Sauz Raises $12M to Shake Up the Pasta Sauce Game With Bold Flavors and Big Plans

INVESTMENTS

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June 12, 2025

Tomato sauce just got a serious upgrade.

Sauz, the fast-rising food startup reinventing the humble pasta sauce, has just locked in $12 million in fresh funding — with CAVU Consumer Partners leading the round. Known for betting on breakout consumer brands, CAVU joins existing backers Coefficient Capital, Palm Tree Crew, and Strand Equity in backing Sauz’s next chapter.

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The money won’t sit idle. Sauz plans to pour this capital into aggressive growth — think louder marketing, more shelf space, and a punchier online presence. New flavors are in the works, more stores are coming, and the brand wants to be a staple in more kitchens by the end of 2025.

“People want more than just tomatoes and garlic in a jar,” said Sauz CEO and co-founder Troy Bonde. “They’re craving flavor, personality, and something fun. That’s exactly what we’re building — and with CAVU behind us, we’re ready to move faster than ever.”

Sauz isn’t just making noise; it’s moving numbers. The brand saw a 148% spike in revenue and a whopping 250% jump in online sales. Now stocked in nearly 7,000 stores across the U.S. and boasting seven unique SKUs, it’s not slowing down.

For CAVU, this partnership is about shaking up a stale category. “The sauce aisle feels like it hasn’t changed in decades,” said CAVU’s Jared Jacobs, who now joins Sauz’s board. “Sauz brings bold flavors, modern branding, and a sense of surprise that’s been missing. It’s not just another tomato sauce — it’s an experience.”

Sauz’s secret weapon? Ingredients you don’t see coming — like brown butter, miso, lemon, and even hot honey. “We started Sauz because we were bored of what was out there,” added Winston Alfieri, CMO and co-founder. “We’re not just selling sauce — we’re helping people rediscover their love of cooking.”

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With momentum building and fresh funding in hand, Sauz looks ready to turn the heat up in your pantry.

Allied Blenders Buys Global Rights to Mansion House and Savoy Club for ₹11.9 Cr, Eyes Expansion Beyond India

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June 12, 2025

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Image of adb beverage — Allied Blenders Buys Global Rights to Mansion House and Savoy Club for ₹11.9 Cr, Eyes Expansion Beyond India

In a strategic move aimed at sharpening its global footprint, Indian spirits major Allied Blenders and Distillers Ltd (ABD) has taken full ownership of Singapore-based UTO Asia Pte Ltd — the company that holds the international rights to legacy liquor brands Mansion House and Savoy Club.

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The acquisition, approved at ABD’s board meeting on Tuesday, was sealed through a binding agreement and has come into effect immediately. With this deal, UTO Asia officially becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of ABD, bringing the ownership of the two brands under the company’s direct control across global markets.

However, there’s a catch — the deal specifically excludes key Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and a few others. While ABD now controls the brand rights almost everywhere else, these particular regions remain outside the scope of the agreement.

The total deal value stands at €1.225 million — roughly ₹11.92 crore, not including stamp duty or other levies.

ABD, known for brands like Officer’s Choice, Officer’s Choice Blue, and Sterling Reserve, said this acquisition is a key part of its long-term brand consolidation and expansion plan. By acquiring global control (with some geographic carve-outs), the company hopes to boost its presence in newer markets while building on its impressive FY25 consolidated income of ₹8,094 crore.

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This comes less than a year after ABD’s stock market listing, marking yet another milestone in its post-IPO growth trajectory.

Archies Eyes Comeback with Digital Overhaul, Fresh Store Formats, and International Ambitions

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June 12, 2025

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Image-of-archies — Archies Eyes Comeback with Digital Overhaul, Fresh Store Formats, and International Ambitions

There was a time when emotions weren’t typed out or sent with a double-tap. Before WhatsApp stickers and auto-generated birthday wishes took over, people actually went out of their way to pick the perfect greeting card — one that felt just right. Those vibrant, glossy cards with quirky shapes and heartfelt messages weren’t just bits of printed paper; they were small gestures that meant a lot and were often tucked away for years as keepsakes.

Back then, Archies wasn’t just a store — it was the place to be if you wanted to express how you felt without fumbling for the right words. It all started humbly in 1979 when a young Anil Moolchandani took a Rs 12 order from a customer in Lucknow. That one slip of paper marked the beginning of what would soon become a household name.

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By 1984, Archies was already rubbing shoulders with global giants, teaming up with Walt Disney to put Mickey and Donald on Indian shelves. In 1987, the brand introduced the Archies Gallery format in Delhi’s Kamla Nagar, and by the early ’90s, it had hit the 100-store mark.

