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  • Glam Slam in Mumbai as GICW sets the runway for its Season 6 debut

    Glam Slam in Mumbai as GICW sets the runway for its Season 6 debut

     MUMBAI: Flashbulbs, fashion, and a fresh address India’s couture caravan is heading west. After five dazzling, drama-filled seasons in Delhi, Global India Couture Week (GICW) is stitching up a new chapter with its grand Mumbai debut for Season 6, scheduled for 19th, 20th, and 21st September 2025. One of India’s most influential fashion platforms, GICW is turning up the couture heat in the city that never sleeps bringing together legendary designers, Bollywood glamazons, and next-gen fashion firebrands under one sequinned roof.

    The move marks a bold shift for GICW, promising a more high-octane, creative, and collaborative energy. Think red carpet dazzle, influencer-packed FROWs, and runway shows that go from classic couture to cutting-edge chaos in the best possible way.

    “GICW is not just about showcasing fashion, it’s about shaping the future of Indian design,” said Flashbulbs, founder Satyajit Mohanty.

    His partner-in-style, Flashbulbs director of operations Sidharrth Behera added, “Mumbai represents a new energy, and we’re opening our doors wide for young designers to step in, shine, and scale.”

    Over the years, GICW has featured couture royalty like Anju Modi, Neeta Lulla, Wendell Rodricks, Narendra Kumar, Samant Chauhan, and Tanieya Khanuja. The film world has been equally smitten, with Karisma Kapoor, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Palak Tiwari, and Divya Khosla Kumar lending their star wattage to the catwalk.

    Now, with applications open for emerging designers, GICW Season 6 is giving the fashion disruptors of tomorrow a chance to rub shoulder-pads with the greats. Limited slots are up for grabs, and the exposure is not just national, but global zero compromises, full glamour.

    With India’s fashion industry valued at over 18 billion dollars and luxury couture seeing a sharp post-pandemic boom, GICW’s strategic shift to Mumbai is more than just a location change. It’s a sartorial power move, designed to tap into the city’s celebrity ecosystem, global connectivity, and buzzing fashion calendar.

    So whether you’re a die-hard couturista or a meme-scrolling style enthusiast, brace yourself. September’s going to be all sequins, swagger, and seriously high fashion Mumbai style.

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  • IBAI report pegs India’s insurance boom at Rs 25 lakh crore by 2030

    IBAI report pegs India’s insurance boom at Rs 25 lakh crore by 2030

    MUMBAI: The Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI) kicked off its silver jubilee year with a bold vision and bolder numbers. At its 24th Foundation Day celebration in Mumbai, the association unveiled its flagship report – ‘Leading the Path to Insurance for All: Broker of the Future’ – developed in collaboration with knowledge partner McKinsey & Company. The report, launched by Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Governor of Maharashtra, paints a bullish picture: India’s insurance sector could more than double from Rs 11 lakh crore in 2024 to Rs 25 lakh crore by 2030.

    Marking the occasion, Mr. M Nagaraju, IAS, secretary, Department of Financial Services, urged brokers to move beyond metros and into Bharat – Tier 2, Tier 3 towns, SMEs, and agri sectors. “IBAI must partner with public institutions and state governments to ensure truly democratic access to insurance,” he said.

    The McKinsey report doesn’t pull punches. India’s 91 per cent protection gap is among the highest globally. Just 1 in 2 Indians has life insurance; 2 in 5 have health cover. Strip away government schemes, and that number drops to 1 in 4. Rural India contributes 45 per cent of GDP, yet only 2 per cent of insurance branches exist in these areas.

    Retail and SME segments are projected to be the twin engines of growth. The retail market alone could swell to Rs 21 lakh crore, driven by mass-market demand. On the institutional side, non-life premiums could nearly triple to Rs 2.8 lakh crore, largely fuelled by health and property insurance.

    Speaking at the event, M Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, DFS, MoF said, “I congratulate IBAI on embarking on its silver jubilee year and commend its efforts through initiatives like the Brokers Voice survey, I Broker Magazine, and the Claims Handbook. As India moves towards the goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, the role of insurance brokers becomes increasingly vital. IBAI has emerged not just as a trade body but as a responsible stakeholder and thought leader in the insurance value chain. I urge brokers across the country to actively contribute to this national mission—especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, among small businesses, and in the agriculture sector. IBAI must work closely with the government and public institutions to build awareness, simplify products, and enhance capacity, ensuring truly democratic access to insurance. I also encourage brokers to actively participate in state-level insurance programs.”

