Category: MAM

  • Dabur dishes out growth with a healthy Q1 dose of profits

    Dabur dishes out growth with a healthy Q1 dose of profits

    MUMBAI: Dabur’s Q1 results are proof that nature’s remedies still pack a punch on the balance sheet. The homegrown FMCG major reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 508 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, registering a robust year-on-year jump from Rs 494 crore in Q1 last year and Rs 313 crore in the preceding quarter.

    Riding on a wave of resilient demand and smart cost management, Dabur clocked Rs 3,405 crore in consolidated revenue from operations up from Rs 3,349 crore in the same period last year and a sharp rise from Rs 2,830 crore in the March quarter.

    The company’s profit before tax stood at Rs 663 crore, up from Rs 642 crore in Q1FY25 and Rs 412 crore in Q4FY25. Total expenses were contained at Rs 2,886 crore for the June quarter. Of this, Rs 1,424 crore went into raw materials, Rs 344 crore into stock-in-trade, and Rs 338 crore into employee benefits.

    Advertising and publicity remained a priority with Rs 394 crore spent, even as other operating costs totalled Rs 202 crore. Dabur’s focus on product innovation and brand-building clearly continues at pace.

    From a segmental perspective, the Consumer Care division led the pack, raking in Rs 2,705 crore in revenue, followed by the Foods segment at Rs 621 crore. Retail and other businesses brought in Rs 26 crore and Rs 44 crore respectively. Segment profit from Consumer Care alone stood at Rs 644 crore.

    On the balance sheet, Dabur reported total consolidated assets of Rs 17,244 crore, with liabilities at Rs 5,493 crore. Debt remained in check, with the debt-to-equity ratio at 0.13 and current ratio at 1.74. Net worth stood at Rs 11,230 crore.

    Meanwhile, the company continues to back its global playbook, with subsidiaries ranging from Dabur Egypt and Naturelle LLC to Dermoviva in the US and Namaste Laboratories. The international business continues to be a strategic growth engine.

    In terms of shareholder return, Dabur’s basic and diluted earnings per share for Q1 stood at Rs 2.90, a notable jump from Rs 1.81 in Q4FY25.

    With the monsoon season known to fuel demand for healthcare and personal care items, Dabur’s green shoots are likely to blossom further in the quarters ahead.

  • Swiggy feels the pinch as losses deepen despite revenue rise

    Swiggy feels the pinch as losses deepen despite revenue rise

    MUMBAI: Swiggy may be whipping up record revenues, but it’s still nursing a sizeable financial hangover. The food delivery giant reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 1,197 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, widening from Rs 611 crore in the same quarter last year even as its operating revenue jumped 54 per cent year-on-year to Rs 4,961 crore.

    This comes just a quarter after its IPO, which fetched fresh proceeds of Rs 4,359 crore. The company, now publicly listed on both NSE and BSE, seems to be in no mood to tighten the purse strings yet.

    Swiggy’s quick commerce and supply chain businesses were the biggest revenue drivers this quarter, clocking Rs 806 crore and Rs 2,259 crore respectively. Its core food delivery vertical followed at Rs 1,799 crore. However, not all lines were profitable in fact, far from it. Quick commerce alone posted a loss of Rs 797 crore, and the supply chain and distribution business added another Rs 47 crore to the red. Platform Innovations, including experiments like Swiggy Sports, Genie and Minis, lost Rs 52 crore.

    Even the bright spot food delivery wasn’t enough to offset expenses across the board. Swiggy spent Rs 1,036 crore on advertising and promotions, Rs 1,313 crore on delivery and related charges, and Rs 816 crore on other operating costs. Employee expenses stood at Rs 686 crore, while depreciation and amortisation costs rose to Rs 288 crore.

    Total expenses for the quarter reached Rs 6,244 crore more than Rs 1,280 crore higher than total income, which came in at Rs 5,048 crore (including Rs 87 crore in other income). No tax was recorded for the quarter.

    Swiggy also booked an additional Rs 1 crore loss from its associate company and reported Rs 2 crore in other comprehensive loss, resulting in a total comprehensive loss of Rs 1,199 crore for the quarter.

    The company’s paid-up share capital stood at Rs 230 crore. Earnings per share for the quarter came in at a negative Rs 5.04.

