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D2C hair care Arata reports 50% revenue growth, sales surges by 1.5x

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Ashutosh Dubey
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D2C hair care Arata reports 50% revenue growth, sales surges by 1.5x

Arata, a hair care brand based in Delhi NCR, saw its sales increase by 1.5 times during the financial year ending March 31, 2024. The D2C startup’s revenue grew by 50%, reaching INR 21 crore in FY24, up from INR 14 crore the previous year, showing strong demand.

Arata appears on Shark Tank, available on Blinkit, Instamart

The D2C startup, which appeared on the TV show Shark Tank India, makes most of its money by selling products on its website and on marketplaces, including quick commerce platforms like Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy shuffles leadership in delivery and Instamart to boost operations before IPO

Established by Dhruv Madhok and Dhruv Bhasin in 2018, Arata offers over 26 products across four categories. The startup says all its products are developed after thorough research and tested rigorously at a French lab in India before being sold. Their PETA-certified cruelty-free vegan products are also certified by Safe Cosmetics Australia and EWG.

Meanwhile, the startup not only increased its revenue but also reduced its net loss thanks to better margins. Arata’s loss decreased by 54%, from INR 9.4 crore in FY23 to INR 4.3 crore this year.

Arata raises over $1 Mn till now

Despite increased sales, the startup managed to keep its expenses nearly the same in FY24. Total expenditure was INR 26.5 crore, almost unchanged from INR 26.6 crore the previous year. They spent INR 6.4 crore on raw materials, a nearly 3% drop from the previous year. Employee costs rose 6%, from INR 3.3 crore to INR 3.5 crore. Advertising costs were reduced by 39%, from INR 11 crore to INR 6.7 crore.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart adds 10,000 EVs to fleet, targets full switch by 2030

The startup mainly sells shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, and serum, as well as body wash products. So far, it has raised over $1 million from investors like DSG Consumer and Nikhil Vohra. 

Notably, Arata competes with brands like WOW Skin Science, Pilgrim, and Mamaearth in the personal care market.

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Wheelocity secures $15M in series A2 funding, plans FMCG expansion

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Ashutosh Dubey
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Wheelocity secures $15M in series A2 funding, plans FMCG expansion

Wheelocity, a supply chain network for fresh products, secured $15 million (INR 126.5 crore) in Series A2 investment round. This was led by existing investor Lightspeed, with participation from Alteria Capital, Anicut Capital, and the company’s founder, Selvam VMS.

Wheelocity to reach 20,000 towns and villages in next year

According to INC42, the startup aims to expand beyond essentials like fresh produce and groceries, into non-food FMCG items, staples, household essentials, and other products. With the new funding, the startup aims to reach 20,000 towns and villages over the next year, targeting 10 million consumers. Currently operating in Tamil Nadu, it plans to expand into South Indian states such as Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy shuffles leadership in delivery and Instamart to boost operations before IPO

Notably, Wheelocity plans to upgrade its technology and increase its presence to serve semi-urban and rural customers more effectively. The company’s growth strategy involves advancing its online platforms, expanding local networks, and strengthening its teams in management, operations, product, and engineering.

Wheelocity raises total $27 Mn led by Lightspeed and others

For now, the company has secured $27 million. In 2022, they secured $12 million in Series A funding, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Anicut Capital, combining equity and venture debt. Selvam VMS, the founder and CEO, said their goal is to create a commerce system tailored to the unique needs and opportunities of these markets.

Established by Selvam VMS and Senthil Kumar in April 2022, this supply chain startup aims to tackle supply chain issues for fresh commerce in India. For initial days, it operated as a B2B model working with ecommerce companies, but in October 2023, it shifted focus. Now, it aims to create a semi-urban and rural ecommerce platform.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart adds 10,000 EVs to fleet, targets full switch by 2030

“We reached product-market fit around February-March this year when we were present in just 30 villages. Now, we are present in 3,500 villages and have experienced significant growth. We have scaled up to 100X over the last six months. Our next goal is to expand to 20,000 villages within the next year,” Selvam said while talking to INC42.

