MAM
Air India and KidZania forge a multi-year partnership
Mumbai: KidZania India, an internationally acclaimed name in the realm of educational entertainment, and Air India, India’s leading global airline, have entered a multi-year partnership to power the aviation academy offerings at KidZania’s theme parks in Delhi NCR and Mumbai, marking one of the most noteworthy partnerships in KidZania’s history.
The collaboration between Air India and KidZania entails the development of the latter’s aviation academy, where Air India will create immersive experiences to familiarise children with various aspects of the fascinating world of aviation, thus inspiring them to explore potential career opportunities in the field.
As part of the partnership, members of Air India’s frequent flyer program Flying Returns are already able to earn 7 Flying Returns points for every Rs 100 spent on tickets.
KidZania India the chief marketing officer Rahul Dhamdhere said: “At KidZania, our core mission is to provide children with practical skills within an enjoyable and immersive setting. The partnership with Air India seamlessly fits into this mission, enabling children to explore the fascinating world of aviation while fostering their inquisitiveness and imagination. We are thrilled to partner with the flag bearer of the aviation industry, Air India, and firmly believe that this partnership will introduce fresh avenues for learning and entertainment for our young visitors.”
Air India’s head of marketing, e-commerce, and Loyalty Sunil Suresh said: “The Indian aviation industry is currently the third largest and the fastest-growing in the world that presents huge potential for growth. As an industry leader and a responsible organisation, we aim to create meaningful experiences for children and inspire the upcoming generations of aviation professionals in what is perhaps the most exciting decade for India. Our endeavour perfectly aligns with KidZania’s innovative approach to educational entertainment, which makes this partnership special.”
KidZania has been a leader in delivering immersive and educational entertainment for children and families. Through its distinctive combination of role-playing activities, real-life experiences, and educational opportunities, KidZania has garnered the affection and engagement of both young learners and their parents.
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.
