Bira 91’s Ankur Jain eyes asset sale to tackle unpaid wages and PF dues

Beverages

November 7, 2025

Bira 91’s parent company, B9 Beverages, is taking urgent steps to stay afloat as a prolonged financial crunch leaves hundreds of employees unpaid for months. Founder and CEO Ankur Jain told staff this week that the company has secured a buyer for one of its assets, a move he said would help generate immediate cash to clear pending salaries and provident fund dues.

In a letter to employees reviewed by ET, Jain said the proposal had been sent to key lenders and shareholders for approval and that he was “hopeful of timely consent.” While he declined to specify which asset is being sold, Jain said the company is exploring multiple options to restore stability, including the sale of non-core assets and restructuring initiatives.

B9 Beverages, which owns the craft beer brand Bira 91, has been battling a severe liquidity crisis since early this year. Production has been halted since July, and employees have publicly appealed to the company’s board, shareholders, and even the Union government over unpaid dues stretching back more than six months. Around 250 employees had also petitioned for Jain’s removal last month, citing operational and financial mismanagement.

The company’s troubles have deepened following a steep financial decline in FY24, when losses ballooned to ₹748 crore—surpassing total revenue of ₹638 crore—as sales volumes slipped to around 6–7 million cases. B9 Beverages has yet to file its FY25 results.

Among its key investors are Japan’s Kirin Holdings, Anicut Capital, and Peak XV Partners. However, some investors have expressed skepticism about the asset sale, questioning the lack of transparency around the proposed deal. Jain, in his communication, said the funds raised would go toward settling provident fund obligations, paying the bottom half of the workforce—including former employees—and reviving operations in select markets to restart cash flow.

Rakesh Masala Taps Superstar Hrithik Roshan to Take On MDH, Everest and Catch in India’s Crowded Rs 30k-Crore Masala Market

SnackTeam

November 7, 2025

Image-of-rakesh-masala. — Rakesh Masala Taps Superstar Hrithik Roshan to Take On MDH, Everest and Catch in India’s Crowded Rs 30k-Crore Masala Market

Rakesh Masala, one of India’s fastest-growing spice and food product brands, has announced Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan as its new brand ambassador. The move marks a major marketing push for the company as it aims to strengthen its national presence in India’s fiercely competitive packaged spices market, currently dominated by players such as MDH, Everest, Catch and Tata Sampann.

The partnership kicked off with the launch of a fresh television commercial featuring Hrithik Roshan. The campaign highlights Rakesh Masala’s focus on purity, aroma and authenticity, while placing Hrithik as the face of the brand’s premium quality promise. According to industry executives, onboarding a high-value celebrity like Hrithik signals the company’s intent to scale aggressively across retail and modern trade channels.

The new TVC showcases Hrithik in a warm, family-centric narrative, reinforcing the brand’s tagline while aiming to build emotional recall among consumers. With India’s branded spices market estimated to be worth over Rs 30,000 crore, and set to grow at a double-digit rate, Rakesh Masala is looking to carve out a larger slice through high-impact advertising and deeper distribution.

Marketing analysts believe that celebrity partnerships continue to be a powerful driver of brand trust, especially in the food and FMCG categories. By associating with Hrithik, known for his credibility and strong mass appeal, Rakesh Masala hopes to bolster consumer confidence and expand its footprint in newer regions.

The company has not yet disclosed the campaign’s budget, but industry insiders suggest it could be one of Rakesh Masala’s most ambitious marketing spends to date. With Hrithik Roshan now onboard, the brand is gearing up for a more aggressive presence across TV, digital and in-store promotions.

India Records Highest Alcohol Growth Among 20 Global Markets, Fueled by Premium Brands

Growth

SnackTeam

November 7, 2025

India has emerged as the fastest-growing market for total beverage alcohol (TBA) consumption among 20 key global markets, marking its third consecutive half-year period of leading the charts. Driven largely by whisky, India’s TBA volume surged 7% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, underscoring the country’s evolving drinking culture and growing appetite for premium spirits.

