Tata 1mg Crosses 200 Stores as Omnichannel Healthcare Push Fuels 22% FY25 Revenue Growth

Growth

December 19, 2025

Tata 1mg has crossed the 200-store mark, signalling a decisive push to build a nationwide omnichannel healthcare network that blends digital scale with neighbourhood access. Backed by Tata Digital, the platform is steadily expanding its physical presence even as its online pharmacy and diagnostics businesses continue to grow, reflecting a broader shift in how Indian consumers access healthcare services.

The company’s expansion comes alongside solid financial momentum. According to Tata Sons’ FY25 annual report, Tata 1mg posted consolidated revenue of about ₹2,392 crore in FY25, a year-on-year increase of roughly 22 percent from ₹1,968 crore in the previous year. Losses also narrowed to around ₹276 crore, pointing to improved cost controls and operational efficiencies in a category known for thin margins and high competition.

Tata 1mg’s offline footprint now spans more than 200 stores across a mix of metros and fast-growing Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. These include large urban markets such as Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, alongside cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Dehradun, Ranchi and Jamshedpur. The rollout follows a phased approach, strengthening presence in high-demand metro clusters before extending deeper into emerging urban centres.

The physical stores function as neighbourhood health hubs, supporting Tata 1mg’s digital services with quicker medicine fulfilment, local diagnostics collection, assisted purchases and faster last-mile delivery. In select locations, the proximity of stores has enabled deliveries within 30 minutes, tightening the link between online demand and offline fulfilment.

Founded as a digital-first health platform, Tata 1mg has built a large user base around e-pharmacy, diagnostics, consultations and health content. Its growing retail network now adds a layer of trust and immediacy, particularly for elderly customers and chronic care needs.

Operating in a crowded market that includes PharmEasy, Netmeds and Apollo 24|7, Tata 1mg is leaning on brand credibility and integrated execution to differentiate itself. With revenue nearing ₹2,400 crore and a rapidly expanding store base, the company appears well placed to capitalise on India’s evolving preference for hybrid healthcare models that combine speed, access and reliability.

Fixderma Bets on Retail Expansion and Global Markets to Drive Profitable Growth

Skincare

SnackTeam

December 19, 2025

Dermacosmetics player Fixderma India is entering a measured growth phase, sharpening its focus on offline retail expansion, overseas markets and long-term brand credibility as competition intensifies across India’s beauty and skincare landscape. Founder and chief executive Shaily Mehrotra said the company is prioritising steady scale and profitability over rapid, discount-driven growth.

The brand has recorded around 35 percent year-on-year growth so far this financial year, with expectations of further improvement as consumer demand stabilises. Fixderma currently derives close to 80 percent of its revenue from large online marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart and Nykaa. Its direct-to-consumer channel contributes roughly 15 percent, while quick commerce accounts for the remaining share, reflecting early but rising adoption in instant delivery formats.

Offline retail is emerging as a key pillar of the company’s strategy. Fixderma operates one exclusive brand outlet at present and plans to expand to five stores in the medium term. Beyond owned stores, the company is working towards a wider general trade presence, targeting more than 150,000 points of sale across the country. This expansion is being supported by gradual onboarding of trained beauty advisors and a stronger emphasis on secondary sales to ensure consistent sell-through.

International markets are also gaining importance. Fixderma has entered select East European countries, including Lithuania, marking its expansion into newer geographies. In the Middle East, demand is building steadily, with Qatar standing out as a strong market. The company sees growing acceptance of Indian skincare brands abroad as a positive signal for calibrated global growth.

While digital commerce continues to scale, Fixderma is cautious about rising clutter and low barriers to entry online. The brand is focusing on formulation upgrades, consumer education and trust-building rather than aggressive product launches. Quick commerce remains the fastest-growing channel, though the company is selective due to infrastructure and assortment limitations.

Looking ahead, Fixderma expects the next financial year to be pivotal as investments in retail distribution, branding and exports begin to translate into sustained, profitable growth.

Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor Back Luxury Jewellery Startup QWEEN Ahead of 2026 Store Launch

SnackTeam

December 19, 2025

Bollywood actors Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor have joined the cap table of QWEEN, a newly launched luxury jewellery startup that is positioning itself at the intersection of fine craftsmanship and experience-led retail. The investments, made for undisclosed amounts, come alongside a substantial strategic commitment of ₹1,000 crore from global diamond major Rosy Blue and Japan-based Kashikey Co. Ltd., giving the brand both financial muscle and supply chain depth.

QWEEN describes itself as India’s first fine jewellery label built around self-discovery and immersive retail rather than traditional legacy storytelling. The company plans to open its first physical stores in Bengaluru and Delhi in February 2026. Each outlet will span 5,000 to 6,000 square feet and is designed to offer a curated, experiential journey that blends design, storytelling and personalised engagement.

Founded by entrepreneur Amit Kumar, QWEEN is entering a highly competitive jewellery market that is undergoing rapid change. Organised players are increasingly focusing on younger consumers who value design originality, ethical sourcing and modern retail environments over conventional buying formats. Against this backdrop, QWEEN plans to launch more than 20 collections and over 3,000 stock keeping units across categories.

Aamir Khan said the brand’s focus on authenticity and long-term value creation resonated with his own approach to investing. He pointed to QWEEN’s emphasis on craftsmanship and responsible sourcing as key factors behind his decision. Ranbir Kapoor highlighted the brand’s relevance to contemporary consumers, noting that it aims to speak to today’s women rather than relying solely on inherited narratives of luxury.

The backing from Rosy Blue and Kashikey is expected to play a critical role in scaling operations, securing high-quality gemstones and strengthening global sourcing capabilities. Industry watchers say the scale of the ₹1,000 crore commitment signals confidence in the experiential jewellery model at a time when India’s premium jewellery market is seeing growing demand from urban, design-conscious buyers.

With celebrity investors, deep-pocketed strategic partners and ambitious retail plans, QWEEN is positioning itself as a new-age luxury brand seeking to redefine how fine jewellery is discovered and experienced in India.

NextFoods Raises $10 Million Led by ECP Growth to Scale GoodBelly and Cheribundi Functional Nutrition Brands

Growth

SnackTeam

December 19, 2025

NextFoods Inc., the Boulder, Colorado based parent of functional nutrition brands GoodBelly and Cheribundi, has raised $10 million in a new funding round led by growth equity firm ECP Growth, strengthening its push in the fast expanding everyday wellness market.

Founded in 2006, NextFoods has built its business around science backed nutrition aimed at gut health, immunity and functional hydration. The fresh capital is expected to support brand building, product innovation and wider consumer reach as demand for functional foods continues to rise across the United States.

The company’s flagship brands, GoodBelly and Cheribundi, are positioned at the intersection of convenience and clinical credibility. GoodBelly is known for its probiotic drinks and shots formulated to support digestive health, while Cheribundi focuses on tart cherry based beverages linked to muscle recovery, sleep support and inflammation management. Together, the brands are distributed through more than 20,000 retail locations nationwide, alongside direct to consumer and online channels.

Industry data shows the US functional food and beverage market growing at a high single digit rate annually, driven by consumers seeking preventive health solutions that fit into daily routines. NextFoods has capitalised on this shift by offering products that are shelf stable, widely accessible and grounded in nutritional research rather than trend driven claims.

ECP Growth, the lead investor in the round, has an established track record in scaling purpose led consumer brands. Its portfolio includes names such as Aloha, Base Culture, Murphy’s Naturals and Milk + Honey, reflecting a focus on clean label, wellness oriented businesses with national expansion potential.

For NextFoods, the investment signals renewed momentum after nearly two decades in the category. With strong retail penetration, recognizable brands and increasing consumer focus on gut health and recovery nutrition, the company is positioning itself to deepen market share while broadening its product portfolio.

As competition intensifies in functional nutrition, the funding provides NextFoods with additional firepower to invest in research, marketing and operational scale, reinforcing its ambition to make science based wellness part of everyday consumption.

