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Puranique Spirits Expands to India, Introduces Premium Vodka and VSOP Cognac

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Premium liquor company Puranique Spirits has officially forayed into the Indian market with the introduction of two flagship products — Puranique Vodka and Puranique VSOP Cognac. The launch marks the company’s first major step into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for premium spirits.

According to the company, Puranique Vodka is nine-times distilled to achieve a smooth finish, while the VSOP Cognac is positioned to appeal to India’s growing base of discerning consumers seeking international-quality blends. The entry aligns with India’s rising appetite for premium and craft spirits, which industry estimates suggest could expand by over 12 percent annually through the next five years.

Anoop Mohan, promoter and CEO of Puranique Spirits India, said the launch is timed with India’s evolving role in the global alcohol market. “Consumers here are increasingly seeking experiences that go beyond a drink in a glass. Our portfolio bridges traditional French and Scottish craftsmanship with India’s demand for refined, authentic products,” he noted. Mohan added that the company intends to introduce additional categories, including gin, rum, and artisan craft spirits, to capture broader consumer demand.

To strengthen its brand identity, Puranique has appointed veteran actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar as its first brand ambassador. The company believes his presence will help connect with Indian audiences while underlining its positioning as a lifestyle-driven brand.

The expansion of Puranique into India comes at a time when several global spirits makers are investing in the country, reflecting a larger trend of international brands viewing India as a critical growth market.

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WellBe Foods Targets 38,000 Stores with New Vacuum-Cooked Snacks and Clean-Label Innovations

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Bengaluru-based WellBe Foods, a direct-to-consumer brand under the Nimida Group, has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of vacuum-cooked snacks, positioning itself to capture a larger slice of India’s rapidly growing healthy snacking market. The company has also introduced 14 new products that reimagine traditional Indian snacks with a healthier twist.

India’s healthy snacking sector, valued at USD 2.67 billion in FY24, is expected to nearly double to USD 4.95 billion by FY32, growing at a CAGR of 8.03%. Riding this wave, WellBe has unveiled vacuum-cooked legumes, pulses, and tubers as part of its clean-label product line. The company’s expansion also includes items such as Peanut Chikki and Chikki Bites, Flower Murukku, Maddur Vada, Achari Murukku, Tomato Chakli, Khara Boondi, Onion Pakoda, Onion Kodbale, Namak Para, Shakkar Para, Banana Chips, Potato Chips, and Poha Chivda.

The new products are an extension of WellBe’s brand philosophy, which emphasizes taste without compromising health. “Healthy snacking should not come at the cost of flavor or tradition,” said Gaurav Manchanda, Founder and Director, Nimida Group. “By combining advanced cooking technology with familiar recipes, we aim to create snacks that are both comforting and better for you. This is about setting a higher benchmark for what Indian consumers can expect from packaged snacks.”

WellBe’s latest offerings will be distributed through its online platform, leading e-commerce marketplaces, and traditional and modern retail channels. The company plans to scale its reach to over 38,000 stores across India by March 2026, with a strong focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The expansion reflects WellBe’s ambition to make clean-label, innovative snacks more accessible and mainstream in India’s evolving food landscape.

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Ghodawat Consumer Bets on Distribution, Eyes ₹1,500 Crore Revenue by Strengthening Staples and Snacks Portfolio

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Ghodawat Consumer Ltd. (GCL) is charting an ambitious growth path as it pushes deeper into staples and impulse categories while reshaping its operating model to stay lean and responsive to market demand. The company, led by CEO Salloni Ghodawat, has crossed ₹1,200 crore in revenue and is aiming to touch ₹1,500 crore in the near term, with a goal of sustaining double-digit growth over the next three years.

The company is investing heavily in an asset-light model to scale faster. Currently operating three contract manufacturing units (CMUs), it plans to add eight more before the year closes, strategically located near raw material hubs or consumption centers to optimize supply chains.

Portfolio diversification remains a central strategy. Through acquisitions, Ghodawat Consumer has brought Coolberg, a non-alcoholic beer brand, and To Be Honest (TBH), known for its vacuum-cooked snacks, into its fold. Together, these brands offer nearly 30 SKUs and are gaining traction across modern trade, quick commerce, and online channels, which now contribute more than 60 percent of revenues. Coolberg recently secured a listing in the CSD network, giving it nationwide access, while TBH is set to roll out a protein-based range.

