Mysore Sandal Soap Expands Nationally, with Praise from Anand Mahindra
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, recently took to X to express his appreciation for the enduring popularity of Mysore Sandal Soap, an iconic product that continues to capture the hearts of many.
The Mysore Sandal Soap Gets Praised by Top Industry Leaders
Reflecting on his personal memories of using the soap, Mahindra shared his intention to start purchasing it again, commenting, “Seeing this brought back so many memories. I’m thrilled to see it still going strong and thriving. I’m going to start buying it again and enjoy the fragrance of tradition!”
Along with his post, Mahindra also shared a video showcasing the intricate process of crafting the famous soap at the Mysore Sandal Soap factory.
Mysore Sandal Soap Holds a Unique Legacy
The Mysore Sandal Soap, recognized worldwide for its distinctive fragrance and shape, is produced by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL). It gained widespread attention when former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni endorsed it in 2006. The soap, primarily popular in southern India, is set for an expansion to further regions. According to The New Indian Express, KSDL plans to add 480 new distributors by 2025, with aims to reach states like Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland, Gujarat, and Punjab.
For over four decades, the soap has maintained its signature oval shape and vibrant red and green packaging, alongside its famous logo and tagline, “The only soap with 100% pure sandalwood oil.” However, the company is now planning a makeover, which includes a new logo and slogan.
Sarovar Hotels Launches New Retreat in Deoghar, Catering to Pilgrims and Travelers
Sarovar Hotels, in collaboration with the Ishaan Group, has unveiled the Ishaan Sarovar Portico in Deoghar, a destination offering a blend of comfort and culture for pilgrims, leisure travelers, and business visitors alike.
New Hotel Boasts Stellar Attractions
Located in the heart of Deoghar, a city steeped in spiritual significance, the new hotel merges contemporary amenities with the region’s tranquil, sacred atmosphere. This addition to Sarovar’s portfolio marks a new era of hospitality in the area, providing guests with luxury, exceptional service, and a memorable stay, whether for business or leisure, as highlighted in an official statement from Sarovar Hotels.
Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman of Sarovar Hotels and Director of Louvre Hotels India, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, saying, “We’re thrilled to open Ishaan Sarovar Portico in Deoghar, a city that holds deep spiritual and cultural importance. This property embodies our vision of offering distinctive experiences that connect modern hospitality with the unique culture of each location. This expansion in Eastern India meets the rising demand for top-tier accommodation in the area while reaffirming our commitment to delivering unparalleled service and lasting memories for our guests.”
Rajesh Ranjan, Senior VP of Development at Sarovar Hotels, added, “We’re excited to introduce our signature Sarovar hospitality to Deoghar, a city that draws thousands of visitors annually. Ishaan Sarovar Portico is designed to cater to the increasing demand for world-class accommodations while honoring the city’s rich heritage. Our aim is to offer an exceptional experience with unmatched service and warmth.”
GOPIZZA Launches Dalkomi: India’s First Korean Dessert Destination
GOPIZZA has introduced India’s first authentic Korean dessert brand, Dalkomi!, at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on November 29th.
Named after the Korean word for “sweet,” Dalkomi aims to bring the rich, traditional flavors of Korean desserts to India, as part of the expanding GOPIZZA family.
Dalkomi Is a Spectacular Dessert Restaurant
Located in a 150-square-foot space within the bustling T1 terminal, Dalkomi offers a vibrant, pink-themed setting designed to attract both local and international travelers. The colorful interiors create a playful atmosphere, perfectly complementing the array of sweet treats on offer. A standout feature is the Hanbok Photo Zone at the entrance, where customers can dress in traditional Korean attire, fully immersing themselves in Korean culture while enjoying their desserts.
Mahesh Reddy, CEO of GOPIZZA India, shared his excitement about the launch: “Dalkomi brings the authentic taste of Korean desserts to India, tapping into the rising interest in Korean culture. We’re thrilled to offer travelers a unique sweet experience that combines tradition with innovation, serving up visually stunning and delectable treats.”
An Ambitious Expansion Plan
Dalkomi’s debut marks the beginning of an ambitious expansion plan, with the brand aiming to open 50 outlets in major metro cities, airports, and alongside existing GOPIZZA locations by FY 2025. The brand promises high-quality ingredients and a blend of traditional and modern dessert experiences.
