Godrej Industries is set to acquire the food additives and emulsifier business of Savannah Surfactants Limited for Rs 76 crore. The deal will see Godrej Industries expand its product offerings to the Food & Beverages segment. Savannah Surfactants Ltd has a manufacturing capacity of 5,200 tonnes per annum of finished products.

India's retail inflation rose to 6.21 percent in October. This is a significant increase from September's 5.49 percent. Food prices are the main reason for this surge. This is the first time since August that inflation has gone beyond the Reserve Bank of India's 6 percent limit. The rise in onion prices is a major concern.

Coca-Cola India's consolidated profit plummeted by 41.82% to Rs 420.29 crore in FY24, despite a 4.24% increase in revenue, reaching Rs 4,713.38 crore. The company's advertising and sales promotion expenses surged by 35.47% to Rs 1,520.21 crore, while royalties paid to its US parent company also rose.

On its listing day, brokerage firms - Macquarie and JM Financial - became the first ones to initiate coverage on the debutant but came out with polar opposite views. Macquarie's initiating coverage report gave it an underperform rating with a target price of Rs 325, which indicates downside potential of 17% from IPO issue price of Rs 390.

Despite severe air pollution in Indian cities, particularly in Delhi-NCR, the market for air purifiers and anti-pollution personal care products remains small. Consumers perceive limited tangible benefits and sales spike only during peak pollution periods. While some growth occurs after Diwali, the overall market remains stagnant, with some companies exiting or scaling back operations.

Xiaomi India President Muralikrishnan B has resigned to pursue a doctorate, marking the end of his tenure during a period of recovery for the leading smartphone company. Muralikrishnan, who joined in 2018, will transition into a six-month gardening leave. His departure follows strategic executive appointments aimed at boosting offline sales and premium market presence.

"During the quarter, the company maintained the growth momentum established in the first quarter. A strong performance across all major segments, supported by a robust order book, reflects increasing demand for its diverse product portfolio," said an earnings statement from Blue Star.

According to early estimates from Counterpoint, shipments in the wearables industry fell 30% on-year in the July-September quarter with nearly every top brand including Boat and Noise seeing sharp declines in numbers. However, shipments of premium smartwatches and audio products nearly doubled, pushing up the average selling price.

The gaming console uses Wi-Fi 7, a wireless standard that uses the 6GHz band for connecting to the internet. However, the band itself is embroiled under controversy with telecom operators pushing for it to be reserved for mobile internet services.

Apple could double its iPhone production in India to over $30 billion annually if the US imposes tariffs on Chinese imports. This shift could create 200,000 jobs and increase India's share in iPhone production to over 26%. However, the move depends on US policy and India's ability to address cost and policy challenges.

Although stakeholder discussions are still going on, the 5% cut of the total import quota will be implemented from April 1 of the upcoming fiscal. This cut is based on the data provided by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics.

Sault, a new consumer electronics company, is set to significantly increase its sales volume by FY25. Focusing on tier-2 towns, the brand plans to expand its reach within western India and eventually target southern markets. Sault will incorporate in-house manufacturing for certain products while continuing partnerships for others, aiming for nationwide expansion and exploring digital sales channels.

DAEWOO India has brought on C.M. Singh as its new Joint Managing Director. Singh brings over 30 years of experience to the role, having previously held leadership positions at LG, Videocon, TCL India, and Sukam. DAEWOO aims to leverage Singh's expertise to expand its presence in the consumer durables sector and reach new markets across India.

“We have been able to grow a little from 15.4% to 16.7% in H1. But this is coming more from the operational efficiencies point of view. And also a very little from probably I can say, there is an advantage currently where the raw material prices are at most low. This is the advantage we have been able to get in H1. ”

“We will first want to focus on growth in terms of top line and margins will take care of themselves. With a lot of operating efficiencies coming in, margin should take care of itself but we follow our mantra of “nothing at the cost of market and nothing at the cost of margin. So we will balance both together.”

Bharat Puri, MD of Pidilite Industries, discusses the company's revenue growth driven by volume growth and reduction in prices due to normalized raw material prices. Puri expects double-digit volume growth going forward and highlights the company's focus on investing in rural markets, which have shown no decline or softness. Pidilite Industries has added 30,000 new retail points to its rural network and sees rural markets as a driver of growth. Puri also mentions the improvement in international business and sustainable EBITDA margins at the higher range of 20-24%.

