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India’s Quick Commerce Boom: Market Surges to $7 Billion, but Can It Sustain the Growth?

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India’s Quick Commerce Boom: Market Surges to $7 Billion, but Can It Sustain the Growth?

India’s quick commerce sector has exploded in the last two years, now accounting for over two-thirds of all e-grocery orders and reaching a market size of $6-7 billion, according to a report by Bain & Company and Flipkart. That’s a nearly fivefold increase since 2022, signaling how deeply Indian consumers have embraced instant deliveries.

From Groceries to Gadgets: Quick Commerce Becomes a Retail Powerhouse

Platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart aren’t just limited to grocery deliveries anymore. The report highlights that 15-20% of the sector’s Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) now comes from categories like electronics, apparel, and general merchandise, showing how consumers are using these platforms beyond just daily essentials.

This sector isn’t just growing—it’s reshaping India’s e-commerce landscape, now contributing to one-tenth of total e-retail spending in 2024. With 20 million active online shoppers and over 400,000 gig workers, it has become a major force in India’s digital economy.

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

Challenges Ahead: Can Quick Commerce Expand Beyond Major Cities?

Despite its meteoric rise, quick commerce still relies heavily on India’s top six metros, which generate the majority of its sales. Expanding into smaller cities remains a challenge due to supply chain complexities and lower population density.

The report suggests that for long-term profitability, platforms must optimize their logistics, improve profit margins, and rethink their business models to work in non-metro areas.

New Players Enter the Race, but Is the Growth Sustainable?

The rapid rise of quick commerce has attracted new entrants like Flipkart Minutes, Myntra’s M-Now, BigBasket’s BB Now, and Amazon Tez, all looking to challenge Blinkit and Zepto.

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But some analysts remain skeptical about whether the sector can maintain its pace. A report by Blume Ventures warns that while demand is soaring, profitability remains a major hurdle, and unit economics may not support long-term sustainability.

As competition intensifies and companies race to scale, the big question remains: Will quick commerce remain a long-term success, or is it a bubble waiting to burst?

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Former VLCC CEO Sandeep Ahuja Backs Narh: Investment to Fuel Brand’s Growth in India’s ₹20,000 Crore Men’s Grooming Market

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Former VLCC CEO Sandeep Ahuja Backs Narh: Investment to Fuel Brand’s Growth in India’s ₹20,000 Crore Men’s Grooming Market

Men’s grooming brand Narh has secured seed funding from Sandeep Ahuja, a veteran in the Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) industry, the company announced on Tuesday.

Ahuja, the former Managing Director and Group CEO of VLCC Health Care Ltd., brings over 25 years of experience in FMCG, wellness, and retail across 12 countries in Asia and East Africa. His backing is expected to help Narh expand its sales team, strengthen distribution across India, and scale both online and offline operations.

With men’s grooming no longer a niche but a fast-growing segment, Ahuja sees Narh as a brand poised for leadership. “The Indian male grooming market is evolving rapidly. Consumers are prioritizing high-quality, innovative products, and Narh’s commitment to clean, effective formulations makes it a strong contender in this space,” he said.

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

Co-founder Ayush Hans Mehra echoed this sentiment, stating that the investment is about more than just funding. “This partnership is about a shared vision—to redefine men’s personal care with authenticity, innovation, and excellence,” he said.

India’s Booming Men’s Grooming Market

The men’s grooming sector in India—which includes hair care, skincare, fragrances, shaving, and personal hygiene products—is experiencing rapid growth. According to MarkNtel Advisors, the market is projected to expand at a 12.1% CAGR from 2024 to 2030.

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

This surge is driven by increasing awareness of health, wellness, and self-care, with modern consumers demanding natural, sustainable, and transparent products. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are gravitating toward eco-friendly brands that align with their values.

With fresh funding and a market on the rise, Narh is positioning itself as a leader in the next wave of men’s grooming.

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Ritualistic Secures $1 Million from Deep & Mohit Bajaj: Plans Major Expansion & Cultural Collaborations

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Ritualistic Secures $1 Million from Deep & Mohit Bajaj: Plans Major Expansion & Cultural Collaborations

Home décor brand Ritualistic has raised $1 million in a mix of primary and secondary funding from entrepreneurs Deep Bajaj and Mohit Bajaj, the company announced on Thursday.

The fresh capital will fuel the brand’s expansion, allowing it to broaden its product range, strengthen its online and offline distribution, and ramp up marketing efforts. Additionally, Ritualistic aims to deepen its cultural footprint by collaborating with temples, museums, and cultural institutions.

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 Deep Bajaj praised the brand’s vision, stating, “Ritualistic seamlessly blends Indian heritage with modern aesthetics. We’re thrilled to back a venture that brings traditional craftsmanship into contemporary homes.”

