Zomato is reshuffling its leadership after facing several challenges over market share in recent times.

Rakesh Ranjan, CEO of food delivery at Eternal which is the parent company of Zomato has stepped down from his role. There is ongoing internal restructuring going on in Zomato. Founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal will oversee the food delivery segment until a new leader is appointed, reported Economic Times.

Zomato Leadership Reshuffle

Rakesh Ranjan, was appointed CEO of Zomato’s food delivery division in May 2023. After leaving the current role he will remain with the company and handle different segments. According to a media report the reshuffle is part of a broader internal reorganization.

“There’s an internal reshuffle underway, and as part of that, Ranjan is stepping down from his position as food delivery CEO. Deepinder (Goyal) will be overseeing the vertical until a permanent replacement is finalized,” one source told ET.

The company is finding candidates for the role internally as well as externally and new appointments expected in the coming months.

Competition From Zepto & Swiggy

Zomato is facing increased competition in the food delivery segment, from its largest rival, Swiggy, which has been gaining market share. As of the October–December quarter, Swiggy had 43% of the market, which is higher than 42% in the previous quarter. As more players are entering the 10 minute delivery app, Zomato may lose its market share further.

Zomato has started a quick delivery app Blinkit. However, their restaurant partners questioned operational feasibility and profitability.

Zomato’s Market Share

The leadership changes are done after a slowdown in the food delivery industry. Despite the festival season of October–December quarter, which is a high consumption period, Zomato’s growth was very less. Gross Order Value (GOV) for the quarter rose by only 2% to Rs 9,913 crore, with a 17% year-on-year increase.

Goyal acknowledged challenges in the food delivery sector in an interview with ET. “Food delivery has multiple systemic issues that need to be solved. Once we solve those, the interests of Zomato, restaurants, and customers will align toward growth. I’m hoping that we can launch some of these solutions in the next three months,” he said.

Author Credits- Anirudha Yerunkar, India.com

Europe’s parcel delivery industry is at a crossroads, with rising e-commerce demand, urban congestion and sustainability concerns requiring a new approach to last-mile delivery. The rise in parcel locker networks has been beneficial, but the trend for carrier-specific locker networks is creating inefficiencies. A new approach of open smart locker networks will combat this, enabling multiple carriers to share infrastructure, thereby reducing costs and improving logistics.

A fragmented delivery market

Consumer behavior is shifting toward more flexible delivery solutions. OOH deliveries are projected to grow from 15% in 2020 to 29% by 2025, with 39% of shoppers already receiving deliveries outside their homes and 48% using multiple delivery locations. As home delivery costs rise, 50% of consumers abandon purchases due to expensive shipping, increasing demand for cost-effective, convenient alternatives, according to the Tembi Delivery Index.

By opening the networks and investing in carrier-agnostic solutions, operators can consolidate deliveries into a single touchpoint

Currently, parcel logistics in Europe relies on closed, proprietary locker networks that force customers to collect packages from multiple locations, increasing costs and inefficiencies. For customers, this current method means wasted time; for carriers, it adds strain, missed deliveries and last-mile costs. By opening the networks and investing in carrier-agnostic solutions, operators can consolidate deliveries into a single touchpoint, improving efficiency for all.

Open networks as the new standard

One recent example of an open parcel locker network has come from DeinFach. In February, the company launched its carrier-agnostic, hardware-flexible network in Germany, enabling multiple logistics providers to share infrastructure, benefiting couriers, retailers and consumers.

To make open networks successful, parcel locker operators need to work with technology solutions providers to ensure the back-end software enables full interoperability between locker systems, allowing operators to scale without vendor lock-in. With plug-and-play deployment, different hardware providers and logistics companies can integrate their systems effortlessly, reducing infrastructural costs for business and delivering the ultimate delivery convenience to customers.

Overcoming industry barriers

Interoperability can be one of the biggest challenges in building an open network, as the logistics industry currently lacks standardization. Technology providers such as Bloq.it are now developing new universal protocols that allow different lockers to communicate and operate under a single system – without intermediaries. A key innovation in this area is self-healing technology, which detects and corrects locker inconsistencies for network reliability.