    Insurance Brokers Association of India president Narendra Bharindwal said, “India’s insurance sector is entering a new era of opportunity, with the potential to more than double by 2030. The growth, however, needs to be secured by fast focus on bridging the massive 91% protection gap that exists in the country. At this moment, brokers have a strategic inflection point. Moving away from merely intermediaries, brokers are becoming trusted advisors that will translate awareness into action and build trust in underserved markets. Regulations permitting, with access to growth capital and investments in digital capabilities, brokers would be able to scale, drive inclusion, and form the bedrock of India’s journey toward ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047. This empowerment must begin now.”

    McKinsey & Company senior partner Peeyush Dalmia said, “The Indian insurance industry is at an inflection point. Despite significant growth in premiums, the sector continues to face challenges such as a protection gap and low coverage. Transforming Indian insurance requires innovation and collaboration from all stakeholders, including insurers, brokers, industry bodies, and regulators. Brokers are situated at the intersection of demand and supply, could potentially lead the journey towards the aspiration of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.”

    The report, based on surveys of 2,500 retail customers and 100 institutional clients, uncovered a startling insight: while awareness is rising, intent to buy remains low. Among affluent individuals and HNIs, 60 per cent believe their life insurance should be 10× their salary, but only 30 per cent actually have that cover. Trust is key as 70 per cent of HNIs rely on advisors, while mass-market consumers trust friends and family.

    On claims, the story is grimmer. Half of HNIs and over 55 per cent of SMEs report dissatisfaction with claims handling, citing delays, paperwork, and poor support.

    India has 735 licensed insurance brokers, but the top 36 control 85 per cent of revenues. Capital access is limited. Regulatory support and digital investment, the report suggests, could transform brokers into true financial allies — especially in mass and SME markets.

    The study outlines four strategic interventions to become the Broker of the Future:

    ●    Drive demand through segment-specific, omnichannel engagement

    ●    Unlock access in underinsured markets

    ●    Partner on product innovation

    ●    Create transparent, hassle-free claims and after-sales experiences

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  • Homable Group and Perpetual Capital invest together and launch Astra Studios

    Homable Group and Perpetual Capital invest together and launch Astra Studios

    Mumbai: Astra Studios, a bold new force in global creative technology, has been officially launched. Founded by the former senior leadership from MPC, The Mill and Technicolor India – Biren Ghose, RK Chand, Rajarajan Ramakrishnan and Shajy Thomas, the company is backed by a strategic investment from the Hombale Group, creators of India’s most successful storytelling franchises including KGF, Salaar and Kantara along with Perpetual Capital.

    The rise of Machine Learning & Gen AI is disrupting every layer of content production, triggering a reinvention of creative workflows, talent dynamics, and business models in the industry. Blending decades of global expertise in Creative Storytelling, Visual Effects, Animation, Immersive & Experiential Media, the Astra Studios leadership team is poised to redefine how high-quality content is imagined & produced. With next-generation workflows and a focus on compelling, character-led storytelling universes, Astra is setting out to empower filmmakers, brands and content platforms alike.

    “Astra is our launchpad for a creative revolution – a studio purpose-built for the future of content. We are fusing world-class artistry with cutting-edge emerging technologies. We will play in the arena where cinematic brilliance meets next-gen computer graphics. This will redefine how stories are designed, created, shared and experienced. India is at an inflection point in the global content arena, and Astra aims to lead that evolution, creating new jobs while continuing to partner creatives globally.” said Astra Studios founder Biren Ghose.

    “We are supporting the vision behind Astra Studios to help grow stories and movie franchises across different platforms using emerging technologies. Astra’s founding team brings a wealth of talent and experience as well as global connectivity and passion for new technology. This will enable the Hombale Group to undertake projects with greater scope and complexity to create powerful new ‘story worlds’ for our franchise fandoms.” said Hombale Films founder Vijay Kiragandur.

