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Sleep-deprived CEO: Wakefit’s #Gaddagiri campaign targets Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal

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Sleep-deprived CEO: Wakefit's #Gaddagiri campaign targets Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal

India’s leading D2C sleep and home solutions brand, has launched a new campaign, #Gaddagiri, to highlight the impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making and behavior.

The campaign asks a simple question: why do good people make bad decisions, engage in unnecessary conflicts, or land in embarrassing situations? According to Wakefit, the answer isn’t bad intentions, but bad sleep.

Continue Exploring: Transforming the Alco-Bev landscape in India : PAIL’s INR 1000 Cr expansion plans

CEO ‘s bizarre interview

Meanwhile, the campaign features a brand film that humorously explores how a sleep-starved mind can hijack even the most sensible people, causing them to act in ways they otherwise wouldn’t. The film presents relatable scenarios, pop-culture references, and a lighthearted tone, urging audiences to see poor sleep as the true antagonist. The first film in the series showcases a fictional “leaked” interview between a high-profile CEO and an enthusiastic job candidate. As the story unfolds, the CEO—clearly deprived of sleep—starts making bizarre comments, turning a regular interview into a comedic disaster.

The tagline, “Lafda tab hota hai, jab tum barabar nahi sota,” captures the heart of the campaign: people aren’t the problem; sleeplessness is. Kunal Dubey, CMO, Wakefit, explains the core insight of the campaign: “At Wakefit, we believe that poor decisions don’t stem from bad intentions but from an exhausted mind. Sleep deprivation often transforms rational individuals into their worst selves, impacting relationships, careers, and even society at large. Through #Gaddagiri, we’ve used humor to unpack this serious issue and show how quality sleep can prevent such outcomes. Our mission is simple: to help people sleep better so they can live better—and make decisions they won’t regret.”

Continue Exploring: FSSAI launches statewide operation to test golgappa for microbial contamination

Further, the #Gaddagiri campaign aims to spotlight the critical role sleep plays in shaping behavior and decision-making. By humorously reframing poor judgment as a result of poor sleep, the campaign encourages people to prioritize rest and invest in solutions like a comfortable mattress. Whether it’s CEOs making high-stakes calls or everyday individuals managing life’s complexities, Wakefit believes that good sleep can lead to better decisions.

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IndiaMART strengthens ties with Mobisy Tech, focuses on SaaS market

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IndiaMART strengthens ties with Mobisy Tech, focuses on SaaS market

IndiaMART, a leading B2B marketplace, has announced that it will acquire an additional stake in Bengaluru-based Mobisy Technologies, which operates SaaS startup Bizom.

IndiaMART to acquire 100 equity worth INR 14.3 Cr

The deal is worth INR 14.3 Cr and is an all-cash transaction. As part of the deal, IndiaMART will pick up 100 equity shares and 91,804 compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS) in Mobisy.

Continue Exploring: Global Black Friday strike: Amazon India employees push for fair wages

Post the completion of the deal, IndiaMART will own 31.33% stake in the SaaS startup. IndiaMART said in its filing, “Consequent to consummation of primary transaction…, 80,000 compulsorily convertible debentures (CCDs) subscribed by the Company (as referred in our earlier intimation dated December 06, 2023) are likely to be converted into approximately 42,697, 0.001% CCPS of the face value of INR 1/- each to the company.”

IndiaMART invests INR 8 Cr in Mobisy in 2023

The transaction is expected to close within 90 days. IndiaMART also said that the fresh investment in Mobisy is in line with its “long term objective of offering various SaaS-based solutions for businesses”. This investment is not IndiaMART’s first in Mobisy. In 2023, IndiaMART had invested INR 8 Cr in Mobisy by subscribing to 80,000 CCD.

Continue Exploring: Zepto accelerates Car care deliveries with Park+ partnership in q-commerce leap

Established in 2008 by Lalit Bhise, Mobisy offers SaaS-based distribution technology solutions for brands and B2B retailers. Its platform allows businesses to digitise end-to-end sales and distribution platforms via its suite of tools. As per IndiaMART’s BSE filings, Mobisy’s turnover stood at INR 78.6 Cr in the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), up from INR 63.9 Cr in FY23.

Started in 1996 by Dinesh and Brijesh Agarwal, IndiaMART operates a marketplace that allows sellers to list on its platform and earns revenue from leads, business enquiries and services offered to its clients. The company saw its consolidated net profit nearly double year-on-year (YoY) to INR 135.1 Cr in the second quarter (Q2) of the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) from INR 69.4 Cr in the same period last year.

