Brands
Nestlé India Launches CRUNCHILICIOUS MUNCH Campaign
MUMBAI: Nestlé India’s latest advertising and marketing campaign CRUNCHILICIOUS MUNCH, marks the celebration of renovation of the popular MUNCH wafer brand. While retaining its signature crunch, MUNCH has undergone a product renovation in recipe and process. To mark this renovation a new brand campaign has been launched which features the multi-talented youth icon Shruti Haasan and the legendary musical trio of Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy.
The New CRUNCHILICIOUS MUNCH is an indulgent combination of Crunchy Wafer, Creamy Filling and a Delicious Coating which is available at a competitive price point of Rs.10, both in-stores as well as on e-commerce platforms.
With the launch of the New CRUNCHILICIOUS MUNCH, Nikhil Chand, General Manager, Chocolates and Confectionery, Nestlé India Ltd. said, “India is a growing chocolate and confectionery market, and the market needs some excitement and innovation. This product is a result of such innovation. We are also extremely happy to introduce the new campaign CRUNCHILICIOUS MUNCH in association with Shruti Haasan and Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy. The campaign captures how Shruti, who, though confident, experience a rare moment of doubt when faced with a tough challenge. The TVC captures the ‘Crunching of the doubt with MUNCH’, when Shruti takes on the challenge, leading to the creation of foot thumping music.” “The irresistible combination of a CRUNCHILICIOUS MUNCH and campaign’s groovy music, will make the youth sing Crunch Macha MUNCH Macha.” Mr. Chand added.
Speaking on the occasion, Shankar Mahadevan said, “We are excited to be associated with MUNCH, a brand that has always leveraged music that appeals to everybody. The new song will definitely make you groove.” Shruti Haasan, actress and singer also shared her experience saying “I am thrilled on being associated with an iconic brand like MUNCH and thoroughly enjoyed shooting the TVC and relishing the delicious new MUNCH.”
The TVC featuring Shruti Haasan and Shankar Mahadevan talking about the New CRUNCHILICIOUS MUNCH is on air from 29th August onwards.
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.
