Indian Sportswear Brand TENxYOU Prepares Funding Push as Orders Grow and US, Middle East Demand Picks Up

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December 11, 2025

Image of texX. — Indian Sportswear Brand TENxYOU Prepares Funding Push as Orders Grow and US, Middle East Demand Picks Up

TENxYOU, the sportswear brand shaped by Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing call for a more active India, is preparing for its next phase of growth with a fresh fundraise planned within the next six to eight months. Chief executive and co-founder Karthik Gurumurthy said the company is gearing up for a wider retail footprint in India while setting the groundwork for international markets that show rising interest in cricket-focused products.

Over the past year, the team spent nearly 12 to 15 months building an India-first product line that responds to local body types, weather conditions and playing habits. One of the biggest insights came from a research pool of about one lakh foot scans. The study found that Indian consumers tend to have broader feet than what standard UK sizing captures. The brand has responded by engineering footwear with a wider toe box and supportive midsoles designed to hold up on uneven amateur surfaces that many players train on.

The early response has been encouraging. TENxYOU has already crossed more than four thousand direct-to-consumer orders, supported by strong feedback from athletes across the system. Grassroots cricketers and domestic league players, along with India Under-19 and A squad members, have tested the products and contributed to iterative improvements. The company expects orders to reach ten to fifteen thousand by March or April 2025 as it enters more marketplaces and begins to build its offline presence.

Footwear is set to become the centre of the company’s growth plans. Sports footwear in India is currently expanding at about 25 percent each year, while the premium bracket above three to four thousand rupees is outpacing the market with growth of nearly 33 to 35 percent. Gurumurthy believes Indian shoppers now evaluate fit, materials and comfort with far greater precision due to deeper exposure to global brands.

Cricket will remain the anchor category as TENxYOU widens its product portfolio. New lines in recovery trainers, travel slip-ons, strength-training shoes and barefoot workout models are in development. The company has also begun its overseas push through cricket academies in the United States, where initial orders have already come in. Interest from the Middle East and Singapore is building, with a digital-first entry planned for the Middle East before the brand moves to marketplace partnerships.

Vintage Coffee Bets Big on Value-Added Coffee, Announces 5,500 MT Freeze-Dried Plant in Telangana After MoU Signing

Beverages

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December 10, 2025

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Vintage Coffee and Beverages Limited has taken a significant step toward expanding its presence in India’s growing coffee processing sector with the signing of an MoU with the Telangana government. The company plans to set up a premium freeze-dried coffee manufacturing plant in the state, a move that fits well with Telangana’s push to attract more food processing investments.

The project will be executed through its subsidiary, Vintage Coffee Private Limited, which is preparing to invest in a facility with a capacity of 5,500 metric tonnes per year. This is a sizeable addition to the company’s existing operations, and signals a clear intention to strengthen its position in the value-added coffee segment. Freeze-dried coffee, known for retaining aroma and quality, has been gaining steady demand both in domestic markets and among international buyers.

The Telangana government will support the project by helping with clearances and land allocation, a gesture that highlights the state’s interest in drawing more agro-based industries. Over the last few years, Telangana has worked to build a stronger food processing ecosystem, and this new plant is expected to contribute to that effort by adding capacity, jobs, and export potential.

For Vintage Coffee, this investment also comes at a time when instant coffee consumption is rising in India, driven by younger consumers and expanding café culture in metro and tier two cities. With a modern facility focused on premium production, the company aims to serve both private label partners and its growing set of clients abroad.

Once operational, the new plant is expected to improve Vintage Coffee’s processing capabilities and give Telangana another boost in its ambition to become a key hub for food manufacturing in the country.

Global Café Chain Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Opens Debut Pune Outlet at Seasons Mall to Tap a Rising City Café Market

Beverages

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December 10, 2025

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The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has stepped into the Pune café scene with the opening of its first store at Seasons Mall, and the timing could not be more fitting. Pune’s love for coffee culture has been growing quickly, with younger consumers seeking spaces that combine good brews with relaxed, modern interiors. By choosing Seasons Mall in Magarpatta, the brand has placed itself right in the middle of a lively neighbourhood that draws students, professionals, and families through the week.

The new store features the chain’s familiar warm lighting, polished wooden textures, and a menu that highlights everything from their signature ice blended drinks to slow brewed coffees and teas sourced from different regions. The brand has been expanding its India footprint steadily, and Pune marks another step in that plan. Management has been vocal about wanting to reach cities where consumers are shifting toward premium café experiences rather than just quick takeaway counters.

