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Kumar Mangalam Birla Bets Big on ₹4,000 GDP India, Splits Fashion Empire Into Two Engines With 250 Stores in Pipeline

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Aditya Birla Group is sharpening its play in India’s fast-evolving fashion business, splitting its retail operations into two listed entities to capture a wider slice of the market. Addressing shareholders of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL), Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said the group now operates with “dual growth engines” after completing the demerger of Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Ltd (ABLBL), which was listed in June.

India’s per capita GDP is projected to climb from 2,500 dollars to more than 4,000 dollars in the next five years, Birla noted, adding that this surge in aspirational consumption would accelerate the shift from unorganised to organised retail. That, he said, will create new demand across fashion categories and push the creation of brands at scale.

ABLBL, which houses labels such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Peter England, Reebok and American Eagle, has outlined a target of consistent double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth over the next five years. Over 250 new stores are planned for FY26, with a mix of franchise-led and company-owned outlets.

ABFRL will focus on Pantaloons, its mass retail brand, alongside ethnic labels like Sabyasachi, Shantnu & Nikhil, Masaba, Tarun Tahiliani, Jaypore, Tasva and TCNS. In the short term, Pantaloons will prioritise profitability, with an EBITDA margin improvement of 300 basis points targeted over the next five years. The chain plans to add 20–25 stores annually, each expected to turn profitable within a year.

To strengthen its balance sheet, ABFRL has raised 490 million dollars through a mix of QIP and preferential issue. Birla said the focus will now be on organic growth, profitability and building presence across all major consumption themes shaping India’s fashion future.

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La Chérie Expands Beyond Pune, Bets on Mumbai with Japanese Cheesecake Priced at ₹299–₹899 as Artisanal Dessert Sales Surge 20%

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La Chérie Expands Beyond Pune, Bets on Mumbai with Japanese Cheesecake Priced at ₹299–₹899 as Artisanal Dessert Sales Surge 20%

Mumbai has a new addition to its dessert culture with the arrival of La Chérie, the brand best known for its “Dancing Cloud” Japanese cheesecake. The Pune-based patisserie has chosen Mumbai as its next market after building a steady following for its light-as-air cheesecake, which has become a conversation starter among dessert enthusiasts.

Japanese cheesecakes, made with eggs and baked in a souffle style, have seen rising demand in India over the past two years, reflecting the broader influence of Japanese dining trends such as matcha cafés and omakase restaurants. La Chérie is betting on that wave, positioning its cheesecake as a premium yet everyday indulgence. Unlike traditional dense cheesecakes, the “Dancing Cloud” is delicate, low on sugar, and free from gelatin, artificial stabilizers, and compound chocolate. The focus, according to the founders, is on technique, freshness, and purity of ingredients.

The brand has rolled out different formats for the Mumbai market: the Mini Dancing Cloud at Rs 299, a chocolate version at Rs 359, and the larger whole cheesecake priced at Rs 899. Orders are being fulfilled both through cloud kitchens and delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, with initial demand reportedly outpacing forecasts.

India’s dessert industry, valued at over Rs 12,000 crore, is rapidly shifting towards artisanal and small-batch products as younger consumers look for quality over quantity. With more than 20 percent of the premium dessert segment now driven by international formats, La Chérie’s expansion comes at a time when the market is ripe for differentiation.

For Mumbai’s food lovers, the arrival of La Chérie is less about novelty and more about redefining indulgence with a dessert that is subtle, refined, and designed for repeat cravings.

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Montreal’s Ssense Seeks Bankruptcy Protection as U.S. Sales Drop 28% and Tariffs Bite Into $800 Loophole

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Montreal’s Ssense Seeks Bankruptcy Protection as U.S. Sales Drop 28% and Tariffs Bite Into $800 Loophole

Montreal-based luxury e-commerce platform Ssense has filed for protection under Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act after its largest lender moved to force a sale, escalating the financial strain on one of the most prominent players in online fashion retail.

