Nykaa Takes Over Kiehl’s India Ops in Exclusive L’Oréal Luxe Deal

Beauty

By

-

February 13, 2026

Beauty retailer Nykaa has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with the L’Oréal Luxe division in India to take over the end-to-end operations of premium skincare brand Kiehl’s in the country.

The move deepens Nykaa’s decade-long partnership with L’Oréal and marks a strategic expansion of its role — from retail partner to full-scale distribution and operations manager for the brand in India.

Under the agreement, Nykaa will oversee Kiehl’s entire India business, including its existing and upcoming exclusive brand outlets, the direct-to-consumer website (Kiehls.in), digital platforms, and multi-brand retail distribution. The brand will also be integrated across Nykaa’s omnichannel ecosystem, spanning its online marketplace and physical retail network.

The transition is not expected to disrupt current operations. Kiehl’s standalone stores and consumer touchpoints will continue to function as usual during the handover.

Kiehl’s operates in the premium skincare segment, known for science-led formulations and dermatologist-backed positioning. With the new structure, the brand is expected to leverage Nykaa’s customer base, logistics infrastructure, and faster delivery capabilities in select cities.

The partnership comes at a time when India’s beauty and personal care market is witnessing accelerated growth, particularly in the luxury and high-performance skincare categories.

L’Oréal Luxe India’s portfolio includes global beauty brands such as Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent and Kiehl’s. Executives from both companies said the agreement aims to strengthen their collaboration and scale Kiehl’s footprint in India’s expanding luxury beauty market.

Nykaa Takes Over Kiehl’s India Ops in Exclusive L’Oréal Luxe Deal

Beauty

By

Online Desk

-

February 13, 2026

0

Nykaa Takes Over Kiehl’s India Ops in Exclusive L’Oréal Luxe Deal

Beauty retailer Nykaa has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with the L’Oréal Luxe division in India to take over the end-to-end operations of premium skincare brand Kiehl’s in the country.

The move deepens Nykaa’s decade-long partnership with L’Oréal and marks a strategic expansion of its role — from retail partner to full-scale distribution and operations manager for the brand in India.

Under the agreement, Nykaa will oversee Kiehl’s entire India business, including its existing and upcoming exclusive brand outlets, the direct-to-consumer website (Kiehls.in), digital platforms, and multi-brand retail distribution. The brand will also be integrated across Nykaa’s omnichannel ecosystem, spanning its online marketplace and physical retail network.

The transition is not expected to disrupt current operations. Kiehl’s standalone stores and consumer touchpoints will continue to function as usual during the handover.

Kiehl’s operates in the premium skincare segment, known for science-led formulations and dermatologist-backed positioning. With the new structure, the brand is expected to leverage Nykaa’s customer base, logistics infrastructure, and faster delivery capabilities in select cities.

The partnership comes at a time when India’s beauty and personal care market is witnessing accelerated growth, particularly in the luxury and high-performance skincare categories.

L’Oréal Luxe India’s portfolio includes global beauty brands such as Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent and Kiehl’s. Executives from both companies said the agreement aims to strengthen their collaboration and scale Kiehl’s footprint in India’s expanding luxury beauty market.

Duty-Free Boost for Indian Garments Using US Cotton Under Interim Trade Pact

International

By

Online Desk

-

February 13, 2026

0

Duty-Free Boost for Indian Garments Using US Cotton Under Interim Trade Pact

India will receive concessional duty access for garments made using American yarn and cotton under the proposed interim trade agreement with the United States, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

The benefit will mirror the arrangement currently available to Bangladesh, allowing Indian garment manufacturers to import US-origin raw materials, process them domestically, and re-export finished products to the US at concessional or zero duty.

“Whatever Bangladesh has got, India will also get in the final agreement,” Goyal said on the sidelines of a startup event, adding that the framework for the first phase of the India-US bilateral trade agreement has been finalised and is expected to be implemented in March.

No quota on cotton imports

Under the proposed arrangement, there will be no quota on the import of US cotton and yarn for re-export-linked manufacturing. Indian companies using American raw materials to produce garments for shipment back to the US will receive duty-free access, similar to the US-Bangladesh reciprocal trade pact.

The US-Bangladesh agreement allows tariff-free exports of apparel and textiles to America if manufacturers use US-produced cotton or man-made fibre inputs. Washington also lowered reciprocal tariffs on Bangladesh to 19% from 20%, narrowing the tariff gap between India and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest garment exporter, is one of India’s key competitors in the US textile and apparel market, alongside China and Vietnam.

‘No impact on Indian farmers’

Goyal emphasised that the proposed provisions would not adversely affect Indian cotton farmers. He noted that the US has limited cotton production and exports about $5 billion worth annually, while India’s cotton export target stands at $50 billion.

