The council is organizing a mega textile show, Bharat Tex 2025, in New Delhi and Greater Noida next year. The event will showcase the entire textile value chain, with a focus on handicrafts, apparel machinery, chemicals, and dyes.
“India, with its robust textile and apparel sector, has long been a trusted partner for the UK. In the past year (2023) alone, India’s exports to the UK reached $1.2 billion, securing a 6.14 per cent share of the UK’s textile and apparel market,”said AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri. He added that exports of ready-made garments to the UK during April-October 2024-25 rose by 9.4 per cent.
To attract British participation, the council has organized the Bharat Tex Roadshow in London. Sekhri said that UK brands like Marks & Spencer, Primark, and Burberry already source high-quality products from India. “These are the values that will take centre stage at Bharat Tex 2025, as we highlight India’s advancements in eco-friendly materials, closed-loop manufacturing, and waste management principles that strongly resonate with the UK’s commitment to a sustainable future,” he said.
Bharat Tex 2025 will be held in New Delhi from February 14-17, 2025, and in Greater Noida from February 12-15, 2025. The event aims to promote India’s textile and apparel sector and attract foreign investment. With the UK being a significant market for Indian textiles, the event is expected to provide a platform for Indian companies to showcase their products and connect with British buyers.
Packaged food giants link CEO performance to nutrition goal; Nestle, ITC initiates
India’s largest packaged food companies, including Nestle, ITC, Britannia, PepsiCo, and Danone, are now linking the performance goals of their CEOs and other top executives to nutrition targets.
This move comes amid increasing pressure from shareholders, governments, and consumers to promote healthier eating habits.
FMCG links KPI with nutrition of leader
Companies are now including nutrition as a key performance indicator (KPI) for their leaders, alongside traditional metrics such as revenue growth and profitability. This shift reflects the growing importance of nutrition and wellness in the packaged food industry.
Britannia, for example, is reducing sugar and sodium content in its products, while increasing the whole grain content. This is a critical performance goal for all leaders at the company. Danone and PepsiCo have also included nutrition strategies as a direct responsibility of their leadership, with regular oversight.
Meanwhile, Nestle and ITC have set up dedicated nutrition teams, in addition to making nutrition a key part of their leaders’ performance goals. “This is the need of the hour and the trend has started. Almost all companies will follow this,” said Monica Agrawal, India Lead Board and Chief Executive, Services, at Korn Ferry to ET.
Companies are responding to the growing demand for healthier food options. “Companies, in order to sustain business models, need to stay ahead of the curve, given the focus on wellness and nutrition,” Agrawal added.
Nestle, ITC, Nusli Wadia’s to promote healthier food habits
Notably, Nestle, which makes popular brands such as Maggi noodles and KitKat chocolate, has a dedicated ‘health and wellness’ team to oversee the escalation of nutrition across its portfolio. The company has introduced millets in select variants of Maggi noodles and has launched 14 new variants of infant food Cerelac without refined sugar.
In addition, ITC has also introduced a new brand called Right Shift, which includes cookies, roasted snacks, flour, and oats with millets. The company has a ‘head of nutrition sciences’ to oversee the inclusion of nutrition content across its portfolio.
“Adding nutritional content is crucial now, even for so-called ‘junk foods,’ such as noodles and sugary cookies, with the national foods regulator FSSAI planning to make it mandatory for all companies to declare ingredients prominently on the front of the packs,” said an executive at a packaged foods maker.
Further, Nusli Wadia’s company has removed trans fats from its bakery products, is making Nutrichoice biscuits with 100% whole wheat flour, and has reduced the sugar content in Nutrichoice Digestive by 9%, Milk Bikis by 13%, and Winkin Cow shakes by 16.7%.
Krishna Malladi, a partner at Deloitte, said, “We are increasingly seeing companies have dedicated roles, shared accountabilities towards building insights and strategies that shape new revenue lines targeting wellness and nutrition opportunities.” He added, “We are witnessing two key priorities in performance goals of consumer-centric companies. The first is towards building healthier variants of existing brands. The second, and a more major shift, is accelerated focus towards tapping into the wellness and nutrition market opportunity in India.”
The trend of linking executive performance goals to nutrition targets is not limited to India. A global report by the Access to Nutrition Initiative found that food companies are increasingly assigning formal ownership of their nutrition strategies to a named executive or executive committee. The report cited Danone, General Mills, and PepsiCo as examples of companies that have linked executive remuneration to nutrition goals.
sian cuisine brand MasterChow bags $6.5 Mn in Series A round led by Tangline Venture
MasterChow, a Delhi-NCR-based ready-to-cook Asian cuisine brand, has raised $6.5 million in its Series A funding round.
MasterChow aims to launch product and expansion
The round was led by Singapore-based Tanglin Venture Partners and also saw participation from Peak XV Partners‘ Surge, Anicut Capital, and existing investor WEH Ventures, among others. Meanwhile, the fresh capital will be utilized to launch new products and expand the company’s offline presence.
“MasterChow wants to become a household name with their noodles, sauces and condiments,” one of the sources told INC42. The startup’s annual recurring revenue (ARR) for the ongoing financial year (FY25) is at INR 50 crore.
