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Protinex team up with Apollo Health on World Diabetes Day for free diagnosis offer

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Ashutosh Dubey
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Protinex team up with Apollo Health on World Diabetes Day for free diagnosis offer

In an effort to improve diabetes management and promote early testing, Protinex Diabetes Care has partnered with Apollo Health Co (Apollo 24|7). To celebrate World Diabetes Day, they are offering a free HbA1c test with every purchase of a Protinex Diabetes Care pack.

HbA1c test with Protinex Diabetes Care packProtineX

This collaboration aims to raise awareness about diabetes care and the importance of regular testing for long-term blood sugar management. The HbA1c test, considered the gold standard for monitoring glucose levels over the past two to three months, can be scheduled with a home collection appointment through Apollo 24|7. The offer is available until November 30, according to Indian Retailing.

Continue Exploring: Godrej refuses to cut palm oil content despite Unilever’s move

With over 101 million Indians living with diabetes (11.4% of the population) according to ICMR study, this new initiative encourages individuals to regularly check their blood glucose levels and take control of their health. Proper management and lifestyle changes can significantly improve quality of life for those with diabetes.

Meanwhile, Sriram Padmanabhan, Marketing Director, Danone India released a statement, saying, “The right nutrition is crucial in the battle against diabetes. It’s not just about managing blood sugar levels but also about early diagnosis and management. This World Diabetes Day, we are proud to collaborate with Apollo Health Co (Apollo 24|7) to empower individuals in their diabetes management journey. By offering a complimentary HbA1c test, we hope to remove some of the barriers that prevent individuals from regularly monitoring their health. Through this synergy, we are dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of protein and fibre in managing diabetes and making a meaningful impact on diabetes care in India.” 

Protinex at Apollo retail stores and online platforms

Notably, Protinex Diabetes Care offers a formula designed to support blood sugar control, enriched with essential nutrients and 11 immuno-nutrients to boost immunity. The Low GI formula and high fibre content also help reduce cholesterol. Through this partnership, Protinex highlights the importance of early diabetes diagnosis and effective management.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy Instamart’s Karthik Gurumurthy debuts cricket activewear brand Ten X You

Furthermore, Madhava Krishna (VP – Category) from Apollo Health Co (Apollo 24|7) stated, “Our partnership with Protinex Diabetes Care aligns perfectly with this vision by making essential diabetes testing widely available. Protein and fibre play crucial roles in diabetes management, helping regulate blood sugar and maintain sustained energy. By incorporating these nutrients in diet alongside regular health checks, we aim to support individuals in taking meaningful steps toward managing their health. Together, we hope to create greater awareness and make diabetes care more accessible for all.”

Besides the HbA1c test offer, Protinex Diabetes Care will be highly visible in Apollo retail stores and online platforms. The goal is to reach many consumers and educate them on the importance of early diabetes diagnosis and management. Apollo will also provide a dedicated toll number for inquiries, making it easier for people to get information on testing and other health services.

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FirstCry’s parent Brainbees Solutions’ shares Drop 5% following GST investigation

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Ashutosh Dubey
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FirstCry’s parent Brainbees Solutions’ shares Drop 5% following GST investigation

FirstCry‘s parent company, Brainbees Solutions, saw its shares drop over 5% after the Mumbai GST department launched an investigation into its tax practices.

Brainbees Solutions’ shares at INR 592.85

By 3 PM, Brainbees Solutions‘ shares were trading at INR 592.85 each, down 5.26% from the previous day. The company confirmed that Mumbai state tax officials searched and inspected its Pune headquarters and a warehouse in Bhamboli, Maharashtra, on November 6.

Continue Exploring: Middle east war slows McDonald’s growth, sales drop to half of pre-crisis levels

Meanwhile, the company said the investigation was done under sections 67(1) and 67(2) of the Maharashtra GST Act, 2017. Brainbees assured investors that they are fully cooperating with the GST authorities and providing all necessary clarifications. They also mentioned that the company’s operations are not affected by the ongoing probe.

FirstCry debuts on BSE, NSE in August 2024

According to INC42, the brand released a statement regarding the investigation, saying, “We would like to emphasise that the company has always maintained high standards of integrity, corporate governance, and compliance in all aspects of its operations, including the prompt payment of applicable taxes. We remain committed to upholding these standards.”

