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HUL Shakes Up Distribution: Direct Supply to Kiranas in Mumbai and Beyond

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HUL Shakes Up Distribution: Direct Supply to Kiranas in Mumbai and Beyond

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) is reshaping its distribution model by directly supplying products to kirana stores in Mumbai, with plans to expand to Delhi and other major cities. 

This shift is part of a broader effort by the FMCG giant to streamline its supply chain and cut delivery times from three days to under 24 hours, while also addressing the credit limitations faced by the kirana stores, which account for about 75% of its sales.

HUL’s New System

In the new system, HUL will take full control of the back-end logistics, including warehousing and delivery, leaving distributors to handle only the orders and payments from local stores. Arun Neelakantan, executive director for customer development at HUL, explained that this model will ensure quicker and more reliable service for kirana shops, many of which struggle with maintaining large inventories due to financial constraints.

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“We’re focused on providing the best possible service to kirana stores,” Neelakantan said. “They often can’t afford to keep a large stock on hand, so they need frequent deliveries and don’t want too much capital tied up in inventory.”

India’s Largest Distribution Network 

HUL’s vast distribution network, the largest in India, reaches over nine million stores, including three million outlets directly. The company first tested this new distribution approach, named Samadhan, near Chennai nearly two years ago, aiming to compete with B2B online platforms like Udaan and Flipkart Wholesale, which offer next-day deliveries and serve multiple brands.

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Kirana stores remain the backbone of FMCG sales in India, controlling about 80% of the market. While online platforms and large wholesalers like Reliance and Udaan account for only about 5% of FMCG sales, their larger scale gives them an edge in terms of supply and pricing power.

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Mumbai Goes Electric: BluSmart Promises Safer, Smarter, Cleaner Rides

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Mumbai Goes Electric: BluSmart Promises Safer, Smarter, Cleaner Rides

BluSmart, the Gurugram-based electric vehicle cab service, is set to launch its operations in Mumbai on January 1, 2025. 

The company shared the news on December 28 via X (formerly Twitter), revealing plans for an exclusive “invite-only” preview before the service becomes available citywide.

Exclusive Pre-Launch Access

To kick things off, BluSmart will provide early access to a limited group of users. Interested riders can sign up by filling out a form with their name, phone number, and email address. Those selected will get a chance to experience the service ahead of its official rollout.

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“From January 1, 2025, BluSmart is bringing safe, reliable, and punctual rides to Mumbai,” the company announced. “After months of preparation, we’re thrilled to finally make this vision a reality in your city.”

Pioneering the EV Ride-Hailing Market

Launched in 2019, BluSmart positions itself as South Asia’s largest all-electric ride-hailing platform and EV charging network. Unlike many competitors, BluSmart operates on an asset-heavy model, owning its entire fleet and employing drivers on a fixed salary.

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With a presence in Delhi NCR and Bengaluru, the company also made its international debut in the UAE earlier this year. BluSmart’s fleet of over 8,500 electric vehicles has completed 21 million rides, covering an impressive 680 million clean kilometers.

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Ola Electric Undergoes Leadership Changes as Restructuring Efforts Heat Up

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Ola Electric Undergoes Leadership Changes as Restructuring Efforts Heat Up

Ola Electric, the Bengaluru-based electric vehicle giant, has seen the departure of two senior executives—Chief Marketing Officer Anshul Khandelwal and Chief Technology and Product Officer Suvonil Chatterjee. 

Both leaders resigned for personal reasons, as mentioned in their resignation letters to the management. They expressed their appreciation for their time at the company, praising its rapid growth and supportive work culture.

Ola Electric Makes a Clarifying Statement 

In a statement, Ola Electric confirmed that neither Khandelwal nor Chatterjee has familial ties to any of the company’s directors. Sources suggest that internal candidates might step in to fill their roles as part of a broader restructuring initiative within the company.

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Restructuring at Ola Electric

The company, led by Bhavish Aggarwal, has been undergoing a restructuring process over the past few months. Reports from November indicated that the restructuring could impact more than 500 employees—roughly 12% of the company’s 4,000-strong workforce. The goal is to streamline operations, eliminate redundant roles, and enhance efficiency and margins to ensure long-term profitability.