Founded in 2003 by brothers Rami, Bassel and Firas Atallah, Ssense grew into a global name by curating high-fashion labels such as Maison Margiela, Acne Studios and Jacquemus, often at discounted prices. But mounting pressures have left the company vulnerable. A spokesperson confirmed the retailer is now seeking court protection to retain control of its assets and operations, calling the lender’s decision to trigger a sale process “deeply disappointing.”

The collapse of the “de minimis” import loophole has added to the turmoil. Until this month, shipments under $800 into the U.S. were exempt from tariffs. With the exemption gone, Canadian retailers face duties as high as 35 percent, a cost increase that threatens Ssense’s ability to stay competitive in its most important market.

The filing comes at a moment of broader instability across luxury e-commerce. MatchesFashion shut operations in 2024, LuisaViaRoma declared bankruptcy earlier this month, and Farfetch only survived after being acquired by Coupang. In the United States, Saks is still working to repair damaged supplier relationships after missed payments.

Ssense’s troubles were visible before tariffs tightened. U.S. sales plunged 28 percent in 2024, reversing a four-year boom between 2019 and 2023 when the company had tripled revenue, according to data from Business of Fashion.

The company has outlined plans to restore vendor trust, rebuild U.S. demand and stabilize cash flow. “Our mission to discover and champion emerging creative talent is unchanged,” its spokesperson said, adding that the restructuring process would provide “time and stability to emerge stronger.”

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Pernod Ricard Sells Imperial Blue for ₹4,150 Crore, Warns Maharashtra’s 50% Excise Duty Could Hit Q1 Sales

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Pernod Ricard Sells Imperial Blue for ₹4,150 Crore, Warns Maharashtra’s 50% Excise Duty Could Hit Q1 Sales

Pernod Ricard is betting on India’s long-term promise even as higher taxes in Maharashtra threaten to dent near-term sales. The French spirits major, maker of Chivas Regal and Absolut, expects its recent sale of Imperial Blue whisky to deliver immediate margin and growth benefits in the country, its second-largest market worldwide.

Global chief executive Alexandre Ricard told analysts on Friday that while consumer appetite for premium liquor in India remains robust, Maharashtra’s June decision to raise excise duties on Indian-made foreign liquor by 50 percent will weigh on sales this year, particularly in the first quarter. “The underlying demand is still very strong, and premiumisation trends are dynamic. But the excise policy changes will significantly impact volumes in one of our top states,” Ricard said.

India contributed 13 percent of Pernod Ricard’s global sales in the year ended June, growing 6 percent overall. Stripping out Imperial Blue, revenues rose 8 percent. The group offloaded Imperial Blue, its second-largest whisky in India, to Tilaknagar Industries in July for ₹4,150 crore in cash as part of a global restructuring plan.

Chief financial officer Helene de Tissot added that India remains a “must-win market” for the company, with expectations of renewed momentum by fiscal 2026. Pernod will continue to rely on premium brands such as Royal Stag and Glenlivet to drive growth as pricing pressure plays out in Maharashtra.

The state’s duty hike has sharply raised retail prices of spirits, although beer and wine were left untouched. Rival Diageo recently noted that alcohol consumption in Maharashtra still recorded double-digit growth despite higher duties, but warned that consumer spending needs to rise 30–35 percent to offset the increase.

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PepsiCo Pumps $585M into Celsius, Hands Over Rockstar in US and Canada, Bets Big on 3-Brand Energy Play

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PepsiCo Pumps $585M into Celsius, Hands Over Rockstar in US and Canada, Bets Big on 3-Brand Energy Play

PepsiCo is tightening its grip on the fast-growing energy drinks market with a fresh $585 million investment in Celsius Holdings, lifting its stake in the company to 11 percent. The deal, announced Friday, also reshapes the energy portfolio in North America, with Celsius set to acquire PepsiCo’s Rockstar Energy brand in the United States and Canada.

Celsius will now oversee three distinct labels for PepsiCo in the US: its own Celsius line, the female-focused Alani Nu, and the more traditional Rockstar Energy. PepsiCo, meanwhile, will spearhead distribution for the Celsius portfolio, unlocking deeper retail reach across major chains.

