Dunkin’ Recalls 2 Million Doughnuts Over Listeria Scare—FDA Issues Urgent Warning
Dunkin’ is recalling nearly 2 million baked goods, including various doughnuts and coffee rolls, due to potential Listeria contamination.
The recall was initiated by FGF Brands, a company that supplies baked products across North America. According to a report from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released Wednesday, the decision was made as a precaution after routine testing at one of their U.S. doughnut production facilities.
The affected products include chocolate, raspberry, and Bavarian cream doughnuts, as well as French crullers, éclairs, and coffee rolls. The FDA noted that these items were sold at Dunkin’ locations and were produced before December 13, 2024. However, the exact source of contamination has not been determined.
The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning that while consuming the affected products could cause temporary or mild health issues, the risk of severe illness is low. There have been no confirmed cases of illness linked to these products so far.
FGF Brands emphasized that the recall was voluntary and taken out of an abundance of caution. In a statement, the company clarified that no actual doughnuts or food contact surfaces tested positive for Listeria. They also confirmed that the recall was completed in early January and does not affect any products currently available for purchase.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that, while rare, can lead to serious infections. Symptoms typically include fever and headaches, but in high-risk individuals—such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—the infection can be life-threatening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria is the third-leading cause of foodborne illness-related deaths in the U.S., with an estimated 1,600 cases and around 260 fatalities reported each year.
The most recent Listeria-related recall before this one occurred in December when Braga Fresh pulled certain pre-packaged broccoli florets from Walmart shelves due to contamination concerns.
OYO’s Profits Skyrocket Nearly 6X to ₹166 Cr in Q3 FY25 – Revenue Jumps 31% Amid Growth Push
OYO, the hospitality giant, has posted a significant surge in its profit after tax (PAT), soaring nearly sixfold to ₹166 crore in the third quarter of FY25. This marks a sharp rise from the ₹25 crore it recorded in the same period last year, sources told Inc42.
The company also experienced substantial revenue growth, with earnings rising 31% to ₹1,695 crore in Q3 FY25 compared to ₹1,296 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. This boost reflects OYO’s ongoing efforts to expand its business and optimize its financial performance.
Despite these notable gains, OYO has remained tight-lipped and has not responded to Inc42’s inquiries regarding its latest financial performance.
Provisional data suggests that the company’s adjusted EBITDA reached ₹249 crore in the third quarter of FY25, showing a 22% increase from the ₹205 crore reported in Q3 FY24. This improvement highlights the company’s ability to enhance profitability while navigating the challenges of the hospitality industry.
Industry insiders have noted that while OYO has successfully demonstrated its ability to run a profitable business, concerns about its revenue growth had persisted. However, the company’s renewed emphasis on expanding its topline appears to have paid off, as evidenced by the 31% jump in revenue.
“OYO has always been a company with strong operational capabilities, but questions remained about its growth trajectory. With this quarter’s performance, it has shown a clear focus on boosting revenues while maintaining profitability,” a source familiar with the matter said.
The hospitality sector has been recovering steadily post-pandemic, and OYO’s latest numbers indicate that it is capitalizing on increased travel demand. Whether this momentum continues in the coming quarters remains to be seen, but for now, the company appears to be on a solid growth path.
Wacoal’s Bold India Expansion: Inside the Lingerie Giant’s Strategy to Capture a $10 Billion Market
Japanese lingerie brand Wacoal, founded in 1946, made its way into Asian markets in the 1970s, entered the U.S. in 1985, and expanded to Europe in 1990. In December 2015, the brand set foot in India, bringing its decades-long expertise in crafting high-quality lingerie to Indian consumers. With over 75 years of heritage, Wacoal has built a global reputation for blending comfort, style, and functionality. In India, the brand is committed to catering to modern women who seek premium lingerie that not only fits well but also makes them feel confident. “Our collection features a variety of bras, panties, shapewear, and sleepwear designed with superior craftsmanship to offer the perfect blend of support and elegance,” says Pooja Merani, COO of Wacoal India.
