CONSUMER GOODS
Dabur Global CEO Malhotra Resigns, as leadership churn in legacy FMCG companies continues
The move cycles continued churn in top-tier legacy FMCG leadership, amid uneven demand trends, intense competition from regional and digital-first rivals, inflationary trends and a volatile geopolitical environment.
US trade deficit contracts slightly in September
In September, the US trade deficit decreased by 0.6 percent, driven by capital goods imports and strong exports. Imports rose by 1.2 percent to $426.6 billion, primarily fueled by computers and accessories. Additionally, crude oil imports saw a reduction of $1.3 billion during this period. On the other hand, exports climbed by 1.8 percent, reaching $321.5 billion due to oil, food, and capital goods.
US Democratic win unlikely to ease firms' cost, tariff woes in near term, executives say
Global businesses expect limited immediate changes following Democrats' takeover of the US Congress, as high energy and raw material costs, inflation and strained consumer spending continue to weigh on operations. While some executives welcomed prospects of political stability, companies remain uncertain about tariffs, AI regulation and trade policies, amid fears of Washington gridlock.
Unilever announces €35 million investment for R&D expansion in India’s Mumbai and Bengaluru hubs
Unilever announced a plan to invest an additional €35 million in its Indian research and development operations. The investment aims to enhance product innovation and biotechnology capabilities at its Mumbai and Bengaluru centers. Unilever has already invested €20 million over the past five years towards developing various research facilities in India.
Beyond ‘no subscription’, NeoSapien sees a paid future for advanced AI features
The Bengaluru-based AI wearables startup is exploring another funding round in early 2027 but its CEO said there was no pressure to raise capital because its cash burn remained low and capital from earlier round was still in the bank.
Dip in gold price puts the sparkle back into festive and wedding buying, jewellers see 10-12% rise in Dhanteras sales
Gold prices have dropped significantly, encouraging consumers to return to jewellery stores for upcoming purchases. The correction in gold prices has led to increased footfalls and advance bookings for weddings. Jewellers expect a rise in sales volume on Dhanteras, which is an auspicious buying day. Consumers are opting for lightweight jewellery and lower-karat gold to manage budget constraints.
- Go To Page 1
Marico profit jumps 31%, flags rising input costs amid West Asia woes
Marico has reported a 13% increase in consolidated revenue, driven by strong volume growth in India and international markets. The company highlighted challenges from rising input costs due to geopolitical tensions and adverse weather circumstances. Managing director Saugata Gupta expressed awareness of potential inflation effects, especially in rural areas. Marico aims for mid-20% EBITDA growth by FY27 and expects annual revenue to exceed ₹15,000 crore.
ITC Q2 net profit falls 20% as high taxes keep margins in check
ITC reported a 20% decline in standalone net profit for the September quarter despite a 45% increase in revenue. The rise in cigarette taxation significantly impacted profitability, forcing ITC to absorb part of the price hikes. Non-cigarette businesses showed strong growth, achieving the highest revenue growth in 14 quarters. Factors such as inflation and geopolitical tensions continue to affect the operating environment.
China's factory activity slows on weaker export orders
China's factory activity showed signs of slower growth for the first time since July. The RatingDog China manufacturing purchasing managers index dropped to 52, reflecting a slight decline from September. Even as output increased, new export orders experienced a decline to a three-month low. Business confidence also weakened, with average export charges falling for the first time in nearly a year.
Budget 2027: Customs duty relief on 118 goods under review
The Indian government is currently reviewing customs duty concessions applicable to 118 products set to expire. This review involves input from respective line ministries and industry stakeholders regarding these exemptions. Goods under review include materials for power projects and certain medical devices. A focus is on correcting the inverted duty structure to support local manufacturing initiatives. The outcomes of this review will influence the upcoming budget for 2027-28.
JioHotstar launches StreamToCart Ads, enabling in-stream shopping through Instamart
Introducing a game-changer in digital advertising, JioHotstar has launched StreamToCart Ads, an interactive format that merges streaming with online shopping. Viewers can now browse and directly add products to their shopping carts without interrupting their viewing, consequently boosting user engagement. Advertisers are empowered to monitor user behaviors from impressions to purchases, optimizing their marketing strategies.
Tesla, Samsung oppose new US tariffs on Vietnam as probe deadline nears
Businesses are divided over whether Washington should propose new tariffs on Vietnamese goods this month, with Tesla and Samsung not in favour, while others have called for penalties, submissions to the US government show.
India’s consumers are back, its stocks aren’t: Srinivasan Sivabalan
Amid the vibrant festive season in India, consumer demand is soaring, prompting businesses to boost sales and raise prices accordingly. However, rising costs are pressuring profit margins, causing a decline in investor confidence. The stock market struggles to reflect the upbeat consumer activity, signaling a potential need for a resolution to the Iran war and governmental intervention to promote stability.
Tesla, Samsung oppose new US tariffs on Vietnam as probe deadline nears
A trade investigation into Vietnam's intellectual property practices is nearing a conclusion with a November 29 deadline. Various industries have conflicting views on whether new tariffs should be imposed on Vietnamese goods. Tesla and Samsung are against additional tariffs, while steel and wood sectors advocate for penalties. Vietnam has faced escalating exports to the US, surpassing its previous trade standings.
New GST norms to simplify pan-India expansion for D2C brands
Among a set of changes approved by the 57th GST Council meeting on October 8, are new rules that allow brands to declare an ecommerce platform's warehouse as their local principal place of business (PPO) starting November 1, subject to conditions.
Black Friday 2026: Could buy now, pay later offers leave shoppers facing a bigger financial headache after the holidays?
