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Rockport’s Big Indian Debut: Brandman Retail Brings the $1 Billion Footwear Giant to 19,000+ Pin Codes

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Rockport’s Big Indian Debut: Brandman Retail Brings the $1 Billion Footwear Giant to 19,000+ Pin Codes

Rockport, the renowned American footwear brand, is making its way into India through a partnership with Brandman Retail, a company specializing in retail solutions. The brand’s collection will be available for purchase across major e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart, Tata CLiQ Fashion, Tata CLiQ Luxury, Nykaa Fashion, Nykaa Men, Myntra, and Brandman’s official website, covering 19,000 pin codes nationwide.

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With this launch, Brandman Retail aims to carve out a 4–5% share of India’s footwear market. “Rockport’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation aligns perfectly with our goal of bringing top-tier footwear to Indian consumers,” said Kashika Malhotra, Head of Business Development at Brandman Retail. “We’re excited to introduce a brand that seamlessly blends comfort, performance, and design to the South Asian market.”

The debut collection is tailored for consumers who seek versatile footwear that transitions effortlessly between work, leisure, and travel. Beyond India, this collaboration extends to Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, further expanding Rockport’s reach in the region.

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Brandman Retail, established in 2021, specializes in launching and scaling international footwear, apparel, and accessories brands in India. The company represents global names such as New Balance, Saucony, Rockport, G/FORE, and On, managing their retail operations, licensing, and online presence. Currently, Brandman operates 12 exclusive stores, including 11 New Balance outlets, two Sneakrz stores, and a dedicated direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform.

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Atom Eats: How Jay and Raveena’s Bold Vision is Revolutionizing India’s ₹30,000 Crore Gourmet Food Industry with Unmatched Snacks

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Atom Eats Sets Sights on ₹100 Crore: How Jay’s Innovative Snack Brand is Reshaping India’s Gourmet Food Industry with Unique, Unrivaled Offerings

In a market dominated by mass-produced, me-too products, Atom Eats is rewriting the rules of packaged food in India. Unlike brands that rely on contract manufacturers, Atom Eats is committed to creating truly one-of-a-kind snacks—each product designed to be unlike anything else available.

“We don’t have a direct competitor for any of the products we sell,” says Jay, the force behind Atom Eats. “Our focus is on bringing new and novel formulations to the market—flavors and formats that Indian consumers have never experienced before.”

Science-Backed Product Development

A major advantage Atom Eats holds is its in-house R&D through its sister company, Atom Consultancy. With a dedicated team of food scientists, the brand has access to global trends and cutting-edge formulations, allowing it to develop new products that stand out.

“Our approach is entirely science-driven,” Jay explains. “We conduct competitive analysis, study market trends, and refine our products meticulously before launch. This ensures that every snack is not just unique but also hits the right notes with consumers.”

Instead of relying solely on broad consumer feedback, Atom Eats uses sensory panel testing to gauge taste acceptance. Additionally, a select group of power users is involved in pre-launch testing, providing critical insights on flavor, pricing, and packaging.

Marketing: Striking the Balance Between Sales and Branding

As a young brand, Atom Eats has crafted a smart marketing strategy that prioritizes immediate sales while also building long-term brand equity.

“We split our marketing spend—80% goes toward performance marketing to drive sales, while 20% is invested in brand-building initiatives,” Jay shares.

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With a presence across online, retail, and B2B channels, the brand tailors its marketing approach to each platform, ensuring maximum impact.

The Challenge: Scaling in a Low-Ticket Market

Unlike fashion or electronics, where a single sale can be worth thousands, snacks are a low-ticket category. “One packet might sell for ₹100 or ₹200, so we have to sell in high volumes to scale,” Jay explains. “That requires serious investment, and that’s one of our biggest challenges.”

The Future: A ₹100 Crore Vision

Despite the hurdles, Atom Eats has big ambitions. “In the next five years, we aim to be one of India’s leading gourmet snacking brands, with a revenue target of ₹100 crores,” says Jay. He compares the brand’s growth trajectory to companies like Urban Platter and Snackible, which have successfully carved a niche in the premium snacking market.

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At its core, Atom Eats is about flavor innovation—creating snacks that are not just delicious but also bold, novel, and unforgettable. Even its name reflects this philosophy: “Atom” represents the fundamental building block of everything, and Atom Eats is all about bringing together the best flavors at a molecular level.

With its commitment to uniqueness, scientific precision, and strategic growth, Atom Eats is poised to shake up India’s snacking industry in a big way.

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India’s Quick Commerce Boom: Market Surges to $7 Billion, but Can It Sustain the Growth?

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India’s Quick Commerce Boom: Market Surges to $7 Billion, but Can It Sustain the Growth?

