MAM
Consumer sentiments dipping across globe: Kantar Covid2019 barometer
NEW DELHI: Just 36 per cent of the consumers globally are willing to return to via public transport and 56 per cent are preferring delaying visits, for at least one more month, to restaurants/bars, 67 per cent to religious places, 70 per cent to gyms, and 72 per cent to cinemas, globally, reveals the wave seven of Kantar’s Covid2019 Barometer indicating the countries will have to face a tough time in restarting their economic activities in the full swing.
The number of people paying special attention to prices while shopping has grown from just over half (56 per cent) in April to two thirds (67 per cent) today.
The survey taken by more than 1,00,000 consumers across the world identified that consumers are becoming less supportive of the government relaxing restrictions, with a nine per cent dop if acceptance fo measures, (from 28 per cent in June to 19 per cent today), and a 10 per cent drop in support for a full reopening of social and leisure environments (from 27 per cent in June to 17 per cent today).
The report reads, “Disapproval is highest in the countries currently with the highest numbers of cases of coronavirus such as the USA where disapproval in the Government’s approach has risen from 36 per cent in May to 48 per cent today. With some countries showing signs of a second wave, health concerns are growing; two per cent more people are now classed by Kantar’s researchers as part of the Precarious Worrier tribe, and one in two are now very scared about the situation.”
Kantar’s research suggests a near-term recovery will be difficult to achieve for many countries. Consumer finances continue to remain heavily impacted, with nearly three-quarters of the population claiming to have already, or expect to have, their income damaged by the pandemic. The result has been changing priorities for many; while 64 per cent are prioritising financial planning 68 per cent are focussing on supporting a local economy/ buying local
“Despite the challenges we are all addressing, we see a growing appetite for change and renewal in our research,” observed Kantar CIO Rosie Hawkins. “Environmental causes and demand for brands to enact positive change have always been a priority for many, but we see a renewed focus in these areas. Demand for brands to be an example and guide change has consistently grown over several months to become the primary expectation of consumers. Our research highlights an opportunity for brands in prioritising product sustainability, waste reduction and purpose-driven products and experiences.”
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.
