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DS Group Exits Läderach India Partnership After Strategic Review

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FMCG major Dharampal Satyapal Group has formally exited its exclusive India partnership with Swiss premium chocolate maker Läderach, bringing an end to a collaboration that began less than two years ago. The decision follows an internal strategic review and reflects a reassessment of the alignment between the two companies’ long-term priorities, the group said.

In a statement confirming the development, DS Group said the partnership no longer fits with its core values and broader vision. The company added that it remains committed to building associations that are consistent with its principles and strategic direction as it sharpens focus across its consumer-facing portfolio.

The partnership was announced in August 2023, marking Läderach’s official entry into the Indian market. As part of the agreement, DS Group had taken on the responsibility of importing, repackaging and distributing the Swiss brand’s products locally. The collaboration led to the launch of Läderach’s first exclusive retail store in India at DLF Emporio in New Delhi, positioning the brand in the country’s premium chocolate segment.

At the time, the move was seen as part of DS Group’s push to strengthen its presence in high-end food and confectionery categories, complementing its established businesses spanning tobacco alternatives, packaged foods, beverages, mouth fresheners and hospitality.

Läderach, founded in 1962, is a family-owned chocolate company headquartered in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Known for its vertically integrated model, the brand controls the entire chocolate-making process from cocoa sourcing to finished products, with manufacturing carried out exclusively in Switzerland. The company employs more than 1,700 people across over 50 nationalities and operates boutiques in several international markets.

While neither company disclosed commercial details related to the exit, the development highlights the evolving strategies of Indian conglomerates as they reassess international partnerships amid changing market dynamics and consumer expectations in the premium food space.

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Shyam Steel Names Harmanpreet Kaur as Brand Ambassador to Strengthen Its Connect With Modern Indian Homebuilders

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Shyam Steel has announced Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur as its new brand ambassador, marking a clear shift in how the company wants to speak to modern Indian households. The association reflects the growing role women play in decisions related to home building, safety and long term financial planning.

Known for her leadership on and off the field, Harmanpreet Kaur represents resilience, consistency and trust, qualities that align closely with Shyam Steel’s positioning in the construction and infrastructure space. The company has built its reputation around quality steel products that are designed to last, and the choice of ambassador strengthens that narrative.

The partnership is expected to play a key role in Shyam Steel’s upcoming communication strategy, especially as the brand looks to connect with families beyond traditional decision makers. With more women actively involved in selecting materials for homes and investments, the company aims to highlight safety, reliability and informed choice as core values.

Shyam Steel has also linked this collaboration to its broader initiatives that support homeowners and encourage responsible construction practices. By associating with a sportsperson who has broken barriers and led from the front, the brand hopes to inspire confidence among consumers who view home construction as one of life’s most important investments.

Speaking through this association, Shyam Steel reinforces the idea that strength is not only about materials but also about mindset. Harmanpreet Kaur’s journey, defined by discipline and determination, mirrors the brand’s own focus on steady growth and long term commitment. The partnership signals a thoughtful step forward in how legacy manufacturing brands are evolving their stories for a changing India.

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Nestlé Recalls Infant Formula Across Europe Over Potential Food Safety Risk

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Global food major Nestlé has initiated a voluntary recall of select batches of its infant and follow-on formula products across several European markets after identifying a potential food safety risk linked to bacterial contamination.

The recall covers specific batches of SMA, BEBA and NAN infant formula products sold in countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark and Finland. According to Nestlé and Britain’s Food Standards Agency, the affected products may contain cereulide, a toxin associated with certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

Cereulide is known to cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, often with rapid onset. Food safety authorities cautioned that the toxin is resistant to heat and cannot be neutralised through boiling water or cooking, making standard preparation methods ineffective in reducing the risk.

Nestlé stated that no confirmed cases of illness have been reported in connection with the recalled batches so far. The company said the decision to recall the products was taken as a precautionary measure, in line with its internal quality and safety standards.

Health authorities in Austria said the recall could affect more than 800 products originating from over 10 Nestlé manufacturing facilities, potentially making it one of the company’s largest recalls to date. Nestlé said it could not independently verify those figures but confirmed that the issue was traced back to a potential risk identified at one of its factories in the Netherlands.

Nestlé has published detailed batch numbers for the affected products and advised consumers not to use the listed items. Customers have been asked to contact Nestlé’s consumer carelines for guidance, refunds or replacements.

The company said it is working closely with regulators to manage the recall and minimise supply disruptions, while reinforcing monitoring and quality control processes across its manufacturing network.

