FSSAI Orders Immediate Removal of Non-Compliant ORS and Misleading Electrolyte Drinks from Indian Retail and Online Stores

Food Safety

November 22, 2025

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to all state and union territory food safety commissioners, mandating the immediate removal of non-compliant oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and misleading electrolyte drinks from the market. The notice, circulated across regulatory channels, specifically targets beverages labeled as “ORS” or any derivative names, including products marketed as ready-to-drink or with composite terms suggesting rehydration benefits. Retail outlets, e-commerce platforms, and other distribution points have been instructed to comply without delay.

According to the FSSAI order, the action is aimed at protecting consumers from products that make unverified health claims or fail to meet the prescribed standards for electrolytes, hydration, and nutrient content. The regulatory body cited concerns over misleading labeling, which could potentially endanger health, particularly among children, elderly, and individuals with medical conditions requiring regulated electrolyte intake.

Industry sources note that the directive is part of FSSAI’s broader push to tighten compliance across functional beverages and health-oriented drinks, following reports of widespread misuse of the ORS term in the market. Products that do not adhere to the standards outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 are now considered violative, irrespective of whether they are sold offline or online.

Retailers and e-commerce operators have been asked to conduct immediate audits of their inventory, remove any products not meeting the ORS specifications, and submit compliance reports to the respective food safety authorities. Failure to comply could invite penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, including fines, product seizures, or legal action.

The FSSAI’s move underscores the growing regulatory scrutiny over the health and wellness segment in India, which has seen an increase in functional beverages making claims without robust scientific validation. Experts say the initiative is likely to create a clearer, safer marketplace for consumers while reinforcing accountability among manufacturers and distributors in the beverage sector.

BUM Energy to Launch in Target, Walmart and Costco as Growth Accelerates

Beverages

SnackTeam

November 22, 2025

BUM Energy, one of the fastest-rising names in the functional beverage category, is gearing up for a high-velocity expansion in 2026 after posting more than eight hundred percent year-over-year growth. The brand has strengthened its commercial muscle with several seasoned industry hires, signalling an aggressive push into national retail.

The newly expanded sales team includes senior executives who bring experience from some of the most prominent beverage and wellness companies in the United States. Mark Sherer joins following roles at Congo Brands and Liquid Death. Tyler Larkin comes from Lucky Energy and Liquid Death, while Frank Williams brings tenure from Congo Brands and Coca-Cola. Rounding out the leadership additions is Teyo Branwell, who previously served at RYSE Fuel and REDCON1. Together, the group represents deep operating expertise in scaling distribution, navigating large-format retail, and building youth-centric beverage labels into household names.

The company is now preparing for a major rollout across leading mass-market retailers. BUM Energy is set to launch in Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco in the coming months, giving it access to millions of potential customers and significantly expanding its national footprint. Retail analysts say that the combination of category momentum, strategic talent acquisition, and high-visibility distribution positions the brand for another breakout year.

The beverage was introduced in 2023 by RAW Nutrition, a sports-nutrition company that has gained strong market presence among fitness-focused consumers. Earlier this year, RAW Nutrition was partially acquired by The Quality Group, a move viewed by industry observers as a catalyst that could accelerate BUM Energy’s scale and operational capacity.

As consumer demand for performance beverages continues to climb and younger buyers gravitate toward brands with cultural identity and functional value, BUM Energy appears set to intensify competition in an already crowded shelf. Many retailers are watching closely to see whether the startup can convert its early momentum into long-term market share.

Doctor-Founded Perelel Closes $27M Funding Round to Expand Women’s Wellness Product Line

funding

SnackTeam

November 21, 2025

Perelel, a women’s health supplement company founded by medical professionals, has raised $27 million in growth funding to accelerate its expansion and product development, the company announced on Thursday. The round was led by Prelude Growth Partners, with existing investors Unilever Ventures, Willow Growth Partners, and Selva Ventures also participating.

Founded by Victoria Thain Gioia, Alex Taylor, and Dr. Banafsheh Bayati, Perelel began as a prenatal vitamin brand and has since evolved into a broader women’s health platform. The company’s portfolio now spans supplements designed to support various stages of a woman’s life, including fertility, pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and general wellness.

The fresh capital will be deployed to scale product research, expand distribution, and enhance digital engagement with consumers. Perelel emphasizes evidence-based formulations backed by clinical research, positioning the brand in the growing segment of scientifically validated women’s nutrition.

