Brands
Percol brews a fresh chapter in India with CCL’s premium coffee play
MUMBAI: Espresso yourself, India your coffee upgrade has just arrived. In a strategic sip forward, CCL Products (India) Ltd. has launched Percol, the iconic British coffee brand, in the Indian market. Known for its ethical sourcing, premium blends, and sustainability-first approach, Percol’s India debut follows its acquisition by CCL in 2023.
Founded in 1987 by Brian Chapman, Percol was the UK’s first coffee brand to bag Fairtrade certification, long before “conscious consumerism” became a buzzword. Ironically, CCL had been quietly brewing Percol’s instant coffee blends for the UK market for years. So when the brand went up for sale, CCL didn’t just see a business opportunity, it recognised a chance to bring home a flavourful legacy it helped craft.
Now officially under CCL’s belt, Percol is stepping onto Indian shelves with three sophisticated freeze-dried instant blends Intenzo, Da Essenza, and Espresso Noir. Crafted with beans sourced from Colombia, Vietnam, and other global hotspots, each 100g jar promises a deep, complex cup for a discerning audience used to swirling, sipping, and savouring.
“The Indian coffee landscape is evolving rapidly,” said CCL Products (India) Ltd CEO Praveen Jaipuriar. “Percol represents not just premium coffee, but a philosophy that resonates with today’s nuanced consumer, who is particular about the sophistication, depth and value of the products they consume.”
That philosophy also reflects in the packaging think reusable glass jars, metal caps, and matte-finished boxes with embossing and spot-UV flourishes. It’s where aesthetic meets ethic: no plastic, no compromise.
Targeted first at Tier-1 cities in North and West India, Percol’s blends are now available on major e-commerce platforms and select supermarkets. And while it’s starting as instant coffee, this is anything but a quick fix, it’s a carefully brewed invitation to elevate the at-home coffee ritual.
With Percol, CCL isn’t just expanding its portfolio, it’s stirring up India’s premium coffee scene, one conscious cup at a time.
Brands
Havas reports solid Q1 2026 with 2.5 per cent organic net revenue growth
Advertising group maintains positive momentum and confirms full-year guidance.
MUMBAI: Havas has started 2026 on a strong note proving that even in uncertain times, its converged model continues to deliver. The global advertising and communications group reported net revenue of €638 million for the first quarter of 2026, representing organic growth of +2.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. This performance was driven particularly by a robust +7.4 per cent organic growth in the United States.
Total revenue for the quarter reached €667 million, with organic growth of +2.8 per cent. Recent acquisitions contributed a positive scope impact of +1.7 per cent, while foreign exchange movements had a negative impact of -5.8 per cent, mainly due to the US dollar and British pound.
Europe, which accounts for 50 per cent of net revenue, delivered +1.1 per cent organic growth, supported by a good performance in France. North America (36 per cent of net revenue) led the way with +7.4 per cent growth, thanks to strong contributions from both Havas Creative and Havas Media. APAC & Africa (8 per cent) saw a decline of -6.2 per cent, while Latin America (6 per cent) remained nearly stable at -0.6 per cent.
Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré said, “Havas has started 2026 on a solid footing, continuing its momentum and delivering organic growth in net revenue of +2.5 per cent. This performance, in line with our full-year 2026 guidance, was driven in particular by continued strength in the US.”
The group also continued its bolt-on acquisition strategy, acquiring majority stakes in four agencies during the quarter: Acento Public Affairs (Spain), Ctrl Digital (Sweden), Styleheads (Germany), and Eyesight (France).
Havas maintained its strong creative reputation, ranking as a top holding company in the WARC Creative 100 for the sixth consecutive year, with three agencies BETC, Havas Paris, and Havas India placing in the Top 50.
Looking ahead, Havas confirmed its 2026 guidance: organic net revenue growth between +2.0 per cent and +3.0 per cent, adjusted EBIT margin between 13.2 per cent and 13.5 per cent, and a dividend payout ratio of around 40 per cent. The group also reiterated its medium-term targets for 2028.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, Havas enters the rest of the year with solid fundamentals and confidence in its ability to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
In a challenging environment, Havas is proving that its integrated, client-centric model remains resilient delivering steady growth while continuing to invest in creativity and innovation. The first quarter results suggest the group is well-positioned to navigate the year ahead with confidence.
