MAM
Coke plans festive bonanza
MUMBAI: With the brouhaha over the pesticide controversy having died down for the cola majors, Coca Cola has announced a number of on-ground activities for the ongoing festive season.
A release issued by Coca-Cola informs that business is back on track now that its products received a clean bill of health from all sources. These ranged from the Indian government’s Central Food Technology Research Institute to Great Britain’ s Central Science Laboratory.
Elaborating on the marketing and promotional campaign Coca Cola vice president Sunil Gupta said, “A number of on ground activities are planned for the festival season. Nationwide poster campaign at retail outletsis being organised. We will also be organising meet-your-favourite-star programme which will bring our young consumers and our popular brand ambassadors together. We will also be arranging plant visits for school children, special offers, attractive packaging and various contests are some of these activities to be pursued in the coming weeks.”
A report in the Financial Express informs that Pepsi has tied up with at least 200 puja mandals in Kolkata and Howrah. The beverage conglomerate is also said to be looking at a countrywide promotion which would coincide with Diwali, which falls towards the end of next month.
It goes without saying that the rejuvenation is great news both for print and television channels. A large part of their advertising revenue comes from the Cola majors. In fact when the pesticide controversy was going on the marketing heads requested the editorial of some companies to tone down their content on the issue and focus on other issues
Earlier this month, Coca Cola introduced 200ml Maaza in Maharashtra and 200ml Thums Up in West Bengal, at Rs 5 each. Coca-Cola India, which is among the largest foreign direct investors in India claims to have been a major driver of the country’s rural economy and market. Its affordability strategy selling 200ml packs at Rs five has vastly grown the rural market.
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
