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Praveen Someshwar to Succeed Hina Nagarajan as Diageo India’s New CEO

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Praveen Someshwar to Succeed Hina Nagarajan as Diageo India’s New CEO

Diageo India has announced the appointment of Praveen Someshwar as its next CEO, set to take over from Hina Nagarajan in April. Nagarajan, who has been with Diageo India since 2021, will transition to a global executive role within the British alco-bev giant.

Praveen brings extensive leadership experience, having served as MD and CEO of HT Media for the past five years. Prior to this, he spent 24 years at PepsiCo, holding key roles in general management, finance, and strategy across India and the Asia Pacific region.

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Under Hina Nagarajan’s tenure, Diageo India witnessed significant transformation. She was the first woman to lead the largest liquor company in India, driving a premiumisation strategy that redefined the company’s portfolio. Nagarajan’s leadership saw the sale of 32 lower-end brands and a franchise arrangement for 11 others. As a result, premium products now account for over 87% of Diageo India’s sales, a marked increase from 72% when she assumed leadership.

“Hina has left an indelible mark on Diageo India by fostering growth, premiumising the portfolio, and building a diverse, talented team. As she moves into a global role, her impact will continue to resonate,” said Diageo CEO Debra Crew.

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Someshwar’s appointment comes as Diageo continues to navigate India’s highly regulated liquor market, where pricing, distribution, and retail are tightly controlled by state governments. Despite these challenges, India remains the world’s largest whiskey market and a key growth region for Diageo, which has invested $3.5 billion in the country over the past decade.

With brands like Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, and Smirnoff in its portfolio, Diageo is poised for further expansion under Praveen’s leadership. “Praveen’s expertise in managing consumer businesses and his passion for strategy and execution will drive the next chapter of Diageo India’s growth story,” Crew added.

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Tractor Factory Raises ₹4 Crore: Big Plans for India’s Pre-Owned Equipment Market

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Tractor Factory Raises ₹4 Crore: Big Plans for India’s Pre-Owned Equipment Market

SS Tractor Factory Private Limited, better known as Tractor Factory, has raised ₹4 crore (approximately $500,000) in a pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by All In Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm, with participation from prominent investors such as Bharat Founders Fund, Devc, and Dhingra Partners Prosperity Trust—affiliated with the Kirloskar Generators family office.

Adding more weight to the round were angel investors like Samir Sood (Founder, Venture Highway), Abhishek Goyal (Founder, Tracxn), Aayush Phumbra (Co-founder, Chegg), and Puneet Kumar (Steadview Capital), underscoring strong confidence in the startup’s vision.

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Launched in 2024 by IIT and IIM alumnus Shailesh Tiwari, Tractor Factory aims to streamline the buying and selling of pre-owned tractors and farm equipment. This initiative addresses the fragmented and often unreliable market, which poses significant challenges for farmers seeking affordable machinery.

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The freshly raised funds will be directed toward scaling the platform’s technology, enhancing customer experience, and expanding its reach across underserved regions. “Farmers often face barriers in accessing reliable and low-cost tractors, perpetuating financial struggles. Tractor Factory’s mission is to bridge this gap, ensuring access to affordable machinery that can boost agricultural productivity,” said Shailesh Tiwari, who brings over a decade of experience in the farm equipment sector.

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With plans to generate ₹1,000 crore in revenue within three years, Tractor Factory is set to reshape India’s agricultural landscape, empowering farmers and creating a more efficient market for pre-owned farm equipment.

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Battle Over Chutney: Dabur Challenges Trademark Claim by Tata-Owned Capital Foods

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Battle Over Chutney: Dabur Challenges Trademark Claim by Tata-Owned Capital Foods

Dabur, one of India’s leading FMCG giants, is set to respond to a trademark infringement notice issued by the Delhi High Court on February 5. The notice, reported by Bar and Bench, relates to the use of the term “Schezwan Chutney” for one of Dabur’s products, a name contested by Tata Consumer-owned Capital Foods.

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Capital Foods, the maker of popular brands like Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones, has accused Dabur of violating its trademark. The company claims “Schezwan Chutney” is a brand it has heavily invested in promoting and alleges Dabur is misleading customers by using the same name and similar packaging. Capital Foods also alleges that Dabur emphasizes the product name in bold letters while downplaying its own branding, further confusing consumers.

Dabur, which introduced its version of Schezwan Chutney last year, has countered the claims by approaching the Trademarks Registry to cancel the trademark registration for the term. According to Dabur, “Schezwan Chutney” is a generic descriptor that refers to the type of product and should not be trademarked. The company argues that allowing trademark protection for such a term would unfairly restrict competitors in the market.

