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

Growth

By

-

February 15, 2025

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

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

Quick Commerce

By

Shweta

-

February 15, 2025

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.

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

A&M

By

Online Desk

-

February 14, 2025

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.

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

Entrepreneurship

By

Online Desk

-

February 14, 2025

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.

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

Food & Beverage

By

Online Desk

-

February 14, 2025

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.

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

Growth

By

Online Desk

-

February 14, 2025

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.

Gucci’s Top Boss in India & South Asia, Nader Wassel, Resigns—What’s Next for the Luxury Giant?

Fashion

By

Online Desk

-

February 14, 2025

0

Image of Gucci — Gucci’s Top Boss in India & South Asia, Nader Wassel, Resigns—What’s Next for the Luxury Giant?

Nader Wassel, a key figure in Gucci’s leadership, has stepped down from his role as General Manager for India and Managing Director for South Asia & Pacific – Watches, Jewellery, and High-End. Reports indicate that Wassel exited the luxury brand earlier this month, marking the end of his nearly decade-long tenure at Gucci.

His departure comes at a time when Gucci’s parent company, Kering, is navigating a challenging period, with declining sales prompting major restructuring efforts across the group. Kering, which owns Gucci, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta, has been implementing strategic shifts to regain momentum in the competitive luxury market.

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

A Career Spanning Luxury and Sales Leadership

Wassel’s journey in the luxury and retail space has been extensive. He started his career at Eye Management, working as an agent and producer, before moving on to Hagmeyer as a sales manager. His expertise in brand growth and market expansion saw him take up the role of National Sales Manager at Designa Accessories, where he played a crucial role in driving sales. He later joined TW Steel as Managing Director, further solidifying his reputation in the industry.

His association with Gucci began in 2014, when he was appointed Managing Director – Watches and Jewellery for Australia and New Zealand. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, eventually taking charge of the South Asia & Pacific region for Gucci’s high-end watches and jewellery segment.

Gucci and Kering at a Crossroads

Wassel’s exit aligns with Kering’s broader restructuring efforts, as the company grapples with slowing demand for luxury goods, particularly in key markets like China and the U.S. Gucci, which has historically been a key revenue driver for Kering, has seen a drop in sales, prompting leadership changes and strategic realignments.

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

With Wassel’s departure, Gucci now faces the challenge of finding a successor who can navigate the brand’s South Asia and Pacific business amid a shifting luxury landscape. As the industry watches closely, Kering’s next moves will be crucial in shaping the future of its flagship brand.

Highlander & Tokyo Talkies Hit 25 Stores—Brand Studio Lifestyle’s Offline Expansion is Just Getting Started

Retail & Ecommerce

By

Online Desk

-

February 14, 2025

0

Image of Highlander — Highlander & Tokyo Talkies Hit 25 Stores—Brand Studio Lifestyle’s Offline Expansion is Just Getting Started

Bengaluru-based Brand Studio Lifestyle is making big strides in offline retail with its popular D2C fashion brands, Highlander and Tokyo Talkies. The company has now hit a major milestone, opening its 25th store at Lulu Mall, Lucknow.

This expansion comes just months after the brands first entered the offline space in August 2024, when they made an aggressive retail push by launching 13 stores in a single month.

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

“We are excited to open our 25th store for Highlander and Tokyo Talkies in Lucknow. This marks a significant step in our retail journey, which began just a few months ago,” said Shyam S Prasad, CEO of Brand Studio Lifestyle, in a LinkedIn post showcasing the new store.

Known for its fast-fashion approach, Highlander rolls out over 300 new menswear styles every week, offering everything from shirts and jeans to cargos. Tokyo Talkies, on the other hand, caters to Gen Z women with a massive 600 new styles every month.

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

Brand Studio Lifestyle has a well-structured retail strategy, combining standalone brand stores with larger Highlander X Tokyo Talkies outlets. Individual stores typically range between 2,000 and 3,000 sq. ft., while combined outlets cover 4,000 to 5,000 sq. ft., located in major malls and high-street locations.

