Starbucks India Overhaul: Smaller Outlets and Lower Capex to Drive Profitability

Business

November 27, 2025

Starbucks is recalibrating its India operations after its joint venture partner, Tata Consumer Products, signalled that further investment will depend on a leaner, India-specific business model. Discussions last week at Bombay House involved Starbucks global CEO Brian Niccol and Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran, highlighting the urgency to align strategy with local market realities.

India’s Starbucks stores, each uniquely designed with local touches, currently follow the global template of large 3,000-square-foot outlets equipped to serve 700 cups a day, priced at an average ₹400 per beverage. Tata Consumer has questioned the sustainability of this high-cost approach in a competitive coffee landscape marked by rising rentals and value-conscious consumers. As a result, fresh capital infusion has been paused pending agreement on a lower-capex, smaller-store format.

The proposed overhaul focuses on India-specific store designs, lighter equipment, streamlined staffing, and more accessible pricing. Product mix, throughput targets, and operational efficiencies are being revisited to improve unit economics. The company’s previous target of 1,000 outlets by 2028 has been put on hold, with the current store count at 500 since Starbucks’ India entry in 2012.

Tata Starbucks, a 50:50 joint venture, posted ₹1,277 crore in revenue in FY25, a 5% increase year-on-year, but losses widened nearly two-thirds to ₹135.7 crore. Intensifying competition from chains such as Tim Hortons, Pret a Manger, and local players including Third Wave and Blue Tokai, which collectively operate over 300 stores, has added pressure to optimise costs and unit-level profitability.

Both partners have reached an informal understanding to rebuild operations around smaller, more efficient outlets tailored to Indian consumption patterns and real estate constraints. Fresh investment will follow once the revised model, encompassing store size, capex per outlet, productivity metrics, and localisation of offerings, is formally approved. Tata Consumer notes that the country’s demographics and QSR tailwinds still make India a strategically important market.

Ace International Raises $35M from FMO and Global Investors to Scale B2B and B2C Dairy Operations

funding

SnackTeam

November 27, 2025

Image of ACE — Ace International Raises $35M from FMO and Global Investors to Scale B2B and B2C Dairy Operations

Ace International has secured thirty five million dollars in fresh funding, marking one of the larger capital moves in India’s dairy processing sector this year. The round was led by Dutch development finance institution FMO, with additional participation from global impact investors ResponsAbility, Incofin and Fiedlin Ventures. The Delhi headquartered company plans to channel the proceeds into a new manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh and upgrades to its supply chain, signalling an expanded push into both domestic and export markets.

Ace International currently operates a single unit in Uttar Pradesh that can process half a million litres of fresh milk each day. The upcoming plant is expected to significantly increase capacity at a time when the company is seeing rising demand across its business to business and business to consumer verticals. Founder and chairman Sanjeev Goyal said that the company is strengthening its product capabilities as well by developing dairy formulations blended with fibres, vitamins, minerals and specialty fats for specialised applications. These include infant nutrition, adult nutrition, ready to mix formulations and protein focused offerings, which have become a fast growing category within India’s food industry.

The company supplies dairy ingredients to a wide mix of clients ranging from consumer brands and fast moving consumer goods companies to nutrition startups. Beyond milk powder and whey derivatives, Ace also ships butter fat products such as ghee and butter to overseas markets. At present, Bangladesh and the Philippines account for a bulk of its export business, and the company is preparing to enter Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the United States as it scales production.

The wider protein market in India, estimated at sixteen thousand crore rupees, has been drawing investor attention as consumers adopt new flavours and convenient formats. Recent acquisitions by ITC, Hindustan Unilever and Zydus Wellness underline how rapidly the nutrition sector is evolving. Against this backdrop, Ace International is positioning itself as both a manufacturing partner and a formulation specialist for brands aiming to launch or expand their protein based products.

Blinkit Raises ₹600 Crore to Scale Dark Stores to 3,000 by 2027

funding
Growth

SnackTeam

November 27, 2025

Blinkit has secured a fresh equity infusion of six hundred crore rupees from its parent company Eternal, strengthening its balance sheet at a time when the quick commerce sector is witnessing heightened spending and rapid expansion. The funding, disclosed in a filing with the Registrar of Companies, takes Eternal’s total investment in Blinkit this year to two thousand six hundred crore rupees. Eternal, which also operates food-delivery giant Zomato, had previously committed fifteen hundred crore rupees in February and another five hundred crore rupees in January.

