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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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Abhinav Pathak’s Escape Plan Bags $5M from Jungle and Fireside to Build 100 Stores and Redesign India’s $3.5B Travel Gear Market

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Abhinav Pathak’s Escape Plan Bags $5M from Jungle and Fireside to Build 100 Stores and Redesign India’s $3.5B Travel Gear Market

Lifestyle startup Escape Plan, based in Bengaluru, has landed $5 million in seed funding to build what its founders call a “next-gen travel essentials brand” for modern Indian consumers. The round was led by Jungle Ventures (via First Cheque@Jungle) and Fireside Ventures.

The company is the brainchild of Abhinav Pathak, previously the co-founder of Perpule, which was acquired by Amazon in 2021, and Abhinav Zutshi, a seasoned player in India’s retail space with stints at Big Bazaar, Landmark Group, Bestseller Group, and Forever 21. Together, they’re setting out to reimagine how Indians shop for travel accessories—blending utility with style and speed.

Escape Plan wants to shake up what it sees as a stale category by focusing on design-driven, multifunctional products—from travel bags to on-the-go accessories—that align with a lifestyle where travel is now a constant, not an exception.

With the fresh capital, the startup plans to open over 100 offline stores across India within the next 18–24 months, and also integrate with quick-commerce and travel platforms to enable 1-hour delivery in top cities—targeting last-minute travelers and gifting needs.

“Travel today is not a special event—it’s embedded in the daily lives of consumers, whether for work, weekend getaways, or lifestyle shifts,” said CEO Abhinav Pathak. “But travel gear hasn’t caught up. We want to build products that are functional, good-looking, and available when you need them most.”

India’s travel and luggage market is currently pegged at $3.5 billion, and is expected to touch $5 billion by 2028. Escape Plan wants a major piece of that pie, aiming to fill the gap between global design trends and what’s available to Indian consumers.

Rishab Malik, Partner at Jungle Ventures, sees the startup as tapping into a clear gap in the market. “Indians today know what’s happening globally—but when it comes to travel gear, the local offerings just don’t match that aesthetic or utility. The Escape Plan team brings retail and tech know-how that legacy players lack. They’re creating something the market hasn’t seen before.”

Vinay Singh, Partner at Fireside Ventures, echoed the sentiment: “This is more than luggage—it’s identity, access, and design. With their omni-channel model and clear brand story, we see Escape Plan emerging as a lifestyle brand that can resonate far beyond India.”

With experienced founders, a fast-moving rollout plan, and a bold pitch, Escape Plan may just be plotting a new course for India’s travel accessories game.

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Deepinder Goyal’s Eternal Sees 90% Profit Crash in Q1FY26 Even as Revenues Jump 70% to ₹7,167 Cr

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Deepinder Goyal’s Eternal Sees 90% Profit Crash in Q1FY26 Even as Revenues Jump 70% to ₹7,167 Cr

Eternal, the parent company of Zomato and Blinkit, has taken a sharp hit on its bottom line in the first quarter of FY26, even as its revenues posted a strong surge. The company, led by Deepinder Goyal, reported a consolidated net profit of just ₹25 crore for the April–June quarter—down significantly from ₹253 crore during the same period last year, marking a staggering 90% year-on-year fall.

The topline, however, told a different story. Revenue from operations rose 70% to ₹7,167 crore, thanks in large part to the aggressive growth of its quick commerce arm Blinkit and B2B supply platform Hyperpure.

But that growth came at a cost. Eternal’s profitability took a backseat as it continued pouring money into expanding its fast-delivery and going-out services. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter dropped to ₹172 crore, down 42% from last year. CFO Akshant Goyal acknowledged that these expansions were weighing on margins, though food delivery margins improved slightly, climbing to 5.0% of Net Order Value (NOV) from 3.9% in Q1FY25.

Expenses ballooned as well, touching ₹7,433 crore—nearly 77% higher than the ₹4,203 crore spent in the corresponding quarter last year.

