Franchise Business Opportunities In India

Prosus NV, buoyed by its Tencent success, has significantly increased its stake in Urban Company to 7.35%, becoming a major shareholder ahead of the Indian startup's IPO. Prosus invested $139 million in Urban Company, which saw its shares surge by 74% in its Mumbai debut, valuing the company at $2.8 billion. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/e-commerce/e-tailing/prosus-doubles-stake-in-urban-company-ahead-of-1-8-billion-ipo/123937667

Unilever aims to disrupt India's Diwali mithai tradition with its ice cream brands like Kwality Wall's and Magnum, drawing inspiration from successful seasonal campaigns in other markets. The company plans to leverage its demerged ice cream biz to focus on local market strategies, potentially introducing special products, promotions and advertising to create an 'ice-cream moment' during the festival. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/unilever-wants-india-to-have-an-ice-cream-moment-this-diwali/123934995

Orkla India Limited, the owner of MTR Foods, has secured SEBI's approval for its IPO, which involves a complete offer for sale of 22,843,004 equity shares by its Norwegian promoter group. The IPO is expected to raise between Rs 4,000-Rs 5,000 crore, as per earlier reports. Orkla India, based in Bengaluru, offers a diverse range of food products under the MTR brand. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/orkla-india-secures-sebi-approval-for-mtr-foods-ipo-set-to-raise-rs-5000-crore/123902530

Senco Gold & Diamonds aims to expand into Saudi Arabia's luxury market. The company participated in the Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exhibition. They seek collaborations under Saudi's Vision 2030. Senco targets the younger Saudi demographic with modern designs. They are also exploring cross-border e-commerce. Domestically, Senco invested significantly, opening new stores. The company targets 20% growth this fiscal year. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/apparel-fashion/jewellery/senco-gold-targets-gulf-expansion-with-focus-on-saudi-arabias-luxury-market/123868729

Regional FMCG brands in India are challenging established giants by leveraging innovation, local preferences and nimble operations. Companies like Balaji Wafers have seen significant growth, attracting interest from major players like ITC and PepsiCo, who are now reportedly vying for stakes. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/balaji-wafers-the-rise-of-regional-brands-and-investment-interest-in-indias-fmcg-sector/123863211

Indian consumers are increasingly prioritising affordability, health, and sustainability in their food choices. While cost concerns drive them to seek discounts and bulk purchases, food safety and health benefits significantly influence brand loyalty. Technology and tradition are also shaping eating habits, with openness to AI-driven diets alongside a strong connection to cultural heritage. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/grocery/63-of-indians-concerned-about-rising-food-prices-pwc-report/123832238

Consumer goods companies in India are contemplating a temporary shift away from popular low-price points like ₹5 and ₹10 due to policy ambiguity surrounding new GST slabs. Firms are grappling with the challenge of adjusting prices on existing inventory manufactured before a September 22 deadline. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/gst-slabs-fmcg-players-could-tweak-popular-price-points/123821538

Bikaji Foods International's Managing Director has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning related to the Rajasthan Premier League (RPL) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The company clarifies its involvement was limited to sponsorship, aimed at brand visibility, with all payments properly documented and made through banking channels. Bikaji Foods affirms full cooperation with authorities. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/bikaji-foods-clarifies-after-ed-summon-to-md-in-rajasthan-premier-league-probe/123799413

Quick-commerce platforms in India are gearing up for a significant workforce expansion this festive season, anticipating a surge in consumer demand. Staffing is projected to increase by 40-60%, with an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 new workers being hired. This hiring drive will support operations across dark stores and back-end functions. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/e-commerce/e-tailing/quick-commerce-hiring-platforms-set-to-increase-workforce-by-40-60-for-festive-demand-surge-rs-11000-12000-crore-gmv-projected/123777538

Recent GST rate reductions on dairy products, frozen foods, and meats to 5% are poised to boost demand and affordability. Companies like Parag Milk Foods and Heritage Foods welcome the move, anticipating increased consumption and benefits for both consumers and farmers. This reform is expected to encourage healthier diets and strengthen the organized food sector. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/grocery/gst-cuts-on-dairy-frozen-foods-set-to-boost-demand-say-industry-leaders/123711195