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This case comes shortly after Tata Consumer acquired Capital Foods in January 2024, strengthening its foothold in fast-growing, high-margin product categories. Capital Foods has previously initiated legal action to protect its “Schezwan Chutney” trademark, reinforcing its commitment to defending the brand’s identity.

As both companies gear up for the February court date, the outcome could have significant implications for branding practices and intellectual property rights in the FMCG sector. For now, consumers will have to wait and watch as the battle over “Schezwan Chutney” unfolds.

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Is Zepto Targeting iPhone Users for Higher Prices? Pooja Chhabda’s Alleged Discovery Sparks Outrage

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Is Zepto Targeting iPhone Users for Higher Prices? Pooja Chhabda’s Alleged Discovery Sparks Outrage

A Bengaluru-based resident, Pooja Chhabda, recently uncovered a surprising alleged ricing anomaly on the quick-commerce platform Zepto that has caused quite a stir. Through a simple experiment, she allegedly found a noticeable price gap between iPhone and Android users, with iPhone users being charged much higher prices for the same grocery items.

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Chhabda’s alleged findings began when she compared the prices of everyday grocery products on Zepto from both an iPhone and an Android phone. She was shocked to find that a 500-gram pack of grapes was priced at ₹65 for Android users, but iPhone users were asked to pay ₹146—more than twice the cost. In another example, capsicum, which was ₹37 on Android, was allegedly priced at ₹69 for iPhone users.

“I couldn’t believe the differences,” Chhabda shared in her post. “Why is Zepto doing this??”

But the alleged price discrepancies didn’t stop there. Chhabda discovered that other grocery items, like cauliflower and onions, also carried higher prices for iPhone users. In her post, she encouraged others to check for themselves and see if they, too, were being overcharged on their iPhones. The alleged revelation quickly gained traction online, sparking widespread discussions about whether e-commerce platforms like Zepto are adjusting prices based on the type of phone customers use.

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Chhabda’s alleged discovery has left many questioning the fairness of such pricing tactics, and whether customers are being unfairly targeted based on their device choices.

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Is Bhargav Errangi’s POP the UPI Game-Changer We’ve All Been Waiting For?

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Is Bhargav Errangi’s POP the UPI Game-Changer We’ve All Been Waiting For?

India’s digital payment landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, propelled by the country’s technological advancements, a supportive regulatory environment, and the launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in 2016. Initially introduced by Raghuram G. Rajan, then Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, UPI was piloted in Mumbai with just 21 participating banks. The goal was clear: to simplify the cumbersome banking process and offer a seamless, mobile-friendly platform for transferring funds.

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Fast forward to today, and UPI has fundamentally changed how people handle payments, making digital transactions not only easier but more inclusive. Unlike traditional banking systems that require account numbers and IFSC codes, UPI allows for quick, direct transfers using just mobile numbers. This simplicity has paved the way for UPI to reach millions, particularly in rural areas, and has given rise to a new era of digital payments.

In 2024, UPI transactions saw an explosive surge of nearly 46%, reaching a staggering 17,220 crore transactions, up from 11,768 crore in 2023. The total transaction value also saw a remarkable rise of 35%, reaching INR 246.82 lakh crore, compared to INR 182.84 lakh crore the previous year.

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The growth of UPI adoption can be credited to the explosion of fintech apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and CRED, all of which have successfully integrated UPI into their offerings. However, the market is still largely dominated by just a handful of players. PhonePe, for example, accounted for over 48% of the UPI market share in 2024, while Google Pay followed with 37%. Paytm, on the other hand, saw its market share drop significantly to 7.03%.

Amid this intense competition, a new player has entered the scene. POP, a fintech startup founded in 2023 by former Flipkart employee Bhargav Errangi, is making waves with a unique proposition. With just six months in the market, POP has already captured 0.2% of the UPI market share and aims to expand that to 10% by offering a combination of UPI payments, a marketplace, and a credit card that rewards users with POPcoins. The startup’s bold ambition is to disrupt the status quo, taking aim at the third spot in the UPI market and challenging established giants like Paytm.

This innovative approach is certainly one to watch, as POP seeks to carve out its place in an increasingly crowded and competitive market.

