Sofía Vergara Becomes Skechers Ambassador After Discovering Brand Herself

November 17, 2025

Sofía Vergara has signed on as the newest global ambassador for Skechers, giving the footwear company another high-profile name to front its expanding lifestyle portfolio. The partnership arrives as Skechers intensifies its push into comfort-led casual footwear across international markets, a segment that continues to outpace broader fashion categories.

The collaboration unfolded in a way that the company describes as refreshingly organic. Vergara first encountered the brand not in a boardroom but while recovering from knee surgery, a period during which she was looking for shoes that would reduce pressure on her joints. During a routine visit to a shopping mall, she tried on a pair from Skechers’ comfort range and ended up buying several more. Only later did she learn that her management team had already been in early discussions with the company.

Skechers said Vergara’s experience with its technology made her a natural fit for the role, as the brand sharpens its messaging around ease of wear and design innovation. Her first assignment will be a global campaign showcasing the company’s Hands Free Slip-ins Glide-Step collection, a franchise built on features that help users slide into their shoes without bending or pulling. The line has been one of the brand’s strongest performers in the past two years, particularly in North America and parts of Asia where convenience-focused footwear continues to gain traction.

The new campaign will roll out across television, digital channels and in-store displays over the next few weeks. Skechers has previously partnered with names such as Martha Stewart, Snoop Dogg and Amanda Kloots, signaling its continued appetite for celebrity-driven storytelling.

For Skechers, the company’s bet is that Vergara’s broad international appeal and personal experience with the product will help strengthen its connection with consumers seeking comfort without giving up style.

FirstCry Sees Improved Profit Metrics and 11 Percent GMV Rise in Q2

Growth

SnackTeam

November 17, 2025

FirstCry reported a smaller quarterly loss in the September period as the kidswear and parenting retailer continued to strengthen its revenue base across both online and store networks.

The company posted a net loss of Rs 50.5 crore for Q2 FY26, an improvement from Rs 62.9 crore in the same quarter last year. The performance also marked a sequential recovery, with the loss narrowing from Rs 66.5 crore in the June quarter. The top line remained steady through the period, with revenue from operations rising 10 percent year on year to Rs 2,099.1 crore. When other income of Rs 38.2 crore is added, total income reached Rs 2,137.3 crore. Expenses also grew 10 percent to Rs 2,036.9 crore.

The company’s operational strength showed through its adjusted EBITDA, which rose 51 percent year on year to Rs 120.8 crore. FirstCry reported GMV of Rs 2,819.2 crore for the quarter, reflecting an 11 percent rise. Its unique transacting customer base expanded at a similar pace and reached about 1.1 crore.

Brainbees Solutions, the parent of FirstCry, said that product sales across its India and international businesses accounted for 77 percent of operating revenue. GlobalBees, the company’s roll up brand arm, contributed Rs 493 crore to the consolidated figure.

Procurement remained the biggest cost centre, touching Rs 1,329 crore and accounting for 61 percent of total spending. Employee costs rose to Rs 203 crore, which included Rs 59 crore under ESOP charges. Marketing, technology, legal and rental costs pushed overall expenditure to Rs 2,175 crore.

In the India multi channel division, revenue rose 8 percent year on year to Rs 1,381.1 crore and segment profit climbed 26 percent to Rs 58.2 crore. Orders crossed the one crore mark during the quarter.

The company’s international unit posted revenue of Rs 235.7 crore, up 13 percent from last year, while losses narrowed to Rs 24.4 crore. FirstCry also opened its first fully owned store in Saudi Arabia.

Bird Foods targets 100 outlets in three years as Freddo Bakehouse, Indian Stories and Kacheng prepare for a nationwide push

Retail & Ecommerce

SnackTeam

November 17, 2025

Bird Foods is preparing for a major push in the foodservice space with a new experiential cafe format and an aggressive rollout strategy across the country. The company has introduced Freddo Bakehouse as its newest concept and plans to scale it rapidly along with its established brands, Indian Stories and Kacheng. Together, these formats will form the backbone of a network that the company wants to grow to 100 outlets within the next two to three years.