Established in 2020 by Sidharth Madan and Vidur Kataria, MasterChow offers a range of premium Asian pantry staples like noodles, stir fry sauces, dips, among others. The company recently onboarded renowned chef Ranveer Brar as its brand ambassador.
MasterChow secures $10 Mn
This funding round comes almost a year after MasterChow raised $3.2 million in its Pre-Series A round from Surge and other investors. The company has raised a total funding of about $10 million till date.
In the market, the company competes against FMCG giants like Nestle, Orkla, Nissin, ITC, among others. In the D2C space, it competes against the likes of Yu Foods and Veeba. The development comes on the heels of MasterChow’s competitor Yu Foods raising its Series B funding.
This marks the restaurant’s expansion to the UAE, after successful stints in Delhi and Dubai. Pincode is Kapur’s tribute to India’s diverse flavors, inspired by the nostalgic era of handwritten letters and family recipes passed down through generations.
According to a release, Pincode’s latest chapter in Abu Dhabi is designed to serve the city’s cosmopolitan pulse. Kunal Kapur, founder of Pincode, said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be expanding the Pincode family to the stunning city of Abu Dhabi. The energy and diversity of this city are infectious, and I can’t wait to share our passion for Indian cuisine with the people here.”
With this latest venture, Kapur is pushing the envelope by reimagining traditional recipes, spotlighting ingredient-forward dishes, and reinventing classic fare in fresh, creative avatars that excite all senses. “Here, dining is more than just food—it’s an experience,” said a release.
Pincode is part of True Palate Pvt. Ltd., a leading multi-speciality hospitality conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of brands across India and an expanding international presence. Launched in 2017, True Palate operates in over 8 cities nationwide and is rapidly growing overseas.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds ropes in National Award winner actress Mansi Parekh as ambassador
Bollywood actress, Manasi Parekh has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Malabar Gold & Diamonds. She will be the face of the company's latest campaign, which aims to educate customers on responsible and transparent gold purchasing.
Parekh, who recently won the National Award for Best Actress for her performance in the Gujarati feature film Kutch Express, will represent the brand for the next two years, connecting with both national and international Gujarati audiences.
Continue Exploring: IndiaMART strengthens ties with Mobisy Tech, focuses on SaaS market
The campaign, which has been directed by Viral Shah, a State and National Award-winning filmmaker, showcases Parekh adorned in an exquisite range of Malabar's jewelry designs. The visuals are set across relatable, everyday scenarios, highlighting the emotional and practical aspects of buying jewelry from a trusted source. Each scene underscores the joy of gifting and the assurance that comes from purchasing jewelry through a transparent and reliable process.
Love how the campaign emphasizes honesty, transparency - Parekh
"I'm thrilled to be part of Malabar Gold & Diamonds' campaign," said Parekh. "I love how this campaign emphasizes honesty and transparency, helping people feel confident about the gold they're buying. Each piece I wore felt special, not just for its beauty but for the trust it symbolizes. I'm proud to contribute to this important narrative, celebrating quality and integrity—values that are close to my heart and, I believe, resonate with so many of us."
Continue Exploring: Global Black Friday strike: Amazon India employees push for fair wages
Further, MP Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, said, "We selected Manasi Parekh for this campaign because of her strong cultural roots in Gujarat, which makes her a perfect ambassador for our brand among Gujarati customers. Her alignment with Malabar Gold & Diamonds' values of responsibility and authenticity strengthens our message around fair pricing and ethical practices."
For now, Malabar Group shows its dedication to social responsibility by dedicating 5% of its profits to ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) efforts. These efforts focus on improving health, providing housing, supporting education, promoting environmental sustainability, ending hunger, and empowering women.
Bollywood actress, Manasi Parekh has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Malabar Gold & Diamonds. She will be the face of the company’s latest campaign, which aims to educate customers on responsible and transparent gold purchasing.
Parekh, who recently won the National Award for Best Actress for her performance in the Gujarati feature film Kutch Express, will represent the brand for the next two years, connecting with both national and international Gujarati audiences.
The campaign, which has been directed by Viral Shah, a State and National Award-winning filmmaker, showcases Parekh adorned in an exquisite range of Malabar’s jewelry designs. The visuals are set across relatable, everyday scenarios, highlighting the emotional and practical aspects of buying jewelry from a trusted source. Each scene underscores the joy of gifting and the assurance that comes from purchasing jewelry through a transparent and reliable process.
Love how the campaign emphasizes honesty, transparency – Parekh
“I’m thrilled to be part of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ campaign,” said Parekh. “I love how this campaign emphasizes honesty and transparency, helping people feel confident about the gold they’re buying. Each piece I wore felt special, not just for its beauty but for the trust it symbolizes. I’m proud to contribute to this important narrative, celebrating quality and integrity—values that are close to my heart and, I believe, resonate with so many of us.”
Further, MP Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, said, “We selected Manasi Parekh for this campaign because of her strong cultural roots in Gujarat, which makes her a perfect ambassador for our brand among Gujarati customers. Her alignment with Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ values of responsibility and authenticity strengthens our message around fair pricing and ethical practices.”
For now, Malabar Group shows its dedication to social responsibility by dedicating 5% of its profits to ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) efforts. These efforts focus on improving health, providing housing, supporting education, promoting environmental sustainability, ending hunger, and empowering women.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…”
“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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