Elior India Bets on Cafeteria Tech, Picks Majority Stake in Platos Founded by Arjun Subramanian and Raj Jain

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August 23, 2025

Image of elior — Elior India Bets on Cafeteria Tech, Picks Majority Stake in Platos Founded by Arjun Subramanian and Raj Jain

Elior India, the Indian arm of France-based Elior Group, has acquired a majority stake in Platos, a cafeteria management company that has been building a digital-first dining platform for corporates since 2019.

Founded by Arjun Subramanian and Raj Jain, Platos operates across seven Indian cities and has created a cafeteria and catering aggregation model that connects food brands and institutional caterers with large workforces. The acquisition will integrate Elior’s institutional food services business with Platos’ tech-enabled operations, combining scale with digital transparency.

While Elior India did not disclose the size of the stake, the partnership is aimed at reshaping how corporate India eats. By 2026, Elior and Platos project they will be serving more than 1,50,000 meals daily across over 150 establishments in the country.

“Platos joining the Elior family is a step towards building dining ecosystems that are more transparent, trusted and engaging,” said Rohit Sawhney, CEO of Elior India.

Platos’ digital platform has been steadily expanding, offering wider menu options to employees and corporates while also ensuring better operational control for cafeteria managers. Its entry into Elior’s network is expected to accelerate growth and streamline food services at scale.

For Elior, which operates globally in over 20 countries, India remains a priority market. The acquisition underscores the company’s strategy of local partnerships to deliver personalised and technology-driven experiences, especially at a time when employers are looking to enhance workplace amenities to retain talent.

With this deal, the cafeteria business, long seen as functional, is being repositioned into a more curated, data-backed, and employee-centric offering.

Happydent PVR INOX Activation Shines Bright as a Positive Cinema Advertising Innovation

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August 22, 2025

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Happydent PVR INOX Activation Shines Bright as a Positive Cinema Advertising Innovation

A new wave of cinema marketing has landed. Happydent PVR INOX collaboration turned the Ambience Gurugram property into an activation zone from July 18–24. The move connected directly with the brand’s campaign, Chamka Gum: Chamka Muskaan, Jagmag Jahaan.

The cinema space became interactive. Visitors were welcomed by a kiosk that hosted an AI-powered photobooth. One smile, and the system lit up the portrait, producing a Polaroid with sparkle effects. Young cinemagoers rushed in for a chance to win exclusive rewards.

Inside, the spectacle continued. A large silhouette installation was placed near the projector window, casting radiant beams across the screen. It was the first time a chewing gum brand attempted such a cinema advertising feature of merging light and storytelling inside the theatre hall.

Perfetti Van Melle’s category head, Saurabh Nath, called it a natural extension of Happydent’s creative ethos. “Happydent PVR INOX activation shows how a smile can be more than an ad symbol. It’s an experience,” he said. Gautam Dutta, CEO of PVR INOX, added that brand experience in theatres is evolving rapidly, and this example proves how immersive formats build stronger recall.

The collaboration didn’t just end in visuals. A Petromax beam highlighted the trash zone in the lobby, nudging visitors to keep the venue clean. Happydent PVR INOX marks a new era of cinema-linked activations where consumer engagement is live, participatory, and charged with creativity.

Rapido Misleading Ads Land Company in Trouble With ₹10 Lakh Fine, Shaking Consumer Trust in Auto Rides

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August 22, 2025

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Rapido Misleading Ads Land Company in Trouble With ₹10 Lakh Fine, Shaking Consumer Trust in Auto Rides

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has delivered a heavy blow to Rapido. The bike and auto aggregator faces a ₹10 lakh fine for what officials labeled as Rapido’s misleading ads.

According to the CCPA, the claims qualified as deceptive marketing under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The ₹50 cashback was not real money but app tokens. They carried a seven-day limit and worked only on bike rides. None of these restrictions was disclosed.

Investigators noted the misleading campaigns ran for 548 days across more than 120 cities. Ads appeared on Facebook and YouTube. Exposure was large, and consumer trust took a hit.

