SUGAR PRICE RISE
Sugar stocks: Short-term pain is real; has the long-term case broken? 7 stocks from the sugar-ethanol ecosystem
Though this year's ethanol tender leaves sugar out, the long-term blending roadmap still points to rising ethanol use. The move is aimed at a short-term sugar-supply problem, not at ethanol itself. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardized scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
India Inc eyes a festive boom, but the bottom line holds a twist
Festive shopping is currently gaining momentum with significant sales in both online and offline markets. Companies are experiencing increased demand but are also facing rising costs that impact profitability. Many consumers are driven by discounts and affordable payment options during this festive season. Businesses are adapting pricing strategies to balance consumer affordability with input cost pressures.
India eyes a $20 billion pot of gold in New Zealand as its trade pact goes live
The free trade agreement between India and New Zealand promises to promote trade and enhance professional movement. While some goods may enjoy duty-free status, a significant rise in merchandise exports might take time. However, New Zealand's engagement in several service sectors holds potential benefits for Indian companies. The agreement also opens up new job opportunities for Indian students and creates pathways for skilled professionals.
Sweet sellers face heat over shelf life rules ahead of Diwali
Watchdog agencies in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are among those that have made this mandatory. The directive aims to help consumers assess freshness as inspections have revealed that buyers were not always given clear information about when sweets were made or how long they remained suitable for consumption, the agencies said.
FMCG brands turn up the volume on ads as costs and scrutiny rise
Multiple packaged goods companies are increasing their advertising expenditures to maintain consumer demand amid rising inflation. Nestle India reported a significant rise in ad spending during the September quarter to enhance brand trust. Regulatory scrutiny from the FSSAI has prompted brands to emphasize safety and integrity in their advertising. Influencer-led marketing efforts are expected to grow significantly during the upcoming festive season.
India’s drought-hit maize crunch pits poultry, ethanol makers in ‘me first’ fight
Drought conditions have caused a significant decrease in maize supply, leading to competition among industries for access. Poultry producers, starch manufacturers, and ethanol plants are all vying for limited maize resources, exacerbating the situation. As maize prices continue to rise, the poultry industry has expressed concerns about potential feed shortages. Industry bodies have urged the government to prioritize maize for food production over fuel use.
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PepsiCo India expects festive snack sales to match last year as new launches roll out
PepsiCo India anticipates steady growth in festive snack sales driven by innovative product launches and a focus on e-commerce. The company aims to expand its ready-to-eat snack range to align with consumer preferences during the festive season. SLMG Beverages, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in India, reports significant sales growth due to Diwali gift pack demand. Both companies are addressing rising input costs while focusing on consumer affordability.
India braces for first Diwali after Gulf war with tighter budgets
As households prepare for Diwali, rising food prices and travel expenses are impacting festive budgets significantly. Increased costs for essential items like vegetables and sweets are leading to reduced discretionary spending. E-commerce platforms have seen lower sales compared to last year, indicating a shift in consumer behaviour.
Eateries cut corners as high costs and hygiene crackdowns take a toll
New strategies include pausing high-cost menu items and introducing smaller portions for diners. Increased operational expenses due to regulatory compliance have also led to price hikes for consumers. Many restaurant operators indicate they must share some inflation costs with patrons to maintain profitability. Consequently, price increases of 10-15% are expected across several restaurants in Mumbai.
GLP-1 prices drop at Mochi Health, starting at $60 but what will patients actually pay?
Mochi Health has reduced their prices for their GLP-1 weight loss medications. While the membership fees is entirely separate, they have mentioned that it is only the drug price which has been lowered. They have also broght a new lab service.
Cupid, Sterlite Tech among stocks top 10 equity PMS portfolios hold as Nifty, Sensex plunge up to 13% in 2026
Despite a sharp market downturn in 2026, all 10 top-performing equity PMS strategies delivered positive returns in September, ranging from 3.55% to 5.67%. Amaltas Asset Management’s Keystone Fund led the rankings, while Cupid and Sterlite Technologies featured among the prominent holdings across multiple portfolio management strategies.
Sugar stocks Balrampur Chini, Bajaj Sugar, others crash up to 7% as centre stops diversion to ethanol
Sugar stocks dropped in early trading following the government's directive to cease sugar diversion for ethanol production. The decision impacts major sugar companies like Balrampur Chini Mills and Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, which experienced a decline between 2% and 7%. This directive aims to enhance domestic sugar availability amidst rising prices. The government's action follows concerns about potential production shortfalls due to insufficient rainfall.
FMCG firms grapple with input cost inflation in Q2, brace for margin pressure in H2
FMCG companies are experiencing increased margin pressure as input costs continue to rise. Rising inflation is affecting profitability, forcing firms to consider price hikes after the festive season. Companies are currently absorbing some costs to maintain consumer demand in urban and rural markets. The expectations for the second half of FY27 remain cautious amidst fluctuating commodity prices. Consumer purchasing behavior may shift if food prices increase or rural incomes decline.
Nestlé India says rising inflation, particularly food inflation, is a reality
Nestlé India has reported a strong 20.5% increase in sales for the September quarter. Profit after tax rose significantly due to robust volume growth across its product categories. Despite challenges from rising food inflation and volatile commodity prices, the company aims to enhance operational efficiencies. Investment in advertising and marketing increased as brand growth remains a priority for the organization.
