MAM
BBC claims excellent response to interactive Olympic service
MUMBAI: UK viewers have taken to the beeb’s interactive service for the Olympic games in a big way. Over six million viewers have pressed the red button to use the BBC’s interactive Olympic services so far.
The figures, which have yet to be consolidated, show that 6.13 million people have used the service for more than one minute since the opening ceremony on 13 August. By pressing the red button viewers can choose up to four extra sports to watch during the Olympic Games.
The figures show that 50 per cent of the available audience have pressed red to interact. The previous highest figure was during this year’s Wimbledon when 4.1 million people went interactive for one minute or more.
During the Commonwealth Gamesm a couple of years ago, 3.4 million viewers went interactive.
BBC Sport’s head of new media, sports news and development Andrew Thompson added, “The Olympics are perfect for interactive television, because, there are so many events happening at the same time. Before we had the interactive option, hundreds of hours of footage disappeared down a black hole.”But now with interactive television, viewers have up to four extra sports to choose from and, judging by the initial figures, they are taking full advantage of that.”
Over 10 million viewers tuned in for the opening ceremony on BBC Sport in the UK. Nearly four and half million watched Britain’s synchronised diving duo Leon Taylor and Peter Waterfield take silver in the 10-metre event on BBC Two.
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
