Friday, December 19, 2025
Home Blog Page 163

Instant Chai, Infinite Devotion: The Kumbh Mela’s Tech Brew

0
Image of Instant Chai
Instant Chai, Infinite Devotion: The Kumbh Mela’s Tech Brew

The Kumbh Mela, known for its spiritual grandeur and cultural significance, is also becoming a hub of technological innovation. Among the latest marvels at the Mela is the “Chai ATM,” a cutting-edge solution blending tradition with convenience. This machine is redefining how millions of pilgrims enjoy their daily chai, a quintessential part of Indian culture.

The Chai ATM, developed by food technology pioneers, serves freshly brewed tea with the press of a button. Designed to handle the staggering crowds of the Mela, it eliminates the need for long waits and ensures consistent quality with every cup. Pilgrims can choose from various options like masala chai, ginger tea, and even sugar-free variants, catering to diverse preferences while maintaining affordability.

Continue Exploring: Nutty Over Coffee: Barista Introduces California Pistachio Creations

What sets this innovation apart is its efficiency. Each machine is equipped to serve hundreds of cups per hour, ensuring a seamless experience for devotees navigating the bustling Mela grounds. The technology relies on automated brewing and dispensing systems, reducing human intervention and ensuring hygiene—a critical factor in large gatherings.

For vendors, the Chai ATM is a game-changer. Traditional tea stalls often struggle with high demand and limited manpower, but these machines bridge the gap by scaling operations without compromising on quality. Pilgrims benefit from quick service, while vendors can focus on other aspects of their businesses.

Continue Exploring: Aadit Palicha’s Zepto Café Brews Up 60% Growth in Just Four Weeks

The introduction of food tech like the Chai ATM underscores a larger trend: the infusion of modern technology into age-old traditions. At the Kumbh Mela, where devotion meets diversity, innovations like these are enhancing the experience without diluting its essence. As the spiritual journey of millions continues, a warm cup of chai from the Chai ATM reminds us that even tradition can embrace the future.

Advertisement

Apple Surpasses Rs 1 Lakh Crore in iPhone Exports from India in 2024

0
Image of iPhone
Apple Surpasses Rs 1 Lakh Crore in iPhone Exports from India in 2024

Apple, based in the United States, has reportedly reached a major milestone in iPhone exports from India, crossing the Rs 1 lakh crore mark in 2024. According to a report by ET, shipments have surged to $12.8 billion (around Rs 1.08 lakh crore), representing a 42% increase compared to the previous year.

This growth highlights the effectiveness of India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, designed to boost smartphone manufacturing.

Continue Exploring: K-Beauty Hits the Mall: TIRTIR’s Retail Leap is the Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

Preliminary data indicates that Apple’s local production in India also saw a significant rise, climbing by about 46% to hit $17.5 billion (roughly Rs 1.48 lakh crore) this year. Experts believe that the surge in exports is due to a mix of factors, including Apple’s expansion in retail, increased local value addition—some iPhone models now contain up to 20% locally sourced components—and the growing demand for high-end smartphones in India. When the PLI program began, the local content in iPhones was just 5-8%.

Continue Exploring: Zodiac Expands in Delhi: A Sneak Peek into Their Latest Vegas Mall Store

Looking ahead, analysts suggest that if this trend continues, Apple’s total production in India could reach $30 billion in a few years, potentially increasing the country’s share of global iPhone production from 14% to more than 26%.

In addition to ramping up production, Apple has made substantial investments in its Indian operations. This includes opening new retail outlets, enhancing its supplier network, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. This shift towards more localized manufacturing has resulted in the creation of 175,000 direct jobs, with women accounting for over 72% of these positions.

Advertisement

Zepto’s Strategic Shift: From Singapore to India, Eyeing $500 Million IPO

0
Image of zepto
Zepto’s Strategic Shift: From Singapore to India, Eyeing $500 Million IPO

Zepto, the quick commerce startup led by Aadit Palicha, has secured approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to move its holding company from Singapore to India.

The ruling, issued on January 9, 2025, designates Mumbai-based KiranaKart Technologies Private Limited as the primary holding entity, replacing its previous parent company, Kiranakart Pte. Ltd., based in Singapore. The tribunal confirmed that no objections were raised to the cross-border merger and highlighted that India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, does not require a no-objection certificate for the transition under current regulations.

Continue Exploring: Zodiac Expands in Delhi: A Sneak Peek into Their Latest Vegas Mall Store

According to the NCLT’s order, the board of directors at KiranaKart Technologies believes that this restructuring is in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders, including employees, creditors, and shareholders.