The company was founded by husband-and-wife duo Shashank and Neha Jain, who share a deep passion for Indian art and culture. Shashank Jain emphasized the brand’s mission, saying, “Our goal has always been to celebrate India’s rich traditions through thoughtfully designed products. With this investment, we’re poised to bring Ritualistic into more homes than ever before.”

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The deal was facilitated by Done Deal, an investor-startup matchmaking platform. This marks the second successful investment partnership between the Bajajs and Done Deal.

Ritualistic specializes in heritage-inspired home décor, offering everything from handcrafted wall plates to spiritual essentials. The brand’s focus is on preserving and modernizing Indian artistry, ensuring traditional craftsmanship remains relevant in today’s homes.

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Amazon Fresh Expands to 170+ Cities as Grocery Sales Surge 50%—Srikant Sree Ram on the Next Big Growth Phase

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Amazon Fresh Expands to 170+ Cities as Grocery Sales Surge 50%—Srikant Sree Ram on the Next Big Growth Phase

Amazon India announced on Wednesday that its grocery delivery service, Amazon Fresh, has expanded to over 170 cities and towns across the country. The service was previously available in 130 locations, marking a significant jump in its footprint.

This expansion follows a 50% year-over-year growth in the second half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Southern India has been the biggest growth driver, recording a 50% surge, while the Eastern region saw a 40% increase, according to the company.

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“Reaching 170+ cities and towns allows us to serve customers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions, making fresh and high-quality groceries more accessible at competitive prices. The strong growth we’ve seen confirms that consumers value Amazon Fresh for its affordability, variety, and reliable delivery slots,” said Srikant Sree Ram, Director of Amazon Fresh India.

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Amazon Fresh offers a wide range of grocery essentials, including fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, frozen goods, beauty and personal care items, baby products, and pet supplies. Unlike instant delivery models, Amazon Fresh follows a scheduled delivery approach with a two-hour delivery window, striking a balance between convenience and selection.

With this latest expansion, Amazon is pushing deeper into India’s grocery market, competing aggressively with both traditional supermarkets and quick-commerce players.

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Country Delight Raises ₹212.5 Crore from Temasek’s V-Sciences—Gears Up for IPO and Quick Commerce Battle

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Country Delight Raises ₹212.5 Crore from Temasek’s V-Sciences—Gears Up for IPO and Quick Commerce Battle

Dairy-tech startup Country Delight is set to raise $25 million (₹212.5 crore) in fresh funding, likely as part of its Series E round, from Temasek-backed V-Sciences Investments Pte Ltd.

According to filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Country Delight’s board has approved the issuance of over 1 lakh Series E compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) to V-Sciences Investments at a price of ₹21,045 per share. The company has not responded to media inquiries about the funding round, which was first reported by Entrackr.

What’s the Money For?

The filings indicate that the new capital will be used for working capital needs and an unspecified “project”—details of which remain under wraps.

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

This marks Country Delight’s second major fundraise in six months. Back in October 2024, the startup secured ₹200 crore in debt funding from Alteria Capital. At the time, co-founder Chakradhar Gade emphasized that raising capital from multiple sources was key to improving financial efficiency and gearing up for a future IPO.

“We are strategically using different types of funding to optimize our financial structure and set the stage for our next growth phase,” Gade said during the October round.

Expansion & Quick Commerce Bet

Since its last fundraise, Country Delight has been aggressively expanding its product portfolio and entering new markets. The startup, known for its direct-to-consumer (D2C) fresh milk and dairy products, has also dabbled in quick commerce, launching 10-15 minute deliveries in select areas of Delhi-NCR, as reported by Financial Express in December.

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While its traditional daily delivery model has been its core strength, the pivot into the ultra-fast delivery space signals an interesting shift in strategy. However, it remains to be seen how this new approach is performing against established quick-commerce players.

With fresh capital in hand and an IPO on the horizon, Country Delight’s next moves will be crucial in shaping its position in India’s evolving dairy and grocery delivery market.

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UPI Crashes Again! 3,000+ Users Hit by Nationwide Outage, NPCI Blames “Technical Issues”

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UPI Crashes Again! 3,000+ Users Hit by Nationwide Outage, NPCI Blames “Technical Issues

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system faced a major disruption on March 26, leaving users across the country unable to make digital transactions. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) confirmed that services were restored late in the evening after what it described as “intermittent technical issues.”

NPCI addressed the outage in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“UPI faced partial declines due to intermittent technical issues. The problem has now been resolved, and the system has stabilized. We regret the inconvenience caused.”

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What Happened?

According to outage tracking platform Downdetector, UPI issues began around 6:30 PM, affecting major third-party payment apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. The situation worsened by 8 PM, with over 3,000 users reporting transaction failures.

Recurring UPI Failures Raising Concerns

This marks the fourth major UPI outage in a year. Previous disruptions include:

• February 2024: A nationwide outage caused by partner bank issues, as per NPCI.

• June 2023: A delay in UPI payments impacted mutual fund transactions, causing discrepancies in Net Asset Values (NAVs). The BSE later clarified that the issue stemmed from a lag in payment processing rather than a system-wide glitch.