    Swiggy’s consolidated results include wholly owned subsidiaries like Scootsy Logistics, Supr Infotech, Lynks Logistics, and Swiggy Sports, along with the Swiggy Employee Stock Option Trust and associate Loyal Hospitality.

    While the company continues to spend big across verticals, investors and analysts will be watching closely to see if Swiggy’s scale can eventually serve up a path to profitability or if it’s still biting off more than it can chew.

  • Cigarettes and Surplus: ITC lights up with Rs 4912 crore Q1 profit

    Cigarettes and Surplus: ITC lights up with Rs 4912 crore Q1 profit

    MUMBAI: No smoke without earnings and this quarter, ITC puffed its way to a Rs 4,912 crore net profit. The diversified conglomerate reported a strong start to FY26, with standalone net profit from continuing operations hitting Rs 4,912.36 crore in Q1 (ended June 2025), slightly ahead of last year’s Rs 4,819.93 crore. There were no exceptional items this time, making the growth all the more clean-cut unlike Q4 FY25’s massive Rs 15,179 crore gain from discontinued operations (read: the hotel demerger windfall).

    Revenue from operations stood at Rs 21,058.98 crore, up 20 per cent from Rs 17,593 crore in the same quarter last year. Total income, including other income, touched Rs 21,721 crore. Operating margins remained strong with profit before tax (PBT) at Rs 6,545 crore, while tax expenses stood at Rs 1,633 crore.

    The star of the pack? FMCG – Cigarettes, contributing Rs 8,520 crore in revenue, up from Rs 7,918 crore in Q1 FY25. Agri business shot up impressively too, clocking Rs 9,685 crore compared to Rs 6,973 crore a year ago, partly due to favourable trade opportunities. Meanwhile, FMCG – Others (staples, snacks, personal care) delivered Rs 5,777 crore. The segment’s EBITDA for the quarter came in at Rs 546 crore, down from Rs 619 crore in Q1 FY25.

    Despite facing inflationary pressure, employee costs remained stable at Rs 915 crore, and excise duty inched up slightly to Rs 1,309 crore. The company’s cost of materials consumed rose to Rs 6,171 crore, up from Rs 5,351 crore in Q1 FY25 reflecting both volume and price hikes.

    On a consolidated basis, the picture was equally robust. ITC posted a net profit of Rs 5,343 crore (continuing operations), with group revenues touching Rs 23,129 crore. The discontinued hotel business (now housed in ITC Hotels Ltd post-demerger) reported nil operations for the quarter, closing the chapter on an era that brought Rs 15,016 crore profit in FY25.

    Segment-wise, consolidated FMCG revenues totalled Rs 15,354 crore, with cigarettes delivering Rs 9,554 crore. Paperboards, paper and packaging clocked Rs 2,117 crore, while agri continued its sharp rise.

    The group also onboarded subsidiaries such as Sresta Natural Bioproducts, making room in its books for future-ready green growth.

    Earnings per share for the quarter stood at Rs 3.93 (basic), with reserves at Rs 66,649 crore. Total assets stood at Rs 90,513 crore, with liabilities under check at Rs 17,385 crore.

    With no hotel baggage and a consistent run across core verticals, ITC appears to be in cruise control mode puffing profits, planting purpose, and packing numbers that speak for themselves.

  • Godrej Yummiez brings Protein to the everyday plate

    Godrej Yummiez brings Protein to the everyday plate

    MUMBAI: Godrej Yummiez has launched a campaign “Protein to bahana hai, Godrej Yummiez khaana hai”. Focused on the increasing need for everyday protein consumption, the campaign is rooted in a cultural shift we’ve been observing, Chicken Nuggets are fast becoming a fan favourite in Indian households, not just for their taste, but also for their versatility. At the same time, children are no longer passive eaters. They’re increasingly influencing family food choices and asking sharper questions about what’s on their plate. Recognising this change, the campaign takes a playful yet purposeful approach to showcase how kids today are becoming the biggest champions of smarter snacking.

