Brands
Bisleri makes a splash in MEA with thirst-quenching Apparel deal
MUMBAI: Water you waiting for, Middle East and Africa? Bisleri International has just uncapped a major partnership with Dubai-based Apparel Group, setting the stage for a regional beverage boom. The strategic alliance will see Bisleri’s much-loved portfolio ranging from its iconic packaged water to its fizzy favourites manufactured, marketed and distributed across MEA, starting with the UAE in 2025.
With a legacy that’s been hydrating India for over 50 years, Bisleri has long held the top spot in the country’s packaged water market. Its product range includes not just the flagship water bottle, but also the premium Vedica Himalayan spring water, and aerated offerings like Limonata, POP, Spyci Jeera, Rev, and Soda. Currently, it operates 128 manufacturing centres and reaches over 500,000 outlets in India alone plus it already has a UAE presence, having backed events like the Dubai Marathon.
“The Middle East and Africa markets represent significant opportunity for value creation,” said Bisleri International CEO Angelo George. “With a large Indian diaspora already familiar with our brands and Apparel Group’s consumer expertise in the region, the match is just right.”
Founded in 1996, the Apparel Group is no lightweight. The retail behemoth runs 85 plus brands and 2,300 plus stores across 14 countries, supported by a workforce of 25,000. Now, they’re ready to add hydration to their retail portfolio.
Apparel Group CEO Neeraj Teckchandani called the tie-up a “strategic milestone” that aligns with the Group’s ambition to diversify and scale. “We see this as a long-term, value-driven collaboration that redefines beverage retail in the region,” he added.
With fizzy ambitions and deep-pocketed partners, Bisleri’s Middle East expansion is anything but a drop in the ocean. It’s a sign that the Indian refreshment giant is thirsty for more and ready to bottle global growth.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
