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Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila debuts in India with exclusive Delhi-NCR launch

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818 Tequila
Kendall Jenner

818 Tequila, the high-end tequila brand by Kendall Jenner, has officially launched in India. Distributed exclusively by Berry Beverages and imported in partnership with Zoup Beverages, 818 Tequila is now available in the Delhi-NCR region with plans for further expansion across the country.

818 Tequila achieves its unique flavor through time-honored methods at a cutting-edge distillery located in Amatitán, Mexico. This meticulous process involves slow-cooking agaves for more than 30 hours, crushing them with large stone Tahona wheels, and allowing for a 48-hour natural fermentation. Subsequently, the agaves undergo double distillation in alembic copper pot stills before being aged in French and American oak barrels.

818 Tequila

Although its name is inspired by the Calabasas, California area code, 818 Tequila prioritizes sustainability. The distillery operates on biomass and solar energy, bottles are crafted from recycled glass, and packaging is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Furthermore, 818 collaborates with s.a.c.r.e.d. (Saving Agave for Culture, Recreation, Education, and Development) to repurpose tequila production byproducts into building materials, supporting community projects throughout Mexico.

Kendall Jenner shared her excitement, stating, “I’m thrilled to announce the launch of 818 Tequila in India. This marks another significant stride for my brand on the global stage, and I can’t wait to see everyone savoring 818! Cheers!”

Continue Exploring: Kylie Jenner enters beverage alcohol sector with ‘Sprinter’ RTD brand launch

Sahir Berry, CEO of Berry Beverages, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce the renowned 818 brand to India, a nation with the world’s fastest-growing luxury spirits market. Our expanding market for premium spirits, particularly the surging interest in premium sipping tequila, aligns perfectly with 818 Tequila’s offerings.”

Expansion Plans: Bringing 818 Tequila to More Indian Regions

818 Tequila will be accessible in retail outlets and select hotels and restaurants throughout Delhi-NCR. Expansion into Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka, and Telangana is on the agenda for the coming months.

Harshal Goel, Director of Zoup Beverages, expressed excitement, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with 818 Tequila to bring this exceptional brand to India. Together, we are establishing a new benchmark for quality and sophistication in the Indian market.”

Availability and Pricing of 818 Tequila in Delhi-NCR

In Delhi, the Blanco variant is priced at INR 7170, the Reposado at INR 8160, and the Añejo at INR 12,760. The ultra-premium Eight Reserve is available for INR 27,390. 818 Tequila provides diverse ways to enjoy their product, whether neat, on the rocks, or incorporated into cocktails like the Pura Margarita, espresso martini, or a unique take on an Old Fashioned.

Continue Exploring: Kylie Jenner enters beverage alcohol sector with ‘Sprinter’ RTD brand launch

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ABFRL’s Q4 net loss widens to INR 266.35 Cr YoY

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Aditya Birla Fashion
Aditya Birla Fashion

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) has reported a consolidated net loss of INR 266.35 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 2024. This marks an increase from the net loss of INR 194.54 crore recorded during the same period the previous year, according to the company’s regulatory filing.

Its revenue from operations for the quarter under review was INR 3,406.65 crore, compared to INR 2,879.73 crore in the same period last year.

The Aditya Birla group firm stated that the consolidated financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, are “not comparable with previous quarters” due to the acquisition of TCNS Clothing and Styleverse Lifestyle.

Its total expenses in the March quarter amounted to INR 3,813.87 crore.

Continue Exploring: Aditya Birla Group’s retail jewellery venture, Novel Jewels, to kick off operations this July

“Amidst market headwinds, our established businesses remain focused on enhancing profitability,” ABFRL highlighted in its earnings statement.

Segment-wise Revenue Breakdown

Revenue from the ‘Madura Fashion & Lifestyle’ segment reached INR 1,861.75 crore, while Pantaloons’ revenue stood at INR 895.03 crore. The Ethnic and Others business recorded revenue of INR 712.43 crore, buoyed by increased same-store sales, network expansion, and category extensions.

