From Swiss Watches to Gourmet Bites: Audemars Piguet Opens First AP Café at Singapore’s Iconic Raffles Hotel

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January 27, 2025

Image of raffles hotel — From Swiss Watches to Gourmet Bites: Audemars Piguet Opens First AP Café at Singapore’s Iconic Raffles Hotel

Luxury brands making their mark in the food and beverage space are no longer a rare novelty—they’re becoming a defining trend in retail. The list of high-end labels exploring this territory is growing fast, from Coach Play and Ralph’s Coffee in 2023 to Louis Vuitton’s Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric last year. The luxury car industry is also joining in, with Audi preparing to launch a café in collaboration with Burnt Ends Bakery later this year.

Now, Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet (AP) is stepping into the F&B world with a grand debut—the world’s first AP Café in Singapore. Located within the prestigious Raffles Hotel, this new café is part of a broader concept store known as AP House. With 21 AP Houses worldwide, including in global hotspots like Milan and London, the Singapore outpost is set to offer a unique experience for watch connoisseurs and food lovers alike.

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A Taste of Switzerland with a Local Twist

At AP Café, the brand stays true to its Swiss heritage, offering an array of authentic dishes such as rosti and raclette. The café’s food and dessert menus are complemented by a selection of five signature cocktails (starting at $26), artisanal teas from Antea Social, and coffee provided by local favorite Burnt Ends bakery.

For savory indulgence, guests can savor bricelets—salted Swiss wafers ($5), a hearty short rib raclette pie ($38), and snackable Caesar crudités ($18). A luxe treat is the röesti, wrapped in gold leaf and topped with caviar, priced at $25. For those with a sweet tooth, the café serves raspberry doughnuts ($8), Hazelnut Crunch ($20), and a best-seller—a Swiss roll paired with honeycomb and honey ice cream ($18).

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Adding a local flair to the menu, AP Café offers a chicken rice club sandwich ($22), inspired by Singapore’s iconic dish. Also featured are the Gula Melaka Pain Suisse ($8), a palm sugar cream-filled pastry, and the Clarified Swiss Sling ($26)—a contemporary take on the historic Singapore Sling cocktail created at the Raffles Hotel bar in 1915.

A Perfect Spot to Lounge and Savor

The café, which seats about 12 indoors, also boasts an alfresco seating area by Raffles Hotel’s iconic blue fountain—ideal for a relaxed afternoon, especially when the sun is less intense. Whether you’re a watch aficionado, a foodie, or just someone looking for an elegant yet cozy spot to unwind, AP Café offers a luxurious experience that reflects both Swiss tradition and the

Shark Tank India Season 4 Sinks Without Ashneer Grover: Sky-High Ad Rates, Rampant Piracy, and OTT-Only Gamble Turn It into a Hard Sell

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January 27, 2025

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Image of shark tank — Shark Tank India Season 4 Sinks Without Ashneer Grover: Sky-High Ad Rates, Rampant Piracy, and OTT-Only Gamble Turn It into a Hard Sell

SonyLIV’s flagship show, Shark Tank India, is struggling to attract advertisers, reportedly due to its high ad rates and a decline in reach. Sony Pictures Networks India’s (SPNI) decision to make this season exclusively available on its OTT platform has sparked criticism, with many questioning the move and its impact on the show’s visibility and appeal.

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This season, which began streaming on January 6, has drawn sponsorship from Acko, PokerBaazi, and Swiggy Instamart as co-presenting sponsors, alongside Adani and Jaquar as co-powered-by sponsors. Partner sponsors include Rayzon Solar, ICICI Direct, Lenskart, and Sofy. While SonyLIV claims to have achieved a 40% rise in Connected TV (CTV) viewership and a 22% increase in users compared to the previous season, industry experts believe the decision to bypass television has hurt the show’s mass appeal.

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The show has broad appeal and could have reached a significantly larger audience via Sony’s television network. While OTT platforms offer convenience, they face challenges like intrusive ads and limited content libraries, which restrict their reach in India. Removing popular YouTube clips from earlier seasons further stifled the show’s organic growth and engagement.”

He pointed out, “India’s entertainment industry lost ₹22,400 crore to piracy in 2023, with 51% of consumers relying on pirated content. Streaming platforms are the largest contributors to this trend, accounting for 63% of piracy. While piracy is less common in metro cities, it’s rampant in tier-two and tier-three markets, driven by the sheer number of OTT options and a perceived lack of quality content.”

