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How to Start an Ice Cream Business in India: Costs, Flavors, FSSAI Rules and Big Brand Playbooks”

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How to Start an Ice Cream Business in India: Costs, Flavors, FSSAI Rules and Big Brand Playbooks”

Few businesses in India capture both nostalgia and aspiration quite like ice cream. From Naturals’ fruit-based scoops to Amul’s affordability and Baskin Robbins’ international flair, the category has evolved into a ₹25,000 crore industry projected to grow at 13–15% annually. With rising disposable incomes, urban café culture, and a surge in demand for artisanal and health-friendly treats, starting an ice cream business in India is not just tempting—it’s timely.

Picking the Right Business Model

The first decision is format. Do you want a small neighborhood scoop shop, a trendy dessert café, a mobile ice cream cart, or a delivery-first kitchen targeting Swiggy and Zomato audiences?

  • Standalone parlors (like Naturals or Havmor) build strong local loyalty but require higher investment.
  • Food trucks and carts are cost-effective entry points for testing flavors and gauging demand.
  • Cloud kitchens are lean and delivery-focused, perfect for metros with high app-based consumption.

Pro tip: Many entrepreneurs start with carts or pop-ups before committing to a full-scale store.

Designing Your Menu and Flavors

Indian consumers love classics like chocolate and vanilla, but innovation drives buzz. Think tender coconut (Naturals’ bestseller), filter coffee (popular in Bengaluru), or sugar-free kulfi for health-conscious millennials. Offering a mix of safe bets and limited-edition experiments keeps customers coming back.

Global players like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams thrive on quirky seasonal menus—an approach Indian startups can localize with regional flavors like paan, gulkand, or rasmalai-inspired scoops.

Operations and Compliance

Behind the scenes, quality and consistency matter as much as taste. Invest in:

  • Commercial equipment: batch freezers, blast chillers, and reliable storage freezers.
  • Sourcing: tie-ups with local dairy farms or fruit vendors improve freshness and sustainability.
  • Licensing: secure an FSSAI license, GST registration, and local health permits before launch.

Don’t overlook hygiene protocols—today’s customers value transparency and safety as much as flavor.

Marketing and Branding

Ice cream is inherently Instagrammable. Build your brand around storytelling—highlight artisanal processes, farm-to-scoop sourcing, or unique flavors. Use short-form videos to showcase behind-the-scenes scooping or seasonal launches.

Offline, offer free sampling at malls or college festivals to attract young customers. Loyalty cards and “buy five, get one free” campaigns remain surprisingly effective in India’s price-sensitive market.

Cost and Profitability

Starting costs vary widely. A small cart setup may need ₹3–5 lakh, while a branded parlor with seating can cross ₹20–30 lakh. Margins, however, are strong—often 60–70%—given the relatively low cost of raw ingredients. With smart location choices and efficient operations, many ice cream businesses break even in 12–18 months.

The Sweet Bottom Line

An ice cream business in India isn’t just about selling desserts—it’s about curating moments of indulgence in a culture that celebrates food. Whether you dream of a quirky artisanal brand, a delivery-first model, or scaling into the next Naturals, the market is large and growing.

If you have the creativity to experiment and the discipline to manage operations, this could be one of the most rewarding ventures to scoop into. Because in India, one truth remains timeless: people will always step out for ice cream.

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Baba Ramdev Slams Donald Trump’s 50% Tariff on Indian Goods, Calls for Nationwide Boycott of Pepsi, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s & More

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Baba Ramdev Slams Donald Trump’s 50% Tariff on Indian Goods, Calls for Nationwide Boycott of Pepsi, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s & More

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has come out strongly against US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods, calling it an act of intimidation and abuse of power. In his conversation with ANI, Ramdev didn’t mince words, describing the move as “bullying” and a “dictatorial step,” and urged people across India to respond with a nationwide boycott of American brands.

He went as far as naming companies like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, KFC, and Subway, insisting that not a single Indian should be seen supporting them. According to him, if Indians collectively stop purchasing from these global giants, the economic impact in the United States would be so intense that Washington would be forced to roll back its decision. “This blunder of targeting India will backfire,” Ramdev warned, predicting that it could create widespread disruption in the American market and push inflation there to unbearable levels.