The expansion will focus on malls, high streets and busy commercial hubs in metro cities as well as tier two and tier three markets. The company is betting on the strong rise in dine-in demand. Over the last year, more customers have been choosing cafes that offer something beyond food, such as interactive spaces, fresh bakery counters and more personal experiences. Bird Foods believes that Freddo Bakehouse fits this shift well since it combines a cafe setting with live baking and a menu that changes through the day.

Indian Stories and Kacheng, the company’s existing brands, have also shown steady traction. Indian Stories is positioned around regional Indian comfort food, while Kacheng focuses on quick service Asian meals. Both brands have performed well in mixed locations, and the company expects them to benefit from the planned scale up.

Leadership at Bird Foods sees the coming years as a strong opportunity for organised food retail. With rising footfall in malls and new high street developments in mid-sized cities, the company wants to build a presence early and shape customer habits before the market becomes crowded.

If Bird Foods delivers on its 100 outlet target, it will mark one of the more aggressive expansions in the segment in recent years.

Ochre Spirits Secures Seed Funding; Plans Bigger Play in Whisky, Gin, and India’s Emerging Agave Category

funding

SnackTeam

November 17, 2025

Ochre Spirits, a young but fast-rising homegrown alcobev startup, has wrapped up its seed round led by Ah! Ventures, giving the company fresh firepower to scale its footprint in South and Western India. While the amount raised was not officially disclosed, people tracking the segment say early-stage rounds in this space typically fall anywhere between INR 4 crore and INR 12 crore, signalling strong investor confidence in the brand’s strategy.

The company plans to channel the new capital into strengthening its production capabilities and widening its portfolio. Ochre Spirits already plays in whisky and gin, but the big buzz is around its move into agave spirits, a category still young in India but gaining serious curiosity among premium consumers. With more urban drinkers experimenting beyond mainstream labels, the timing could work in the startup’s favour.

Ah! Ventures, known for backing ambitious consumer brands, has been increasing its presence in the alcobev segment. For them, Ochre Spirits checks several boxes: a category with headroom, a team that understands craft-driven production, and a market that’s quickly shifting toward homegrown labels. Industry insiders say India’s spirits market is on track to cross USD 40 billion in the next few years, driven by premiumisation and rising disposable incomes, creating an attractive window for differentiated players.

For Ochre Spirits, this round isn’t just about scaling quantity. The team aims to sharpen quality control, expand distribution, and double down on product development, especially in niche categories where Indian brands can build global-standard offerings. As competition heats up, early movers like Ochre are positioning themselves to ride the next phase of India’s alcobev evolution.

If executed well, this funding could mark the beginning of a strong, flavour-forward chapter for the brand.

BabyOrgano Targets Rs 100 Crore Revenue After Fresh Funding

funding

SnackTeam

November 17, 2025

BabyOrgano has secured fresh backing as it looks to push deeper into India’s growing natural wellness market for children. The Ahmedabad-based startup has raised Rs 20 crore in a pre-Series A round led by RPSG Capital Ventures, with existing investor Sauce.vc doubling down on its bet.

The company plans to channel the new capital into three fronts: building out its product pipeline, strengthening marketing, and tightening operations for scale. Internally, the team has set an ambitious target of touching Rs 100 crore in revenue by FY27, a milestone they believe is within reach as more parents turn to Ayurveda-focused solutions.

BabyOrgano was founded in 2020 by Riddhi and Ripul Sharma with a simple promise: everyday health products for children that rely on traditional Ayurvedic formulations rather than synthetic alternatives. Over the past four years, the brand has quietly built a sizable base of more than one million parents, helped by strong repeat buying behaviour that the company says sits above 40 percent.

Its range spans immunity boosters, cough and cold remedies, and daily wellness products. The lineup includes Swarnaprashan drops for immunity, Cold Relief Roll-On, Cough Syrup, Sitopaladi Churna, Chocovita milk mix, and a growing set of Ayurvedic gummies. BabyOrgano sells across major online marketplaces as well as offline retail, with plans to widen this footprint significantly.

The funds will also support work on its processes and supply chain, a critical area as the company prepares for broader national distribution. With competition rising from players like Mamaearth’s kids range, The Moms Co., Mother Sparsh, Dabur, Himalaya BabyCare, Chicco’s natural line, and Kapiva Kids, BabyOrgano is positioning itself as a brand rooted firmly in Ayurveda yet accessible to modern parents.

