Food-tech Startup Poshn Raises $4 mn in Pre-Series A from Prime Ventures Partner, Zephyr Peacock

Evocus, one of the innovative brand renowned for redefining beverage experiences, is set to disrupt the industry with the launch of its latest creation—Black Soda. 

As World’s first-ever black soda, this premium product is specifically designed for the HoReCa industry, offering a luxurious and unique alternative to traditional soft drinks while enhancing mixology like never before.

Evocus Black Soda redefines the beverage experience with its striking black hue, exceptional smoothness, and superior carbonation. Crafted from premium natural ingredients, it offers a rich and refreshing taste that sets it apart. More than just a drink, Black Soda embodies luxury, sustainability, and innovation, making it the ultimate choice for the HoReCa sector. Perfect for upscale restaurants, elite gatherings, and premium bars, it delivers a unique and sophisticated indulgence like no other.

Black Soda redefines indulgence with its exceptional quality and unique appeal, making every occasion extraordinary. 
With this ground-breaking launch, Evocus continues to lead in innovation by collaborating with renowned cafes and hotels such as Bawri India, Perch Wine & Coffee Bar, and more. This premium beverage delivers bold flavor, superior refreshment, and unmatched sophistication, catering to the tastes of discerning consumers.

Diageo India, one of the country’s leading alcohol beverage company, has announced their launch of Godawan Estuary Premium Water, in collaboration with Estuary Water. 

The water will be available across all major outlets of Indian markets later this year. 

In line with Diageo India’s vision of crafting elevated experiences, Godawan Estuary Premium Water represents a new chapter in the brand’s journey toward offering high-quality lifestyle choices. The launch, in partnership with the Indian start-up Estuary, introduces water thoughtfully developed and designed to meet the exacting standards of discerning consumers. 

This collaboration embodies a shared commitment to sophistication and precision, offering an exceptional accompaniment to every experience without altering their integrity.

Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer of Diageo India, said “It is our belief that even the simplest pleasures can be elevated through craftsmanship and care. This collaboration with Estuary Water represents a meeting of shared values; one that reflects the artistry and passion behind everything we do.” 

Adding to this, Devasish Kamdar, Founder of Estuary Blending Water, said “Godawan Estuary Premium Water specially formulated in Scotland is a new category created for epicureans around the globe to enhance their moments. We look forward to this becoming the go to for all luxurious occasions and as we say - elevate your experiences with Estuary.”

Godawan Estuary Premium Water will be available across leading e-commerce platforms and retail outlets in India starting in December 2024. The brand will also host a luxury craft experience at Nahargarh Palace in Ranthambore at the end of the year. This exclusive three-day getaway will offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in modern luxury, with a focus on purposeful engagement and curated experiences.
 

Sweet brand Scandalous Foods that’s catering to the restaurant and catering sectors, is excited to announce its ambitious goal of raising $12 million in the coming months. 

This move comes on the heels of a successful pre-seed funding round in February 2024, where the company secured ₹3 crore from various esteemed angel investors.

The pre-seed round, completed with the backing of seasoned investors, including KRS Jamwal, Mrunal Jhaveri, Arjun Vaidya of V3 Ventures, Ajay Mariwala, MD of VKL and FSIPL, and celebrity Chef Harpal Singh marked a significant milestone for Scandalous Foods. 

These funds have already catalyzed growth, enabling the company to expand its production capabilities and establish a larger facility.

“Our recent pre-seed funding has laid a strong foundation for our growth. The additional ₹3 crore has allowed us to enhance our production and cater to a broader clientele. As we prepare to raise $12 million, we are more committed than ever to revolutionizing the Indian sweets landscape. Our vision is to blend tradition with innovation, creating sweets that resonate with both contemporary and traditional palates,” shared Sanket S., Co-Founder of Scandalous Foods.

Scandalous Foods has demonstrated robust growth, with a 22% year-over-year increase in FY24. Notably, the company saw a remarkable 75% growth in the last quarter (January–March 2024) compared to the previous quarter (October-December 2023). 

