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India’s Patanjali Eyes Global Expansion, MoU with Russia to Promote Ayurveda and Wellness Products

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Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali Group has formally entered into a strategic collaboration with the Russian government, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the company’s foray into the country. The agreement, inked on Saturday, outlines a multi-faceted agenda including the promotion of health and wellness, Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, and research-based initiatives.

Ramdev, representing Patanjali, emphasized the significance of Russia as a key gateway for the company’s global wellness ambitions. “People in Russia actively engage with yoga and Ayurveda. This partnership allows us to take India’s wellness traditions, knowledge of the sages, and cultural heritage to a broader international audience, with Russia serving as the entry point,” he said. The MoU also focuses on facilitating health tourism, exchange of skilled professionals, and collaborative research to strengthen scientific and cultural links between the two nations.

Signed on behalf of Russia by Sergey Cheremin, Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Indo-Russia Business Council, the agreement underscores Moscow’s commitment to integrating Ayurveda and holistic wellness into its healthcare ecosystem. Cheremin noted that the adoption of Patanjali’s wellness practices would contribute to improving public health and promoting disease-free lifestyles among Russian citizens.

The MoU further opens doors for trade promotion between the two countries, including marketing Indian wellness brands in Russia and Russian products in India. Patanjali, which operates across FMCG, Ayurvedic, and nutraceutical categories through Patanjali Ayurved and Patanjali Foods, has positioned this expansion as a strategic step in its global growth strategy.

Analysts see this move as part of Patanjali’s broader ambition to reach nearly 200 international markets, combining commercial expansion with the dissemination of India’s cultural and wellness heritage. With Ayurveda and yoga gaining popularity worldwide, Russia is expected to become a pivotal market in Patanjali’s international portfolio.

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Reckitt Sees India as Strategic Powerhouse with Offline Retail Driving 85 Percent of Sales

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Reckitt has placed India firmly at the centre of its global growth map, describing the country as a nucleus of excellence as its flagship brands now reach an extraordinary ten million stores. The company highlighted this scale at its investor meet in London on December 4, calling India one of the most strategically important markets within its emerging economies portfolio.

Nitish Kapoor, global president for emerging markets, told investors that the retail reach in India is unlike any other geography. He noted that India alone has nearly eleven million stores, a figure that exceeds the total number of retail outlets across Europe. Dettol, Lizol, Mortein, Moov, Veet, Air Wick and Strepsils anchor the company’s presence across the country, supported by long running programmes like Dettol Banega Swachh India which have strengthened brand trust since 2014.

The company’s latest quarterly figures underline the momentum. Reckitt reported like for like net revenue growth of seven percent in the September quarter. Emerging markets contributed strongly, growing by more than fifteen percent. India’s business is benefiting from wide distribution and a sharpened focus on product assortment suited to neighbourhood retail stores which continue to dominate consumer shopping habits.

Traditional kirana outlets still account for eighty five percent of all FMCG sales. Quick commerce platforms have expanded rapidly but contribute around fifteen percent of Reckitt’s India revenue. Kapoor said the rise of Blinkit, Instamart and Zepto has helped push ecommerce and quick commerce combined to fifteen percent of the company’s India turnover, up from barely one percent a decade ago.

Reckitt manufactures most of its India portfolio within the country, with local production covering ninety five percent of its needs. The company noted in its annual report that India now contributes eight percent of its global core net revenue, making it one of the most influential pieces of its wider emerging markets strategy.

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Why Hyderabad’s Food Scene May Explode This Year: Inside The New Culinary Tourism Accelerator

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Telangana is stepping into the culinary spotlight with an energy that has food lovers buzzing. The state has launched India’s first Culinary Tourism Accelerator, a one of a kind effort that brings its rich kitchen culture forward in a fresh, modern way. It celebrates not only the flavours that define the region but also the people who keep these food traditions alive every single day.

The program is designed to bring chefs, home cooks, farmers, food researchers, small business owners and young entrepreneurs under one roof. The goal is simple. Turn Telangana’s food heritage into an experience that travelers remember long after they leave. With iconic dishes like Hyderabadi biryani, tamarind rich stews, millet based plates and a wide range of pickles and spice blends, the state has always had a strong food identity. The accelerator now gives it the structure and push it deserves.

