Brands
Emcure Pharmaceuticals taps ebullient Vidya Balan to front new Arth wellness range
MUMBAI; Emcure Pharmaceuticals has recruited Bollywood star Vidya Balan as the face of its expanded Arth wellness range, marking the company’s strategic entry into the daily supplements market.
The Pune-based pharmaceutical firm is leveraging its women’s health expertise to launch products that blend traditional Indian herbs with modern science.
Balan will headline campaigns for three flagship products: Intimate Care for feminine hygiene, Sleep Support Gummies for rest quality, and Brain Fog Aid for cognitive function.
“Women are the backbone of families and communities, yet their health often takes a backseat,” said Balan. “True empowerment begins with good health, and I hope to inspire women to prioritise themselves through informed choices.”
The collaboration aims to break taboos around women’s health issues, particularly those considered sensitive or rarely discussed in public forums.
Namita Thapar, whole-time director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals, praised Balan’s credentials for the role: “We are excited to partner with Vidya, as she is bold, authentic, and truly embodies what our brand stands for. As a strong advocate for women’s health, she is known for speaking her mind.”
Emcure, which operates in more than 70 countries including Europe and Canada, has previously focused on menopausal health products. This expansion broadens its wellness portfolio with solutions targeting everyday health concerns.
The company’s decision to enter the supplements space comes amid growing consumer interest in preventative health measures and holistic wellbeing solutions, particularly products addressing specific women’s health needs.
The new Arth range is available nationwide and through the brand’s dedicated website.
Brands
Jubilant Foodworks to end Dunkin’ franchise in India
Pizza chain operator will not renew agreement when it expires at end of 2026.
MUMBAI: When the doughnuts stop turning and the coffee goes cold, even a global giant like Dunkin’ can find the Indian market a tough brew to crack. Jubilant Foodworks has decided not to renew its franchise agreement with Dunkin’ when the pact expires on 31 December 2026, according to a Reuters report. The operator, best known for running Domino’s outlets in India, said it would evaluate options for its existing Dunkin’ stores, including a potential sale or transfer of franchise rights, in consultation with the US-based brand.
The decision follows years of underperformance in a market where local tastes and intense competition have made it difficult for international coffee-and-doughnut formats to gain traction. Jubilant, which has increasingly focused on its core pizza business and newer bets like Popeyes, indicated that the exit would not materially affect its financial or operational position.
Dunkin’ accounted for just 0.61 per cent of Jubilant’s revenue in the fiscal year ending 2025 and recorded a loss of approximately Rs 191 million, according to a regulatory filing. The company operated 27 outlets as of December 2025, having shuttered seven stores over the preceding year.
The retreat comes even as Jubilant’s broader business shows signs of momentum. The company reported a 65 per cent rise in quarterly profit for the October to December period, reaching Rs 70.9 crore, up from Rs 42.91 crore a year earlier.
For Jubilant, the exit reflects a sharpening strategic focus. For Dunkin’, it marks another setback in a market that has proven resistant to imported café concepts without significant localisation.
In the cut-throat world of Indian quick-service restaurants, sometimes the sweetest deals are the ones you quietly walk away from leaving more room for the brands that truly rise to the occasion.
