Annapurna Swadisht Enters Soya Foods Segment with ₹15 Cr Andri Agro Acquisition

Growth

January 7, 2026

Packaged foods company Annapurna Swadisht Limited has entered the soya-based foods segment with the acquisition of a majority stake in Andri Agro Foods Private Limited, marking a strategic expansion beyond its core snacks and confectionery portfolio.

In a regulatory filing, Annapurna Swadisht said it will acquire a 75 percent equity stake in Andri Agro at an enterprise valuation of ₹15 crore. The acquisition consideration is estimated at approximately ₹4.5 crore, following which Andri Agro will operate as a subsidiary of the listed food company.

The move gives Annapurna Swadisht immediate access to the fast-growing soya and plant-protein category. Andri Agro manufactures a range of products including soya chunks, granules, textured vegetable protein and 3D pellets. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Raniganj, West Bengal, with an installed annual capacity of about 4.2 lakh tonnes across multiple food categories such as soya products, vermicelli, pasta and pellets.

Apart from selling under its own ‘So Best’ brand, Andri Agro also undertakes contract manufacturing for established players including Haldiram and Akash, giving it both branded and B2B revenue streams. Its current distribution network spans nearly 200 distributors, with a strong presence in eastern India.

Annapurna Swadisht plans to integrate Andri Agro into its wider national distribution footprint to drive higher volumes and improve capacity utilisation at the facility. The company said the combined entity is expected to generate turnover in the range of ₹50 crore to ₹60 crore once capacity utilisation reaches around 60 percent.

The acquisition builds on Annapurna Swadisht’s inorganic growth strategy. In FY25, the company acquired Madhur Confectioners Private Limited, which helped expand its confectionery business and opened up export markets across the UAE, Europe, the UK, Saudi Arabia and parts of Africa.

Annapurna Swadisht reported consolidated revenue of ₹249.9 crore in the first half of FY26. The latest acquisition signals the company’s intent to diversify into value-added protein foods while leveraging scale, manufacturing and distribution synergies.

SkinInspired Raises ₹24 Cr in Series A Funding Led by Spring Marketing Capital

funding

SnackTeam

January 7, 2026

Dermaceutical skincare startup SkinInspired has secured ₹24 crore in a Series A funding round, marking a fresh vote of confidence in science-led beauty brands catering to Indian consumers. The round was led by Spring Marketing Capital and saw participation from Lotus Herbals’ Beauty Innovation Fund, Patni Group’s Arihant Patni, and existing backer Unilever Ventures, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

Founded by entrepreneur Piyush Jain, SkinInspired operates in the fast-growing dermaceutical segment, focusing on clinically backed skincare solutions. The company said the newly raised capital will be channelled towards accelerating research and development, expanding its product pipeline, strengthening brand presence, and building out its core team as it scales operations.

SkinInspired differentiates itself through close collaboration with the dermatology community. The brand works with more than 200 dermatologists across India to develop, test, and validate its formulations. Product development is led by Dr Prashant Agrawal, co-founder and chief product officer, who oversees clinical testing and ingredient selection. The company emphasises transparent labelling and efficacy-driven formulations, positioning its portfolio between prescription dermatology and mass skincare.

According to the company, repeat purchases account for a significant share of its demand, reflecting growing consumer trust in dermatology-backed products. SkinInspired aims to expand its range across key skin concerns while maintaining clinical credibility as a core pillar of its brand identity.

Spring Marketing Capital said the investment reflects its belief that Indian consumers are increasingly seeking skincare products that combine medical-grade effectiveness with accessible, consumer-friendly formats. The firm noted that SkinInspired addresses a clear gap in the market where trust, results, and experience intersect.

In addition to institutional investors, SkinInspired counts several prominent angel investors among its backers, including Arjun Vaidya, Ruchi Kohli, Chinmaya Goyal, Ana Kapur, Jivraj Singh Sachar, and Swapnil Sheth.

The fundraise comes at a time when investor interest in science-backed skincare and wellness brands is rising, driven by greater awareness around skin health and demand for evidence-based solutions tailored to Indian skin types.

Trent Shares Slide Over 8% After Q3 Update Misses Growth Expectations

Growth

Online Desk

January 7, 2026

Image of trent limited — Trent Shares Slide Over 8% After Q3 Update Misses Growth Expectations

Shares of Tata Group retail arm Trent Ltd suffered their sharpest single-day decline in six months on Tuesday after the company’s third-quarter business update fell short of market expectations, triggering a wave of selling across the counter.

The stock ended the session down 8.5 percent at ₹4,055, wiping out more than ₹13,500 crore in market capitalisation. The fall followed investor disappointment over slower revenue momentum and concerns that current earnings growth may not justify the company’s premium valuation.