     

    In a refreshing twist, the campaign flips the traditional parent-child dynamic. Here, it’s the kids schooling their parents on protein and smart eating. With humour, affection and a bit of reverse psychology, the two ad films show children leading the conversation rejecting low-protein snacks and guiding their parents toward a smarter fix that doesn’t compromise on taste: Godrej Yummiez Chicken Nuggets with 16g of protein per serving. In one film, a young boy climbs onto a stool, flexes in the mirror, and proudly shows off abs he’s drawn on his stomach with a marker, setting the stage for his mission to find a proper protein fix. In the second, a spirited daughter throws playful protein facts at her dad during a push-up session, declaring her intent to grow stronger, only if she gets her share of protein-packed nuggets.

    According to the India Snacking Report Volume 2 (STTEM 2.0), 59% of parents believe that frozen snacks are a convenient fix for hungry children. Both films are anchored in themes of nutrition, convenience, and the changing vocabulary of families who are becoming more aware of nutritional choices.

    Speaking on the campaign, Godrej Foods Ltd head of marketing & innovation, Anushree Dewen said, “Today’s parents want snacks they can feel good about – ones that are fun, nutritious, and made with care. With 16g of protein per serve, our Godrej Yummiez Chicken Nuggets deliver just that. It’s made better with our commitment to clean-label and advanced IQF technology that locks in freshness without compromise. This campaign celebrates the clever ‘bahanas’ kids come up with – all in the name of getting their favorite protein fix: Chicken Nuggets.”

    Swati Bhattacharya, Head of Lightbox Creative Lab, who led the campaign’s creative direction, added, “The world is fried with ‘taste bhi health bh’i campaigns. So, we knew we wanted to do something different, something that delivers the promise of 16 gm protein in every serving and 100% entertainment with every viewing”

  • Yes Securities launches ‘What’s your Investyle?’

    Yes Securities launches ‘What’s your Investyle?’

    MUMBAI: Yes Securities, a subsidiary of Yes Bank, has announced the launch of ‘What’s your Investyle?’ an interactive Snapchat AR Lens, set to go live on Friendship Day (3 August 2025). This is the first time a BFSI brand in India is leveraging Snapchat’s AR platform to drive financial awareness among younger audiences in a format they love—fun, social, and highly shareable.

    The filter helps users discover their Investyle—such as the Bold Tiger or the Cautious Turtle—each representing a distinct investment style and risk appetite. It encourages users to tag friends, share their results, and engage in friendly conversations about money, behaviour, and investing.

    This latest campaign is part of Yes Securities’ ongoing commitment to making finance more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for India’s youth. From promoting personalized investing through the OMNI app with the Invest KaroApne Style Me campaign, to encouraging women to start their financial journeys through the #ExtraordiNARI initiative, the brand has consistently pushed for inclusion. Its Wonga Wits financial literacy program aims to reach one million students by FY28, while The Wize Whispers brings money concepts to life through comics, quizzes, and characters like Mr. Turt—making finance fun for first-time investors.

    Yes Securities head – marketing and corporate communications Amit Bhandare shared, “The ‘What’s Your Investyle?’ campaign is a strategic initiative to engage with the Gen Z audience by aligning with their digital behaviour and personal expression. Through this campaign on Snapchat, we aim to create meaningful awareness about our newly launched Omni App, which empowers users to invest in a manner that is intuitive, seamless and reflective of their individual style.”

     

  • Bajaj Pulsar rides into spotlight with a bold new message, Duniya Dekhti Hai. Tu Dikha

    Bajaj Pulsar rides into spotlight with a bold new message, Duniya Dekhti Hai. Tu Dikha

    MUMBAI – Bajaj Auto Ltd. has launched its latest campaign for Pulsar with a bold message for India’s youth: Duniya Dekhti Hai. Tu Dikha.

    Today’s youth are surrounded by secondhand experiences, be it through AI-generated content, influencer lives, or gamified thrills. But deep inside, they crave something real, raw, and felt first-hand.

    They don’t just want to watch someone else take risks. They want to feel the rush themselves. Because authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a rebellion.

    In a world chasing synthetic highs — reels, simulations, virtual thrills — Pulsar reignites the raw, unfiltered joy of real performance and real power. With every ride, it reminds riders what it feels like to achieve something genuinely thrilling — not virtually viewed, but physically conquered.

