Santatera Capital Invests $1M in Clean Snack Brand Sunnie Amid Booming Healthy Food Market

INVESTMENTS

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July 10, 2025

Image of sunnie. — Santatera Capital Invests $1M in Clean Snack Brand Sunnie Amid Booming Healthy Food Market

Los Angeles-based clean label snack brand Sunnie has raised $1 million in funding from Santatera Capital, marking a significant step forward in its growth journey. The brand was co-founded by Katy Tucker and Lisette Howard in 2020 and has rapidly expanded its footprint in the better-for-you food space.

Sunnie specializes in healthy, clean-label snacks that are already on shelves at Target and Whole Foods Market. In addition to national retail distribution, the brand’s products are also available at 50 airports across the United States and on major corporate campuses such as Netflix, Uber, and Google.

This funding comes at a time when the healthy snack category is heating up, with major acquisitions signaling strong investor confidence in the sector. Recently:

Hershey acquired LesserEvil for $750 million
Flowers Foods bought Simple Mills for $795 million
PepsiCo took over Siete in a $1.2 billion deal

Santatera Capital has been actively investing in the clean and functional food space. Alongside Sunnie, their recent portfolio includes Mezcla, Refresh Gum, and Little Sesame.

Sunnie’s funding is not only a nod to its rapid growth but also to the broader trend of consumers demanding transparency, health, and taste in the snack aisle. With this backing, Sunnie is expected to accelerate its product innovation, scale operations, and expand its retail and D2C reach in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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As the battle for shelf space and consumer attention intensifies, Sunnie’s latest capital infusion positions it as a strong contender in the next wave of clean snacking.

Swiggy Instamart Demands ₹4.5–₹9 Lakh Ad Spend? Saurabh Goel Reality Check for FMCG Founders

FMCG

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July 10, 2025

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Image of swiggy — Swiggy Instamart Demands ₹4.5–₹9 Lakh Ad Spend? Saurabh Goel Reality Check for FMCG Founders

Saurabh Goel, a merchant exporter and founder in the FMCG space, recently shared a detailed LinkedIn post raising questions about the operational and financial implications of partnering with Swiggy Instamart for quick-commerce distribution.

The post begins by acknowledging the appeal of the model. Swiggy Instamart offers access to a large customer base, promises 10-minute delivery, and seems like a growth opportunity for emerging consumer brands. However, Goel outlines several terms of engagement that may present challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Purchase Order Model With Delayed Payments

While Instamart operates on a purchase order (PO) model, Goel points out that the PO is only generated for around 2,000 units. Crucially, brands receive payment not at the time of dispatch, but only after each unit is sold. Furthermore, the actual cash flow into the brand’s account may take 37 to 40 days post-sale. This means brands need to tie up their working capital for weeks without immediate returns.

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Margin and Cost Structures

Goel lists a flat 35% platform margin and an additional 10% mandatory marketing expense per product. Delivery of goods to Instamart’s warehouses is also at the brand’s own cost, and weekly stock replenishment is expected. According to his breakdown, brands may face significant deductions and operational overheads before they even see revenue.

Advertising Spend: Mandatory & Non-Negotiable

Goel highlights that a three-month ad campaign is compulsory, regardless of performance or conversion. If stock remains unsold, it is returned at the brand’s expense, adding further financial strain.

Concerns for Small Founders

The post ends with questions many early-stage founders may be grappling with: are such partnerships actually helping to build sustainable brands, or are they effectively financing platform growth with high-risk investments?

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Goel’s post calls on other founders and FMCG stakeholders to share their experiences with platforms like Instamart, Blinkit, and Zepto, aiming to spark an open and honest discussion on the real cost of quick-commerce participation.

Amazon’s 10-Minute Delivery Service Rolls into Delhi—Blinkit & Zepto’s Monopoly Days May Be Over

Quick Commerce

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July 9, 2025

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Image of amazon — Amazon’s 10-Minute Delivery Service Rolls into Delhi—Blinkit & Zepto’s Monopoly Days May Be Over

Amazon is doubling down on quick commerce in India. After successful pilot runs in Bengaluru, the e-commerce giant has expanded its 10-minute delivery service, Amazon Now, to Delhi.

