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

Growth

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January 14, 2025

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.

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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.

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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.

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

Quick Commerce

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January 14, 2025

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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.

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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.

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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.

Nutty Over Coffee: Barista Introduces California Pistachio Creations

Hotels & Restaurants

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January 14, 2025

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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

Quick Commerce

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January 14, 2025

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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

Retail & Ecommerce

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January 13, 2025

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

Retail & Ecommerce

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January 13, 2025

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Image of reput.ai — K-Beauty Hits the Mall: TIRTIR’s Retail Leap is the Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

TIRTIR, the Korean skincare and makeup brand, has made its offline retail debut in India through a partnership with Reliance Retail’s Tira, the company’s omnichannel beauty platform. The brand’s products are now available at select Tira stores, including prominent locations like Jio World Drive (Mumbai), DLF Avenue (Vasant Kunj, Delhi), Mall of Asia (Bengaluru), and both Infiniti Mall locations in Mumbai (Andheri and Malad).

Founded in 2015 by Lee Yoo Bin in Seoul, South Korea, TIRTIR quickly rose to prominence, particularly on TikTok’s BeautyTok, where it gained a following for its makeup tutorials, reviews, and skincare hacks. The brand specializes in makeup, skincare, and haircare products, bringing innovation to the beauty industry.

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After making an online entrance into India in December 2024, TIRTIR debuted its range on both Tira and Nykaa, offering popular items like its cushion foundation, milk skin toner, ceramic milk ampoule, and makeup setting spray.

Reliance Retail’s Tira, launched in February 2023 as an e-commerce platform, expanded its reach with a flagship store opening at Jio World Drive in Mumbai by April of the same year. Now, Tira operates over 13 stores across India.

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Korean beauty has seen a surge in demand in India thanks to its cutting-edge products and focus on personalized skincare. TIRTIR joins a growing list of Korean brands, including The Face Shop, Dr. Jart+, Cosrx, Skin1004, and Mizon, which have made their way into the Indian market, both online and offline.

Tracking Carbon Emissions and Supply Chains: RePut.ai Raises $1M in Pre-Seed Round”

Business

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January 13, 2025

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Anuj Bishnoi, the cofounder of Morning Cart (which was acquired by BigBasket), has made his next big move by launching a new B2B SaaS venture called RePut.ai. The Bengaluru-based startup, which emerged from stealth mode, has successfully raised nearly $1 million (INR 8.6 crore) in its Pre-seed funding round, led by GrowthCap Ventures.

The round also attracted several angel investors, including BigBasket cofounder Vipul Parekh, TableSprint’s Abhijeet Kumar, and Deloitte India partner Vishal Jain.

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Founded in April 2024 by Bishnoi, alongside Rohit Mahatma and Amit Bishnoi, RePut.ai specializes in using AI and blockchain technology to provide advanced supply chain management solutions for businesses. The platform offers features like real-time product tracking, supplier watchlists, and procurement analytics. But its standout feature is the ability to track carbon emissions throughout the supply chain, positioning RePut.ai as a leader in climate tech innovation. The startup also provides businesses with access to a verified recycling network, making it a strong advocate for sustainability.

The freshly raised funds will be used to enhance RePut.ai’s technology, expand its team, and drive its global growth plans. According to Prateek Agarwal, founder and general partner of GrowthCap Ventures, RePut.ai is helping to reshape supply chain transparency, combining profitability with sustainability to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

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This move comes amid a wave of seasoned entrepreneurs launching new ventures. Just recently, Amod Malviya, cofounder of B2B marketplace Udaan, also unveiled his latest startup, Pre6.

HUL Decides to Scoop Out Ice Cream Biz into New Subsidiary Kwality Wall’s

Business

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January 13, 2025

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Image of kwality walls — HUL Decides to Scoop Out Ice Cream Biz into New Subsidiary Kwality Wall’s

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) announced the creation of a new subsidiary, Kwality Wall’s (India) Ltd (KWIL), as part of its plan to spin off its ice cream division. The new entity will house the company’s popular ice cream brands such as Kwality Wall’s, Cornetto, and Magnum.

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This move, which is currently under review by the HUL board, aims to streamline the business by separating the ice cream segment from HUL’s other operations. As per the plan, HUL will retain full ownership of the new subsidiary, holding 100% of its share capital.

The decision to demerge was finalized after a board meeting on November 25, 2024. Shareholders of HUL will receive shares in the new ice cream company, based on their current stake in HUL. This follows a recommendation from an Independent Committee set up by the company earlier in September. The committee highlighted that the ice cream business operates under a different model—one that requires specialized cold-chain infrastructure and has a unique distribution setup—making it challenging to align with the broader HUL operations.

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With the demerger underway, the ice cream business is set to become an independent, publicly listed company, which will open new avenues for growth and operational focus.

Pop-Culture Trendsetter The Souled Store Eyes Global Markets, Starting with Dubai

Retail & Ecommerce

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January 13, 2025

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The Souled Store, a homegrown brand known for its pop-culture-inspired apparel and accessories, is all set to make its debut in international markets this year, with the Middle East being its first stop.

The company plans to leverage its direct-to-consumer (D2C) model through an online platform offering products tailored to the tastes of local shoppers. Additionally, they will collaborate with regional e-commerce platforms to enhance their reach and make shopping more convenient for customers.

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Harsh Lal, co-founder of The Souled Store, shared that the brand is eyeing key Middle Eastern cities like Dubai for its first physical stores. “We’re considering opening 3-5 offline stores in high-traffic locations in Dubai and have already pinpointed potential sites,” he said. The goal is to strategically place these stores in areas with strong demand for lifestyle and pop-culture products.

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Once the brand has established itself in the Middle East, the next step will be expanding to Western markets, particularly Europe and the US. Lal revealed that the brand is planning to open its first international offline store within the next six to seven months as part of a pilot project. If successful, the company anticipates that international markets could contribute up to 40%-50% of its business within the next three to four years.

UPI Wars: PhonePe Rockets Past $140 Billion, Leaving Google Pay & Paytm in the Dust

Growth

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January 13, 2025

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Image of UPI — UPI Wars: PhonePe Rockets Past $140 Billion, Leaving Google Pay & Paytm in the Dust

PhonePe has firmly cemented its position at the top of India’s digital payments landscape, recording an impressive 798.4 crore UPI transactions in December 2024, a notable increase of 7.8% from 740.1 crore transactions in November.

The platform, owned by Walmart, handled transactions worth ₹11.76 lakh crore in December, up from ₹10.88 lakh crore the previous month. With over 47% of total UPI transactions and half of the overall transaction value, PhonePe continues to dominate the sector.

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Trailing behind, Google Pay held 37.22% of the market in terms of UPI transaction volume. It processed 614 crore transactions in December, up from 573 crore in November, showcasing steady growth in user activity.

Paytm remained the third-largest UPI player, though its market share dipped slightly from 7.03% in November to 6.97% in December. Despite this, it saw a modest rise in transaction volume, hitting 115 crore transactions compared to 107 crore in the prior month.

Meanwhile, Navi, led by Sachin Bansal, continued its upward climb. The app’s market share edged up to 1.02% in December, with 20.25 crore transactions, up from 15.2 crore in November, signaling increasing adoption among users.

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The UPI ecosystem as a whole reached new heights, clocking a record 1,673 crore transactions in December 2024, an 8.08% rise from November’s 1,548 crore. The value of these transactions also grew by 7.9%, hitting ₹23.25 lakh crore compared to ₹21.55 lakh crore the previous month, according to data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

This growth has been fueled by continued support for the fintech sector. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently raised the wallet limit for UPI Lite

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