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V2 Retail Crosses 250-Store Landmark with Six New Openings Across West Bengal, MP, Punjab, Jharkhand, UP and Bihar; Q1 FY26 Revenue Surges 52% to ₹632 Crore

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SnackTeam
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Value fashion and lifestyle chain V2 Retail has crossed a major milestone, expanding its store network to 250 outlets across India with the inauguration of six new outlets on Monday. The expansion comes just weeks before the festive shopping season, a critical period for retailers, and reflects the company’s sharpened focus on Tier II and Tier III cities.

The newly launched stores are spread across six states: Kanchrapara in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Zirakpur in Punjab, Godda in Jharkhand, Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh and Bangla Sahib in Bihar. The Kanchrapara outlet, in particular, has been timed to coincide with Durga Puja celebrations, a peak demand season in eastern India.

Chairman and Managing Director Ram Chandra Agarwal, who began his retail journey with a small outlet in Kolkata’s Lalbazar market, called the 250-store landmark “a proud achievement” for the homegrown chain. “Reaching 250 stores is a significant step for us. Opening six stores on the same day makes it even more memorable. Our focus continues to be on emerging India, where aspirational shoppers are driving demand for affordable fashion and lifestyle products,” he said.

The expansion comes on the back of strong quarterly results. V2 Retail reported consolidated revenue of ₹632 crore in the April–June quarter of FY26, marking a 52 percent year-on-year jump, driven largely by higher footfalls and improved consumer spending in smaller towns.

Industry analysts note that value-focused retailers are well positioned to capture the next leg of consumption growth in India, particularly as discretionary spending in smaller cities is outpacing metros. For V2 Retail, the festive season push is expected to further strengthen topline growth while reinforcing its stronghold in high-potential regional markets.

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Millet Snacks Go Mainstream: ITC, PepsiCo’s Kurkure, and Wholsum Foods Lead India’s Rs 5,000 Cr Better-for-You Snacking Revolution

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SnackTeam
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India’s snack aisles are witnessing a quiet revolution as millets transition from niche health foods to mainstream munchies. FMCG giants, multinational corporations, and startups alike are experimenting with nutrient-rich twists on familiar snacks, offering consumers options that are both tasty and wholesome. Products such as ragi crisps, foxtail-millet nachos, and choco-millet bars are becoming increasingly common, reflecting the growing appetite for better-for-you alternatives.

PepsiCo India’s homegrown Kurkure brand has joined the millet bandwagon, marking its 25th anniversary with the launch of Kurkure Jowar Puffs. Saakshi Verma Menon, chief marketing officer for foods at PepsiCo India, said the move combines the traditional appeal of jowar with the signature chatpata taste, aligning with changing consumer preferences while driving innovation in the snacking segment.

Two years ago, millet-based offerings were largely confined to health aisles in modern retail stores. That has changed as value growth returned to FMCG in 2024–25, with rural markets outpacing urban consumption. Consumers are increasingly willing to explore healthier options, integrating millet into everyday snacking and quick-service restaurant menus.

ITC has expanded its Mission Millets portfolio to include atta, cookies, noodles, and snacks, reinforcing its broader ‘Help India Eat Better’ strategy. Executive director Hemant Malik noted that digital and quick commerce platforms are helping accelerate consumption by making millet products more accessible to urban and rural consumers alike.

Startups like Wholsum Foods, which operates Slurrp Farm and Mille, are also riding the trend. Co-founder Meghana Narayan said demand is largely driven by digital-first shoppers seeking nutritious alternatives, and the company continues to broaden its “better-for-you” offerings while keeping millets at the core.

Analysts say the growing adoption of millet-based snacks reflects a broader evolution in India’s food culture. Traditional grains, once relegated to niche segments, are now fueling innovation across mainstream packaged foods, catering to health-conscious, convenience-oriented consumers across cities and small towns alike.