Seasonal challenges didn’t help. “The first quarter tends to put pressure on margins due to monsoon-related disruptions and fewer available delivery partners,” Deepinder Goyal told shareholders.

In a major shift, Blinkit for the first time overtook Zomato’s food delivery business in terms of Net Order Value. Eternal’s overall B2C NOV rose 55% year-on-year to ₹20,183 crore, with Blinkit alone contributing ₹9,203 crore—up a massive 127% from Q1FY25.

The quick commerce platform also saw its user base explode. Monthly transacting customers on Blinkit more than doubled to 16.9 million, while the company added 243 new stores in just one quarter, taking the total count to 1,544. CEO Albinder Dhindsa said Blinkit remains on track to hit its 2,000-store goal by the end of the year and is simultaneously scaling up warehousing space, which now spans 10.4 million sq. ft.

While Blinkit hasn’t yet turned profitable, its losses are narrowing. The EBITDA margin loss improved to -1.8% of NOV, compared to -2.4% in the previous quarter.

All eyes will now be on whether Eternal can strike a balance between growth and profitability in the quarters ahead.

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Tilaknagar Industries in Talks to Acquire Popular Whisky Brand Imperial Blue from Pernod Ricard

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A major shake-up could soon be underway in India’s liquor space, with Tilaknagar Industries, headed by Amit Dahanukar, emerging as the likely buyer for Pernod Ricard’s well-known whisky brand, Imperial Blue. The acquisition, pegged between ₹4,000-5,000 crore, is reportedly in the final stages, with insiders hinting at a formal announcement before the end of the month. Inbrew Beverages, led by Ravi Deol, is also still in the race, but Tilaknagar seems to have pulled ahead.

Both companies stayed tight-lipped when asked about the development, and Pernod Ricard India, too, didn’t offer any comment. However, Tilaknagar’s board is set to meet on Wednesday to explore a fresh round of fundraising—widely believed to be linked to the Imperial Blue deal. The funding could come through a mix of financial instruments like equity, bonds, debentures, preference shares, or warrants, depending on what the board decides. The company’s filing indicates the capital may be raised in multiple rounds, potentially through public offerings, private placements, rights issues, or QIPs.

Pernod Ricard has been weighing the sale of Imperial Blue—which clocks in at nearly 23 million cases sold annually—as it looks to pivot more aggressively towards its high-end offerings. In the pecking order of Indian whiskies, Imperial Blue holds the third spot, trailing only Diageo’s McDowell’s No. 1 (32.2 million cases) and Pernod’s own Royal Stag (31 million cases).

Tilaknagar, known best for its blockbuster Mansion House brandy, has been trying to diversify its alcohol portfolio. Its line-up currently features names like Mansion House Gold Barrel whisky, Madira Gold Dark rum, and Blue Lagoon gin. The brandy segment remains its biggest breadwinner, particularly in southern markets where Mansion House moves close to 8 million cases annually.

Speaking during the company’s last earnings call, Tilaknagar’s president of strategy and corporate affairs, Ameya Deshpande, gave a glimpse of where the company is headed. “By 2030, we want brandy to continue leading our business but aim for non-brandy products to make up 20% of our revenues—up from today’s 6%,” he said.

If the Imperial Blue deal goes through, it could mark a huge leap in that direction.

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Blinkit Foods Incorporated by Eternal to Back Bistro’s Rapid Expansion; 38 Kitchens Already Running

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Blinkit Foods Incorporated by Eternal to Back Bistro’s Rapid Expansion; 38 Kitchens Already Running

Eternal, the parent company behind Zomato and Blinkit, has quietly registered a new subsidiary—Blinkit Foods—as it looks to deepen its push into ultra-fast food delivery.

