Dadu Salgar’s story is not just about building a tea brand — it’s about never giving up, learning from every failure, and turning pain into purpose.

He was born in a small drought-affected village in Maharashtra. Water scarcity and poverty were a part of everyday life. When drought conditions worsened, his parents had no choice but to move to Konkan (Maharashtra) in search of work. There, they worked in stone quarries to survive — breaking stones under the hot sun, just to earn enough to eat. Dadu spent his entire childhood in this tough environment, growing up with very little, but dreaming of a better life.

Due to family conditions, he had to leave his studies at an early age. But he always believed one thing: “No matter how big the struggle is, you can win if you dare to dream big.” He started his first business by buying a tractor on loan, planning to rent it out to farmers. But the business failed badly. Still determined, he tried farming — he planted grapes and started modern vegetable farming. Even there, he was hit by bad luck — changing climates, poor rainfall, and volatile market prices. Every crop brought a loss. Then he tried goat farming, starting with 100 goats. Unfortunately, this too failed due to diseases and mismanagement.

In just 2–3 years, he faced failure in almost every attempt. But instead of giving up, he chose to learn from each one. With nothing working in the village, he moved to Pune in search of a job. He struggled for over a month, walking from place to place with his resume. Finally, he got a job as a security guard at G4S Company. Even with this small job, his eyes were always looking for a new opportunity.

That’s when he got the idea of starting a mosambi juice cart. He moved to Kolhapur and began selling juice on a roadside cart. The response was decent. A year later, he started a sugarcane juice stall — Raswanti Gruh — and that turned out to be his first real success. This juice business brought him some income and stability. But like every entrepreneur, he was curious to try more. He entered the share market, hoping to grow his money quickly — but again, he suffered huge losses.

That failure reminded him that shortcuts don’t work. So he returned to his juice business with more focus. Slowly, he expanded it to 7+ outlets across Kolhapur.

Still, he didn’t stop. During the monsoon, to manage off-seasons, he started selling boiled sweet corn — and that clicked! He even sold wooden toys, nursery plants, and anything that could support his dream. He believed that no work is small when the vision is big.

He also began visiting exhibitions, talking to successful business people, and learning about poultry, greenhouse farming, goat farming, and more. But deep down, he wanted a business that could work year-round, reach more people, and grow into something big.

That’s when he thought about tea — India’s most loved drink. Tea was not seasonal. It was affordable, loved by all ages, and part of everyone’s daily routine. But he didn’t want to sell just any tea — he wanted to offer something special. He began researching tea recipes. He spent five months experimenting with ingredients and flavours until he created a tea that truly stood out. He kept testing, changing, improving— until he finally found the perfect blend.

That’s when he launched his dream — Salgar Amruttulya Tea — starting with his own five outlets. The response was beyond his expectations. People loved the taste, the quality, the hygiene, and the warm service. Slowly, people began requesting franchises, and that’s how the brand began to grow.

Today, Salgar Amruttulya Tea has over 500+ outlets across India — and the number continues to grow every month. Dadu Salgar says, “People see me driving a Ford Endeavour today, but very few know the 18 years of struggle it took to get here. When someone calls me ‘Sir’, I think of that small boy from the village who just wanted to make his family proud.”

His life truly reflects the famous dialogue from the movie 3 Idiots — “Success ke peeche mat bhaago. Kabil bano, kamyabi toh jhak maarke peeche aayegi.” (Don’t chase success. Become capable, and success will come running after you.)

Salgar Amruttulya Tea: A Brand Made from Hard Work and Heart 

Salgar Amruttulya Tea, the Maharashtra-based tea franchise brand founded by Dadu Salgar in 2018 is known for its rich, creamy, strong, and aromatic flavour profile. What began as a single tea outlet has evolved into a rapidly expanding franchise network operating through more than 500 outlets across India.  Beyond its signature chai, Salgar offers a complementary portfolio of coffees, milk beverages, cold drinks, and tea-time snacks, making its outlets convenient gathering spaces for students, office-goers, travellers, and families. Operated through Salgar Foods Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, the company supports franchise partners through training, tea-making processes, branding, and centralised sourcing of key ingredients and raw materials.

Brand Positioning

Brand’s core proposition revolves around:
a) Authentic Amruttulya tea
b) Affordable pricing
c) Standardised taste across outlets 
d) Franchise-driven scalability
e) Strong focus on hygiene and consistency

The brand’s vision is to become a preferred tea destination in every neighbourhood while preserving the traditional art of tea-making and adapting it to modern consumer preferences.

What Differentiates Salgar?