The new investment sets the stage for BabyOrgano to strengthen that positioning while accelerating its push across India.

Haus & Kinder Bags 3.3 Million Dollars as Demand Grows for Modern Home Essentials

funding

SnackTeam

November 15, 2025

Mumbai based home and lifestyle brand Haus and Kinder has secured 3.3 million dollars in fresh capital, with Sauce VC leading the round. Several well-known angel investors also joined in, including XYXX founder Yogesh Kabra, Sangeet Agrawal, Navin Parwal and members of the Chona family. This is the company’s second significant fundraise, following its earlier round of 3.96 million dollars backed by Dev Patel and others.

The new investment will be channelled toward strengthening the brand’s presence across quick commerce platforms, an area where the company has seen accelerating demand. The management said that rapid fulfilment is becoming an important driver in categories such as home textiles and baby essentials, where younger consumers now prefer instant access to premium everyday products.

Haus and Kinder was founded in 2018 by Saket Dhankar and Kanupriya Anand with a clear focus on modernising home and baby products for millennial households. The brand offers a wide range of home textiles including bed sheets, curtains, blankets and cushion covers. It also sells a large portfolio of baby essentials such as swaddles, nesting bags, feeding pillows and blankets. All products are designed around high-quality cotton, with the company’s ringspun cotton range becoming one of its most recognisable offerings.

The brand operates on a multi-channel model across its own website, leading e-commerce marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart, and an expanding presence on quick commerce apps. Dhankar said that Indian families are upgrading their homes far more frequently than before, with design choices influenced strongly by global trends. This shift, he added, has created room for brands that blend affordability with premium quality.

Haus and Kinder competes in a fast growing category that includes players such as Nestasia, 10Club, Homecentre, IKEA and Westside.

David Beckham’s IM8 Breaks Records: The Supplement Brand Growing Faster Than Any Competitor in History

Health & Wellness

SnackTeam

November 15, 2025

David Beckham’s wellness venture, IM8, has officially disrupted the global supplement market, earning the title of the fastest growing supplement brand in history. Launched with a mission to make high quality nutrition simple, stylish, and trustworthy, IM8 has quickly become a favourite among fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and wellness focused consumers around the world.

IM8’s growth has been driven by its clean ingredient philosophy, transparent formulations, and Beckham’s strong personal involvement in the brand. Unlike many celebrity backed wellness products, Beckham has positioned IM8 as more than just a name driven venture. The brand has focused heavily on research backed formulations and premium branding, creating a strong identity that resonates with modern consumers who value both performance and aesthetics.

In just a short span, IM8 has expanded its product portfolio to include daily performance blends, hydration mixes, multivitamins, and protein solutions. The brand’s strong presence on social media, coupled with Beckham’s global influence, has pushed IM8 into international markets at record speed. Retailers have reported rapid sell outs, and online sales continue to climb month after month.

Industry analysts believe the timing of IM8’s rise is strategic. With consumers prioritising wellness more than ever, the supplement industry has seen explosive growth, and IM8 has capitalised on this shift with sleek packaging, convenient formulations, and a powerful story of discipline and personal care led by one of the world’s most recognisable sports icons.

As IM8 continues to scale, the brand shows no signs of slowing down. Its early success signals a new era where athlete backed wellness brands prioritize authenticity, quality, and long term health benefits rather than quick wins.

Haircare startup &Done bags Rs 6.5 crore to expand professional salon partnerships

funding

SnackTeam

November 13, 2025

Image-of-&Done. — Haircare startup &Done bags Rs 6.5 crore to expand professional salon partnerships

Indian premium haircare brand &Done has secured Rs 6.5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by All In Capital, with participation from M.G. Investments and a group of angel investors. The capital will be used to expand product development, scale salon partnerships, and strengthen its direct-to-consumer presence across metro markets.

Founded earlier this year by entrepreneurs Saumya Yadav and Atit Jain, both engineers with prior startup experience, &Done aims to create a high-performance, science-backed haircare line tailored specifically for Indian hair textures and weather conditions. Yadav, an alumnus of IIT Delhi and Stanford Graduate School of Business, previously co-founded the edtech platform Udayy, while Jain, a BITS Pilani graduate, brings a track record of operational expertise in building consumer-led ventures.

