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Pulse Candy Hits ₹750 Cr in FY25: DS Group’s Raw Mango Marvel Dominates 19% of India’s Boiled Candy Market

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Pulse Candy Hits ₹750 Cr in FY25: DS Group’s Raw Mango Marvel Dominates 19% of India’s Boiled Candy Market

What started as a bold ₹1 bet in a market ruled by 50-paise sweets has now turned into a ₹750 crore juggernaut. Pulse, the cheeky, tangy candy from DS Group that first hit shelves in 2015, has clocked massive sales in FY 2024–25, selling roughly 750 crore units — that’s one candy for every Indian, five times over.

In a country obsessed with chatpata flavours, Pulse hit a nerve — or rather, a tastebud. Riding on the nostalgic pull of raw mango (which once dominated nearly half the boiled candy market), DS Group cracked the code with a centre-filled twist that gave a familiar flavour an unexpected kick. The result? India’s most widely distributed hard-boiled candy.

Over the past three years, Pulse has grown at a steady clip of 15% CAGR — outpacing the overall category, which has been hovering around 9%. That growth isn’t just about scale; it’s also about smart pivots and a deep understanding of what Indian consumers crave.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

“We didn’t just launch a new candy — we challenged how people see value,” said Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman of DS Group. “Back when most of the market stuck to the 50-paise price point, Pulse launched at ₹1. It wasn’t about being expensive — it was about delivering a better, punchier experience.”

And the journey’s far from over. With a current market share of 19% in India’s hard-boiled candy space, DS Group is now eyeing more than just candy jars. The company plans to spin the Pulse brand into other formats, other categories, and other countries — all while holding on to its trademark Indian twist.

Domestically, DS Group’s vast distribution network covers over 35 lakh retail points, which has been key to Pulse’s scale and visibility. What began with a strong focus on reach has grown into a full-fledged candy supply chain machine — fast, efficient, and built to deliver.

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Looking ahead, DS Group wants to stretch Pulse beyond single-serve candies. The vision is to build a brand that shows up at more moments — festivals, gifting, snacking, maybe even in formats we haven’t seen yet.

It’s not just about sweets anymore. Pulse is becoming a flavour — and a feeling — all its own.

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AC Lounges for Delivery Heroes: Chennai’s ₹25 Lakh Move Gives Swiggy, Zomato & Urban Company Workers a Place to Rest and Recharge

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AC Lounges for Delivery Heroes: Chennai’s ₹25 Lakh Move Gives Swiggy, Zomato & Urban Company Workers a Place to Rest and Recharge

In a much-needed gesture of respect and recognition, the Greater Chennai Corporation has unveiled two dedicated rest lounges for gig workers — a small but meaningful shift in how Indian cities treat the people who keep them running. These delivery personnel, often overlooked despite being everywhere, finally have a space to pause, recharge, and simply breathe.

Built at a cost of ₹25 lakh, the lounges are equipped with thoughtful amenities: cushioned seating for 25, phone charging stations, clean drinking water, and hygienic restrooms. But more than the design — inspired by clean, Scandinavian minimalism — it’s the intent behind them that stands out. These spaces acknowledge the physical toll and long hours that food, grocery, and parcel delivery workers face every single day.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

For delivery riders like Anupriya, the difference is deeply personal. “We didn’t have anywhere to go. We waited outside restaurants, often late into the night. Now there’s finally a place where I feel safe, especially as a woman,” she shared, expressing gratitude for the initiative and the state’s support.

Kalaiarasan, another gig worker, pointed out how Chennai’s brutal heat often left them drained. “After a tough delivery run, we’d sit wherever we could — under trees, in parks. This lounge is like a breath of fresh air.”

This pilot project is just the beginning. Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu had announced the plan during his budget speech, and now it’s come to life — first in Chennai, with Coimbatore in the pipeline. Depending on how well these initial lounges are received, the Corporation plans to scale the model across more areas in the city.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

While modest in scale, this initiative sends a strong message: dignity and comfort should not be luxuries for those who work the hardest. And in Chennai, at least, the wheels of change are beginning to turn.

