Blue Tokai’s Bold Brews, Swiggy’s Lightning Speed – Coffee Just Got Quick!

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January 13, 2025

Image of swiggy — Blue Tokai’s Bold Brews, Swiggy’s Lightning Speed – Coffee Just Got Quick!

Swiggy has teamed up with Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters to bring premium coffee options directly to your doorstep through its SNACC app. With a promise to deliver your favorite brew in as little as 15 minutes, this new partnership is set to elevate your coffee break.

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Users can now enjoy a selection of Blue Tokai’s finest drinks, including Americano, Cappuccino, Flat White, Iced Americano, Latte, and even a Vietnamese-inspired Iced Coffee, all available via SNACC.

“This is only the start,” said Satheesh Raman, Business Head of SNACC. “We’re committed to partnering with brands that share our vision of delivering top-quality products to our customers and expanding our ecosystem.”

SNACC, Swiggy’s standalone app, focuses on delivering food and beverages in 10 minutes or less. This is Swiggy’s second major push into the rapid delivery game, following the launch of Bolt in October 2024. The market has become highly competitive, with players like Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto all making bold moves.

Raman emphasized that in today’s fast-paced world, customers crave quick, easy, and hassle-free solutions to their needs. After revolutionizing food delivery with Swiggy and Bolt, SNACC aims to make daily life even more convenient, positioning itself as the go-to app for quick snacks, beverages, and healthy options.

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Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder and COO of Blue Tokai, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We know that coffee lovers want speed, convenience, and quality. With SNACC, we’re excited to meet those needs and enhance the experience for today’s fast-moving customers.”

The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

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January 13, 2025

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Image of DMart — The End of a Retail Era: Neville Noronha Checks Out, Anshul Asawa Checks In

DMart’s long-serving Managing Director and CEO, Neville Noronha, will step down from his role in January 2026, parent company Avenue Supermarts announced in a stock exchange filing on Saturday.

Noronha, who has been with the company since 2004, decided not to renew his contract, bringing an end to a remarkable journey of over two decades with the retail giant.

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Reflecting on his tenure, Noronha said, “It has been an incredible privilege to serve this business. I am deeply thankful to the early leadership team, especially those who believed in the DMart vision and stood by it for years.”

Sharing his thoughts on the company’s future, Noronha added, “DMart has a long runway for growth if we continue to prioritize simplicity, cost efficiency, employee satisfaction, and delivering unmatched value to our customers. Staying true to these principles will keep the business relevant for decades to come.”

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C.B. Bhave, Chairman of Avenue Supermarts, praised Noronha’s leadership, saying, “Neville was a visionary leader who never lost sight of the details. For him, growth and profitability were not goals in themselves but outcomes of a business rooted in fairness, efficiency, and a relentless focus on customer value.”

Fizzing Up Leadership: Nitin Bhandari Joins PepsiCo as Beverages Head

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January 13, 2025

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Image of pepsico — Fizzing Up Leadership: Nitin Bhandari Joins PepsiCo as Beverages Head

Nitin Bhandari, a long-time executive at PepsiCo India, has been appointed to lead the company’s beverages division in India and South Asia.

He will take over the reins from George Kovoor, who is set to retire on March 31, 2025, after announcing his decision in December 2024.

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PepsiCo India, the maker of popular drinks like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Tropicana, confirmed the leadership change. “George Kovoor has decided to retire from PepsiCo, effective March 31, 2025, to explore other opportunities. Nitin Bhandari will step in as the general manager for beverages in India and South Asia,” a company representative shared with ET.

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The leadership shift comes as the soft drinks industry faces heightened competition, particularly with summer just around the corner. While PepsiCo’s bottling operations in India are handled by its franchisee partner, Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL), rival Coca-Cola is gearing up for its next phase of expansion. In a major move last month, the Jubilant Bhartia Group acquired a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), Coca-Cola India’s bottling partner, for ₹12,500 crore.

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

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January 11, 2025

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Image of blinkit CEO — Ethics Over Earnings: Blinkit’s Albinder Dhindsa Takes a Stand Against Data Games

Following reports that the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) may approach the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to raise concerns about the rise of standalone 10-minute food delivery apps, Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa took to social media to clarify the company’s position. He emphasized that Zomato, Blinkit’s parent company, has no intention of launching private brands to compete with its restaurant partners on the main app.

Dhindsa further explained that Zomato would not be using its platform to promote its new 10-minute food service, Bistro. While acknowledging that this decision could be costly, he firmly stated that maintaining ethical business practices takes precedence over financial considerations.

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This statement came in response to concerns raised by Sagar Daryani, president of the NRAI, who criticized foodtech companies for withholding customer data from restaurant partners. Daryani argued that while food delivery giants have access to valuable consumer insights, they do not share this information with the restaurants, which rely on it for their business strategies.

In his response on X, Dhindsa reassured the industry by stating, “The companies we work with on Bistro also collaborate with a number of restaurants. Our success with Bistro can bring significant value to the entire food and restaurant ecosystem.” He further clarified that Bistro operates as a separate app, distinct from Blinkit and Zomato, and is currently available in select areas of Gurugram as part of the process to find the right product-market fit.

