MAM
StarQuik selects 26FIVE India Lab as its digital and social media management partner
Mumbai: In a strategic move to rejuvenate its digital presence and amplify customer engagement, StarQuik, a TATA Enterprise, announces its collaboration with 26FIVE India Lab as the creative partner to manage its digital and social media presence. The India Lab of the US-based global strategy and creative powerhouse clinched the opportunity post a rigorous multi-agency pitch, marking a transformative chapter in StarQuik’s digital evolution.
StarQuik, an omnichannel Grocery App offering from TATA — in addition to its Star Bazaar stores — offers a one-stop destination for home delivery of grocery shopping including fruits, vegetables, non-veg and more. The brand sets itself apart by providing goods at the lowest possible prices for significant budget savings.
26FIVE will assume the mantle of driving StarQuik’s comprehensive digital, app and social media operations, with a mandate spanning from initiating dynamic seasonal campaigns to ensuring the brand’s everyday creative vibrancy.
Commenting on the alliance, StarQuik director K. Radhakrishnan remarked, “Joining forces with 26FIVE thrills us. As we aim to infuse a vibrant contemporary vigor and sharp customer messaging into StarQuik, partnering with a digitally savvy and young agency is pivotal. 26FIVE’s creativity mirrors our aspirations, making them an ideal cohort to elevate our online stature.”
StarQuik brand marketing lead Bhavna Hariharan added, “This partnership is an exciting one, as we are looking to grow our brand while focusing on customer retention. Our communication, as well as our brand look and feel, must integrate the two. This partnership has the power to transform, and with 26FIVE onboard, we march toward a common goal: to maximize business growth, creatively.”
Echoing the sentiment, 26FIVE India Lab CEO Ritesh Rao shared, “Our alliance with StarQuik is a momentous step. Their esteemed stature in the e-commerce and grocery sectors matches our ambition to craft visionary digital narratives.”
Former Unilever and P&G retail marketing specialist and current 26FIVE Global Lab COO Kevin Flagg added, “We’re committed to synergising with StarQuik, materializing groundbreaking strategies that reshape industry standards. This collaboration stands as a tribute to both companies’ unwavering quest for digital excellence.”
The new relationship exemplifies StarQuik’s dedication to remaining at the digital vanguard, promising customers avant-garde online engagements. Backed by 26FIVE’s creative insights, StarQuik is primed for a remarkable digital metamorphosis.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