“Only those items that India already imports and which will not hurt farmers in any way have been opened in a calibrated manner,” the minister said. He added that 90–95% of agricultural produce remains outside the scope of the US trade deal.

Products such as dairy, poultry, rice, wheat, soybean, maize, fruits, vegetables, ethanol, tobacco, meat, pulses and millets are not part of the agreement, he said.

According to Goyal, the trade pact will help expand India’s exports not just to the US but also to other developed markets including the EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway and Australia. “The ₹5 lakh crore we export today can grow to ₹10 lakh crore,” he said.

Broader trade push

Goyal also said India’s trade agreements now cover nearly 70% of global GDP and that recently signed free trade agreements are opening developed markets to Indian industries, including medical devices, at concessional duties.

He urged industry stakeholders to provide suggestions on enabling startup founders to retain greater equity ownership and called for expanded infrastructure for sectors such as medical technology and data centres.

On clean energy and digital infrastructure, the minister said India is positioning itself as a competitive destination with round-the-clock renewable power availability, aiming to strengthen its standing in global supply chains.

The interim trade agreement with the US is expected to provide further clarity once finalised, with detailed provisions to be reflected in the fine print.

Jaipur McDonald’s Outlet Pulled Up Over Rotten Tomatoes, Reused Oil

Food Safety

By

SnackTeam

-

February 13, 2026

0

Food safety authorities in Jaipur have issued a formal warning to a local outlet of McDonald’s after an inspection revealed the use of cooking oil deemed unfit for consumption and the presence of rotten tomatoes in storage.

The inspection was carried out earlier this week in Jaipur, Rajasthan. According to government food safety officer Sushil Chotwani, officials found approximately 40 litres of cooking oil that had been repeatedly used and classified as unsuitable for consumption under food safety norms. Samples of the oil were collected and sent for further testing.

Inspectors also found spoiled tomatoes stored at the outlet, raising additional compliance concerns. The violations prompted authorities to issue a warning notice to the restaurant.

The outlet has been given 14 days to rectify its practices, failing which stricter regulatory action may follow. Officials have also indicated that additional inspections of other McDonald’s outlets in Jaipur will be conducted as part of a broader review.

In response, Connaught Plaza Restaurants, the franchisee operating McDonald’s outlets in North and East India, said it is cooperating with authorities and adheres to the brand’s global quality and food safety standards. The parent company did not immediately respond to queries.

While food adulteration and safety violations are periodically reported across India, lapses involving large multinational restaurant chains remain relatively uncommon. The development has once again brought food safety standards at high-profile outlets into focus.

McDonald’s operates hundreds of outlets across India and remains one of the country’s most recognised quick-service restaurant brands.

Jaipur McDonald’s Outlet Pulled Up Over Rotten Tomatoes, Reused Oil

Food Safety

By

Online Desk

-

February 13, 2026

0

Jaipur McDonald’s Outlet Pulled Up Over Rotten Tomatoes, Reused Oil

Food safety authorities in Jaipur have issued a formal warning to a local outlet of McDonald’s after an inspection revealed the use of cooking oil deemed unfit for consumption and the presence of rotten tomatoes in storage.

The inspection was carried out earlier this week in Jaipur, Rajasthan. According to government food safety officer Sushil Chotwani, officials found approximately 40 litres of cooking oil that had been repeatedly used and classified as unsuitable for consumption under food safety norms. Samples of the oil were collected and sent for further testing.

Inspectors also found spoiled tomatoes stored at the outlet, raising additional compliance concerns. The violations prompted authorities to issue a warning notice to the restaurant.

The outlet has been given 14 days to rectify its practices, failing which stricter regulatory action may follow. Officials have also indicated that additional inspections of other McDonald’s outlets in Jaipur will be conducted as part of a broader review.

In response, Connaught Plaza Restaurants, the franchisee operating McDonald’s outlets in North and East India, said it is cooperating with authorities and adheres to the brand’s global quality and food safety standards. The parent company did not immediately respond to queries.

While food adulteration and safety violations are periodically reported across India, lapses involving large multinational restaurant chains remain relatively uncommon. The development has once again brought food safety standards at high-profile outlets into focus.

McDonald’s operates hundreds of outlets across India and remains one of the country’s most recognised quick-service restaurant brands.

From Cola to Coffee, India Goes Low-Sugar as Health Trends Go Mainstream

FMCG

By

SnackTeam

-

February 13, 2026

0

India’s love affair with sugary drinks is cooling — and zero-sugar beverages are stepping into the spotlight.

Sales of zero- and low-sugar drinks climbed to a five-year high in 2025, marking a clear shift from what was once dismissed as an urban health fad to a full-blown mainstream trend. Industry data shows the segment’s share has surged to an average 30% of total beverage sales in 2025, up sharply from just about 5% in 2020.