“This positions Celsius as the energy captain within PepsiCo’s system in the US,” said Celsius CEO John Fieldly, noting that Alani Nu’s migration to PepsiCo’s distribution platform will eliminate the need for the 250 independent distributors it currently relies on. The move is expected to cut costs, improve efficiency, and accelerate the brand’s growth among young women. Adding Rockstar, he said, ensures Celsius can address every corner of the energy drink spectrum—from health-conscious consumers to core energy loyalists.

PepsiCo first bought into Celsius in 2022 with a $550 million preferred stock investment, giving it an 8.5 percent stake. The latest deal extends the conversion period of that earlier tranche and grants PepsiCo an additional board nomination. While PepsiCo retains ownership of Rockstar Energy outside North America, the transfer of the brand’s US and Canada operations to Celsius consolidates strategy in the world’s most competitive energy market.

Industry watchers view the move as a potential stepping stone toward a full takeover of Celsius. Fieldly declined to speculate but acknowledged that the structure mirrors other long-term alignments seen in the beverage sector.

With Celsius’ rapid rise, Alani Nu’s niche appeal, and Rockstar’s established presence, PepsiCo appears to be building a three-pronged push to challenge Monster and Red Bull on home turf.

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“How Profitable Is an Ice Cream Parlour in India? Breaking Down Margins, Costs, and Models from Amul to Naturals”

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How Profitable Is an Ice Cream Parlour in India? Breaking Down Margins, Costs, and Models from Amul to Naturals

In a country where food is both culture and celebration, ice cream holds a special place. From Amul’s affordable cones to Naturals’ fruit-forward scoops and Baskin Robbins’ global indulgence, the Indian ice cream industry has evolved into a ₹26,800 crore market, growing at 13–15% annually. For entrepreneurs, the obvious question is: how profitable is running an ice cream parlour in India? The answer lies in margins, location strategy, and smart operations.

The Business Model: Small Shop, Big Margins

Unlike many food ventures, ice cream enjoys naturally high gross margins—often 60–70%. The cost of raw materials (milk, sugar, flavors) is relatively low compared to the selling price of a scoop. A single scoop priced at ₹60–₹100 can be produced for less than half that cost, leaving room for attractive profits.

However, profitability is not uniform. A high-street parlour in a metro may pull 200–300 bills a day, while a Tier-2 city outlet might average 80–100. Footfall, pricing power, and delivery partnerships largely determine real earnings.

Example: Naturals built its ₹400+ crore business by keeping costs low, sourcing seasonal fruits locally, and focusing on repeat neighborhood customers.

Investment and Break-Even

Starting an ice cream parlour typically requires:

  • ₹5–8 lakh for a small kiosk or cart
  • ₹20–30 lakh for a branded parlour with seating

Most businesses aim to break even within 12–18 months, provided location and operations are managed well. Delivery-first kitchens—popular in metros—have even lower setup costs but rely heavily on aggregator commissions.

Tip: Entrepreneurs should keep a working capital buffer for 6 months to handle rent, salaries, and seasonal dips.

Seasonality and Scope

Traditionally, ice cream was seen as a summer indulgence. But with delivery platforms, quick-commerce, and product innovation (winter-friendly sundaes, waffles, hot brownie combos), parlours are now year-round businesses. Demand spikes during festivals, family celebrations, and late-night snacking occasions, making it less seasonal than before.

Franchises from Amul, Baskin Robbins, and Havmor are expanding aggressively in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, highlighting how much headroom exists beyond metros. The scope is significant: India’s per capita ice cream consumption is still a fraction of Western markets, meaning there’s plenty of room for growth.

Challenges to Watch

While the opportunity is attractive, challenges exist:

  • High competition in metros with too many parlours clustered together
  • Aggregator dependence reducing delivery margins
  • Wastage due to improper cold chain management
  • Weather volatility—monsoons can dent walk-in sales

Smart entrepreneurs counter this by diversifying menus (adding shakes, sundaes, coffee), creating loyalty programs, and investing in reliable freezers and backup power.