Distribution expansion forms the backbone of GCL’s growth playbook. With a marketing budget exceeding ₹25 crore, the company is strengthening its sales network, targeting both rural markets—where it already holds a strong presence—and metropolitan hubs to broaden its reach. The snack segment is expected to gain further momentum with GST rates reduced from 12 to 5 percent, improving affordability.

Retail also plays a role in its expansion. GCL currently operates 180 Star Local Mart stores and is eyeing 250 outlets by the end of this year, reinforcing its multi-channel presence.

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Art of Time Raises Rs 175 Crore as India’s Luxury Watch Market Set to Hit $2.8 Billion by 2033

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Mumbai-based omnichannel luxury watch retailer Art of Time has secured Rs 175 crore in its latest funding round, with participation from a group of marquee investors. The round was led by existing backers including CaratLane founder Mithun Sacheti, Jaipur Gems chief executive Siddhartha Sacheti, Freshworks founder Girish Mathrubootham, and Plutus Wealth Management.

Roughly 70 percent of the capital was raised as primary infusion, while the remainder came through secondary share sales. With this round, Art of Time has raised close to Rs 200 crore since its inception a decade ago.

Founded in 2015 by Gaurav Bhatia and Bharat Kapoor, the retailer has built a portfolio of nearly 20 global luxury brands such as Cartier, Piaget, Montblanc and Jaeger-LeCoultre. It currently operates 14 boutiques across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and other major metros. The company derives about 85 percent of its revenue from brick-and-mortar outlets, though management has indicated that e-commerce will play a bigger role, with online sales targeted to rise from 15 percent to 30 percent in the next two years.

The fresh funding will be deployed towards retail expansion, technology upgrades, talent acquisition and strengthening inventory. Among upcoming launches are three new stores this fiscal year, including the company’s first boutique in Hyderabad, a new multi-brand format called Circa in Noida, and a mono-brand outlet in Ahmedabad. Circa is positioned for the bridge-to-luxury category, catering to buyers in the Rs 50,000 to Rs 4 lakh price band, below the traditional luxury threshold where watches typically start above Rs 5 lakh.

India’s luxury watch market is estimated at $1.6 billion and is forecast to exceed $2.8 billion by 2033, driven by growing disposable incomes and an appetite for international labels. Art of Time is betting that its blend of curated retail formats and digital push will capture this momentum.

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Albinder Dhindsa: No Official Partners for Blinkit Listings, Brands Urged to Avoid Fraudulent Claims

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Quick-commerce platform Blinkit has cautioned businesses against fraudulent agents claiming to offer shortcuts for product listings on the app. The advisory came directly from Albinder Dhindsa, CEO of Blinkit, who said the company has recently detected attempts by fraudsters to exploit sellers seeking faster access to the platform.

In a post on X, Dhindsa made it clear that Blinkit has no authorised partners for product listings. “There are no shortcuts and no official partners for listing products on Blinkit. All listings are processed only through our official channels,” he wrote, adding that brands dealing with third-party resellers risk having their products removed from the marketplace.

The CEO underlined that the company maintains strict compliance standards to ensure authenticity. “If you choose to work with a reseller, do your diligence. Any misrepresentation can get your products deactivated if the reseller is blacklisted. We have zero tolerance for such violations,” he said.

The warning comes as Blinkit, owned by Eternal, continues to scale operations in India’s crowded quick-commerce market, where competition from players like Zepto, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket Now has intensified. With millions of daily transactions, the platform has become a key distribution channel for FMCG and grocery brands, making listing access highly coveted.

The post also sparked a wave of responses from sellers who flagged challenges with Blinkit’s onboarding process. Several users alleged delays and lack of transparency in the registration system. One seller commented that the absence of clear listing criteria leaves brands uncertain, creating room for fraudulent intermediaries. Another urged the company to engage directly with distributors and stockists to bridge the gap between policy and ground-level practices.

The episode highlights both Blinkit’s growing influence in retail and the operational challenges that come with balancing scale, compliance and seller trust.

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NARS Expands India Presence via Reliance TIRA: Products Now Online and In-Store

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Global makeup house NARS Cosmetics has officially entered the Indian beauty market through a tie-up with Reliance Retail’s beauty platform TIRA, strengthening the latter’s growing portfolio of international brands.

