Zepto Bags $450 Million at $7 Billion Valuation: Aadit Palicha Says Startup Now Sits on $900 Million Cash Pile

Quick Commerce

October 17, 2025

Zepto, the Mumbai-based quick commerce unicorn, has secured $450 million in a fresh funding round, catapulting its valuation to $7 billion — nearly double from its previous round just months ago. The round saw participation from existing backers such as Glade Brook Capital, Nexus Venture Partners, StepStone Group, and Goodwater Capital, alongside new institutional investors eager to tap into India’s booming instant delivery space.

Co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha announced that Zepto now holds $900 million in cash reserves, positioning it strongly against rivals Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart. “Our capital position is stronger than ever. We are building not just for growth, but for long-term profitability,” Palicha said in a statement.

Founded in 2021 by Stanford dropouts Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto has rapidly scaled its 10-minute delivery model across major Indian cities. The company claims to have achieved EBITDA positivity in several key markets and is on track for company-wide profitability in 2026.

Zepto’s dark-store network — now crossing 350 locations nationwide — continues to be the backbone of its operations, enabling deliveries of groceries, snacks, and daily essentials in record time. The firm has also begun experimenting with non-grocery categories, including personal care and home goods, to expand its average order value.

With this round, Zepto cements its position as India’s fastest-growing consumer internet company, defying skepticism around the sustainability of the quick commerce model. Investors are betting big that Zepto’s disciplined execution and capital efficiency could make it the first profitable player in India’s hyper-competitive instant delivery market.

Greek Yogurt Powerhouse Chobani Raises $650 Million to Boost U.S. Manufacturing Capacity and Fuel Next Phase of Growth

Growth

SnackTeam

October 17, 2025

Greek yogurt giant Chobani has secured a massive $650 million in equity funding, signaling strong investor confidence in the company’s continued growth and innovation plans. The funding round is set to fuel expansion projects at Chobani’s manufacturing plants in Twin Falls, Idaho, and Rome, New York, two key hubs that drive the brand’s production across the country.

The company, which began in 2005 with a mission to make better food more accessible, has grown into one of the most recognized names in the dairy and plant-based food segment. This new capital injection, combined with Chobani’s robust operating cash flows, is expected to strengthen its supply chain, increase production capacity, and support innovation in new product categories.

Chobani’s Twin Falls facility is already one of the largest yogurt manufacturing plants in the world, while its Rome, New York site plays a central role in the brand’s East Coast distribution. The planned expansions aim to meet surging consumer demand for Chobani’s wide range of Greek yogurts, oat milks, and functional beverages.

Beyond growth, the company continues to emphasize its social impact initiatives, including partnerships that fight child hunger and support refugees. By reinvesting in its U.S. operations, Chobani reaffirms its commitment to sustainable food production and community-driven values.

With this latest funding milestone, Chobani is not just scaling its production—it’s doubling down on its mission to bring nutritious, responsibly made food to more consumers across America.

Heritage Foods Sees Double-Digit Growth in Curd, Paneer, and Ice Cream Sales in Q2 FY26

Food

SnackTeam

October 16, 2025

Heritage Foods Ltd reported a 14.8% year-on-year increase in revenue from its value-added products (VAP) segment, reaching ₹3,417 million in the second quarter of FY26, driven by steady consumer demand, portfolio expansion, and strategic pricing initiatives.

Despite challenging weather and fluctuations in milk procurement costs, the company maintained operational resilience by leveraging its diversified sourcing network across key regions. Milk procurement volumes stood at 16.1 lakh liters per day, marginally lower by 2% year-on-year, as Heritage prioritized high-margin VAP categories over bulk sales during a lean production phase marked by butter shortages.

Strong demand for curd, drinkables, paneer, and ice cream propelled a 15% year-on-year rise in VAP sales, with overall volumes up 10.4%. The company also reduced its low-margin B2B fat sales by 86% while expanding its B2C portfolio, which grew 35% year-on-year. This strategic shift improved profitability and enhanced the quality of earnings.

A calibrated 4.5% price increase, combined with a premium product mix, helped offset higher input costs. Net milk realization rose by ₹2.43 per liter, reflecting sustained consumer confidence and strong brand positioning.

