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General Mills in Rs 40,000-Crore Chase for Balaji Wafers: US Giant Joins PepsiCo, ITC in Bidding War for India’s Rs 45,000-Crore Snack Market

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SnackTeam
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Global packaged food giant General Mills, the American maker of Pillsbury and Betty Crocker, has entered talks to acquire a stake in Balaji Wafers, one of India’s largest regional snack makers. The move positions the Minneapolis-headquartered multinational alongside a crowded field of suitors that already includes PepsiCo, ITC, and several private equity funds.

Two people familiar with the matter told ET that General Mills expressed interest in a majority holding. However, Balaji’s promoters are currently willing to part with only about 10 percent equity. Discussions are still at a preliminary stage.

Founder Chandu Virani confirmed that Balaji has initiated conversations with multiple players but clarified that the objective is to bring professional expertise rather than raise operating funds. “We are sitting on cash reserves and don’t intend to sell out. The capital raised will be placed in a family trust and not used for daily operations,” Virani said, adding that an IPO is also under consideration.

Balaji is reportedly evaluating a potential divestment at a valuation of nearly Rs 40,000 crore, with the shortlist of investors expected to be finalised within three months. The Rajkot-based company, which began as a small supplier at a cinema hall in 1982, has scaled up to Rs 6,500 crore in revenue and nearly Rs 1,000 crore in net profit in FY25.

The brand dominates Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, commanding roughly 65 percent share of the organised salty snacks segment in these states. Despite its regional focus, Balaji ranks as India’s third-largest snack maker, behind only Haldiram’s and PepsiCo.

For General Mills, which currently has a limited presence in India, a stake in Balaji could unlock the Rs 45,000-crore savoury snack market—one of the fastest-growing food categories in the country.

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Bengaluru Startup Supply6 Raises $1.1M from Zeropearl VC, Kunal Shah and Others to Expand D2C Nutrition Portfolio and Enter GCC Markets

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SnackTeam
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Direct-to-consumer nutrition startup Supply6 has raised USD 1.1 million (approximately Rs 9.1 crore) in seed funding, with Zeropearl VC leading the round. The raise also attracted individual participation from CRED founder Kunal Shah, Renee Cosmetics’ co-founders Ashutosh Valani and Priyank Shah, and XYXX founder Yogesh Kabra, according to the company’s statement on Wednesday.

The Bengaluru-based brand, founded by Vaibhav and Rahul, said the fresh capital will be deployed to expand its product pipeline, accelerate clinical research, launch innovative nutrition formats, and strengthen both its direct-to-consumer and quick-commerce distribution network. The company also plans to explore international expansion in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and English-speaking regions.

“From our flagship product Supply6 360 to the recently introduced zero-sugar hydration line, Supply6 Salts, our mission has always been to make everyday nutrition effortless. With this new backing, we are confident about scaling our vision globally,” the founders said in a joint statement.

India’s dietary supplements industry, valued at USD 5.17 billion (Rs 43,000 crore) in 2024, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 13 percent through 2030, driven by preventive healthcare adoption and widening distribution channels, according to market estimates.

Supply6 claims to have served more than 200,000 customers so far, with a presence across Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart. The company had earlier raised Rs 10 crore in equity funding and secured a Rs 25 lakh grant from the Government of Karnataka to support innovation.

With this latest round, Supply6 joins a growing list of homegrown nutrition brands attracting venture capital interest as investors bet on rising health-conscious consumption among India’s urban and young demographic.

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GST for Home Businesses: Do You Really Need It? Rules Every Entrepreneur Must Know

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SnackTeam
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With India’s booming startup culture, many entrepreneurs are starting from their homes—whether it’s selling packaged food, running a cloud kitchen, crafting handmade goods, or offering services online. But one question keeps popping up: “Can I register for GST if my business is home-based?”

The answer is yes. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) doesn’t care if your office is a corporate tower or a spare bedroom. What matters is your annual turnover and the nature of your business.

When Is GST Registration Mandatory for Home Businesses?

GST registration depends on turnover thresholds:

  • ₹40 lakh (goods) – If you sell products and your annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh, GST registration is mandatory.
  • ₹20 lakh (services) – If you provide services and your turnover crosses ₹20 lakh, GST applies.
  • Special category states – In states like Assam, Manipur, or Nagaland, the threshold is lower (₹20 lakh for goods, ₹10 lakh for services).
  • E-commerce sales – If you sell on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Swiggy/Zomato, you need GST from day one, regardless of turnover.

Benefits of GST for Home-Based Entrepreneurs

Even if your turnover is below the threshold, voluntary GST registration can bring big advantages:

  • Sell on e-commerce platforms: Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho require a GST number to onboard sellers.
  • Build customer trust: A GST invoice looks more professional and transparent.
  • Claim input tax credit: If you buy raw materials, packaging, or marketing services, GST registration allows you to offset taxes paid.
  • Expand easily: If your business scales, you won’t face compliance delays later.