    The campaign urges viewers to break out of the spectator mindset – to put down their phones and pick up their imaginations. Because for this generation, the ease of consumption is a trap. It’s in the discomfort of creation that they come alive. Whether it’s content, ideas or identity, what it boils down to is that it’s new and unapologetically theirs.

    The film’s powerful imagery is supported by a compelling story: Pulsarmaniacs do not merely follow trends, they create them. Equipped with unparalleled power and precise performance, the Pulsar becomes more than a machine – it is a declaration; a call to action to join forces with those willing to take a stand, get noticed and assert themselves.

    Speaking on the occasion, Sumeet Narang, president, marketing, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “With ‘Duniya Dekhti Hai. Tu Dikha,’ we’re speaking to a generation that’s tired of borrowed experiences and filtered realities. Today’s youth crave the real rush — something raw, personal, and unfiltered. Pulsar has always stood with those who don’t just watch from the sidelines but choose to feel the thrill first-hand. This campaign is a tribute to that spirit — bold, original, and fiercely authentic.”

    At a time when blending in is easy and standing out takes guts, Pulsar refuses to settle for the ordinary. It stands against passivity, conformity, and being just another face in the crowd. It champions those who lead with originality, who create instead of copy and who ride not just to move but to make a mark. Because, Duniya Dekhti Hai. Tu Dikha.

  • BBDO India elevates Shruthi Subramaniam to executive creative director – Mumbai

    BBDO India elevates Shruthi Subramaniam to executive creative director – Mumbai

    MUMBAI: BBDO India has announced the elevation of Shruthi Subramaniam to the role of executive creative director – Mumbai. With over 14 years of experience, Shruthi brings a powerful combination of creative excellence and strategic acumen to her new leadership role.

    At BBDO India, Shruthi has been the creative force behind campaigns for iconic global brands such as WhatsApp, Bumble, Neutrogena. Her portfolio also includes work for industry giants like Unilever and Mercedes-Benz – projects that are as impactful as they are culturally meaningful. Most recently, she was honoured with a prestigious CLIO Music Award, earning recognition alongside international names like Harry Styles and Ozzy Osbourne – a testament to her ability to create work that resonates across borders and audiences.

    In her new role, Shruthi joins BBDO India’s core leadership team, where she will help shape the agency’s creative direction, lead key client partnerships, and mentor emerging talent. Her focus will be on driving innovation in both storytelling and “story-doing,” while pushing the boundaries of modern advertising.

    Commenting on Shruthi’s promotion, Josy Paul, Chairman & CCO, BBDO India, said, “Shruthi’s work is famous, her craft is brilliant, and her vision for the future of advertising is inspiring. She’s been an integral part of BBDO India’s growth story. With our vibrant, diverse talent pool, we’re confident she’ll bring even more value to our clients while moving the agency and industry forward.”

    Speaking on her new role, Shruthi Subramaniam, ECD, BBDO India shared, “The BBDO Ashram is my home – I want to decorate it with ideas, fill each room with the warmth of conversation, and have people over who never want to leave. Belonging is the start of everything. My wish is to make people belong, bloom and become.”

  • Ankit Rihal takes charge of global partnerships at Meta India

    Ankit Rihal takes charge of global partnerships at Meta India

    MUMBAI: Ankit Rihal, a veteran of nearly a decade at Meta, has snagged a new gig as head – global partnerships, India. Rihal, who’s been a fixture at Meta for a solid nine years and two months, is now tasked with steering the ship for global alliances in the burgeoning Indian market.

    With over 17 years in the rough-and-tumble world of media and entertainment, Rihal brings a proven knack for crafting impactful content ecosystems and forging strategic partnerships. He’s danced across everything from OTT and television to film, music, and gaming, making him a rather versatile chap. Before this latest move, he was busy leading creator & public figure partnerships for Meta’s Facebook and Instagram in India, managing the high-stakes relationships across entertainment, sports, fashion, and music – essentially, shaping the creator economy at scale.

    During his Meta tenure, Rihal has been the brains behind some of India’s most iconic digital initiatives, including the likes of #SocialForGood, #LiveInYourLivingRoom, and the rather catchy Born on Instagram. He also played a pivotal role in rolling out flagship products such as Reels, Instagram Stories, and Threads in India, which, one might say, helped Meta cement its digital dominance.