The Reebok segment experienced a 29 percent growth this quarter, achieving profitable revenue surpassing INR 450 crore within its inaugural year under the Company’s operation.

Recently, it revealed plans for the demerger of the Madura business into a distinct entity named Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited (ABLBL), which will be listed separately.

Continue Exploring: ABFRL to raise INR 2500 Crore post-demerger of Madura business into Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands

“The strategic demerger of ABFRL is laying the groundwork for the establishment of two distinct growth engines, each with a defined capital allocation strategy and a distinctive approach to value creation. Both entities will concentrate on targeted growth areas that resonate with their business models, aiming to optimize returns for shareholders,” it stated.

In the March quarter, ABFRL’s total income stood at INR 3,494.14 crore.

The Aditya Birla group company “ended the quarter with a net debt of INR 2,862 crore, consistent with the guidance provided at the beginning of the year.”

For the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2024, ABFRL reported a net loss of INR 735.91 crore, compared to INR 59.47 crore in the preceding year. Its revenue from operations in FY24 amounted to INR 13,995.86 crore.

Retail Network and Brand Portfolio

As of March 2024, ABFRL boasts a network comprising 4,664 stores, spanning approximately 37,205 multi-brand outlets, with 9,563 points of sale in department stores throughout India.

It features a portfolio of brands including Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Peter England. Additionally, it manages the fashion retail store Pantaloons.

In addition to its own brands, it also retails international brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hackett London, Ted Baker, Fred Perry, Forever 21, American Eagle, Reebok, Simon Carter, and Galeries Lafayette.

On Tuesday, shares of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd concluded at INR 285.65 on the BSE, marking a decrease of 0.19 percent.

Continue Exploring: ABFRL to spin off Madura Fashion & Lifestyle into independent listed company

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Pricier kitchen staples squeeze home budgets: Pulses, wheat, and sugar costs on the rise

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dal
(Representative Image)

Throughout May, the costs of kitchen staples such as pulses, wheat, and sugar have experienced a steady increase. This surge can be attributed to the shortfall in domestic production caused by the deficient monsoon of 2023. Additionally, the limited availability of chana, urad, and tur in the international markets has resulted in sluggish and costly imports. Furthermore, the prices of sugar and wheat have remained high due to the diminishing buffer stock, raising concerns about stability.

Tur Dal and Chana Dal Prices

For several months now, tur dal has maintained its retail price at around INR 200/kg. Recently, chana dal has followed suit, surpassing the INR 100/kg mark in retail trade. This increase comes as the ex-mill prices for chana dal have reached INR 93/kg in Indore and INR 86/kg in Akola, two significant processing hubs for chana dal in the country.

In the local market, the prices of raw chana have risen for the third consecutive week, as indicated by data gathered by the Indian Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA). Within a week, they surged by approximately 5%, and within a month, they soared by over 10%.

Continue Exploring: Rising Yellow Peas imports from Russia and Canada stabilize Chana and Tur prices in India

“Chana dal prices have been on the rise due to the expectation of lower production and farmers and traders holding back stocks, anticipating further price increases,” explained a trader from Maharashtra, who chose to remain anonymous.

After India waived the import duty on chana on May 7, 58,000 tonnes of chana were imported from Australia in March through the diversion of the commodity in transit. According to trade estimates, consumers are unlikely to see a significant decrease in high chana prices, as availability in the international market remains low, while demand for chana flour (besan) rises during the monsoon season.

Sugar Price Fluctuations

Over the past month, ex-mill sugar prices in Maharashtra have surged by INR 100/quintal, reaching approximately INR 3600/quintal, propelled by robust demand. “The demand for sugar remained robust owing to the severe heat wave conditions across the country,” stated Abhijit Ghorpade, a sugar broker based in Maharashtra.

Sugar prices are anticipated to remain strong in the upcoming months.

