Wednesday, December 17, 2025
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FSSAI Orders Nationwide Testing of Eggoz Eggs as Carcinogen Concerns Trigger Regulatory Scrutiny

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India’s food regulator has stepped in amid growing scrutiny around the safety claims of Eggoz, a Bengaluru based egg startup. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has directed its regional offices to collect samples of both branded and unbranded eggs from across the country following concerns around the possible presence of carcinogenic substances.

According to sources cited by news agency ANI, the collected samples will be tested at ten laboratories nationwide. The primary focus of the testing will be on nitrofurans, a class of antibiotics that are banned for use in food producing animals due to their potential cancer causing properties. The move comes after social media chatter and consumer reports triggered questions about egg safety standards and sourcing practices in the poultry sector.

Eggoz, which positions itself as a premium and traceable egg brand, has strongly denied the allegations. Over the weekend, the company released test reports from a NABL accredited laboratory stating that carcinogenic compounds in its eggs were below the limit of quantification. The startup added that the testing covered a wide range of parameters including microbiological safety, chemical composition, heavy metals, antibiotic residues, pesticides, natural toxins and other contaminants.

The company has maintained that its products are safe for consumption and compliant with Indian food safety norms. Industry observers note that while regulatory testing is routine, public scrutiny has intensified as food startups scale rapidly and market transparency becomes a key differentiator.

The FSSAI’s findings are now awaited closely, not just by Eggoz but by the broader poultry and foodtech ecosystem. The outcome could influence future testing protocols, consumer trust, and how food brands communicate safety claims in an increasingly aware market.

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Hugo Blue Opens Its First-Ever Global Store in India at DLF Avenue Saket, Marking Retail Debut for HUGO BOSS Youth Line

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Hugo Blue, the newest youth-oriented line from the HUGO BOSS stable, has made its first-ever physical retail debut globally in India, opening a standalone store at DLF Avenue, Saket in New Delhi. The launch has been executed by Reliance Brands Limited, reinforcing India’s growing role as a priority market for international fashion labels testing new concepts.

Hugo Blue was first unveiled in May 2023 as part of HUGO’s broader brand refresh, with its debut collection rolling out globally in Summer 2024. Positioned as a denim-led extension of the HUGO brand, the line is designed around relaxed silhouettes, unisex appeal and influences drawn from street culture, aimed squarely at Gen Z and young millennial consumers. Before the store opening, the collection had been available internationally through select retail partners and online channels. In India, it debuted digitally via Ajio Luxe.

The opening of the Delhi store marks Hugo Blue’s shift from digital and wholesale visibility to a full-fledged experiential retail format. Located within DLF Avenue, a mall known for its strong fashion and lifestyle mix, the store is designed to connect with younger, style-conscious shoppers through curated merchandising and a focused product edit.

Reliance Brands’ strategy with Hugo Blue centres on three priorities: positioning India as a global-first launch market, building relevance with a younger demographic, and using physical retail to clearly differentiate sub-brands within larger fashion houses. The move also strengthens Reliance Brands’ presence in the contemporary and bridge-to-luxury segments, while expanding its denim and casualwear portfolio.

For HUGO BOSS, the decision to open the world’s first Hugo Blue store in India reflects shifting industry dynamics. With a large Gen Z population, rising appetite for premium fashion and mature mall infrastructure, India is increasingly being viewed not just as a growth market, but as a launchpad for new global retail concepts.

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Moxie Beauty Raises $15 Million in Series A Led by Bessemer to Scale India-Focused Haircare Brand

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Bengaluru-based haircare startup Moxie Beauty has raised $15 million in a Series A funding round, marking a significant milestone less than two years after its launch. The round was led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with continued backing from Fireside Ventures and participation from angel investors Navin Parwal, Sangeet Agarwal and Arjun Purkayastha, underscoring strong investor appetite for India’s fast-evolving beauty and personal care market.

Founded in 2023 by Nikita Khanna and Anmol Ahlawat, Moxie Beauty has positioned itself around a clear consumer insight: most global haircare products fail to address Indian hair textures, weather conditions and everyday styling needs. The brand has built its portfolio around this gap, offering targeted solutions across haircare, styling and scalp health. Its current lineup includes 19 products, ranging from shampoos and conditioners to curl creams, serums and scalp treatments.

According to the company, the fresh capital will be channelled into expanding its product pipeline, deepening research and formulation capabilities, and scaling up its team across functions. A portion of the funds will also go towards strengthening distribution and improving brand visibility as Moxie looks to widen its reach among urban, digitally native consumers.