India’s quick commerce sector has exploded in the last two years, now accounting for over two-thirds of all e-grocery orders and reaching a market size of $6-7 billion, according to a report by Bain & Company and Flipkart. That’s a nearly fivefold increase since 2022, signaling how deeply Indian consumers have embraced instant deliveries.

From Groceries to Gadgets: Quick Commerce Becomes a Retail Powerhouse

Platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart aren’t just limited to grocery deliveries anymore. The report highlights that 15-20% of the sector’s Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) now comes from categories like electronics, apparel, and general merchandise, showing how consumers are using these platforms beyond just daily essentials.

This sector isn’t just growing—it’s reshaping India’s e-commerce landscape, now contributing to one-tenth of total e-retail spending in 2024. With 20 million active online shoppers and over 400,000 gig workers, it has become a major force in India’s digital economy.

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Challenges Ahead: Can Quick Commerce Expand Beyond Major Cities?

Despite its meteoric rise, quick commerce still relies heavily on India’s top six metros, which generate the majority of its sales. Expanding into smaller cities remains a challenge due to supply chain complexities and lower population density.

The report suggests that for long-term profitability, platforms must optimize their logistics, improve profit margins, and rethink their business models to work in non-metro areas.

New Players Enter the Race, but Is the Growth Sustainable?

The rapid rise of quick commerce has attracted new entrants like Flipkart Minutes, Myntra’s M-Now, BigBasket’s BB Now, and Amazon Tez, all looking to challenge Blinkit and Zepto.

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But some analysts remain skeptical about whether the sector can maintain its pace. A report by Blume Ventures warns that while demand is soaring, profitability remains a major hurdle, and unit economics may not support long-term sustainability.

As competition intensifies and companies race to scale, the big question remains: Will quick commerce remain a long-term success, or is it a bubble waiting to burst?

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Former VLCC CEO Sandeep Ahuja Backs Narh: Investment to Fuel Brand’s Growth in India’s ₹20,000 Crore Men’s Grooming Market

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Former VLCC CEO Sandeep Ahuja Backs Narh: Investment to Fuel Brand’s Growth in India’s ₹20,000 Crore Men’s Grooming Market

Men’s grooming brand Narh has secured seed funding from Sandeep Ahuja, a veteran in the Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) industry, the company announced on Tuesday.

Ahuja, the former Managing Director and Group CEO of VLCC Health Care Ltd., brings over 25 years of experience in FMCG, wellness, and retail across 12 countries in Asia and East Africa. His backing is expected to help Narh expand its sales team, strengthen distribution across India, and scale both online and offline operations.

With men’s grooming no longer a niche but a fast-growing segment, Ahuja sees Narh as a brand poised for leadership. “The Indian male grooming market is evolving rapidly. Consumers are prioritizing high-quality, innovative products, and Narh’s commitment to clean, effective formulations makes it a strong contender in this space,” he said.

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Co-founder Ayush Hans Mehra echoed this sentiment, stating that the investment is about more than just funding. “This partnership is about a shared vision—to redefine men’s personal care with authenticity, innovation, and excellence,” he said.

India’s Booming Men’s Grooming Market

The men’s grooming sector in India—which includes hair care, skincare, fragrances, shaving, and personal hygiene products—is experiencing rapid growth. According to MarkNtel Advisors, the market is projected to expand at a 12.1% CAGR from 2024 to 2030.

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This surge is driven by increasing awareness of health, wellness, and self-care, with modern consumers demanding natural, sustainable, and transparent products. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are gravitating toward eco-friendly brands that align with their values.

With fresh funding and a market on the rise, Narh is positioning itself as a leader in the next wave of men’s grooming.

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Ritualistic Secures $1 Million from Deep & Mohit Bajaj: Plans Major Expansion & Cultural Collaborations

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Ritualistic Secures $1 Million from Deep & Mohit Bajaj: Plans Major Expansion & Cultural Collaborations

Home décor brand Ritualistic has raised $1 million in a mix of primary and secondary funding from entrepreneurs Deep Bajaj and Mohit Bajaj, the company announced on Thursday.

The fresh capital will fuel the brand’s expansion, allowing it to broaden its product range, strengthen its online and offline distribution, and ramp up marketing efforts. Additionally, Ritualistic aims to deepen its cultural footprint by collaborating with temples, museums, and cultural institutions.

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Investor Deep Bajaj praised the brand’s vision, stating, “Ritualistic seamlessly blends Indian heritage with modern aesthetics. We’re thrilled to back a venture that brings traditional craftsmanship into contemporary homes.”

The company was founded by husband-and-wife duo Shashank and Neha Jain, who share a deep passion for Indian art and culture. Shashank Jain emphasized the brand’s mission, saying, “Our goal has always been to celebrate India’s rich traditions through thoughtfully designed products. With this investment, we’re poised to bring Ritualistic into more homes than ever before.”

