Smart Snacking In India Grows 1.2X Faster Than Traditional Snacks: NielsenIQ

* India Emerges as #2 in APAC for Snacking Market Growth.

* 1 in 5 snacks now has a health connotation in India.

* Health-conscious consumption growth fueled by innovations in small, affordable, and nutrient-rich products.

NielsenIQ (NIQ), the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, has released its latest report - "Snacking habits - From mindless to mindful?" which highlights the health-conscious consumption in snacking ?market, consumer priorities, shift towards smart products enabling overall well-being.

According to NielsenIQ estimates, India’s Snack & Confectionery industry, ranking second in market size across APAC, is transforming as urban consumers increasingly seek health-oriented products. The rise in lifestyle diseases has driven Indian consumers to opt for snacks that align with their health goals.

Rising Demand for Health-Conscious Choices

Busy lifestyles and an array of snack options have led Indian consumers to become more health-conscious. According to the NielsenIQ Consumer Outlook Report, 63% of surveyed consumers seek innovative and healthy snacking options, while 50% read ingredient labels to understand nutritional value.

Similarly, in consumer tech, the trend toward health-focused products is evident. Fitness wearables experienced a 59% volume growth, while Hot Air Fryers grew by more than 100% (MAT July 2024), signalling broader health-conscious behavior. NielsenIQ Consumer Life Study shows that 84%? of surveyed urban Indian consumers exercise daily or regularly to keep fit and 48%? use a fitness or exercise app.

Smart Snacking: A Fast-Growing Segment

This mindful choice trend has boosted the “Smart Snacking” segment, including health-benefiting snacks like biscuits, oats, and Greek yogurt.

“According to NielsenIQ Retail Market Measurement, 1 in 5 snacks now has a health connotation.”, says Sonika Gupta, Executive Director, Customer Success – India at NIQ.

“This segment is growing 1.2 times faster than traditional snacks in terms of value, presenting opportunities for brands to innovate in health-focused products and leverage the consumption trend.” – Sonika further added.

Smaller, emerging players are challenging established players with competitive offerings, with single-serve packs driving demand and growing 60% faster in Smart Snacking due to mainstream pricing strategies.

Innovations in Smart Snacking & Key Consumer Preferences

The smart snacking segment’s growth is fueled by consumption rates twice that of the general snacks market. The consumption preference is driven by small convenient pack sizes that have demonstrated 60% higher growth compared to traditional small packs in the snacking space. 

Innovations often focus on affordability and mainstream pricing to encourage Smart Snacking adoption. Notably, Smart Snacking has been growing at 16% in terms of value, but recent trends show a slowdown in count of new innovations & product launches.

NielsenIQ’s Trend Spotting survey identified the top factors driving Smart Snacking choices in India:

Health Benefits: Consumers prioritize snacks promoting bone health, immunity, heart health, and gut health.

Nutritional Richness: Preference for snacks rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Natural Ingredients: Demand for snacks containing multigrains, nuts, dried fruits, and antioxidants.

Regional Insights on Consumer Preferences

South and East India account for 60% of the smart snacking market, with bone health valued highly across regions. The survey reveals regional preferences:

South India: Emphasis on healthy ingredients.

West India: Preference for nutrient-dense snacks.

North and East India: Importance of taste in healthy snacks.

“Metros contribute the highest to smart snacking, growth in the Smart Snacking segment is also evident in rural areas and lower town classes, matching urban growth rates. Manufacturers should align their strategies with regional and demographic nuances,” adds Vidya Sen, Customer Success Lead – India, NIQ BASES.

Opportunities and Recommendations for Brands

For brands looking to succeed in India’s evolving snacking market, the report outlines 5 key strategies:

Highlight Health Benefits: Focus on ingredients that support bone, gut, and heart health.

Maintain Flavor: Balance health attributes with taste to meet consumer expectations.

Emphasize Nutrient Additions Over Omissions: Focus on enriching products with essential nutrients instead of solely removing unwanted ingredients.

Customize Offerings for Regional and Age Preferences: Tailor product offerings to meet the specific preferences of different demographics.

Prioritize Convenience: Offer single-serve, portable packs suitable for on-the-go consumption.

As Indian consumers embrace mindful snacking, brands that cater to this health-centric shift while preserving flavor and convenience are positioned for substantial growth. This trend marks an important phase in India’s snacking landscape, where health and taste go hand in hand to meet the evolving needs of the modern consumer.