Further, the income tax department sent notices to the company earlier this year, questioning expenses of ₹79.7 crore related to employee stock options for the years 2018-2022.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy’s IPO receives 11% subscription on opening day, sluggish start

Started in 2010 by Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha, FirstCry is a marketplace for baby and kids products, operating both online and in physical stores. In August this year, it was listed on the BSE and NSE, debuting at a 34% and 40% premium respectively.

In the first quarter of FY 2024-25 (Q1 FY25), Brainbees Solutions reduced its consolidated net loss by 31% to INR 75.68 crore from INR 110.42 crore in the same period last year. The company’s operating revenue increased by 10% to INR 1,652.07 crore, compared to INR 1,496.93 crore in Q1 FY24.

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Middle east war slows McDonald’s growth, sales drop to half of pre-crisis levels

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Ashutosh Dubey
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Middle east war slows McDonald’s growth, sales drop to half of pre-crisis levels

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia have impacted McDonald‘s operations in West and South India, with some outlets struggling to achieve half their pre-crisis sales. Saurabh Kalra, managing director of Westlife Foodworld, discussed this issue during a post-earnings analyst call for the July-September period.

QSR Chains struggle with quarterly profits 

According to ET, Kalra stated, “I don’t think a lot of stores which got impacted last year have come up to the level of what they were pre-crisis,” in response to analyst queries about the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Continue Exploring: The Hosteller secures INR 48 Cr from V3 Ventures for expansion

Meanwhile, the situation in India arises when quick service restaurant chains like Sapphire Foods, Devyani International (operating Pizza Hut and KFC), Westlife Foodworld, Burger King, and Domino’s are facing challenges with quarterly profits and same-store sales due to increased local competition and rising food prices.

Notably, the Israel-Gaza war has negatively impacted American brands like Coca-Cola, Burger King, McDonald’s, and Starbucks globally, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, due to boycott calls and anti-American sentiment over claims that these brands support Israel’s war efforts. Kalra mentioned, “There was a part of the stores which were impacted. They are marginally better off but still largely remain impacted. And I can quote a few examples of Mumbai Central, Mazgaon where what we used to do, we are not even doing half of what we used to do. So, it remains tough in some of those belts.”

Westlife Foodworld registers loss to INR 35.7 lakh in Q2

Furthermore, Westlife Foodworld reported a significant 98.4% drop in profit to INR 35.7 lakh for the September quarter. Same-store sales growth also fell by 6.5%, due to “subdued in-store business,” according to the company’s earnings statement.

Continue Exploring: ProV registers INR 4.86 Cr PAT, revenue surges 47% YoY in H1 FY25

When asked about the chain’s recovery, Kalra explained, “We have built a lot of good momentum and we believe the negative cycle should be behind us and we should be able to do a better job in H2. We believe we are poised if the consumption trends come back; we are poised to be able to create the results which normally you would expect from us.”

In a September 4 report by the Reuters, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are facing declining sales in countries like Egypt and Pakistan, largely due to consumer boycotts sparked by the Israel-Gaza conflict.

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The Hosteller secures INR 48 Cr from V3 Ventures for expansion

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Ashutosh Dubey
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The Hosteller secures INR 48 Cr from V3 Ventures for expansion

The Hosteller, a popular backpacker hostel chain, has secured INR 48 crore in funding. The investment is a combination of equity and debt, with INR 16 crore coming from Blacksoil as debt and the remainder from V3 Ventures.

Notably, the funding round also included investments from Synergy Capital Partners, Unit-e Consulting LLP, Real Time Angel Fund (Climber Capital), Ice VC, and angel investors such as Harsh Shah from Naman Group Family Office and Vedang Patel, founder of The Souled Store.

Continue Exploring: Zero-commission app WAAYU expands food delivery to Hyderabad

The Hosteller to expand up to 10,000 beds in 15-18 months

While talking to ET, founder Pranav Dangi said, “We’ve just raised a round of funds which will be utilised to go from 2,500 beds today to 10,000 beds in the next 15 to 18 months.” Meanwhile, the investments will be used for expansion of The Hosteller across India.

Further, he stated that 90% of the funding will be used for expanding properties, while the remaining 10% will be for acquiring customers.

