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Naturals Ice Cream Set to Sweeten India with 30 New Stores by 2025

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Naturals Ice Cream Set to Sweeten India with 30 New Stores by 2025

Naturals Ice Cream, a beloved Mumbai-based brand owned by Kamaths Ourtimes Ice Creams, is gearing up for significant expansion. 

The company, which has been serving customers for over 40 years, currently operates more than 170 stores across 15 states in India. Now, the brand is setting its sights on surpassing 200 outlets by the close of 2025.

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Siddhant Kamath, Director of Naturals Ice Cream and a second-generation leader who joined the family business in 2013, shared the company’s growth plans with IndiaRetailing. He revealed that the company will add 30 new stores in key tier-1 and tier-2 cities, with Chennai and Lucknow already confirmed as new locations. Other surrounding tier-2 cities are also being explored for potential store openings.

Naturals Ice Cream Aims for 200+ Outlets by 2025 with Strategic Expansion Plans

Naturals’ growth strategy for 2025 revolves around three key pillars: product, place, and promotion. “With increased demand and new sales channels emerging, we’re focusing on scaling our production capacity,” Kamath explained. The brand also plans to diversify its ice cream range through both product innovations and line extensions.

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In 2024, Naturals Ice Cream emphasized in-store promotions featuring seasonal flavors during special occasions like foundation day, berry season, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year. Looking ahead, the company plans to roll out new regional flavors, such as kubani ice cream in Hyderabad and jackfruit ice cream in the Konkan region. These regional offerings are part of an effort to strengthen ties with local communities and deepen brand engagement across the country.

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RAS Luxury Skincare Secures $5 Million in Series A Funding to Expand Retail Footprint

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RAS Luxury Skincare Secures $5 Million in Series A Funding to Expand Retail Footprint

RAS Luxury Skincare, the Raipur-based beauty brand known for its farm-to-face skincare products, has raised $5 million in a Series A funding round. 

The round was led by Unilever Ventures, with Amazon Smbhav Venture Fund also participating, marking the addition of two prominent institutional investors. Existing backers, including Sixth Sense Ventures and angel investors like Keki Mistry’s family, also joined the round.

This funding comes shortly after RAS raised $1.5 million in a pre-Series A round from Green Frontier Capital, a venture firm based in New York that focuses on climate-conscious investments.

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RAS Produces High-End Skincare Products 

Founded by Sangeeta Jain alongside her daughters Shubhika and Suramya, RAS produces high-end skincare products that blend natural ingredients with scientific formulations. The brand is committed to sustainability, with all its products manufactured at a vertically integrated facility in Chhattisgarh, which includes both research and development and farming operations.

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The fresh capital will be used to expand RAS’s presence across India by opening 50 new exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) over the next three years. The brand currently operates two EBOs and aims to make offline retail channels contribute around 25% of its revenue by 2028.

Shubhika Jain, Founder and CEO of RAS, shared her excitement about the brand’s future: “Luxury skincare in India is evolving rapidly, with consumers prioritizing natural, authentic, and effective products. This funding will help us fast-track our goal of becoming India’s leading luxury skincare brand and expanding internationally, all while maintaining our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and profitability.”

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The Souled Store’s Wardrobe Transformation: Losses Out, Gains In

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The Souled Store’s Wardrobe Transformation: Losses Out, Gains In

In a remarkable turnaround, D2C fashion brand The Souled Store achieved profitability in the financial year ending March 2024 (FY24), driven by a sharp increase in revenue and improved margins. The company recorded a net profit of INR 18.2 crore, a stark contrast to its loss of INR 16.5 crore in FY23.

Revenue Shoots Up

Revenue shot up by 54.26%, reaching INR 360.2 crore compared to INR 233.5 crore in the previous fiscal year. Of this, INR 5.2 crore came from membership fees, while the bulk of its income was generated through product sales.