Launched last month in Bengaluru, the service initially operated in select pin codes, delivering groceries and essentials within 10 minutes. It’s now live in parts of Delhi through a dedicated section in the Amazon app. The move signals Amazon’s deeper push into the ultra-fast delivery race, competing with Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart.

Quick commerce just got even quicker—and Amazon wants the capital’s attention.Sure! Here are two more paragraphs to extend the Amazon news article:

The move comes at a time when quick commerce is witnessing explosive growth in India, with players like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart aggressively battling for market dominance. Amazon’s entry into this hyper-competitive 10-minute delivery space could significantly shake up the landscape, given its deep logistics network, tech muscle, and customer base. Unlike newer startups that rely heavily on burn capital and dark stores, Amazon already has the infrastructure in place—making its operations potentially more sustainable in the long run.

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For now, Amazon’s 10-minute promise is limited to select Delhi pin codes, but insiders hint at a wider rollout in other metro cities soon. The company is reportedly betting big on daily essentials and groceries as a major growth driver in India. If its pilot continues to show traction, this could mark the beginning of a massive quick commerce pivot for the global giant—putting real pressure on existing players who’ve thus far enjoyed relatively limited competition from legacy e-commerce giants.

This Tiny Store on Bandra’s Hill Road Sells As Many SuperYou Wafers As Apollo, Noble & Wellness: And Even Co-Founder Nikunj Biyani Was Shocked!

Quick Commerce

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July 9, 2025

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Image of superyou. — This Tiny Store on Bandra’s Hill Road Sells As Many SuperYou Wafers As Apollo, Noble & Wellness: And Even Co-Founder Nikunj Biyani Was Shocked!

In a surprising revelation, Nikunj Biyani, co-founder of SuperYou, shared a curious discovery—one small store on Bandra’s bustling Hill Road sells as many SuperYou wafers as some of the country’s top modern trade retailers like Noble, Wellness, and Apollo.

“I was stunned when I saw the picture,” Biyani wrote in a post. “I had no idea how we even got placed there.” The store, tucked amid gyms, cafes, and busy pedestrian traffic, sees most of its sales late in the evening. Interestingly, many buyers pick up the protein-rich snack while walking back from a workout—or even during a smoke break.

As contradictory as that habit may sound, it points to a deeper insight: location and impulse buying are powerful forces, even in the age of organized retail. The store doesn’t boast fancy shelving or extensive inventory, yet it consistently sells over 100 units of SuperYou wafers every month.

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Biyani admits even his own estimate was off. “My guess was wrong too,” he said. “The store sells north of 100 units a month.” That puts it on par with some of the best-performing modern trade outlets, despite its modest footprint.

This case underscores how brand presence in high-footfall, behavior-driven micro-markets can deliver big results. It’s a reminder that not all success comes from sleek displays or large chains—sometimes, the best-selling spots are right under your nose, thriving quietly on everyday human habits.

Brad Pitt’s F1 Shirt Was Made in Gujarat: Global Cinema Meets Regional Craft

Fashion

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July 9, 2025

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Image of Brad Pitt — Brad Pitt’s F1 Shirt Was Made in Gujarat: Global Cinema Meets Regional Craft

Hollywood star Brad Pitt recently gave his character in F1 a sartorial surprise: an indigo shirt made in Gujarat.

On screen, that relaxed yet sharp style caught viewers—a testament to how even a simple shirt can narrate location and context. But the real story? Gujarat’s garment industry is the unsung hero here. That shirt’s craftsmanship showcases a region known for precision stitching, enduring fabrics, and value-driven production.

Why it matters: this moment is Indian textile visibility in global pop culture. It’s not just Bollywood using Indian weaves—it’s Hollywood too. And that sets a meaningful precedent: Indian clothing’s quality can match international production, with visibility to match.

