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

funding

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.

Patanjali’s ‘Dhoka’ Chyawanprash Campaign Blocked by Delhi High Court Over Misleading Content

Business

SnackTeam

November 12, 2025

The Delhi High Court has restrained Patanjali Ayurved from running its recent chyawanprash advertisement, calling it misleading and disparaging to other brands in the category. The ruling came after Dabur India filed a plea alleging that the commercial harmed the reputation of all other chyawanprash manufacturers.

The 25-second advertisement, titled “51 Herbs. 1 Truth. Patanjali Chyawanprash!”, showed a mother feeding chyawanprash to her child as yoga guru Ramdev declared that “most people are fooled in the name of chyawanprash.” The court said the ad falsely implied that only Patanjali’s product was genuine while all others were deceptive, a message that misled consumers and damaged competitors.

Justice Tejas Karia, delivering the interim order, said, “To convey that only Patanjali’s product is genuine and others are deceptive is incorrect and disparages the entire class of chyawanprash.” He added that any manufacturer following statutory and ayurvedic guidelines “cannot be denigrated as deceptive.”

The court directed Patanjali to remove the advertisement from all television, digital, and print platforms within three days. It observed that featuring Ramdev, a figure of authority in yoga and Ayurveda, amplified the misleading impact on viewers, making them believe that rival chyawanprash products lacked authenticity.

Patanjali argued that the commercial was merely creative expression protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. However, the court rejected the defence, stating that the campaign went “beyond permissible puffery” and amounted to “misleading disparagement.”

The court also noted that stopping the ad would not materially harm Patanjali, as the company remained free to promote its chyawanprash without maligning competitors.

This is not the first time Patanjali’s advertising has faced legal scrutiny. In July, the High Court had similarly ordered the removal of another chyawanprash line that implied rival products were inferior—a decision later upheld by a division bench.

Anveshan’s Smart Supply Chain Revolution: How FilFlo’s AI Cut Losses, Raised Fill Rates to 95%, and Boosted Growth

Growth

SnackTeam

November 12, 2025

Image-of-anveshan — Anveshan’s Smart Supply Chain Revolution: How FilFlo’s AI Cut Losses, Raised Fill Rates to 95%, and Boosted Growth

Six months ago, Anveshan, a fast-growing food brand, faced a supply chain crisis that was eating into its revenues. Despite being a ₹100 crore brand, its fill rates across quick commerce platforms hovered between 75–85%, leading to over ₹1 crore in lost sales every month as customers encountered frequent out-of-stock issues.

Founder and CEO Kuldeep Parewa says the turning point came when the company adopted FilFlo, an AI-powered supply chain management platform built by Shubham Vyas and Navdeep Parewa. Having faced similar operational challenges at Sleepy Owl Coffee and P-TAL, the duo designed FilFlo to eliminate the chaos of manual inventory tracking and Excel-based planning.

Since implementation, Anveshan’s fill rates have jumped to 95%, with quick commerce revenue rising 33% in a single quarter. The company now enjoys live inventory visibility across warehouses, AI-managed replenishment for distribution centers in Mumbai and Bangalore, and a fivefold increase in capacity through third-party warehousing.

“The biggest shift wasn’t the metrics—it was mindset,” Kuldeep shared. “We stopped managing the supply chain. FilFlo started managing it for us.”

The brand also underwent a structural revamp, creating specialized logistics roles and introducing sharper KPI tracking powered by FilFlo.

For consumer brands still managing operations manually, the message is clear. “If you’re doing ₹10 crore-plus and still handling replenishment in Excel, you’re leaving money on the table,” Kuldeep said.

FilFlo now powers supply chains for seven brands, handling over ₹300 crore in monthly GMV—and according to its founders, they’re only just getting started.

Balaji Wafers valued at ₹35,000 crore as General Atlantic closes in on 7% stake purchase

INVESTMENTS

Online Desk

November 11, 2025

Image of balaji — Balaji Wafers valued at ₹35,000 crore as General Atlantic closes in on 7% stake purchase

US-based private equity firm General Atlantic is close to finalizing a ₹2,500 crore investment for a 7% stake in Balaji Wafers, valuing the Gujarat-headquartered snack maker at around ₹35,000 crore. The transaction, once complete, will mark one of the biggest private investments in India’s regional packaged foods space this year.

Balaji Wafers founder and managing director, Chandu Virani, confirmed that talks are in the final leg and that a formal announcement is expected soon. “It’s a done deal from our side,” Virani said, adding that the move is driven by the next generation’s ambition to bring in strategic capital and scale operations nationally.

The investment will give General Atlantic a foothold in India’s fast-growing savory snacks market, where Balaji commands nearly 65% share across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan in categories like chips, namkeen, and bhujia. Despite its stronghold being largely regional, Balaji ranks third in India’s overall salty snack segment, behind Haldiram’s and PepsiCo.

Founded in 1982 by Virani, who started out selling sandwiches and snacks at a Rajkot cinema, Balaji Wafers has built its business on a high-efficiency, low-cost model. The company generated ₹6,500 crore in revenue last fiscal year, with profits nearing ₹1,000 crore. Its lean approach—spending just 4% of revenue on advertising compared to the industry’s 8-12% average—has enabled consistent reinvestment in production and pricing control.

Balaji currently operates four large manufacturing units and plans to double capacity as it eyes broader national expansion.

The deal also highlights surging investor interest in regional consumer brands. Earlier this year, Haldiram’s sold a 10% stake to Temasek, Alpha Wave Global, and Abu Dhabi’s IHC at a valuation of over $10 billion. With evolving consumer preferences and quick-commerce reach, homegrown brands like Balaji are now rewriting the rules of India’s snack market.

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