JioMart, the e-commerce platform of Reliance Retail, reported a threefold increase in its seller base in the December quarter results posted on Friday.
Expanding beyond its primary focus on groceries, JioMart is actively striving to increase the presence of non-grocery categories on its platform.
Dinesh Taluja, CFO and corporate development, Reliance Retail in the earnings call on Friday said, “We are also focusing on increasing the share of non-grocery categories.”
He mentioned that JioMart has experienced notable success in categories like fashion, lifestyle, and electronics. Although these categories make a relatively modest contribution to the overall Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), their performance has been exceptional, and consumer adoption of these categories on the platform is steadily rising.
Furthermore, Taluja highlighted that JioMart observed a significant increase in order values for groceries, describing it as a ‘substantial and positive uptick.’
In its ongoing efforts to expand its catalog, the e-commerce platform announced an 84% year-over-year increase in its option count during the September to December quarter.
For the third quarter, Reliance Retail reported a record-high revenue of INR 83,063 crore, reflecting a significant 22.8% year-over-year increase. The net profit for the quarter stood at INR 3,165 crore for the retail giant.
After getting a notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), Amazon has removed sweets sold under the name ‘Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad’.
The products include ‘Ghee Bundi Ladoo‘, ‘Khoya Khobi Ladoo’, ‘Raghupati Ghee Ladoo’, and ‘Desi Cow Milk Peda’, reports Moneycontrol.
“We have received a communication from the Central Consumer Protection Authority regarding misleading product claims by certain seller(s) and investigating them for violations. In the interim, we are taking appropriate action against such listings as per our policies,” an Amazon spokesperson was quoted as saying.
The company further emphasized that Amazon.in operates as a third-party marketplace, wherein sellers, and not Amazon, are responsible for listing and selling products to customers in compliance with Indian laws and Amazon’s policies.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a notice, stipulating that Amazon provide a response within seven days regarding the retail of sweets on amazon.in under the label ‘Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad’.
If the company fail to reply within the allotted time, the Consumer Protection Act of 2019 will trigger mandatory actions, the report mentioned.
On January 22, the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla will take place in the newly-built temple. Idols of elephants, lions, Lord Hanuman and Garuda (‘vahana’ of Lord Vishnu), have been installed at the entrance gate of the Ram Temple.
Community kitchens, ranging from those organized by Nihang Singhs and ISKCON to temple trusts across the country and local residents in Ayodhya, are actively providing ‘langar’ meals to devotees in anticipation of the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple.
Devotees heading to the holy city can relish freshly cooked hot meals at various community kitchens, operational at every nook and corner of the city. Khichdi, aloo puri, kadhi chawal, achar, and papad constitute the common menu at these langars, while the supply of hot tea offers respite to pilgrims amid the bone-chilling cold.
On Friday, a group of Nihang Sikhs, led by Baba Harjit Singh Rasulpur, arrived in Ayodhya to conduct a two-month ‘Langar sewa’ at the Char Dham Mutt for the pilgrims arriving here to pay obeisance to Ram Lalla in the newly-constructed temple.
“I am the eighth generation of Baba Fakir Singh and want to highlight the sacrifices of Nihangs among Ram devotees,” said Harjit Singh, a member of the Nihang Sikh group.
“This langar is a tribute to the struggle launched by our ancestors for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The service will go on for two months,” Harjit said. The Mahavir Temple trust of Patna is running the ‘Ram ki Rasoi’ community kitchen.
“Over 10,000 devotees are fed hot meals here in a day, the number is expected to jump when more people will visit the temple once it is opened for public after the Pran Pratistha ceremony. The expenses are funded by the Mahavir temple trust and people from across the country have been sending donations, both monetary as well as raw material,” a ‘sevadar’ at the kitchen said.
ISKCON is welcoming pilgrims coming to Ayodhya with lunch prasad along with distribution of Vedic literature.
“ISKCON welcomes all the pilgrims coming to Ayodhya for the darshan of Lord Sri Ram. Daily 5,000 pilgrims are being served lunch prasad along with the distribution of Vedic literature and ‘sankirtan’ by devotees of different nationalities,” said Yudhistir Govinda Das, spokesperson, ISKCON India board.