What makes this launch interesting is the way the brand has built its reputation globally. It has managed to maintain a certain charm by balancing classic café favourites with a steady introduction of new seasonal drinks. Pune’s market, with its mix of young crowds and corporate pockets, seems well suited for this approach.

Industry watchers believe that the entry of well known international chains adds healthy competition to the café landscape, encouraging existing players to refine their menus and store experiences. Pune already has a strong presence of homegrown outlets along with large chains, so this launch is expected to bring in more attention to the area’s rising café culture.

For now, the new store at Seasons Mall is drawing curious visitors who want to try the brand for the first time, and early footfall suggests that the city is welcoming this arrival with real enthusiasm.

Swiggy Gears Up for INR 10,000 Crore QIP as Shareholders Back Sriharsha Majety’s Expansion Push

Quick Commerce

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December 10, 2025

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Swiggy is inching closer to one of its biggest capital plays yet, and the timing couldn’t be more interesting. After securing the green signal from its shareholders, the food delivery giant is now preparing for a massive INR 10,000 crore qualified institutional placement. For a company that has spent the last few years sharpening its unit economics and expanding beyond food into grocery, last-mile deliveries, and dining-out partnerships, this move signals a fresh push toward scale and stability ahead of a possible market listing.

The shareholder approval is a crucial step because it gives Swiggy the freedom to tap major institutional investors at a time when market appetite for consumer-tech companies is slowly returning. While the company has been tight-lipped about the exact timing, insiders expect the capital raise to help Swiggy strengthen its balance sheet, improve margins in its core delivery business, and double down on Instamart, which has quickly become one of its strongest growth engines.

What makes this development more compelling is the competitive landscape. Rival platforms have been spending heavily to grab customer loyalty, and Swiggy’s ability to raise funds at scale can shift the momentum in its favour. The company has already made steady progress by trimming losses and improving operational efficiency, and this upcoming QIP adds another layer of confidence to its long-term strategy.

For now, all eyes are on how fast Swiggy moves from approval to execution. If the company manages to close the funding round smoothly, it could set the stage for one of the most closely watched public listings in India’s consumer internet space.

India’s Diamond Market Booms: De Beers Plans Major Forevermark Retail Expansion

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December 10, 2025

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De Beers is ramping up its Forevermark retail expansion in India, anticipating sustained growth in the country’s natural diamond market. Shweta Harit, Global SVP of De Beers Group and CEO of Forevermark, said India’s diamond segment is set to grow at 10 to 12 percent annually, driven by strong wedding demand and increasing self-purchase by working women.

Currently operating four stores in India, Forevermark plans to expand to 20 locations by the end of 2026, a fivefold increase, with a long-term vision of reaching 100 stores by 2030. India is the first market where the company is deploying its standalone Forevermark retail format at scale, leveraging more than a decade of brand presence in the country.

Harit highlighted an early shift in consumer preferences toward white gold, which accounts for roughly 80 percent of recent sales. This reflects a growing inclination among younger buyers for contemporary, internationally inspired designs. Tier-2 cities, including Ludhiana, Indore, and Bhopal, are emerging as important growth drivers, fueled by rising incomes and greater access to branded jewellery through e-commerce. Digital channels are performing beyond expectations, with the highest-value single orders originating online, underscoring consumer trust in purchasing high-value diamonds through verified platforms.

The CEO also addressed the rising popularity of lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), noting a sharp global price decline of 70 to 80 percent. Harit cautioned buyers to consider certification and resale value when exploring lab-grown options, particularly in a market where discretionary spending is increasing and gold prices remain elevated.

With its strong retail strategy, focus on tier-2 growth, and digital channels performing robustly, De Beers expects India to remain a key growth engine for its global business in the coming decade. The company’s approach blends contemporary design, targeted market expansion, and e-commerce integration to capture shifting consumer preferences while reinforcing the enduring value of natural diamonds.

Earthful Funding Boost: Rs 26 Crore to Scale Women’s Wellness and Plant-Based Supplements

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December 10, 2025

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Image-of-Earthful — Earthful Funding Boost: Rs 26 Crore to Scale Women’s Wellness and Plant-Based Supplements

Plant-based nutrition startup Earthful has secured Rs 26 crore ($2.89 million) in a pre-Series A funding round, led by Fireside Ventures and V3 Ventures, with additional participation from Atrium Angels. The capital injection comes as the company seeks to deepen its presence in India’s rapidly growing health and wellness segment, particularly in women’s nutrition.

Founded by sisters Veda Gogineni and Sudha Gogineni, Earthful gained national attention after appearing on Shark Tank India. The startup had previously raised around $1 million from angel investors and family offices. According to company sources, Earthful achieved over threefold growth in the last financial year, driven by strong customer retention and the rising demand for clean-label, plant-based nutritional supplements.