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With digital payments becoming an essential part of everyday transactions, frequent outages in India’s most widely used payment system have raised concerns about reliability. While NPCI has not disclosed further details about the March 26 outage, users will be hoping for a more stable system in the future.

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Mila Beauté Secures ₹18 Crore in Pre-Series A Led by Rukam Capital, Targets ₹600 Crore Growth

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Mila Beauté Secures ₹18 Crore in Pre-Series A Led by Rukam Capital, Targets ₹600 Crore Growth

Homegrown beauty brand Mila Beauté has secured $2.16 million (approx. ₹18 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round, led by Rukam Capital. The company is now valued at ₹303 crore ($35.3 million). The fresh capital will be used to fuel expansion, enhance research and development, introduce new product lines, and strengthen its market presence.

A Growing Beauty Empire

Founded by Saahil Nayar, Sachin Chadha, and Keshav Chadha, Mila Beauté offers a wide range of beauty products, from lipsticks and foundations to eyeliners and skincare-infused makeup. The brand prides itself on clean, high-quality formulations free from harmful chemicals.

Currently, Mila Beauté generates $7.23 million in annual revenue and aims to double its growth over the next 12 to 18 months.

Expanding Retail Footprint

With a presence in 10,000+ retail outlets across India, Mila Beauté is on track to double its distribution network by the end of the year.

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“We’ve always believed in building a brand that goes beyond fleeting trends. Our goal is to create products that truly resonate with the modern Indian consumer—high-quality, homegrown, and backed by data-driven insights. Partnering with Rukam Capital allows us to scale aggressively, whether it’s investing in manufacturing, developing innovative skin-friendly formulations, or strengthening our market reach. Most importantly, we remain committed to quality and staying deeply connected with our consumers,” the founders shared.

Backing from Rukam Capital

Rukam Capital sees immense potential in Mila Beauté’s approach. Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner, noted:

“India’s beauty industry is evolving rapidly, with consumers demanding products tailored to their changing needs. Mila Beauté stands out with its research-driven approach, prioritizing skincare and high-performance formulas. The brand is poised to redefine the beauty experience in the years ahead.”

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With this latest round of funding, Mila Beauté is gearing up for its next phase of growth, solidifying its position as a key player in India’s booming beauty market.

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Pizza Wings’ $2.8 Million Fund Boost: Backed by Nikhil Kamath and Sujeet Kumar, the Haryana-Based QSR Brand Aims 100 Outlets by 2025

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Pizza Wings’ $2.8 Million Fund Boost: Backed by Nikhil Kamath and Sujeet Kumar, the Haryana-Based QSR Brand Aims 100 Outlets by 2025

Homegrown quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand Pizza Wings has raised $2.8 million in a follow-up funding round, with investments from prominent backers including Gruhas, the investment arm of Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai, along with Udaan co-founder Sujeet Kumar and other strategic investors.

This comes after the company secured $4 million in a seed funding round last year. With the fresh capital, Pizza Wings plans to expand aggressively across Northern and Northeastern India while laying the groundwork for further growth.

A Fresh Take on Pizza

Founded in 2014 by Aditya Dhanda, Rajpal Sangwan, and Vikas Nain, Pizza Wings has carved a niche in the Indian pizza scene with its “Fresh Dough, Fresh Ingredients” approach. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, the brand focuses on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The dough is fermented using a cold fermentation process, ensuring authentic flavor and texture. Additionally, strict FSSAI-compliant procedures ensure food safety and hygiene.

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“Pizza Wings has seen tremendous growth because we’ve stayed committed to offering pizzas that combine global quality with authentic Indian flavors. Our tech-driven delivery system has further enhanced the customer experience. By using fresh, preservative-free ingredients, we’ve built a brand that resonates with consumers,” said Aditya Dhanda, Co-founder and CEO.

Betting Big on Emerging Markets

While international chains tend to dominate metros and Tier 1 cities, Pizza Wings sees untapped potential in smaller towns. The brand plans to expand its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, catering to the growing demand for high-quality, affordable pizzas outside major urban centers.

Headquartered in Haryana, the company aims to launch 50 new stores and reach a total of 100 outlets by the end of 2025. To support this growth, Pizza Wings is also looking to hire key talent across departments like finance, logistics, and marketing.

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

With this fresh round of funding and a solid growth strategy, Pizza Wings is positioning itself as a strong challenger in India’s ever-growing QSR landscape, bringing its signature fresh pizzas to more cities across the country.

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

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

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

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

Crunching the Competition

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

Disrupting the Marketing Playbook

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

Flavor Innovation with a Twist

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

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Shark Tank Spotlight

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

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Looking Ahead

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

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

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

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

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

Expansion and Innovation Plans

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

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

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Sustainable Luxury with Lab-Grown Diamonds

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

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

Exclusive Offerings and Personalized Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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