Following the September GST revision, Heritage passed on benefits to consumers through total price cuts, improving competitiveness against unorganized sector players. Integration of HNFPL and co-branded initiatives under the LIVO label on Flipkart also contributed to market reach and digital visibility.

Looking ahead, Heritage expects festive demand, better milk availability during the flush season, and recently commissioned VAP and ice cream capacities to drive growth in the second half of FY26. The company remains focused on strengthening its value-added dairy portfolio, expanding retail reach, and improving operating margins through efficiency-led growth.

Luxury Market Rebounds: LVMH’s Strong Quarter Triggers $80 Billion Stock Rally

Retail & Ecommerce

SnackTeam

October 16, 2025

Shares of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton surged to their highest single-day gain in more than two decades on Wednesday, sparking a powerful rally across Europe’s luxury sector. The world’s largest luxury conglomerate jumped as much as 14 percent after reporting stronger-than-expected third-quarter results, signaling a turnaround in Chinese demand that had long weighed on the industry.

The rebound in sentiment added nearly $80 billion in market value to the STOXX Europe Luxury 10 Index, lifting peers such as Hermès, Kering, Richemont, Burberry, and Moncler by 5 to 9 percent. The surge marks the strongest collective performance for luxury stocks since early 2024, as investors grew confident that the industry may finally be emerging from its two-year slump.

LVMH, controlled by French billionaire Bernard Arnault, reported its first quarterly sales growth of 2025, outperforming analyst expectations across all divisions, from fashion and beauty to jewellery and spirits. Analysts at Bernstein said the results “surprised positively,” while fund managers noted renewed optimism around upcoming management and creative shifts at major houses.

Sales in mainland China, a critical growth engine for the luxury industry, turned positive after months of weakness. Consumers responded strongly to experiential retail formats, including Louis Vuitton’s ship-shaped boutique in Shanghai. Spending by travelling Chinese shoppers also improved, though it remained below pre-pandemic levels.

Despite the upbeat quarter, analysts remain cautious. LVMH’s Chief Financial Officer, Cécile Cabanis, warned that global economic uncertainty and currency fluctuations could weigh on the group’s fourth-quarter performance.

UBS expects luxury sector sales to grow 4 percent organically in 2026, with momentum building in the second half as new designer collections reach stores. Still, the latest rally suggests renewed faith in the resilience of global luxury, led once again by LVMH’s enduring influence.

Galeries Lafayette to Open First India Store in Mumbai’s Turner Morrison Building

Luxury

SnackTeam

October 16, 2025

French luxury department store Galeries Lafayette is set to make its long-awaited India debut with a flagship outlet in Mumbai’s historic Turner Morrison Building at Fort, marking a major milestone for the country’s fast-growing luxury retail market. The launch, scheduled for the first week of November, comes three years after the brand inked a partnership with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) to bring its Parisian experience to Indian shoppers.

The collaboration is structured as a licensed franchise, with ABFRL managing local operations and Galeries Lafayette offering access to its global luxury network. A second store is planned for New Delhi, expanding the retailer’s footprint across key metropolitan markets.

Spanning 90,000 square feet, the Mumbai store will showcase over 270 brands, of which nearly 70% are debuting in India. Labels such as Jacquemus, Givenchy, Balmain, Maison Margiela, Thom Browne, and Fear of God will be featured, positioning the store as a hub for exclusive global fashion.

“India is one of the fastest-growing luxury markets in the world. It is a young, ambitious, and creative nation — and Mumbai, the city of dreamers, is its natural stage,” said Nicolas Houzé, Executive Chairman, Galeries Lafayette.

ABFRL chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said India’s evolving luxury landscape reflects a generation that sees fashion as both aspiration and identity. “For years, the ecosystem lacked the right mix of real estate and service excellence. That is changing now,” he noted.

According to Bain & Company, India’s luxury market is projected to touch $85–90 billion by 2030, driven by rising affluence, growing entrepreneurship, and increased demand from smaller cities.

