MAM
Kajal Malik to head Sakal’s brand solutions cell
MUMBAI: Sakal Media Group has roped in Kajal Malik to head its brand solutions cell.
Malik moves from Lintas Media Group where she headed the planning business of ITC foods.
Says Sakal Media Group MD Abhijit Pawar, “I believe Kajal with her expertise and ability will bring to life multiple opportunities for brands to engage with consumers in Maharashtra. Sakal is a credible paper and the association will deliver sustainable value for the brand. Sakal in the last 2 years has become the fastest growing Marathi paper. We would like Sakal to be a bridge between brands and consumers in Maharashtra.”
Adds business head LS Krishnan, “Sakal Media Group have unique platforms to tap various TG be it kids, women,and youth to the other end of rural spectrum with “Agrowon” (the only agricultural daily in the country). We feel the potential has been hitherto underutilized by brands and therefore the decision to set up “Brand Solutions Cell” which would clearly understand the brand task and then create media opportunities from within the Sakal media group offering and at times beyond.”
In her career spanning over 18 years Malik has been involved in strategic planning, media buying of various brand and media researches spanning across varied categories including FMCGs (ITC, Nestle, Dabur, Hamdard), consumer durables, automobiles and telecom among others.
Says Malik, “Today‘s fragmented market is driving most advertisers to find customized solutions to connect best with their consumers. This drive serves as an exciting opportunity to create brand window beyond the obvious. Sakal with its multimedia offering is a great platform to deliver in one of the most critical market – Maharashtra. It bring forth a creative media solution for various advertisers which I always enjoy being part of.”
Brands
Prataap Snacks posts Rs 1.14 crore Q4 profit, EBITDA up 319 per cent
Yellow Diamond maker posts turnaround with Rs 1.14 crore profit, 10 per cent dividend proposed
NEW DELHI: Prataap Snacks Limited has staged a sharp turnaround in the fourth quarter of FY26, reporting a 319 per cent surge in operating EBITDA and a return to profitability after a challenging previous year.
The Indore-based company, known for brands such as Yellow Diamond and Avadh, posted income from operations of Rs 420.18 crore for Q4 FY26, marking a 5 per cent year-on-year rise. Operating EBITDA climbed to Rs 20.59 crore, while margins stood at 4.9 per cent.
Most notably, the company reported a profit after tax of Rs 1.14 crore for the quarter, reversing a loss of Rs 11.94 crore in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share improved to Rs 0.48 from a negative Rs 5.00 earlier, signalling a steady recovery in performance.
For the full financial year, consolidated income rose 1 per cent to Rs 1,724.65 crore. Annual operating EBITDA grew 68 per cent to Rs 81.81 crore, while the company posted a net profit of Rs 9.72 crore, compared to a loss of Rs 34.27 crore in FY25.
Reflecting this improved performance, the board has recommended a dividend of 10 per cent, equivalent to Rs 0.50 per share on a face value of Rs 5.
Prataap Snacks Limited managing director Amit Kumat said the recovery was driven by sharper execution and data-led decision-making, including the use of Sales Force Automation analytics. The company also expanded its distribution network to over 5,000 distributors and strengthened its presence on quick commerce platforms.
Looking ahead, the company expects double-digit revenue growth in FY27, though it remains cautious about inflationary pressures on key inputs such as packaging materials and edible oil. Management plans to offset these through tighter cost controls and calibrated pricing strategies.
With profitability back on track and operations stabilising, Prataap Snacks appears to be regaining its footing in an increasingly competitive packaged foods market.