In the last 15-20 days, wheat prices have escalated by 4-5%. This surge has prompted the processing industry to call for wheat imports to mitigate potential shortages during the lean period following Diwali.

Continue Exploring: Chana Dal goes affordable with the launch of government’s ‘Bharat Dal’ brand

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Radisson Hotel Group makes debut in Bihar, operations set to begin in Q4 2027

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Radisson Hotel Patna

Radisson Hotel Group has inked a deal for its inaugural establishment in Bihar—Radisson Hotel Patna—joining forces with Naturals Dairy Private Limited. Anticipated to commence operations by the fourth quarter of 2027, the hotel marks a significant milestone for the region.

Situated in Patna’s Patliputra area, the hotel enjoys convenient proximity to Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport and the Patna Railway Station.

Continue Exploring: Radisson Hotel Group to rapidly expand presence in India, targeting a new hotel every 20 days

“We’re thrilled to mark yet another milestone in our expansion journey into tier 2 and 3 regions of the country. The signing of our inaugural hotel in Bihar, Radisson Hotel Patna, underscores the Group’s commitment to providing top-notch accommodations nationwide, while also spotlighting lesser-explored destinations for travelers. Stepping into this market, we’re eager to elevate hospitality standards, offering quality accommodations coupled with exceptional service,” stated Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Accommodation Offerings: From Standard Rooms to Luxurious Suites

The hotel will boast 120 rooms, offering a variety from standard accommodations to luxurious suites. Its amenities will include two ballrooms, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. Additionally, guests can indulge in multiple dining options during their stay.

“We’re excited to work with Radisson Hotel Group to build and operate Patna’s first internationally branded hotel. We want to reinvent hospitality norms in the industry by using the Group’s global hospitality benchmarks and our local expertise’, said Hemant Das, Co-founder and CEO of Naturals Dairy Private Limited.

Continue Exploring: Hotel giants bet big on India: Radisson, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Wyndham compete in intense race for expansion

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Reliance Industries set to disrupt quick commerce market with JioMart’s entry, challenging Blinkit, Zepto, and others

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JioMart
JioMart

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, known for its disruptive presence in the consumer space with cut-throat marketing strategies, is now gearing up to enter India’s quick commerce space, taking on the likes of Blinkit, BigBasket, Instamart, and Zepto.

According to sources cited by TOI, JioMart, a venture by Reliance, aims to provide grocery delivery services in a minimum of 7-8 cities initially, with plans to expand its coverage to over 1,000 cities in the future.

Previously, the company provided 90-minute delivery services through JioMart Express, but it was discontinued approximately a year ago. Initially launched in Navi Mumbai, the Mumbai-based conglomerate had ambitions to extend this service to around 200 cities.

Now, JioMart aims to cater to customers within a 30-minute timeframe. However, competitors like Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto excel in providing rapid deliveries of groceries and a range of non-grocery items within just 10-15 minutes.

Competition in the Quick Commerce Sector

Currently, Blinkit holds a leading position in the quick commerce sector, boasting a market share of around 40-45 percent.

Continue Exploring: Zepto gains ground in quick-commerce market as Instamart slips

Reliance’s move aligns with Walmart’s Flipkart also gearing up to venture into the quick commerce sector, a concept increasingly favored, particularly among millennial and Gen Z households.

Continue Exploring: Quick commerce sector soars as Millennial and Gen Z homes drive growth

In contrast to its competitors, JioMart will leverage Reliance Retail’s vast network of stores and fulfillment centers instead of adopting a dark store model for its quick commerce operations.

At present, JioMart offers customers the option to select scheduled delivery slots or opt for next-day delivery.

“Going forward, JioMart aims to extend its quick commerce offerings to encompass non-grocery items as well,” stated sources, highlighting the potential to leverage Reliance Retail’s expansive network of over 18,000 stores spanning diverse categories and formats. “JioMart remains committed to establishing a hyper-local omni-channel presence, serving customers through thousands of conveniently located stores across the country,” reported TOI, quoting a source.

