Saturday, December 20, 2025
Home Blog Page 143

Campa Cola Hits a Home Run: Reliance Bags Rs 200 Crore IPL Co-Presenting Deal to Challenge Global Cola Giants

0
Image of campa cola
Campa Cola Hits a Home Run: Reliance Bags Rs 200 Crore IPL Co-Presenting Deal to Challenge Global Cola Giants

Reliance Consumer Products has announced a major move, securing the co-presenting sponsorship rights for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season with its flagship beverage brand, Campa Cola. The deal, valued at Rs 200 crore, takes over from Coca-Cola’s Thums Up, which held the same sponsorship spot in the previous season.

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 partnership represents a bold leap for Campa Cola, a brand that has previously been more focused on specific regions. The IPL sponsorship is seen as a critical strategy for nationwide expansion. According to a Campa Cola executive, “Securing the co-presenting position is a major milestone. For the first time, all cola brands will be vying for attention on a national stage during the IPL season.”

In addition to the brand’s focus on national growth, the deal aligns with a growing trend in IPL’s valuation. A Brand Finance report revealed that IPL franchises have skyrocketed in value, now pegged at a staggering $12 billion in 2024, marking a 13% increase from 2009’s $2 billion. Among the most valuable teams are the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, each surpassing the $100 million mark in brand value.

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

With its latest sponsorship, Campa Cola aims to tap into IPL’s immense visibility and extend its reach to a much broader audience across India.

Advertisement

Rapido to Launch ‘Pink Rapido’ in Karnataka: Women-Only Bike Taxi Service Coming Soon

0
Image of rapido
Rapido to Launch ‘Pink Rapido’ in Karnataka: Women-Only Bike Taxi Service Coming Soon

Bengaluru-based ride-hailing platform Rapido is set to introduce ‘Pink Rapido’, a women-driven bike taxi service designed exclusively for female passengers. Slated for launch in Karnataka by the end of the year, the initiative aims to create safer commuting options for women while also generating thousands of job opportunities.

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

25,000 Jobs for Women: Rapido’s Big Bet on Female Riders

Announcing the plan at the Global Investors Summit in Bengaluru, Rapido’s co-founder, Pavan Guntupalli, revealed the company’s ambitious goal of hiring and training 25,000 women as ‘captains’—Rapido’s term for its drivers. He emphasized that success would be measured not just in numbers, but in how comfortable a woman feels getting on a bike with a driver she has never met before.

The company plans to remove employment barriers by welcoming women with no prior specialized training and offering them structured safety and driving programs. Guntupalli noted that 35% of Rapido’s workforce already comes from smaller cities and towns, and he expects this number to grow as more women from local communities join the platform.

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

Learning from Chennai’s ‘Bike Pink’ Initiative

Rapido has already tested a similar model in Chennai, where it launched ‘Bike Pink’ in September 2023. The service equipped female drivers with electric bikes and partnered with local nonprofits to provide safety and driving training. Within months of launch, the program had over 100 active women drivers, with Rapido targeting 500+ drivers in the following months.

A Competitive Space: Uber Steps In

Rapido isn’t the only player focusing on women’s safety in the ride-hailing sector. Uber launched ‘Uber Moto Women’ in Bengaluru in December 2024, connecting female passengers with female drivers. With competition heating up, companies are racing to provide safer, more reliable transportation options for women.

The Road Ahead

With ‘Pink Rapido’, the company is betting big on safety, accessibility, and financial independence for women in Karnataka. If successful, this model could expand to more cities, helping reshape urban mobility for female commuters across India.

Advertisement

Rebel Foods Joins the 15-Minute Delivery Race with QuickiES – Can It Take on Zomato and Swiggy?

0
Image of quickies
Rebel Foods Joins the 15-Minute Delivery Race with QuickiES – Can It Take on Zomato and Swiggy?

Cloud kitchen giant Rebel Foods has officially jumped into the ultra-fast food delivery market with QuickiES, a standalone app promising hot meals at your doorstep in 15 minutes or less. With this move, the company is taking direct aim at competitors like Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto Cafe, all of whom are battling to dominate India’s growing appetite for instant deliveries.