What sets Salgar Amruttulya Tea apart is its ability to blend tradition with a scalable and standardised business model. At the heart of the brand is its signature Amruttulya tea recipe, prepared through a consistent process that ensures the same rich taste and quality across all outlets. Deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s tea culture, Salgar has successfully transformed a beloved regional beverage into a nationally scalable retail concept. Its compact outlet format enables efficient expansion, while centralised training, operational support, and franchise assistance help maintain uniform standards across the network. Beyond its core tea offerings, the brand has diversified into coffee, milk-based beverages, cold refreshments, and snacks, enhancing customer choice and increasing consumption occasions. Positioned as a community-oriented neighbourhood tea destination, Salgar outlets serve as welcoming spaces where people can connect, relax, and enjoy a familiar, high-quality beverage experience.

Going Forward

Today, Salgar Amruttulya Tea stands as a symbol of trust, quality, hygiene, and customer satisfaction, having grown from a modest roadside venture into one of India’s fastest-growing tea franchise brands. The remarkable journey of its founder, Dadu Salgar, is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one’s dreams. From enduring drought, poverty, and repeated business failures to building a thriving network of over 500 outlets, his story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to view challenges as opportunities for growth. As Salgar prepares to expand into international markets, the brand’s success reinforces a timeless truth: with determination, continuous learning, and hard work, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality. 

The post From Drought to Dreams: How Dadu Salgar Brewed a 500-Outlet Tea Empire appeared first on Business of Food.

The café chain has continued its aggressive push into high-potential, underserved markets, expanding its footprint to 45 cities across 12 states as of June 2026. With this momentum, NBC remains firmly on course to achieve its ambitious target of operating more than 170 outlets across India by the end of FY 2026-27.

For FY 2025-26, NBC’s revenue climbed to Rs. 90 crore from Rs. 59 crore in the previous fiscal, registering a robust CAGR of 52.5%.The growth has been backed by a disciplined expansion strategy focused on strong unit economics, with the brand increasing its network from 86 outlets in FY 2024-25 to 109 outlets in FY 2025-26, reflecting a CAGR of 26.74%.

As India’s café culture increasingly shifts beyond metropolitan cities, NBC has established a strong presence in emerging urban centres such as Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow, Varanasi, Surat, and Ahmedabad. The brand is also witnessing growing demand in Tier 3 cities, particularly around high streets and college hubs, where young consumers are willing to spend between Rs. 150 and Rs. 300 on beverages that deliver a premium café experience without the premium price tag.

Capitalising on evolving consumption habits, NBC has built a menu that resonates with Gen Z and Millennials, for whom iced beverages have become an all-day indulgence rather than a seasonal treat. Its range of cold coffees, iced lattes, flavoured brews, and the brand’s signature thick ‘Shrappe’ have become standout favourites. Alongside, flavored brews also drive massive volumes, helping NBC strengthen customer loyalty while accelerating its rapid expansion across India’s emerging café markets.

“Our robust growth is a powerful testament to our brand’s resonance and sharp focus on scalable, unit- economics-driven expansion across Bharat. For Gen Z in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, coffee is no longer just a functional beverage; it is an accessible lifestyle choice and a statement of identity. By pairing a refined, premium café aesthetic with disruptive value propositions like our Super Coffee Pass, we are not just opening outlets, we are building the default social hubs for India’s next generation,” said Ankesh Jain, Co-founder of Nothing Before Coffee.

With the Super Coffee Pass, Nothing Before Coffee is doing more than offering an affordable caffeine fix. It is redefining India’s café consumption habits and changing the core of beverage choices amongst consumers. By making premium coffee accessible at an everyday price point while driving consistent customer engagement, NBC has created a win-win model for both consumers and the business. As the brand continues its rapid expansion across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, initiatives like the Super Coffee Pass reinforce its ambition to make quality café experiences a daily ritual for millions of Indians, setting a new benchmark for value-driven growth in the country’s evolving QSR coffee landscape.

The post Gen Z Favourite Nothing Before Coffee Touches Rs. 90 Crore Revenue, Fuels Rapid Expansion appeared first on Business of Food.

The collaboration celebrates the role of quality ingredients in creating authentic biryani while highlighting the craftsmanship that goes into one of India’s most-loved dishes. By combining Daawat’s premium rice expertise with Behrouz’s royal culinary heritage, the brands aim to offer consumers a richer and more indulgent dining experience during the festive occasion.

As part of the Daawat World Biryani Day campaign, the partnership will be promoted across multiple digital touchpoints between June 27 and July 5. The campaign will feature storytelling-led content, creator collaborations, website and app integration, and in-app menu communication, encouraging consumers to mark every celebration with a shahi daawat.

The initiative also reflects the growing trend of strategic collaborations between food brands that focus on ingredient quality, authenticity, and premium dining experiences. By bringing together two category leaders, Daawat-e-Behrouz aims to reinforce the significance of premium basmati rice as the foundation of a great biryani while giving consumers a limited-time opportunity to experience the best of both brands.

With India’s appetite for premium food experiences continuing to grow, the partnership underscores how brands are increasingly using collaborations to create memorable occasions around iconic dishes. Daawat-e-Behrouz not only commemorates World Biryani Day but also showcases how culinary heritage, quality ingredients, and innovation can come together to redefine the modern biryani experience.