The board of Pidilite -- maker of Fevicol, Dr Fixit, Fevikwik and M-Seal -- at its meeting held on Thursday approved the appointment of Vats as Managing Director Designate, who is currently Deputy Managing Director of Pidilite Industries.

“With this expansion, we are excited to connect with even more individuals and families, offering them a curated selection of products that inspire creativity and enrich everyday life," said Divyanshu Solanki, founder and CEO of the company.

India's Pidilite Industries , which makes Fevicol adhesives and Dr. Fixit waterproofing products, posted a 6.2% jump in fourth-quarter profit on Tuesday, driven by lower input costs.

​​Santosh Raveshia, Managing Director, DOMS Industries Limited said, "As we conclude FY24, we are pleased to report on a period marked by significant achievements and strategic initiatives that have reinforced our strong position in the stationery and art materials market. We continued seeing positive business traction resulting in robust sales growth coupled with further elevation of margins, reflecting upon the strength of the ‘DOMS’ Brand to connect with its consumers."

Mumbai-based Pidilite Industries, the maker of Fevicol and M-Seal adhesive brands, has approached the court to restrain Dubond Products from allegedly infringing its registered trademarks, copyright and passing off for its waterproofing brand Dr Fixit LW.

Shree Vallabh Metals in October 2023 had secured an injunction from Delhi HC against the use of the MAX FRESH trademark by Cello Plastic Industrial Works.

Pidilite Industries Ltd. managing director Bharat Puri expects volume and value growth to align in the second half of Q2 2024, with value growth potentially surpassing volume due to improved product mix. The company reported a 9.6% increase in volume and a 21% rise in net profit to Rs. 571 crores. Export sales were affected by geopolitical tensions and shipping delays.

DOMS Industries Limited reported strong Q1 FY25 results, with a notable 17.3% increase in revenue and 49.5% growth in profit after tax compared to Q1 FY24. The firm saw improved EBITDA and margin performance. The company also announced plans to acquire a majority stake in Unilcan Healthcare to expand its market.

India's home textile industry is set to witness 6-8 per cent growth this fiscal, riding on resilient demand from the US and expansion in the domestic market, according to a report on Tuesday.

Titan Company's consolidated profit after tax declined by 23.1 per cent in the second quarter of this fiscal. However, the company's consolidated income increased by 26 per cent during the same period. Its international jewellery business experienced a significant income growth of 62 per cent. Caratlane, a subsidiary of Titan, also reported a 28 per cent increase in total income.

Indian travelers are increasingly splurging on luxury goods while abroad, with spending in this category skyrocketing by 250% in recent years. Travel companies and luxury brands are responding by incorporating premium shopping experiences into their itineraries and offering exclusive perks to attract Indian shoppers.

The Temasek and SoftBank-backed company’s operating margins also grew significantly, with Lenskart clocking an Ebitda of Rs 856 crore in FY24, against Rs 403 crore in the previous fiscal. In an interview with ET in October, Lenskart’s founder and chief executive officer Peyush Bansal had said the company is making a $200-million investment in its new manufacturing facility in southern India.

Raymond Lifestyle witnessed a significant 69.72% drop in its consolidated net profit for Q2 FY'25, reaching Rs 42.18 crore. This decline is attributed to subdued demand and inflationary pressures. Despite this, the company remains optimistic about the future, citing recent positive trends in the festive and wedding season and plans for retail expansion and new product launches.

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) on Monday said the return of Donald Trump as the next US President will bolster India's textile and apparel trade with its largest international market.

Driven by strong demand from the US and growth in the domestic market, India's home textile industry is poised for a 6-8% growth this fiscal year. Despite economic concerns in the EU, the industry's credit profiles are expected to remain stable, supported by healthy cash accrual and moderate capital expenditure plans.

He further claimed that the product is launched at a 15 per cent lower price compared to the existing products in the market. “We are retaining lower margins than other brands and it works for us, as we spend much less in marketing,” commented Shreyans Jain, co-founder, Nutrabay.

Beauté Secrets, a D2C beauty tools firm, has secured Rs 1.6 crore in debt from Velocity to expand its presence on quick commerce platforms and introduce new products. Founded in 2010, the company plans to enter major retail outlets and launch new beauty tools, leveraging its sustainable profits for growth and expecting a festive season boost.

Adwaita and Anchit Nayar, leaders at Nykaa, highlight their complementary roles in driving the company's success. They share insights on India's consumer tech and quick commerce growth, Nykaa's rapid expansion in warehouse capacity, and plans for same-day or next-day delivery, leveraging their efficient capital use and market competition to build the category.

