MAM
Packaging industry seminar moots PET over Rectangular opaque packaging
BANGALORE: City-based Manjushree Extrusions Ltd. (MEL) in co-ordination with the Indian Plastic Institute (IPI) organized seminar ‘Future PAC’-emerging trends in rigid packaging for Dairy, Food and RTD Beverages at Bangalore.
Speakers from various sections of the Plastic and PET industry, packagers spoke on related topics. A presentation, made by Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Sr. V-P Anup Bagchi, showed findings of consumer choices for packaging and costs advantages. Bagchi revealed that the consumer today preferred consumables in ergonomically shaped transparents rather than rectangular opaques (Tetra-packs).
The seminar opened with an address by IPI chairman Hariram Thakkar, followed by a keynote address by RIL V-P B Arun. The seminar consisted of two sessions – During the first session, Bagchi from RIL spoke about socio-economic indicators — PET packaging, followed by National Dairy Research Institute, India Head-Technology Dr. Satish Kulkarni on the current status and future trends in the dairy situation in India. Nestle, India packaging development head Heinz Baeni spoke on the packaging needs with respect to Indian requirements while MEL MD Vimal Kedia spoke on downstream market readiness and limitation.
Session 2 consisted of a talk by Techne Technipack Engineering Italy regional sales director Lorenzo Monzani on Packaging needs versus plant and machinery for dairy products and fruit juices followed by Pak Technologies, AustraliaGM Bob Laing who spoke on plastic packaging solution in the food industry. Amcor India director Praveen Rttan spoke on global practices — Shelf life versus PET packaging value additions. BerriEssel, India CEO Prakah Wakankiar spoke on the importance of closures in packaging.
The dairy food and beverages industry is the next sunrise sector and has been attracting both MNCs and Indian players. With the fast changing scenario in the Food processing industry, it is imperative for packers to meet the consumer-driven needs; from shelf life longevity and quality retention to versatility and cost-efficiency says MEL’s newsletter.
Single and Multi-layer plastic packaging was bound to revolutionize the way consumables such as foods, formulations, nectars, fruit juices, beers were packed and branded. The dairy food and beverages industry is the next sunrise sector and has been attracting both MNCs and Indian players. With the fast changing scenario in the Food processing industry, it is imperative for packers to meet the consumer-driven needs; from shelf life longevity and quality retention to versatility and cost-efficiency says MEL’s newsletter.
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.