Meanwhile, marketers argue that SonyLIV’s high advertising rates are deterring many brands. With a ₹600 Cost Per Mille (CPM) for a 10-second ad on mobile and ₹1,200 for the same on Connected TV, experts feel the pricing is steep, especially given the show’s limited exposure on OTT. Without the broad reach that television offers, Shark Tank India is struggling to maintain its position as a marquee property for SPNI.

WH Smith Could Vanish from UK High Streets as £1.9bn Company Eyes Sale of 500 Stores

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January 27, 2025

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Image of WH-Smith — WH Smith Could Vanish from UK High Streets as £1.9bn Company Eyes Sale of 500 Stores

WH Smith, the iconic high street retailer, may soon vanish from the UK’s shopping streets after its parent company announced plans to sell its 500 UK-based stores. This move casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future of its 5,000 employees and leaves the 232-year-old brand’s presence in flux.

Over the weekend, the publicly listed company confirmed it was actively seeking a buyer for its high street business, a significant shake-up that would allow the company to refocus on its thriving travel retail arm, which has expanded globally with locations in airports and train stations. The sale process, which began late last year, is still in its early stages, with several interested bidders in the mix.

However, the sale is not just about selling physical stores. There are discussions around whether the WH Smith brand itself will continue to be used in the high street market. This means the brand could vanish from the UK’s town centers, continuing only within the more profitable travel sector, which accounts for roughly three-quarters of the company’s £1.9 billion revenue. With 1,300 travel outlets worldwide, the travel segment has been the company’s shining star, making up the lion’s share of its financial success.

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Alteri, a restructuring firm, is reportedly one of the interested parties in bidding for the high street business, though the prospect of this being a turnaround venture raises concerns about job losses and store closures. With approximately 5,000 employees in the high street division, and no union representation, there is a real possibility that staff cuts could be an outcome.

Industry experts, such as Kien Tan, a senior retail adviser at PwC, suggest that WH Smith’s formula for success in airports and train stations may not be viable on the high street anymore. While the high street stores could survive, they would likely need a significant overhaul, introducing new products or services like hospitality to attract customers. Tan speculates that the WH Smith brand may no longer be a good fit for the high street and could be replaced with a completely new name and customer experience.

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This is not the first time WH Smith has attempted to sell off its business. Back in 2004, it nearly struck a deal with private equity firm Permira, but the negotiations fell apart due to an unresolved £250 million pension fund deficit. The current sale efforts signal that WH Smith, once a pillar of the UK high street, may be evolving into something far different from its past.

Reliance Consumer’s Masterstroke: Acquisition of SIL Food to Take On FMCG Titans HUL, Tata Consumer, and Cremica

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January 27, 2025

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Image of sil foods — Reliance Consumer’s Masterstroke: Acquisition of SIL Food to Take On FMCG Titans HUL, Tata Consumer, and Cremica

Reliance Consumer Products (RCPL) has made a significant move in the packaged foods space by acquiring SIL Food India, a brand known for its range of products such as cooking pastes, jams, mayonnaise, baked beans, and Chinese sauces.

The acquisition process has been successfully completed, and Reliance Consumer aims to expand SIL’s presence beyond its core markets in the West and South of India, targeting national distribution. This strategy positions Reliance to directly compete with established FMCG giants like HUL, Tata Consumer, and Cremica, further solidifying its foothold in the competitive FMCG sector, a senior company executive shared with ET.

The acquisition involves the purchase of SIL’s product brands from its current owner, Food Service India. SIL operates manufacturing facilities in Pune and Bengaluru.

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SIL Food, which traces its origins back 75 years to its founding as James Smith & Co., has undergone several changes in ownership. In 1993, it was acquired by Marico Industries, only to be sold later to Scandic Food India, a subsidiary of Denmark’s Good Food Group. In 2021, Food Service India, known for its supply of seasonings, spices, and condiments to the hospitality industry, acquired SIL Foods.

With this acquisition, Reliance Consumer plans to leverage its ongoing strategy of offering competitively priced products, providing higher trade margins to retailers, and revitalizing legacy brands. It’s worth noting that RCPL is acquiring only SIL’s product brands, not its manufacturing facilities or the company itself.