India’s textiles are no longer hidden backstage—they’re stepping into frame. As more global films spot Indian-made pieces, it’s a slow but steady acknowledgment—and that leads to higher demand and respect for regional manufacturing.

Final Take: Brad Pitt in a Gujarat-made shirt may seem small, but its ripple is monumental. It’s a narrative of regional pride, skill export, and craftsmanship recognition. In a cinematic world, everyday clothes now stand on the global stage.

Shein × Reliance Partnership: India-Made Fast Fashion Finds a Global Stage

Fashion

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July 9, 2025

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Image of Isha Ambani — Shein × Reliance Partnership: India-Made Fast Fashion Finds a Global Stage

Fast fashion giant Shein is partnering with Reliance Retail to bring India-made, white-label apparel to its global wardrobe, aiming to launch within 6–12 months.

This isn’t just supply chain tinkering—it’s strategic boldness. Shein is tapping into India’s manufacturing ecosystem—150+ garment makers (expanding to 1,000) backed by Reliance infrastructure. The idea? Quick-turn small batches, trend-responsive design, and direct export channels to global consumers.

The ripple is big: India—long an OEM power—now gets recognized on its clothing, not just the tag. For Reliance, it’s a jump into global fashion markets; for Shein, it’s a hedge against China-held risks. Behind the labels are systemic upgrades: synthetic sourcing, machinery imports, and quality control.

For Indian textile clusters, it’s a chance to scale after years of domestic focus. And for shoppers? Expect fast fashion with traceability—“Made in India” becomes a selling point, not just a label.

Final Take: This Shein + Reliance partnership isn’t just business—it’s a blueprint for export-ready, tech-driven, Indian fashion making global headlines.

India’s First Smart Knit Factory Launches in Mohali—Zero Waste, AI, and Future of Fashion Manufacturing

Fashion

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July 9, 2025

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Image of India’s First Smart Knit Factory — India’s First Smart Knit Factory Launches in Mohali—Zero Waste, AI, and Future of Fashion Manufacturing

Mohali just flipped the garment game. Active Clothing Co., in partnership with China’s Cixing, is launching India’s first fully automated knit-to-shape factory—a zero-waste, AI-enabled marvel geared for demand-based production.

The textile world has long struggled with overproduction and fabric waste. This smart knit factory tackles both. Using 3D seamless knitting machinery, AI tech, and precision engineering, the setup cuts waste, stitches designs on demand, and removes the need for traditional cutting/sewing.

While initially focused on sweaters and outerwear, this sets a template: scalability, sustainability, and style functionality. This aligns with ‘Make in India’ ethos and global supply chain evolution.

The ripple effect? It repositions India from low-cost labour to high-tech origin hub. Textile students can learn smart manufacturing; local mills can upgrade; and global buyers get traceable, high-quality output.

Final Take: As Mohali leads in smart knitwear, Indian fashion manufacturing steps into the future. Sustainability and tech are no longer niche—they’re the new normal. The real revolution? Turning clothes into code—and code into craft.

Will Connaught Place Turn Into Times Square? Delhi Govt’s 24×7 Shops Plan Faces Cost and Safety Concerns

Business

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July 9, 2025

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Image-of-Connaught-Place — Will Connaught Place Turn Into Times Square? Delhi Govt’s 24x7 Shops Plan Faces Cost and Safety Concerns

As the Delhi government considers allowing shops and markets across the capital to operate 24×7, reactions from local business owners and trade associations remain mixed. While the idea of a round-the-clock retail economy sounds promising on paper, many believe the benefits might be more symbolic than substantial.

Several trader associations welcomed the proposal but tempered their optimism by noting that footfall during late-night hours may remain low, especially for traditional retail businesses. “It may help boost overall revenue slightly, but the operational costs of keeping stores open all night—electricity, staff salaries, security—may not justify the returns,” said a Lajpat Nagar trader.

Restaurant and café owners, however, see a bigger upside. Many believe late-night operations could drive dine-in traffic, especially from younger crowds who currently rely on food delivery apps after midnight. “People want to go out late, especially on weekends. A 24×7 policy could help us double our night revenue,” said the owner of a popular Connaught Place restaurant.

