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Bengaluru Tea Stall “ChatGPTea” Goes Viral, Showcasing How AI Culture Is Entering Street Life

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A modest tea stall in Bengaluru has unexpectedly captured national attention, offering a telling snapshot of how technology jargon is filtering into everyday life. The shop, cheekily named “ChatGPTea”, has gone viral across social media platforms after users noticed the playful reference to the globally popular artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT. What began as a local curiosity has now become a widely shared symbol of the city’s unique blend of street culture and tech influence.

Images of the signboard, written in both Kannada and English, first surfaced on Reddit’s r/Bengaluru forum. Within hours, the post gained hundreds of upvotes and sparked an animated comment thread filled with puns, comparisons to rival AI tools and praise for the shop’s creativity. Several users described it as a moment that could only belong to Bengaluru, a city where tech parks and tea stalls often exist side by side.

Commenters were quick to pinpoint the stall’s location, suggesting neighbourhoods such as Marathahalli, Electronic City and SG Palya, all areas known for their dense concentration of software professionals, startups and student communities. The humour resonated strongly with this audience, many of whom are deeply familiar with AI tools in their daily work lives.

The reactions ranged from lighthearted jokes to genuine appreciation. Some users quipped about preferring fictional alternatives like “PerplexiTea”, while others suggested different naming ideas such as “Chai GPT”. A recurring sentiment across comments was admiration for the simplicity and cleverness of the name, reflecting how even informal businesses are tapping into current cultural trends to stand out.

Beyond the laughs, the viral moment highlights a broader shift. Artificial intelligence, once confined to corporate boardrooms and research labs, is increasingly becoming part of public vocabulary. From memes and brand names to roadside signboards, AI terminology is finding its way into mainstream conversation.

For Bengaluru, often described as India’s technology capital, the popularity of “ChatGPTea” feels fitting. It underscores how deeply technology has permeated the city’s identity, not just in offices and innovation hubs, but also in its streets, humour and everyday rituals like a cup of chai.

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Swishables Raises Near Seven-Figure Seed Round to Expand On-the-Go Oral Care Across Retail and Travel Channels

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Swishables, a new-age oral care startup focused on portability and everyday convenience, has raised close to seven figures in a seed funding round backed by a mix of consumer brand builders, operators and institutional capital. The investor group includes entrepreneur Jason Cohen, DTC strategist Nik Sharma, food brand founder Ben Soffer, media personality Claudia Oshry, and Aurum Partners, a family office associated with the San Francisco 49ers.

Founded by Gulshan Kumar and Harry Meng, both former executives at sustainable bottled water brand PATH Water, Swishables is rethinking how consumers approach oral hygiene outside the home. The company’s core product is a compact, pre-filled liquid mouthwash rinse designed to fit easily into a pocket, bag or carry-on, eliminating the need for bulky bottles or access to a sink. The format is aimed at consumers who travel frequently, commute long hours or spend most of their day away from home.

The funding will be used to scale distribution, deepen retail partnerships and support upcoming launches across travel, convenience and digital commerce channels. Swishables is already listed online at Target and has established a strong presence in travel retail, with availability across 22 major US airports through operators such as OTG and WH Smith. This footprint positions the brand at high-traffic touchpoints where demand for hygiene and freshness products is consistently high.

The company is now preparing to expand its reach further in early 2026 through new partnerships with JetBlue Airlines, rapid delivery platform Gopuff and Kroger’s online wellness marketplace, Vitacost. These tie-ups are expected to strengthen Swishables’ access to both in-transit consumers and at-home shoppers looking for functional personal care products.

With rising awareness around personal hygiene and increasing demand for travel-friendly essentials, Swishables is positioning itself at the intersection of oral care, convenience and lifestyle. The startup’s early traction across airports and national retailers highlights growing consumer appetite for solutions that adapt to modern, mobile routines rather than traditional bathroom-bound habits.

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Tiger Shroff Becomes Brand Ambassador for One Science Nutrition as the Company Pushes Verified Sports Nutrition in India

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Actor and fitness icon Tiger Shroff has been announced as the new brand ambassador for One Science Nutrition, marking a strategic move for the sports nutrition company as it sharpens its focus on credibility and performance led storytelling. The partnership aims to push conversations around verified nutrition, informed supplement usage, and disciplined active lifestyles.

One Science Nutrition, often known as OSN, has built its portfolio around protein supplements, amino blends, and recovery focused products targeted at serious fitness enthusiasts. With the Indian sports nutrition market growing steadily, driven by gym culture, amateur athletes, and lifestyle focused consumers, the brand is looking to strengthen trust in a category that often suffers from misinformation and exaggerated claims.