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

A Bold Bet on Speedy Dining

The launch of QuickiES was first revealed by EatSure CEO Sagar Kochhar in a LinkedIn post, where he called it the “world’s first 15MinsOrFree quick food delivery app.” While Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto have already entered the rapid food delivery space, QuickiES is Rebel Foods’ dedicated platform for the segment—one that could reshape the way urban India orders food.

From Faasos to a Multi-Brand Empire

Founded in 2011 by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, Rebel Foods began as a delivery-only business under the name Faasos. Over the years, it has transformed into one of the world’s largest cloud kitchen networks, running multiple popular brands like Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story Pizza, Wendy’s, Mandarin Oak, and The Biryani Life. The company currently operates over 450 cloud kitchens across 75+ Indian cities, with additional presence in the Middle East, North Africa, and the UK.

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

What’s on the QuickiES Menu?

Unlike its competitors, which focus mainly on snacks and beverages, QuickiES is starting with a diverse food menu that goes beyond fast food. The app’s pilot phase in Mumbai features meals from 45+ brands, including Faasos, Wendy’s, and Behrouz Biryani, along with café-style options like poha, idli, medu vada, Maggi, and puffs. This mix of comfort food and all-day snacking is aimed at office-goers, students, and busy professionals looking for a quick meal without compromising on variety.

Rebel Foods’ Big IPO Play?

Financially, Rebel Foods generated ₹1,420 crore in revenue for FY 2024, while cutting its net losses by 42% to ₹378 crore. Backed by investors like KKR, Temasek, Lightbox, and Evolvence, the company has raised $773 million to date. Industry insiders suggest Rebel Foods is gearing up for an **IPO within the next

Advertisement

Bajaj Consumer Care’s Q3 FY25 Results: Profit Drops 31%, Advertising Spend Cut by 15%

0
Image of bajaj almonds
Bajaj Consumer Care’s Q3 FY25 Results: Profit Drops 31%, Advertising Spend Cut by 15%

Bajaj Consumer Care has reported a 30.8% decline in net profit for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2025, with earnings dropping to ₹25.13 crore from ₹36.34 crore in the same period last year. The company also trimmed its advertising budget by 14.7%, bringing total ad expenses down to ₹34.33 crore compared to ₹40.25 crore in Q3 FY24.

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

Revenue Holds Steady, But Profitability Takes a Hit

Despite the dip in profit, Bajaj Consumer’s revenue from operations saw only a slight decline, standing at ₹234.41 crore in Q3 FY25. The company’s flagship product, Almond Drops Hair Oil, recorded a low single-digit decline year-on-year, while Bajaj Coconut Oil surged by 19% over the nine-month period of FY25.

Meanwhile, the company’s Almond Drops Shampoo and Conditioner line delivered triple-digit growth in both Q3 and the nine-month period, driven largely by the expansion of e-commerce and quick commerce sales channels.

Global Markets Show Strong Performance

Bajaj Consumer’s international business delivered impressive numbers, particularly in Bangladesh, which saw a staggering 100% growth in Q3 FY25. In the UAE and Gulf region, revenue grew by 21% between April and December. The company credited new market expansions in Pakistan, Iraq, and Angola as key growth drivers. Nepal’s business also registered a 5% growth during the quarter.

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

Strategic Acquisition of Vishal Personal Care

In a significant move, Bajaj Consumer announced the ₹120 crore acquisition of Vishal Personal Care Pvt. Ltd., a company specializing in ayurvedic, herbal, and cosmetic personal care products. The deal will be executed in two phases, with Bajaj acquiring 49% of equity in the first tranche and the remaining 51% in the second tranche.

With this acquisition, Bajaj Consumer aims to strengthen its portfolio in the rapidly growing herbal and ayurvedic personal care segment, a category that has seen increasing demand among Indian consumers.

Looking Ahead

While Q3 results reflect a challenging period for Bajaj Consumer, the company is banking on international expansion, e-commerce growth, and strategic acquisitions to regain momentum. With the personal care market becoming more competitive, it remains to be seen whether these moves will help the company bounce back in the coming quarters.

