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LVMH Invests in BDK Parfums as Luxury Fragrance Sales Soar 45%

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LVMH has taken a minority stake in Paris-based fragrance house BDK Parfums, signaling continued investor interest in niche luxury perfumery. The investment was made through LVMH Luxury Ventures, the corporate venture arm tasked with identifying emerging luxury brands with strong growth potential, according to WWD.

BDK Parfums, founded in 2016 by David Benedek, has steadily built a reputation for creative and high-quality fragrance offerings. The brand’s portfolio spans classic, unisex, and experimental scents, catering to both traditional fragrance connoisseurs and younger audiences seeking distinctive olfactory experiences. Sales at BDK Parfums have surged 45% year-over-year, reflecting growing consumer appetite for specialized luxury fragrances and an effective international distribution strategy.

Earlier this year, the brand opened its first flagship store in Paris, a move intended to strengthen its retail presence and brand identity. BDK Parfums plans to prioritize international expansion in the near term, leveraging both boutique and online channels to reach a wider audience. Analysts suggest the LVMH backing will accelerate these efforts and provide strategic guidance in marketing, retail, and global distribution.

The deal also comes amid a broader surge in activity across the fragrance segment. Estee Lauder invested in direct-to-consumer scent brand XINÚ, while VMG backed Snif. TSG Consumer acquired PHLUR, and L’Oreal has made two strategic acquisitions, taking stakes in both Amouage and Creed. These moves indicate strong confidence in the growth potential of luxury and niche fragrance brands, as consumers increasingly seek high-quality, personalized scent experiences.

For LVMH, the minority investment strengthens its footprint in the high-margin luxury fragrance category, aligning with the group’s long-term strategy of diversifying its portfolio with emerging brands that have both creative credibility and scalable growth potential. BDK Parfums is expected to benefit from capital infusion, operational expertise, and access to LVMH’s extensive international network as it accelerates global expansion.

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The Body Shop India Ramps Up Sustainability, Refill Stations, and Store Count in a Push Toward One Thousand One Hundred Crore Rupees in Five Years

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The Body Shop India Ramps Up Sustainability, Refill Stations, and Store Count in a Push Toward One Thousand One Hundred Crore Rupees in Five Years

The Body Shop India has set an ambitious target for its next five years, aiming to double its retail footprint and reach revenue of about one thousand one hundred crore rupees. The company revealed this plan as it approaches its fiftieth global anniversary, marking a new phase of growth for the ethical beauty brand.

In India, The Body Shop has steadily built a loyal consumer base that values clean ingredients, fair trade sourcing, and cruelty free products. The leadership team believes this is the right moment to scale up. The brand intends to open numerous new stores across metros and tier two cities, strengthen its online presence, and deepen its focus on omnichannel convenience. Its goal is to make the brand more accessible to younger shoppers while also keeping long time customers engaged.

The current strategy places strong emphasis on store experience. Newer outlets feature warm lighting, recycled materials, and community centric storytelling that highlights the brand’s activist roots. Executives say that stores are still the heart of the business in India because customers enjoy trying products, learning about ingredients, and speaking with trained consultants.

The company also plans to expand its refill stations, which have received positive consumer feedback. These stations encourage shoppers to reuse bottles and reduce plastic waste, reinforcing the brand’s sustainability commitments.

Founded in 1976 in Brighton by Anita Roddick, The Body Shop remains one of the most recognised champions of purpose led beauty. As the Indian market continues to grow, the company is confident that its mix of ethically sourced products, strong brand trust, and a rapidly expanding retail network will help it reach its next milestone.

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Rs 3,442-Crore Acquisition: Tilaknagar Industries Secures Imperial Blue to Boost Premium Whisky Leadership

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Tilaknagar Industries (TI) has finalized its acquisition of Pernod Ricard India’s Imperial Blue business through a Rs 3,442-crore slump-sale deal, marking one of the largest transactions in India’s IMFL sector. The deal, approved by the Competition Commission of India in October, gives TI control of India’s third-largest whisky brand by volume, which recorded sales of 22.4 million nine-litre cases and revenue of Rs 3,067 crore for the fiscal year ending March 2025. A deferred payment of €28 million is also scheduled four years post-closing.

