MAM
Society celebrates India’s tea-drinking culture
MUMBAI: If there is one thread that binds us unequivocally as a nation, no matter what our differences may be, it is our love of tea. Being innately Indian is synonymous with starting the day with a steaming cup of chai-be it a time held, homemade recipe, or that of the ever-dependent tapri chaiwallah around the bend near the office building, tea is a constant in our lives.
To take the love for tea a notch further, Society Tea has launched its latest brand campaign – The tea society called India. It celebrates this unifying and proudly home-grown tea drinking culture across the length and breadth of our country.
Society Tea director of business development Karan Shah says, “The idea of the campaign emerged serendipitously from the brand name itself, Society Tea. Society Tea has always strived to maintain a consistent quality with infallible taste. Our travails whilst executing this campaign across several regions in India is testimony to our passion for quality. The campaign is a perfect amalgamation of people who are unique and diverse as it perfectly captures our brand footprint across incredible India.”
To essay a wonderful human interest brand story campaign idea, the right set of photographers and filmmakers were arduously handpicked for lyrical, documentary style of photography and film.
The film features photography mavens-Palani Mohan, a Hong Kong based award-winning photographer with a wealth of experience and Rakesh Haridas, whose Instagram feed showcases a truly unique style of photography. These mavens covered the length and breadth of India, right from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Meghalaya to Mumbai. Between endless cups of tea, all-nighters and travel secrets, this human interest campaign was spearheaded by Sachin Pillai, a young and dynamic director from the film production company, Epitome.
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.