    Astra Studios’ core focus areas include:

    ●End to End Creative Solutions for Films, Series and Brand Campaigns –  Ideation, Visualisation, VFX, Generative AI Solutions and Post-Production

    ●  Development of original Character Universes and Global IP

    ●  Immersive Experiences across brands, AR/VR and Location-based media

    ●  Premium Animation for both Streaming and Theatrical formats

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  • Parle-G celebrates the evolution of motherhood into friendship

    Parle-G celebrates the evolution of motherhood into friendship

    MUMBAI: This Friendship Day, Parle-G has released its deeply moving Mother-Daughter film, a tribute to the beautiful evolution of one of life’s most powerful relationships. Through the story of a mother and her daughter, the film gently reminds us that sometimes our oldest relationships become our strongest friendships.

    Parle-G’s campaign this year is a call to pause and reflect on the unsung friendships in our lives, the bonds that weren’t chosen, but were always there.

    “Friendship isn’t just about who we laugh with, it’s also about those who quietly stand by us through every step of life,” said Mayank Shah, Vice President at Parle Products. “Through this film, we honour not just our bonds with friends, but the deeper bonds of companionship with those who are our silent pillars of support—our mothers, sisters, mentors—who’ve moulded us with love and care. Parle-G has always celebrated core emotions, which is the brand’s strength. The fact that we understand and empathise with our near and dear ones comes through naturally in this well-crafted film.”

    “This film reflects a generational shift in parenting. When we were growing up, parents were stern, often authoritarian figures. Their word was law. You listened, obeyed, and rarely questioned. But today’s parents are different. There’s a softer, more empathetic approach. They make the effort to understand their children’s world, to meet them where they are, and to build trust through friendship. That change in perspective lies at the heart of our film.”, said Thought Blurb Communications founder & chief creative officer, Vinod Kunj.

    When we are young, mothers are our first teachers, protectors, and disciplinarians. They make the rules, guide us, feed us, and with every Parle-G dunked in milk, they pass on tiny bits of wisdom. But with time, some things change.

    This film captures that emotional journey with incredible simplicity and honesty. Of going from dependency to deep connection, from mother and daughter to lifelong confidantes. “Today’s mother isn’t just parenting, she’s growing with her teen. She’s evolving, unlearning, listening, and effortlessly stepping into the role of a friend. And what’s beautiful is, it’s mutual. It’s a relationship I know intimately – as a daughter and as the mother of a teen. This film is a celebration of the quiet, unspoken friendship that so many mothers and daughters share today.”, said Thought Blurb Communications national creative director, Renu Somani.

    This Friendship Day, join Parle-G in celebrating the friendships that don’t begin in a playground, but in a kitchen, at a dining table, or in the quiet corners of a busy home. Because the journey from “Ma” to “best friend” is one of life’s most beautiful transitions. And like Parle-G, it’s a bond of a lifetime.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Parle-G (@officialparleg)

     

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  • Vim celebrates India’s cleanest cities with sparkling tribute and floor cleaner discounts

    Vim celebrates India’s cleanest cities with sparkling tribute and floor cleaner discounts

    MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever’s home care brand Vim has rolled out a spirited, city-specific campaign to honour the winners of Swachh Survekshan 2024–25—India’s largest cleanliness survey spearheaded by the ministry of housing and urban affairs. As a nod to the residents of the nation’s cleanest cities, HUL is offering exclusive discounts on its Vim Ultrapro Floor Cleaner range—reinforcing its message that cleanliness begins at home.

    Now in its 10th year, Swachh Survekshan has become a national benchmark for urban hygiene and sanitation. In this year’s edition, Indore, Navi Mumbai, and Surat clinched the top ranks in the premier Super Swachh League, while cities like Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Lucknow were spotlighted as rising stars. Prayagraj earned special praise for its sanitation efforts during the Mahakumbh. A total of 43 national awards were conferred.

    Vim’s hyperlocal campaign targets these winning cities with outdoor hoardings, local radio integrations, and hyperlocal influencer content. More than just a promotional push, the initiative is a celebration of civic pride and a bid to trigger sustained behavioural change around cleanliness—both inside homes and across communities.

    HUL home care general manager Srinandan Sundaram said, “Cleanliness has long been woven into the fabric of our culture, and Vim proudly stands by this enduring value. Along these lines, Vim has recently gone beyond dishwash and launched Vim Ultrapro Floor Cleaner range with patented biodegradable polymer technology + probiotic actives- which offers deep cleaning and enhanced performance. This campaign reflects our conviction that the path to cleaner cities starts from building the culture of cleanliness & we are celebrating the people from the winning cities for exhibiting the same. By echoing the spirit of Swachh Survekshan, we hope to inspire citizens to embrace cleanliness as a daily habit—and as a shared responsibility that strengthens our communities.”

