Brands
Lather rinse profit as Marico cleans up with Rs 1658 crore in FY25
MUMBAI: When it comes to FMCG bigwigs, Marico isn’t just oiling the wheels, it’s flying on full throttle. Marico has closed FY25 with a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,658 crore, marking a 10 per cent rise over last year’s Rs 1,502 crore. The standalone numbers weren’t far behind either, with net profit at Rs 1,541 crore, reflecting a hefty 43 per cent jump from Rs 1,078 crore in FY24.
Revenue from operations touched Rs 10,831 crore, up from Rs 9,653 crore a year earlier, while other income surged to Rs 208 crore from Rs 142 crore. That’s a total income of Rs 11,039 crore, served up with a generous side of operational efficiency.
The Board, clearly in a generous mood, has recommended a final dividend of Rs 7 per share, bringing the total payout for the year to Rs 10.5 per equity share, including the interim Rs 3.5 disbursed in January.
A major ingredient in this profitable recipe? Cost control. Despite global macro headwinds and raw material volatility, Marico kept total annual expenses at Rs 8,923 crore, managing margins smartly. Advertisement and promotion spends stood at Rs 1,128 crore, a modest increase from Rs 952 crore last year, showing the brand is still playing to win.
Its international business, now contributing about 25 per cent to overall revenue, continues to ride strong tailwinds from Asia and Africa. On the domestic front, flagship brands like Parachute and Saffola, along with digital-first acquisitions like Just Herbs and Plix, helped widen the consumer base and deepen wallet share.
The company also saw major movement on the investment and acquisition front completing the buyout of Apcos Naturals and increasing its stake in Satiya Nutraceuticals (Plix) to 51.38 per cent, transforming it into a majority-owned unit. Marico closed the year with Rs 321 crore in cash and equivalents, up from Rs 228 crore.
Meanwhile, FMCG patriarch Harsh Mariwala, who turns 75 next year, will continue as a Non-Executive Director, with the board approving his continuation under SEBI’s age-related norms. Also onboard for the long haul is Dr K.R. Chandratre, appointed Secretarial Auditor for the next five years.
With strong financials, smart acquisitions and a dividend that’s clearly keeping shareholders happy, Marico seems to have struck the perfect balance between tradition and transformation. In a market often running on fumes, this coconut oil kingpin is proving it’s still very much in its prime.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