Tiger Shroff’s association fits naturally with OSN’s positioning. Known for his intense training routines, martial arts background, and consistently lean physique, Shroff has cultivated a strong following among young consumers who view fitness as a daily discipline rather than a trend. According to the company, the collaboration will highlight the importance of choosing supplements backed by research and quality standards, instead of quick fixes.

The actor will feature across digital campaigns, product launches, and consumer outreach initiatives. OSN plans to use his influence to simplify nutrition conversations and encourage users to understand what goes into their supplements, from sourcing to formulation.

For Tiger Shroff, the partnership adds to his growing presence in the fitness and wellness ecosystem. While celebrities have long endorsed nutrition brands, audiences today look for alignment that feels earned. Shroff’s credibility comes from years of visible training and consistency, not just marketing appeal.

As competition heats up in India’s sports nutrition space, One Science Nutrition is betting that authenticity and education will set it apart. With a fitness first ambassador on board, the brand is positioning itself to connect more deeply with consumers who take their training and recovery seriously.

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Instamart Data Reveals India’s 2025 Shopping Shift From ₹10 Orders to ₹4.3 Lakh Carts

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India’s quick commerce carts stretched from pocket change to luxury splurges in 2025, according to Swiggy Instamart’s latest annual shopping analysis, offering a sharp snapshot of how consumer behaviour evolved over the year.

Based on orders placed between January and November, the data shows a striking spread in basket values. The smallest transaction recorded was a ₹10 printout ordered in Bengaluru, while the largest single cart touched ₹4.3 lakh in Hyderabad, driven by the purchase of three iPhones. Over the year, Instamart’s highest-spending customer placed cumulative orders worth more than ₹22 lakh, blending high-value electronics and gold coins with everyday groceries such as milk, eggs and fruit.

Daily essentials remained the backbone of demand. Milk consumption crossed four packets per second on the platform, reinforcing its role as a routine purchase. Paneer outpaced cheese by over 50 percent, while butter and spreads nearly matched cheese volumes, underlining preference for Indian kitchen staples. Late-night snacking also stayed strong, with masala-flavoured chips emerging as the most ordered night-time item across nine of the top ten cities.

At the same time, carts expanded beyond food. Protein products gained prominence, with bars, ready-to-drink shakes and high-protein yoghurts dominating the category. One Noida-based user alone spent ₹2.8 lakh on protein items during the year. Electronics also featured heavily, including a ₹2.69 lakh single order in Noida that bundled speakers, storage devices and a robotic vacuum cleaner.

Precious metals saw a noticeable spike, particularly during festive periods. Gold orders during Dhanteras jumped over 400 percent year on year. In Bengaluru, a Diwali cart included a one-kilogram silver brick priced at nearly ₹2 lakh, while a Mumbai customer bought gold worth over ₹15 lakh across multiple orders.

Speed remained a defining factor. Instamart logged instances of packaged foods reaching homes within two minutes and smartphones delivered in under three minutes in select locations. Ordering activity peaked during morning hours from 7 am to 11 am and again in the early evening, aligning with daily routines.

Growth was not limited to metros. Tier 2 cities recorded the fastest expansion, with Rajkot clocking a tenfold rise in orders, followed by Ludhiana and Bhubaneswar. Health and wellness categories surged in cities such as Bhopal, while heavy repeat usage was evident in Kolkata, Mumbai, Kochi and Gurgaon, where several users crossed 1,000 orders over the year.

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Habanero Foods Enters the Ready to Eat Snacking Market With Nachos as It Expands Beyond Sauces and Dips

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SnackTeam
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Habanero Foods has stepped into the fast growing ready to eat snacking space with the launch of its new Nachos range, marking a clear expansion beyond its core portfolio of sauces, dips, and wraps. The Bengaluru based gourmet food company is best known for bringing globally inspired flavours to Indian kitchens, and this latest launch reflects the same philosophy in a more accessible snack format.

With Nachos gaining popularity among urban consumers as an anytime snack, Habanero Foods sees this category as a natural extension of its brand. The company has positioned the product as a premium yet everyday offering, aimed at consumers who are looking for bold flavours and better quality ingredients rather than mass produced alternatives. The Nachos are designed to pair seamlessly with Habanero’s existing range of dips, encouraging repeat consumption across categories.

The move also signals Habanero Foods’ intent to deepen its presence in the retail segment. Ready to eat snacks continue to see strong demand across modern trade, quick commerce, and ecommerce platforms, especially among younger consumers and working professionals. By entering this space, the brand is tapping into a market that values convenience without compromising on taste.

According to the company, the Nachos have been developed keeping Indian palates in mind while retaining an international flavour profile. This balance has been central to Habanero’s growth story so far and continues with this launch.

