Yuvrit Ayurveda Secures USD 800,000 as Incubate Fund Asia Backs Its Push to Build Bengaluru’s Largest Premium Ayurvedic Clinic Chain

Business

November 27, 2025

Yuvrit Ayurveda has taken an important step in its growth journey by raising eight hundred thousand dollars in fresh capital. The Bengaluru based wellness company announced that the seed round was led by Incubate Fund Asia, a venture firm known for backing early stage ideas in health and consumer sectors.

The brand currently runs a small but tightly managed network of premium clinics across Bengaluru that focus on personalised treatments rooted in classical Ayurvedic practices. With the new funds, Yuvrit Ayurveda plans to open more centres in high demand neighbourhoods in the city. The founders said the investment will also be used to strengthen its team of doctors, introduce better diagnostic setups and improve patient facing technology.

According to the company, footfall at its clinics has grown steadily over the last year. More young professionals are turning to structured Ayurvedic care, especially for long running lifestyle issues like stress, sleep disturbances and chronic pain. The firm said that this trend has helped build a steady flow of repeat patients, which encouraged investors to participate in the round.

Incubate Fund Asia noted that the shift toward preventive and holistic health in India presents a strong long term opportunity. The fund added that Yuvrit Ayurveda has shown early proof that a modern clinic format can make traditional care more accessible without losing its authenticity.

With this new backing, Yuvrit Ayurveda is preparing to increase its presence across the city before looking at expansion into other metros. The founders said the goal is to become a trusted destination for evidence backed Ayurvedic care while keeping the experience warm and personal for every visitor.

Instamart Performance Claims Disputed by Swiggy; Market Share Figures Questioned

Quick Commerce

SnackTeam

November 27, 2025

Swiggy has strongly refuted recent claims suggesting that its quick-commerce arm, Instamart, lost market share to rival Zepto, calling the report “baseless and unreliable.” The clarification comes after a media article, citing an HSBC research note, indicated that Zepto was capturing significant share from Instamart between September and November 2025.

In an official disclosure to the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange on November 27, Swiggy emphasized that the report relied on an internal memo from a financial institution, which in turn attributed certain figures to research firm Redseer and a competing platform. Swiggy reached out to Redseer to verify the data. The research firm confirmed that it had not shared any analysis or data with the publication or the institution cited in the article and clarified that the market-share numbers referenced did not match its internal research.

Swiggy further noted that the figures attributed to an “unlisted competitor” were incorrect. The company stated that the data and opinions presented in the media report were inaccurate and should not be relied upon by investors, stakeholders, or the public. Swiggy reinforced that there is no unpublished price-sensitive information or undisclosed material development concerning its operations or financial performance that would necessitate communication under SEBI’s listing regulations.

The quick-commerce segment in India has seen intensifying competition, with players like Zepto and Blinkit aggressively expanding their dark-store networks and promotional campaigns. Despite these market dynamics, Swiggy maintains that its internal data shows stable performance for Instamart, reflecting sustained growth in order volumes, customer acquisition, and city-level penetration.

By addressing the report directly through official filings, Swiggy aims to prevent market misinterpretation and maintain transparency with investors. Analysts note that while quick-commerce growth remains competitive, publicly cited numbers must be carefully validated to avoid misrepresentation in a sector witnessing rapid expansion and frequent strategic moves.

Swiggy’s response underscores the importance of verified data in assessing the competitive landscape of India’s fast-evolving quick-commerce market.

Amiri Brings Signature Streetwear and Luxury to Milan with First European Outlet

Luxury

SnackTeam

November 27, 2025

Amiri, the Los Angeles-born luxury fashion label known for its streetwear-infused aesthetic, has taken a decisive step into Europe with the opening of its first boutique in Milan. Situated in the heart of the Italian fashion capital, the store marks the brand’s official European debut, signaling its ambition to expand beyond North America and tap into one of the world’s most influential style markets.

The Milan location was carefully chosen for its reputation as a global fashion hub, where heritage, high-end craftsmanship, and contemporary trends converge. Amiri’s boutique offers more than a shopping destination; it is a curated experience, combining the brand’s signature edgy, rock-and-roll sensibility with Milanese sophistication. Inside, visitors will find a full range of Amiri’s collections, including ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories, all presented within an immersive environment that reflects the brand’s design philosophy.