Expressing his thoughts Nishant Kedia, Chief Marketing Officer, Rebel Foods said, “At Behrouz Biryani, we craft every biryani so that you can relish the authentic royal experience and it all begins with the selection of the finest ingredients. The collaboration between the two companies, with their unyielding passion for quality and craftsmanship, will create a unique experience with our consumers through Daawat-e-Behrouz. For Daawat World Biryani Day, we wanted to celebrate with our consumers by giving them the most royal experience where they can have the finest Daawat rice, flavors and the authentic Behrouz experience.”

As a part of the campaign, Behrouz Biryani will also launch an influencer-based campaign with more than 100 macro and micro influencers. While the macro influencers will focus on culinary expertise, product craftsmanship, and premium offerings of Behrouz, the micro influencers will help us celebrate World Biryani Day in a manner that would highlight the use of Daawat Biryani Rice and the experience of the royal biryanis from Behrouz. The ‘Made
with the Finest Daawat Biryani Rice’ campaign theme would be the key communication message.

Daawat-e-Behrouz brings together the royal culinary heritage of Behrouz Biryani and Daawat’s unmatched expertise in premium basmati rice to create a celebration worthy of India’s enduring love for biryani. More than a limited-time collaboration, the initiative reinforces how two iconic food brands can elevate a timeless favourite by blending authenticity, quality, and innovation, offering consumers an experience that is as memorable as the dish itself.

The post Behrouz Biryani and Daawat Unite for ‘Daawat-e-Behrouz’ to Celebrate World Biryani Day 2026 appeared first on Business of Food.

The ideal example is Bollywood Star Katrina Kaif, who was recently re-signed as Brand Ambassador for Bonn Group. It is a relationship the brand has chosen to renew rather than replace. The star’s widespread appeal transcends age groups, regions and audiences, making her equally effective on television, digital platforms, retail communication and e-commerce. Bonn has leveraged that influence through integrated campaigns spanning digital platforms, traditional advertising, and on-ground activations, ensuring the brand remains visible and relevant to consumers across the country. At its core, the strategy is about credibility – pairing familiar, trusted personalities with products that meet consumer expectations and keeping that connection front and centre across every platform.

While Katrina Kaif has played a pivotal role in strengthening Bonn’s national appeal, the brand has expanded its celebrity portfolio to connect with diverse audiences across regions and demographics. Brand ambassadors like Karisma Kapoor and Sonam Bajwa have helped Bonn maintain a consistent presence across packaging, digital platforms, and region-specific campaigns, ensuring the brand resonates with consumers in multiple markets.

The strategy extends beyond individual endorsements. Bonn has also leveraged popular entertainment properties to deepen regional engagement. The Punjabi blockbuster Carry On Jatta became a natural platform for promoting Americana’s Flick biscuit range, with the film’s lead stars, Gippy Grewal and Sargun Mehta, fronting the campaign. By aligning with a franchise that enjoys strong regional loyalty, Bonn strengthened its connection with Punjabi audiences while reinforcing the relevance of its product portfolio.

Celebrity endorsements can spark interest, but lasting impact depends on the products behind them. Bonn has consistently ensured that its marketing campaigns are supported by meaningful product innovation, giving consumers compelling reasons to engage with the brand. Americana has continued to expand its biscuit portfolio with launches that cater to evolving tastes. TOP Biscuits entered the market with the tagline “Taste Mein Top, Crispy Non-Stop” while the Flick range welcomed a new Mango Flavoured Creme variant alongside its popular Strawberry, Coconut, and Vanilla offerings. These launches have given the brand fresh stories to tell while keeping its portfolio relevant and exciting.

How AI Expanded Bonn’s Digital Reach

In the bread category, Bonn introduced what it describes as India’s first Desi Twist Breads, bringing familiar Indian flavours to an everyday staple. Varieties such as Lehsuni Tadka, Digestive Ajwaini Jeera, and Missi transformed a simple loaf into a product rooted in regional tastes and preferences, giving the brand a distinctive proposition in an otherwise crowded market.

The launch campaign reflected the same spirit of innovation. AI-generated videos designed for high engagement across digital platforms came into play before extending to large-format hoardings at prominent locations across Delhi NCR. By combining social media momentum with strong outdoor visibility, Bonn created a seamless campaign that connected with consumers both online and offline, ensuring the new range remained front and centre wherever they encountered the brand.

Technology is where Bonn’s celebrity-led marketing gains even greater momentum. By combining AI-generated video campaigns with high-profile endorsements featuring Katrina Kaif and AI-powered product launch films, the brand has amassed more than 500 million views across digital platforms.

The strength of Bonn’s integrated marketing strategy, where trusted celebrity ambassadors, compelling product innovation, AI-driven content, and omnichannel distribution work in tandem creates better numbers. From social media feeds to prominent hoardings across Delhi NCR, every touchpoint reinforces the same brand story, creating a level of visibility, recall, and consumer engagement that no single medium could achieve on its own.