Women In Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) Launches New Round Of Funding To Accelerate Digital Inclusion For Women In India

* Multiple Grants of Up to $500,000 Available to Local Indian Entities from WiDEF, a joint effort of USAID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Reliance Foundation

Today, the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) in India, launches its first round of support. WiDEF in India is a joint effort between USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Reliance Foundation to accelerate progress on closing the gender digital divide. WiDEF in India is managed by the GSMA Foundation with support from the global WiDEF managing consortium.

With grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, this new initiative aims to accelerate digital inclusion for women across India by supporting organisations tackling critical barriers that prevent women from accessing and using the internet. These barriers include access and affordability, relevant products and tools, literacy and digital skills, and safety and security. 

This round of funding will support Indian non-profits, as well as small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the goal of scaling solutions that have the potential to significantly increase digital inclusion for women, improving women’s livelihoods, economic security, and resilience.

A Bold Investment in India’s Digital Future

WIDEF has committed to support multiple grant funding rounds in India to advance the 2023 G20 Leaders commitment under India’s presidency to halve the gender digital divide by 2030. This initiative, which aims to accelerate digital inclusion for women, is a vital step toward achieving WiDEF’s vision of closing the gender gap in digital access.

Globally, digital inclusion is recognised as central to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Access to and use of the internet can enable women to participate meaningfully in the digital economy, strengthening their livelihoods and resilience. Yet, one-third of the world’s population remains offline, with women making up the majority of those excluded.

The new round of funding comes at a time when India’s digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly and flourishing. This expansion, including near ubiquitous 4G coverage and extensive 5G deployment, presents a huge opportunity for further increasing digital inclusion of women and other marginalised groups. Although there have been substantial increases in digital inclusion over the last few years, only 37% of women in India use mobile internet, compared to 53% of men according to the GSMA’s latest Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024. This suggests that there are other barriers besides infrastructure that are preventing many women from getting online.

"This new round is an exciting opportunity to support entities in India who are working to address the complex barriers women face to accessing and using the internet. This has been an important area of focus for the GSMA Foundation, and we are proud to be managing WiDEF in India with support from our partners. Through this round we will help to scale efforts to address the gender digital divide, delivering significant social and economic benefits" said Claire Sibthorpe, Head of Digital Inclusion, GSMA.

“We believe in the tremendous power of women to transform societies and communities. Digital inclusion is essential to ensure equitable participation in today’s digital economy and advancing women’s agency and access to digital skills brings tremendous benefits for women and for society as a whole. Through WiDEF, Reliance Foundation aims to support innovative, evidence-based solutions to advance digital inclusion at scale in India. This marks another step forward in our continued work on bridging the gender digital divide to enhance lives and livelihoods, and to accelerate India and the world’s journey towards the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Jagannatha Kumar, CEO Reliance Foundation.

"Promoting gender equality is fundamental to USAID’s mission. Through this funding initiative, the U.S. government is supporting both the growth of India’s digital infrastructure and the incredible potential of women across India to contribute to an even more successful future. By partnering with local organizations to address and overcome the barriers that limit women’s access to digital resources, we are helping foster an inclusive economy that benefits everyone. Together, we can bridge the digital divide, ensuring women are empowered to participate and thrive in the digital age," said USAID Mission Director to India, Steven G. Olive.

WiDEF Funding Priorities

This funding aims to scale solutions that have demonstrated, through credible evidence, that they can drive digital inclusion for women, significantly close the gender digital divide in their context, and are sustainable and scalable. These solutions should address at least two of the following priority areas:

Improved Access: Enhancing women’s access to affordable, reliable, and secure internet and devices.

Relevant Products and Tools: Developing and scaling digital tools that meet the specific needs of women.

Digital Literacy and Skills: Strengthening women’s digital skills to participate effectively in the digital economy.

Safety and Security: Addressing online harassment and improving digital safety measures to ensure secure online participation for women.

Eligibility and Application Details

The fund is open to Indian entities, including small-and-medium-sized for-profit enterprises (with fewer than 250 employees) and non-profits with a valid FCRA licence. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of underserved groups.

Applications for funding close on January 13, 2025, at 18:00 India Standard Time (IST). Successful applicants will receive not only financial support but also technical assistance, opportunities to participate in bootcamps and learning exchanges, and access to advisory services. The selected projects will run for 15 to 18 months.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit https://widef.global/funding

We encourage all eligible organisations dedicated to closing the gender digital divide to apply and contribute to a more inclusive digital economy in India.

