P&G’s Olay Targets Double-Digit Growth in India with Anti-Aging Push and Omnichannel Strategy

Business

September 30, 2025

Procter & Gamble’s skincare brand Olay is sharpening its focus on India’s fast-evolving beauty market with a push into anti-aging solutions and a wider omnichannel play. The company is targeting double-digit sales growth in the coming year, banking on consumer education and research-driven products.

Vikram Jeet Singh, category leader for beauty and haircare at P&G India, said only about 10 percent of Indian women currently use anti-aging products, despite nearly half reporting visible skin-aging concerns. “That shows the scale of opportunity. Our aim is to expand adoption through education and meaningful innovations that solve real skin problems.

Central to this strategy is Olay’s recently launched 7-in-1 cream, formulated after years of research into Indian skin types. Studies highlighted weaker skin barriers caused by pollution and climate, which the company says its new formulations directly address. Singh emphasized that new launches must be anchored in efficacy rather than novelty.

Over the past five years, Olay has quadrupled its online business, with marketplaces like Nykaa boosting discovery and quick-commerce platforms driving convenience-led purchases. Still, Singh pointed out that in-store beauty advisors remain influential in consumer decisions, reinforcing the brand’s omnichannel approach.

Olay, positioned as a premium skincare player in India for over two decades, is now eyeing expansion across price tiers and geographies. Demand is rising in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, aided by deeper internet penetration and rising disposable incomes. To capture this growth, the company is investing in AI-driven skin research, immersive product demonstrations, and digital engagement tools that highlight the science and bioavailability of its ingredients.

Looking ahead, Olay aims to broaden the anti-aging category itself, rather than chase volumes alone. “We want to grow the market, strengthen trust, and remain the most preferred premium skincare brand in India,” Singh said.

Petpooja Raises $15.5 Million Series C, Valuation Jumps 3.5X to ₹910 Crore

Growth

SnackTeam

September 30, 2025

Ahmedabad-based restaurant software company Petpooja has raised Rs 137 crore ($15.5 million) in its Series C funding round, marking its first major fundraise in four years. The round was led by Dharana Capital with participation from Ashish Gupta, co-founder of Helion Ventures, along with Urban Company’s Abhiraj Singh Bhal and Varun Khaitan.

Regulatory filings show Dharana Capital contributed Rs 82 crore while Gupta added Rs 1 crore. The balance is expected to be disbursed in subsequent tranches. Industry tracker Entrackr estimates that the infusion values Petpooja at around Rs 910 crore ($103 million), reflecting a 3.5 times jump from its previous round. Once the remaining funds are allocated, the post-money valuation could shift further.

Founded in 2011, Petpooja began as a food delivery venture before pivoting into software-as-a-service. Today, it offers billing and management solutions for small and mid-sized food service businesses, positioning itself as a backbone technology for restaurants. The company claims to serve more than 100,000 outlets across India, the UAE, and South Africa. It also powers an estimated quarter of the online orders processed through Zomato and Swiggy.

The company said the new capital will be channelled into product development, AI-driven automation, and expanding customer support infrastructure. Petpooja’s financial trajectory has shown momentum, with revenue rising 43 percent year-on-year to Rs 76 crore in FY24. Losses also narrowed to Rs 13.4 crore, signaling a move toward greater operational efficiency.

So far, Petpooja has raised about Rs 185 crore across rounds. With this latest round, Dharana Capital will hold an 18.62 percent stake on a fully diluted basis, giving the investor significant weight in shaping the company’s next phase of growth.

Fun Flips Snacks by JK Foods Enter UAE Market Through Lulu Group Partnership

Food

SnackTeam

September 30, 2025

JK Foods, the company behind the popular snack brand Fun Flips, has entered the United Arab Emirates market through a strategic partnership with Lulu International Group, one of the region’s largest retail conglomerates. The collaboration has already given Fun Flips significant shelf presence across Lulu’s stores in the UAE, marking the brand’s first major step outside India.

According to a joint statement, Fun Flips has seen encouraging early traction in the UAE, aided by Lulu’s extensive retail footprint and strong consumer reach. Building on this start, JK Foods plans to scale up distribution across other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain, with a longer-term ambition of establishing a stronghold throughout the Middle East.

