredients like milk solids and packaging materials have also played a crucial role in keeping prices competitive and improving profitability.

The Shift Towards Premium and Health-Focused Flavors

With consumers increasingly looking for healthier and more premium options, brands are experimenting with plant-based, low-sugar, and high-protein ice creams to meet demand. This shift has been particularly strong in tier-1 and tier-2 cities, where urbanization and evolving consumer habits are driving sales.

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Government Incentives Fuel Growth

The Indian government has been actively supporting the food processing industry, offering incentives that make the ice cream sector attractive for both domestic and international investors. These policies, combined with a surge in urban consumption, are expected to keep the momentum going.

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India Declares Its Own ‘Ice Cream Day’

To celebrate the booming industry, March 27 has officially been declared “Ice Cream Day” by the IICMA. The inaugural event was launched by S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry and Dairying, marking a new milestone for India’s ever-expanding ice cream market.

Snitch Opens 50th Store in Bengaluru’s HRBR Layout, Eyes 100 Stores by FY 2026 Amidst 60% Revenue Surge

Retail & Ecommerce

Online Desk

March 31, 2025

Men’s fast-fashion brand Snitch has hit a major milestone, opening its 50th store in Bengaluru’s HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar. The brand, known for its bold designs and trend-driven collections, continues to grow at a rapid pace.

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“This is a proud moment for all of us at Snitch,” said Siddharth Dungarwal, Founder & CEO. “Reaching 50 stores in such a short time is a testament to the love and loyalty of our customers. Bengaluru, with its vibrant fashion culture, is the perfect place to mark this achievement.”

A Special Offer to Mark the Occasion

To celebrate the launch, Snitch is offering an exclusive flat 50% off for the first 50 minutes on March 28, 2025—a move that’s sure to draw in fashion-forward shoppers.

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The Rise of Snitch

Launched in 2020, Snitch has quickly carved a niche in men’s fashion, offering a diverse range of clothing, shoes, bags, perfumes, and sunglasses. The brand has seen impressive growth, with revenue surging 60% between September and October 2024, fueled by its expanding retail presence.

With 100 stores in its sights by FY 2026, Snitch is showing no signs of slowing down. Its strategy? Relentless expansion and a pulse on what young, style-conscious men want.

Koparo Secures ₹14.5 Crore in Extended Pre-Series A Round, Nearly Doubles Valuation

INVESTMENTS

Online Desk

March 31, 2025

Image of koparo — Koparo Secures ₹14.5 Crore in Extended Pre-Series A Round, Nearly Doubles Valuation

D2C home cleaning brand Koparo has raised ₹14.5 crore in an extended pre-Series A round, with Saama Capital leading the investment once again. The round also saw participation from the Vikramaditya Mohan Thapar Family Trust, DSG Consumer Partners, and M Venture Partners.

As per regulatory filings accessed by Entrackr, Koparo’s board approved a resolution to issue 2,314 pre-Series A2 compulsory convertible preference shares at a price of ₹62,666 per share. This funding surge has reportedly pushed the company’s valuation to around ₹124 crore—a 90% jump from its last round. Before this, Koparo had raised ₹6 crore from 4P Capital Partners and investors from Shark Tank India.

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Where Will the New Funds Go?

The Delhi-based startup plans to allocate the fresh capital towards working capital needs, corporate expansion, and future growth strategies.

What is Koparo All About?

Founded by Simran Khara, Koparo specializes in natural, non-toxic home cleaning products as an alternative to conventional chemical-laden cleaners. The brand has built an extensive portfolio with 15+ products and over 30 SKUs, covering everything from floor cleaners, dishwashing liquid, and fabric conditioners to handwash, laundry detergent, and fresheners.

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Koparo’s Rapid Growth

The company has been on a steep growth trajectory, with its operating revenue soaring 2.3x—from ₹4.37 crore in FY23 to ₹10.22 crore in FY24. However, as the startup focuses on scaling, it reported ₹5.86 crore in losses for FY24.

With this fresh infusion of capital and a sharp rise in valuation, Koparo is doubling down on its expansion plans, betting on the rising demand for eco-friendly home cleaning solutions.