As competition in the snacking category intensifies, Habanero Foods is betting on brand trust, flavour innovation, and cross category synergies to stand out. The Nachos launch is not just a product addition but a strategic step towards building a more rounded food portfolio for modern Indian consumers.

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New Balance names Janhvi Kapoor as first Indian brand ambassador to boost India expansion

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SnackTeam
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Global sportswear brand New Balance has named actor Janhvi Kapoor as its first-ever brand ambassador in India, a move that underlines the company’s growing focus on the country’s expanding fitness and lifestyle market.

The association signals a strategic push by New Balance to deepen its presence in India, where demand for premium sportswear is being driven by a young, fashion-aware population that increasingly blends performance wear with everyday style. Industry estimates place India among the faster-growing markets for global athletic brands, supported by rising disposable incomes and a stronger interest in health, wellness and athleisure.

Kapoor, who has steadily built her profile across cinema, fashion and fitness, said her association with New Balance stems from a shared belief in authenticity and self-expression. She noted that the brand’s emphasis on innovation and individuality aligns with her own approach to fitness and personal style, where confidence comes from staying true to oneself rather than following trends.

From New Balance’s perspective, the partnership is designed to go beyond a traditional endorsement. Radeshwer Davar, country manager for New Balance India, said the brand looks for collaborators who reflect its core values of originality, consistency and evolution. Kapoor’s influence among younger consumers, combined with her personal interest in fitness, makes her a natural fit as the brand looks to build stronger cultural relevance in India.

At a regional level, New Balance sees India as a key growth engine within the Middle East, Africa and India cluster. Stuart Henwood, senior director for the MEAI region, highlighted that Kapoor’s appeal and entrepreneurial mindset resonate with the brand’s long-term vision for the market. Her role, he said, will be central to strengthening New Balance’s connection with Indian consumers and expanding its footprint across both sport and lifestyle segments.

Going forward, the partnership aims to promote a more inclusive view of fitness and fashion, reflecting the aspirations of modern India, where performance, comfort and personal identity increasingly intersect.

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Zomato Partners With Amazon Pay to Offer Up to 5% Cashback on Every Food Order

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SnackTeam
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Zomato has entered into a strategic partnership with Amazon Pay to deepen customer engagement by offering assured rewards on every food order placed through the platform. The collaboration allows users to earn Zomato Money on transactions made using Amazon Pay Balance, adding a fresh incentive layer to everyday food ordering.

Under the arrangement, customers paying via Amazon Pay Balance will receive 3 percent Zomato Money on orders placed from Monday to Friday, while weekend orders on Saturdays and Sundays will earn a higher 5 percent reward. The earned Zomato Money can be used across the platform, strengthening repeat usage and loyalty.

The partnership reflects Zomato’s broader push to build a payments and rewards ecosystem that goes beyond delivery convenience. Rahul Gupta, Vice President of Product at Zomato, said the company is focused on making food ordering more valuable for users by integrating trusted payment partners. He added that collaborations such as this align with Zomato’s long-term goal of expanding access to quality food while improving the overall user experience.

Amazon Pay sees the tie-up as a way to increase the utility of its balance offering in daily consumption categories. Vikas Bansal, CEO of Amazon Pay India, said the integration enables customers to use their Amazon Pay Balance for food orders while receiving instant cashback benefits, reinforcing the platform’s focus on simple and rewarding digital payments.

Linking Amazon Pay with Zomato has been designed as a seamless process. Users can connect their Amazon Pay Balance by visiting the payment settings through the app’s side menu or by selecting the linking option during checkout. Once linked, the applicable offer can be chosen from the offer section before completing the payment.

The move comes at a time when food delivery platforms are increasingly leaning on partnerships and loyalty-driven features to retain users in a competitive market. For both Zomato and Amazon Pay, the alliance strengthens their presence in high-frequency transactions while offering tangible value to millions of urban consumers who order food online regularly.

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Biryani Tops Swiggy Orders in 2025 as Burgers, Pizza and Dosa Drive India’s Food Delivery Boom

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India’s appetite for convenience-led dining continued to grow in 2025, with biryani, burgers, pizzas and dosas emerging as the most ordered food items on Swiggy, according to the company’s annual consumption report released this week.

The findings are part of the tenth edition of Swiggy’s “How India Swiggy’d” report, which analyses ordering patterns and food preferences based on millions of transactions recorded on the platform over the year. Biryani retained its position as the country’s most popular dish, clocking 93 million orders in 2025. Burgers followed with 44.2 million orders, while pizzas saw 40.1 million orders. South Indian staple dosa rounded off the top four with 26.2 million orders, underlining the continued demand for both indulgent and traditional comfort foods.