The company aims to leverage this enhanced capacity to strengthen its presence in key markets, including Mumbai and Nasik, and build a robust HoReCa base. 

As Scandalous Foods embarks on its next phase, it remains focused on delivering exceptional Indian sweets that cater to evolving consumer tastes. 

The upcoming funding round will enable the company to introduce innovative products, launch its Mithai parlors expand its offerings, and become a category leader in the industry.

Founded in August 2022 and led by Sanket S, and Pravesh Amin, it is a pioneering venture aiming to revolutionize the sweets industry for the restaurant sector. 
 

MasterChow, the homegrown Indian brand specializing in ready-to-cook Asian staples, has joined hands with celebrity chef Ranveer Brar as its brand ambassador. 

This strategic collaboration aims to position MasterChow as the go-to destination for “Asli Chinese” cuisine, emphasizing credibility, trust, and relatability. 

MasterChow's decision to get Ranveer Brar onboard stems from a shared commitment to authenticity and quality. With the tagline "Asli Chinese," this partnership resonates with the chef’s culinary expertise and passion for genuine flavors. 

Chef Brar’s influence and reputation as a leading culinary figure are poised to enhance MasterChow's brand presence significantly.

By leveraging his credibility and expertise, MasterChow aims to differentiate itself in the competitive packaged food market, particularly in the Asian cuisine sector. 

Through this partnership, the brand seeks to establish a deeper connection with consumers who value authenticity and quality in their culinary experiences.

“As a chef, I believe in the importance of using genuine flavors and ingredients to create memorable culinary experiences. I am thrilled to join hands with MasterChow and champion authentic Asian cuisine through their amazing range of products. With MasterChow, I look forward to bringing 'ASLI Chinese' flavors to households across India,” added Chef Brar.

The partnership between MasterChow and Ranveer Brar is a long-term endeavor focused on spreading awareness and establishing MasterChow as the brand for ASLI Chinese cuisine. Over the next 6-8 months, the campaign will prioritize building credibility, trust, and relatability among consumers, with the ultimate goal of creating a legacy brand that endures for generations to come.

“Ranveer Brar epitomizes everything we stand for – authenticity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. With his unparalleled expertise and passion for good food, he is a stark reflection of MasterChow’s brand ethos, and together, we're ready to take on the industry. We're not just offering a product, we're offering an experience – one that promises unparalleled taste and quality with every bite. With Ranveer by our side, we're all set to revolutionize the way people experience Chinese food at home," pointed Vidur Kataria, Founder, MasterChow.

The campaign will kickstart digitally, primarily through social media platforms, with potential expansion into other channels such as OTT platforms later in the year. The company has also curated a fun, quirky and engaging spree of pre-launch content for ‘MasterChow Loyalists’ on Instagram. The content aims to multiply the hype surrounding this much-anticipated coming together of  the Chef (Ranveer Brar) and the Chef’s favorite (MasterChow).

MasterChow’s premium range of Chinese delicacies are available on the brand’s official website, i.e. www.masterchow.in, Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart and Amazon. 

In a latest innovation, Nestlé India has collaborated with SOCIAL, India’s favourite neighbourhood café, to test launch MAGGI Professional’s plant-based range.

The products have been used to craft The New Irresistible Menu, that is available at 41 SOCIAL and 40 BOSS Burger outlets across Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Chandigarh for three months.

The plant-based range has been especially developed for chefs and features two offerings - a burger patty and mince, alternatives to meat-based meals. The products provide similar sensorial attributes as chicken, with the familiar bounce and juiciness.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with SOCIAL, to pilot MAGGI Professional’s new plant-based range through a limited period menu. This is a part of our commitment to offer more food choices to our valued consumers, both in home and out of home. We are confident that the chefs would enjoy cooking with this range and create novel dishes for their consumers,” shared Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & Managing Director, Nestlé India.

They are a source of protein & fiber, and naturally free from cholesterol. The range caters to the evolving preferences of a young audience with global cultural exposure and mindful consumption habits.