While Korean food, especially barbecue and ramen, has become popular in India, Korean desserts have yet to make their mark. Dalkomi intends to change that by offering India its very first taste of authentic Korean sweets, aligning with the growing K-culture craze and the nation’s love for indulgent treats.
Shark Tank India Season 4: Influencer Gaurav Taneja Brings Beast Life to the Table
With three successful seasons under its belt, Shark Tank India continues to grab attention. The latest buzz surrounding the show comes as it gears up for its fourth season, promising fresh faces among the ‘sharks’ and exciting new business ideas.
One standout moment from the recently released promo features social media influencer Gaurav Taneja, also known as Flying Beast, pitching his sports nutrition brand, Beast Life.
Popular Influencer Gaurav Taneja Pitches at Shark Tank India
In the clip, Gaurav highlights his massive online following, prompting shark Vineeta Singh to quip, “Ek crore to aap ek ghante mein kama lete ho, yaha kya kar rahe ho? (You earn Rs 1 crore in an hour, so what brings you here?).” Beast Life, the fitness brand Taneja introduced, offers a variety of health supplements, including protein powders and mass gainers, aimed at fitness enthusiasts.
While it remains to be seen whether Taneja’s pitch secured funding, his appearance has certainly thrilled his fanbase. With over 9.27 million YouTube subscribers and 3.6 million Instagram followers, Gaurav’s presence on the show has generated significant excitement among viewers.
Shark Tank India Season 4 is set to premiere on January 6, 2025. The panel of investors for this season includes Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Amit Gupta, Vineeta Singh, Ritesh Agarwal, Peyush Bansal, Azhar Iqubal, Kunal Bahl, and Varun Dua. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see the innovative pitches and dynamic interactions that the new season will bring.
Building the Unilever of E-Commerce: Baby & Mom Retail’s Journey to Rs 100 Crore GMV
In the competitive landscape of Indian e-commerce, Baby & Mom Retail has emerged as a resilient player. With a General Merchandise Value (GMV) of Rs 100 crore this year, the company has carved a niche for itself in diverse categories, including baby care, home furnishing, beauty, and pet care. Founder and CEO Shish Kharesiya shared insights into the company’s growth journey and plans for the future.
Omni-Channel Growth Strategy
Initially operating with a 95% focus on online sales, Baby & Mom Retail is now exploring the offline segment to complement its digital presence. “We are putting our bets into offline as well,” said Kharesiya. According to him, omnichannel strategies and category-specific stores are the way forward.
Following Mensa’s acquisition of one of Kharesiya’s companies, Bey Bee, the business successfully raised funds, enabling further expansion. The company now plans to launch its first physical store under the Baby & Mom brand, aiming to combine the reach of e-commerce with the brand-building power of offline retail.
“We are excited to onboard our first offline store, which will operate as a multi-brand outlet. This store will prominently feature our branding alongside other competitive brands. We aim to launch the store within the next six months and are currently in the process of finalizing the location, which we expect to confirm within the next month,” he informed.
This year, the company is on track to achieve a GMV of approximately Rs 100 crore, up from Rs 23 crore and Rs 44 crore in previous years.
Besides that, in the next six months, Kharesiya is targeting consistent month-on-month growth of around 10-15%. “While February and March tend to be relatively lean periods for us, we are confident about capturing market opportunities during this time. Our goal is to achieve a monthly top-line GMV of approximately Rs 15 crore by the end of this period,” he added.
Multi-Category Expansion
Since its inception in 2013, Baby & Mom Retail has evolved into a house of brands. Its portfolio includes OYOBABY for baby care, GADDA CO for home furnishing, Amorite for pet products, and Newish for essential oils. The company also recently launched REDCOP for electronic gadgets.
“Our vision is to be the Unilever of e-commerce,” said Kharesiya. “From day one, our focus has been on building products in India, adhering to US standards, and supporting the ‘vocal for local’ movement.”
