IKEA to Boost India Sourcing from €400 Million to New Highs; Local Contribution to Jump from 30% to 50%

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June 2, 2025

Image of ikea. — IKEA to Boost India Sourcing from €400 Million to New Highs; Local Contribution to Jump from 30% to 50%

India has steadily climbed the ranks to become one of IKEA’s key sourcing partners — and now, the Swedish home furnishing giant is doubling down on its commitment to the country. The company plans to raise the share of locally sourced products for its Indian retail operations from the current 30% to 50%, while also scaling up exports from India for its global supply chain.

“This isn’t just about buying more from India,” said Christina Niemelä Ström, Head of Sustainability for Supply at Inter IKEA Group. “It’s about building deeper partnerships, expanding the product range we source here, and supporting local communities through job creation.”

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At present, IKEA sources roughly €400 million worth of products from India each year, making it one of the top ten countries in its global procurement network. The current portfolio includes textiles, plastics, and metals — but that’s about to broaden. IKEA now plans to add larger categories such as sofas, mattresses, and storage units to its India-made product lineup.

Ström noted that India’s role is expanding on two fronts: helping meet the demand from Indian customers through higher local sourcing, and supporting global retail operations through exports. “The idea is to grow together,” she explained. “As India grows, so do our opportunities to collaborate and invest further.”

Although IKEA only entered the Indian retail market in 2018 with its first store in Hyderabad, it has had manufacturing and sourcing ties with the country for over 50 years. Since then, it has launched stores in Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru, with additional locations in Delhi-NCR and other cities under development.

“We’ve had a long-standing relationship with India — one we’re proud of. It’s not a short-term play for us,” said Ström. “We’re here for the long run and we believe deeply in what India has to offer.”

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Sustainability is also a key pillar of IKEA’s India strategy. The company currently works with over 110,000 farmers to grow cotton using fewer pesticides, less water, and more eco-friendly practices — efforts that, Ström pointed out, help both the planet and the farmers’ incomes. “This isn’t a trade-off between cost and sustainability. It’s a win-win.”

Through its supply chain in India, IKEA directly supports around 100,000 workers at its supplier sites and another 270,000 indirectly through second-tier suppliers. Most of the cotton used in IKEA products today is sourced through certified schemes, ensuring it meets the company’s strict sustainability standards.

As part of its global climate goals, IKEA is aiming to cut its emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero status by 2050.

The Inter IKEA Group, which includes the global franchisor Inter IKEA Systems BV as well as the product development and supply arms, is the backbone that links the brand’s global franchisees with its manufacturing and sourcing network. And with India stepping into an even more central role, that backbone just got a bit stronger.

From Critic to Creator: Food Pharmer Revant Himatsingka Launches Clean Nutrition Brand ‘Only What’s Needed’

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June 2, 2025

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Image of food founder. — From Critic to Creator: Food Pharmer Revant Himatsingka Launches Clean Nutrition Brand ‘Only What’s Needed’

After years of calling out misleading food labels and exposing shady marketing tactics in the grocery aisle, Revant Himatsingka — better known on Instagram and YouTube as Food Pharmer — is finally flipping the script. He’s stepping out of the role of watchdog and into the founder’s chair with the launch of his clean-label nutrition brand, Only What’s Needed (OWN).

The debut product? A whey protein powder stripped of all the usual fluff — no artificial sweeteners, no fillers, and no unpronounceable ingredients. The soft launch is set for June, with a full rollout planned for July.

“I’ve always been the guy pointing out what’s wrong with food products. But now I want to be part of the solution,” Revant told Moneycontrol. “People often tell me, ‘We get it — this brand is bad, that brand is worse. But what should we actually buy?’ This brand is my answer to that.”

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But OWN isn’t just Revant’s solo venture. It’s been built from the ground up with his online community — nearly every major decision has been crowdsourced. From the brand name (he originally considered calling it Take Charge) to the product category and even the ingredient list, it’s all been influenced by thousands of comments and polls from followers who wanted something better on the shelves.

“The name ‘Only What’s Needed’ came straight from a follower,” he says. “And the ingredients? People literally told us what they wanted — and what they didn’t.”

True to its name, OWN aims to keep things brutally simple. No extra sugar. No unnecessary additives. Just the basics, done right. Revant says that’s the entire point — giving people food that doesn’t require a PhD to understand.

“You should be able to look at a label and not feel like you’re decoding a science experiment,” he says. “The moment you put garbage in your body, you give up control. This is about taking back control — ownership, literally — over what you eat.”

