CONSUMERS
NBFC credit to gold jewellery, consumer durables grows over 50 pc in Sep: RBI data
In September 2026, non-banking finance companies' credit to gold jewellery and consumer durables surged significantly. Credit for gold jewellery rose by 66.1 per cent to Rs 3.74 lakh crore compared to the previous year. Consumer durables also saw a 54.4 per cent increase in credit, reaching Rs 77,896 crore. Overall, credit growth for NBFCs stood at 15.4 per cent, totaling Rs 61.69 lakh crore.
Honasa Consumer revenue grows 36% in Q2, highest since listing
The company’s net profit rose 87% to Rs 73 crore in the second quarter of FY27, compared with Rs 39 crore in the year-ago period. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) nearly doubled to Rs 93 crore from Rs 48 crore a year earlier, while the Ebitda margin expanded to 12.7% from 8.9%.
Daksham Growth Ventures raises Rs 125 cr in first close of maiden consumer fund
Daksham Growth Ventures has completed the first close of its consumer-focused fund, raising approximately Rs 125 crore. The fund is registered as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund and targets a total corpus of Rs 150 crore. It aims to invest between Rs 5-20 crore in early-growth businesses including direct-to-consumer and B2B2C companies. The fund will support companies with governance, brand positioning, and distribution expansion.
Honasa looks beyond Mamaearth as younger brands grow over 45% and strengthen its beauty portfolio
Honasa Consumer saw impressive growth for its younger brands in the second quarter of FY27, particularly with The Derma Co. hitting unprecedented levels of brand search interest. Year-on-year revenue climbed by about 36%, leading to total earnings of Rs 731 crore. Notably, Mamaearth's growth remained strong, reinforcing its profitability, as the company successfully evolves into a versatile multi-brand beauty and personal-care platform.
Honasa Consumer Q2 Results: Mamaearth parent's profit surges 87% YoY to Rs 73 crore
Honasa Consumer achieved an 86.7% increase in net profit for the September quarter, reaching Rs 73.25 crore. Revenue from operations grew by 35.9% compared to the previous year, amounting to Rs 731.19 crore. Despite sequential profit decline, the company indicated strong performance across various sales channels, including general and modern trade. The flagship brand Mamaearth continued to show robust growth, contributing significantly to overall earnings.
India's October consumer inflation likely nears top of RBI target on food costs: Reuters poll
India's consumer inflation is projected to rise in October, mainly driven by significant increases in food prices. Economists expect food inflation to reach 8.20%, reflecting ongoing market pressures. Rising global food prices and higher input costs contribute to the inflationary environment. The Reserve Bank of India anticipates inflation to average 5.2% for the current financial year. A rate hike is likely to occur in the central bank's upcoming policy meeting.
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Over half of consumers use AI for wellness, yet concerns over accuracy persist: McKinsey
More than half of consumers use artificial intelligence for wellness, yet 40 per cent of United States consumers worry its advice may be inaccurate, according to a McKinsey report.
Passenger wins Rs 3,100 after taking IRCTC to court over just Re 1; Kerala man challenges train ticket refund shortfall; consumer court delivers verdict
A Kerala passenger won Rs 3,100 in compensation after taking IRCTC to the consumer commission over a Re 1 shortfall in a cancelled train ticket refund. The Kasaragod commission termed the shortfall a deficiency in service. Meanwhile, Indian Railways revised its confirmed ticket cancellation and refund rules in March 2026.
Big FMCG companies outgrow market as smaller rivals get squeezed by costs and slowing rural demand
India's fast-moving consumer goods sector has experienced a slowdown in volume growth amid rising costs. Rural demand has weakened, impacting smaller regional manufacturers while larger companies thrive. Hindustan Unilever, Marico, and other major firms reported robust growth figures. Smaller players are particularly vulnerable due to their limited capacity to manage current challenges.
Travel insurer says no to toenail injury treatment of 62-year-old woman injured during US visit; court orders company to reimburse over Rs 89,000 for treatment in United States and pay Rs 30,000 as compensation for mental harassment
A 62-year-old woman successfully challenged her travel insurer after it denied reimbursement for a toenail injury. She sustained the injury while closing a door during her visit to the US. After returning to India and submitting her medical bills, the insurer rejected her claim for lacking supporting records. The consumer commission ruled in favor of the woman, affirming her entitlement to partial reimbursement.
Emami bets on brand extensions to enter newer consumer categories
Emami is leveraging its established brands like BoroPlus and Kesh King to enter new consumer segments. The company has launched the FromMaa range for baby-care and Kesh King Scalp First for scalp-care. Both product lines are introduced through modern trade and e-commerce channels. Additionally, Emami's strategic investments in newer consumer businesses have shown significant growth recently. These initiatives help diversify the company's portfolio and reach a wider audience.
FSSAI accuses PepsiCo of ‘duping’ consumers by marketing Sting, Adrenaline Rush as 'energy drinks'
FSSAI has told the Delhi High Court that PepsiCo India deliberately markets its Sting Energy and Adrenaline Rush beverages as energy drinks to mislead consumers, despite the absence of prescribed standards for the category. The regulator has opposed the company's request for a 12-month extension to exhaust existing packaging material, citing public health concerns.