Wacoal has built a solid retail presence in India, spanning exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), large-format stores (LFS), multi-brand outlets (MBOs), its official website, and leading e-commerce platforms. The brand is actively working on expanding its footprint to ensure easy accessibility for Indian women seeking premium lingerie.
Tapping into India’s Growth Potential
The Indian lingerie market is witnessing rapid growth, fueled by changing consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and a stronger emphasis on self-care and body positivity. This shift presents a major opportunity for Wacoal’s expansion in the country.
“As Indian shoppers increasingly look for well-crafted, stylish, and comfortable lingerie, Wacoal’s focus on quality and fit positions us perfectly within this evolving landscape,” Merani explains. She notes that the boom in online shopping has further accelerated Wacoal’s growth, allowing the brand to reach a wider audience. Consumers today prioritize factors such as premium fabric, inclusive sizing, and a seamless fit—trends that Wacoal is well-equipped to address. Additionally, the body positivity movement has created a demand for lingerie that empowers women to embrace their natural shape with confidence.
Currently, Wacoal has a strong presence in key cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai, while also expanding into emerging Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets. Its growing online presence ensures that customers across the country can conveniently shop from home through a smooth, user-friendly interface and secure payment options.
“We are making strategic investments to strengthen our retail presence further, whether through new store openings in major cities or expanding our reach within multi-brand outlets and online marketplaces,” Merani shares.
Future Roadmap
Over the next five years, Wacoal’s growth strategy will focus on product expansion, inclusive sizing, and the use of sustainable fabrics. The brand is also set to enhance its digital capabilities, improve customer engagement, and streamline operations to create a seamless shopping experience.
“Our goal is to increase our online-to-offline business mix from the current 15% to 30% in the next financial year,” Merani reveals. She explains that Wacoal will leverage omnichannel retail strategies to optimize inventory management and ensure better accessibility for customers. Expanding both online and offline channels will allow the brand to serve a larger audience while maintaining high standards of quality and fit.
Beyond expansion, Wacoal is also investing in consumer education to highlight the importance of well-fitting lingerie and premium materials. “As India’s economy continues to grow, we are focusing on launching new product lines, broadening our size range, integrating technology for a superior shopping experience, and developing innovative designs that offer exceptional support and comfort,” Merani concludes.
Kicky & Perky: The Sister-Led Silver Jewellery Brand Eyeing ₹50 Crore in Sales
Founded in 2022 by sisters Aditi and Sanya Khandelwal, Kicky & Perky has rapidly carved a niche for itself in the silver jewellery market. Despite being a fully bootstrapped venture, the brand has grown at an impressive pace, gaining recognition for its exquisitely designed earrings and chain pendants—both of which have become bestsellers.
In FY 2023-24, Kicky & Perky recorded ₹10 crore in total sales, a clear indication of its rising popularity. The brand now has its sights set on a much bigger goal—hitting ₹50 crore in revenue for FY 2024-25. To achieve this ambitious target, the founders have mapped out a focused strategy centered around five key pillars: expansion, customer-first policies, a strong internal culture, investing in talent, and continuous product innovation.
“We believe in delivering not just jewellery but an experience—something that resonates with our customers, team, and stakeholders alike,” say Aditi and Sanya.
With a growing consumer base and a deep understanding of market trends, Kicky & Perky is well on its way to becoming a major name in India’s D2C jewellery space. As the demand for stylish yet affordable silver jewellery rises, the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation will be its driving force in the coming years.
Crunch, Profit, and Innovation: The Inside Story of Fit & Flex’s Rise in the FMCG Market
In the fast-moving cities of modern India, long work hours and hectic schedules have made traditional, home-cooked breakfasts a rare luxury. While the rich and diverse Indian breakfast culture remains beloved, most urban professionals and students simply don’t have the time to prepare elaborate morning meals. In their search for convenience, many turned to quick, processed options—often loaded with refined sugars and artificial ingredients, offering little nutritional value.
For Pathik Patel, this was a major frustration. On his own journey to healthier eating, he found himself stuck between tasteless, uninspiring breakfast choices and those that were overly processed. The gap in the market was glaring: people needed a quick, nutritious, and flavorful breakfast option that didn’t compromise on quality.