    The campaign also doubles as a spotlight for Vim’s newly launched Ultrapro Floor Cleaner range, which features patented biodegradable polymer technology and probiotic actives. The product promises 100 per cent stain removal, deep cleaning, and exotic fragrances that last up to four hours—a technological upgrade aimed at India’s evolving home hygiene needs.

    With this initiative, HUL strengthens its alignment with national cleanliness drives, seamlessly connecting personal hygiene with civic responsibility—one mop at a time.

  • Kedaara Capital ropes in Unilever veteran Nitin Paranjpe as chief mentor and operating partner

    Kedaara Capital ropes in Unilever veteran Nitin Paranjpe as chief mentor and operating partner

    MUMBAI: Private equity firm Kedaara Capital has appointed Nitin Paranjpe as chief mentor and operating partner, tapping into the expertise of one of the most seasoned executives in India’s consumer goods sector.
    Paranjpe, who spent nearly four decades at Unilever, brings formidable leadership experience across operations, transformation, and global category management. 

    He began his career at the Anglo-Dutch FMCG giant in 1987 and went on to serve as CEO of Hindustan Unilever from 2008 to 2013—one of its youngest ever—and later held senior global roles including president of home care, president of foods and refreshment, and chief operating officer.

    During his tenure, Paranjpe spearheaded multiple high-impact initiatives, from doubling business performance at HUL, to leading large-scale integrations and driving digitisation at Unilever globally. Most recently, he served as chief people and transformation officer at Unilever, where he led one of the group’s most ambitious restructurings in two decades.

    In his new role, Paranjpe will work closely with Kedaara’s sector teams—especially in consumer and allied verticals—providing operational insight on both existing and prospective investments. He will also advise Kedaara’s senior leadership on strategic initiatives across the firm.

    Paranjpe currently serves as non-executive chairman of HUL, and sits on the boards of global firms including Heineken and Infosys, further underlining the stature he brings to the table.

    His appointment signals Kedaara’s intent to deepen operational value creation as a key lever in its investment thesis across India’s high-growth consumer landscape.

  • Nishant Tannwarr steps up as general manager at TV Today

    Nishant Tannwarr steps up as general manager at TV Today

    NEW DELHI: Nishant Tannwarr has been appointed general manager at TV Today, home to leading news brands like Aaj Tak and India Today. A media industry stalwart with over two decades of experience, Tannwarr brings deep expertise across regional revenue, key account management, and broadcast sales.

    Tannwarr has been with TV Today since 2022, previously serving as north head of Aaj Tak HD, where he spearheaded monetisation efforts across the premium Hindi news offering. His elevation signals the group’s intent to double down on integrated sales strategies and agency partnerships.

    Prior to joining TV Today, Tannwarr held senior sales and leadership roles at Sony Pictures Networks, where he served as region head for SAB TV, and earlier as vice president handling national revenue mandates. His media career includes stints at Star India, Zee Telefilms, Eenadu TV and Daewoo Motors—cutting his teeth across both regional and national markets.

    Known for building scalable revenue engines and high-performing sales teams, Tannwarr is expected to steer TV Today’s commercial agenda in a volatile media landscape increasingly shaped by digital shifts and advertiser fragmentation.

  • Shiv Raheja takes charge of e-commerce and quick commerce at Society Tea

    Shiv Raheja takes charge of e-commerce and quick commerce at Society Tea

    MUMBAI: Shiv Raheja has been elevated to head of digital marketing – e-commerce and quick commerce at Society Tea, marking a significant milestone in his nearly six-year journey with the Mumbai-based FMCG brand.
    Raheja, who joined the company in November 2019, has steadily climbed the ranks from digital marketing manager to senior manager – digital and e-commerce, and now assumes full leadership of the brand’s digital commerce and growth strategies.

    With a decade-plus track record across high-growth sectors like FMCG, OTT and retail, Raheja has worked with marquee companies including Nature’s Basket, Hotstar and Gold’s Gym. At Hotstar, he was instrumental in converting blue-chip brands like Apple, Reliance Jio and Bajaj Auto into digital-first advertisers, while also bringing LIC onboard for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

    Known for his innovative integration campaigns and knack for driving customer acquisition at scale, Raheja is now tasked with accelerating Society Tea’s digital revenue and strengthening its footprint across e-commerce and q-commerce platforms.