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Bessemer’s ‘Click, Watch, Shop’ Report Predicts $1 Trillion Digital Boom — Swiggy, Urban Company & Boldfit Leading the Charge

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Bessemer’s ‘Click, Watch, Shop’ Report Predicts $1 Trillion Digital Boom — Swiggy, Urban Company & Boldfit Leading the Charge

India’s digital revolution isn’t just coming — it’s already reshaping how hundreds of millions of people shop, watch, and live. A new report from Bessemer Venture Partners dives into the tectonic shift underway, fueled by everything from cheap data to a rising middle class hungry for modern convenience.

The report, titled Click, Watch, Shop: The Consumer Opportunity in India, paints a vivid picture of how the past ten years have laid the groundwork for a full-blown consumer internet explosion. What’s powering this? Three things, mainly: lightning-fast internet adoption, a huge base of digital-native young people, and policy moves that cleared the runway for innovation.

This cocktail of change has already produced some major success stories — think Swiggy’s food delivery empire, Urban Company’s on-demand services, and Boldfit’s fitness-forward D2C play. Even pet care startup Vetic is tapping into the evolving Indian household, where convenience and care now go hand in hand.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

But the story is just beginning. Bessemer sees a fresh wave coming — local content platforms tailored to Indian tastes, online marketplaces that understand regional quirks, and a new kind of consumer who expects more than just a product: they want an experience.

“India’s digital economy is sitting on a $1 trillion opportunity,” said Anant Vidur Puri, Partner at Bessemer. “The last decade showed us what’s possible — the next one will show us how big it can really get. The rise of consumer platforms and homegrown brands isn’t a trend; it’s the new normal.”

The numbers tell their own story. Online commerce in India was valued at just $30 billion in 2020. By 2030, it’s projected to hit $300 billion — a tenfold increase in a single decade. And that’s only a slice of the broader digital economy pie.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

What was once a niche market limited to metro cities and early adopters is now part of everyday life across small towns and tier-2 cities. India isn’t catching up — it’s leapfrogging.

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Country Delight Jumps Into ₹500 Cr Plant-Based Beverage Market With New Oat Drink Made From Premium Australian Oats

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Country Delight Jumps Into ₹500 Cr Plant-Based Beverage Market With New Oat Drink Made From Premium Australian Oats

Country Delight has just rolled out its newest offering—an oat-based drink that’s easy on the wallet and packed with nutritional goodness. With this launch, the brand is stepping into the booming world of plant-based beverages, targeting those who want a dairy-free drink that doesn’t cut corners on quality or flavor.

Crafted from top-grade Australian oats and blended without any added sugar, preservatives, or synthetic additives, this new oat drink promises to deliver both comfort and nutrition in every glass. It’s loaded with naturally occurring fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals—perfect for people with lactose intolerance, those focused on gut health, or anyone simply trying to eat (and drink) better.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Here’s what sets Country Delight’s Oat Drink apart:

1. Friendly for Lactose-Intolerant Folks

This drink skips the dairy but not the creaminess. People who struggle with lactose can enjoy it without worrying about bloating or discomfort.

2. No Soy, No Nuts, No Worries

For those steering clear of allergens like soy or nuts, this is a safer alternative. It’s made in a facility where allergen separation is taken seriously, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

3. Kind on the Stomach

The presence of beta-glucan, a soluble fiber found in oats, helps support digestive health. Plus, the drink doesn’t contain lactose or casein, which are known irritants for sensitive tummies.

4. What You See Is What You Get

This oat drink is as clean as they come—no sugar added, no preservatives, no sweeteners trying to play dress-up. Just a wholesome blend of oats, chia, and other simple, plant-based ingredients.