Ramdev appealed to citizens to take a firm stand against what he called an unfair 50 percent tariff hike, saying the most effective way to send a message is by rejecting American products altogether.

The controversy stems from Trump’s order to levy additional duties on Indian imports, which officially came into effect on Wednesday, August 27. The White House has justified the move by pointing to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and military equipment, arguing that such trade indirectly helps Moscow sustain its war against Ukraine. The Department of Homeland Security, in a notification, stated that the tariffs apply to all Indian goods cleared for consumption after 12:01 am EDT on August 27. The action is linked to Executive Order 14329, signed on August 6, 2025, under the title “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation.”

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BhaoBhao Secures $200K to Take Premium Pet Grooming Beyond Mumbai, Eyes Slice of India’s $3.5B Market

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BhaoBhao Secures $200K to Take Premium Pet Grooming Beyond Mumbai, Eyes Slice of India’s $3.5B Market

Mumbai-based startup BhaoBhao has secured $200,000 in funding from a group of angel investors as it looks to scale its pet grooming business to new cities. The company, founded by entrepreneurs Aditi Sanganeria and Anshika Maheshwari, offers in-home grooming services for dogs and cats, carried out by trained professionals.

The model is designed around convenience and hygiene, with staff using sanitized tools and ensuring homes are left spotless after every session. Services are priced in the range of ₹1,500 to ₹2,000, placing the brand in a premium but accessible category for urban households.

Since its launch, BhaoBhao has catered to over 3,000 pet owners in Mumbai and claims a repeat booking rate of nearly 95 percent, a key indicator of customer satisfaction in a largely unorganized market. The company now plans to expand its reach beyond Mumbai, with the fresh funding allocated to hiring, training, and strengthening logistics.

The startup is also preparing for a larger $4–5 million fundraise by the end of this year. That round is expected to accelerate expansion across multiple Indian metros and support the development of value-added services within pet care.

India’s pet care market, currently valued at $3.5 billion, has been witnessing double-digit growth on the back of rising pet ownership, especially in urban areas. Industry reports suggest grooming, boarding, and healthcare are among the fastest-growing segments. BhaoBhao’s founders believe the combination of professional services delivered at home and growing spending on pets gives them a strong opportunity to build a national brand.

The investment marks another bet by early backers on India’s emerging pet care economy, which is expected to grow steadily in the coming years as pets become a larger part of family lifestyles.

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Jewellery Startup Nuyug Bags ₹2.5 Crore Pre-Seed Round Led by Aviral Bhatnagar’s AJVC, Eyes Celebration Wear Market Worth $80 Billion

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Jewellery Startup Nuyug Bags ₹2.5 Crore Pre-Seed Round Led by Aviral Bhatnagar’s AJVC, Eyes Celebration Wear Market Worth $80 Billion

Jewellery startup Nuyug has raised ₹2.5 crore in a pre-seed round led by venture capital firm AJVC, with participation from strategic angel investors. The brand, founded in August 2024 by Ankur Dua and Manali Thareja, is positioning itself in India’s mass-premium jewellery segment, a space that sits between imitation and fine jewellery.

The company said the fresh capital will be deployed to expand sales channels, invest in design-led innovation, and broaden its product portfolio aimed at weddings, festivals, and social gatherings.

In less than a year since launch, Nuyug claims to have achieved an annual revenue run rate of ₹1 crore within eight months. Its catalogue has already crossed 400 designs, with pieces designed to reflect India’s diverse cultural and regional aesthetics. Unlike conventional imitation jewellery, Nuyug’s collections emphasise skin-safe, non-fading gold tones that appeal to consumers seeking both affordability and durability.

“The category has long suffered from poor quality and a broken supply chain. We want Nuyug to be the brand that today’s Indian woman can trust for stylish, safe and celebration-ready jewellery,” said co-founder Ankur Dua.

The brand operates through its direct-to-consumer platform and is also present on major online marketplaces such as Myntra, Nykaa Fashion and Amazon, giving it access to digitally savvy shoppers across metros and Tier-2 cities.

Lead investor AJVC, founded by Aviral Bhatnagar, has been actively backing early-stage ventures with scalable growth models. Its portfolio includes Mithila Foods, an FMCG company rooted in Bihar-origin products.