The Sweet Bottom Line

So, how profitable is the ice cream parlour business in India? With the right mix of location, product innovation, and efficient operations, margins are among the best in the food and beverage sector. The scope is growing, franchising options are plenty, and customer love for ice cream remains timeless.

For anyone looking to enter the food business, an ice cream parlour offers the rare combination of relatively low risk, quick break-even, and a product that never goes out of demand. In short: if you can scoop it smartly, profits will follow.

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House of Beauty Bets Big: Kylie to Add 50 New SKUs, ABH Revenue to Double, Max Factor Taps Tier II & III as Group Eyes 100% Growth in FY26

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House of Beauty Bets Big: Kylie to Add 50 New SKUs, ABH Revenue to Double, Max Factor Taps Tier II & III as Group Eyes 100% Growth in FY26

House of Beauty (HOB), the distributor of Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH), Kylie Cosmetics and Max Factor in India, is preparing for an ambitious run in FY26 with plans to double its business, powered by aggressive offline and online expansion.

The company already operates more than 250 counters across its three international labels and is present on 10 digital marketplaces. ABH currently accounts for over half of HOB’s revenue, but CEO Rahul Shanker believes the balance is shifting. “Kylie is expanding from a smaller base at an exponential pace. Within the next year it should come very close to ABH in scale,” he said.

The strategy is clear: Kylie, once limited to Sephora, has now rolled out on Reliance Retail’s Tira and will soon debut on Nykaa. ABH, which has been the anchor brand, is strengthening through Nykaa offline and quick commerce, while Max Factor is being pushed deeper into tier II and tier III markets via Lifestyle and an affiliate-driven network.

On the product side, Kylie will see more than 50 new stock keeping units (SKUs) by the end of this fiscal, ranging from lip kits to complexion products. ABH is set to expand its blush and lipstick categories in line with global launches, while Max Factor will sharpen its positioning in affordable premium makeup for emerging cities.

HOB is also leaning on geography. North India has emerged as a top 10 region for both Kylie and ABH, while Delhi and Mumbai continue to dominate tier I sales. Beyond metros, Max Factor is expected to be the growth engine.

Marketing spends remain tightly focused on trend-led launches and influencer-driven buzz. Alongside these brands, HOB owns Boddess and The Honest Tree, though expansion is on hold. Shanker confirmed talks are underway to add at least one new international label this year.

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Amazon and Flipkart Unleash Festival War Chest: New FCs in Delhi, Patna, Varanasi, Agartala, 3.7 Lakh Hires to Handle Record Orders

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India’s online retail giants are gearing up for their busiest quarter, expanding warehouses and adding lakhs of temporary workers ahead of the annual festive sale season. Amazon and Flipkart said on Wednesday that they have together created over 3.7 lakh seasonal roles while setting up new fulfilment centres and last-mile hubs to handle the surge in orders expected around Diwali.

Amazon has opened 12 fulfilment centres across cities such as Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Thane, and Visakhapatnam, along with six sortation facilities in locations including Trivandrum, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur. The new capacity adds 8.6 million cubic feet of storage, with several cities like Hubballi and Hooghly receiving Amazon fulfilment centres for the first time. Executives said this expansion is aimed at placing inventory closer to customers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, trimming delivery timelines during peak demand.

Flipkart is following suit with new sites in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Tripura. Its flagship additions include a 2 lakh sq. ft. centre in Varanasi creating 3,600 jobs, a 4.5 lakh sq. ft. facility in Patna servicing 1,000 pincodes with 1,100 jobs, and a 140-acre distribution hub at Manesar expected to employ 10,000 people. The Walmart-owned company also launched its first grocery fulfilment centre in Agartala, capable of shipping 5,000 daily orders, while new warehouses in Guwahati and Singur strengthen its eastern India reach.

Alongside large warehouses, Flipkart has scaled its quick commerce network to nearly 400 micro-fulfilment centres across 19 cities. Its instant delivery service, Flipkart Minutes, has seen order volumes double every 45 days since launch.