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Launched in 2013 by Vedang Patel, Rohin Samtaney, Aditya Sharma, and Harsh Lal, The Souled Store initially focused on branded merchandise but later evolved into a full-fledged D2C casual wear brand. Its offerings now include not just apparel but also backpacks, sneakers, shoes, and socks, catering to both kids and adults.

An Awesome EBITDA Profit

On the operational front, the startup posted an EBITDA profit of INR 18.6 crore in FY24, compared to an EBITDA loss of INR 8 crore in FY23. The EBITDA margin also improved significantly, rising to 5% from a negative 3% the previous year.

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However, its cash reserves dropped to INR 14.4 crore at the end of FY24, down from INR 114.1 crore a year earlier. To date, The Souled Store has secured total funding of $30 million. Its most recent funding round in 2023 raised INR 135 crore, led by Xponentia Capital, with continued support from existing investors Elevation Capital and RPSG Capital.

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Kidbea Ropes in Top TV Stars as Brand Ambassadors, Eyes ₹100 Crore Revenue by FY26

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Ashu Agrawal
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Kidbea Ropes in Top TV Stars as Brand Ambassadors, Eyes ₹100 Crore Revenue by FY26

Key Highlights:

  • Aims for ₹100 crore revenue by FY26
  • Plans to enter 100 MBOs in smaller towns and open 20 EBOs in metro cities

Mumbai, January 8, 2025: Kidbea, a fast-emerging player in sustainable children’s fashion, has taken a star-studded step forward by signing 10 popular TV actors as brand ambassadors for 2025. With this move, the bamboo-based kids’ clothing brand is amplifying its commitment to eco-friendly, chemical-free, and skin-safe apparel while strengthening its reach across India.

Kidbea’s ambitious roadmap includes achieving ₹100 crore in revenue by FY26. To meet this goal, the company is expanding its footprint by entering 100 multi-brand outlets (MBOs) in tier-2 and tier-3 towns, along with opening 20 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) in metropolitan cities. These outlets aim to give customers a hands-on experience of Kidbea’s soft, sustainable products.

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The actors joining the Kidbea family include:

1. Shrashti Maheshwari – Known for CID, Adaalat, and Thapki Pyar Ki

2. Leishangthem Tonthoingambi – Featured in Resurrection Amamba Sayon and Eewai

3. Ruchi Savarn – Popular from Kumkum Bhagya and Kundali Bhagya

4. Rajshri Rani Jain – Lead in Suhani Si Ek Ladki

5. Giriraj Kabra – Seen in Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi and Kundali Bhagya

6. Shwetha Bandekar – Star of Chandralekha

7. Pooja Joshi Arora – Part of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

8. Meenakshi Rathod – Known for Naal and Aboli

9. Shalu Melvin – Seen in Chandanamazha and Swami Ayyappan

10. Madhumitha H – Featured in Jai Hanuman and Piriyadha Varam Vendum

Founded in 2021 by Swapnil Srivastav, Mohammad Hussain, and Aman Kumar Mahto, Kidbea specializes in GOTS-certified bamboo-based clothing. Its products are designed to tackle common issues like skin rashes, discomfort, and food spills in children while promoting sustainability.

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“We are delighted to welcome these talented TV stars into the Kidbea family. Their appeal across different regions and cultures perfectly aligns with our vision of making sustainable kids’ fashion accessible to every corner of India. Together, we’re working toward creating a greener, healthier future for our children,” said the founders in a joint statement.

