Category: Marketing

  • Hindustan Foods cooks up profit rise as Q1 revenue nears Rs 1,000 crore

    Hindustan Foods cooks up profit rise as Q1 revenue nears Rs 1,000 crore

    MUMBAI: Hindustan Foods has served up a healthy quarter, dishing out a net profit of Rs 31.73 crore for Q1 FY26, up from Rs 27.25 crore a year ago, as revenue from operations nearly touched the Rs 1,000 crore mark. For the three months ended 30 June 2025, consolidated revenue hit Rs 994.69 crore, a 14.6 per cent year-on-year jump from Rs 868.08 crore, and a sequential rise from Rs 933.37 crore in Q4 FY25. Other income contributed Rs 3.44 crore, taking total income to Rs 998.13 crore.

    Expenses also climbed, with cost of materials consumed at Rs 778.50 crore, employee benefits at Rs 62.83 crore, and manufacturing and operating costs at Rs 51.67 crore. Finance costs rose slightly to Rs 20.47 crore, while depreciation and amortisation came in at Rs 20.92 crore.

    Profit before tax stood at Rs 42.06 crore, compared to Rs 36.24 crore in Q1 FY25. After accounting for Rs 10.33 crore in taxes, the bottom line settled at Rs 31.73 crore. Basic and diluted earnings per share held at Rs 2.69, up from Rs 2.38 a year earlier.

    On a standalone basis, revenue reached Rs 733.23 crore, up from Rs 639.66 crore last year, with net profit climbing to Rs 30.38 crore.

    With its production lines humming, Hindustan Foods has managed to whisk together rising sales and steady margins — a recipe it will hope to keep following for the rest of FY26.

     

  • Imagicaa coasts to profit ride despite dip in visitor-driven revenue

    Imagicaa coasts to profit ride despite dip in visitor-driven revenue

    MUMBAI: It’s been a rollercoaster quarter for Imagicaaworld Entertainment and not just in the parks. The theme park and hospitality operator posted a net profit of Rs 4,431.21 lakh for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, more than doubling sequentially from Rs 1,572.83 lakh in Q4 FY25, even as revenues dipped year-on-year.

    Revenue from operations stood at Rs 14,809.80 lakh, down 19.6 per cent from Rs 18,398.37 lakh in the same quarter last year, but up sharply from Rs 9,440.41 lakh in the preceding quarter. The Parks Division remained the star attraction, contributing Rs 13,104.08 lakh in revenue and Rs 4,250.13 lakh in segment profit. The Hotel Division added Rs 1,705.72 lakh in revenue and Rs 443.88 lakh in profit.

    Finance costs jumped to Rs 426.49 lakh from just Rs 39.30 lakh a year ago, while depreciation and amortisation expense rose to Rs 2,566.38 lakh. Advertisement, sales and marketing spend more than doubled quarter-on-quarter to Rs 1,492.96 lakh, signalling a push to draw in visitors.

    Total expenses came in at Rs 10,542.38 lakh, leaving a profit before tax of Rs 4,497.54 lakh, a drop from Rs 8,808.22 lakh in Q1 FY25, but a hefty rebound from Rs 1,624.76 lakh in Q4 FY25.

    On the balance sheet, total assets stood at Rs 1,85,260.83 lakh, with the Parks Division accounting for the lion’s share. Capital employed reached Rs 1,29,805.42 lakh, up from Rs 1,08,271.28 lakh a year earlier.

    While visitor-driven revenues took a dip compared to last year, Imagicaa’s ability to bounce back quarter-on-quarter suggests it’s strapping in for a steady ride through FY26 with the Parks Division firmly in the front seat.

  • Spa before you fly Meghavi opens India’s first in terminal wellness lounge

    Spa before you fly Meghavi opens India’s first in terminal wellness lounge

    MUMBAI: Layovers just got a luxury upgrade. Meghavi Wellness, one of India’s largest spa chains, has unveiled three Air Spalounges at Mumbai International Airport’s T2, the country’s first-ever in-terminal wellness lounges built exclusively for air travellers. Strategically located at Level 3 (domestic, near gates 49 and 85) and Level 4 (international, near gate 47), these lounges transform the dead time between flights into a high-end health retreat.