Black Friday shopping can lead to manageable but potentially harmful financial consequences for consumers, particularly with buy now, pay later services. Many shoppers may face pressure to spend beyond their means during the holiday season, resulting in debt. This type of financial arrangement may seem attractive initially, but it can complicate budgeting for essential expenses. Additionally, shoppers often overlook the cumulative cost of multiple repayments while planning their purchases.
Reliance Retail Q2 profit takes a hit on Qcomm push
Reliance Retail Ventures reported a significant drop in net profit, down 24.5% year-on-year to ₹2,619 crore in the last quarter. Despite this, revenue improved by 5.8% to ₹80,220 crore, largely driven by a surge in grocery sales. The company's profitability was affected by strategic investments and evolving festive season patterns, alongside rising finance costs stemming from increased borrowing and interest rates. Focus remains on improving transactions and business model adaptation.
Gen Z brands are breaching the last citadel of legacy consumer firms
India's Gen Z and D2C brands are challenging FMCG giants like Hindustan Unilever, ITC and Marico by expanding into kirana stores. New-age brands captured 21.7% of India's kirana market in H1 FY27, up from 14.8% a year earlier. As digital-first brands breach traditional distribution networks, legacy FMCG companies face growing competition for retail shelf space and consumer loyalty nationwide.
Low-sugar fizz, high-cost squeeze: Varun Beverages battles margin pressure
Varun Beverages reported a contraction in gross and EBITDA margins during Q3 CY2026 despite strong revenue growth. The company's revenue from operations increased significantly, driven by robust sales volumes and premium product offerings. Higher packaging costs and a rise in costs of raw materials negatively impacted their margins. However, the shift towards low-sugar products positively influenced sales volume contributions.
Executive search defies broader job market uncertainty
India's executive search firms are reporting strong growth despite layoffs, AI-driven disruptions and global economic uncertainty. Leading firms have recorded business growth of 15-25% in the first half of the financial year, driven by demand for senior leaders across manufacturing, infrastructure, power, energy and global capability centres (GCCs). Companies are investing in experienced executives who can manage large projects, navigate technological change and improve business performance.
Global FMCG giants find an Indian answer to their Western slowdown
Global consumer giants including PepsiCo, Nestle, Unilever, Pernod Ricard and Coca-Cola are increasingly looking to India for growth as demand slows in the US and Europe. Companies are betting on premiumisation, wider distribution and fast-growing channels such as ecommerce and quick commerce, with several reporting stronger momentum in India than in developed markets.
US inflation heats up in September; consumer spending rises
In September, the US experienced a notable rise in inflation, driven by surging gasoline prices and other consumer goods. The Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index climbed to 0.5%, up from 0.3% previously. Despite inflation-adjusted consumer spending remaining flat, it still rose by 0.5%, reflecting a resilient economic activity. The Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates steady, though considerable inflationary pressures have analysts anticipating a possible rate hike in December.
HUL sales rise 15% to hit 14-quarter high, but inflation clouds demand outlook
Hindustan Unilever posted a turnover of ₹18,071 crore for the September quarter, highlighting a 15% rise. Even with a price increase of 7.5%, the company's volume growth remained stable at 7%. Homecare emerged as the standout performer, boasting a robust 22% sales growth. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation climbed to ₹4,089 crore, an 8% boost. However, ongoing inflation and wage issues in rural sectors pose significant challenges.
Reckitt’s base effect GST boost in India to unwind in Q4, says CEO
Reckitt's India operations showed strong growth momentum in the July-September quarter compared to the previous year. The prior year was affected by GST-related stock depletion, leading to a more favorable comparison now. Specifically, the company reported double-digit growth for brands like Dettol, Durex and Harpic. Reckitt is also focusing on enhancing execution through AI-enabled sales transformation in India.
Hindustan Unilever looks to stronger FY27, but commodity inflation threatens to squeeze margins
Hindustan Unilever expects commodity inflation to continue impacting margins in the near term. The company anticipates better growth in FY27 due to strategic portfolio and channel transformations. In its recent financial result, HUL reported a 15% underlying sales growth and an 8% increase in EBITDA. The Home Care and Beauty segments led the growth with double-digit increases in sales and volume.
Kirana stores make room for new generation FMCG brands as they muscle past legacy giants
India's kirana market has seen new-age consumer brands expand their market share to nearly 22%. This increase has impacted the dominance of established fast-moving consumer goods companies. The shift is largely driven by changing consumer preferences and greater access to online channels. New brands face challenges in sustaining their physical distribution network against legacy players. Established brands are adjusting their strategies in response to growing demand for premium products.
Tata Consumer Q2 Results: Net profit rises 16% YoY to Rs 470 crore, revenue up 14%
Tata Consumer Products reported a 16% year-on-year profit increase to Rs 470 crore in Q2 FY27, with revenue rising 14% to Rs 5,661 crore. Strong Indian volumes, salt demand and growth businesses boosted performance, while EBITDA increased 18% to Rs 794 crore.
Global luxury goods industry set for recovery in 2027, US to remain bright spot: Goldman Sachs
The global luxury goods industry is expected to witness a recovery after several years of sluggish sales performance, with revenues of major listed luxury brands projected to grow by 7 per cent in 2027, with the US likely remaining the "bright spot," according to a report by Goldman Sachs.
Woman found AC, TV damaged in shifting, 23 items missing; sought Rs 7.75 lakh compensation from movers; gets relief in consumer commission
The lady claimed that the AC was delivered in broken condition, which is beyond repair and the LED TV was also damaged. When she told this to the movers, they were allegedly not ready to accept their mistake and, in turn, blamed others. According to Ms Longchar, the movers agreed to pay Rs 25,000 for the damaged AC after a lot of hassle.
Load More
