MAM
WATConsult bags ORM & digital listening mandate for Licious
Mumbai: WATConsult, an Isobar company and hybrid digital agency from dentsu India, has won the ORM (Online Reputation Management) and digital listening mandate for D2C unicorn Licious.
The account was won following a competitive multi-agency pitch and will be serviced from the agency’s Mumbai office.
“The meat and seafood sector, in India, is still largely in its nascent stage; however, it holds vast potential. Licious being the industry leader, has huge plans to capitalise on this opportunity,” said Isobar India group CEO Heeru Dingra. “The brand is looking at growing its offline business, its ready-to-eat product portfolio and is also keen on geographic expansion. With our strategic understanding of the digital audiences and expertise in scaling up brands, we really look forward to supporting Licious on their journey.”
As per the mandate, WATConsult will focus on the company’s philosophy of ‘delighting the world with an unmatched experience,’ thereby, the agency will monitor, listen, respond to queries and report to users online. Apart from the regular social media channels, the agency will also manage the app reviews, Google My Business reviews, blogs, news & public websites along with Crisis Management, which is also a significant part of the mandate.
“ORM forms a very integral part of the brand-building & reputation management piece. It also builds into the customer obsession promise that Licious upholds,” said Licious VP- brands and new ventures Simeran Bhasin. “We look forward to our partnership with WATConsult to elevate our customer service and the overall Licious experience.”
WATConsult managing partner Sahil Shah added, “What excited me the most is the vision with which the team at Licious is building the brand and how they are obsessed with customer-centricity. For instance, think of a future where omnichannel ORM will become a reality using the power of data and technology to have a single view of the customer. Thus, driving better customer experience and delight.”
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.