Health experts are criticizing the government's decision to lower the GST on beedis to 18%, while other tobacco products remain at 40%. They warn that cheaper beedis could increase use, especially among vulnerable populations, worsening India's tobacco-related health burden. Dr. Vishal Rao stated this move would "subsidise death" for the poor. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/health-experts-warn-against-gst-cut-on-beedis-stress-need-for-uniform-tobacco-taxation/123757401

Consumer goods companies are requesting an extension to the September 22 GST revamp deadline, citing logistical challenges with existing stock and packaging. They seek clarity on passing price cuts through increased grammage, especially for low-unit packs. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/gst-reset-fmcg-firms-want-more-time-to-clear-old-stock/123729905

Unilever appoints Priya Nair as Hindustan Unilever's Managing Director and CEO. This leadership change aims to boost revenue growth in India. Fernando Fernandez highlights Nair's global experience as crucial for HUL's future. The company sees India as a key market alongside the US. This decision follows concerns about recent sales performance. Nair replaces Rohit Jawa after his short tenure. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/priya-nair-different-from-huls-previous-chiefs-unilever-global-ceo-fernando-fernandez-on-leadership-rejig/123711073

In an interview with ETRetail, Pramod Arora, CEO, Growth & Investment at PVR INOX, said the company is ready to launch its Smart Screen Cinema Initiative, a format designed to bring quality cinema to tier-2 and tier-3 towns at a price about 30–35 per cent lower than today’s average multiplex ticket of Rs 254. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/entertainment/pvr-inox-launches-smart-screen-cinemas-to-revolutionize-movie-experience-in-indias-smaller-towns/123690200

“I’m proud to be part of it, not just because it’s a milestone for me, but because it represents Indian presence in the European global fashion space,” Khatter told ETRetail. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/apparel-fashion/luxury/ishaan-khatter-makes-history-as-first-indian-face-of-hugo-boss-global-campaign/123657971

Indian clothing retailers are experiencing supply shortages. This is due to the ban on road imports from Bangladesh. The new policy allows imports only through seaports. This change has caused delays of 2-3 weeks. Retailers are now stocking fresh collections. The impact is visible as they manage end-of-season sales. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/apparel-fashion/apparel/fashion-retailers-in-india-face-inventory-crisis-after-bangladesh-import-ban/123647386

Rural India is increasingly embracing affordable premium FMCG products, surpassing urban areas in consumption volume with a 51% share. This shift is driven by factors like low-unit packs, rising aspirations fueled by increased content consumption, and brands offering accessible premium options. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/rural-india-sees-surge-in-affordable-premium-fmcg-purchases-outpacing-urban-markets/123647304

Fast&Up, an active lifestyle and nutrition brand, is set to significantly expand its Maharashtra manufacturing unit, aiming to increase production capacity from 1.2 million to 3 million units per month. This expansion, fueled by a Rs 25-40 crore investment over two years, will involve upgrading machinery and incorporating European technology. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/health-and-beauty/fastup-aims-for-rs-1000-cr-revenue-with-rs-40-cr-investment-in-maharashtra-plant-expansion/123633819

HSBC India warns that India’s June quarter GDP growth of 7.8% may be overstated due to low deflators, especially in services and manufacturing. Inflation adjustments risk inflating real growth. External pressures like US tariffs and GST revenue impacts pose further challenges. Economists emphasize cautious optimism and stress the need to monitor growth sustainability amid evolving fiscal and global dynamics. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/indias-q1-gdp-growth-overestimated-amid-low-deflators-say-economists/123626547

Gold and silver prices hit record highs, impacting consumers. Gold reached Rs 102388 per 10 gm, and silver hit Rs 117572 per kg. Investors are watching a key inflation report that could influence the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. Concerns about the Federal Reserve's independence and a weaker US dollar are supporting gold prices. from Top Retail News | Latest Retailing & Retail Industry Information and Updates: ET Retail : ETRetail.com https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/apparel-fashion/jewellery/gold-and-silver-prices-soar-to-record-high-amid-inflation-worries/123595877