Advertisement

Nestlé’s ₹4,779 Crore Quarter: India Profits Up 6%, Global Marketing Spend Surges

0
Image of nestle
Nestlé’s ₹4,779 Crore Quarter: India Profits Up 6%, Global Marketing Spend Surges

Nestlé is doubling down on marketing investments, placing a stronger emphasis on digital channels, the company revealed during its 2024 earnings call on Thursday. The maker of Maggi, Nescafé, and KitKat increased its advertising and marketing spend by 40 basis points in 2024 as part of its strategy to regain lost ground in promotional investments.

Nestlé’s marketing expenses had dropped significantly in recent years, falling from 9 percent of total sales in 2019 to a low of 6.6 percent in the second half of 2022. However, the company has since reversed this trend, bringing the figure back up to 8.1 percent in 2024. Executives now aim to push this further to 9 percent by the end of 2025, maintaining a similar 40 basis-point increase in the coming year.

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

Sales Growth Driven by Coffee and Confectionery

Despite rising costs, Nestlé posted stronger-than-expected sales growth in 2024, primarily fueled by price increases. However, the company cautioned that it expects profit margins to tighten in 2025.

Among product categories, confectionery sales grew at a mid-single-digit pace, driven by KitKat and other key local brands in Europe. Coffee sales also saw mid-single-digit growth, with Nescafé soluble coffee and Starbucks-branded products playing a major role. According to Nestlé, coffee was the largest contributor to growth, with Nescafé, Nespresso, and Starbucks leading the charge.

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

Profit Outlook and India Performance

Under the leadership of new CEO Laurent Freixe, Nestlé expects organic sales growth in 2025 to surpass last year’s performance. However, the company has projected an underlying trading operating profit margin of 16 percent for 2025, down from

Advertisement

Amazon’s Big Healthcare Move: Pharmacy Service Now Available Nationwide, Offering Same-Day Delivery in 23 Cities & Free Consultations

0
Image of amazon pharmacy
Amazon’s Big Healthcare Move: Pharmacy Service Now Available Nationwide, Offering Same-Day Delivery in 23 Cities & Free Consultations

Amazon Pharmacy is now delivering medicines to every serviceable pin code across India, reaching even the most far-flung locations like Port Blair, Havelock (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Leh (Ladakh), Kanyakumari, and Roing (Arunachal Pradesh).

Through its online marketplace, customers can conveniently order prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, medical devices, supplements, and daily health essentials from verified sellers. The platform ensures a hassle-free shopping experience, making it easier than ever to access essential healthcare products.

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

Fast & Wide-Ranging Delivery Network

Tapping into Amazon’s vast logistics network, Amazon Pharmacy now provides same-day delivery in 23 cities, covering major metros as well as Tier 2 locations. Whether you are in Mumbai, Jaipur, or a smaller town, medicines can reach your doorstep quickly and efficiently.

“At Amazon, we collaborate with licensed sellers to improve access to healthcare products across India,” said Harsh Goyal, Director – Pharmacy, Amazon India. “Our sellers leverage Amazon’s nationwide logistics network to deliver thousands of medicines and health essentials—even to the most remote areas.”

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

Customer-Centric Features: From Free Consultations to Savings

Beyond just fast delivery, Amazon Pharmacy prioritizes safety and affordability with secure packaging, hygienic deliveries, and full regulatory compliance to ensure authenticity. Customers also have access to free teleconsultations through a third-party partner for prescription guidance. To make medicines more affordable, Amazon Pharmacy offers exclusive savings, including 5% cashback for Prime members using Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit cards, additional cashback based on cart value, and free delivery on orders of ₹149 and above for Prime members and ₹299 and above for non-Prime customers (₹60 charge for smaller orders).

With these services, Amazon Pharmacy is not just an online medicine store—it is transforming the way Indians access healthcare. Whether you are in a bustling city or a remote village, essential medicines are now just a few clicks away.

