KitKat Partners with Formula 1, Unveils F1 Car-Shaped Chocolate Ahead of 2026 Season

Business

January 17, 2026

KitKat has signed a global partnership with Formula 1, becoming the sport’s official chocolate bar from the 2026 season, as the Nestlé-owned brand looks to tap into motorsport’s rapidly expanding international audience. The collaboration will be marked by the launch of a limited-edition Formula 1 car shaped chocolate, scheduled to debut in January 2026, ahead of the new racing calendar.

The partnership places KitKat within Formula 1’s worldwide ecosystem at a time when the sport is seeing strong growth across younger demographics and new markets. Formula 1’s global fanbase has crossed 750 million, with digital engagement and entertainment-led formats driving renewed interest beyond traditional race followers. KitKat’s entry into the sport reflects a broader strategy to align with high-energy, culturally relevant platforms while reinforcing its long-standing “take a break” positioning.

At the centre of the launch is a newly designed chocolate product moulded in the shape of a Formula 1 car. The confection features a milk chocolate exterior, a smooth cream filling, and crisp cereal inclusions, offering a texture-led experience that mirrors KitKat’s core product identity. The chocolate has been developed at Nestlé’s confectionery research and development centre in York, United Kingdom, which supports innovation across the company’s global chocolate portfolio.

The Formula 1 chocolate car will initially be released in the United Kingdom and Ireland in mid-January 2026. It will be available in a 29-gram single bar and a multipack format comprising five smaller units, allowing both impulse and sharing occasions. Wider market rollouts are expected to follow as the season progresses.

Beyond product innovation, the partnership includes a comprehensive marketing and fan engagement plan. KitKat will activate across retail, digital platforms, and select Formula 1 events, with promotions, exclusive merchandise, and interactive campaigns designed to deepen consumer participation. The brand also plans targeted visibility around Formula 1 content consumed by younger audiences, including entertainment-led programming.

For Nestlé, the collaboration strengthens KitKat’s global relevance by blending sport, entertainment, and everyday indulgence. As Formula 1 continues to broaden its cultural footprint, the partnership positions KitKat to connect with fans during moments of excitement while reinforcing its presence in a competitive global confectionery market.

India Set to Become Coca-Cola’s Third Largest Market as Sales, Profits and Investments Accelerate

Business

SnackTeam

January 17, 2026

India is steadily moving toward becoming one of Coca-Cola’s most critical global markets, with the country expected to rank among the company’s top three by volume in the coming years, according to John Murphy, President and Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.

During a recent visit to India, Murphy said the market’s growth trajectory remains strong, supported by favourable demographics, rising consumption, and policy-driven economic momentum. India currently sits within Coca-Cola’s top five markets globally, driven by brands such as Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Maaza, Dasani, and Honest Tea.

Financial performance reflects this momentum. Coca-Cola India reported a 46 percent jump in consolidated net profit to ₹615 crore in FY25, while revenue from operations rose 7 percent to ₹5,042.6 crore, as per filings accessed via Tofler. The company has benefited from improving affordability, expanded distribution, and increased demand across urban and semi-urban markets.

Murphy pointed to government-led investments in infrastructure, electrification, and digital payments as key enablers of consumption growth. He noted that digitisation in particular is reshaping retail and supply chains, creating opportunities for faster reach and improved execution.

Coca-Cola continues to deepen its long-term commitment through its bottling ecosystem, which includes its in-house arm Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages and franchise partners such as Moon Beverages. These partners are expanding capacity across bottling, retail execution, and digital capabilities. Industry executives said investments are being made ahead of demand to support future scale.

The company is also open to selective acquisitions in India as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its presence across beverage categories. Globally, Coca-Cola’s past acquisitions include Maaza, Thums Up, Limca, Costa Coffee, Fairlife, BodyArmor, and Vitaminwater.

With more than six million retail outlets and three billion-dollar brands in India, Coca-Cola is also increasing focus on low- and no-sugar options to match evolving consumer preferences. Despite intensifying competition from regional and new-age brands, Murphy said the Indian beverage market remains underpenetrated, offering significant headroom for growth.