Market participants had been factoring in high double-digit revenue growth for the December quarter. However, analysts said Trent’s latest update pointed to year-on-year growth closer to the mid-teens, raising questions around the pace of expansion amid a broader slowdown in discretionary consumption. Same-store sales growth and revenue per square foot are also showing signs of moderation, adding to investor unease.

At current levels, Trent continues to trade at elevated multiples. Analysts estimate the stock is valued at roughly 70 to 90 times forward earnings, levels that leave little room for error. According to brokerage assessments, even a sustained growth rate of 25 percent may be difficult to achieve going forward, given the company’s already extensive store network and increasing urban saturation.

Trent had been one of the strongest performers in India’s retail space, delivering returns of nearly 1,700 percent since its March 2020 lows. However, momentum has reversed over the past year. The stock has declined around 40 percent in 2025 so far, significantly underperforming the benchmark Nifty index.

The weakness in Trent also weighed on sentiment across the retail sector. Shares of V2 Retail, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands and Shoppers Stop closed lower, while Avenue Supermarts and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail managed modest gains.

Brokerages cautioned that recent gains in Trent’s share price were driven by expectations of a growth revival. With those expectations now tempered, analysts believe earnings downgrades could continue in the near term, prompting investors to reassess exposure until clearer signs of acceleration emerge.

Amul Denies Viral Quality Claims on Masti Dahi, Reaffirms Compliance with FSSAI Safety Standards

Food Safety

SnackTeam

January 6, 2026

India’s largest dairy cooperative Amul has moved to allay consumer concerns after a video circulating widely on social media questioned the quality of its popular Masti Dahi. The company issued a detailed clarification, rejecting the claims and asserting that the product fully complies with all food safety regulations prescribed in India.

The viral clip, shared across platforms including WhatsApp, alleged that Amul Masti Dahi had failed certain quality parameters during testing. The source of the test and the conditions under which it was conducted were not clearly stated, prompting confusion and concern among consumers.

Responding to the claims, Amul said it conducted an internal review of the specific batch referenced in the video and verified its quality reports. According to the company, the batch meets all standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and aligns with Amul’s own internal quality benchmarks, which the cooperative described as among the most rigorous in the dairy sector.

Amul also highlighted the nature of dahi as a live fermented product. Because it contains active cultures, factors such as storage temperature, handling during transport and the manner in which samples are collected can significantly affect test outcomes. The company noted that it has no information on how the sample shown in the video was stored prior to testing.

Manufactured at ISO certified facilities, Amul Masti Dahi undergoes more than 50 quality and hygiene checks before reaching retail shelves. These include microbial testing and safety assessments to ensure consistency and freshness across batches.

Addressing questions around packaging, Amul clarified that there is no quality difference between dahi sold in cups and pouches. The price variation, it said, is solely due to packaging costs.

The cooperative cautioned against unverified claims circulating online and urged consumers to rely on official communication and regulatory authorities for accurate information. Customers seeking clarification have been encouraged to reach out directly to Amul’s consumer support channels.

Amul reaffirmed its commitment to food safety, transparency and consumer trust, stating that it remains focused on maintaining strict quality controls across its product portfolio.

Traya’s FY25 Revenue Jumps 43% to ₹338 Cr, Losses Return as Expenses Surge

Business

SnackTeam

January 6, 2026

India’s direct-to-consumer haircare and wellness brand Traya delivered strong top-line growth in FY25, even as rising costs pushed the company back into losses after a brief return to profitability last year.

According to its latest financial disclosures, Traya’s revenue from operations climbed 43.2 percent year-on-year to ₹338 crore in FY25, compared with ₹236 crore in the previous fiscal. The growth was primarily driven by sustained demand for its ayurvedic oral and topical hair solutions, supplements, cosmetics, and medicinal products, which together accounted for nearly all of the company’s operating income. Ancillary streams, including doctor consultations, logistics income, and hair transplant services, made up a small portion of total revenue.

While sales momentum remained strong, expenses expanded at a faster pace. Total expenditure rose 60 percent year-on-year to ₹366 crore, up from ₹229 crore in FY24. Sales and marketing spend increased 40 percent to ₹138 crore as the company continued to invest heavily in customer acquisition and brand visibility. Employee-related costs more than doubled to ₹83 crore, reflecting aggressive hiring and expansion across functions.

Input costs also remained elevated. Traya reported material consumption expenses of ₹83 crore, alongside higher freight, rental, legal, and other operational costs that added pressure to margins. The widening gap between income and expenditure resulted in a net loss of ₹23 crore for FY25, reversing the ₹8.6 crore profit posted a year earlier.