Continue Exploring: Quick commerce platforms Blinkit and Zepto expand into e-commerce, targeting fashion, beauty, electronics, and more

Reliance’s foray into quick commerce will intensify competition within the sector, presenting existing players with the formidable task of contending against the company’s extensive nationwide presence and considerable financial resources.

Goldman Sachs estimates the online grocery market’s gross order value to be approximately $11 billion as of FY24. Within this figure, quick commerce already accounts for approximately half, equating to $5 billion in gross order value. Analysts further speculate that the rise of immediate deliveries could be affecting the portion of purchases made from local kirana stores.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart challenges Zepto and Blinkit with quick commerce expansion

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Zomato mulls revival of lending business, enters talks with NBFCs for merchant lending

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Zomato
Zomato

Zomato, a major player in the foodtech industry, has reportedly initiated discussions with various non-banking financial institutions to offer working capital loans to its partner restaurants. This comes after a pause in its lending services for several years.

As per the terms of the deal, Zomato will serve as a loan service provider, as reported by sources close to the matter cited by Moneycontrol.

In its capacity as a loan service provider (LSP), the company will acquire loans from its partners and distribute the funds to prospective borrowers, levying a fee for its services. According to the report, this suggests that Zomato may also be tasked with collecting payments from end users.

An LSP, as defined by the RBI, serves as an intermediary for a regulated entity (RE), performing various functions on behalf of the lender. These functions encompass customer acquisition, underwriting support, pricing assistance, disbursement, servicing, monitoring, collection, and loan recovery for the RE.

Continue Exploring: Zomato expands beyond food, launches free weather monitoring service with 650 stations

RE pertains to financial institutions such as banks and NBFCs that are subject to the supervision and regulation of the RBI.

This comes days after Zomato voluntarily surrendered its payment aggregator license, which had been granted approval by the RBI back in January of this year.

Continue Exploring: Zomato’s subsidiary ZPPL to surrender RBI license as online payment aggregator

Zomato’s Financial Ventures: NBFC and Payment Aggregator

In 2022, Zomato established its wholly-owned NBFC, Zomato Financial Services. Nevertheless, it is still awaiting the issuance of its NBFC license for the same.

Significantly, in 2021, the food industry leader established its subsidiary, Zomato Payments Private Limited (ZZPL), to operate as a payment aggregator. It partnered with NBFCs such as Neogrowth, InCred, and Indifi for this venture.

As per the aforementioned report, armed with both payment aggregator (PA) and NBFC authorization, the company aimed to oversee the entire financial ecosystem, encompassing lending and payments.

In a parallel move, Zomato appointed Akshay Gautam from its previous lending partner, Indifi Technologies, as Assistant Vice President (AVP) to spearhead the initiative for Zomato.

Last year, Zomato introduced its in-house UPI service for both peer-to-peer and merchant transactions. However, within the same year, reports emerged stating that the company had halted the onboarding of new customers on Zomato UPI.

Swiggy, Zomato’s counterpart, also has a history of venturing into lending, beginning in 2017 with its “Capital Assist” program. This initiative involved partnerships with NBFCs such as Indifi, Incred, FT Cash, PayU, and IIFL.

Continue Exploring: Zomato’s Q4 net profit surges 27% quarter-over-quarter to INR 175 Cr

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India’s top beer companies unite to launch Brewers Association of India

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Beer
Beer

India’s leading beer manufacturers – United Breweries, AB-InBev, and Carlsberg – have jointly announced the formation of the Brewers Association of India (BAI). This industry consortium aims to foster the growth of the beer category in India and drive innovation, moderation, and sustainability in the Indian beer market.

BAI is being established in partnership with the World Brewing Alliance (WBA), a global industry entity that includes brewers and brewing trade groups from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, Nigeria, Japan, Korea, and finally, India. The objective is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among brewers and various stakeholders.