The incident comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny around infant nutrition products, where safety standards are among the most stringent in the food industry.

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Annapurna Swadisht Enters Soya Foods Segment with ₹15 Cr Andri Agro Acquisition

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Packaged foods company Annapurna Swadisht Limited has entered the soya-based foods segment with the acquisition of a majority stake in Andri Agro Foods Private Limited, marking a strategic expansion beyond its core snacks and confectionery portfolio.

In a regulatory filing, Annapurna Swadisht said it will acquire a 75 percent equity stake in Andri Agro at an enterprise valuation of ₹15 crore. The acquisition consideration is estimated at approximately ₹4.5 crore, following which Andri Agro will operate as a subsidiary of the listed food company.

The move gives Annapurna Swadisht immediate access to the fast-growing soya and plant-protein category. Andri Agro manufactures a range of products including soya chunks, granules, textured vegetable protein and 3D pellets. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Raniganj, West Bengal, with an installed annual capacity of about 4.2 lakh tonnes across multiple food categories such as soya products, vermicelli, pasta and pellets.

Apart from selling under its own ‘So Best’ brand, Andri Agro also undertakes contract manufacturing for established players including Haldiram and Akash, giving it both branded and B2B revenue streams. Its current distribution network spans nearly 200 distributors, with a strong presence in eastern India.

Annapurna Swadisht plans to integrate Andri Agro into its wider national distribution footprint to drive higher volumes and improve capacity utilisation at the facility. The company said the combined entity is expected to generate turnover in the range of ₹50 crore to ₹60 crore once capacity utilisation reaches around 60 percent.

The acquisition builds on Annapurna Swadisht’s inorganic growth strategy. In FY25, the company acquired Madhur Confectioners Private Limited, which helped expand its confectionery business and opened up export markets across the UAE, Europe, the UK, Saudi Arabia and parts of Africa.

Annapurna Swadisht reported consolidated revenue of ₹249.9 crore in the first half of FY26. The latest acquisition signals the company’s intent to diversify into value-added protein foods while leveraging scale, manufacturing and distribution synergies.

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SkinInspired Raises ₹24 Cr in Series A Funding Led by Spring Marketing Capital

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Dermaceutical skincare startup SkinInspired has secured ₹24 crore in a Series A funding round, marking a fresh vote of confidence in science-led beauty brands catering to Indian consumers. The round was led by Spring Marketing Capital and saw participation from Lotus Herbals’ Beauty Innovation Fund, Patni Group’s Arihant Patni, and existing backer Unilever Ventures, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

Founded by entrepreneur Piyush Jain, SkinInspired operates in the fast-growing dermaceutical segment, focusing on clinically backed skincare solutions. The company said the newly raised capital will be channelled towards accelerating research and development, expanding its product pipeline, strengthening brand presence, and building out its core team as it scales operations.

SkinInspired differentiates itself through close collaboration with the dermatology community. The brand works with more than 200 dermatologists across India to develop, test, and validate its formulations. Product development is led by Dr Prashant Agrawal, co-founder and chief product officer, who oversees clinical testing and ingredient selection. The company emphasises transparent labelling and efficacy-driven formulations, positioning its portfolio between prescription dermatology and mass skincare.

According to the company, repeat purchases account for a significant share of its demand, reflecting growing consumer trust in dermatology-backed products. SkinInspired aims to expand its range across key skin concerns while maintaining clinical credibility as a core pillar of its brand identity.

Spring Marketing Capital said the investment reflects its belief that Indian consumers are increasingly seeking skincare products that combine medical-grade effectiveness with accessible, consumer-friendly formats. The firm noted that SkinInspired addresses a clear gap in the market where trust, results, and experience intersect.

In addition to institutional investors, SkinInspired counts several prominent angel investors among its backers, including Arjun Vaidya, Ruchi Kohli, Chinmaya Goyal, Ana Kapur, Jivraj Singh Sachar, and Swapnil Sheth.

The fundraise comes at a time when investor interest in science-backed skincare and wellness brands is rising, driven by greater awareness around skin health and demand for evidence-based solutions tailored to Indian skin types.

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Trent Shares Slide Over 8% After Q3 Update Misses Growth Expectations

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Trent Shares Slide Over 8% After Q3 Update Misses Growth Expectations

Shares of Tata Group retail arm Trent Ltd suffered their sharpest single-day decline in six months on Tuesday after the company’s third-quarter business update fell short of market expectations, triggering a wave of selling across the counter.