    His expertise spans from go-to-market strategy, digital IP creation, product adoption, content acquisition, stakeholder engagement to orchestrating large-scale cross-functional & team leadership.

  • TBWASri Lanka and Maliban bring humanity to the Till with ‘HumaniTill’

    TBWASri Lanka and Maliban bring humanity to the Till with ‘HumaniTill’

    MUMBAI – In a powerful demonstration of creativity with purpose, TBWASri Lanka has unveiled a unique public engagement initiative called HumaniTill, developed in collaboration with its client Maliban and in partnership with the Meththa Foundation. The project is designed to restore mobility, independence, and dignity to people with disabilities across Sri Lanka.

    Conceived by TBWASri Lanka, HumaniTill transforms the humble donation box into a symbol of empathy and hope. The installation takes the form of a life-sized human figure with a transparent prosthetic arm and leg – a striking reminder of the thousands who have lost limbs due to illness or accidents. More than just a creative execution, the initiative seeks to inspire action by connecting the act of giving with the tangible outcome of restoring someone’s ability to walk again.

    “At TBWA, we always ask how creativity can fuel social impact. HumaniTill is not just a campaign; it’s a movement that embodies disruption with meaning,” said Renuka Marshall, managing director at TBWASri Lanka. “We are proud to collaborate with Maliban and Meththa Foundation on this purpose-driven journey.”

    Launched during the sacred Poson Poya season in Anuradhapura – one of the most significant periods of religious observance in Sri Lanka – HumaniTill was placed at the holy sites of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya. With thousands of devotees in attendance, the campaign bridged spiritual generosity with life-changing outcomes.

    To date, the initiative has collected enough money to fund the donation of three below-knee prosthetic limbs, with a fourth limb – leg or arm, depending on the waiting list – set to be provided in the coming weeks. Each prosthetic limb costs a minimum of Rs. 60,000 (approx. USD 200), with the basic, up-to-standard below-knee limb being the primary focus, ensuring maximum impact for every rupee raised.

    “This was a moment where brand, culture, and compassion converged,” added Soruban Sivapatham, chief creative officer at TBWASri Lanka. “It’s rare to be part of an idea that’s so visually moving and deeply human. HumaniTill is a reminder that small acts can lead to profound change.”

    As part of an ongoing program, HumaniTill will continue to be deployed across the country, inviting the public to participate in acts of giving that directly transform lives. The initiative is set to expand to 12 of the most prominent Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, with two locations already completed. These events will coincide with the Poya holiday each month, harnessing moments of collective spirituality for meaningful action. Discussions are also underway to bring HumaniTill installations to prominent public spaces – such as malls and other high-traffic venues – further widening its reach and impact.

     

  • Tina Mansukhani Garg joins Havas Creative as president

    Tina Mansukhani Garg joins Havas Creative as president

    MUMBAI: Havas Creative India, part of the wider Havas Creative Network, has made a cracking appointment, bringing Tina Mansukhani Garg on board as its new president. Formerly the chief executive officer and founder of Pink Lemonade Communications, a rather sweet-sounding agency, one might say – she arrives with a clear mandate: pump up the volume on growth and cement Havas Creative’s footprint in the ever-shifting South India market.

    Based out of the bustling tech hub of Bengaluru, Garg will report directly to Rana Barua, the group chief executive officer for Havas India, South East Asia & North Asia. She’ll be spearheading a team of over 70 dedicated souls at Havas Creative Bengaluru, wrangling key clients and, more importantly, plotting to expand the agency’s creative and strategic reach across the entire southern region. Think of it as a strategic southern offensive.

    Ms. Garg isn’t going it alone. She’ll be working by jowl with Kundan Joshee, managing director, Havas Creative India, and Anupama Ramaswamy, joint managing director and chief creative officer, Havas Creative India, all with the shared goal of igniting and accelerating the agency’s growth.

    With almost three decades of experience under her belt, spanning branding, content, design, and digital strategy, Garg brings a formidable arsenal of integrated marketing know-how to the table. During her time at Pink Lemonade, she reportedly tangoed with over 1,000 global and Indian brands, including heavy hitters like Swiggy, Dell, GE Healthcare, Hyundai, PwC, and Mercedes. Havas, it appears, has bagged itself a marketing maestro ready to paint the town red, or rather, the south green with new business.