Kankaria brings extensive leadership experience spanning consumer goods, telecommunications, business transformation, and profit-and-loss management. His appointment underscores Coca-Cola’s focus on strengthening operational capabilities and driving sustainable growth across its markets.

Before joining Coca-Cola, Kankaria served as CEO, Mumbai Circle at Bharti Airtel, where he oversaw one of the telecom operator’s most significant markets. Prior to Airtel, he spent more than 14 years with Unilever, holding a range of leadership positions across sales, marketing, category management, business integration, and general management.

During his tenure at Unilever, Kankaria held key roles including Business Unit Head – Nutrition, Foods and Refreshments for Unilever Bangladesh; General Manager – Nutrition Integration and M&A; Regional Marketing Manager, South Asia; Regional Brand Manager, South Asia; Key Account Manager, Modern Trade; Area Sales and Customer Manager; and Business Leadership Trainee. He played a pivotal role in managing and growing leading brands such as Horlicks, Boost, Knorr, Kissan, Blue Band, Hellmann’s and several other nutrition and food brands across South Asia.

Over the course of his career, Kankaria has built expertise in general management, operations, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, business integration, innovation, and strategic leadership. His experience in managing large-scale businesses and leading complex transformation initiatives positions him well to support Coca-Cola’s continued operational and commercial growth.

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As India’s largest Chinese QSR brand, Chinese Wok has grown to over 270 locations across 52 cities. With Belagavi opening, Chinese Wok continues to deepen its footprint in South India, where it now operates 89 outlets. It is worth noting that Chinese Wok’s presence in Karnataka state has grown to 38 locations. The expansion is a part of its cluster-based growth strategy aimed at increasing its reach in emerging Tier-II cities. Belagavi has been identified as a promising market, supported by growing consumer interest in organised dining options and value-driven food offerings.

Arvind R P, Chief Executive Officer, Lenexis Foodworks said, “Our entry into the 50th city is an important milestone in Chinese Wok’s growth journey and reflects the increasing consumer acceptance of the Desi Chinese category across India. Over the years, we have focused on building a scalable and disciplined expansion model that combines strong unit economics with a consistent consumer experience. Belagavi is a natural addition to our network as we continue strengthening our presence across Karnataka and South India. Looking ahead, our focus remains on accelerating growth across emerging markets while building deeper category leadership through accessibility, affordability and innovation.”

The newly opened Belagavi outlet follows a high-street store format and is designed to serve both dine-in and takeaway customers. The location will offer the brand’s signature menu items, including Value Woks, Hakka Noodles, Kurkure Momos, Cheese and Schezwan Fries, along with a range of meal combinations.

What began as a single-city business a decade ago has evolved into a nationwide QSR network, with Chinese Wok now operating across 50 cities. The company noted that South India continues to be one of its key growth regions, driven by a large urban population, an established dining-out culture, and increasing demand for organised quick-service restaurant formats.

As part of its growth strategy, the company plans to expand further into emerging markets while consolidating its position in the Desi Chinese quick-service restaurant segment. The brand intends to continue its expansion journey across emerging markets, leveraging growing consumer demand to strengthen its standing in the Desi Chinese QSR category.

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Designed for today’s always-on lifestyles, bbinstant stores operate 24×7, offering a curated range of snacks, beverages, ready-to-eat meals, and daily essentials. Consumers can simply walk up, pick what they need, pay digitally, and move on – all within minutes and without any human intervention. Moving beyond app-based deliveries, the company is taking convenience into the physical world with smart retail kiosks strategically placed across corporate offices, residential complexes, and community spaces.

In a city known for its vibrant culture, bustling workdays, and late-night food cravings, bbinstant is positioned to serve a wide spectrum of consumers — from professionals working long hours to residents looking for quick access to essentials at any time of the day or night.

Commenting on the expansion, Seshu Kumar Tirumala, Chief Operating Officer, BigBasket said, “Convenience has always been at the heart of what bigbasket stands for, and bbinstant takes that a step further by putting it literally at your doorstep. Kolkata is a city that never really slows down, and we want to make sure that whether it’s early morning or late at night, residents and professionals always have access to fresh, quality products without having to step out. We are excited to be part of Kolkata’s everyday story.”

The initiative also deepens bigbasket’s presence within institutional and residential ecosystems, complementing its broader quick commerce network at a time when competition in the sector continues to intensify and consumer expectations around accessibility keep rising. The launch signals the next evolution of quick commerce, where convenience is no longer defined solely by rapid delivery times but by instant accessibility. As urban consumers place a growing premium on convenience and accessibility, retailers are exploring innovative formats that bring products closer to where people spend most of their time.