The capital comes as Blinkit accelerates its dark store rollout. The company wants its network to reach three thousand micro-warehouses by March 2027. By the end of September, the network stood at one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. This nationwide expansion remains expensive. For the July to September quarter, Blinkit reported operating losses of one hundred fifty six crore rupees. The loss was slightly lower than the previous quarter but significantly higher than the eight crore rupees reported in the same period last year, reflecting the scale of its expansion.

An Eternal spokesperson described the latest investment as a routine capital infusion to support Blinkit’s operating requirements, network expansion, working capital and capital expenditure. Internally, Blinkit’s management has pointed to factors such as higher marketing spends, more store launches and continued investment in warehousing and supply chain upgrades as reasons for the slower-than-expected improvement in margins. Despite this, CEO Albinder Dhindsa reiterated that the company will continue prioritising long-term growth over short-term profitability.

Competition in the sector has intensified. Bengaluru-based rival Zepto recently closed a four hundred fifty million dollar fundraise and cut several customer fees to boost demand. Instamart operator Swiggy is preparing a ten thousand crore rupee qualified institutional placement, while BigBasket’s consumer business has raised two hundred crore rupees in debt from DBS Bank for dark store expansion.

Coca-Cola Confirms Permanent Return of Diet Cherry Coke in 2026 Amid Strong Consumer Demand

Beverages

SnackTeam

November 26, 2025

Coca-Cola is preparing to pull one of its most requested flavors out of retirement, confirming that Diet Cherry Coke will return to stores nationwide in early 2026 as a permanent product. The company’s decision brings an end to a five-year absence for the diet cola variant, which was taken off shelves in the United States at the close of 2020 despite a long and loyal following.

The flavor, first introduced in 1986, had built a strong identity within the Diet Coke family. Its withdrawal had sparked disappointment among fans, and the company’s latest move appears aimed at tapping into a base of consumers who have consistently asked for its revival. With the broader soda market experiencing both heightened competition and shifting consumption patterns, Coca-Cola is leaning on a familiar product rather than creating an entirely new line.

The company’s leadership has spoken openly about the challenges shaping its current operating environment. CEO James Quincey noted during the third-quarter earnings call that while overall demand remains steady, several consumer segments are feeling the strain of inflation and economic uncertainty. Weather fluctuations and volatile global trade conditions have created additional pressure. Despite these hurdles, he said the company managed to record volume growth, with September finishing stronger than earlier summer months.

Marketing analysts believe Coca-Cola’s decision aligns with a growing trend of brands revisiting discontinued products that carry built-in nostalgia and minimal consumer education costs. Purvi Shah, associate professor of marketing at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, told The Street that relaunching a proven flavor is often less risky than introducing a completely new beverage in a tight macroeconomic climate.

Coca-Cola will now face the task of ensuring adequate production and retail placement ahead of the 2026 rollout. If early consumer sentiment is any indication, Diet Cherry Coke’s return could turn into one of the company’s most successful restorations of a legacy product.

Go Colors, Prajakta Koli Launch MostlySane Collection to Redefine Modern Bottomwear

SnackTeam

November 26, 2025

Go Colors has entered the year-end fashion season with a high-visibility campaign fronted by creator and actor Prajakta Koli, better known to millions online as MostlySane. The collaboration has resulted in a new capsule collection that positions the Chennai-headquartered apparel brand more firmly in the youth segment at a time when street-inspired silhouettes and relaxed fits continue to dominate women’s fashion in India.

The MostlySane Collection features five bottomwear styles that reflect current demand among younger shoppers. The lineup includes denim skirts, denim cargos, cargo pants, parachute pants and cargo sweatpants, each designed with utility elements and soft, easy-movement fabrics. For Go Colors, which built its early success around leggings and everyday essentials, the new range signals a broader push into trend-driven fashion that still remains accessible in terms of price and wearability.

Industry trackers note that women’s bottomwear has been expanding steadily, particularly among consumers between 16 and 30, who are spending more on mix-and-match separates and outfit-friendly basics. With more than 600 stores across India and a growing online presence, Go Colors has been attempting to capture this demand by widening its portfolio beyond core categories.

Speaking about the collaboration, founder and chief executive Gautam Saraogi said the partnership with Koli reflects the brand’s effort to stay closely aligned with what young women choose to wear today. He added that shoppers are increasingly looking for clothes that feel expressive yet uncomplicated, and the new collection was developed to mirror that shift.

By spotlighting Koli, who commands one of India’s most engaged digital communities, Go Colors is betting on cultural relevance and broad reach to strengthen its position in the competitive women’s apparel market. The launch marks another step in the company’s long-term attempt to evolve from a staplewear label into a full-spectrum fashion brand for modern Indian women.