However, concerns about safety remain at the forefront. Both traders and restaurateurs urged the government to deploy more police personnel and ensure CCTV coverage in market areas to protect both customers and staff after dark.

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The Delhi government is yet to announce a final decision, but sources indicate that the proposal is under serious consideration. If implemented, Delhi could join Mumbai and Bengaluru in embracing a 24-hour economy—though its success will depend on footfall, infrastructure, and the city’s readiness to stay awake.

FSSAI Gets Tough: Over 70 E-Commerce Giants Summoned, CEO Orders Mandatory Training and Hygiene Checks

E-Commerce

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July 9, 2025

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Image of FSSAI — FSSAI Gets Tough: Over 70 E-Commerce Giants Summoned, CEO Orders Mandatory Training and Hygiene Checks

In a major push to enhance food safety standards in India’s booming e-commerce sector, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued strict new directives for online platforms dealing in food products. During a high-level meeting held on July 8, 2025, at FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi, CEO of FSSAI emphasized that any lapses in food safety protocols would lead to severe consequences.

Over 70 representatives from major e-commerce companies were present at the meeting, where the CEO stressed the urgent need for compliance across the food supply chain—from warehouses to last-mile delivery. All platforms have now been directed to display their FSSAI License or Registration numbers clearly on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo issued to consumers. They must also ensure visibility of the Food Safety Connect App on consumer-facing documents.

Additionally, platforms are required to upload detailed information about their warehouses and storage facilities—including photographs—on the FoSCoS portal. Importantly, the possibility of including “Date of Expiry/Use By” information on food products at the consumer interface was discussed to improve transparency.

Crucially, every individual involved in the food supply process, including delivery personnel and warehouse handlers, must undergo mandatory FoSTaC (Food Safety Training & Certification) training. E-commerce companies must share training plans and timelines with FSSAI to ensure timely compliance.

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FSSAI underscored that food safety is a shared responsibility, and even tech-driven food delivery services are not exempt from accountability. All warehouses associated with e-commerce must be registered or licensed under the FSS Act.

With this move, FSSAI is not just tightening the reins on compliance—it is signaling a broader intent to protect Indian consumers from food safety risks in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

Billionaire Nikhil Kamath Bets ₹5 Crore on Rameshwaram Café’s Challenger, Café Amudham

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July 9, 2025

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Image-of-Nikhil-Kamath. — Billionaire Nikhil Kamath Bets ₹5 Crore on Rameshwaram Café’s Challenger, Café Amudham

In a move that’s already stirring the waters of South India’s bustling food scene, Zerodha co-founder and billionaire Nikhil Kamath has made a strategic ₹5 crore investment in Café Amudham, a direct competitor to the viral sensation The Rameshwaram Café.

While Rameshwaram Café has become a household name thanks to its fast-paced expansion, long queues, and a cleverly executed brand strategy built around nostalgia and authentic South Indian tiffins, Café Amudham has quietly been building a loyal following of its own. With this fresh capital infusion, Café Amudham seems poised to shift gears and go head-to-head with its more famous rival.

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Kamath’s bet on Amudham isn’t just about idlis and dosas—it signals a growing appetite among serious investors to tap into the massive, and often underrated, quick service restaurant (QSR) segment built on regional cuisines. The ₹5 crore isn’t just pocket change; it’s fuel for a scale-up war that could see Café Amudham expand its footprint aggressively in metro cities and tech hubs where demand for authentic, fast, and affordable Indian meals is exploding.

While Rameshwaram Café has leaned into strong branding and celebrity-like popularity, Café Amudham is expected to take a slightly different route: focusing more on tech-led operations, efficiency, and consistent taste—a likely reason why someone like Kamath, who’s known for spotting scalable business models, came on board.

It’s a spicy showdown in the South Indian café space, and with money, strategy, and ego in the mix, things are only heating up. What started as a race to serve the best filter coffee and ghee podi idlis might soon become one of India’s most exciting QSR rivalries to watch.

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