The report also points to a growing interest in regional and hyperlocal cuisines. Orders for Pahari food surged ninefold over the past year, while Malabari, Rajasthani, Malvani and other regional cuisines nearly doubled in volume. Swiggy noted that consumers are increasingly seeking flavours rooted in local traditions, even when ordering online.

Meal timing trends reflected a strong preference for evening dining, with dinner orders nearly 32 percent higher than lunch orders, suggesting that food delivery remains a key convenience for end-of-day meals.

Global flavours also found increasing favour among Indian consumers. Mexican cuisine recorded 16 million orders during the year, while Tibetan dishes crossed 12 million orders. Korean food, driven by growing awareness and pop culture influence, logged 4.7 million orders, indicating steady traction beyond metro markets.

Swiggy said the data highlights how Indian food habits are evolving, blending familiarity with experimentation. While iconic dishes such as biryani continue to dominate order volumes, the rise of regional and international cuisines points to a more diverse and adventurous consumer palate shaping the country’s food delivery landscape.

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Bikaji Foods Unveils New Brand Logo to Blend Rajasthani Heritage With Future Growth

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SnackTeam
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Bikaji Foods International Ltd has rolled out a refreshed brand logo as it looks to sharpen its visual identity while preparing for the next leg of growth in India and overseas markets. The update is positioned as a design-led exercise that balances the company’s legacy with its ambitions to appeal to a younger and more diverse consumer base.

The new logo draws inspiration from Bikaji’s origins in Rajasthan, incorporating a shield-like form that reflects strength and continuity. Design cues reference regional elements such as traditional headgear and the desert landscape, signalling authenticity while adopting a cleaner and more contemporary aesthetic. The company said the refreshed identity is intended to improve brand recognition across both physical retail shelves and digital platforms, where competition for consumer attention has intensified.

Deepak Agarwal, managing director of Bikaji Foods International Ltd, said the identity refresh mirrors the company’s broader focus on modernisation as it expands its footprint. He added that while the core values of the brand remain unchanged, the updated look better represents Bikaji’s scale, reach and evolving consumer profile.

The company clarified that the change is purely visual and does not involve any alteration to its legal name, ownership structure or contractual arrangements. Existing operations, partnerships and obligations remain unaffected.

Bikaji Foods is currently the third-largest ethnic snacks player in India, with a presence across 28 states and seven union territories. Its product portfolio spans bhujia, namkeen, sweets, papad, western-style snacks and ready-to-eat items. Beyond the domestic market, the company exports its products to more than 40 countries, catering to both the Indian diaspora and international consumers seeking traditional flavours.

The identity refresh comes at a time when established food brands are increasingly reworking their visual language to stay relevant amid changing consumption patterns and growing competition from regional and direct-to-consumer players. For Bikaji, the new logo is positioned as a bridge between its cultural roots and its future growth ambitions, as it continues to scale distribution, strengthen recall and deepen engagement with the next generation of consumers.

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Vixar Bets Big on Desserts, Acquires 45% of Belgian Waffle Co at ₹1,700 Crore Valuation

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SnackTeam
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Vixar’s acquisition of a 45 percent stake in Belgian Waffle Co marks one of the most significant transactions in India’s quick service restaurant space this year. The deal values the dessert focused brand at ₹1,700 crore and brings together long term institutional capital and a consumer brand that has quietly built scale across the country.

Along with Vixar, the round also sees participation from Vallabh Bhansali and HDFC AMC, underlining strong confidence in Belgian Waffle Co’s business fundamentals and growth visibility. From a niche waffle startup, the brand has evolved into a nationwide QSR player with hundreds of outlets across malls, high streets and transit locations. Its focus on affordability, consistency and compact store formats has helped it expand rapidly without burning excessive capital.

The ₹1,700 crore valuation reflects more than just store count. Belgian Waffle Co has benefited from high repeat consumption, strong unit economics and a menu that travels well across formats including dine in, takeaway and delivery. Desserts as a category have also seen steady demand even during periods when discretionary spending has softened.

For Vixar, the investment signals a clear bet on scalable Indian food brands with strong operational discipline. With fresh capital and experienced investors on board, Belgian Waffle Co is expected to accelerate expansion, deepen its presence in smaller cities and potentially diversify formats while keeping its core product intact.

This transaction also highlights a broader trend in Indian food services where established QSR brands are attracting late stage capital at meaningful valuations. As competition intensifies and consumer preferences evolve, deals like this reinforce the value of brands that combine simplicity, speed and consistency. Belgian Waffle Co now enters its next phase with both scale and strong financial backing firmly in place.

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