About WiDEF

The Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) in India is a joint effort between USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Reliance Foundation to accelerate progress on closing the gender digital divide in India. WiDEF identifies, directly funds, and advances investment in proven solutions to close the gender digital divide, improving women’s livelihoods, economic security, and resilience. WiDEF in India is managed by the GSMA Foundation with support from the global WiDEF managing consortium. Learn more at: widef.global  

Isuzu Motors India Inaugurates A New 3S Dealership In Shivamogga. Expands Its Reach In Karnataka

 

·        Appoints ‘Rainland ISUZU’ as its authorised dealership in Shivamogga

·        Inaugurates new 3S facility conveniently located in B.H.Road, Gadikoppa, Shivamogga-577201

Aims to address the growing demand for ISUZU Utility vehicles

Shivmogga: Isuzu Motors India, a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, inaugurated the new 3S (Sales, Service & Spares) dealership of Rainland ISUZU in Shivamogga, the growing industrial and agricultural hub in Shivamogga, today. The new facility is conveniently located on B.H. Road, Gadikoppa, next to Laxmi Rice Mill Building in Shivamogga-577201, thereby providing access to world-class range of ISUZU utility vehicles.

The keys for the ISUZU D-MAX S-CAB were handed over to the first customer, marking the start of sale from this new dealership. It embodies the spirit of a Pick-up Culture in India with the combination of smart looks, rugged and durable workhorse capability, safety and passenger vehicle like comfort. The dealership employees have been trained under the supervision of ISUZU experts and will provide a quality customer experience to the visitors.

With the addition of this dealership, Isuzu Motors India has increased its reach of sales and service offerings across five locations in Karnataka, including the ones already operational in Bengaluru, Mangalore, Hubballi and Mysore.

Commenting at the occasion, Mr. Toru Kishimoto, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, said, “While we are strategically expanding our network across the country, we are also strengthening our presence in each market with more dealer outlets to increase our reach to our customers. Karnataka is one of the key focus states for Isuzu and we are increasing our network touch points here. We are witnessing an immense potential here for our products, both in the personal segment and especially in the application-oriented segments in infrastructure, agriculture and trading businesses. We believe the Isuzu D-MAX range of pick-up trucks will meet the varied requirements of these segments and add value to our customers’ businesses. With the comprehensive and exciting product range, we are sure that there is an ISUZU for everyone. We are happy to be partnering with Rainland ISUZU, as they are well-known for their strong sales and service support and wish them the best in their journey with us.”

Mr. Sheik Ahamed Shahil Anoof, Managing Director, Rainland ISUZU, said, “We are extremely pleased and excited to partner with ISUZU, the brand that has a legacy of reliability and durability over 100 years. We have been witnessing a significant traction for ISUZU vehicles in the state and especially in Shivamogga, which provides us an opportunity to cater to the needs of the discerning buyers in the region. With ISUZU, we look forward to a successful journey. As a group, we are extremely customer focussed and look forward to realise the common vision of achieving customer delight with a culture of excellence, quality and reliability.”

The National Group has been in the business for over seven decades with a diversified business portfolio including infrastructure, import & export, retail, God & diamond and automobiles. Their success mantra of ‘Driving excellence, Inspiring brilliance’ has been driven by ‘Attention to detail’, a culture of ‘Quality in delivery’, by ‘Leveraging people’s strengths’ to set industry standards and nurture mutually rewarding relationships. It has won many awards and honoured as trend setters in the region.

About Isuzu Motors India Pvt. Ltd.

Isuzu Motors India Private Limited (IMI), a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, was established in August 2012. Headquartered in Chennai, the company sells the popular ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross – India’s First Lifestyle and Adventure Pick-up, the Hi-Lander - All-rounder Pick-up and the ISUZU mu-X, premium 7-seater SUV in the personal vehicle segment and variants of ISUZU D-MAX pick-ups – S-CAB and Regular Cab, for the commercial segment. ISUZU vehicles are known for their reliability and performance around the world. Renowned the world-over, ISUZU vehicles are gaining huge significance in the Indian market as well, thanks to the ‘value proposition’ it offers the customers.  

Isuzu Motors India manufactures these products at its modern manufacturing plant in Sri City, spread over an area of 107 acres in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The company began its manufacturing operations in April 2016, with strong focus on quality and commitment to Indian market. In February 2020, Isuzu Motors India commenced the start of its Phase-II operations with the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Press Shop facility and engine assembly plant. In 2017, IMI started export of its ‘Made-in-India’ vehicles and has emerged as the India’s #1 Exporter of Goods Transport LCV Pick-up >2t<=3t Category for FY23-24, as per SIAM report.  An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Isuzu Motors India is committed to providing products and services of the highest level of quality to ensure customer delight.  