India’s jewellery market is estimated at over $80 billion, dominated by legacy players and traditional supply chains. Startups like Nuyug are now betting on design innovation and digital-first distribution to win younger consumers who see jewellery as both fashion and investment.

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Nykaa Enters Ulta Beauty-Owned Space NK in the UK; Falguni Nayar’s Firm Posts ₹24 Crore Q1 Profit, Plans Middle East, US Expansion

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Nykaa Enters Ulta Beauty-Owned Space NK in the UK; Falguni Nayar’s Firm Posts ₹24 Crore Q1 Profit, Plans Middle East, US Expansion

India’s largest beauty retailer FSN E-Commerce Ventures, better known as Nykaa, has entered the global stage with the launch of Kay Beauty in the United Kingdom. The brand, co-created with actor Katrina Kaif, made its debut on Thursday across 13 outlets of Space NK, the Ulta Beauty-owned retail chain, and on its online store.

Adwaita Nayar, co-founder and executive director of FSN, confirmed in an interview that the company is studying opportunities in the United States, Middle East and Asia as part of its international rollout. The move places Nykaa in direct competition with global giants L’Oréal SA and Estée Lauder Cos Inc. in one of the most competitive cosmetics markets. Kay Beauty’s portfolio in the UK will blend everyday-use products designed for a wide range of skin tones with niche offerings such as kohl, a staple for South Asian consumers.

The expansion builds on Nykaa’s earlier steps abroad. Last year, it opened its first store in Dubai in partnership with UAE-based Apparel Group, followed by subsidiaries in Qatar and Oman. Founder and CEO Falguni Nayar had earlier underlined that international expansion is central to the company’s strategy.

At home, Nykaa has continued to report strong growth. In the June quarter, the company posted a consolidated net profit of ₹24 crore, a 79 percent increase from the ₹14 crore recorded a year earlier. Revenue from operations rose 23 percent year-on-year to ₹2,155 crore. Shares of FSN are up nearly 40 percent in 2025, compared to a 4 percent gain in the benchmark Nifty 50 index.

The domestic beauty and personal care sector is forecast to reach 34 billion dollars by 2028, up from 21 billion dollars in 2023, according to a Redseer Strategy Consultants report. FSN has set a target to nearly triple gross merchandise value of its in-house brands to ₹60 billion by March 2030 from ₹21 billion in FY24.

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Hexafun Bags ₹4.5 Crore from Prajay Advisors, capitalCORN Steers Deal as Brand Plots Retail Expansion

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Hexafun Bags ₹4.5 Crore from Prajay Advisors, capitalCORN Steers Deal as Brand Plots Retail Expansion

Lifestyle accessories brand Hexafun has raised ₹4.5 crore in seed funding from Prajay Advisors, with investment banking firm capitalCORN advising on the transaction. The company plans to channel the fresh capital into widening its retail presence, intensifying marketing, and launching new product categories as it positions itself for growth in India’s fast-expanding lifestyle segment.

Founded by Harshit Singhal, Hexafun has built its identity around affordable yet design-forward lifestyle accessories. The brand said the funds would help accelerate its offline retail expansion, alongside bolstering digital reach and product innovation. While the company did not disclose exact store counts or rollout timelines, it indicated that entering new retail markets and experimenting with trend-driven collections are key priorities.

“capitalCORN’s support was crucial in structuring this deal and connecting us with the right investors. Their expertise ensured a smooth and efficient process for our seed round,” said Singhal. He added that the partnership with Prajay Advisors strengthens Hexafun’s roadmap to scale into a national lifestyle brand.

The lifestyle accessories market in India has seen strong traction, driven by urban millennials and Gen Z consumers seeking expressive, functional products at accessible prices. Industry analysts estimate the segment will grow at a double-digit CAGR over the next five years, presenting opportunities for homegrown brands like Hexafun to carve a niche.

For Prajay Advisors, the investment aligns with its focus on backing consumer brands that tap into evolving lifestyle trends. With capital in hand and investor backing, Hexafun now faces the challenge of balancing rapid expansion with sustained consumer engagement, a balancing act that could define its trajectory in a crowded but promising space.

