Brands
G.O.A.T Brand Labs acquires celebrity-endorsed apparel brand Imara
Mumbai: Strengthening its purse of ethnic lifestyle brands in 2023, G.O.A.T Brand Labs has announced the acquisition of Imara – a popular celebrity-endorsed women’s ethnic apparel brand. Well received by the targeted premium women customers, Imara has expanded its presence in over 70 offline stores, Shoppers Stop who are also a strategic partner of G.O.A.T Brand Labs and online channels like Myntra.
G.O.A.T Brand Labs acquired women’s ethnic wear brand trueBrowns and India’s first celebrity-styled premium women’s apparel brand The Label Life in 2022, which have registered a 10x growth individually in just one year. With its in-house operational expertise and capabilities, G.O.A.T Brand Labs has big plans for Imara.
Anjana Reddy’s brainchild Universal Sportsbiz Pvt. Ltd. (USPL) was founded in 2015 under which several successful lifestyle brands like Wrogn, Imara and Ms Taken have been functioning and gaining popularity across India. As part of USPL, Imara is shaking the premium ethnic wear segment in India by introducing quality, trending products at unbeatable prices. Having been successful in attracting the Indian youth, Imara is also becoming increasingly popular among women in their 40s and above, thanks to its timeless designs.
G.O.A.T Brand Labs CEO & co-founder Rishi Vasudev said, “We heartily thank Anjana Reddy for trusting G.O.A.T to help scale Imara in reaching new heights. Having deeply rooted itself in the Indian premium apparel segment with a mixed presence in both online and offline channels – especially G.O.A.T’s strategic partner Shoppers Stop, Imara has great potential to be promoted further within the country and globally. We at G.O.A.T are strategizing concrete opportunities to make Imara available globally.”
Interestingly, G.O.A.T Brand Labs announced the acquisition of premium lifestyle brand Chumbak and four other D2C businesses earlier this month. Following Imara’s acquisition, G.O.A.T Brand Labs’ portfolio now has a significant base of premium women customers and a presence in both offline and online channels.
Brands
India’s food culture takes a bold turn in 2025
From fusion desserts to experiential dining, four trends reshape how the nation eats.
MUMBAI: India’s plates just got a serious upgrade in 2025 because when tradition meets TikTok and fusion meets fitness, even the humble samosa starts feeling trendy. The Godrej Food Trends Report 2025 predicted several shifts in Indian eating habits, and the past year proved the forecasters right. From reimagined desserts to immersive dining experiences, Indian consumers showed they want authenticity, convenience, global flavours and health in equal measure.
Here are four trends that truly came alive in 2025 and are now shaping how India eats and dines:
1. Indian Desserts Get a Modern Makeover Traditional mithai found fresh life through fusion experiments. Cheesecakes, truffles and plated desserts inspired by classics like gulab jamun and rasgulla gained popularity, while chocolate-forward, fruit-led and lower-sugar options appealed to younger diners. According to the How India Eats 2025 report, desserts and ice-cream parlours were among the fastest-growing segments in organised food services. Examples: The Bombay Canteen’s Coffee Rasgulla Sundae and Le Chocolate Cakes and More’s Gulab Jamun Cake. Chef Aarohi Sanghavi of Maki Patisserie noted the shift toward seasonality and fresh Indian produce, while Chef Heena Punwani of Maska Bakery highlighted the appeal of flexible, weekend-special menus.
2. Social Media Becomes the New Menu Food discovery went fully digital. Instagram Reels, YouTube reviews and creator-led content heavily influenced dining choices, with food remaining one of the most consumed categories on social media. Restaurants began designing visually striking dishes specifically for shareability, while many diners found new spots through viral videos rather than traditional advertising. The How India Eats 2025 report revealed that over 75% of marketing spends by leading QSR chains now go toward digital channels. Cafes like Mokai and Candies became creator favourites, and brands such as Bastian Hospitality curated highly shareable pop-ups and events. Kavita Rajwade of IVM Podcasts emphasised how long-form storytelling helps decode food’s cultural and economic layers, while Pranav Joshi of Floydian Cookery admitted his page grew far beyond expectations.
3. Snacking Culture Goes Mainstream India’s love for snacks evolved into a full grazing lifestyle, with many opting for multiple small bites throughout the day instead of three structured meals. This shift spurred innovation in formats—from gourmet chips and fusion street food to protein-packed options. Restaurants responded with small-plate menus designed for sharing. The How India Eats 2025 report noted that late-night orders grew nearly 3x faster than dinner. Brands like The Whole Truth Foods and Green Snack Co. popularised clean-label snacks such as protein bars and roasted nuts. Madhushree Basu Roy of Pikturenama Studios predicted a mix of convenience, health consciousness and global influences, while freelance food writer Sharmila Vaidyanathan observed that consumers want the best of both worlds healthy options for routine snacking and traditional treats for special occasions.
4. Dining Becomes an Experience, Not Just a Meal The most noticeable shift was the rise of experiential dining. Consumers increasingly sought restaurants that offered more than good food, they wanted immersion, storytelling and chef-driven concepts. Venues like Papa’s in Mumbai (intimate tasting menus), Bombay Daak (theatrical regional flavours) and Masala Library (modernist presentations) turned meals into memorable events. Tasting menus, themed pop-ups and chef collaborations became more common, transforming dining out into entertainment. The How India Eats 2025 report highlighted how experience-led formats and storytelling are key to attracting younger diners. Chef Karan Upmanyu of ParTTwo in Bengaluru observed that new outlets are breaking away from rigid formats, focusing instead on creating relaxed spaces where people simply enjoy spending time.
As 2026 unfolds, these trends suggest India’s food culture is no longer just about what’s on the plate, it’s about how the plate makes us feel, connect and remember. From a quick Reel-inspired snack to a full theatrical dining experience, Indian diners are voting with their forks for food that is both rooted in tradition and unafraid to experiment. The table, it seems, has never been more exciting.