The transaction broadens TI’s national reach and strengthens its positioning in the prestige whisky segment. It includes full ownership of the “Imperial Blue” brand along with trademarks such as “Imperial Black” and “Imperial Red,” and a time-bound license for the “Seagram’s” name during the transition. TI has also put in place transitional agreements with Pernod Ricard for manufacturing, supply, and services to ensure continuity. A long-term contract with Chivas Brothers guarantees uninterrupted supply of Concentrated Alcoholic Beverage, a critical raw material.

The acquisition encompasses two wholly-owned manufacturing units in Punjab and Maharashtra and two exclusive sub-leased units in Telangana and Punjab, with access to additional shared facilities during the transition period. As part of workforce integration, 116 employees from Pernod Ricard will join TI.

TI financed the acquisition using internal accruals, a preferential equity and warrants issue worth Rs 2,093 crore to institutional investors and promoters, and Rs 2,100 crore in term loans.

Amit Dahanukar, TI chairman and managing director, said the deal enhances the company’s pan-India presence and accelerates its premiumisation strategy across prestige-and-above segments. The company aims to leverage Imperial Blue’s established distribution network and brand equity to capture growth in India’s high-margin whisky market while consolidating its leadership in the prestige whisky category.

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Pagariya Food Products Unveils High-Protein Breakfast Range With 25g Protein Per Serving

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Pagariya Food Products Pvt. Ltd. has stepped deeper into India’s fast-growing health and nutrition market with the introduction of two new breakfast offerings, Kwality 25g Protein Muesli and Kwality 25g Protein Oats. The company, already present in more than forty international markets, is positioning the range as a high-value option for consumers who want functional foods that fit into busy, fitness-driven routines.

The new products come with a clear pitch. Each serving provides a full 25 grams of protein, putting the range among the most protein-dense items in the mainstream breakfast aisle. Company officials say the formulations were built to appeal to health-conscious shoppers who no longer treat protein as a supplement but as a daily dietary essential.

Pagariya Food Products, led by Managing Director Naresh Pagariya and Director Dheeraj Jain, has been widening its presence in the wellness category over the past few years. The leadership team believes this segment will become a major engine of growth as more Indians adopt preventive nutrition habits and lean toward clean-label products.

The company says its new range has been developed using a blend aimed at offering balanced nutrition and a familiar, comforting flavour profile. The products contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They are free of refined sugar and rely on jaggery for sweetness. Dietary fibre levels are higher than in many traditional packaged breakfast items, and the chocolate variant has been created to appeal to younger households and first-time protein buyers.

Speaking about the launch, Jain said the company has observed a rising shift toward protein-rich diets across urban centres. He added that the firm plans to add more functional foods over the next year.

Both products will be available through modern retail chains, quick-commerce platforms and major e-commerce marketplaces. Pagariya Food Products currently sells across twenty-five Indian states and exports to markets including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar and Tanzania. The company says the latest launch reflects its broader ambition to build a stronger footprint in India’s wellness-focused food ecosystem.

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Footwear Industry Needs Fresh Expansion to Lift Exports, Says President Droupadi Murmu

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President Droupadi Murmu has called on India’s footwear industry to widen its scale and ambition, urging companies and institutions to capitalise on the strong global demand for sports and non-leather footwear. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the Footwear Design and Development Institute, she said India has secured its place among the world’s major exporters, yet the country is still operating below its true potential.

The President noted that global buyers are rapidly shifting toward lightweight sports shoes, athleisure styles and synthetic alternatives. These categories are expanding faster than traditional leather lines, giving India room to capture greater market share if the industry strengthens design, quality and production capacity. She added that the commerce and industry ministry is pushing new investment-linked measures to help companies modernise factories and scale up high-value categories.

India recorded footwear exports of more than 2.5 billion dollars in the financial year ending 2025. Imports stood at around 680 million dollars, reflecting a steady appetite for foreign brands but also showing how domestic manufacturers can grow further by improving technology and branding. Officials familiar with trade trends say global buyers are increasingly diversifying their sourcing footprint, creating more opportunities for Indian producers that can offer reliable capacity and shorter delivery cycles.

President Murmu told graduates and industry representatives that the sector can generate significant employment for young designers and technicians if companies accelerate innovation. She stressed the need for stronger collaborations between design schools, manufacturers and global retailers to help India move up the value chain.