Advertisement

Gurugram’s Wildest Breakup Story: 100 COD Pizzas, an Angry Ex, and a Delivery Nightmare

0
image of pizzas delivery
Gurugram’s Wildest Breakup Story: 100 COD Pizzas, an Angry Ex, and a Delivery Nightmare

In a peculiar turn of events this Valentine’s Day, 24-year-old Ayushi Rawat from Gurugram orchestrated an unconventional act of revenge against her ex-boyfriend, Yash Sanghvi. She arranged for 100 pizzas to be delivered to his residence in Sector 53, opting for cash on delivery. Unaware of the prank, Sanghvi was taken aback when delivery personnel arrived with the massive order. Unable to pay for the unexpected delivery, he found himself in a heated exchange with the delivery staff. 

This incident has since gone viral, igniting a flurry of reactions on social media. One user quipped, “Bro just wanted some peace on Valentine’s, now he’s fighting a delivery guy over 100 pizzas.” Another commented, “Poor Yash Sanghvi thought love was cheesy, but the real spice was arguing with the delivery guy.” 

While some found humor in the situation, others criticized the act for its potential wastefulness and the undue stress placed on the delivery personnel. One user remarked, “This is the most dumbest revenge. He will simply reject the delivery saying ‘I didn’t order these, ask the order id person and deliver there’.” 

This event underscores the lengths to which some individuals might go to express their feelings post-breakup, especially on a day synonymous with love and affection. It also highlights the ethical considerations surrounding such pranks, particularly concerning food wastage and the impact on service workers.

Advertisement

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

0
Image of anupam mittal
“Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in PolicyBazaar’s New Ad

Anupam Mittal, Founder & CEO of People Group, took to LinkedIn to share a message that was deeply personal and far from his usual commercial endorsements. This time, he lent his voice to PolicyBazaar’s latest campaign, “Make A Difference,” which underscores the crucial role of term insurance and why financial planning isn’t something to be put off.

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

The campaign shines a light on insurance advisors, professionals who often face skepticism, ignored calls, and reluctant conversations as they try to convince people to protect their families from life’s uncertainties. Despite selling a product no one wakes up excited to buy, these advisors play a vital role in securing futures, a fact that Mittal believes deserves recognition.

In his post, Mittal reflected on a harsh reality—most of us go through life assuming, “Mujhe kuch nahi hoga” (Nothing will happen to me). But life doesn’t work that way. Between 2019 and 2022, he lost seven friends unexpectedly, a painful reminder that tragedy doesn’t come with a warning. “All untimely and sudden deaths,” he shared, reinforcing how unpredictable life can be.

Comparing insurance to wearing a seatbelt, Mittal drove home the message that being unprepared is a risk no one should take. “No one gets in a car planning for a crash, but you’d be a fool to drive without a seatbelt,” he pointed out, emphasizing that term insurance works the same way—it’s about protection, not prediction.

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

Mittal’s endorsement wasn’t just about backing an ad—it was a wake-up call. He urged people to think beyond the present moment and recognize that unless they’re sitting on a fortune, having a term insurance plan is one of the smartest decisions they can make. “It’s not just about the money. It’s about giving your family security and yourself peace of mind,” he added.

Closing his post, Mittal delivered a powerful reminder: We can’t control life, but we can control how prepared we are for its surprises.

Advertisement

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

0
Image of lahori jeera
Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Archian Foods, the maker of Lahori Zeera, Lahori Nimboo, and Lahori Shikanji, is in the final stages of securing ₹400-450 crore in fresh funding from Motilal Oswal’s private equity arm and other investors, according to sources familiar with the deal. This move marks a major milestone for the Punjab-based beverage company as it gears up for aggressive expansion and wider market penetration.

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

From Small Raise to Big Investment: The Shift in Strategy

Initially, Lahori was planning a smaller fundraising round, but the amount was increased as existing investors chose to dilute their stakes, making way for new backers, a source revealed. The company’s growing market presence and revenue surge made it an attractive bet for investors looking to tap into India’s booming non-alcoholic beverage sector.

Lahori has already secured ₹170 crore ($20 million) from Belgium-based Verlinvest, and its valuation has skyrocketed from ₹700-750 crore in 2022 to nearly ₹2,500 crore in ongoing negotiations, reflecting its rapid growth and market potential.

