MAM
Puneet Gupta joins INOX Group as head of communications
Mumbai: INOX Group has appointed Puneet Gupta as head of communications for INOX Air Products (INOXAP) and INOX India Ltd (INOXCVA). His appointment reflects INOX Group’s commitment to excellence and innovation as it continues to make strides in the industrial gases, cryogenic solutions, green energy space and future innovations.
With over 21 years of intrapreneurial experience in corporate communications, public relations, branding, CSR, and internal communications, Puneet brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. His innovative approach, coupled with a keen eye for detail and unwavering passion for excellence, makes him an invaluable addition to the INOX team.
Puneet is well known for his versatility, exceptional creativity, and ability to communicate complex subjects through integrated communications strategies. His solid foundation in PR fundamentals, combined with impeccable execution skills, allows him to deliver strategic consultancy that yields tangible business outcomes.
As head of communications, for INOX Group, Puneet will oversee brand communication, media engagement, reputation management, senior stakeholder management, strategic messaging, employee communications, and CSR initiatives for INOXAP and INOXCVA.
In his previous role, Puneet served at Inox Leisure Ltd and PVR Ltd, where he made significant contributions over the past five years. His departure from PVRINOX is marked by gratitude towards his colleagues and leaders for their support and mentorship.
Expressing his excitement about his new role, Puneet stated, “I am thrilled to join INOX Group and lead the communications efforts for INOX Air Products and INOX India Ltd. I look forward to leveraging my expertise to drive purpose-driven brand growth and share compelling stories about our fascinating products and solutions.”
INOXAP is India’s largest industrial gases manufacturing company, while INOXCVA is among the world’s leading cryogenic solutions companies. Puneet aims to contribute to India’s #GreenEconomy transition by highlighting the companies’ pivotal role in the manufacturing and clean energy sectors.
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
