India’s oilmeal exports hit record high in fiscal year 2023-24

April 17, 2024

India’s oilmeal exports in the fiscal year 2023-24 have reached record high levels in both value and quality terms, as shown by data compiled by the industry body Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA).

During the period from April 2023 to March 2024, the total export of oilmeals surged to 4,885,437 tons valued at INR 15,370 crores, marking a notable increase from 4,336,287 tons valued at INR 11,400 crores in the corresponding period of the previous year. This represents a 13% rise in quantity and a significant 35% increase in value.

This marks the highest export of oilmeals in terms of both quantity and value since 2013-14. Previously, in 2013-14, India exported 43.81 lakh tons of oilmeals valued at INR 11,500 crores.

Soybean meal exports experienced a resurgence during the year, reaching 21.33 lakh tons compared to 10.22 lakh tons during the corresponding period of the previous year. Indian soybean meal proved to be highly competitive in the international market, driving this increase.

Continue Exploring: India’s sunflower oil imports skyrocket by 51% in March, pushing palm oil to lowest levels since 2023

“Nevertheless, starting from mid-April, Indian soybean meal has encountered robust competition from Argentine sources, and exports are anticipated to decelerate in the upcoming months,” stated SEA.

Provisional reports indicate that oilmeal exports for March 2024 amounted to 395,382 tons, marking a decrease of 31% compared to March 2023, when exports reached 575,958 tons.

The export of rapeseed meal for the year amounted to 22.13 lakh tons, slightly lower than the 22.97 lakh tons exported during the corresponding period of the previous year.

SEA suggests that rapeseed processing in India is expected to remain below its potential in the upcoming months due to disparities in crushing. Furthermore, the export sales of rapeseed meal have decelerated due to increasing competition from soybean meal in the international market.

According to SEA’s data, Bangladesh has emerged as the top importer of Indian oilmeals, importing 8.92 lakh tons, comprising 4.34 lakh tons of rapeseed meal, 4.31 lakh tons of soybean meal, and 0.28 lakh tons of De-oiled ricebran. South Korea follows as the second-largest importer, with reported imports of 8.32 lakh tons of oilmeals, including 547,763 tons of rapeseed meal, 226,407 tons of castorseed meal, and 57,899 tons of soybean meal. Thailand ranks third in importing Indian oilmeals, with reported imports of 6.33 lakh tons, predominantly consisting of 6.16 lakh tons of rapeseed meal.

Iran has emerged as the leading importer of soybean meal from India, including shipments via Dubai, importing a record quantity of 8.64 lakh tons during the financial year 2023-24.

Continue Exploring: Retail food inflation eases to 8.52% in March 2024 as prices of pulses and oils decline marginally

Renowned mixologist Yangdup Lama to launch Himalayan-themed bar in Gurugram

SnackTeam

April 17, 2024

Renowned as one of India’s foremost bar specialists and mixologists, Yangdup Lama, the visionary behind acclaimed establishments such as Sidecar and Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy, is set to unveil his third cocktail bar in the Delhi-NCR region come mid-2024. Lama announced that his latest endeavor, located at Cross Point Mall in Gurugram, will warmly welcome patrons by mid-June 2024.

Maintaining an air of mystery around the branding, Lama revealed that although the essence of the upcoming project will retain its identity as a neighborhood cocktail bar akin to his previous ventures, it will distinguish itself through a unique cocktail selection and culinary offerings.

“The essence of the Himalayas will strongly influence the ambiance of the new bar,” disclosed Lama, a native of the Darjeeling hills, as he unveiled the concept of his latest endeavor. He emphasized that akin to his two existing outlets, this establishment will accommodate 60 guests.

Speaking on the formula behind his bars’ recurring appearance on the “Best bars list” and its popularity, Lama stressed the need of “getting things right not just once but every time” and how “consistency is very important.”

Continue Exploring: India’s rising cocktail culture: Niche bars thrive beyond metros, offering unique concepts and flavors

“You need to keep evolving both as a product as well as a brand at the same time,” he continued.

Sidecar, helmed by Lama, has consistently secured its position in both Asia’s Best 50 Bars list and the World’s Best Bars list since 2020. Likewise, Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy has been featured in India’s Best 30 Bars list.

“It’s heartening to witness increased participation from India in recent years,” he remarked regarding the World’s Best Bar list.