Meanwhile, the startup uses a “phygital” model, combining physical and digital services, to reach semi-urban and rural consumers in India, where access to essential products is limited. Focusing on fresh and grocery products, the company delivers daily to towns and villages through a high-frequency supply chain. Consumers can order via a mobile app or buy directly from three-wheel electric carts that visit their villages.

“This offline presence builds trust with consumers, encouraging them to gradually shift to online purchasing,” the CEO further said.

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Swiggy shuffles leadership in delivery and Instamart to boost operations before IPO

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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Image of swiggy delivery boy
Swiggy shuffles leadership in delivery and Instamart to boost operations before IPO

Food tech giant Swiggy has added two senior executives to its leadership team. This move aims to boost its food delivery and quick commerce operations before its stock market debut on November 13.

Shalabh Shrivastava for delivery fleet, Hari Kumar G for Instamart 

According to INC42, the food delivery platform has appointed Shalabh Shrivastava, a former Flipkart executive, as senior vice president of Driver Org. He will work on improving the product and operations of Swiggy’s delivery fleet. Additionally, Hari Kumar G has been named senior vice president and chief business officer of Swiggy Instamart to drive customer-centric growth and strengthen Swiggy’s quick commerce position.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart adds 10,000 EVs to fleet, targets full switch by 2030

Notably, Swiggy’s new appointments are aimed at expanding its operations, enhancing its delivery service, and growing its food delivery and quick commerce sectors. Before joining Swiggy, Shrivastava was vice president at Flipkart, where he improved their first and last mile operations and strengthened the supply chain. He has also worked with major companies like Reliance Retail and Infosys.

In his previous role at Flipkart, Kumar G managed key categories like electronics, appliances, and groceries.

Swiggy to introduce ‘Yello’ for services like astrology, fitness

Further, Girish Menon, Swiggy’s chief human resources officer, commented on the appointments, saying, “As Swiggy accelerates its innovation and expands into new categories and services, strengthening our leadership team is critical to driving the next phase of our growth. Hari and Shalabh bring deep expertise in scaling businesses and optimising operations across dynamic, fast-paced industries.”

Continue Exploring: Amazon, Flipkart under ED scrutiny, executives summoned for FDI law breaches

Meanwhile, the company is reportedly looking to enter new categories to diversify beyond its main businesses. The company is planning to launch a pilot for a services marketplace called ‘Yello’. This platform will let customers connect with professionals like lawyers, astrologers, dieticians, therapists, and fitness trainers, according to an ET report.

In addition, Swiggy is launching Rare Life, a concierge service for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs). Ahead of its IPO, Swiggy also introduced a 10-minute food delivery service called ‘Bolt’ in cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai.

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Flipkart adds 10,000 EVs to fleet, targets full switch by 2030

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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0
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Flipkart adds 10,000 EVs to fleet, targets full switch by 2030

Flipkart , the e-commerce giant, announced that its delivery fleet now includes 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs). The company plans to fully switch to EVs by 2030 as part of its push for EV adoption.

75% of Flipkart’s EVs in metro cities 

According to INC42, Flipkart has been gradually adding EVs to its delivery fleet. The company stated that switching from internal combustion engine vehicles has improved its last-mile delivery speed by 20% and reduced overall logistics costs.

Continue Exploring: Amazon, Flipkart under ED scrutiny, executives summoned for FDI law breaches

Currently, 75% of Flipkart’s electric vehicles (EVs) are in metro cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. To increase EV use in non-metro cities, Flipkart has partnered with Adani Group to set up 38 EV charging sites with 190 chargers in Tier-II cities.

Meanwhile, the e-commerce platform introduced a last-mile aggregator model in Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. This model involves working with EV-focused fleet operators to improve supply chain operations and increase the use of electric vehicles.

“Through our strategic partnership with the Climate Group’s EV100 initiative and collaborations with leading OEMs, EV service providers, charging infrastructure partners, financing bodies, and manpower sourcing agencies, we are well-positioned to achieve a 100% last-mile electric fleet by 2030,” commented Nishant Gupta, Flipkart’s head of sustainability.

Amazon India now plans to introduce 10k EVs by 2025

Notably, Amazon India, Flipkart’s competitor, plans to increase its delivery fleet to over 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2025.