Zydus Q2 profit falls 27% despite 29% revenue growth; consumer wellness sales surge 76%
Zydus Lifesciences reported a 29% year-on-year rise in Q2FY27 revenue to Rs 7,909 crore, driven by growth across key markets and a 76% surge in consumer wellness. However, net profit fell 27% to Rs 925 crore, while EBITDA declined 6%. The company continues to advance its specialty drug pipeline.
India says PepsiCo, Monster marketed with 'energy drink' label to dupe consumers
India's food regulator FSSAI has accused PepsiCo and Monster Beverage of misleading consumers by marketing high-caffeine products as energy drinks, defending its ban on the label. The dispute has escalated into a legal battle, with the regulator citing public health risks linked to caffeine, sugar and taurine content.
Woman seeks Rs 50,000 compensation from Gillette India, alleges women pay up to five times more for razors; consumer commission issues notices to top executives
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has issued notices to Gillette India Ltd regarding discriminatory pricing practices. Shipra Mathur alleges that women's razors are priced four to five times higher than men's razors. Counsel Inder Mohan Singh states that this constitutes unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act. The complainant seeks directions to prevent such pricing and claims compensation for mental distress.
ETtech Explainer: Why SIM-binding is a concern for consumers and businesses
A new study raises alarms about the Department of Telecommunications' proposed SIM-binding requirement for messaging applications. The mandate could severely disrupt operations for consumers and businesses alike, especially impacting international travelers who depend on local SIMs or Wi-Fi. Businesses are bracing for heightened costs and difficulties tied to limited device accessibility.
Tesla misled South Korean customers about automated-driving tech, consumer group alleges
Tesla has marketed Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software to prospective buyers in South Korea for years, often collecting lump-sum payments of 9.043 million won ($6,726).
Tesla misled South Korean customers about automated-driving tech, consumer group alleges
Tesla is facing a consumer complaint in South Korea over allegedly misleading customers by selling its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software to buyers whose vehicles cannot legally use it. The software, which was sold for a one-time payment of 9.043 million won ($6,726), is compatible with only about 20% of Tesla cars registered in the country, mainly US-made models.
RBI launches 3 surveys to capture inflation expectations, consumer confidence ahead of December policy meeting
Reserve Bank of India has announced the November 2026 round of the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households. This survey aims to capture households' perceptions regarding price movements and inflation based on their consumption patterns. Additionally, the Urban Consumer Confidence Survey seeks to understand household sentiments on the economic situation and employment. The Rural Consumer Confidence Survey collects perceptions from rural areas on economic conditions, income, and spending.
Reliance Consumer expands Independence biscuit portfolio with nine variants
Reliance Consumer Products Ltd will launch an expanded Independence biscuit portfolio consisting of nine variants. These products aim to cater to evolving consumer preferences in Tamil Nadu and other markets. The new range will include unique offerings such as Power Up biscuits, combining milk, glucose, and protein. Increased production capacity is expected to enhance distribution through various retail channels.
Telcos to face up to Rs 20 lakh fine per quarter per circle for complaint redressal lapses
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has introduced new rules for telecom operators and internet providers to enhance complaint redressal. These providers will face penalties up to Rs 20 lakh if they fail to resolve consumer complaints quickly. The rules require complaint centres to operate 24 hours with human representatives available for assistance. Consumers will now have a shorter time frame of 15 days to appeal complaint resolutions.
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.
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.
Godrej consumer profit rises 14%, weighs calibrated price hikes to offset inflation
Godrej Consumer Products is bracing for rising commodity inflation as it approaches the December quarter, driven by escalating costs. The firm expects to raise prices on soaps and liquid detergents to sustain its growth trajectory. Aasif Malbari, the chief, mentioned a significant single-digit inflationary effect on operations in India and Indonesia.
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.
Godrej Consumer bets on new categories amid commodity inflation
Godrej Consumer Products is entering new categories such as stain removers and premium hair color. The company has introduced Godrej Zap and Hair Lab as part of this expansion. It reported significant sales growth in existing categories, particularly in home care and personal care. Rising commodity prices have led to necessary price increases across the portfolio.
Godrej Consumer Q2 Results: Profit rises 14% YoY to Rs 523 crore, revenue jumps 19%; co declares Rs 5/share dividend
Godrej Consumer Products posted 13.8% profit growth to ₹522.92 crore and 19% revenue growth to ₹4,413.09 crore in Q2 FY27. Strong international performance, expanding home care brands and a ₹5 interim dividend supported its outlook for sustained growth.
Tata Consumer spills the tea on its whole new growth recipe
Tata Consumer Products reported a better-than-expected second-quarter net profit of ₹469 crore, up from ₹404 crore a year earlier, driven by steady demand for packaged foods and beverages. The company is expanding beyond tea and salt, with its growth businesses now contributing 38% of India revenue, up from 32% last year.
Tata Consumer shares rally over 4% after Q2 results. Why brokerages remain bullish despite target price cuts
Tata Consumer Products reported 16% year-on-year profit growth in Q2FY27, while brokerages retained positive ratings but cut target prices amid inflationary pressures. Jefferies, Nuvama, Elara Capital and Systematix see varying upside potential in the stock.
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