The first phase of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is nearing completion and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol on January 22
In 2019, the Supreme Court issued a landmark verdict, resolving a century-old temple-mosque dispute. The decision supported the construction of a Ram temple at the contested site and mandated the allocation of an alternative five-acre plot for the mosque. Ayodhya is now adorned in preparation for the ‘Pran Prathishtha’ ceremony. The flyover streetlights showcase artistic representations of Lord Ram, featuring cutouts of bow and arrow, while ornamental lamp posts are adorned with designs inspired by the traditional ‘Ramanandi tilak’.
Residents who are excited about the economic growth unfolding in the temple town are also coming together to provide complimentary meals to devotees.
“Lord Ram has blessed us with new means of livelihood which will continue for the rest of our lives. For two months, we are offering free food at our restaurant. We are also constructing new guest houses for the pilgrims,” said Brakesh Shukl, owner of a dhaba near Asharfi Bhawan.
Meanwhile, Gauri Shankar Sewa Dal from Chandigarh is heading to Ayodhya to run a one-month-long langar service. Pritam, a member of the religious organisation, said, “We will serve makke ki roti and sarson ka saag. Our langar will start from January 23, a day after the consecration ceremony and will go on for a month.”
Gearing up for the big day, the city is decked up with saffron flags and huge cutouts of Lord Ram that have been placed on the median of the Ram Path while continuous chants of ‘Siya Ram’ and ‘Jai Siya Ram’ can be heard everywhere, being played on loudspeakers installed at temples in the vicinity. Ramlilas, Bhagwat Kathas, Bhajan sandhyas and cultural programmes are being held at different places across the city. The banks of the Saryu river where thousands flock every evening for the aarti have also been decked up.
Some of the trees on Dharm Path near the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk have been decorated with special pieces made with inverted baskets and lights, adding to the aesthetic feel of the revamped holy city.
Delhi Meat Merchant Association general secretary, Irshad Qureshi, has appealed to all meat and fish traders in Delhi to suspend their business operations on January 22 in observance of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Qureshi emphasized that the primary goal of this appeal is to promote unity and harmony between the communities, with the aim of bringing people together during this significant occasion.
He stated that all slaughterhouses in Delhi, along with shops selling meat and fish, have been urged to keep their businesses closed for the day, respecting the sentiments of the people for the “pran pratishtha” ceremony in Ayodhya.
“We have made an appeal to all slaughter houses and meat and fish sellers to close their shops on January 22 to show respect to the celebration of our Hindu brothers and sisters on the occasion of Ram temple inauguration,” Qureshi said.
Closing the business for a day would not significantly affect the traders, he emphasized, asserting that the sentiments of both communities should be acknowledged. Additionally, numerous restaurants in Delhi’s Connaught Place have announced their decision not to offer non-vegetarian dishes to customers on January 22. Amit Gupta, joint secretary of the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), mentioned that several establishments in Connaught Place have committed to serving vegetarian food on the day of the “pran pratishtha” ceremony in Ayodhya.
The “pran pratishtha” ceremony in Ayodhya will take place on January 22 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will be attended by many VVIPs.
Maison Margiela, the renowned French luxury fashion brand, has made its debut in India through a collaboration with Shoppers Stop and L’Oréal International Distribution, as announced in a social media update. The first store for this fashion major is located at Jio World Drive in Mumbai.
“Exciting news! Maison Margiela has officially arrived in India at Jio World Drive, thanks to the incredible partnership with L’Oréal International Distribution. Unveiling a world of unique and avant-garde fashion experiences,” wrote Biju Kassim, chief executive officer – beauty, Shopper Stop in a LinkedIn post.
Founded in 1988 by Belgian designer Martin Margiela, the fashion label is based in Paris and specializes in crafting high-end fashion collections as well as ready-to-wear lines. Its diverse range of offerings encompasses womenswear, menswear, fine jewellery, footwear, accessories, leather goods, objects, fragrances, and home goods, among other categories. Notably, the brand distinguishes itself through avant-garde fashion shows held in unconventional locations such as vacant metro stations and street corners.
Shoppers Stop, launched in 1991 by property developer K Raheja Corp with its inaugural store in Andheri, Mumbai, made a significant stride into the beauty sector in 2020 with the introduction of SS Beauty.
L’Oréal International Distribution operates as the multi-brand division within the L’Oréal Group, predominantly partnering with regional or national distributors.
In June 2023, Shoppers Stop forged an exclusive distribution alliance with L’Oréal International Division through its subsidiary, Global SS Beauty Brands Limited.
