Brands
Hair to the Throne with SpongeBob and KT Kids’ new shampoo showstopper
MUMBAI: Tangles, tears, and toddler tantrums every parent knows the struggle. But now, there’s a new hair hero in town, and he lives in a pineapple under the sea. In a first-of-its-kind move, KT Professional, India’s leading salon-grade haircare brand, has partnered with JioStar Consumer Products to launch KT Kids, India’s first paediatric-approved, dermatologically tested, natural haircare range for children aged 3 to 12. Adding a splash of fun to the formula? None other than Spongebob Squarepants, who lends his goofy grin to this vibrant new collection.
Launched during Mother’s Day week, KT Kids is a tribute to modern parenting especially for mothers who juggle style, safety, and snags on a daily basis. Addressing real concerns like dryness, tangling, and scalp sensitivity, the KT Kids line is free of toxins and crafted with age-specific formulations for children aged 3–7 and 8–12.
This is not just another FMCG product drop, it’s a celebration of care, created to take the stress out of everyday grooming rituals. With Spongebob’s cheerful face on the label and science-backed ingredients inside, the range delivers joy in both packaging and performance.
“We are proud to launch KT Kids, a category-defining range that solves everyday hair care problems for children using a safe, fun, and trusted approach,” said KT Kids founder Dhruv Sayani. “We are happy to have associated with JioStar Consumer Products and add the joy of SpongeBob SquarePants to the product range. KT Kids is our Mother’s Day tribute, a gift of safety, love, and care to mothers across India. It’s a game-changer for the Indian market”
“SpongeBob SquarePants is an iconic global franchise and a favourite among audiences in India. This association is a shining example of blending a thoughtfully curated product range with a beloved character that evokes nostalgia, fun, and cheer making it emotionally meaningful,” said a JioStar Consumer Products spokesperson.
The range includes shampoos, conditioners, detangling sprays, and daily essentials, all developed with input from dermatologists and designed with children’s unique needs in mind. Products will be available on leading e-commerce platforms and retail outlets across India, making it easy for parents to pick the best for their little ones.
With this launch, KT Kids doesn’t just enter the market, it defines a new category: haircare that’s safe, smart, and SpongeBob-approved.
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