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Reliance Retail Strengthens Premium Food Offerings, Introduces Curated South African Range Amid $1.3 Billion Indian Gourmet Market Growth

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SnackTeam
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Reliance Retail has struck a new partnership with Wesgro, the official trade and investment promotion agency for South Africa’s Western Cape, to introduce premium South African food and beverage products to India. The launch took place in Mumbai, where Reliance rolled out the initiative across its Freshpik and Go Fresh outlets, reinforcing its ambition to position these formats as destinations for global gourmet products.

The inauguration was marked by the presence of South African cricketing star Herschelle Gibbs and Gidian Labane, Consul General of South Africa in Mumbai, underscoring the growing cultural and trade links between the two countries. Damodar Mall, Chief Executive of Reliance Retail’s grocery division, said the collaboration was designed to strengthen Reliance’s international sourcing strategy and widen access to authentic global tastes for Indian consumers.

The Western Cape region, often described as South Africa’s food and wine capital, is known for its premium agricultural exports. The curated selection now available in India spans packaged foods, beverages, and gourmet staples that are increasingly sought after by a rising segment of urban shoppers.

India’s appetite for international food products has been expanding rapidly. According to industry estimates, the gourmet food market in India is valued at over USD 1.3 billion and is growing at a compound annual rate of around 20 percent. Reliance Retail, which operates more than 19,000 stores across the country, has been steadily expanding its premium formats to capture this demand.

For Wesgro, the partnership opens a significant retail channel in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets. For Reliance, it is another step in building a differentiated portfolio that blends domestic staples with global premium brands.

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Kurnool to Get Reliance’s First Food Park with ₹768 Crore Investment; Project to Produce 1.2 Million Tonnes of Atta, 36,500 Tonnes of Rice, and 32,900 Tonnes of Chocolates

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SnackTeam
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Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), the fast-moving consumer goods arm of Reliance Industries, is preparing to establish its first food park in Andhra Pradesh with an initial investment of ₹768 crore. The facility will be located in Brahmanapalli village of Orvakal, Kurnool district, and forms part of RCPL’s larger plan to invest ₹40,000 crore in integrated food parks across India over the next three years.

According to officials familiar with the project, the Andhra Pradesh State Investment Promotion Committee has cleared the allotment of 120 acres for the food park. The site lies within three hours of Hyderabad and five hours of Bengaluru by road, offering strategic access to two major consumption hubs. In addition, RCPL has been allotted another 80 acres nearby for a proposed beverages manufacturing unit. The state cabinet is expected to give its final nod within two weeks.

The Kurnool project will be developed in phases. The first phase will include facilities to produce around 23,000 tonnes of spices, 14,400 tonnes of noodles and pasta, and 3,800 tonnes of snacks annually. The second phase will focus on larger categories such as rice with a proposed annual output of 36,500 tonnes, atta at 1.2 million tonnes, and 32,900 tonnes of chocolates and confectionery. Together, the two phases are expected to generate at least 500 direct jobs in the region.

Reliance has also signed an MoU with the Maharashtra government to build a food and beverage hub in Nagpur, though Andhra Pradesh is moving ahead as the company’s first operational food park. At Reliance’s annual general meeting last month, Isha Ambani, executive director of Reliance Retail Ventures, outlined the group’s ambition of scaling RCPL into a ₹1 lakh crore consumer goods powerhouse within five years.

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Colombian Supremo Decaf Arrives in India as CoffeeTotaler Bets on Swiss Water® Revolution

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SnackTeam
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CoffeeTotaler, India’s first decaf-only coffee company, has unveiled its latest offering, Colombian Supremo Decaf Coffee Beans, processed through the globally acclaimed Swiss Water® method. The launch marks a significant moment for Indian consumers, who have traditionally had limited access to high-quality decaffeinated coffee.

The beans are sourced from Colombia’s top coffee estates and graded Supremo, the country’s highest quality classification. With a large 17/18 screen size, the beans are roasted to a medium-dark finish in CoffeeTotaler’s facility. The resulting brew balances sweetness and depth, with tasting notes ranging from almond and milk chocolate to apple, citrus, blackberry, and a delicate touch of black tea.

