Brands
Rahul Dravid pads up for Paradeep Phosphates campaigns
MUMBAI: Rahul Dravid has taken guard again, this time not on the pitch, but in the fields. Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL), one of India’s largest private fertiliser producers, has roped in the cricketing legend as its brand ambassador to champion innovative and sustainable farming practices.
The partnership brings together two names known for trust, consistency, and performance. Dravid’s steady hand and PPL’s farmer-first ethos aim to inspire India’s growers to adopt smarter, more sustainable methods through two nationwide campaigns, “Kheti Ka Game Changer” and “NPK & Organic Fertilizers Ki Winning Team.”
The campaigns use cricketing analogies to make agronomy simple and engaging. In the first, Dravid fronts Jai Kisaan Navratna Nano Shakti Nano DAP, likening nano fertilisers to game-changing strategies that improve yield and efficiency. In the second, balanced fertilisation takes centre stage with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium playing star “team roles,” promoting soil health and stronger crops.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rahul Dravid to the PPL family,” said Paradeep Phosphates managing director and CEO Suresh Krishnan. “His discipline and integrity mirror our values. Just as he led teams to victory through patience and planning, our products empower farmers to achieve winning outcomes season after season.”
Dravid echoed the sentiment, saying, “Farmers and sportspersons share a similar spirit, both rely on patience, timing, and the right support to succeed. I’m proud to be part of an initiative that helps India’s farmers make practical, informed choices.”
Backed by sister company Zuari FarmHub Ltd (ZFHL) in collaboration with TERI, PPL’s nano fertilisers have shown strong results in boosting crop yield while promoting sustainability. The new campaigns will roll out across television, print, and digital platforms, taking Dravid’s calm resolve and PPL’s innovation to millions of farmers nationwide.
Looks like Dravid’s next innings will be played on fertile ground, where discipline meets growth and every crop has a shot at victory.
Brands
Devyani International Ltd plans three-subsidiary merger to streamline operations
QSR operator moves to streamline structure and unlock operational synergies
Devyani International is tightening its corporate kitchen. The quick-service restaurant operator has approved a scheme to merge three subsidiaries—Sky Gate Hospitality, Blackvelvet Hospitality and Say Chefs Eatery—into the parent company in a bid to simplify its structure and sharpen operational efficiency.
The decision was cleared at a board meeting on March 10 and disclosed in a regulatory filing to the stock exchanges. The merger will take effect from April 1, 2025, subject to statutory approvals.
All three transferor companies are direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, meaning no fresh shares will be issued and the shareholding pattern of Devyani International will remain unchanged once the scheme is completed.
The subsidiaries together operate more than 100 outlets—including dine-in restaurants and cloud kitchens, spread across over 40 cities such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru.
Devyani International, the largest franchisee of Yum Brands in India, said the consolidation is aimed at generating operational synergies, optimising resource utilisation and reducing layers within the corporate structure.
Financially, the move brings together businesses of varying scale. As of March 31, 2025, Devyani International reported a net worth of Rs 10,381.02 million and turnover of Rs 33,493.33 million. Sky Gate Hospitality posted a net worth of Rs 761.14 million with turnover of Rs 2,657.57 million, while Blackvelvet Hospitality and Say Chefs Eatery reported smaller operations and negative net worth.
The merger will consolidate these operations under a single corporate umbrella as the company sharpens its focus on scale and efficiency.
Devyani International currently runs more than 2,000 outlets across over 280 cities in India, Nigeria, Nepal and Thailand. Its portfolio includes franchise rights for brands such as Pizza Hut, KFC, Costa Coffee, Tea Live, New York Fries and Sanook Kitchen, alongside its own food brands.
With the paperwork underway and approvals pending, Devyani is essentially clearing the corporate clutter—turning three subsidiaries into one tighter, leaner operation. In the QSR world, even the back office needs a spring clean.
