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India’s McDonald’s Just Got a Protein Upgrade: New Slice Lets You Stack Up to 3x Protein in Your McVeggie, McChicken & More

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India’s McDonald’s Just Got a Protein Upgrade: New Slice Lets You Stack Up to 3x Protein in Your McVeggie, McChicken & More

McDonald’s India (West & South), run by Westlife Foodworld, just rolled out something new for health-conscious eaters—a customizable protein slice that can be added to any burger. Dubbed the ‘Protein Plus Range’, this launch puts the spotlight on flexibility, allowing customers to amp up their protein intake without giving up their go-to burger flavours.

At the heart of this range is a 100% vegetarian protein slice, made with soy and pea, that adds 5 grams of protein per piece. And here’s the game-changer: diners can stack one, two, or even three slices onto their burgers. It’s a move that shakes things up in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) world, where fixed menus have long ruled the roost.

What makes this even more impressive is how effortlessly the slice fits into existing favourites. Toss it into a McSpicy Paneer, and you’re looking at 25.29g of protein. Add it to a McChicken and get 20.66g. Even a McVeggie clocks in at 15.24g, and the humble McAloo Tikki jumps to 13.5g—all without changing the flavour fans know and love.

The slice isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It’s the result of a collaboration with the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), a government-backed institute that knows a thing or two about food science. It’s onion- and garlic-free, contains no artificial colours or flavours, and is designed to fit into a variety of dietary preferences, especially vegetarian diets common in India.

“We’ve always tried to give our customers more room to choose,” said Akshay Jatia, CEO of Westlife Foodworld. “This time, it’s about letting them take charge of how much protein goes into their meal—without losing out on taste. We’re excited about what this means for fast food in India.”

This isn’t McDonald’s first scientific collaboration. They previously worked with CSIR-CFTRI to develop their Multi-Millet Bun, and this new partnership builds on that success.

Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director at CFTRI, said, “After the work we did on the millet bun, teaming up again with McDonald’s was a natural next step. This protein slice is another example of what can happen when science and food innovation come together.”

By blending research with everyday dining, McDonald’s India is clearly aiming to strike a new balance—comfort food that doesn’t skimp on nutrition. And with more diners paying attention to what’s in their food, the timing couldn’t be better.

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ANNY Raises ₹10 Cr from Atomic Capital to Chase ₹100 Cr ARR Goal, Eyes Product Expansion and Tech Upgrade

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ANNY Raises ₹10 Cr from Atomic Capital to Chase ₹100 Cr ARR Goal, Eyes Product Expansion and Tech Upgrade

Fashion-tech startup ANNY has raised ₹10 crore in a pre-Series A round led by Atomic Capital, as the brand looks to step up its growth across product, tech, and distribution. The funding will go toward expanding ANNY’s fashion categories, boosting its proprietary tech stack, and building a stronger leadership and distribution base, the company said in a statement.

This latest round follows last year’s seed funding, led by Faad Capital, which also included several angel investors and HNIs. That early injection helped the brand scale quickly through its first year.

Founded in 2023 by Japjot Singh, Aveen Kaur, and Rahul Tanwar, ANNY calls itself an “accessible luxury” brand tailored for modern Indian women. It blends tech and fashion through a real-time, low-inventory model, powered by a vertically integrated supply chain. The idea: offer globally-inspired styles without global-level prices.

“We’re not building just another fashion brand—we’re trying to shift how fashion is made and delivered in India,” said Japjot Singh, CEO of ANNY. “This capital gives us the fuel to go from fast growth to smart growth. Our goal is to cross ₹100 crore in annual recurring revenue within the next year.”

ANNY says its internal tech tools help it predict trends in real-time, cut down inventory risk, and keep product launches fresh and frequent. Since its founding, the company claims to have grown 8x in scale, driven by short production cycles and its agile response to customer preferences.

With Atomic Capital now on board, ANNY is setting its sights on becoming one of the breakout names in India’s evolving fashion-tech landscape.

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Enforcement Directorate Slaps Myntra with FEMA Violation Notice Over $191 Million Retail Scheme via Vector E-Commerce

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Enforcement Directorate Slaps Myntra with FEMA Violation Notice Over $191 Million Retail Scheme via Vector E-Commerce

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken formal action against Myntra, accusing the Walmart-backed fashion e-commerce platform of flouting foreign investment norms by rerouting over $191 million through a related-party setup designed to mask retail activity as wholesale trade.

The ED alleges that Myntra sidestepped rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) by operating a multi-brand retail business under the pretense of being a wholesale player. At the center of the controversy is Vector E-Commerce, a related entity that reportedly acted as a front to help Myntra conduct direct-to-consumer sales—something foreign-funded wholesale businesses in India are not permitted to do.

