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Bisleri Deepens Middle East Strategy With Multi-Year Emirates Cricket Board Collaboration

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Bisleri International has taken another step in its global expansion strategy by securing a three year hydration partnership with the Emirates Cricket Board, a move that brings the Indian bottled water giant deeper into one of the Gulf region’s most rapidly growing cricket ecosystems.

The agreement positions Bisleri as the official hydration partner for the UAE’s Men’s, Women’s and Under 19 national teams. The brand will feature on team apparel and across all major cricketing events involving the UAE, including bilateral fixtures, Asian Cricket Council tournaments and ICC-sanctioned competitions hosted in the region. For Bisleri, which has been steadily broadening its overseas footprint, the association serves both as a visibility booster and an entry point into a market where cricket consumption has sharply risen over the last decade.

Subhan Ahmad, Chief Operating Officer of the Emirates Cricket Board, said the partnership fits into the board’s long term commercial roadmap. He noted that the ECB has been bringing global brands into its fold as part of a wider effort to build the commercial strength needed for sustained cricket development in the UAE.

Bisleri International CEO Angelo George said the collaboration strengthens the company’s presence across the Middle East at a time when it is expanding manufacturing and distribution networks regionally. He added that the tie-up gives the brand a consistent platform in one of the most widely watched sports categories across South Asian and expatriate communities in the Gulf.

The partnership follows Bisleri’s recently announced collaboration with the Apparel Group to manage production and distribution across the Middle East and Africa. With the ECB agreement now in place, Bisleri is set to deepen brand visibility in a region where large scale sporting events often serve as powerful consumer touchpoints.

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Virat Kohli Joins Agilitas Sports, Puts One8 on Global Expansion Path After Puma Exit

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Virat Kohli has shifted the trajectory of his lifestyle label One8 by formally teaming up with homegrown sportswear company Agilitas Sports. The cricketer confirmed the development through a post on X, calling it the start of a new chapter for both brands. His announcement follows a major strategic decision earlier this year, when he chose not to renew Puma’s eight-year offer reportedly valued at around three hundred crore rupees.

Instead of extending the long-standing association, Kohli opted to invest directly in Agilitas. The company was founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, who previously led Puma’s operations in India and South-East Asia and played a key role in signing Kohli to Puma in 2017. That partnership led to the creation and nationwide rise of the One8 athleisure line.

In a video shared alongside his post, Kohli explained that Agilitas’ manufacturing strength and leadership experience played a decisive role in his move. He described the brand as a platform “built by people of our own” and spoke about wanting to help shape something significant within India’s fast-growing sportswear ecosystem.

One8 will now be fully housed under Agilitas, which will take charge of building the label’s retail footprint across India and international markets. The company has been expanding rapidly. In September 2023, it bought Mochiko, India’s largest sports shoe manufacturer, in an all-cash acquisition funded through a fifty-two million dollar round led by Convergent Finance. Mochiko supplies footwear to major global brands including Adidas, Puma, Skechers, Reebok, Asics and Decathlon.

Agilitas strengthened its capital base again in December 2023 by raising an additional one hundred crore rupees from Nexus Venture Partners. As part of that investment, Suvir Sujan joined the company as an advisor.

With Kohli’s endorsement and investment, Agilitas is now positioning itself to build a stronger Indian sportswear brand for global scale.

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Magnum Ice Cream Debuts on Amsterdam Exchange with $9.24 Billion Valuation

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Magnum Ice Cream debuted on the Amsterdam stock exchange on Monday, achieving a market valuation of $9.24 billion, marking a major milestone in its spinoff from Unilever. Shares opened at 12.96 euros each, slightly below analyst expectations, reflecting a reference price set at 12.8 euros aimed at attracting early investors while mitigating potential volatility from index fund activity. Magnum, now the world’s largest standalone ice cream business, operates flagship brands including Wall’s, Cornetto, and Ben & Jerry’s, and commands more than 20 percent of the global $87 billion ice cream market.