    Unlike the traditional “quick-fix” airport spa, Meghavi’s Air SpaLounges are purpose-built for the jet set merging zero-gravity recliners, vibroacoustic therapy, lymphatic massages, and Ayurvedic treatments under one plush roof. The concept is simple: walk in, pick a therapy, and walk out lighter no bookings, no detours, no stress.

    Meghavi Wellness co-founder Megha Dinesh calls it “transit wellness reimagined as essential infrastructure”, noting that travel’s toll on the body goes beyond tired legs, it disrupts sleep, circulation, and mental balance. Fellow co-founder Prashant Jain highlights the exclusivity: from hot stone therapy and herbal potli massages to private shower pods and no-touch treatments, this model is unique in Indian airports.

    With the capacity to pamper 31 guests at a time, the Mumbai launch marks Meghavi’s 5th Air Spalounge and its 60th outlet nationwide. The sprawling lounges feature couple suites, four-hand therapy setups, ambient-lit cocoon zones, and an aroma retail corner for travellers to take the calm home.

    Members of the Meghavi Wellness Passport gain pan-India access to over 60 outlets, including spas in luxury hotels and malls, with perks such as complimentary 30-minute massages in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

    Every treatment is led by Meghavi’s 100-plus internationally trained therapists, blending traditional Indian healing with global techniques. Whether it’s a deep tissue detox or a jet lag recovery ritual, the focus is on one thing: making sure travellers take off feeling better than when they landed.

  • Indigo Paints brushes off slowdown with steady Q1 despite muted demand

    Indigo Paints brushes off slowdown with steady Q1 despite muted demand

    MUMBAI: Even a splash of rain couldn’t wash away Indigo Paints’ colours this quarter though the palette did lose some of its shine. For the quarter ended 30 June 2025, the company’s standalone net revenue from operations inched up 0.3 per cent year-on-year to Rs 94.9 crore, despite muted industry demand. Consolidated revenue, however, dipped 0.7 per cent to Rs 308.9 crore, with management citing early monsoons as a key drag.

    Margins showed signs of wear. Standalone gross margin slipped to 46.1 per cent from 47.0 per cent a year earlier, while EBITDA margin narrowed to 14.8 per cent from 15.6 per cent, largely due to higher fixed costs and slower scale-up. PAT margin held nearly flat at 8.8 per cent, with net profit easing just 0.4 per cent to Rs 26.4 crore.

    On a consolidated basis, gross margin stood at 45.9 per cent, EBITDA margin at 14.3 per cent, and PAT margin at 8.3 per cent. Net profit fell 2.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 26.1 crore, while EBITDA excluding other income dropped 6.5 per cent to Rs 44.3 crore.

    The results suggest that while the paint maker Indigo Paints is holding its hue in a subdued market, it will need a stronger coat of demand in the coming quarters to restore the gloss.

  • Zomato onboards Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador

    Zomato onboards Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador

    MUMBAI – Zomato announces a landmark association with global superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, welcoming him as its new brand ambassador. The announcement follows Shah Rukh Khan’s recent appearance in Zomato’s latest campaign, Fuel Your Hustle, which celebrates the quiet grind behind some of India’s most celebrated names.

    Through the campaign and this association, Zomato aims to resonate with every individual who truly believes in hard work and consistency and reinforce its commitment to supporting their journey with food.

    Commenting on the association, Zomato marketing head, Sahibjeet Singh Sawhney said, “Shah Rukh Khan’s journey, from humble beginnings to global icon, mirrors the grit and persistence we believe in. No shortcuts, just relentless progress. We’re excited to welcome him as our brand ambassador, inspiring millions to keep showing up and fuelling their ambition. His influence transcends generations and borders and is a reminder for India to keep at it.”

    Shah Rukh Khan added, “Zomato’s story is one of hustle, innovation and a love for bringing people closer to what they cherish most—great food. It’s a journey that resonates with me deeply, and I am thrilled to be part of a brand that has become a household name across India.”