With bbinstant now rolling out across Kolkata, the city’s next cup of coffee, midnight snack, forgotten grocery item, or on-the-go refreshment may no longer require a delivery rider at the doorstep. Instead, it could be waiting just around the corner.

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Nestlé Professional opening a new NESCAFÉ kiosk at Thrissur Railway Station in Kerala, marks the company’s formal entry into one of India’s largest and most influential consumption ecosystems — the Indian Railways network, which serves millions of passengers every day.

The launch is Nestlé Professional’s first kiosk under its partnership with Indian Railways and represents a significant step in the company’s ambition to deepen its out-of-home presence across high-footfall transit locations. For Nestlé India, whose annual report repeatedly highlights “penetration-led volume growth” as a key strategic pillar, railway stations offer something few channels can match – scale, frequency and daily consumer engagement.

Located at one of Kerala’s busiest railway stations, the new outlet offers travellers a range of hot and cold coffee beverages along with curated food options designed to deliver quality, convenience and consistency. More importantly, it gives Nestlé direct access to millions of consumers who increasingly seek trusted food and beverage brands while on the move.

“Indian Railways touches the lives of millions of Indians every day and has earned a place of immense trust in the hearts of consumers across the country. Being associated with such an iconic institution is a matter of great pride for us,” said Saurabh Makhija, Head, Nestlé Professional. “With the launch of our NESCAFÉ outlet at Thrissur Railway Station, we are delighted to bring travellers a comforting and familiar experience through quality coffee and trusted food and beverage offerings during their journeys.”

Building India’s Out-of-Home Consumption Engine

The railway initiative comes at a time when Nestlé Professional has emerged as one of the fastest-growing businesses within Nestlé India.

According to the company’s FY26 Annual Report, the out-of-home business delivered robust volume-led growth driven by strong customer acquisition, deeper channel penetration and expanding consumption occasions. The business continues to embody Nestlé India’s broader strategy of creating growth through increased consumption frequency rather than relying solely on price increases.

This strategy is visible across multiple channels. Educational institutions, hospitals, airports, corporate offices, malls and transit locations have become important growth engines as consumers spend more time outside their homes and increasingly consume food and beverages across multiple daily occasions.

“At Nestlé Professional, we are committed to fueling customer growth through strong partnerships and purposeful innovations. By staying ahead of evolving consumer needs and leveraging our iconic brands with culinary expertise, we enable differentiated out-of-home experiences,” Makhija noted in the annual report.

The Thrissur launch therefore fits into a much larger national play. Rather than viewing railway stations as standalone retail locations, Nestlé sees them as strategic consumption hubs where millions of consumers can engage with its brands every day.

Why Railways Matter

Few consumer channels in India offer the scale and reach of Indian Railways.

For Nestlé Professional, railways represent a unique combination of high traffic, repeat usage and national coverage. Unlike traditional retail outlets where purchases are destination-driven, railway stations capture consumers during travel occasions when convenience, trust and speed become critical purchase drivers.

“Railways is a very important channel for Nestlé Professional, given its scale and ability to connect with millions of consumers on the move every day,” said Jinraj Adyanthaya, Sales Head, Nestlé Professional.

“This new initiative with Indian Railways will enable us to further expand our presence across the network while bringing a wider range of Nestlé’s food and beverage offerings to consumers on the move.”

The company has ambitious plans for expansion.

Adyanthaya indicated that Nestlé Professional intends to participate in railway tenders across divisions throughout India, creating opportunities to establish a significantly larger presence within the railway ecosystem.

“We intend to participate in as many tenders as possible across railway divisions throughout India under this initiative, helping us strengthen our footprint in the travel segment and make our trusted brands more accessible to consumers.”

All railway outlets will be operated through Nestlé-authorised operators to ensure consistent product quality, service standards and consumer experience across locations.

Retail ONE Crosses 1,000 Kiosks

The railway initiative also builds upon one of Nestlé Professional’s most successful growth platforms — Retail ONE.

The operator-funded kiosk model crossed the milestone of 1,000 kiosks across India during FY26, making it one of the largest branded foodservice kiosk networks in the country.

These kiosks operate under formats such as NESCAFÉ Corners, MAGGI Hotspots and KITKAT Break Zones across educational campuses, healthcare institutions, airports, malls and other high-traffic locations.