The move is seen as a crucial step in Zepto’s strategy to launch a local initial public offering (IPO) later this year. The company is aiming to raise between $400 million and $500 million in the listing, with Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Axis Capital appointed as lead bankers.

Continue Exploring: K-Beauty Hits the Mall: TIRTIR’s Retail Leap is the Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

By shifting its base to India, Zepto expects to streamline its group structure, cut administrative costs, and make it easier to attract investment from both domestic and international sources. This restructuring also allows Zepto to better align with India’s regulatory framework, making the company more agile in its operations and decision-making processes.

Advertisement

Sudarshan Gangrade Dishes Out Innovation: Lo Foods’ Team Thinks Like Founders

0
Image of lo
Sudarshan Gangrade Dishes Out Innovation: Lo Foods’ Team Thinks Like Founders

At Lo Foods, Sudarshan Gangrade is encouraging his team to think like entrepreneurs, and the results are nothing short of transformative. In a recent planning meeting, the team decided to harness the natural entrepreneurial spirit within their ranks by giving each Functional Head a unique challenge: build a business plan around a product as if they had the funding to start their own company.

As Sudarshan shared in his post, “Each team member in a startup somewhere wants to open their own business eventually.” This understanding led to a powerful exercise aimed at sparking innovation and creating a deeper sense of ownership across the team. Each functional leader was given comprehensive market and internal data, including revenue, spending, competitor analysis, and product details. Armed with these insights, they were asked to build a business strategy, as if they were starting a new company around the product.

Continue Exploring: K-Beauty Hits the Mall: TIRTIR’s Retail Leap is the Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

The goal of this initiative was clear: “Consumer insights we had not thought of, product issues we did not notice, and adjacencies that we can quickly occupy.” By having the team dive into the data and come up with actionable plans, Lo Foods hoped to uncover valuable insights and new business opportunities. What they didn’t anticipate, however, was the unexpected outcome: “Cross-functional ownership and understanding of what it takes to build a company.”

Sudharshan noted that the process required significant prework, with the analytics and revenue teams putting in hours of effort to create detailed data packs. Yet, the payoff was impressive. “We got more details in one day than we would in probably the entire quarter.” This exercise not only provided valuable insights but also strengthened team collaboration and allowed everyone to better understand the various functions that drive business success.

Continue Exploring: Zodiac Expands in Delhi: A Sneak Peek into Their Latest Vegas Mall Store

Through this initiative, Lo Foods has not only enhanced its strategy but also cultivated a stronger, more cohesive team ready to tackle future challenges with a founder’s mindset.

Advertisement

GCL targets Rs2,000Cr turnover with its new launches in FMCG

0
Image of GLC
GCL targets Rs2,000Cr turnover with its new launches in FMCG

Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL) is setting ambitious targets for 2025, aiming to achieve a turnover of ₹2,000 crores, driven by strategic launches and expanding footprints in the FMCG sector. Salloni Ghodawat, Director and COO, credits much of the company’s success to the strong performance of its flagship brands, including STAR Atta, Oil, Rice, and Salt, which have significantly contributed to revenue growth.

Continue Exploring: Nutty Over Coffee: Barista Introduces California Pistachio Creations

Building on this momentum, GCL has expanded its product portfolio with new offerings such as Pulses, Besan, Maida, and Rava. Innovative brands like Coolberg and TBH (To Be Honest) snacks are also gaining widespread popularity. Notably, Coolberg was named Product of the Year 2024 by Global Excellence Awards (GEA), underscoring its growing recognition in the market.

Continue Exploring: Aadit Palicha’s Zepto Café Brews Up 60% Growth in Just Four Weeks

GCL Aims for ₹2,000 Crore Turnover with Bold Moves in FMCG

GCL is also strengthening its global presence, now distributing products in over 50,000 outlets across 150 cities, including international markets like the UK. Its recent participation at SIAL Paris further cements its international ambitions. The company’s “Barso Ka Bharosa” campaign for STAR Cooking Oil, featuring Raveena Tandon, continues to bolster its brand visibility and consumer trust.

In response to shifting consumer preferences, GCL is focusing on health-conscious and premium products. The launch of nutrient-rich Khapli Atta aligns with growing demands for healthier staples. Coolberg offers non-alcoholic beverages tailored to young professionals, while TBH introduces vacuum-cooked fruit and vegetable snacks for guilt-free indulgence.

Over the next six months, GCL plans to expand operations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa. Coolberg will enhance retail visibility with a major marketing push in mid-February, and TBH will introduce new flavors targeting tier-I and tier-II cities while expanding to Europe and the Middle East.

