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PepsiCo May Bring Alcoholic RTD Drinks to India with Varun Beverages

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Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL), PepsiCo’s largest bottling partner outside the United States, is in early discussions with the beverage major to jointly explore India’s fast-emerging alcoholic ready-to-drink (RTD) market. The move could mark PepsiCo’s debut in the country’s alcohol segment and signal a new chapter in its three-decade-old alliance with VBL.

“We are in talks with PepsiCo to see if we can introduce some of their low-alcohol, ready-to-drink beverages in India,” said Ravi Jaipuria, chairman of RJ Corp, VBL’s parent company, during a post-earnings call. He added that these products are gaining traction globally and India offers strong growth potential.

The discussions come soon after VBL announced a distribution partnership with Danish brewer Carlsberg for select African markets. PepsiCo, meanwhile, has already entered the global RTD alcohol space through collaborations with AB InBev and Diageo. In Canada, it recently launched SVNS Hard 7Up with Labatt Breweries, while in the UK it partnered Diageo for a Captain Morgan and Pepsi Max cocktail.

If finalized, the collaboration will extend VBL’s portfolio beyond soft drinks for the first time. The company has already informed exchanges that it plans to test opportunities in beer, wine, whisky, gin, rum, and vodka across India and international markets. “We will move carefully, starting with Africa and evaluating India next,” Jaipuria said.

Industry experts caution that the RTD segment, while lucrative, involves complex distribution and stringent regulatory norms. Still, market projections are promising: India’s RTD alcoholic beverages market is expected to grow at a 6% CAGR between 2025 and 2035, outpacing global averages, according to Future Market Insights.

The move comes at a time when India’s soft drink sales are under pressure following a weak summer season and rising competition from new and regional beverage brands.

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Delhi Govt to Retain Control of 700 + Liquor Vends as Revenue Races Past ₹7,000 Crore — What It Means for Drinkers and Retailers

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Delhi’s upcoming excise policy is set to bring major changes to the city’s liquor retail system, with the government expected to continue its control over all liquor stores. This means that only government-run liquor outlets will operate across the capital, ending any speculation about private players returning to the business.

According to officials, the focus of the new policy is on creating a more organized, transparent, and socially responsible retail environment. To achieve this, the Delhi government plans to redesign its existing liquor stores into larger, modern spaces located in malls and shopping complexes. These outlets are expected to be better managed, more customer-friendly, and aligned with urban infrastructure standards.

Another key proposal under the new excise framework is the relocation of liquor shops away from densely populated residential areas. This move aims to reduce local disturbances and address long-standing complaints from residents. Additionally, the profit margin structure for retailers is likely to be overhauled to encourage stocking of premium liquor brands, which could enhance both consumer experience and revenue generation.

Experts believe that while the continuation of government-run stores may limit competition, it will also ensure stricter oversight, minimizing issues like overcharging and policy misuse. The Delhi government’s focus, they say, is clearly on transparency, compliance, and responsible consumption rather than aggressive retail expansion.

With these sweeping reforms, the excise policy is poised to reshape how Delhiites buy their alcohol — bringing order, regulation, and a new retail experience to the city’s liquor landscape.

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United Breweries Quarterly Earnings Dip as Unusual Monsoon Impacts Operations

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India’s largest brewer, United Breweries Ltd (UBL), reported a 3% year-on-year decline in both sales volume and value for the quarter ended September 2025, after heavy and prolonged monsoon rains disrupted operations and hurt demand in key beer markets.

Chief executive officer Vivek Gupta said the “unusual monsoon” caused flooding at three UBL breweries and impacted several major markets, including Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal, and Telangana, where category sales dropped nearly 40%. “We are disappointed with the financial results, but this is just one quarter. Our long-term plan remains on track,” Gupta told analysts in the company’s post-results call.

UBL’s total revenue from operations fell 21% year-on-year to ₹3,735.6 crore, while net sales stood at ₹2,051 crore, down 3%. The company’s standalone gross profit slipped 5% to ₹878 crore, and EBITDA dropped sharply by 39% to ₹145 crore, reflecting the combined effect of weather-related disruptions, inflationary pressure, and regional taxation issues.