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From Delivering Food to Delivering Services: Swiggy Unveils Pyng

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From Delivering Food to Delivering Services: Swiggy Unveils Pyng

Swiggy has expanded its reach yet again, venturing into the services marketplace with the launch of a new app, Pyng Professional. Now live on both Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, the app connects professionals like nutritionists, yoga instructors, life coaches, and designers with potential clients

Designed as an all-in-one platform, Pyng Professional helps service providers manage their business efficiently From tracking bookings to managing schedules and payments, the app promises to simplify daily operations

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Swiggy Enters Services Marketplace with Pyng Professional App

According to its description, the app aims to be much more than a listing platform “Whether you’re a yoga instructor, life coach, or designer, Pyng isn’t just an app; it’s your business manager, assistant, and cheerleader all in one,” reads the listing

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Key features of Pyng Professional include:

Viewing, accepting, and tracking orders such as consultations, digital product sales, and webinar bookings through a single dashboard

Scheduling offerings, setting availability, updating pricing, and managing bookings effortlessly

Tracking earnings via a payout tracker integrated into the platform

This move follows reports from a few months ago that Swiggy was piloting a services marketplace under the name “Yello,” aiming to connect users with professionals like dieticians, astrologers, and lawyers

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Hungry? SNACC It! Swiggy’s 15-Minute Fix Is Here

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Hungry? SNACC It! Swiggy’s 15-Minute Fix Is Here

Swiggy, the food and grocery delivery powerhouse, has launched SNACC, a standalone app designed to deliver snacks, meals, and beverages within 15 minutes.

This move signals Swiggy’s entry into the ultra-fast food delivery race, a sector that’s heating up as companies compete to satisfy the growing demand for lightning-fast service. Zomato recently rolled out a similar 15-minute delivery feature on its main app, making the space even more competitive.

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Swiggy Unveils SNACC: A 15-Minute Snack Delivery App

Previously, Swiggy bundled all its services—food delivery, quick commerce, hyperlocal delivery, and dining-out reservations—under a single app. The introduction of SNACC marks a shift in strategy, with Swiggy now carving out specialized platforms to cater to distinct user needs.

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This trend of launching niche apps is gaining traction in the industry. Blinkit, another major player, recently debuted Bistro for quick meals, while Zepto introduced Zepto Cafe. Smaller brands like Swish, Magicpin, and Zing are also making aggressive moves to capture their share of this fast-growing market.

SNACC launched on January 7 in select areas of Bengaluru, Swiggy’s headquarters, and is expected to roll out in additional cities soon. The app stands out visually with its bright green backdrop and dark blue text, offering a user-friendly interface. Categories include “Indian Breakfast,” “Coffee,” “Bakes,” “Cold Beverages,” and “Eggs,” giving customers a variety of quick-bite options.

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BorderPlus: Bridging the Gap for Indian Workers to Global Opportunities

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BorderPlus: Bridging the Gap for Indian Workers to Global Opportunities

Mayank Kumar, co-founder of edtech platform upGrad, and Ayush Mathur, a former senior executive at OYO, have joined forces to create BorderPlus, a new platform designed to connect blue-collar workers in India with employment opportunities abroad.

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With their diverse backgrounds, the duo recognized the growing demand for workers in countries like Germany and Denmark, particularly in sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and more, where labor shortages are becoming more pronounced.

Focusing on Healthcare to Start

Initially, BorderPlus is concentrating on the healthcare industry in Germany. The platform has already begun piloting its first batch of candidates, with plans to extend into other sectors, including hospitality, retail, construction, logistics, and trucking. The goal is to address labor shortages globally by tapping into India’s vast working-age population, provided the workers are equipped with the necessary training and language skills.

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To meet these needs, BorderPlus is offering six to nine-month training programs. The final stages of the program, which focus on language immersion, will take place offline. Their first training center has opened in Pune, followed by another in Mumbai.

Scaling Up

Looking ahead, the founders aim to set up more training centers across India. Initially, each batch will consist of 20 to 30 students, but the plan is to increase the frequency to weekly batches as demand grows.

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Wow Skin Science Looks for Buyer as Investors Seek Exit Amid D2C Beauty Shake-Up

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Wow Skin Science Looks for Buyer as Investors Seek Exit Amid D2C Beauty Shake-Up

Wow Skin Science, a popular direct-to-consumer (D2C) beauty brand, is reportedly seeking a strategic buyer as its investors look to exit. Sources familiar with the matter say the brand, which was previously valued at approximately $400 million, is now in talks with potential buyers at a significantly reduced valuation of around $250 million.