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Samosa Singh’s Latest Filling: Two Stores, One Factory, and Endless Flavor

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Samosa Singh’s Latest Filling: Two Stores, One Factory, and Endless Flavor

Bengaluru, January 15, 2025 – Samosa Singh, India’s fast-growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand, kicks off the New Year in style by opening two new outlets in Hyderabad and unveiling a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The new outlets, located at Nexus Mall and Ashoka One Mall, aim to serve Hyderabad’s food lovers with the brand’s signature crispy samosas and a variety of fresh flavors.

The newly inaugurated Bengaluru manufacturing facility is a game-changer for Samosa Singh, enhancing production efficiency, quality control, and scalability. This significant milestone underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining consistency while expanding its footprint across the country.

Samosa Singh Rings in 2025 with Two New Hyderabad Outlets and a Cutting-Edge Bengaluru Facility

Nidhi Singh, Co-founder of Samosa Singh, expressed her excitement: “Starting 2025 with new outlets and a cutting-edge facility is a dream come true. Our goal has always been to bring the essence of India’s street food heritage to every corner of the country while maintaining top-notch quality. We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received over the years, which fuels our vision for growth and innovation.”

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Founder Shikhar Veer Singh shared his vision for the year ahead: “This year, we are taking things one step at a time, focusing on delivering fresh, exciting flavors while expanding our presence. Our customers have always been our backbone, and their love inspires us to create memorable experiences. 2025 will be a year of bold moves and delicious milestones.”

Since transitioning from a B2B model in late 2023, Samosa Singh has rapidly grown, now operating over 40 stores, including 15 physical QSR formats across major Indian cities. The brand has also expanded globally, exporting its authentic samosas to key international markets, fueling worldwide demand for this beloved Indian snack.

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By staying true to its mission of delivering joy through food, Samosa Singh is setting the stage for another impactful year. With bold ambitions and a loyal customer base, the brand is ready to make 2025 a landmark year in its journey to become India’s ultimate ‘SnacKing’.

About Samosa Singh:

Samosa Singh is India’s leading QSR chain, redefining snacking with high-quality, innovative samosas that pay homage to the country’s culinary heritage.

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From Stirring Sauces to Sealing Deals: Meet Shark Tank India’s New Judge, Viraj Bahl

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From Stirring Sauces to Sealing Deals: Meet Shark Tank India’s New Judge, Viraj Bahl

Shark Tank India has returned for its fourth season, streaming now on Sony Liv since January 6. This time, viewers will see a new judge, Viraj Bahl, who is the founder and managing director of Veeba Foods. 

He’s teaming up with Aman Gupta, Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh, and Peyush Bansal. With his food game and entrepreneurial mojo, Viraj is ready to bring a fresh, funny twist to mentoring new business ideas!

From Setbacks to Success on Shark Tank India

Viraj Bahl’s journey wasn’t easy. Coming from a family in the food business, he spent many hours in his father’s factory and at the Fun Foods stall in Aahar, Delhi. Though he loved the family business, his father, Rajiv Bahl, encouraged him to first ensure he could support the family financially.

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So, Viraj chose to study marine engineering, graduated from Singapore Polytechnic, and worked in the merchant navy, earning a solid monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh by 2002. Once he demonstrated his financial stability, Viraj returned to Fun Foods in 2002 and played a big role in expanding the brand. 

However, in 2008, his father decided to sell Fun Foods to Dr. Oetker from Germany for Rs 110 crore—a move that didn’t sit well with Viraj. This moment marked a significant shift for him, inspiring him to embark on his own path.

Veeba Foods is a New Beginning for the Entrepreneur

After the sale of Fun Foods, Viraj tried his hand in the restaurant world with ‘Pocket Full’ in 2009, but it faced financial difficulties, leading to the closure of all six locations by 2013. This setback was tough, but Viraj didn’t lose hope. 

With his wife’s support, he sold their home to finance his next project, which resulted in the founding of Veeba Foods in 2013 in Neemrana, Rajasthan. The company quickly gained attention for its creative sauces and made a name in the Indian food scene.

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Veeba Foods is now one of the top brands, expected to hit Rs 1,000 crore in 2023–24. Thanks to Viraj Bahl’s determination and vision, the company’s success is no surprise. His story will definitely pump up aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a little advice and funding—and maybe a few laughs along the way!

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Zepto’s Skyrocketing Sales This Festive Season: Aadit Palicha Dominating India’s Carts Leaves Small Retailers in the Dust 

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Zepto’s Skyrocketing Sales This Festive Season: Aadit Palicha Dominating India’s Carts Leaves Small Retailers in the Dust 

India’s festive spirit isn’t just in the air—it’s filling up shopping carts! This festive season, Zepto witnessed some truly remarkable spikes in demand for certain products, showing just how much our celebrations are tied to our shopping habits.