As per Indian law, wholesale ventures with foreign investment are prohibited from selling directly to consumers and can only sell up to 25% of their goods to affiliated firms. According to the ED, Myntra failed on both counts. It routed all of its business exclusively through Vector, essentially using it as a shell to bypass restrictions.

The agency has filed a formal complaint under Section 16(3) of FEMA, 1999, naming Myntra, its associate companies, and several directors as part of the investigation.

This isn’t an isolated case. The complaint adds Myntra to a growing list of global e-commerce players under the scanner. Amazon and Flipkart have previously faced similar scrutiny as Indian regulators intensify oversight in the fast-evolving online retail sector.

Despite the legal troubles, Myntra remains a dominant force in India’s online fashion market, reportedly accounting for nearly 50% of the space. The company has also been steadily pushing into new verticals—like home décor, beauty, and quick commerce—and is experimenting with influencer-led social commerce campaigns, entering a battleground already occupied by Instagram, YouTube, and Amazon Live.

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BigBasket’s Revenue Drops to ₹7,673 Cr in FY25, Losses Jump 46% as Blinkit, Zepto & Instamart Crowd the Quick Commerce Race

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BigBasket’s Revenue Drops to ₹7,673 Cr in FY25, Losses Jump 46% as Blinkit, Zepto & Instamart Crowd the Quick Commerce Race

BigBasket, the online grocery player backed by Tata Digital, had a rough financial year as rising pressure from ultra-fast delivery apps like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy’s Instamart began to bite. The company’s annual turnover dropped in FY25, reflecting the increasingly competitive battlefield of India’s grocery delivery space.

As per Tata Sons’ FY25 annual report, BigBasket’s consumer-facing business, operated by Innovative Retail Concepts, reported a 3% dip in turnover — falling to ₹7,673 crore. Its wholesale/B2B arm, Supermarket Grocery Supplies, saw a sharper decline of 7%, closing the year at ₹2,227 crore.

What’s more concerning: the company’s losses have ballooned. Innovative Retail Concepts’ losses grew to ₹1,851 crore in FY25 — a steep jump from ₹1,267 crore in the previous year.

BigBasket, once known for its scheduled delivery slots, has been racing to catch up with the fast-paced quick commerce trend. Its 10-minute delivery vertical, BB Now, was launched to stay relevant in a market where instant gratification is quickly becoming the norm.

Tata Group had acquired a controlling stake in BigBasket back in 2021, buying out Alibaba’s share in a deal that valued the firm between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.

Earlier this year, The Economic Times reported that Tata had engaged top global investment banks to help raise $1.3 billion in funding for its digital portfolio — with $1 billion reportedly marked for BigBasket alone. The move signals that despite current setbacks, Tata is betting big on scaling its grocery play — even if it means burning cash in the short term to stay in the game.

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Deepinder Goyal’s Next Bet Isn’t Food — It’s Emergency Response: Zomato Eyes National Impact With In-House Paramedics & 10-Minute Ambulance Promise

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Deepinder Goyal’s Next Bet Isn’t Food — It’s Emergency Response: Zomato Eyes National Impact With In-House Paramedics & 10-Minute Ambulance Promise

Zomato, best known for delivering food in minutes, is now setting its sights on something far more critical: saving lives. As part of its ongoing effort to build a 10-minute ambulance service under Blinkit, its quick-commerce wing, the company is developing its own paramedic training programme to ensure rapid, high-quality emergency response.

Co-founder Deepinder Goyal shared the update on July 24, noting that while the journey has been demanding, the company remains all-in. “This might be the toughest project we’ve ever taken on — in terms of both effort and complexity — but there’s no turning back now,” he posted on X.

What began as a quiet pilot with just five ambulances in Gurugram has gradually scaled up. Zomato now has 12 ambulances on the road, and the service area has grown significantly — from a small stretch near Golf Course Road to nearly half of the city.

So far, the team has handled 594 calls, and half of those were critical cases requiring immediate attention.

Now, Zomato is turning inward to tackle the next big hurdle: skilled responders. “We’re building a full-fledged paramedic training programme from scratch,” Goyal said. “Our goal is to raise the standard of emergency care in India — not just for ourselves, but for the ecosystem.”

He closed with a clear message: “We’re still figuring things out, but we’re not stopping until people know they can count on life-saving help — and know it’s only 10 minutes away.”

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Lotte India Bets Big on Sweet Snacks with Launch of Pepero Biscuits, Eyes ₹2,000 Cr Revenue Target

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Lotte India Bets Big on Sweet Snacks with Launch of Pepero Biscuits, Eyes ₹2,000 Cr Revenue Target

Lotte India, the local arm of South Korea’s Lotte Group, is shaking up the snack aisle with the launch of its first-ever biscuit snack for the Indian market — Pepero. Already a cult favourite in Korea, Pepero is making its official India debut in two variants: Original and Crunchy.

