Organic Food Startup TBOF Raises ₹110 Crore to Expand Manufacturing, Farmer Training, and Exports

funding

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October 14, 2025

Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF), a leading player in India’s organic and regenerative agriculture sector, has secured ₹110 crore in a Series B funding round led by 360 ONE Asset, with participation from Rainmatter Investments, Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office, and IGNITE Growth LLP. The capital infusion marks a strategic milestone for the company as it looks to scale operations, strengthen its manufacturing footprint, and expand its global presence.

Founded by brothers Ajinkya and Satyajit Hange, TBOF has carved a niche in the clean-label food segment, offering over 100 products that span staples, snacks, and health foods. The brand, which currently reaches 50 international markets, has recorded an annual recurring revenue of ₹200 crore. The new investment is expected to accelerate its path toward a targeted revenue of ₹1,000 crore in the coming years.

“The Series B funding will enable us to scale our manufacturing capabilities, enhance farmer training programs, and deepen our presence in international markets,” said a company spokesperson. By focusing on regenerative agriculture practices, TBOF aims to combine sustainable farming with commercially scalable operations, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

This round follows the company’s ₹58.25 crore Series A funding, reflecting strong investor confidence in TBOF’s growth trajectory and the rising demand for organic and sustainable food products. The company plans to invest in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, expand supply chain networks, and introduce new product lines to cater to global taste preferences.

TBOF’s growth story underscores the potential of India’s organic food sector, which is witnessing rising consumer awareness, increased health-conscious spending, and growing export opportunities. With its strong foundation and fresh capital, Two Brothers Organic Farms is poised to scale aggressively while maintaining its commitment to quality, sustainability, and farmer empowerment.

Papa Johns Re-Enters India with Bengaluru Launch, Plans Rapid Nationwide Expansion

Hotels & Restaurants

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SnackTeam

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October 13, 2025

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Papa Johns has made its official comeback in India through a new joint venture, marking its return with the opening of four outlets in Bengaluru. The international pizza chain has set up shop in Indiranagar, Hennur, Electronic City, and Sarjapur Road, positioning the southern metropolis as its launchpad for renewed growth in the country’s competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) market.

The re-entry is being led by PJP Investments Group, which operates Papa Johns across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. The group’s CEO, Tapan Vaidya, said the brand’s focus on premium ingredients and consistency will be its key differentiator in India. “Our commitment to quality is central to the Papa Johns experience. Every pizza is made from fresh, never-frozen dough prepared daily at a central quality control center to maintain the same taste across all locations,” Vaidya said.

Papa Johns’ return comes at a time when India’s pizza market is estimated to exceed ₹20,000 crore by 2026, fueled by rising urban demand, online food delivery, and experimentation with premium international brands. Competing directly with Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and a growing crop of homegrown players, Papa Johns is betting on its “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.” positioning to attract Indian consumers.

The brand’s Indian menu includes its global favorites alongside localized offerings designed for regional palates, such as the Ghee Roast Pizza. According to Ravi T., CFO of Papa Johns, the Bengaluru launch “lays a strong foundation for long-term growth” as the company prepares for a broader rollout across major cities.

Industry insiders expect Papa Johns to open additional outlets across Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad in the next phase. With a focus on freshness, flavor innovation, and consistency, the brand aims to reclaim its place among India’s leading pizza chains.

Ajay Devgn Enters India’s Premium Whisky Market with The GlenJourneys Crafted in the Scottish Highlands

Entrepreneurship

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October 13, 2025

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Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Ajay Devgn has forayed into India’s luxury spirits market with the launch of The GlenJourneys, a premium single malt whisky crafted in the Scottish Highlands and curated for Indian whisky drinkers. Co-founded with premium liquor firm Cartel Bros, the brand aims to build a strong presence in India’s rapidly expanding single malt segment, currently growing at nearly 12% annually.

The first collection under the label, called The Cask Series, features whiskies finished in rum, bourbon, and sherry casks, each designed to offer depth and diversity suited to Indian palates. Priced at around ₹6,409 in Mumbai, the range positions The GlenJourneys within the country’s ultra-premium whisky segment, where consumer demand for authenticity and craftsmanship is surging.

