Ratna Bhushan

At least half a dozen top brands are lined up, cheque book in hand, to sign the Indian Premier League's 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, said executives directly aware of developments.

Coca-Cola is exploring a public listing in India for the parent company of its largest bottler, Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH), with a potential 2027 debut on Indian stock exchanges. This move aims to complete the refranchising of HCCH and position it for growth in the Indian market. The company has appointed Rothschild & Co to advise on the listing.

A pivotal decision from the Delhi High Court has sent ripples through the digital marketing landscape, impacting Google Ads significantly.

Nykaa Fashion is now a significant driver for acquiring customers for Nykaa's beauty business. Both segments are experiencing robust growth. The company reported a substantial profit increase for the quarter ended FY26. Despite economic concerns, Nykaa sees no negative impact on consumer sentiment. The fashion business has expanded beyond women's wear into men's, kids, and home categories, showing accelerated growth.

Nestle India sees rural areas as a major growth avenue. The company is focusing on increasing sales volume and investing more in its brands and production facilities. This strategy aims to navigate changing consumer tastes and economic pressures. Nestle India is also leveraging technology to improve its operations and reach more consumers across the country.Nestle India looks for volume-led growth despite price volatility amid geopolitical uncertainties

Despite geopolitical turmoil and inflation, domestic consumption of essentials and personal care products remains resilient. Company executives express optimism for demand sustenance but advise a cautious approach for the next two to three quarters due to ongoing inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions.

Domestic consumption ranging from everyday essentials to beauty and personal care products has remained resilient so far, largely undeterred by the supply disruptions linked to the Iran war and inflation in April and May, said top company executives.

Brown-Forman, the maker of Jack Daniel's, is closely monitoring the India-United States trade deal. Positive signs are emerging for the bilateral agreement. The company imports its entire product range into India. Rising inflation and transportation costs are noted pressures. The West Asia war has not impacted business yet. Ready-to-drink options are a growing segment.

Haleon is investing Rs 2,000 crore to build its first manufacturing plant in Pithampur, India. This move sharpens its focus on India, a fast-growing consumer healthcare market. The plant will produce oral-health products, including Sensodyne. It aims to reach one billion more consumers by 2030, with 300 million in India. The facility will also cater to export markets.

Young consumers are now driving major decisions at established food companies. Gen-Z and millennials are influencing product development, acquisitions, and marketing strategies. These younger shoppers are health-conscious, digitally savvy, and demand transparency. Their preferences are reshaping the entire packaged foods industry in India.