The stock ended the session down 8.5 percent at ₹4,055, wiping out more than ₹13,500 crore in market capitalisation. The fall followed investor disappointment over slower revenue momentum and concerns that current earnings growth may not justify the company’s premium valuation.

Market participants had been factoring in high double-digit revenue growth for the December quarter. However, analysts said Trent’s latest update pointed to year-on-year growth closer to the mid-teens, raising questions around the pace of expansion amid a broader slowdown in discretionary consumption. Same-store sales growth and revenue per square foot are also showing signs of moderation, adding to investor unease.

At current levels, Trent continues to trade at elevated multiples. Analysts estimate the stock is valued at roughly 70 to 90 times forward earnings, levels that leave little room for error. According to brokerage assessments, even a sustained growth rate of 25 percent may be difficult to achieve going forward, given the company’s already extensive store network and increasing urban saturation.

Trent had been one of the strongest performers in India’s retail space, delivering returns of nearly 1,700 percent since its March 2020 lows. However, momentum has reversed over the past year. The stock has declined around 40 percent in 2025 so far, significantly underperforming the benchmark Nifty index.

The weakness in Trent also weighed on sentiment across the retail sector. Shares of V2 Retail, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands and Shoppers Stop closed lower, while Avenue Supermarts and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail managed modest gains.

Brokerages cautioned that recent gains in Trent’s share price were driven by expectations of a growth revival. With those expectations now tempered, analysts believe earnings downgrades could continue in the near term, prompting investors to reassess exposure until clearer signs of acceleration emerge.

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Amul Denies Viral Quality Claims on Masti Dahi, Reaffirms Compliance with FSSAI Safety Standards

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India’s largest dairy cooperative Amul has moved to allay consumer concerns after a video circulating widely on social media questioned the quality of its popular Masti Dahi. The company issued a detailed clarification, rejecting the claims and asserting that the product fully complies with all food safety regulations prescribed in India.

The viral clip, shared across platforms including WhatsApp, alleged that Amul Masti Dahi had failed certain quality parameters during testing. The source of the test and the conditions under which it was conducted were not clearly stated, prompting confusion and concern among consumers.

Responding to the claims, Amul said it conducted an internal review of the specific batch referenced in the video and verified its quality reports. According to the company, the batch meets all standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and aligns with Amul’s own internal quality benchmarks, which the cooperative described as among the most rigorous in the dairy sector.

Amul also highlighted the nature of dahi as a live fermented product. Because it contains active cultures, factors such as storage temperature, handling during transport and the manner in which samples are collected can significantly affect test outcomes. The company noted that it has no information on how the sample shown in the video was stored prior to testing.

Manufactured at ISO certified facilities, Amul Masti Dahi undergoes more than 50 quality and hygiene checks before reaching retail shelves. These include microbial testing and safety assessments to ensure consistency and freshness across batches.

Addressing questions around packaging, Amul clarified that there is no quality difference between dahi sold in cups and pouches. The price variation, it said, is solely due to packaging costs.

The cooperative cautioned against unverified claims circulating online and urged consumers to rely on official communication and regulatory authorities for accurate information. Customers seeking clarification have been encouraged to reach out directly to Amul’s consumer support channels.

Amul reaffirmed its commitment to food safety, transparency and consumer trust, stating that it remains focused on maintaining strict quality controls across its product portfolio.

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Traya’s FY25 Revenue Jumps 43% to ₹338 Cr, Losses Return as Expenses Surge

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India’s direct-to-consumer haircare and wellness brand Traya delivered strong top-line growth in FY25, even as rising costs pushed the company back into losses after a brief return to profitability last year.

According to its latest financial disclosures, Traya’s revenue from operations climbed 43.2 percent year-on-year to ₹338 crore in FY25, compared with ₹236 crore in the previous fiscal. The growth was primarily driven by sustained demand for its ayurvedic oral and topical hair solutions, supplements, cosmetics, and medicinal products, which together accounted for nearly all of the company’s operating income. Ancillary streams, including doctor consultations, logistics income, and hair transplant services, made up a small portion of total revenue.

While sales momentum remained strong, expenses expanded at a faster pace. Total expenditure rose 60 percent year-on-year to ₹366 crore, up from ₹229 crore in FY24. Sales and marketing spend increased 40 percent to ₹138 crore as the company continued to invest heavily in customer acquisition and brand visibility. Employee-related costs more than doubled to ₹83 crore, reflecting aggressive hiring and expansion across functions.