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This restructuring is not the first of its kind. Similar efforts were made in 2022 in preparation for Ola Electric’s initial public offering (IPO). The IPO, which launched on August 2, 2024, and closed on August 6, 2024, resulted in the company’s shares being listed on the BSE and NSE on August 9, 2024.

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Jammu Joins Blinkit’s Fast Delivery Revolution with New Store Openings

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Jammu Joins Blinkit’s Fast Delivery Revolution with New Store Openings

Blinkit, the quick commerce service owned by Zomato, has launched in Jammu with three new stores aimed at meeting the rising demand for fast deliveries. The company made the announcement on Sunday, marking its expansion into the region.

Details of New Stores in Jammu

The new Blinkit stores are located in Trikuta Nagar, Roop Nagar, and Akhnoor Road. According to Blinkit’s Founder and CEO Albinder Dhindsa, the Trikuta Nagar store will serve surrounding areas like Preet Nagar and Railhead Road, while the Roop Nagar outlet will cover Durga Nagar and Bhawaninagar. The Akhnoor Road location will cater to Shakti Nagar and Rehari Colony.

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“We’re thrilled to bring quick and reliable delivery services to Jammu,” Dhindsa said in a LinkedIn post, expressing excitement over the company’s latest expansion. The move sees Blinkit stepping up its competition with other quick commerce giants like Zepto and Swiggy Instamart, all of which are vying for dominance in the fast-growing Indian market.

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A Growing Market

India’s quick commerce sector is currently valued at $3.34 billion and is expected to skyrocket to $9.95 billion by 2029, growing at a rate of more than 4.5% annually. However, despite this rapid expansion, the sector has only captured about 7% of its potential market, which is estimated to be worth $45 billion. This reveals ample opportunity for further growth and development in the industry.

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Curefoods Set to Scale Krispy Kreme’s Presence with 100 Cloud Kitchens by 2025

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Curefoods Set to Scale Krispy Kreme’s Presence with 100 Cloud Kitchens by 2025

Curefoods, a rising cloud kitchen startup, has secured the distribution rights for Krispy Kreme doughnuts and coffee in South and West India from Landmark Group. 

Ankit Nagori, founder and CEO of Curefoods, confirmed the acquisition, highlighting that bringing an international brand to India was a key strategic move for the company. 

Partnership with an Established Brand

He explained that partnering with an established global brand like Krispy Kreme alleviates product development challenges, as the brand comes with its own global infrastructure and marketing support.

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Currently, Krispy Kreme operates in India through Citymax Hotels India, a subsidiary of Dubai-based Landmark Group. This deal marks a significant step for Curefoods, especially as it is part of a broader collaboration where Landmark Hospitality Services has invested in Curefoods’ recent $40 million funding round.

The Potential of Krispy Kreme in India

Nagori is optimistic about the potential of Krispy Kreme in India, forecasting that the brand could reach Rs 100 crore in revenue by 2025. Curefoods plans to integrate Krispy Kreme into its existing network of over 300 cloud kitchen locations and expand its presence on food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. The company also plans to open 100 new cloud kitchens and 25 standalone Krispy Kreme stores by 2025.

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In addition to Krispy Kreme, Curefoods is looking to take its homegrown brands to international markets. After launching Sharief Bhai in the Middle East, the company is planning to expand its pizza brand Olio into Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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From Dark Stores to Dark Days: Zepto Loses VP Jitendra Bagga and HR Head Martin Gomez

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From Dark Stores to Dark Days: Zepto Loses VP Jitendra Bagga and HR Head Martin Gomez

Zepto’s Vice President of Central Operations, Jitendra Bagga, has stepped down after a nine-month tenure, marking the second high-profile resignation at the quick commerce company within a month. 

Bagga, who oversaw key warehousing operations including mother hubs (MH) and line haul (LH) projects, joined Zepto in April 2024. Before his stint at Zepto, he spent over two decades at Reliance Retail and three years at Raymond Limited.

Company Confirms Departure 

The company has confirmed his departure and stated that there are currently no plans to appoint a replacement. This exit follows closely on the heels of another top-level resignation earlier this month, when Zepto’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Martin Dinesh Gomez, resigned after an 11-month tenure.