Bengaluru’s O’Be Cocktails Shuts Down After 5.5 Years: Founder Calls It His Toughest Decision

Business

Online Desk

March 31, 2025

Image of obe cocktails — Bengaluru’s O’Be Cocktails Shuts Down After 5.5 Years: Founder Calls It His Toughest Decision

After more than five years in the ready-to-drink cocktail business, Bengaluru-based startup O’Be Cocktails has officially shut its doors. Launched in July 2019 by Nitesh Prakash, the brand set out to redefine the Indian alcohol market with premium, pre-mixed cocktails crafted through over a hundred iterations.

Despite an extensive distribution network—including 22 private distributors and two government contracts—the startup struggled to sustain itself. Prakash took to LinkedIn to announce the closure, calling it one of the hardest decisions he has ever had to make. He explained that O’Be had a clear vision for delivering a high-quality cocktail experience, but the Indian alcohol market, heavily driven by price and mass consumption, did not align with this approach.

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No Buyers, No Way Forward

For the past year, the company actively sought a buyer, but no deal materialized. Prakash and his team explored every possible avenue to keep the brand alive, yet in the end, shutting down was the only viable path.

“Our customers, investors, and team have been the backbone of this journey,” he wrote. “Your unwavering support has been invaluable, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”

The Rise and Fall of O’Be Cocktails

The brand initially gained traction, securing ₹3.5 crore in an angel round in August 2021. Key investors included First Cheque, LetsVenture, Ola’s Bhavish Aggarwal, Tracxn’s Abhishek Goyal, and Sprout Investments.

In November 2023, O’Be raised a pre-Series A round led by Inflection Point Ventures, which helped fuel its expansion. At its peak, the brand had a presence in nine Indian states and even made its way into Bhutan.

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However, even with funding and a growing footprint, the business couldn’t escape the challenges of a market where alcohol is largely treated as a commodity rather than an experience. Eventually, the financial strain proved too much to overcome.

With O’Be’s exit, Prakash leaves behind a brand that attempted to shake up India’s cocktail scene—but ultimately, the industry wasn’t quite ready for it.

Let’s Fix Our Food: UNICEF, WHO, and ICMR Back Crackdown on Junk Food Ads, Demand Health Tax to Combat India’s 17M Obese Kids

Business

Online Desk

March 31, 2025

Image of junk food — Let’s Fix Our Food: UNICEF, WHO, and ICMR Back Crackdown on Junk Food Ads, Demand Health Tax to Combat India’s 17M Obese Kids

A leading national group focused on adolescent nutrition, spearheaded by the country’s top government nutrition body, has called for stricter regulations on advertisements promoting high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar (HFSS) foods. The group is also pushing for tighter marketing restrictions and a special health tax on these products.

In a policy brief released on Friday, the Let’s Fix Our Food (LFOF) initiative urged authorities to fully enforce the existing ban on HFSS foods in school canteens and near educational institutions—rules that have already been outlined by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

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The LFOF consortium includes the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition, Public Health Foundation of India, and UNICEF, alongside organizations such as the Institute of Economic Growth, the World Health Organization (WHO), Deakin University, and the World Obesity Federation.

The report comes at a time when India is facing a complex nutrition crisis. While 24% of adolescents in the country are underweight, more than 17 million children and teenagers are dealing with obesity. If left unchecked, this number could surge past 27 million by 2030. The report highlights that this “double burden” of malnutrition—undernourishment on one end and obesity on the other—requires urgent and coordinated intervention.

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The brief also points to gaps in policies governing food advertising, which make it difficult to shield children from aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods. “The growing rates of obesity and overweight among adolescents pose a serious public health threat. If we don’t act now, the long-term consequences—both for individual health and the economy—will be severe,” said Dr. V.K. Paul at the launch of the report.

The Push for a Health Tax

The consortium stressed that tackling India’s rising obesity and diabetes rates requires a multi-pronged approach. They are advocating for measures such as a health tax on HFSS foods, stricter advertising regulations, clearer food labeling, and nationwide public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the risks of unhealthy eating.

