Brands
Innovation is our primary driver: Anirban Banerjee
Mumbai: Eveready Industries India Ltd (EIIL) along with India’s First Woman IPS Officer, Dr. Kiran Bedi unveiled a first-of-its-kind flashlight with safety alarm – the Eveready Siren Torch. This market disruptor and pioneering siren flashlight emits a loud 100dbA safety alarm when the user pulls the attached key chain in a distressing situation. Designed to empower women and people at large, the newly launched siren flashlight aims to enhance safety and security in daily life. This product is backed by the brand’s latest campaign, #AwaazUthaneyKaPower, conceptualised by Ogilvy India, which is led by deaf and verbally challenged people to highlight the need for this product to ensure safety and security for all.
For the #AwaazUthaneyKaPower campaign, Eveready collaborated with India Signing Hands, an organisation dedicated to providing solutions to “accessibility” issues faced by the deaf community in India. To dispel the silence around women’s safety, the campaign connects with the deafening power of non-verbal communication through a powerful film crafted by Ogilvy India. The film features deaf and verbally challenged women, alone in different locations, narrating their traumatic experiences in sign language. They recount being very close to danger sometimes or being subjected to eve-teasing. Eveready Siren Torch empowers women to make noise even without a voice, with 100-decibel SOS alarms to prevent abuse and alert passersby. The film encourages others to stand up for themselves, feeling empowered by the message: “Ab awaaz main bhi uthaungi” – I will make my voice heard too.
According to the Georgetown Institute 2023 Women, Peace and Security Index, The sense of safety among women aged 15 years and above in India has seen a decline. In 2017, 65.5 per cent of Indian women reported feeling safe, but this figure dropped to 58 per cent in 2023. The index gauges the safety perception of women walking alone at night in the city or in the area where they live.
Indiantelevision.com caught up with Eveready Industries India Ltd. senior VP & SBU head (batteries & flashlights) Anirban Banerjee where he discussed the safety issue and also highlighted key elements on how the product shares the message and how it can create an impact and more…
Edited excerpts
On the inspiration behind Eveready Siren torch and its alignment with the brand’s overall product strategy
As a torch company, we recognise the importance and history of our product, especially in the context of a developing country like ours, where safety remains a significant concern, particularly for women on the go. Despite the advent of modern technologies like AI, the torch has long served as a fundamental tool for safety. To enhance the value of this trusted product, we aim to raise awareness about its role not only in providing light but also as a crucial emergency tool. Ideally, no one should face harm, but in the unfortunate event that they do, this torch can be indispensable. In emergencies, one in a hundred people can create sufficient light and sound to alert others and seek help. Its small and compact design ensures easy accessibility.
On Eveready Industries collaborating specifically with India Signing Hands for the #AwaazUthaneyKaPower campaign
Partnering with India Signing Hands for this cause is a perfect fit. For individuals without a voice, the ability to make themselves heard in dangerous situations is critical. Imagine being in danger and unable to shout for help. This small torch can amplify your voice with a simple pull, making it an essential tool for those who cannot speak. If they can use it effectively, so can anyone.
On the idea for this campaign and the outcome you hope to achieve from it
Our campaign aims to be realistic and impactful. While we produce many torches and don’t hold press conferences for each launch, this particular torch carries a purpose and message. Our advertisement features real individuals rather than actors, emphasizing the genuine experiences and needs that inspired this product.
On the Eveready Siren torch addressing accessibility issues, particularly for the deaf community
Upon collaboration, we gained access to their channel and are now reaching out to various organisations, including the Ministry of Social Welfare. We will pitch this torch as a simple yet effective device that produces noise when needed. Whether or not we receive external support, we are committed to doing everything we can to promote and distribute this product. As Mr. Alok mentioned, India has approximately 68 million individuals in the deaf and challenged category. Educating and making this population aware of and accessible to this torch is incredibly powerful.
Eveready’s plans for promoting the Eveready Siren torch and continuing to support accessibility initiatives
Innovation is our primary driver, especially in the categories of batteries and torches. While some innovations are large-scale, others are subtle yet significant. This torch represents a straightforward and practical idea tailored for the Indian audience, which spans beyond metropolitan cities like Mumbai to numerous towns and villages. Our future plans include expanding into other categories, particularly portable power devices, for which Eveready is already renowned. However, today’s focus is on showcasing how differentiation can make a significant impact.
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.