This approach, combined with extensive market research, allows Baby & Mom Retail to develop unique products that address specific consumer pain points. Highlighting the popular products in their portfolio, Kharesiya noted that Oyo Baby has been a standout performer, offering talc-free baby powder at affordable prices. Similarly, Gadda Co.’s dual-comfort mattresses and mattress protectors, endorsed by Mukesh Khanna as brand ambassador, have received an overwhelming response.
“Whether it’s our baby care, home furnishing, or pet care products, we always aim to provide value to consumers,” said Kharesiya.
Meanwhile, with ambitious plans to scale, Baby & Mom Retail is focusing on innovation, market research, and customer engagement. The company also aims to expand its international footprint, reflecting its motto: “Local for vocal, going global.”
Competing in a Crowded Market
Highlighting market challenges, Kharesiya explained that operating in highly competitive categories requires a focus on cost efficiency and backward integration to maintain an edge. “We control pricing factors by sourcing materials directly and binding suppliers with minimum margins,” he said. “This allows us to deliver high-quality products at economical prices.”
Baby & Mom Retail’s strategy also involves closely monitoring competitors and safeguarding its market share. “In the last six years, we’ve seen over 300 competitors enter our space, but many couldn’t sustain themselves,” Kharesiya noted.
Another challenge for market players is online competition. Commenting on the perceived market saturation in online retail, Kharesiya remains optimistic about digital sales. “Online is still growing for us,” he said. “Sustainability is a concern due to increased competition, but our 100% growth in online sales proves there’s still room for expansion.”
The company plans to continue prioritizing online growth while leveraging offline stores for branding purposes. “Offline builds branding; online drives sales,” he added.
Having said that, Kharesiya believes, a significant part of Baby & Mom Retail’s success lies in its penetration into Tier 2, 3, and even Tier 4 cities. “Earlier, orders were primarily from metros. Now, we see demand coming from the interiors of the country,” said Kharesiya. “Digital penetration and increased disposable income have made consumers in these areas more aware and willing to shop online.”
Fitsol Raises $1 Million to Help Manufacturers Meet Net-Zero Goals
Climate tech startup Fitsol has raised $1 million in seed funding from Transition VC to expand its AI-driven decarbonization platform, tailored for the manufacturing sector.
About Fitsol, the Innovative New Startup
Launched in 2022 by Anand Pathak, Akshay Tandon, Manoj Sharma, Sunil Bansal, and Vikas Kalra, Fitsol focuses on helping manufacturers address carbon emissions with a particular emphasis on the challenging Scope 3 emissions, which often constitute the largest share of a company’s carbon footprint.
At the heart of Fitsol’s offerings is its Kyoto platform, which monitors emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3, providing advanced analytics and real-time reporting to help businesses track and reduce their environmental impact effectively.
Fitsol’s Fascinating Systems
In addition to Kyoto, the company operates a sustainability marketplace that integrates solutions such as green logistics, eco-friendly packaging, sustainable procurement, waste management, and carbon offsetting. This comprehensive approach positions Fitsol as a one-stop partner for manufacturers aiming to achieve net-zero goals while optimizing operational costs.
“As a bootstrapped company for over two years, Fitsol has built a reputation as a reliable decarbonization partner for the manufacturing industry,” said Anand Pathak, Founder and CEO. “Our mission goes beyond simply tracking carbon emissions. We actively collaborate with manufacturers to cut down Scope 3 emissions, which typically account for 70-90% of a company’s carbon footprint.“
From Sarson Ka Saag to Litti Chokha: Highlights of SARAS Food Festival 2024
The SARAS Food Festival 2024, held from December 1-17 at Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place, Delhi, offered a vibrant showcase of India’s rich culinary heritage.
A Beautiful Selection of Dishes
Visitors were treated to a delightful array of regional dishes, from the iconic Punjabi sarson ka saag with makke ki roti to the spicy, crunchy litti chokha from Bihar, the coastal fish recipes of Goa and Odisha, Himachal Pradesh’s siddu, and Rajasthan’s famous daal baati churma. Traditional sweets like piping hot jalebis and kulhad tandoor chai added the perfect finishing touch to this gastronomic experience.
This annual event, organized by the Ministry of Rural Development under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), aims to celebrate and promote India’s regional cuisines while supporting small businesses and local farmers. This year, the festival featured 150 self-help groups (SHGs) across 30 stalls, representing products from 25 states.