As Coca-Cola sharpens its focus on Asia through recent organisational changes, India is emerging as a central pillar in the company’s global growth strategy.

OneVeda Enters India’s Wellness Market with Science-Validated Modern Ayurvedic Products

Business

SnackTeam

January 16, 2026

India’s wellness market has a new entrant with the launch of OneVeda, a modern Ayurvedic brand that aims to blend classical Indian healing systems with contemporary scientific validation. Founded by entrepreneur Sahil Sonigara, the brand enters a crowded wellness landscape with a clear positioning around credibility, traceability and research-led formulations.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, OneVeda says its core objective is to address growing consumer scepticism around Ayurvedic products by reintroducing rigour into how traditional remedies are developed and presented. The company works closely with experienced Ayurvedic physicians and research professionals to formulate products that remain rooted in classical texts while being assessed through modern quality and safety benchmarks.

All raw materials used by OneVeda are sourced from certified farms and suppliers, with a focus on ethical procurement and consistency. According to the company, every ingredient is tested for potency, purity and contamination before it enters the production cycle, a step it believes is essential for building long-term trust in the category.

The brand has launched with a focused portfolio spanning wellness supplements, therapeutic oils and skin and body care products. These offerings target common health priorities such as immunity support, energy, stress management and daily rejuvenation. The formulations are designed for regular use, positioning Ayurveda as a practical part of everyday life rather than an occasional intervention.

Sonigara said the idea for OneVeda emerged from observing a disconnect between the promise of many wellness products and the outcomes consumers actually experience. The brand’s approach, he said, is centred on restoring authenticity by combining time-tested formulations with scientific validation and transparent communication.

Looking ahead, OneVeda plans to expand its range with clinically supported Ayurvedic nutraceuticals. The company is also developing a digital wellness platform that will offer personalised guidance based on Ayurvedic principles, signalling a move toward more customised health solutions.

As India’s wellness industry continues to grow, driven by rising health awareness and demand for natural solutions, OneVeda is positioning itself as a bridge between traditional knowledge and evidence-led modern consumption.

KASS Enters Indian Market as Science-Backed Bio-Intelligent Skincare Brand Focused on Long-Term Skin Health

Skincare

SnackTeam

January 16, 2026

Bengaluru: Luxury skincare label KASS has entered the Indian market with a clear focus on science-led, long-term skin health, positioning itself as the country’s first bio-intelligent skincare brand built specifically for Indian skin types and conditions.

Founded by Deepti Kulkarni, a trained skincare formulator and certified esthetician, KASS has been developed around a research-driven philosophy that looks beyond quick fixes and hero ingredients. Instead of targeting surface-level concerns, the brand’s formulations are designed to address the biological processes that influence skin behaviour over time. Each product uses layered combinations of bio-mimetic actives that work across multiple skin pathways, supporting the skin’s natural ability to repair, regenerate and maintain balance.

Product development for KASS has been carried out in collaboration with international bio-laboratories, with a strong emphasis on ingredient stability, absorption and compatibility. Several of the actives used are clinically validated and, in select cases, patented, underscoring the brand’s focus on measurable outcomes rather than cosmetic claims. The formulations blend advanced skin science with nature-derived components, aiming to suit India’s diverse climate conditions and increasingly urban lifestyles.

Kulkarni said the brand was shaped by a gap she observed in the domestic skincare landscape. Despite India’s long tradition of ingredient knowledge and ritual-based care, she noted that few homegrown brands were investing deeply in intelligent, globally benchmarked formulation science. KASS, she said, was created to bring a more thoughtful and root-cause-driven approach to skincare, one that prioritises skin health over short-term results.

The launch comes as India’s skincare market continues to expand rapidly. Industry estimates suggest the segment is growing at a compounded annual rate of 13 to 15 percent, driven by higher awareness, increased spending on personal care and growing trust in science-backed products. With consumers becoming more ingredient-conscious and outcome-focused, brands that combine credibility with performance are gaining traction.