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The timing of these departures coincides with Zepto’s ongoing transition of its headquarters from Mumbai to Bengaluru. As competition intensifies in the quick commerce space, Zepto, which operates over 550 dark stores, is not only working to expand its presence but is also planning an IPO in 2025.

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2024 a Year of Big Resignations & Exits 

This year has seen a series of notable exits from Zepto, including Viral Jhaveri, former Chief Business Officer/Chief Growth Officer, Ashish Shah, Senior Vice President of Finance, and Manik Oberoi, Vice President of Growth and Retention.

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Zepto and Instamart: Condoms and Kurkure Dominate Late-Night Orders in 2024

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Zepto and Instamart: Condoms and Kurkure Dominate Late-Night Orders in 2024

Sexual wellness products, including condoms, are becoming a hot commodity in India’s quick commerce market, as revealed by Swiggy Instamart in a recent report. 

These items are now flying off the virtual shelves at a pace that rivals the sales of everyday staples like milk and curd.

Evolution in Indian Shopping Habits 

According to Swiggy Instamart’s latest data, “1 in every 140 orders contained a sexual wellness product.” This marks a significant shift in consumer behavior, with these items holding their own alongside kitchen essentials like dosa batter, chips, and soft drinks, which remain the platform’s most-ordered products.

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Interestingly, the data highlights a notable evolution in Indian shopping habits, showing a move beyond just traditional staples. Bengaluru led the charge in the sale of sexual wellness products, earning the title of top spender on condoms in 2024.

Late-Night Shopping Trends

The report also uncovered a surge in late-night orders, with the peak activity occurring between 10 PM and 11 PM. Popular items during this hour included masala-flavored chips, Kurkure, and flavored condoms, painting a vivid picture of India’s nocturnal shopping preferences. When it comes to these midnight splurges, cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru stood out for their high activity.

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Big Spenders and Unique Trends

Delhi and Dehradun topped the charts for overall spending on Swiggy Instamart in 2024, with staples like flour, milk, and oil dominating their shopping lists. Meanwhile, an individual in Mumbai grabbed attention with an extraordinary purchase spree, spending a whopping ₹15 lakh on pet products, primarily cat and dog food.

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NK Proteins Targets Double-Digit Growth Amid Rising Demand for Cottonseed Oil

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NK Proteins Targets Double-Digit Growth Amid Rising Demand for Cottonseed Oil

The Indian edible oil market is witnessing a surge in demand for cottonseed oil, and NK Proteins Private Limited, the maker of Tirupati Edible Oils, is gearing up to capitalize on this trend. The company aims to achieve double-digit growth by 2025, driven by its focus on quality, innovation, and expanding its reach across emerging markets.

“My passion for this industry stems from its deep connection to Indian households, where edible oils are an essential part of life,” says Priyam Patel, Managing Director of NK Proteins. Under his leadership, the company has built a strong presence, reaching over 10 million households through its flagship brand, Tirupati Edible Oils.

Cottonseed Oil: A Game-Changer

Cottonseed oil has emerged as a key growth driver for NK Proteins, thanks to its affordability, nutritional benefits, and versatility in Indian kitchens. “Consumers are increasingly recognising its health benefits, including its richness in tocopherols and heart-friendly polyunsaturated fats,” Patel explains. The company’s focus on educating consumers about these benefits has positioned Tirupati Edible Oils as a trusted choice in the market.

Emerging markets such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and northern India are showing significant growth potential. “Tier-2 and tier-3 cities are driving demand for cottonseed oil, especially among health-conscious and price-sensitive consumers,” Patel adds.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Quality has been a cornerstone of Tirupati Edible Oils’ success. “We have invested heavily in advanced refining technologies and stringent quality checks to ensure our oils meet global standards,” says Patel. The company’s emphasis on sustainable sourcing and innovation in product development has further strengthened its position in the competitive edible oil market.

The brand’s association with Kareena Kapoor Khan as its ambassador has also played a pivotal role in enhancing its visibility and appeal. “Her endorsement reinforces the premium and trustworthy image of Tirupati Edible Oils, especially among urban and aspirational audiences,” Patel notes.

Challenges and Opportunities

Regulatory changes and import policies pose challenges to the edible oil industry, affecting raw material costs and pricing strategies. “We are actively exploring backward integration and promoting domestic oilseed production to reduce dependency on imports,” says Patel. This aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in edible oil production, a transformative opportunity for the industry.