Reliance Consumer Acquires Majority Stake in Udhaiyams Agro Foods to Expand Branded Staples Portfolio

Business

SnackTeam

December 19, 2025

Reliance Consumer Products Limited has moved a step closer to strengthening its presence in India’s fast-growing packaged staples market with the acquisition of a majority stake in Chennai-based Udhaiyams Agro Foods. The transaction value has not been disclosed, but the deal places the Mukesh Ambani-backed FMCG arm firmly into categories such as pulses, breakfast mixes, snacks and everyday staples.

The acquisition has been structured as a joint venture, with RCPL holding a controlling interest while Udhaiyams’ promoters, S Sudhakar and S Dinakar, continue as minority shareholders. Founded over three decades ago, Udhaiyams has built a strong regional footprint and brand recall, particularly in South India, backed by a diversified portfolio and deep sourcing relationships.

With this move, RCPL expands its competitive landscape, positioning itself alongside established players such as Tata Consumer Products, MTR and iD Fresh Foods. The company has been steadily assembling a broad FMCG portfolio that spans beverages, packaged foods, personal care and beauty. Its existing brands include Campa soft drinks, Spinner sports beverages, SIL jams, Lotus Chocolate, Velvette personal care and Alan’s Bugles snacks.

Industry sources indicate the deal follows Reliance’s recent pattern of mid-sized acquisitions aimed at scaling trusted Indian brands. Similar transactions in the past have included Campa Cola and Velvette, which were revived and expanded using Reliance’s distribution and retail muscle.

T Krishnakumar, Director at Reliance Consumer Products, said the partnership would deepen RCPL’s play in branded staples, a segment seeing rising demand as consumers shift from loose to packaged products. Udhaiyams’ Managing Director S Sudhakar described the alliance as an opportunity to accelerate growth by leveraging Reliance’s supply chain, retail reach and capital support.

The acquisition comes amid a broader push by Reliance to scale its consumer products business. The FMCG arm recently became a direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries, signalling sharper focus on packaged goods. RCPL reported revenues of over Rs 11,000 crore in FY25 and has announced plans to invest Rs 40,000 crore in food manufacturing facilities nationwide.

Market outlook remains favourable. Industry estimates project India’s packaged foods market to grow from $121 billion last year to nearly $225 billion by 2033, driven by urbanisation, rising incomes and evolving consumption habits.

India’s Food Delivery Platforms Generate ₹1.2 Lakh Crore Output in FY24, Employment Grows 12.3%: Report

Business

SnackTeam

December 19, 2025

India’s food delivery platform ecosystem has emerged as a significant contributor to the national economy, generating an estimated Rs 1.2 lakh crore in gross output during FY24, according to a new study by NCAER and Prosus. The sector is expanding at a pace well ahead of the broader economy, underlining its growing role in output generation, employment creation and tax contribution.

The report, titled Impact of Food Delivery Platform on the Indian Economy: GDP, Employment and Taxes, highlights a sharp rise in direct employment. Workforce numbers increased to 1.37 million in 2023–24 from 1.08 million in 2021–22. While the sector continues to account for about 0.2 per cent of India’s total workforce, its employment growth rate stands out. Between 2021–22 and 2023–24, jobs in the segment grew at a compound annual rate of 12.3 per cent, significantly higher than the all-India employment growth rate of 7.9 per cent during the same period.

Beyond direct impact, the study points to strong multiplier effects. For every Rs 10 lakh worth of production generated by food delivery platforms, the wider economy benefited from output worth Rs 25 lakh in 2021–22. On the income side, each Rs 10 lakh earned within the sector translated into Rs 24.8 lakh across the economy in FY24. Tax contributions also scaled alongside growth, with every Rs 10 lakh of production yielding Rs 40,000 in indirect taxes during the year.

The sector’s influence on job creation extends beyond its own workforce. For every Rs 10 lakh of output, three additional jobs were supported across the broader economy in FY24, while consumption-driven spillovers added Rs 7 lakh in economic activity.