Despite the overall decline, UBL’s premium segment continued to perform strongly, growing 17% year-on-year, led by Kingfisher Ultra and Kingfisher Ultra Max. The company also expanded its portfolio of value brands, introducing London Pilsner and Kalyani Black in Odisha and West Bengal to drive recovery in mass-market segments.

Gupta highlighted broader market challenges, including tax hikes and licensing delays. Karnataka, traditionally India’s beer capital, saw a 14–15% decline in category sales following repeated excise duty increases. Telangana, too, faced a double-digit dip due to delays in retail licensing.

The company is now focusing on improving productivity, managing input costs, and converting certain fixed costs into variable ones. Gupta added that the brewer remains confident about regaining growth momentum once weather and regulatory conditions stabilize.

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Swiggy Eyes Rs 10,000 Crore QIP as Competition Heats Up in Food and Quick Commerce Sector

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Bengaluru-based food and grocery delivery major Swiggy will convene its board on November 7 to discuss a proposal to raise Rs 10,000 crore ($1.1 billion) through a qualified institutional placement (QIP). The company said the move is intended to boost strategic flexibility and strengthen its balance sheet at a time when competition in the food and quick commerce sector is intensifying.

The proposed fundraise comes even as Swiggy remains “well-funded” for its current growth plans. In a filing, the company said, “The external environment is dynamic, with both established and new players attracting large investments. This has prompted the board to consider an additional capital raise to ensure we remain agile and well-capitalized.”

Swiggy reported a net loss of Rs 1,092 crore in the September quarter, widening from Rs 626 crore a year earlier, despite a 54% year-on-year rise in operating revenue to Rs 5,561 crore, largely driven by its quick commerce vertical, Instamart. The firm’s EBITDA loss narrowed sequentially to Rs 695 crore from Rs 813 crore in the previous quarter.

As of September 30, the company had Rs 4,605 crore in cash reserves, with quarterly cash burn reducing to Rs 749 crore, down from Rs 1,341 crore in the previous period. The balance sheet will receive an additional boost from the Rs 2,400 crore divestment of its 12% stake in Rapido to Prosus and WestBridge Capital.

Swiggy’s quick commerce arm, Instamart, maintained strong momentum with gross sales of Rs 7,022 crore, clocking over 100% growth for the third straight quarter. The food delivery business also expanded 18.7% year-on-year to Rs 8,542 crore.

Chief Financial Officer Rahul Bothra said the QIP proceeds will serve as growth capital, adding that no further fundraising is anticipated after this round.

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Reliance Retail Pushes ‘Made-in-India’ Electronics Globally Under Kelvinator and BPL Labels

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Reliance Retail is preparing to shake up India’s consumer electronics market with a strategy that mirrors its successful revival of Campa Cola. The company will deploy aggressive pricing, higher dealer margins, and an extensive distribution push to strengthen its in-house brands Kelvinator and BPL, according to people familiar with the plan.

The Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate plans to make Kelvinator and BPL products widely available across multi-brand electronic stores, regional retail chains, and major e-commerce platforms. Prices are expected to be 20–25% lower than comparable models from leading players like LG and Samsung, giving Reliance a clear cost advantage.

“Reliance’s approach is straightforward — offer the latest technology, strong after-sales service, and better margins for dealers,” said an industry executive. Margins are expected to be 8–15 percentage points higher than those offered by established brands, creating strong incentives for retailers to promote Reliance products.

The company is also extending its reach beyond India. Exports of Kelvinator and BPL appliances have already begun to Nepal and Bhutan, with expansion to Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and parts of Africa on the horizon. “Our electronic brands reflect our effort to democratize access to technology while expanding India’s manufacturing footprint globally,” a Reliance Retail spokesperson said.

