Brands
Emami forays into juice category with AloFrut
Mumbai: Emami Limited, one of the leading personal care and healthcare companies in India has forayed into the juice category with ‘AloFrut’ through strategic investment in Axiom Ayurveda Pvt Ltd (“Axiom”) and its subsidiaries/associates by acquiring 26 per cent equity stake for an undisclosed amount. Axiom markets beverage products under the brand “AloFrut”.
AloFrut juices are the most refreshing and healthy fusion of aloevera pulp and fruit blends. Aloevera is known worldwide as a rich source of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. It is available in multiple unique flavours. Apart from AloFrut, which constitutes the key business of the Axiom Ayurveda, the company has a unique range of carbonated beverages that includes mocktails and energy drinks. It is also present in Ayurvedic healthcare juice segment under the Jeevan Ras brand. The Company has its own manufacturing facility in Ambala, Haryana and is setting up a fully automated state-of-the art modern new facility in Jammu (Kathua) at a cost Rs 160 cr. AloFrut has a strong market presence across general trade, government institutions, modern trade & e-commerce platforms.
Emami Ltd vice chairman & MD Harsha V Agarwal said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Axiom Ayurveda through a strategic investment in equity. This marks our entry into the juice category with ‘AloFrut’. With health & wellness being the buzzword for consumers today, we see tremendous potential in the segment. “AloFrut” product offering is very unique as these beverages are based on Aloe pulp inclusion in fruit juice which provides a perfect mix of taste and health together. We are excited to be present in this category which is in line with our corporate growth strategy to invest in categories or brands that not only have synergy with our existing business but offer potential for growth. We look forward to add meaningful value to the brand.”
Commenting on the development, Axiom Ayurveda Pvt Ltd founder Rishabh Gupta said, “Now-a-days consumers are moving away from the carbonated beverages and are looking for a healthier alternative with an equal importance to taste. Considering this trend where consumer is focussing on taste and health, we have tried to offer a perfect blend of the same which is a big differentiator from other beverage company offerings. We strongly believe in the potential that our brand has to offer. It is exciting to have Emami come on board as a strategic partner with wide industry experience who shares our vision to make Alofrut a leader brand.”
Brands
PUMA Q1 profit jumps 19.6 per cent to €51.9m despite 6.3 per cent sales decline
Inventory clean-up and cost controls lift earnings as brand navigates transition year
HERZOGENAURACH: PUMA has kicked off 2026 on a steady note, reporting improved profitability in the first quarter even as sales slipped, signalling early progress in what it calls a transition year.
The German sportswear major posted sales of €1,863.8 million in Q1 2026, down 6.3 per cent on a reported basis. On a currency-adjusted basis, the decline was milder at 1.0 per cent, helped by ongoing inventory clearance efforts.
Profitability, however, told a more upbeat story. Gross profit margin rose 60 basis points to 47.7 per cent, driven by the reversal of inventory reserves, lower freight costs and a favourable channel mix. EBIT climbed 19.6 per cent to €51.9 million, despite €-12.6 million in one-time costs linked to a cost efficiency programme. Adjusted EBIT stood at €64.4 million, up from €61.3 million a year earlier.
Net profit from continuing operations surged to €26.5 million, a sharp jump from €1.1 million in Q1 2025, with earnings per share improving to €0.18. The financial result also improved significantly to €-15.6 million from €-38.5 million, aided by currency tailwinds.
Speaking on the performance, PUMA chief executive officer Arthur Hoeld said, “In the first quarter our athletes won 21 medals at the World Athletics Indoor Championships and set national records at the Berlin Half Marathon. Operationally, we were off to a solid start to our transition year in 2026. We have managed to reduce our inventory levels faster than planned, streamlined our product portfolio and addressed operational inefficiencies.”
Inventory reduction remained a central theme. Inventories fell 8.6 per cent to €1,898.0 million, while working capital dropped 9.7 per cent to €1,879.2 million. Trade receivables declined 20.3 per cent and trade payables were down 26.2 per cent, reflecting lower sales and purchasing volumes.
Regionally, performance was mixed. EMEA sales fell 10.4 per cent on a currency-adjusted basis to €774.5 million, impacted by weak demand and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Americas grew 6.1 per cent (currency-adjusted) to €655.6 million, led by a strong 10.5 per cent rise in Latin America, though reported growth was hit by currency fluctuations. Asia Pacific emerged as a bright spot, growing 7.9 per cent to €433.8 million, supported by strong demand in Greater China and Southeast Asia.
By channel, wholesale revenue declined 2.8 per cent (currency-adjusted), while direct-to-consumer sales rose 3.8 per cent to €528.1 million. The DTC share increased to 28.3 per cent from 27.5 per cent last year, reflecting a sharper focus on owned retail and digital channels.
Product-wise, footwear sales dipped 2.3 per cent (currency-adjusted) to €1,089.6 million, though running and training categories showed strong growth. Apparel inched up 0.9 per cent to €546.3 million, aided by football and golf, while accessories remained broadly stable at €227.9 million.
Free cash flow, though still negative at €-201.4 million due to seasonality, improved significantly from €-737.6 million a year ago. Net debt rose to €1,357.6 million, but the company maintained financial flexibility with €1,104.7 million in cash and available credit lines.
Looking ahead, PUMA reaffirmed its full-year outlook. It expects currency-adjusted sales to decline in the low to mid single-digit range, with EBIT projected between €-50 million and €-150 million. Capital expenditure for 2026 is pegged at around €200 million, focused on digital infrastructure and DTC expansion.
PUMA chief executive officer Arthur Hoeld added, “For the remainder of the year, we will continue to focus on improving the quality of our distribution, cost base and cash management. In doing so, we are laying the foundations for future growth.”
With inventory clean-up ahead of schedule and operational efficiencies beginning to show, PUMA appears to be tightening its laces for a stronger run, even as macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties continue to test the track ahead.