Chakradhar Gade, Co-Founder and CEO of Country Delight, said, “Our goal has always been to bring real, nutritious food into Indian households. With this oat drink, we’re offering an option that’s not just plant-based, but genuinely healthy and great-tasting. We wanted to create something people would reach for every day—not just because they have to, but because they want to.”

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

Country Delight’s oat drink meets stringent global food safety standards with certifications from ISO, USFDA (FSVP-FSMA), FSSC, and Organic agencies. Each batch goes through more than 140 quality checks daily to ensure it’s safe, clean, and exactly what the label promises.

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Bengaluru’s GIVA Bags ₹530 Cr From Creaegis, Premji Invest & Others — Eyes 150 New Stores and Lab-Grown Diamond Boom

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Bengaluru’s GIVA Bags ₹530 Cr From Creaegis, Premji Invest & Others — Eyes 150 New Stores and Lab-Grown Diamond Boom

Fine jewellery startup GIVA has secured ₹530 crore (~$63 million) in fresh funding, with Creaegis leading the round and returning investors Premji Invest, Epiq Capital, and Edelweiss Discovery Fund also participating.

The Bengaluru-based brand plans to use the capital to deepen its offline and online presence, strengthen its tech stack, and double down on its fast-growing lab-grown diamond segment — a category gaining serious traction among sustainability-conscious shoppers in India and abroad.

Started in 2019 by Ishendra Agarwal and Nikita Prasad, GIVA originally entered the market with silver jewellery but has since expanded into 14K and 18K gold collections and a dedicated range of lab-created diamonds. Over the last few years, the brand has rapidly built a retail network of over 240 stores across the country and now aims to add another 145–150 outlets by the end of the year, especially targeting Tier-II cities where demand for affordable luxury is on the rise.

Beyond retail, GIVA continues to invest in its digital operations, which remain a powerful engine for both customer acquisition and brand engagement. The company is also working to streamline its supply chain using tech-enabled solutions, with a focus on scaling efficiently while keeping design and quality at the core.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

In a notable leadership update, Aditya Labroo, who has served as GIVA’s Chief Operating Officer, has now been elevated to the role of co-founder, signaling the brand’s evolving vision as it enters a new phase of growth.

By combining aspirational designs, accessible pricing, and a growing retail footprint, GIVA is positioning itself as a major player in India’s fine jewellery market — with lab-grown diamonds set to be a key growth lever going forward.

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Rohit Sharma Bets on Supply Chain Disruptor Prozo, Now Delivering Across 24,000 Pin Codes With $20 Million in Total Funding

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Rohit Sharma Bets on Supply Chain Disruptor Prozo, Now Delivering Across 24,000 Pin Codes With $20 Million in Total Funding

Cricketer Rohit Sharma has made a personal investment in Prozo, a fast-growing logistics and supply chain company helping streamline India’s next-gen commerce infrastructure. While the size of Sharma’s investment hasn’t been revealed, the move adds star power to a startup already backed by names like Sixth Sense Ventures and Jafco Asia.

Founded in 2016, Prozo has quietly built an expansive logistics network — with 42 smart warehouses spread across 2.2 million sq. ft., and delivery capabilities spanning over 24,000 pin codes across India. The company is currently clocking a revenue run-rate of around Rs 250 crore.

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“I’m excited to support a company like Prozo that’s working behind the scenes to power India’s digital-first economy,” Sharma said in a statement.

With Sharma on board as a strategic investor, Prozo joins a growing list of tech-enabled businesses catching the attention of India’s top athletes and celebrities — a sign of how supply chain innovation is becoming central to the country’s digital retail boom.

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To date, Prozo has raised $20 million across multiple rounds.

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Mankind Pharma Taps Rajkummar Rao to Champion Nimulid Strong in India’s Rs. 5,000 Cr Pain Relief Market

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Mankind Pharma Taps Rajkummar Rao to Champion Nimulid Strong in India’s Rs. 5,000 Cr Pain Relief Market

Mankind Pharma has roped in actor Rajkummar Rao as the brand ambassador for Nimulid Strong, its flagship entry in the topical pain relief category. Positioned as a specialist for neck pain, Nimulid Strong promises relief in just two minutes, thanks to its potent 2.32% diclofenac formulation — twice the concentration found in most competing products.

