MAM
Rajasthan state public health lab clears Coke: claims Coca Cola
MUMBAI: The fire fighting continues even as cola sales are declining! Cola companies are trying to prove the allegations of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) wrong by obtaining ‘No objection’ certificates from state government health labs and other independent testing units.
A press release issued by Coca Cola India claims that the State Central Public Health Lab, Rajasthan, Jaipur, has cleared the soft drink samples of Coke under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. The cola company claims that the tests were conducted by the public analyst, Rajasthan; and the results were submitted to the High Court of Rajasthan by the State Central Public Health Lab, Rajasthan, Jaipur, as part of the Public Interest Litigation filed against cola drinks.
A statement issued by Coca-Cola India welcomes the speedy investigation by the State Central Public Health Lab, Rajasthan, and Jaipur, into the quality of soft drinks. “These independent results reconfirm the quality of the products manufactured in our plants and, we believe, will help to restore consumer confidence,” the statement says.
The statement also adds that the company believes that a consistent, professional testing protocol is necessary to serve the interests of both the consumers and the beverage manufacturers. The statement says that the company will continue to work with government agencies for resolving this issue.
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.