Leading the charge is Coca-Cola, where zero-sugar variants now account for 30% of total volumes. This includes Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Thums Up X Force (no-sugar), Sprite Zero, Kinley water, and select juice and energy drink options. Diet Coke alone saw its sales double year-on-year. Coca-Cola currently leads India’s ₹60,000 crore-plus soft drinks market.

Rival PepsiCo is witnessing a similar shift. Its no-sugar and mid-sugar portfolio contributed 59% of total volumes in the October–December 2025 quarter, up from 53% a year earlier, according to bottling partner Varun Beverages. The portfolio includes Pepsi Black, 7 Up Zero Sugar, Sting energy drink, Tropicana no-sugar variants, Evervess Soda, and Aquafina water — marking the company’s strongest year-on-year jump in this category.

Executives attribute the surge to rising health awareness, changing consumer behaviour, and stronger participation from Gen Z. Industry insiders say Indian consumers are now paying closer attention to calorie intake and ingredient labels — without giving up flavour or indulgence.

The trend is no longer limited to fizzy drinks. Coffee chains are also responding to evolving preferences. Tata Starbucks introduced sugar-free flavour options across more than 500 stores in January, citing increased demand for customisable sweetness levels. According to company executives, the start of the year — driven by New Year resolutions and lifestyle resets — typically sees heightened interest in lower-calorie choices.

Coca-Cola is pushing affordability as well, expanding sugar-free offerings at accessible price points starting from ₹10. The company is also introducing no-sugar variants under Schweppes and leveraging digital campaigns to promote newer consumption trends, such as blending Diet Coke with espresso.

Industry observers say India’s urban consumers have reached a generational inflection point in wellness trends, with both health consciousness and aesthetic motivations playing a role. The increasing adoption of diabetes and weight-management drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide is also reinforcing dietary shifts.

Investor interest is following consumer behaviour. Direct-to-consumer brands focused on low- or no-sugar positioning — such as Go Zero, Yummy Bee, and Chini Kum — have attracted fresh funding in recent months, signalling growing confidence in the category.

The Glenwalk Crosses Rs 100 Crore in Nine Months, Rolls Out Five New Scotch Variants, Eyes Rs 200 Crore FY26 Close

Business

By

SnackTeam

-

February 12, 2026

0

Sanjay Dutt backed Scotch whisky label The Glenwalk has reported net revenue of Rs 100 crore for the April to December 2025 period, marking a sharp rise in scale for the young premium spirits brand. The company is now targeting revenue of Rs 200 crore by March 31, 2026, on the back of higher volumes, wider distribution and an expanded product line-up.

The Glenwalk closed the first nine months of FY26 with sales of about 2.40 lakh cases and has set a full-year volume goal of up to 2.70 lakh cases. The brand recorded its strongest performance in Maharashtra, where it emerged as the top selling Scotch whisky by volume in 2025, according to industry executives. Maharashtra continues to be the largest market for premium whisky in India, making the milestone significant for the brand’s national ambitions.

To fuel its next phase of growth, The Glenwalk is introducing five new variants across peated and smoked profiles. The new launches include two five year aged expressions and two seven year aged expressions, offered at 43 percent and 48 percent alcohol by volume, along with a new 48 percent ABV variant under the core range. The company said the additions are aimed at premium consumers seeking bolder flavour profiles while strengthening shelf presence across retail and on trade outlets.

Founded by Cartel Bros in partnership with Living Liquidz and Mansionz, The Glenwalk has focused on building a Scotch portfolio tailored to Indian taste preferences while maintaining global quality benchmarks. The brand has picked up multiple international awards across 2023 to 2025, including medals at the London Spirits Awards and IWSC, helping boost trade acceptance and consumer recall.

Looking ahead, the company plans to step up production, add distributors in new states and deepen its presence in key urban markets. With demand rising across bars, hotels and retail stores, The Glenwalk is positioning itself to scale faster in FY26 and strengthen its footprint in the premium Scotch whisky segment in India.

Coca Cola to Phase Out Minute Maid Frozen Juices After Eight Decades as Consumer Demand Shifts

FMCG

By

SnackTeam

-

February 12, 2026

0

Coca Cola is set to discontinue Minute Maid’s frozen juice concentrates, bringing down the curtain on a category that has been part of American kitchens for nearly 80 years. The company confirmed that it will exit the frozen can segment in the coming months, with products remaining on store shelves only until existing stocks are exhausted.

The move comes as consumption patterns continue to change, with shoppers favouring ready to drink and fresh juice options over concentrates that require home preparation. Company executives said the decision reflects a sharper focus on formats that align with how consumers buy and consume beverages today.

Minute Maid’s frozen range includes orange, lemonade, pink lemonade, raspberry lemonade and limeade. Once a staple in family freezers, the concentrates lost relevance as refrigeration, cold chain logistics and pasteurisation improved, making chilled and shelf stable juices widely available across retail outlets.