Grooming products maker Gillette India Ltd on Monday reported a 43.5 per cent rise in profit to Rs 133.01 crore for the quarter ended September 2024, led by a broad-based growth. The company, which follows the July-June financial year, had reported a profit of Rs 92.69 crore in the corresponding quarter of the preceding year, according to a BSE filing from Gillette India.

Highlighting the brand’s expansion trajectory in terms of physical retail presence, Sanjay Sharma, Country Head of Shiseido India said that since launching with 15 touchpoints last year, NARS has already doubled its reach to 30 points in India and plans to double again in the next two years.

Luxury fragrance brand Nisara has appointed Beauty Brands Global DMCC as its exclusive distributor in the UAE. The partnership aims to leverage Beauty Brands Global's market expertise to establish Nisara's presence in the region. Nisara plans to offer its products through both online and offline channels, targeting the UAE's appreciation for luxury goods.

Revenue from operations in the reporting period rose 24% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 1,875 crore. The company posted an EBITDA growth of 29% YoY to Rs 104 crore in the reporting quarter, while margins improved 18 bps to 5.5%.

India's toy exports saw a slight decline to USD 152.34 million in 2023-24 from USD 153.89 million the previous year. Despite quality control orders, exports did not benefit much. GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava suggested a more comprehensive strategy to develop the industry and boost exports.

Government initiatives, such as mandatory quality control orders and increased customs duties, have significantly boosted India's toy exports, but further efforts are needed, according to DPIIT Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. He mentioned ongoing efforts to include the toy sector in the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, with a proposed budget of Rs 3,489 crore, to enhance domestic manufacturing.

Jammbo, founded in 2023, presently has about 50 products in its portfolio, focusing on ride-on battery toys such as electric cars and bikes. It aims to expand its portfolio to over 200 products by the end of the current fiscal year. The startup has set up its global presence by entering the UAE market. Further, it plans to expand to the U.S. and the U.K. markets this fiscal.

Union Minister calls on domestic toy industry to back artisans and foster creativity at Toy CEO Meet. Global players like Walmart and Amazon join hands for collaborations. Government measures boost local manufacturing. Stakeholders discuss investment opportunities in India's growing toy market.

FirstCry, a baby and mother care product retailer, will list likely at a $3-3.5 billion valuation, sources in the know told ET. FirstCry's IPO will be the second major new-age company to debut on Dalal Street this year, after Ola Electric. The company's offer size remains the same as mentioned in its draft papers.

FirstCry reported a 15% increase in operating revenue to Rs 6,481 crore and reduced losses by 34% in FY24. The Pune-based firm's international business, which is seeing faster growth than domestic operations, reported a revenue of Rs 753 crore, growing by over 50%. The firm plans to use a significant portion of its IPO proceeds for expansion in Saudi Arabia.

The IPO of Brainbees Solution, known for its kidswear brand FirstCry, will open on August 6. It comprises a fresh issue of Rs 1,666 crore and an OFS of up to 5.4 crore shares. The anchor investor round will commence on August 5, a day before the IPO. The price band will be announced later in the week, as per the company's red herring prospectus RHP filed with Sebi.

Founded by Supam Maheshwari and his colleague from a previous business, Amitava Saha, FirstCry has been the darling of investors which include SoftBank, Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata, Premji Invest, Mahindra & Mahindra and TPG Growth.

According to a circular upload on BSE, Brainbees Solutions allotted 4.05 crore equity shares to 71 funds at Rs 465 apiece, which is also the upper end of the price band. This takes the transaction size to Rs 1,886 crore. The IPO, with a price band of Rs 440-465 a share, will open for public subscription on August 6 and close on August 8.

 It begins to tell, 'round midnight, 'round midnight. I do pretty well till after sundown, And suppertime I'm feelin' sad But it really gets bad, 'round midnight. Memories always start  'round midnight, 'round Haven't got the heart to stand those memories, So when my heart is still with you, Yes ol' midnight knows it, too. When a quarrel we had needs mending, Does it mean that our love is ending. Darlin' I need you, lately I find You're out of my heart, And I'm out of my...

Let your visitors know about news and events on your website as often as possible. You need to keep your website up-to-date so that your visitors will get used to visiting your pages regularly. You can use RSS feeds to deliver new articles directly to your readers.

Pacific Crest is seeking energetic and creative individuals to work as photographer and videographer interns for this coming season. If you are no longer eligible to march, this is a […]