The new arm is being floated with an authorised capital of ₹1 crore and a paid-up capital of ₹10 lakh. Though the company hasn’t shared a roadmap yet, filings show that Blinkit Foods will focus on everything from food innovation and prep to sourcing, selling, and delivering meals to customers.

In a regulatory disclosure, Eternal clarified that Blinkit Foods will be a wholly owned unit and part of the group’s internal ecosystem. Notably, the company continues to operate without a promoter group, remaining under professional management.

The move follows the growing footprint of Blinkit’s 10-minute food delivery experiment—Bistro—which now runs 38 kitchens across Delhi-NCR and Bangalore. Eternal appears to be doubling down on this model by setting up a dedicated entity to potentially streamline and scale the offering.

In the Q1 FY26 shareholder letter, founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal called the early performance of Bistro “promising,” highlighting that the service has added demand without undercutting Zomato’s core business.

According to Goyal, Bistro’s value proposition hits two sweet spots: budget-friendly, quality meals and a menu that caters to quick cravings—think snacky, comfort food—delivered at lightning speed.

The creation of Blinkit Foods could be Eternal’s next big step in turning 10-minute meals from a trial into a full-fledged business vertical.

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Farmley Sets Sights on ₹700 Cr Revenue in FY26, to Pump ₹50 Cr into Noida Factory as Clean Snacking Trend Booms

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Farmley Sets Sights on ₹700 Cr Revenue in FY26, to Pump ₹50 Cr into Noida Factory as Clean Snacking Trend Booms

Homegrown snacking brand Farmley is gearing up for a major leap this fiscal year, aiming to push its revenue to between Rs 600 and Rs 700 crore — almost double what it clocked last year.

Founded in 2017 by two IIT graduates, the Noida-based company closed FY 2024-25 with Rs 370 crore in revenue. Now, it’s betting on a wider presence both in stores and on digital shelves to hit its ambitious target.

“We’re scaling up aggressively across all platforms and expanding production to meet rising demand,” co-founder and CEO Akash Sharma said during a recent healthy snacking summit. He also revealed plans to pour Rs 40-50 crore into a new manufacturing unit near Noida, which should be up and running sometime next year. Profitability, he added, is firmly on the cards for this financial year.

Farmley’s lineup includes dry fruits, seeds, trail mixes, roasted snacks, and ready-to-eat options — all designed to be nutritious, accessible, and free from unnecessary additives.

According to a new consumer insights report shared by the brand, nearly 36% of those surveyed ranked roasted and flavored dry fruits as their go-to savory snack, while 19% picked makhana — a puffed lotus seed — as their favorite.

The data also highlighted a shift in consumer behavior: 55% said they prefer snacks that are clean-label and preservative-free, while 52% were drawn to resealable, eco-friendly packaging. Another 45% said they’re reaching more often for on-the-go snacks like dry fruit laddoos and compact energy bars.

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Pan-Asian Giant wagamama Enters India via K Hospitality; First Outlet Opens in Mumbai, Expansion to Follow

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Pan-Asian Giant wagamama Enters India via K Hospitality; First Outlet Opens in Mumbai, Expansion to Follow

The globally loved UK-born pan-Asian restaurant, wagamama, is finally making its way to India, kicking off its journey in the bustling heart of South Mumbai. Its first Indian outlet will open doors at the historic Cambata Building – a landmark address that’s getting a bold new culinary tenant.

Founded in London in 1992, wagamama was inspired by the energy and simplicity of Japanese ramen bars, blended with the bold flavors of Asian cuisine. Over the decades, it’s become a household name across Europe and the Middle East, known not just for its food but for its philosophy of serving warmth with every bowl.

Bringing wagamama to Indian shores is K Hospitality Corp, one of the country’s biggest players in the food and beverage space. This marks yet another ambitious chapter for the company.

“We’re not your usual restaurant – we’re a vibe,” said Francisco Neves, Senior VP of Franchise and Partnerships. “wagamama is about soulful food, shared joy, and a playful spirit. Mumbai felt like the perfect first stop – it’s alive with flavour, personality, and people who appreciate food with heart.”

