CONSUMER GOODS MARKET
In our business, profitability also tends to improve as we grow: Lenskart’s Peyush Bansal
Bansal also spoke about the scope for Lenskart’s growth in India and overseas, the push towards premium products and the company’s long-term profitability ambitions.
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.
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.
India's stock market volatility since last Diwali saw 60 stocks lose up to 96%
At least 63 stocks with a market capitalisation of over Rs 1,000 crore have lost more than half their value since last Diwali, with some plunging 60-95% amid a broad-based selloff across sectors. Elitecon International was the worst performer, tumbling 96%, followed by Reliance Infrastructure, Kothari Industrial Corporation and Fischer Medical Ventures.
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.
Beyond tech: Kotak MF’s Shibani Kurian on India’s next innovation-led winners
Innovation-led investment opportunities in India are extending well beyond technology, with healthcare, auto components and industrials emerging as key areas of interest, according to Shibani Kurian, Head of Equity Research and Senior Fund Manager at Kotak Mahindra AMC. “Innovation can be seen across sectors and not necessarily limited to technology,” she said.
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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.
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.
When is Black Friday 2026? Early deals, key discounts, and shopper strategies revealed
Black Friday 2026 is expected to take place on November 27, following Thanksgiving. Many retailers are already offering early discounts on a wide range of products. Shoppers are encouraged to look for budgeted deals and specific products early. Significant discounts are available across electronics, fashion, and beauty categories. It's advisable to compare prices throughout the sales period to find the best possible deals.
Electric two-wheeler sales hit record 2.24 lakh units in October on festive demand, new models
TVS Motor retained its leadership in October, nearly doubling registrations to 60,433 units and expanding its market share to 27% from 20.6% in the same month last year. Hero MotoCorp also gained ground, with its share rising to 13.4% from 10.9%, while Bajaj Auto maintained its market share at nearly 22%.
Good intentions, unintended consequences: The cost of regulation
Regulation is vital for protecting consumers and building trust, but unpredictable or poorly calibrated policy changes can disrupt business economics, valuations and investment.
CTI claims 2.5 lakh shops may remain shut in Delhi over INDIA bloc rally, warns of trade losses
Around 2.5 lakh shops near Ramlila Maidan may remain closed due to the upcoming INDIA bloc rally. The Chamber of Trade and Industry expressed concerns over economic losses and transport disruptions during Diwali. Traders fear that the anticipated crowd will deter shoppers from visiting local markets. Rahul Gandhi urged rally participants to support Delhi's traders by shopping during the event.
Charting the global economy: Central banks hold rates steady
Global central banks have opted to keep interest rates unchanged amidst growing inflation worries stemming from energy costs. While the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank signaled potential hikes during their December meetings, the US economy displays robust growth from business investments and consumer activity.
Mondelez International upbeat on India despite cost pressures
The maker of Cadbury chocolates and Oreo biscuits added about 130,000 outlets in India during the third quarter ended September, as it pushes deeper into the country's fragmented retail market. It sees considerable headroom for further distribution expansion, alongside opportunities to increase the number of products stocked by existing retailers.
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.
45.6% of Indian households use digital channels for at least one purchase: Report
Around 45.6 percent of Indian households currently utilize online shopping and digital payments for various purchases. Despite this growth, 54.4 percent still prefer traditional payment methods for their transactions. Digital adoption varies significantly across categories, with consumables and services leading at 39.68 percent. The report shows that higher Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure correlates with increased online shopping.
Global Market: Bank of Japan achieves 2% inflation target after 13 years
The Bank of Japan declared its long-standing 2% inflation target achieved after more than 13 years, but kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.25%. Persistent inflation, rising oil and semiconductor prices, and yen weakness have fuelled expectations of another rate hike in December as policymakers gradually tighten monetary policy.
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.
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.
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