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Ethics Over Earnings: Blinkit’s Albinder Dhindsa Takes a Stand Against Data Games

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Ethics Over Earnings: Blinkit’s Albinder Dhindsa Takes a Stand Against Data Games

Following reports that the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) may approach the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to raise concerns about the rise of standalone 10-minute food delivery apps, Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa took to social media to clarify the company’s position. He emphasized that Zomato, Blinkit’s parent company, has no intention of launching private brands to compete with its restaurant partners on the main app.

Dhindsa further explained that Zomato would not be using its platform to promote its new 10-minute food service, Bistro. While acknowledging that this decision could be costly, he firmly stated that maintaining ethical business practices takes precedence over financial considerations.

Continue Exploring: Emami Targets Rs 1,000 Crore in Male Grooming with ‘Smart and Handsome’ Rebrand

This statement came in response to concerns raised by Sagar Daryani, president of the NRAI, who criticized foodtech companies for withholding customer data from restaurant partners. Daryani argued that while food delivery giants have access to valuable consumer insights, they do not share this information with the restaurants, which rely on it for their business strategies.

In his response on X, Dhindsa reassured the industry by stating, “The companies we work with on Bistro also collaborate with a number of restaurants. Our success with Bistro can bring significant value to the entire food and restaurant ecosystem.” He further clarified that Bistro operates as a separate app, distinct from Blinkit and Zomato, and is currently available in select areas of Gurugram as part of the process to find the right product-market fit.

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The controversy comes at a time when both Zomato and Swiggy have launched 10-15 minute food delivery services—Zomato’s Bistro and Swiggy’s Snacc. The NRAI has voiced concerns that these services might be steering customers away from restaurant partners by leveraging valuable consumer data. The association has also lobbied the government to grant the food services sector industry status, which they believe would protect restaurants, delivery partners, and consumers from potentially exploitative practices by foodtech platforms.

Previously, the NRAI accused food delivery companies of engaging in anti-competitive behavior, citing issues like bundled services, high commission fees, delayed payments, and one-sided contract terms.

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Fair And Handsome Gets a Makeover: Emami Unveils ‘Smart And Handsome’ with Kartik Aaryan

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Fair And Handsome Gets a Makeover: Emami Unveils ‘Smart And Handsome’ with Kartik Aaryan

Emami Ltd has unveiled a major overhaul for its men’s grooming brand, Fair And Handsome, which is now rebranded as Smart And Handsome. To spearhead this new chapter, Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has been roped in as the brand’s ambassador. 

The revamped brand identity, under the new tagline “Har Roz Handsome Code,” reflects the company’s commitment to providing effective grooming solutions that help men feel confident and enhance their overall personality.

Continue Exploring: Emami Targets Rs 1,000 Crore in Male Grooming with ‘Smart and Handsome’ Rebrand

The new positioning focuses on a more holistic approach to male grooming, aiming to cater to face, body, and hair care needs. According to Mohan Goenka, Vice Chairman of Emami Ltd, the company sees a significant opportunity to address the evolving grooming preferences of modern, young men. The rebranding from Fair And Handsome to Smart And Handsome is based on deep consumer insights that reveal a shift in what today’s men want—products that reflect individuality, confidence, and natural skin health.

This transformation is a strategic move, tapping into a growing demand for versatile, all-encompassing grooming solutions. Young men are increasingly looking for products that not only address traditional concerns like hydration and oil control but also promote overall skin health. 

Continue Exploring: NRAI Considers Legal Action Against Zomato and Swiggy Over Anti-Competitive Practices

With these shifting expectations, Emami aims to position Smart And Handsome as a one-stop grooming solution that resonates with the dynamic needs of the millennial and Gen Z demographic.

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Zing: The New Startup Bringing Speed and Quality to Food Delivery in 10 Minutes”

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Zing: The New Startup Bringing Speed and Quality to Food Delivery in 10 Minutes

Back in 2008, few could have imagined how Zomato would completely redefine the way Indians order food. Fast forward to 2014, and Swiggy entered the scene, turning the simple act of ordering food into an integral part of modern living.