What differentiates this product is the Swiss Water® Process, a chemical-free decaffeination technique that uses only water, temperature, and time to remove caffeine. While most decaf options in India still rely on solvent-based methods, CoffeeTotaler’s approach preserves the natural flavor and body of the beans without additives.

“People often dismiss decaf as a weaker version of coffee. That perception needs to change,” said Vikas Aggarwal, founder of CoffeeTotaler. “From expecting mothers to those managing hypertension or anyone avoiding late-night caffeine, more people are looking for healthier choices. Our goal is to make decaf mainstream by offering a safe, flavorful cup that can be enjoyed any time of the day.”

The company points to India’s growing coffee market and health-conscious urban consumers as drivers for the launch. With an estimated 200 million Indians living with high blood pressure, CoffeeTotaler sees strong potential for its chemical-free products.

About CoffeeTotaler: CoffeeTotaler is India’s first decaf-exclusive coffee brand and the official importer of Swiss Water® Process beans from Canada. Every batch is roasted in small lots to ensure peak freshness, offering coffee lovers a rich, balanced cup without the side effects of caffeine.

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How to Get a GST Number for Your Home Business in India: Step-by-Step Guide

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SnackTeam
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Running a home business in India—whether it’s selling homemade pickles, running a boutique, offering online coaching, or baking cakes—has never been more popular. But as sales grow, one question keeps coming up: Do I need a GST number for my home business, and how do I get it?

The answer depends on the nature of your business and turnover. Let’s break it down.

Do You Really Need a GST Number for a Home Business?

GST (Goods and Services Tax) applies to any business supplying goods or services in India. However, the law provides some exemptions:

  • Threshold Limit: If your annual turnover is below ₹40 lakh for goods or ₹20 lakh for services (₹10 lakh in some states), you don’t need to register for GST.
  • Mandatory Registration: Regardless of turnover, if you sell online through platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Zomato, or if you supply interstate, you must get a GST number.
  • Voluntary Registration: Even if you’re exempt, you can register to look more professional, claim input tax credits, and expand your reach.

So, while your small home boutique or food business may not always be required to have GST, registering can give your brand credibility and growth opportunities.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a GST Number for Your Home Business

  1. Visit the GST Portal
    Go to the official GST website: www.gst.gov.in.
  2. Click on ‘New Registration’
    Select Taxpayer as the option and fill in details like your name, mobile number, and email.
  3. Fill Part A of the Form
    Enter details such as your PAN (Permanent Account Number), business name, and state. You’ll get a Temporary Reference Number (TRN) on your phone/email.
  4. Complete Part B
    Log in with your TRN and upload documents like:
    • PAN card
    • Aadhaar card
    • Proof of business address (rent agreement, utility bill, or property papers)
    • Bank account details (cancelled cheque/passbook)
    • Passport-size photo
  5. Verification via OTP
    You’ll be asked to verify using Aadhaar-based OTP authentication.
  6. Application Processing
    The GST officer reviews your documents. If everything checks out, you’ll receive your GSTIN (GST Identification Number) within 7 working days.

Why Home Businesses Should Consider GST Registration

Even if you fall below the exemption limit, a GST number can:

  • Help you sell on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho.
  • Allow you to claim input tax credits on raw materials or packaging.
  • Build trust with customers and suppliers.
  • Make it easier to scale from a small home setup to a full-fledged business.

Final Word

Getting a GST number for your home business may sound like red tape, but the process is now fully online and hassle-free. If you’re serious about scaling up—whether through online marketplaces, interstate trade, or simply gaining credibility—GST registration is not just a legal necessity, but also a smart business move.

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Where to Get an FSSAI License in India? Step-by-Step Guide for Restaurants, Cloud Kitchens & Food Startups

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SnackTeam
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Starting a food business in India—whether it’s a restaurant, cloud kitchen, bakery, or food truck—comes with one non-negotiable requirement: an FSSAI license. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues this license to ensure that all food sold in the country meets proper safety and quality standards. Without it, businesses risk heavy penalties, suspension, or even a shutdown.