According to industry data, whisky continues to dominate India’s alcohol market, accounting for the lion’s share of consumption. The growth is being propelled not just by increased affordability and urbanisation, but also by a rising preference for premium and craft offerings among younger consumers. Premium categories have outperformed the overall market, suggesting that Indian consumers are trading up for higher-quality products.

Experts note that this sustained growth positions India to soon become the fifth-largest alcohol market globally by volume. The trend also reflects changing social norms and expanding distribution networks, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. International brands are capitalising on this momentum by deepening their presence in India, while domestic players are investing heavily in innovation, flavour experimentation, and branding.

Despite high taxation and regulatory hurdles, the sector’s outlook remains robust, supported by increasing disposable incomes and a young population. Analysts predict continued momentum through 2026, with whisky, beer, and ready-to-drink beverages expected to be key growth drivers.

India’s rising influence in the global alcohol industry signals not just a shift in consumption trends but also a broader cultural transformation — one that is placing the country firmly on the world’s beverage map.

Britannia Industries Q2 Net Profit Rises 23% YoY to ₹655 Crore, Revenue at ₹4,752 Crore

Growth

SnackTeam

November 6, 2025

Britannia Industries reported a solid second quarter for FY26, posting a 23 percent year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit at ₹655 crore, driven by stable commodity prices and continued cost discipline. The maker of Good Day and Marie Gold biscuits had reported a profit of ₹532 crore in the same period last year.

Revenue from product sales increased 4 percent to ₹4,752 crore, while total income rose 3.8 percent to ₹4,893 crore in the September quarter, compared to ₹4,668 crore in the year-ago period. Total expenses remained largely unchanged at ₹4,006 crore, reflecting the company’s focus on operational efficiency.

Britannia’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Varun Berry, said the company delivered “reasonable growth” in revenue alongside a healthy expansion in profit margins, supported by relatively stable input costs and sustained optimization efforts across its value chain.

He added that the government’s recent GST rate rationalisation is a positive step for consumer demand and broader market sentiment. However, he acknowledged that transitional challenges following the tax changes, particularly around supply chain and trade adjustments, temporarily affected business performance during the latter part of the quarter. These effects, he said, are expected to ease in the coming months.

Despite these short-term headwinds, Britannia’s adjacent bakery categories — including rusk, wafers, and croissants — continued to record strong double-digit growth. The company also saw momentum in its e-commerce channel, which boosted sales of indulgent and on-the-go products.

For the first half of FY26, Britannia’s total income rose 6 percent to ₹9,572 crore. Looking ahead, the company said it will focus on driving volume-led growth, expanding its reach across regions with localized strategies, and maintaining price competitiveness while leveraging its brand strength to stay ahead in an increasingly fragmented market.

Cinepolis India FY25 Results: ₹61 Crore Loss, Revenue Down 7.5% on Sluggish Film Slate

Business

SnackTeam

November 6, 2025

Cinepolis India slipped into losses in FY25 as a sluggish film slate and delayed global releases weighed heavily on the country’s multiplex business. The operator reported a net loss of ₹61 crore for the year ended March 2025, compared with a profit of ₹32 crore in the previous fiscal, according to regulatory filings accessed from Tofler.

Revenue from operations dropped 7.5 percent to ₹1,284 crore, down from ₹1,388 crore a year earlier. The company’s other income also saw a sharp decline, falling nearly threefold to ₹16 crore from ₹43 crore in FY24, reflecting a broader slowdown in ancillary earnings. Operating expenses, meanwhile, remained steady at ₹1,345 crore, suggesting that muted revenue growth, rather than rising costs, was the main drag on profitability.

Industry insiders say FY25 proved challenging for most multiplex operators as Hindi films failed to perform consistently at the box office. The year saw only a handful of major hits driving footfalls, while a large number of mid-budget releases underwhelmed. As a result, several production houses postponed new projects, leading to fewer theatrical releases and thinner content pipelines.

Cinepolis, like its peers, also felt the impact of global disruptions. Prolonged strikes by Hollywood writers and actors pushed several international releases to later dates, cutting into multiplex footfalls across urban centers. While regional cinema, particularly films from the South, continued to attract audiences, their performance was not enough to fully compensate for the shortfall in Hindi and English titles.