The listing in Amsterdam is the first step in a broader multi-market rollout, with shares also scheduled for London and New York. While initial trading excludes inclusion in major indices such as the FTSE, analysts note that early downward pressure is possible, driven by separation costs from Unilever and the absence of a dividend in 2026. Unilever retains a 19.9 percent stake with plans to fully exit within five years.

Magnum’s market debut comes as it seeks to sharpen its operational focus. By operating independently, the company aims to improve agility and efficiency in a business where cold-chain logistics demand more complex management than Unilever’s personal care brands. 2024 revenue stood at 7.9 billion euros, roughly matching its market valuation, while Morningstar estimates the company’s 2025 adjusted earnings at eight times valuation.

Competition remains robust, with Froneri, the Nestlé-PAI joint venture, valued at 15 billion euros and holding an 11 percent global market share. Magnum faces evolving consumer preferences, including rising demand for healthier options influenced by GLP-1 weight-loss treatments and public campaigns promoting wellness.

CEO Peter ter Kulve described the listing as a “proud milestone” and emphasized that as a standalone company, Magnum will be “more focused, more agile, and more ambitious than ever,” leveraging its portfolio to grow in both indulgent and emerging ice cream categories worldwide.

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PAC Cosmetics Plans 25% Growth In FY26, Strengthens Core Categories And Distribution

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PAC Cosmetics is preparing for a sharper growth sprint in the coming financial year, setting its sights on a twenty to twenty five percent rise in FY26 revenue. The Mumbai headquartered beauty company expects the second half of the year to do most of the heavy lifting, buoyed by festive buying patterns, new product introductions and a deeper presence across modern retail.

Director Bonish Bhandari said the business saw a steady first half with only a brief dip in May due to election season. Demand normalised quickly and the company believes the momentum will hold, helped by a global wave of innovation across beauty and packaging.

For FY25, PAC reported a gross merchandise value in the range of one hundred forty to one hundred fifty crore rupees, with revenue closing at about one hundred twenty crore rupees. The brand remained comfortably profitable, maintaining an EBITDA margin between twenty and twenty five percent. Bhandari noted that the company is approaching new launches with restraint, focusing on long time performers such as face products and primers. With most of its portfolio dependent on imports, PAC is also staying cautious on inventory planning as currency swings continue to influence procurement costs.

PAC currently works with more than one hundred sixty distributors, and retail accounts for roughly forty percent of the business. The brand has widened its footprint across Nykaa and Reliance Tira, completing pilots in key locations. Early numbers have been encouraging, with October sales doubling September levels. If the pace continues, PAC plans to roll out to over fifty additional Nykaa stores. The company is also exploring the idea of opening its first owned outlets next year.

Operationally, PAC has strengthened its backend with a fill rate nearing ninety five to ninety seven percent across nearly four hundred SKUs. The company is evaluating potential acquisitions of younger beauty labels over the next few years while aiming to close FY26 with revenue of one hundred fifty to one hundred sixty crore rupees.

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Zomato Blinkit Parent in Spotlight After Major Equity Trade and One Hundred Eighty Three Percent Revenue Surge

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Eternal Ltd, the parent company behind Zomato and Blinkit, has stirred fresh buzz in the market after a major block deal worth about 1,535 crore took place on Monday. The transaction involved nearly 5.3 crore shares, which equals roughly 0.54 percent of the company’s equity. These shares were exchanged at a price of 290.4 rupees each, a slight dip from the previous close. The move nudged the stock down by a little over one percent to 289 rupees, though it has still managed to show a steady rise through 2025.

This block deal did not come out of nowhere. Over the past few months, Eternal has consistently attracted large institutional trades. Big blocks were already seen in June and again in mid November. There have also been reports that an institutional investor has been exploring the idea of selling up to half a percent of equity, which adds to the sense that activity around the stock is intensifying.

The timing of all this is interesting because it comes during a period when the company is pouring serious energy into scaling Blinkit. Even though the company’s net profit for the second quarter of financial year twenty six dropped by sixty three percent to sixty five crore, the revenue picture tells a different story. Revenue surged by an impressive one hundred eighty three percent and touched nearly thirteen thousand five hundred ninety crore. The company attributes this leap to the aggressive expansion of its quick commerce business.