Continue Exploring: IISc develops eco-friendly, recyclable foam for FMCG packaging

Furthermore, Flipkart’s logistics arm, Ekart, saw its net loss increase more than five times to INR 1,718.4 crore in the financial year 2023-24, from INR 324.6 crore the previous year. Ekart’s operating revenue dropped 5% to INR 12,115.3 crore in FY24, compared to INR 12,787.4 crore in FY23.

Being major players in the Indian ecommerce market, Flipkart and Amazon are now facing strong competition from quick commerce companies like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart. To compete, Flipkart recently entered the quick commerce market with the launch of Flipkart Minutes.

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Amazon, Flipkart under ED scrutiny, executives summoned for FDI law breaches

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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Amazon, Flipkart under ED scrutiny, executives summoned for FDI law breaches

After the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided Amazon and Flipkart seller offices, the agency is reportedly planning to summon executives from both companies over suspected violations of foreign direct investment (FDI) laws.

ED calls on executives based on document seized from sellers

According to a Reuters report citing an anonymous government source, the ED plans to call in executives after examining documents seized from sellers during the raids. These raids were part of an investigation into potential Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations in seller offices located in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Hyderabad.

Continue Exploring: Amazon Seller Services reports 14.5% revenue increase to INR 25,406 Cr, reduces loss

Meanwhile, the report stated that these searches supported the agency’s investigation into FDI violations. Meanwhile, the ED is analysing business data from sellers and their transactions with ecommerce companies over the past five years or more. Regulators have recently focused on Flipkart and Amazon India regarding the relationships between the platform and the sellers on their marketplaces.

CCI finds Flipkart, Amazon guilty of violating competition laws

Previously in 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) found Flipkart and Amazon guilty of breaking competition laws by favouring certain sellers. The antitrust watchdog ordered both companies to share their financial statements. After a four-year case, the CCI will decide the fine, which could be up to 10% of their global annual turnover or income.

Continue Exploring: Zomato and Swiggy deny alleged competition law violations by CCI

At the same time, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has criticised the CCI for not acting quickly enough on the investigations and violations by Amazon and Flipkart.

These changes are important due to the shifts in the ecommerce landscape over the past year, with quick commerce companies becoming more prominent and growing fast. Flipkart has introduced its own quick commerce service, while Amazon plans to launch its version later this year, according to reports.

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IISc develops eco-friendly, recyclable foam for FMCG packaging

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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0
Image of FMCG Packaging
IISc develops eco-friendly, recyclable foam for FMCG packaging

Researchers at Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science have developed a biodegradable foam that offers a sustainable solution to plastic waste. Made from natural sources, this eco-friendly foam disintegrates naturally in landfills, safeguarding groundwater quality and providing a viable alternative to conventional plastic foams.

World produce 2.3 mn tonnes of plastic foam every year

Every year, about 2.3 million tonnes of plastic foam are made globally, but less than 1% is recycled, adding to landfill waste and pollution. To address this, a team from IISc’s Department of Materials Engineering, led by professors Suryasarathi Bose and Subodh Kumar, developed a biodegradable foam for packaging Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).

Continue Exploring: Snitch introduces “Worth the Wait” feature for fashion-forward customers

Notably , the foam is created from bio-based epoxy resins, using non-edible oils approved by the US FDA, and hardeners made from tea leaves. This method reduces the use of fossil fuels and non-recyclable materials while keeping the foam’s strong compressive strength.

According to Deccan Herald, researchers noted that making 10,000 traditional plastic foam cups produces about 308 kg of greenhouse gas emissions. The Indian foam market, worth $7.9 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to $11.1 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 3.85%.

New bio-derived foam for FMCG sector

Meanwhile, foam packaging is important in the FMCG industry because it is light and protective. However, traditional materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane (PU) don’t biodegrade and often end up in landfills, causing environmental harm. Researchers Sampath Parasuram, Akshay Sunil Salvi, Supriya H, and Sandeep Kumar Singh said that the new bio-based foams have chemical bonds that can be broken and reformed with external stimuli. This allows the foam to be reprocessed or dissolved in eco-friendly solvents within hours.

Continue Exploring: KFC, Pizza Hut owner Devyani International registers INR 4.92 crore loss in Q2 FY25 

The team noted, “Unlike traditional foams, which can take centuries to decompose, these bio-derived alternatives disintegrate safely in landfills, without harming groundwater.” They have also filed for a patent on the new technology.