Now, more than a decade later, the food delivery landscape in India is once again on the brink of a transformation. This time, the focus isn’t just on convenience but on instant gratification. The race to deliver meals in record time—10 to 15 minutes—is heating up, and startups are sprinting to meet this growing demand.

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What began as a niche offering has become a booming market. India’s quick delivery sector, which includes these food-tech innovations, is projected to grow from $3.3 billion in 2024 to a staggering $9.9 billion by 2029. Established giants like Zomato and Swiggy have already embraced the trend, rolling out super-fast delivery options. But the space is getting crowded with ambitious newcomers eager to carve their niche.

Take Bengaluru-based Swish, for example. This startup has entered the fray with a promise to deliver fast-food favorites within 10 to 15 minutes via its dedicated app. Meanwhile, Gurugram-based Zing is making waves with a slightly different approach. Launched in November 2024 by Tarun Arora and Rachit Sahi, Zing has built a hyper-local network of cloud kitchens strategically located close to its customers.

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By focusing on speed and efficiency, Zing has optimized its menu to feature high-demand dishes that are easy and quick to prepare. This strategy allows the startup to slash delivery times while maintaining quality.

As the competition intensifies, it’s clear that India’s food-tech industry isn’t just adapting to customer expectations—it’s shaping them. With these innovations, the next revolution in food delivery is already here, and it’s happening faster than ever before.

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Zepto Café Rockets to 50,000 Daily Orders in Just Four Weeks

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Zepto Café Rockets to 50,000 Daily Orders in Just Four Weeks

Aadit Palicha, co-founder and CEO of Zepto, recently shared an exciting update on LinkedIn about the rapid growth of Zepto Café, the company’s 10-minute food delivery service. Launched just a month ago with its own dedicated app, Zepto Café has grown from processing 30,000 orders a day to crossing the 50,000 orders/day mark—a staggering 60% month-on-month growth.

In his post, Palicha highlighted not just the numbers but the momentum behind the success. He emphasized that customer retention has remained strong despite the steep scaling efforts. This level of growth, coupled with repeat customers, speaks volumes about the service’s appeal and reliability.

Zepto Café Hits a Milestone: 50,000 Orders a Day in Just Four Weeks

Reflecting on the journey, Palicha likened the evolution of Zepto Café to the early days of Zepto itself. “It’s reminiscent of our first steps three years ago,” he noted, recalling a time of relentless growth, undeniable product-market fit, and the energy of a dedicated team driving the mission forward.

For Palicha, Zepto Café represents more than just a business milestone—it’s a glimpse into the future of Indian Q-commerce (quick commerce) and consumer internet. With its ability to deliver freshly prepared meals in under 10 minutes, Zepto Café is carving out a niche in the market, setting itself apart from traditional food delivery models.

Continue Exploring: NRAI Considers Legal Action Against Zomato and Swiggy Over Anti-Competitive Practices

“The growth feels transformative,” he wrote, expressing optimism for the road ahead. “I believe this is the next big innovation in Indian Q-commerce.”

Palicha also credited the success to the team behind Zepto Café, whose execution and drive have been instrumental in scaling operations so rapidly. The vision seems clear: not just meeting demand, but exceeding customer expectations with speed, quality, and consistency.

Continue Exploring: Emami Targets Rs 1,000 Crore in Male Grooming with ‘Smart and Handsome’ Rebrand

Zepto, a company that began as a grocery delivery service promising quick turnarounds, has continued to push boundaries in the consumer space. With Zepto Café gaining momentum, Palicha’s belief that the company is “just getting started” feels less like ambition and more like a promise.

This milestone is a clear signal: Zepto is not merely riding a trend—it’s shaping the future of how India eats and shops.

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Emami Targets Rs 1,000 Crore in Male Grooming with ‘Smart and Handsome’ Rebrand

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Emami Targets Rs 1,000 Crore in Male Grooming with ‘Smart and Handsome’ Rebrand

Emami, a well-established FMCG player from Kolkata, is taking a bold step to tap into the rapidly growing male grooming sector. The company has rebranded its long-standing product “Fair and Handsome” to “Smart and Handsome,” aiming to resonate more with younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z. 