Kolkata-based Senco Gold & Diamonds has become the first Indian jewellery brand to join the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Network, marking a significant milestone in the company’s digital presence.
Through this integration, Senco Gold & Diamonds ensures the availability of its extensive catalog on various shopping apps within the expanding ONDC Network, facilitating smooth and efficient transactions.
The move is set to enhance Senco’s presence across ONDC seller apps.
“This collaboration will also align seamlessly with the company’s visionary commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, thus strengthening its presence across the nation,” the company said in a press release.
“As pioneers in both product and technological innovation, we take pride in being early adopters of the ONDC Protocol. Through this ground-breaking collaboration, our goal is to establish numerous consumer touchpoints. Our passion lies in creating jewellery with exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetics that resonate with everyone, including the young upwardly mobile generation. We are confident that the strategic integration with the ONDC network will significantly enhance the accessibility of these meticulously crafted exquisite pieces to consumers nationwide, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience,” said Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO, Senco Gold & Diamonds.
ONDC’s MD and CEO, T Koshy, said, “ONDC Network is built to enable all kinds of businesses to strengthen their reach to a bigger consumer market without any entry barriers. With a legacy brand like Senco Gold & Diamonds joining the Network, it will serve as a key addition to our fashion category. Consumers can now shop for some of the best diamond and gold jewellery directly from the ONDC Network.”
Saahil Goel, CEO and Co-Founder of Shiprocket, said, “As pioneers in ONDC network integration, Shiprocket is committed to fostering e-commerce for merchants across every corner of BHARAT. Notably, we anticipate a surge in deliveries from Rajasthan, projecting a frequency of one jewellery shipment every 4 seconds. Recognising the unique market dynamics, we believe in connecting brands, particularly those with rich heritage like Senco Gold & Diamonds, to their target audience.”
“Our shared passion with Senco Gold & Diamonds lies in bridging the gap between brands and consumers, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetics tailored for the mobile-first generation. In line with the nation’s pursuit of the India@100 dream, we are poised to accelerate growth by empowering the MSME sector with transformative avenues for consumer engagement. With ONDC integration, Shiprocket continues to pave the way for seamless connectivity and accessibility, ensuring that even the smallest businesses can thrive in the digital commerce landscape,” he added.
The ecommerce giant Amazon has received a notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for marketing sweets online using the name “Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad.”
According to an official statement from the ministry, the measures have been taken in response to a complaint filed by the CAIT, claiming that Amazon is involved in misleading trade practices related to the sale of sweets disguised as ‘Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad’.
Officials examined samples from these brands, selling sweets like ladoo, and found the label “prasad” from the Ram temple in Ayodhya to be “misleading.”
In response to this an Amazon Spokesperson said, “We have received a communication from the CCPA regarding misleading product claims by certain seller(s) and investigating them for violations. In the interim, we are taking appropriate action against such listings as per our policies.”
It is important to note that according to Rule 4(3) of the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020, no e-commerce entity is allowed to participate in unfair trade practices, whether on its platform or elsewhere.
Furthermore, in accordance with the definition outlined in Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, a ‘misleading advertisement’ is characterized as an advertisement that inaccurately depicts a product or service, offers false guarantees, or has the potential to deceive consumers regarding the nature, substance, quantity, or quality of the product or service.
The ecommerce giant has been asked to provide a response to the CCPA within one week.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is said to be in the process of introducing a mechanism that holds ecommerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart responsible for fraud perpetrated by sellers on their platforms, incorporating “fallback liability” linked to their role as intermediaries.
In March, orders were issued by the CCPA against major ecommerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Shopclues, and Meesho, due to their sale of car seat belt alarm stopper clips, a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Periodically, the CCPA has issued directives targeting the sale of items with potential impacts on buyers. In 2022, it issued notices to major ecommerce platforms for selling corrosive acids online. Additionally, in 2023, the authority served notices to Amazon, Flipkart, and Snapdeal for the sale of toys that violated the country’s quality norms.
In order to capitalize on the increasing demand for wedding venues, hotel chains are rolling out new offerings. This strategic move is in line with the tourism ministry’s campaign, urging couples worldwide to consider India as their wedding destination. Furthermore, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s call for Indians to host weddings within the country, industry executives are actively enhancing their services to align with this growing trend.
Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), stated that in response to the increasing demand for distinctive and unconventional destination wedding venues, the Tata Group’s IHCL is expanding its portfolio. These additions aim to meet the varied preferences of individuals seeking both traditional and unique locations for their weddings.
According to KB Kachru, the principal advisor for South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, the company is building a “dedicated wedding concept” that consolidates all aspects of the service under a single roof.
Manish Tolani, the Commercial Director for India at Hilton, shared that under the ‘Wedding Diaries By Hilton’ initiative, the company plans to customize experiences by featuring celebrity chefs and curating sustainable weddings with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint in the country.
“Simultaneously, our F&B (food and beverages) offerings will expand, incorporating partners committed to conscious practices,” he said.
In August last year, the tourism ministry launched a campaign to “unleash the potential of India’s huge wedding industry.” Prime Minister Modi, in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address in November, called for a ‘Wed in India’ campaign, encouraging people from the country to avoid organizing weddings abroad.
This week, Hyatt announced the launch of ‘Perfectly Yours 2.0’ for couples seeking a “personalized” wedding experience. Kadmbini Mittal, Regional Vice President-Commercial, India and Southwest Asia, at Hyatt India Consultancy, said that the hotel chain has seen a 200% surge in its weddings business since 2019 and 50% since 2022.
“We have elevated our offerings in initiatives like Perfectly Yours 2.0 to align with the evolving preferences of modern couples. The new initiative extends beyond the wedding day, encompassing a holistic cultural experience throughout the celebration journey, through events like sangeet, mehendi and other cultural get-togethers,” said Mittal.
According to Nikhil Sharma, the Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has introduced ‘A Moment to Remember,’ a marketing campaign specifically crafted for the Indian wedding market.
“Our upcoming hotels prioritise wedding functions with purpose-built public spaces and banquets. Designed with versatility, the facilities include a separate banquet kitchen for both non-vegetarian and vegetarian cuisines,” he said.
Sharma mentioned that this wedding season surpasses previous ones, as customers are increasingly choosing hotels as their preferred venue.
“The trend reflects a significant change in preferences, elevating the overall wedding experience for couples and guests alike,” he said.
Akhil Arora, CEO of Espire Hospitality Group, revealed that due to the growing popularity of domestic weddings, the chain has established a dedicated weddings team at the group level, specifically catering to its ZANA-Luxury Escapes and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts properties.
“The team will be involved in ideating and creating stunning settings and experiences in the unique venues that we already have, flanked by the great Himalayan mountains, alongside tranquil lakes, in the midst of virgin forests or those bordering wildlife sanctuaries,” Arora said. “We have also introduced eco-friendly choices at Six Senses Fort Barwara, with no usage of plastic and paper materials in our organic spaces.”
Madhav Sehgal, Area Vice President for South India at The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts, announced that The Leela Palace Bengaluru is set to unveil a 10,000 square feet Maharaja Ballroom designed for “exquisite” celebrations in March.
Radisson Blu Palace Resort, Udaipur, is considering collaborations with influencers who hold a strong presence in the wedding and hospitality sectors, as mentioned by Chairman Somesh Agarwal. Additionally, the resort aims to enhance its commitment to sustainability by incorporating biodegradable decor, minimalistic designs, and eco-friendly catering choices.
“Notably, a significant number of non-resident Indians and domestic guests are choosing our venue. This heightened demand has prompted us to project a 40% increase in revenue,” he said.
The Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall is currently in the process of creating all-inclusive destination wedding packages, as mentioned by General Manager Sachin Maheshwary. Simultaneously, the hotel is making strategic investments in targeted digital marketing campaigns.
Shruti Shibulal, CEO of Tamara Leisure Experiences, expressed the company’s ambition to transform into a comprehensive wedding destination.
“From providing curated gourmet food, indoor and outdoor venues, and every facility required, including decor, photography, choreography, mehendi, organising religious ceremonies and even being a honeymoon getaway, we do it all,” she said.
“We have formed collaborations with top-tier brands to deliver a holistic solution to our esteemed guests.”
Ranju Singh, the Complex General Manager at Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, mentioned that Novotel has introduced ‘Shagun at Novotel’, a program that provides personalized gift hampers to the guests of the bride and groom, enhancing the uniqueness of their celebration.
Amidst rising tensions between India and Maldives, Mr. Bhatura, a restaurant in Noida is enticing customers with a tempting promotion. Now, with every booking to Lakshadweep or any canceled trips to the Maldives, patrons can enjoy a complimentary plate of ‘chole bhature.’