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This acquisition adds to Reliance’s growing portfolio, which includes recent purchases like Ravalgaon and Toffeeman confectionery, Campa soft drinks, Raskik beverages, Sosyo carbonated drinks, and Lotus chocolates.

Govt’s Bold Move to Safeguard Gig Workers: Zomato, Uber, and Ola to Face New Social Security Mandates

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January 27, 2025

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Image of safeguard — Govt’s Bold Move to Safeguard Gig Workers: Zomato, Uber, and Ola to Face New Social Security Mandates

The government is gearing up to introduce a social security scheme specifically designed for gig workers in platform-based jobs. This new initiative will focus on safeguarding the rights of workers in the rapidly growing gig economy, while also imposing obligations on companies like Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, and Uber that rely heavily on such workers.

Under the proposed scheme, these platforms, which currently classify workers as “partners” rather than employees, will be required to deduct a certain percentage from workers’ earnings and contribute it to a pension fund. The labour ministry has reportedly stated that the financial framework is being finalized and implementation is expected soon.

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In addition to the contributions from platforms, the government may also add its own contribution of 3-4% to the workers’ pension pots, further enhancing the security for gig workers.

The scheme is part of a broader effort to include gig workers from diverse sectors, including tech and freelancing, in social security schemes. This would extend benefits like health insurance and retirement savings to workers in the gig economy, addressing long-standing concerns about their lack of protection.

Despite previous attempts to regulate gig workers through the labour codes enacted a few years ago, many states have yet to fully implement these reforms. The new legislation is expected to require platforms to register gig workers, offer a 14-day notice period for termination with valid reasons, and hold platforms accountable for fair treatment.

This initiative follows a historic digital strike in November 2024 by women gig workers across India, who united to draw attention to exploitative working conditions. Their actions brought to light the fact that discounts offered by platforms during festive seasons often came at the expense of workers’ earnings, further exacerbating their financial struggles.

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Studies have consistently highlighted the difficulties faced by gig workers, with surveys showing that many, particularly cab drivers, work long hours for wages that do not cover their basic expenses. A recent app-based survey revealed that nearly 68% of respondents reported their costs outpacing their earnings.

This step by the government signals a crucial shift towards greater protection for gig economy workers, aiming to ensure fair wages and social security as the sector continues to grow.

Ola and Uber Deny ‘Pricey’ Allegations: Are Apple Users Being Charged More for Rides?

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January 27, 2025

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Image of iphone — Ola and Uber Deny ‘Pricey’ Allegations: Are Apple Users Being Charged More for Rides?

On Friday, ride-hailing giants Ola and Uber rejected claims that they have been charging different prices for rides depending on whether customers use Android or Apple smartphones in India.

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The companies were responding to notices issued by the government after allegations surfaced that Apple users were being charged more for rides of the same distance simply because they own higher-end smartphones, which are presumed to have greater purchasing power.

Ola responded by stating that they had already addressed the issue with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and expressed their intention to cooperate further with the agency to clear up any confusion. An Ola spokesperson emphasized, “We maintain a uniform pricing model for all customers and do not distinguish based on the operating system of a user’s phone for identical trips.”

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Similarly, an Uber representative assured that their pricing is not influenced by the manufacturer of the rider’s phone. “We look forward to resolving any misunderstandings with the CCPA,” the Uber spokesperson stated.

As of now, neither Google nor Apple have provided any comments regarding the matter.

Mr. Makhana Eyes Rs 100 Cr Milestone, Expansion into RTE and Beverages in 2025

Retail & Ecommerce

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Ashu Agrawal

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January 27, 2025

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Image of Mr Makhana — Mr. Makhana Eyes Rs 100 Cr Milestone, Expansion into RTE and Beverages in 2025

Rishab Jain, Founder of Mr. Makhana, is gearing up to take the snack brand to new heights. The D2C player, known for its flavored makhana offerings, is setting ambitious goals for 2025, including crossing Rs 100 crore in revenue and expanding into the ready-to-eat (RTE) and beverages sectors.

Rs 100 Crore Target in Sight

Speaking about the numbers, Jain reveals that the company is on track to surpass Rs 100 crore in revenue this fiscal year, with domestic sales alone contributing to this milestone. “We’ve already crossed Rs 75 crore and expect to hit the Rs 100 crore mark by March. Our distribution is split between 60% general trade (GT), 40% e-commerce and quick commerce, and 10% modern trade (MT),” he shares.

