From ₹2 Crore US Job to Calling Out Bournvita: What’s Next for Revant Himatsingka?

FMCG

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February 4, 2025

Image of food pharma — From ₹2 Crore US Job to Calling Out Bournvita: What’s Next for Revant Himatsingka?

Revant Himatsingka, the face behind Food Pharmer, has built a reputation for calling out deceptive marketing in the food industry. With over 2.7 million Instagram followers and a million YouTube subscribers, his platform has become a go-to for exposing misleading claims in packaged foods.

But now, he’s at a crossroads. In a recent Instagram post, Revant hinted at a shift in direction, asking his audience for ideas on what Food Pharmer 2.0 should look like. Reflecting on his journey—from leaving a ₹2 crore job in the U.S. to moving back to India and refusing brand deals—he opened up about the challenges of staying true to his mission.

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“I usually keep my personal life private, but today, I want to share something. Every choice we make comes with uncertainty. Even when we act with the best intentions, it’s hard to know if we’re on the right path. Over the last year and a half, I’ve received incredible love and support, but let’s be real—likes, shares, and respect don’t pay the bills,” he wrote.

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While making it clear that he’s not asking for donations, Revant urged his followers to be part of this next chapter. “I want your honest thoughts. As we shape the future of Food Pharmer, I’ll be putting up Instagram polls, and I’d love for you to help steer this journey.”

Mars Cosmetics Expands with 30 New Kiosks to Bring Beauty to Every Corner of India

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February 4, 2025

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Image of mars — Mars Cosmetics Expands with 30 New Kiosks to Bring Beauty to Every Corner of India

Mars Cosmetics is set to roll out 30 new kiosks across India by the end of this month, aiming to provide accessible beauty solutions nationwide, including to those in rural and suburban regions. The kiosks will be placed in well-trafficked shopping spots like Cosmos Mall in Siliguri, IP Sigra in Varanasi, VR Mall in Surat, Phoenix Mall in Pune, and Metro Junction and Capital Mall in Mumbai.

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The kiosks are more than just retail points—they’re designed to create engaging, personalized beauty experiences for customers. Shoppers will have the chance to explore Mars’ latest products while receiving tailored advice from trained beauty experts.

Pushpa Kandpal, Senior Manager of EBO Operations at Mars Cosmetics, shared that the brand’s core mission is to bring high-quality beauty products to every corner of India. “By opening these immersive kiosks, we’re not just selling products—we’re creating an opportunity for people to experience beauty in a hands-on way, no matter where they live,” Kandpal explained.

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The company has ambitious plans for growth, aiming to expand its kiosk network to 65 by next fiscal year. The goal is to reach even more underserved and suburban areas, reinforcing Mars Cosmetics’ commitment to making beauty inclusive and available to a wider audience.

The Birth of Frankie: Tibb’s Journey from a Car Backseat to 200 Outlets

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February 4, 2025

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Image of Tibbs & frankie — The Birth of Frankie: Tibb’s Journey from a Car Backseat to 200 Outlets

Tibb’s Frankie, the iconic fast-food chain renowned for its delicious wraps called ‘Frankies,’ has been a staple of India’s street food scene for an impressive 54 years. With its unique fusion of global flavors and Indian culinary traditions, Tibb’s Frankie revolutionized the concept of the roll.

The story began in 1967 when Amarjit Singh Tibb, returning to India via Beirut, discovered the local pita bread and became inspired by its flavors. This sparked a culinary adventure with his wife and co-founder, Surinder Kaur Tibb. After several months of experimenting, the couple created the famous “Tibb’s Frankie” in 1969, a tasty mutton curry wrapped in roti. They first sold their creation from the back of their car near Powai Lake in Mumbai.

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Interestingly, the name “Frankie” wasn’t born immediately. During a memorable India vs. West Indies cricket match, Tibb heard the crowd cheer ‘Frankie’ after a spectacular six from West Indies cricketer Frank Worrell. Motivated by the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd, Tibb decided to christen their new snack ‘Frankie,’ hoping it would be as popular as the cricketer. He quickly registered the name as a trademark.

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More than five decades later, Tibb’s Frankie has grown into a beloved brand with nearly 200 outlets across the country and over 120 million rolls sold. As part of their future growth, the company plans to expand into smaller metros and increase their store count in the coming years.