Determined to change this, Patel launched Fit & Flex in December 2019, setting up operations in Ahmedabad. His goal was clear—create wholesome, oat-based breakfast cereals and snacks that were both delicious and convenient. From the start, the brand focused on 100% baked products made with premium ingredients, ensuring each bite delivered the right balance of taste and nutrition.
The company introduced its flagship product—100% baked granola—in four flavors, investing in cutting-edge European machinery and setting up a 4-acre production facility capable of producing 375 metric tons of product. This made Fit & Flex the only brand in India with such large-scale baking capacity.
In 2021, Fit & Flex expanded into muesli, followed by baked multigrain mixtures and chocolate mini bites in 2022. Today, the brand offers a diverse range of granola, muesli, oats, and snacks, available in over 5,000 retail stores across India, including Reliance Fresh + Signature and SPAR. Their products are also stocked in 200+ vending machines and sold online through Amazon, Flipkart, and Big Basket.
Beyond India, Fit & Flex has made its mark internationally, with distribution in over 1,000 stores across the UAE, Africa, and the Maldives.
What Sets Fit & Flex Apart?
With 35 SKUs, the brand offers a 100% baked breakfast range that stands out in the market. Its muesli is made from 90% whole grains, nuts, and seeds, rich in protein and fiber, and available in three flavors. Their granola—offered in four unique variants—includes freeze-dried fruits and prebiotic fiber for gut health, while boasting the lowest sugar content in its category.
For snack lovers, Fit & Flex provides baked multigrain mixtures in three flavors and mini bites in indulgent options like chocolate almond and cranberry yogurt. The secret to their signature crunch? A proprietary 360-degree slow-bake technology, which ensures better texture and taste compared to traditional methods.
The Road Ahead
With a rapidly growing customer base, Fit & Flex is redefining India’s breakfast culture, proving that convenience doesn’t have to come at the cost of health or flavor. As demand for mindful eating rises, Pathik Patel’s vision is clear: to make nutritious, delicious breakfasts accessible to everyone, one bite at a time.
Zepto’s Valentine’s Day surprise: Love arrives in 10 minutes!
Valentine’s Day is here, and while love may take time to bloom, Zepto promises that your gifts won’t! In a quirky and heartwarming LinkedIn post, Chandan Mendiratta, Chief Culture Officer and Chief Brand Officer of Zepto, declared that the quick-commerce giant has something for everyone this Valentine’s season—regardless of relationship status.
“Whatever your relationship status is, we have an app flow for Valentine’s for that. From Complicated, Relationship to Single and even Married folks, Valentine’s is for everyone. Every relationship mode, every gifting need, everything in 10 minutes on Zepto,” Mendiratta posted, instantly catching the internet’s attention.
Love (and gifting) has no boundaries For those blissfully in love, Zepto has all the essentials—roses, chocolates, teddy bears, and even fancy desserts—to sweep your partner off their feet. But the magic doesn’t end there. In a move that’s as inclusive as it is amusing, Zepto has ensured that people in complicated situations (read: situationships, ghosted souls, and “we’re just talking” enthusiasts) aren’t left out either.
A last-minute regretful “I should probably send something” gift? Done. A vague-but-sweet box of Ferrero Rocher to maintain the illusion of effort? Absolutely.
And for the single folks? Zepto has got you covered with self-love indulgences—think tubs of ice cream, cozy snacks, and maybe even a scented candle to convince yourself that solitude is just another form of self-care.
The 10-minute love miracle Zepto’s guarantee of getting everything done in 10 minutes provides even the most forgetful lovebirds with a fighting chance at executing a romantic surprise. No more last-minute dashes to gift shops or embarrassed justifications to your partner of how you “totally had something planned.”
And married couples? Zepto knows romance doesn’t die after ‘I do’—it just gets more calculated. A speedy romantic dinner setup, a bottle of wine, or even a survival kit for those who forgot again—just a few taps away.