Data from the National Consumer Helpline confirmed this. From April 2023 to May 2024, 575 complaints were filed. That jumped to 1,224 from June 2024 to July 2025. Half remain unresolved. Most grievances flagged overcharging, refund issues, driver misconduct, and failed cashback promises.

CCPA ordered Rapido to withdraw all Rapido Misleading Ads with immediate effect. The company must also reimburse affected users and file a compliance report within 15 days. Regulators said Rapido had shown a pattern of indifference toward grievances.

The order makes one point firm. Exaggerated service claims have consequences. For Rapido, the fine is not just about ₹10 lakh. It’s about consumer trust that now hangs in doubt.

NIC Modak Ice Cream Wins Hearts This Ganesh Chaturthi With a Festive Limited-Edition Flavour

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August 22, 2025

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NIC Modak Ice Cream .png — NIC Modak Ice Cream Wins Hearts This Ganesh Chaturthi With a Festive Limited-Edition Flavour

Ganesh Chaturthi just got a modern twist. Walko Food Company has launched NIC’s limited-edition Modak Ice Cream, an Indian snack innovation designed for the festive season. A creamy tribute to Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet, the flavour blends coconut richness with velvety ice cream indulgence.

The NIC Modak Ice Cream blends coconut sweetness with a rich festive flavour, all on NIC’s signature velvety base. It’s not just another dessert; it’s an authentic nod to the festival made accessible in a tub.

For families, it offers a refreshing twist to the traditional modak, turning prasad and family gatherings into something more memorable. Whether served at the festive table or savoured after an evening aarti, this premium ice cream balances heritage and innovation without losing authenticity.

The convenience is key. The NIC Modak Ice Cream is available instantly on Swiggy, Zomato, select online platforms, and across all NIC parlours. Perfect for last-minute orders or planned family feasts, this limited-edition flavour makes sure tradition fits right into the freezer.

Jeetendra Bhandari, Founder, Walko Food Company, said, “At NIC, we have always celebrated India’s food culture by shaping it for the present. The NIC Modak Ice Cream reflects this mission through authentic, festive, and indulgent.”

With this launch, Walko Food strengthens NIC’s position as one of India’s most loved premium ice cream brands. Known for festive flavours that merge tradition with quality, the company once again proves why innovation continues to define its growth story.

Phab Bhel Bars Revolutionize Snacking as India’s First Savoury Protein Bar That Blends Street-Style Flavour With Plant Protein

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August 22, 2025

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Phab Bhel Bars Revolutionize Snacking as India’s First Savoury Protein Bar That Blends Street-Style Flavour With Plant Protein

Street food culture just got a radical upgrade. Phab has unveiled Phab Bhel Bars, India’s first savoury protein bar, under its bold new “Street Collection.”

For years, Bhel has defined the Indian street snack experience with its crunchy, tangy, spicy, unforgettable flavor, but it was never portable. It wasn’t protein-rich and not clean. That changes today. The Phab Bhel Bars deliver all the punch of chaat with the benefit of 10 grams of plant protein, wrapped in a pocket-sized format.

The line-up comes in three flavours: The OG Bhel, Curry Leaf Podi, and Peri Peri. Each one packs an authentic bite, powered by Chana Jor Garam for that unmistakable crunch. No shortcuts here, just real taste meeting real function.

Founder and nutritionist Gayatri Chona, who openly calls herself a Bhel addict, explained, “Bhel has always been part of my routine, but the traditional version was messy and didn’t fuel you for the day. With Phab Bhel Bars, we kept the crunch and spice but added 10 grams of protein. It’s the snack I always wanted, and now it’s here.”

The best part is these bars cut the clutter. No palm oil, gluten, or cones falling apart. Just clean ingredients, bold flavours, and an easy format. Toss it into a bag, keep it in the car, or grab it post-gym. It’s snacking without the mess.

With the Phab Bhel Bars, the brand is reinventing snacking, setting a new standard. A savoury protein bar rooted in Indian taste, powered by nutrition, and designed for today’s lifestyle.

“Varun Dhawan Unveils Too Yumm! Party Harder Chips: World’s First Anti-Hangover Snack, Backed by Dr. Vaidya’s Livitup”

Food

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August 22, 2025

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Snack brand Too Yumm!, part of the RPSG Group, has entered uncharted territory with the launch of Party Harder Chips, which it claims are the world’s first anti-hangover chips. The product, introduced in Mumbai on Wednesday, borrows its formulation from Livitup, the popular Ayurvedic anti-hangover supplement created by Dr. Vaidya’s.