The brand’s steady growth can be attributed to its distribution-first approach. “We went state by state, taking it slow. Instead of spreading ourselves too thin, we made each market a hub, ensuring a steady 5-10% month-on-month growth before expanding further,” Jain explains.

The company also faced unique challenges while entering southern markets, where makhana was relatively unknown. “South was the biggest challenge for us,” shares Jain. “We relied heavily on sampling and promotions to educate consumers and build trust in the product.”

Navigating Cost Pressures and Market Fluidity

Operating in a crowded market comes with its own set of challenges, especially with the volatility in raw material prices. Jain reflects on how makhana costs have surged from Rs 300 per kg to over Rs 800, (around 120%) significantly impacting profitability. “This has forced us to carefully evaluate new product launches and infrastructure investments while maintaining quality and innovation,” he says.

Despite these hurdles, Jain remains steadfast in his vision. “The key is to leverage our distribution network and introduce complementary products that can piggyback on existing channels. For instance, our newly launched roasted cashews cater to a more premium audience with clean, oil-free, and fancy packaging,” he adds.

Jain emphasizes the importance of piloting new product development (NPD) efforts before scaling up. “We conduct small pilots in select regions to gather feedback. This helps us refine the product before a larger rollout,” he notes.

Exploring RTE and Beverages in 2025

Looking ahead, Jain has his eyes set on the RTE and beverages sectors. “Both categories are incredibly appealing, but the challenge lies in differentiating our products in a competitive market. Quality and taste will be our key focus,” he says.

One of Jain’s dilemmas is deciding between catering to the premium segment or the mass market. “If we go premium, we risk limiting our distribution to fewer stores. On the other hand, mass-market products require significant marketing and supply chain investments, which can strain unit economics. A potential solution is offering two variants—one premium and one cost-efficient,” he explains.

Branding Strategies for Diversification

As Mr. Makhana diversifies its portfolio, Jain is mindful of brand positioning. “Mr. Makhana is a specific brand name, so launching new products under different brands helps us maintain focus. For example, our cashew line is branded as ‘NutShack by Mr. Makhana,’ leveraging the trust we’ve built while giving the product its own identity,” he says.

The Road Ahead

Jain’s long-term strategy is rooted in thoughtful expansion and leveraging existing infrastructure. “Our goal is to keep introducing products that resonate with consumers while optimizing our supply chain and marketing efforts. With RTE and beverages in the pipeline, 2025 is poised to be a transformative year for Mr. Makhana,” he concludes.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu Backed Secret Alchemist Aims for 300% Growth with New Products and Strategic Expansion

Retail & Ecommerce

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Ashu Agrawal

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January 27, 2025

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Image of Samantha Ruth Prabhu — Samantha Ruth Prabhu Backed Secret Alchemist Aims for 300% Growth with New Products and Strategic Expansion

Secret Alchemist, an aromatherapy-focused D2C brand co-founded by Akash Valia and Ankita Valia, is setting its sights on significant growth in the next six months. With recent funding, new product launches, and strategic collaborations, the brand aims to achieve a 300% increase in revenue.

Speaking about the brand’s evolution, Valia said, “We started small, running it like a cottage industry, but quickly realized the vast potential of aromatherapy in addressing ailments like stress and sleep issues, which resonate with many consumers today. Our roll-ons for stress and sleep alone contribute 80% of sales.”

Strategic Shift: Creams, Mists, and More

To make aromatherapy more accessible, Secret Alchemist is moving beyond roll-ons. The brand is launching products in cream and mist formats that integrate seamlessly into daily routines. “A night cream that helps you sleep deeper or a moisturizer that keeps you stress-free—this is where personal care meets wellness,” Valia explained.

The product range will soon extend to shampoos, conditioners, and other formats aimed at promoting holistic well-being. “Our goal is to make aromatherapy intuitive, part of everyday rituals, without requiring consumers to learn something new,” he added.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Role and Fundraising Success

The company’s growth momentum received a significant boost when actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu became both an investor and a brand evangelist. A long-time user of the products, Samantha found solace in aromatherapy during her battle with myositis, an autoimmune condition.