Lama noted that not only are Indian bars gaining recognition on the best bars lists, but many Indian bartenders and mixologists are also making waves in the global bar scene, earning well-deserved recognition in recent years. He highlighted the significant presence of Indian bartenders who excel in cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, Hong Kong, and Singapore, further solidifying India’s influence in the international cocktail arena.

“These days, there’s a thriving community of Indian bartenders in the Middle East,” he mentioned.

Lama noted that on the global stage, a significant shift is underway as many Indian F&B talents are transitioning into entrepreneurs, marking the next phase of evolution in the industry.

Continue Exploring: Inflection Point Ventures to spearhead O’ Be Cocktails Pre-Series A fundraiser

Ethnic fashion brand Libas partners with GoKwik to strengthen D2C presence and drive growth

SnackTeam

April 17, 2024

Libas

Libas, an ethnic fashion brand, has teamed up with GoKwik, an ecommerce enabler, to expand its direct-to-consumer presence and stimulate growth.

Libas seeks to utilize its partnership with GoKwik to enrich its direct-to-consumer presence, focusing on optimizing the checkout process for shoppers and enhancing accessibility throughout India.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with GoKwik to elevate our brand in the digital landscape. Leveraging their eCommerce proficiency, we anticipate expanding our online presence and connecting with a broader audience. Our focus on implementing a seamless one-click checkout reflects our commitment to enhancing the shopping journey, fostering higher conversions, and customer contentment. This resonates with our overarching strategy of establishing a robust and adaptable omni-channel presence,” expressed Sidhant Keshwani, Founder and CEO of Libas.

Continue Exploring: Bootstrapped ethnic fashion brand Libas surpasses INR 500 Crore revenue milestone in FY24; eyes 60-70% growth and seeks first round of funding

Through KwikCheckout, GoKwik’s one-click checkout solution, shoppers skip the hassle of logging in every time they shop on a website. Moreover, one in three eCommerce shoppers already frequents GoKwik’s network. Consequently, GoKwik also fills in up to 85% of addresses, cutting down on drop-offs at the address page. With industry-leading payment success rates and strong payment assurance, merchants on KwikCheckout can unleash higher conversion rates and revenue growth.

“Currently, internet channels account for more than 85 percent of their revenue, with their D2C channel accounting for 15% of total sales. With a major boost from their D2C channel, they are all expected to rise by 35% this year. Chirag Taneja, co-founder and CEO of GoKwik, stated, “We were delighted to have established a solid partnership with Libas in their endeavour to enhance their online revenue share through their D2C website.”

Within its network, GoKwik accommodates more than 1500 eCommerce brands such as Lenskart, Neemans, Man Matters, Levis, Shoppers Stop, and others. These brands span across various sectors including fashion, beauty, health and nutrition, electronics, and other pivotal categories within the online shopping realm. Libas, in particular, has enlisted Kiara Advani as their brand ambassador for the unveiling of their summer collection. Additionally, Libas aims to broaden its presence both online and offline throughout India.

Libas is already witnessing a 10% uplift in conversions and prepaid transactions, highlighting the benefits of the partnership, as stated in a recent announcement.

Continue Exploring: Beyoung teams up with Gokwik to enhance digital footprint and combat RTO rates

Sanjay Dutt’s Glenwalk scotch whisky wins silver medal at London Spirits Competition 2024

SnackTeam

April 17, 2024

Cartel Bros, a prominent Indian spirits company, is delighted to announce that its flagship scotch whisky brand, The Glenwalk, has been honored with the prestigious Silver Medal at the renowned London Spirits Competition 2024. This recognition stands as a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence and quality in the global spirits industry, further solidifying its established reputation.

The London Spirits Competition stands as a pinnacle in the spirits realm, spotlighting top-tier brands from across the world.

Speaking about their victory, Moksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz, & Co-founder of Cartel Bros, shared, “We’re immensely proud of this acknowledgment from the London Spirits Competition. It underscores the commitment and skill of our team, who have painstakingly developed The Glenwalk into an outstanding Scotch whisky, greatly enhancing the imbibing journey for our devoted customers.”

Continue Exploring: Short Story Gin earns top accolades at World Gin Awards 2024, crowned Best London Dry Gin from India

Jitin Merani, Founder of Drinq Bar Academy & Co-Founder of Cartel Bros, remarked, “Securing the second-highest accolade, The Glenwalk competed against esteemed single malts and other premium spirits, emerging triumphant and showcasing its exceptional craftsmanship and taste. This beloved Indian Scotch Whisky embodies the rich history of Scotland’s finest distilleries, crafted with utmost care and perfection, earning itself a stellar reputation not only in the Indian market but also overseas.