Advertisement

Sip Sip Hooray! Blue Tokai Reaches ₹400 Crore in Annual Revenue

0
Image of blue-tokai
Sip Sip Hooray! Blue Tokai Reaches ₹400 Crore in Annual Revenue

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has reached a significant milestone, achieving ₹400 crore in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR).

Over the past three years, the company has focused on quality and customer satisfaction, leading to steady revenue growth. In the last 18 months, Blue Tokai expanded its retail operations by opening 70 new stores across eight cities, increasing its nationwide visibility and accessibility to premium coffee products.

Continue Exploring: K-Beauty Hits the Mall: TIRTIR’s Retail Leap is the Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

Despite industry challenges in attracting customers to physical stores, Blue Tokai recorded steady double-digit growth in same-store sales, driven by improved customer engagement and in-store experiences. The company’s focus on operational efficiency has led to positive monthly EBITDA, demonstrating effective cost management alongside scalable growth.

Diversifying beyond its cafes, Blue Tokai has grown its product portfolio to include artisanal coffee blends, ready-to-drink beverages, and products from Suchali’s Artisan Bakery. Its packaged goods segment continues to show consistent month-on-month growth, strengthening its position in India’s retail market.

Continue Exploring: Zodiac Expands in Delhi: A Sneak Peek into Their Latest Vegas Mall Store

In support of its growth, Blue Tokai has hired 800 new employees over the past 12–14 months to ensure efficient operations and improved customer service. Since its founding in 2013, the company has maintained a direct sourcing model from Indian coffee farmers, promoting a transparent supply chain and sustainable practices.

Looking ahead, Blue Tokai plans to launch Experience Centers to offer customers an immersive view into Indian coffee production—from farm to cup—highlighting the craft and heritage behind the brand.

Advertisement

Dunzo’s Big ‘Oops’: App Crashes, Salaries Delayed, and Employees Walk Out

0
Image of dunzo
Dunzo’s Big ‘Oops’: App Crashes, Salaries Delayed, and Employees Walk Out

Dunzo, the struggling hyperlocal delivery startup, is currently facing a major issue, with both its app and website down. The website is displaying an error message, “{“error”:”Something went wrong.”},” while the app is showing, “Something doesn’t seem right.” New users are unable to sign in, and some regions have been experiencing access issues for several days.

Although Dunzo has yet to officially comment on the problem, sources close to the company mentioned that the app and website are undergoing an “app migration,” which involves moving software applications from one environment to another.

Continue Exploring: K-Beauty Hits the Mall: TIRTIR’s Retail Leap is the Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

Meanwhile, there’s a growing sense of turmoil at the startup. Reports indicate that all Dunzo employees have left, with some filing a complaint at the Indira Nagar Police station in Bengaluru on January 9 for unpaid wages. According to the complaint, Dunzo has not paid approximately 400 employees their salaries.

Sources also claim that Kabeer Biswas, the startup’s cofounder, is scheduled to meet with the investigating officer on January 14 to discuss the ongoing situation.

Dunzo’s financial troubles have been well-documented, with the company delaying salaries several times in the past year. Employees’ November salaries have yet to be paid, and disbursements for June and July were delayed by several months. Over the past two years, the company has let go of a number of employees due to financial constraints, while others have moved on to new opportunities.

Continue Exploring: Zodiac Expands in Delhi: A Sneak Peek into Their Latest Vegas Mall Store

This latest development comes shortly after Biswas, the last remaining cofounder, announced his departure from Dunzo. He’s set to join Flipkart to lead its ‘Flipkart Minutes’ quick commerce division.

Advertisement

Nutty Over Coffee: Barista Introduces California Pistachio Creations

0
Image of barista
Nutty Over Coffee: Barista Introduces California Pistachio Creations

Barista Coffee, one of India’s popular home-grown coffee brands, has teamed up with the American Pistachio Growers (APG) to bring a fresh wave of pistachio-infused beverages and desserts to the menu. Known for their commitment to high-quality products, APG aligns perfectly with Barista’s ethos. This collaboration merges Barista’s drive for innovation with the trusted quality of California pistachios, promising customers a blend of indulgence and health benefits.

Continue Exploring: Zodiac Expands in Delhi: A Sneak Peek into Their Latest Vegas Mall Store

The new pistachio range includes exciting offerings such as the California Pistachio Latte, California Pistachio Frappe, and California Pistachio Muffin, catering to the tastes of both coffee and pistachio enthusiasts. This move reflects Barista’s ongoing effort to diversify its menu and offer a refined cafe experience with global flavors.