Reliance acquired the Kelvinator brand from Electrolux for ₹160 crore earlier this year and holds the license for BPL, which it secured in 2020. Since then, it has significantly broadened both product lines — Kelvinator now offers a full range of refrigerators, washing machines, and air coolers, while BPL has expanded from televisions to home appliances such as air conditioners and small kitchen devices.

Industry observers note that Reliance’s earlier attempts to build electronics brands organically, including Reconnect and Wyzr, met limited success. With the Campa-style playbook and global ambitions, the company now aims to rewrite that narrative.

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Noida-Based Fambo Raises ₹21.55 Crore in Second Funding Round to Expand Its 75-Acre AI-Powered Food Network

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Noida-based food solutions startup Fambo has raised ₹21.55 crore in a fresh funding round led by AgriSURE Fund and EV2 Ventures. This marks Fambo’s second funding round in 2025, reinforcing investor confidence in its mission to revolutionize India’s farm-to-fork supply chain.

Founded in 2022, Fambo provides fresh and semi-processed food products to over 1,000 HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Café) outlets across North and Central India. Its clientele includes major names like McDonald’s and Barbeque Nation, underscoring its growing presence in the organized food service sector.

The company sources its produce from a network of 75 acres of GAP-certified (Good Agricultural Practices) farmlands. Leveraging AI-driven systems, Fambo ensures end-to-end traceability, quality consistency, and optimized logistics — enabling faster deliveries and minimal wastage.

With this new infusion of capital, Fambo plans to significantly expand its farmland network, upgrade its cold chain infrastructure, and strengthen its last-mile delivery operations. The startup also intends to deploy advanced automation and data-driven solutions to further streamline procurement and distribution processes.

Fambo’s model bridges the gap between farmers and food businesses by creating a transparent and technology-enabled supply chain. The company’s focus on quality, traceability, and efficiency positions it strongly within India’s fast-evolving food solutions and agritech ecosystem.

By combining sustainability with smart logistics, Fambo aims to redefine how fresh food reaches India’s growing HoReCa sector — one delivery at a time.

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Myntra Goes Wholesale—Launches B2B Channel to Power India’s Fashion Retailers and Boutiques

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Bengaluru: Fashion and lifestyle e-commerce giant Myntra has announced the launch of its new business-to-business (B2B) feature, allowing registered enterprises to directly purchase fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products from its platform. The rollout, which will occur in multiple phases, marks Myntra’s strategic expansion beyond traditional retail consumers into the wholesale and institutional segment.

In Phase 1, which is already live, businesses can access instant GST-compliant invoicing for seamless transactions. This feature will benefit small and medium-sized enterprises, boutiques, and retailers looking to source branded merchandise directly from Myntra. Phase 2, expected to launch in the coming months, will further enhance capabilities by supporting bulk-order management, logistics coordination, and supply chain optimization for B2B customers.

The move comes ahead of the festive season, a period that typically drives strong sales in the fashion and lifestyle sector. Industry analysts view Myntra’s entry into B2B commerce as a significant step in strengthening its market position and expanding revenue streams. By leveraging its vast product catalog and strong seller network, Myntra aims to become a one-stop sourcing solution for businesses across India.

According to company executives, the new B2B platform aligns with Myntra’s long-term vision of empowering both end consumers and trade buyers. It also reflects the broader trend among Indian e-commerce players to tap into the rapidly growing B2B digital marketplace, estimated to surpass $200 billion by 2030.

With this initiative, Myntra is positioning itself as a serious player not just in fashion retail, but also in India’s evolving business procurement ecosystem.

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Dessert Chain The Belgian Waffle Co Crosses 700 Stores, Strengthens Presence Across 200+ Cities

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Mumbai-based The Belgian Waffle Co has achieved a major milestone by crossing the 700-store mark across India. As the brand completes ten successful years in 2025, it now serves a loyal customer base of over 4–5 million waffle lovers nationwide.

What started as a single outlet in 2015 has evolved into one of India’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains. Known for its freshly baked, made-to-order waffles, The Belgian Waffle Co has become synonymous with indulgence and innovation in the dessert segment.