Cinepolis India, part of Mexico’s Cinepolis Group, operates one of the largest multiplex networks in the country. The company is now betting on a stronger content lineup in FY26 and improving consumer sentiment to help the business rebound after a year marked by weak box office trends and delayed international releases.

FMCG Giants Hit Pause on TV Ads: HUL, P&G, Dabur Slash Spends Amid Weak Demand

FMCG

SnackTeam

November 6, 2025

India’s television advertising market has seen a slowdown in 2025, with ad volumes falling notably as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies tighten their spending. According to industry data, the first three quarters of 2025 recorded a 10% drop in TV ad expenditure compared to the same period last year, signaling cautious sentiment among major advertisers.

The decline is largely driven by leading FMCG players trimming their marketing budgets amid tepid consumer demand and inflationary pressures that have dented rural purchasing power. As input costs and distribution expenses remain elevated, companies are prioritizing profitability over aggressive promotional campaigns.

Experts note that while television continues to command a strong share of total ad spends, brands are increasingly diverting budgets toward digital platforms to achieve more targeted and measurable reach. Streaming services, short-form video apps, and influencer marketing have collectively gained traction as FMCG marketers seek higher engagement among younger consumers.

Despite the cutbacks, the FMCG and household goods sectors continue to dominate TV ad space, maintaining their position as the largest category of advertisers. Categories such as personal care, packaged foods, and home cleaning products still account for a significant portion of prime-time commercials.

Industry watchers expect ad volumes to stabilize in the final quarter of the fiscal year, driven by festive demand and potential recovery in rural consumption. However, the overall sentiment remains cautious, with companies closely monitoring market conditions before ramping up media spends again.

Yum Brands Mulls Pizza Hut Sale After U.S. Sales Drop 6%: While KFC and Taco Bell Thrive

Food

SnackTeam

November 5, 2025

Yum Brands Inc., the parent company of Pizza Hut, is reportedly exploring the possibility of selling the iconic pizza chain as it struggles to maintain its foothold in an increasingly competitive global pizza market. According to reports, the Louisville-based company is reviewing strategic options for Pizza Hut amid a notable slowdown in its U.S. business.

While Pizza Hut remains one of the world’s largest pizza chains with thousands of outlets worldwide, its performance in the United States has lagged behind competitors like Domino’s and Papa John’s. Analysts attribute this to shifting consumer preferences toward faster delivery models and digital-first operations—areas where Pizza Hut has struggled to keep pace.

In contrast, Yum Brands’ other major chains—KFC and Taco Bell—have been performing strongly, contributing significantly to the company’s overall revenue. Internationally, Pizza Hut has managed to show modest growth, especially in emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia, but this hasn’t been enough to offset the decline in U.S. sales.

If Yum Brands proceeds with the sale, it would mark a major shake-up in the global fast-food industry. The move could attract interest from private equity firms or international restaurant groups seeking to revive the Pizza Hut brand.

Founded in 1958, Pizza Hut has long been synonymous with family dining and classic pan pizzas. However, changing dining habits and the rapid rise of app-based food delivery have forced even legacy brands to rethink their strategies. Whether a potential sale will help Pizza Hut regain its lost market share or signal a new chapter under different ownership remains to be seen.

Zepto Gears Up for a $500 Million IPO: Aadit Palicha’s Quick Commerce Rocket Targets July–September 2026 Listing

Growth

SnackTeam

November 5, 2025

Quick commerce startup Zepto is gearing up to take a major step toward going public, with plans to file its draft IPO papers later this month. The Mumbai-based firm aims to raise $450–500 million through a public market listing, according to sources cited in a recent report by The Economic Times.

The company is expected to confidentially file its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) within the next few weeks. Zepto, which became one of India’s fastest-growing quick commerce players, is targeting a stock market debut between July and September next year.

This move follows Zepto’s recent $450 million funding round, which valued the company at around $3.6 billion. The fresh capital injection helped strengthen its balance sheet ahead of its IPO ambitions.