Rajat Agrawal, CEO of Barista Coffee, shared his thoughts on the partnership, saying, “At Barista, we’re always looking for ways to meet our customers’ evolving tastes. Partnering with APG is a natural step forward in our pursuit of quality and authenticity. The rich flavor and health benefits of California pistachios are the ideal complement to our beverages, and we can’t wait to share this new series with our guests nationwide.”

Sumit Saran, India Market Representative for APG, added, “We are excited to partner with Barista Coffee to introduce California pistachios to the Indian market. This collaboration highlights the premium quality of American produce while strengthening the culinary connection between our countries. We’re thrilled to see our pistachios featured in Barista’s new offerings.”

Continue Exploring: K-Beauty Hits the Mall: TIRTIR’s Retail Leap is the Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

With this launch, Barista is setting a new standard in creativity and flavor, offering a luxurious fusion of rich pistachio taste and high-quality coffee. The pistachio series will be available across India starting December 16, 2024.

Advertisement

Aadit Palicha’s Zepto Café Brews Up 60% Growth in Just Four Weeks

0
Image of zepto CEO
Aadit Palicha’s Zepto Café Brews Up 60% Growth in Just Four Weeks

In December 2024, Zepto, a leading quick-commerce startup in India, launched a dedicated app for Zepto Café, its 10-minute food delivery service. Within just four weeks, daily orders surged from 30,000 to over 50,000, marking a 60% month-on-month growth.

 Co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha shared this milestone on LinkedIn, stating, “In December, I posted that we launched a new app for Zepto Café (food delivered in 10 minutes), which was doing 30,000 orders/day. Just 4 weeks later, we have crossed 50,000 orders/day—that’s 60% month-on-month growth.”

Continue Exploring: K-Beauty Hits the Mall: TIRTIR’s Retail Leap is the Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

Palicha emphasized the importance of customer retention during this rapid expansion, noting, “More importantly, customer retention is strong even as we’re scaling.” Reflecting on the company’s journey, he remarked, “Café reminds me of Zepto’s early days 3 years ago: clear product-market-fit, multiplier growth, and an unbelievably talented team behind the execution.”

 Expressing optimism about the future, Palicha stated, “Personally, I believe this is the next big innovation in Indian Q-Commerce and Consumer Internet, and Zepto is just getting started.”

Continue Exploring: Zodiac Expands in Delhi: A Sneak Peek into Their Latest Vegas Mall Store

The introduction of a standalone app for Zepto Café underscores Zepto’s strategy to diversify its offerings and enhance user experience. By focusing on rapid food delivery, the company aims to meet the evolving demands of urban consumers seeking convenience and speed. As Zepto continues to scale its operations, the impressive growth of Zepto Café highlights the company’s potential to set new benchmarks in the quick-commerce industry. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Zepto is poised to further expand its footprint in the competitive Indian market.

Advertisement

Zodiac Expands in Delhi: A Sneak Peek into Their Latest Vegas Mall Store

0
Image of zodiac
Zodiac Expands in Delhi: A Sneak Peek into Their Latest Vegas Mall Store

Zodiac, the renowned men’s apparel and accessories brand, has opened its newest store in Delhi at the popular Vegas Mall. This new outlet showcases the brand’s hallmark range of products, including tailored formal shirts, trousers, elegant clubwear, ties, and pocket squares, catering to the stylish man who values both fashion and quality.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Zodiac to our shoppers. With its comprehensive collection of premium menswear, Zodiac aligns perfectly with our goal of offering an exceptional shopping experience. This partnership strengthens our dedication to bringing top-tier fashion and lifestyle options to our customers,” said Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President of Vegas Mall.

Continue Exploring: Ethics Over Earnings: Blinkit’s Albinder Dhindsa Takes a Stand Against Data Games

Founded in the late 1950s by M Y Noorani, Zodiac initially started as a trading business. The brand’s breakthrough moment came after an order for fabric was canceled by a buyer. Undeterred, Noorani took delivery of the fabric, paid the import duties, and turned the material into neckties. The success of these ties laid the foundation for the Zodiac brand.

Continue Exploring: Fair And Handsome Gets a Makeover: Emami Unveils ‘Smart And Handsome’ with Kartik Aaryan

Expanding its horizons, Zodiac ventured into men’s accessories such as cufflinks, belts, wallets, and handkerchiefs. By the late 1960s, the company entered the shirt market, followed by the addition of premium trousers. Today, Zodiac operates nearly 100 stores under the company-owned, company-operated (COCO) model and has an extensive presence through 800 independent retailers.

Advertisement