Victoria Thain Gioia, co-founder, said, “This funding marks a key milestone in Perelel’s evolution. Our mission has always been to provide women with supplements that are rooted in science, transparent, and tailored to their unique needs. With the support of our investors, we are well-positioned to expand our reach and accelerate our innovation pipeline.”

Dr. Banafsheh Bayati added that the company will continue investing in clinical trials and product innovation to ensure that each supplement delivers measurable health benefits.

The women’s supplement market has been growing steadily, driven by rising health awareness, increased disposable income, and a shift toward preventive healthcare. Industry analysts estimate that the global women’s health supplement market could reach over $70 billion by 2030, with demand for evidence-backed, high-quality products leading the growth.

With its new funding, Perelel aims to solidify its position as a leading research-backed supplement brand while expanding beyond its initial prenatal focus into a comprehensive women’s health platform.

Non-Alcoholic Spirits Market Growth: Aplós Raises $5M to Scale Distribution

Beverages

SnackTeam

November 21, 2025

Aplós, a US-based non-alcoholic spirits brand, has raised $5 million in fresh funding from undisclosed investors, signaling continued investor interest in the growing non-alcoholic beverage sector. The capital infusion is expected to support expansion into additional retail and hospitality channels and further strengthen the brand’s footprint in premium and experiential settings.

Founded by Emily Onkey and David Fudge, Aplós has rapidly gained traction since its launch, positioning itself as a leading player in the non-alcoholic spirits category. Over the past year, the company added approximately 2,000 new retail doors across the United States, while securing placement in high-profile hospitality venues including COTE, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Atelier Crenn, and Soho House. These partnerships reflect the brand’s focus on premium positioning and its alignment with fine dining and luxury lifestyle experiences.

The non-alcoholic spirits market has seen growing investor interest in recent years, driven by shifting consumer preferences toward wellness, moderation, and functional beverages. Analysts note that categories such as non-alcoholic wine, spirits, and cocktails have experienced double-digit growth in major markets, with premiumization emerging as a key trend. Aplós’ recent funding round positions the company to capitalize on this growth, enabling further product innovation and geographic expansion.

Emily Onkey, co-founder of Aplós, said the funding would allow the brand to accelerate its mission of offering sophisticated, zero-alcohol alternatives that cater to consumers seeking elevated drinking experiences without compromising on flavor.

With the non-alcoholic beverage category attracting significant capital from both venture funds and strategic investors, Aplós’ latest round reflects a broader trend of premium alcohol alternatives moving from niche experimentation to mainstream adoption, particularly in fine dining, lifestyle hospitality, and curated retail environments.

BigBasket Gets Rs 200 Crore Debt Injection from DBS Bank to Boost Quick Grocery Infrastructure

Quick Commerce

SnackTeam

November 21, 2025

BigBasket, India’s leading online grocery platform, has raised Rs 200 crore in debt from Singapore-based DBS Bank, according to a recent filing with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The funds are earmarked for the expansion and upkeep of dark stores and for general corporate purposes, signaling the company’s intent to strengthen its quick-commerce infrastructure.

The company’s board has approved the issuance of 20,000 non-convertible debentures, each valued at Rs 1 lakh, with an 18-month tenure offering an annual interest rate of 8.2 percent. The move comes amid heightened competition in India’s rapid grocery delivery sector, dominated by Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, which together control roughly 80 to 85 percent of the market.

BigBasket, which pivoted from traditional slotted deliveries to a 10-minute delivery model through its BB Now service, has been actively exploring fresh funding options to maintain its operational edge. In FY25, the company’s B2C revenue fell marginally by 3 percent to Rs 7,673 crore, while losses surged to Rs 1,851 crore from Rs 1,267 crore the previous year.

The Tata Group, which acquired a majority stake in BigBasket in 2021 by buying out Alibaba’s holding, continues to oversee the platform, holding more than 65 percent. Other investors include Mirae Asset Venture and the UK’s CDC Group, now British International Investment. Reports indicate that BigBasket’s founders are gradually transitioning from day-to-day operations to mentorship roles, aligning with Tata’s long-term strategy for the platform.

Industry analysts note that while BigBasket faces stiff competition from well-funded quick-commerce rivals, investments in dark stores and infrastructure could enhance delivery efficiency and customer reach. Last month, Zepto secured $450 million in a mix of primary and secondary funding, highlighting the ongoing capital inflows in India’s fast-evolving instant grocery delivery market.