Taken together, Bonn’s celebrity partnerships, product innovations, and technology-led campaigns reflect a long-term commitment to building brand equity rather than chasing short-term visibility. Every endorsement is backed by a product story, every launch is amplified through integrated marketing, and every campaign is designed to strengthen consumer trust and recall.

As Bonn continues to expand across markets, this strategy is likely to remain at the heart of its growth journey—proving that while celebrities may capture attention, it is the combination of innovation, consistency, and meaningful consumer engagement that turns a familiar face into a lasting brand advantage.

Amrinder Singh, Director, Bonn Group expressed , “In today’s fast-moving consumer landscape, brands need to create relevance at every touchpoint. Our collaborations with celebrated personalities such as Karisma Kapoor, Sonam Bajwa and Katrina Kaif have helped Bonn go beyond advertising and build stronger emotional connections with consumers. When supported by quality products, extensive distribution and consistent visibility, celebrity endorsements become powerful catalysts for brand growth. At Bonn, we view these partnerships as strategic investments in long-term brand equity and consumer trust.”

Bonn is treating brand equity as something to invest in, not just advertise. The company plans to keep building on that approach as it pushes for growth across markets. Taken together, Bonn’s celebrity roster, new product launches, and digital-first campaigns underscore a clear strategy: investing in brand equity to drive long-term growth.

The post Star Power Elevates Bonn from Brand to Household Favourite appeared first on Business of Food.

For years, momos have largely been an individual indulgence—a quick snack grabbed on the go or a personal comfort meal. But today’s consumers, especially Gen Z and young millennials, are redefining the way they dine. Meals are increasingly becoming social occasions, centred around sharing, discovery, and getting more variety and value in every order. Recognising this shift, Wow! Momo has introduced its first-of-its-kind 4-in-1 Momo Box, transforming momos from a solo snack into a complete, shareable feast.

By combining multiple flavours in a single box at an accessible price point, the 4-in-1 Momo Box delivers more choice, more food, and a more engaging experience. Whether it’s a family dinner, an office lunch, a movie night, or a weekend celebration, the new box brings together four distinct momo flavours in one pack, making it easy for everyone around the table to enjoy their favourites.

The 4 in 1 Box brings together four momo variants, drawn from over 28 varieties including Darjeeling, Pahari Fresh, Chatpata Paneer, Corn Cheese, Hot Garlic Kurkure, Korean, Chicken Cheese Chili, and Chicken Masala Kurkure, across six distinct flavour profiles. It’s available for both dine-in and delivery. With four distinct flavours in one generously packed box, it transforms every meal into a shared experience where everyone gets to enjoy a little bit of everything.

Speaking on the launch, Muralikrishnan, Co-Founder & CMO, Wow! Momo Foods Pvt. Ltd. said, “Food today is as much about the occasion as the dish itself. People want more variety, more value, and more reasons to sit down and eat together. The first of its kind 4-in-1 Box answers that. Instead of choosing a single flavour, you get four to share, which gives friends and families one more reason to gather around the table over a full meal.”

Built around the campaign tagline, “Ab Har Yaar Banega Dildar,” the launch celebrates the joy of sharing and togetherness. The integrated campaign comes alive through engaging digital content, creator collaborations, moment marketing, in-store activation, and a digital film that resonates with Gen Z, young professionals, and families alike.

As Wow! Momo expands its presence across the country, the 4-in-1 Momo Box reflects the brand’s vision of turning everyday meals into shared experiences. It’s a simple yet meaningful innovation that celebrates variety, value, and togetherness—making every box an invitation to share more than just food.

The post Wow! Momo Introduces India’s First 4-in-1 Momo Box for the Ultimate Sharing Feast appeared first on Business of Food.

Set against the backdrop of Kensington Gardens, the Serpentine Summer Party has long been regarded as one of the world’s most influential cultural gatherings. Hosted annually by the Serpentine, the invitation-only fundraiser champions the institution’s year-round programme of exhibitions, public commissions, educational initiatives, and artistic experimentation. Over the years, it has become a magnet for global taste makers, bringing together leading voices from art, fashion, architecture, design, film, music, business, and philanthropy.

This year’s edition will be co-hosted by acclaimed cultural icons Salma Hayek Pinault, Alfonso Cuarón and Alejandro González Iñárritu, bringing together an extraordinary international guest list of artists, actors, designers, architects, collectors, entrepreneurs and cultural tastemakers.

The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it coincides with the unveiling of the 25th Serpentine Pavilion, one of the world’s most prestigious architectural commissions. Designed by Mexico City-based LANZA Atelier, led by architects Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo, this year’s pavilion reimagines Britain’s historic serpentine brick walls through a contemporary architectural lens, creating a sculptural gathering space dedicated to dialogue, creativity and public engagement.