Emami is targeting a revenue of Rs 1,000 crore within the next 3-4 years, according to Vice-Chairman Mohan Goenka.

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Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan has been brought on board as the new face of the brand to further connect with its audience. While the male grooming industry in India is currently valued at Rs 18,000 crore, Emami is preparing to expand its product range, transitioning from its niche skincare offerings to a more comprehensive male grooming portfolio.

Goenka highlighted that although the FMCG sector is seeing slow growth, male grooming is a rapidly emerging category as men increasingly seek products that address multiple skincare needs, such as hydration, oil control, and skin health.

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Emami’s “Fair and Handsome” has traditionally catered to a skincare market worth around Rs 250 crore and the Rs 500 crore facewash segment. However, with the rebranding and a broader product line, the company is aiming for a bigger share in the growing male grooming space, which is expected to rise to Rs 32,000 crore in the next five years.

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TIRTIR Brings K-Beauty to India’s Malls in Partnership with Reliance Retail

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TIRTIR Brings K-Beauty to India’s Malls in Partnership with Reliance Retail

Korean beauty brand TIRTIR is making its way into India’s offline retail market through a partnership with Reliance Retail’s Tira, its omnichannel beauty platform. The brand can now be found in select Tira locations, including popular malls like Jio World Drive (Mumbai), DLF Avenue (Delhi), Mall of Asia (Bengaluru), and Infiniti Malls in Andheri and Malad (Mumbai).

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Launched in 2015 by Lee Yoo Bin in Seoul, TIRTIR specializes in skincare, makeup, and haircare products. The brand has gained a loyal following on TikTok’s BeautyTok segment, where users share makeup tutorials and reviews.

After entering the Indian market online in December 2024 via Tira and Nykaa, TIRTIR introduced several products like its cushion foundation, milk skin toner, ceramic milk ampoule, and makeup fixing spray.

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Reliance Retail’s Tira platform, which debuted as an e-commerce site in February 2023, expanded with its first physical store at Jio World Drive in Mumbai in April. Now, Tira operates over 13 stores across the country.

With Korean beauty trends booming in India, TIRTIR joins other brands like The Face Shop, Dr. Jart+, and Cosrx in offering innovative, personalized skincare solutions to Indian consumers through both online and offline channels.

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Subway Opens 100 New Outlets in India, Eyes Growth to Become Top QSR Brand

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Subway Opens 100 New Outlets in India, Eyes Growth to Become Top QSR Brand

In 2024, Subway® achieved a remarkable feat by opening 100 new outlets across India, continuing its rapid expansion in the country. This milestone highlights the brand’s strong growth and commitment to enhancing the customer experience in diverse locations. 

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With aspirations of becoming the largest Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) chain in India within the next decade, India has quickly emerged as one of Subway’s fastest-growing markets.

To keep up with evolving tastes, Subway has introduced new menu items and revamped its store designs. “The launch of 100 new stores in one year is a clear reflection of the trust our customers have in Subway,” said Tarun Bhasin, CEO of Culinary Brands. 

“This is a significant moment in Subway India’s journey, showcasing our dedication to offering fresh, high-quality, made-to-order sandwiches. We celebrated this achievement by opening our 100th store in the vibrant Lokhandwala area of Mumbai. Now, our network includes over 900 locations across more than 160 cities in India.”

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Innovation and a keen understanding of consumer preferences are key factors behind Subway’s success. This year, the brand introduced the Hot & Cheesy Signature Subs and a diverse Breakfast Range to cater to a broader range of tastes.

Subway remains focused on providing an exceptional experience for every customer, staying true to its core values of quality, innovation, and excellent service with every new store.

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NRAI Considers Legal Action Against Zomato and Swiggy Over Anti-Competitive Practices

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NRAI Considers Legal Action Against Zomato and Swiggy Over Anti-Competitive Practices

The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) is reportedly considering legal action against Zomato and Swiggy in response to the launch of their 10-minute food delivery apps, Bistro and Snacc. 

The NRAI is expected to approach the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to address what they see as anti-competitive behavior by these platforms.