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ATHLETIFREAK Flexes in India: Mira & Shahid Kapoor Join Mo and Noor Wadhwani to Launch 200-SKU Delhi Store, Expand to 550 in 3 Months

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ATHLETIFREAK Flexes in India: Mira & Shahid Kapoor Join Mo and Noor Wadhwani to Launch 200-SKU Delhi Store, Expand to 550 in 3 Months

US-born luxury activewear label ATHLETIFREAK has made its Asia debut with the opening of its first Indian store at Nexus Select CityWalk, Saket. Founded in 2021 by siblings Mo and Noor Wadhwani, the brand is betting on India’s fast-rising appetite for premium athleisure.

The launch comes with a star-powered push as Mira and Shahid Kapoor have joined not just as brand ambassadors but also as strategic investors. “India is an extremely strategic market for us. The consumer here is fitness-driven and uncompromising on quality or style,” said Mo Wadhwani.

The Delhi store spans 1,200 sq. ft. and debuts with 200 products across fitness gear, leisure wear and hybrid lifestyle apparel. Within three months, the collection will expand to 550 stock keeping units, mirroring the US assortment but tailored with adjustments in fabrication, sizing and design for Indian consumers.

Mira Kapoor described their involvement as a partnership beyond fashion. “Shahid and I are equal partners, both as investors and ambassadors. The idea is to grow a brand that builds a community prioritising health and movement,” she said, adding that marketing will be rooted in community engagement and spread across offline and digital channels.

Globally, ATHLETIFREAK operates five stores in the US and maintains a partnership with Ironman that showcases the brand at international races. The company plans to expand to 12 US stores by 2026. India, however, is expected to become its largest market outside the US, contributing nearly half of global revenues within the next two years. Cities next in line include Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

For Mira, ATHLETIFREAK joins her growing portfolio of ventures, alongside Akind and Dhun Wellness, both of which are preparing aggressive scale-ups in the domestic market.

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Inside the Ice Cream Boom: How Entrepreneurs Can Build the Next Naturals or Jeni’s”

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Inside the Ice Cream Boom: How Entrepreneurs Can Build the Next Naturals or Jeni’s”

There’s something universally irresistible about ice cream. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and recession-resistant—making it one of the sweetest small business opportunities to explore. In fact, the global ice cream market is projected to hit $114 billion by 2030, fueled by rising demand for artisanal, premium, and health-conscious frozen treats. For entrepreneurs with a creative streak and a passion for desserts, starting an ice cream business can be both profitable and rewarding.

Choosing the Right Business Model

The first step is deciding how you want to serve your ice cream dream. Will it be a brick-and-mortar parlor, a food truck, or a delivery-first cloud kitchen? Each comes with unique advantages. A food truck offers flexibility and lower overheads, while a classic scoop shop builds stronger community presence. Cloud kitchens, on the other hand, are increasingly popular for targeting urban consumers through delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato.

Pro tip: Start small with a cart or truck to test recipes and consumer response before scaling to a full store.

Crafting Your Product Strategy

The days of plain vanilla are long gone. Today’s customers seek experiences: think vegan gelatos, boozy flavors, or nitrogen-frozen creations. Successful brands like Naturals in India built their following on fruit-based ice creams, while global chains like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams thrive by offering quirky, limited-edition flavors.

Balancing innovation with bestsellers is key. Your menu should have both experimental options (for Instagram buzz) and classics (for repeat sales).

Setting Up Operations

Behind the counter, your operations will make or break the business. This includes sourcing high-quality ingredients, investing in reliable freezers and batch machines, and ensuring consistent hygiene standards. Partnering with local farmers or suppliers for milk and fruits not only enhances flavor but also builds a sustainable brand story.

Licenses such as FSSAI (in India) or FDA approvals (in the US) are non-negotiable. Factor in food safety certifications early on to avoid costly delays.

Marketing Your Brand

An ice cream business is inherently social media-friendly. Use Instagram reels to showcase behind-the-scenes scooping, run seasonal campaigns (like mango specials in summer), and collaborate with local influencers. Offline, hosting free tasting events or partnering with cafés can create immediate buzz.

Loyalty programs—like a free scoop after five purchases—work wonders in retaining customers.

Financial Planning

While margins in ice cream are attractive (often 60–70%), initial costs can be significant. Expect to spend anywhere between ₹10–30 lakh in India (or $50,000–$150,000 in the US) depending on your setup. Break-even typically occurs within 12–18 months if you control wastage and maintain steady footfall.