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Global Black Friday strike: Amazon India employees push for fair wages

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Amazon workers in India joined a global strike on Black Friday, demanding better pay and working conditions. About 200 workers protested in New Delhi under the “Make Amazon Pay” campaign.

Salary should be at least INR 25,000 – Employee, Amazon India

As per AP, one Amazon India worker said, “Our basic salary is INR 10,000 ($120), which should be at least INR 25,000 ($295).”

Continue Exploring: Deconstruct skincare bizarre offers of INR 1 lakh internship to enthusiasts

However, Amazon denied the allegations, stating, “… The fact is that we provide fair and competitive wages and regularly review our wage structure against industry benchmarks, ensuring adherence to all applicable wage laws across the states where we operate.” Amazon also claimed that workers are “intentionally misleading and continuing to promote a false narrative.”

Further, the company added that workers are entitled to provident fund and Employees’ State Insurance Corporate (ESIC) benefits, as well as medical, personal accident, and term insurance. Amazon said that its comprehensive wage package aims to incentivize and reward associates through a combination of fixed pay, monthly attendance bonuses, and additional incentives.

#MakeAmazonPay campaign on Black Friday

Meanwhile, the Amazon India Union Workers plan to intensify protests across the country. The union said, “We are here in Jantar Mantar, Delhi with Amazon India Union Workers & warehouse workers of Amazon to demand #MakeAmazonPay for minimum pay, decent working conditions, and recognition of Amazon workers union.”

Continue Exploring: Reliance Retail elevates snack game with Turkish Hazelnut partnership

This is not the first time Amazon India has faced criticism over working conditions. Earlier this year, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sought a detailed report from the Centre over allegations of labour law violations at Amazon India’s warehouse in Manesar.

Earlier in the festive season, Amazon India stated that it has created over 1.1 lakh seasonal job opportunities across the country. In a statement on September 12, the e-commerce giant revealed that both direct and indirect jobs have been created in cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Chennai.

“We are dedi͏cat͏ed to o͏ff͏e͏ring fa͏st and rel͏iab͏l͏e͏ d͏eliveries͏ to cu͏stomers ͏a͏cross every s͏erv͏ice͏able pin͏code in India this festive season. To ach͏iev͏e ͏th͏is, we ha͏ve hi͏red over 1.1 lakh ͏ad͏ditio͏n͏a͏l s͏taf͏f ͏to bols͏ter͏ o͏u͏r fulfilment ͏an͏d lo͏gistic͏s network, ens͏uri͏ng ͏we͏ ͏can seamlessly͏ manage the inc͏reased de͏mand,͏” said͏ Abhi͏n͏av Singh, Vice President o͏f Ope͏rat͏i͏ons at Amazo͏n ͏India͏.

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Deconstruct skincare bizarre offers of INR 1 lakh internship to enthusiasts

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Deconstruct skincare bizarre offers of INR 1 lakh internship to enthusiasts

Deconstruct, a science-based skincare brand, has launched a unique “Skincare Internship” campaign to encourage skincare beginners to explore and try skincare routines comfortably.

Campaign to promote skincare routine

The internship is open to all individuals over 18, regardless of their prior skincare knowledge. The mission is to break down the barriers that make skincare feel overwhelming and promote it as a daily habit.

Continue Exploring: Zepto accelerates Car care deliveries with Park+ partnership in q-commerce leap

Deconstruct’s commitment to empowering everyone to embark on their skincare journey is the foundation of this groundbreaking campaign. The program also encourages participants to develop healthier relationships with their skin by embracing consistent skincare routines. True to its values, Deconstruct’s internship is inclusive, reserving 50% of the spots for male participants, challenging the long-standing perception that skincare is exclusively for women.

Removing the hesitation of starting a skincare journey – CEO, Deconstruct

“Skincare is for anyone with skin. This opportunity invites everyone, especially beginners and newbies, to have healthier and deeper relationships with their skin. At Deconstruct, we create highly effective yet gentle products that ease the journey of skincare beginners. Through the campaign, we are removing the hesitation of starting a skincare journey with high-performance products that do not irritate,” shared Malini Adapureddy, Founder & CEO of Deconstruct.

Continue Exploring: Zomato receives ‘Buy’ rating from Jefferies, cites optimism over ‘District’ app

Notably, the internship will be a 30-60 day experience focused entirely on skincare, guided by dedicated skincare coaches and industry-renowned dermatologists. The selected interns will enjoy enticing rewards, including a stipend of INR 1 lakh, product hampers, social media features, and opportunities for pre-placement interviews in brand marketing. Applications for the internship are now open, featuring a thorough three-stage selection process.

