Brands
The Body Shop India joins ONDC Network
Mumbai: The Body Shop, a British-born international ethical beauty brand on a quest for social and environmental justice, has officially joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Network through Shopalyst’s plugin. This is a significant move between ONDC and The Body Shop to add 100% VEGAN product formulations and ethically sourced Skincare, Bodycare, Haircare and Make-up to join the expansive ‘Open Network’.
The Body Shop India, one of the largest beauty retailers since 2006 has a strong retail presence with 200 stores and reaching 15000+ pincodes via the ecommerce channels and new digital experiences. The new ground-breaking development enables The Body Shop to showcase its catalogue across a rapidly expanding network, allowing consumers to explore and transact easily. Also, this gives an opportunity to the buyers choose from an entire selection of ethical products available through any app on the network – all within a single, unified app or website.
The Body Shop Asia South VP – retail & operations Vishal Chaturvedi said, “We are thrilled to be one of the first international beauty and skincare brands in India to join the ONDC Network. As a brand that is always looking to innovate and disrupt the market, joining the ONDC Network is a great move for us. With ONDC Network, we can widen our reach, be easily accessible to consumers across the country, and provide them with a simply great experience at affordable prices.”
This move is strategically aligned with The Body Shop’s vision to expand its presence across the country and make ethical, sustainable and vegan beauty products accessible to a wider audience. Furthermore, by adopting the ONDC Protocol, The Body Shop intends to create multiple consumer touchpoints, providing an enhanced and simplified shopping experience for all consumers alike.
ONDC MD & CEO T Koshy said, “As the ONDC Network charts its course towards creating a transparent e-commerce ecosystem that champions equal opportunities for all, we are elated to have The Body Shop join the Network. This not only signifies a significant stride for The Body Shop but also sets a pioneering precedent for the beauty industry at large.”
Brands
Bajaj Consumer Care FY26 profit rises to Rs 193.7 crore
Revenue climbs to Rs 1,092 crore as profit grows 49 per cent YoY
MUMBAI: Hair today, growth tomorrow Bajaj Consumer Care Limited seems to have found its shine again, posting a sharp jump in profitability even as it doubled down on brand spends and expansion. The company reported a net profit of Rs 193.7 crore for FY26, marking a strong 49 per cent rise from Rs 130.1 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations also grew to Rs 1,092.2 crore, up from Rs 942.8 crore a year earlier, signalling steady demand momentum across its portfolio.
For the March quarter, profit stood at Rs 64.1 crore, compared to Rs 31.5 crore in the corresponding period last year, while revenue rose to Rs 308.3 crore from Rs 243.5 crore.
The performance came despite a notable increase in spending. Advertising and sales promotion expenses climbed to Rs 168.3 crore in FY26, up from Rs 137.8 crore in FY25, reflecting continued investment in brand building. Other expenses also rose to Rs 151.3 crore from Rs 134.2 crore, indicating a broader push towards growth.
Operating efficiency, however, held firm. Profit before tax increased to Rs 234.8 crore in FY26 from Rs 157.7 crore a year earlier, supported by disciplined cost management across materials and inventory.
On the balance sheet, the company’s total assets expanded to Rs 959.1 crore as of March 31, 2026, compared to Rs 931.9 crore a year earlier. Other equity rose to Rs 780.3 crore, reinforcing a stronger financial base.
Cash flow from operations saw a significant uptick, reaching Rs 196.9 crore in FY26, nearly three times the Rs 67.9 crore recorded in FY25, highlighting improved working capital management.
However, the year also saw aggressive capital allocation. The company spent Rs 190.2 crore on share buybacks, contributing to a net cash outflow of Rs 196.5 crore from financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents stood at Rs 6.8 crore at the end of the year, down from Rs 25.6 crore.
Even as investments in subsidiaries and assets continued, the numbers suggest a company balancing growth ambitions with shareholder returns keeping one eye on expansion and the other on efficiency.
With margins improving and revenue steadily climbing, Bajaj Consumer Care appears to be combing through the competition with renewed confidence.