The launch comes amid Amiri’s broader strategy to extend its global footprint while maintaining the cultural resonance and identity that have defined its growth. By establishing a presence in Europe, the brand is poised to engage both loyal customers and new audiences, leveraging Milan’s status as a trendsetting city to enhance its visibility and influence.

Industry observers note that expanding into European markets is a critical step for American luxury brands seeking global relevance. Milan, alongside Paris, London, and Berlin, serves as a key gateway for fashion labels aiming to balance heritage with innovation. Amiri’s boutique integrates this understanding, offering a seamless blend of contemporary streetwear and traditional luxury retail standards.

For the brand, the Milan store represents more than commercial expansion. It is a strategic move to position Amiri at the intersection of global fashion dialogue, providing a platform to showcase craftsmanship, design evolution, and the brand’s distinctive voice. This debut underscores Amiri’s ambition to establish itself as a globally recognized fashion house, bridging its Los Angeles roots with the European fashion stage.

India’s Honest Pet Company Expands Internationally with Cold-Pressed, Air-Dried Pet Nutrition

Business

Online Desk

November 27, 2025

Image of Honest Pet. — India’s Honest Pet Company Expands Internationally with Cold-Pressed, Air-Dried Pet Nutrition

London-based pet nutrition startup, The Honest Pet Company, has set its sights on becoming a Rs 70 crore brand over the next three years, as it charts an ambitious expansion across international markets. The online-first company, which launched operations in India in September, plans to enter the UK market by the beginning of the next fiscal year, followed by a launch in the Middle East by year-end.

Co-founder Anshul Gupta said the company invested nearly two years in research and development, collaborating with PhD scientists and veterinarians from Germany, the UK, the US, and India. The formulations adhere to European and American pet nutrition regulations while being manufactured locally in India. “Our objective was to bring premium-quality pet supplements to India at accessible price points, enabling consumers to get European and US-standard nutrition without the steep cost,” Gupta said.

The startup has set up a 3,500 sq.ft manufacturing facility in Gurugram with an initial investment of Rs 45 lakh. The facility produces 10 SKUs, including cold-pressed and air-dried products made from natural ingredients without artificial flavours. Gupta emphasized that the company retains full ownership of the facility to ensure quality control across the production process.

Distribution channels are already expanding, with products available on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as through specialty retailers such as LaMarche and select veterinary clinics. Plans are underway to onboard additional online marketplaces and quick-commerce platforms in the coming months.

The Honest Pet Company is targeting break-even within 12 to 18 months. The startup is also preparing to raise Rs 15–20 crore over the next year, which will be deployed for scaling the team, brand marketing, and new product development.

With rising demand for premium pet nutrition products and a growing consumer base in India and abroad, The Honest Pet Company aims to establish itself as a globally recognised brand while maintaining high-quality standards and affordability.

Petcare Startup Supertails Prepares 20 Million Dollar Raise After Rapid National Expansion

funding

SnackTeam

November 27, 2025

Petcare startup Supertails is in advanced discussions to raise between 15 million and 20 million dollars in a new funding round, with Venturi Partners expected to lead the investment. The potential round comes at a time when India’s pet care market is expanding rapidly, driven by rising disposable incomes and a noticeable shift toward premium pet products and services.

Supertails was founded in 2021 by Varun Sadana, Aman Tekriwal and Vineet Khanna. All three previously held senior roles at Licious, the meat delivery company that grew into one of India’s most recognisable D2C brands. Their experience in building high trust consumer businesses is evident in Supertails’ model, which blends ecommerce with strong community building and service led offerings.

The platform sells everything from toys and treats to pet food and accessories. Alongside the retail side of the business, Supertails has also built a large services arm that includes online vet consultations, behaviour training sessions and a network of partner pet pharmacies across multiple cities. This mix of products and services has helped the company carve out a clear position in a category that has traditionally been fragmented and heavily offline.

Supertails has attracted several well known investors already. Its backers include RPSG Capital Ventures, Fireside Ventures, Saama Capital, DSG Consumer Partners and Sauce VC. A new cheque from Venturi Partners is expected to help the company deepen its supply chain, expand its training and consultation offerings and bring more pet parents into the fold.

If the round closes at the upper end of the expected range, Supertails will join the growing list of Indian consumer startups that have secured sizable capital despite a tighter funding environment. The company’s steady growth signals strong confidence in the future of India’s pet care economy.

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

Business

SnackTeam

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.

1...151617...1,377 Page 16 of 1,377

NewsHub