Among this year’s international guests will be Varun Jain Founder and CEO of Smoke Lab Vodka and Sanya Jain, Co-Founder, Smoke Lab Vodka and Creative Director, Smoke Lab Wear, second-generation entrepreneurs of NV Group, one of India’s largest integrated Alcobeverage companies with over three decades of industry expertise. More than a brand milestone, the moment signals a broader shift in global luxury – one where Indian entrepreneurs are setting new benchmarks for authenticity, creativity, and world-class craftsmanship.

As the Exclusive Vodka Partner, throughout the evening, Smoke Lab will be the only vodka represented across the event’s cocktail programme, introducing guests to a contemporary expression of Indian flavours through a curated signature cocktail called Spicy Raw Mango Sour, crafted exclusively with Smoke Lab Green Chilli Mango. Smoke Lab Classic and Smoke Lab Saffron will also be showcased throughout the evening, highlighting the brand’s distinctive portfolio and contemporary interpretation of India’s rich ingredient heritage.

Commenting on the partnership, Varun Jain, Founder and CEO, Smoke Lab Vodka said, “The Serpentine Summer Party sits at the intersection of culture, creativity and global influence, making it a natural fit for Smoke Lab. For us, this is far more than a partnership—it is an opportunity to showcase a contemporary Indian luxury brand on one of the world’s most respected cultural platforms. As we make our UK debut, we are proud to represent a new generation of Indian spirits that can confidently stand alongside the finest brands anywhere in the world.”

Sanya Jain, Co-Founder, Smoke Lab Vodka and Creative Director, Smoke Lab Wear added, “Today’s consumers are increasingly drawn to brands with authenticity, originality and a strong point of view. Smoke Lab was created to offer a fresh expression of India – one that is design-led, culturally relevant and globally resonant. Being part of the Serpentine Summer Party allows us to engage with an international community that values creativity, craftsmanship and discovery, while introducing Smoke Lab to the UK through one of the world’s most influential cultural gatherings.”

As Smoke Lab continues to expand across key international markets, its association with the Serpentine Summer Party marks a significant chapter in the brand’s journey – from the Himalayan foothills to one of the world’s most celebrated cultural stages. More than a milestone for the brand, it signals a new era in which Indian brands are not just participating in global luxury, but helping shape its future.

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Cities such as Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Kurnool are rapidly emerging as the new growth engines of organised food retail. Once regarded primarily as agricultural and trading centres, these cities are now attracting significant investments from national, regional and local retailers eager to tap into a new generation of affluent and aspirational consumers.

The recent opening of National Mart’s 30,000 sq. ft. hypermarket and a new Vijetha Supermarkets store in Khammam within just 24 hours is among the clearest signs of this shift. But the story extends far beyond a couple of store launches. It reflects a broader transformation underway across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh—one that is reshaping consumption patterns, food choices and lifestyles.

The Rise of the Telugu Consumer

The emergence of these cities as retail hotspots is rooted in a powerful economic transformation. Across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, rising agricultural incomes, government employment, infrastructure investments, real-estate development and overseas remittances have created a sizeable middle class with growing spending power.

Khammam benefits from thriving chilli, cotton and paddy cultivation. Warangal has long been a major centre for cotton and rice production. Karimnagar’s economy is supported by agriculture, granite and education. Nizamabad draws strength from rice and turmeric cultivation, while Kurnool is a major producer of groundnuts, chilli and horticulture crops. Adding to this prosperity is the significant flow of remittances from families with members working in the United States, the Gulf countries, Australia and Europe. The result is a consumer base that is increasingly aspirational, digitally connected and eager to embrace modern lifestyles.

For retailers, these cities offer a compelling combination of rising incomes, lower operating costs and relatively low organised retail penetration compared to metros. Organised food and grocery retail still accounts for less than 10-15% of total grocery sales in many Tier-II and Tier-III markets across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, compared to substantially higher penetration levels in Hyderabad. This leaves a significant runway for growth as consumers increasingly migrate from traditional trade to modern retail formats.

Retailers Follow the Consumption Shift

Organised retailers have been quick to recognise the opportunity. Reliance Retail, India’s largest retailer with annual revenues exceeding Rs. 3.3 lakh crore, continues to expand its grocery footprint through Reliance Smart, Smart Bazaar and JioMart formats. DMart, one of India’s most profitable retailers with revenues of more than Rs. 60,000 crore, has steadily expanded into emerging cities where value-conscious consumers are embracing organised retail.

Alongside national giants, regional players are building strong positions in the Telugu-speaking markets. Vijetha Supermarkets today operates more than 100 stores across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Ratnadeep Retail has grown into one of South India’s largest supermarket chains with more than 180 stores across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Heritage Fresh, More Retail, National Mart and several local operators are also aggressively expanding into district headquarters and emerging urban centres.

What makes these markets particularly attractive is that organised food retail remains significantly underpenetrated compared to Hyderabad, Bengaluru or Chennai, leaving substantial room for growth.

