Brands
F1 and Mattel shuffle deck for new UNO Elite launch
MUMBAI: Talk about a fast start. Formula 1 and Mattel have decided it is time to play their cards right, unveiling a special racing themed edition of UNO Elite that puts the grid straight into fans’ hands.
The new UNO Elite Formula 1 edition brings the sport’s high speed glamour to the world’s most recognisable card game, offering collectors and casual players a fresh way to engage with their favourite drivers, teams and iconic circuits. Fans can pick up a Core Edition Starter Pack or expand their garage with a Booster Set covering all 10 teams.
The first wave features more than 100 Formula 1 inspired Elite Action cards in multiple colours and special foil versions. Across the full collection, more than 1,000 unique cards will be available to chase.
The 2025 Core Edition Starter Pack includes 112 cards that play like classic UNO, two exclusive promo cards and four booster packs of 10 Elite Action cards each. These packs spotlight drivers, cars, team principals, reserve drivers, circuits and helmets from across the paddock.
For those eager to build out their deck, the Core Edition Booster Set adds three extra booster packs of 10 Elite Action cards, offering another chance to pull favourite stars and machines.
Formula 1 chief commercial officer Emily Prazer, said the partnership captures the spirit of the sport. She noted UNO’s universal appeal and called the collaboration an exciting new way for fans to experience the drama and competitiveness of F1.
Mattel’s vice president and global head of games Katie Buford, said the crossover brings together two passionate global fanbases and welcomes new audiences into both worlds.
This marks the second collaboration between Formula 1 and Mattel after the successful Hot Wheels range. The UNO Elite Formula 1 2025 Core Edition Starter Pack and Booster Set are now available for pre-order on Amazon, with deliveries expected by mid December 2025. Wider retail availability will begin in 2026.
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.
