Ratna Bhushan

A new report criticizes major food companies like PepsiCo, Unilever, and Danone for selling less healthy products in India and other lower-income nations. The report found these companies' products in these markets receive lower health star ratings compared to those sold in wealthier countries.

Shah Rukh Khan, celebrating his 59th birthday, announced quitting smoking, potentially attracting youth-centric brands. This decision is praised by existing partners, boosting his image and prompting ad strategy revisions. Despite being India's highest-paid actor, Khan's brand value previously lagged, but his recent box office successes have improved his ranking.

Synopsis The Bhartia family and Goldman Sachs are joining forces for a significant deal. They are planning to acquire a large stake in HCCB, the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in India. Goldman Sachs will provide substantial financial backing for this venture. The deal involves a planned future listing of HCCB, allowing Goldman Sachs to exit strategically. This move mirrors PepsiCo's successful strategy with Varun Beverages.

Many Indian companies, including Infosys, ITC, and KPMG, are shifting towards hybrid work models in 2025. This move prioritizes employee well-being and flexible work arrangements, with most employees attending offices up to three days a week.

Agro Tech Foods Limited (ATFL), backed by Samara Capital, has acquired Del Monte Foods Private Limited (DMFPL) for over Rs 1,300 crore. The deal grants ATFL ownership of the Del Monte brand in India and includes manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu and Punjab.

SKFS Group is expanding its food services business with the acquisition of Mirah Hospitality & Gourmet for ₹80 crore. Mirah Hospitality, known for brands like Rajdhani and Hitchki, will become a subsidiary of SKFS Group and aims to expand pan-India and internationally. This deal reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the Indian food and beverage sector, fueled by growing competition and a burgeoning market projected to reach ₹7 lakh crore.

​​Confirming the development to ET, (Nikunj) Biyani, cofounder, of the venture, said, "We see an opportunity to build a brand in the better-for-you packaged foods space with accessible and affordable protein-based products at the core of the venture."

Indian fashion design company House of Anita Dongre (HOADPL) is buying back a nearly 40% stake from US private equity firm General Atlantic. This comes after reports of declining revenue and a strategic shift in the company's operations, including store closures and brand shutdowns.

"The decision to place fruit-based, non-caffeinated sparkling drinks in the sin tax category, taking GST on Appy Fizz up by to four times from 12% to 40%, had a massive impact on the overall business, which is dependent on specific price points," Nadia Chauhan, joint managing director at Parle Agro, told ET. "This forced us to reduce the serving size to consumers," she added.

Sales volume of ready-to-eat foods topped growth on quick-commerce channels, expanding 52% in the July-September quarter compared with a year earlier. Sales of salty snacks and refined edible oils grew 41% each, followed by biscuits (40%) and packaged atta (39%), Bhagwat.