FHRAI Strikes Back: Zomato and Swiggy Accused of Using Restaurant Data to Rip Off Competitors!

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January 16, 2025

Image of FH&RA — FHRAI Strikes Back: Zomato and Swiggy Accused of Using Restaurant Data to Rip Off Competitors!

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), representing over 60,000 hotels and 500,000 restaurants, has formally requested an immediate meeting with the Union Commerce Ministry regarding what it calls “data misuse and private labelling” by food aggregators Zomato and Swiggy. In a letter sent Wednesday, FHRAI raised alarms about these platforms’ new ventures into quick-service food delivery through their private-label apps, Bistro and Snacc.

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Although Blinkit co-founder Albinder Dhindsa recently defended the integrity of Bistro, stating it operates as a separate entity without using data from Zomato’s restaurant partners, FHRAI argues that both Bistro and Snacc are essentially subsidiaries of their parent aggregators.

The association’s letter expresses deep concerns, citing violations of e-commerce regulations, fair competition, and marketplace neutrality. FHRAI also warns that these developments could have severe repercussions for the restaurant industry as a whole.

Among FHRAI’s key grievances are the alleged misuse of restaurant data, breaches of intellectual property rights, and the creation of unfair competition by using consumer data to develop and promote private-label products. They argue that Zomato and Swiggy’s access to detailed customer and restaurant information—including demand trends, popular dishes, and pricing strategies—gives these platforms an unfair edge in launching their own competing brands.

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By replicating restaurant offerings and undercutting prices, these aggregators are, according to FHRAI, stripping restaurants of their competitive advantage.

Attempts to reach Zomato and Swiggy for comments on the matter have not yielded a response, with Zomato being in a silent period ahead of its results, and Swiggy unavailable for comment.

In light of these concerns, FHRAI has called on the Ministry of Commerce to intervene swiftly, urging the implementation of clear regulatory frameworks for data usage, enhanced transparency in business practices, and increased awareness among consumers.

Swiggy Scores Big with New Sports Arm: A Bold Move into Team Ownership and Event Management

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January 16, 2025

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Swiggy, the prominent foodtech company, has received approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to establish a new sports-focused subsidiary, Swiggy Sports Private Limited.

The company shared the news in an exchange filing on January 16, outlining the objectives of this new entity, which will encompass sports team ownership, event management, talent development, broadcasting and sponsorship acquisitions, and the promotion of sports through various business models.

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This approval comes shortly after Swiggy’s board gave the green light in December for the creation of a subsidiary aimed at expanding into sports, amusement, and recreation activities. At the time, the company clarified that the new venture’s primary role would be managing the Mumbai pickleball team it acquired for the World Pickleball League (WPBL), with no immediate plans to diversify further into the sports industry.

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However, the approval marks a shift in Swiggy’s strategy as it continues to diversify. Alongside its sports venture, the company has recently rolled out several new initiatives, including the ‘SNACC’ app, which promises 15-minute food deliveries in parts of Bengaluru. Swiggy also expanded into the services marketplace with the launch of Pyng Professional, a platform for professional services. Additionally, it introduced ‘Swiggy Scenes,’ allowing users to book events and parties at partner restaurants, and unveiled a premium invite-only membership program, ‘One BLCK.’

With these moves, Swiggy is clearly setting its sights on broader horizons beyond its core food delivery services.

PhonePe Dives Into Quick Commerce: Can Pincode Compete with Blinkit and Zomato?

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January 16, 2025

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Image of phonePe & pincode — PhonePe Dives Into Quick Commerce: Can Pincode Compete with Blinkit and Zomato?

PhonePe, the Walmart-backed payment giant, is diving into the quick commerce sector with its e-commerce platform, Pincode, as per a recent report. This marks the third attempt by the Sameer Nigam-led company to make inroads into the online retail space.

Last April, PhonePe pulled Pincode from non-food categories on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and shifted its focus exclusively to food delivery and unreserved ticket bookings. Now, according to an ET report, Pincode has fully embraced the quick commerce model, launching 15-minute delivery services in select areas of six cities: Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Varanasi.

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The company plans to increase its presence by covering 25% of these cities in the coming weeks, with a full-scale launch anticipated between April and June 2025.