But that simplicity doesn’t mean cheap. Revant is upfront: the product won’t be the lowest-priced option on the market. “Quality costs money,” he says. “But what we won’t do is burn crores on advertising. If I can cut down marketing costs by 20–30%, I’d rather pass that benefit to the customer.”

Initially, OWN will be available online via the brand’s website, as well as through Amazon, Flipkart, and quick commerce platforms. Offline expansion isn’t on the cards just yet. “Retail is a different beast,” he says. “And right now, we’re not trying to be everywhere — we’re trying to be right where it matters.”

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To bring the idea to life, Revant has tied up with a manufacturing unit in Tirupati, which is also putting skin in the game by investing in the brand. That initial backing should keep the venture afloat for the first six months. After that, depending on traction, he’s open to raising more capital.

Zepto Parent Kiranakart’s Food License Suspended After FDA Flags Moldy Stock and Stagnant Water at Dharavi Facility

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June 2, 2025

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Kiranakart Technologies Pvt Ltd, the company behind quick-commerce platform Zepto, has landed in hot water with Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has suspended its food business license following a surprise inspection of its Dharavi warehouse in Mumbai.

Regulators found multiple violations during the site visit—including moldy food items, unsanitary storage conditions, and food products stacked dangerously close to clogged, stagnant water. Inspectors also observed that cold storage units were not functioning at the required temperatures, and expired products had not been clearly separated from items still within their shelf life.

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In its statement, the FDA said the infractions reflect a clear breach of food safety norms and licensing conditions. The suspension will remain in effect until the agency is satisfied that Zepto has addressed the issues and improved its facility standards.

A Zepto spokesperson acknowledged the situation, saying, “We take this matter seriously. A full internal audit is underway, and we’re cooperating closely with authorities to resolve all concerns as quickly as possible. Food safety is a core priority for us.”

The regulatory action marks a significant setback for Zepto, which has built its reputation on fast deliveries and convenience. But the findings at its dark store in Dharavi raise questions about how the company is maintaining quality and hygiene while scaling rapidly.

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Until corrective measures are verified, Zepto’s operations at the affected facility will remain on pause.

Estailo Secures Rs 75 Lakh Seed Round from Wolfpack Labs as It Taps Into India’s Fashion-Forward Youth

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June 2, 2025

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Image of estailo — Estailo Secures Rs 75 Lakh Seed Round from Wolfpack Labs as It Taps Into India’s Fashion-Forward Youth

Estailo, a rising homegrown fashion accessories brand with Korean influences, has bagged Rs 75 lakh in seed funding from venture studio Wolfpack Labs. The capital infusion comes at a time when the startup is actively expanding both online and offline, positioning itself as a go-to label for affordable, trendy accessories aimed at India’s Gen Z and young millennials.

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Founded in 2023, the Delhi-based D2C brand has quickly built momentum, now handling over 1,500 daily orders through its own platform. Its core appeal lies in offering stylish, impulse-friendly products at pocket-friendly prices—an equation that’s resonated strongly with its target audience.

The company runs with a tight-knit 70-member team, 90% of whom are women—a fact founder and CEO Sangeeta Dudeja believes has added a layer of authenticity and emotional intelligence to the brand’s aesthetic and customer experience.

Wolfpack Labs hasn’t just invested capital—they’ve rolled up their sleeves to help streamline Estailo’s backend, strengthening supply chain logistics and operational systems. Within just three months of closing the round, Estailo doubled its revenue and reported a surge in returning buyers.

“From the very beginning, we wanted to make high-style, low-cost accessories accessible to young Indian women without cutting corners on quality,” said Dudeja. “With Wolfpack’s support, we’ve gone from idea to execution faster than we imagined.”

Looking ahead, Estailo is getting ready to broaden its presence—both digitally and physically. It’s eyeing quick-commerce platforms and short-term retail formats like pop-ups to increase visibility in high-footfall zones. The brand is also experimenting with new product categories and sales formats to keep up with fast-changing tastes and digital habits of its customer base.

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With a mix of bold design, price accessibility, and strong execution, Estailo is betting big on India’s growing appetite for fashion that’s fast, fun, and fiercely expressive.

Bata India’s Q4 Operating Profit Slumps 36% to Rs 37 Crore Despite Volume Gains, Revenue Dips Marginally

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June 2, 2025

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Image of bata india. — Bata India’s Q4 Operating Profit Slumps 36% to Rs 37 Crore Despite Volume Gains, Revenue Dips Marginally

Bata India took a hit in the January–March quarter, with its operating profit falling 36% to Rs 37 crore, down from Rs 58 crore during the same period last year. The dip comes despite the company pushing for higher volumes amid a challenging demand environment.

