Bhalla, currently ‌vice president, Canada and global customers at confectionery maker have seen a record number of leadership changes over the past one year. Nestle, Live EventsDabur, which makes Real juice and Vatika shampoo, reported a 7.3% increase in year-on-year consolidated net profit at Rs 553.61 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. Consolidated revenue grew by 6.1% to Rs 3,559 core. The company said demand trends in India witnessed gradual recovery following GST rate cuts. as a Reliable ...

Core Viewpoint - The company experienced short-term moderation in sales during the September quarter due to consumers deferring purchases in anticipation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) price cuts [1][7]. Group 1: Sales Performance - The moderation in sales was attributed to consumers waiting for GST-linked price reductions and distributors focusing on liquidating existing higher-priced inventory [1]. - Despite the short-term sales moderation, the company expects revenue growth in the mid-single digits and operating profit growth to align with revenue growth [1]. - Brands not affected by GST cuts, such as honey and Anmol Coconut Oil, performed well, allowing the company to maintain market share gains in over 90% of its portfolio [2][5]. Group 2: Impact of GST - Key categories like oral care, juices, hair oils, shampoo, and others, which represent approximately 60% of the company's India business, will benefit from the GST rate cut to 5% [5]. - Currently, 85% of the company's portfolio is under the 5% GST rate, which is viewed as a significant positive development [5]. - The GST reforms have resulted in daily essentials, including soaps and shampoos, now attracting a 5% GST [6]. Group 3: External Factors - The beverage portfolio was negatively impacted by higher-than-expected rainfall and floods in July and August, affecting products like Real fruit juices and coconut water [5]. - Hindustan Unilever (HUL) also reported a short-term impact on sales due to GST reforms, with expectations of near-flat to low single-digit growth for the quarter [7].