Business

ITC Limited is targeting an addressable FMCG market of around ₹8 trillion by 2035 as the company focuses on brand building, digital expansion, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven consumer insights and strategic acquisitions. Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri said the Indian FMCG sector is set for significant growth as consumer preferences continue to evolve rapidly. Addressing shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting, Puri highlighted the growing influence of aspirational consumers, premiumisation, Gen Z and Gen Alpha preferences, digital access and quick commerce on the FMCG landscape. He said ITC is using an AI-led consumer insight ecosystem to understand changing consumer needs and develop differentiated products across categories. ITC’s FMCG portfolio curren...

For decades, Maruti Suzuki ruled the Indian automotive landscape with its lineup of no-frills, highly fuel-efficient, and budget-friendly vehicles that put millions of families on the road. However, a dramatic shift in consumer preferences is forcing the automaker to pivot, as modern Indian car buyers increasingly demand premium features and advanced technologies. Today's consumers are prioritizing safety ratings, connected-car tech, panoramic sunroofs, and infotainment systems over basic affordability. This evolution has led to a surge in the popularity of sport utility vehicles and premium hatchbacks, allowing rivals to chip away at Suzuki's traditional market share. In response, the company is aggressively upgrading its portfolio, introducing more sophisticated models and hybrid option...

Johnson’s®️ Baby has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of its Milk & Rice Range, signalling a strategic push to strengthen its presence in India's evolving baby care market, where demand for scientifically formulated, premium skincare products continues to grow. The launch is accompanied by the 'PoshanKaPehlaSparsh' campaign, which leverages the traditional Indian Annaprashan, or MukheBhaat, ceremony to connect cultural familiarity with modern skincare solutions. The new Johnson’s®️ Baby Milk & Rice Range is formulated with milk proteins, rice bran protein, Vitamin E, glycerin and a multivitamin complex to nourish and help protect a newborn's delicate skin barrier. The portfolio includes Soap, Wash & Shampoo, Lotion and Face & Body Cream, with the company s...

Kotak Mahindra Bank has reported a stellar start to the financial year, posting a standalone net profit of ₹4,123 crore for the first quarter, marking an impressive 26% year-on-year growth compared to the ₹3,282 crore recorded in the same period last year. This strong bottom-line performance comfortable beat consensus market estimates, largely driven by a sharp 45% reduction in provisions and contingencies, which dropped to ₹668 crore from ₹1,208 crore year-on-year. The private sector lender's Net Interest Income (NII)—the difference between interest earned on advances and interest expended on deposits—grew by a steady 9% to hit ₹7,928 crore. However, in line with broader industry trends amid tightening liquidity conditions, the bank's net interest margin (NIM) experienced a slight modera...

India’s quick-commerce market is bracing for an intense battle for affluent shoppers as Mumbai-based Zepto prepares to launch "Select," a dedicated, in-app premium grocery service. Aimed at taking on established high-end offerings like Blinkit Gourmet and FirstClub, Zepto Select will feature a curated catalogue of imported foods, gourmet ingredients, organic produce, and premium lifestyle goods. The platform has already begun actively onboarding premium consumer brands to build out its inventory. The wider launch follows a successful, limited pilot program in select micro-markets where Zepto witnessed highly encouraging customer traction and strong average basket sizes. The expansion into premium groceries marks a strategic pivot for the startup, which has historically driven scale thr...

QNET India, through its sub-franchisee Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt. Ltd., has reinforced its focus on preventive healthcare and sustainable direct selling in Meghalaya by expanding its wellness portfolio while reiterating its commitment to regulatory compliance and ethical business practices. The e-commerce-enabled direct selling company said it continues to strengthen its presence in the state by offering premium wellness products alongside an entrepreneurship opportunity for eligible Independent Distributors centred on product retailing, training, compliance and long-term business sustainability. QNET India operates through Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt. Ltd. in accordance with the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021, supported by customer-friendly measures suc...

Flipkart has announced a 50 per cent year-on-year growth in its food and nutrition category, driven by increasing demand from Gen Z consumers and shoppers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, reinforcing the rapid evolution of India’s digital food commerce ecosystem. The company said Flipkart Minutes contributed 25 per cent of total category demand, while Tier 2+ markets accounted for 65 per cent of overall demand, reflecting the growing adoption of healthier, premium and discovery-led food choices across Bharat. According to Flipkart, Gen Z recorded 60 per cent annual growth, with protein oats, high-protein peanut butter, protein muesli and gourmet chocolates emerging as key demand drivers. Korean-flavoured snacks are also witnessing strong traction in metropolitan markets, while searches fo...

Flipkart Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Meghalaya State Agriculture Marketing Board (MSAMB) under its Flipkart Samarth Krishiprogramme to strengthen market linkages and create new sourcing opportunities for farmers in the state. The partnership aims to provide direct market access for Meghalaya's fresh produce, including pineapples, by connecting farmers with consumers across India through digital commerce. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. Under the agreement, Flipkart will assist MSAMB in product quality guidance, demand-based quantity planning and onboarding into its digital commerce ecosystem. In return, ...

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has expanded its home broadband offerings by introducing a new plan that combines high-speed internet connectivity with access to popular over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms. The bundled package is aimed at customers seeking an all-in-one digital entertainment solution, allowing users to enjoy seamless internet services along with subscriptions to select streaming apps under a single plan. The move reflects the growing trend among telecom operators to enhance customer value by integrating entertainment services with broadband connectivity. As demand for video streaming, online gaming, remote work, and digital learning continues to rise, telecom companies are increasingly offering bundled plans to attract new subscribers and improve customer retention. The broadband p...

Fintech major PhonePe has appointed Srijon Biswas as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective immediately, as the company strengthens its technology leadership to support its next phase of growth. Biswas, who has been associated with PhonePe for nearly a decade, previously served as the Head of Engineering and will now lead the company’s entire engineering organisation. He will continue to report to PhonePe co-founder Rahul Chari. As part of a broader leadership restructuring, Rahul Chari, who previously held the position of CTO, has been elevated to Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO) while continuing as a co-founder of the company. His expanded role will cover technology, product, trust and safety, data sciences and analytics, customer experience, artificial intel...