We are thrilled to witness Glenwalk’s recognition on the global stage, validating our commitment to producing high-quality Scotch whisky that stands shoulder to shoulder with the most established brands. It’s an immense honor for us, and we eagerly anticipate continuing our journey of innovation and excellence.”

The Glenwalk’s brand ambassador and renowned actor, Sanjay Dutt, expressed, “As an aficionado of fine whisky, I take pride in my association with Glenwalk and am thrilled by its success at the London Spirits Competition. This accolade further cements its status as a top-tier whisky. Congratulations to the Cartel Bros. team on this thoroughly deserved recognition!”

Continue Exploring: Kadamba Whisky wins prestigious title of ‘Best Indian Single-Malt’ at Icons of Whisky awards

The success of The Glenwalk at the London Spirits Competition underscores its commitment to delivering an exceptional whisky experience, combining tradition with innovation to create a Scotch whisky that captivates enthusiasts worldwide. Currently valued just above the IMFL premium and Scotch sales range, The Glenwalk holds a market share of 16% in Maharashtra. With this prestigious accolade, Glenwalk reaffirms its position as a premium brand synonymous with excellence.

DS Group’s Catch Spices hits INR 1,000 Crore in sales, plans expansion into ready-to-cook and digital-first products

SnackTeam

April 17, 2024

DS Group‘s Catch Spices has crossed INR 1,000 crore in sales, marking a significant milestone for the brand. This achievement positions Catch salt and spices as the second brand within the group’s consumer portfolio to achieve such impressive sales figures, following Rajnigandha pan masala.

Rajiv Kumar, the vice-chairman of DS Group, outlined the company’s expansion strategy, which entails boosting presence in modern-format stores and quick-commerce platforms. Additionally, they plan to diversify their portfolio to include ready-to-cook pastes, gourmet gravies, and other tabletop sprinklers, with a strong emphasis on digital-first products. Moreover, they aim to regionalize offerings to cater to local taste preferences.

Kumar mentioned that the group’s expansion in the spices business would be organic, distinguishing their approach from that of certain packaged goods manufacturers who opt to acquire regional brands for expansion purposes.

The company stated that Catch has seen a 24% year-on-year growth over the last two years, with a reach extending to over seven lakh retail touchpoints and 1,500 distributors.

Continue Exploring: MDH Spices to invest INR 150 Crore in new Ujjain facility, eyes INR 2,000 Crore expansion nationwide

“We used to primarily target metro and mini-metro areas before. Now, our attention is shifting towards second and third-tier cities,” Kumar explained. He further stated that the company aims to expand distribution to towns, even those with a population of just one lakh.

The diversified group, manufacturing spices, confectionery, ready-to-eat mixes, luxury chocolates, and operating gourmet and lifestyle retail ventures, has surpassed a total revenue of one billion dollars at the group level. Apart from Catch salt and spices, the group’s brands encompass Pulse confectionery, Pass Pass mouth freshener, L’Opera and Le Marche gourmet retail, and Laderach luxury chocolate.

Continue Exploring: DS Group unveils India’s first exclusive Läderach chocolate store in New Delhi’s DLF Emporio Mall

The packaged spices industry is valued at around INR 34,000 crore, with an annual growth rate of 18%. Apart from Catch, notable players in this sector include MDH, ITC, Dabur, MTR, and Everest, among others. Notably, both ITC and Dabur chose to enter this category through acquisitions.

Agrimax Foods enters millet-based snack market with ‘Bake&Co’ brand

SnackTeam

April 17, 2024

Agrimax Foods LLP, a leading food solutions company, has launched its latest brand, ‘Bake&Co.’ This innovative brand is poised to revolutionize the millet-based baked goods market, prioritizing health, nutrition, and unparalleled flavor. The launch of Bake&Co. is backed by the government’s PMFME scheme, designed to empower micro food enterprises nationwide.

Agrimax Foods was established with the goal of enhancing the agricultural value chain, benefiting farmers, processors, & consumers alike. The company believes in procuring raw materials directly from farmers, enhancing them during processing, while matching the expectations of discerning customers.

Bake&Co. emphasizes “Healthy Snacking” with a delectable assortment of nutritious baked goods, designed to blend enjoyment with well-being. Their product line features Millet Cookies and Indulgence Cookies. Millet Cookies are tailored for health-conscious individuals desiring gluten-free, sugar-free, and preservative-free alternatives, crafted from nourishing ingredients such as millets, oats, fruits, nuts, seeds, and natural jaggery. On the other hand, Indulgence Cookies cater to those seeking luxurious treats without sacrificing health standards.