Industry observers believe the upcoming investment pipeline, combined with new infrastructure in manufacturing clusters, could help India target a sharper rise in exports over the next few years.

The President said India’s long-term goal is not only to boost shipments but to establish itself as a centre of advanced footwear design and sustainable production.

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Vikas Khanna’s Mumbai Restaurant Bungalow Sees Massive Footfall As The Chef And His Mother Serve Mint Chai To Waiting Guests

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Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has once again reminded people why he is adored far beyond the kitchen. On November twenty nine, his official Instagram page shared a video of him stepping out of his restaurant, Bungalow, to personally greet guests who had lined up outside for a table. The clip instantly caught attention, not only for the gesture but also for the warmth with which he did it.

In the video, Vikas walks out holding a tray full of mint chai, joined by his mother and his team. The group begins serving the hot drink to visitors waiting in the long queue. He also mentioned that the restaurant would be offering small gifts as a token of appreciation for their patience. It was a long weekend, and the chef explained that they were expecting unusually heavy foot traffic.

Fans flooded the comments with love. One wrote, “The man who melts my heart. Love the humanitarian in you.” Another said, “We all should learn something from this man.” Someone else added, “Truly adorbs. That hot drink by the Chef is much needed while waiting in this cold for his amazing food.” A user simply remarked, “You’re doing a great job, sir.”

Many also praised his mother, who could be seen welcoming guests with the same kindness that Vikas is known for. A comment read, “Chef, your warmth reflects in every dish you create… truly magical.”

The gesture may have been small, but it revealed the spirit behind Bungalow. For Vikas Khanna, hospitality does not stop at the plate. It begins the moment a guest arrives, even if they are still standing in a queue outside.

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Suka Brew Opens As Bengaluru’s Largest Forest Themed Brewery With More Than Two Thousand Seats And A Tropical Resort Style Setting

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Bengaluru’s love for breweries has a new addition and this one arrives with plenty of visual drama. Suka Brew, a sprawling forest themed space, is now open and already drawing curiosity from people across the city. Spread across a vast layout with more than two thousand seats, the brewery looks more like a tropical retreat than a regular dining spot.

Lush plants, soft lighting, earthy textures, and open spaces set the tone the moment you walk in. The idea behind Suka Brew is to give guests a sense of being outdoors while still enjoying the comfort of a well designed kitchen and bar. The decor leans heavily on natural elements, with bamboo tones, greenery lined pathways, and breezy seating corners that feel made for long conversations.

The founders say they wanted to create a space that feels alive, something that stands out even in a city known for its vibrant brewery culture. Bengaluru now has more than eighty microbreweries, and competition in the segment has grown sharply in the last few years. Large format breweries have become a magnet for groups and office gatherings, and Suka Brew aims to position itself in that growing category.

The food menu blends familiar comfort choices with a few experiments that match the forest theme. Drinks have been planned as a mix of house brews and signature cocktails. With its scale, design, and location, Suka Brew is expected to become a weekend favourite once word spreads.

For now, the space seems to be attracting people who simply want a new setting to unwind in. If the early buzz is anything to go by, Suka Brew might quickly become one of the most photographed spots in Bengaluru’s dining scene.

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Workers Tell Amazon CEO AI Investments Threaten Climate Pledge and Workplace Stability

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More than a thousand Amazon employees have issued a public warning to CEO Andy Jassy, urging the company to reassess the pace and direction of its artificial intelligence expansion. In an open letter circulated internally and later shared with the media, workers expressed concern that Amazon’s growing investment in AI infrastructure is placing new strain on the environment and heightening pressure on its workforce.

The campaign began earlier this year when four members of the Amazon Employees for Climate Justice collective started gathering signatures. Their push quickly spread through the company’s global offices, drawing support from senior engineers, product leaders, marketing teams and warehouse staff. The group says it has also received backing from more than two thousand external supporters, including employees at Google, Apple and other technology firms.

The letter argues that Amazon’s pursuit of AI leadership has come at the cost of its climate pledges. The company has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 and has highlighted investments such as electric delivery fleets and reduced plastic use. Workers say these moves are now overshadowed by Amazon’s plan to spend nearly 150 billion dollars on new data centres designed to support AI systems. Many of these facilities, they warn, are likely to be located in regions facing water scarcity or heavy dependency on fossil-fuel power, which could keep older coal and gas plants running longer.