Input costs also remained elevated. Traya reported material consumption expenses of ₹83 crore, alongside higher freight, rental, legal, and other operational costs that added pressure to margins. The widening gap between income and expenditure resulted in a net loss of ₹23 crore for FY25, reversing the ₹8.6 crore profit posted a year earlier.

Key profitability metrics weakened during the period. Return on capital employed slipped into negative territory at minus 20.47 percent, while EBITDA margin stood at minus 6.18 percent. On a unit economics basis, the company spent ₹1.08 to generate every rupee of operating revenue.

The broader haircare and hair loss treatment market continues to grow, driven by rising lifestyle stress, pollution, and health awareness. However, increasing competition from both non-invasive solutions and surgical hair transplant services is intensifying pressure on pricing, margins, and long-term differentiation for D2C brands operating in the space.

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Abhay Deol Joins Dubstep as Brand Ambassador as the Fast Fashion Tech Brand Targets India’s Youth Audio Market

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Actor Abhay Deol has come on board as the brand ambassador for Dubstep, a fast growing consumer technology brand that positions itself at the intersection of fashion, sound and self expression. Known for his unconventional career choices and deep connection with music and culture, Deol’s association signals a clear intent from the brand to stand apart in an overcrowded gadgets market.

Dubstep has been steadily building a name for itself by blending audio products with bold design and youth driven storytelling. With Abhay Deol as the face of the brand, Dubstep is leaning into a philosophy rooted in playfulness, freedom and individuality rather than chasing loud celebrity hype. Deol’s personal brand aligns closely with this approach. Over the years, he has consistently chosen projects that reflect independence and creative risk, earning credibility among younger, culture conscious audiences.

The campaign visuals showcase Deol in a relaxed yet confident avatar, reinforcing the idea that technology can be an extension of personal style rather than just a utility. The focus is not only on sound quality but also on how products fit into everyday life, travel and leisure. Dubstep’s messaging highlights accessibility and attitude, positioning its devices as lifestyle companions rather than technical tools.

For Dubstep, this partnership marks an important step in scaling brand recall across urban and digital first consumers. For Deol, it is a rare endorsement that feels organic rather than transactional. At a time when consumers are increasingly skeptical of forced brand associations, this collaboration stands out for its coherence.

As India’s audio and wearable tech market becomes more competitive, Dubstep’s bet on authenticity and culture led branding could help it carve a distinct identity. With Abhay Deol on board, the brand appears ready to speak to a generation that values expression as much as performance.

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EBG Group Bets on Mrunal Thakur to Scale Carlton Wellness Across Digital Storytelling and Experiential Health Platforms

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EBG Group has announced actor Mrunal Thakur as the brand ambassador for Carlton Wellness, marking a strategic move as the group sharpens its focus on lifestyle led health and wellness offerings. Effective from FY 2025 26, the partnership will see Thakur front Carlton Wellness across brand films, digital storytelling initiatives and experiential wellness campaigns.

Carlton Wellness is positioned as a holistic platform that looks beyond surface level fitness trends to address everyday wellbeing, balance and mindful living. By bringing Mrunal Thakur on board, EBG Group appears to be aligning the brand with a voice that resonates strongly with urban, young and aspirational consumers. Thakur’s public image, built on consistency, discipline and relatability, fits naturally with the brand’s long term vision.

Over the past few years, India’s wellness industry has seen rapid growth, driven by rising health awareness, lifestyle shifts and increased spending on preventive care. Brands in this space are increasingly moving away from clinical messaging to more personal, story driven communication. Carlton Wellness seems to be following the same path, using narrative and experience to build deeper consumer connections.

As part of the collaboration, Thakur will headline campaigns that focus on real life wellness journeys rather than idealized routines. The emphasis will be on sustainable habits, mental wellbeing and accessible health choices, areas that continue to gain relevance among working professionals and younger audiences.

For EBG Group, this association is also a signal of intent to scale Carlton Wellness through culture led branding and immersive engagement formats. For Mrunal Thakur, the partnership adds another dimension to her growing portfolio of brand associations rooted in purpose rather than visibility alone.

As wellness continues to evolve from a niche interest into a mainstream lifestyle priority, collaborations like this reflect how brands are choosing credibility and alignment over conventional celebrity endorsements. Carlton Wellness, backed by EBG Group and fronted by Mrunal Thakur, is positioning itself to be part of that shift.

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