Netflix Announces Price Hikes Across All Subscription Tiers in the U.S. Amid Record Subscriber Growth

Growth

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February 4, 2025

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Image of netflix — Netflix Announces Price Hikes Across All Subscription Tiers in the U.S. Amid Record Subscriber Growth

Netflix has announced a price increase across all its subscription plans in the United States, marking the first-ever rise for its ad-supported option.

The most significant hike is for the standard, ad-free plan, which will now cost $17.99 a month, up by $2.50. The ad-supported plan will see a $1 increase, raising the monthly fee to $7.99, while the premium plan will rise by $2, bringing the total to $24.99 per month. New subscribers will see the price changes immediately, while existing customers will experience the adjustments in their next billing cycle.

The streaming giant justified the price hikes by emphasizing its ongoing investment in content and its commitment to providing greater value to subscribers. “To continue enhancing our programming and delivering better content, we occasionally need to adjust our prices to ensure we can keep improving Netflix,” the company stated in a letter to investors.

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This price adjustment comes alongside the announcement of Netflix’s largest quarterly subscriber growth ever, with 18.9 million new sign-ups in Q4 2024, pushing the total number of global subscribers to 300 million. Greg Peters, Netflix’s co-CEO, supported the price increase, particularly for the ad-supported plan, claiming, “Even after the price increase, we believe our entry-level price is still an unbeatable value for entertainment.”

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This price change marks Netflix’s first increase since October 2023, when the company raised the cost of its basic and premium plans while leaving the prices for the standard and ad-supported tiers unchanged. Netflix also revealed that more than 55% of new subscribers in regions offering ads chose the ad-supported plan in Q4.

The increase will also apply to subscribers in Canada, Portugal, and Argentina. Netflix has revised its revenue forecast for 2025, expecting to earn between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion, a $500 million increase from its previous estimate, along with a projected operating margin of 29%.

Cardboard Reinvented: How Amazon is Providing Free Beds at the Maha Kumbh Mela

Business

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February 4, 2025

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Image of amazon — Cardboard Reinvented: How Amazon is Providing Free Beds at the Maha Kumbh Mela

At the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, Amazon India is introducing an innovative initiative called Dibbon Se Badhkar, turning its signature cardboard packaging into portable beds for the attendees. The aim is to offer comfortable, free resting spots for those visiting the grand event.

A substantial number of these beds will be set up at the lost and found center, while others will be distributed for general public use. Additionally, beds will be provided to the Kumbh Police Karmacharis and the medical staff at the Kumbh hospital to ensure they are well-rested and ready to assist.

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Pragya Sharma, Director of Marketing at Amazon India, commented, “Our mission is to make life easier for our customers, and our trusted Amazon boxes are a symbol of that commitment. By repurposing them into beds, we saw a unique chance to contribute in a meaningful way to the comfort of Maha Kumbh Mela attendees.”

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Amazon teamed up with Ogilvy as the creative partner, with a specialized team of fabricators working to bring the concept to life. These beds have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their durability and safety, especially considering the challenging local conditions.

PepsiCo Joins the Race: Bids for Stake in Haldiram Snacks Amid Growing Demand

Business

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February 4, 2025

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Image of pepsi — PepsiCo Joins the Race: Bids for Stake in Haldiram Snacks Amid Growing Demand

Haldiram Snacks is attracting significant attention as global food giants express interest in acquiring a stake in the popular Indian brand. PepsiCo has recently entered the bidding war, joining Temasek and Alpha Wave Global, both of whom had already submitted formal proposals last month. These investors are currently in detailed discussions with the Aggarwal family to acquire a 10-15% stake in one of India’s leading ethnic snacks and convenience food companies.

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Sources suggest that senior executives from PepsiCo’s New York headquarters have kicked off early talks with the Aggarwal family regarding a potential minority investment. However, these negotiations are still in the preliminary stages and there’s no guarantee that a deal will come to fruition. Any potential investment would be led by PepsiCo’s global team, with the Indian arm playing a limited role in the process.

The Aggarwal family, which has built Haldiram into a household name, is now looking for its first external investor, with an expected company valuation between Rs 85,000-90,000 crore.