The startup has shown rapid commercial traction. Moxie Beauty reported crossing an annual revenue run rate of ₹100 crore within two years of operations and posted a fourfold jump in monthly revenue over the past year. Sales are currently driven largely through online channels, including beauty-focused platforms such as Nykaa and large marketplaces like Amazon, which have helped the brand scale quickly across metros and emerging cities.

The fundraise comes at a time when India’s premium beauty segment is drawing heightened interest from both consumers and investors. Rising disposable incomes, greater awareness around hair and skin health, and a growing preference for specialised, performance-led products have reshaped buying behaviour, particularly among younger shoppers.

With fresh capital in hand and strong early momentum, Moxie Beauty is now looking to consolidate its position as a homegrown brand built specifically for Indian hair, while preparing for its next phase of growth in an increasingly competitive market.

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Reliance Consumer Products in Advanced Talks to Acquire Majority Stake in ₹668 Crore Udhaiyams Agro Foods

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Reliance Industries’ fast expanding consumer goods arm is moving closer to a significant acquisition in the packaged food space. Reliance Consumer Products Ltd is understood to be in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in Chennai based Udhaiyams Agro Foods, a staples and ready to cook foods company with annual revenues of around ₹668 crore, according to people familiar with the matter.

While the valuation and exact stake size remain under negotiation, sources say the talks have progressed beyond preliminary stages. If concluded, the transaction would give Reliance controlling interest, with Udhaiyams’ promoters expected to retain a minority holding to ensure continuity in day to day operations and brand stewardship.

Udhaiyams Agro Foods has built a strong footprint across South India with a wide portfolio that includes rice, flours, snacks, breakfast mixes and other ready to cook offerings. The company is known for its deep reach into regional markets and a distribution network that caters largely to value conscious households. Its brands enjoy high recall in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states, particularly in staples and breakfast categories.

For Reliance, the proposed acquisition fits into a larger playbook of backing regional food brands and scaling them nationally using its retail muscle, sourcing capabilities and supply chain. Over the last few years, Reliance Consumer Products has steadily expanded across beverages, daily essentials and packaged foods, positioning itself as a challenger to established FMCG players.

Industry executives say Udhaiyams could strengthen Reliance’s presence in segments where competition from brands such as MTR Foods, iD Fresh Food and Tata Consumer Products is intensifying. The ready to cook and staples market has seen rising demand as urbanisation, smaller households and time constrained lifestyles push consumers towards convenient meal solutions.

The talks also come at a time when deal activity in India’s food sector is picking up, with large corporates seeking scale and regional brands looking for capital and wider distribution. While neither Reliance nor Udhaiyams has made an official announcement, a closure would mark another step in Reliance Consumer Products’ ambition to build a pan India food portfolio anchored in everyday consumption.

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Shubman Gill Becomes the Face of G Shock’s GBM 2100 Push as the Brand Doubles Down on Toughness

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G Shock has rolled out a new campaign with cricketer Shubman Gill at its centre, and it stays true to what the brand has always stood for toughness earned, not claimed. The campaign spotlights the G Steel GBM 2100 series and ties its rugged design to Gill’s own journey of discipline, setbacks and quiet resilience.

Rather than leaning on flash, the campaign focuses on moments that define real grit. Gill is shown not as a larger than life celebrity but as an athlete who has built his career through consistency, long hours and mental strength. This approach fits neatly with G Shock’s long held Never Give Up philosophy, which has shaped the brand since its early days.

The G Steel GBM 2100 itself plays a key role in the narrative. Known for its shock resistance and metal exterior, the watch balances durability with a more refined look. The new colour options add a contemporary edge, making it suitable for everyday wear while still carrying the toughness G Shock is known for. It is positioned as a watch for people who push through pressure, whether on the field, at work or in daily life.

Shubman Gill’s association also reflects G Shock’s focus on a younger audience that values performance and authenticity over hype. As one of Indian cricket’s most dependable talents, Gill represents focus and perseverance rather than noise. That alignment feels natural and believable.

By pairing a performance driven product with an athlete known for calm confidence, G Shock reinforces its place as more than just a watch brand. The campaign speaks to a generation that sees toughness not as aggression, but as the ability to stay steady, keep improving and show up every day, no matter the challenge.

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IPF Raises Rs 3.2 Crore in Seed Funding Led by Titan Capital to Scale Preloved Kids Marketplace

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Bengaluru-based IPF, a peer-to-peer marketplace focused on preloved children’s products, has raised Rs 3.2 crore in a seed funding round to expand its platform and operations across India. The round was led by Titan Capital, the venture firm founded by Kunal Bahl, with participation from Better Capital and a group of early-stage angel investors.

