Brands
Lotte brings korean cool to India with new subak & shark ice candies
MUMBAI: From Seoul to your soul. Lotte India Corporation Ltd. is adding a dash of Korean fun to India’s freezer aisles with the launch of Subak and Shark, the country’s first-ever Korean-style ice candies.
Following the success of the Lotte Krunch, India’s first Korean four-layered ice cream bar, the new duo marks another milestone in the brand’s playful innovation journey. Crafted for Indian palates and inspired by Korea’s pop imagination, Subak and Shark promise a multi-sensory experience that’s as refreshing as it is fun.
Subak, meaning “watermelon” in Korean, blends juicy watermelon and strawberry flavours with crunchy chocolate-coated peanut “seeds”, all shaped like a watermelon slice. Shark, on the other hand, dives into a dual orange-strawberry fusion with a bold shark-shaped design, turning every bite into a burst of creativity.
To amplify the launch, Lotte has rolled out a vibrant K-culture-inspired campaign built around the idea of “Refreshingly K-Cool”. The campaign channels the energy of K-pop and anime through ten digital assets that bring the whimsical Subak & Shark world alive.
“Building on the success of Worldcone and Krunch, Subak and Shark represent Lotte’s next phase of innovation in India,” said Lotte India Corporation Ltd head of marketing Rishabh Verma. “These products fuse Korean imagination with Indian sensibilities to deliver a multi-sensorial snacking experience that’s modern, relevant, and deeply connected.”
Lotte India senior brand manager Ankit Dubey added, “Subak and Shark make ice candies fun, expressive, and culturally inspired. Whether it’s kids enjoying the playful shapes, teens sharing moments online, or adults indulging in nostalgia, these products are designed to delight.”
Priced at Rs 20 for a 75 ml pack, Subak and Shark will be available across 50,000 plus outlets nationwide, including modern trade stores, q-commerce platforms, general trade, and Havmor-exclusive parlours.
With this launch, Lotte strengthens its leadership in India’s frozen treats segment, bringing the spirit of K-culture to every corner of the country, one refreshing bite at a time.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