Papacream Joins Hands with Curefoods for India-Wide Franchise Rollout and UAE Expansion

Business

SnackTeam

October 15, 2025

Bengaluru-based food services company Curefoods has announced a pan-India franchising agreement with artisanal ice cream brand Papacream, marking a strategic expansion for both companies into new domestic and international markets. The deal also paves the way for Papacream’s entry into the United Arab Emirates, as part of Curefoods’ broader plan to scale its multi-brand food business globally.

The rollout will begin in Mumbai and Pune, with operations extending to other metro and tier-1 cities in the coming months. Consumers will be able to order Papacream’s full range of ice creams through delivery partners Swiggy and Zomato.

With this partnership, Curefoods strengthens its presence in the high-growth desserts category, adding to its expanding franchised portfolio, which already includes brands across fast food, desserts, and health-focused offerings. The move aligns with the company’s strategy to deepen its footprint in the premium food segment while tapping into India’s surging demand for experiential, delivery-friendly dining formats.

“We are excited to collaborate with Papacream, a brand that shares our vision for quality and innovation,” said Ankit Nagori, Founder and CEO of Curefoods. “Our goal is to make Papacream’s handcrafted ice creams accessible to a wider audience across India and international markets, while maintaining the brand’s artisanal integrity.”

Founded in 2015 by Khyati Dhuria Chawla, Papacream has built a strong following for its chef-curated, small-batch ice creams made with natural ingredients and unique flavors inspired by global cuisines. The brand’s expansion through Curefoods’ franchise network will allow it to scale efficiently while preserving its boutique appeal.

As Curefoods continues to diversify its brand ecosystem, the partnership with Papacream signals a growing focus on cross-border collaborations and category leadership within India’s evolving F&B landscape.

Daawat Maker LT Foods Enters Canned Food Market with €25 Million Global Green Europe Buyout

Business

SnackTeam

October 15, 2025

LT Foods, the parent company of Daawat and a major player in the packaged foods industry, has announced its entry into the canned food category with the acquisition of Hungary-based Global Green Europe Kft. The deal, valued at approximately €25 million (around ₹225 crore), will be executed through LT Foods Europe Holdings Limited, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

As part of the transaction, LT Foods will pay €6 million upfront and another €1.8 million over the next two years, while also taking over Global Green’s outstanding borrowings. The deal includes the acquisition of Global Green International (UK) Limited and Greenhouse Agrár Kft., and is subject to foreign direct investment approval in Hungary.

Founded in 2006, Global Green Europe operates two manufacturing facilities in Hungary and exports to more than 30 countries across Europe. The company’s product line includes sweet corn, gherkins, onions, peas, and cherries. It reported an annual turnover of about €40 million in 2024.

LT Foods said the acquisition will allow it to expand its packaged food portfolio and strengthen its Ready-to-Heat and Ready-to-Eat businesses across Central and Southern Europe. This move aligns with its long-term goal of becoming a diversified global food company with a wider reach across developed markets.

“This acquisition marks an important step forward in our strategy of expanding both our product portfolio and our global footprint,” said V.K. Arora, Executive Chairman of LT Foods. “We see strong synergies in distribution, sourcing, and innovation that will help us build scale in the European packaged food market.”

Prowess Advisors served as the exclusive transaction advisor to LT Foods for the deal, which further consolidates its position in the global consumer food segment.

Blue Tribe Foods Targets Health-Conscious Consumers with Launch of Korean Soya Chaap and Spicy Kebab

Food

SnackTeam

October 15, 2025

Blue Tribe Foods, one of India’s leading plant-based food companies, has unveiled two new additions to its range — India’s first Korean Soya Chaap and a fiery Spicy Kebab. The launch marks the company’s latest effort to merge global culinary trends with clean-label, sustainable eating options for Indian consumers.

The Korean Soya Chaap, a category-first innovation, brings together the tender texture of traditional North Indian chaap with the bold, umami-rich flavors of Korean cuisine. Crafted without maida or palm oil and containing zero cholesterol, the high-protein product caters to India’s growing base of health-conscious and experimental eaters. The Spicy Kebab, meanwhile, is a ready-to-cook option created for those who enjoy bold flavors without compromising on nutrition.