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Reliance Retail elevates snack game with Turkish Hazelnut partnership

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Reliance Retail elevates snack game with Turkish Hazelnut partnership

Turkish Hazelnut, a renowned brand for its premium quality and rich flavor, has collaborated with Reliance Retail to bring its high-quality hazelnuts to Indian consumers.

Turkish Hazelnut at FreshPik, Signature Fresh

This strategic partnership will make Turkish hazelnuts available across four major Reliance Retail store formats: FreshPik, Signature Fresh, Signature Plus, and Smart Bazaar.

Continue Exploring: Zomato receives ‘Buy’ rating from Jefferies, cites optimism over ‘District’ app

Notably, the product will be offered in several states, including Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, and Delhi NCR. Mansi Ahuja, India Representative of Turkish Hazelnut said, “We are excited to join hands with Reliance Retail to expand the reach of Turkish hazelnuts across a wider audience in India. These premium, nutrient-rich snacks are not only delicious but also play a significant role in promoting overall well-being.”

Turkish hazelnuts are packed with essential nutrients, offering multiple health benefits including support for heart health, cholesterol reduction, and an energy boost. Avinash Tripathi, Vice President, Business Head- Freshpik & Fresh Signature at Reliance Retail shared, “Freshpik partners with Turkish Hazelnut, world-renowned for its premium quality and distinct flavor. This collaboration brings customers an exclusive range of exquisite hazelnut products, expertly curated for an unparalleled gourmet experience…”

Continue Exploring: KFC introduces ‘Lickable Wrapping Paper’, sets new standard for food brands!

“Turkish hazelnuts are renowned worldwide for their rich flavor, buttery texture, and numerous health benefits. By partnering with Turkish Hazelnut, Freshpik aims to introduce customers to the finest quality hazelnuts, roasted to perfection and available in a variety of enticing forms,” added Deepak Mishra, Senior Manager, Category Head Staples- Freshpik & Fresh Signature at Reliance Retail.

Reliance Retail promotes Vegan products via Tira

Earlier, Reliance Retail’s Tira has announced the exclusive launch of California-based skincare brand Youth To The People (YTTP) in India. As the sole distributor, Reliance Retail will bring the popular pro-grade, vegan skincare products to Indian consumers through Tira.

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Zepto accelerates Car care deliveries with Park+ partnership in q-commerce leap

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Zepto accelerates Car care deliveries with Park+ partnership in q-commerce leap

Zepto has partnered with Park+, a leading provider of car care products, to offer a range of premium car care items on its platform. 

This collaboration aims to provide car owners with high-quality products, making it easier for them to take care of their vehicles from the comfort of their homes.

Continue Exploring: KFC introduces ‘Lickable Wrapping Paper’, sets new standard for food brands!

15 premium car care products on Zepto

The Park+ car care product range, now available on Zepto, offers a variety of solutions for vehicle maintenance, combining convenience with quality. Customers can expect to find products that cater to their everyday car care needs, all delivered right to their doorsteps.

“At Park+, our mission is to simplify the car ownership experience by offering innovative and user-friendly solutions. Partnering with Zepto is a major step forward, enabling us to bring a curated selection of 15 premium car care products to a wider audience,” said Amit Lakhotia, Founder and CEO, Park+.

Meanwhile, the partnership currently offers 15 premium car care products at over 8 locations across India, with plans to expand to around 150+ products in the next three months. 

Further, Chandan Mendiratta, Chief Brand Officer, Zepto shared, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Park+ to bring high-quality car care products directly to users’ doorsteps. Speed and convenience are at the core of Zepto, and this partnership allows us to expand our product offerings to include essential car care items.”

Continue Exploring: Can Zomato’s $1Bn fundraise outpace competitors in the q-commerce race?

Zomato launches Cafe service

Currently, the quick commerce company has announced the expansion of its cafe service to 120 cities, including Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune. This move follows the company’s achievement of an annualised revenue run rate of INR 160 crore from just 15% of its dark store network.

Founded in 2021, Zepto pioneered 10-minute delivery in India, delivering over 25,000 products across categories through its dark store network. The company launched Cafe in Mumbai in 2022, which boosted average order values as users ordered beverages and snacks with groceries.

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Zomato receives ‘Buy’ rating from Jefferies, cites optimism over ‘District’ app

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Zomato receives 'Buy' rating from Jefferies, cites optimism over 'District' app

Investment firm Jefferies has maintained a ‘Buy’ rating for Zomato, citing optimism over the foodtech major’s newly launched ‘District‘ app for its ‘going-out’ business. Jefferies has given a price target of INR 335 to Zomato’s shares, an upside of 17.09% from the previous close price of INR 286.10.

