Brands
Hershey Kisses will now be Made in India
MUMBAI: We’ve all been there where we ask our relatives and friends to bring us imported chocolates and candies from their trip abroad. Hershey’s Kisses have always been one such popular chocolate. The chocolates are distinct because of their unique shape and each one is delicately wrapped to make them perfect for sharing them with loved ones.
But you wont have to ask anyone to bring those scrumptious chocolates from abroad anymore. Hershey India, a part of The Hershey Company, a leading global snacking giant and the largest producer of quality chocolates in North America, has launched its iconic and much-loved Hershey’s Kisses chocolate brand in India.
Hershey’s Kisses will come in milk chocolate, almond and cookies ’n’ creme flavours. The Kisses range in India is the result of intensive R&D and consumer testing to develop the right taste profile for discerning Indian consumers who seek premium chocolates.
And that’s why it wont taste like the Hershey Kisses you get in United States because the taste is different considering the Indian palate and weather conditions here.
The Hershey Company president international Steven Schiller says, “There is a lot of potential for The Hershey Company in India. This market is an important part of our International growth model. The Hershey’s brand has been leading our India growth and Hershey’s Kisses is a wonderful way to continue that growth by tapping into the growing chocolate segment.”
Hershey’s Kisses milk chocolate will be available at an attractive price point of Rs 50 and Rs 140. During the first phase of this launch, Hershey’s Kisses will be available only in South India at modern trade, large general trade and e-commerce in South India. The rational behind launching in South first is because the company has a strong base in south India and it contributes to one-third of the total chocolate consumption in India.
The company has a manufacturing plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and the other two are run in Gujarat and Telangana. The US-based chocolate and confectionery firm Hershey has committed to investing $50 million in India over the next five years to scale up its operations here.
The festive season has just embarked in India but Hershey does not plan on having festive and gifting options for its portfolio just as yet. Hershey India managing director Herjit Bhalla says, “We will consider gifting going forward but not at the moment as want to concentrate only on south market right now and increase the consumer base.”
Steven Schiller thinks that there is more potential in India than there is in any other market right now because of the sheer size of the young population with strong economy that creates a ripe environment for people to partake in the snacking category.
Without giving out any details, the multinational company announced that it is set to bring another product in India by the end of 2018.
Kisses will be marketed with an extensive 360 degree marketing plan including TVC, digital campaign, print, outdoor, sampling, in-store visibility.
Globally, as many companies are reducing the sugar and salt content in their products to provide consumers a healthy and better alternative, Hershey believes in not changing the proportions and formulation too much. Steven Schiller mentions, “We spend a lot of time understand the trends and different types of products that people are interested in. I don't want to make commitments about the reduction because it also has to make commercial sense.”
The journey of the Hershey’s brand in India started a decade ago with the introduction of the Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup and now has Sofit milk, chocolate spreads and Jolly Rancher candies. Globally, the company makes nearly 70 million Hershey’s Kisses every day that are sold in nearly 60 countries.
The launch of Hershey’s Kisses might further fuel the growth of the Hershey’s brand in this country.
Brands
Nestlé India posts Rs 45,641 crore profit before tax in FY26
Strong cash flow of Rs 50,475 crore offsets higher costs, payouts.
MUMBAI: If there’s one thing brewing stronger than coffee this year, it’s Nestlé India’s balance sheet. The FMCG major closed FY26 with a solid financial performance, serving up steady growth even as costs and cash outflows kept the pressure simmering. For the year ended March 31, 2026, the company reported a profit before tax of Rs 45,641 crore, up from Rs 43,161 crore in the previous year. The numbers reflect resilience in core operations, supported by a strong consumption backbone across domestic and export markets.
Cash, meanwhile, was anything but idle. Nestlé India generated Rs 50,475 crore in net cash from operating activities, a sharp jump from Rs 29,345 crore last year highlighting robust underlying demand and improved working capital efficiency. Inventory reductions alone contributed Rs 2,809 crore, while trade payables rose by Rs 5,878 crore, adding further liquidity support.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. On the investing side, the company deployed Rs 8,297 crore towards property, plant and equipment, even as overall investing cash outflow stood at Rs 6,236 crore. Financing activities saw a significant drain, with Rs 31,794 crore flowing out driven largely by dividend payouts of Rs 23,139 crore and repayment of short-term borrowings.
The balance sheet tells a story of expansion with caution. Total assets rose to Rs 1,31,824 crore from Rs 1,21,933 crore, while equity climbed to Rs 51,569 crore, reflecting improved reserves and retained earnings. Cash and cash equivalents surged to Rs 13,205 crore, a sharp rise from Rs 761 crore a year ago, underscoring stronger liquidity despite heavy outflows.
Operationally, depreciation and amortisation expenses increased to Rs 6,992 crore, while finance costs and provisions continued to shape the cost structure. At the same time, working capital movements especially in inventories and receivables played a key role in boosting cash generation.
The broader takeaway? Nestlé India’s FY26 performance is less about headline growth and more about financial muscle. With strong cash flows cushioning rising investments and payouts, the company appears to be balancing expansion with discipline keeping its books as carefully measured as its recipes.
