Try GOLD - Free

Images Business of Food Magazine - November 2025

Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD

Read Images Business of Food along with 10,000+ other magazines & newspapers with just one subscription

View Catalog

1 Month

$14.99

1 Year $149.99

$149.99

$12/month

(OR)

Subscribe only to Images Business of Food

Gift Images Business of Food

Cancel Anytime.

(No Commitments) ⓘ

If you are not happy with the subscription, you can email us at help@magzter.com within 7 days of subscription start date for a full refund. No questions asked - Promise! (Note: Not applicable for single issue purchases)

Digital Subscription

Instant Access ⓘ

Subscribe now to instantly start reading on the Magzter website, iOS, Android, and Amazon apps.

Verified Secure

payment ⓘ

Magzter is a verified Stripe merchant.

In this issue

India’s FMCG sector is showing clear signs of revival. With easing inflation and GST 2.0 bringing price relief, consumers — especially in smaller towns and rural areas — are spending more as digital and quick commerce channels expand rapidly. Big brands are sensing the shift: volumes are rising, confiidence is improving, and sentiment is turning upbeat. As detailed on pages 28-38, this phase marks not just recovery but the start of a more durable growth cycle driven by affordability,accessibility, and smarter execution. If trends hold, FY26 could usher in a broad-based FMCG upswing.
Within this larger story lies a compelling sub-plot — how India’s smallest packs tell its biggest consumption story. The Re 1 shampoo sachet, Rs.5 biscuit pack, Rs.10 noodle pouch, and single-serve spice sachet capture the pulse of everyday India. As detailed on pages 50-53, these Low Price Units have reshaped brand marketing and distribution while creating one of the world’s most inclusive and resilient consumption ecosystems.
The same idea of staying accessible, relatable, and rooted in everyday India defines our cover story brand — Café Delhi Heights. Featured on pages 58-64, this homegrown chain has turned comfort dining into a national phenomenon. Since its first outlet in 2011, CDH has expanded to 48 outlets across 17 cities, serving over 3.5 crore guests. Co-founder Vikrant Batra plans to reach 55 outlets this fiscal and 120 outlets with Rs.500 crore in revenue by 2028 — proof that a deep connect with the Indian palate and consistent experience can drive scale as effectively as price and accessibility in FMCG.

Swiggy reports 18.8% YoY growth in food delivery GOV; Instamart expands nationwide

Swiggy reported strong growth in the second quarter of FY26, with its food delivery business and quick-commerce arm Instamart both showing significant expansion across key metrics.

1 mins

LOTTE India appoints Debabrata Mukherjee as Managing Director for its Ice Cream Division Havmor Ice Cream

LOTTE India Corporation Ltd. announced the appointment of Debabrata Mukherjee as Managing Director for its Ice Cream Division - Havmor Ice Cream. In his new role, Mukherjee will lead the strategic direction and business growth of LOTTE India's ice cream portfolio, steering innovation and expansion for Havmor Ice Cream.

1 mins

NCLT clears HUL's ice cream demerger; Kwality Wall's (India) Ltd to become standalone entity

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai Bench, approved Hindustan Unilever Limited's (HUL) plan to demerge its ice cream business into a new entity - Kwality Wall's (India) Ltd (KWIL).

1 mins

Dabur Q2 Net Profit Rises 6.5% to Rs.453 Cr.; Launches Rs.500 Cr. Dabur Ventures

Dabur India Ltd. reported a 6.5% yearon-year rise in consolidated net profit to Rs53 crore for Q2 FY26, compared to Rs25 crore a year ago.

1 mins

PepsiCo unveils new corporate identity to mark next phase of growth and transformation

PepsiCo unveiled a new corporate identity -its first in nearly 25 years-signalling a major step in its journey of transformation and growth.

1 mins

Heritage Foods acquires majority stake in Get-A-Way, strengthening presence in the health-focused dessert segment

Heritage Foods Limited announced the acquisition of a majority stake in M/s. Peanut Butter and Jelly Private Limited, the company that owns Get-A-Way, India's pioneering guilt-free indulgence brand.

1 mins

bigbasket becomes the first brand to enable conversational quick commerce through ChatGPT's integrated UPI payments

Bigbasket introduced a new way for customers to shop by enabling grocery purchases directly within ChatGPT using UPI payments. With this integration, users can browse, select, and pay for groceries without leaving the ChatGPT interface.

1 mins

Fambo raises Rs. 21.55 Cr funding led by AgriSURE Fund (NABVENTURES)

Noida-based food solutions startup Fambo has raised Rs. 21.55 crore from AgriSURE Fund and EV2 Ventures to accelerate its next phase of growth.

1 mins

IndoBevs appoints Vikas Kumar as Co-founder to lead operational excellence and strategic growth

IndoBevs has elevated Vikas Kumar as Co-founder, marking a significant step in the company's growth strategy.

1 mins

Ranveer Brar introduces Kashkan Kissaghar in Dubai

Chef, author, and actor Ranveer Brar has launched Kashkan Kissaghar at the H Hotel, One Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

1 mins

Domino's India enters 500+ cities, adds 80 new stores in Q2

Domino's India has crossed a major milestone by entering more than 500 cities in the country, and has opened over 80 new outlets in the second quarter of FY 2026.