With stores spread across metros, tier-2, and tier-3 cities, the brand has successfully combined affordability, consistency, and strong franchise partnerships to drive its exponential growth. Its vibrant yellow storefronts and the “Love. Eat. Repeat.” slogan have become instantly recognizable symbols of comfort and sweetness for millions.

Industry experts credit the brand’s success to its ability to adapt to evolving tastes and maintain high-quality standards while expanding rapidly. Over the years, The Belgian Waffle Co has also diversified its menu with innovations like waffle sandwiches, ice cream waffles, and cold beverages, further solidifying its leadership in the QSR dessert space.

As the brand enters its next decade, it aims to continue spreading happiness one waffle at a time—both in India and internationally—cementing its status as a homegrown success story in India’s booming food retail market.

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Calvin Klein’s Bold Move: Jung Kook’s Return as Global Ambassador Sparks 1 M+ Social Posts and 30 % U.S. Growth in Week One

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Calvin Klein has once again set the internet ablaze with the release of its latest global campaign, this time featuring BTS’s Jeon Jungkook. The K-pop superstar and global brand ambassador brings his signature charisma and confidence to the forefront, perfectly embodying Calvin Klein’s timeless blend of minimalism and sensuality.

The new campaign highlights Calvin Klein’s Fall 2025 collection, showcasing a mix of classic denim, sleek underwear, and elevated everyday essentials. Photographed in a series of black-and-white shots, Jungkook’s effortless charm and modern edge breathe new life into the brand’s iconic aesthetic. Fans across social media platforms have flooded timelines with excitement, praising both Jungkook’s striking visuals and the campaign’s bold direction.

Since joining forces with Calvin Klein, Jungkook has helped the brand connect with a new generation of global consumers. His influence, which extends far beyond music, has made him one of the most impactful celebrity endorsers in fashion today. Calvin Klein’s creative team described the campaign as “a celebration of individuality and confidence,” two qualities Jungkook embodies effortlessly.

With every new collaboration, Jungkook continues to solidify his reputation as a multifaceted artist and global fashion icon. This latest campaign not only reinforces his strong relationship with Calvin Klein but also cements his place in the world of high fashion. As fans eagerly share and discuss the new visuals, it’s clear that the partnership between Jungkook and Calvin Klein remains one of the most powerful in contemporary pop culture.

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Bira 91 Faces Funding Crisis; Kirin Holdings, Anicut Capital Acquire The Beer Cafe

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In a significant shake-up for India’s craft beer market, Japanese brewer Kirin Holdings and its financial partner Anicut Capital have assumed control of The Beer Cafe, a subsidiary of B9 Beverages, the parent company of Bira 91. The move follows Bira 91’s worsening financial position and declining sales volumes, which prompted lenders to take possession of shares pledged as collateral.

According to filings with the Registrar of Companies, the share transfer leaves B9 Beverages with no ownership stake in The Beer Cafe operator, Better Than Before (BTB), which runs 42 pubs across India. The change in ownership, confirmed by Beer Cafe founder and CEO Rahul Singh, marks a new chapter for the popular pub chain. “With a renewed focus on innovation and sustainable growth, we are stepping into this phase with optimism,” Singh said.

Founded by Ankur Jain, B9 Beverages acquired BTB in an all-stock deal in 2022. The subsidiary contributed nearly 35 percent of B9’s consolidated revenue in FY25. However, mounting losses have cast a shadow over the company’s growth story. In FY24, B9 Beverages reported revenues of ₹638 crore, a net loss of ₹748 crore, and negative cash flow of ₹84 crore. The brewer’s total accumulated losses stood at ₹1,904 crore, while liabilities exceeded assets by ₹619.6 crore.

Industry sources said the lenders’ move was aimed at safeguarding BTB’s operations and employees in the event of bankruptcy. Bira 91’s founder, however, has challenged the action in the Delhi High Court, calling it a breach of contract. The court issued an interim order restricting any third-party sale of BTB shares.

As of June 2025, Kirin held 20.1% in B9 Beverages, followed by Peak XV Partners (14.6%) and the Jain family (17.8%).

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