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The ethnic snacks market in India has experienced impressive growth, with both regional players and direct-to-consumer brands gaining traction. While industry leaders like Haldiram, Bikanerwala, Balaji, and publicly listed companies such as Bikaji Foods, Gopal Snacks, and Prataap Snacks dominate the market, it remains highly fragmented. Numerous smaller, local competitors offer lower-priced products, maintain direct distribution channels, and provide better margins for retailers.

Buri Nazar Waale, Blinkit Se Nimboo Mirch Mangwa Le” – Blinkit’s Viral Marketing Genius Explained

Quick Commerce

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February 3, 2025

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Image of blinkit — Buri Nazar Waale, Blinkit Se Nimboo Mirch Mangwa Le” – Blinkit’s Viral Marketing Genius Explained

Rahul Paul, Creative Director at Blinkit, recently took to LinkedIn to share an image that perfectly captures the brand’s witty and functional approach to branding. The post, featuring a Blinkit delivery vehicle, highlights how the company is creatively positioning itself in the quick-commerce industry while engaging with audiences in a lighthearted manner.

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The image showcases a bright yellow Blinkit large-order delivery vehicle, which stands out not just because of its bold color but also due to the clever messaging on its exterior. The vehicle’s side panel emphasizes Blinkit’s ability to deliver not just everyday groceries but also larger items such as geysers, air purifiers, air fryers, luggage bags, and even PlayStation 5 consoles—all in just 10 minutes! This highlights the company’s increasing focus on expanding its product offerings beyond essential groceries and into the realm of high-value, large-sized products.

However, what truly caught people’s attention was the humorous and culturally relevant text placed on the back of the vehicle. It reads: “Buri Nazar Waale, Blinkit Se Nimboo Mirch Mangwa Le”, which translates to “Evil eye watchers, order lemons and chilies from Blinkit.” This is a playful nod to the widely followed Indian superstition of hanging lemons and chilies to ward off the evil eye. The phrase instantly connects with the local audience, reinforcing Blinkit’s knack for blending cultural insights with its branding strategy.

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Rahul Paul’s caption, “Putting the ‘fun’ in functional branding for the Blinkit large order fleet ✌️”, aligns perfectly with Blinkit’s brand personality—modern, fast, and witty. The post resonated with many LinkedIn users, garnering 119 likes, 7 comments, and 1 share at the time the screenshot was taken. The engagement on the post signifies how branding that strikes a balance between practicality and humor can capture consumer interest and create buzz.

Blinkit has consistently leveraged quirky marketing and localized humor to differentiate itself in the competitive quick-commerce space. This latest branding move further cements its reputation as a brand that understands its audience, delivers convenience, and adds a touch of fun to everyday shopping.

Fake Restaurants on Zomato? Amit Mantri Calls Out ‘Scammy’ Listings, Says CEO Deepinder Goyal Must Act Before Trust Erodes

Quick Commerce

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February 3, 2025

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Image of zomato — Fake Restaurants on Zomato? Amit Mantri Calls Out ‘Scammy’ Listings, Says CEO Deepinder Goyal Must Act Before Trust Erodes

Zomato has found itself in hot water after Amit Mantri, a fund manager, exposed what he called a “massive fake restaurant problem” on the platform. Mantri took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his experience of accidentally ordering from a counterfeit outlet masquerading as the well-known beverage chain Keventers—only to realize later that he had actually bought from “Keventerss” (with an extra ‘s’), a knockoff serving subpar drinks.

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Zomato’s Response—or Lack Thereof

Mantri’s frustration didn’t just stem from the fake listing but also from Zomato’s unwillingness to act. When he flagged the issue with customer support, he was met with indifference.

“I doubt Zomato would dare allow a fake Starbucks, but smaller brands like Keventers don’t have the same muscle to fight back,” he wrote.

He also questioned whether Zomato was prioritizing commission earnings over customer trust.

“Sure, the commissions from these fake places must be great, but I hope Deepinder Goyal realizes how much this erodes loyalty.”

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Bigger Tech, Bigger Problems?

Mantri went a step further, comparing Zomato’s alleged shift away from customer focus to what he claims has happened with Amazon.

“This is what happens when companies become too big—they move from delighting customers to squeezing them with scammy practices.”

Zomato Takes Action, But Questions Remain

In a rare quick turnaround, Zomato finally took action and removed the fraudulent listing. Mantri later acknowledged the move, posting:

“Good to see the prompt action @zomato.”

