MAM
P&G India extends all company benefits to partners of LGBTQ+ employees
Mumbai: In a bid to foster inclusivity at the workplace, Procter & Gamble (P&G) has now extended all its company offered benefits to partners of LGBTQ+ employees, the company announced on Tuesday. Effective 1 April, the company’s medical and workplace benefits including medical support, emergency financial assistance, flex subsidy allowance, relocation benefits, among others will be extended to partners of LGBTQ+ employees.
The initiative builds on top of the company’s ‘Share the Care’ inclusive parental leave policy that was launched last year.
“At P&G, our goal is to create a fully inclusive workplace where our employees feel included and are able to bring their authentic selves to work every day,” said Procter & Gamble Indian sub-continent vice president and head – human resources PM Srinivas. “In line with that, we are proud to shape our company offered comprehensive benefits to a fully inclusive and equality-based program which extends to partners of LGBTQ+ employees. We will also continue to strengthen our awareness and training programs that sensitize our people on LGBTQ+ diversity. We hope that this will enable us to strengthen our company’s culture, inspire change and create a positive societal impact.”
Through this latest initiative, partners of LGBTQ+ employees will now be covered under the company’s medical plan that provides hospitalisation coverage to employees and their dependents. The employees can also avail emergency financial assistance for their partners. The company provides an additional fixed allowance to its employees to meet their personal and family needs, which can now be availed by LGBTQ+ employees for their partners. The company will also extend financial support and transfer related assistance arising out of a company-initiated relocation to partners of LGBTQ+ employees, said the statement.
According to the company, P&G took a public stand for inclusion by adding sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policies back in 1992. The company has an internal affinity group, GABLE (Gay, Ally, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Transgender Employees) that is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive network.
P&G India has also launched ‘Pride Podcasts’ wherein it invites leaders from within P&G globally and external advocates who are sharing their journey, educating, and addressing myths about LGBTQ+. In a first, in 2021 the company organised a virtual pride event titled ‘PrideON’ to educate and celebrate the progress made on LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion in the workplace, according to the company.
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