Yusuff Ali M A, Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group International, said the partnership is built on a shared understanding of consumer preferences in the Gulf. “With our wide customer base and established presence, we believe Fun Flips has the right product appeal to gain significant momentum across the region,” he said.

Chaitanya Singhania, CEO of JK Foods, called Lulu the “ideal partner” for the brand’s global foray. “Their unparalleled distribution network and deep knowledge of local consumer behavior will help us introduce Fun Flips to a much wider audience and strengthen our international footprint,” he added.

Founded as part of JK Foods’ growing snack portfolio, Fun Flips has built a strong presence in India’s packaged foods market. The company sees the GCC as a natural next step, given the large expatriate population and rising demand for affordable, ready-to-eat snacks. The UAE launch represents the beginning of an aggressive overseas growth plan, with further rollouts expected in phases across the Gulf.

Kapiva Raises $60M Series D Funding Led by 360 ONE Asset, Vertex Growth; Plans Global Expansion

funding

SnackTeam

September 30, 2025

Ayurveda-focused direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand Kapiva has raised $60 million (about ₹532 crore) in its Series D funding round, underscoring the rising investor confidence in India’s wellness and nutrition sector. The round was co-led by 360 ONE Asset and Vertex Growth, with existing backers Vertex Ventures and 3one4 Capital also participating.

Founded in 2016 by Ameve Sharma and Shrey Badhani, Kapiva has built a portfolio of more than 100 products spanning herbal supplements, gummies, capsules, and skincare offerings. The company also provides access to consultations with certified ayurvedic doctors, strengthening its position at the intersection of tradition and modern health trends.

Kapiva said the fresh infusion will be directed towards scaling research and development, expanding its manufacturing base, and stepping up marketing initiatives to reach a wider consumer base. Speaking to Inc42, cofounder Ameve Sharma revealed that a portion of the capital will be earmarked for international expansion. The brand currently operates subsidiaries in the United States, United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, which together contribute 5 to 10 percent of its overall revenue.

The latest investment builds on Kapiva’s steady rise in a crowded but fast-growing market for natural nutrition. India’s ayurveda-based consumer health segment has attracted increasing investor attention over the past few years, buoyed by demand for immunity-boosting and preventive health products. Analysts suggest that with rising disposable incomes and shifting consumer preferences, the sector is poised for further growth in both domestic and global markets.

Commenting on the partnership, investors highlighted Kapiva’s ability to marry scientific validation with India’s centuries-old wellness traditions as a key differentiator. With its new war chest, the company aims to solidify its presence in India while laying stronger foundations abroad.

HUL Shares Drop 3% as GST 2.0 Disrupts Trade; Q2 Growth Seen Flat

Business

SnackTeam

September 29, 2025

Shares of Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) slipped nearly 3 per cent in early trade on Monday, touching a low of ₹2,443 on the NSE, after the consumer goods major flagged weak September quarter performance. The company said consolidated revenue growth for the July–September period will remain flat to low single digits, citing supply chain and trade disruptions triggered by the government’s recent GST rate revision.

The GST rationalisation, effective September 22, lowered tax rates on a wide range of fast-moving consumer goods. Categories such as soaps, shampoos, hair oils, toothpaste, talcum powder, lifestyle nutrition, and packaged foods now fall under the 5 per cent GST bracket, compared with 12–18 per cent earlier. Nearly 40 per cent of HUL’s product portfolio is impacted.

While the move is expected to benefit consumers and drive demand in the long run, the immediate effect has been a slowdown. Distributors and retailers postponed fresh orders to clear older inventory with higher MRPs, while consumers delayed purchases in anticipation of lower-priced stock. HUL noted that this trend is likely to weigh on sales through October as pipeline inventories adjust.

Brokerage JM Financial reported that HUL has already rolled out price cuts in the high single-digit to low double-digit range across several categories. The firm said lower primary sales in September reflected the destocking cycle across trade channels.

At 10:15 am, HUL shares were trading at ₹2,490, down 1 per cent from Friday’s close. The stock has corrected 16 per cent over the past year, underperforming the broader FMCG index, as demand recovery in rural markets and volume growth remain under pressure.