Earlier in the year, Eternal also infused about two thousand six hundred crore into Blinkit to strengthen its operations and push its footprint into new markets. With rising investor activity and rapid growth in quick deliveries, Eternal seems to be gearing up for a much larger play in the coming years.

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Koriken Bags Four Crore Rupees From Rukam Capital As Korean Food Fever Sweeps Young India

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Korean food has steadily been finding its way into the everyday choices of young Indians, and the latest funding news around Koriken shows just how quickly this trend is growing. The Bengaluru based startup has raised four crore rupees in a seed round led by Rukam Capital, a sign that investors clearly see strong potential in the brand’s quick service model and its early traction among students and young office goers.

Koriken started with a simple idea. Bring approachable Korean flavours to India without losing the charm of the cuisine. What began as a compact kitchen serving crowd favourites like Korean fried chicken, spicy rice bowls and comforting ramyeon has now caught the attention of customers in several cities. With the new infusion of capital, the company is preparing to scale its footprint and strengthen its back end so it can handle a larger volume of orders without compromising taste or consistency.

According to people tracking the sector, demand for Korean food has shot up over the last three years. The rise of K drama and K pop has created new curiosity around Korean culture. This has translated into a jump in food searches and frequent ordering of Korean meals on delivery apps. Koriken’s founders have openly stated that nearly seventy percent of their regular customers are under thirty years old, a detail that aligns well with the broader behaviour of this audience.

The fresh funds will help the team open more outlets, upgrade kitchen equipment and experiment with a wider menu. For a young food brand, this is a strong start. If Koriken continues to build on its early promise, it may soon become one of the more recognisable Korean inspired names in India’s rapidly expanding quick service restaurant space.

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Superdry Expands Into Activewear Segment with Superdry Sport Launch Across India

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Superdry, the British fashion and lifestyle brand, has officially entered India’s performance-wear segment with the launch of Superdry Sport, marking a strategic push into the country’s burgeoning technical activewear market. The collection, designed for running, functional training, and recreational fitness, aims to cater to urban consumers increasingly prioritizing performance, style, and comfort in their workout apparel.

The new range will be available through Superdry’s established retail network, managed by Reliance Brands Ltd (RBL), which holds a 76% stake in the brand’s intellectual property for India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Currently, Superdry operates over 200 stores across 50 cities in India, with a complementary nationwide e-commerce presence. The company believes this infrastructure provides a strong platform to support the introduction of a performance-focused apparel line while leveraging its existing retail expertise and customer base.

Industry analysts note that India’s premium activewear segment has been witnessing double-digit growth, driven by rising health consciousness, gym culture, and demand for athleisure that bridges functionality with fashion. Brands expanding into technical wear are expected to benefit from consumers willing to pay a premium for durable, performance-oriented products.

Superdry Sport’s Indian debut is positioned to strengthen the brand’s footprint in this high-growth category, offering specialized apparel that blends functionality with Superdry’s signature style. The collection will feature running tights, moisture-wicking tops, training shorts, and athleisure essentials designed to meet the demands of fitness enthusiasts while remaining versatile for casual wear.

With its entry into performance-wear, Superdry joins a competitive landscape that includes both international and domestic activewear brands, while also signaling a broader strategy to deepen its engagement with India’s urban and fitness-conscious demographic. The launch underscores Superdry’s commitment to innovation and adapting global brand propositions to regional market needs.

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With Sales Tripling in Quick Commerce, Conscious Chemist Raises Rs 15 Crore to Charge Toward India’s Fastest Growing Beauty and Personal Care Play

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Conscious Chemist, a Bengaluru based D2C skincare brand, has secured Rs 15 crore in a bridge round led by Atomic Capital, marking another strong step in its growth journey. The company, founded by Robin Gupta and Prakher Mathur, has been gaining steady attention in the beauty and personal care space with its science driven approach and sharp focus on performance based formulations.