This move comes on the heels of Flipkart’s own entry into the instant delivery market, making PhonePe the second player in the same group to join the quick commerce race. Companies like Zomato, Blinkit, and others have already made their mark in this fast-paced sector, and PhonePe’s Pincode is hoping to carve out a share in this growing market.

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The rise of 10-15 minute delivery services isn’t limited to groceries anymore. Other industry giants like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, and Magicpin are also pushing to expand their offerings in this space, as the demand for ultra-fast delivery continues to surge.

Curefoods Names Gokul Kandhi as COO to Drive Nationwide F&B Dominance

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January 16, 2025

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Image of curefoods — Curefoods Names Gokul Kandhi as COO to Drive Nationwide F&B Dominance

Curefoods, a leading cloud kitchen operator, has appointed Gokul Kandhi as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Kandhi, who has been with the company since 2017, will now take on a key role in shaping Curefoods’ strategic direction, driving operational efficiency, and expanding its extensive brand portfolio across India.

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With more than 18 years of experience across startups, retail, and FMCG, Kandhi brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. Before joining Curefoods, he worked as a business manager in Apple’s accessories division and held roles at PepsiCo, Metro, Manipal Education Services, and Wipro.

At Curefoods, Kandhi has been instrumental in scaling several successful brands, including EatFit, CakeZone, Nomad Pizza, Sharief Bhai Biryani, and Frozen Bottle. Today, the company operates over 500 cloud kitchens and physical outlets, serving a diverse range of over 10 cuisines across 40 cities in India.

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“I’m excited and honored to step into the role of COO and lead the next chapter of growth for Curefoods,” Kandhi said. “We’ve built something truly unique, and I’m looking forward to working alongside our talented team to take our brands to even greater heights and provide exceptional experiences for our customers.”

Founded in 2020 by Ankit Nagori, a former Flipkart executive and co-founder of Cult.fit, Curefoods has raised over $120 million in funding from investors such as Accel, Sixteenth Street Capital, and Iron Pillar. The company’s portfolio includes several well-known brands, such as EatFit, Chaat Street, Millet Express, Olio Pizza, and Nomad Pizza.

Anit Kunj Gupta Takes the Helm as the Senior Director of Finance & Accounts at Poshn

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January 16, 2025

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Image of poshn — Anit Kunj Gupta Takes the Helm as the Senior Director of Finance & Accounts at Poshn

Poshn, an innovative company focused on revolutionizing the food value chain, has announced the appointment of Anit Kunj Gupta as Senior Director of Finance & Accounts. With almost two decades of experience in financial planning, sourcing finance for FMCG, and strategic advisory, Anit’s arrival is expected to significantly enhance Poshn’s financial structure and play a key role in driving the company toward its goal of becoming a global leader in the food value chain.

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Anit brings a wealth of expertise in the food supply chain industry, having worked alongside SMEs to improve operational efficiencies and increase profitability. His deep knowledge of the sector, coupled with a proven history of streamlining processes for small and medium-sized enterprises, makes him a crucial asset for Poshn as the company continues its ambitious growth plans. He has held prominent finance roles at companies like Zydus Wellness, Whirlpool, Udaan, and Carlsberg Group.

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Shashank Singh, Co-founder of Poshn, shared, “We are excited to welcome Anit to the Poshn team. His extensive background in food supply chain management and experience with SMEs will be pivotal in shaping Poshn’s future. Anit’s expertise in FMCG and sourcing finance will strengthen our position as a global leader in the food value chain. We are confident that his leadership will drive sustainable growth, operational excellence, and create significant value for our stakeholders.”

Anit Kunj Gupta, Senior Director of Finance & Accounts at Poshn, expressed, “I am excited to be joining Poshn at such an important time in its journey. The company’s mission to simplify the food value chain aligns with my professional values. I look forward to using my experience in food supply chain finance and collaborating with SMEs to build strong financial systems and support Poshn’s global expansion.”

Founded in 2020 by Shashank Singh and Bhuvnesh Gupta, Poshn offers comprehensive solutions for wholesale agro-commodities through a streamlined platform that connects buyers, millers, and stockists. With a focus on innovation, Poshn is committed to optimizing the food value chain while maintaining high standards of governance and operational efficiency.