Commenting on the initiative, Riyaaz Amlani, Founder & Managing Director, Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to embark on this culinary journey with Nestlé which brings together the culinary expertise of SOCIAL and the innovative plant-based range from Nestlé India. The New Irresistible Menu is not just a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences, but it also signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable, conscious, and innovative approach to dining. We believe this collaboration will redefine the possibilities of plant-based dining in India, and offer our guests a novel, sensory symphony of flavours.”

Guests can now try The New Irresistible Menu at select SOCIAL outlets, and for delivery on BOSS Burger via DotPe, Swiggy and Zomato.

Epigamia has unveiled a fresh lineup featuring ready-to-eat puddings in chocolate and caramel flavors.

Alongside these, their "Ultimate Luxury Milkshake" collection has three e options: Cookies & Cream, Belgian Chocolate, and Vanilla Coffee.

“We are enthused to introduce new flavours in the milkshake and pudding category right around the festive season. This is a time for making treasured memories and indulging in delectable delicacies. The newly q1introduced products are designed to elevate special occasions. Therefore, we are happy to introduce these exquisite treats that encapsulate the holiday spirit." said Rahul Jain, Co-Founder and CEO, Epigamia.  

These ready to eat puddings and high-quality bottled milkshakes, will be found in major retail stores and various online platforms across India.

Food Service India Pvt. Ltd. is organizing a series of roadshows across the country with the aim of educating restaurants and equipping them to grow their businesses during the ongoing Cricket World Cup. 

The FSIPL roadshows held so far in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Jaipur and Guwahati have been a phenomenal success and well attended by leading hoteliers, purchase managers, standalone restaurants, distributors and other industry professionals. 

Being held at all venues of the World Cup matches, the roadshow will also be held at Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. 

“Cricket is much more than a game in India with zillions of cricket fans watching matches together with friends and family at restaurants, hotels and at homes. The cities that host these matches have an average of 10 times jump in the hospitality and ancillary business. Leveraging this opportunity, FSIPL's ongoing roadshows aim to not only create fresh business prospects but also to educate clients on effective strategies to enhance their business growth during the World Cup season,” shared Piyush Chhaochharia.

Cricket World Cup in India is the best time to boost any business. FSIPL, in collaboration with various hospitality entities is actively engaged in maximizing sales during the tournament. 

Acting as a growth partner, FSIPL is committed to ensuring quick Turnaround Time (TAT), maintaining consistent offerings, introducing innovative recipes and generating significant cost savings for their clients. Our presentation and in-detail conversations with the customers are to support this very endeavor.

The FSIPL roadshows are marked by sessions showcasing World Cup themed region wise menus using FSIPL products. There are one-on-one sessions, live demonstration and tasting sessions that will help the guest curate their own World Cup special menus. Tips and expert advice are also provided on how hotel/restaurant/cloud kitchen owners can grow during this OND quarter. 
 

Chukde Spices, one of India’s leading spice manufacturers, has roped in the veteran bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor as its brand ambassador for the next two years. 

Karisma Kapoor will be the exclusive face of the brand from August 2023 till August 2025. Karisma has ruled the hearts of millions on silver screen and people has always loved her for her versatility and freshness that she brings to the screen. This makes her a perfect match for Chukde Spices as Chukde brings a wide range of versatile spices which can transform any meal into a tasty feast. 

Manufacturing spices since 2006, this association with popular star Karisma Kapoor will strengthen the brand awareness drive by Chukde across the country. 

“We are happy to have Karisma Kapoor as the brand ambassador of Chukde Spices. She is one of the finest actresses of Bollywood and has a great fan following across all age groups. We are sure this partnership will go a long way in driving the brand’s already established popularity across the world,” shared Rajat Luthra, Director, Chukde Spices.

Speaking about the association, Karisma Kapoor said,”Chukde Spices are an integral part of Indian cooking and have been serving us the most authentic Indian spices. Its wide variety of products covers all kinds of Indian cooking and is a ‘go-to-spices’ for households and hospitality chains. I am very glad to be part of this exciting brand story.”   