Unlike regular chips, Party Harder is fortified with turmeric, ginger, black pepper and green tea antioxidants, ingredients associated with easing next-day recovery. The seasoning has been worked into a masala-style flavour, ensuring that the product feels familiar to Indian snackers while carrying the added pitch of “functional” benefits.

The unveiling was fronted by actor Varun Dhawan, whose energetic persona fit the brand’s attempt to position the chips as the go-to companion for late-night parties. “I love how Too Yumm! always surprises with something new. Party Harder is the snack every party needs to keep the fun alive,” Dhawan said at the event.

For Too Yumm!, this is more than a flavour extension. The Indian salty snacks market is currently valued at over ₹45,000 crore, with masala chips and functional snacks among the fastest-growing segments. By combining Ayurveda-inspired ingredients with an indulgent snack, the company is betting on young Indians who enjoy celebrating but also seek recovery-friendly options the next day.

Yogesh Tewari, Chief Marketing Officer of Too Yumm!, said the brand wanted to fill a gap. “There was no snack designed for the party moment. Partnering with Livitup allowed us to create something that satisfies taste buds while also offering real support for the morning after. We see this as a world-first innovation that will redefine what snacking means at celebrations.”

With Party Harder, Too Yumm! is hoping to spark a trend that blurs the line between indulgence and functionality, at a time when India’s youth are shaping the country’s snacking habits like never before.

Lakmē Fashion Week Returns to Delhi: 120+ Designers, 5 Days, and a 25-Year Legacy to Celebrate

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August 22, 2025

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Image of lakme — Lakmē Fashion Week Returns to Delhi: 120+ Designers, 5 Days, and a 25-Year Legacy to Celebrate

After kicking off its silver jubilee celebrations in Mumbai earlier this year, Lakmē Fashion Week is bringing its 2025 edition to the capital. The Delhi leg, organised in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), will run from October 8 to 12 at The Grand, Vasant Kunj.

The Mumbai showcase in March marked the platform’s 25th year, drawing more than 100 designers including Anamika Khanna, Namrita Joshipura, Rahul Mishra, Falguni Shane Peacock and Mohammed Mazhar. Bollywood personalities such as Ananya Panday, Karisma Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Malaika Arora and Janhvi Kapoor walked the runway, underlining the event’s mix of star power and craftsmanship.

In Delhi, organisers say the focus will expand to sustainability, inclusivity and the future of Indian fashion. Reliance Brands, Lakmē and Nexa are backing the edition, which will feature both established names and emerging talent. Industry watchers expect participation from over 120 designers, with several using the platform to launch new collections ahead of the festive and wedding season.

Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President of Lakmē India, said the platform has been “a catalyst for talent and innovation for more than 25 years” and will continue to evolve with new ideas. Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President of Reliance Brands, added that Delhi provides the ideal stage for a cultural and commercial showcase of fashion.

FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi noted that New Delhi has long been a hub for Indian design and commerce. “This edition is not only a continuation of the anniversary celebrations but also a chance to strengthen the business of fashion by opening markets and driving designer engagement,” he said.

Food Inflation Bites: India’s FMCG Volume Growth Slows to 4% in May 2025, Says Worldpanel by Numerator

Food

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August 22, 2025

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Image of Food. — Food Inflation Bites: India’s FMCG Volume Growth Slows to 4% in May 2025, Says Worldpanel by Numerator

India’s fast-moving consumer goods sector is losing momentum, with fresh data showing stress on household purchases across both cities and villages. According to consumer insights firm Worldpanel by Numerator, the industry’s volume growth slipped to 4 percent on a moving annual total basis till May 2025, down from over 6 percent a year earlier. Value growth too eased to 7.9 percent from 8.3 percent in the same period.