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The controversy comes at a time when both Zomato and Swiggy have launched 10-15 minute food delivery services—Zomato’s Bistro and Swiggy’s Snacc. The NRAI has voiced concerns that these services might be steering customers away from restaurant partners by leveraging valuable consumer data. The association has also lobbied the government to grant the food services sector industry status, which they believe would protect restaurants, delivery partners, and consumers from potentially exploitative practices by foodtech platforms.

Previously, the NRAI accused food delivery companies of engaging in anti-competitive behavior, citing issues like bundled services, high commission fees, delayed payments, and one-sided contract terms.

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

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January 11, 2025

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Image of fair & handsome — Fair And Handsome Gets a Makeover: Emami Unveils ‘Smart And Handsome’ with Kartik Aaryan

Emami Ltd has unveiled a major overhaul for its men’s grooming brand, Fair And Handsome, which is now rebranded as Smart And Handsome. To spearhead this new chapter, Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has been roped in as the brand’s ambassador.

The revamped brand identity, under the new tagline “Har Roz Handsome Code,” reflects the company’s commitment to providing effective grooming solutions that help men feel confident and enhance their overall personality.

Continue Exploring: Emami Targets Rs 1,000 Crore in Male Grooming with ‘Smart and Handsome’ Rebrand

The new positioning focuses on a more holistic approach to male grooming, aiming to cater to face, body, and hair care needs. According to Mohan Goenka, Vice Chairman of Emami Ltd, the company sees a significant opportunity to address the evolving grooming preferences of modern, young men. The rebranding from Fair And Handsome to Smart And Handsome is based on deep consumer insights that reveal a shift in what today’s men want—products that reflect individuality, confidence, and natural skin health.

This transformation is a strategic move, tapping into a growing demand for versatile, all-encompassing grooming solutions. Young men are increasingly looking for products that not only address traditional concerns like hydration and oil control but also promote overall skin health.

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With these shifting expectations, Emami aims to position Smart And Handsome as a one-stop grooming solution that resonates with the dynamic needs of the millennial and Gen Z demographic.

Zing: The New Startup Bringing Speed and Quality to Food Delivery in 10 Minutes”

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January 11, 2025

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Image of zing — Zing: The New Startup Bringing Speed and Quality to Food Delivery in 10 Minutes

Back in 2008, few could have imagined how Zomato would completely redefine the way Indians order food. Fast forward to 2014, and Swiggy entered the scene, turning the simple act of ordering food into an integral part of modern living.

Now, more than a decade later, the food delivery landscape in India is once again on the brink of a transformation. This time, the focus isn’t just on convenience but on instant gratification. The race to deliver meals in record time—10 to 15 minutes—is heating up, and startups are sprinting to meet this growing demand.

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What began as a niche offering has become a booming market. India’s quick delivery sector, which includes these food-tech innovations, is projected to grow from $3.3 billion in 2024 to a staggering $9.9 billion by 2029. Established giants like Zomato and Swiggy have already embraced the trend, rolling out super-fast delivery options. But the space is getting crowded with ambitious newcomers eager to carve their niche.

Take Bengaluru-based Swish, for example. This startup has entered the fray with a promise to deliver fast-food favorites within 10 to 15 minutes via its dedicated app. Meanwhile, Gurugram-based Zing is making waves with a slightly different approach. Launched in November 2024 by Tarun Arora and Rachit Sahi, Zing has built a hyper-local network of cloud kitchens strategically located close to its customers.

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By focusing on speed and efficiency, Zing has optimized its menu to feature high-demand dishes that are easy and quick to prepare. This strategy allows the startup to slash delivery times while maintaining quality.

As the competition intensifies, it’s clear that India’s food-tech industry isn’t just adapting to customer expectations—it’s shaping them. With these innovations, the next revolution in food delivery is already here, and it’s happening faster than ever before.

Zepto Café Rockets to 50,000 Daily Orders in Just Four Weeks

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January 11, 2025

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Image of zepto — Zepto Café Rockets to 50,000 Daily Orders in Just Four Weeks

Aadit Palicha, co-founder and CEO of Zepto, recently shared an exciting update on LinkedIn about the rapid growth of Zepto Café, the company’s 10-minute food delivery service. Launched just a month ago with its own dedicated app, Zepto Café has grown from processing 30,000 orders a day to crossing the 50,000 orders/day mark—a staggering 60% month-on-month growth.

In his post, Palicha highlighted not just the numbers but the momentum behind the success. He emphasized that customer retention has remained strong despite the steep scaling efforts. This level of growth, coupled with repeat customers, speaks volumes about the service’s appeal and reliability.

Zepto Café Hits a Milestone: 50,000 Orders a Day in Just Four Weeks

Reflecting on the journey, Palicha likened the evolution of Zepto Café to the early days of Zepto itself. “It’s reminiscent of our first steps three years ago,” he noted, recalling a time of relentless growth, undeniable product-market fit, and the energy of a dedicated team driving the mission forward.