    Raheja’s appointment comes as Society Tea looks to sharpen its focus on digital-first distribution in a rapidly evolving tea and beverages market.

  • Television’s Biggest Night: Inside the Dazzling Indian Telly Awards 2025

    Television’s Biggest Night: Inside the Dazzling Indian Telly Awards 2025

    MUMBAI: The stage was set for a glittering event, one of India’s most prestigious entertainment award functions in television. Organized by the parent company, Indian Television Dot Com and Tellychakkar, the event honoured the finest talent in Indian television, celebrating exceptional performances, groundbreaking creativity, and artistic excellence.

    Hosted by Sandiip Sikcand, Jay Soni and Sugandha Mishra, this year’s ceremony was as dazzling as it was memorable.

    Event Details: 
    • Date: 23rd july 2025 
    • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM 
    • Venue: JW Marriott Juhu 
    • Tickets: By invite only

    THE GRACEFUL SPONSORS WITHOUT WHICH THE EVENING WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE ARE :

    Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers has been a trusted name since 1909.

    Rooted in Maharashtra’s rich heritage and driven by a progressive vision, we are proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Indian Telly Awards this year.

    This association celebrates the brilliance of Indian television, just as we celebrate craftsmanship and timeless elegance in jewellery.

    We look forward to a long and meaningful partnership with this iconic platform,” said Ashish Pethe, Partner, Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers. “Partnering with the Indian Telly Awards is a proud moment for RENÉE. It’s a celebration of confidence, creativity, and the power of self-expression. Together, we honor the faces and stories that continue to inspire millions.”

    Aashka Goradia, Co – Founder & CMO, RENÉE Cosmetics “At OTerRi, we get that life moves fast, and laundry usually gets left behind. That’s where we step in.

    Partnering with the Indian Telly Awards means more than visibility for us.

    It means reminding people that even in the middle of all the lights, cameras, and chaos, clean clothes shouldn’t be a worry.

    We’re here to make everyday life feel a little lighter, one load at a time!

    Behind every spotless outfit, there is a silent hero – We are OterRi” – Abhishek Sharma CTO & Manoj Wanvari COO OterRi 

    “The Indian Telly awards are not just about celebrating talent but about acknowledging the stories that inspire and resonate with millions. This year, they aim to make the event bigger and more unforgettable than ever with getting the best from the Industry under one roof and making sure they are acknowledged for entertaining millions,” said Anil Wanvari, Founder of the awards and parent companies.

    Anil Wanvari

    Event Highlights:

    • Red carpet arrivals featuring India’s top TV and music stars.

    • Award categories, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Show and Viewers and Editors Choice Awards.

    • Jeetendra and Shobha Kapoor together got felicitated and a sweet moment was shared between them

    Rupali Ganguly

    • Rupali Ganguly, Bharti Singh, Krushna Abhishek, Ankita Lokhande, Deepika Singh and many more biggies under one roof

    Vivian Dsena

    • Vivian Dsena and Karanveer Mehra bonding on the red-carpet after the show.

    • The Laughter Chefs star contestants sharing a winning moment with their awards at the red carpet.

    Shivangi Joshi

    • Shivangi Joshi recevieng her award and speaking on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.

    Karan Kundrra

    • Karan Kundrra doing his boyfriend duty by collecting the award for ladylove Tejasswi Prakash and for himself.

    • Akanksha Puri stunning the paps with her jaw-dropping look

    Arti Singh and Krushna Abhishek

    • Arti Singh and Krushna Abhishek sharing the most beautiful sibling bond while the latter won and was handed over his winning moment by his sister

    Bharti Singh

    • Bharti Singh’s winning speech had everyone smiling.

    Deepika Singh

    • Deepika Singh ever grateful to win her second Indian Telly Award.

    Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

    • The entire cast of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai having a lovely moment on stage.

    Anupamaa

    • Team DKP along with the cast of Anupamaa and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai enjoying a family moment on stage.

    Shobha Kapoor,Jeetendra

    • Veteran actor Jeetendra presenting the award to wife Shobha Kapoor, creating a timeless moment.