Continue Exploring: Nestlé India adds flavor to nutrition: Launches MAGGI Oats Noodles with Millet Magic

Looking ahead, the Bake&Co. brand is set to focus on expanding its product offerings to include a range of Millet-based ready-to-eat snacks. This expansion will encompass savory options, namkeen, breakfast cereals, energy cookies, protein-rich cookies, and diabetes-friendly cookies. With India’s millet-based packaged food market projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2022 to 2032, reaching an estimated value of US $91.1 million by 2032, Bake&Co. is positioned to play a significant role in this promising journey.

Having established a nationwide presence in India through direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels and e-commerce platforms, Bake&Co. intends to expand its reach by entering select retail outlets, vending machines, and retail chains in major metro cities. Looking ahead, the brand aims to explore opportunities for exporting its products to countries with high demand for value-added millet-based products.

The PMFME scheme played a pivotal role in enabling Agrimax Foods to establish its manufacturing unit, located in Gautam Buddha Nagar. As part of this initiative, Bake&Co. received substantial assistance, including a notable subsidy of INR 10 lakhs.

Continue Exploring: Slurrp Farm unveils healthy millet-based instant noodles for kids

Shivani Tomar, the Department of Horticulture & Food Processing’s District Horticulture Officer (DHO) in Gautam Budhha Nagar, highlighted the impact of the initiative by saying, “The PMFME scheme aims to empower and uplift local food businesses.” Agrimax Foods’ use of this platform to launch a brand like Bake&Co. that prioritises sustainability and wellness is encouraging. The scheme’s goal of supporting businesses that significantly improve our economy and the welfare of our people is emphasised by their accomplishment.”

Monica Kohli Srivastava, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Strategist of Agrimax Foods, said, “The PMFME scheme has played a crucial role in empowering us to actualize our vision. It has not only offered financial aid but also cultivated an environment that nurtures growth and innovation within India.”

Monica continued, “We take immense pride in our achievements with Bake&Co. Not only do we provide products that promote wellness, but we also play a role in fostering a sustainable and ethical food sector. We’re eager to share our dedication to premium, nutritious baked goods with our customers.”

Continue Exploring: FMCG players shift focus to millets as demand for healthier options grows

India’s pulses imports nearly double in 2023-24, expected to rise further in current fiscal year

SnackTeam

April 17, 2024

Despite implementing several measures, including offering various incentives to farmers, India continues to rely on imports of pulses to meet its domestic needs.

Imports of pulses nearly doubled in the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching a total of USD 3.74 billion.

Nonetheless, the official figure remains undisclosed, but estimates indicate that shipments have surpassed 45 lakh tonnes in the recently concluded fiscal year 2023-24, compared to 24.5 lakh tonnes the previous year.

According to government sources, negotiations are underway with new markets such as Brazil and Argentina to secure long-term contracts for pulse imports, aimed at meeting domestic demand and stabilizing prices.

Continue Exploring: Despite open import policy, tur dal prices rise by over 10% in a month

Brazil is set to supply over 20,000 tonnes of urad, with negotiations for arhar imports from Argentina nearing their final stages.

Additionally, the government has secured contracts with Mozambique, Tanzania, and Myanmar for pulse imports.

The recent increase in imports aims to bolster domestic supply and maintain price stability.

Earlier, the government permitted duty-free imports of urad and arhar until March 31, 2025, and yellow peas until June of this year.

Pulse inflation is a significant concern for the government, especially during ongoing election processes. Recent data indicates pulse inflation stood at 17 percent in March and 19 percent in February of this year.

In an effort to control prices, the government implemented stock limits on pulses starting Monday, April 15, and urged states to remain vigilant against hoarding activities.

Continue Exploring: Indian households ditch tur dal for cheaper lentils amid skyrocketing prices

Despite the government’s implementation of various incentives such as guaranteed purchase and higher Minimum Support Price (MSP), domestic pulse production has declined over the past 2-3 years. Estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that pulse production in 2023-24 is projected to be 234 lakh tonnes.

Last year, production reached 261 lakh tonnes.

In 2019-20, domestic pulse production stood at 230.25 lakh tonnes. However, following various government incentives in 2020-21, production increased to 254.63 lakh tonnes. Subsequently, in 2021-22, it further rose to 273.02 lakh tonnes. However, in 2022-23, production declined to 260.58 lakh tonnes.