Internet reacts: Cupid in a hurry! Social media users found Zepto’s Valentine’s Day campaign both amusing and surprisingly relatable. Some thanked the app for making love “logistically easier,” while others cracked jokes about requiring a “breakup recovery kit” added to the menu.
“Zepto out here ensuring even we have no excuse to screw up Valentine’s Day,” one user joked.
Another chimed in, “10-minute delivery? If only dating apps worked this effectively!”
Love in the fast lane In a world where modern love is complicated, Zepto streamlines one important facet—timely, thoughtful gifting. So whether you’re pampering a partner, placating a complicated connection, or just treating yourself to something sweet, Zepto assures love, in all its forms, in just 10 minutes.
Because, let’s be honest, nothing says I love you like remembering to purchase a Valentine’s gift at the very last minute!
D’Decor’s Next Big Move: Global Expansion, A Rs 500 Crore Goal, and the Rise of Sansaar
Mumbai-based D’Decor Home Fabrics Pvt. Ltd., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of curtains and upholstery fabrics, is gearing up for a major global push. The company is setting its sights on international expansion for its new brand, Sansaar, while targeting a Rs 500 crore valuation within the next five years, according to top executives.
Going Global with Sansaar
“Over the next five years, our focus is to strengthen our leadership in innovation and aggressively expand into global markets, including the USA, Europe, and the Middle East,” said Sanjana Arora, co-founder of Sansaar.
Together with her sister Sarah Arora, the duo has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and contemporary design. “We’re not just entering new markets—we’re bringing the best of Indian design to a global audience,” said Sarah, emphasizing that the company collaborates with Italian design houses to stay ahead of global trends.
D’Decor’s manufacturing facility near Mumbai is a powerhouse of innovation, boasting over 10,000 patented designs and an export network spanning 65+ countries. Some of the world’s leading home décor brands are among its clients, a testament to its design expertise and production capabilities.
Sansaar: The Brand Fueling Domestic Growth
While D’Decor has established itself internationally, Sansaar, launched in April 2024, is shaping up to be a key driver of domestic growth.
“We’re confident that Sansaar will be a Rs 500 crore brand in the next five years,” the co-founders said. Their growth strategy includes:
✔ Expanding retail presence through standalone stores, franchise networks, and strategic partnerships.
✔ Diversifying the product range, moving beyond curtains and upholstery into bedding and other home essentials.
✔ Leveraging digital technology to create a seamless shopping experience.
D’Decor has already rolled out a user-friendly app and online portal where customers can browse real-time pricing, stock availability, e-catalogs, and order tracking.
“Our fully robotized central warehouse and automated weaving machines ensure precision and efficiency in every product we create,” said Sanjana, highlighting the company’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.
To amplify Sansaar’s reach, D’Decor is embracing AI-driven personalization, targeted social media campaigns, and OTT platform marketing.
“We’re collaborating with architects, interior designers, and influencers to increase brand visibility—not just in metro cities but also in Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets,” said Sanjana.
User-generated content (UGC) is playing a big role in their strategy. Real-life home transformations shared by customers are being promoted across social media, reinforcing authenticity and community engagement.
‘Globally Local’: A Strategy That Works
D’Decor’s ability to blend global trends with local preferences has been key to its success.
“Our in-house design team keeps a pulse on international styles while adapting them to regional aesthetics,” explained Sarah. “This way, our products feel contemporary yet culturally relevant.”
Sustainability: A Core Commitment, Not a Trend
D’Decor isn’t just innovating in design—it’s setting a new standard for sustainable luxury.
The company has integrated eco-friendly practices at every stage, from R&D and production to packaging. “For us, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a fundamental value,” said Sarah. “By investing in smart textiles and responsible manufacturing, we’re redefining the home furnishings industry.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Star Power
Founded as Dicitex Decor Pvt. Ltd., D’Decor has been at the forefront of India’s home furnishings industry for 13 years. The company was the first in India to introduce water-repellent and flame-retardant fabrics and establish a robotic warehouse—a game-changer in the industry.
With Bollywood’s Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan as brand ambassadors, D’Decor has built a strong retail network across India, including exclusive franchise stores and over 450 retail outlets.