To enable open networks like DeinFach, a strong technology backbone is essential, and logistics providers must embrace multi-vendor interoperability to stay competitive in an evolving global delivery ecosystem.

Interoperability can be one of the biggest challenges in building an open network, as the logistics industry currently lacks standardization

Expansion and market adoption

The open network model simplifies parcel collection, optimizes deliveries and boosts foot traffic for location partners. Open networks are the future of European parcel logistics. Retailers, carriers and urban planners must move beyond isolated systems as demand for faster, more efficient delivery grows. Carrier-agnostic software will form the backbone of this expansion, enabling locker networks to function like IoT devices, seamlessly integrating with real-time logistics needs.

Data security remains a priority for the logistics industry, so the software at the heart of these open networks should be designed with security at its core, encrypting data both at rest and in transit, just like modern internet protocols. Lockers should be as secure as any connected device in an IoT ecosystem.

The shift to open smart locker networks is inevitable, not only in Europe but worldwide. Logistics providers must adapt or risk being left behind.

Author Credits- MARTA SILVA, Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

FedEx Express has launched its first direct flight from Singapore to Anchorage, Alaska, to provide enhanced supply chain efficiency and improved connectivity for businesses in Southeast Asia, especially in fast-growing economies such as Malaysia.

Operating six times a week with a dedicated Boeing 777 freighter, the flight departs from the FedEx South Pacific Regional Hub at Changi Airport in Singapore. According to FedEx, it is the only logistics provider offering a direct, non-stop connection from Singapore to the continental US.

With this enhanced connectivity, shipments from Malaysia will be consolidated in Penang and Kuala Lumpur before being transported to Singapore for the direct flight to Anchorage. There is also a direct return flight from Anchorage to Singapore once a week, with plans to expand to five flights per week in the summer.

According to FedEx, the flight improves transit times, allowing shipments picked up in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand on a Saturday to arrive in the US on a Monday – a day earlier than previously.

“With this new service, FedEx reaffirms its dedication to supporting Malaysian businesses in their pursuit of global success,” said Tien Long Woon, managing director of FedEx Malaysia. “By providing a more reliable link to the US, we are empowering businesses in key hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Penang to navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence.

“As Southeast Asia’s trade landscape evolves, FedEx remains committed to delivering innovative logistics solutions that help Malaysian businesses stay competitive and thrive in the global marketplace,” he added.

Author Credits- HAZEL KING, Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

The Body Shop plans to reduce many of its product prices in India by between 28% and 30% to boost customer acquisition and increase sales volume growth in the country’s increasingly competitive beauty market.

“This is not a seasonal or reactive move, it is a long term recalibration of The Body Shop’s approach at an omni-channel level,” Quest Retail’s group CEO Rahul Shanker told ET Retail. “The strategic decision to recalibrate prices has been taken after consulting the global team to speed up growth in the Indian market.”

The business will adjust prices for approximately 50% of its business, ET Bureau reported. This will cover around 60 products in 12 different categories.

“This decision has been taken without compromising the quality and packaging of the products,” said Shanker. “Going ahead, by increasing the volumes, we aim to bring economies of scale… This initiative will not impact the profitability as we will gain volumes. Even if the percentage moves a little bit downward, it will be covered by volumes.”

The Body Shop plans to double its India business in the coming five years. For the 2026 financial year, the business is targeting between 30% and 40% volume growth and 20% to 25% growth in value terms.

Author Credits- Isabelle Crossley, FASHION NETWORK

FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has completed the acquisition of a 90.5 percent stake in Uprising Science, parent company of personal care brand Minimalist for Rs 2,706 crore ($318 million).

Last month, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had approved HUL’s proposal to acquire a majority stake in the brand.

“The company has completed the acquisition of 90.5 percent shareholding of Uprising through a combination of primary infusion and secondary acquisition for a total cash consideration of Rs 2,706 crore in accordance with the terms and conditions of the SPSA,” HUL said in a regulatory filing.