Bengaluru’s Quick Medicine Startup Plazza Raises $1.4 Million Seed Funding Led by All In Capital

Growth

SnackTeam

September 29, 2025

Bengaluru-based health retail startup Plazza has raised $1.4 million in a seed funding round led by All In Capital, with participation from Better Capital, Tracxn founder Abhishek Goyal, Bounce co-founder Vivekananda Hallekere, the Singhania family office, and promoters of JK Tyre.

Founded in November 2024 by former Zomato executive Aman Priyadarshi and Aniruddha Sen, previously with Kenko Health, Plazza aims to redefine how urban pharmacies operate. Traditional chemists typically stock between 4,000 and 5,000 products. Plazza’s model, in contrast, offers over 20,000 stock keeping units (SKUs), accessible both in-store and through rapid doorstep delivery.

The company launched its first outlet in Yemalur, Bengaluru, earlier this year and plans to add two more stores in 2025. Over the next 12 months, it is targeting 20 outlets across the city, with an omnichannel presence that integrates physical storefronts with an app-led delivery network.

Since inception, Plazza has served over 10,000 customers, with sales growing at a reported 25 percent week-on-week. While its initial focus is on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, the company is also moving into wellness categories such as healthy snacks, mother and baby products, elder care essentials, and dermatology ranges.

The fresh capital will be directed towards expanding the retail footprint, strengthening logistics, and upgrading technology infrastructure. Investments are also planned in last-mile delivery capabilities, a crucial differentiator in healthcare retail where speed and reliability are directly linked to patient outcomes.

“With a broader catalogue, deep inventory, and faster delivery, Plazza is building a healthcare retail format that goes beyond conventional pharmacies,” Priyadarshi said, adding that the model is designed to scale quickly in urban markets.

Plazza’s rapid growth and backing from high-profile investors reflect the increasing demand for tech-enabled healthcare retail in India’s metro cities.

Ice-Cream Startup Hocco Raises Rs 115 Crore in Series B, Valuation Hits Rs 2,000 Crore

Growth

SnackTeam

September 29, 2025

Ahmedabad-based ice-cream startup Hocco has raised Rs 115 crore in the second tranche of its Series B funding, pushing its valuation to nearly Rs 2,000 crore. The round was led by Sauce VC, just four months after the company mobilised around Rs 85 crore in the first tranche.

The fresh capital will be channelled into working capital, expansion of manufacturing capacity, and strengthening distribution infrastructure. Hocco is setting up a new plant in Sonipat while simultaneously doubling production at its existing Gujarat facility. Together, the two plants will reach a combined daily capacity of five lakh litres. The company also plans to deploy hundreds of freezers across retail markets to support its widening distribution footprint.

Founded in 2022 by the Chona family, known for its legacy in the ice-cream industry, Hocco has expanded aggressively across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab and Chhattisgarh. The brand completed FY25 with revenues of Rs 220 crore and is on track to surpass Rs 500 crore this fiscal, more than doubling its top line within a year. For the first half of FY26, the company is already expected to cross Rs 300 crore in revenue.

Founder and Managing Director Ankit Chona said the surge in valuation was driven by stronger-than-expected summer sales. “We had committed to Rs 400 crore of revenue this year but are now on track to exceed Rs 500 crore. Based on the current momentum, next year could see us cross Rs 700 crore,” he noted.

Currently, nearly 80 percent of Hocco’s sales come from general trade, with 15 percent contributed by quick commerce platforms. The company expects digital commerce to account for about a quarter of its revenues in the coming years.

FSSAI Opens Ayurveda Aahara Licensing on FoSCoS with 91 Approved Recipes

Food Safety

SnackTeam

September 27, 2025

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out a dedicated licensing and registration system for Ayurveda Aahara products on its Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). The move is expected to formalise and regulate India’s Ayurvedic food sector, which has long operated in a grey zone of traditional practice and modern consumer demand.

A key feature of the framework is the creation of a new “Kind of Business” category specifically for Ayurveda Aahara manufacturers. This allows companies to obtain licences directly aligned with Ayurvedic food products, marking the first time such a category has been formally recognised under FSSAI rules.