They also criticised Amazon Web Services for continuing to support oil and gas exploration through specialised cloud tools.

Beyond environmental concerns, the letter outlines growing internal pressures linked to AI development. Employees reported tighter deadlines, increased workloads and demands to build tools that they believe lack clear purpose. Career progression, they say, is being deprioritised while the company concentrates resources on AI.

The workers put forward three demands: ensure AI systems are powered by clean energy, include employee representation in decision-making and prevent the use of AI for surveillance, violence or mass deportation.

In response, an Amazon spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to its 2040 climate target, adding that progress may fluctuate but the long-term goals remain unchanged.

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German Doner Kebab Set to Open First Indian Outlet, Scaling Globally to 900 Stores

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UK-based fast-food chain German Doner Kebab is gearing up for its Indian debut, aiming to capitalize on the country’s growing appetite for quick-service dining. The brand, which has built a presence across the UK, Europe, North America, and the Middle East with over 170 outlets, plans to open its first store in India early next year as part of a global expansion strategy targeting £1 billion ($1.32 billion) in sales within five years.

CEO Simon Wallis emphasized India’s strategic significance, citing the country’s expanding middle class, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for protein-rich diets as key drivers for entry. “India represents a dynamic market for GDK, and the timing is ideal,” Wallis told Reuters. “We see significant opportunity to introduce our menu to consumers who are increasingly seeking global flavours and fast-casual dining experiences.”

The company, backed by private equity firm True, has outlined plans to nearly quintuple its global footprint, scaling to around 900 stores worldwide. GDK’s expansion into India is aligned with a broader trend of international quick-service brands targeting urban centres and tier-1 cities, where demand for convenient, high-protein meals is growing rapidly.

Industry analysts note that India’s fast-food segment is estimated to reach $50 billion by 2030, driven by younger demographics, rising urbanisation, and the proliferation of delivery platforms. For GDK, this offers an opportunity not only to establish its brand but also to leverage digital ordering and delivery channels, a model that has contributed significantly to its success in other international markets.

The Indian launch will serve as a testing ground for menu localisation, pricing strategies, and delivery integration, allowing GDK to refine its operations before expanding to multiple cities. With global ambitions and India as a critical growth market, the brand’s entry reflects the increasing attractiveness of the country for international quick-service chains looking to scale rapidly.

GDK’s India rollout is expected to mark the start of a multi-city expansion, reinforcing the country’s role in the brand’s global growth roadmap.

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India Pet-Care Market Boost: RCPL Unveils Science-Backed, Value-Priced Waggies

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Reliance Consumer Products Ltd., a key arm of India’s retail and FMCG giant, has officially stepped into the country’s booming pet-care sector with the launch of its new brand, Waggies. The company is targeting the fast-growing market for pet nutrition, which has seen a surge in demand driven by rising pet ownership and increasing consumer preference for premium-quality offerings.

Waggies is positioned as a value-driven yet high-quality option, with its standard range priced at Rs 199 per kilogram and a premium “Waggies Pro” line starting at Rs 249 per kilogram. For first-time pet owners, the brand offers 100-gram trial packs for Rs 20, making it accessible for sampling. According to RCPL, the brand will provide “science-backed, global-quality” nutrition, aiming to compete with established players such as Nestlé India, Mars Petcare, and Godrej Consumer Products. The company plans to price Waggies 20–50 percent lower than comparable offerings, aiming to capture price-sensitive segments without compromising quality.

Distribution will prioritize general-trade outlets and semi-urban locations, particularly focusing on Tier-2 cities and beyond, reflecting the brand’s strategy to tap into markets outside traditional urban hubs. RCPL’s entry comes at a critical juncture: India’s pet-care market is currently estimated at approximately US$ 3.5 billion and is projected to nearly double to around US$ 7 billion by 2028. Analysts attribute this growth to increasing pet adoption, rising disposable incomes, and heightened awareness of pet health and nutrition.

With Waggies, RCPL seeks not only to gain a foothold in India’s pet-care ecosystem but also to leverage its nationwide distribution network and brand recognition to scale quickly. The launch signals intensified competition in a market that combines premiumization trends with strong potential in semi-urban and regional markets, offering a substantial growth runway for new entrants.

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