Brands
Siraj bowls into Skechers squad with 23 wickets and new shoe deal
MUMBAI: Mohammed Siraj isn’t just making batsmen dance now he’s stepping into Skechers too. The fiery Hyderabad-born pacer, fresh off a dream run in the India–England Test series, has been signed by the Comfort Technology Company as its newest cricketing ambassador. Siraj, who helped India square the five-match series 2–2 with 23 wickets including a decisive five-for in the final Oval Test will now lace up in Skechers’ performance-driven cricket shoes for Gujarat Titans and the national side. His new partnership sees him join fellow stars Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan, and Yastika Bhatia in the brand’s cricket roster.
“For me, comfort and focus are everything when I’m on the field. Skechers gives me that confidence,” Siraj said, adding that the brand’s attention to detail mirrors the intensity he brings to every spell. Skechers CEO of South Asia Rahul Vira praised Siraj’s “relentless spirit and raw talent,” calling his Test heroics against England the perfect example of the brand’s ethos of resilience and performance.
The Skechers Cricket line features the full-spike Elite with 11 metal spikes for maximum power, and the 7-spike Blade for agility gear tailored for bowlers who thrive on traction and control. With the cricket range available online and at select stores, fans can also catch behind-the-scenes content via @skechersperformanceindia.
From topping the ICC ODI bowling charts in 2023 to scripting a dramatic comeback this summer, Siraj’s rise has been meteoric. And now, as he trades in one set of spikes for another, his journey from the gullies of Hyderabad to Skechers’ global stage is one that looks set to run on comfort, power, and plenty of pace.
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.