The frozen juice concept dates back to 1946 when Vacuum Foods Corporation introduced concentrates as a way to offer fruit juice year round. The Minute Maid name followed three years later and quickly became associated with convenience at a time when fresh juice was not easily accessible. Coca Cola acquired the brand in 1960 and expanded it into one of its largest juice platforms globally.

While the frozen segment has struggled, the broader juice portfolio remains important for Coca Cola. In its most recent quarterly earnings, the company reported market share gains in juices, supported by demand for zero sugar variants and value added formats.

Industry data underlines the decline of frozen concentrates. Sales in the category dropped close to 8 percent in the 52 weeks ended January 24, according to retail tracking firm NIQ. In contrast, fresh and chilled juice continues to see steadier demand, supported by convenience led buying and a shift toward lower sugar options.

Minute Maid will continue to sell its fresh juices and flavoured drink lines, including alcoholic variants in select markets. For long time consumers, the exit of frozen concentrates marks the end of a familiar ritual. For Coca Cola, it signals a recalibration of its portfolio toward categories showing stronger growth and relevance in modern retail.

Patanjali Foods Posts 60% Profit Growth in Q3 FY26, Revenue Crosses Rs 10,400 Crore on FMCG and Edible Oil Demand

Growth

By

SnackTeam

-

February 12, 2026

0

Patanjali Foods reported a sharp improvement in its financial performance for the December quarter of FY26, lifting investor sentiment around the stock. The FMCG major posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 594 crore, marking a 60 percent jump over Rs 371 crore reported in the same quarter last year.

Revenue from operations grew 17 percent year on year to Rs 10,484 crore, compared with Rs 8,997 crore in Q3 FY25. This also marked the company’s highest quarterly revenue so far in FY26. On a quarter on quarter basis, profit rose 15 percent from Rs 517 crore, while revenue climbed 7 percent from Rs 9,776 crore in the September quarter.

Growth was driven by both core businesses. The FMCG portfolio, covering food, home and personal care products, recorded sales of Rs 3,248 crore during the quarter, reflecting a 39 percent rise over the previous year. The edible oil business delivered revenue of Rs 7,336 crore, up 9 percent year on year, supported by steady demand across retail and institutional channels.

Margins held steady despite input cost pressures. Gross margin stood at 13.56 percent, while EBITDA came in at Rs 492 crore, translating into a margin of 4.69 percent. For the first nine months of FY26, the company reported revenue of Rs 29,014 crore and EBITDA of Rs 1,430 crore. The FMCG division contributed over 28 percent of revenue and more than 62 percent of operating profit during this period.

Patanjali Foods also expanded its oil palm plantation footprint to 1,08,164 hectares as of December 2025. Exports touched Rs 64.71 crore in the quarter, with shipments to 36 countries, indicating gradual traction in overseas markets.

The management remains optimistic about the closing quarter of FY26, citing easing inflation, improving urban consumption, stable rural demand backed by a healthy Kharif crop, and policy-led consumption support that could lift volumes across categories.

Elixiir Foods Raises $9 Million to Launch Tech Led Gourmet Grocery Stores, Targets 10 to 12 NCR Outlets by FY27

funding

By

SnackTeam

-

February 12, 2026

0

Elixiir Foods has secured $9 million in seed capital as it prepares to enter India’s organised premium grocery space with a tech focused, omnichannel retail format. The round was led by 3one4 Capital with participation from Incubate Fund Asia. The NCR based startup plans to roll out its first neighbourhood store in Gurugram, followed by launches across Delhi and Noida. The company aims to open 10 to 12 outlets in the region by FY27.

Founded by Arvind Mediratta and Ambuj Narayan, Elixiir Foods is positioning itself as an affordable premium grocery destination spanning fresh produce, dairy, meat, staples, bakery, ready to eat meals and health oriented products. Each store will be supported by a digital layer promising one to two hour delivery, while also housing a central kitchen, bakery and café to drive daily footfalls.

The company is entering a market where India’s overall food and grocery spending is estimated between $900 billion and $1 trillion. Within this, the premium and health first segment is pegged at $50 to $100 billion, driven by rising urban incomes and growing demand for quality food and traceable sourcing.

Elixiir is betting heavily on supply chain ownership. The company plans to invest in direct farm sourcing, sorting and grading facilities and commodity processing centres, with no intermediaries in between. Private labels are expected to account for nearly half of the initial product mix, covering essentials such as atta, spices, oils and packaged foods.

The fresh funding will be used to set up the first cluster of stores, build the wholesale and distribution backbone, and develop the core technology stack that will support inventory management, sourcing and last mile fulfilment. After establishing scale in NCR, the company plans to expand into Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad, focusing on building dense city networks before moving to new markets.

NewsHub

No quota on cotton imports

‘No impact on Indian farmers’

Broader trade push