“The brewing industry holds significant potential in bolstering local economies, fostering vibrant communities, and advancing public health outcomes. It’s an opportune moment for brewers to advocate for these causes. The Brewers of India will play a crucial role in championing responsible consumption, advancing our sector, and promoting a product beloved nationwide,” remarked Justin Kissinger, President and CEO of the World Brewing Alliance.

Leadership and Structure of BAI

The new Association is positioned to serve as the unified voice of the Indian beer industry, with AB-InBev, Carlsberg, and United Breweries collectively accounting for around 85% of beer sales in India. Moreover, these companies have made significant investments in India, with Carlsberg operating 7 breweries, United Breweries running 19 breweries, and AB-InBev India managing 10 breweries across the country.

Based in Delhi, BAI will be led by Vinod Giri, who will officially take the helm on June 1, 2024. Giri previously served as the head of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the principal organization representing the Indian alcoholic beverage sector.

Continue Exploring: Beer sales hit all-time high in Karnataka as heatwave sweeps the state

“After more than a decade immersed in both the Indian and international beer industry, this feels like a return home for me,” expressed Giri. “Beer stands as the favored choice of alcohol globally, often surpassing higher strength alternatives in consumption. Governments worldwide are actively steering regulatory policies to encourage consumers towards low-alcohol options like beer,” he elaborated. “BAI presents an excellent opportunity to synchronize India with the global ethos of moderate and responsible drinking, and I’m thrilled to embark on this journey.”

The association aims to consolidate their expertise, resources, and brewing enthusiasm to elevate the overall consumer experience and promote the importance of low-alcohol beverages in fostering moderate drinking habits.

“The establishment of the Brewers Association of India underscores our collective dedication to advancing India’s beer industry,” stated Kartikeya Sharma, President of AB InBev India. “Numerous obstacles hinder the growth of India’s beer sector, including uneven taxation, accessibility challenges, and complexities in conducting business. We remain steadfast in our advocacy efforts to usher in a new era for the beer category. This launch underscores our belief in the Indian beer industry’s potential and our unwavering commitment to fostering its expansion.”

Continue Exploring: Indigenous spirits shine: India’s liquor exports soar, set to break $1 Billion barrier

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Flipkart’s Shopsy enters kids’ segment with summer collection launch

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Shopsy

Just days following the appointment of Prathyusha Agarwal as Shopsy‘s new CEO, Flipkart‘s social commerce arm has unveiled its summer collection for kids, signaling its entry into the children’s segment.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart’s budget-friendly e-commerce platform Shopsy appoints Prathyusha Agarwal as its new head

Through this endeavor, Shopsy will offer a range of clothing for toddlers and children aged between 0 and 12 years, in addition to toys, fashion accessories, and stationery items on its platform.

Shopsy’s popular children’s categories encompass learning toys, kids’ clothing, ethnic wear, soft toys, and school essentials. Moreover, standout items in the collection include combo sets of T-shirts and bottoms, educational toys, and various stationery products.

Expansion Plans and Market Demand

The company intends to broaden its range for children in the upcoming months, citing robust demand for its kids’ collection, particularly from tier II cities like Cuttack, Varanasi, Guwahati, and Muzaffarpur.

Kapil Thirani, Shopsy’s head, remarked, “The rising demand for children’s products across diverse categories in the Indian market positions it as a promising hub for this segment.”

Continue Exploring: Kidswear brand Includ raises $1.5M in seed funding led by Incubate Fund Asia

It’s worth mentioning that Walmart-backed Flipkart, introduced Shopsy in 2021 to compete with rivals like Meesho and Amazon Bazaar in the low average selling price categories, including apparel, small electronics, and kitchenware.

Although Shopsy initially operated as a social commerce platform, where users shared catalogs with potential customers through social platforms and earned commissions on sales, it has now shifted its focus from the reseller model to driving direct purchases from customers.

Its entry into the children’s segment coincides with a wave of startups launching products and services aimed at capitalizing on the rapidly expanding children’s market.

