MAM
Former Nestlé leader Gaurav Kwatra joins iD Fresh Food as CMO
MUMBAI: After a remarkable 12-year journey of crafting impactful campaigns and shaping industry narratives, marketing veteran Gaurav Kwatra has stepped into a new leadership chapter. Kwatra has been appointed chief marketing officer (CMO) at iD Fresh Food, a leader in fresh and natural food products. Tasked with elevating the brand’s market presence, Kwatra will drive strategic marketing initiatives, fuel customer engagement, and spearhead the company’s ambitious market expansion plans.
Bringing over two decades of leadership experience in FMCG, Kwatra has a proven track record in brand strategy, product innovation, and market growth. Prior to joining iD Fresh, he held senior positions at Nestlé India, including business head and marketing manager – beverages, where he played a pivotal role in launching key products, accelerating innovation, and driving sustained business growth.
Kwatra began his career at Britannia Industries as an area sales manager and quickly climbed the ranks to become group product manager. During this period, he honed skills in market segmentation, product marketing, team leadership, and strategic brand development, laying the foundation for his success in the FMCG sector.
At iD Fresh, Kwatra’s focus will be on leveraging data-driven strategies, strengthening iD’s position in existing markets, and driving customer-centric innovations to accelerate the company’s expansion. His appointment reflects iD Fresh’s commitment to scaling operations while continuing to deliver fresh, high-quality, and preservative-free food solutions to households globally.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