Rolex Comes to Infinity Timeless as Infinity Group Targets the Rapid Rise of India’s Premium Watch Buyers

Retail & Ecommerce

SnackTeam

November 26, 2025

Image of rolex — Rolex Comes to Infinity Timeless as Infinity Group Targets the Rapid Rise of India’s Premium Watch Buyers

Infinity Group has stepped into the luxury retail arena with the launch of its new venture, Infinity Timeless, marking its entry into high end watches and jewellery. The company has also secured one of the most sought after partnerships in the industry by becoming an authorized dealer for Rolex, a milestone that instantly places the brand in a premium league.

The new showroom reflects the understated elegance associated with Rolex. Warm lighting, polished surfaces and a meticulous layout create a space designed to highlight craftsmanship rather than overwhelm it. Display cases are positioned with intention, giving each timepiece a sense of importance. The design language signals Infinity Group’s clear commitment to international luxury standards.

The leadership team formally opened the store at a ribbon cutting ceremony, underscoring the significance of the expansion. For Infinity Group, this move represents more than just a diversification of offerings. It marks a step into a segment where trust, reputation and long term relationships matter as much as product selection.

India’s appetite for luxury watches has grown sharply in recent years, driven by rising incomes and a new wave of collectors who view watches as both style statements and investment pieces. Rolex remains one of the strongest names in that space, and availability through authorized channels continues to be limited. Infinity Timeless enters the market at a moment when demand far outpaces supply, which could work in its favour.

The venture also signals Infinity Group’s larger ambition. By aligning with Rolex, the company places itself on a path that could open doors to additional luxury partnerships. For now, the focus is on establishing Infinity Timeless as a trusted destination for customers who want authenticity, expertise and a refined buying experience.

ETİ Gıda Buys TRUBAR as Clean Nutrition Bar Market Surges in North America

Food

SnackTeam

November 26, 2025

Vancouver-based clean nutrition bar company TRUBAR has been acquired by Turkish food conglomerate ETİ Gıda for CAD 201 million, marking one of the largest deals in the North American protein snack sector this year. Founded in 2019 by Erica Groussman, TRUBAR has quickly scaled its operations, now retailing in over 15,000 outlets across the United States and carving a niche in the growing health-conscious snacking market.

The company reported revenue exceeding $50 million in 2024 and projects that it will reach $100 million by 2026, reflecting strong consumer demand for protein-rich, clean-label snacks. TRUBAR’s product line, featuring bars that combine nutrition with clean ingredients, has resonated with urban consumers prioritizing convenience without compromising on health, a trend that has fueled significant growth in the category.

The acquisition by ETİ Gıda signals the Turkish food group’s intent to expand its footprint in the North American functional snacking space. ETİ Gıda, known for its diverse confectionery and packaged foods portfolio, is expected to leverage TRUBAR’s established distribution network and brand equity to scale sales across the U.S., while introducing new innovations aligned with global clean-label trends.

TRUBAR’s deal comes amid a wave of consolidation in the protein and nutrition bar segment. Earlier this year, Ferrero Group acquired Power Crunch, and 1440 Foods picked up FitCrunch, while BUILT Bar reportedly engaged bankers to explore strategic options. Analysts suggest the protein bar market, buoyed by rising health awareness and increasing consumer preference for functional snacks, will continue to attract interest from global food and beverage players in 2026.

For Groussman and her team, the ETİ Gıda acquisition represents both a validation of the brand’s rapid growth and a pathway to accelerate innovation and scale. With the North American market for protein and functional bars projected to expand further, TRUBAR’s integration into a global portfolio positions the brand to capture increasing demand for clean, nutritious, and convenient snack options.

Sportswear Giant Puma India Taps Ramprasad Sridharan to Lead Market Growth

Business

SnackTeam

November 26, 2025

Puma has announced the appointment of Ramprasad Sridharan as managing director of Puma India, effective December 2025, marking a key leadership transition for the sportswear and lifestyle brand in one of its most strategic markets. Sridharan will report to Matthias Bäumer, chief commercial officer at Puma, and is expected to drive the brand’s growth trajectory across India’s expanding footwear and apparel sectors.

Sridharan brings over 25 years of experience spanning brand building, retail strategy, and commercial leadership across the Asia-Pacific region. Most recently, he served as CEO and managing director of United Colors of Benetton India, where he oversaw a transformation agenda that included operational restructuring, retail expansion, and brand revitalization. His earlier leadership roles include senior positions at Clarks and Reebok India, where he focused on expanding market share and driving consumer engagement.

Bäumer highlighted Sridharan’s appointment as a strategic move to strengthen Puma’s retail footprint and accelerate its brand initiatives in India. “Ram is a highly experienced leader with a proven track record in the fashion and footwear industry,” he said. “His deep understanding of retail operations and consumer dynamics will be instrumental as Puma continues to expand in one of its key markets globally.”