  • Zepto zips into 10-minute medicine service

    Zepto zips into 10-minute medicine service

    MUMBAI: Zepto is betting that Indians want their paracetamol as fast as their groceries. On 7 August Aadit Palicha, chief executive of the quick-commerce firm, announced the launch of Zepto Pharmacy on LinkedIn. 
    The service promises to deliver common medicines—from headache tablets like Saridon to antibiotics—within 10 minutes.

    But the rollout is cautious. The pharmacy service is live only in select areas of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Hyderabad. Palicha said his team has spent 12 months perfecting “the customer experience, supply chain, and compliance at a small scale” before this limited launch.

    “Our objective is to keep operational standards extremely high and not scale too rapidly given the complexity of this category,” he explained. The measured approach reflects the regulatory hurdles and safety concerns inherent in medicine delivery—a stark contrast to Zepto’s typically aggressive expansion in groceries.

    If executed well, Palicha believes the service could “seriously improve the lives of millions of customers across the country and help make important medicines easier to access when we need them the most.”

    The move marks Zepto’s latest attempt to diversify beyond groceries, where it competes fiercely with rivals like Blinkit and Instamart. Whether Indians will embrace ten-minute medicine delivery with the same enthusiasm they have shown for rapid grocery runs remains to be seen.

  • Gary Kirsten partners with Yugen Infra for cricket villas near Goa

    Gary Kirsten partners with Yugen Infra for cricket villas near Goa

    MUMBAI: Cricket dreams now come with a front porch and a golf course view. Yugen Infra, the real estate developer known for blending lifestyle with leisure, has roped in Gary Kirsten South African cricket legend and coach of India’s 2011 World Cup win to co-create 30 ultra-exclusive Cricket-Front Villas at its flagship Yugen Golf City near Goa’s MOPA International Airport.

    The announcement, made at The Lalit in New Delhi on 6 August, marked the start of a strategic partnership between Kirsten, Russel Symcox of GK Investments, and Yugen Infra. Together, they’ll shape a residential project designed for those who want cricket to be more than just a weekend pastime, a lifestyle where the pitch is as close as the patio.

    “These villas are more than homes; they are a celebration of India’s cricketing soul,” said Yugen Infra managing director Sheeshram Yadav. “We are transforming a nation’s passion into an everyday experience.”

    The second innings of the evening featured the unveiling of True North International School Asia’s first residential institution pairing world-class academics with elite sports training. Spread over 10 acres, the school, developed with True North Group, will follow a dual-track curriculum offering mentorship in cricket, chess, and other competitive sports alongside rigorous academics.

    “Education is the foundation of a progressive society,” Yadav added. “We want our students to have the discipline of athletes and the curiosity of scholars.”

    Kirsten called the collaboration “impactful” and praised the vision of combining education with high-performance sport. The launch included a fireside chat on nurturing tomorrow’s champions with panellists such as Aakash Chaudhry, founder of Sparkl Edventure, and Prof Harish Chaudhry of IIT Delhi.

    Guests ranged from school leaders of DPS, GD Goenka, and Heritage Group to global sports mentors, investors, and innovators all aligned with Yugen’s goal of building a community where the classroom and the cricket field are equally central to daily life.

  • Philips India launches the Philips Avent Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump

    Philips India launches the Philips Avent Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump

    MUMBAI: Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), announced the launch of their biggest innovation – the Philips Avent Hands-free Breast Pump, in India. It was unveiled at an exclusive event in the presence of Masaba Gupta – renowned fashion designer, entrepreneur, actor, and a new mother herself, who is the face of this campaign. With the #GiftOfFreedom campaign, the launch event highlighted the importance of supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journey with more freedom and flexibility, a key highlight during World Breastfeeding Week.

    New mothers get so overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenting and their constant focus to do the best for their baby, that they end up sacrificing their own care. Infact, research shows that 2 in 3 new mothers get less than one hour to themselves each day. The Philips Avent Hands-free Breast Pump is designed to give mothers that time back, offering a hands-free, comfortable, and discreet pumping experience, freeing them up to multitask and care for themselves without compromising on their baby’s needs. With features like Natural Motion Technology, hospital strength motor & SkinSense breast shields, it has been designed around the needs of a new mother to make her breastfeeding journey smoother.