Documents Needed for GST Registration at Home

Registering a home-based business is straightforward. You’ll need:

  • PAN card of the business owner
  • Aadhaar card
  • Address proof of the home premises (like electricity bill or rental agreement)
  • Bank account details
  • Passport-size photo

Yes—your home address can be your business address for GST registration.

Practical Examples

  • A home baker in Delhi selling cakes worth ₹8 lakh a year doesn’t need GST—unless she lists on Swiggy/Zomato.
  • A graphic designer earning ₹25 lakh a year from freelance clients must register under GST since the service threshold is ₹20 lakh.
  • A soap-maker selling on Instagram and Amazon must get GST, even if sales are just ₹5 lakh, because e-commerce mandates it.

The Bottom Line

So, can you have GST for a home-based business? Absolutely. Whether it’s mandatory or voluntary depends on turnover and selling channels. For small entrepreneurs, GST might look like a burden, but it can also unlock growth opportunities—from e-commerce sales to claiming tax credits.

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Can You Claim GST Input Credit on Restaurant Bills? Here’s the Truth Businesses Need to Know

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SnackTeam
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Since the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rolled out in India, one of the most common queries from business owners has been: “If I get a GST bill from a restaurant, can I claim input tax credit (ITC)?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as many assume, and it depends heavily on your type of business and how you use that expense.

The Rule: ITC on Restaurant Bills is Mostly Blocked

Under Section 17(5) of the CGST Act, ITC on food, beverages, and restaurant expenses is blocked unless you are in the food service or hospitality industry yourself. That means most businesses cannot use restaurant bills to reduce their GST liability.

For example, if an IT company hosts a team lunch at a restaurant and gets a GST invoice, they still cannot claim ITC. These expenses are treated as personal consumption or non-business-related, even if technically done for clients or staff.

When Can ITC on Restaurant Bills Be Claimed?

There are limited but important scenarios where you can claim ITC:

  • Caterers and food businesses: If you run a catering service, cloud kitchen, or hotel that provides food as part of taxable outward supplies, restaurant bills used for business inputs can qualify.
  • Re-selling or bundling food services: For instance, if a wedding planner includes meals in their package and sources them from a restaurant, ITC can be claimed because it directly contributes to taxable supply.
  • Employee meals as statutory requirement: In rare cases where labor laws require employers to provide meals (e.g., in factories), ITC eligibility may apply if supported by compliance.

Why Most Businesses Can’t Claim ITC on Restaurant Bills

The government’s reasoning is simple: to avoid misuse. If all businesses started claiming restaurant bills as business expenses, the scope for ITC fraud would skyrocket. By blocking ITC, the GST framework keeps restaurant and hospitality expenses outside the chain of credits—except for businesses directly engaged in food services.

What Businesses Should Do Instead

  • Classify expenses properly: Don’t wrongly claim ITC on restaurant invoices unless your business is eligible.
  • Negotiate contracts smartly: If you frequently host client meetings at hotels or restaurants, see if the venue can bill it under “conference packages” instead of pure food bills—sometimes that changes ITC eligibility.
  • Consult your GST advisor: Edge cases vary, and compliance depends on how the expense is recorded in your books.

The Bottom Line

So, if you’re asking: “Can I claim ITC on a restaurant GST bill?” — the answer is usually no. Only businesses in the food, catering, or hospitality space get that benefit. For most other sectors, restaurant expenses remain blocked credits.

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Food Truck Business and GST: What Every Street Food Entrepreneur Must Know

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SnackTeam
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Food trucks are no longer just a quirky city trend; they’ve become a booming part of India’s street food economy. From Mumbai’s shawarma vans to Delhi’s momos on wheels, the business has seen rapid growth. But with this rise comes an equally important question for food entrepreneurs: Do food trucks need to register under GST?

GST Rules for Food Trucks in India

Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, food trucks fall under the same category as restaurants and eateries since they serve prepared food. That means the tax rules are almost identical:

  • Turnover Threshold: If your food truck’s annual revenue exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special category states), GST registration becomes mandatory.
  • Tax Rate: Food trucks, like small restaurants, are usually taxed at 5% GST (without Input Tax Credit) under the composition scheme.
  • Aggregator Sales: If you’re selling through platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, or Uber Eats, GST registration is compulsory regardless of turnover, since aggregators are required to collect tax at source.
  • State-to-State Movement: If your truck operates across state borders, GST registration is also required, even below the threshold.