“Through this, we want to promote tourism in Lakshadweep. We started this scheme on Saturday and the response has been very good. In the NCR region itself, 10 people have availed the scheme and they have appreciated it. We now plan to extend the scheme till the end of January,” Vijay Mishra, owner of the restaurant, was quoted as saying by India Today.
He added that the initiative goes beyond mere business transactions; it is also a gesture of solidarity with the country and its tourism sector.
Speaking about the unique ad, the restaurant chain owner revealed that the idea originated when Maldivian ministers began making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India-Maldives relations faced tension when President Mohamed Muizzu, perceived as a pro-China leader, asserted upon assuming the presidency in November last year that he intended to fulfill his election pledge of expelling Indian military personnel from his country.
The Maldives is one of India’s key maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean Region, and the overall bilateral relationship, including in areas of defense and security, witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male.
Earlier, the Maldives media reported that Mohamed Muizzu had asked India to withdraw its troops from the island nation before March 15.
Muizzu’s latest move comes in the wake of a social media storm that erupted a week earlier, leading to the suspension of three island ministers over alleged derogatory comments against Indians and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a consequence, Indian leaders, celebrities, and tour companies responded by canceling trips to the island and expressing their commitment to enhancing tourism in domestic islands.
As India solidifies its position as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, the involvement of celebrities in startup investments has gained significant traction.
In recent years, celebrities have demonstrated growing support for F&B startups, either through investments or by venturing into entrepreneurial pursuits. Divas such as Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, Kareena Kapoor, and Shilpa Shetty have delved into F&B startup investments, endorsing products, or launching their own initiatives.
Here is a list of celebrities who have made investments in F&B startups:
1. Deepika Padukone:
Deepika Padukone, a leading actress has not only achieved immense success on the silver screen but has also solidified her position as a savvy investor.
In 2017, Padukone established KA Enterprises LLP, a firm dedicated to overseeing her financial matters and engaging in investments in startup ventures.
She boasts an impressive net worth of approximately INR 500 Cr, attributed not only to her highly successful Bollywood career but also to a substantial portfolio of strategic investments in promising startups. Here are some of these emerging F&B ventures that have received her financial backing:
Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters:
Blue Tokai Co-Founders: Shivam Shahi, Namrata Asthana, Matt Chitharanjan
Established in 2013 by Matt Chitharanjan, Namrata Asthana, and Shivam Shahi, Blue Tokai, a specialty coffee brand, functions as a coffee roasting company in both India and Japan. With four roasteries and a presence in over 80 physical outlets across major Indian cities, the brand not only provides a variety of ready-to-drink products but also offers diverse gifting options.
Presently, Blue Tokai is located in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Mohali, Pune, and other cities in India. Additionally, the brand organizes frequent pop-ups in Tokyo.
In the realm of business-to-business (B2B) engagements, Blue Tokai has formed partnerships with various retail establishments throughout India, luxury hotels, restaurants, leading corporate entities, and co-working spaces, among other collaborators.
In September 2023, Deepika Padukone invested an undisclosed amount in Blue Tokai’s Series B funding round.
Commenting on the investment, Padukone said, “As someone who is immensely passionate about homegrown brands and deeply values authenticity and transparency, investing in Blue Tokai was an evident choice.”
Epigamia, established in 2015 by Mirchandani, Uday Thakker, Chef Ganesh Krishnamoorthy, and Rahul Jain, initially introduced itself as a Greek Yogurt brand. Over the years, the brand has diversified its offerings to include artisanal curd, snack packs, mishti doi (an Indian sweet curd), and smoothies. With a product range spanning 21 stock-keeping units, Epigamia has successfully penetrated 10,000 retail touchpoints, including major outlets such as Big Basket, and Amazon, as well as various general traders across key cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata.
In 2019, Deepika Padukone participated in a Series C funding round led by Belgium-based consumer-focused investment firm Verlinvest, DSG Consumer Partners, and Danone Manifesto Ventures, the venture investment arm of the French multinational food company Danone. While the exact investment amount remains undisclosed, Padukone also took on the role of a brand ambassador for the startup as part of the deal.
At the time, Deepika Padukone had said, “Not only do I love the products but also connect very strongly with the brand philosophy. The team has big plans for expansion and I am excited to be closely involved as we roll out new products and enter new cities.”