Marmite, Colman’s, Bovril Could Be Sold as Unilever Pushes Premium Personal Care Strategy

Food

SnackTeam

November 21, 2025

Unilever is exploring the sale of several iconic British food brands, including Marmite, Colman’s, and Bovril, as part of a broader strategy to focus on higher-margin beauty and wellbeing products. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the move is aimed at streamlining the company’s portfolio and accelerating its turnaround under new CEO Fernando Fernandez, who took charge in February. Pot Noodle, another historic British brand, is expected to remain with Unilever.

The potential divestment would mark one of Unilever’s most significant sales under Fernandez’s leadership. The package, which includes Marmite’s century-old yeast-based spread, Colman’s mustard, and Bovril beef extract, generates estimated revenues of around £200 million ($261 million). The brands have been part of Unilever’s portfolio for more than two decades, with production consolidated at Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, after Colman’s manufacturing moved from Norwich in 2020.

This shift aligns with industry trends, as global consumer goods giants such as Nestle and Kraft Heinz have been actively reviewing non-core assets. Nestle, for instance, is selling its water business and evaluating underperforming vitamin brands, while Kraft Heinz has been restructuring its food portfolio.

Unilever’s focus is increasingly on marketing its top-performing “power brands,” including Dove, Axe, and Hellmann’s, where margins and growth potential are higher. The company has already divested The Vegetarian Butcher to Netherlands-based Vivera and personal care brand Kate Somerville to Rare Beauty Brands earlier this year. Analysts say the sale of Marmite, Colman’s, and Bovril would be consistent with Unilever’s ongoing effort to prioritize premium, high-growth segments over traditional mass-market food products.

The potential deal comes as global food brands navigate inflationary pressures, supply chain challenges, and evolving consumer preferences. With an estimated $1 billion to $1.5 billion worth of European non-core food brands under review, Unilever’s strategy underscores its pivot toward sectors with higher profitability and growth prospects, while maintaining its focus on global brand recognition and premiumization.

Zomato Prepares Landmark Agreement That Could Return Customer Ownership To Restaurants And Shake Up India’s Food Delivery Power Balance

Quick Commerce

SnackTeam

November 21, 2025

Zomato is preparing to make one of its most talked about changes in recent years. The company is close to reaching an agreement with the National Restaurants Association of India that will allow restaurants to finally access customer information that has long been held tightly by food delivery platforms. This move has been requested for almost a decade and has often been the centre of heated conversations between restaurant owners and platform leaders.

The idea behind the shift is simple. Restaurants want to know who their customers are, what they order, how frequently they return and how they can build a direct relationship with them. For years they have argued that the delivery platforms have enjoyed an unfair advantage by keeping this information completely in house. According to the association president Sagar Daryani, the talks with Zomato have reached an advanced stage and both sides are willing to find common ground.

The association has also begun early conversations with Swiggy. Although these talks are still at a starting point, many restaurant owners believe that if Zomato opens the door, Swiggy will not want to be left behind. The restaurant community expects that this shift could reshape how loyalty, marketing and customer retention work within the food delivery market in India.

If the agreement comes through, it may encourage many restaurant brands to rethink how they engage customers. Some industry watchers believe it could even reduce the tension that has existed between restaurants and delivery platforms. For customers, the change may lead to better personal communication from their favourite eateries, more relevant offers and a smoother experience.

While the exact structure of data sharing has not been finalised, the willingness to move forward is being seen as a major step toward a healthier relationship between the two sides.

New BuyBuyCart App Bridges Kirana Stores and Quick-Commerce for Faster Grocery Access

Quick Commerce

SnackTeam

November 21, 2025

BuyBuyCart has unveiled a new mobile application, “BuyBuyCart Grocery in Minutes,” as part of its ongoing push to integrate traditional kirana stores into a technology-driven retail network. The launch reflects the company’s strategy to compete in an increasingly digital grocery ecosystem, dominated by quick-commerce platforms, while supporting the local retail infrastructure.

The app connects customers directly to nearby BuyBuyCart franchise outlets, which act both as retail stores and distribution hubs. Using geo-tagging, the platform enables hyperlocal access to inventory, ensuring rapid delivery and real-time stock management. Orders are processed at the respective outlet, giving store owners direct oversight of fulfilment and inventory levels.

Designed to mirror BuyBuyCart’s offline model, the app operates on a zero-commission and zero-delivery-fee basis, a feature aimed at enhancing participation from tier 2 and tier 3 city retailers. The platform currently supports a range of digital payment options and provides promotional codes to attract early adopters.