The newly raised funds will primarily support the expansion of Earthful’s women-focused product line, along with scaling operations in Hyderabad and Mumbai. The company also plans to invest in product innovation and brand-led marketing strategies aimed at capturing a larger share of India’s wellness market.

Earthful’s portfolio currently includes daily multivitamins designed for various age groups, plant-based protein powders, and supplements targeting skin, hair, and sleep wellness. All products are formulated to be free from unnecessary additives, reflecting the brand’s focus on preventive health and simplified nutrition.

Over the past two years, Earthful has built a customer base exceeding 2 lakh, with repeat consumption emerging as a key growth driver. With this latest funding round, the startup aims to accelerate its footprint across India, particularly in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities where demand for premium, plant-based wellness solutions is growing rapidly.

Industry experts note that women’s health remains an underserved segment in India, with rising awareness around preventive nutrition creating a robust opportunity for brands like Earthful to scale quickly. The company’s founders see the funding as a stepping stone toward establishing a broader portfolio of plant-based, wellness-focused products and strengthening brand recognition nationally.

India’s Premium Salon Segment Growing 10–15% Annually, AI Drives Transformation: Cosmoprof 2025 Insights

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December 10, 2025

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Image-of-Cosmoprof — India’s Premium Salon Segment Growing 10–15% Annually, AI Drives Transformation: Cosmoprof 2025 Insights

India’s premium salon sector is witnessing a surge, expanding at nearly 10 to 15 percent annually, driven by rising demand for high-performance transformation services in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, according to industry leaders at Cosmoprof India 2025. The three-day event, which concluded in Bengaluru, drew over 14,000 visitors and hosted 353 exhibitors and 800 brands from 23 countries, highlighting India’s growing significance as a beauty market.

Samir Srivastava, CEO of Looks Salon, said digital integration is reshaping the salon experience. “Consumers are gravitating toward salons that leverage technology. AI-enabled tools like smart mirrors for hair and skin diagnostics help personalise services and build trust,” he explained. Looks Salon plans to add around 20 outlets annually, emphasizing AI-supported infrastructure to enhance engagement and operational efficiency.

Vipul Chaturvedi, CEO & Director of Lakmé Salons, pointed to rapid growth in premium transformation services such as advanced facials, hair texture treatments, and the K’essence range developed with Korean brand JeuDerm. “Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are contributing significantly to our expansion, supported by rising incomes and exposure to global trends,” he said. Lakmé Salons, operating over 500 outlets across 215 cities, anticipates mid-teen growth in the premium segment, driven by unisex offerings and specialised transformation services.

Vikram Bhatt, Founder of Enrich Salons, highlighted the transition toward an experience-driven, technology-enabled ecosystem. Enrich adds 25 to 35 new outlets annually, focusing on personalised, consistent services. Renu Kant, Founder of Envi Salon, noted that AI helps predict customer needs, offering tailored packages and smoother service journeys.

CK Kumaravel, Co-Founder & CMD of Naturals Salon & Spa, emphasized AI’s role in automating tasks, tracking consumer behaviour, and enabling faster scale while maintaining service quality.

Yogesh Mudras of Informa Markets India noted that India is projected to become the world’s third-largest beauty and personal care market by 2030, with the premium segment growing at 13–15 percent annually. Enrico Zannini, General Manager of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof, said, “India’s young, aspirational consumer base and increasing purchasing power make it a key global beauty market.”

The event underscored that technology, premiumisation, and innovation are set to define India’s beauty sector in the coming decade.

Nara Thai Debuts in North India as Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality Plans 10-Outlet National Expansion

Hospitality

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December 10, 2025

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Nara Thai has stepped into North India with the opening of its first restaurant in Gurugram, setting the stage for a wider national push under Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality. The launch marks a significant milestone for the Bangkok-born brand, which now operates 35 restaurants across Asia and the Middle East and has crossed sixty global outlets when including its extended group portfolio.

The move also signals a broader ambition from Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality, which entered the premium dining segment only last year. What began as a Mumbai-specific franchise has now evolved into a nationwide mandate after the company convinced Nara’s founders about the opportunity in India’s tier-one markets. The group currently manages two Nara Thai locations in Mumbai, and the Gurugram restaurant becomes its first in the North.