Speaking on the launch, Devgn described The GlenJourneys as a balance between “tradition, innovation, and patience,” emphasizing how each variant embodies the character of the cask and the care taken through maturation.

Following a limited debut at select international duty-free stores, The GlenJourneys is now rolling out across India, beginning with Maharashtra, where it targets sales of 10,000 cases by March 2026. The brand will expand to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and Chandigarh by the end of this year, followed by Delhi and Bengaluru in early 2026.

The lineup also includes The Pioneer Edition, a 21-year-old Highland single malt, limited to just 600 bottles worldwide and priced at approximately ₹50,000. The collector’s edition has already drawn attention among global whisky aficionados for its refinement and exclusivity.

Devgn’s entry into the whisky business reflects a growing wave of celebrity-led ventures in India’s luxury beverage space. With The GlenJourneys, he hopes to bring a distinct, globally benchmarked single malt experience to Indian connoisseurs.

Lay’s Goes Back to Its Roots: PepsiCo Unveils Biggest Redesign in 100 Years to Spotlight Real Potatoes and Family Farms

Business

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October 13, 2025

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Lay’s, the iconic potato chip label from PepsiCo, has unveiled a striking new global look the most significant change it’s made in almost a century. The refreshed identity puts the spotlight back on where it all begins: the farm. It’s a reminder that every Lay’s chip starts with a real potato, grown and harvested by family farmers.

Interestingly, a recent survey revealed that nearly half of consumers didn’t know Lay’s chips come from real potatoes. This finding pushed the brand to tell its story more clearly through packaging, design, and a renewed focus on simple, natural ingredients.

Alongside the new design, Lay’s is also cleaning up its recipes. By the end of 2025, the company plans to eliminate all artificial flavors and colors from its main U.S. lineup, with its dips following suit the next year. The Baked range will soon be made with olive oil, and the Kettle Cooked Reduced Fat Original Sea Salt chips will switch to avocado oil.

Created by PepsiCo’s Design & Innovation team, the updated packaging features a friendlier sun logo, “Lay’s Rays” that echo natural sunlight, and warm, earthy colors inspired by ingredients found in nature. The goal is to bridge Lay’s heritage with the expectations of today’s consumers — who care about both authenticity and transparency.

“The redesign honors the simple potato the heart of every Lay’s chip,” said Alexis Porter, VP of Marketing, Global Lay’s. Denise Truelove, SVP of Marketing, PepsiCo Foods US, added that the brand is “bringing more transparency, more options, and the same joy people have always loved.”

Partnering with over 100 family-owned farms across North America, some of Lay’s potatoes go from field to bag in as little as two days. With this transformation, Lay’s isn’t changing what people love about it — just making that love feel a little more real.

India’s Beer Makers Grapple with 13-Crore Can Deficit, Demand Policy Relief

Beverages

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October 13, 2025

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India’s beer makers are warning of a severe disruption in supply due to an acute shortage of aluminium cans, urging the government to allow short-term import relaxations to meet rising demand during the peak consumption period.

According to the Brewers Association of India (BAI), the domestic industry faces an annual deficit of nearly 12 to 13 crore aluminium cans in the 500 ml size segment, which accounts for roughly 20% of total beer sales across the country. The shortage, if unresolved, could cost the government an estimated ₹1,300 crore in lost excise revenue this fiscal year.

The supply crunch has been compounded by a mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification introduced on April 1, 2025, under a new Quality Control Order (QCO). While intended to ensure product quality and safety, the regulation has temporarily restricted imports from non-certified suppliers, leaving domestic manufacturers unable to bridge the gap.

Leading can producers Ball Beverage Packaging India and Can-Pack India have reached full production capacity and are unlikely to scale output for another 6 to 12 months as they expand their facilities. The bottleneck has already begun to affect breweries that rely heavily on canned formats for both retail and export markets.

Industry executives have appealed to the government for a limited relaxation in BIS compliance to allow certified international suppliers to ship cans into India until local capacity stabilizes. They warn that continued shortages could disrupt production, slow category growth, and affect availability during the upcoming festive and tourist seasons—key demand drivers for the sector.