The investor lineup includes Pratilipi co-founder and CEO Ranjit Pratap Singh, Grip Invest co-founders Aashish Jindal and Vivek Gulati, and NearPe Technologies co-founder Abhishek Bhayana. The capital infusion values the startup’s early traction in a segment that is beginning to see structured digital solutions.

Founded in 2024 by IIT Roorkee alumni Priyadershita Singh and Abhas Mittal, IPF was built to address a common challenge faced by young families. Children outgrow strollers, cribs, toys, and clothing quickly, leaving parents with lightly used products that often go unused or are difficult to resell. IPF enables parents to buy and sell these items directly with built-in safeguards that aim to reduce friction and risk.

The platform offers in-app payments, doorstep pickup and delivery, and buyer protection, positioning itself as a full-stack marketplace rather than a listings-only model. In March 2025, IPF rolled out its native payments feature, a move that helped standardise transactions and improve trust on the platform. Today, the company serves customers across metro and non-metro cities and reports a community of over 80,000 parents.

According to the founders, the newly raised funds will be deployed to strengthen the platform’s technology backbone, scale logistics and quality checks, and expand user acquisition in key urban clusters. Investments are also planned in verification systems and product intelligence to improve safety and reliability as transaction volumes grow.

Titan Capital said it sees strong potential in consumer-to-consumer commerce in India, particularly in categories driven by value, reuse, and trust. With rising costs of parenting and increasing awareness around sustainability, IPF is positioning itself at the intersection of affordability and responsible consumption, aiming to build a nationwide resale ecosystem for families.

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Nithin Kamath, Vivek Anand Oberoi and Tanmay Bhatt Back Rotoris in 3 Million Dollar Bet on Indian Luxury Watchmaking

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Indian analog watch startup Rotoris has raised 3 million dollars in a seed funding round that brings together an unusually diverse group of backers from business, entertainment and the startup ecosystem. The round was led by Zerodha co founder Nithin Kamath, actor Vivek Anand Oberoi through 100 Unicorns, and content creator Tanmay Bhatt, along with participation from over 30 founders and operators.

Among the notable names joining the cap table are Varun Alagh of Mamaearth, Gaurav Khatri of Noise, Siddharth Dungarwal of Snitch, Nitin Jain of OfBusiness, Vishesh Khurana of Shiprocket, Chirag Taneja of GoKwik, Akash Gupta of Zypp and Arjun Vaidya of Dr Vaidya’s. The breadth of investors signals strong belief in Rotoris’s ambition to build a serious Indian luxury watch brand from the ground up.

Rotoris was co founded by Aakash Anand, also known for founding Bella Vita Organic, along with serial entrepreneur Prerna Gupta and founding partners Anant Narula and Kunal Kapania. The brand positions itself as engineering driven, with a focus on craftsmanship, materials and long term collectability rather than fast fashion.

Set to launch in January 2026, Rotoris will debut five collections named Auriqua, Monarch, Astonia, Arvion and Manifesta. The watches will feature sapphire crystal, automatic and Q matic movements, and 316L surgical grade stainless steel, placing them closer to Swiss level specifications than typical Indian offerings. Each collection will also include a collector’s model designed to represent progress and ambition.

The fresh capital will be used to strengthen manufacturing and assembly, improve engineering processes, build inventory and support the launch of Rotoris’s first experience store in New Delhi. With this backing, Rotoris is making a clear statement that Indian watchmaking is ready to aim higher and compete on a global stage.

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Bombay High Court Rules in Favor of AB InBev, Bars Jagpin Breweries from Using COX 5001

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The Bombay High Court has ruled in favor of global brewing leader AB InBev, issuing a permanent injunction against Madhya Pradesh-based Jagpin Breweries for marketing its beer under the name “COX 5001.” The judgment concludes a legal battle that began in 2012 when AB InBev India, the local subsidiary of the world’s largest brewer, filed a trademark infringement case against the mass-market beer producer.

Justice Arif Doctor observed that the numeral “5001” is conceptually and visually similar to AB InBev’s established trademark “Haywards 5000,” a core feature of the brand. The court noted that consumers, particularly those with imperfect recollection, could be misled into believing that Jagpin’s product is associated with or endorsed by AB InBev. The ruling emphasized that such misrepresentation carries a tangible risk of damage to the goodwill and reputation of AB InBev, as the beer industry relies heavily on brand recognition and consumer trust.

AB InBev argued that its mark combines the word “Haywards” with the numeral “5000,” both of which are essential to the label’s distinct identity. Advocate Ashutosh Kane, representing AB InBev India, contended that Jagpin Breweries adopted “5001” with the sole intention of leveraging the established recognition of “Haywards 5000,” describing the move as “plainly dishonest.”