To ease compliance, the regulator has published a standardised list of 91 Ayurveda Aahara recipes, notified on July 25, 2025. These recipes have been drawn from authoritative Ayurvedic texts and adapted to meet present-day food safety requirements. Officials say the step will give manufacturers clarity and consistency, while ensuring consumers receive products that meet defined safety and quality standards.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, reflecting the government’s push to integrate India’s traditional food heritage with contemporary regulations. Industry watchers believe this could help India position itself as a leading exporter of Ayurveda-based nutritional products.

Companies seeking licences can now apply online through FoSCoS. The application process involves selecting Ayurveda Aahara under the business category, filling in operational details, uploading documents, and paying the prescribed fee.

For businesses, this offers a transparent system that simplifies entry into the Ayurveda Aahara market. For consumers, it ensures regulated and authentic products. For policymakers, it signals a step toward building a global identity for Ayurveda underpinned by safety and compliance.

Cupid Ltd Targets ₹100-Crore FMCG Revenue in FY26, Expands Reach to 1.8 Lakh Retail Outlets

FMCG

SnackTeam

September 27, 2025

Cupid Ltd, the Nashik-based healthcare products maker, is betting big on its consumer-facing business this year, with plans to cross the ₹100-crore revenue mark in its fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) vertical and expand retail coverage to 1.8 lakh outlets across India. The announcement was made by Chairman and Managing Director Aditya Kumar Halwasiya during the company’s annual general meeting on Friday.

Halwasiya told shareholders that the company is on track to deliver its strongest quarter ever in Q2 of FY26, citing a mix of fresh product launches, a healthy pipeline of institutional orders, and the scaling of its FMCG division. Cupid, long recognized for its range of contraceptives, is repositioning itself as a broader consumer wellness and health-tech brand, with a focus on preventive care and personal wellness.

In FY25, Cupid reported total income of ₹203 crore, with FMCG contributing just over ₹50 crore. The company now expects the category to double in FY26. “This outlook positions us for record performance while laying the groundwork for sustainable expansion across multiple business lines,” Halwasiya said.

Key launches lined up for the current fiscal include flavored and dotted condoms, mini packs of petroleum jelly, and a premium deodorant range for women. Alongside new products, Cupid is commissioning a modern manufacturing plant, which will serve as a next-generation production hub.

Halwasiya emphasized that growth will be driven by both consumer demand and institutional contracts, ensuring balanced revenues. He added that Cupid’s long-term strategy is to make preventive healthcare and wellness solutions more accessible across markets, while simultaneously pursuing opportunities for international expansion.

With the FMCG business set to double and retail penetration widening significantly, Cupid is preparing to transform its brand perception and broaden its consumer base in FY26.

Tata Consumer to Invest ₹2,000 Crore, Godrej Agrovet ₹960 Crore in India’s Food Processing Sector

INVESTMENTS

SnackTeam

September 27, 2025

Two of India’s leading FMCG players, Tata Consumer Products and Godrej Agrovet, have signed investment agreements with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), committing a combined outlay of ₹2,960 crore to expand capacity and strengthen India’s food ecosystem.

Tata Consumer Products has pledged up to ₹2,000 crore over the next five years. While the company has not disclosed specifics of the deployment, the investment is aligned with initiatives under World Food India 2025 and will focus on scaling its packaged food and beverage portfolio. “Once terms and conditions are finalized, the company will make further disclosures,” Tata Consumer said in a statement.

Godrej Agrovet, meanwhile, has earmarked ₹960 crore for new facilities and an upstream research and development center. The projects will focus on its oil palm and pet food businesses, with planned facilities in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Completion is targeted by FY27, with expectations of job creation and skills development in rural and semi-urban regions.

Sunil Kataria, CEO and Managing Director of Godrej Agrovet, emphasized the long-term approach. “By investing in upstream infrastructure and R&D, we aim to create sustainable value across the supply chain while contributing to regional growth,” he said.

The MoU signing, witnessed by Avinash Joshi, Secretary, MoFPI, and Rakesh Swami, Group President, Godrej Industries, comes as India positions itself as a global food processing hub. Joshi praised Godrej Agrovet’s role in the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm and its broader contributions to the agri-economy.

“Driven by supportive policies, India’s food processing sector is witnessing unprecedented investor interest,” said Swami, highlighting the government’s role in boosting confidence and dispelling outdated perceptions around packaged foods.

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