Revenue for the quarter came in at Rs 788 crore, slightly below last year’s Rs 798 crore. In a regulatory update, the company acknowledged the slowdown but pointed to gains in volume, which it said align with its broader goal of driving growth through affordability and simplification across product lines.

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“We’ve been navigating a tough market, but our focus on offering value and streamlining our portfolio has helped us grow volumes,” said Gunjan Shah, Managing Director and CEO of Bata India.

Bata’s board has proposed a final dividend of Rs 9 per share. This comes on top of the Rs 10 interim dividend distributed in September 2024, bringing the total payout for the year to Rs 244 crore.

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Shares of the footwear brand closed marginally lower on Wednesday, slipping 0.29% to Rs 1,275.60 on the BSE.

Nykaa’s Parent Company Doubles Profit in Q4, Closes FY25 with Strong Growth in Beauty and Premium Segments

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May 31, 2025

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Image of nykaa — Nykaa’s Parent Company Doubles Profit in Q4, Closes FY25 with Strong Growth in Beauty and Premium Segments

FSN E-Commerce Ventures, the company behind Nykaa, wrapped up the financial year with a major boost in both quarterly and annual performance, thanks to rising demand in its core beauty business and a stronger focus on higher-margin, in-house and premium offerings.

For the quarter ending March 2025, the Mumbai-based company saw net profit jump 110% year-on-year to Rs 19 crore. Revenue from operations also climbed 24% to Rs 2,062 crore. Over the full fiscal year, net profit rose 81% to Rs 72 crore, while total revenue touched Rs 7,950 crore, also up 24% compared to the previous year.

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Nykaa’s profitability saw a healthy lift on the operating side as well. Quarterly EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) was up 43% to Rs 133 crore, improving margins from 5.6% to 6.5%. For the year, EBITDA rose 37% to Rs 474 crore, with annual EBITDA margins also ticking up to 6.0%.

The company’s gross merchandise value (GMV)—a key metric for online retailers—grew 27% in Q4 to Rs 4,102 crore, while full-year GMV reached Rs 15,600 crore, up 25% year-on-year.

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Nykaa’s performance signals a strong return to form, driven by sharp execution in its beauty vertical, growing consumer preference for premium and exclusive labels, and a tighter grip on operational efficiency.

Neeraj Chopra Teams Up with Audi India, Merging Athletic Grit with Automotive Glamour

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May 31, 2025

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Image of audi. — Neeraj Chopra Teams Up with Audi India, Merging Athletic Grit with Automotive Glamour

Olympic champion and javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra has joined Audi India as its newest brand face, bringing together one of the country’s most celebrated athletes and one of the world’s most recognized luxury car makers.

This isn’t just another celebrity-brand handshake—it’s a bold alignment of two forces that thrive on pushing limits. Whether it’s Neeraj’s record-shattering throws or Audi’s engineering feats, both operate with one thing in common: precision under pressure.

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After capturing the nation’s heart with his gold-winning performance at the Tokyo Olympics, Neeraj has become a symbol of focus, ambition, and power. These are the same qualities Audi wants to highlight in its journey across India’s premium car market.

“Neeraj represents more than just medals—he reflects a mindset, the kind that doesn’t settle,” said an Audi India representative. “That drive and sharp focus are exactly what makes this association exciting.”

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With this partnership, Audi isn’t just attaching its logo to a popular face—it’s betting on a story that resonates with millions of Indians: the rise of homegrown excellence on a global stage, with horsepower to match.

Pankaj Tripathi Joins Hyundai India as Brand Ambassador, Bringing Star Power with a Heartland Touch

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May 31, 2025

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Image of hyundai — Pankaj Tripathi Joins Hyundai India as Brand Ambassador, Bringing Star Power with a Heartland Touch

Hyundai Motor India has signed up actor Pankaj Tripathi as its newest brand ambassador, adding a distinctly relatable and rooted voice to its brand image. Known for playing characters that feel deeply real, Tripathi’s style and persona strike a chord with everyday Indians—making him a fitting face for Hyundai’s next chapter.

This move signals Hyundai’s intent to deepen its bond with consumers not just through cars, but through culture and storytelling. With a reputation built on reliability and innovation, the automaker is now betting on a more personal, emotionally resonant approach to connect with its audience across regions.