The company has dedicated dealer touch-points, conveniently located in 66 locations across the country. For more information on the company, and its products/services. www.isuzu.in   

Micron Technology President And CEO Sanjay Mehrotra Awarded Honorary PhD By BITS Pilani

BITS Pilani, a premier institution recognized for its innovation and excellence held its annual convocation ceremony in Pilani on 10th November. At the convocation, Sanjay Mehrotra, President and CEO of Micron Technology was bestowed with an honorary PhD to celebrate his remarkable 40-year journey in the world of technology. Mr. Mehrotra’s significant contribution to the advancement of semiconductor technology is reflected in this recognition, demonstrating the institute’s dedication to identifying leaders who are meaningful changemakers.

In his address, Mr. Mehrotra called on BITS Pilani’s graduating class to seize the tremendous opportunities driven by artificial intelligence. He commended students on their dedication and resilience, challenging them to have the courage to pursue their dreams.

Speaking at the event, Prof Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani said, “It is a great privilege for BITS Pilani to confer an honorary PhD on Mr. Sanjay Mehrotra, whose work has had profound impact on technology and society. His journey is inspirational for our students, exemplifying the spirit of innovation, resilience, and commitment that we seek to instil in our community.”

In his speech, Mr. Mehrotra expressed his gratitude for the strong foundation that BITS Pilani provided during his initial two years of undergraduate studies, which paved the way for his successful transition to UC Berkeley. He then shared inspiring remarks with the graduates, stating how honoured he felt to receive this recognition from an institution renowned for nurturing talent, driving innovation and excellence.

Mr. Mehrotra leads a global team of more than 48,000 employees, with whom he is committed to creating an inclusive environment that encourages innovation that enriches life for all.

About BITS Pilani 

Established in 1964, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is a renowned academic institution excelling in higher education, cutting-edge research, and innovation. Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee in 2024, BITS Pilani has, over the decades, evolved into a prestigious multi-campus institution and a hub of innovation, recognized for its academic excellence and transformative impact. BITS Pilani has been recognized in the QS World University Rankings 2025 for its remarkable growth among Indian institutions and is ranked #1 for Employment Outcomes and Sustainability among private institutions in India. BITS Pilani is also ranked #1 by the Times All India Engineering Institutes Ranking Survey 2024 and rated #3 by Lifestyle Asia as world’s most beautiful University. For more information, visit https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/. 

Fossil Unveils Special-Edition Collection Celebrating The Magic & Wonder Of The Wizard Of Oz™

Fossil is excited to announce its latest enchanting collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, The Wizard Of Oz special-edition collection, celebrating the 85th anniversary of the legendary film. Known for weaving stories through design, Fossil brings the Land of Oz to life through a curated selection of watches, bags and accessories that capture the essence of this iconic story.

At the heart of this collection are the limited-edition Raquel Watch styles (Rs 14995 each), with three standout designs inspired by the most beloved (and bewitching) characters. Each watch showcases a glitz leather strap, a 26mm case, and a rotating second disk. The Wicked Witch™ watch captivates with her broomstick-riding silhouette over a vivid green dial. The Glinda the Good Witch™ watch shines in a rose gold finish with pink crystal accents, embodying Glinda's radiant beauty. Completing the trio is the Dorothy™ watch, a tribute to the legendary Ruby Slippers™, sparkling boldly in vibrant red.

Complimenting the watches are the Jolie Small Crossbody Bags (Rs 14495), paying homage to the three central figures. Perfect for holiday parties, these sparkling crossbody accessories are available in Emerald, Wicked Witch, and Ruby Red styles. Each bag shines in sequins on velvet, accented with a chain link strap. 

Every piece in this The Wizard Of Oz collection comes in one-of-a-kind packaging, complete with a certificate of authenticity. From the rich, emerald jewel tones to the gilded details, these designs are keepsakes that honor the timeless story of The Wizard Of Oz.

Visit Fossil.in and select Fossil retail stores to shop The Wizard Of Oz x Fossil beginning November 12, and follow @Fossil.in to stay current on future launches. 

The Wizard Of Oz is available to own on 4K UHD and Digital.  

FOSSIL

Fossil.in is a leading global lifestyle accessories brand inspired by creativity and ingenuity. We create timeless, well-crafted leather goods, jewelry and watches to accessorize a joyful, inspired life. In everything we do, we strive to Make Time For Good™, working to create positive change for our people and communities.