For instance, in January, actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra and fashion consultant Ashmika Sadh entered the children’s segment with the launch of Zip Zap Zoom.

Continue Exploring: Shilpa Shetty dives into kids fashion industry with Zip Zap Zoop, aiming to revolutionize the industry with sustainable practices and diverse offerings

In March, Vobble, a Bengaluru-based platform offering audio content for kids, secured a seed funding of $1 million from investors including Lumikai and Blume Founders Fund.

Last year, Hopscotch, a children’s fashion brand, secured a $20 million funding round led by Amazon.

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Jewellery retailer Bluestone on track to become unicorn in pre-IPO funding round

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BlueStone
BlueStone

Bluestone, an omnichannel jewellery retailer, is in talks to raise around $100 million in a pre-IPO round, likely valuing the company at more than $1 billion. This funding would catapult the startup into the unicorn club, according to a report by ET citing three individuals familiar with the matter.

This new valuation would more than double Bluestone’s previous valuation of around $450 million from September 2023, when the company, which operates both online and offline stores, raised $65 million from investors including Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal and Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath.

Bengaluru-based Bluestone’s pre-IPO round is attracting interest from both new and existing investors, spurred by the Tata Group’s CaratLane deal last year, where Titan bought out founder Mithun Sacheti’s stake.

Bluestone, the second-largest omnichannel jewellery retailer after CaratLane, has informed both public and private market investors in recent weeks that it expects to become profitable by March 2025, according to people briefed on the matter.

“Multiple bids to lead the new round have been received, with some valuations exceeding $1 billion,” said one of the sources. “The specifics will be finalised in the following weeks. The company has been engaging with both public and private market investors recently. The business model is now better understood, and its potential to scale profitably is more widely accepted.”

Continue Exploring: BlueStone to secure $16.5 Million in funding through debt and equity

During this round, there’s a possibility that some early investors might sell a portion of their shares.

Gaurav Singh Kushwaha, founder and CEO of Bluestone, refrained from making any comments.

Competitive Landscape: Giva, Melorra, and Market Dynamics

In addition to Bluestone, Giva, a startup specializing in silver jewellery, secured $35 million in funding last year, with Wipro founder Azim Premji’s family office, Premji Invest, leading the round. Melorra is another venture-backed startup operating in the same sector.

So far this year, only two startups have achieved unicorn status: Perfios and Krutrim AI, founded by Ola’s Bhavish Aggarwal. This matches the total number for the whole of 2023.

Reports indicate that the firm is planning for a INR 2,000 crore IPO this year and has started engaging with merchant bankers for this.

Continue Exploring: Titan’s CaratLane jewellery line to make US debut in FY25

Last year, Singapore’s Temasek was in advanced negotiations to invest in Bluestone, but ultimately withdrew from the deal.

“When they (Bluestone) started in 2011 and the following years, omnichannel wasn’t really recognised by investors. Today, everyone is talking about it and how crucial it is in a market like India. The CaratLane deal has given a valuation (INR 17,000 crore at the time) benchmark as well,” a source familiar with the situation explained. “The round is being seen as a price benchmark for the IPO.”

In the past year, Bluestone has significantly expanded its presence in offline retail, currently operating approximately 200 stores nationwide. The company aims to further expand its footprint to 500-600 stores in the coming years.

“Moreover, there’s ample data indicating that offline stores contribute to building brand credibility, which in turn boosts online sales,” another individual familiar with the dynamics of the online jewellery market explained. “The foot traffic in stores correlates with online orders. Additionally, online search volume assists in pinpointing locations for opening new stores,” stated the founder of a prominent omnichannel brand.

In FY23, Bluestone’s operating revenue surged to INR 788 crore from INR 476 crore the previous year, while its losses decreased to INR 167 crore from INR 1,268 crore. The significant loss in FY22 was attributed to an accounting adjustment. The company witnessed a nearly 90% growth in FY22 following a stagnant performance in FY21.