Although the raw materials for making the bio-based foam are currently expensive, Bose thinks that higher demand will help lower the prices.

“With stricter regulations on the use of polymer-based foams, we expect bio-based foams to be mass-produced within five years. Sustainable packaging is urgently needed, as our landfills are already overwhelmed with synthetic materials,” he added.

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Snitch introduces “Worth the Wait” feature for fashion-forward customers

By
Ashu Agrawal
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Snitch introduces "Worth the Wait" feature for fashion-forward customers

Snitch, a leading men’s fashion brand, has launched an innovative feature called “Worth the Wait” (WTW), allowing customers to stay ahead of the latest trends.

Snitch offers “Dropping Soon” tab for preview

With WTW, customers enjoy several exclusive benefits. They can preview upcoming styles every Thursday under the “Dropping Soon” tab, add their favourite items to their wish list, and take advantage of exclusive discounts during the first six hours of each new launch.

Continue Exploring: Relaxo Footwears suffers loss, profit slumps to INR 37 Cr in Q2 FY25

“We’ve always focused on more than just keeping up with trends; it’s about creating a seamless and rewarding experience for our customers. ‘Worth the Wait’ is our way of ensuring that our community not only gets first access to the latest styles but also enjoys a unique advantage with exclusive offers. It’s all about bringing even more value to the people who trust us to keep them ahead in the fashion game,” said Siddharth Dungarwal, Founder and CEO of Snitch.

Further, WTW enables customers to plan their shopping experience, keeping their wardrobe updated and stylish. To access this feature, customers can download or update the Snitch app.

Continue Exploring: Amazon Seller Services reports 14.5% revenue increase to INR 25,406 Cr, reduces loss

Snitch start as D2C brand in 2020

Founded in 2020, Snitch is a direct-to-consumer brand known for its unconventional approach to men’s fashion. The brand crafts designs reflecting the latest trends, positioning itself as a leader in fast fashion. Snitch has carved out a distinct identity, challenging conventional norms and making a significant impact in the market.

Meanwhile, with “Worth the Wait,” Snitch reinforces its commitment to providing customers with the latest fashion trends and a seamless shopping experience. Customers can explore the latest in men’s fashion and ensure they never miss a stylish moment.

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KFC, Pizza Hut owner Devyani International registers INR 4.92 crore loss in Q2 FY25 

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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0
Image of pizza hut & kfc
KFC, Pizza Hut owner Devyani International registers INR 4.92 crore loss in Q2 FY25 

India’s largest KFC and Pizza Hut franchise owner, Devyani International Limited, incurred a loss of INR 4.92 crore in the July-September quarter (Q2), according to its latest regulatory filing.

Devyani International revenue jumps to INR 1,222.15 crore

Last year, Devyani International made a profit of INR 35.82 crore during the same period. However, this year it incurred a loss. Despite the loss, the company’s revenue jumped 49.23% to INR 1,222.15 crore (Q2 FY25) from INR 819.47 crore (Q2 FY24).

Continue Exploring: Zomato and Swiggy deny alleged competition law violations by CCI

Meanwhile the company’s expenses increased to INR 1,230.89 crore (Q2 FY25) from INR 793.04 crore (Q2 FY24). The company also expanded its presence by opening 85 new stores across its brands during the quarter.

Furthermore, DIL announced that it has obtained exclusive master franchise rights for three modern quick-service restaurant brands: TeaLive, New York Fries, and Sanook Kitchen. These partnerships will help DIL achieve its growth strategy. As DIL’s existing brands continue to grow and introduce new menu items, the company is expanding its portfolio to include modern food and beverage options.

Devyani International to consider ‘Food on the Go’ and ‘House of Brands’

“We are happy to welcome new brands to the DIL family, catering to youth categories such as handcrafted tea, fresh cut fries and authentic Thai & Asian cuisine. The new partnerships reflect our commitment to bringing diverse, high-quality contemporary food & beverages brands to our customers, while driving sustainable growth for DIL. With exclusive rights for these brands in India, DIL is consolidating its strategy of ‘Food on the Go’ and ‘House of Brands’,” commented Ravi Jaipuria, non-executive chairman of Devyani International Limited.