Sridharan succeeds Karthik Balagopalan, who has stepped down to pursue other professional opportunities. Balagopalan’s two-decade-long tenure at Puma included leadership across multiple functions, contributing to the company’s positioning as a major player in India’s sports and lifestyle segment.

The appointment comes at a time when the Indian market is witnessing strong demand for sportswear and athleisure, with increasing penetration of organized retail, e-commerce, and experiential brand engagement. Industry analysts suggest that leadership stability and experienced retail management will be critical for global brands like Puma to capture growth in urban and emerging markets.

Under Sridharan, Puma India is expected to leverage his commercial acumen to expand retail operations, deepen digital initiatives, and strengthen the brand’s engagement with India’s evolving consumer base.

Dior Picks Thai Sensations Lingling Kwong and Orm Kornnaphat as New Ambassadors as Thailand’s Luxury Market

SnackTeam

November 26, 2025

Dior has added fresh star power to its global roster by appointing Thai actors Lingling Kwong and Orm Kornnaphat as its newest brand ambassadors. The announcement, made in an exclusive report by Joelle Diderich for WWD on November 24, signals the luxury house’s growing attention toward Thailand’s booming pop culture ecosystem.

Both actresses have earned devoted fan followings through their hit girls’ love dramas The Secret of Us and Only You. Their pairing, often referred to by fans as LingOrm, has become one of the most recognisable duos in Thailand’s entertainment landscape. With this move, Dior taps directly into that cultural momentum, strengthening its visibility among younger audiences across Asia.

The decision also reflects a broader strategy at the fashion house. Luxury brands have been increasing their investment in Southeast Asia, where fashion, beauty and entertainment trends often spread at remarkable speed. Thailand, in particular, has become a magnet for global labels in search of strong digital influence and high engagement rates.

For Dior, Lingling and Orm bring both style and substance. Their on screen presence, paired with a loyal regional fanbase, positions them as powerful cultural connectors. While Dior has historically leaned on major global names, the brand’s recent focus on Thailand suggests a deeper, long term plan to cultivate local relevance in one of Asia’s most active consumer markets.

The duo’s first campaign activities with the house are expected to draw considerable attention, especially as Thai celebrities continue to gain strong traction across fashion weeks and luxury beauty launches. With Lingling and Orm stepping into the global spotlight under the Dior banner, the brand appears set to strengthen its footprint in a market that shows no signs of slowing.

Tadka Rani Owner Claims Zomato Marked Restaurant “Unavailable” to Increase Commissions

Business

SnackTeam

November 26, 2025

Image of zomato — Tadka Rani Owner Claims Zomato Marked Restaurant “Unavailable” to Increase Commissions

Delhi restaurant owner Gagandeep Singh Sapra has publicly accused Zomato of manipulating rider allocations, claiming his outlet, Tadka Rani in Greater Kailash 1, is repeatedly marked as “unavailable” on the platform during peak hours despite being fully operational. Sapra shared a screen recording on X showing his restaurant listed as unavailable while several nearby eateries continued to receive delivery partners, raising questions about platform fairness and transparency.

The issue, according to Sapra, has persisted for more than 30 days despite multiple escalations to Zomato’s support teams. “Here’s video proof of how rider allocation is being manipulated,” he wrote, noting that neighboring restaurants within a 50-meter radius were receiving orders without disruption.

The complaint quickly went viral, sparking industry debate about the power and control large food delivery platforms hold over partner restaurants. Responding publicly, Zomato’s food delivery CEO Aditya Mangla acknowledged the concern and said the company would investigate. “Thank you for sharing this. I’m getting this checked,” Mangla wrote in response to Sapra’s post.

Sapra expressed cautious appreciation for the CEO’s engagement but reiterated frustration with the lack of resolution. “I have written to all your team members and have several meetings. Yesterday was the 31st day, and no one seems to see a resolve,” he commented.

In subsequent posts, Sapra alleged that the platform’s actions could be motivated by commission strategies. “It’s all a game to increase their commission, from the current 52% on sales to potentially as high as 99% of each transaction. The greed is not ending,” he wrote, adding that internal mismanagement may have contributed to what he described as a “rigged system.”

While Zomato has not provided a detailed public explanation beyond the CEO’s statement, the incident highlights growing concerns among restaurant partners about operational transparency, algorithmic control, and the financial pressures imposed by platform-driven commission models in India’s highly competitive food delivery ecosystem.

The case continues to unfold as both the restaurant owner and the platform navigate public scrutiny and attempts at resolution.

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