But the question most first-time entrepreneurs ask is simple: Where can I get an FSSAI license, and how does the process actually work?

Applying for an FSSAI License: Where and How

The good news is that the entire FSSAI registration process is online through the official Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) or its upgraded version, FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System). Business owners can visit https://foscos.fssai.gov.in and apply directly.

In addition, state food safety departments and regional FSSAI offices also process license applications. However, the centralized FoSCoS portal has made it far easier to apply, track, and renew licenses without physically visiting government offices.

Types of FSSAI Licenses You Can Get

Not every business requires the same license. The FSSAI offers three categories:

  • Basic Registration – For small businesses with turnover up to ₹12 lakh per year (e.g., small caterers, home bakers, petty retailers).
  • State License – For businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore, operating within a single state.
  • Central License – For large food businesses, exporters, importers, or companies operating across multiple states with turnover above ₹20 crore.

Documents Required for FSSAI License

Before applying, food businesses must prepare a standard set of documents, which usually include:

  • Passport-size photographs of the applicant
  • Aadhaar or PAN card
  • Proof of business premises (rental agreement, utility bill, or ownership papers)
  • Food safety management plan
  • List of food products being manufactured or sold
  • NOC from the municipality or local authority

Some businesses, like meat shops or dairy units, may need additional documents such as health certificates or equipment details.

Why FSSAI Matters for Your Food Business

An FSSAI license is not just about legal compliance. It also builds credibility. Platforms like Zomato and Swiggy mandate an FSSAI license for all partner restaurants. Packaged food brands like Paper Boat, Haldiram’s, or Epigamia proudly display their FSSAI license number, reassuring consumers of safety and hygiene.

Moreover, having an FSSAI license can help businesses access loans, expand faster, and establish stronger partnerships with suppliers and aggregators.

The Cost of Getting an FSSAI License

  • Basic Registration: ₹100/year
  • State License: ₹2,000–₹5,000/year (varies by state and business type)
  • Central License: ₹7,500/year

Additional charges may apply for inspections, renewals, or modifications.

Final Word

Whether you’re running a roadside food truck, a neighborhood café, or scaling up to a supermarket chain, getting an FSSAI license is the first step to operating legally and earning customer trust. The application process is streamlined online through FoSCoS, with state and central options depending on your business size.

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Food License for Startups: What You Need to Launch the Next Zomato in India

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SnackTeam
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The Indian food industry is booming, and platforms like Zomato and Swiggy have changed the way people eat. Instead of walking into restaurants, customers now prefer scrolling through menus online and getting food delivered at their doorstep. But if you’re planning to build a food-tech business like Zomato, one question immediately comes up: Do you need a food license, or is it only for restaurants?

The Role of FSSAI in Food Businesses

In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates everything related to food safety, hygiene, and quality. Typically, restaurants, cafes, food trucks, cloud kitchens, and even home-based food sellers require an FSSAI license or registration before selling food.

But what about aggregators like Zomato? Since Zomato itself doesn’t cook or sell food, it operates differently from a restaurant. It acts as a technology aggregator that connects customers with licensed food outlets.

Does Zomato Need an FSSAI License?

Yes and no. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Restaurants & Food Sellers on Zomato: Must have a valid FSSAI license to be listed. Zomato won’t allow a food partner on its platform without one.
  • Zomato as a Platform: Since it facilitates food delivery and doesn’t prepare food directly, Zomato doesn’t need a traditional food license like restaurants. However, it must comply with e-commerce food business regulations under FSSAI and ensure that every listed seller has the required license.

In fact, FSSAI issued specific guidelines for online food aggregators in 2018, making it mandatory for Zomato, Swiggy, and similar apps to verify and onboard only licensed food businesses.

What If You’re Building Your Own “Mini Zomato”?

If you’re starting a food delivery platform or aggregator, you don’t need an FSSAI license for yourself (unless you’re also running a kitchen). But you must:

  • Register your business as an e-commerce food aggregator with FSSAI.
  • Onboard only FSSAI-licensed food outlets.
  • Maintain proper records of your partners’ licenses for audits.