However, the controversy has kicked off a bigger debate around fake listings, platform accountability, and customer trust. Many social media users chimed in, urging Zomato’s leadership to implement stricter verification processes and clean up its marketplace.

“Letting unverified businesses operate is a fast track to losing customer trust—and business,” wrote one user, tagging CEO Deepinder Goyal.

With platforms like Zomato rapidly expanding, can they balance growth with quality control? Or is this just the start of more issues to come?

Ola Electric Dominates January 2025 with 25% Market Share and 24,341 Sales – Bhavish Aggarwal’s EV Empire Expands to 4,000 Stores

Tech

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February 3, 2025

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Image of ola — Ola Electric Dominates January 2025 with 25% Market Share and 24,341 Sales – Bhavish Aggarwal’s EV Empire Expands to 4,000 Stores

Ola Electric has kicked off the year with a commanding 25% market share in India’s electric two-wheeler space for January 2025, selling 24,341 units, according to VAHAN data. That’s a massive 76.4% jump in registrations compared to December, thanks to its aggressive expansion strategy. The company now boasts a 4,000-store sales and service network, making its scooters more accessible than ever.

Gen 3 Scooters Powering Growth

The sharp growth is largely fueled by Ola’s recently launched Gen 3 lineup, which includes its flagship S1 Pro+ models with 5.3kWh and 4kWh battery options priced at ₹1,69,999 and ₹1,54,999. The more affordable S1 Pro (4kWh) comes in at ₹1,34,999, while the S1 X range starts at just ₹79,999 for the 2kWh version, making EV adoption easier for budget-conscious buyers.

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A company spokesperson described the numbers as a “strong start to the year”, crediting the success to Ola’s expanding presence beyond metro cities and its focus on both premium and mass-market electric vehicles.

Still Selling Gen 2 Scooters (With Heavy Discounts)

Despite the Gen 3 launch, Ola is not abandoning its Gen 2 lineup just yet. The company is offering discounts up to ₹35,000, bringing prices down to ₹1,14,999 for the S1 Pro and ₹69,999 for the S1 X (2kWh).

What’s New in Gen 3?

The latest generation of Ola scooters comes with several key improvements, including:

✅ New mid-drive motors with chain drive for better efficiency

✅ Integrated motor control unit, increasing peak power by 20%

✅ Dual ABS braking – a first for electric scooters in India

✅ Brake-by-wire system, which optimizes regenerative braking and improves energy recovery by 15%

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MoveOS 5 and More EV Expansions

Ola has also confirmed that MoveOS 5 beta will roll out mid-February, adding features like:

📌 Smartwatch app integration

📌 Smart Park and Road Trip Mode (powered by Ola Maps)

📌 Live Location Sharing & Emergency SOS

Beyond scooters, Ola is gearing up for its biggest EV push yet, following last year’s launch of removable battery models for gig workers and the preview of its Roadster motorcycle series with battery capacities of up to 16kWh.

With $8 Million Backing from EM Impact Capital, VoltUp Accelerates India’s EV Revolution

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February 1, 2025

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Image of voltup — With $8 Million Backing from EM Impact Capital, VoltUp Accelerates India’s EV Revolution

Pune-based electric mobility startup VoltUp has secured $8 million (approximately INR 69 crore) in a combination of equity and debt funding, led by EM Impact Capital. This fresh capital will help the company expand its mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) offerings and accelerate its push towards EV adoption.

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VoltUp has ambitious plans to invest $85 million over the next two years in building its infrastructure, including battery-swapping stations and battery assets. The company aims to roll out 1,000 new swapping stations across 20 cities, making it easier for customers to transition to electric two- and three-wheelers.

Earlier, the startup raised $10 million in a pre-seed round with backing from HDFC Bank, cKers, Grip Invest, GetVantage, and multiple family offices.

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“We’ve identified the right market fit and are focused on scaling our battery-swapping network to meet the growing demand for electric mobility. With Series A funding on the horizon, VoltUp is doubling down on its mission to lead India’s EV transition,” said Siddharth Kabra, founder and CEO of VoltUp.

Established in 2019 by Kabra, VoltUp specializes in providing battery-swapping stations and manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, creating a seamless experience for its growing EV customer base.

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