The Road Ahead
The overwhelming response to Sansaar shows that Indian consumers are embracing high-quality, sustainable home décor.
“In just one year, the feedback has been phenomenal,” said Sanjana. “People want home furnishings that are stylish, functional, and responsibly made. That’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
With a Rs 500 crore milestone in sight and a global expansion plan in motion, D’Decor is proving that home fashion is more than just aesthetics—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and creating experiences that last.
New Delhi: South Korean giant Lotte Wellfood is doubling down on India with a bold expansion strategy, bringing its global bestsellers to Indian consumers while aggressively scaling up production and investment. The company, best known for its Choco Pie, is set to launch its wildly popular Pepero chocolate-coated biscuit sticks in India this July.
The move comes as Lotte sees massive potential in India’s snacking and frozen dessert markets. With a ₹500 crore investment already poured into its new Havmor ice cream plant in Pune, the company has an even bigger vision—an additional $300 million (₹2,500 crore) investment plan over the next five years to expand its supply chain, boost manufacturing, and capture a bigger slice of India’s growing snack market.
Pepero’s Big Debut in India
Pepero, which dominates Korea’s snack shelves, will be produced outside Korea for the first time at Lotte’s Haryana facility. The brand is banking on India’s surging K-food and K-pop obsession to drive sales.
“It is the number one branded confectionery snack in Korea, and we will be launching and introducing it to Indian consumers in July,” said Paul Yi, CEO of Lotte Wellfood.
Currently, Choco Pie is Lotte’s flagship product in India, but the company is eager to diversify. “We are actively exploring other snack categories,” Yi added, hinting at a much broader play in India’s ₹16,000 crore organized snack market.
₹500 Crore Ice Cream Factory & Expansion Plans
Lotte’s Havmor ice cream business is another key focus. In 2017, Lotte acquired Havmor, and since then, it has been working to scale production and distribution across India. The new Pune plant, with an initial annual capacity of 50 million liters, is designed to double production to 100 million liters in the coming years.
Lotte is also pushing Havmor beyond its traditional stronghold in Gujarat, expanding its reach to Bengaluru, Chennai, and other major cities.
“We see tremendous opportunity in India’s ice cream market. Compared to China’s $23 billion industry, India’s is still small, but as the consumer base grows, we expect massive expansion,” Yi noted.
With its three-to-five-year roadmap, Lotte is planning an additional $300 million (₹2,500 crore) investment to scale up manufacturing and logistics. “As we revisit our plans, they will evolve, and my guess is the investment will only go up,” Yi said.
The company is also exploring exports from India, particularly to the Middle East and Africa, while keeping its primary focus on dominating the Indian market.
Currently, Havmor generates $200 million in revenue and holds a 5% share of India’s branded ice cream market, but Lotte aims to significantly grow this figure in the coming years.
Merger and Future Roadmap
Last year, Lotte announced the merger of Lotte India and Havmor Ice Cream into a single entity, streamlining operations for greater efficiency. The process is on track to be completed by March 2025, according to Yi.
With Pepero’s India debut, Havmor’s aggressive expansion, and a multi-billion-rupee investment pipeline, Lotte is making it clear—it’s here to stay, and it’s ready to take on India’s biggest food brands.
How Two College Friends Built Topcan Beverages to Reinvent Cocktail Mixing
For Ronak Jaiswal and Nishchay Kaura, the idea for Topcan Beverages wasn’t born in a boardroom—it started in college, over the shared frustration of making a decent cocktail. Mixing drinks was fun, but the process was always too complicated. Measuring ingredients, shaking, and stirring took away from the experience.
“We just wanted a quick, great-tasting cocktail without all the hassle,” Ronak recalls. “It felt like there had to be a better way.”
That thought turned into an obsession. Why wasn’t there an easy, portable way to enjoy cocktails without compromising on customization?
A Simple Yet Revolutionary Idea
While the beverage industry offered everything from ready-to-drink cocktails to cocktail mixers, there wasn’t a product that allowed drinkers to personalize their drinks on the go. That’s where Topcan Beverages came in.