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The deal was facilitated by Done Deal, an investor-startup matchmaking platform. This marks the second successful investment partnership between the Bajajs and Done Deal.

Ritualistic specializes in heritage-inspired home décor, offering everything from handcrafted wall plates to spiritual essentials. The brand’s focus is on preserving and modernizing Indian artistry, ensuring traditional craftsmanship remains relevant in today’s homes.

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Amazon Fresh Expands to 170+ Cities as Grocery Sales Surge 50%—Srikant Sree Ram on the Next Big Growth Phase

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Amazon Fresh Expands to 170+ Cities as Grocery Sales Surge 50%—Srikant Sree Ram on the Next Big Growth Phase

Amazon India announced on Wednesday that its grocery delivery service, Amazon Fresh, has expanded to over 170 cities and towns across the country. The service was previously available in 130 locations, marking a significant jump in its footprint.

This expansion follows a 50% year-over-year growth in the second half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Southern India has been the biggest growth driver, recording a 50% surge, while the Eastern region saw a 40% increase, according to the company.

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“Reaching 170+ cities and towns allows us to serve customers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions, making fresh and high-quality groceries more accessible at competitive prices. The strong growth we’ve seen confirms that consumers value Amazon Fresh for its affordability, variety, and reliable delivery slots,” said Srikant Sree Ram, Director of Amazon Fresh India.

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Amazon Fresh offers a wide range of grocery essentials, including fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, frozen goods, beauty and personal care items, baby products, and pet supplies. Unlike instant delivery models, Amazon Fresh follows a scheduled delivery approach with a two-hour delivery window, striking a balance between convenience and selection.

With this latest expansion, Amazon is pushing deeper into India’s grocery market, competing aggressively with both traditional supermarkets and quick-commerce players.

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Country Delight Raises ₹212.5 Crore from Temasek’s V-Sciences—Gears Up for IPO and Quick Commerce Battle

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Country Delight Raises ₹212.5 Crore from Temasek’s V-Sciences—Gears Up for IPO and Quick Commerce Battle

Dairy-tech startup Country Delight is set to raise $25 million (₹212.5 crore) in fresh funding, likely as part of its Series E round, from Temasek-backed V-Sciences Investments Pte Ltd.

According to filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Country Delight’s board has approved the issuance of over 1 lakh Series E compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) to V-Sciences Investments at a price of ₹21,045 per share. The company has not responded to media inquiries about the funding round, which was first reported by Entrackr.

What’s the Money For?

The filings indicate that the new capital will be used for working capital needs and an unspecified “project”—details of which remain under wraps.

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This marks Country Delight’s second major fundraise in six months. Back in October 2024, the startup secured ₹200 crore in debt funding from Alteria Capital. At the time, co-founder Chakradhar Gade emphasized that raising capital from multiple sources was key to improving financial efficiency and gearing up for a future IPO.

“We are strategically using different types of funding to optimize our financial structure and set the stage for our next growth phase,” Gade said during the October round.

Expansion & Quick Commerce Bet

Since its last fundraise, Country Delight has been aggressively expanding its product portfolio and entering new markets. The startup, known for its direct-to-consumer (D2C) fresh milk and dairy products, has also dabbled in quick commerce, launching 10-15 minute deliveries in select areas of Delhi-NCR, as reported by Financial Express in December.

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While its traditional daily delivery model has been its core strength, the pivot into the ultra-fast delivery space signals an interesting shift in strategy. However, it remains to be seen how this new approach is performing against established quick-commerce players.

With fresh capital in hand and an IPO on the horizon, Country Delight’s next moves will be crucial in shaping its position in India’s evolving dairy and grocery delivery market.

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UPI Crashes Again! 3,000+ Users Hit by Nationwide Outage, NPCI Blames “Technical Issues”

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UPI Crashes Again! 3,000+ Users Hit by Nationwide Outage, NPCI Blames “Technical Issues

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system faced a major disruption on March 26, leaving users across the country unable to make digital transactions. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) confirmed that services were restored late in the evening after what it described as “intermittent technical issues.”

NPCI addressed the outage in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“UPI faced partial declines due to intermittent technical issues. The problem has now been resolved, and the system has stabilized. We regret the inconvenience caused.”

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What Happened?

According to outage tracking platform Downdetector, UPI issues began around 6:30 PM, affecting major third-party payment apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. The situation worsened by 8 PM, with over 3,000 users reporting transaction failures.

Recurring UPI Failures Raising Concerns

This marks the fourth major UPI outage in a year. Previous disruptions include:

• February 2024: A nationwide outage caused by partner bank issues, as per NPCI.