A New Generation of Retailers Is Expanding the Market

What makes the current wave of retail expansion different is that it is no longer being driven solely by large corporate chains. A new generation of regional and technology-led retailers is taking organised food retail deeper into smaller towns across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Among the most notable examples is SuperK, founded by former Flipkart executive Neeraj Menta and former PhonePe executive Anil Thontepu. The company has built one of India’s most successful small-town grocery retail models by focusing exclusively on markets that large organised retailers often overlook.

From a revenue base of approximately Rs. 19 crore, SuperK reportedly grew to Rs. 84 crore within just two years and today operates more than 130 stores across over 80 towns in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Backed by more than Rs. 100 crore in funding, the company is targeting communities where populations are often below two lakh and where organised retail penetration remains low. Its model combines the trust of local kirana stores with the efficiencies of modern retail. Local entrepreneurs invest approximately Rs. 12-15 lakh to convert neighbourhood stores into SuperK outlets while gaining access to centralised sourcing, technology, logistics, training and private-label products.

The company’s private labels, including SuperK, Triputi and Aha, are typically priced 15-20% below national brands, helping consumers access better value while improving retailer margins. According to the company, franchise stores often witness dramatic sales growth after joining the network, while its Gold Membership programme accounts for nearly 75% of sales. More importantly, SuperK demonstrates that the next phase of organised food retail growth in India may not come solely from large corporations. Increasingly, it is being driven by entrepreneurs who understand the unique needs, aspirations and purchasing power of consumers in smaller towns.

DocileKart represents another emerging model. The omnichannel retailer has built a network of more than 250 franchise-led grocery and quick-delivery outlets across the Telugu-speaking states, targeting consumers who increasingly expect both neighbourhood convenience and digital ordering capabilities.

Together, these retailers are creating organised retail access in markets that were previously dependent almost entirely on traditional kirana stores.

The Corporate Giants Move Deeper

The larger national players are pursuing equally aggressive strategies.

DMart has steadily expanded its footprint across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh through its highly successful “Everyday Low Cost, Everyday Low Price” model. The retailer has established stores in cities including Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nizamabad, Kurnool, Nellore, Kakinada, Eluru and Anantapur, often becoming the dominant food retail destination in these markets.

Reliance Retail has adopted an even broader approach. Through Reliance Smart, Smart Bazaar, JioMart and its emerging quick-commerce ecosystem, the company is creating a multi-format presence across the region. Reliance is increasingly entering smaller district headquarters and agricultural growth centres, bringing hypermarket-style retail experiences to consumers who previously travelled to larger cities for organised shopping.

The result is an increasingly competitive marketplace where national chains, regional retailers and local entrepreneurs are all competing for a share of the rapidly expanding food and grocery market.

Khammam: A Snapshot of the Transformation

Few cities illustrate the shift better than Khammam. Within a relatively short period, the city has emerged as one of Telangana’s fastest-growing organised retail destinations. Alongside the newly opened National Mart and Vijetha Supermarkets stores, consumers today have access to DMart, Maangalya Shopping Mall, GV Mall, Chennai Shopping Mall, CMR Shopping Mall, KLM Fashion Mall, South India Shopping Mall, Trends, Zudio and several other organised retail formats.

The concentration of retail development along the Wyra Road corridor has created a modern shopping ecosystem that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. What is happening in Khammam is increasingly visible in Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Kurnool as well, where retailers are competing to secure prime locations and establish an early presence in markets expected to drive future growth.

Changing the Food Basket

The most significant impact of organised food retail is not the stores themselves but the transformation of consumer behaviour. A decade ago, grocery shopping in these cities was dominated by traditional kirana stores and local markets. Household purchases largely revolved around staples such as rice, pulses, edible oils, spices and locally produced snacks. Today’s shopping baskets tell a very different story.

Consumers are increasingly purchasing breakfast cereals, premium dry fruits, health foods, protein products, imported chocolates, international sauces, ready-to-cook meals, frozen foods, gourmet ingredients and premium packaged foods. Products that were once confined to supermarket shelves in Hyderabad are now readily available in Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Kurnool. Retailers report growing demand for categories such as healthy snacks, millet-based foods, plant-based beverages, frozen foods, premium bakery products, ready-to-eat meals and convenience-oriented meal solutions. The modern grocery basket is becoming more diverse, more experimental and more premium.

Bringing India and the World to Emerging Cities

Organised retail is also serving as a cultural bridge. Consumers in these cities can now access foods and ingredients from across India and around the world. Punjabi gravies, Gujarati snacks, Bengali sweets, Kerala banana chips, North Indian frozen foods, Italian pasta, Mexican condiments, Korean noodles, Japanese seasonings, international chocolates, gourmet cheeses and imported breakfast cereals are increasingly becoming part of everyday retail assortments.

This expansion of choice is exposing consumers to cuisines and flavours that were once difficult to access outside major metros. Social media has accelerated the trend. Consumers discover products through Instagram, YouTube, food influencers and OTT content and increasingly expect local retailers to stock them. For younger consumers in particular, supermarkets have become destinations for discovery, experimentation and lifestyle exploration.