Benefits of Registering Under GST

While small vendors may be tempted to skip registration if they’re below the threshold, there are clear advantages to being compliant:

  1. Credibility Boost – A GST number makes your food truck look more professional, especially when dealing with event organizers, corporate parks, or online platforms.
  2. Wider Reach – Without GST, you can’t legally partner with food delivery apps, missing out on a large customer base.
  3. Avoid Penalties – Operating above the threshold without registration can invite fines, interest, and even cancellation of business licenses.

Practical Example

Take the case of Bengaluru-based The Lalit Food Truck Company. Initially operating as a standalone truck, the brand expanded quickly and partnered with delivery platforms. Their decision to register for GST early not only ensured compliance but also made scaling smoother, helping them move into multiple cities.

Conclusion

So, do food trucks need GST registration? Yes—if you cross the turnover threshold, sell through aggregators, or operate interstate. Even if you’re under the limit, registering early can be a smart move for growth and legitimacy.

For any food truck entrepreneur, the bottom line is clear: GST isn’t just about compliance; it’s about future-proofing your business.

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PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta Meets PM Modi as Entire Global Board Lands in India; $91.8B Giant Bets Big on Rs 8,877-Crore India Business Amid GST Hike and Trade Tensions

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SnackTeam
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PepsiCo Inc’s global chairman and chief executive Ramon Laguarta met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening, underscoring the growing weight of India in the food and beverage giant’s global playbook. The high-profile meeting comes as trade frictions between Washington and New Delhi continue to simmer, even as India raised GST on sugary aerated drinks to 40 percent.

This was Laguarta’s first formal interaction with Modi in India, and the first time in a decade that PepsiCo’s entire global board has flown into the country. The $91.8 billion New York-headquartered company has named India one of its 13 global anchor markets, expected to drive more than 85 percent of PepsiCo’s future growth.

The visit, spread across three days with stops in Delhi and Hyderabad—where PepsiCo runs its global capability center—coincides with efforts by both nations to stabilize trade relations. On the same day, U.S. Trade Representative for South Asia Brendan Lynch led a delegation in talks with Indian officials, weeks after President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports while calling India “a dead economy.” Last week, however, Trump softened his stance, saying he was optimistic about a trade agreement.

India remains a growth engine for PepsiCo, where packaged beverages and snacks continue to expand. For the 12 months ending December 2024, PepsiCo India reported revenue of Rs 8,877 crore and profit after tax of Rs 883.4 crore. Its convenience foods business grew 4 percent internationally in the April-June 2025 quarter, with India cited as a key driver.

Despite early monsoons denting sales of aerated drinks, PepsiCo sees India’s low per-capita soft drink consumption and booming snacking culture as long-term opportunities. An insider put it simply: “Two board-level visits in five months show India is not just on the map—it is at the center of PepsiCo’s growth strategy.”

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Why Your Rs 52 Amul or Mother Dairy Pouch Still Costs the Same Despite Finance Minister Sitharaman’s GST 2.0 Reforms

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SnackTeam
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Consumers hoping for cheaper milk after the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) overhaul may be disappointed. India’s largest dairy players, Amul and Mother Dairy, have clarified that prices of pouch milk — the daily essential for millions of households — remain unchanged, as it has always been exempt from GST.

The clarification comes amid speculation that prices of full cream, toned, and cow milk sold in pouches could fall by Rs 3 to Rs 4 under the new GST 2.0 framework. However, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) Managing Director Jayen Mehta, which markets Amul, dismissed such reports, stating, “There is no change proposed in prices of fresh pouch milk as there is no reduction in GST. It has always been zero percent GST on pouch milk.”

The price cut will instead apply to Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) processed milk, commonly sold in Tetra Packs, after the GST Council reduced the rate from 5 percent to nil. UHT milk, which undergoes heating at over 135°C for a few seconds to eliminate microorganisms, can be stored for several months without refrigeration. Mother Dairy confirmed that revised UHT prices have been rolled out across markets this week.

On September 3, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced sweeping changes to GST, calling them “Next-Gen Reforms” aimed at lowering living costs and boosting consumption. The 56th GST Council meeting merged the 12 percent and 28 percent slabs into two broad categories — 5 percent and 18 percent.

While the reform is expected to provide relief across sectors including healthcare, packaged food, and consumer goods, the country’s most consumed dairy product — pouch milk — will remain untouched. For now, households can expect cheaper UHT milk, but their morning milk packets will continue to cost the same.

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Aditya Birla Fashion Bets Big on Gen Z: Launches OWND! With Plan to Rebrand 100 StyleUp Stores by FY26

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SnackTeam
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Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL) has announced the launch of OWND!, a youth-centric fashion label crafted for India’s Gen Z and trend-driven shoppers. The new brand, unveiled on Tuesday, signals the company’s sharpened push into the value fashion space, a segment expected to expand rapidly as younger consumers shape the country’s retail landscape.

