Brands
Varun Beverages posts strong growth despite weak summer
MUMBAI: Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) reported a steady set of annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025, despite weaker demand conditions during the peak summer season in India due to heavy rainfall. The company’s performance reflects the resilience of its operations across markets.
For the full calendar year ended 31 December 2025, VBL reported a net profit jump of 16.2 per cent, reaching Rs. 30,620.4 million. This financial effervescence was driven by an 8.4 per cent rise in net revenues to Rs. 216,853.8 million. Even though “unprecedented heavy rainfall” tried to water down domestic demand during the Indian summer, the company’s resilient business model ensured that total sales volumes still climbed 7.9 per cent to 1,213.1 million cases for the year.
The year ended on a particularly high note. In the fourth quarter (Q4) alone, consolidated sales volumes bubbled up by 10.2 per cent to 237.1 million cases. Net revenue for the quarter followed suit, growing 14.0 per cent to Rs. 42,044.2 million. The company also saw its net realisation per case tick up by 3.4 per cent to Rs. 177.3, largely thanks to a stronger performance in its international territories.
VBL is clearly hungry for more than just drinks. The company has been busy munching into the snacks market, with commercial production of Cheetos now underway in Morocco and Zimbabwe. Distribution of PepsiCo snacks is also gaining traction in Zambia.
But the real “head” of the new strategy is a move into the hard stuff. VBL has entered an exclusive agreement with Carlsberg to test-market beer in certain African territories. To support this, the company has amended its Memorandum of Association to include the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages, ranging from beer and wine to spirits such as whisky and rum.
The firm’s international footprint continues to expand rapidly:
South Africa: VBL is set to acquire 100 per cent of Twizza (Pty) Ltd for approximately Rs. 20,95 million, with the transaction expected to be completed by June 2026.
Kenya: A new wholly-owned subsidiary has been incorporated to manufacture and sell beverages.
India: Production capacity was bolstered by four new greenfield facilities in Prayagraj, Damtal, Buxar and Mendipathar.
While profits are flowing, the company is also keeping an eye on its water footprint. VBL reported it is “water positive,” using only half of the water it recharges into the ground. It has also achieved a 100 per cent plastic waste recycling rate relative to its production, meeting its target ahead of schedule.
Chairman Ravi Jaipuria noted that while the weather was a “disruption,” the company’s strong on-ground execution carried the day. Shareholders also have something to toast to, with the Board recommending a final dividend of Rs. 0.50 per share.
With a debt-free status in its Indian operations and a credit rating upgrade to Crisil AAA/Stable, Varun Beverages looks set to keep its competitors feeling a little flat.
Brands
Netflix acquires Ben Affleck’s AI film-tech firm InterPositive
Streaming giant picks up production startup to streamline digital filmmaking
LOS ANGELES: Netflix has officially acquired InterPositive, an AI film-technology startup founded by actor and director Ben Affleck. The move marks a significant investment by the streaming service into assistive AI tools designed to support the technical side of movie production. While many AI companies focus on generating new images or scripts, InterPositive focuses on the logistical challenges of filmmaking. The firm’s technology is designed to handle technical tasks that often delay post-production, such as correcting lighting inconsistencies and ensuring visual continuity across different takes.
The acquisition is not about replacing human actors or writers. Instead, Netflix intends to use the technology as a digital assistant for directors. The software understands cinematic logic, meaning it can automatically adjust background elements or environmental effects to ensure a film looks polished and consistent without months of manual editing.
In a Netflix post on Thursday, Affleck emphasised that the project was born out of a desire to support the craft rather than automate it. “I knew I had a responsibility to my peers and our industry, to protect the power of human creativity and the people behind it. In creating InterPositive, I sought to do just that,” Affleck wrote. “From the invention of the moving image to the transition to digital, from motion capture to virtual production, technology has evolved alongside the artists who use it. Our shared commitment to continuing this legacy makes joining together a natural next step.”
Netflix chief product and technology officer Elizabeth Stone said, “Our approach to AI has always been focused on meaningfully serving the needs of the creative community. InterPositive’s technology is purpose-built for filmmakers and showrunners to naturally support their visions. We’re excited to welcome the team to Netflix and continue building a future where technology enhances storytelling, while people remain at the core.”
Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria added, “New tools should expand creative freedom, not constrain it. Ben and his team are part of a long tradition of artists leading innovation in storytelling. Their work gives filmmakers more choices, control, and protection for their vision.”
The deal coincides with a broader partnership between Netflix and Artists Equity, the production company led by Affleck and Matt Damon. Following the success of their recent projects on the platform, this acquisition cements Affleck’s role as both a creative and technical advisor to the streamer. Affleck noted that the partnership was a logical fit due to “Netflix’s decades of experience applying and scaling technology responsibly.” He will serve as a senioradvisor for the integration of the technology, ensuring the tools remain focused on helping filmmakers.
For the film industry, this acquisition signals a shift in strategy. Rather than just buying finished movies, Netflix is now owning the specialized technology used to build them. By bringing these tools in-house, the company aims to reduce the rising costs and lengthy timelines associated with high-budget original films while giving their productions a technical edge in speed and visual quality.
