MAM
Candyman turns kids into storybook stars with ‘Once Upon a Time’
MUMBAI: Bedtime stories just got a sugar rush. ITC Candyman, the confectionery brand known for its vibrant flavours and cheeky charm, has launched a new initiative ‘once upon a time by Candyman’ that turns children into the heroes of their very own storybooks.
In a world where digital distractions often steal reading time, the brand is reimagining storytelling as a personalised, interactive experience for families. Parents can now log onto the Candymanclub website, pick from a range of whimsical tales, and with just a few clicks seamlessly weave their child’s name and photograph into the storyline. The result? A printed or digital book where the child doesn’t just read the adventure, they live it.
The stories, brimming with mischief, magic, and epic little quests, are designed to keep young readers engaged on every page. The idea is simple but powerful: instead of watching others play the hero, children see themselves centre stage.
“With Once Upon a Time by Candyman, our goal is to spark kids’ imagination and make reading a delightful family ritual,” said ITC Limited vice president and head of marketing for chocolates, coffee and confectionery, foods division Anuj Bansal. “When children see themselves as the heroes of their own adventures, it builds confidence, joy, and memories that last.”
The platform is secure, easy-to-use, and family-friendly, blending creativity with digital innovation. Parents can personalise multiple stories, creating keepsakes that combine entertainment with bonding.
For Candyman, a brand rooted in fun and flavour, this initiative is more than playful mischief, it’s about making reading irresistible in the swipe-and-scroll age. By giving children the spotlight in their own tales, the brand is not just sweetening storytime but fostering a love of storytelling that could last well beyond childhood.
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.
