Food & Beverage

India’s online food delivery industry continued its upward trajectory in the third quarter as major platforms reported robust growth driven by rising consumer demand, urban digital adoption, and expanding restaurant partnerships. Companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, and magicpin recorded steady order volumes and increased engagement across metropolitan and tier-two cities. The sector’s performance reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior toward convenience-based digital services, supported by improved logistics and aggressive promotional strategies.

Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal has acquired a defence robotics startup, marking a significant move into advanced technology and defence solutions. The acquisition, details of which remain largely undisclosed, reflects a trend among Indian entrepreneurs diversifying beyond core sectors into high-growth, strategic industries. Analysts suggest that the investment could leverage robotics and AI capabilities for defence applications, while positioning Goyal’s portfolio at the intersection of innovation and national strategic priorities.

India’s tea sector is confronting escalating financial stress as rising input costs, stagnant auction prices, labour shortages and climate volatility converge to erode profitability. Industry representatives warn that many estates are selling tea below production cost, triggering higher borrowings and liquidity strain. Wages, which account for nearly 60 per cent of total production expenses, have made the industry particularly vulnerable to inflationary pressures.

Coca-Cola is positioning India as one of its most promising long-term growth markets, signaling a strategic pivot toward emerging economies with expanding consumer bases and rising disposable incomes. As urbanization accelerates and consumption patterns evolve, the beverage giant is scaling investments across manufacturing, distribution, and localized product innovation. India’s demographic advantage, retail transformation, and digital penetration present a compelling growth narrative. Executives view the country not merely as a volume driver but as a strategic hub for future expansion.

Eternal Enterprises reported robust third-quarter financial results, demonstrating resilient growth despite challenging market conditions, while marking a significant leadership transition with founder Deepinder Goyal stepping down. The company’s strong Q3 performance was fueled by higher revenues, improved operational efficiency, and strategic cost management, resulting in healthy profitability.

Coca-Cola has identified India as a key growth market, projecting that the country will soon rank among its top three global markets. Fueled by rising consumer demand, urbanization, and expanding distribution networks, India’s beverage sector presents significant opportunities for the soft drink giant. Coca-Cola plans to intensify marketing initiatives, diversify product offerings, and strengthen supply chains to capture increasing market share.

India’s leading food delivery platforms, Zomato and Swiggy, have announced higher payouts to delivery partners amid ongoing strikes that have disrupted services in several cities. The protests, driven by demands for better earnings, incentives and working conditions, highlight growing tensions within the gig economy. By temporarily increasing per-order payments and incentives, the companies aim to stabilize operations and address partner concerns. However, the episode underscores deeper structural issues around pay transparency and sustainability in app-based employment models.

Coca-Cola India has reported a remarkable 46.3% rise in net profit for the fiscal year 2025, reflecting robust domestic consumption, effective cost management, and strategic product diversification. The company’s revenue growth was driven by strong demand across sparkling beverages, juices, and packaged water segments, alongside innovative marketing campaigns and an expanded distribution footprint. Analysts view the performance as a testament to Coca-Cola’s ability to adapt to shifting consumer preferences while maintaining operational efficiency.

Coffee Day Global posted a widened net loss of Rs 6 crore for the second quarter, reflecting persistent operational challenges and subdued demand in select markets. While the company continues to stabilize its retail footprint and manage legacy financial concerns, rising input costs and restructuring efforts weighed on profitability during the period. Revenue trends remained steady, but margin pressures persisted, underscoring the company’s ongoing transition toward a leaner, more sustainable operating model.

Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd., the master franchisee of Domino’s Pizza in India, reported a significant rise in net profit for the second quarter, with earnings more than doubling year over year. The growth was fueled by strategic pricing, improved cost controls, and steady expansion across tier-2 and tier-3 cities.