The Mumbai menu is a full-on flavour fest – think signature katsu curry, yaki soba, comforting donburi bowls, crispy bang bang cauliflower and prawns, rich ramens like tantanmen and kare burosu, alongside fluffy baos and handmade gyozas. Pair it all with refreshing juices, Asian-inspired cocktails, or fruity mocktails, and round it off with desserts and curated wines and spirits.

Next up? Delhi NCR. With plans to expand further across India, wagamama promises each new outlet will stay rooted in its global essence while celebrating local energy.

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Birla Heiress Ananya Enters Beauty Market with Birla Cosmetics, Juggles Roles Across ₹5 Lakh Cr ABG Empire

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Birla Heiress Ananya Enters Beauty Market with Birla Cosmetics, Juggles Roles Across ₹5 Lakh Cr ABG Empire

Ananya Birla has quietly stepped into a new chapter, revealing that she’s now the Founder and Managing Director of Birla Cosmetics. The company currently includes two brands under its umbrella — Lovetc and Contraband. She shared the update in a recent LinkedIn post, calling it a “long-overdue announcement.”

Ananya’s plate is more than full. Alongside this new beauty venture, she holds key roles across several arms of the Aditya Birla Group. Since early 2023, she’s been a Director at Grasim Industries, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, and Aditya Birla Management Corporation. She also serves as Chairperson and Director at both Chaitanya India Fin Credit and Svatantra Microfin. Outside of the group, she founded Ikai Asai, a platform celebrating Indian design, and leads the Ananya Birla Foundation.

And if that weren’t enough, she continues to pursue her music career — signed to BMG and previously associated with Universal Music Group — balancing boardrooms and recording studios with equal energy.

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Reliance’s Ajio Rush Enters Fashion’s Quick Commerce Battle: 1.3 Lakh Styles, 4-Hour Delivery, and a Race Against Myntra, Snitch & Slikk

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Reliance’s Ajio Rush Enters Fashion’s Quick Commerce Battle: 1.3 Lakh Styles, 4-Hour Delivery, and a Race Against Myntra, Snitch & Slikk

Reliance Retail Ventures has stepped into the fast-fashion delivery game with the rollout of Ajio Rush—a service that promises to get your style picks to your doorstep within just four hours. Introduced in the first quarter of FY26, the feature is already operational in six cities and offers an extensive selection of over 1.3 lakh fashion pieces. According to Reliance’s Q1 earnings report, Ajio Rush is already showing healthy numbers, thanks to higher-than-usual order values and fewer returns.

Ajio isn’t the first to try speeding up fashion deliveries. Myntra tested the waters last year with its M-Now service, offering delivery windows as tight as 30 minutes to two hours. As ETtech highlighted on June 18, 2025, other players like Nykaa Fashion, Newme, and Slikk have also been experimenting with lightning-fast drop-offs to appeal to impulse buyers—especially the Gen Z crowd that’s used to instant gratification. But not everyone has made it work. Quick fashion startup Blip folded in under a year, pointing to funding struggles and difficulties in scaling quickly.

That said, money is still pouring into this space.

On May 13, 2025, Slikk secured a $10 million investment from Nexus Venture Partners and Lightspeed to grow its one-hour delivery operation. Just weeks later, Snitch attracted a hefty $40 million round from 360 One Asset to fuel its own quick commerce ambitions. Around the same time, Gen Z-focused brand Newme raised $18 million from Accel, Fireside Ventures, and AUM Ventures to expand its footprint.

Despite the buzz, consumer behavior hasn’t changed entirely. In a June conversation with ETtech, Snitch founder Siddharth Dungarwal pointed out that most people don’t shop for clothes on a whim—unless they’ve got a last-minute event or emergency. “Essentials still rule the cart,” he said.

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