MAM
Blackpencil India bags creative & strategy account of Viva
MUMBAI: Viva-Your Family Chemist, a brand of Surya Healthcare, has given Blackpencil India (the latest agency from the Leo Burnett group worldwide) to handle its creative and strategy account.
In a multi-contested pitch, the process saw participation of agencies like McCann Healthcare and others.
Said Surya Healthcare Ltd, AGM – Marketing and Branding, Sameer Poddar, “With Blackpencil we found not just a willingness to go beyond the ordinary but also a good strategic understanding of what we are seeking to do.”
Since the pharmacy market in India is highly fragmented with over 1,000,000 family-owned, small sized chemists and druggists operating across the country, the company has entered the organised segment and seeks to create a unique brand space for Viva in the consumer mind space.
Averred Blackpencil India Executive Director Samarjit Choudhry, “”It is great to be associated with Viva Retail and Healthcare. We are looking forward to partnering with them and pioneering great work in this space.”
Viva – Your Family Chemist, a brand of Surya Healthcare Ltd., is a growing retail pharmacy chain in India, with more than 230 outlets, offering a comprehensive range of genuine medicines, healthcare and preventive products.
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.