However, Zepto is also tightening its belt by implementing cost-optimization measures to manage cash burn. This includes layoffs and reduced customer acquisition spending, as the company focuses on achieving operational efficiency and long-term profitability.

Founded in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto disrupted India’s grocery delivery market with its promise of ultra-fast deliveries. Competing against Swiggy’s Instamart, Zomato’s Blinkit, and BigBasket’s BB Now, Zepto’s upcoming IPO will mark a significant milestone for the country’s quick commerce industry.

If successful, the listing could make Zepto one of the youngest Indian startups to tap the public markets, signaling growing investor confidence in the quick commerce model despite the sector’s ongoing struggle with high costs and thin margins.

Beauty and Personal Care Brand Protouch Bags ₹17.7 Crore to Fuel Expansion in India and Overseas

funding

SnackTeam

November 5, 2025

Beauty and personal care appliance startup Protouch has secured ₹17.7 crore ($2 million) in a pre-Series A funding round led by venture capital firm GVFL, with participation from Enrission India Capital and Anicut Capital. The round values the company at around $10 million post-money.

The Bengaluru-based startup plans to use the fresh funds to broaden its product lineup, strengthen its research and development capabilities, and scale both online and offline distribution across India and international markets. Protouch also aims to set up its own manufacturing unit over the next few years as part of its long-term expansion strategy.

Founded in 2022 by entrepreneur Tanisha Lakhani, Protouch focuses on technology-driven beauty and grooming appliances designed for Indian consumers. Its portfolio includes LED-based skincare and haircare devices, automatic multi-stylers powered by airflow technology, ceramic trimmers, and a growing range of grooming tools, serums, and personal care products.

In just two and a half years, the company claims to have served more than two lakh customers in India and entered the Middle East market. Over the same period, it has achieved a 15-fold increase in revenue while remaining profitable. Prior to this round, Protouch had raised around ₹8 crore in funding. The brand’s products are available through its own direct-to-consumer website and major ecommerce marketplaces, including Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra.

Mihir Joshi, Managing Director of GVFL, said the investment reflects confidence in Protouch’s ability to lead the growing beauty-tech segment in India. He added that the company’s focus on innovation and consumer insight brings salon-quality experiences into homes.

Founder Tanisha Lakhani said the funding will help accelerate the brand’s mission to make professional-grade beauty devices accessible to households, adding that consumers today seek faster and more efficient solutions powered by smart technology.

Swiggy Instamart Launches Protein Category with Food Pharmer’s ‘Only What’s Needed’ Brand

Quick Commerce

SnackTeam

November 4, 2025

Instamart, the quick commerce arm of Swiggy, has launched a dedicated protein category to meet the growing consumer appetite for health and nutrition-focused foods. The move marks a strategic expansion into functional foods, a segment gaining strong momentum among urban consumers.

The launch coincides with the debut of Only What’s Needed (OWN), a protein brand founded by health influencer Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as Food Pharmer. OWN joins Instamart’s platform as part of its curated health portfolio, designed to make protein-rich products more discoverable and accessible to a wider audience.

The newly introduced section will feature an assortment of products catering to various dietary preferences and price points, allowing consumers to explore convenient, high-quality protein options without compromising on transparency or taste. The initiative reflects Instamart’s growing focus on health-conscious assortments, following rising demand for nutrition-led foods, supplements, and beverages across Indian metros.

“Making protein more accessible to India took time, transparency, and a shared vision,” said Phani Kishan Addepalli, co-founder and chief growth officer of Swiggy. “Convenience helped us reach here, but it’s trust that will take us further,” he added, emphasizing the company’s focus on maintaining quality while expanding its product range.

Industry experts say the entry of platforms like Instamart into specialized nutrition categories signals a shift in consumer behaviour, as urban households increasingly look for quick yet mindful food choices. By integrating brands like OWN, Instamart aims to strengthen its position as a one-stop destination for everyday essentials and wellness products alike.

With health and convenience continuing to shape food consumption trends, Instamart’s protein push reflects how quick commerce players are evolving beyond impulse-driven grocery deliveries toward more value-led, lifestyle-oriented offerings for India’s growing health-conscious audience.

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