Brands
Uber shifts into a higher gear with big expansion plans for Uber Black
MUMBAI: When everyday rides start feeling a little too economy, Uber is betting that more Indians are ready to travel business class. Uber has announced an aggressive expansion of its premium offering, Uber Black, with plans to double the size of its luxury fleet across India in 2026.
Currently operating in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, Uber Black caters to riders seeking quieter cabins, higher-end cars and top-rated drivers. Positioned as the “business class of the back seat”, the service has also carved out dedicated Uber Black Zones at major airports, including Kempegowda International Airport (Terminals 1 and 2) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Terminal 2, P6), promising faster, smoother premium pick-ups.
To fuel this expansion, Uber has made a Series A investment in Carrum, a fleet management firm backed by the Cardekho Group. Carrum has been a long-time fleet partner on the Uber platform, and the investment is expected to help scale high-quality vehicle supply to meet rising premium demand.
Adding another layer of convenience, Uber has also rolled out its Reserve feature for Uber Black in Delhi. Riders can now book premium cars anywhere from two hours to 90 days in advance, making the service particularly appealing for airport transfers, business travel and special occasions where certainty matters.
Uber president for India and South Asia Prabhjeet Singh said the company is seeing strong momentum in premium mobility, driven by riders who value comfort and elevated service standards. The focus, he noted, is on consistently raising the quality bar while creating long-term value for riders, drivers and fleet partners.
Alongside premium rides, Uber highlighted the growing traction of Uber One, its membership programme offering benefits across bikes, autos and cars. With over one million members already enrolled in India, the programme reflects a broader shift towards bundled value for frequent riders.
As Uber Black gears up for its next phase, the message is clear: for a growing segment of urban India, getting there comfortably is becoming just as important as getting there quickly.
Brands
Prataap Snacks posts Rs 1.14 crore Q4 profit, EBITDA up 319 per cent
Yellow Diamond maker posts turnaround with Rs 1.14 crore profit, 10 per cent dividend proposed
NEW DELHI: Prataap Snacks Limited has staged a sharp turnaround in the fourth quarter of FY26, reporting a 319 per cent surge in operating EBITDA and a return to profitability after a challenging previous year.
The Indore-based company, known for brands such as Yellow Diamond and Avadh, posted income from operations of Rs 420.18 crore for Q4 FY26, marking a 5 per cent year-on-year rise. Operating EBITDA climbed to Rs 20.59 crore, while margins stood at 4.9 per cent.
Most notably, the company reported a profit after tax of Rs 1.14 crore for the quarter, reversing a loss of Rs 11.94 crore in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share improved to Rs 0.48 from a negative Rs 5.00 earlier, signalling a steady recovery in performance.
For the full financial year, consolidated income rose 1 per cent to Rs 1,724.65 crore. Annual operating EBITDA grew 68 per cent to Rs 81.81 crore, while the company posted a net profit of Rs 9.72 crore, compared to a loss of Rs 34.27 crore in FY25.
Reflecting this improved performance, the board has recommended a dividend of 10 per cent, equivalent to Rs 0.50 per share on a face value of Rs 5.
Prataap Snacks Limited managing director Amit Kumat said the recovery was driven by sharper execution and data-led decision-making, including the use of Sales Force Automation analytics. The company also expanded its distribution network to over 5,000 distributors and strengthened its presence on quick commerce platforms.
Looking ahead, the company expects double-digit revenue growth in FY27, though it remains cautious about inflationary pressures on key inputs such as packaging materials and edible oil. Management plans to offset these through tighter cost controls and calibrated pricing strategies.
With profitability back on track and operations stabilising, Prataap Snacks appears to be regaining its footing in an increasingly competitive packaged foods market.