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“Pankaj Tripathi isn’t just a brilliant actor—he represents honesty, humility, and the kind of grounded appeal that mirrors what we stand for,” said a senior Hyundai executive. “We believe his presence will help us speak more meaningfully to the millions of Indians who see a part of themselves in him.”

Tripathi now joins Hyundai’s growing list of celebrated ambassadors—each chosen for the unique audience they engage with—as the brand looks to strike a balance between mass appeal and meaningful messaging.

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This partnership is more than a celebrity endorsement—it’s a step toward making the brand feel even more familiar to Indian families, big cities and small towns alike.

Coca-Cola Sees Strong Consumer Demand in India, Looks to Curb Seasonal Dependence with Year-Round Strategies

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May 31, 2025

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Image of coca-cola. — Coca-Cola Sees Strong Consumer Demand in India, Looks to Curb Seasonal Dependence with Year-Round Strategies

Despite unpredictable summer rains across parts of India, Coca-Cola says demand for its beverages remains steady and shows no signs of slowing. The company is now working on a broader strategy to push consumption beyond the traditional summer peak, aiming to build more year-round relevance for its drinks.

“India continues to be a high-growth market for us. Even with seasonal challenges, consumer interest holds firm,” said Henrique Braun, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Coca-Cola. Speaking about the brand’s long-term plans, Braun emphasized the need to reduce the heavy reliance on peak summer months by creating new consumption moments throughout the year.

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“Globally, summer drives a large chunk of beverage sales—but that doesn’t mean we should wait around for the heat,” Braun said. “We’re focused on building events and habits that encourage people to enjoy our products no matter the season. It won’t happen overnight, but the trend is clear when you zoom out: Indian demand is strong, and it’s growing.”

India ranks as Coca-Cola’s fifth-largest market by volume worldwide, and the company is investing accordingly—not just in products, but also in digital infrastructure. One key initiative is Coke Buddy, the company’s tech platform for local kirana stores. Currently, over 1 million retailers in India have adopted Coke Buddy, helping them streamline bulk ordering, track deliveries, and receive personalized suggestions.

“We’ve learned a lot from the Indian market, especially in how digital tools can drive adoption and convenience at the grassroots level,” Braun noted.

On the product side, Coca-Cola India is leaning into shifting health trends by expanding its portfolio of low- and zero-sugar drinks. The company recently launched Thums Up XForce, a no-sugar version of the popular Indian cola. Other options like Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Sprite Zero also cater to health-conscious consumers. Smaller packaging formats, such as the Affordable Small Sparkling Package (ASSP), are being pushed to encourage portion control while maintaining price accessibility.

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“As consumer preferences evolve and regulations tighten, we’re adapting quickly,” Braun added. “From reformulating beverages to offering more transparency, the focus is on giving people choices without compromising on taste or accessibility.”

For Coca-Cola, the long game in India isn’t just about selling more drinks in the heat—it’s about making those drinks a part of daily life, rain or shine.

Madame Opens Second Store in Raipur’s Pandri, Eyes Aggressive Tier-2 Expansion Across India in 2025

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May 31, 2025

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Image of madame. — Madame Opens Second Store in Raipur’s Pandri, Eyes Aggressive Tier-2 Expansion Across India in 2025

Women’s fashion label Madame is doubling down on its presence in Chhattisgarh with the launch of a new outlet on Main Road, Pandri—right in the bustling heart of Raipur. This marks the brand’s second store in the state, following its earlier debut at Magneto Mall.

The company isn’t stopping there. With an aggressive retail rollout lined up for 2025, Madame is gearing up to plant its flag in more tier-2 and tier-3 cities, especially across Central India.

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“Chhattisgarh has proven to be a high-energy market with a real appetite for fashion-forward pieces,” said Akhil Jain, Managing Director and CEO of Madame. “We’ve seen tremendous traction in our existing stores, and that’s pushed us to speed up our plans. People here aren’t just shopping—they’re choosing style, and they’re choosing quality.”

Founded in 1993 under the banner of Jain Amar Clothing Pvt. Ltd., Madame has carved out a niche for itself as a go-to destination for chic western wear for young women. The brand offers a wide range of seasonal collections, from everyday essentials to occasion-ready outfits, all tailored for the style-savvy Indian shopper.

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With growing interest from fashion-conscious consumers outside the metros, Madame’s latest move shows that the brand is thinking well beyond the big cities—and tapping into India’s rapidly evolving fashion map.

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