KASS plans to build its presence gradually, positioning itself in the premium skincare space while focusing on education, transparency and long-term efficacy. By treating skin as a living, responsive organ rather than a cosmetic surface, the brand aims to carve out a distinct place in India’s evolving beauty market.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Ten X You Debuts on Myntra, Expands Play-First Sportswear Reach in India

Business

SnackTeam

January 16, 2026

Sachin Tendulkar’s sports and athleisure venture, Ten X You, has made its formal entry into India’s mainstream online retail ecosystem with a launch on Myntra, marking a significant step in the brand’s national expansion. The move brings the former cricketer’s vision of encouraging everyday physical activity closer to a wider base of Indian consumers through one of the country’s largest fashion-led e-commerce platforms.

Positioned as a brand for recreational players and fitness-first beginners, Ten X You is built around accessibility rather than elite performance alone. The label targets consumers who want sports and movement to blend naturally into daily routines, whether through structured play, casual workouts or comfort-focused everyday wear.

The debut range on Myntra is sizeable, featuring more than 90 products across footwear and apparel. Footwear forms a core part of the offering, with options spanning cricket-specific shoes, multi-sport designs suited for indoor and outdoor courts, walking and running recovery footwear, and casual silhouettes intended for daily use. A key focus during development was adapting designs to Indian foot anatomy, which is generally wider than global averages, to improve fit, stability and long-term comfort.

On the apparel side, the collection includes performance t-shirts, vests and shorts made using premium nylon-based fabrics. These are engineered for breathability, sweat management and ease of movement, while also being styled for wear beyond sporting environments. The aim is to bridge the gap between functional sportswear and relaxed lifestyle clothing.

Ten X You’s design philosophy draws on Tendulkar’s decades-long exposure to professional sport, combined with insights from athletes across disciplines and everyday users. According to the company, the emphasis is on durability, comfort and versatility rather than trend-driven fashion.

The launch also aligns with broader shifts in consumer behaviour. Activewear and athleisure continue to be among the fastest-growing lifestyle categories in India, driven by rising fitness awareness, hybrid work culture and a preference for comfort-led dressing. Myntra has reported strong repeat buying in its sportswear segment, highlighting sustained demand.

With its marketplace debut, Ten X You is now positioned to scale reach across metros and smaller cities alike, tapping into India’s growing appetite for accessible, play-focused sportswear.

Subway Hits 1,000 Stores in India, Underscoring Rapid Expansion in the QSR Market

Business

SnackTeam

January 16, 2026

Global sandwich chain Subway has crossed a significant expansion milestone in India with the opening of its 1,000th restaurant, underscoring the country’s growing role in the brand’s international growth strategy. The latest outlet, located at Paras Florett in Gurugram, reflects the brand’s steady and sustained scale-up in one of the world’s most competitive foodservice markets.

Subway’s India operations are managed by EverBrands, part of the Everstone Group. Since entering a new growth phase following the partnership in 2021, the brand has expanded rapidly from a base of about 700 stores. Over the past three years alone, Subway has added close to two outlets every week, taking its footprint to more than 165 cities and generating employment for over 3,500 people across its network.

Unlike many quick service brands that rely heavily on malls or destination formats, Subway’s expansion strategy in India has focused on accessibility. A large share of new outlets are located in neighbourhood high streets, mixed-use developments, office clusters, and residential catchments, positioning the brand as a frequent, everyday dining option rather than an occasional indulgence. This approach has helped drive repeat consumption across meals such as workday lunches and convenient dinners.

The brand has also built a selective presence in airports, transit hubs, educational institutions, and corporate campuses, where consistent footfall and defined demand patterns support operational efficiency. Menu localisation and pricing flexibility have further aided growth, allowing Subway to cater to diverse regional tastes while maintaining its global positioning around freshness and customisation.

India has become increasingly important for Subway as some mature markets have seen store rationalisation. Strong franchise interest, rising urbanisation, and a young consumer base continue to support expansion. Looking ahead, Subway plans to nearly double its India footprint over the next five to six years, with a continued focus on emerging cities and neighbourhood-led formats.