If you also plan to run your own cloud kitchen or dark kitchen, then yes—you will need an FSSAI license for that kitchen.

Why It Still Matters for Entrepreneurs

Even if you’re not cooking, working in the food space means trust and compliance. Customers often check whether restaurants and delivery platforms are FSSAI-compliant before placing orders. If you’re building a business like Zomato, having transparency about licenses will make your platform more credible and attract more restaurant partners.

Final Word

So, do you need a food license to start a business like Zomato? Not directly—unless you’re cooking or selling food yourself. But you must comply with FSSAI’s e-commerce guidelines and ensure that every restaurant or food partner on your platform has the proper license.

In short, if you’re the next food-tech disruptor, focus on building technology, logistics, and partnerships—but don’t ignore food safety laws.

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NEXT Expands India Footprint With Pune Debut; Plans 50+ Stores and Shop-in-Shops Across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru by 2030

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Online Desk
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NEXT Expands India Footprint With Pune Debut; Plans 50+ Stores and Shop-in-Shops Across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru by 2030

British fashion retailer NEXT has officially entered the Indian offline retail market, opening its first exclusive brand outlet at Pavilion Mall in Pune. The launch is part of the brand’s strategic partnership with Myntra Jabong India Pvt. Ltd. (MJIPL), the wholesale arm of Myntra, which holds the licensed rights to distribute NEXT products in the country.

NEXT, known for its women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, is betting on a mix of standalone outlets and shop-in-shop formats to build scale. The retailer has set a goal of reaching more than 50 points of sale nationwide by 2030. Currently, it operates 10 shop-in-shops inside Shoppers Stop stores, with upcoming standalone locations planned in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Speaking on the launch, Venu Nair, Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Omni-Channel at Myntra, said the brand has helped address consumer gaps in multiple categories. “In children’s wear particularly, India’s premium segment remains underserved. NEXT brings global-quality fashion that appeals to style-conscious parents,” he said.

A NEXT spokesperson called the Pune store opening “a pivotal moment” in the collaboration, adding that Indian shoppers would now have direct access to the company’s newest collections through an in-store experience.

NEXT has been present on the Myntra platform since 2023 and has witnessed consistent growth in demand, the companies said. Industry observers believe NEXT’s offline expansion will allow it to capture a larger share of India’s growing premium fashion market, valued at more than ₹1.2 trillion.

The push into physical retail comes at a time when several international brands are deepening their India presence through franchise and partnership-led models, with NEXT positioning itself to compete directly in the country’s expanding urban markets.

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Starbucks Faces Backlash After Barista Refuses to Write Charlie Kirk’s Name, Issues Clarification on Customer Policy

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SnackTeam
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Starbucks has moved to clarify its customer name policy after a California store employee refused to write “Charlie Kirk” on a cup, triggering a viral backlash online. The incident, involving the conservative commentator’s name, spread rapidly on TikTok and reignited debate around the coffee chain’s handling of politically sensitive requests.

The controversy began when a customer ordered Kirk’s usual drink, a Mint Majesty tea, and asked for his name to be written on the cup. The barista declined, citing what was described as a company policy against “political names.” A video recounting the exchange drew thousands of views within hours, sparking arguments across social media.

In an official statement, Starbucks said its decades-old practice of writing names on cups was meant to foster human connection and had never been intended to exclude real names. The company emphasized that customers may use their own names or another preferred name of choice, as long as the request does not include offensive language or explicit political slogans. Starbucks added that guidance has been issued to employees to avoid future confusion and confirmed that names such as “Charlie Kirk” should not be rejected when used in good faith.

The clarification comes at a time when Starbucks is already navigating leadership changes, with Brian Niccol recently taking over as CEO. The brand, which operates more than 38,000 outlets globally, has faced heightened scrutiny in recent years over its customer service practices and workplace policies.

The Kirk incident has divided opinion online. Supporters accused Starbucks of silencing political voices, while others argued that frontline staff should not be placed in difficult political situations. The company hopes its clarification will put the matter to rest while reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and customer choice.

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