India’s Quick Commerce Boom: $7 Billion Market, 20 Million Shoppers, and Intense Competition Among Blinkit, Zepto & Swiggy Instamart

Quick Commerce

Online Desk

March 29, 2025

Image of quick commerce — India’s Quick Commerce Boom: $7 Billion Market, 20 Million Shoppers, and Intense Competition Among Blinkit, Zepto & Swiggy Instamart

India’s quick commerce industry has exploded, now making up more than two-thirds of all e-grocery orders and growing nearly fivefold to an estimated $6–7 billion since 2022, according to a report by Bain & Company and Flipkart.

Led by Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, the sector accounted for 10% of total e-retail spending in 2024, underscoring how rapidly Indian consumers have embraced near-instant deliveries. The report predicts this momentum will continue, with annual growth exceeding 40% through 2030, as companies expand into new product categories, cities, and demographics.

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Quick Commerce: The Game-Changer in E-Retail

“The rise of quick commerce—where deliveries arrive in under 30 minutes—has completely transformed India’s e-retail market in just two years,” the report stated.

With 20 million online shoppers placing orders annually and over 400,000 gig workers powering the sector, quick commerce has become a major force in India’s digital economy.

Beyond Groceries: A Shift in Consumer Behavior

Originally built around grocery deliveries, the sector is now witnessing 15–20% of gross merchandise value (GMV) from non-grocery segments, including electronics, mobile phones, apparel, and general merchandise. This shift highlights how consumers are increasingly relying on quick commerce for more than just essentials.

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Several factors have fueled this rapid expansion, including India’s high-density urban areas, low-rent dark stores, and an extensive gig workforce—advantages that have helped India outpace global markets in scaling quick commerce.

Challenges: Cracking Smaller Cities & Profitability

Despite its meteoric rise, quick commerce remains heavily concentrated in India’s top six cities, which account for the majority of orders. The report warns that expanding into smaller cities will be critical for long-term sustainability, requiring companies to streamline supply chains, improve profit margins, and rethink their business models.

The Battle for Market Dominance Heats Up

The success of Blinkit and Zepto has attracted a wave of new competitors, with Flipkart Minutes, Myntra’s M-Now, BigBasket’s BB Now, and Amazon Tez all entering the fray. As the space gets more crowded, competition is expected to intensify, forcing brands to innovate, optimize logistics, and find a path to profitability in one of the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce segments.

Yuvraj Singh’s Twiddles Eyes ₹125 Cr ARR, Sells 50,000 Energy Bites & 10,000 Jars of Almond Crumble in Just 3 Months

INVESTMENTS

Online Desk

March 29, 2025

Image of twiddles — Yuvraj Singh’s Twiddles Eyes ₹125 Cr ARR, Sells 50,000 Energy Bites & 10,000 Jars of Almond Crumble in Just 3 Months

Twiddles, the health-first snacking brand co-founded by former cricket star Yuvraj Singh, is making waves in India’s rapidly growing premium snack market. Just three months in, the brand has already built a solid customer base and is on track to surpass ₹2 crore in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) next quarter. Looking ahead, Twiddles aims to hit ₹125 crore ($15 million) in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by the next financial year.

A collaboration between Singh and Alfinity Studios, Twiddles is tapping into India’s surging appetite for protein-packed, clean-label snacks. The company cites data suggesting the country’s premium snacking segment—valued at ₹42,000 crore ($5 billion) in 2023—will more than double to ₹95,000 crore ($11.5 billion) by 2032.

“Whether on the field or in life, balance has always been key for me,” said Singh. “Twiddles is all about that—enjoying snacks without guilt. No one eats perfectly all the time, and that’s okay, as long as we do it mindfully.”

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Strong Early Growth and Consumer Loyalty

Since launch, Twiddles has attracted over 20,000 unique customers, with a website conversion rate of 8%—well above the industry norm for direct-to-consumer food brands. Repeat purchases are also gaining momentum, with 13% of buyers returning for more.

India’s snacking habits are undergoing a major shift, with over 68% of consumers now prioritizing healthier options. Twiddles is leaning into this trend with a growing lineup of high-protein snacks, including peanut butter, protein bites, and savory, protein-based options.