    Commenting on the launch, Vidyut Kaul – head of Personal Health, Philips growth region (JAPAC, ISC, META & LATAM), said, “At Philips, our mission is to create meaningful innovations that address real-life challenges faced by today’s consumers. Within our Personal Health portfolio, Philips Avent has long been a trusted companion for parents around the world, supporting every stage of the parenting journey, from feeding and soothing to monitoring and care. The launch of the Philips Avent Hands-free Breast Pump marks another step in our commitment to empowering new-age parents. More than just a product, it reflects our belief that self-care is an integral part of motherhood. With this innovation, we aim to bring greater comfort, freedom, and confidence to mothers, making a lasting impact with care.”

    Speaking about her own experience, Masaba Gupta – founder, Entrepreneur & Actor, shared, “Becoming a mother changed everything including how I think about time, rest, and showing up for myself. I have realized that carving out space for yourself is not luxury, it’s essential. That’s why I am happy to be part of this campaign. As an Avent mom, I’ve personally used and trusted Philips Avent products, and this new hands-free breast pump is truly a game-changer. It gives you the freedom to step out for a meeting, a workout, or just a moment of fun, without second-guessing if your baby is okay. It’s not just tech; it’s a quiet form of support for moms who do it all”.

    The event, hosted by Simone Khambatta, one of India’s top mommy bloggers, featured a heartfelt video by Masaba Gupta, followed by a candid conversation between Masaba & her mother Neena Gupta on how parenting has evolved across generations. A powerful ramp- walk with new mums, with Masaba as the showstopper, revealed that all mothers were using the Philips Avent Hands-free breast pump live on stage, showcasing the true freedom it offers to new mothers, setting a new benchmark & empowering mothers to embrace self-care while supporting to always provide the best for their baby.

    In their constant endeavor towards supporting new mothers in their parenting and breastfeeding journey, the event concluded with the announcement of a landmark strategic partnership between Philips Avent and Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, who are coming together to drive awareness and education regarding the challenges of breastfeeding for new mothers, and towards achieving and ensuring that mothers can get all their doubts clarified, they are joining hands to soon provide complementary lactation consultation sessions to all mothers who buy a Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump.

    Sriram Iyer – CEO, Apollo Health and Lifestyle Ltd. said, “At Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, we believe that informed care is empowering care – especially for new mothers navigating the uncertainties and challenges of breastfeeding. This partnership with Philips Avent is a reflection of our shared commitment for supporting mothers with the right knowledge, guidance, and tools they need during this beautiful yet demanding journey.”

    He added further, “Philips Avent’s commitment to empowering new mothers in the motherhood journey through their innovative products, perfectly complements our dedication to expert maternal care and nutrition for newborns. Together, we aim to make momhood a little easier and a lot more empowering- helping mothers live with greater freedom, confidence, and peace of mind.”

  • Johnnie Walker Luxe Blended Water debuts ‘The Walkers List’

    Johnnie Walker Luxe Blended Water debuts ‘The Walkers List’

    MUMBAI: For over 25 years, Keep Walking has been a rallying cry for bold progress and purposeful action. In its latest expression of this enduring philosophy, Johnnie Walker Luxe Blended Water presents The Walkers List — an avant garde cultural platform bringing together changemakers, creators and innovators all toward creating a movement that embraces the spirit of progress.

    The Walkers List brings together a collective of celebrated individuals who challenge norms, reimagine possibilities, and leave a lasting imprint on their communities and the culture at large. At its heart, The Walkers List seeks to inspire purposeful action through collaboration, providing a stage for those who represent the virtue of never standing still.

    The platform, in its inaugural edition, is supporting a collective of creative disruptors and collaborators that redefine boundaries and progress in the fields of art, dance, music, and fashion. So, get ready to experience:

    . The Walkers Jersey by Virat Kohli x Saina Nehwal – A transformative collaboration that transcends sports to champion equality and progress. Co-created by two of India’s most celebrated sporting icons, this exclusive jersey embodies a powerful commitment to elevating women’s sports and creating equal opportunities. Designed not just for athletes but for every advocate who believes in gender equality in sports, The Walkers Jersey invites supporters to wear their values and walk alongside the change they wish to see.