Zomato’s District for ‘going-out’ business

Meanwhile, Zomato recently rolled out the ‘District’ app on both Apple’s iOS and Android platforms, aiming to establish the going-out segment as its third-largest B2C business. The app enables customers to discover and reserve tables at restaurants while also booking tickets for movies, sports, live performances, and other events.

Continue Exploring: KFC introduces ‘Lickable Wrapping Paper’, sets new standard for food brands!

Jefferies explained its optimism for Zomato, citing new use cases emerging from Zomato’s going-out venture, starting with dining out and ticketing. “Starting with dining-out & ticketing, new use cases will emerge. The industry is in its infancy as the current TAM may be limited, but that is how food delivery and quick commerce (QC) were until a while back,” Jefferies added.

The brokerage firm pointed out that the ticketing market is supply-constrained, which offers an opportunity. “Ask the Coldplay and Diljit Dosanjh fans in India who are still trying their luck to get a pass!” it added.

Zomato raises INR 8,500 Cr via QIP

Notably, the food delivery platform has raised INR 8,500 Cr through its first qualified institutional placement (QIP) to boost its growth initiatives. The company plans to allocate INR 2,137 Cr towards setting up and running operations of dark stores and warehouses for its quick commerce business Blinkit.

Continue Exploring: Can Zomato’s $1Bn fundraise outpace competitors in the q-commerce race?

Additionally, INR 2,492 Cr will be utilized for advertising, marketing, and branding initiatives across its businesses. Zomato also plans to invest INR 1,769 Cr to strengthen its tech stack, including cloud infrastructure and software.

Since the beginning of this year, Zomato’s stock has been on a steady rise due to better performance and profitable quarters. Year-to-date, the stock has given a 125.06% return to investors. However, at 1:20 PM today, Zomato’s stock was trading 3% lower at INR 277.70 on the BSE.

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KFC introduces ‘Lickable Wrapping Paper’, sets new standard for food brands!

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KFC introduces ‘Lickable Wrapping Paper’, sets new standard for food brands!

KFC is strategically enhancing its festive offerings with the introduction of Lickable Wrapping Paper, blending innovation with their iconic flavor to captivate consumers. 

This unique product aims to elevate the gifting experience by adding a savory twist, setting KFC apart in the competitive market. This launch also marks the strategic return of the beloved Stuffing Stacker Burger, reinforcing KFC’s commitment to maintaining consumer interest and excitement amidst growing competition in the fast-food industry.

Continue Exploring: Transforming the Alco-Bev landscape in India : PAIL’s INR 1000 Cr expansion plans

Through this campaign, KFC aims to solidify its market position and deepen its connection with customers by integrating taste into the festive season.

KFC’s new lickable wrapper for Christmas

Imagine unwrapping presents on Christmas morning and savoring the taste of KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken with a refreshing hit of cranberry sauce and aromatic pinch of sage. The Lickable Wrapping Paper is infused with all the different tastes of the festive burger, making it the ultimate finishing touch for every KFC lover’s gifts.

Notably, the unique design has been created in collaboration with SOLDIER, a rising London-based artist. SOLDIER took inspiration from his own Christmas traditions, blending festive imagery and his signature camo style to create a design that’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. “In this design, I focus on using demotic imagery to communicate and evoke my past Christmas memories… My signature camouflage technique adds to the piece further and is homage to some of my first works,” SOLDIER explained.

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Meanwhile, the legendary Stuffing Stacker Burger is now back in KFC restaurants nationwide, packed with two crispy Original Recipe Chicken fillets, sage and onion stuffing, spicy cranberry sauce, melted cheese, a bed of fresh lettuce, and creamy dressing, all served in a soft brioche bun. 

“We’re so obsessed with chicken that we’ve literally put chicken to paper… Introducing our first ever lickable wrapping paper… inspired by our epic limited-edition Stuffing Stacker Burger. Yes, it’s paper lickin’ good,” said Phoebe Syms, Brand Manager at KFC UK&I.

The limited-edition KFC Lickable Wrapping Paper is available for free, exclusively on the KFC app.

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Can Zomato’s $1Bn fundraise outpace competitors in the q-commerce race?

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Can Zomato's $1Bn fundraise outpace competitors in the q-commerce race?