For Palicha, Zepto Café represents more than just a business milestone—it’s a glimpse into the future of Indian Q-commerce (quick commerce) and consumer internet. With its ability to deliver freshly prepared meals in under 10 minutes, Zepto Café is carving out a niche in the market, setting itself apart from traditional food delivery models.

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“The growth feels transformative,” he wrote, expressing optimism for the road ahead. “I believe this is the next big innovation in Indian Q-commerce.”

Palicha also credited the success to the team behind Zepto Café, whose execution and drive have been instrumental in scaling operations so rapidly. The vision seems clear: not just meeting demand, but exceeding customer expectations with speed, quality, and consistency.

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Zepto, a company that began as a grocery delivery service promising quick turnarounds, has continued to push boundaries in the consumer space. With Zepto Café gaining momentum, Palicha’s belief that the company is “just getting started” feels less like ambition and more like a promise.

This milestone is a clear signal: Zepto is not merely riding a trend—it’s shaping the future of how India eats and shops.

Emami Targets Rs 1,000 Crore in Male Grooming with ‘Smart and Handsome’ Rebrand

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January 10, 2025

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Image of emami — Emami Targets Rs 1,000 Crore in Male Grooming with ‘Smart and Handsome’ Rebrand

Emami, a well-established FMCG player from Kolkata, is taking a bold step to tap into the rapidly growing male grooming sector. The company has rebranded its long-standing product “Fair and Handsome” to “Smart and Handsome,” aiming to resonate more with younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z.

Emami is targeting a revenue of Rs 1,000 crore within the next 3-4 years, according to Vice-Chairman Mohan Goenka.

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Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan has been brought on board as the new face of the brand to further connect with its audience. While the male grooming industry in India is currently valued at Rs 18,000 crore, Emami is preparing to expand its product range, transitioning from its niche skincare offerings to a more comprehensive male grooming portfolio.

Goenka highlighted that although the FMCG sector is seeing slow growth, male grooming is a rapidly emerging category as men increasingly seek products that address multiple skincare needs, such as hydration, oil control, and skin health.

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Emami’s “Fair and Handsome” has traditionally catered to a skincare market worth around Rs 250 crore and the Rs 500 crore facewash segment. However, with the rebranding and a broader product line, the company is aiming for a bigger share in the growing male grooming space, which is expected to rise to Rs 32,000 crore in the next five years.

TIRTIR Brings K-Beauty to India’s Malls in Partnership with Reliance Retail

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January 10, 2025

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Image of tirtir — TIRTIR Brings K-Beauty to India’s Malls in Partnership with Reliance Retail

Korean beauty brand TIRTIR is making its way into India’s offline retail market through a partnership with Reliance Retail’s Tira, its omnichannel beauty platform. The brand can now be found in select Tira locations, including popular malls like Jio World Drive (Mumbai), DLF Avenue (Delhi), Mall of Asia (Bengaluru), and Infiniti Malls in Andheri and Malad (Mumbai).

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Launched in 2015 by Lee Yoo Bin in Seoul, TIRTIR specializes in skincare, makeup, and haircare products. The brand has gained a loyal following on TikTok’s BeautyTok segment, where users share makeup tutorials and reviews.

After entering the Indian market online in December 2024 via Tira and Nykaa, TIRTIR introduced several products like its cushion foundation, milk skin toner, ceramic milk ampoule, and makeup fixing spray.

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Reliance Retail’s Tira platform, which debuted as an e-commerce site in February 2023, expanded with its first physical store at Jio World Drive in Mumbai in April. Now, Tira operates over 13 stores across the country.

With Korean beauty trends booming in India, TIRTIR joins other brands like The Face Shop, Dr. Jart+, and Cosrx in offering innovative, personalized skincare solutions to Indian consumers through both online and offline channels.

Subway Opens 100 New Outlets in India, Eyes Growth to Become Top QSR Brand

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January 10, 2025

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image of subway — Subway Opens 100 New Outlets in India, Eyes Growth to Become Top QSR Brand

In 2024, Subway® achieved a remarkable feat by opening 100 new outlets across India, continuing its rapid expansion in the country. This milestone highlights the brand’s strong growth and commitment to enhancing the customer experience in diverse locations.

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With aspirations of becoming the largest Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) chain in India within the next decade, India has quickly emerged as one of Subway’s fastest-growing markets.

To keep up with evolving tastes, Subway has introduced new menu items and revamped its store designs. “The launch of 100 new stores in one year is a clear reflection of the trust our customers have in Subway,” said Tarun Bhasin, CEO of Culinary Brands.

“This is a significant moment in Subway India’s journey, showcasing our dedication to offering fresh, high-quality, made-to-order sandwiches. We celebrated this achievement by opening our 100th store in the vibrant Lokhandwala area of Mumbai. Now, our network includes over 900 locations across more than 160 cities in India.”

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Innovation and a keen understanding of consumer preferences are key factors behind Subway’s success. This year, the brand introduced the Hot & Cheesy Signature Subs and a diverse Breakfast Range to cater to a broader range of tastes.

Subway remains focused on providing an exceptional experience for every customer, staying true to its core values of quality, innovation, and excellent service with every new store.

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Zepto Café Hits a Milestone: 50,000 Orders a Day in Just Four Weeks