Bira 91’s Ankur Jain Reassures Employees Amid Fundraising Push, Calls Out “Inaccurate” Media Reports

Entrepreneurship

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October 11, 2025

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Bira 91 founder and CEO Ankur Jain addressed recent media coverage about the company’s fundraising efforts, reaffirming his commitment to employees and the company’s long-term stability. In a note to his team, Jain emphasized that his “singular focus” remains on completing the fundraise and protecting the interests of both Bira 91 and its employees.

He confirmed that the company is in active discussions with investors to secure the capital required to stabilize operations. “While there are still many bridges to cross, we are confident that we will be able to bring these efforts to a positive conclusion,” he said, adding that all stakeholders have been supportive of the company’s goals.

Jain also stressed that employees will be fully prioritized throughout the fundraising process. “No employee’s interest will be sacrificed as we succeed in our efforts,” he stated, highlighting that for over a decade, Bira 91 has ensured timely payroll even at the expense of other critical investments.

Addressing recent negative media reports, Jain called them “inaccurate, unsubstantiated, and driven by cynical objectives,” noting that the company’s focus remains on growth and employee welfare.

He concluded by expressing optimism about Bira 91’s future: “Despite this speed bump, I am optimistic that we will bring back Bira 91 on the growth highway.”

Founded in 2015, Bira 91 has grown into one of India’s leading craft beer brands, known for its youthful identity and innovative products. The upcoming fundraise is expected to mark the company’s next phase of expansion.

DSG Consumer Partners Joins Hands with Lighthouse Funds to Take Hunger Inc.’s Bombay Sweet Shop Nationwide

Business

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October 11, 2025

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DSG Consumer Partners has announced its collaboration with the team behind Bombay Sweet Shop, reinforcing its commitment to partnering with visionary founders in the Indian F&B space.

Deepak Shahdadpuri, Managing Director of DSG Consumer Partners, shared his long-standing association with Yash Bhanage, Sameer Seth, and the late Chef Floyd Cardoz, the founding trio behind The Bombay Canteen and O Pedro. Having been an early supporter and even customer number one at The Bombay Canteen, Shahdadpuri expressed admiration for how Yash and Sameer have quietly built a portfolio of beloved Indian dining concepts over the last decade.

Bombay Sweet Shop, their latest venture under the Hunger Inc. umbrella, opened its first outlet in Byculla in February 2020. The brand aims to present a premium, indulgent, and modern interpretation of mithai, blending nostalgia with innovation. Leading the creative charge is Chef Girish Nayak, who reimagines traditional Indian sweets with contemporary flair.

Within Hunger Inc., Chef Hussain Shahzad continues to oversee kitchens at The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro Mumbai, Veronica’s, and Papa’s.

The partnership also brings in Lighthouse Funds, co-founded by Mukund Krishnaswami, Sean Sovak, and Sachin Bhartiya. Shahdadpuri noted that he and Mukund had discussed collaborating for over a decade, and the new partnership marks the realization of that long-standing goal.

With shared values in premium consumer experiences and a passion for celebrating India’s culinary heritage, DSG Consumer Partners and Lighthouse Funds are poised to help Bombay Sweet Shop scale its unique vision for Indian mithai.

H&M Launches Beauty Line in India to Compete With Lakme, L’Oréal, Nykaa, and Tira

Beauty

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October 11, 2025

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Swedish fashion retailer H&M is widening its Indian portfolio beyond clothing and home décor, making a bold debut in the country’s fast-growing beauty and personal care market. The entry positions H&M directly against established names such as Lakme, L’Oréal, Nykaa, and Reliance’s Tira, as the global brand looks to tap into India’s expanding mass-affluent consumer base.

A decade after launching its first fashion outlet in India, H&M will now introduce its in-house beauty line across its physical stores and online platform. The private-label collection includes makeup, perfumes, and beauty tools designed to align with the brand’s trend-led fashion sensibility.

Cathrine Wigzell, Global General Manager of H&M Beauty, told The Times of India that the new line represents a natural extension of the brand’s fashion offering. “We bring a trend-driven, inclusive assortment that allows customers to create a complete look from head to toe. Our strong presence in fashion gives us credibility and trust in this new category,” she said.

H&M’s pricing strategy underscores its focus on accessibility, with most makeup products priced under ₹799 and perfumes starting at ₹1,299. This puts the brand in the same bracket as Lakme and L’Oréal, while also rivaling private-label lines from digital-first platforms like Nykaa and Tira.