Zomato has raised INR 8,500 Cr (around $1 Bn) through its first qualified institutional placement (QIP), with the aim of expanding its quick commerce business Blinkit and supporting other key growth initiatives. 

Zomato allocates shares at price of INR 252 

The QIP, launched on November 25 and closed on November 28, allocated about 33.64 Cr equity shares to qualified institutional buyers at an issue price of INR 252.62 apiece.

Continue Exploring: India’s food processing boom: A game-changer for FMCG hiring in 2025-26

The pricing represents a discount of 5% to the QIP floor price of INR 265.91 a share, and a discount of almost 12% from the stock’s previous close. Zomato plans to utilize the funds raised from the QIP to support its growth initiatives, including setting up and running operations of dark stores and warehouses, advertising, marketing, and branding initiatives, and strengthening its tech stack.

Of the total proceeds from the QIP, INR 2,137 Cr will be directed towards setting up and running operations of dark stores and warehouses. Further, Zomato plans to utilise INR 2,492 Cr towards advertising, marketing and branding initiatives across its businesses. The foodtech giant plans to invest INR 1,769 Cr to strengthen its tech stack, including cloud infrastructure and software. The additional capital will likely also help Zomato scale its going-out or District vertical.

Zomato’s founder Deepinder Goyal had previously stated that the company needed additional capital because of “the competition landscape and much larger scale of our business today.” This comes at a time when Zomato is facing fierce competition from Swiggy, Zepto, and BigBasket in the rapid delivery segment.

Continue Exploring: E-commerce emerges as top sales channel for FMCG, what does new study have to say?

Zepto secures $350 million from local investors

In the previous week, Zepto raised an additional $350 million from local investors. Over the past five months, they have secured more than $1.3 billion in funding.

Furthermore, it’s been reported that Zomato plans to ask the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to limit its foreign investments to 49% after its recent funding. By doing this, Zomato aims to gain majority domestic ownership, which would allow its quick commerce division, Blinkit, to manage its own inventory in India. 

Currently, foreign-owned companies in India can’t own the inventory they sell and can only operate marketplaces.

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Transforming the Alco-Bev landscape in India : PAIL’s INR 1000 Cr expansion plans

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Transforming the Alco-Bev landscape in India : PAIL's INR 1000 Cr expansion plans

Piccadily Agro Industries Limited (PAIL) has announced a INR 1,000 crore expansion plan to support its flagship brands and fuel the creation of innovative products across new spirit categories.

PAIL to introduce state-of-the-art visitor centre at Indri, Haryana

The plan includes the launch of a state-of-the-art visitor centre at Indri, Haryana, aimed at whisky tourists and connoisseurs. This move is part of PAIL’s ambitious growth strategy to create more awareness around single malts.

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Meanwhile, Siddhartha Sharma, Promoter, Piccadily Agro Industries, says the Indian alco-bev industry has emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic markets, driven by rising disposable incomes, evolving consumer preferences, and a growing appreciation for premium spirits. 

“We are witnessing a remarkable shift as Indian consumers increasingly gravitate towards premium craft spirits, particularly in categories like single malts and aged rum. This evolution has created an unprecedented opportunity for Indian producers to not just serve the domestic market but to take their place among global industry leaders,” he states.

Further, PAIL plans to establish its first international distillery in Portavadie, Scotland, which elevates the stature of the Indian alco-bev industry to an all-new level, according to Sharma. The Portavadie site will feature a world-class visitor centre, offering whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs insights into the art of Scotch whisky making. “This initiative marks our long-term goal of becoming an international alco-bev company and reinforces our vision of reshaping the perception of Indian alco-bev brands on the world stage,” Sharma states.

Continue Exploring: India’s food processing boom: A game-changer for FMCG hiring in 2025-26

The expansions are expected to be completed over the next 24 months, with phase 1 of the total expansion at Indri plant of malt and ethanol reaching completion in early 2025. PAIL plans to expand its production capabilities, increasing total capacity to 250 kilo litres per day (KLPD) of its distillery Indri, Haryana. 

Additionally, the company plans to expand its warehousing infrastructure to accommodate over 1,00,000 barrels. Other highlights of the expansion include setting up a green field distillery in district Mahasamund in Chhattisgarh.

PAIL registers 63.45% YoY revenue growth

Reportedly, PAIL’s Q2 FY25 results showed a revenue growth of 63.45% year-over-year (YoY), while EBITDA grew by 74.45%. PAIL is a publicly listed company on the BSE, operating primarily in two business segments: distillery and sugar. Its manufacturing facility at Indri, spread across 168 acres, is equipped with advanced technology to produce a diverse range of products.

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