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Sagar Daryani, president of the NRAI and cofounder of Wow Momo, expressed concerns that Zomato and Swiggy are misusing customer data. He criticized the companies for using private labeling and for selling food through Blinkit’s Bistro and Swiggy’s Snacc apps, which focus on rapid delivery. Daryani also pointed out that these platforms have access to valuable consumer data but do not share it with restaurant partners.

“They have full access to our customer data but refuse to share it with us. This leads to what we call consumer masking,” Daryani said. He also raised suspicions that Zomato and Swiggy could be steering customers towards their own private label products on these apps, using data gathered from restaurant partners, whether it’s about tea brands, biryani, or momo dishes.

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The NRAI’s concerns come at a time when Zomato, led by CEO Sriharsha Majety, recently launched its own 15-minute food delivery service through the ‘Snacc’ app in select areas of Bengaluru. Shortly after, Swiggy introduced a similar 15-minute delivery service. This is just the latest chapter in the NRAI’s ongoing battle with both platforms, who are already facing legal challenges from the association over allegations of anti-competitive practices.

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Kuku FM Expands into Spiritual Content with New App Bhakti

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Kuku FM Expands into Spiritual Content with New App Bhakti

Kuku FM, a Mumbai-based audiobook platform, is set to launch a new app called Bhakti, aimed at expanding its service offerings into the spiritual space. The app will debut during the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025, one of the largest religious gatherings globally.

Bhakti will feature a range of spirituality-focused audio content, accessible through its OTT platform, to cater to a diverse audience of devotees across India. The app will offer more than 2,000 hours of content, including over 500 shows, audiobooks, bhajans, and spiritual lessons. The platform will allow users to explore content centered around Indian festivals, spiritual teachings, and devotional chants.

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Bhakti’s content lineup includes long-form audio series covering India’s spiritual heritage, including iconic texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Ram Katha, and Vishnu Puran. Kuku FM plans to significantly grow the app’s catalog over the next year and expand into multiple languages beyond Hindi.

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Jhoomer Sinha, Vice President of Hindi Business at Kuku FM, explained, “There is a lack of high-quality, professionally produced content in this genre, and we aim to address that gap with Bhakti. Drawing from our rich cultural and spiritual history, we’ve developed premium audio shows covering everything from mythology and spirituality to rituals, chants, and bhajans.”

The app has already garnered strong interest during its beta phase, with 500,000 downloads and highly positive feedback. This move coincides with the growing Indian spiritual and religious market, valued at $58.56 billion in 2023 and projected to grow at 10% annually until 2032. With this growth, spiritual-tech startups are increasingly offering services like e-darshan, e-pooja, and doorstep prasad delivery.

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Indian Security Firm Vehant Raises $9 Million to Fuel Innovation and Export Growth

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Indian Security Firm Vehant Raises $9 Million to Fuel Innovation and Export Growth

Vehant Technologies, a homegrown leader in security and surveillance solutions, has secured $9 million (approximately Rs 75-77 crore) in funding from the private credit arm of investment firm True North. 

The investment, made through non-convertible debentures, will fuel the company’s ambitions to ramp up research and development, enhance its product portfolio, and pursue new export opportunities in Europe and the Middle East.

True North Invests $9 Million in Vehant Technologies to Drive Global Expansion

The funding will primarily focus on driving R&D and innovation. Founded in 2005 by IIT Delhi alumni Kapil Bardeja and Anoop Prabhu, Vehant Technologies is known for its AI-driven security solutions, including cutting-edge surveillance systems and smart city applications. 

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About 75% of the fresh capital will be directed toward strengthening R&D, advancing aviation security offerings, and upgrading the company’s existing products. As part of this expansion, Vehant plans to increase its workforce, adding more than 75 R&D experts to bring the total headcount to over 500.

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In addition, the company plans to allocate roughly 25% of the funds to boost its export business in high-growth markets, particularly in the Middle East and Europe. 

Vehant is poised to meet rising demand for advanced security technologies in these regions and is keen to capitalize on India’s “Make in India” initiative to establish a stronger global presence. True North, with over Rs 1,300 crore in private credit assets under management, will play a pivotal role in helping Vehant extend its reach abroad.

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