The company has raised $8 million in equity and an additional $8 million in debt in its pre-Series A round, co-led by Prime Venture Partners and Zephyr Peacock India. This funding is enabling Poshn to empower SMEs and optimize food supply chains across the country. In addition to its current business, Poshn is focused on expanding its private label business and entering new markets.

Zepto Goes Full Throttle: Triples GOV to $3B, Leaves Competitors in the Dust

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January 16, 2025

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Image of zepto — Zepto Goes Full Throttle: Triples GOV to $3B, Leaves Competitors in the Dust

Zepto, the quick-commerce platform co-founded by Aadit Palicha, has hit a major milestone, achieving $3 billion in annualized gross order value (GOV). Sharing the news on X (formerly Twitter), Palicha highlighted the rapid growth of the Mumbai-based company, which saw its revenue more than double in FY24, reaching ₹4,454 crore compared to ₹2,025 crore in the previous fiscal year.

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“In April 2024, we shared with Goldman Sachs that Zepto had crossed $1 billion in annualized GOV. Just eight months later, in January 2025, we’ve reached approximately $3 billion (₹24,500 crore),” Palicha said in his post.

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Zepto’s growth trajectory has been remarkable, climbing from $550 million in GOV back in January 2023 to its current figure. As the company eyes an IPO, it has also made strides in reducing its losses. According to Tofler, Zepto’s losses for FY24 stood at ₹1,248.6 crore, slightly lower than the ₹1,272.4 crore reported the previous year.

Palicha credited the milestone to the dedication and discipline of the Zepto team. “This achievement is a testament to the execution and rigour of a phenomenal team that I’m fortunate to be a part of. With this momentum, I’m confident we’re on track for PAT profitability in the near future,” he wrote.

Quick Commerce Meets Tech: Asus Joins Hands with Zepto for Speedy Deliveries

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January 16, 2025

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Image of zepto & Asus — Quick Commerce Meets Tech: Asus Joins Hands with Zepto for Speedy Deliveries

Asus has partnered with Zepto, the Bengaluru-based quick-commerce company, to offer select computer accessories for rapid delivery across India. Starting this week, Zepto will deliver products like keyboards and mice in as little as 10 minutes.

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However, this service is currently available only in select cities, including NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

The featured Asus accessories include the Marshmallow Keyboard KW100, available in Oat Milk and Green Tea Latte colors, the Marshmallow Mouse MD100 in Blue and Grey, the MW203 multi-device wireless silent mouse, and the WT300 mouse in Black.

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With the rise of urban consumers relying on quick delivery services, Asus sees this partnership as a step toward catering to the fast-paced nature of modern life. The company also hinted at plans to broaden its reach by offering accessories on other quick commerce platforms like Blinkit and Instamart in the future.

Swiggy and Zomato Set to Slice Food Discounts, Leave Diners Hungry for Deals

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January 16, 2025

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Image of zomato & swiggy — Swiggy and Zomato Set to Slice Food Discounts, Leave Diners Hungry for Deals

Industry insiders suggest that food delivery giants Swiggy and Zomato are set to scale back their discount strategies as they face increasing competition in the quick commerce sector. This shift indicates a move towards more sustainable pricing models, aimed at boosting profitability while maintaining their leadership in the market.

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Discounts have long been a go-to strategy for drawing in customers, but with the rising competition in quick commerce, both platforms are reassessing this approach.

“With quick commerce heating up, Swiggy and Zomato are likely rethinking their discount strategies, opting for more nuanced pricing in their food delivery services,” explained Mitesh Shah, co-founder of IPV and partner at Physis Capital.

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Although neither Swiggy nor Zomato provided official comments, their recent actions suggest a change is underway. In the past year, both platforms have reduced the free delivery radius on basic subscriptions from 10 km to 7 km. Additionally, they are adjusting their discount structures to streamline delivery operations

To maximize revenue per delivery partner, they’re experimenting with longer-distance orders, grouping them together and offering discounts based on cart value and delivery distance. This strategy allows them to batch smaller orders from farther locations while maintaining efficiency.

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

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January 15, 2025

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Image of Diageo — 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.

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

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January 15, 2025

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Image of Tractor Factory — 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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