ABFRL said OWND! will take over its existing StyleUp stores, which will be rebranded and remodeled under the new identity. The company has set an ambitious target of reaching 100 OWND! outlets by March 2026, strengthening its footprint in tier I and tier II cities where younger buyers are fueling growth.

The introduction of OWND! comes with a fresh brand identity, contemporary layouts, and a sharper merchandise strategy designed to align with Gen Z preferences. This demographic, estimated at over 375 million in India, is increasingly driving fashion choices online and offline with its appetite for affordable yet expressive style.

Sangeeta Tanwani, Chief Executive Officer of Pantaloons and OWND!, said the move is built on a deep understanding of youth culture and consumption shifts. “Young Indians are not only redefining fashion, they are reshaping cultural narratives. With OWND! we are creating a vibrant brand that speaks their language and builds true affinity. This is not just about clothes, it is about connection and community,” she said.

For ABFRL, OWND! represents more than a rebrand. The company sees it as a growth engine that will expand its presence in a category where international and domestic labels are competing aggressively. With a scalable business model and clear positioning, ABFRL is betting that OWND! will become a household name for India’s next generation of shoppers.

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Do Small Restaurants Need GST? Rules, Exemptions, and Risks Explained

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SnackTeam
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For many small restaurant and café owners, GST registration feels like an added burden. But the real answer to whether it’s “okay” to skip GST depends on your turnover, your partnerships, and how you run your business.

When Restaurants Can Avoid GST Registration

Restaurants are not required to register under GST if:

  • Their annual turnover is below ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in North-Eastern and hill states).
  • They do not sell via online food delivery platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats.
  • They run purely offline, serving walk-in customers only.

Example: A small tea shop or dhaba making ₹8–10 lakh annually from local customers doesn’t need GST.

When GST Registration Becomes Compulsory

Even if your turnover is below the threshold, you must register for GST if:

  • You sell food through delivery aggregators (Zomato, Swiggy, etc.).
  • You own a franchise outlet (like Domino’s, KFC, Subway).
  • You operate as part of a hotel with room tariffs above ₹1,000.

In these cases, skipping GST isn’t allowed, and non-compliance can lead to penalties.

Penalties for Not Registering Under GST

Failing to register when required can be risky:

  • 10% penalty of the tax due (minimum ₹10,000).
  • Possible delisting from delivery apps.
  • Legal notices and interest on unpaid GST.

Why Voluntary GST Registration May Still Help

Even if not compulsory, some small restaurants choose to register because it:

  • Adds credibility — customers trust bills with GST.
  • Enables growth — easier to partner with apps, expand into new markets.
  • Future-proofs the business — once turnover crosses ₹20 lakh, you’re already compliant.

Conclusion

So, is it okay for restaurants to not register under GST? Yes, but only if you stay under the turnover limit and operate purely offline. If you’re planning to scale, partner with delivery apps, or expand into franchises, GST registration isn’t just mandatory — it’s a business enabler.

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Do Food Trucks Need GST in India? Rules, Tax Slabs & Penalties Explained

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SnackTeam
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Food trucks are booming in India, offering quick, affordable meals with the flexibility of mobility. But along with growing popularity comes the question: Do food trucks need to register under GST? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on turnover, business model, and whether they partner with delivery apps.

GST Registration Rules for Food Trucks

Food trucks are treated like any other restaurant business under GST. That means:

  • Turnover threshold: If annual sales cross ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in North-Eastern and hilly states), GST registration is mandatory.
  • Aggregator sales: Even if turnover is lower, food trucks must register if they sell through Swiggy, Zomato, or other delivery apps.
  • Local-only operations: A single food truck serving only local customers and earning less than ₹20 lakh a year does not need GST registration.

👉 Example: A taco truck in Bengaluru making ₹15 lakh annually without online deliveries can skip GST. But if the same truck lists on Swiggy, GST becomes compulsory.

GST Rates for Food Trucks

Food trucks fall under the same slab as standalone restaurants:

  • 5% GST (without ITC) → Applicable to dine-in, takeaway, and delivery orders.
  • No Input Tax Credit (ITC) allowed under this 5% rate.

Why GST Registration Helps Food Trucks

Even when not mandatory, many food truck owners choose voluntary GST registration because it:

  • Builds credibility with customers and corporates hiring them for events.
  • Enables partnerships with delivery apps.
  • Prepares for scaling into multiple trucks or franchises.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without GST when eligible can lead to:

  • 10% penalty of tax due (minimum ₹10,000).
  • Loss of digital sales channels (Swiggy, Zomato delisting).
  • Legal issues during inspections.

Conclusion

So, do food trucks need GST registration? Yes, if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh or if they sell online. For small local trucks operating below the threshold, GST may not be mandatory — but voluntary registration can open doors to growth.

For food truck entrepreneurs eyeing scale, GST isn’t just compliance — it’s a ticket to bigger business.

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