What makes Retail ONE particularly significant is that it serves both commercial and social objectives.

The network has created employment opportunities for more than 1,700 people, including nearly 300 women and six specially-abled individuals. Beyond sales, the model enables entrepreneurship while expanding Nestlé’s reach into new consumption occasions.

The addition of railway stations potentially opens another large chapter for the network’s expansion.

Innovation Beyond Coffee

While NESCAFÉ remains the flagship brand for many of these outlets, Nestlé Professional’s ambitions extend far beyond coffee.

The annual report highlights the company’s growing focus on becoming a “total solution provider” for foodservice operators.

Recent innovations include NESCAFÉ Duo Gusto machines capable of dispensing both hot and cold beverages, low- and zero-sugar beverage options for health-conscious consumers, and UPI-enabled dispensing solutions that support unattended formats.

The company is also expanding the application of its food brands within professional kitchens.

KITKAT Spread has been introduced to support dessert innovation by chefs. MILKMAID has found applications beyond traditional chai into bakery, desserts and Vietnamese coffee preparations. MAGGI Coconut Milk Powder has expanded into coastal cuisine applications, delivering strong double-digit growth.

Nestlé Professional has also strengthened partnerships across the foodservice ecosystem. Collaborations with Burger King India resulted in the launch of BK Fusion KITKAT Shake and Sundae across more than 500 restaurants, while alliances with Bakingo, Gianni’s Ice Cream and SOCIAL have driven dessert innovation.

India’s Second-Largest Out-of-Home Market in AOA

Nestlé’s out-of-home ambitions are backed by significant scale.

India remained the second-largest market for Nestlé’s Out-of-Home business within the Asia, Oceania and Africa region, trailing only China. Growth was supported by premiumisation, relevant innovation and deeper penetration across metro, mega-city and tier-1 markets.

As India’s foodservice industry continues to grow faster than many traditional packaged food categories, Nestlé Professional is increasingly positioning itself not merely where products are sold, but where food and beverages are consumed.

The launch at Thrissur Railway Station reflects this shift.

For travellers, it may simply mean access to a familiar cup of coffee during a journey. For Nestlé Professional, however, it represents something much larger — another step towards building one of India’s most extensive out-of-home consumption networks, connecting iconic brands with consumers wherever they work, study, travel and spend time beyond their homes.

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Founded in 1984 in Oxford’s historic Covered Market, Ben’s Cookies started as a humble bakery and has evolved into a globally recognized brand celebrated for its British heritage, freshly baked treats, and dedication to quality. Renowned for its rich, indulgent recipes and use of premium ingredients, the brand has cultivated a loyal customer base across international markets over the years.

The new store at Ambience Mall brings Ben’s Cookies’ signature offerings to Gurugram’s dessert enthusiasts. Freshly baked every day, each cookie is made using premium ingredients including fresh butter, eggs, and generous chunks of real Belgian chocolate. Staying true to its iconic philosophy of “CHUNKS, not chips,” the brand delivers a rich and indulgent experience with every bite.

The outlet offers a wide selection of cookie flavours along with thoughtfully curated gifting options, making it a destination for both everyday treats and special occasions. Designed for true dessert lovers, the store promises moments of warm, freshly baked indulgence in one of the country’s most vibrant retail environments.

Commenting on the launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “At Ambience Mall, we are committed to curating world-class brands and experiences that elevate our visitors’ shopping and lifestyle journey. The arrival of Ben’s Cookies, a globally loved brand with a rich British heritage, aligns perfectly with our vision of bringing the finest international concepts to our patrons. We are delighted to welcome the brand to its first Gurugram location and are confident it will become a favourite destination for dessert lovers.”

The launch reflects the growing demand for premium international food experiences and artisanal dessert offerings among consumers in NCR. With the addition of Ben’s Cookies, Ambience Mall continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for globally renowned brands, exceptional dining concepts, and memorable lifestyle experiences. It further introduces iconic global brands to Indian consumers, further cementing its reputation as a hub for premium retail, gourmet experiences.

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As Reliance Retail completed FY26 with gross revenue of Rs. 3,70,026 crore, EBITDA of Rs. 27,033 crore and net profit of Rs. 13,838 crore, the company also crossed significant milestones in the food and grocery business that increasingly sits at the centre of its growth strategy. Industry estimates suggest food and grocery now contributes nearly 50-60% of Reliance Retail’s overall revenues, making it by far the largest pillar within the group’s retail operations.