The Battle for the Telugu Consumer

The competition is no longer simply about opening more stores. Retailers are targeting different consumer segments through distinct operating models.

DMart continues to dominate the value-conscious family shopper through its low-price positioning and large-format stores.

Ratnadeep Retail, which now operates more than 180 stores across South India, is pursuing a markedly different strategy. Through formats such as Ratnadeep Supermarket, Ratnadeep Select and Ratnadeep Express, the retailer is focusing on affluent consumers in high-growth urban clusters and emerging premium neighbourhoods. Rather than entering every small town, Ratnadeep is selectively targeting high-income catchments, industrial hubs and rapidly urbanising residential corridors.

Meanwhile, SuperK is penetrating deep into underserved small towns, while omnichannel operators such as DocileKart are combining physical stores with digital convenience.

At the same time, digital grocery platforms are extending their reach into cities such as Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Tirupati and Warangal. Tata-owned BigBasket has expanded its Fresho retail network and delivery operations across several emerging markets, while quick-commerce players such as Blinkit and Reliance’s own rapid-delivery initiatives are beginning to establish fulfilment networks beyond the largest cities. The convergence of supermarkets, hypermarkets, franchise chains, digital commerce and quick commerce is creating a retail ecosystem unlike anything these markets have experienced before.

From Necessity to Lifestyle

The evolution of organised food retail is also changing the way consumers perceive food. Shopping is no longer merely about replenishing household essentials. Consumers are increasingly seeking convenience, health, premium experiences and product discovery. Supermarkets are introducing shoppers to healthier eating habits, wellness-focused products, gourmet cooking ingredients and global cuisines. For many families, a visit to a hypermarket or supermarket has become a weekend activity comparable to visiting a shopping mall or dining out.

As organised retail expands, expectations around quality, assortment, packaging and shopping experience continue to rise. This shift is gradually narrowing the gap between consumption behaviour in Hyderabad and that in emerging cities across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The Next Frontier of India’s Food Economy

For decades, Hyderabad served as the gateway for organised retail growth in the Telugu-speaking states. The next phase of expansion, however, is likely to be driven by cities such as Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Kurnool. These markets combine rising prosperity, improving infrastructure, strong agricultural economies and increasingly aspirational consumers. They represent one of the most compelling growth opportunities for food retailers, FMCG companies and consumer brands in India today.

The implications go far beyond retail. Organised food retail is influencing what people cook, what they eat, what they aspire to buy and how they engage with food. It is introducing new flavours, new cuisines and new lifestyles to millions of consumers. As retailers deepen their presence across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, they are not merely expanding store networks. They are helping shape the next chapter of India’s food economy – one in which the future of consumption is increasingly being written beyond Hyderabad and beyond the metros.

The post Beyond Hyderabad: How Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Are Becoming South India’s Next Food Retail Growth Engine appeared first on Business of Food.

The fresh capital will be used to accelerate TruNativ’s growth across key strategic areas, including expanding its nationwide presence through direct-to-consumer (D2C), quick commerce, modern trade, pharmacy, and other retail channels. The company also plans to further scale its B2B2C ingredient business, which currently supports nutrition offerings for several leading consumer brands across India.

Established in 2019 in Mumbai by mother-son entrepreneurs, Pranav Malhotra and Mamta Malhotra, TruNativ has evolved from offering a single sugar-replacement product into a comprehensive clean-label nutrition platform. Trunativ’s portfolio now spans sugar alternatives, protein, gut health, and wellness solutions. The brand has emerged as a category leader, commanding a majority share of the sugar replacement segment on quick-commerce platforms and securing the top position in the dietary fibre and sweeteners categories on Amazon India.

Pranav Malhotra, Co-Founder & CEO, TruNativ, said, “India’s nutrition transformation is not a trend, it is a reckoning. For decades, Indian consumers have been underserved: overexposed to sugar, protein deficiency, and dependent on products that promise health but deliver compromise. We built TruNativ to fix that for every household, not just the health-conscious few. OrbiMed’s investment signals that preventive nutrition is no longer a wellness trend – it is a healthcare imperative. Our commitment is to make India a global leader in nutrition innovation, not just a consumer of it.”

Commenting on the investment, Dr. Sunny Sharma, Senior Managing Director, OrbiMed Asia said, “We share Pranav’s passion for improving nutrition nationwide and enhancing health outcomes through healthier daily dietary habits. OrbiMed is excited to partner with TruNativ as it builds a leading consumer health business.”

Dr. Sharma and Sumona Chakraborty of OrbiMed will be joining the company’s board.

OrbiMed’s investment underscores the growing potential of India’s nutrition and preventive healthcare sector, driven by rising consumer focus on healthier lifestyles and proactive wellness. As demand for clean-label, science-backed nutrition products continues to gain momentum, TruNativ’s strong market position, category leadership, and innovation-driven strategy place it in a favourable position to capture this growth and help redefine the future of everyday nutrition in India.