Founded in 2015, Brand Studio Lifestyle owns six fashion brands—Highlander, Tokyo Talkies, Vishudh, Ketch, Locomotive, and Hoop. In 2021, the company launched Getketch.com, its dedicated D2C website and app, which has already served over 3 million customers.

With a distribution network spanning 20,000+ pin codes and 1.5 to 2 million shipments per month, Brand Studio Lifestyle is quickly cementing itself as a dominant force in India’s fashion retail scene.

Amit Doshi Unveils Britannia & Warner Bros.’ First-Ever Harry Potter F&B Collab in India—Here’s What Makes It Magical

A&M

By

Online Desk

-

February 14, 2025

0

Image of harry potter — Amit Doshi Unveils Britannia & Warner Bros.’ First-Ever Harry Potter F&B Collab in India—Here’s What Makes It Magical

Amit Doshi, CMO at Britannia Industries, took to LinkedIn to share an exciting announcement—the launch of India’s first-ever Harry Potter-themed F&B collaboration between Britannia Industries Limited and Warner Bros. Discovery. This partnership is bringing a magical twist to Britannia’s Pure Magic Choco Frames, making it a dream come true for Harry Potter fans across the country.

For a campaign inspired by the wizarding world, it only made sense to look toward The Daily Prophet—the iconic newspaper of the Harry Potter universe. With the help of Xtendr, Mindshare, and Britannia’s own marketing team, the company crafted an immersive print-led experience that truly feels like magic. Hindustan Times and The Hindu played host to this innovative execution, giving readers a spellbinding surprise.

At the heart of the campaign is a pioneering personalization effort. Readers can scan a special code in the newspaper to create their own custom Hogwarts House Choco Frame, turning an everyday moment into a magical experience. The campaign seamlessly moves from print to AR, WhatsApp, and social media, ensuring fans get to engage with the world of Harry Potter and Britannia Pure Magic across multiple platforms.

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

For those eager to get their hands on these limited-edition Pure Magic Choco Frames, they are exclusively available on Blinkit and Reliance Retail stores for a short time. This collaboration is not just about merging a beloved brand with an iconic franchise—it’s about blending nostalgia, innovation, and consumer engagement in a way that feels both immersive and interactive.

Britannia’s foray into personalized digital experiences through print media marks a significant leap in the world of branded storytelling. By tapping into the magic of Harry Potter, they’ve crafted a campaign that is bound to spark excitement among fans of all ages. Whether it’s nostalgia for long-time Potterheads or fresh excitement for a younger audience, this collaboration is set to make waves in the Indian market.

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

With this initiative, Britannia isn’t just selling cookies—it’s offering fans a chance to bring a little Hogwarts magic into their everyday lives.

Trump and RFK Jr. Team Up to Fight America’s Health Crisis—New Commission Targets Childhood Disease Epidemic

Health & Wellness

By

Online Desk

-

February 14, 2025

0

Image of Trump and RFK Jr — Trump and RFK Jr. Team Up to Fight America’s Health Crisis—New Commission Targets Childhood Disease Epidemic

On February 13, President Trump signed an executive order creating the Make America Healthy Again Commission, a new initiative aimed at tackling the country’s growing health crisis. Led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the commission will focus on understanding and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases, with a particular emphasis on the alarming rise in childhood illnesses.

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

The commission’s agenda is built around four core objectives. First, it aims to improve transparency in federally funded health research by making data open-source and eliminating conflicts of interest. Second, it seeks to shift federal health funding toward high-quality research that examines why so many Americans, particularly children, are developing chronic illnesses. Third, it plans to collaborate with farmers to ensure that food in the U.S. is not only widely available but also healthier and more affordable. Finally, the commission will work to expand treatment options and offer more flexible healthcare coverage that supports preventive care and lifestyle-based interventions.

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

The White House has laid out a clear timeline for action. Within 100 days, the commission must produce a comprehensive report outlining what is already known about the childhood chronic disease crisis and identifying the critical gaps in research. Within 180 days, it is expected to deliver a national strategy based on those findings to improve children’s health across the country.

With chronic illnesses on the rise and healthcare costs continuing to skyrocket, the commission’s findings and policy recommendations could have major implications. Whether this initiative results in meaningful change or simply becomes another political exercise remains to be seen.

NewsHub