The scale of that business is reflected not only in revenues but also in the infrastructure that supports it. Reliance’s flagship grocery format, Smart Bazaar, has crossed the 1,000-store milestone, while the overall retail network has expanded to 20,160 stores serving 387 million registered customers across India. What was once a collection of supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores is today emerging as an integrated food ecosystem spanning sourcing, processing, manufacturing, distribution and digital commerce.

The significance of the 1,000-store Smart Bazaar milestone becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of consumption rather than real estate. In an analysis published earlier this year by IndiaRetailing, Smart Bazaar was described as a nationwide consumption grid rather than merely a store network. Southern markets continue to anchor the format, led by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala, while western and eastern states are becoming increasingly important growth corridors. This geographic spread mirrors India’s evolving consumption patterns, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities where organised grocery retail continues to gain market share.

Smart Bazaar: Building India’s Consumption Grid

The store network is only one part of the story. Reliance disclosed at the AGM that it procured over 5.7 lakh metric tonnes of fresh produce during FY26 through a sourcing ecosystem that now connects more than 40,000 farmers across 110 collection centres. This positions the company among India’s largest organised buyers of agricultural produce and gives it unprecedented control over freshness, quality and supply-chain efficiency.

For years, grocery retail in India has been constrained by fragmented sourcing, multiple intermediaries and inconsistent quality standards. Reliance is attempting to address these structural inefficiencies by creating a direct farm-to-consumer model. The implications extend beyond retail. By linking farmers directly to organised distribution channels, the company is building the foundation for a much larger food manufacturing and FMCG business.

The strongest evidence of this shift can be seen in JioMart’s evolution. Once positioned primarily as an e-commerce grocery platform, JioMart has rapidly transformed into one of India’s largest quick-commerce networks. The company revealed that more than 3,100 stores are now functioning as hyperlocal fulfilment hubs, serving over 1,200 cities and 5,100 PIN codes. Unlike pure-play quick-commerce companies that rely heavily on dark stores, Reliance is leveraging its existing retail infrastructure. Every Smart Bazaar, Smart Point and grocery outlet can potentially serve as a fulfilment centre, creating a hybrid model that combines physical retail economics with the convenience of rapid delivery.

This integration of stores and quick commerce is especially important because grocery remains the most frequent consumer purchase category. As quick commerce becomes a daily habit for millions of Indian households, food and grocery orders are increasingly driving customer acquisition, frequency and retention. Reliance’s ability to combine store-based shopping, online ordering and hyperlocal delivery gives it a structural advantage that few competitors can match at national scale.

Yet the most ambitious food-related announcement at the AGM came from Reliance Consumer Products Ltd. (RCPL). Isha Ambani outlined a target that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago: building RCPL into a Rs. 1 lakh crore FMCG business by FY30. To support this ambition, Reliance plans to invest Rs. 30,000 crore over the next three years in integrated food parks that will manufacture beverages, chocolates, biscuits, staples and packaged foods using highly automated, AI-enabled production systems.

The scale of this ambition reflects Reliance’s growing confidence in its consumer brands portfolio. Over the past few years, RCPL has assembled an increasingly diverse stable of brands including Campa, Independence, Lotus Chocolates, RasKik, Spinner and several emerging food and beverage labels. Unlike traditional FMCG companies that spend decades building distribution networks, Reliance has the advantage of owning one of the country’s largest retail and digital commerce platforms. Every Smart Bazaar shelf, JioMart order and grocery store becomes a route-to-market for its expanding portfolio.

The strategy also aligns with consumption trends that are already visible across Smart Bazaar stores. As highlighted in my earlier Business of Food story https://www.businessoffood.in/1000-smart-bazaar-stores-anchoring-reliance-retails-%e2%82%b92-lakh-crore-grocery-play/ categories such as health and wellness, ready-to-cook foods, premium ingredients and regional specialties are growing faster than traditional staples. Brands such as Yoga Bar, Farmley, Gits, MasterChow, Moi Soi, Double Horse and Kaka Halwai, many of which have been recognised as Future Forward Brands at India Food Forum, offer a glimpse into the future of grocery consumption. These are precisely the categories where Reliance can leverage its scale to develop private labels, acquire brands or create new manufacturing capabilities.

The proposed food parks could become the missing link between sourcing and branding. Beyond production, they are expected to integrate procurement, processing, packaging and distribution into a single ecosystem. Such facilities would enable Reliance to standardise quality, improve food safety, reduce wastage and create export-ready products. This becomes even more significant when viewed alongside Mukesh Ambani’s broader vision of turning Reliance into a major manufacturing and export powerhouse with a target of $125-150 billion in exports by 2032.