“With this, Uprising Science and its subsidiaries have now become subsidiaries of HUL,” it added.

HUL plans to acquire the remaining 9.5 percent stake in the business from its founding brothers Mohit and Rahul Yadav in the coming two years.

Founded in 2018, Minimalist offers skincare, haircare, and body care products. It retails through its e-commerce website, online marketplaces, Nykaa’s offline stores, general beauty trade outlets, and independent pharmacy stores.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

The rise of e-commerce and participation in international trade expos have emerged as key platforms for promoting a wide range of Filipino export products, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines has said.

According to lawyer Maria Katrina D Rivera, assistant director at the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Filipino entrepreneurs are leveraging technology and global networking events to meet the growing demand for food products and personal care items in markets like the Middle East.

In an EMB report, Rivera stated that e-commerce has gained significant momentum across the globe, citing the Middle East, which is home to hundreds of thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

“In 2023, the distribution of OFWs across countries worldwide indicated Asia (77.4%), North and South America (9.8%), Europe (8.4%), Australia (3.0%), and Africa (1.3%) were the leading five destinations for OFWs,” stated the report.

The Middle East remains the top destination for OFWs, the report also stated, adding that “among Asian countries, Saudi Arabia was the leading destination, accounting for 20% of the total OFWs in 2023.”

The EMB report also emphasised the growing reliance on social media marketing and partnerships with influencers, as well as regional bloggers to connect with audiences. It further reported that subscription-based food deliveries and online shopping platforms are also becoming key channels for consumers in the Middle East.

“Although the e-commerce share of beauty and personal care retail sales remains relatively small in most countries, it is generally continuing to grow. While grocery retailers and health and beauty specialists still tend to dominate distribution, with small local grocers and department stores still playing a role in some countries, a gradual shift to omnichannel operations is being seen in the region,” the report explained.

The shift to e-commerce aligns with broader market trends, including the demand for sugar-reduced and plant-based food products, as well as clean beauty offerings, which reflect the region’s heightened focus on health and sustainability, the report stated, adding that “[there has been a] steady rise in health consciousness, a growing concern for the planet, and consumers [are] placing strong emphasis on supporting local businesses.”

According to Rivera, the participation of Filipino entrepreneurs in international trade expos, such as the ‘Gulfood Innovation Awards’ in Dubai has also been instrumental in showcasing the competitive edge of Philippine exports.

Rivera said Filipino companies have also received recognition for their unique and high-quality products, citing Lionheart Farms’ ‘Carbonated Coconut Flower Sap Drink Calamansi’ and Fisher Farms’ ‘Deboned Milkfish in Chili Spiced Coconut Cream’.

Author Credits- Peter Alagos, GULF TIMES

The partnership is expected to create new revenue streams and offer customers faster, more seamless access to retail products

ADNOC Distribution and digital platform noon have entered a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing last-mile delivery services and redefining quick-commerce in the UAE, the companies announced on Tuesday.

The partnership will see the establishment of new noon Minutes fulfilment hubs within ADNOC service stations across the UAE—home to the country’s largest network of retail locations. The collaboration aims to bring ADNOC Oasis convenience store products to customers via noon’s advanced, AI-powered logistics network, with deliveries promised in as little as 15 minutes.

“This partnership marks a new chapter in ADNOC Distribution’s transformation,” said Engineer Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution. “By combining our nationwide retail network with noon’s advanced digital and logistics capabilities, we are accelerating our journey to turn service stations into smart convenience hubs — powered by technology and focused on delivering real value.”

ADNOC Oasis products now available for doorstep delivery

The initiative will integrate ADNOC’s retail infrastructure with noon’s AI-driven systems that offer dynamic inventory management, personalised recommendations, and real-time delivery route optimisation.

ADNOC Oasis products will now be available for doorstep delivery through the ADNOC Distribution mobile app, fulfilled by noon riders.

“This collaboration is a major step forward in how we redefine convenience for customers in the UAE,” said noon CEO Faraz Khalid. “With ADNOC Distribution as a key strategic partner, noon is stronger and even better positioned to serve our customers.”