The next phase is sharply defined. Ten new Nara Thai restaurants are planned over the coming three years, with Delhi, Noida and Bengaluru at the front of the queue, followed by Hyderabad and Pune. Each outlet will span roughly 2,500 to 3,000 square feet and seat around eighty to a hundred diners. The company estimates that every restaurant generates fifty to sixty direct jobs, taking the three-year employment potential close to six hundred roles.

Nara Thai maintains a stringent culinary playbook. Core ingredients, sauces and pastes are sourced from Bangkok to preserve the flavour profile built over two decades, while fresh produce is procured locally. The India team spends time training with Bangkok’s culinary leads, and the brand’s global executive chef makes regular visits to ensure consistency.

With Taiwan currently its strongest market with twelve restaurants, Nara’s founders believe India has the potential to surpass it over the next decade. The partnership with Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality spans ten years, giving the brand time to deepen its reach as premium Asian dining continues to grow in urban India.

Albinder Dhindsa Predicts Quick Commerce Shakeout Amid Rising Cash Burn

Quick Commerce

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December 10, 2025

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India’s quick commerce sector, long powered by aggressive fundraising and rapid geographic expansion, may be approaching a reality check. Blinkit Chief Executive Albinder Dhindsa has warned that the model that fuelled the industry’s rise is now showing clear signs of strain, setting the stage for a correction that could reshape the consumer internet landscape.

Dhindsa said the sector’s dependence on constant capital inflows has reached a point where companies will soon be forced to examine how much longer they can absorb heavy operational losses. His comments come at a time when global investors such as SoftBank, Temasek and major Middle Eastern funds have already committed billions to India’s ten-minute delivery experiment. The enthusiasm helped create one of the most watched rapid-delivery markets in the world, even as similar models stumbled in the United States, Europe and parts of Asia.

Funding pressures are becoming more visible. Swiggy, Blinkit’s nearest competitor, is preparing a share sale worth about one point one billion dollars, almost mirroring the valuation of its previous year’s market debut. Zepto has raised four hundred fifty million dollars ahead of an expected listing next year. The moves highlight the steep cash requirements needed to keep the promise of stocking and delivering everything from fresh produce to electronics at record speed.

Dhindsa believes the imbalance between rising capital needs and investor caution is usually followed by swift corrections that catch companies unprepared. Analysts at Bernstein and Société Générale recently noted that Blinkit’s parent Eternal Limited still holds a strong advantage due to its execution and cash reserves of more than two billion dollars. Even so, the analysts warned that competitive intensity could force higher spending before the business generates free cash flow.

Blinkit continues to build supply-chain depth, especially with its push into smaller towns where demand exists but the density of dark stores and strong procurement systems remains limited. Dhindsa said the company is focusing on scalable categories and avoiding the heavy discounting that created artificial spikes in orders during earlier phases of the market.

He believes the next stage for quick commerce will be defined by consolidation, sharper category choices and a shift in discounting behaviour. The industry has already moved once from scepticism to celebration. Dhindsa said the next swing in sentiment is inevitable, though the exact timing remains uncertain.

Timex Taps Rising Motorsports Craze, Introduces Aston Martin Watches in India

Business

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December 10, 2025

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Timex Group India is setting its sights firmly on the premium watch buyer as it introduces Aston Martin timepieces to the country, marking one of its most ambitious expansions in recent years. The company believes the British marque fills a wide open gap for a true motorsports-rooted brand in India’s watch market.

Deepak Chhabra, Managing Director of Timex India, said the decision comes at a moment when motorsports interest in the country is at an all-time high. Formula One viewership, he noted, has climbed from roughly thirty-one million fans in 2020 to nearly sixty million today. This surge, combined with a visible shift toward design-driven and high-value watches, has created what the company sees as a natural entry point for Aston Martin.

With this launch, Timex strengthens its presence in the bridge-to-luxury category where it already houses Guess Collection and Philipp Plein. The Aston Martin portfolio will start with about sixty-five SKUs across two lines. One focuses on sportier, Formula One-inspired models priced from twelve thousand to twenty-five thousand rupees. The second line leans into the brand’s automotive heritage with timepieces ranging from twenty thousand to sixty thousand rupees.

The rollout will span major online platforms such as Myntra, Tata Cliq and Ajio Luxe, along with Timex’s own Just Watches network. Offline distribution will cover more than one hundred premium stores including Shoppers Stop, Just In Time, The Collective, Zimson, Swiss Time House, Sethi Watch Company and Ganga Ram Gallery.

Initially, all units will be imported under the parent company’s global licence. Timex plans to monitor demand before considering local assembly. The company is eyeing three million dollars in revenue from the range within two years. Retail sales typically double that figure, placing Aston Martin on track to become a fifty-crore brand in India by the end of that period.

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