Industry trackers say these pre-festive logistics bets highlight how deeply Amazon and Flipkart are investing in speed, scale, and reach to capture India’s e-commerce gold rush this season.

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Himalaya Wellness Revamps Neem Line, Launches Serum; Targets Gen Z in India’s 25–30% Penetrated Facewash Segment

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Himalaya Wellness Revamps Neem Line, Launches Serum; Targets Gen Z in India’s 25–30% Penetrated Facewash Segment

Himalaya Wellness is reworking its skincare playbook around its flagship Neem line, hoping to strengthen relevance among Gen Z consumers while pushing into premium categories and faster delivery formats.

The company, which launched its Neem facewash nearly 25 years ago, says the variant remains its lead contributor, accounting for over 30 percent of its face care portfolio. Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director for Consumer Products, said the reformulated facewash now carries a five-part Neem extract designed to address recurring acne, an issue increasingly common among young urban consumers. The expansion will also see new extensions including scrubs, packs and a Neem serum set to roll out shortly.

India’s facewash penetration is currently just 25 to 30 percent, leaving room for significant headroom. Himalaya holds between 20 and 30 percent share by volume in this category and is targeting a 300 to 400 basis points gain over the next two to three years.

Premiumisation is another priority. Alongside Neem, Himalaya is introducing Turmeric-based facewash for dark spots and Vitamin C formulations aimed at skin brightening, supported by Aloe Vera and men’s skincare ranges. “Urban markets are showing clear signals of consumers trading up, and we will place sharper bets where the opportunity exists,” Krishnamurthy said.

Distribution continues to remain a strength with Neem products available across 95 percent of outlets nationwide. Online, the channel now contributes 12 to 14 percent of sales, with quick commerce emerging as the fastest-growing lever, making up 30 percent of digital revenues. The brand says the format is particularly well-suited for metro consumers willing to spend on premium launches.

By leaning on influencer-driven campaigns, digital-first communication, and a science-backed positioning, Himalaya is betting on Neem’s legacy while chasing a more style-conscious generation of skincare buyers.

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U.S. Tariff Shock: $48B Indian Exports at Risk as Piyush Goyal Pitches Diversification Drive Across 40 Nations

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U.S. Tariff Shock: $48B Indian Exports at Risk as Piyush Goyal Pitches Diversification Drive Across 40 Nations

India is moving quickly to shield its exporters after Washington’s surprise tariff hike that doubled duties on Indian goods to as high as 50 percent this week. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday confirmed that the government is preparing a multi-pronged plan to diversify export markets while simultaneously boosting domestic consumption to cushion industries facing the brunt of the move.

The higher U.S. tariffs, effective August 27, are expected to hit Indian shipments worth over 48 billion dollars. Apparel, textiles, gems and jewellery, shrimp, footwear, animal products, chemicals, and electrical machinery are among the most exposed categories. The U.S. currently accounts for nearly one-fifth of India’s 437.4 billion dollars in merchandise exports, making it New Delhi’s single largest trade partner since 2022.

Officials said India is drawing up targeted outreach programmes in 40 countries ranging from traditional markets like the UK, Japan and South Korea to emerging destinations such as Russia and the UAE. The strategy involves mounting trade delegations, participating in fairs and exhibitions, and hosting buyer-seller meets under a unified “Brand India” banner. Export Promotion Councils have been tasked with conducting market mapping and linking production clusters with demand hotspots abroad.

Together, these 40 markets import more than 590 billion dollars’ worth of textiles and apparel annually, while India’s share remains only 5 to 6 percent. Officials see this as the single biggest opportunity to reposition India as a reliable source of sustainable and innovative textile products.

The commerce ministry will also meet industry leaders across sectors, including chemicals and jewellery, to discuss market diversification plans. Parallelly, work is underway on the Export Promotion Mission announced in the Union Budget for FY26, which is expected to give exporters structured support in navigating global trade turbulence.

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