Among its top-selling products, the Almond Crumble Chocolate Spread has already moved 10,000 jars, while over 50,000 energy bites have been sold across various e-commerce platforms.

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Disrupting an Industry Dominated by Legacy Brands

In a market crowded with established players, Twiddles is positioning itself as a game-changer with its “mindful indulgence” philosophy. Singh’s reputation for fitness and resilience gives the brand an edge, helping it stand out in an increasingly competitive space.

With strong early traction, ambitious revenue goals, and a booming market in its favor, Twiddles is well on its way to becoming a household name in India’s premium snacking segment.

Jubilant Foods to Add 900+ Domino’s Stores and 190+ Popeyes Outlets by 2027—CEO Sameer Khetarpal Lays Out Aggressive Expansion Plan

Growth

Online Desk

March 29, 2025

Image of domino's pizza — Jubilant Foods to Add 900+ Domino’s Stores and 190+ Popeyes Outlets by 2027—CEO Sameer Khetarpal Lays Out Aggressive Expansion Plan

Jubilant Foods is gearing up for major expansion, with plans to take Domino’s Pizza to 3,000 outlets and Popeyes to around 250 locations within the next three years, CEO and MD Sameer Khetarpal revealed on Thursday.

For Domino’s, the company is setting its sights on smaller Tier III towns and tapping into new markets, while Popeyes will focus on metro and Tier II cities. “We are growing both brands, but our priority is Popeyes. We see it scaling up faster than the others,” Khetarpal told PTI.

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Currently, Jubilant Foods (JFL) operates about 2,100 Domino’s stores, making it the second-largest market for the American pizza chain outside the U.S. Meanwhile, Popeyes, which has around 60 stores in India, is set to expand aggressively, with JFL adding up to 50 new outlets per year, aiming to reach 200–250 locations in the next three years.

“For Popeyes, we’re targeting Tier I and Tier II cities—we’re already present in places like Coimbatore, Salem, Mysore, and Bangalore. Our strong distribution network, built through Domino’s, gives us a solid foundation,” Khetarpal added.

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Beyond Domino’s and Popeyes, JFL also operates around 30 outlets each of Dunkin’ and Hong’s Kitchen. It holds franchise rights for Domino’s in multiple international markets, including Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, bringing its global store count to over 3,000.

As consumer habits evolve, Domino’s continues to thrive on delivery, with 70% of orders coming through its app, website, or food aggregators, while the rest come from dine-in customers.

Rockport’s Big Indian Debut: Brandman Retail Brings the $1 Billion Footwear Giant to 19,000+ Pin Codes

Retail & Ecommerce

Online Desk

March 29, 2025

Image of rockport — Rockport’s Big Indian Debut: Brandman Retail Brings the $1 Billion Footwear Giant to 19,000+ Pin Codes

Rockport, the renowned American footwear brand, is making its way into India through a partnership with Brandman Retail, a company specializing in retail solutions. The brand’s collection will be available for purchase across major e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart, Tata CLiQ Fashion, Tata CLiQ Luxury, Nykaa Fashion, Nykaa Men, Myntra, and Brandman’s official website, covering 19,000 pin codes nationwide.

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With this launch, Brandman Retail aims to carve out a 4–5% share of India’s footwear market. “Rockport’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation aligns perfectly with our goal of bringing top-tier footwear to Indian consumers,” said Kashika Malhotra, Head of Business Development at Brandman Retail. “We’re excited to introduce a brand that seamlessly blends comfort, performance, and design to the South Asian market.”

The debut collection is tailored for consumers who seek versatile footwear that transitions effortlessly between work, leisure, and travel. Beyond India, this collaboration extends to Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, further expanding Rockport’s reach in the region.

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Brandman Retail, established in 2021, specializes in launching and scaling international footwear, apparel, and accessories brands in India. The company represents global names such as New Balance, Saucony, Rockport, G/FORE, and On, managing their retail operations, licensing, and online presence. Currently, Brandman operates 12 exclusive stores, including 11 New Balance outlets, two Sneakrz stores, and a dedicated direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform.

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