MAM
Center Fruit partners with Sony Pictures to introduce special ‘Spiderman – Far from Home’ Pack
MUMBAI: Perfetti Van Melle India has announced its collaboration with Sony Pictures for its flagship gum brand Center Fruit. With the upcoming release of movie Spider-man Far from Home in cinemas on 5th July, Spiderman frenzy is at its peak. In partnership with Sony Pictures, Perfetti Van Melle is all set to delight Marvel fans with a limited edition Center Fruit ‘Spiderman – Far from Home’ pack.
As part of this association which was facilitated by Group M, the brand has rolled a special limited-edition variant with Spider-Man themed packaging. The roll out of the new product is also being supported with a co-branded TVC made in collaboration with Sony Pictures. The TVC is centred around the protagonist who is seen powering up in the new Spider-Man costume. The protagonist then appears to be making use of his ‘Spider-man’ powers to walk across the ceiling on the room ready to save the world. The whole sequence is brought into perspective with the introduction of the elder brother character leading to a twist. The repartee that follows between the siblings introduces the new Center Fruit product that cuts into visuals from the original motion picture trailer. The sequence is supported by the official Spiderman soundtrack that not just builds excitement but also holds the entire sequence deftly.
Speaking on the collaboration, Rohit Kapoor, Director Marketing, Perfetti Van Melle India said, “We at Perfetti Van Melle believe in refreshing consumer interest in our product categories with the introduction of contemporary offerings. Center Fruit’s collaboration with the Spiderman Far from Home movie ensures high visibility amongst fans, while the new flavour adds another appealing dimension to the familiar taste profile of the product. Both Center Fruit and the movie are symbiotic in their appeal as contributors to mood upliftment enhancing the ‘fun’ experience that they promise. We are certain that the new Center Fruit ‘Spiderman – Far from Home’ pack will strike a chord with our consumers across India and increase market resonance for the brand significantly.”
Shony Panjikaran, Marketing Head, Sony Pictures Entertainment, India says "Spider-Man is one of the most beloved superheroes in India and over the years the film franchise has grown even more stronger. Spider-Man appeals to people across ages, and since Center Fruit also does the same, it was a perfect association for us. We are thrilled to partner with Perfetti Van Melle India and are sure that our partnership will lead to blockbuster results for both Spider-Man: Far From Home and the special edition Center Fruit pack.”
The new TVC is an ode to hardcore Spider-Man fans. We hope consumers like the creative and are excited about trying the new offering says Nasar Husami, Sr. Creative Director, Ogilvy Mumbai.
Center Fruit is Perfetti Van Melle’s flagship gum brand and was launched in 2005. It is available in multiple fruit flavours and formats. The brand had also recently introduced India’s first Tangy gum with the Center Fruit Chatpata Sparkiez, a unique combination of jelly-filled gum with a tangy taste. Both these introductions are endeavours by Perfetti Van Melle India (PVMI) to recreate products portfolios in keeping with the innovative spirit of the company and engage with consumers in a fun way.
Brands
Lotus Chocolate FY26 profit drops sharply, Q4 slips into loss
Revenue steady at Rs 579.55 crore, Q4 loss at Rs 4.47 crore
MUMBAI: Sweet on the top line, slightly bitter on the bottom Lotus Chocolate’s FY26 numbers tell a story that’s more dark cocoa than milk. The company managed to hold its revenue steady for the year, but profitability took a visible hit, capped by a loss-making fourth quarter. Lotus Chocolate Company Limited reported revenue from operations of Rs 579.55 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, marginally up from Rs 573.75 crore in FY25. Total income rose to Rs 615.61 crore, compared with Rs 574.56 crore in the previous year, supported by a sharp jump in other income to Rs 36.06 crore from just Rs 0.81 crore.
However, the gains at the top did little to cushion profitability. Net profit for FY26 fell dramatically to Rs 0.10 crore, down from Rs 17.23 crore in FY25, reflecting significant cost pressures across the business.
The March quarter proved particularly challenging. The company reported a net loss of Rs 4.47 crore in Q4 FY26, compared with a profit of Rs 0.14 crore in the previous quarter and Rs 1.42 crore in the same quarter last year. Total income for the quarter stood at Rs 138.01 crore, down from Rs 150.21 crore in Q3 FY26 and Rs 157.52 crore in Q4 FY25.
Expenses remained elevated throughout the year. Total expenses rose to Rs 614.44 crore in FY26 from Rs 551.50 crore in FY25, eating into margins. A key swing factor was the cost of materials consumed, which stood at Rs 304.44 crore, while changes in inventories also reflected volatility, with a negative impact of Rs 62.44 crore in the previous year reversing to a positive Rs 52.93 crore this year.
Employee benefit expenses nearly doubled to Rs 34.00 crore from Rs 17.98 crore, while finance costs surged to Rs 16.31 crore from Rs 7.11 crore, indicating higher borrowing and funding costs. Depreciation and amortisation expenses also increased to Rs 3.92 crore from Rs 1.81 crore, reflecting ongoing investments.
On the balance sheet front, total assets stood at Rs 275.96 crore as of March 31, 2026, slightly higher than Rs 270.34 crore a year earlier. Borrowings remained significant, with current borrowings at Rs 89.00 crore, highlighting continued reliance on external funding.
Cash flow dynamics showed improvement in operations, with net cash generated from operating activities at Rs 93.23 crore, compared with a negative Rs 129.60 crore in FY25. However, financing outflows remained high at Rs 74.90 crore, driven largely by repayment of borrowings and interest costs.
Despite stable revenue, the sharp drop in profitability underscores the pressure of rising input costs, higher finance expenses and operational adjustments. The contrast between steady sales and squeezed margins leaves Lotus Chocolate at a crossroads proving that in business, as in confectionery, the real test isn’t just in the sweetness of sales, but in the richness of returns.