NCAER Professor Bornali Bhandari noted that the sector’s rising contribution reflects a deeper structural shift. Restaurants operating on platforms are gaining wider market access, improving compliance and strengthening operational capabilities. A companion study found that 59 per cent of restaurant owners reported access to new customers, over half expanded menus, and platform-led revenues rose from 22 per cent to 29 per cent between 2019 and 2023, reinforcing the sector’s growing economic footprint.

Swiss Beauty Unveils ‘We Got You, Girl!’ Campaign with Taapsee Pannu to Champion Self-Expression and Modern Beauty

SnackTeam

December 18, 2025

Swiss Beauty has rolled out a new brand film as part of its “We Got You, Girl!” campaign, reinforcing its push to connect with young, modern consumers through a message centred on self expression and emotional relevance. The film features actor and brand ambassador Taapsee Pannu and positions the brand as an ally to women navigating multiple roles, moods and identities in their everyday lives.

The campaign draws from the realities of today’s young women, who often move seamlessly between professional ambition, personal expression and spontaneous moments. Rather than prescribing a single definition of beauty, the film highlights choice and flexibility, showing how makeup can adapt to an individual’s personality rather than shape it. Lipsticks play a central role in the narrative, presented as tools that allow women to express confidence, playfulness or simplicity without explanation.

For Swiss Beauty, the campaign marks a deliberate shift away from perfection led beauty messaging towards a more inclusive and relatable tone. The brand’s lipstick portfolio, spanning multiple shades and finishes, is positioned as a reflection of this philosophy, supporting varied looks that fit into real life rather than curated moments.

Company executives say the campaign reflects changing expectations among young beauty consumers, who increasingly value authenticity and freedom over rigid beauty standards. By anchoring the message in everyday situations, Swiss Beauty aims to strengthen its emotional connect with a generation that sees makeup as an extension of identity.

Taapsee Pannu’s presence adds credibility to the narrative, given her reputation for independent roles and outspoken views. The brand believes her persona mirrors the confidence and individuality the campaign seeks to highlight.

The film is being amplified across digital platforms through short format edits, creator collaborations and interactive content designed to drive engagement among beauty enthusiasts. These efforts are focused on building conversation around experimentation and self confidence, rather than spotlighting a single product or look.

With “We Got You, Girl!”, Swiss Beauty is seeking to position itself as a contemporary beauty brand that understands the evolving lives of young women and supports how they choose to show up, every day.

Tata Sons Infuses ₹1,500 Crore More into Tata Electronics to Expand iPhone and Semiconductor Manufacturing

Business

SnackTeam

December 18, 2025

Tata Sons has infused an additional ₹1,500 crore into Tata Electronics, underlining the group’s growing commitment to electronics manufacturing and its expanding role in Apple’s global supply chain. Regulatory filings show that the fresh equity investment, made in October, takes Tata Sons’ total capital support to ₹4,500 crore over the past year.

The funding comes as Tata Electronics scales up iPhone manufacturing in India, where it has emerged as one of Apple’s largest contract producers. A significant share of its output is exported to markets such as the United States and Europe, reflecting India’s rising importance in Apple’s production strategy. Industry estimates indicate that over 70 percent of iPhones sold in the US are now made in India, with Tata Electronics playing a central role alongside Foxconn.

The filings also reveal that Tata Electronics has doubled its authorised share capital to ₹20,000 crore, signalling room for further capital infusion. While the company has not detailed the purpose of the latest investment, it has indicated that additional long term funding will be required to support ongoing business activities.

At ₹62 per share, the latest equity issuance is expected to fund capital expenditure across electronics manufacturing and the company’s semiconductor ambitions. Tata Electronics reported consolidated operating income of ₹66,206 crore in FY25, a sharp rise from ₹3,752 crore in the previous year. Despite the surge in revenue, the company remains loss making, although net losses narrowed to ₹69 crore from ₹825 crore a year earlier, reflecting heavy spending on capacity expansion and integration.

