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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Load More