Today, with over 550 outlets in 66 cities — some owned, others franchised — Archies has evolved beyond cards. The brand now offers everything from mugs and photo frames to perfumes and plush toys, shifting gears as India moved online.

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But Archies isn’t done yet. With a redesigned website, bold international goals, and new-age store formats in the pipeline, the brand is preparing to write its next chapter — one that still puts emotion first, just in newer packaging.

Foodpharmer Breaks Industry Norms with Transparent Factory Tour for ₹100 Crore Clean Protein Launch

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June 12, 2025

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Image of foodpharmer — Foodpharmer Breaks Industry Norms with Transparent Factory Tour for ₹100 Crore Clean Protein Launch

In a bold move toward transparency and consumer trust, content creator and entrepreneur Foodpharmer (known for advocating clean and honest food practices) has unveiled a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing facility for his upcoming product — India’s first co-created clean protein.

The initiative, a collaboration between Foodpharmer and the clean-label brand onlywhatsneeded, marks a significant shift in how food brands interact with consumers. While most companies keep their production processes out of public view, Foodpharmer is inviting viewers to see exactly where and how the product is made. “If I’m asking you to trust what you’re putting into your body, the least I can do is show you where it comes from,” he says in the now-viral reel, which has garnered over 44,000 likes and 2,300 shares.

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The full factory tour is available on YouTube, offering insights into the machinery, hygiene protocols, and team behind the clean protein innovation. The video highlights India’s growing demand for clean-label food and signals a broader industry movement toward radical transparency.

After months of meticulous planning and rigorous setup, the manufacturing facility is now operational. This marks a key milestone for the brand, which positions itself at the intersection of science, nutrition, and consumer empowerment.

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With India’s wellness economy booming and skepticism toward processed foods rising, this campaign could set a new benchmark in clean food marketing — one where showing the process becomes as important as the final product.

Hindalco’s Freshwrapp Teams Up with Vikas Khanna to Launch ‘Bacteria ki Entry Ko Rokey’ Campaign; Targets 1.2 Million Homes with New FreshlockShield Foil

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June 11, 2025

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Image of Hindalco’s Freshwrapp — Hindalco’s Freshwrapp Teams Up with Vikas Khanna to Launch ‘Bacteria ki Entry Ko Rokey’ Campaign; Targets 1.2 Million Homes with New FreshlockShield Foil

Mumbai | 10 June 2025 – Hindalco’s well-known kitchen companion, Freshwrapp, is rolling out a bold new initiative that’s as cheeky as it is serious. Teaming up with none other than Michelin-starred chef and bestselling author Vikas Khanna, the brand is leading a charge against bacteria lurking in traditional food storage methods. The campaign, cleverly titled “Bacteria ki Entry Ko Rokey”, introduces the brand’s latest innovation—FreshlockShield—a smart upgrade for Indian kitchens that still rely on age-old fixes like cloth wraps and newspapers.

“I’ve always believed that food reflects the love we put into our homes,” Khanna shared. “But we often neglect how that food is stored. I’ve used foil for years—it’s clean, reliable, and simple. Freshwrapp’s foil stands out. With this campaign, I want to nudge families toward safer kitchen practices.”

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The campaign lands a strong punch with science too. Tests from NABL-accredited labs confirm that Freshwrapp’s aluminium foil (available in 11 and 18-micron variants) can block bacterial infiltration for up to 48 hours. It’s effective even against common troublemakers like E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. In user trials, once families gave the foil a shot, many were quick to ditch their old wrapping habits.

Speaking about the vision, Nilesh Koul, Senior President & CEO – Downstream Aluminium Business, Hindalco Industries Ltd, remarked: “Freshwrapp is more than just foil—it’s part of our commitment to making everyday life healthier. With this campaign, we’re not just selling hygiene; we’re challenging the old ways of doing things in Indian kitchens.”

The campaign film brings this message to life with sharp humour: a bacteria couple attempts to crash a dinner date but are hilariously stopped at the door—by none other than Freshwrapp. Conceptualized by Network Advertising, the film combines wit with warmth to drive home a serious message in a refreshingly lighthearted manner.

More than just a wrapper, Freshwrapp is now being positioned as a defender of health and nutrition. The foil is ISI-certified, safe for cooking, freezing, storing—and stylish enough to serve with. Users say it keeps food fresher, cleaner, and less soggy than old-school methods. It doesn’t soak oil or hold onto bacteria, and while it’s not reusable, most people in the trials felt the trade-off for safety and freshness was well worth it.

What’s striking is how well mothers—the primary guardians of kitchen hygiene in most Indian homes—responded. “I’m not just wrapping lunch; I’m wrapping care,” said one mom from the study.