One of the standout ideas behind this initiative is its focus on storytelling. Visitors will not only taste a dish but also learn the origin, ingredients and people behind it. This creates a deeper connection, especially for tourists who want more than a casual meal. Workshops, food walks, chef collaborations, rural tasting trails and seasonal menus are expected to be a part of the experience.

For entrepreneurs, the accelerator becomes a launchpad. It offers mentorship, ingredient sourcing support, branding guidance and access to investors who are eager to explore fresh food ventures rooted in regional authenticity. For local communities, it promises new income opportunities that can grow steadily.

As the accelerator expands, Telangana is set to become a major culinary destination. It blends tradition with innovation and invites the world to explore a food culture that feels warm, proud and unmistakably its own.

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TCPL Eyes Danone India Nutrition Unit as Protein and Wellness Demand Surge

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Tata Consumer Products is closing in on a potential acquisition of Danone’s India nutraceuticals and specialised nutrition portfolio, according to people tracking the discussions. Talks that began earlier this year have picked up pace in recent weeks, with both sides nearing agreement on valuation. If sealed, the deal would mark Tata Consumer’s biggest push yet into the fast-expanding wellness and nutrition economy.

The company behind Tata Tea has been steadily stitching together a wider health-focused portfolio through buys such as Soulfull, Capital Foods and Organic India. It has also been building out categories like functional drinks, organic staples and protein-rich foods, sectors that have seen double-digit growth since the pandemic reshaped consumer priorities.

Industry analysts say the move will place Tata Consumer in direct competition with global heavyweights such as Nestlé and Abbott in the premium nutrition space. Abneesh Roy of Nuvama Institutional Equities noted that while the Tata brand commands trust, especially in sensitive categories like infant nutrition, the segment demands strict compliance and deep expertise. He added that protein has become one of the fiercest battlegrounds in India’s fast-moving consumer goods sector, with nearly every major company entering the field.

Danone’s portfolio in India, built largely around its Rs 1,576 crore acquisition of Wockhardt’s nutrition business, includes well-known brands such as Farex, Dexolac and Protinex. These categories have consistently outpaced overall packaged foods growth, driven by rising interest in preventive health and stronger demand for immune-supporting products. India’s demographics amplify this opportunity, with about 23 million births each year and a rapidly ageing population projected to reach nearly 500 million people above 65 by 2030.

Over the past decade, Danone has pivoted repeatedly in India after exiting its dairy venture in 2018. A sale to Tata Consumer would signal another turning point for the French group and potentially give the Tata conglomerate a deeper foothold in one of the country’s most active consumer markets.

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Madhuri Dixit Paid Rs 1.6 Crore to Promote Odisha Handloom as State Bets Big on Celebrity Power

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Image of Odisha Handloom
Madhuri Dixit Paid Rs 1.6 Crore to Promote Odisha Handloom as State Bets Big on Celebrity Power

Odisha’s handloom sector has stepped into the spotlight after a statement in the Assembly confirmed that Madhuri Dixit is being paid Rs 1.6 crore for her role as the state’s handloom brand ambassador. The announcement immediately stirred interest across political and cultural circles, partly because of the size of the fee and partly because of the growing importance of celebrity endorsements in promoting traditional crafts.

Madhuri’s involvement is meant to give Odisha’s handloom industry a stronger national presence. Her long standing popularity, television reach, and huge social media following have made her one of the most recognisable faces in Indian entertainment. Officials believe her association will help the state’s rich weaving traditions reach new audiences, especially younger buyers who often look to familiar personalities when discovering regional crafts.

Odisha’s handloom legacy includes famous styles such as Sambalpuri, Bomkai, and Berhampuri. Despite their beauty and history, these textiles often struggle to compete with mass produced fabrics that dominate the urban market. By bringing in a well known national figure, the government hopes to increase visibility and open fresh business opportunities for weavers who depend on the craft for their livelihood.

The decision, however, has sparked a debate inside the Assembly. Some members questioned whether such a large fee is justified at a time when several weaving clusters are still recovering from slow sales and rising production costs. Others argued that strategic marketing is essential if the sector is to grow and that investing in a high profile ambassador can bring long term returns.