The move also supports ADNOC Distribution’s strategy to expand its non-fuel retail footprint, deepen digital integration, and adopt emerging technologies such as AI to streamline operations and improve customer experience.

noon minutes focused on ultra fast delivery

noon Minutes, the express delivery arm of noon, already operates ultra-fast fulfilment across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, delivering groceries, electronics, and essentials in under 15 minutes.

With 551 service stations and 373 Oasis convenience stores across all seven emirates, ADNOC Distribution operates the most extensive retail mobility network in the country.

The company also provides services such as EV charging, car washes, and lube changes.

The partnership is expected to create new revenue streams and offer customers faster, more seamless access to retail products.

News Credits- Gulf Business

Nike Inc. has appointed a new top strategy executive as its leadership team tries to turn things around at the world’s largest sportswear company.

Jennifer Hartley, a 14-year Nike veteran, has been named chief strategy officer and takes a place on Nike’s senior leadership team, according to an internal memo. A representative from Nike confirmed that she’ll start in the role this week.

The move comes as Chief Executive Officer Elliott Hill looks to stage a comeback for Nike, which is coming off a tough year of weak sales. Chief Financial Officer Matt Friend said in the memo that Hartley will work to “develop, drive and deliver Nike’s strategic agenda.”

Nike’s former chief strategy and transformation officer Daniel Heaf departed earlier this year after management decided to eliminate his role, and the teams he oversaw were integrated into the finance department.

News Credits- FASHION NETWORK

Suditi Industries Ltd has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Harsh Agarwal as the chief executive officer (CEO) of its kidswear brand, Gini & Jony.

Agarwal will succeed Prakash Lakhani, the founder and former CEO of the brand who will now transition into a mentorship role within the organisation.

In his new role, Agarwal will be engaged across all aspects of the business that include product development, retail operations, technology integration and customer interactions.

Commenting on his new role, Harsh Agarwal in a statement said, “As we embark on this next chapter, my commitment is clear: we will reimagine childhood through the lens of possibility. With courage, creativity, and care, we will make Gini & Jony the most trusted companion in every child’s story.”

Prakash Lakhani added, “Building Gini & Jony over the past four decades has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. I am immensely proud to now pass the leadership to Harsh, who brings both fresh perspectives and a profound respect for the brand’s heritage. I have complete confidence in his ability to lead Gini & Jony into an exciting future characterised by innovation, integrity, and genuine care.”

Founded in 1980 by the Lakhani brothers, Gini & Jony was acquired by Suditi Industries Ltd in 2024. The brand retails across India through its exclusive brand outlets, large format multi-brand stores, and e-commerce marketplaces.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

Logistics major Delhivery has approached the Competition Commission of India to seek approval to acquire a 99.4% stake in Ecom Express for Rs 1,407 crore. In a joint notice, the companies stated that the proposed transaction would not affect market competition or alter existing dynamics in the logistics sector.

“At the outset, it is submitted that the relevant products and geographic markets can be left open, given that the proposed transaction will not lead to any change in the competitive dynamics, let alone cause any appreciable adverse effect on competition, in any market in India,” read the notice by the businesses, Inc42 reported.

While acknowledging overlaps in logistics services, express parcel delivery, and warehousing, the companies said they also share vertical relationships in intralogistics automation and downstream logistics services. The notice argued that the acquisition falls under Section 5(a) of the Competition Act, 2002, which requires regulatory clearance for combinations above specific thresholds.

“The proposed transaction reflects the Indian economy’s continuous requirement for improvements in cost efficiency, speed and reach of logistics,” said the applicants. “The proposed transaction will enable the parties to service their customers better, through continued investments in infrastructure, technology, network and people.”

Delhivery’s offer represents an 80% markdown from Ecom Express’ last valuation of Rs 7,300 crore in June, 2024. The deal follows a series of setbacks at Ecom Express, including the death of cofounder TA Krishnan, leadership churn, and the loss of key clients such as Meesho, Reliance, and Amazon.

Author Credits- Isabelle Crossley, FASHION NETWORK