Saturday, December 20, 2025
Home Blog Page 128

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

0
Image of wonderchef
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.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

“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.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

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.

Advertisement

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

0
Image of amazon
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.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

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.”

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

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.

Advertisement

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

0
Image of shiprocket
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.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

“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.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

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.

Advertisement

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

0
Image of tax
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.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

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.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

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.

Advertisement

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

0
Image of chinese wok
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.”

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

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.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

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.

Advertisement

From INR 71.96 Cr to INR 140 Cr: How Wellbeing Nutrition’s Global Expansion and Whey Protein Push Are Fueling Massive Growth in FY25

0
Image of wellbeing nutrition
From INR 71.96 Cr to INR 140 Cr: How Wellbeing Nutrition’s Global Expansion and Whey Protein Push Are Fueling Massive Growth in FY25

Wellbeing Nutrition, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) nutraceutical brand, is eyeing a significant leap in its revenue, aiming to close the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) at INR 140 Cr. If achieved, this would represent a nearly 95% surge from its FY24 revenue of INR 71.96 Cr, which had already seen a strong 68.7% year-on-year increase.

Speaking to Inc42, cofounder Avnish Chhabria credited the anticipated growth to the brand’s aggressive expansion in both product range and geographical presence. Over the past year, Wellbeing Nutrition made its mark in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the US, and Europe, while also entering the whey protein segment — a category Chhabria says is seeing “200% month-on-month growth.”

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

Founded in 2019 by Chhabria and Saurabh Kapoor, the company offers a variety of vitamins and mineral supplements, available through its online platform and offline retail channels.

Chhabria is optimistic about achieving EBITDA profitability in the January-March 2025 quarter, attributing it to cost-cutting measures. The startup is projecting total expenses of INR 78-80 Cr in FY25, significantly lower than the INR 104 Cr it spent in FY24.

“Our focus on retaining customers and optimizing ad spend has paid off, helping us reach cash breakeven in the March quarter,” Chhabria said.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

The startup’s return on advertisement spend (ROAS) has notably improved, climbing to $3.5-$4 in FY25 from $2.5 the previous year. Additionally, Wellbeing Nutrition’s retention rate has nearly doubled, increasing from 22% in FY24 to 43% in the current fiscal year.

Advertisement

Unicommerce Takes Full Control of Shipway with 57.24% Stake Buyout, Issues 60.3 Lakh Shares in Rs 68.4 Cr Deal — Faster Integration on the Horizon

0
Image of unicommerce
Unicommerce Takes Full Control of Shipway with 57.24% Stake Buyout, Issues 60.3 Lakh Shares in Rs 68.4 Cr Deal — Faster Integration on the Horizon

Unicommerce eSolutions Limited has finalized the acquisition of the remaining 57.24% stake in Shipway Technology Private Limited, taking full control of the courier aggregation platform.

This move follows Unicommerce’s initial purchase of a 42.76% stake in Shipway for Rs 68.4 crore on December 17, 2024. To complete the acquisition, Unicommerce will issue 60,33,189 equity shares through a preferential allotment. The share swap ratio for this transaction stands at 1:8.9, meaning Shipway’s promoters and non-promoter shareholders will receive 1 Unicommerce share for every 8.9 shares of Shipway they hold.

With this deal, Shipway will now operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unicommerce. The acquisition received approval from Unicommerce’s Board of Directors on March 20, 2025, and is pending shareholder approval.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

Although Unicommerce had initially planned to acquire the entire company within a year under the terms set in December, the accelerated timeline suggests a push for faster integration. The move is expected to strengthen Unicommerce’s market position, allowing it to offer a more comprehensive range of e-commerce enablement solutions.

By combining forces, Unicommerce aims to widen its total addressable market and offer a seamless, integrated suite of technology products. The company’s flagship product, Uniware, already handles key back-end operations like inventory management, multi-channel order processing, warehouse management, and returns handling.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

Shipway brings logistics expertise to the table with its courier aggregation and shipping automation platform, while Convertway, another offering, provides AI-powered marketing automation to drive e-commerce conversions and sales. Together, these solutions position Unicommerce as a robust, end-to-end e-commerce technology provider.

Advertisement

Jimmy’s Cocktails Sees 30.9% Revenue Crash to INR 23.7 Cr in FY24, Net Loss Soars 47.1% to INR 10 Cr Despite Profitability Claims

0
Image of jimmys cocktails
Jimmy’s Cocktails Sees 30.9% Revenue Crash to INR 23.7 Cr in FY24, Net Loss Soars 47.1% to INR 10 Cr Despite Profitability Claims

Jimmy’s Cocktails, a D2C brand specializing in cocktail mixers, experienced a notable drop in its financial performance during the fiscal year ending March 2024 (FY24). The company’s operating revenue slipped by 30.9% to INR 23.7 Cr, down from INR 34.3 Cr in FY23. Including an additional INR 2.9 Cr from other income sources, its total income stood at INR 26.6 Cr, marking a 23.3% decline compared to the previous year’s INR 34.7 Cr.

Continue Exploring: NONSTOP launches first flagship store in Mumbai, offering mobility and wellness solutions

The brand’s losses deepened despite the revenue decline. Its net loss surged by 47.1%, reaching INR 10 Cr in FY24 compared to INR 6.8 Cr in FY23, largely attributed to increased spending. Similarly, the EBITDA loss rose 51.2% to INR 13 Cr, up from INR 8.6 Cr in the previous fiscal year. This led to a significant EBITDA margin contraction to -55%, deteriorating from -25% in FY23.

