Brands
Procter & Gamble partners WE Hub to identify and collaborate with startups
MUMBAI: Procter & Gamble (P&G) in partnership with WE Hub, the first-of-its-kind state-run platform for Women Entrepreneurs, recently concluded its first Telangana edition of vGROW Summit. vGROW is P&G’s first-of-its-kind platform to identify and collaborate with businesses and individuals offering innovative industry-leading solutions. Three startups were selected to pilot innovative digitisation and energy optimisation solutions at P&G’s Hyderabad plant that manufactures Ariel®, Tide® and Pampers®. This partnership is in line with P&G’s commitment to invest in Indian startups and inclusive growth.
More than 55 startups, from across India, applied through WE Hub. The shortlisted applicants were then given an opportunity to pitch their innovative solutions at P&G’s vGROW Summit held at WE Hub office in Hyderabad. Out of these, three startups will now be piloting their solutions at P&G’s Hyderabad manufacturing plant.
Principal secretary to IT E & C Department Jayesh Ranjan said, “It is encouraging to see organisations like P&G and initiatives like vGROW supporting the startups in the country. Partnerships like these will help create an ecosystem for inclusive growth.”
P&G India associate director – purchasing and supplier partnerships Shivangi Jain said, “As a company, innovation is an integral part of how we operate and provide superior propositions to our consumers. We firmly believe that when all stakeholders come together, it accelerates innovation that leads to inclusive growth. Our partnership with WE Hub is helping us connect and leverage external startup capabilities to strengthen our operations and drive inclusive growth in the state of Telangana. This partnership is part of P&G’s vGROW platform in line with the company’s commitment to invest and collaborate with startups, small businesses, and individuals offering innovative industry-leading solutions.”
WE Hub CEO Deepthi Ravula said, “P&G’s active participation to involve startups in their pursuit to drive automation in their manufacturing site sets a great precedent for involvement of Corporates in creating a conducive environment for startups. The success of the program was its structured approach, as all relevant stakeholders were well-prepped on working with startups, which helped the startups understand the problem statements better.”
The handpicked startups will now work in close collaboration with the P&G team to pilot their solutions at P&Gs Hyderabad plant.
Brands
Reliance Consumer Products partners with Fazer for premium chocolates in India
MoU signed during Finnish President’s visit to leverage RCPL’s distribution for Fazer brands.
MUMBAI: Reliance just added Finnish chocolate to its sweet spot because when the land of saunas meets the land of spices, the result is a premium bar that melts borders. Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Finnish food company Fazer to manufacture, market and distribute Fazer’s premium branded chocolates across India. The agreement was formalised during Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s state visit to India on 7 March 2026.
The long-term strategic partnership combines Fazer’s heritage recipes, quality standards and global chocolate expertise with RCPL’s massive distribution network reaching nearly three million retail outlets nationwide. The collaboration aims to introduce Fazer’s well-known premium products to Indian consumers while strengthening business ties between the two nations.
Reliance Consumer Products Limited director T. Krishnakumar said, “By combining Fazer’s globally trusted brands and manufacturing excellence with RCPL’s local production capabilities, robust distribution network and deep consumer insights, we are well positioned to bring world-class products to Indian consumers and elevate the overall category experience.”
Fazer president and CEO Christoph Vitzthum added, “With RCPL handling commercialisation and distribution in India, we can establish a premium position in the chocolate market and create a foundation for a broader nationwide rollout.”
Since its launch in 2022, RCPL has steadily expanded in the confectionery segment by reviving legacy Indian brands such as Ravalgaon, Toffeeman, Pan Pasand and Lotus Chocolate Company. Fazer, a major player in the Nordics, Baltics, Poland and China with exports to over 40 countries, sees India’s fast-growing chocolate market as a key opportunity.
In a country where chocolate is no longer just a treat but a growing daily indulgence, this tie-up isn’t just about bars, it’s about blending Nordic precision with Indian scale to sweeten the next chapter of the confectionery story.
