MAM
Borosil celebrates #FirstValentine
MUMBAI: Borosil, one of India’s leading consumer products brands is celebrating this Valentine’s Day, the first since the decriminalisation of Section 377, by showing their support for the LGBT community. With the historic ruling made by the Supreme Court last year, India took a significant step towards giving its people the freedom to express their love without fear. Which is why, this year, Borosil decided to help spread the message of ‘love is love’ by telling a story of a real couple that’s both honest and heartfelt.
This story, told through a film, makes viewers realise how Valentine’s Day, a cliched symbol of love for most, could hold a completely different meaning for those whose love had been deemed ‘unnatural’ by the law for centuries. Thus, for those who have asserted their right to love after a long and hard fight, this Valentine’s Day becomes that much more special. For it is no more just a cliché but a symbol and a celebration of all love being love.
“We at Borosil have always believed in having a positive impact as a brand that belongs to and relates to all. The Decriminalisation of Section 377 was a big milestone for India as a country and its citizens. We are celebrating this victory of universal love this Valentine’s Day.” says, Ms. Priyanka Kheruka, Head of Brand, Borosil.
Traditionally a brand that has connected with households across a diaspora of demographics via its communication, Borosil breaks the mold with this film. With this initiative, the brand takes its messaging into a more relevant and inclusive space by staying true to the values of equality and diversity.
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.