A significant share of the H&M Beauty portfolio is being manufactured locally, though select products will continue to be sourced globally to maintain quality consistency.

The move comes as India’s beauty and personal care market is projected to reach $34 billion by 2028, according to industry estimates. For H&M, the expansion marks more than just a diversification — it’s an attempt to transform its fashion authority into a lifestyle brand that delivers a complete style experience for India’s young, aspirational shoppers.

Alec’s Ice Cream Nets $11M Funding Round to Redefine Clean-Label Ice Cream Market

funding

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October 11, 2025

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Alec’s Ice Cream, the California-based brand known for its A2 dairy and regenerative ingredient sourcing, has raised $11 million in a Series A funding round, marking a major step in the rapidly expanding A2 dairy category.

The round was led by Imaginary Ventures, a consumer-focused investment firm whose portfolio includes buzzy brands like Glossier, Cann, BÉIS, and Cerebelly. Several existing and new investors also participated, underscoring growing investor confidence in sustainable and clean-label dairy alternatives.

Founded in 2020 by Alec Jaffe, the company has carved a niche in the premium dessert market by using A2 dairy — milk containing only the A2 beta-casein protein, which is believed to be easier to digest than conventional milk. The brand also emphasizes regenerative farming practices, sourcing from farms committed to restoring soil health and reducing environmental impact.

Alec’s Ice Cream is currently available at major U.S. retailers including Whole Foods Market, Target, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Wegmans, with a growing presence in independent natural food stores nationwide. The company said the fresh funding will help expand production capacity, strengthen retail distribution, and accelerate product innovation across new flavors and formats.

Founder and CEO Alec Jaffe said the funding validates consumer demand for cleaner, more sustainable ice cream options. “We started Alec’s Ice Cream to prove that indulgence and sustainability can coexist,” he noted, adding that the company’s growth reflects a shift toward transparency in dairy sourcing.

The A2 dairy segment has witnessed a sharp rise in demand, with consumers increasingly seeking dairy that is both natural and easier to digest. Alec’s Ice Cream’s expansion comes at a time when the category is gaining mainstream traction, positioning the brand as one of the frontrunners shaping the future of responsible indulgence in the U.S. ice cream market.

Fastest.Health Raises ₹1.2 Crore from Inflection Point Ventures to Build India’s Quick Diagnostics Network

Growth

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October 10, 2025

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Mumbai-based healthtech startup Fastest.Health has raised Rs 1.2 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), one of India’s leading angel investment networks. The funding will support the company’s plans to scale marketing operations, enhance technology infrastructure, strengthen its sales network, and hire key talent to streamline nationwide expansion.

Founded by industry professionals with deep expertise across diagnostics, logistics, ecommerce, and healthcare, Fastest.Health’s leadership team includes CEO Jayesh Kamat, CBO Sandeep Krishna, COO Mazhar Faruqi, CMO Dr. Santosh Wakchaure, and CTO Mohit Lala. The company currently operates across Navi Mumbai and Mumbai suburbs, with plans to enter additional cities in the coming months to meet India’s rising demand for faster and more reliable diagnostic services.

Fastest.Health operates on a “quick service diagnostics” (QSD) model, providing doorstep sample collection within 15 minutes and digital report delivery within 90 minutes for most routine tests. All samples are processed through NABL-accredited partner laboratories, ensuring both speed and accuracy.

“Our goal is to redefine diagnostics delivery in India,” said co-founder and CBO, Sandeep Krishna. “We’re building the country’s first true quick-commerce diagnostics network, where speed meets reliability. When someone needs medical testing, we want to be the first responder that delivers care when it’s most crucial.”

Commenting on the investment, IPV founder Vinay Bansal said, “The post-pandemic healthcare ecosystem prioritizes not just precision but also speed and accessibility. Fastest.Health reflects this shift by making diagnostics both efficient and credible. Early and timely reporting can directly influence treatment outcomes, and this model eliminates critical delays.”

According to industry estimates, India’s diagnostics market was valued at $14 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach nearly $20 billion by 2026, presenting a significant growth opportunity for tech-enabled healthcare players like Fastest.Health.

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