The Shiseido-owned label announced that its products are now available on TIRA’s online store as well as at four of its offline outlets, marking its first physical presence in India. This partnership is being positioned as a strategic move to reach India’s fast-expanding beauty consumer base, which is increasingly looking for global and premium labels.

Sanjay Sharma, India country head of Shiseido Group, described the launch as a significant milestone. “Our partnership with TIRA marks an important milestone for NARS in India. TIRA’s omni-channel strength and innovation-first approach align seamlessly with our mission to establish NARS’ artistry with Indian consumers. This partnership goes beyond retail; it is about nurturing a deeper, more meaningful connection with India’s vibrant beauty community,” he said in a statement.

The entry of NARS coincides with a boom in India’s beauty and personal care sector, which industry trackers estimate could cross 30 billion dollars within the next five years. Rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and social media-driven aspirations have accelerated demand for premium and luxury beauty products.

Reliance Retail has been expanding TIRA both as an e-commerce platform and as a chain of standalone beauty stores in major metros. Its focus on blending offline and online touchpoints gives global brands like NARS a ready-made platform to scale in India’s fragmented retail landscape.

With this launch, NARS joins an increasingly competitive space where platforms such as Nykaa and Sephora are also battling for consumer attention through exclusive tie-ups and international brand partnerships.

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PATH Water Raises Funding from Morrison Seger VC to Expand Sustainable Aluminum Bottled Water

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PATH Water Raises Funding from Morrison Seger VC to Expand Sustainable Aluminum Bottled Water

PATH Water, a U.S.-based sustainable bottled water brand, has secured fresh investment from Morrison Seger Venture Capital Partners, underscoring growing investor interest in eco-friendly consumer goods. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded on the principle of environmental responsibility, PATH Water is distinguished by its use of durable, refillable aluminum bottles that are fully recyclable. The company positions itself as a sustainable alternative to conventional single-use plastic water bottles, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers amid increasing global concern over plastic pollution.

PATH Water products are now available in over 60,000 retail locations across the United States, including leading chains such as Walmart, Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, and CVS. The brand’s widespread retail presence highlights its successful expansion strategy and strong adoption among mainstream and specialty retailers alike.

According to company projections, PATH Water is expected to surpass $75 million in revenue this year, reflecting robust growth driven by both sustainability-focused consumer trends and increased distribution reach. Analysts note that the brand’s model, which combines eco-conscious packaging with mass-market availability, positions it uniquely in a crowded beverage landscape.

Morrison Seger Venture Capital Partners’ investment marks a strategic move to back brands that marry consumer convenience with environmental stewardship. Industry experts suggest that funding inflows like these are critical for scaling production, expanding retail partnerships, and supporting marketing campaigns to reach a broader consumer base.

PATH Water has previously emphasized its commitment to circular packaging, highlighting initiatives such as aluminum bottle recycling programs and partnerships with sustainability-focused organizations. With increasing consumer demand for products that reduce environmental impact, the company’s growth trajectory signals strong potential for further market penetration.

The infusion of capital is expected to accelerate PATH Water’s expansion plans, helping it solidify its position as a leading player in sustainable bottled water and setting the stage for continued growth in the fast-evolving beverage sector.

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Medusa Beverages Targets Rs 225 Crore Revenue, Aims to Double Beer Sales in FY26

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Medusa Beverages, one of India’s fastest-growing beer brands, is aiming to nearly double its sales volumes in the current fiscal year, targeting 1.8 to 2 million cases and revenues of around Rs 225 crore, up from Rs 155 crore last year, according to Avneet Singh, founder and CEO.

Founded in 2017 and operational since 2018, Medusa has carved a niche in the premium strong beer segment, offering 5.9% alcohol content beers that sit between mild and super-strong variants. “We are essentially the category creators for this alcohol percentage in India,” Singh said, noting the brand’s impressive 51-52% compound annual growth rate.

Currently, Medusa’s products, including a special beer range in collaboration with Warner Bros, are available across nine states. Delhi remains its largest market, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh. Retail accounts for nearly 98% of sales, with HoReCa channels making up the remainder. The brand primarily caters to the 25-40 age demographic, leveraging quality, packaging, aftertaste, and a quirky brand personality to position itself as a lifestyle choice for young consumers.