The 1,000-store milestone signals not an endpoint, but a transition into the brand’s next phase of growth in India’s fast-evolving foodservice landscape.

IHCL Acquires 51% Stake in Brij Hotels for ₹193 Crore to Strengthen Boutique Hospitality Portfolio

Growth

SnackTeam

January 16, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited has taken a decisive step to strengthen its presence in boutique and experiential hospitality by acquiring a 51 percent stake in Brij Hospitality for ₹193 crore. The transaction brings the Brij Hotels brand under IHCL’s control while retaining the founding promoters as long-term partners to drive expansion.

The move reflects IHCL’s broader strategy to tap into the fast-growing demand for experience-led leisure travel, particularly among domestic travellers seeking culturally immersive stays beyond conventional luxury hotels. Boutique properties focused on heritage, nature, spirituality and regional narratives have seen strong traction since travel recovered post-pandemic.

Brij Hospitality operates a portfolio of 22 hotels across destinations such as Jaipur, Varanasi, Ranthambore, the northern hill regions, the North East and Goa. The brand has built a niche around personalised service and locally rooted experiences. Eleven additional properties are already under development, indicating a steady pipeline even before the IHCL investment.

With the acquisition, IHCL’s overall hotel portfolio has expanded to 610 properties, including 253 hotels under development. The company continues to follow an asset-light growth model, while selectively investing in brands that add depth to its offering across price points and travel occasions. The Brij deal fits into this approach by strengthening IHCL’s footprint in premium boutique stays without overlapping its existing Taj, SeleQtions or Vivanta brands.

Brij’s founders have also outlined plans to take the brand beyond India. An experiential property in Pokhara, Nepal is in the works, and the company is evaluating opportunities in Sri Lanka, signalling a measured international expansion focused on destination-led storytelling rather than scale alone.

For IHCL, the investment provides access to a differentiated hospitality platform aligned with evolving traveller preferences. For Brij, the partnership offers capital, operational backing and access to IHCL’s distribution and loyalty ecosystem. Together, the deal positions both companies to benefit from the continued rise of experiential tourism in India and select overseas markets.

Walmart International CEO Kathryn McLay to Step Down After Two Years, Transition Planned Through Q1

Business

SnackTeam

January 16, 2026

Walmart has announced a leadership change at the top of its international business, with Kathryn McLay set to step down as Chief Executive Officer of Walmart International at the end of January 2026. The company said McLay will formally exit the role on January 31 and will stay on through the first quarter to support continuity and handover arrangements.

McLay’s departure comes at a time of broader leadership transition at the Bentonville headquartered retailer. Just two months ago, Walmart disclosed that long serving CEO Doug McMillon would step aside after a 12 year tenure, with US business head John Furner named as his successor. Walmart has not yet disclosed who will take over the international division, stating that an announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

An Australian national, McLay joined Walmart in 2015 and steadily rose through the ranks. She was appointed CEO of Walmart International in August 2023, taking charge of a business that generates more than $100 billion in annual revenue and spans 18 countries. Before that, she led Sam’s Club during the pandemic years, overseeing a period of strong execution that resulted in 12 consecutive quarters of double digit sales growth for the warehouse club chain.

People familiar with the matter said McLay’s exit is not linked to any internal disagreement. Walmart has also not indicated whether the leadership change signals a shift in its international strategy. The company’s overseas operations include key growth markets such as China and India, which have played an increasingly important role in its global expansion.

In its most recent quarterly results, Walmart International reported net sales of $33.5 billion, marking a year on year increase of 10.8 percent, underlining the scale and momentum of the division McLay led.

Commenting on her time at the company, McLay said Walmart had given her the opportunity to create meaningful impact and expressed gratitude for her journey with the organisation. As Walmart prepares to name her successor, attention will remain on how the retailer steers its international portfolio amid leadership changes at the top.

Rising Input Costs Hit FY25 Profits of Parle Biscuits and Mondelez India Despite Steady Demand

Business

SnackTeam

January 16, 2026

India’s packaged food heavyweights ended FY25 on a softer note as inflation in key raw materials eroded profitability, underscoring the growing pressure on consumer goods companies operating across both premium and mass segments.