In nearly two decades of its journey, Chukde has become a household name with its very popular offerings of whole spices, blended spices and super food products. The brand believes in continuous innovations to be able to bring to its consumer the tastiest, safest and most authentic spices ever. Chukde lived up to its claim of being the manufacturer of the purest spices in India with the introduction of Garam Masala Sabut. 

General Mills India, a subsidiary of the Fortune 500 packaged food company General Mills Inc., has reached a noteworthy milestone by holding a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming plant in Maharashtra.

This event signifies General Mills' growing presence in India and underscores the expansion plan.

The new facility will be a central hub for producing Pillsbury Baking Mixes tailored for the Indian market and is projected to start operations by August 2024.

General Mills is establishing its second manufacturing site for Pillsbury Baking Mixes in India, earmarking an investment of around INR 100 crore to construct this advanced facility.

The new plant will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure. This expansion will result in a twofold increase in General Mills India's manufacturing capacity, allowing the company to satisfy the surging demand for its Pillsbury bakery offerings in India.

“The bakery industry in India is witnessing remarkable growth, Pillsbury’s bakery solutions empower bakers with consistent quality in every cake batch and enhances efficiency in the back-of-house operations of bakery businesses. The new facility will mark Pillsbury’s commitment to serving more bakers in India and supporting their business growth.”said, Anand Khurana, country director for General Mills India.

The Pillsbury brand is highly regarded in the Baking Mixes sector and is well-prepared to cater to the expanding bakery and food service sector in India.

Since its introduction to the Indian market in 1999, Pillsbury has emerged as the dominant player in Cake and Dessert Mixes among professional bakers.

‘’India is among General Mills’ priority markets worldwide’’said. “In recent years, our business in India has consistently accelerated growth and the new manufacturing plant reinforces our dedication to growing in India by delighting more consumers and catering to evolving consumer needs.’’said, Balki Radhakrishnan, Vice President and managing director of Global Emerging Markets at General Mills.

The upcoming Nashik plant is strategically positioned to solidify Pillsbury's reputation as the preferred brand for bakers across the country, effectively catering to their changing requirements.

India plays a crucial role in General Mills' worldwide expansion strategy. The choice to enhance production capacity through the new facility underscores General Mills' dedication to fostering the growth and prosperity of the baking industry.

EvolveX Accelerator, a startup accelerator spearheaded by a global community of successful founders & strategic angels, We Founder Circle (WFC), has announced its recent investment in the innovative startup, UcliQ –B2B Marketplace for Chicken & Seafood. 

UcliQ emerged as a notable startup from EvolveX’s Cohort 2.

This angel investment round, led by EvolveX, also saw participation from Vamsi Udayagiri, Founder of HESA. 

“Having closely evaluated UcliQ’s potential, we are confident by their unique approach to reshaping the B2B meat supply chain in India. The dedication and vision of the UcliQ team have been evident throughout our interactions, and I have no doubt that UcliQ will thrive and leave a lasting impression on the meat industry, benefiting both buyers and sellers alike. I look forward to seeing UcliQ’s continued growth and success in the market,” shared Bhawna Bhatnagar, Co-Founder of EvolveX.

With a total fund raise of approximately INR 7 Million, UcliQ is geared to expand its reach and impact. Having initially targeted around 1200-1400 HoReCa businesses in Delhi/NCR, UcliQ now sets its sights on reaching 20,000-25,000 businesses across Delhi/NCR, Bangalore, and Hyderabad in the next 12 months, aiming to achieve an estimated revenue of INR 150 Million.

UcliQ aims to revolutionize India’s meat supply chains by providing an easy, transparent, and secure digital platform that connects buyers and sellers, including HoReCa, manufacturers, wholesalers, brands, and other businesses. The platform offers seamless logistics and leaves digital footprints, paving the way for reliable, standardized, and high-speed supply chains while addressing inefficiencies and reducing food wastage in the poultry, mutton, fish, seafood, live chicken birds, and ready-to-eat categories.

UcliQ’s Founder, Sameer Malik, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having completed his B.Com (Hons) from Delhi University followed by an MBA in Finance and Marketing. His familiarity with the B2B industry and the hospitality sector, along with his experience in startups and social work, adds value to UcliQ’s mission.