A Platform Empowering Women
Not only did the event highlight the diverse food culture of India, but it also served as a platform to economically empower women artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs. Through initiatives like “One District, One Product” and support for Geographical Indication (GI) products, SARAS 2024 celebrated India’s traditional food systems while providing opportunities for growth and recognition to rural communities.
A Legacy of Innovation: Epigamia Co-Founder Rohan Mirchandani Passes Away at 42
Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder of Epigamia, a prominent Greek yogurt brand in India, passed away on December 21 at the age of 42 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Drums Food International, the company behind Epigamia, confirmed the news in an official statement.
Rohan Mirchandani was an Entrepreneur Par Excellence
A graduate of NYU Stern and The Wharton School, Mirchandani established Drums Food International in 2013. What started as Hoki Poki, an ice cream brand, evolved under his guidance into Epigamia, a well-recognized name in the Indian dairy industry. Today, the brand boasts a presence in over 20,000 stores across 30 cities and had been eyeing expansion into the Middle East by 2025-26.
The company’s senior leadership, including Ankur Goel (COO and founding member) and Uday Thakker (co-founder and director), will continue to steer the organization with support from the board, investors such as Verlinvest and DSG Consumer Partners, and Mirchandani’s family.
“Rohan was not just our leader but a mentor and a friend,” Goel and Thakker shared in a heartfelt joint statement. “We are committed to honoring his vision and taking his dream forward with determination.” The board of directors described Mirchandani as a “trailblazer” whose passion and innovative mindset shaped the company’s identity. “We will collaborate closely with the leadership team to ensure his legacy continues to thrive,” they stated.
Amazon Faces Historic Strike as Workers Walk Off Amid Contract Dispute
Amazon is facing a massive strike after the company missed a key deadline to start negotiations for a union contract.
As of December 19, approximately 10,000 workers have walked off the job, with picket lines forming in cities such as New York, Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco, and Skokie, IL.
Union Takes on Amazon
The Teamsters union, which represents the workers, announced that additional employees at other Amazon facilities have authorized strikes as well. Local unions have set up picket lines at fulfillment centers across the country, potentially leading to delays in package deliveries as the holiday season approaches.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien expressed frustration, saying, “If your holiday package is delayed, it’s because Amazon refused to negotiate in good faith. We gave them a clear deadline, and they ignored it. Their greed has pushed us to this point.” He criticized Amazon executives for failing to respect workers who, according to him, are the backbone of the company’s enormous profits. “Now, they’re facing the consequences of their actions.”
A Significant Strike that has Broken Major Records
The Teamsters have labeled this the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history. Despite the disruption, Amazon has stated that it does not anticipate the strike will have a significant impact on its operations, citing its vast workforce of 1.5 million employees across warehouses and corporate offices.
Bollywood Star Sharvari Becomes First Brand Ambassador for Godrej Professional
Godrej Professional has tapped Bollywood actress Sharvari as its inaugural brand ambassador, marking a major step forward for the brand in the hair and beauty sector.
Announcement of this Partnership Happened at a Special Event
The announcement took place at the grand finale of Godrej Professional Spotlight, an event that honors talented hairstylists from across India. Sharvari, known for her roles in films like Munjya, Maharaj, and Vedaa, was chosen for her stylish presence and her alignment with Godrej Professional’s core values of confidence and empowerment. With her influence as a fashion icon and connection to a wide fan base, she was seen as the perfect fit for the brand.
Speaking about her new role, Sharvari shared, “Being chosen as the first-ever ambassador for Godrej Professional is truly special. Godrej has been a trusted name in Indian households for over 120 years, and their contribution to revolutionizing the hair color category is remarkable. Hair has always been central to my style—whether on screen or at glamorous events—so partnering with Godrej Professional feels like a natural fit for me.”
Abhinav Grandhi, General Manager at Godrej Consumer Products Limited, added, “We are thrilled to have Sharvari join us as the first ambassador for Godrej Professional. Her remarkable fashion sense and elegance make her an ideal representative. As we continue to grow our presence in the hair and beauty space, Sharvari’s association comes at a time when our brand is expanding and making its mark in the industry.”
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