The move marks Lotte India’s entry into the fast-growing biscuit snack segment, with the company setting its sights on ₹2,000 crore in revenue this year.

“Pepero is hugely popular in Korea, but what we’re bringing to Indian shelves is a twist on the original — slightly sweeter, to suit local palates,” said Milan Wahi, Managing Director of Lotte India, during a press briefing. “This isn’t just an import; it’s been developed for Indian consumers and is proudly made in India.”

Crafted at Lotte India’s new facility in Rohtak, Haryana — the company’s first manufacturing plant outside South Korea — the biscuit sticks are part of a bigger game plan. The plant is backed by a ₹475 crore investment, with ₹225 crore earmarked specifically for Pepero production. Another ₹15 crore is going into a marketing blitz to establish the brand in a competitive market.

Wahi explained that the brand is targeting India’s massive Gen Z population, a group 377 million strong, with a positioning that blends mass appeal with a premium edge.

“Snacking in India is no longer just about hunger. It’s about self-expression, routine, sharing, and even identity. We believe Pepero fits right into that cultural moment,” he said.

While Pepero already commands a $1.3 billion market back home in Korea, Lotte Group is aiming for a tenfold expansion globally — targeting $13 billion in brand value over the next decade. India is the launchpad for that vision.

Wahi also confirmed that India would serve as an export hub for Pepero, with plans to ship locally-made variants to the Middle East and Far East in the next phase.

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Shilpa Shetty Joins WickedGüd’s Satirical Campaign To ‘Unjunk’ India’s Comfort Food Scene, Targets Gen Z With Bold Messaging

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Shilpa Shetty Joins WickedGüd’s Satirical Campaign To ‘Unjunk’ India’s Comfort Food Scene, Targets Gen Z With Bold Messaging

WickedGüd, the better-for-you food startup founded by Bhuman Dani in 2021, is flipping the script on what it means to eat well in India. Known for shaking things up on Shark Tank India, the brand just dropped the first chapter of a cheeky new digital campaign featuring actor and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty — who also happens to be an investor in the company.

The campaign kicks off with a scene that feels ripped straight out of a social media controversy. Shilpa, famously health-conscious, is seen pushing away a bowl of noodles on camera. Moments later, she’s roasted in a mock news segment for turning down a food she’s now endorsing. Instead of dodging the shade, the film leans into it — letting Shilpa address the irony head-on.

She goes on to explain that WickedGüd’s noodles are nothing like the usual suspects. No maida, no palm oil, no shady chemicals — just real ingredients like whole wheat, oats, lentils, and chickpeas. The video wraps with a wink and a line that sticks: “It’s so good — it’s WickedGüd.”

At its core, WickedGüd is trying to rewire the way India thinks about comfort food — making indulgent dishes not just guilt-free, but genuinely good for you. And with this campaign, the brand isn’t just selling noodles. It’s taking a sharp, satirical look at how we treat food, health claims, and celebrity culture.

“Our goal has always been to make comfort food that doesn’t compromise on either taste or nutrition,” says Bhuman Dani. “And we wanted to spark a real conversation — not with the usual ad-speak, but through humour and honesty. Shilpa was the perfect partner for that.”

Targeted at Gen Z and millennials who are paying closer attention to what they eat, the campaign skips the traditional sales pitch. Instead, it leans on smart storytelling, irony, and a bit of drama to make its point.

Reflecting on her involvement, Shilpa Shetty shares, “I’ve always felt that healthy eating shouldn’t feel like a punishment. What drew me to WickedGüd is how they’ve managed to keep the joy in food while taking out the junk. This campaign really speaks to that balance — it’s a message I believe in, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

As WickedGüd continues to grow, this campaign sets the tone for where the brand is headed — a place where nutrition, fun, and bold honesty can all sit at the same table.

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Eternal-Owned District Makes Surprise Fashion Debut, Expanding Beyond Events

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Eternal-Owned District Makes Surprise Fashion Debut, Expanding Beyond Events

In a quiet but notable shift, Eternal’s lifestyle platform District has begun offering clothing, accessories, and fashion merchandise on its app—marking the company’s first official step into the competitive online fashion space, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to IndianStartupNews (ISN).

Originally launched as a standalone venture focused on dining out and ticketed experiences, District had not signaled any ambitions to explore e-commerce, let alone fashion. The app was eventually merged with Paytm Insider, cementing its role as Eternal’s hub for event discovery and lifestyle bookings. That context makes this move all the more unexpected.