Their breakthrough? A 250ML can that left 80ML of space for consumers to add their own choice of alcohol.
With a fully removable lid, users could pour in their preferred spirit, shake the can, and enjoy a freshly mixed cocktail—no bartending skills required.
“We didn’t want to create just another canned cocktail. We wanted something that let people experiment while keeping things simple,” Nishchay explains.
To make the experience even better, they added a soft, resealable plastic lid, turning the can into a portable cocktail shaker.
“The resealable lid changed everything,” says Ronak. “You could mix your drink, take it anywhere, and not worry about spills.”
A Lineup of Flavors That Hits Every Note
Flavors could make or break the concept, so the duo carefully crafted their lineup to offer a mix of classic and uniquely Indian options:
• Sex on the Beach
• Cosmopolitan
• Goldrush
• Green Mango Litchi
• Kala Khatta
“We wanted to offer something familiar but also bring a local twist,” Ronak says. The response to their Indian-inspired flavors, especially Kala Khatta, has been overwhelming. “It reminds people of their childhood, and they love experimenting with different spirits,” Nishchay adds.
More Than Just a Drink—A New Way to Experience Cocktails
Topcan Beverages isn’t just about convenience; it’s about giving consumers control over their drinks. By blending customization, ease, and great flavors, Ronak and Nishchay have created something that fits perfectly into today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
What started as a simple college frustration has now become a full-fledged business—one that’s changing the way people think about cocktails.
Zomato Limited Renames Itself ‘Eternal Limited’: Deepinder Goyal’s Bold Move Signals a New Era
In a major corporate shift, Zomato Limited—India’s leading food delivery giant—has announced its decision to rebrand as ‘Eternal Limited.’ The move, approved by the company’s board on February 6, 2025, reflects Zomato’s ambitions beyond food delivery and aligns with its expanding business portfolio.
Corporate Rebrand, But the App Stays ‘Zomato’
Despite the name change at the corporate level, the Zomato app will continue to operate under its existing brand. CEO Deepinder Goyal emphasized that this decision is not just a rebranding exercise but a mission statement that defines the company’s long-term vision.
“This isn’t just about renaming the company,” Goyal explained in a letter to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). “It’s a reflection of our evolution. While Zomato remains a household name, our corporate identity needs to represent something bigger.”
Why ‘Eternal’? The Growing Empire Behind the Name Change
Zomato has rapidly diversified in recent years. Beyond its ₹1.3 lakh crore ($16 billion) food delivery business, the company has aggressively expanded into new verticals:
• Blinkit – Zomato’s ₹18,000 crore quick-commerce subsidiary, delivering groceries and essentials within minutes.
• Hyperpure – A restaurant supply chain business fueling the backend of India’s food industry.
• Zomato District – A loyalty program designed to enhance user engagement and retention.
Goyal revealed that internally, the company had already started using ‘Eternal’ after acquiring Blinkit. “We needed a way to differentiate between the company and the Zomato brand. Now, with Blinkit becoming a key growth driver, the time has come to make it official.”
Goyal acknowledged that ‘Eternal’ is a bold and daunting name.
“To be honest, it scares me to my core. It’s an expectation we must live up to. True endurance isn’t about making grand declarations of invincibility—it’s about adapting and evolving continuously. The moment we assume we’ll last forever just because we say so, we start our downfall.”
Before ‘Eternal Limited’ becomes official, the name change must receive:
1. Shareholder approval
2. Final clearance from India’s Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Once approved, the company will update its corporate website from zomato.com to eternal.com, and its stock ticker will change accordingly.
A Strategic Gamble or a Masterstroke?
This move marks one of the most significant rebrands in India’s tech ecosystem. While some may see it as a strategic masterstroke, others might question whether the Zomato name—built over years of trust and recognition—should have been retained at the corporate level.
With Blinkit’s rapid rise and Zomato’s multi-business ecosystem, the shift to Eternal Limited signals a company that no longer wants to be defined by just one business. Whether it’s a gamble or a visionary step, one thing is clear—Deepinder Goyal isn’t afraid to take big swings.
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