The Scoop on Success

Starting an ice cream business isn’t just about selling desserts—it’s about creating moments of joy. From curating unique flavors to designing Instagrammable tubs, every detail counts. If you’re willing to experiment, adapt, and market with flair, this could be your gateway to a rewarding entrepreneurial journey.

So, whether you’re dreaming of a neighborhood parlor or the next big artisanal brand, now might be the perfect time to turn that sweet vision into reality. After all, the world will never tire of ice cream.

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The Gift Studio Taps Designer Collabs and ₹16,000 Hampers to Power Growth from ₹80 Crore to ₹300 Crore

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The Gift Studio Taps Designer Collabs and ₹16,000 Hampers to Power Growth from ₹80 Crore to ₹300 Crore

Curated gifting brand The Gift Studio, founded by Shivika Goenka, is eyeing a sharp scale-up as it targets ₹100 crore in revenue this fiscal year and projects a threefold jump to ₹300 crore within the next three years. The company closed last year at ₹80 crore and is currently operating at near-neutral EBITDA, with profitability peaking during festive seasons that drive the bulk of its B2B and B2C demand.

The brand has built a portfolio of over 140 curated hampers and 200-plus proprietary SKUs stocked across its offline stores. Its festive catalogue, refreshed multiple times a year, includes gourmet foods, flowers, fragrances, home décor and accessories. Recently, The Gift Studio launched a private-label homeware line featuring mugs, coasters and limited-edition collaborations with designers Anamika Khanna, Bose Krishnamachari and Paresh Maity. The move is part of its push beyond food into lifestyle and wellness, with new offerings such as premium barware, celebration kits and even iconic products like the Saregama Carvaan.

Currently present across 60 shop-in-shops inside Nature’s Basket and Spencer’s outlets, the company is now preparing to launch three exclusive stores. The first will open in Kolkata, followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru. Each outlet, around 1,500 sq. ft., will be designed as an experiential space to allow customers to interact with the products and brand culture.

Digital channels, which contribute 8 per cent of revenue today, are projected to account for as much as 50–60 per cent going forward. The brand is live on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Blinkit and Nature’s Basket’s online platform, with Swiggy Instamart and Zepto to follow. Products are priced between ₹300 and ₹16,000, positioning The Gift Studio as a premium one-stop shop for both everyday gifting and festival-led purchases.

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Anmasa Secures $1.1 Million from Blume, Snow Leopard and Others; Targets Branded Staples in India’s $80 Billion D2C Wave

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Anmasa Secures $1.1 Million from Blume, Snow Leopard and Others; Targets Branded Staples in India’s $80 Billion D2C Wave

Gurugram-based grocery startup Anmasa has raised $1.1 million in a pre-seed round backed by Snow Leopard Technology Ventures, Veltis Capital, Blume Ventures, and Indigram Lab, along with a clutch of angel investors. The capital will help the young brand, founded last year, deepen its hold in the branded staples segment and expand across Delhi-NCR.

Anmasa was co-founded in 2024 by Yatish Talvadia, best known as the founder of Milkbasket, and Shailendra Upadhyay of Veggie India. The company positions itself in the growing market for high-quality staples with a portfolio spanning cold-pressed flours, wood-pressed oils, spices, and dry fruits. Its model blends physical and digital touchpoints: a flagship experiential store in Gurugram sits at the center of operations, complemented by 90-minute home delivery through its online channel.

With the fresh infusion, Anmasa plans to open 10 more stores and micro-processing centers across the region before the current quarter ends. Talvadia said the brand’s distribution strategy is built around trust, with in-store discovery often leading to repeat online orders. “Transparency in food is our core proposition, and physical stores are key to building that trust,” he noted.

The funding underscores the larger momentum in India’s direct-to-consumer sector, which now counts over 800 brands and was valued at more than $80 billion in 2024, according to Statista. Within that, grocery remains among the top three categories, alongside fashion and beauty.

The branded staples market alone is estimated at ₹80,000 crore, historically dominated by heavyweights like ITC’s Aashirvaad, AWL Agri Business’ Fortune, and General Mills’ Pillsbury. Anmasa, alongside other new entrants such as Emami, is betting that consumers are ready to shift from unorganized local players to trusted, branded staples.

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