Brands
Paisabazaar aims Rs 1500 cr mutual fund AUM by 2018
MUMBAI: Paisabazaar has announced that assets under management (AUMs) garnered through its mutual funds products crossed Rs 1000 crore mark last month. The organisation says it is confident of reaching Rs 1500 crore of AUM by March 2018.
The fin-tech company launched mutual funds on its platform in April 2016 and has over 20 partners, which includes India’s top asset management companies (AMC) on board. This department provides investment solutions to retail consumers as well as specialised advice to HNIs and institutions.
Paisabazaar.com CEO and co-founder Naveen Kukreja says, “Paisabazaar.com has created a complete spectrum of financial products to cater to all personal finance needs of our customers. While we are the market leaders for lending products, our investment portfolio too has witnessed over 3X growth since launch.
Since last year, the mutual funds AUM has grown by over 30 per cent with customers from over 650 cities and towns. The aim is to get more than 4000 new customers and over 6000 SIPs every month and the focus will remain on creating a seamless investment experience for consumers.
Paisabazaar.com director of mutual funds Manish Kothari adds, “Our mutual fund customers benefit from cutting-edge features and hassle-free digital processes. Along with varied fund choices from top AMCs, we also provide assistance from an expert investment team that assists you to create a customised portfolio according to your needs and profile. Customers may also transact and track their investments on the go on a real-time basis through a personalised dashboard, which is also available on our mobile app.”
ICICI Prudential AMC SVP and head of marketing, digital and customer experience Abhijit Shah believes that Paisabazaa, in a short span, has established itself as agile, trustworthy and customer friendly online financial marketplace. It has emerged as one of ICICI’s most valuable online partners.
It is the only financial player to disburse loans worth Rs 2500 crore in the financial year 2016-17. The company is targeting a 3X growth and aims to cross Rs 6000 crore annualised disbursal run rate by the end of this financial year. It plans to touch annualised disbursal of Rs 25000 crore by 2020.
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.
