Brands
Zespri International sets up Kiwifruit Quality Control & Inspection hub at Kidzania
MUMBAI: Zespri International, the world’s largest kiwifruit manufacturer, has partnered with KidZania Mumbai, a Global Indoor Theme park empowers children, helping them understand & manage their world better. With this partnership, kids can now actively engage at the Quality Control & Inspection Hub establishment in the KidZania Mumbai facility.
This association between Zespri and KidZania will allow children to play the role of Kiwifruit Nutrition Experts and check the Nutrition Content in the 30-nutrient-filled Kiwifruit. Kids would be trained to undertake various tests such as Nutrition Analysis, Weight Test, and Sorting. Thereafter, they would package the same for delivery. Every child will also receive delicious Kiwifruit as part of a giveaway at the end of the activity. There are two varieties of kiwifruit – The tangy Zespri Green Kiwifruit and the sweet Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit.
Daniel Mathieson, Global President of Sales and Marketing, Zespri, said, “We are very pleased to associate with KidZania. A large section of our consumers are children and they are also major influencers in any household for decision making. This establishment is a great way to connect with the kids directly and it will also teach them what the process is like until the kiwifruit reaches the end consumers. Kids of course love the fruit but it is also important to educate them about the importance and quality of a Zespri kiwifruit.”
Speaking on the new launch, Viraj Jit Singh – Chief Marketing Officer, KidZania India, said, “Zespri Kiwifruit had partnered us last year for a short activity and we are excited to have them back on a long term agreement participating in a customized activity. KidZania Mumbai believes that it’s important for kids to understand the nutritional value of products they consume and the Kiwifruit is amongst the most beneficial fruits of them all. The Quality Control & Inspection Hub establishment will empower children to better understand the process of nutrition analysis, quality testing, packaging and shipping.”
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.
