Brands
Nestlé India posts 14.9 per cent sales growth, profit rises in FY26
FMCG major sweetens returns with dividend as strong domestic demand leads
NEW DELHI: Nestlé India has reported a strong financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, with sales and profits rising steadily on the back of robust domestic demand.
The company posted total income of Rs 231,949.5 million for FY26, up from Rs 202,645.5 million in the previous year, marking a growth of 14.9 per cent. Domestic sales remained the key driver, increasing 14.6 per cent to Rs 221,187.0 million, while exports contributed Rs 9,527.6 million to the overall tally.
The final quarter of the financial year added extra momentum, with total sales rising 23.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. This helped lift the company’s annual profit to Rs 35,446.0 million, up from Rs 33,145.0 million in FY25.
Shareholders are set to benefit as the board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 5.00 per equity share. This comes on top of the interim dividend of Rs 7.00 per share paid in February 2026. The record date for the final dividend has been fixed as 10 July 2026, subject to shareholder approval at the 67th Annual General Meeting scheduled for 3 July 2026. If approved, the payout will begin from 30 July 2026.
During the year, the company’s paid-up equity share capital doubled to Rs 1,928.3 million following a 1:1 bonus share issue, strengthening its capital base. The results were also supported by a Rs 1,207.8 million credit from exceptional items, including a Rs 2,023.2 million writeback from resolved income tax litigation, partially offset by restructuring costs and expenses related to new labour codes.
On the cost front, material costs rose to 44.8 per cent of sales for the full year, compared to 43.6 per cent in the previous year, reflecting ongoing input cost pressures. Despite this, the company maintained solid profitability, with EBITDA coming in at Rs 53,060.6 million.
Overall, Nestlé India’s performance underscores its ability to balance growth and margins in a challenging environment. With steady demand, disciplined cost management and consistent shareholder returns, the company appears well placed to carry its momentum into the next financial year.
Brands
Sotrue crosses Rs 100 crore ARR, rides digital-first growth in beauty market
Lean marketing and ‘glow-first’ products help brand scale fast across Bharat
MUMBAI: Sotrue, a fast-rising player in India’s beauty and personal care space, has crossed the Rs 100 crore annual recurring revenue mark, underlining the growing appetite for consumer-first, digital-led brands in the country.
The milestone comes within a relatively short period since launch, positioning the brand as one of the quicker success stories in a crowded and competitive category. Its rise has been fuelled by a tight focus on product simplicity, efficient capital deployment, and a sharp understanding of evolving consumer needs, particularly in non-metro markets.
At the heart of Sotrue’s strategy is a clear, almost minimalist insight: deliver visible “glow” without the burden of complex routines. That thinking translated into early wins, with its strobe cream quickly gaining traction and becoming a breakout product for the brand.
Speaking on the milestone, Sotrue founder Gautam Khosla said, “Reaching Rs 100 crore ARR so quickly is a reflection of staying true to one clear vision, building for real women with real needs. We focused on creating products that deliver instant results while being rooted in authenticity and trust. As we scale, our mission remains the same: to build India’s most loved glow-first beauty brand without compromising on what makes us relevant to our consumers.”
Unlike many peers that rely heavily on big-budget campaigns, Sotrue has taken a leaner route. Its marketing playbook leans on authenticity, working with influencers to create relatable, experience-led content rather than high-gloss advertising. This approach has helped the brand build both acquisition and retention without overspending.
A digital-first engine has further powered its growth, with nearly 90 percent of revenue coming from online channels. Offline retail plays a supporting role, helping the brand extend its reach while maintaining a strong e-commerce backbone.
Product development, meanwhile, has been closely tied to consumer feedback, particularly from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Insights gathered from these markets have shaped everything from formulations to shade ranges, allowing the brand to stay relevant and differentiated in a segment often criticised for one-size-fits-all offerings.
Looking ahead, Sotrue is setting its sights higher. The company is targeting Rs 200 crore in revenue in the coming fiscal year, alongside plans to expand into adjacent categories across face, eyes, lips and body.
As India’s beauty market continues to evolve, Sotrue’s rapid climb suggests that brands built on clarity, consistency and consumer insight may well have the brightest glow.
