Brands
French Essence joins India International Trade Fair
Mumbai: French Essence is a premium lifestyle brand who is known for its aromatic and luxurious fragrance. The brand is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming India International Trade Fair. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place on the 14 to 27 November, from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, at the India Trade Fair in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This sophisticated brand has launched two stunning hampers named ‘French Essence Luxury Bleu Perfume & Deodorant Gift Set for Men’ and ‘French Essence Luxury Aura Perfume & Deodorant Gift Set for Women’. These stunning gift hampers are designed to captivate the discerning tastes of both men and women.
These exclusive hampers are set to be available at the India International Trade Fair at Hall No. 12-05 and Hall No. 12 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. These gift baskets perfectly capture French Essence’s commitment to providing unique and memorable options for each selective person.
French Essence’s chief marketing officer (CMO), Nidhi Gupta expressed her excitement by saying, “We are thrilled to be a part of the India International Trade Fair, one of the most significant platforms for showcasing our brand’s excellence in luxury lifestyle products. With our curated gifting hampers for both men and women, we aim to provide visitors with a glimpse of the elegance, quality, and craftsmanship that French Essence is known for.”
The India International Trade Fair, held annually at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, is a highly anticipated event that brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumers from around the world. The fair serves as a crucial platform for networking, promoting brand awareness, and exploring opportunities for growth and collaboration. And the agenda of the event aligns perfectly with the objective of French Essence. The brand seeks to establish a stronger presence in the Indian market and expand its network of clientele. This trade fair represents an exciting opportunity for French Essence to connect with a diverse audience that appreciates the artistry, elegance, and timeless appeal of their products.
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