Parle Biscuits and Mondelez India, leaders in biscuits and chocolates respectively, reported steep drops in net profit for the year ended March 2025, even as demand for everyday packaged foods remained largely stable.

Mondelez India, which sells brands such as Cadbury, Oreo and Bournvita, saw revenue decline 9 percent to ₹12,602 crore in FY25, according to filings accessed via Tofler. Net profit, however, fell sharply to ₹11 crore, down from ₹2,021 crore in the previous year. The company’s sales slipped marginally to ₹12,503 crore from ₹12,747 crore, while total expenses surged to ₹12,549 crore, compared with ₹11,082 crore in FY24.

The sharp squeeze on margins was driven by a rise in input costs, particularly cocoa and dairy derivatives, along with higher employee expenses. Depreciation and finance costs also rose significantly during the year, reflecting increased capital expenditure and borrowing amid tighter financial conditions.

Parle Biscuits, India’s largest biscuit maker by volume, faced similar challenges. The company reported a 7 percent rise in revenue to ₹16,191 crore in FY25, supported by steady volumes across its core glucose and Marie portfolios. Despite this, net profit declined 39 percent to ₹980 crore.

Parle’s operating margins came under strain as prices of wheat, sugar and edible oils remained elevated for most of the year. Additional pressure came from higher packaging, fuel and logistics costs. Operating in one of the most price-sensitive categories in the fast-moving consumer goods market, Parle had limited room to raise prices without risking demand, unlike premium-focused peers.

Industry executives say FY25 highlighted the vulnerability of food companies to sustained commodity inflation. While consumption held up, especially in staples and affordable indulgences, the inability to fully pass on costs meant earnings bore the brunt.

With raw material prices showing mixed trends and competitive intensity remaining high, analysts expect margin recovery to be gradual, dependent on commodity softening and sharper cost controls in the coming quarters.

Imported Coffee Machines Become India’s New Luxury Statement as Affluent Buyers Spend Lakhs for Café-Style Brews at Home

Business

SnackTeam

January 16, 2026

India’s premium home coffee market is quietly turning into a marker of lifestyle and status, driven by affluent, globally exposed consumers who want café-quality brews without stepping out. Imported coffee machines priced anywhere between ₹60,000 and ₹1.5 lakh are finding space in urban kitchens and living rooms, as demand for artisanal brewing equipment gathers pace.

Industry estimates suggest around 20,000 high-end coffee machines are sold in India each year, including officially imported units. The actual number is likely higher, as many buyers source machines directly from Europe or the US during overseas travel or via cross-border e-commerce platforms. Brands such as SMEG, De’Longhi, Versuni and La Carimali are increasingly viewed not just as appliances, but as design-led centrepieces.

The broader coffee machine market in India is valued at roughly ₹250–300 crore and is growing at over 15 percent annually. Total unit sales across all price segments touched an estimated 4.2 to 4.5 lakh machines last year, more than double the volumes seen in 2019. While models priced under ₹15,000 still account for the bulk of sales, premium machines are emerging as the fastest-growing slice.

Industry executives attribute this shift to India’s expanding café culture and rising exposure to global coffee formats. Ravi Saxena, founder of Wonderchef Home Appliances, says neighbourhood cafés have trained consumers to appreciate texture, temperature and flavour, translating into higher expectations at home. Wonderchef now sells premium automatic machines priced between ₹60,000 and ₹90,000, a category that barely existed six years ago.

Retailers echo the trend. Vijay Sales reports monthly sales of 400 to 500 coffee machines, noting that premium models are gaining traction alongside entry-level options. Versuni India, which markets Philips coffee machines, has seen strong response to its pilot range priced up to ₹80,000 and is exploring local manufacturing as volumes scale.

For buyers, the appeal goes beyond caffeine. From sourcing exotic beans to recreating European café rituals, the premium coffee machine has become a statement of taste, travel and aspiration in India’s evolving urban homes.

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