• June 2023: A delay in UPI payments impacted mutual fund transactions, causing discrepancies in Net Asset Values (NAVs). The BSE later clarified that the issue stemmed from a lag in payment processing rather than a system-wide glitch.

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With digital payments becoming an essential part of everyday transactions, frequent outages in India’s most widely used payment system have raised concerns about reliability. While NPCI has not disclosed further details about the March 26 outage, users will be hoping for a more stable system in the future.

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Mila Beauté Secures ₹18 Crore in Pre-Series A Led by Rukam Capital, Targets ₹600 Crore Growth

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Mila Beauté Secures ₹18 Crore in Pre-Series A Led by Rukam Capital, Targets ₹600 Crore Growth

Homegrown beauty brand Mila Beauté has secured $2.16 million (approx. ₹18 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round, led by Rukam Capital. The company is now valued at ₹303 crore ($35.3 million). The fresh capital will be used to fuel expansion, enhance research and development, introduce new product lines, and strengthen its market presence.

A Growing Beauty Empire

Founded by Saahil Nayar, Sachin Chadha, and Keshav Chadha, Mila Beauté offers a wide range of beauty products, from lipsticks and foundations to eyeliners and skincare-infused makeup. The brand prides itself on clean, high-quality formulations free from harmful chemicals.

Currently, Mila Beauté generates $7.23 million in annual revenue and aims to double its growth over the next 12 to 18 months.

Expanding Retail Footprint

With a presence in 10,000+ retail outlets across India, Mila Beauté is on track to double its distribution network by the end of the year.

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“We’ve always believed in building a brand that goes beyond fleeting trends. Our goal is to create products that truly resonate with the modern Indian consumer—high-quality, homegrown, and backed by data-driven insights. Partnering with Rukam Capital allows us to scale aggressively, whether it’s investing in manufacturing, developing innovative skin-friendly formulations, or strengthening our market reach. Most importantly, we remain committed to quality and staying deeply connected with our consumers,” the founders shared.

Backing from Rukam Capital

Rukam Capital sees immense potential in Mila Beauté’s approach. Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner, noted:

“India’s beauty industry is evolving rapidly, with consumers demanding products tailored to their changing needs. Mila Beauté stands out with its research-driven approach, prioritizing skincare and high-performance formulas. The brand is poised to redefine the beauty experience in the years ahead.”

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With this latest round of funding, Mila Beauté is gearing up for its next phase of growth, solidifying its position as a key player in India’s booming beauty market.

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Pizza Wings’ $2.8 Million Fund Boost: Backed by Nikhil Kamath and Sujeet Kumar, the Haryana-Based QSR Brand Aims 100 Outlets by 2025

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Pizza Wings’ $2.8 Million Fund Boost: Backed by Nikhil Kamath and Sujeet Kumar, the Haryana-Based QSR Brand Aims 100 Outlets by 2025

Homegrown quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand Pizza Wings has raised $2.8 million in a follow-up funding round, with investments from prominent backers including Gruhas, the investment arm of Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai, along with Udaan co-founder Sujeet Kumar and other strategic investors.

This comes after the company secured $4 million in a seed funding round last year. With the fresh capital, Pizza Wings plans to expand aggressively across Northern and Northeastern India while laying the groundwork for further growth.

A Fresh Take on Pizza

Founded in 2014 by Aditya Dhanda, Rajpal Sangwan, and Vikas Nain, Pizza Wings has carved a niche in the Indian pizza scene with its “Fresh Dough, Fresh Ingredients” approach. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, the brand focuses on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The dough is fermented using a cold fermentation process, ensuring authentic flavor and texture. Additionally, strict FSSAI-compliant procedures ensure food safety and hygiene.

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“Pizza Wings has seen tremendous growth because we’ve stayed committed to offering pizzas that combine global quality with authentic Indian flavors. Our tech-driven delivery system has further enhanced the customer experience. By using fresh, preservative-free ingredients, we’ve built a brand that resonates with consumers,” said Aditya Dhanda, Co-founder and CEO.

Betting Big on Emerging Markets

While international chains tend to dominate metros and Tier 1 cities, Pizza Wings sees untapped potential in smaller towns. The brand plans to expand its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, catering to the growing demand for high-quality, affordable pizzas outside major urban centers.

Headquartered in Haryana, the company aims to launch 50 new stores and reach a total of 100 outlets by the end of 2025. To support this growth, Pizza Wings is also looking to hire key talent across departments like finance, logistics, and marketing.

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With this fresh round of funding and a solid growth strategy, Pizza Wings is positioning itself as a strong challenger in India’s ever-growing QSR landscape, bringing its signature fresh pizzas to more cities across the country.

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