This fiscal year (FY24), Kharif production is anticipated to decrease from 76.21 lakh tonnes to 71.18 lakh tonnes. Urad production is projected to decrease from 17.68 lakh tonnes to 15.15 lakh tonnes, while Moong production is expected to decline from 17.18 lakh tonnes to 14.05 lakh tonnes.

Continue Exploring: Retail food inflation eases to 8.52% in March 2024 as prices of pulses and oils decline marginally

According to experts, the decrease in domestic output is also attributed to unpredictable climate conditions in key producing regions.

However, there is also concern over the reduction in pulses sowing area over the last 3-4 years, declining from 307.31 lakh hectares in 2021-22 to 257.85 lakh hectares in 2023-24. Over two years, the sowing area decreased by 16 percent, accompanied by a nearly 14 percent reduction in production.

The Reserve Bank of India has emphasized that food price pressures are presenting challenges in achieving the target inflation rate of 4 percent, with the price of pulses playing a significant role in inflation figures.

India, being a major consumer and producer of pulses, fulfills a portion of its consumption requirements through imports. The country’s primary pulse consumption includes chana, masur, urad, kabuli chana, and tur.

Plum Goodness eyes profitability in FY25, plans product segment revamp for growth

SnackTeam

April 17, 2024

Plum Goodness, a homegrown beauty and personal care (BPC) brand, is aiming for profitability in the current financial year. Founder Shankar Prasad disclosed that the strategy involves launching new products in their core segments, discontinuing less profitable product lines, and refining their marketing approach.

Prasad mentioned that the Mumbai-based brand intends to unveil fresh products within the upcoming six months, concentrating particularly on skincare (encompassing cleansers, serums, and moisturizers), hair care, and makeup segments.

The company will also revamp its men’s brand, ‘Phy,’ by dropping certain skincare items for men, which include face packs, moisturisers, as well as face washes. Plum will instead expand its bath & body product offerings, including shower gel and men’s scents. Prasad stated that these adjustments are expected to be implemented by mid-June or July of this year.

“The majority of FY23 & FY24 was devoted to attempting to strike a compromise between our desire for rapid growth and the amount of investment we wish to make. We now have a comprehensive understanding of the calibration, and we anticipate breaking even during the current fiscal year,” according to Prasad.

Continue Exploring: Personal care brand Joy targets INR 750 crore revenue in FY2025; expands distribution and enters new international markets

As a cost-saving measure, the brand plans to restrict its investments to ‘Baby Plum’, the segment launched last year, which focuses on baby care. Marketing expenses constituted more than 42% of the brand’s total expenditures in FY23.

During FY23, although there was a rise in total revenue, Pureplay Skin Sciences Ltd, Plum’s parent company, witnessed a 66% increase in net losses, reaching INR 52.9 crore compared to the previous year.

Prasad emphasized the importance of refining their marketing strategy by allocating more resources to core categories, optimizing engagement with their existing consumer base, discontinuing less profitable channels or segments, and maximizing the utilization of their fixed assets as key areas for achieving profitability.

Prasad added that Plum concluded FY24 with a revenue run rate of INR 350 crore and is targeting to surpass the quarterly revenue run rate threshold of INR 100 crore in the current financial year. This objective translates to an annual revenue target of INR 400 crore.

Plum presently serves customers in more than 300 cities and towns across India, with the majority of its revenue originating from regions beyond metropolitan areas. The brand boasts 36 exclusive outlets, approximately 1,500 assisted outlets staffed with trained beauty advisors, and over 10,000 unassisted outlets, including pharmacies and supermarkets.

Around 65 to 70% of the company’s revenue is generated through online channels, with prominent marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Nykaa being the primary contributors.

Serving a consumer base of approximately 8 to 10 million, Plum specializes in offering vegan, toxin-free products within the direct-to-consumer market, positioning itself in competition with brands such as Mamaearth, Sugar Cosmetics, and MyGlamm.

Additionally, Prasad observed a trend of premiumization within the beauty industry, where consumers are gaining greater access to products spanning various price ranges.

Continue Exploring: ITC’s emphasis on premium products propels personal care business, doubles sales contribution to 38%

There have been numerous price corrections at the lower end of the market caused by inflation throughout the past three or four years. According to him, the difference between mass and premium brands has shrunk and is no longer as significant.

In its most recent funding round, the company secured $35 million, spearheaded by A91 Partners, alongside continuing support from existing investors Unilever Ventures and Faering Capital.