The transaction was advised exclusively by PwC, which served as TruNativ’s financial advisor throughout the funding process.

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Development work for the project has commenced, with Midori by Tivoli expected to open within the next two years. Upon completion, the destination will feature 125 guest rooms and 10 suites, alongside extensive event, recreation, and hospitality facilities designed to cater to destination weddings, corporate retreats, residential conferences, leisure travellers, and staycation guests.

Commenting on the announcement, Akshay Gupta, Executive Director, Tivoli Hospitality Group said, “Midori by Tivoli represents an important step in our growth strategy and reflects our confidence in the long-term potential of the Sohna hospitality market. The region is witnessing rapid infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and growing demand for destination weddings, corporate offsites, and leisure travel. Our objective is to create a world-class hospitality destination that combines premium accommodation, exceptional event infrastructure, and memorable guest experiences.”

Strategically located in the rapidly evolving Sohna hospitality corridor, the project will benefit from seamless connectivity to Delhi NCR, Gurugram’s corporate districts, and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Over the past few years, Sohna has emerged as one of North India’s most sought-after destinations for weddings, celebrations, conferences, and weekend getaways, making it a high-potential hospitality growth market.

Aryaman Gupta, Director, Tivoli Hospitality Group, added, “Midori by Tivoli is being envisioned as a destination-led hospitality project designed to serve multiple customer segments. From destination weddings and social celebrations to MICE events, residential conferences, staycations, and leisure travel, the development has been planned to deliver a comprehensive hospitality experience under one destination.”

The hospitality offering will be complemented by landscaped outdoor spaces, recreational amenities, swimming pool facilities, and curated guest experiences aimed at creating a well-rounded destination environment. One of the key highlights of the development will be its extensive event and celebration infrastructure. The integrated event ecosystem is expected to position Midori by Tivoli among the region’s leading wedding and event destinations upon completion. The property will house multiple banquet and event venues, including a grand ballroom, a signature Tivoli glass house venue, and expansive landscaped lawns capable of hosting large-scale weddings, conferences, exhibitions, social gatherings, and corporate events.

Speaking on the strategic significance of the project, Ishan Gupta, Director, Tivoli Hospitality Group said, “Sohna’s emergence as a hospitality hotspot presents a compelling opportunity for long-term growth. Increasing demand for destination weddings, expanding corporate travel requirements, and improving infrastructure are creating strong fundamentals for the sector. Midori by Tivoli is poised to become one of the most significant destination wedding and event-focused hospitality developments in the Sohna-Gurugram region. More importantly, this project reflects the vision of my father, Rohit Gupta, Chairman, Tivoli Hospitality Group, whose commitment to creating landmark hospitality destinations continues to guide our expansion and growth.”

Sustainability has also been integrated into the development blueprint. The project is planned with energy-efficient systems, water conservation initiatives, responsible waste management practices, and environmentally conscious landscaping to support long-term sustainable operations while minimizing environmental impact.

Upon completion, Midori by Tivoli is expected to contribute significantly to the region’s hospitality infrastructure, generate employment opportunities, attract tourism and corporate business, and further strengthen Sohna’s position as a preferred destination for weddings, celebrations, conferences, and MICE events. Tivoli Hospitality Group currently operates 15 hospitality assets across Delhi NCR and North India, with 10 additional projects in various stages of development and planning, reflecting the group’s continued expansion and long-term commitment to India’s growing hospitality sector.

The post Midori by Tivoli takes shape in Sohna as Tivoli Hospitality Group expands premium hospitality footprint appeared first on Business of Food.

The campaign’s star attraction is the limited-edition mini football, a nod to the energy and passion that football ignites in fans across the globe. For a limited time, every FIFA Meal lets customers take home a piece of World Cup glory, perfect for matchday tables, fan parties, or display shelves.

Fuelling the excitement is a bold new FIFA-inspired menu lineup: the McVeggie Dragon and McChicken Dragon, India’s favourite burgers reimagined with a fiery Chinese-style sauce, paired with Honey Chilli Fries and a refreshing beverage, the ultimate matchday combo for cheering on your team.

Kicking off 19 June 2026 across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, the FIFA Meal experience invites fans to bring the World Cup spirit home, whether cheering from the couch, hosting friends, or sharing the moment online. The world’s game, now on your plate.

The customers can enjoy mouthfuls by choosing from the following FIFA Meal options:

• McVeggie Dragon FIFA Value Meal with limited-edition mini football – Rs. 209
• McChicken Dragon FIFA Value Meal with limited-edition mini football – Rs. 239
• McVeggie Dragon FIFA Extra Value Meal with limited-edition football – Rs. 259

McDonald’s operates through a variety of formats and brand extensions including standalone restaurants, drive-throughs and 24/7 restaurants for customer convenience and experience. So grab your FIFA Meal, collect your football and don’t miss a moment of the action. The game is on, the flavours are ready and the excitement is just getting started.

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