Continue Exploring: Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop to raise INR 250 Cr for expansion ahead of IPO

Established in 2014, The Hosteller runs 60 locations across India, including major cities and scenic spots in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and more. It aims to expand into new areas like Odisha, West Bengal, and the northeast, while strengthening its presence in current tier-1 cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, and Jaipur.

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ProV registers INR 4.86 Cr PAT, revenue surges 47% YoY in H1 FY25

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Ashutosh Dubey
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ProV registers INR 4.86 Cr PAT, revenue surges 47% YoY in H1 FY25

Food brand Proventus Agrocom Limited (ProV) has reported strong growth in revenue and profit for the first half of fiscal year 2024-25. The company attributes this success to consistent product quality, effective marketing, and innovation.

EBITDA rises to INR 8.16 Cr, sales sees 49% growth

For the period ending September 2024 (Q2), ProV recorded a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of INR 4.86 crore, an 86% increase year-on-year (YoY), and a consolidated revenue of INR 295.85 crore, a 47% YoY growth.

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In a press release, Mr. Durga Prasad Jhawar, CEO and MD of Proventus Agrocom Limited, stated, “We’re thrilled to share an impressive 49% year-on-year growth in ProV Brand sales, reaching INR 213.15 crores in H1 FY25 from INR 143.1 crores in H1 FY24. This growth is matched by a strong increase in EBITDA, rising to INR 8.16 crores from INR 4.46 crores in the previous fiscal half, underscoring our brand’s momentum in both revenue and profitability.”

Furthermore, for the half-year ended Q2, ProV Brand reported revenue sales of INR 213.15 crore, reflecting a 49% YoY growth. The company also achieved an employee pension scheme (EPS) of INR 14.2 during this period.

ProV to quadruple production by FY25 with new Surat facility

Meanwhile, the health food brand has recently enhanced its retail presence through strategic partnerships in modern retail and by appointing new distributors to strengthen its reach in the general trade sector. Additionally, the launch of its festive gifting range has garnered significant interest from consumers and partners, with expectations of doubling sales compared to last year.

Continue Exploring: Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop to raise INR 250 Cr for expansion ahead of IPO

Notably, ProV has also introduced the ‘Indulgence’ series, featuring five varieties of chocolate-coated almonds, and revamped the packaging of its ‘Fusion’ trail mix to highlight functional benefits, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

In terms of expansion, ProV’s newly acquired manufacturing facility in Surat, set to become operational by the last quarter of FY25, will quadruple its production capacity. With this expansion, ProV to meet increasing demand, scale up sales, and foster further product innovation.

“We are excited about our  upcoming new facility near Surat—a state-of-the-art operation designed to quadruple our production  capacity. This facility will enable us to expand and innovate with greater pace, bringing high-quality  healthy snacks closer to households nationwide” Jhawar stated further.

Looking ahead, ProV aims to achieve ₹1,000 crore in revenue by 2028, with a projected CAGR of 32-35%. 

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Zero-commission app WAAYU expands food delivery to Hyderabad

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Ashutosh Dubey
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Zero-commission app WAAYU expands food delivery to Hyderabad

Zero-commission food delivery platform, WAAYU, has started its services in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Currently serving 500 restaurants, the startup plans to expand to over 3,000 restaurants, offering them increased reach at no extra cost.

WAAYU to collaborate with ONDC $ Telangana State Hotels

The food tech startup is collaborating with ONDC and Telangana State Hotels Association to provide food delivery services in Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

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While talking to The Hindu Business Line, a WAAYU executive said, “The app validates the need to challenge the hefty commissions and the platform fee on other quick e-commerce platforms, which proves to be a barrier between consumers and restaurants.”

WAAYU to work with TATA Neu & OLA to generate higher order

“We are also working with TATA Neu and OLA, making it a channel to generate higher order volumes,” he further added.

Stressing further on commission fees, Mandar Lande, CEO and Co-Founder WAAYU App, stated, “With WAAYU App, we aim to eliminate commission fees and provide a more sustainable and profitable model for the restaurant ecosystem.”

Continue Exploring: Swiggy’s IPO receives 11% subscription on opening day, sluggish start

Meanwhile, Aniruddha Kotgire, Managing Director and Co-Founder of WAAYU App, commented that rising platform fees are a problem. “It solely benefits the platform owners and proves to be a deterrent to the industry,” he said. He added that the app will democratise India’s food delivery ecosystem.

