Brands
FOReT unveils new Banana Bark Bag Collection
Mumbai: Redefining style with natural materials and textures, FOReT, India’s homegrown leading sustainable vegan fashion brand, has recently unveiled a new Banana Bark Collection.
The newly launched Banana Bark Bags brings together unique elements, local materials, and crafts, while also incorporating contemporary design for a modern and discerning look.
The new collection brings together bold weaves and aesthetics to create a visually appealing and attractive set of bags. Celebrating nature, the banana bark stems, forming the primary ingredient of the bags, present unique natural textures and hues that are naturally developed from the scorching sun, the rain and the wind.
Every bag is exclusive, featuring different weaving patterns and textures that accentuate the bags to be versatile by going beyond the traditional styles and adding a fresh, modern aesthetic look to the bags.
Banking on the principles of circular design symbolising the brand’s motto of being earth friendly and responsible, the bags are tried and tested for their longevity and usage across seasons. Moreover, the Banana Bark Bags combine banana bark with Cork, another sustainable bio leather and other locally sourced materials such as the Ilkal fabric and is embellished in seeds.
Speaking about the launch of the newly designed range of Banana Bark bags, FOReT founder, CEO & creative director Supriya Shirsat Satam voiced, “We are excited to introduce our latest collection, building upon the overwhelming response to our first edition of Banana Bark bags. Our new line showcases the utilisation of renewable and biodegradable materials derived from the outer layers of banana plant stems that are typically discarded. Through meticulous research, material testing, and innovative design, we have crafted Banana Bark Bags as an elegant and long-lasting option for environmentally conscious individuals. These bags embody sustainability, contribute to local communities, and boast a contemporary aesthetic that appeals to the preferences of today’s fashion-forward consumers. By integrating distinctive designs and combining local materials with traditional craftsmanship, our new collection of Banana Bark Bags presents a fresh and contemporary approach to sustainable fashion.”
Notably, the production of Banana Bark Bags involves collaborations with local artisans and communities which in turn translate into promoting social responsibility, and contributing to the economic well-being of the communities involved. The production of Banana Bark Bags provides women artisans with opportunities for skill development, empowerment, and economic independence. By engaging in the production process, these artisans can contribute to their households’ income and gain financial stability.
The current bestseller in the Banana Bark Collection at FoReT is Iconic Bracelet cum Bag – The shoulder pad made from Cork in the Iconic Banana Bag can be removed and can be separately used as a bracelet. Both products can be used independently and are elegant inherently.
Interestingly, the bags are biodegradable, thus after a long use, one can also use them as a bio planter.
FOReT’s collection includes a range of clutches, laptop sleeves, tote bags and an evening bag. The Banana Bark Collection designed by Supriya, a sustainable advocate, is a blend of style and consciousness.
With a deep appreciation for nature’s complexity and uniqueness, she endeavors to design products that capture and convey its essence while supporting women artisans and supporting local crafts. By seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with modern lifestyles, she aims to ensure that the essence of these age-old traditions remains relevant and cherished in today’s world.
Brands
Kwality Wall’s reports standalone losses following strategic HUL demerger
Ice cream major faces Rs 64 crore Ebitda loss amid commodity inflation and muted Q3 sales
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited (KWIL) has released its first set of financial results as a standalone entity, revealing a challenging start to its independent journey. Following its successful demerger from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on 1st December 2025 and its subsequent listing on 16th February 2026, the company is navigating a transition period marked by structural changes and high input costs.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2025, the company reported revenue of Rs 222 crores. Despite the revenue base, the bottom line was impacted by several factors, resulting in an Ebitda loss of Rs 64.2 crores. When calculated on a Pre-IND AS 116 basis, the Ebitda loss stood at Rs 83.8 crores.
Organic Sales Growth (OSG) declined by 6.5 per cent year-on-year during the quarter. Volume growth, however, saw a marginal increase of 1.2 per cent. The company reported a gross margin of 41.5 per cent. Additionally, exceptional expenses amounting to Rs 94 crores were recorded, primarily linked to non-recurring costs during the transition phase.
Performance across portfolios and channels was mixed. Within the impulse portfolio, brands such as Magnum and Cornetto recorded mid-single digit volume growth, indicating steady demand in on-the-go consumption. However, the in-home portfolio, which includes take-home packs, experienced muted consumption. The company is planning a relaunch of this category with improved offerings ahead of the 2026 season.
Quick commerce (Q-Com) continued to emerge as a strong growth driver, delivering robust double-digit growth during the quarter. Meanwhile, the company also expanded its physical distribution network by increasing the number of company-owned cabinets across markets.
Margin pressure during the quarter was driven by a combination of one-off factors and broader cost inflation. Gross margins were impacted by around 600 basis points due to trade investments made for stock liquidation. Additionally, cocoa price inflation contributed to another 400 basis points of pressure on margins.
Deputy managing director Chitrank Goel attributed the muted performance partly to prolonged monsoons and transitional challenges linked to the GST framework. Operating expenses also increased as the company invested in establishing its standalone supply chain, operational systems and corporate infrastructure following the demerger.
Looking ahead, the management remains focused on a volume-driven growth strategy. To restore profitability, the company has initiated a cost productivity programme aimed at reducing non-consumer-facing costs. It is also working on building regional manufacturing networks to optimise logistics expenses and improve operational efficiency.
The commodity outlook for the near term remains mixed. Dairy prices are expected to remain firm due to tight supply conditions and rising fodder costs. Sugar prices may also move higher following increases in the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). While cocoa prices have moderated recently, currency depreciation has offset some of the potential cost relief for the company.
