Brands
French brand ZOOOK launches Explode 111, a new multimedia 2.1 speaker system
Just days after introducing premium-quality tower speaker Tornado 101, French pioneering lifestyle brand ZOOOK has now launched a new multimedia 2.1 speaker system in India. Called ZOOOK Explode 111 BT, the latest Bluetooth 5.0v-enabled Multimedia 2.1 speaker system is an unparalleled combination of perfect sound with perfect design. With Explode 111 45 watts power, you can rest assured of a thumping deep bass sound, thanks to 4” subwoofer with 25w output. The unbeatable sound quality of the Zoook Explode 111 pops through every bit of music that is played. Be it jazz, dance music, your favorite video game, or just a movie, it will deliver the top-quality sound your heart deserves.
The speaker system comes with a fully functional infrared remote control, allowing you to take complete control of your home audio. With a stylish LED display and smooth analog & digital controls, it adds the much needed style statement as well. ZOOOK Explode 111’s glass finish and beautiful looks make the speaker a treat for eyes and further add to the home décor.
The multimedia 2.1 speaker can easily be paired with Bluetooth-enabled devices such as phones, laptops, phones and tablets for a seamless music streaming experience without the hassles of getting entangled in wires. Once a device is connected, the users can simply sync their favourite playlist. The speaker is engineered with perfection to be a standalone entertainment station for a laidback Sunday as one also gets the option to tune in to the favourite radio station with the built-in FM player.
Referring to the new product, Achin Gupta, Country Head-India at ZOOOK said, “We are delighted to launch Explode 111 with 45 watts power, which is enough to get the beats on. The speaker has been designed for the highest acoustic standards to offer an optimal listening experience for all. We are sure that young and vibrant Indians will love our latest offering.”
Designed for maximum portability, the speaker’s multi-input sources give you an all-round experience, whether it is USB Disk, FM Radio, RCA to AUX, or Bluetooth connectivity.
ZOOOK Explode 111 is available on all leading online as well as offline stores. The speaker system is currently available at a price of Rs. 3,199.
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.