Madhuri’s presence at recent cultural events has already created a noticeable buzz. The state now hopes that this renewed attention will translate into stronger demand, better income for artisans, and a brighter future for Odisha’s celebrated handloom heritage.

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Prada Taps Chinese Superstar Yang Mi as New Ambassador as She Brings a Fanbase of 113 Million

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Prada has added fresh star power to its global roster with the appointment of a new brand ambassador who already commands massive influence across Asia. The luxury house revealed the news with a polished campaign that instantly caught attention across fashion circles. The move reflects Prada’s growing focus on China, a market that continues to play a decisive role in shaping luxury trends and consumer behaviour.

The actress featured in the announcement is known for her long list of blockbuster television dramas, strong box office performances, and an online presence that few can rival. With more than 113 million followers on Weibo, she brings a level of visibility that most global brands dream of. Her partnership with Prada signals a closer alignment between prestige fashion labels and top tier Chinese talent, particularly at a moment when luxury spending patterns in the region are shifting quickly.

Prada’s choice also reflects the brand’s recent creative direction, which blends clean Italian elegance with a sharper, more contemporary image. The actress’s poised style, often seen in tailored silhouettes and muted colours, fits naturally with the house’s current aesthetic. Industry watchers see this collaboration as a major step toward strengthening Prada’s connection with younger consumers who admire her confidence, work ethic, and polished public persona.

Fashion analysts expect the partnership to extend beyond campaigns and public appearances. There is speculation that Prada may use her presence to highlight upcoming collections in key Asian markets, deepen cultural ties, and create limited edition collaborations that speak directly to her enormous fanbase.

With this announcement, Prada has made a clear statement. The brand is not only investing in global visibility but also embracing a cultural force who continues to shape conversations in entertainment, beauty, and style across China.

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Anheuser-Busch Acquires Majority of BeatBox in $490 Million Deal, Expands Beyond Beer Portfolio

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Anheuser-Busch has struck one of its most significant deals in the ready-to-drink beverage segment, agreeing to purchase an 85 percent stake in BeatBox for a transaction valued at 490 million dollars. The agreement, which was finalized this week, includes a structured path for Anheuser-Busch to move toward complete ownership over the next five years, signaling the company’s confidence in the explosive growth of flavored alcoholic beverages.

BeatBox, best known for its brightly packaged, high-ABV party punches, has built a strong presence among younger consumers and has consistently ranked among the fastest-growing alcohol brands in the United States. Industry analysts say the company’s ability to blend viral marketing with strong retail performance has made it an attractive target for major strategics looking to diversify beyond traditional beer categories.

For Anheuser-Busch, the acquisition marks a deliberate step forward in expanding its Beyond Beer portfolio. The global brewer has spent the past several years assembling a lineup of high-performing brands outside the core beer category, including Cutwater Spirits, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, and Phorm Energy. Adding BeatBox positions the company to capture more share in the ready-to-drink and flavored malt beverage market, which continues to outpace traditional beer in growth.

Executives familiar with the deal say BeatBox’s distribution network, brand equity, and momentum among Gen Z and millennial drinkers made it a strategic fit for Anheuser-Busch’s long-term modernization plans. With the transition to majority ownership now underway, both companies are expected to outline their integration strategy in the coming months, focusing on scaling BeatBox’s footprint across national retail chains and expanding production to meet accelerating demand.

The acquisition underscores a broader shift across the beverage alcohol industry, where established giants are increasingly turning to innovative, lifestyle-driven brands to fuel future growth.

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Zepto Secures Shareholder Approval to Go Public, Targets June 2026 IPO

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Quick commerce player Zepto has taken a key step toward becoming a publicly traded firm, securing shareholder approval to shift from a private limited structure to a public company. The move sets the stage for the Mumbai-based startup to file its draft red herring prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Board of India within this month, according to people familiar with the process. The company is targeting an IPO by June 2026, marking one of the most anticipated public listings in India’s fast-growing online grocery sector.

Zepto, founded in July 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, has grown into a seven billion dollar enterprise in just over four years. It has raised nearly one point eight billion dollars, close to sixteen thousand crore rupees, from a roster of global investors. The rapid capital inflow has powered its national expansion and the creation of one of India’s largest dark store networks.

