Brands
Marico stirs up wellness with majority buy in digital nutrition brand Cosmix
MUMBAI: When coconut oil meets collagen, the result is a clear play for the future of wellness. FMCG heavyweight Marico has announced a strategic investment in Cosmix Wellness, acquiring a majority stake in the Bengaluru-based, digital-first functional nutrition brand as it sharpens its focus on premium food and wellness categories.
Under the deal, Marico will acquire 60 percent of Cosmix Wellness’ paid-up share capital from its founders for an aggregate consideration of Rs 225.67 crore, marking one of its most significant bets in the fast-growing nutrition and supplements space. The remaining 40 percent stays with the founders for now, with Marico retaining the option to buy out the balance stake after the end of FY29, subject to performance-linked milestones and valuation norms to be finalised at that stage.
Cosmix Wellness has emerged as a strong contender in the premium wellness segment over a short span of time. The brand reported a turnover of Rs 50.93 crore in FY25, more than doubling from Rs 24.32 crore in FY24, and a sharp jump from Rs 5.39 crore in FY23. Its rise has been driven by a digital-first model and a differentiated portfolio focused on functional wellness rather than mass supplements.
For Marico, the acquisition fits neatly into its broader strategy of building a portfolio of digitally native, premium brands that tap into evolving consumer preferences. Over the past few years, the company has steadily expanded beyond its traditional staples into newer categories through brands such as Plix, True Elements, Beardo and Just Herbs, creating an ecosystem that allows cross-selling and faster experimentation across channels.
Best known for Parachute coconut oil, Marico has been doubling down on premiumisation and direct-to-consumer avenues as growth in conventional FMCG slows and consumers increasingly seek specialised, health-led products. The Cosmix investment signals that nutrition and wellness are no longer side dishes in Marico’s portfolio, they are moving closer to the main course.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