Continue Exploring: The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

Jimmy’s Cocktails sells its mixers across multiple channels, including its own website, offline retail stores, and popular ecommerce and quick commerce platforms.

Interestingly, the company had claimed in May last year that it had achieved profitability in FY24, projecting a revenue run rate exceeding INR 100 Cr within 18 months. However, the latest financials paint a different picture.

Founded in 2019 by Ankur Bhatia and Nitin Bhardwaj, Jimmy’s Cocktails offers low-calorie, ready-to-drink cocktail mixers. Expanding its portfolio, the brand ventured into the energy drinks market in July 2023 with its product line named ‘Hustle.’

The startup’s most recent funding came in 2023, raising $1.3 Mn (INR 11 Cr) in an extended pre-Series A round. In 2022, it secured $1.8 Mn in a round led by Roots Ventures.

Advertisement

Malabar Gold & Diamonds to Expand Global Footprint with 60 New Showrooms by 2025

0
Image of malabar
Malabar Gold & Diamonds to Expand Global Footprint with 60 New Showrooms by 2025

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the sixth-largest jewelry retailer in the world, is gearing up for a major expansion, with plans to open 60 new showrooms by 2025, the company announced on Thursday.

The move is part of Malabar’s strategy to strengthen its presence both in India and internationally. In March 2024 alone, the brand will launch 12 new showrooms across India, with locations including Panvel (Mumbai), Sinhagad Road (Pune), Brahmapur and Soubhagya Nagar (Odisha), Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Hospet, Nagarbhavi, and Chitradurga (Karnataka), as well as Nandyal, Amalapuram, and Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).

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

To support this expansion, Malabar has invested ₹600 crore and has already brought on board 406 new employees this financial year.

Going Global: Middle East, UK, and Canada Up Next

The brand’s international expansion is also gaining momentum. In April 2025, Malabar plans to open five new showrooms across the Middle East, the UK, and Canada, adding to its already significant global presence.

“Our growth plan is a reflection of our commitment to bringing a world-class jewelry shopping experience to customers around the globe,” said MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group. “We are driven by our vision to become the world’s number one jewelry and luxury brand. Every showroom opening takes us one step closer to that goal.”

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

A Strong Global Presence

Currently, Malabar Gold & Diamonds operates 380 showrooms across 13 countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia, USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

The company’s production strength includes 11 cutting-edge factories in India and 5 international units, employing a workforce of over 25,000 professionals from 26 countries.

With this latest expansion, Malabar Gold & Diamonds is not only cementing its leadership in the global jewelry market but also delivering on its mission of providing quality craftsmanship, ethical practices, and an exceptional customer experience worldwide.

Advertisement

Himalayan Wellness Brand My Pahadi Dukan Secures Pre-Seed Funding from Inflection Point Ventures

0
Image of my pahadi dukan
Himalayan Wellness Brand My Pahadi Dukan Secures Pre-Seed Funding from Inflection Point Ventures

My Pahadi Dukan, a direct-to-consumer brand specializing in authentic Himalayan health and wellness products, has raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed funding round led by Gurugram-based Inflection Point Ventures (IPV).

The fresh capital will be directed towards expanding the brand’s marketing efforts, improving operations, strengthening IT infrastructure, and managing working capital.

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

Bringing the Himalayas to Global Consumers

Founded in 2021 by Himanshu Dua, Shubham Tandon, Rohan Sehgal, and Mohd. Anas Zubair, My Pahadi Dukan collaborates with local farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), and cooperatives across the Himalayan belt. The brand’s mission is to deliver pure, high-quality products from the mountains to consumers worldwide.

“At My Pahadi Dukan, we are passionate about sharing the authentic goodness of Himalayan wellness products with people across India and beyond,” said CEO Himanshu Dua. “IPV’s support has provided us with the momentum needed to grow our operations and bring the richness of the Himalayas to more households.”

A Growing Network of Himalayan Partnerships

The startup has built a strong supply chain by partnering with over 20,000 farmers, SHGs, and cooperatives spread across nine Himalayan states and Bhutan. So far, they have successfully shipped products to 29 countries and fulfilled more than 16,000 orders.

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

Investor’s Perspective

Recognizing the increasing demand for authentic, sustainable, and wellness-oriented products, IPV sees My Pahadi Dukan as a pioneer in the rapidly evolving market.

“Today’s consumers are actively seeking pure and sustainable products, and My Pahadi Dukan is leading that movement,” said Mitesh Shah, Founder and CEO of IPV. “Their dedication to empowering local communities while offering premium-quality Himalayan products perfectly aligns with IPV’s investment philosophy.”

Shah also emphasized IPV’s excitement about supporting the brand’s growth journey as it scales operations and strengthens its presence in the wellness sector.

A Booming Industry

India’s health and wellness-focused food and beverage market is witnessing a significant surge, with industry projections estimating its value to hit $30 billion by 2026 at a CAGR of 20%.

With the fresh funding and IPV’s backing, My Pahadi Dukan is well-positioned to tap into this growing demand and solidify its role as a leading player in the Himalayan health and wellness space.

Advertisement