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One standout was the massive surge in kite sales. As people geared up for Makar Sankranti and other kite-flying festivals, Zepto recorded a jaw-dropping 22.89 times increase in kite purchases compared to last year. Clearly, the skies were filled with excitement!

Zepto’s Festive Surge: How the Celebrations Took Off

The kitchens were just as bustling, especially when it came to sesame seeds, with a 6.62x increase in sales. The air was rich with the familiar aroma of Til Ladoos and other sweet treats, making festive moments even more memorable. Speaking of sweets, Rewari—a favorite festive delight—saw a 6.48x boost in demand as it became a staple for both gifting and indulging.

And for those cozy movie nights or festive gatherings, popcorn saw a solid 3.81x growth, ensuring that the celebrations were full of crunchy joy.

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As the year-end festivals like Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Uttarayan, and Magh Bihu brought families together, Zepto was thrilled to be a part of these cherished moments. Here’s to more such festive seasons filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of delightful treats!

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Priyal Thacker Unpacks the $10.92 Billion Indian Snacks Boom—Here’s What You Need to Know

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Priyal Thacker Unpacks the $10.92 Billion Indian Snacks Boom—Here’s What You Need to Know

The Indian snacks market is on a meteoric rise, projected to grow from $5.35 billion today to $10.92 billion by 2033, at an impressive CAGR of 8.26%. The sector is benefiting from changing consumer behavior, evolving tastes, and increasing demand for both traditional and innovative snack options.

One of the driving forces behind this growth is the diverse range of snack categories. Namkeen, the traditional Indian snack, continues to lead with products like bhujia and regional mixtures accounting for a significant market share. Chips and extruded snacks, making up a combined 35–40%, remain favorites, but the rise of healthier alternatives is also noticeable. Snacks like millet-based crackers, baked chips, and protein-packed roasted snacks are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers, particularly in urban areas

India’s Snacking Market: A $10.92 Billion Opportunity by 2033

The sweet snack category, led by biscuits, cookies, and cakes, has also seen an uptick, driven by increasing demand for indulgent treats that are both convenient and easily accessible. As India becomes more urbanized, time-strapped consumers are turning to packaged snacks for a quick and satisfying option.

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One of the most intriguing trends in the market is the growing penetration of rural areas, with snack brands expanding their distribution networks to reach smaller cities and towns. While offline retail continues to dominate, e-commerce platforms are quickly catching up, with a surge in sales driven by direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands using social media marketing and innovative logistics strategies.

Interestingly, the ‘Less than 50 gm’ pack size holds a dominant market share, catering to impulse buys and on-the-go snacking.

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With all these factors at play, it’s clear that India’s snacking industry is poised for massive growth. What’s your go-to snack?

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Raghav Jhawar Shares the Secrets to Maximizing Shark Tank Success: A Step-by-Step Plan for Founders

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Raghav Jhawar Shares the Secrets to Maximizing Shark Tank Success: A Step-by-Step Plan for Founders

Appearing on Shark Tank India can be a transformative moment for your brand, but the real impact lies in what you do before and after your pitch airs. Here’s a guide to ensuring you maximize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, inspired by insights from Raghav Jhawar, co-founder of The State Plate.

How to Make the Most of Your Shark Tank India Journey

1. Prepare for the Surge in Demand

Brands often witness a fivefold increase in sales after the episode airs. To meet this surge, ensure your inventory is well-stocked across all sales channels. For products with a long shelf life, stock up even more to avoid running out at a crucial moment.

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2. Ramp Up Brand Visibility

The lead-up to and aftermath of your Shark Tank appearance is the perfect time to boost your presence. Double down on advertising and create engaging, relevant content that resonates with your audience. Collaborating with influencers can also amplify your reach.

3. Share Your Journey with the World

Consumers are deeply curious about the stories behind the businesses they support. Share behind-the-scenes moments of your Shark Tank experience on social media. Podcasts are another excellent platform to connect on a deeper level with your audience. Encourage your team, investors, and even friends to organically share your story—it adds authenticity and widens your reach.

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4. Build Infrastructure for Scale

Be ready to handle the flood of attention and orders. This means refining your production processes, organizing your warehouses, and ensuring your customer service is ready to handle a spike in inquiries. Anticipate calls from dealers across India and prepare your offline catalog and sales team accordingly.

As Raghav highlights, “Super inspired by founders who milked the opportunity really well.” Preparation and smart post-episode strategies can turn your Shark Tank debut into a long-term growth story. Are you ready to seize the moment?

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