Supertails:
Vineet Khanna, Varun Sadana, Aman Tekriwal, Co-Founders of Supertails
Supertails, a pet care startup headquartered in Bangalore, was established by former Licious executives Vineet Khanna, Varun Sadana, and Aman Tekriwal. This digital platform is designed to meet the needs of pet owners in India by providing comprehensive services. Supertails offers veterinary care, serving as a one-stop solution for pet food and supplies. The platform operates as a fully digital telehealth consultation service and facilitates doorstep delivery of pet supplies nationwide.
In July 2021, Supertails secured $2.6 million in a Pre Series A funding round, spearheaded by Saama Capital and DSG Consumer Partners. Other notable contributors to the funding included Whiteboard Capital, Titan Capital, and Sauce VC.
During the same funding round, Deepika Padukone also made an undisclosed investment in the company.
2. Anushka Sharma:
Anushka Sharma, the acclaimed Bollywood actress, has garnered admiration for her exceptional talent and mesmerizing on-screen portrayals. In the year 2022, she expanded her endeavors into the realm of investments.
Blue Tribe Foods:
In February 2022, she along with her husband Virat Kohli made an undisclosed investment in plant-based meat startup Blue Tribe.
Established in 2017 by Sandeep Singh and Nikki Arora Singh, Blue Tribe is a startup specializing in meat alternatives. The company offers a range of plant-based meat products, including frozen minced chicken, chicken nuggets, keema, sausages, and momos. These products mimic the taste, appearance, texture, and cooking properties of meat while being entirely plant-based.
The startup’s offerings are primarily crafted from a blend of pea, soybean, lentils, grains, and various vegetarian ingredients, delivering a combination of proteins, vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
Blue Tribe has also partnered with the Indian arm of the Good Food Institute (GFI), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting plant-based alternatives for meat, dairy, and eggs.
As per a Meticulous Research report, the global plant-based food market is anticipated to reach $74 billion by 2027.
Slurrp Farm:
Shauravi Malik and Meghana Narayan, Co-Founders, Slurrp Farm (Credits: Entrepreneur.com)
Established in 2016 by Meghana Narayan and Shauravi Malik, Slurrp Farm is a company dedicated to crafting wholesome snacks tailored for children. Their product lineup encompasses a variety of cereals, milk mixes, and snacks, featuring convenient options like ready-to-mix pancakes, cakes, dosas, noodles, and pastas.
Wholsum Foods, the parent company of Slurrp Farm, distributes its offerings via its official website and various online marketplaces. Currently, the company has successfully solidified its footprint in India, the UAE, the US, and the UK, extending its services to customers across these geographical regions.
In April 2022, Slurrp Farm secured an undisclosed investment from Anushka Sharma. Under the terms of the agreement, Sharma also assumed the role of a brand ambassador for Wholsum Foods.
In the fiscal year 2021-22, the company achieved an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) surpassing INR 50 crore, marking an impressive tenfold growth between June 2020 and December 2021. Moving forward, the company aims to attain a revenue milestone of INR 500 crore by the year 2025.
3. Kareena Kapoor Khan:
Kareena Kapoor Khan, renowned for her glittering Bollywood career, has expanded into investments in the food and beverage space. Despite acknowledging her lack of business acumen, she entered the food and beverage domain by investing in Pluckk, a direct-to-consumer fruits and vegetables brand.
Pluckk:
Established in 2021 by Prateek Gupta, this Mumbai-based startup provides a diverse range of over 400 products spanning 15+ categories, such as essentials, exotics, hydroponics, and cuts. With seed funding from Exponentia Ventures, Pluckk has established a robust presence in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune, and has ambitious plans for further geographical expansion.
Apart from Pluckk’s dedicated consumer-focused app, it distributes its products through various marketplaces and quick-commerce platforms. These include Amazon, Swiggy, Dunzo, Zepto, and Reliance Signature Stores, enabling them to connect with a broader customer base.
In August 2023, Kareena Kapoor invested an undisclosed amount in the brand and took on the role of its brand ambassador.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra, an actress, film producer, dancer, businesswoman, and author has diversified her portfolio beyond the realms of entertainment.
Having actively engaged in various ventures, Shetty has witnessed a consistent rise in her net worth over the years. As of 2023, her estimated net worth is $20 million, reflecting a continuous upward trend from $10 million in 2018 to $18 million in 2022.