    . Paizār-e-Pashm by Babar Afzal × Aprajita Toor– A bold reimagining of artisanal heritage, where traditional cashmere pashmina craftsmanship meets culturally inspired yet modern footwear designs, to create a timeless impact. Proceeds from the sale of the footwear will go towards the upliftment of the sustainable cashmere pashmina shepherding and artisanal community by Pashmina Goat Project and an NGO supporting handicraft artists in keeping alive traditional arts of India.

    . Dhwani by Shilo Shiv Suleman × Colleena Shakti – An immersive art installation that brings together handcrafted metalwork and responsive movement to create a living expression of “keep walking”. This installation was successfully showcased on 27th July, 2025, at Snowball Studios, Worli. This collaboration celebrates community and craft, featuring master Lohar artisans from Jaipur and local Odissi dancers who worked closely to blend traditional Indian metalworking and dance techniques with contemporary vision. The 250-kilogram golden spiral installation transcends static art through movement, light, and human connection, while creating sustainable opportunities for craftsmen and preserving cultural heritage.

    . The Planet Song by Ricky Kej × Rashmeet Kaur – A powerful sonic exploration advocating for sustainability and social change through genre-defying track by a Grammy award winning artist and an innovator on traditional folk music forms from India.

    With these bold new creations, The Walkers List ignites a powerful cultural shift — inviting audiences to discover how purpose-driven collaborations and fearless creativity are shaping the future, one boundary-breaking idea at a time.

    “Johnnie Walker Blended Luxe Water believes progress is never a solo journey. The Walkers List was created to champion individuals who are challenging conventions and shaping the future through creativity and community impact,” said Diageo India CMO Ruchira Jaitly (USL). “With this initiative, we bring the Keep Walking narrative to life — not just through words, but through impactful, positive action.”

  • TBZ posts 13 per cent profit growth in Q1 as sales see steady rise

    TBZ posts 13 per cent profit growth in Q1 as sales see steady rise

    MUMBAI: All that glitters is gold at least for TBZ. Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Limited (TBZ), the iconic Indian jeweller, began FY26 on a shiny note, reporting a 13.4 per cent year-on-year rise in profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 209.44 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2025. The performance came riding on the back of festive campaigns, curated premium collections, and expanding footprint in key metros and emerging markets.

    Revenue from operations for Q1 FY26 rose 4.7 per cent to Rs 6,240.07 million, up from Rs 5,962.43 million in Q1 last year. What sparkled more than sales, though, was efficiency gross profit rose a gleaming 17.4 per cent to Rs 1,008.43 million, buoyed by better product mix and procurement smarts. Gross margin jumped 176 basis points (bps) to 16.16 per cent.

    EBITDA for the quarter clocked in at Rs 514.08 million, a 20.7 per cent YoY rise, while EBITDA margin improved 110 bps to 8.24 per cent, reflecting operational discipline even as new stores came online. Profit before tax stood at Rs 282.39 million, up 13.8 per cent from Rs 248.16 million in the same quarter last year.

    PAT margin ticked up 27 bps to 3.37 per cent. Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose to Rs 3.14, up from Rs 2.77 in Q1 FY25.

    On a consolidated basis, TBZ’s performance was equally gilded. Consolidated PAT came in at Rs 224.97 million, up from Rs 170.48 million a year ago. Total income stood at Rs 6,257.44 million, with total expenses at Rs 5,959.49 million. Operating costs remained largely under control despite higher material costs and finance charges.

    The company’s strategy leaning into occasion-led campaigns and premium designs seems to be paying off. Inventory changes shaved off Rs 3,176.57 million in costs, and labour charges were kept at Rs 507.27 million. Finance costs stood at Rs 1,767.28 million, and depreciation rose marginally to Rs 741.76 million.

    In a market known for volatility and sentiment-driven buying, TBZ has managed to strike the right chord with customers while keeping its financials glittering. The strong start to FY26, marked by both topline growth and margin expansion, sets the tone for the quarters ahead especially as the festive and wedding season approaches.