Valia revealed, “Samantha’s involvement has been a game-changer. She not only invested but also brought her story to the forefront, helping us educate a larger audience about the benefits of aromatherapy.”

The brand recently closed a seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures, with participation from Samantha and other investors.

D2C First, Offline Later

Secret Alchemist has adopted a digital-first strategy to scale rapidly. Currently priced between ₹700 and ₹900, the products are available on platforms like Amazon, Nykaa, and Blinkit, with plans to expand into additional quick commerce marketplaces.

While retail isn’t on the immediate horizon, Valia said, “Offline expansion requires a strong pull factor. For now, our focus is on building a robust online presence. Six months from now, we’ll evaluate offline experiments and B2B2C collaborations.”

Targeting Tier 2 and Tier 3 Aspirations

Valia highlighted the growing demand for clean, aspirational products in smaller cities. “Social media has bridged the gap between metros and Tier 2 and 3 cities. Consumers there are now opting for premium, natural products they see online,” he said.

With a foothold in the ₹2.6 billion D2C personal care segment, Secret Alchemist aims to carve out a niche at the intersection of wellness, clinical care, and personal care.

In the next six months, the brand plans to launch new SKUs, strengthen its D2C strategy, and explore selective offline collaborations. “We’re on an inflection journey. By making aromatherapy simple and effective, we believe we can scale this to millions of households,” Valia concluded.

United Spirits Sees 16% Growth in High-End Liquor Sales Despite Economic Gloom

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January 25, 2025

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Image of Diageo — United Spirits Sees 16% Growth in High-End Liquor Sales Despite Economic Gloom

Hina Nagarajan, Managing Director of United Spirits, noted that liquor demand in India picked up during the December quarter, showing stronger resilience compared to many other consumer goods categories.

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“Despite persistent food inflation, we’ve seen a rise in social gatherings and celebrations during the festive October-December period, leading to a notable improvement in alcohol demand,” Nagarajan explained to investors on Friday. “It’s also reassuring to witness continued premiumization in the market, although the high-end segment may take a few more quarters to fully regain its historical momentum. Importantly, we haven’t observed significant downtrading within our portfolio, which gives us confidence for further recovery in consumption moving forward.”

The alcohol industry had faced a 1% dip in demand during the September quarter, marking the first decline since the pandemic. This was attributed to economic challenges, flooding in some states, and increased taxes, which collectively dampened consumption across categories.

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However, during the December quarter, United Spirits rebounded with a 15% growth in overall sales. The company’s premium categories, including brands like Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff, outperformed with a 16% increase. The growth was fueled by strong consumer demand during the festive season and the rapid expansion of business in Andhra Pradesh.

Jaipur Rugs Acquires Iconic Luxury Brand Shyam Ahuja to Elevate India’s Artisanal Heritage

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January 25, 2025

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Image of shyam ahuja — Jaipur Rugs Acquires Iconic Luxury Brand Shyam Ahuja to Elevate India’s Artisanal Heritage

Jaipur Rugs, a leading handmade carpet manufacturer and global luxury brand, has acquired 100% ownership of Shyam Ahuja, a renowned luxury rug and textile brand. The transaction amount remains undisclosed, but Jaipur Rugs has confirmed plans to preserve Shyam Ahuja’s rich heritage while developing it as an independent brand with its own supply chain.

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“This acquisition brings together two brands committed to celebrating India’s artisan craftsmanship and elevating it on a global platform,” said Yogesh Chaudhary, Director of Jaipur Rugs.

Established in 1963 by Shyam Ahuja, the brand transformed the traditional dhurrie into a luxurious product that became a favorite in the American market. Known for its sophisticated flatwoven designs, Shyam Ahuja achieved cult status among elite interior designers. Its rugs have adorned the homes of icons like Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, Gianni Versace, and Anna Wintour, and have even been part of historic moments, such as Princess Diana’s famous confessional interview.

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Jaipur Rugs, a family-owned social enterprise, operates in over 85 countries and collaborates with more than 40,000 artisans—85% of them women—spread across 650 villages in India. The company reported a turnover of ₹975 crore for FY24, producing 700,000 square meters of handmade rugs annually. With 10 stores across India and showrooms in Milan, London, Singapore, Dubai, Russia, and China, Jaipur Rugs continues to make strides in the luxury market.

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