1 mins

Reliance's JioMart expands quick commerce network to over 1,000 cities

Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL) announced a major expansion of its quick-commerce operations under JioMart, extending its reach to over 1,000 cities and 5,000 pin codes across India.

1 mins

Ghodawat Consumer celebrates 23-years, sets sight on Rs. 1,500 Crore milestone over the next three years

Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL), the FMCG arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, completed 23 years of operations and announced plans to reach Rs 1,500 crore in revenue within three years. The company has already crossed Rs 1,200 crore, maintaining consistent double-digit growth.

1 mins

UNIBIC Foods appoints Ajay Bathija as Chief Executive Officer

UNIBIC Foods announced the appointment of Ajay Bathija as its Chief Executive Officer.

1 mins

German Doner Kebab enters Indian market, plans 450 outlets in 15 years

German Doner Kebab (GDK), the international fast-casual restaurant brand, announced its entry into India through a master franchise agreement with GBC India.

1 mins

TGI Fridays partners with USR Hospitality to launch 51 outlets across India

Global casual dining chain TGI Fridays announced a strategic partnership with USR Hospitality to establish 51 restaurants across India, marking one of the brand's largest expansion plans in the Asia-Pacific region.

1 mins

Scaling D2C Brands: Why an all-in-one POS Solution is a Game-Changer

As D2C brands expand from digital-first models to physical retail spaces, the integration of seamless, omnichannel POS systems becomes crucial. From inventory management to personalized customer experiences, technology is empowering these brands to scale effectively and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

3 mins

FMCG Performs Beyond Expectations Robust Future Ahead

How GST 2.0, easing inflation and renewed consumption are lifting India's FMCG story

8 mins

Quality and Ethics in the DNA - Madhusudan

In a nation where milk isn’t just a drink but a daily ritual, Madhusudan has become part of the country’s emotional and nutritional fabric.

6 mins

Sanjivani Group: Where Five Decades of Trust Meet Modern Taste

Sanjivani stands among India's most trusted heritage brands, with a legacy spanning more than fifty years. Known for its uncompromising focus on purity, consistency, and authentic taste, the brand has built a loyal following across generations. Its diverse portfolio, which includes teas, rusks, cookies, and cakes, reflects a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern food standards.

1 mins

DMB Sweets & Snacks: Carrying Forward a Legacy of Royal Flavours Since 1955

Founded in 1955 by Laxmidhar Sharma, DMB Sweets & Snacks embodies Rajasthan's rich culinary heritage, blending tradition with innovation. From a modest sweets and dairy venture, it has grown into a diversified FMCG brand with pan-India and global presence, offering sweets, namkeens, snacks, packaged foods, and frozen desserts made with ethically sourced ingredients and modern food safety standards.

1 mins

How Archana Engineering Powers India's Storefronts

In India's fast-evolving food and grocery retail landscapewhere visual appeal and shelf precision shape consumer experience Archana Engineering has, since 2003, been a trusted partner. It manufactures, supplies, and exports display stands, retail fixtures, and warehouse trolleys that form the backbone of organized retail efficiency and elegance.

2 mins

When Small is Big: How LPUs Continue to Redefine India's FMCG Market

In the early 1980s, India’s FMCG scene was sharply divided—urban middle classes bought bottled shampoos and creams, while rural consumers largely relied on homemade or unbranded alternatives. CavinKare’s Chik shampoo shattered this divide by introducing a Re. 1 sachet that brought personal care to every household. The innovation was deceptively simple: make the entry point small enough for everyone, yet big enough for brand recall.

5 mins

Are Food Delivery Apps Squeezing the Very Restaurants They Depend On?

What began as a lifeline for restaurants during the pandemic has now become a double-edged sword. Food delivery platforms—once hailed as the great equalizer for the industry—are now being questioned for the very economics that made them popular. For every order delivered at the tap of a button, a growing number of restaurants are asking a harder question: at what cost? With industry bodies stepping in and emerging platforms experimenting with subscription-based or zero-commission models, the question is no longer whether restaurants need food delivery apps, but whether they can afford to stay on them.

4 mins

CAFÉ DELHI HEIGHTS: Where India Eats, Laughs and Belongs

How brothers Vikrant and Sharad Batra turned a comfort-food dream into a 48-outlet cultural phenomenon redefining casual dining in India.

6 mins

Why Food Safety is a Brand Differentiator in India's Competitive QSR Market

In a diverse country like India, food is more than sustenance, it is a reflection of culture, comfort, as well as a medium of celebration. With the rapid growth of Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), especially in urban and tier-2 cities, customers now have abundant choice. However, in this fast-paced, price-sensitive, and highly competitive segment, what truly sets a QSR brand apart is not just taste or speed but its trust and credibility. At the core of that trust lies food safety, which is a nonnegotiable pillar.