To support expansion, Medusa operates through leased breweries in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Chhattisgarh, while using Microsoft Dynamics ERP and Salesforce to enhance supply chain and sales efficiency. Singh acknowledged challenges, particularly Delhi’s state-controlled retail system, advocating for more modernized outlets with larger formats, refrigeration, and improved displays.

Despite these regulatory hurdles, the company is focused on scaling within India rather than diversifying into other categories or markets. “The Indian beer market offers tremendous growth potential. With global players eyeing India, our priority is to consolidate and scale locally first,” Singh said.

With a strong combination of brand identity, product quality, and operational expansion, Medusa Beverages is setting its sights on becoming a dominant player in the premium beer segment, shaping itself as a lifestyle and choice-driven brand for young Indian consumers.

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Hyperpure Expands Beyond Restaurants as Blinkit Model Shift Hits 60% of Revenue

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Hyperpure, the B2B grocery supply unit owned by Eternal, is widening its customer base to include home bakers, caterers, street vendors and small event suppliers as it faces a sharp revenue adjustment following changes at Blinkit, its sister platform.

Blinkit, which moved to an inventory-led model on September 1, had until recently been a major revenue driver for Hyperpure. Supplies to Blinkit’s marketplace sellers accounted for more than 60 percent of Hyperpure’s topline, according to people familiar with the matter. With that channel now closed, the unit is seeking new avenues of growth.

Hyperpure reported revenue of ₹2,295 crore in the April-June quarter, marking an 89 percent year-on-year jump and a 25 percent rise sequentially. Eternal’s management, however, has already cautioned that the business will experience de-growth over the next few quarters as the impact of Blinkit’s transition becomes more visible. The unit, which currently operates at breakeven, is expected to face margin pressure as well.

To counter this, Hyperpure has been strengthening its infrastructure. The company recently leased 2.5 lakh square feet of warehousing space in Bhiwandi near Mumbai on a long-term basis, adding to its 11 warehouses across eight cities. It has also expanded processing capabilities for value-added foods such as sauces, spreads and semi-prepared perishables, while introducing faster delivery for restaurant partners.

Hyperpure supplied over 100,000 unique outlets during FY25, up 30 percent from the previous year. Eternal’s annual report highlights efforts to build an end-to-end procurement and logistics chain for restaurants, cafes and hotels.

The segment is becoming increasingly competitive. Swiggy has entered with its Assure vertical, while Udaan’s horeca360 arm now contributes up to 20 percent of its Bengaluru business and is preparing to expand to Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad and Chennai.

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Reliance Consumer Products Partners Regional Bottlers to Roll Out Campa Sure in Northern India

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Reliance Consumer Products, the fast-moving consumer goods arm of Reliance Industries, is preparing to launch Campa Sure, a mass-market packaged water brand positioned to shake up India’s ₹30,000-crore bottled water industry. The company has begun signing partnerships with regional bottlers, with the product slated for rollout in Northern markets within the next two weeks.

According to T Krishnakumar, director of Reliance Consumer Products, the partnerships will focus on bottling, technology, and governance standards, while avoiding outright acquisitions. He stressed that the collaboration with smaller firms will not only ensure consistency in quality but also help reduce the prevalence of counterfeit bottled water in the country.

Campa Sure is being introduced at sharply lower price points compared to established national players. A 250-ml bottle will retail for ₹5, while a one-litre pack will cost ₹15. In comparison, leading brands such as Bisleri, Coca-Cola’s Kinley, and PepsiCo’s Aquafina are priced at around ₹20 per litre. Larger packs of two litres will sell for ₹25, nearly 20–30% below competitors’ price tags of ₹30–35.

Industry executives noted that Reliance’s aggressive entry is reminiscent of its 2023 launch of Campa Cola, where lower-priced packs forced Coca-Cola and PepsiCo to cut prices or introduce smaller formats. A similar shake-up is now expected in packaged water, where both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have historically under-invested in branding and promotions.

Krishnakumar emphasised that Reliance’s goal extends beyond price disruption. “Our approach is to democratise the category, provide affordable options, and establish benchmark standards across the supply chain,” he said.

The rollout comes shortly after the government’s GST 2.0 reform reduced the tax on packaged water from 18% to 5%, a move that has already prompted companies across the sector to revise prices. Reliance believes Campa Sure, alongside its premium Independence water line, will allow it to address diverse consumption channels in India’s fragmented market.

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