About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products:

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division, extends the company’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBDGCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on award-winning toy, fashion, home décor and publishing programs inspired by the biggest franchises from Warner Bros.’ film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Eurosport, Adult Swim, and more. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, and promotional partnerships, WBDGCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

Sustainable Promises By Dr. Naresh Tyagi – Rediscovering India’s Heritage Of Sustainable Living

Dr. Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., offers a timely and compelling narrative in his new book "Sustainable Promises", challenging the notion that sustainability is a modern concept. Instead, the book explores how India’s cultural, ecological, and social philosophies have long embodied sustainable living. With the climate crisis looming larger than ever, Sustainable Promises makes a powerful case for rediscovering the wisdom that has guided India for centuries and leveraging it to build a greener, more resilient future.

At its core, the book invites readers to reflect on sustainability not just as a series of environmental actions but as a way of life woven into India’s history. From the teachings of the Rig Veda—which highlight the interdependence of earth, sky, and space—to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the philosophy that all beings form a global family, Dr. Tyagi presents a unique perspective: sustainability is about fostering harmony, not just between humans but also between humanity and nature.

The book delves into India’s traditional ecological knowledge, exploring how principles like Vastu Shastra align architecture with natural elements, and how ancient agricultural practices prioritized conservation and biodiversity. Dr. Tyagi also examines how folk tales, community customs, and spiritual beliefs across India instilled a deep respect for natural resources — principles that align seamlessly with today’s sustainability goals.

Through engaging historical analysis, persuasive analogies, and real-life anecdotes, Sustainable Promises connects the past with the present. It addresses urgent global challenges, from climate change and environmental degradation to social inequality, and highlights how ancient Indian practices provide solutions that are still relevant today. The book emphasizes that sustainable development is not just about technology or policy but about reestablishing a relationship of care and responsibility with the planet.

Dr. Tyagi also presents a future-forward outlook, showcasing how India is leading the way with innovations in renewable energy, sustainable fashion, and community-driven environmental initiatives. The book explores the balance between technology and tradition, arguing that progress need not come at the cost of nature — instead, it can be achieved through conscious collaboration between the two. Sustainable Promises serves as both a philosophical reflection and a practical guide, inspiring individuals, businesses, and policymakers to embrace sustainability as a shared cultural responsibility.

About the Author:  

Dr. Naresh Tyagi is a dynamic and inspiring leader with over three decades of experience in South Asia. A renowned sustainability strategist and futurist. Dr Tyagi has made a substantial impact on sustainability practices and the promotion of inclusivity across industries globally.

He integrates innovations, technology and sustainability into business strategies, advocating for sustainable and inclusive growth that have firmly embedded sustainability into the core of business operations and beyond.

Drive with passion and vision of create systematic changes for sustainable future and social impact, he has been pioneering the sustainable practices in the company, industry and country to champion for sustainable growth and green planet.

Dr Tyagi spoke as an expert on sustainability and social impact at United Nation in New York. He has delivered his TEDx talk on demystifying ESG and three pillar of sustainability. Dr Tyagi is sought after leader, speaker and adviser in various think tanks, industry platform, and academic forums.

Blue Dart Announces Second Quarter Results, Sales At Rs 1,448 Crore

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia's premier express air, integrated transportation, and distribution logistics company, declared its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, at its Board Meeting.

The company posted Rs 60.76 crore profit after tax for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Revenue from operations for the same period stood at Rs 1,448.46 crore. Blue Dart's exceptional service quality, strengthened by advanced automation and technology, remains a cornerstone of its operations, providing customers with a seamless, one-stop solution for all their logistics needs.

Reflecting on the company's performance, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express Ltd., stated, 'During the quarter, we achieved strong year-on-year revenue growth, showcasing our robust performance across both established and sunrise sectors. Our increased earnings capacity enables us to strategically invest in expanding our network, including the deployment of new aircraft into our fleet to enhance our service offerings and meet our customers' evolving needs. Following this, we are also investing in the development of strategic ground hubs and delivery centers for B2B and e-commerce distribution. These investments are designed to enhance scalability, flexibility, accuracy, and speed across our entire network, driving sustainable future growth. By staying agile and innovative, we are well-positioned to seize emerging opportunities and deliver even greater value to our customers.

The company’s positive outlook underlines its readiness to capitalize on future prospects while maintaining its reputation as the provider of choice. Blue Dart is accelerating sustainable growth through its various initiatives, focusing on structural tailwinds in fast-growing geographies and industry sectors, including the megatrend of e-commerce. As a trusted trade facilitator, Blue Dart continues to expand its share of wallet (SOW) in key markets, setting industry standards and driving value for its partners.