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Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop to raise INR 250 Cr for expansion ahead of IPO

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Ashutosh Dubey
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Pernia's Pop-Up Shop to raise INR 250 Cr for expansion ahead of IPO

D2C designer wear retailer Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, eyeing to secure INR 250 crore before its planned IPO and has hired IIFL and Axis Capital to help with the fundraising. The IPO is expected in the next 12-15 months.

Pernia’s Pop-Up values at  INR 3,000 cr in last funding round

The company will use the funds to pay off debts and expand its network. Earlier, Purple Style Labs, the parent company of the retailer, had investors like Binny Bansal, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, and Enam’s Akash Bhanshali. It was valued at nearly INR3,000 crore during its last funding round a year ago.

Continue Exploring: Delhi HC bars Alpino from negative Oats ads following Marico lawsuit

While talking to ET Retail, Purple Style Labs founder Abhishek Agarwal said, “We plan to expand Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio retail footprint in Mumbai and Delhi as, despite our current strong presence, there remains untapped potential. So, the equity fund raise would be partly geared towards funding this expansion and the rest shall be used to repay existing debt to make Purple Style Labs debt-free on a consolidated level.”

Pernia’s Pop-Up marks 37% surge in earning

Notably, the brand offers products from over a dozen bridal and occasion wear designers, including Tarun Tahiliani, Falguni Shane Peacock, and Amit Aggarwal. The shop earned INR 508 crore in 2023-24, marking a 37% increase from the previous year.

Continue Exploring: KL Rahul-backed fitness brand Boldfit secures INR 110 Cr from Bessemer Partners

Meanwhile, in India, the wedding and occasion wear market was traditionally served by local shops making custom clothes. Over the past decade, brands like Manyavar, Mohanlal, Tasva, and Ethnix by Raymond have provided consistent delivery and quality in celebration wear, though at lower prices than designer labels.

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Delhi HC bars Alpino from negative Oats ads following Marico lawsuit

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Ashutosh Dubey
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Delhi HC bars Alpino from negative Oats ads following Marico lawsuit

The Delhi High Court has ordered Alpino Health Foods Private Limited to stop publishing ads that put oats in a bad light. This decision came after Marico Limited, which sells “Saffola Oats” and holds about 45% of the market share, filed a lawsuit.

Alpino compares Oats to “choona” (lime powder)

Notably, Marico has claimed that Alpino Health Foods ran a “brazen and bizarre” ad campaign, calling eating oats for breakfast a scam and comparing it to “choona” (lime powder), which they say is insulting and degrading.

Continue Exploring: KL Rahul-backed fitness brand Boldfit secures INR 110 Cr from Bessemer Partners

In granting interim relief, Justice Mini Pushkarna noted that Marico had a strong initial case for the injunction and would suffer significant harm without it.

According to NDTV, the judge handling the case stated, “Accordingly, till the next date of hearing, defendant, its directors … are restrained from publishing or otherwise sharing, forwarding, howsoever, communicating to the public, either through social media platforms, inter alia Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc., or in any other manner, the impugned advertisements or any part thereof, or any other advertisement or communication of a similar nature, in any language or in any manner, disparaging ‘oats’ as a category of foods.”

Marico’s Saffola Oats holds 45% of market

Thus, restrained Alpino to stop showing ads by any means and on any platform. In addition, the court also issued a summons to Alpino Health Foods, noting that any campaign against oats would directly impact Marico’s “Saffola” brand business.

Continue Exploring: Colgate registers 10.5% revenue growth YoY, net sales surges to INR 1,609.2 Cr

Notably, Marico claims that the defendant’s product, a breakfast cereal with 61% rolled oats and other ingredients, is being marketed as better than regular oats, creating a false impression of selling “super oats.”

Furthermore, it has objected to the alleged misrepresentation of oats’ nutritional value and the use of derogatory language and comparisons.

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KL Rahul-backed fitness brand Boldfit secures INR 110 Cr from Bessemer Partners

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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KL Rahul-backed fitness brand Boldfit secures INR 110 Cr from Bessemer Partners

D2C fitness and nutrition brand Boldfit secured INR 110 crore (about $13 million) from venture capital firm Bessemer Venture Partners.

Boldfit continues to grow for over 100% YoY for 4-5 years

Backed by cricketer KL Rahul, Boldfit will use the funds to boost product innovation and grow its brand. Established in 2018 by Pallav Bihani, the brand offers fitness accessories, nutraceuticals, sports equipment, and workout apparel.