The court’s decision reinforces intellectual property protections in India’s beverage sector, sending a clear message about the importance of safeguarding trademarks from imitation that could create market confusion. The injunction prevents Jagpin from producing, advertising, or selling beer under the disputed name, securing AB InBev’s ability to protect one of its flagship products in India.

Haywards 5000 has been a leading product for AB InBev in the country, and the judgment strengthens the company’s position against imitators, highlighting the significance of brand integrity and consumer perception in the highly competitive Indian beer market.

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Mars Completes Kellanova Acquisition, Adds Pringles, Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts to Global Snack Portfolio

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Mars, the global family-owned conglomerate renowned for its confectionery and pet care businesses, has completed the acquisition of Kellanova, the company behind iconic snack brands including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, and several of Kellogg’s international cereal lines. The acquisition brings together two of the world’s most recognizable snack portfolios, significantly strengthening Mars’s position in the fast-growing global snacking sector.

The transaction officially closed on December 8, 2025, following regulatory approvals, after shareholders gave the deal the green light in November 2024. Mars had initially announced its intent to acquire Kellanova in August 2024, signaling a strategic move to consolidate its global snacking operations.

Andrew Clarke, Global President of Mars Snacking, welcomed Kellanova employees, highlighting the scale and potential of the combined business. With a workforce of more than 50,000 employees worldwide, the unified entity aims to accelerate product innovation, expand its international reach, and invest further in sustainability initiatives and long-term growth strategies.

Kellanova’s addition complements Mars’s existing snack lineup, which already features M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, Dove, Skittles, and Extra, as well as healthier offerings like Kind bars and Nature’s Bakery products. The acquisition also strengthens Mars’s Accelerator division, bringing in brands such as RXBAR, Nutri-Grain bars, and Special K bars, broadening the company’s footprint across both indulgent and health-conscious segments.

Industry analysts suggest that this consolidation positions Mars to better compete in a crowded global market, providing access to Kellanova’s established distribution networks and brand equity. The merger is expected to create opportunities for cross-brand innovation, combining Mars’s expertise in confectionery with Kellanova’s strength in savory snacks and cereals.

As the integration proceeds, Mars plans a phased approach, focusing on maintaining brand identities, optimizing supply chains, and launching new products that reflect evolving consumer tastes. The acquisition reinforces Mars’s long-term strategy to expand in high-growth snack categories while catering to diverse global consumer preferences.

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Scarters Plans Concept Experience Stores to Boost Offline Presence, Targets 25% Year-on-Year Growth

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Pune-based travel and lifestyle label Scarters is preparing to step beyond its digital roots as it plans a calibrated offline foray through concept-driven exclusive brand outlets, aiming for 20 to 25 percent year-on-year growth.

Founded in 2017 by Darshan Shah, Scarters was built to address a gap the founder encountered personally. High-quality accessories for working professionals were scarce in India, often forcing customers to shop overseas. What began as a small bootstrapped venture with an initial investment of around ₹10 lakh has since grown into a profitable business valued at over $1 million.

Scarters positions itself between mass-market and luxury, targeting professionals who seek refined design, durability, and functionality without entering ultra-premium pricing. Its product portfolio spans three focused categories. Small accessories such as wallets, tech organisers, and passport holders are priced between ₹4,000 and ₹9,000. Bags and travel gear including backpacks, duffels, and laptop bags form the core revenue segment, retailing between ₹9,000 and ₹18,000. The brand’s newest vertical, cabin luggage, is priced from ₹25,000 onwards.

Rather than expanding aggressively across hundreds of SKUs, the company maintains a tight assortment of roughly 50 to 60 variants built around 25 core designs. The strategy prioritises clarity, consistency, and brand recall.

Currently operating as a digital-first brand through its own website and major marketplaces, Scarters is now evaluating offline formats that align with its customer profile. Airports are emerging as a priority, given the brand’s concentration of frequent flyers aged 25 to 50, largely based in Tier I and select Tier II cities. Compact experience zones, pop-up concepts, and curated installations at premium locations such as business hotels and cafés are also under consideration.

The offline rollout will begin with pilot formats over the next year, after which the brand plans a measured scale-up. Profitability and pricing power remain central to Scarters’ growth strategy, with the company continuing to invest in product innovation, design-led differentiation, and intellectual property creation.

As Indian consumers increasingly seek lifestyle upgrades over impulse purchases, Scarters is positioning itself to build deeper engagement through physical experiences while maintaining disciplined, sustainable growth.

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