Nestle India Q2 Results: Standalone profit jumps 36% YoY to Rs 1,027 crore, revenue rises 20%
In the second quarter of FY27, Nestle India achieved a remarkable standalone net profit of Rs 1,027 crore, marking a substantial 36% increase from last year's Rs 753 crore. Revenue from operations soared to Rs 6,788 crore, a 20% rise from Rs 5,644 crore. However, despite these impressive results, shares fell by 7% to Rs 1,260 on the NSE, reflecting a mixed market response.
Early crushing to shore up sugar supplies before Diwali
A quarter of Maharashtra's sugar mills will begin operations this week to alleviate sugar shortages before Diwali. Sugar prices have increased by approximately 4% recently due to dwindling supplies and farmer protests. Millers anticipate new sugar reaching markets after October 20, following crushing activities. Farmers are encouraging quicker harvesting of sugarcane due to crop conditions, leading to lower sugar content.
Centre sets up Ramesh Chand-led panel to examine sugarcane farmers’ demands in Karnataka, Maharashtra
A committee led by Ramesh Chand has been established to address sugarcane farmers' concerns regarding pricing. The panel will evaluate demands for higher sugarcane prices and an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar. It will also review systems for testing sugar recovery and weighment practices at sugar mills. Committee members include representatives from various agricultural departments and officials.
Eye on the price: Retail inflation at 5.54% in September, most on new base
India's retail inflation increased to 5.54% year-on-year in September, the highest since January. This rise is attributed to higher food prices, particularly onions and other essentials. Economists predict inflation could approach 6% in the coming months, influencing upcoming policy decisions. The Reserve Bank of India has indicated a likelihood of rate hikes due to ongoing price pressures. Rural areas experienced sharper inflation increases, outpacing urban regions this month.
Bitter truth: Surge in sugar prices to push up festival budgets
Sweets and desserts are experiencing higher prices this festive season due to increasing sugar costs and rising demand. Sugar prices have surged significantly year-on-year, contributing to overall food inflation. The festive calendar is expected to drive further demand for sweets and confectionery items. Manufacturers may react by adjusting prices while trying to maintain consumer affordability. Concerns about production due to uneven rainfall could complicate future price trends.
Centre to set up high-level committee within a week to address sugarcane farmers' grievances
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Food Minister Pralhad Joshi held detailed discussions at the Pusa campus with a delegation of farmers from the two major sugarcane-growing states. About 80-90 farmers from different organisations attended, along with state ministers.
FMCG revenues to rise in Q2, but costs could dent margins
India's FMCG sector is poised for a substantial revenue boost in the upcoming September quarter, with growth projected in double digits. This rise is attributed to an increase in both product volume and strategic pricing tactics across diverse categories. However, the ongoing surge in raw material costs, particularly for items like sugar and edible oils, may exert pressure on profit margins.
FMCG companies face a Q2 margin squeeze: Rising crude oil, palm oil and packaging costs threaten profits despite demand recovery
FMCG companies are likely to face operating margin pressure in the September quarter of FY27 due to rising crude-linked derivatives, palm oil, sugar and other input costs. While companies such as Marico and Dabur expect double-digit revenue growth, profitability may be affected by inflation and uneven monsoon conditions. Businesses are relying on price hikes, favourable product mix and cost-saving measures to offset rising expenses.
Food industry warns of supply shock over Super El Nino
India's food industry is alerting to a potential supply shock projected for the year 2027. Experts indicate that a Super El Nino may disrupt crop production and elevate food inflation. Growing concerns arise over the impact on sugar and oilseed production, particularly in states with severe drought conditions. The livestock sector is also preparing for increased feed costs due to these challenges.
PepsiCo is raising prices on Doritos and more after a weak quarter in America
PepsiCo plans to raise prices on certain snack foods and beverages due to increased costs. The price increase will be in the single-digit percentage range, although it remains lower than earlier this year. Consumption patterns indicate demand in their international market, contributing to a revenue rise of 5.6%. However, the North American beverage business continues to struggle, leading to adjusted earnings expectations.
As sugar markets swing, eBuySugar bets on scale and digital trade
With sugar prices, production, and trade policies becoming increasingly volatile, eBuySugar is expanding its role beyond simply connecting mills and buyers.
Sugar stocks Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar, others rally up to 8%. What’s behind the uptick?
Sugar stocks, including Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar and EID Parry, rallied sharply on Tuesday as raw sugar futures remained near two-year highs. Rising supply concerns in Brazil, Europe and Thailand, along with stronger festive-season demand, have lifted expectations of tighter global sugar supplies and supported the recent rally.
US services sector cools in September, price pressures building
The US-Israeli war with Iran has raised prices of energy and related products and led to shortages of commodities shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. Diesel prices are at record highs, hitting farmers and truckers. Economists warned that higher prices could soon spill over to other sectors and broaden inflation pressures.
RBI policy confronts a world with long tails
The RBI is likely to begin raising rates in October, with another hike possible in Q4 2026, as inflation risks broaden. Higher oil prices, weather shocks, weaker currency and geopolitical risks are fuelling imported pressures.
The debate is settling, the business is moving. Time to look at a larger set? 9 sugar-ethanol ecosystem stocks for the watchlist
A new fuel programme is not an easy thing to implement. And it sparks intense debate. Ethanol, for instance, has taken over two decades to reach some scale, and it has been dogged by controversies. But the noise is now dying down as it meets targets that were said to be impossible to achieve. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
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