Growing Consolidation in the D2C Beauty Industry 

The discussions come amid growing consolidation in the D2C beauty industry, with at least two strategic buyers expressing interest in acquiring the company at this lower price. According to one insider, the formal process of finding a buyer, which was initiated a few months ago, has been revived in the new year, but talks are still centered on valuation.

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“There’s clarity that only a few D2C brands will survive in this competitive beauty market, and consolidation seems inevitable,” said one person familiar with the discussions. Despite the challenges in scaling profitably in such a crowded space, investors are reportedly willing to exit at a valuation that is flat to their initial investment.

Top Executive Gives Statement 

Manish Chowdhary, the founder of Wow Skin Science, denied the claims, calling them “false,” but did not offer further details. ChrysCapital, a major investor in the brand, declined to comment.

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The D2C beauty segment in India is seeing significant consolidation, as brands struggle to grow profitably amid fierce competition. Hindustan Unilever, for example, is reportedly in early talks to acquire Minimalist, another D2C brand, for around $350 million. Several other brands are also exploring similar opportunities.

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Ola Electric Faces Court Shock – No Escape from CCPA Probe!

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Shweta
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Ola Electric Faces Court Shock – No Escape from CCPA Probe!

Ola Electric has suffered a setback after the Karnataka High Court dismissed its petition to cancel a notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). This notice was part of an ongoing investigation into the company following thousands of consumer complaints.

The Court’s Decision 

The court, led by Justice R Devdas, upheld the CCPA’s request for Ola Electric to submit additional documents. The judge stated that the directions were issued by an authorized investigating officer with the intent of protecting consumer interests, and that the company was required to comply.

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Ola’s Arguments 

Ola Electric’s counsel, senior lawyer Udaya Holla, argued that submitting these documents would publicly signal an investigation, potentially damaging the company’s reputation. However, Justice Devdas disagreed, asserting that the company would not suffer harm by providing the requested information.

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The court emphasized that if necessary, the CCPA must offer a personal hearing to the petitioner, but for now, it was only asking for documents to verify the case. Ola Electric’s lawyer also argued against submitting the documents to an investigating officer, claiming that the officer lacked the authority to carry out the investigation. The court countered, explaining that under the Consumer Protection Act, the CCPA is fully empowered to direct investigations if a company appears to be in violation of consumer laws.

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Shein Faces Heat in UK Parliament Over Forced Labor Allegations

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Shein Faces Heat in UK Parliament Over Forced Labor Allegations

A Shein lawyer who appeared at a British parliamentary hearing on Tuesday sidestepped questions about whether the fast-fashion brand sells products containing cotton sourced from China, particularly Xinjiang, causing frustration among lawmakers. 

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The committee, which focuses on business and trade, grilled executives from Shein and its competitor Temu about their labor practices and sourcing methods amid growing concerns over forced labor in their supply chains.

A Major Listing on the London Stock Exchange 

This session comes as Shein, which originated in China and is now based in Singapore, plans a major £50 billion ($62 billion) listing on the London Stock Exchange in the first quarter of 2025. The companies, both gaining traction globally for offering inexpensive, mostly Chinese-made goods, face significant scrutiny over human rights violations, particularly allegations linking their supply chains to forced labor in Xinjiang, a region in western China where rights groups report systemic abuse of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities.

Trouble Mounts for Shein

Yinan Zhu, Shein’s general counsel in London, repeatedly avoided direct questions about whether cotton from Xinjiang or other parts of China is used in their products. She also declined to confirm whether Shein’s supplier code of conduct prohibits the use of Xinjiang cotton or if the company acknowledges concerns about forced labor in the region.

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“We are not here to engage in geopolitical debates,” Zhu stated. “Our operations comply with the laws of the countries where we are based, including the UK’s regulations.” She further emphasized that Shein conducts thousands of audits through independent external firms to ensure compliance, although the specifics of those audits were not clarified.

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