Key profitability metrics weakened during the period. Return on capital employed slipped into negative territory at minus 20.47 percent, while EBITDA margin stood at minus 6.18 percent. On a unit economics basis, the company spent ₹1.08 to generate every rupee of operating revenue.

The broader haircare and hair loss treatment market continues to grow, driven by rising lifestyle stress, pollution, and health awareness. However, increasing competition from both non-invasive solutions and surgical hair transplant services is intensifying pressure on pricing, margins, and long-term differentiation for D2C brands operating in the space.

Abhay Deol Joins Dubstep as Brand Ambassador as the Fast Fashion Tech Brand Targets India’s Youth Audio Market

SnackTeam

January 6, 2026

Actor Abhay Deol has come on board as the brand ambassador for Dubstep, a fast growing consumer technology brand that positions itself at the intersection of fashion, sound and self expression. Known for his unconventional career choices and deep connection with music and culture, Deol’s association signals a clear intent from the brand to stand apart in an overcrowded gadgets market.

Dubstep has been steadily building a name for itself by blending audio products with bold design and youth driven storytelling. With Abhay Deol as the face of the brand, Dubstep is leaning into a philosophy rooted in playfulness, freedom and individuality rather than chasing loud celebrity hype. Deol’s personal brand aligns closely with this approach. Over the years, he has consistently chosen projects that reflect independence and creative risk, earning credibility among younger, culture conscious audiences.

The campaign visuals showcase Deol in a relaxed yet confident avatar, reinforcing the idea that technology can be an extension of personal style rather than just a utility. The focus is not only on sound quality but also on how products fit into everyday life, travel and leisure. Dubstep’s messaging highlights accessibility and attitude, positioning its devices as lifestyle companions rather than technical tools.

For Dubstep, this partnership marks an important step in scaling brand recall across urban and digital first consumers. For Deol, it is a rare endorsement that feels organic rather than transactional. At a time when consumers are increasingly skeptical of forced brand associations, this collaboration stands out for its coherence.

As India’s audio and wearable tech market becomes more competitive, Dubstep’s bet on authenticity and culture led branding could help it carve a distinct identity. With Abhay Deol on board, the brand appears ready to speak to a generation that values expression as much as performance.

EBG Group Bets on Mrunal Thakur to Scale Carlton Wellness Across Digital Storytelling and Experiential Health Platforms

SnackTeam

January 6, 2026

EBG Group has announced actor Mrunal Thakur as the brand ambassador for Carlton Wellness, marking a strategic move as the group sharpens its focus on lifestyle led health and wellness offerings. Effective from FY 2025 26, the partnership will see Thakur front Carlton Wellness across brand films, digital storytelling initiatives and experiential wellness campaigns.

Carlton Wellness is positioned as a holistic platform that looks beyond surface level fitness trends to address everyday wellbeing, balance and mindful living. By bringing Mrunal Thakur on board, EBG Group appears to be aligning the brand with a voice that resonates strongly with urban, young and aspirational consumers. Thakur’s public image, built on consistency, discipline and relatability, fits naturally with the brand’s long term vision.

Over the past few years, India’s wellness industry has seen rapid growth, driven by rising health awareness, lifestyle shifts and increased spending on preventive care. Brands in this space are increasingly moving away from clinical messaging to more personal, story driven communication. Carlton Wellness seems to be following the same path, using narrative and experience to build deeper consumer connections.

As part of the collaboration, Thakur will headline campaigns that focus on real life wellness journeys rather than idealized routines. The emphasis will be on sustainable habits, mental wellbeing and accessible health choices, areas that continue to gain relevance among working professionals and younger audiences.

For EBG Group, this association is also a signal of intent to scale Carlton Wellness through culture led branding and immersive engagement formats. For Mrunal Thakur, the partnership adds another dimension to her growing portfolio of brand associations rooted in purpose rather than visibility alone.

As wellness continues to evolve from a niche interest into a mainstream lifestyle priority, collaborations like this reflect how brands are choosing credibility and alignment over conventional celebrity endorsements. Carlton Wellness, backed by EBG Group and fronted by Mrunal Thakur, is positioning itself to be part of that shift.

Urban Harvest Expands Beyond Fresh Produce, Buys Cocosutra in Rs 2.5 Crore Cash Deal

Growth

SnackTeam

January 6, 2026

Urban Harvest has quietly made a sharp strategic move by acquiring gourmet food brand Cocosutra in a Rs 2.5 crore all cash deal. Known primarily as a fast growing B2B fresh produce and food supply company, Urban Harvest is now stepping deeper into the premium consumer food space with this acquisition.