    Actress Hiba Nawab And Krushal Ahuja

    • Krushal Ahuja and Hiba Nawab dazzle together on the red carpet at the Indian Telly Awards 2025.  

    • Exclusive, star-studded after-party for VIP guests

    Asit modi

     • Asit Modi beams with pride after winning for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah at the Indian Telly Awards 2025.

    Dilip Joshi, • Dilip Joshi wins hearts and honours once again for his iconic role as Jethalal at the Indian Telly Awards 2025. Jamnadas Majethia • JD Majethia bags top honours, celebrating his contribution to Indian television comedy at the 2025 Telly Awards.    
    Other Celebrities hobnobbing with each other from the likes of Romit Raj, Eijaz Khan, Gauri Tonk, Hunar Hali, Sudhandhu Pandey, Shiv Thakre, Sarita Joshi, Dilip Joshi, and Shubhangi Atre to Tanuj Virwani, Nivedita Basu, Avinash Mishra, Khanzadi, Priyamvada Kant and many more.

     

  • Nestlé India cooks up a strong Q1 with Rs 659 crore profit and volume growth

    Nestlé India cooks up a strong Q1 with Rs 659 crore profit and volume growth

    MUMBAI: Nestlé India’s Q1 wasn’t just about instant noodles, it was an instant hit. Powered by pantry staples, caffeine cravings, and chocolate cheer, the FMCG major cooked up a Rs 5,074 crore sales recipe in the June quarter of FY26, stirring in a 5.9 per cent year-on-year growth and a net profit of Rs 659.2 crore.

    From steaming cups of Nescafé to school tiffins packed with Maggi and KitKat, the company’s core brands did the heavy lifting. Seven of the top twelve brands brewed double-digit growth, fuelling overall volume-led momentum across categories. The EBITDA margin stood robust at 21.7 per cent of sales, while earnings per share for the quarter came in at Rs 6.84.

    “Three of our four product groups bounced back to volume-led growth,” said outgoing Nescafé CMD Suresh Narayanan, who exits the company this month after a decade-long stint. “Maggi noodles saw double-digit growth, and our beverage and confectionery portfolios continued to perform strongly.”

    And perform they did. The Powdered and Liquid Beverages segment led by Nescafé Classic, Sunrise, and Gold perked up with high double-digit growth, aided by cold coffee campaigns that clicked during the summer. Meanwhile, the Prepared Dishes and Cooking Aids category, fuelled by Maggi’s ever-spicy range (Garlic, Cheesy, Pepper, Manchurian), added more masala to the numbers.

    Confectionery was another sweet spot. Kitkat emerged as the crown jewel, leading the charge in both urban and “Rurban” markets. Munch and Milkybar also saw high double-digit gains. Nestlé’s push into premium variants like Kitkat Lemon n Lime and Dark Sharebag helped expand its digital-first distribution.

    Milk Products and Nutrition showed mixed results, but brands like Milkmaid and Nestlé’s growing-up milk range still gained market share. Meanwhile, breakfast cereals buoyed by the recent launch of Munch Choco Fills crunched out high double-digit growth.

    Nestlé’s e-commerce channel now contributes 12.5 per cent of domestic sales, with quick commerce and newer launches proving to be the growth engines. Its Out-of-Home business think vending corners and retail kiosks continues to post double-digit growth, with over 1,000 Nescaf Corners, Maggie Hotspots and Kitkat Break Zones spread across India.

    On the export front too, it was a power-packed quarter, with high double-digit growth across foods, beverages and cereals. The UK even got a taste of desi spice, with Masala-Ae-Magic officially launching there.

    The business faced its share of heat: inflationary pressures pushed up costs of key commodities, and manufacturing expansion led to higher operating expenses. Finance costs rose due to short-term borrowings. But there’s relief in sight coffee, edible oil, and cocoa prices have stabilised, and milk is expected to cool with the monsoon flush.

    As Narayanan passes the baton to incoming Nescafé chairman and MD Manish Tiwary from 1 August, he exits on a high note. Over the last decade, Nestlé India has reported a 150 per cent rise in sales, a 490 per cent jump in PAT, and a 3.9x increase in market capitalisation, with a 17 per cent CAGR in total shareholder return.

    With a legacy that’s chocolate-dipped and noodle-tossed, Nestlé India has shown that even in a high-cost environment, flavour-packed fundamentals and strong consumer connect can serve up consistent, comforting growth.

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