Looking ahead, the company plans to integrate AI-driven product recommendations, voice-assisted ordering, subscription-based grocery delivery, loyalty programs, and cashback offers to enhance user engagement. These features aim to bring traditional stores closer to modern e-commerce capabilities without the operational complexities faced by many small retailers.

“Our goal is to create a seamless bridge between local kirana stores and India’s digital-first consumers,” said Ashish Pandey, director and co-founder of BuyBuyCart. “By combining hyperlocal delivery, technology-enabled management, and a franchise-led distribution model, we’re empowering entrepreneurs while improving convenience for customers across our markets.”

Since its inception, BuyBuyCart has focused on strengthening the presence of franchise stores in key urban and semi-urban markets. The new app is expected to accelerate digital adoption, expand reach, and position the company as a key player in India’s evolving grocery landscape.

Tilaknagar Industries Targets Premium Whisky Consumers with Launch of Seven Islands Pure Malt at INR 5,200

Beverages

SnackTeam

November 21, 2025

Tilaknagar Industries has made a significant move in India’s high-growth spirits market with the launch of Seven Islands Pure Malt Whisky, marking its entry into the premium whisky segment. The company announced the rollout on Thursday, positioning the new label as a pure malt expression created from a blend of Indian and Scottish single malts.

The launch comes at a time when whisky continues to dominate India’s alcohol industry by a large margin. Data from IWSR shows whisky accounted for nearly 66 percent of total spirits consumption in the country in 2024. The momentum has continued through this year, with Indian whisky volumes rising 7 percent in the first half of 2025 to cross 130 million cases. Analysts attribute the surge to rising premiumisation, evolving consumer tastes and the increasing global recognition of Indian-made whiskies.

Amit Dahanukar, Chairman and Managing Director of Tilaknagar Industries, said the expansion into premium whisky aligns with the company’s long-term vision of strengthening its presence across the alcoholic beverages spectrum. He noted that whisky’s commanding position within India’s spirits consumption landscape made it a strategic and inevitable step for the 90-year-old company. The launch follows closely after TI’s acquisition of the Imperial Blue whisky brand earlier this year.

Seven Islands is crafted from four single malts sourced from regions spanning both India and Scotland. The malts come from the Himalayan foothills, the Vindhyan ranges, Scotland’s Speyside and the Lowlands. The whisky undergoes ageing in a combination of tropical Indian conditions and traditional Scottish influences, shaping a layered flavour profile. It carries a natural golden hue and is characterised by notes of tropical fruit, dried nuts, French and American oak, gentle spice and light smoke. The bottle references the historic seven islands that formed Mumbai through nautical-themed design details.

Seven Islands Pure Malt Whisky is bottled at 42.8 percent ABV and will be available in a 750 ml format priced at INR 5,200 in Maharashtra.

Amul Targets Mainstream Israeli Consumers, to Launch Multiple Dairy Products Soon

Dairy

SnackTeam

November 21, 2025

India’s largest dairy cooperative Amul is preparing a significant expansion of its export portfolio in Israel, aiming to tap both the Indian diaspora and local Israeli consumers. The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which owns the Amul brand, presently ships ghee to Israel and is now working on approvals needed to introduce a broader range of dairy products.

GCMMF Managing Director Jayen Mehta said the cooperative is in the process of securing Kosher certification. The approval is essential for food products to be sold widely in Israel, where dietary practices guided by Jewish law influence large sections of the consumer market. Mehta is part of a sixty-member Indian delegation travelling with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

Speaking to PTI, Mehta said the company sees strong potential beyond the traditional diaspora-focused demand. He added that the next phase of expansion will push products aimed at mainstream consumption. According to him, certification involves inspection of production and handling processes to ensure full compliance with standards expected for locally consumed dairy.

Mehta also pointed to growing cooperation between India and Israel in agriculture, especially in livestock management. India is the world’s largest producer of milk, but productivity per animal remains significantly below global benchmarks. He noted that Israeli expertise in precision feeding, artificial insemination and farm management systems can support Indian dairy farmers in improving yields.

The Amul leadership is exploring partnerships that can strengthen productivity in arid and semi-arid regions of India, where access to technology remains limited. Discussions during the visit are expected to include collaborations in research and training.

The possible expansion of Amul’s product basket in Israel comes at a time when demand for high-quality dairy is increasing. The cooperative believes that a wider export presence can complement domestic growth and reinforce the brand’s global positioning.

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