According to the company, the brand has seen its revenue triple in the last twelve months. This growth has encouraged the founders to set an ambitious target of reaching an annual recurring revenue of Rs 500 crore within the next two to three years. Their confidence comes from the rapid rise of quick commerce channels, where Conscious Chemist has recorded almost three times higher sales compared to previous periods. The team believes that this shift in how consumers shop for skincare has opened up new momentum for challenger brands that can deliver quality and speed.

The fresh funding will be used to expand operations, improve product research, and accelerate the company’s presence in both online and offline markets. Conscious Chemist is also planning to diversify its catalogue by entering new segments, especially scalp and hair care. This move comes after rising demand from customers who are looking for solutions backed by active ingredients and transparent communication about what goes into each product.

Both founders say the company’s mission is to build a modern Indian skincare brand with global sensibilities while staying rooted in effectiveness. With growing investor interest, a loyal customer base, and a clear expansion plan, Conscious Chemist appears to be gearing up for a bigger play in the crowded but fast growing beauty category in India.

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Why India’s Leading Entrepreneurs Prefer The Camellias: Rajiv Chawla Shares Insights From A Community Built On Merit And Wealth Creation

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The Camellias in Gurugram has always been wrapped in a mix of curiosity, envy and jokes, but businessman Rajiv Chawla’s recent comments have added a refreshing layer to the story. Known for its sky-high prices, gleaming towers and billionaire neighbours, the luxury address has long been a favourite target for stand-up comics and social media memes. But Chawla, who also lives there, believes the jokes only scratch the surface.

Speaking on a podcast, he described The Camellias as a place where achievers of every kind quietly go about their day. According to him, even the most casual interactions reveal how driven the residents are. Gym partners turn out to be unicorn founders, neighbours are self-made entrepreneurs, and many families represent India’s first generation of wealth creators. Their children are now stepping into that world with the same ambition and hustle.

Chawla joked about the memes too — the laundry guy with a LinkedIn profile, parking lots that resemble supercar rallies, and delivery boys who look like they’ve cleared MBA interviews just to enter the gate. But behind the humour, he said, is a community built on grit rather than inheritance. The people here have endured rejection, sleepless nights, delayed salaries, EMI pressure and the long, lonely grind of building something from scratch.

He called the society a “museum of stories,” where every lobby, poolside chat and morning jog holds the journey of someone who built their life piece by piece. And that, he insists, deserves respect. Not because the residents are wealthy, but because most of them earned every bit of what they have.

Chawla’s message was simple: laugh at the memes, enjoy the jokes, but don’t forget the effort behind those marble walls.

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TWH Hospitality Announces Ambitious Growth Plan, Launching 8 Outlets Across India by 2028

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Goa-based TWH Hospitality has unveiled a bold growth strategy, announcing a Rs. 30 crore investment to expand its footprint in India’s Food & Beverage sector. The company aims to open eight new outlets across three cities by 2028, signaling a strong push to scale both its café and hospitality operations.

Currently, TWH Hospitality operates The Boho Cafe in Anjuna and The Boho Beach Resort in Morjim under its TWH Hotels division, both in Goa. With this expansion, the company plans to diversify its presence using a combination of franchise-led and strategic partnership models, including FOCO (Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated) and FOFO (Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated) formats.

“We are excited to take our brand to new markets and offer distinctive dining and stay experiences to our customers,” said a company spokesperson. “This investment will help us accelerate growth while maintaining the quality and authenticity our patrons associate with our brand.”

The expansion roadmap already identifies potential locations in Goa and the Tricity region, including Chandigarh, with discussions underway with international brands to bring new concepts to India. The company is also exploring partnerships with shopping malls in multiple cities to increase accessibility and attract a wider audience.

Industry experts say the move positions TWH Hospitality to leverage India’s growing appetite for curated dining experiences and boutique hospitality offerings. With urban consumers increasingly seeking lifestyle-oriented F&B outlets and experiential stays, the company’s strategy aligns with broader trends in hospitality expansion and franchising in India.

The planned rollout is expected to generate employment opportunities for hospitality professionals and provide a platform for entrepreneurs interested in franchise partnerships. By combining established brand values with aggressive growth, TWH Hospitality is setting the stage for a nationwide presence while reinforcing its identity as a lifestyle-focused F&B and hospitality player.

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