According to a collaborative report by Redseer Strategy Consultants and Peak XV, India’s beauty and personal care market is anticipated to experience the most rapid growth globally among similar nations. The market is forecasted to attain a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% between 2022 and 2027, reaching a value of $30 billion.

PC Jeweller’s board greenlights INR 2,000 Crore fund raise through rights issue and convertible warrants

SnackTeam

April 17, 2024

PC Jeweller‘s board has approved a proposal to raise INR 2,000 crore through rights issues and preferential allotment of fully convertible warrants. Additionally, in a meeting held on Tuesday, the board approved a proposal to increase the authorized share capital and make alterations to the capital clause of the memorandum of association, according to a regulatory filing.

The company announced that, out of the total of INR 2,000 crore, its board has sanctioned the raising of INR 1,500 crore through a rights issue of equity shares priced at INR 10 each for eligible equity shareholders.

The filing stated that the record date for this will be announced later. It also mentioned that the issue size, capped at INR 1,500 crore, is contingent upon obtaining regulatory and other necessary approvals.

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

Furthermore, the company announced that the board has authorized the raising of up to INR 500 crore through a preferential allotment of fully convertible warrants.

“The funds from the preferential issue will be allocated towards settling the company’s financial obligations, pending approval from the consortium of lenders,” stated the company.

Since June 2021, the company’s accounts have been categorized as non-performing assets (NPAs) by its lenders, including the State Bank of India. Legal actions for the recovery of outstanding dues have been initiated by the lenders.

As of December 2023, the company operated 55 owned stores and seven franchise stores. Three of its stores in Delhi are temporarily closed due to ongoing court proceedings.

Continue Exploring: D2C jewellery brand Kushal’s raises $34 Mn in Series B funding from Lighthouse’s fourth PE fund

India’s consumer and retail sector sees surge in M&A and private equity deals, up 30% in Q1 2024: Grant Thornton Report

SnackTeam

April 17, 2024

During the March quarter, India’s consumer and retail sector experienced a significant uptick in mergers and acquisitions as well as private equity deals. Deal value increased by nearly 30%, while volume rose by 20% compared to the previous year. According to a report by Grant Thornton Bharat, the segment witnessed 102 deals amounting to $1.74 billion in the first quarter of 2024, up from 85 deals totaling $1.28 billion in the corresponding period last year.

In the consumer sector, there were 88 private equity deals, marking the highest volume in five quarters. However, M&A activity in the consumer industry experienced a decline, with the number of deals dropping to 14 from 17 compared to the previous year. Despite this, the value surged to $925 million from $79 million in 2023.

Naveen Malpani, partner and consumer industry leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, suggested that the slowdown in M&A activity could be attributed to the upcoming elections prompting businesses to exercise caution, along with sluggish consumer spending leading to restrained revenue growth. Nevertheless, there was a significant increase in deal value, primarily fueled by Tata Consumer Goods‘ acquisitions of Capital Foods and Organic India, valued at $615 million and $229 million respectively. These two transactions collectively accounted for a 91% share in M&A values, totaling $843 million.

Continue Exploring: T ata Consumer Products seals INR 7,000 Crore dual acquisition, adding Capital Foods and Organic India to portfolio

Private equity activity reached its highest quarterly volume since Q3 2022, with 88 deals totaling $823 million. While this represented a 30% increase in volume, the deal value saw a 32% decline. This decrease in deal value can be attributed to a higher number of small-ticket transactions during the quarter under review.

In fact, approximately half of the volume of private equity deals was attributed to transactions valued at less than $7 million. Additionally, there was a significant contribution to deal activity from late-stage companies raising Series B rounds or above.

The top five deals in the sector represented 59% of the total value, amounting to $1.03 billion, yet they comprised only 5% of the total volume. Notably, four out of these five deals were in the food processing segment.

Malpani added that established players are driven by the expanding healthy food market in India, projected to hit $30 billion by 2026. They are actively pursuing acquisitions of niche brands that cater to specific dietary requirements or follow premiumization trends.

In the realm of e-commerce, the most substantial transaction was spearheaded by a consortium of investors, including Jungle Ventures, Sidbi Venture, Anicut Capital, Sharrp Ventures, and angel investors. They invested $27 million in a late-stage Series C round for The Ayurveda Experience.

Continue Exploring: D2C brand The Ayurveda Experience raises $27 Million in Series C funding led by Jungle Ventures

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