Beyond smartphones, Tata Electronics is making a decisive push into semiconductors. The company has committed close to $14 billion towards building a chip fabrication plant in Gujarat and an assembly and testing facility in Assam. Earlier this month, Tata Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Intel to explore manufacturing, packaging and advanced chip solutions at these upcoming facilities.

The sustained investment highlights the Tata Group’s long term bet on advanced electronics and semiconductors, positioning India as a critical hub in global technology supply chains.

Naturals Salons Appoints Sreeleela as Brand Ambassador to Drive Franchise Growth and Youth Connect

Uncategorized

SnackTeam

December 18, 2025

Naturals Salons has appointed actor Sreeleela as its new brand ambassador as the company sharpens its focus on expansion, entrepreneurship and workforce development in India’s organised beauty services market. The association comes as the salon chain works towards an ambitious goal of enabling 1,000 franchise entrepreneurs and generating more than 15,000 stylist jobs by the end of 2026.

Founded by K Veena, Naturals operates on a franchise driven model that has helped bring structure to a largely fragmented salon industry. The company provides its partners with centralised training, technology support and standardised service protocols, allowing individual entrepreneurs to scale with consistency and quality. Over the years, the brand has steadily expanded across metropolitan cities as well as smaller towns, building a nationwide footprint.

The choice of Sreeleela reflects Naturals’ effort to deepen engagement with younger consumers. With Gen Z and millennial customers increasingly driving demand for organised beauty and wellness services, the company believes the actor’s growing presence across regional and Hindi cinema aligns well with its evolving audience profile.

Alongside the brand ambassador announcement, Naturals has rolled out a new loyalty initiative titled the Customer First Card. The programme allows members to access salon services worth ₹30,000 for an upfront payment of ₹20,000, valid for one year. The offering is available across more than 900 Naturals outlets and includes flexible EMI options, reinforcing the brand’s focus on affordability and customer retention.

As it moves closer to its four figure franchise milestone, Naturals continues to invest in training academies, digital tools and operational systems to support its partner salons. The company says these efforts are central to professionalising the beauty workforce and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

For Naturals, the latest appointment is part of a broader strategy to build a scalable, responsible beauty services platform rooted in India’s domestic growth potential. With expansion underway and a renewed focus on younger consumers, the salon chain is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s evolving beauty and wellness ecosystem.

Jonathan Srour’s Habiza Hummus Lands Backing from Foodbeast Ventures

INVESTMENTS

SnackTeam

December 18, 2025

Foodbeast has stepped into the investment game with a clear signal of intent, backing Habiza Hummus through its newly launched venture arm, Foodbeast Ventures. This marks the media company’s first-ever investment and reflects a growing trend of content platforms moving closer to the brands they help popularize.

Founded in 2023 by Jonathan Srour, Habiza has quickly carved out space in the crowded hummus category by doing something surprisingly simple. It removed seed oils and focused on taste, texture, and personality. In a category long dominated by mass produced, overly processed options, Habiza positioned itself as a cleaner, creamier, and more playful alternative.

That approach seems to be working. In less than two years, Habiza has landed distribution across major and premium retailers including Target, Erewhon, Central Market, Bristol Farms, Gelson’s, DeCicco & Sons, and Mollie Stone’s. Few new food brands scale that quickly without losing focus, which makes Foodbeast’s bet particularly interesting.

For Foodbeast, the investment is not just about capital. As a media company with a deep understanding of food culture, internet trends, and Gen Z taste preferences, it brings something many traditional investors do not. It brings cultural fluency. Foodbeast co founder Elie Ayrouth summed it up bluntly, calling Habiza what packaged hummus should have been for decades. Seed oil free, genuinely tasty, creamy, and fun.

Foodbeast Ventures appears to be designed for brands exactly like this. Brands that already resonate with consumers but need a partner who understands how food, culture, and content intersect today. For Habiza, the backing offers credibility and amplification. For Foodbeast, it is a move from storytelling to ownership.

If this first deal is any indication, Foodbeast Ventures is positioning itself as a serious player in modern CPG, one that bets on products built as much on taste as on cultural relevance.

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