Continue Exploring: Amazon Seller Services reports 14.5% revenue increase to INR 25,406 Cr, reduces loss

The company said it will invest in its brand portfolio to expand its reach, attract target consumers, and seize growth opportunities nationwide.

“While we recognize the current subdued environment in the QSR industry, we are confident that the current headwinds are transient in nature. As firm believers in India’s growth story, we are well-positioned to capitalise on future opportunities and deliver value to all our stakeholders,” he added.

In the quarter, a company called ‘Devyani PVR INOX Private Limited’ was established on July 26, 2024, to develop and operate food courts in shopping malls across India.

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Relaxo Footwears suffers loss, profit slumps to INR 37 Cr in Q2 FY25

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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Image of relaxo footwear
Relaxo Footwears suffers loss, profit slumps to INR 37 Cr in Q2 FY25

Relaxo Footwears‘ profit dropped 17% in the second quarter. The company made INR 37 crore ($4.4 million), down from INR 44 crore during the same quarter last year.

Relaxo reports 5% revenue loss to INR 679 Cr

According to ET Retail, the company’s revenue fell by 5% to INR 679 crore in Q2, compared to INR 715 crore in the same quarter last year. For the first half of the financial year 2025, Relaxo had a revenue of INR 1,428 crore and a net profit of INR 81 crore.

Continue Exploring: Amazon Seller Services reports 14.5% revenue increase to INR 25,406 Cr, reduces loss

Meanwhile, Relaxo Footwears Ltd.’s Chairman Managing Director, Ramesh Kumar Dua, commented on the financial results, blaming the decline on low demand. “The company reported a decline in revenues during the quarter as the overall demand remained subdued. During the quarter, the industry witnessed an increase in lower priced unorganised competition, which led to downtrading by consumers in a high inflation environment,” he said.

Relaxo runs 405 exclusive-brand stores across India

Dua detailed the company’s plans for growth and efficiency, aiming to boost market presence and streamline operations. He added, “The company is in the process of adding new distributors to our network, to ensure Relaxo’s presence in each district of the country. Further, in line with our continued focus on cost efficiencies, we are working on optimising our backend operations, which would enable the company to deliver a sustainable performance in future.”

Continue Exploring: Zomato and Swiggy deny alleged competition law violations by CCI

Notably, Relaxo, a leading footwear maker in India, is famous for its brands like Sparx, Flite, and Bahamas, with over 405 exclusive-brand stores across the country.

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Amazon Seller Services reports 14.5% revenue increase to INR 25,406 Cr, reduces loss

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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0
image-of- amazon
Amazon Seller Services reports 14.5% revenue increase to INR 25,406 Cr, reduces loss

Amazon Seller Services saw a 14.5% increase in operational revenue for the year ending March 31, 2024, which helped reduce its loss after tax. The company reported revenue of INR 25,406 crore, up from INR 22,198 crore the previous year.

Amazon registers INR 3,469 Cr loss after tax

According to the exchange filing of e-commerce major, the loss after tax was INR 3,469 crore, better than the INR 4,854 crore loss last year. Amazon Seller Services, part of Amazon’s marketplace division, helps businesses in India list, sell, and ship products on the platform. It uses fulfilment tools, advertising, and customer insights to help them reach more customers and increase sales.

Continue Exploring: Zomato and Swiggy deny alleged competition law violations by CCI

In February, Amazon Seller Services received INR 830 crore from its US parent company. This is part of the $15 billion investment that CEO Andy Jassy promised for the Indian market. Despite strong revenue and reduced losses, a 6.5% rise in expenses squeezed its margins. The largest expenses were for transportation and distribution, followed by legal professional charges, listed under “other expenses”.

Amazon.in launches Creator Central for creators

Meanwhile in this month, Amazon US announced a strong third quarter, with profits up 55%, mainly due to its cloud computing business. The company expects the fourth quarter, boosted by Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, to be even better. They forecast net sales of up to $188.5 billion, about 11% higher than the same period last year.

Continue Exploring: Zomato launches ‘Food Rescue’—buy cancelled food orders at a discount

Notably, Amazon launched a platform called Creator Central last week, making it easier for creators to produce and publish content.

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