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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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%.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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