Brands
Emami ropes in Katrina Kaif as the face of ‘Mantra’ spice range
Mumbai: Emami Group’s branded food arm, Emami Agrotech, on Thursday announced onboarding Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif as brand ambassador for its spice range, ‘Emami Healthy & Tasty Mantra Masala.’
Mantra’s collaboration with Kaif is expected to reach out to audiences across age groups with ever-changing taste preferences across Indian geographies.
The brand has also drawn up aggressive marketing plans for Mantra and a target to reach around 25 lakh outlets (both direct and indirect) by the next three years, revealed Emami Group director Jayant Goenka.
Speaking of this partnership, Goenka said, “We are extremely elated to be associated with Katrina Kaif, one of the leading and vibrant actors in Indian cinema. We believe that she is a perfect fit for Mantra Masala as her credibility, hard work, and commitment resonate with the values of our brand. We do believe that her popularity and huge fan following will help us connect better with our consumers across the country and make Mantra a preferred choice of spice brand.”
Speaking about this association, the brand ambassador, Katrina Kaif said, “Emami is a very popular and trusted household name in India, known for its quality and efficacy. I’m glad to be associated with a brand of such stature and am confident the Emami Healthy & Tasty Mantra range of spices will soon become a preferred choice of Indian households as well. I am certain that the audience will love our new campaign as well as the wide range of products that Emami Healthy & Tasty Mantra has to offer.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: 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.