Founded with a focus on coconut based indulgent products, Cocosutra has built a loyal niche following for its drinking chocolates, hot chocolate mixes, spreads and dessert focused offerings. The brand positioned itself at the intersection of indulgence and better ingredients, appealing to urban consumers looking for premium alternatives without going fully mainstream. Over the years, Cocosutra found traction across online platforms, gifting segments and select retail outlets, especially in metro cities.

For Urban Harvest, the acquisition signals a clear intent to diversify beyond bulk supply and institutional clients. By bringing Cocosutra under its umbrella, the company gains access to a ready made brand, established SKUs and a consumer facing identity that would have taken years to build organically. Industry observers see this as a move to balance margins and reduce dependence on pure B2B volume driven growth.

The Rs 2.5 crore all cash nature of the deal also stands out at a time when many acquisitions are heavily stock based or deferred. It reflects Urban Harvest’s confidence in Cocosutra’s potential and the belief that premium packaged foods still have headroom for growth in India.

Going forward, the real test will be scale. With Urban Harvest’s supply chain strength and distribution reach, Cocosutra could move faster into modern trade, hospitality and export focused channels. If executed well, this acquisition may mark the beginning of a broader consumer brand portfolio for Urban Harvest, rather than a one off experiment.

Lotto Brings Back Sania Mirza in Dual Role to Strengthen Its Play in India’s Rapidly Growing Women’s Sportswear Segment

SnackTeam

January 6, 2026

Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza has returned as the brand ambassador for Italian sportswear brand Lotto, marking a renewed partnership that goes beyond endorsement and into leadership. This time, Mirza also steps in as chief advisor for women’s sports, a role that reflects her long standing commitment to building stronger pathways for women in athletics.

Lotto’s decision to bring Mirza back comes at a time when women’s sports in India are seeing higher visibility, increased participation and growing commercial interest. Mirza, who has won six Grand Slam titles and spent over a decade competing at the highest level, brings credibility that few athletes can match. Her influence extends beyond trophies, shaped by years of advocating for equal opportunity, fitness and confidence among young women.

In her advisory role, Mirza will work closely with the brand on product development, community programs and initiatives aimed at making sports more accessible and relevant for women. The focus is not limited to elite athletes but also includes everyday players who see sport as a tool for confidence and self belief. Lotto plans to use this collaboration to deepen its engagement with women consumers across categories such as footwear, apparel and training essentials.

For Lotto, India remains a key market as global sportswear brands compete for attention in a crowded space. Aligning with a figure like Mirza helps the brand connect on values rather than just performance. For Mirza, the partnership feels like a continuation of her journey in sport, now shaped by mentorship and impact rather than competition.

As conversations around women’s health, fitness and representation gain momentum, this collaboration positions Lotto and Sania Mirza at the center of a larger cultural shift. It signals a move from short term endorsements to long term purpose driven partnerships that aim to leave a lasting mark on the sporting ecosystem.

Zepto Introduces In-App UPI Payments to Streamline Checkout Experience

Business

SnackTeam

January 6, 2026

Quick commerce platform Zepto has quietly introduced an in-app UPI payments feature, marking another step by large delivery companies to bring payments fully within their own ecosystems, people familiar with the development told Moneycontrol. The feature has been live for close to six months and allows users to complete UPI transactions without being redirected to third-party apps such as Google Pay or PhonePe.

While Zepto has not made a formal announcement and did not respond to queries on the rollout, the move reflects a broader industry trend. Leading food and grocery delivery platforms are increasingly internalising payments to simplify checkout, cut transaction failures, and gain tighter control over a critical part of the customer journey.

With in-app UPI, users can authorise payments directly within Zepto’s interface, reducing friction caused by app switching. Industry executives say even small improvements in payment success rates can have a meaningful impact on order completion, especially during peak demand windows where speed and reliability are central to user experience.

Zepto’s rollout follows similar initiatives by larger rivals. Swiggy recently launched Swiggy UPI using the NPCI’s plug-in framework, enabling customers to pay within the app after a one-time setup. The company has previously stated that the feature shortens checkout time and lowers payment drop-offs. Zomato has taken a slightly different route by partnering with ICICI Bank to offer users a Zomato-linked UPI ID, effectively issuing its own UPI handle for seamless in-app payments.

The shift reflects how payments are no longer treated as a back-end utility but as a strategic layer for consumer internet platforms. By internalising UPI flows, companies gain better visibility into transaction data, reduce dependence on external apps, and exert greater control over reliability during high-volume periods.

For Zepto, which has been scaling its dark store network and order volumes at pace, streamlining payments aligns with its focus on faster fulfilment and consistent service. As competition intensifies across food delivery and quick commerce, platforms are increasingly looking at payments as a lever to improve efficiency, retain users, and protect margins at scale.

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