Continue Exploring: Curefoods Plans Expansion to 1000 Locations, Opens First International Store

While talking to ET Retail regarding the funding, Bihani said, “We started our business with fitness equipment, and that continues to grow for us over 100% year on year for the last four or five years. As we build out a larger fitness powerhouse in the coming years, activewear, athleisure and footwear will become crucial. We are actively exploring and building these categories, which already contribute a significant portion of our business.”

Boldfit to launch physical stores soon

Notably, Boldfit sells its items on ecommerce sites, quick-commerce platforms, and its own D2C channel. In addition, It plans to open physical stores within the next 12 to 18 months.

“Last year (fiscal 2024) we clocked about Rs 140 crore in revenue, and I think this year looks pretty strong as well. There’s a lot of headroom for growth, and we’re growing very rapidly as we speak,” Bihani stated further. Earlier, in the financial year 2022-23, the company registered a revenue of INR 73 crore.

Continue Exploring: Brigade Hotel ltd seeks to raise INR 900 Cr via IPO, files DRHP to SEBI

Furthermore, Anant Vidur Puri, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, commented on the investment: “We believe sports and fitness is a rapidly growing market in India and Boldfit has emerged as an early leader in the space with its strong focus on product quality, holistic distribution, and strong brand partnerships.”

Looking ahead, the company plans to innovate in current categories and expand into the Middle East. 

Meanwhile, the Indian fitness market was valued at $20 million in 2023 and is expected to grow to $32 billion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 27%.

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Colgate registers 10.5% revenue growth YoY, net sales surges to INR 1,609.2 Cr

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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Colgate registers 10.5% revenue growth YoY, net sales surges to INR 1,609.2 Cr

Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited reported strong financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2024. Their topline growth increased by 10% year-on-year, with domestic revenues up by 10.5%. Net sales rose to INR 1,609.2 crore from INR 1,462.4 crore in the same period last year, showing steady growth across all products.

Colgate reports strong Q2 with profit of INR 395.1 cr

Notably, the brand registered a net profit of INR 395.1 crore in Q2 FY25, up 16.2% from INR 340.1 crore in Q2 FY24. This increase includes a one-time credit from interest on income tax refunds received during the quarter. Advertising expenses increased by 17.8%, highlighting Colgate’s increased investment in brand promotion and category development while continuing to focus on superior product offerings.

Continue Exploring: Raymond Lifestyle sees 69.72% drop in Q2 FY25 net profit due to inflation

According to Indian Retailing, Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited released a statement, saying, “We are pleased with the robust, consistent topline performance in a tough operating environment. This has been led by broad-based growth across portfolios. Toothpaste achieved high-single-digit volume growth on the back of our core brands- Colgate Maxfresh and Colgate Strong Teeth.

“Toothbrush continued to grow at double digits with rapid premiumization. We expect continued difficult market conditions but remain committed to leverage our very strong P&L which allows us to continue to invest behind superior products and advertising while we maintain our focus on ensuring better oral health for everyone in India,” he added.

Colgate’s BSBF initiative aims  for oral health awareness

Meanwhile, Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) program made significant progress this quarter in promoting oral health across India. The initiative partnered with the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Goa to expand its in-school program, aiming to educate over 2 crore children in Uttar Pradesh and over 2 lakh children in Goa about oral health.

Continue Exploring: Godrej refuses to cut palm oil content despite Unilever’s move

Furthermore, Prabha said, “This was a big innovation quarter with the launch of Colgate Visible White Purple, a product that uses colour theory and builds on our growing whitening business. The early response has been excellent. In addition, we aired new communication on our flagship global offering – Colgate Total. With its patented Dual Zinc and Arginine Technology, Colgate Total offers the best everyday protection and is the cornerstone of our premiumization strategy. Colgate Strong Teeth saw new advertising, built on the very relevant insight for today of increased snacking leading to increased loss of calcium, and Colgate Strong Teeth with its arginine + calcium boost builds back this lost calcium.”

Moving forward, the Board has announced a First Interim Dividend of INR 24 per share for the Financial Year 2024-25. A total of INR 653 crore will be paid out to shareholders listed in the Register of Members as of November 4, 2024. The distribution will begin on or after November 21, 2024.

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