The company’s regulatory filing noted that shareholders cleared the proposal to convert the entity into a public limited company on November twenty one. Zepto declined to comment on specifics of the IPO timeline but confirmed that both operational and financial indicators have strengthened in recent quarters.

A spokesperson said order volumes are increasing between twenty and twenty five percent every quarter, while cash burn continues to narrow. The company’s focus on improving capital efficiency while maintaining triple-digit annual growth has become a central talking point for investors tracking its progress.

As of September 2025, Zepto operated more than nine hundred dark stores across major cities. Internal data reviewed by investors shows the company generated three billion dollars in gross sales, roughly twenty six thousand crore rupees, during the period, with annual cash burn estimated at one thousand to one thousand one hundred crore rupees.

With the quick commerce market continuing to expand and competition intensifying, Zepto’s decision to move toward a public listing marks a significant moment for the sector as it prepares for its next phase of scale and consolidation.

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LocalCircles Survey: 50% of Online Grocery Packaged Foods Are Ultra-Processed, Parents Demand Red Labels

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A new nationwide survey has raised serious concerns about the kind of food young Indians are consuming through quick-commerce platforms. LocalCircles, which gathered responses from more than twenty-four thousand parents across two hundred and seventy-seven districts, reports that close to half of all packaged food available on major apps falls into the category of junk or ultra-processed items. The findings point to a sharp rise in products high in fat, sugar, or salt dominating digital storefronts, leaving families with limited healthier alternatives.

Parents say this growing dependency on quick-commerce has made access to sweets, salty snacks, soft drinks, instant noodles, chocolates, and similar packaged items alarmingly easy. Thirty-nine percent of households in the study admitted that their Gen Z members frequently order these foods online, often without any awareness of the long-term effects on health. Over the past few years, ultra-processed products have been closely linked to obesity, early onset of diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle diseases. Health experts warn that these items tend to be high in calories but poor in fibre and vital micronutrients, creating a dangerous nutritional imbalance.

The research team also examined the inventory of top platforms. Blinkit showed the highest concentration, with as many as sixty-two percent of packaged food listings qualifying as ultra-processed or HFSS. Other players, including Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Big Basket, were found to have more than forty percent of their packaged offerings in similar categories. Parents participating in the survey expressed deep concern about this overwhelming presence of unhealthy choices.

Ninety percent of respondents said they want online platforms to display a clear red marker on items considered harmful, arguing that simple labelling could guide young buyers toward better decisions. The survey signals rising public pressure for stronger regulation and transparent digital labelling to help address the swelling tide of obesity and diet-related illnesses among India’s youth.

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Zepto’s Full Supply Chain Automation Boosts Productivity by 45 Percent, Says CEO

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Quick commerce company Zepto has completed a full automation rollout across its supply chain network in India, a move that the company says is reshaping how it manages fast-moving consumer goods at scale. Chief executive Aadit Palicha announced the development after sharing a look into the firm’s upgraded warehouse operations, where automated systems now process close to 25 lakh units every day across multiple locations.

According to Palicha, the technology overhaul is already delivering measurable gains. Early data from the automated sites shows a sharp rise in outbound productivity, with warehouse teams recording improvements of more than 45 percent compared to earlier manual operations. The company expects the efficiency jump to translate into annual savings worth several hundred crores, giving Zepto a stronger cost structure in a market where margins are typically under pressure.

The automation programme has been built almost entirely in-house. Zepto’s engineering teams have designed the software that coordinates every automated asset running inside the network. These systems plug directly into the company’s logistics backbone, allowing for continuous tracking, routing, and movement of inventory in real time. Palicha said this level of integration is now central to Zepto’s ability to scale while keeping unit economics intact.

The rollout comes at a time when the quick commerce industry is navigating constraints on warehousing and staffing. Dark store capacity has struggled to keep up with growing urban demand, and smaller warehouse formats, including refurbished neighbourhood properties, have become essential to meeting delivery timelines. The sector has also been dealing with operational pressure in food-led verticals, with Zepto Café recently scaling down due to sourcing concerns and shortages of trained kitchen staff.

With its latest push, Zepto is betting that automation will give it a decisive long-term advantage as the race for speed and efficiency intensifies.

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