Continue Exploring: BlueStone achieves remarkable 67% growth in operating revenue for FY23, eyes INR 3,600 Cr valuation in upcoming funding round

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Monkoodog: How one man’s heartbreak is transforming India’s pet care industry

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Manish Paul (Founder & CEO) with Himani Baisla, (Co-Founder & Content Head) at Monkoodog
Manish Paul (Founder & CEO) with Himani Baisla, (Co-Founder & Content Head) at Monkoodog

Manish Paul, a seasoned finance professional with over 16 years in equity derivatives trading, found his true calling through a heart-wrenching personal loss. In 2018, Paul’s beloved French Mastiff bulldog, Juno, passed away due to the unavailability of timely veterinary care. This tragic event was the catalyst for the creation of Monkoodog, a comprehensive pet care platform offering veterinary, dog training, and grooming services. “I lost my dog because of not getting the help on time, so I thought, why not provide veterinary care at the doorstep?” says Paul.

Monkoodog emerged as a beacon for pet parents, initially as a community providing valuable pet care insights through blogs, videos, and social media. The platform quickly evolved, launching in Delhi in 2022 to offer doorstep veterinary services, a first in the region. Paul noted, “After COVID, a lot of things have changed. People now want all services and goods to be delivered right to their door. So, why not veterinary care, then?”

Capitalizing on the success of Monkoodog, over seven months ago, Paul introduced Moe Puppy, a premium grooming product line specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the Indian market. Recognizing a gap where customers either opted for low-quality local products or expensive imports, Moe Puppy offers high-quality, locally-produced grooming products. “We can produce it here in India, so why spend so much on premium overseas quality?” Paul questioned, emphasising the brand’s objective to offer high-quality, reasonably priced grooming products.

Furthermore, they plan to export made-in-India pet grooming products in the near future.

Continue Exploring: Petcare startup Supertails raises $15 Million in funding led by RPSG Capital Ventures for expansion and product scaling

The Potential of India’s Pet Care Market: Growth and Opportunities

The Indian pet care market, though burgeoning, is still in its infancy compared to Western counterparts. Paul notes, “The total pet industry is close to $1 billion, whereas the US market is almost $130 billion. Considering India’s population and the changing trends, we are poised to grow the fastest in the world.” The shift in consumer behavior, with increasing adoptions and awareness about pet health and grooming, underscores this potential.

Despite the market’s fragmentation, Paul remains optimistic about the future. Established brands like Pedigree dominate, but the rise of local and international grooming brands shows significant growth potential. “Even brands like TropiClean and Hydra are making inroads, and there is still so much more that can be achieved in the next 15-20 years,” Paul remarks.

Financial Growth and Expansion Plans for Monkoodog

Monkoodog’s financial journey reflects its growing influence. Launched in 2022, the company achieved a revenue of 36 lakhs in its first year, skyrocketing to 1.5 crores in the following year. For the current financial year, Monkoodog aims for 3.5 to 4 crores, with an equal split between services and grooming products. “We are already seeing excellent growth, with revenues close to 80 lakhs this quarter alone,” shares Paul.

Paul envisions a significant expansion for Monkoodog, both in services and product offerings. With an increasing focus on education and awareness, the company aims to bridge the gap in the Indian pet care market, moving from online to offline channels as it scales. “Our goal for the next 12 to 18 months is to use our website and Amazon. Eventually, we plan to capture the offline market, which is currently 85 to 90% of the market,” explains Paul.

Manish Paul’s journey from grieving pet parent to pioneering entrepreneur illustrates the profound impact of personal loss on professional inspiration. Monkoodog and Moi Puppy stand as testaments to his commitment to improving pet care accessibility and quality in India. As Paul succinctly puts it, “The business will boom in the next one and a half to two months for the pet care services, and we will do really well this quarter and ahead.”

Continue Exploring: Pet care startup Papa Pawsome secures $400K in seed funding led by Indian Angel Network

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