5 mins

The Innovation Playbook of the 'Masala Man'

In an industry steeped in tradition, Adesh Kumar has turned something as commonplace as masala into a masterclass in modern retail thinking. From his early days on the shop floors of India's largest retail chains to steering innovation at Keya Foods, Kumar's journey mirrors the evolution of India's spice market itself—where heritage now meets high design, and everyday ingredients are becoming lifestyle products. Branded the “Masala Man” for his bold reimagining of a commodity category, Kumar has redefined how consumers buy, use, and experience flavor.

2 mins

Growth of Retail in Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities: The Next Frontier of Indian Consumption

India's retail transformation is being defined not in the metros, but in the dynamic heartlands of Tier-2 and Tier-3 India. Here, consumers are discerning yet grounded—seeking quality, hygiene, and trusted brands while valuing familiarity, relationships, and regional relevance. The new playbook is clear: smaller, smarter store formats, locally curated assortments, empowered teams, and omnichannel engagement that builds both reach and trust. The future of Indian retail is unfolding across these cities—steadily, confidently, and with purpose.

2 mins

How Functional Foods Can Be India's Wellness Breakthrough - Backed by Ayurveda & Modern R&D

With a USD 13 billion market already growing at double digits, India's functional food sector is emerging as the bridge between tradition and technology. From probiotics and plant proteins to botanicals like ashwagandha and tulsi, the country is turning centuries of food wisdom into a modern \"nutrition economy.\" Yet, to unlock its true potential, brands must balance credibility, regulation, and consumer education.

3 mins

Debt Overhang Forces Bira 91 to Cede The Beer Café as Kirin and Anicut Invoke Collateral

India's fast-growing craft beer label Bira 91 has lost managerial grip over its pub and restaurant arm, The Beer Café, after key investors enforced their collateral rights. According to The Economic Times, Japan's Kirin Holdings and domestic financier Anicut Capital have invoked pledged shares in BTB (Better Than Before) — the entity running The Beer Café's 40-plus outlets along with allied ventures such as Bira 91 Taprooms, Thirsty (its “cloud bar”), Instacrave Kitchens and Burger Brewery. The enforcement virtually severs B9 Beverages — Bira 91's parent — from any equity ownership in BTB, shifting control to the creditor-investor group.

1 mins

Licious Targets 80 Stores as Offline Revenue Nears One-Third of Digital Sales

India's leading fresh meat and seafood brand, Licious, is recalibrating its growth playbook with a strong tilt toward offline retail. After years of focusing primarily on digital channels, the Bengaluru-based company is now building a formidable brick-and-mortar presence—an evolution that signals how even digital-first food brands are rethinking proximity, profitability, and consumer engagement.

2 mins

iD Fresh Food Brews a 5x Profit Surge as India's Fresh-Food Revolution Gains Steam

Bengaluru-based iD Fresh Food, one of India's most trusted names in fresh, ready-to-cook staples, has delivered its strongest performance to date, registering a fivefold increase in profits and a 22% year-on-year jump in revenue, reaching Rs.681 crore in FY25. This milestone underscores how consumer preference for freshness, convenience, and trust-based food brands continues to deepen across Indian households and diaspora markets.

2 mins

Nestlé India Breaks Sales Records, But Profit Dips 24% Under Commodity Pressure

Nestlé India delivered a paradoxical performance in its latest quarter — achieving its highest-ever quarterly revenue, yet witnessing a notable 24% decline in net profit. The FMCG major clocked a robust Rs.5,644 crore in revenue, marking an 11% year-on-year increase, powered by strong growth across its flagship brands, including Maggi noodles, KitKat, Nescafé, and milk-based beverages.

2 mins

Coca-Cola Plans $1B India IPO, Valuing Bottling Arm at $10B Amid Surge in Consumption

Coca-Cola's reported plan to take its Indian bottling subsidiary, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd.(HCCB), public is more than a financial event - it's a strategic statement about how global consumer giants view India's evolving consumption landscape. The IPO, expected to raise about $1 billion (≈Rs.8,000 crore) and value HCCB around $10 billion, marks one of the largest FMCG listings in recent years.

2 mins

FSSAI Tightens the Lid on 'ORS' Branding: No More Misleading Labels Allowed

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has drawn a decisive line under the misuse of \"ORS\" (Oral Rehydration Solution) in beverage branding, bringing an end to years of regulatory ambiguity. In a landmark order issued on 14 October 2025, the regulator officially withdrew earlier advisories that had permitted companies to use \"ORS\" on labels provided they displayed disclaimers. The latest directive now completely bans the use of the term \"ORS\"—with or without modifiers—on any food or beverage product.

2 mins

Read all Stories from Images Business of Food

Images Business of Food Magazine Description:

Publisher: Images

Category: Business

Language: English

Frequency: Monthly

IMAGES BUSINESS OF FOOD has been the voice of the food retail industry for over 80 years in the USA. Serving a wide audience in the Indian market, Progressive Grocer India's readers are top management at headquarters and top decision makers at store level. By anticipating, reporting and interpreting important data and trends, IMAGES BUSINESS OF FOOD fulfils its mission of identifying and highlighting insights and opportunity for leading grocery retailers, thereby accelerating brands and sales success for leading manufacturers