Within months of its launch, &Done has established partnerships with more than 1,500 stylists across 300 premium salons in major Indian cities. The company follows a dual-channel approach—focusing on professional salon distribution while also selling directly to consumers through its online platform. Its flagship offerings include a range of shampoos and conditioners designed for at-home use that mirror professional-grade formulations.

“All In Capital sees &Done as a strong contender in a market long dominated by global brands,” said Aditya Singh, Co-founder at All In Capital. “Haircare is a tough category, with consumers quick to judge after one use. &Done has approached the challenge with genuine problem-solving and data-backed formulation.”

Co-founder Saumya Yadav said the brand’s mission is rooted in filling a gap for Indian consumers seeking results-oriented haircare. “Most professional brands used in Indian salons are imported. Indian hair behaves differently, and the environment demands different care. Our goal is to deliver high-performance, professional results made for Indian realities,” she said.

The company added that its formulations use globally sourced active ingredients, clinically tested to repair and strengthen hair with visible results.

Satvacart uses artificial intelligence to power next-gen grocery pricing with Shiv AI

Retail & Ecommerce

SnackTeam

November 13, 2025

Image-of-Satvacart- — Satvacart uses artificial intelligence to power next-gen grocery pricing with Shiv AI

Satvacart, the Gurugram-based grocery delivery platform, has rolled out an in-house artificial intelligence system named Shiv AI, a patent-pending pricing engine that adjusts product prices and offers in real time based on customer behaviour. The company said the system continuously learns from user sessions, interpreting how shoppers browse and respond to prompts, allowing it to personalise discounts and recommendations instantly.

According to the company, this marks a first in India’s online grocery segment, where most pricing decisions are either static or centrally managed. Shiv AI instead calculates contribution margins for every order as it happens, letting the platform tailor prices and promotions dynamically without manual oversight.

Satvacart, founded in 2014 by Rahul Hari and Deepika Saxena, operates on a scheduled delivery model, positioning itself differently from 10-minute quick commerce players. The company’s format allows customers to book precise delivery slots, including late-night orders, while maintaining operational efficiency and better margins.

The company said its current average order value stands at ₹870, with a contribution margin of around 15%, enabling it to run profitably even without advertising revenue. Satvacart became cash-flow positive in 2020 and continues to prioritise margin-led expansion over aggressive discounting.

To fuel its next phase of growth, Satvacart is in advanced talks to raise USD 10 million from family offices and select venture capital funds. The planned capital will be used to expand operations into Noida and Mumbai, strengthening its footprint across key urban markets.

Co-founder Rahul Hari said the introduction of Shiv AI aligns with Satvacart’s long-term vision to “build a self-learning retail engine that understands value from both the customer and business lens.” Over the next three years, the company aims to double its scale while maintaining profitability across new cities.

Iconic Fashion eyes Rs 1,100 crore revenue by FY28; rolls out Rs 150 crore expansion to capture India’s next 100 cities

Growth

SnackTeam

November 13, 2025

Iconic Fashion India, a leading player in the premium apparel and lifestyle retail segment, has unveiled ambitious growth plans, setting a target of Rs 1,100 crore in revenue over the next three years. To fuel this expansion, the company has announced a capital expenditure plan of Rs 150 crore aimed at expanding its presence beyond metro cities.

The brand intends to increase its retail footprint by adding nearly 10 lakh sq. ft. of space across tier-1 and tier-2 cities, underscoring its focus on capturing India’s rapidly growing aspirational consumer base. Iconic Fashion, known for housing top global and Indian fashion labels, plans to strengthen its multi-brand outlets and exclusive stores network as part of this strategy.

In addition to geographical expansion, the company is diversifying its product portfolio to include new categories such as luggage, designer wear, and watches. This move is expected to contribute significantly to its revenue mix over the next two years.

Enhanced in-store experiences, omnichannel retail integration, and deeper digital engagement will form the backbone of Iconic’s strategy going forward. The company aims to leverage data-driven insights and technology to improve customer experience both online and offline.

As competition intensifies in India’s premium retail space, Iconic Fashion’s aggressive growth push signals confidence in the rising demand for high-end fashion and lifestyle products outside traditional metro markets. The brand’s focus on diversification and innovation is poised to make it a formidable player in the Rs 5 lakh crore Indian fashion retail market.

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