“With this capital infusion, we are poised to accelerate our growth and elevate our innovative ideas to the next level. We are committed to revolutionizing the B2B meat supply chain, bridging gaps, and fostering transparency through a standardized marketplace. Our vision is to create a seamless and sustainable platform that positively impacts the meat industry while empowering businesses,” added Malik.

International flavor giant, MONIN, is all set to host the MONIN Coffee Creativity Cup (MCCC) —a competition to find the most innovative, progressive, and creative coffee mocktail designed by industry professionals.

The competition begins from July 19^th in Delhi and will move to Mumbai and Bengaluru for the other two regionals on July 27, and August 1 respectively.

For the first round, 10-15 participants at each regional will compete to create an innovative espresso-based mocktail that enhances and appeals to all five senses — sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. Each contestant will then be marked on how well they incorporate the experience of the five senses in their drink.

A total of 10 contestants from all three regionals will move forward to the Finale, which will take place on August 3 in Bengaluru. The winner will then represent India at the Global Finals in Malaysia and get an all-expenses paid trip to Malaysia.

The jury will consist of Coffee Trainers, Influencers in the Coffee Industry, Barista Champions, and key people from the F&B Industry. The regionals will have 3 jury members for each city while the National final will have 4 jury members.

“We are very excited to bring together the coffee community in India and give them a chance to represent India on a global platform. It is a way for MONIN to support the growth and development of the current generation of coffee professionals and baristas and acknowledge the growth of the coffee channel in India & the Asia-Pacific region,” shared Germain Araud, Managing Director, MONIN India.

A premium French brand created in 1912, MONIN is an innovative flavor solutions creator and a trusted partner for hospitality professionals across the world.

Noida-based Adcount Technologies has raised USD 2.25 million in its latest series A funding round.

The parent company of SupplyNote, and a host of innovative supply chain tech solutions, saw participation from Venture Catalysts and Artesian, with notable participation from Sattva Family Office, WFC, LetsVenture, Soonicorn Ventures, Cogniphy, SucSEED Indovation, SOSV, and DSP family office.

This latest round brings Adcount Technologies’ total capital raised to a significant USD 5 Mn.

“We feel SupplyNote is a prudent investment due to its innovative approach to streamlining inventory management, order placement, and sales analytics. Its cloud-based suite is revolutionizing inventory management and improving overall performance of businesses. Investing in this powder-keg of potential was almost a no-brainer for us,” said CA Vijay Singh Rathore, Co-founder of Soonicorn Ventures.

SupplyNote's client list includes, brands such as Naturals Ice Cream, Biryani By Kilo, Bikkgane Biryani, Caterspoint, Burgrill, and Ironhill Brewery.

“SupplyNote’s all-encompassing suite of products empowers businesses with robust, digitized supply chain management solutions in the post-COVID era. The remarkable traction they’ve received from renowned clients like CureFoods, Biryani By Kilo, Swiggy Kitchen underscores their market credibility and readiness for exponential growth,” stated Apoorva Sharma, Co-founder and President, Venture Catalysts.

The fresh fundraise will primarily fuel the first phase of brand’s international expansion, as it aims to widen its footprints globally.

Adcount Technologies, currently active in six countries, is strategically focused on expanding its presence, particularly in the MENA and Southeast Asia regions in Phase 1.

Reflecting on the company's achievements, Kushang, the CEO and Co-Founder of Adcount Technologies, stated, “Our growth trajectory is truly remarkable. Through SupplyNote, we facilitate annual purchases worth $100 million in India alone. Vyap empowers procurement worth $2.25 million in Noida & Gr. Noida, while SupplyLink efficiently manages goods worth $5 million across 42 cities in India. These figures are set to skyrocket in the upcoming months. Looking ahead, our ambitious 18-month targets include facilitating $1.2 billion worth of purchases via SupplyNote, achieving $25 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) with Vyap, and distributing goods worth $150 million through SupplyLink.”