The company is banking on Rao’s credibility and relatability to build trust for the product, which is available in both gel and spray formats. In its debut year, Nimulid Strong has already clocked impressive numbers — selling 20 lakh gel units and 10 lakh spray bottles, bringing in a combined revenue of Rs. 15 crore.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

With the topical pain relief market in India valued at over Rs. 5,000 crore, Mankind’s entry with Nimulid Strong marks a strategic move into a high-demand space. This is the company’s first major product launch of the year in the consumer wellness segment, with future plans to expand into balms, roll-ons, and tablet formats.

“We’re delighted to have Rajkummar onboard,” said Joy Chatterjee, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Consumer Business Unit, Mankind Pharma. “His grounded personality and mass appeal reflect the spirit of our brand. Nimulid Strong is designed for people who need fast, effective relief — and Rajkummar represents that purpose perfectly.”

For Rao, the association feels like a natural fit. “In my line of work, physical strain is part of the job — long shoots, awkward angles, hours of screen time. Quick relief from neck pain isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” he said. “What I like about Nimulid Strong is how fast it works — within minutes, you’re back in action. That’s what made me say yes.”

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As Mankind Pharma continues to expand its consumer health portfolio, Nimulid Strong — backed by real results and a relatable face — seems poised to make serious inroads into Indian households.

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Janhvi Kapoor’s London Appearance With Sydney Sweeney Fuels Talk of Miu Miu Deal — Could She Be the Face of the Italian Label in India?

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Janhvi Kapoor’s London Appearance With Sydney Sweeney Fuels Talk of Miu Miu Deal Could She Be the Face of the Italian Label in India?

There’s growing buzz around Janhvi Kapoor’s increasing visibility with luxury fashion house Miu Miu — sparking talk that the actor might just be the brand’s next Indian face. While no official announcement has been made, Janhvi’s recent appearances suggest something is brewing.

Earlier this month, Janhvi was spotted in London, attending the reopening of Miu Miu’s Bond Street flagship alongside global names like Sydney Sweeney and Alexa Chung. Her look for the evening — a curve-hugging wool dress paired with a shimmering sea-green bralette, thigh-high socks, a dramatic fur scarf, and glossy loafers — was styled by her cousin Rhea Kapoor, who’s become something of a signature force behind Janhvi’s fashion direction.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

This wasn’t an isolated Miu Miu moment either. At Cannes in May, Janhvi made her red carpet debut in a full Miu Miu ensemble — the first Bollywood actor to do so. She wore a preppy, school-inspired outfit featuring a white knit mini and cropped top, layered with a soft blue check shirt and structured brown jacket, all accessorized with signature Miu Miu pieces. Again, Rhea Kapoor styled the look.

Industry insiders told Deccan Chronicle that the Italian label — owned by Prada Group — might be testing the waters with Janhvi before making a formal move. “Miu Miu appeals strongly to Gen Z and thrives on a mix of bold femininity and youth culture — it makes sense for them to consider Janhvi, who naturally fits that space,” one fashion insider shared.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Whether this is a calculated drip-feed campaign or just mutual admiration, Janhvi’s consistent appearances in Miu Miu are certainly raising eyebrows — and expectations.

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Wow! Momo Teams Up with Chef Ranveer Brar to Launch India’s First Gluten-Free Momos Made with Quinoa and Chickpeas, Targeting $22.25 Mn Market

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Wow! Momo Teams Up with Chef Ranveer Brar to Launch India’s First Gluten-Free Momos Made with Quinoa and Chickpeas, Targeting $22.25 Mn Market

Wow! Momo has rolled out a game-changer in India’s fast-food scene: gluten-free momos crafted from quinoa and chickpeas. This marks a bold pivot for the QSR giant, which is now eyeing a slice of the health-conscious market — a segment that often finds little joy in typical indulgent snacks.