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Serving over 1.2 million households a month, Freshwrapp isn’t new to Indian kitchens—but with “Bacteria ki Entry Ko Rokey”, it’s stepping into a new role: not just as a product, but as a kitchen essential for modern, health-conscious homes. The brand has also been named a ‘Superbrand’ for three years running, underlining its place as a market leader.

Katrina Kaif Named Face of Maldives Tourism as Island Nation Launches Aggressive Summer Campaign to Boost International Footfall

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June 11, 2025

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Image-of-maldives — Katrina Kaif Named Face of Maldives Tourism as Island Nation Launches Aggressive Summer Campaign to Boost International Footfall

Male, Maldives — The Maldives has tapped into star power to boost its global tourism profile, bringing on Bollywood A-lister Katrina Kaif as its official global brand ambassador. The announcement was made by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) just as the island nation rolled out its latest Summer Sale Campaign—a move aimed at luring more international travellers in the months ahead.

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The decision to bring Kaif onboard isn’t just about celebrity appeal; it’s a calculated move to tap into her immense global following. With fans across India, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, Kaif’s presence is expected to amplify the Maldives’ image as a high-end, idyllic travel hotspot.

For years, the Maldives has been a go-to getaway for Indian tourists, and this partnership seems designed to build on that momentum. Katrina Kaif, beyond her fame as an actor, also carries weight as a public personality and entrepreneur—something MMPRC hopes will bring a fresh edge to its international branding efforts.

In a statement, Kaif spoke warmly about the new role. “The Maldives is more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a feeling. There’s peace, elegance, and a kind of natural luxury that’s hard to find elsewhere. I’m truly thrilled to represent a place that I’ve personally come to love.”

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MMPRC’s Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree echoed the sentiment. “Katrina has that rare ability to connect with people across cultures. Her appointment is more than symbolic—it’s a signal that we’re serious about reaching a broader global audience.”

As part of the campaign, Kaif will appear in digital and print promotions, travel showcases, and a series of curated content designed to showcase the Maldives’ top-tier resorts, experiences, and natural beauty. The Summer Sale campaign will also include exclusive discounts and travel packages aimed at converting this visibility into actual bookings.

With this move, the Maldives is clearly looking beyond postcards and hashtags—and straight into the global spotlight.

BigBasket Plots Nationwide 10-Minute Food Delivery Rollout, Sets Sights on Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit and Zepto

Quick Commerce

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June 11, 2025

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Image of bigbasket — BigBasket Plots Nationwide 10-Minute Food Delivery Rollout, Sets Sights on Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit and Zepto

India’s quick-commerce space is gearing up for a major shake-up as BigBasket, backed by Ratan Tata and part of the Tata Group, prepares to throw its hat into the 10-minute food delivery ring. The company is now setting its sights on aggressive nationwide expansion by the end of FY26, directly challenging the likes of Zomato, Swiggy’s Snacc, Blinkit’s Bistro, and Zepto Cafe.

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BigBasket currently operates around 700 dark stores, but plans are underway to take that number to between 1,000 and 1,200 by the end of next year. This massive infrastructure boost signals the brand’s intent to muscle into a space dominated by fast movers who’ve already rolled out lightning-fast food deliveries in top Indian cities.

In a conversation with Reuters, BigBasket’s leadership made it clear that they’re not just looking to poach customers from existing giants — they’re also betting big on tapping into an entirely new audience segment, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 towns, where demand for doorstep convenience is rising rapidly.

Meanwhile, the competitive heat is being turned up by numbers. A fresh forecast by Morgan Stanley pegs India’s quick-commerce total addressable market at a staggering $57 billion by 2030 — a sharp jump from the previous estimate of $42 billion. The brokerage has also raised its gross order value (GOV) projections for FY26 to FY28 by 9-11%, citing increasing penetration and frequency of QC orders across metros and beyond.

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The quick commerce turf war is no longer just about snacks and instant groceries. With BigBasket stepping in, the food delivery vertical is bracing for a new wave of disruption — and possibly, consolidation. For Zomato, Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto, the Tata-backed push is more than just another rival — it’s a full-scale declaration of war on delivery dominance.

Wow! Momo Secures ₹85 Cr War Chest from Stride to Tackle Consumption Dip, Build National Food Empire

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June 11, 2025

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Image of wow momos — Wow! Momo Secures ₹85 Cr War Chest from Stride to Tackle Consumption Dip, Build National Food Empire

Quick-service restaurant chain Wow! Momo Foods has raised ₹85 crore in debt funding from Stride Ventures as it pushes to widen its reach across India and diversify its operations beyond traditional dine-in and delivery formats.

The Kolkata-headquartered company, known for reinventing the humble momo into a mainstream staple, intends to channel the funds into strengthening its existing presence and building new revenue lines in the FMCG and HORECA (hotels, restaurants, catering) sectors. This move comes at a time when the Indian food services space is seeing slower consumer spending and margin pressures driven by food aggregators.