The new products come at a time when India’s plant-based food market is witnessing rapid expansion. Valued at about USD 98.6 million in 2024, the segment is projected to reach USD 737.9 million by 2033, growing at a compound annual rate of 22.3%. Blue Tribe, founded by entrepreneurs Sandeep Singh and Nikki Arora Singh, has been at the forefront of this shift, aiming to make plant-based eating both accessible and exciting.

“Our goal is to make sustainable eating mainstream in India,” said Nikki Arora Singh, Co-founder of Blue Tribe Foods. “The Korean Soya Chaap and Spicy Kebab reflect how Indian consumers are ready for global flavors that align with health and sustainability. We want to make that choice easy and enjoyable.”

The products are now available across 76 premium offline outlets in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ludhiana, and Amritsar, as well as through online platforms including Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart. With this launch, Blue Tribe strengthens its leadership in India’s fast-evolving plant-based food market.

After Two Big Years, Home Interiors Brand Livspace Still Rising with 23% Growth in FY25

Growth

SnackTeam

October 14, 2025

Bengaluru-based home interiors platform Livspace recorded a 23% rise in revenue for FY25, reaching ₹1,460 crore, marking its second consecutive year of moderate growth after an earlier phase of rapid expansion. The omnichannel home design firm, backed by Ikea’s Ingka Group Investments, had previously logged 85% growth in FY23 and 20% in FY24.

Alongside topline gains, Livspace has made significant progress in cutting losses. Its adjusted EBITDA loss (before ESOPs) narrowed by 47% to ₹131 crore, down from ₹246 crore in the previous fiscal. The company’s gross profit rose 26% to ₹752 crore, while gross margins stood at 51.5%, up from ₹598 crore in FY24.

Livspace said the numbers reflect better traction in both premium and mass-premium residential projects, improved cost discipline, and stronger unit economics. The company attributed the growth to rising demand for organized home renovation and higher-value interior projects.

Looking ahead, Livspace is gearing up for a reverse flip of its domicile to India by the end of 2025, a move that will align its corporate structure with its largest market. The company also continues to prepare for an IPO, which could launch in late 2025 or early 2026, as previously indicated by co-founder and CEO Ramakant Sharma.

To fuel expansion, Livspace plans to increase its retail footprint to 200 stores, deepen its reach across tier-II and tier-III cities, and introduce a private-label range of kitchen appliances, including hobs and chimneys.

Founded in 2015 by Sharma and Anuj Srivastava, Livspace connects homeowners with interior designers and contractors. The platform has raised $450 million to date from investors such as KKR, Bessemer Venture Partners, Jungle Ventures, and others.

Financial Strain Deepens at Bira 91 as Auditor Warns of Uncertain Future and Mounting Liabilities

Beverages

SnackTeam

October 14, 2025

Craft beer maker Bira 91 is facing mounting financial strain, with its auditor warning that the company’s losses and liabilities raise “significant doubt” about its ability to continue operations. The latest audit report by Walker Chandiok & Co, a network firm of Grant Thornton International, has flagged severe liquidity concerns for the parent company, B9 Beverages, after its net worth was fully eroded in FY24.

According to the audit, B9 Beverages ended the fiscal year with a negative cash flow of ₹84 crore and accumulated losses of ₹1,904 crore. Its liabilities exceeded total assets by ₹619.6 crore as of March 31, 2024. The auditor cited exposure to market, credit, and liquidity risks that could further impact the fair value of the company’s financial instruments.

“These events and conditions indicate material uncertainty regarding the group’s ability to continue as a going concern,” the report stated.

Founder and CEO Ankur Jain maintained that such financial pressure is “not unusual” for fast-growing businesses at scale. He said the management remains confident about meeting obligations based on future cash flows and planned capital infusions from investors.

Bira 91, once celebrated for transforming India’s craft beer market, is now confronting multiple challenges, including layoffs and production halts. In September, over 250 employees reportedly wrote to the board, major investors Kirin Holdings and Peak XV Partners, and lender Anicut Capital, demanding a leadership change amid delayed salary and reimbursement payments.

Adding to the company’s troubles, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs directed B9 Beverages to ensure timely compliance with regulations after it sought an extension to hold its FY25 annual general meeting. The Registrar of Companies later granted a three-month extension to file its financials.

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