Street food in India has always been big on flavour, but rarely friendly to those with gluten intolerance or specific dietary needs. With this launch, Wow! Momo is flipping the script. The new range speaks directly to people who’ve long felt like outsiders in the world of rich, comfort-heavy eats. These momos don’t just fill a gap; they open the door to a wider, more inclusive food experience.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Quinoa and chickpeas make for a nutritious base, giving the momos a boost of protein and a unique texture — something that’s not often found in fast food. It’s a smart move, especially with India’s gluten-free food and beverage market expected to grow by nearly 14% CAGR from its current USD 22.25 million valuation. Clearly, there’s an appetite for this.

To build buzz, Wow! Momo has joined hands with celebrated chef Ranveer Brar for a new digital film. Brar brings culinary credibility and a passionate belief that flavour shouldn’t suffer in the name of health. “If a dish doesn’t excite your palate, it’s pointless — no matter how healthy,” he says. “These gluten-free momos? They hit the mark on taste, texture, and nostalgia.”

Co-founder and CEO Sagar Daryani sees this not just as a new item on the menu, but a reflection of Wow! Momo’s mission: “Momos are more than just food for us — they’re tied to memory, comfort, and community. With this range, we’re making sure more people can be part of that. No one should feel left out just because they eat differently.”

Initially available in 11 cities, the brand also plans to scale the offering through its FMCG-ready packaged momo line. This isn’t just about chasing a trend — it’s a commitment to evolving with the needs of a new India: one that cares about what’s on the plate and how it makes them feel.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

In a country where the demand for clean, thoughtful food is on the rise, Wow! Momo is carving out space for joy and health to coexist — proving that good food can be for everyone.

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Shark Tank-Famed Eat Better Co Partners with Unicommerce to Turbocharge Quick Commerce Post ₹17 Cr Fundraise

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Shark Tank-Famed Eat Better Co Partners with Unicommerce to Turbocharge Quick Commerce Post ₹17 Cr Fundraise

Eat Better Co, the clean-label snack brand that gained visibility through Shark Tank India, is tightening up its backend with a tech upgrade. The startup has joined hands with Unicommerce, a company that builds tools for e-commerce and fulfillment, to improve how it handles online orders and fulfillments—especially in the quick commerce space.

This partnership comes on the heels of Eat Better Co’s ₹17 crore (roughly $2 million) pre-Series A round in April 2025, led by Prath Ventures and Spring Marketing Capital, with support from existing investors.

Run by sibling trio Mridula, Vidushi, and Shaurya Kanoria, Eat Better Co has carved out a niche for itself in the better-for-you snacking segment. Its menu ranges from dry fruit laddoos and roasted namkeens to nut-and-seed blends—designed to appeal to health-conscious snackers who want clean ingredients without sacrificing taste.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

To handle growing demand and scale its direct-to-consumer business, Eat Better is adopting Unicommerce’s full-stack tech suite. That includes tools for managing orders across platforms, syncing inventory across warehouses, and ensuring real-time visibility into what’s moving and what’s not.

Unicommerce’s flagship system, Uniware, will allow the brand to track and fulfill orders coming from its own website, online marketplaces, and quick-commerce channels—all from a single dashboard. On the warehouse front, the system will help Eat Better stay ahead of inventory issues like stockouts or dead stock, and fine-tune its product availability for peak efficiency.

More than just logistics, the new tech stack gives Eat Better access to analytics and demand forecasting, which the company believes will help sharpen its product offerings and deepen customer engagement.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

“We’re excited to be working with Unicommerce to take our operations to the next level,” said Shaurya Kanoria, co-founder of Eat Better Co. “As more people turn toward conscious snacking, speed and reliability in delivery become non-negotiable. This partnership helps us deliver not just good food, but a great experience, too.”

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