Brands
Asian consumers want brands to align with relatable social causes: Kantar
MUMBAI: As per a report titled ‘Purpose in Asia’ from Kantar, consumers in Asia want brands to align with issues that matter to them. The report finds that people favour brands that engage in social issues – provided these are the causes that matter to them personally.
“Nine in ten consumers in the region want brands to get involved in the issues they care about, meaning that an authentic brand purpose is now an expectation as opposed to a bonus,” the report reads.
“Aligning with the issues that matter to consumers also makes business sense. 60 per cent of people questioned said they were more likely to buy brands aligned with their views, and the same number said they would be happy to pay ‘a little more’ for brands with sustainability credentials,” it adds.
The study also reveals a disconnect between the causes that dominate global media and international brand campaigns, and the issues that matter to consumers in Asia. While climate change and gender equality were the two high-profile issues most likely to be seen by people, causes closer to home mattered most to them personally, such as health and wellbeing, or ending poverty. These two topics appeared within the five most important issues for all countries questioned and appeared alongside issues such as quality education and hunger in emerging markets, and decent work and economic growth in developed markets.
The report also mentions that consumers in Asia are quick to challenge brands that outwardly supported a cause, but at the same time have problems with their own business practices. “Developed markets were more skeptical of brands’ involvement. Only 33 per cent of Australians felt that brands were able to authentically engage with issues, in comparison to India where 74 per cent perceived it as trustworthy brand activity,” it states.
Brands
Bajaj Consumer Care FY26 profit rises to Rs 193.7 crore
Revenue climbs to Rs 1,092 crore as profit grows 49 per cent YoY
MUMBAI: Hair today, growth tomorrow Bajaj Consumer Care Limited seems to have found its shine again, posting a sharp jump in profitability even as it doubled down on brand spends and expansion. The company reported a net profit of Rs 193.7 crore for FY26, marking a strong 49 per cent rise from Rs 130.1 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations also grew to Rs 1,092.2 crore, up from Rs 942.8 crore a year earlier, signalling steady demand momentum across its portfolio.
For the March quarter, profit stood at Rs 64.1 crore, compared to Rs 31.5 crore in the corresponding period last year, while revenue rose to Rs 308.3 crore from Rs 243.5 crore.
The performance came despite a notable increase in spending. Advertising and sales promotion expenses climbed to Rs 168.3 crore in FY26, up from Rs 137.8 crore in FY25, reflecting continued investment in brand building. Other expenses also rose to Rs 151.3 crore from Rs 134.2 crore, indicating a broader push towards growth.
Operating efficiency, however, held firm. Profit before tax increased to Rs 234.8 crore in FY26 from Rs 157.7 crore a year earlier, supported by disciplined cost management across materials and inventory.
On the balance sheet, the company’s total assets expanded to Rs 959.1 crore as of March 31, 2026, compared to Rs 931.9 crore a year earlier. Other equity rose to Rs 780.3 crore, reinforcing a stronger financial base.
Cash flow from operations saw a significant uptick, reaching Rs 196.9 crore in FY26, nearly three times the Rs 67.9 crore recorded in FY25, highlighting improved working capital management.
However, the year also saw aggressive capital allocation. The company spent Rs 190.2 crore on share buybacks, contributing to a net cash outflow of Rs 196.5 crore from financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents stood at Rs 6.8 crore at the end of the year, down from Rs 25.6 crore.
Even as investments in subsidiaries and assets continued, the numbers suggest a company balancing growth ambitions with shareholder returns keeping one eye on expansion and the other on efficiency.
With margins improving and revenue steadily climbing, Bajaj Consumer Care appears to be combing through the competition with renewed confidence.