“India has the potential to become a major producer of oilseeds through improved agricultural practices and infrastructure support. At NK Proteins, we are committed to working closely with farmers and stakeholders to create a sustainable supply chain that benefits both producers and consumers,” Patel elaborates.

Vision 2025

As the company charts its path for 2025, double-digit growth remains a key target. “We will achieve it by expanding our product portfolio and entering new markets. Cottonseed oil will continue to be a major growth driver due to its health benefits and affordability,” Patel states. NK Proteins is also planning to introduce new value-added products tailored to health-conscious consumers, ensuring it stays ahead of market trends.

With a robust go-to-market strategy and a clear focus on innovation, NK Proteins is well-positioned to lead the Indian edible oil market into a healthier and more self-reliant future.

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AI Meets Hospitality: Guestara Raises $500,000 to Power the Future of Guest Management

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AI Meets Hospitality: Guestara Raises $500,000 to Power the Future of Guest Management

Guestara, a young company aiming to transform the way hospitality professionals interact with and serve their guests, has secured $500,000 in pre-seed funding. 

The round was led by seasoned travel and hospitality tech entrepreneur Sanjay Ghare, alongside other prominent industry experts. This fresh infusion of capital will fuel the development of innovative AI-powered tools designed to optimize hotel operations, improve guest satisfaction, and unlock new revenue streams for properties worldwide.

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What is Guestara?

Founded by CEO Akshay Dekate and a team of three co-founders, Guestara is an AI-driven guest management platform that simplifies and enhances essential hospitality functions.

The platform offers a suite of tools, including a Unified Inbox, Contactless Mobile Check-In, Omnichannel Guest Engagement, Personalized Upselling, and Smart Checkout. These features integrate effortlessly with top Property Management Systems (PMS), streamlining workflows and eliminating operational headaches for hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals.

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By centralizing guest management into a smart, automated system, Guestara enables hospitality businesses to focus on creating exceptional experiences for their guests rather than being bogged down by routine tasks.

“Hospitality isn’t just about providing a service—it’s about crafting unforgettable experiences,” says CEO Akshay Dekate. “With Guestara, we’re using AI to help hotels redefine what that experience looks like. Our technology not only boosts efficiency but also strengthens guest loyalty. Our ambition is to onboard 2 million rooms worldwide and shift the industry toward a more data-driven, guest-centric approach.”

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Snapdeal’s Strategic Moves Drive Significant Loss Reduction in FY24

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Snapdeal’s Strategic Moves Drive Significant Loss Reduction in FY24

Snapdeal has made remarkable progress in improving its financial performance, reducing net losses to ₹160.38 crore in FY24 from ₹282.20 crore in FY23—a reduction of 43%.

The company also managed to cut its EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) loss by an impressive 88%, bringing it down to ₹16 crore in FY24 from ₹144 crore in the previous year. These improvements were largely driven by a sharp decline in operating expenses.

Expense Cuts Drive Financial Turnaround

Snapdeal’s total expenditure fell to ₹540.76 crore in FY24, down from ₹687.93 crore in FY23. The biggest saving came from employee benefits, which dropped 48.5% year-on-year to ₹158.4 crore, compared to ₹307.53 crore in FY23. Advertising costs also saw a 23.5% reduction, coming down to ₹70.37 crore.

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Revenue Performance

While Snapdeal’s operating income grew modestly by 2.1%, reaching ₹379.76 crore in FY24 from ₹371.96 crore in FY23, its market services revenue—its largest segment—declined by 9.6% year-on-year to ₹252.55 crore. However, enablement services revenue increased by 14.8%, reaching ₹103.36 crore, and income from other sources skyrocketed eightfold to ₹23.85 crore in FY24.

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Strategic Stake Sales Ahead of IPO

Snapdeal also raised funds by selling stakes in Unicommerce. In May-June 2024, the company earned ₹33 crore from a secondary sale of a 3.4% stake. Later, during its August 2024 IPO, it generated ₹81 crore by selling an additional 9.2% stake as part of an offer for sale.

Through strategic cost-cutting and targeted revenue generation, Snapdeal has taken significant steps toward financial stability, showcasing its focus on efficiency and long-term growth.

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