WickedGud:
Mumbai-based WickedGud, a ready-to-cook D2C brand, specializes in products like pasta and noodles, ensuring they are crafted with wholesome ingredients. The startup asserts the use of innovative Steaming and Convection Air Drying (SCAD) technology in the manufacturing process of its products.
Established in 2021 by Bhuman Dani, Monish Debnath, and Soumalya Biswas, the startup gained widespread recognition when its founders appeared on Shark Tank India. Post that, the startup expanded into international markets, including the UAE, Singapore, Mauritius, and Nepal.
Bhuman Dani, Monish Debnath, and Soumalya Biswas, Co-Founders, WickedGud
In May 2023, Shilpa Shetty infused INR 2.25 Crores into the brand and concurrently assumed the role of its brand ambassador.
In August 2023, the company unveiled its ambitious goal of achieving a net revenue of INR 700 crores and an EBITDA of INR 100 crores over the next seven years.
Kisankonnect:
Kisankonnect, established in 2020 during the Covid pandemic by founders Vivek Nirmal and Nidhi Nirmal, is a fully integrated fresh produce agritech startup. Transforming the conventional supply chain, this Mumbai-based company has embraced a direct-to-consumer approach. Leveraging a network of 5,000 farmers and village-level collection centers, Kisankonnect directly sources food from these farmers, eliminating middlemen for a seamless and transparent supply chain. The harvested produce is efficiently delivered to consumers in Mumbai and Pune, granting them access to high-quality farm-to-fork products.
Furthermore, the startup manages the cultivation of around 1.75 lakh acres of land, allowing them to provide a diverse selection of over 200 varieties of vegetables and 100 types of fruits via their online platform.
In May 2023, Kisanconnect received undisclosed funding from the celebrity Shilpa Shetty as part of its angel round.
Speaking about her investment in the startup, she said, “Not only are they (Kisankonnect founders) solving the problem of safe-to-eat food, but they are also connecting thousands of farmers directly to the consumers, resonating with my thoughts about promoting health in my country, where agriculture is one of the major occupations.”
The startup recently secured INR 31 crore (approximately $3.75 million) in a pre-series A round, with Green Frontier Capital (GFC), a climate tech-focused fund, leading the investment.
Analysis indicates that Indian agritech startups have secured more than $2.4 billion in funding since 2014.
5. Samantha Ruth Prabhu:
Ruth Prabhu, one of the most highly paid actresses in South India, has expanded her portfolio into the food and beverage industry through her investment in the superfood brand ‘Nourish You’.
Established in 2015 by Rakesh Kilaru, Krishna Reddy, and Sowmya Reddy, Nourish You specializes in offering nutritious snacks and products based on quinoa and chia seeds through its website and various e-commerce platforms. The startup competes in multiple categories with other ventures like Slurrp Farm and The Whole Truth.
In March 2023, Samantha Prabhu made an undisclosed investment in the startup. Her investment was a part of Nourish You’s $2 million seed funding round that occurred in January, featuring participation from angel investors such as Y Janardhana Rao from Triumph Group, Rohit Chennamaneni, co-founder of Darwinbox, and Nikhil Kamath from Zerodha, among others.
Speaking on the investment, Samantha said, “Investing in Nourish You was a natural progression since I have been consuming their products for a while… I believe that Nourish You can create value while making a positive impact on the health of consumers as well as the planet. I’m excited to partake in their innovative and sustainable approach to business.”
As per a report, the market size of the Indian healthy foods segment is projected to reach $30 billion by 2026.
6. Nayanthara:
Known as the Lady Superstar, Nayanthara holds the title of the highest-paid female actor in the South. Alongside her filmmaker husband Vignesh Shivan, the actress has infused an undisclosed amount into The Divine Foods, a Chennai-based venture.
Established in 2019 by Kiru Maikkapillai, The Divine Foods specializes in crafting products using traditional superfoods like turmeric, moringa, millet, and more. The company’s offerings encompass a diverse range, including turmeric oil, turmeric golden milk, masks, turmeric drinks, turmeric powder, honey, and various other products.
The direct-to-consumer (D2C) startup, having secured a grant from the Tamil Nadu government through its flagship seed funding initiative TANSEED 4.0, aimed to utilize the funds for building brand awareness among the general public. Additionally, the company sought to inspire other celebrities to lend their support to local businesses.
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