Technology will play a central role in this transformation. Through its AI platform, JioBrain, Reliance is already embedding intelligence into inventory management, demand forecasting and supply-chain operations. In food retail, AI-driven systems are expected to monitor inventory movement from collection centres to store shelves, reduce wastage in fresh produce and optimise replenishment cycles across the network. Combined with the planned food parks, this could create one of India’s most sophisticated food supply chains.

The broader significance of these developments extends far beyond Reliance Retail’s financial performance. What is emerging is a fully integrated food ecosystem connecting 40,000 farmers, 110 collection centres, over 1,000 Smart Bazaars, 3,100 quick-commerce-enabled stores and 387 million consumers. Few companies globally operate across such a wide spectrum of the food value chain.

For the food industry, the message from Reliance’s 49th AGM was unmistakable. While quick commerce may dominate current headlines and AI may capture investor attention, the real long-term opportunity lies in food, grocery and FMCG. By combining sourcing, retail, manufacturing, technology and consumer brands under one umbrella, Reliance is positioning itself not just as India’s largest retailer but potentially as one of the country’s most influential food companies.

And if the company’s Rs. 1 lakh crore FMCG ambition materialises over the next four years, the food business may well become the defining growth story of Reliance Retail’s next decade.

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The private equity firm LongRange Capital that will acquire Pizza Hut’s operations outside Mainland China for nearly $1.5 billion, while Yum China Holdings will purchase the brand’s China operations for approximately $1.2 billion. The transactions are expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Yum China , one of the two buyers of Pizza Hut chain, has successfully transformed Pizza Hut into one of the country’s leading casual dining brands through localised menus, innovative store formats, and targeted expansion strategies. The Chinese business has demonstrated stronger sales momentum and profitability compared to many international markets, making it a valuable asset within the broader Pizza Hut system. The company has indicated ambitions to continue expanding Pizza Hut’s footprint across China in the coming years.

For the broader restaurant industry, the deal serves as another reminder that scale alone is no longer enough. Success increasingly depends on digital capabilities, operational agility, localized innovation, and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving consumer expectations. Research suggests that people today consume 21% fewer calories, reducing the likelihood of indulging in a third or fourth slice, thereby limiting demand for larger portions and repeat helpings. The acquisition will bring Pizza Hut’s Indian business under a new ownership arrangement, but franchise operations will continue to be handled by Devyani International Ltd. (DIL), ensuring continuity across its network of outlets.

As the QSR landscape continues to transform, Pizza Hut’s next chapter will be closely watched by investors, franchisees, and competitors alike.

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In his new role as Chief Projects and Customer Experience Officer, Sujoy will focus on enhancing customer satisfaction, spearheading transformational initiatives, and ensuring seamless execution of strategic projects across the company. His appointment comes at a time when customer experience continues to be a key differentiator in the rapidly evolving e-commerce and quick commerce landscape. A seasoned leader with more than a decade of experience at bigbasket, Sujoy has been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth journey through various leadership roles. His deep understanding of operations, customer behavior, project execution, and business strategy has enabled him to deliver impactful results across multiple regions and business verticals.

Prior to his elevation, Sujoy served as National Head – Projects and Business Head South, where he was responsible for overseeing key markets and managing a diverse portfolio of businesses. His leadership extended across several high-growth segments, including quick commerce, slotted delivery, subscription services, B2B operations, and smart vending solutions.

Throughout his tenure, Sujoy has successfully led large-scale projects aimed at improving operational efficiency, optimizing customer journeys, and driving sustainable business growth. His ability to balance strategic vision with execution excellence has earned him recognition as a trusted leader within the organization. Speaking through his continued commitment to innovation and excellence, Sujoy’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening bigbasket’s market position and delivering superior value to customers nationwide.

Known for his customer-first approach and strong execution capabilities, Sujoy has successfully managed large-scale projects, driven operational excellence, and delivered business growth across diverse markets. His expertise spans project leadership, business strategy, customer-centric operations, and organizational transformation.

As CPCxO, Sujoy Jana will lead key strategic projects and customer experience initiatives, helping bigbasket further strengthen its position as a leader in India’s digital commerce and grocery retail ecosystem.

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Foodstories, a gourmet retail and food lifestyle platform, has secured Rs. 50 crore in a funding round led by entrepreneur and investor Nikhil Kamath, with participation from existing backer Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office. The fresh capital will support the company’s plans to expand its retail footprint, strengthen its digital business, and enhance its delivery capabilities.