The sharpest slowdown has come from food and beverages, where rising prices have curbed consumption. F&B volumes, excluding wheat, dropped to 4.4 percent growth compared with 7 percent a year ago. In personal care, volume growth has cooled to 4.3 percent while value growth has dropped sharply to 8.4 percent, from 11.7 percent in May 2024. Household care, once a bright spot, has also softened with value growth halving to 7.9 percent from nearly 15 percent a year back.

K Ramakrishnan, Managing Director for South Asia at Worldpanel by Numerator, noted that India’s FMCG demand cannot be viewed as a single market. The study segments the country into four macro clusters. The Urban Affluent, representing only 3 percent of households, are driving demand for convenience-led categories such as frozen foods and ready-to-cook mixes. The Urban Middle, covering 21 percent of homes, are upgrading to premium detergents, body washes and conditioners. The Urban Masses, around 12 percent of households, adopt new products cautiously but tend to buy in larger pack sizes due to bigger family structures.

Rural households, the largest cluster, are also widening their consumption basket. On average, they bought 24 categories in 2022, up from 22 in 2021, signaling aspirations beyond essentials.

The report underlines that India’s FMCG sector, though slowing, is deeply fragmented with distinct consumer behaviours shaping future growth.

Sunfeast Dark Fantasy Campaign Creates a Powerful Childhood Experience, Blending Chocolate with Imagination and Wonder

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August 22, 2025

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Sunfeast Dark Fantasy Campaign Creates a Powerful Childhood Experience, Blending Chocolate with Imagination and Wonder

What happens when chocolate brands step outside the supermarket aisle? Sunfeast Dark Fantasy came with a campaign called “Big Fantasies Spaceship” to answer it. It’s an interactive activation that mixes art, science, and imagination all under one branded roof.

The latest stop was Delhi’s Nehru Planetarium, timed perfectly with National Space Day on August 23. Earlier, the activation had already drawn crowds across Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The Delhi highlight: Jahnavi Dangeti, India’s youngest astronaut, spoke to children about how imagination can drive problem-solving.

Inside the spaceship bus, the experience turned personal. Kids drew their sketches and saw them instantly converted into 3D animated characters on giant screens. With the Sunfeast Dark Fantasy campaign, the company does not merely advertise; it creates moments that kids take with themselves.

The program that started in 2024 has already provided kids with NASA tours. It is a brand that goes out and makes memories, not just sells goods. Without losing sight of chocolate in the process, creativity has been used as a tool in soldering the product together as something much more significant, a trigger in childhood fantasies.

Marketers are taking it as an immersive theatre masterclass. This campaign by Sunfeast Dark Fantasy shows that FMCG brands can do better than TV ads. They can create an experience where a child is not only eating a biscuit, but it is a part of the imaginary trip.

Blinkit Parental Controls Deliver a Powerful Win for Digital Parenting, Setting a New Standard in Safety and Trust

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August 22, 2025

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Blinkit Parental Controls Deliver a Powerful Win for Digital Parenting, Setting a New Standard in Safety and Trust

Blinkit has done something new in quick commerce: a parental control feature has been introduced into the mix, where safety is given priority over speed. Announced by co-founder and CEO Albinder Dhindsa on X, the update arrives just days after a viral LinkedIn post pushed the industry into the spotlight.

Read the Post: Ponsana David

The trigger was sharp and personal. Ponsana David, CEO of Thai Green Power Solution and a mother of two, said her daughters accidentally accessed sex toys and condoms by merely browsing Blinkit. Her social media appeal took a demanding stance, in that she was asking quick commerce apps to do what streaming platforms have already done, in that they have PIN-secured profiles that would protect children. The post blew up and forced a wider conversation.

Blinkit responded without delay. Sensitive categories can now be hidden, order history gets locked behind a PIN, and every tweak in settings sends alerts. Blinkit parental controls are not only about content but also about being open, and this addresses the trust issue in an industry that is often condemned to be too open. It is a crisp positioning in a brand sense.

Digital parenting is becoming a mainstream concern, and Blinkit wants to own that conversation. With Blinkit parental controls, the company is shifting its brand promise. Quick doesn’t mean careless anymore. It now signals reliability, a trust marker families can rely on.

In an intensely competitive Q-commerce war, Blinkit parental controls could be the difference-maker. This is not about delivery minutes anymore. It’s about household trust.

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