The fashion rollout was quietly activated within the District app, without a formal press announcement. With this shift, Eternal now finds itself competing directly with heavyweights like Nykaa Fashion, Myntra, Flipkart, Amazon Fashion, and Reliance’s Ajio—brands that dominate India’s booming online apparel market.

What’s unclear is how aggressively Eternal plans to pursue this new vertical. While the listings are live, there’s no word yet on how much investment or strategic focus the company intends to place on scaling its fashion ambitions.

The timing of the move is interesting. Eternal—formerly known as Zomato—recently reported its Q1FY26 financials, showing a steep 90% drop in profits, down to ₹25 crore. However, revenues jumped 70% year-on-year to ₹7,167 crore, thanks largely to robust growth in Blinkit and Hyperpure, its fast-growing B2B supply arm.

Whether fashion becomes a serious revenue contributor or just another experiment remains to be seen—but District’s sudden wardrobe upgrade suggests Eternal is hunting for new growth levers in every possible direction.

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Priyanka Gill’s Coluxe Secures Funding from Startup Sherpas, Apollo Singapore and More—Readies Launch of 300+ Fine Jewellery Pieces

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Priyanka Gill’s Coluxe Secures Funding from Startup Sherpas, Apollo Singapore and More—Readies Launch of 300+ Fine Jewellery Pieces

Coluxe, a fresh face in India’s fine jewellery landscape, has just wrapped up its friends and family funding round. The round brought together a range of well-known names from the entrepreneurial world, including HCL co-founder Ajai Chowdhry, Tej Kapoor of ICICI Ventures, Appreciate Capital’s Sairee Chahal, Startup Sherpas, Kunal Chowdhry from Apollo Singapore Investments, Rachin Dewan of Rachin Dewan Ventures, and Synage’s Kunal Milwani.

With funding now in place, the brand is preparing for an official digital debut this August. The investment will help Coluxe roll out its online store, expand its jewellery lineup, and strengthen operational support systems.

Founded by Priyanka Gill earlier this year, Coluxe is carving a niche for itself in a market that’s long leaned heavily on traditional gold. The brand puts a modern spin on jewellery by offering modular, mix-and-match pieces built around lab-grown diamonds and vibrant gemstones. The idea? Create jewellery that’s stylish, personal, and suitable for daily wear—something women can buy for themselves, not just receive as heirlooms.

“There’s a huge gap between what people want and what the market offers,” said Gill. “Lab-grown diamonds are helping bridge that divide, especially in a country where only a tiny slice of gold buyers own even one diamond.”

Coluxe aims to speak to urban shoppers looking for sustainability and self-expression in what they wear. Its debut earlier this month featured a limited Rakhi-themed capsule sold via WhatsApp, which reportedly sold out in just a week—an encouraging sign for what’s to come.

The upcoming August collection will launch with more than 300 styles across rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings, and stackable sets. Future drops will be built around storytelling—think zodiac symbols, manifestation themes, classic solitaires, and gift-worthy pieces.

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Cremeitalia Unveils 4 Bold Cream Cheese Flavours and a Rich Cheese Sauce to Spice Up Indian Kitchens

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Cremeitalia Unveils 4 Bold Cream Cheese Flavours and a Rich Cheese Sauce to Spice Up Indian Kitchens

Cremeitalia, the artisanal cheese brand loved for its rich, indulgent offerings, has just rolled out a mouthwatering new line-up that’s already making waves in the dairy aisle. The launch includes a velvety Cheese Sauce and four bold Cream Cheese variants: Korean Chilli, Herb Garlic, Jalapeño, and Classic. Made with authentic ingredients and crafted for versatility, this new range is set to become a staple in Indian kitchens.

The Cheese Sauce is smooth, creamy, and perfect for everything from sandwiches and pastas to roasted vegetables and dips. Meanwhile, the Korean Chilli Cream Cheese adds a spicy, umami punch inspired by the growing popularity of Korean flavors in India—ideal for Korean-style buns or fiery bagels. Herb Garlic and Jalapeño Cream Cheeses offer familiar yet elevated twists for snacking, wraps, and breakfast spreads.

“We’re tapping into the evolving needs of chefs and cheese lovers who are looking for easy, flavour-packed cheese options for everyday use,” said Prateek Mittal, Co-founder and CEO of Cremeitalia. “Each product was thoughtfully developed to balance authenticity with convenience.”

The full range is now available online at www.cremeitalia.com and in premium retail stores such as Reliance Retail (Signature & Fresk Pik), Nature’s Basket, and other gourmet outlets.

This latest product expansion underscores Cremeitalia’s commitment to bringing world-class cheese experiences to Indian consumers. Whether you’re a home cook looking to spice up your meals or a foodie craving something new, Cremeitalia’s new offerings are sure to deliver a burst of flavour and inspiration to your kitchen.

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