Founded by sisters Ashni Biyani and Avni Biyani, Foodstories has positioned itself as a curated food lifestyle destination, bringing together premium food products, artisanal brands, culinary experiences, and specialty offerings under one platform.

The Biyani sisters, founders of Foodstories, also oversee a portfolio of consumer-focused ventures through Think9, including D2C brands such as SuperYou in the protein nutrition segment, Good Bug in gut health, Anaar in footwear and accessories, and BiE in clean beauty.

Commenting on the investment, Nikhil Kamath,Founder, Gruhas Investment Firm said, “Food impacts how we live, feel, and connect. As consumers become more conscious about what they eat, platforms like Foodstories are building the infrastructure needed to make better choices more accessible.”

The company currently operates across Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, where it recently launched a flagship store in Bandra. It is also preparing to open another location in Lokhandwala as part of its broader expansion strategy.

Speaking about the company’s growth ambitions, co-founder Ashni Biyani said, “We are building a Rs. 1,000 crore business by combining retail, experiences, and a strong digital layer. This investment allows us to accelerate that vision while continuing to deepen our relationship with consumers.”

Foodstories plans to use the newly raised funds to scale its omnichannel presence, invest in technology and logistics infrastructure, and broaden access to curated gourmet offerings across markets.

Highlighting the brand’s long-term philosophy, co-founder Avni Biyani said, “As we scale, our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and provenance remains unchanged. We want to continue creating a platform that celebrates exceptional food and the people behind it.”

The latest funding comes amid growing investor interest in premium food retail and experiential consumption categories, as urban consumers increasingly seek curated, high-quality food experiences both online and offline.

With fresh capital in place and expansion plans underway, Foodstories is looking to strengthen its position in India’s evolving gourmet retail landscape while building a comprehensive food lifestyle ecosystem that integrates retail, hospitality, and digital commerce.

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The choice of Koregaon Park reflects Origin Fresh’s focus on serving consumers who place a premium on quality, freshness, and conscious food choices. Known for its vibrant lifestyle, global outlook, and evolving food culture, the neighbourhood presents a strong strategic fit for the brand quality-first approach to fresh produce retail.

The new store offers over 250+ SKUs of fruits, vegetables, and daily essentials, including more than 150+ speciality and exotic varieties sourced through domestic and international farmer partners. The assortment includes Korean Pears, Japanese Sun Fuji Apples, Cotton Candy Grapes, Yellow Dragon Fruit, and hydroponically grown lettuces, catering to growing demand for global flavours, healthier lifestyles, and ingredient-led food experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Prashanth Vasan, Co-Founder and CEO, Origin Fresh, said, “Pune represents an important milestone in our growth journey. It is a city with a discerning consumer base that values quality, authenticity, and better food choices. Koregaon Park, in particular, embodies the characteristics of the modern Origin Fresh customer, someone who is conscious about what they consume and seeks the very best. Through this launch, we are bringing our expertise in premium assortment and quality commitment closer to households in the city. Pune is the first step in our West India expansion strategy, and we see a significant opportunity to build a strong presence in the region.”

The new outlet was inaugurated by Shri Ranjit Shrikant Shirole, General Secretary, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, who commended the store launch by saying, “I wish the entire Origin Fresh team the very best on this exciting new chapter. Having already established a strong presence across Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Chennai, it is wonderful to see them now expand into Pune. I am confident that the people of Pune will appreciate the quality, freshness, and convenience that Origin Fresh brings. It is encouraging to see a brand focused on making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible while supporting the farming community. I look forward to seeing Origin Fresh expand its footprint across Pune and Mumbai and enable many more families to enjoy fresh, responsibly sourced produce.”

Built on a promise of delivering premium fresh produce, Origin Fresh employs a rigorous five-step quality assurance process that spans sourcing, grading, handling, storage, and distribution. The brand also offers hydroponically grown produce cultivated using Deep Water Culture (DWC) technology, enabling residue-free produce with enhanced freshness and longer shelf life.

Complementing the retail experience is the Origin Fresh app, which provides access to fresh, exotic, hydroponic, and everyday produce. The platform also features the brand’s proprietary Ripeness Quotient, allowing customers to select fruits based on their preferred stage of ripeness and consumption timeline. With stores now operational across Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chennai, and Pune, Origin Fresh plans to continue investing in retail expansion in the coming months as well.

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