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Currently operating more than 700 company-owned outlets across 70+ cities, Wow! Momo has ambitious plans to cross the 1,500-store milestone and enter over 100 Indian cities in the next three years. Alongside its original offering, the brand now houses sub-brands like Wow! China, Wow! Chicken, and Wow! Kulfi—all aimed at creating a full-stack food empire.

Despite headwinds, the brand has managed to retain solid unit economics and strong customer loyalty. Its performance in same-store sales reportedly rivals that of global QSR majors, making it a rare homegrown player to watch.

“Wow! Momo is building a truly scalable Indian QSR story,” said Apoorva Sharma, Managing Partner at Stride Ventures. “Their ability to innovate and execute at speed makes them an exciting partner.”

Co-founder and CEO Sagar Daryani added, “This partnership with Stride helps us accelerate our vision to take Indian fast food to every corner of the country.”

Rapido Gears Up to Take on Zomato & Swiggy: Bags ₹125 Cr from Nexus, Plans ‘Ownly’ Food Delivery Rollout

Quick Commerce

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June 11, 2025

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Image of rapido — Rapido Gears Up to Take on Zomato & Swiggy: Bags ₹125 Cr from Nexus, Plans ‘Ownly’ Food Delivery Rollout

Bengaluru-based ride-hailing startup Rapido is raising ₹125 crore (approximately $15 million) from Nexus Venture Partners, according to regulatory filings accessed recently. The funding boost is part of Rapido’s ongoing Series E round, which also includes a previously reported ₹250 crore (around $28.9 million) investment from Prosus.

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The fresh capital infusion comes at a pivotal moment as Rapido prepares to launch its new food delivery vertical, branded as ‘Ownly’, marking its entry into India’s highly competitive quick-commerce and food logistics space. The strategic move will pit Rapido against established players like Zomato, Swiggy, and newer entrants such as Zepto and Blinkit, who are already experimenting with hybrid models that combine groceries and food delivery.

Rapido, founded in 2015 by Aravind Sanka, Pavan Guntupalli, and Rishikesh SR, began as a bike-taxi platform catering to urban commuters looking for affordable and time-saving options. Over the years, the company has diversified into auto-rickshaw services and local logistics, and is now betting on food delivery to expand its revenue streams and user base.

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With the fresh funds, Rapido is expected to bolster its delivery fleet, ramp up tech infrastructure, and possibly introduce aggressive promotional pricing to penetrate the market. The move also reflects a broader trend in India’s mobility startups diversifying beyond transport, tapping into the booming demand for last-mile delivery.

While the launch timeline for Ownly remains under wraps, insiders suggest the pilot may begin in select metro cities before a nationwide rollout later in the fiscal year.

Mumbai Court to Strict Vegetarians: Why Order From Wow! Momo If Non-Veg Hurts Your Beliefs?

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June 11, 2025

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Image of wow momo — Mumbai Court to Strict Vegetarians: Why Order From Wow! Momo If Non-Veg Hurts Your Beliefs?

Mumbai, June 10, 2025 — In a ruling that could have broader implications for food delivery businesses and consumer responsibility, a Mumbai consumer court has dismissed a complaint filed by two customers who claimed their religious sentiments were hurt after they were mistakenly served non-vegetarian food by Wow! Momo.

The complainants, who identify as strictly vegetarian, alleged that receiving chicken momos instead of the vegetarian variant caused deep emotional and religious distress. However, the court questioned the logic of ordering from a restaurant that clearly serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

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“If non-vegetarian food hurts one’s religious sentiments so deeply, why would a person order from a place that serves both types of food?” the court observed, calling for greater discretion and accountability on the part of consumers.

The case brings to light a growing challenge for food delivery platforms and QSR (quick service restaurant) chains like Wow! Momo, especially in a culturally sensitive market like India. Mistakes in food delivery — while often operational or logistical in nature — are increasingly becoming legal and reputational hazards.

For Wow! Momo, one of India’s most visible fast-casual food brands, the case is a warning shot despite the favorable ruling. While the consumer court sided with the restaurant, it underlines the importance of strengthening order verification systems and maintaining clearer food labelling — especially for deliveries involving dietary restrictions or religious considerations.

This incident also has implications for aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato, who act as intermediaries between customers and eateries. Any mistake made in labeling or delivering food can spark not just social backlash but also courtroom battles.

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Legal experts suggest this verdict could set a precedent in cases where emotional or religious hurt is cited in service-related complaints. The court, in effect, has drawn a line between personal belief and practical responsibility in food commerce.

For now, Wow! Momo escapes liability — but the spotlight is squarely on the food-tech ecosystem, where consumer emotions, corporate processes, and legal boundaries are increasingly entangled.

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