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Reliance Brands Brings Stella McCartney to India with Ethical Luxury Stores and Ajio Luxe Launch

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Reliance Brands Limited, part of Reliance Retail Ventures, has entered into a partnership with British designer Stella McCartney to launch her namesake fashion label in India. The collaboration marks a significant step for India’s luxury market, which consultancy Bain & Company projects will touch 85 to 90 billion dollars by 2030.

Stella McCartney, the daughter of Paul and Linda McCartney, is internationally recognised for pioneering cruelty-free fashion. Since establishing her label in 2001, she has built a global presence across 47 retail locations with distribution in over 70 countries. Unlike most luxury houses, the brand avoids leather, fur and exotic skins, focusing instead on plant-based and innovative animal-free materials. Her clientele includes high-profile figures such as Taylor Swift and Meghan Markle, positioning the brand firmly within the ethical luxury space.

Under the agreement with Reliance, standalone Stella McCartney boutiques will open in India within six months. Alongside physical stores, the collections will also be available online through Ajio Luxe, Reliance’s premium e-commerce platform. The offering will include ready-to-wear apparel as well as vegan footwear and accessories crafted with sustainable materials.

A Reliance Brands spokesperson said that the partnership aligns with India’s rising appetite for environmentally conscious fashion. “The Indian consumer base is increasingly style-aware and sustainability-focused, providing the right foundation for Stella McCartney’s values to take root,” the company noted.

Globally, sustainability-driven fashion labels have gained stronger traction in recent years, especially among younger buyers. In India, the premium and bridge-to-luxury fashion market alone is already valued at 7.86 billion dollars, driven by growing disposable incomes, expanding e-commerce reach and rising demand in tier-two and tier-three cities.

Reliance Brands currently manages more than 1,500 stores in India and represents luxury houses such as Valentino, Bottega Veneta and Burberry. The addition of Stella McCartney is seen as further strengthening its position in the high-end fashion space.

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Luxury Brand Charlotte Tilbury Names Sobhita Dhulipala as Its First Indian Beauty Icon

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British luxury beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury has appointed actor Sobhita Dhulipala as its first-ever Indian beauty muse, marking a strategic step in strengthening its presence in the fast-growing Indian beauty market. The announcement positions Dhulipala alongside global icons such as Bella Hadid, Kate Moss and Jourdan Dunn, who have long represented the brand’s glamour-driven identity.

The appointment is part of Charlotte Tilbury’s plan to deepen engagement with Indian consumers, a segment increasingly driving global growth in luxury and premium cosmetics. According to industry reports, India’s beauty and personal care market is projected to cross USD 30 billion by 2027, with premium skincare and makeup emerging as the fastest-expanding categories.

Dhulipala, who has gained international recognition through her roles in Made in Heaven and Monkey Man, said she viewed the collaboration as both personal and symbolic. “Beauty to me is self-expression and confidence. Charlotte Tilbury embodies that perfectly. To be the first beauty muse for India feels incredibly special, and I am excited to celebrate it with the launch of the new Airbrush Flawless Finish—an innovation that is aspirational yet effortless,” she said.

Industry experts see the move as a reflection of how Indian actors and models are becoming increasingly central to global luxury narratives. Over the past five years, leading European and American beauty houses have ramped up campaigns in India, often selecting local ambassadors to bridge aspirational branding with cultural relatability.

Charlotte Tilbury’s decision is also aligned with the brand’s international strategy of pairing product launches with star-powered endorsements. The Airbrush Flawless Finish range, which Dhulipala is championing, is among the brand’s most successful global offerings.

By naming Dhulipala, the company signals not only its recognition of India’s rising influence in luxury consumption but also its intent to create deeper, more authentic connections with a new generation of beauty consumers.

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Zomato Launches AI-Powered ‘Healthy Mode’ to Rate Meals on Nutrition, Starting with Gurgaon

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Online food delivery giant Zomato has launched a new feature called Healthy Mode that assigns nutrition-based ratings to dishes ordered through the platform. The initiative, announced by founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal, is designed to help customers make healthier food choices in a market where convenience has often trumped nutrition.

In a public post on X, Goyal admitted that while Zomato had revolutionised food discovery and delivery, it had not made eating better any easier. “We made it simple to order anything you craved, but we did little to guide people toward meals their bodies truly needed,” he wrote.

The new feature uses artificial intelligence and restaurant-provided data to evaluate each dish on multiple nutritional parameters, including protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates and micronutrients. Dishes are then assigned a Healthy Score ranging from “Low” to “Super.” Unlike traditional calorie counters, this model shifts focus to nutrient quality, a move Goyal described as “one of the biggest steps in correcting our blind spot.”

The service is currently live in Gurgaon and will expand to more cities in the coming months. According to Goyal, the feature is not limited to casual users looking for “light” meals but is built robust enough for professional athletes to identify suitable dining options.

In earlier remarks to ET, Goyal noted that Zomato’s frequent daily users already gravitate towards healthier, home-style restaurants, while the majority of its orders — nearly 70 per cent — come from customers who order only a few times a month and often choose indulgent foods. He stressed that the company’s responsibility lies in ensuring healthy choices are visible and accessible, even as the final decision remains with the customer.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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