Brands
ALDO India unveils Aditya Roy Kapur as male brand ambassador; renews association with Janhvi Kapoor
Mumbai: ALDO India, leading global fashion footwear and accessories brand, is delighted to announce a major shake-up in its brand ambassador lineup. With great excitement, the brand introduces the charismatic Aditya Roy Kapur as its new male brand ambassador, adding an exhilarating dimension to the ALDO family, and is delighted to welcome back the stunning Janhvi Kapoor as the brand ambassador for the second consecutive year. This dynamic pairing promises to ignite the fashion landscape with its unparalleled charm and the latest trendsetting designs, reaffirming ALDO as the premier destination for fashion enthusiasts.
The stunning duo of Aditya Roy Kapur and Janhvi Kapoor unveil the highly anticipated ALDO India’s Festive ’23 Collection, featuring ALDO’s signature PILLOW WALK comfort technology, in both ladies’ and men’s styles. The new footwear innovation provides dual-density foam, crafted for ultimate comfort, instilling confidence in every step… Undoubtedly, the standout feature of this year’s carefully curated festive collection is the exclusive selection of attention-grabbing shoes, adored by both Janhvi Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur.
Step into Celebration, celebrates elegance, and self-expression, where fashion meets comfort and blends seamlessly with style! The Festive ’23 Collection offers diverse footwear options catering to every occasion and style preference. Whether one is a devotee of glamorous traditional attire or prefers a relaxed, contemporary vibe, extraordinary choices await.
The women’s range boasts a wide array of footwear choices designed to make one stand out at every event. From dazzling heels adorned with intricate embellishments to comfortable yet stylish sneakers that are perfect for long hours of celebration, ALDO has curated a range that complements every outfit in the festive wardrobe. Whether it’s a traditional sari or a trendy fusion ensemble, the Festive ’23 Collection has it covered. From classic leather dress shoes that exude sophistication to contemporary sneakers that blend comfort with style, the men’s range is a tribute to the modern gentleman’s sense of fashion. Step out with confidence in ALDO’s meticulously crafted footwear.
Aditya Roy Kapur, shared his excitement, saying, “ALDO has always been the brand that I love and admire so much, & am extremely excited to represent ALDO India. ALDO’s dedication to blending style and comfort aligns perfectly with my fashion philosophy. I’m thrilled to be part of a brand that embraces innovation but also sets trends in the world of footwear and accessories. Together, we’ll make every step a stylish one.”
Janhvi Kapoor shared her thoughts, “I am thrilled to continue this journey with ALDO India. It’s been an incredible experience representing a brand that combines style and comfort seamlessly. ALDO’s commitment to innovative fashion resonates with me, and I can’t wait to step into the world of footwear and accessories once again, making every fashion statement comfortable and chic.”
“ALDO’s collaboration with the dynamic duo, Aditya Roy Kapur and Janhvi Kapoor represents a significant milestone in our journey. Their iconic status and fashion-forward personas align seamlessly with ALDO’s commitment to style and excellence. We’re excited to witness this partnership elevate the fashion landscape in India and beyond,” Apparels Group India Pvt Ltd president Tushar Ved commented on the association with Janhvi Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur.
Commenting on the association with Aditya Roy Kapur & Janhvi Kapoor, Apparel Group India Pvt Ltd CEO Abhishek Bajpai added, “ ALDO is thrilled to welcome Aditya Roy Kapur and Janhvi Kapoor into our family. Their unique style and magnetic presence perfectly resonate with our brand’s spirit. Together, we’ll embark on a fashionable journey that celebrates individuality and innovation’’.
Brands
Lotus Chocolate FY26 profit drops sharply, Q4 slips into loss
Revenue steady at Rs 579.55 crore, Q4 loss at Rs 4.47 crore
MUMBAI: Sweet on the top line, slightly bitter on the bottom Lotus Chocolate’s FY26 numbers tell a story that’s more dark cocoa than milk. The company managed to hold its revenue steady for the year, but profitability took a visible hit, capped by a loss-making fourth quarter. Lotus Chocolate Company Limited reported revenue from operations of Rs 579.55 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, marginally up from Rs 573.75 crore in FY25. Total income rose to Rs 615.61 crore, compared with Rs 574.56 crore in the previous year, supported by a sharp jump in other income to Rs 36.06 crore from just Rs 0.81 crore.
However, the gains at the top did little to cushion profitability. Net profit for FY26 fell dramatically to Rs 0.10 crore, down from Rs 17.23 crore in FY25, reflecting significant cost pressures across the business.
The March quarter proved particularly challenging. The company reported a net loss of Rs 4.47 crore in Q4 FY26, compared with a profit of Rs 0.14 crore in the previous quarter and Rs 1.42 crore in the same quarter last year. Total income for the quarter stood at Rs 138.01 crore, down from Rs 150.21 crore in Q3 FY26 and Rs 157.52 crore in Q4 FY25.
Expenses remained elevated throughout the year. Total expenses rose to Rs 614.44 crore in FY26 from Rs 551.50 crore in FY25, eating into margins. A key swing factor was the cost of materials consumed, which stood at Rs 304.44 crore, while changes in inventories also reflected volatility, with a negative impact of Rs 62.44 crore in the previous year reversing to a positive Rs 52.93 crore this year.
Employee benefit expenses nearly doubled to Rs 34.00 crore from Rs 17.98 crore, while finance costs surged to Rs 16.31 crore from Rs 7.11 crore, indicating higher borrowing and funding costs. Depreciation and amortisation expenses also increased to Rs 3.92 crore from Rs 1.81 crore, reflecting ongoing investments.
On the balance sheet front, total assets stood at Rs 275.96 crore as of March 31, 2026, slightly higher than Rs 270.34 crore a year earlier. Borrowings remained significant, with current borrowings at Rs 89.00 crore, highlighting continued reliance on external funding.
Cash flow dynamics showed improvement in operations, with net cash generated from operating activities at Rs 93.23 crore, compared with a negative Rs 129.60 crore in FY25. However, financing outflows remained high at Rs 74.90 crore, driven largely by repayment of borrowings and interest costs.
Despite stable revenue, the sharp drop in profitability underscores the pressure of rising input costs, higher finance expenses and operational adjustments. The contrast between steady sales and squeezed margins leaves Lotus Chocolate at a crossroads proving that in business, as in confectionery, the real test isn’t just in the sweetness of sales, but in the richness of returns.