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

Revenue on a Fast Track to ₹600 Crore

Lahori’s financial performance has been nothing short of impressive. The company recorded a modest ₹38 crore in revenue in FY22, which jumped to ₹215 crore in FY23 and further rose to ₹316 crore in FY24, as per data from Tracxn. Now, the brand is expected to cross ₹550-600 crore in revenue for FY25, signaling robust demand for its drinks.

Notably, Lahori has been profitable since FY22, a rare feat for fast-growing startups. It posted ₹3 crore in profit in FY22, which grew to ₹7.6 crore in FY23 and surged to ₹23 crore in FY24.

Betting Big on India’s Thriving Beverage Market

This investment comes at a time when India’s non-alcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) segment is witnessing rapid growth. The market, which includes bottled water, juices, and sparkling beverages, was valued at ₹58,000-60,000 crore in 2022, reflecting a 30% increase over 2021. The demand continues to surge as consumers shift towards healthier, indigenous, and refreshing drink options.

Motilal Oswal’s Growing Startup Portfolio

Motilal Oswal’s private equity arm has been actively backing high-growth Indian startups, with investments in Zepto, Swiggy, and Captain Fresh across various deals. With Lahori’s fast-growing presence and increasing consumer demand, the firm is making yet another strategic bet on India’s rising consumer brands.

As Lahori secures fresh capital, all eyes will be on how the brand scales up, expands beyond its stronghold in northern India, and competes with established beverage giants in the country’s rapidly evolving drinks market.

Advertisement

₹315.84 Crore Profit! Godfrey Phillips India Delivers Blockbuster Q3 FY25 Results

0
Image of Godfrey Phillips
₹315.84 Crore Profit! Godfrey Phillips India Delivers Blockbuster Q3 FY25 Results

Godfrey Phillips India, one of the country’s leading cigarette manufacturers, announced its third-quarter financial results for FY25 on Thursday, reporting a massive 48.7% jump in consolidated net profit. The company posted a net profit of ₹315.84 crore for the October-December 2024 quarter, a significant rise from the ₹212.35 crore reported in Q3 FY24.

This impressive performance also marks a 27% sequential growth, as Godfrey Phillips had recorded a profit of ₹248.31 crore in Q2 FY25 (July-September 2024). The steady rise underscores the company’s ability to navigate market challenges and sustain profitability despite regulatory pressures on the tobacco industry.

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

Revenue Sees a Strong Uptick

The company’s consolidated revenue from operations reached ₹1,895.52 crore in Q3 FY25, reflecting a 27.4% year-on-year (YoY) increase from ₹1,487.54 crore in the same quarter last fiscal. Total income for the period also saw a strong 25.7% jump, hitting ₹1,942.86 crore compared to ₹1,544.7 crore in Q3 FY24.

Cigarette Business Drives Growth

As expected, cigarettes, tobacco, and related products remained the biggest revenue driver for the company. The segment generated ₹1,875.21 crore in Q3 FY25, reaffirming the company’s strong foothold in the Indian tobacco market.

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

Meanwhile, the retail and other products segment contributed ₹21.54 crore to total revenue. While this remains a small fraction of the company’s overall earnings, it reflects Godfrey Phillips’ ongoing diversification efforts beyond its core cigarette business.

Brands That Lead the Market

Godfrey Phillips India is known for its portfolio of popular cigarette brands, including Marlboro (under a licensing agreement), Red & White, and Four Square. The company’s ability to maintain strong sales despite regulatory constraints and rising taxation on tobacco products is a testament to its brand loyalty and market positioning.

Future Outlook

With a consistent rise in revenue and profits, Godfrey Phillips India appears to be on solid footing heading into Q4 FY25. The company’s focus on premium offerings, strategic pricing, and distribution expansion will likely continue to drive growth. However, regulatory policies, taxation, and shifting consumer preferences remain factors to watch in the coming quarters.

As the company navigates these challenges, its strong Q3 performance signals resilience and sustained profitability in a highly regulated industry.

Advertisement