MAM
Saugato Bhowmik appointed as head, consumer products business at Viacom18
MUMBAI: Viacom18 has appointed Saugato Bhowmik as the head of consumer products business. The group continues to strengthen its operations with this appointment. Saugato brings to the table rich experience of 12 years across consumer brands in Dabur India and Hindustan Unilever.
Very early in his career Saugato has successfully led brands in home and personal care categories based in India and Singapore. In Singapore he led the Unilever business for tooth brushes for Asia within the oral care category. In his most recent role, he was leading the sales strategy development for general trade business of Unilever across all key markets.
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Saugato Bhowmik is confident of using his years of experience to hasten the growth of consumer products business at Viacom18
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Speaking about his new appointment, Saugato Bhowmik said, “I am thoroughly excited about my new role with Viacom18 Group. The dynamic nature of the broadcast industry presents multiple opportunities for marketers to leverage the power of our brands across multiple consumer touchpoints, and I hope to apply my experience and contribute to the rapid growth of consumer products business at Viacom18.”
Viacom18 Group media networks CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “Saugato brings with him Business experience from FMCG with good understanding of Brands, distribution landscape in India, dealing with large retailers and managing Business P&L. With his experience and his “Never say die” attitude he is well equipped to drive our consumer products business to the next level. I look forward to working him and welcome him to Viacom18 family”.
A graduate in Economics from Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University, Saugato completed his MBA with a marketing specialisation from IMT, Ghaziabad in 2002.
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.
