Brands
AB InBev taps Netflix for global beer marketing blitz
MUMBAI: The world’s largest brewer has struck a sweeping marketing deal with Netflix that will see AB InBev’s beer brands woven into the streaming giant’s programming and live events across dozens of countries.
The partnership, announced today, marks an unusually broad collaboration between the Belgian-Brazilian brewing behemoth and the entertainment platform. AB InBev will integrate its portfolio—including Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois—into Netflix content ranging from British crime series The Gentlemen to South Korean cooking competition Culinary Class Wars.
AB InBev global chief marketing officer Marcel Marcondes described streaming as “an occasion where beer and entertainment come together,” arguing the deal would create “deeper experiences with consumers” during culturally significant viewing moments.
The arrangement extends beyond traditional product placement. AB InBev brands will feature in co-marketing campaigns, limited-edition packaging tied to specific shows, and digital promotions. The brewer will also advertise during Netflix’s live NFL Christmas games next year and collaborate on coverage of the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Netflix has already tested the waters with AB InBev properties. Mexican beer brand Cerveza Victoria recently sponsored the streaming service’s broadcast of the Canelo Álvarez-Terence Crawford boxing match.
“The popularity of our titles allows us to pierce the cultural zeitgeist in ways few others can,” said Netflix chief marketing officer Marian Lee. The streaming service has increasingly courted advertising revenue as subscriber growth plateaus in mature markets.
The deal reflects AB InBev’s push to reach younger consumers who increasingly favour experiences over traditional advertising. The brewer has faced headwinds in key markets, with American beer consumption declining and competition intensifying from craft breweries and hard seltzers.
For Netflix, the partnership offers a blue-chip sponsor as it expands into live programming and seeks to monetise its global reach more effectively. The platform has secured rights to major sporting events, including NFL games and professional wrestling, as it competes with traditional broadcasters for advertising dollars.
The companies declined to disclose financial terms of the multi-year agreement. AB InBev operates in nearly 50 countries whilst Netflix boasts over 270 million subscribers worldwide.
Industry analysts suggest such partnerships may become more common as traditional advertising models fragment. Brewers face particular challenges reaching audiences through conventional channels as younger consumers increasingly “cord-cut” from traditional television.
The collaboration will roll out across AB InBev’s international portfolio, with regional brands like Brasil’s Antarctica and Europe’s Leffe expected to feature in locally relevant Netflix content. Both companies emphasised the deal’s global scope distinguishes it from previous entertainment industry tie-ups.
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.
