Kingfisher, JioHotstar Launch ‘Good Times Hangout’ for TATA WPL

Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water and JioHotstar Launch ‘Kingfisher Good Times Hangout’ for TATA WPL

Feb 04: Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water has partnered with JioHotstar to introduce Kingfisher Good Times Hangout, a first-of-its-kind live viewing experience designed to make cricket watching more social, interactive, and entertaining.

The exclusive content feed will go live on the JioHotstar platform during the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) Semi-Final on February 3 and the Final on February 5, starting 6:30 pm onwards, and will be available to viewers watching the matches live.

Kingfisher Good Times Hangout enhances the live match experience by blending real-time cricket commentary with humour, pop culture conversations, and interactive storytelling. The curated line-up brings together a diverse mix of cricket broadcasters, former cricketers, stand-up comedians, and popular entertainment and digital personalities. Featured names include Mantra, Sahiba Bali, Angad Singh Ranyal, Gurleen Pannu, Aakash Gupta, Harsh Gujral and Kullu, alongside seasoned cricket experts Aakash Chopra, Reema Malhotra and Veda Krishnamurthy—offering viewers a balance of match insights and light-hearted banter throughout the broadcast.

Commenting on the initiative, Vikram Bahl, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries Limited, said,

“Cricket has always been closely associated with togetherness and shared experiences, which strongly aligns with the ethos of our brand. With Good Times Hangout, our objective was to move beyond conventional engagements and add a differentiated layer to live cricket viewing by making it more social and interactive. Our collaboration with JioHotstar enables us to leverage technology to enhance engagement while staying true to the way fans naturally enjoy the game.”

Anup Govindan, Head – Sports Sales, JioStar, added,

“At JioStar, our focus is on constantly reimagining how fans experience live sports. The Kingfisher Good Times Hangout on JioHotstar demonstrates how brands can become an integral part of the viewing experience. By combining live cricket with culture, conversation, and community, this partnership introduces a new level of interactivity that resonates strongly with today’s audiences.”

By seamlessly integrating sport, entertainment, and technology, Kingfisher Good Times Hangout presents a differentiated approach to live cricket consumption while reinforcing Kingfisher Packaged Drinking Water’s long-standing association with fun, togetherness, and shared moments. Viewers can access the feed by selecting the Kingfisher Good Times Hangout option under the Audio & Subtitles tab while watching the live match on JioHotstar—adding a fresh, social dimension to the live sports experience.

Pidilite Posts Double-Digit Growth on Strong Volumes, Margin Expansion

Pidilite Industries Reports Double-Digit Revenue Growth with Strong Volume Momentum and Margin Expansion

Mumbai, Feb 04: Pidilite Industries Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, and construction chemicals, today announced its financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, reporting strong double-digit growth across revenue and profitability, supported by robust underlying volume growth and improved margins.

Standalone Financial Performance

During the third quarter of FY26, Pidilite recorded net sales of ₹3,425 crore, registering a growth of 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. This performance was driven by healthy underlying volume growth (UVG) of 9.3%, reflecting sustained demand across key categories.

Earnings before interest, tax, and depreciation (EBITDA) for the quarter stood at ₹840 crore, marking a 12.1% year-on-year increase. EBITDA margin improved to 24.5%, expanding by 24 basis points over Q3 FY25. Profit after tax for the quarter rose by 12.5% to ₹601 crore.

For the nine months ended December 2025, standalone net sales grew by 10.7% to ₹10,165 crore. EBITDA increased by 12.6% to ₹2,535 crore, with margins improving to 24.9%. Profit after tax for the period rose by 12.8% to ₹1,837 crore.

Gross margins during the quarter improved by 200 basis points compared to last year, aided by lower input costs. This benefit was partially offset by a one-time provision related to the new labour code and increased investments in advertising, sales, and promotion.

Consolidated Financial Performance

On a consolidated basis, Pidilite reported net sales of ₹3,699 crore for Q3 FY26, reflecting a growth of 10.2% over the corresponding quarter of the previous year. EBITDA before non-operating income rose by 12.0% to ₹894 crore, while EBITDA margin expanded to 24.2%.

Profit after tax for the quarter increased by 12.0% to ₹624 crore.

For the nine-month period ended December 2025, consolidated net sales stood at ₹10,982 crore, up 10.2% year-on-year. EBITDA grew by 12.9% to ₹2,686 crore, with margins improving to 24.5%. Profit after tax rose by 13.1% to ₹1,887 crore.

Gross margins at the consolidated level improved by 222 basis points during the quarter, driven by favorable input cost trends.

Business Segment Performance (Standalone)

Consumer & Bazaar (C&B):
The Consumer & Bazaar segment delivered strong performance, with revenue growing by 12.4% to ₹2,802 crore during Q3 FY26, supported by an underlying volume growth of 9.7%. Segment EBIT increased by 14.4% to ₹873 crore, with EBIT margin expanding to 31.2%.

For the nine months ended December 2025, C&B segment revenue grew by 11.1% to ₹8,276 crore, while EBIT rose by 13.5% to ₹2,597 crore, reflecting continued strength in brand-led demand and premium product mix.

Business-to-Business (B2B):
The B2B segment reported revenue of ₹667 crore for the quarter, growing by 2.9% year-on-year, with underlying volume growth of 7.4%. Performance was partially impacted by lower exports of industrial products. EBIT for the quarter stood at ₹116 crore.

For the nine-month period, B2B revenue increased by 7.7% to ₹2,048 crore, indicating gradual recovery in industrial demand.

Outlook

Pidilite continues to focus on driving profitable growth through innovation, brand investments, and operational efficiencies, while maintaining a strong balance sheet. The company remains well-positioned to capitalize on improving demand trends across consumer and construction-related segments.

BC Jindal Group’s Jindal (India) Limited Earns Great Place To Work Certification™ for 2026-27

New Delhi, Feb 04:– BC Jindal Group’s Jindal (India) Limited, led by Shyam Sunder Jindal, Promoter, BC Jindal Group, is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the period Jan 2026 – Jan 2027. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Jindal (India) Limited. 96% of employees said it’s a great place To Work which is 8% higher than the average of Top 100 benchmark companies in India. The survey was undertaken by more than 2800 employees of Jindal India working across 2 manufacturing plants and offices at multiple locations in India.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Jindal (India) Limited stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

“Since inception, Jindal (India) Limited’s efforts have tenaciously been directed towards offering a rewarding experience to its employees, and we are elated to become a Great Place To Work-Certified™ company,” said official spokesperson, Jindal (India) Limited. “This recognition underscores the dedication and commitment of all our employees at Jindal (India) Limited. We acknowledge and appreciate their efforts in achieving this prestigious recognition,” he added

In last few years, Jindal India has extensively worked on its people centric initiatives leading to empowerment, improved responsiveness, recognition of value-driven behaviors and performance driven work culture, which created an inclusive environment where people feel respected, supported, and connected to the organization’s success.

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

The Park Navi Mumbai Awarded IGBC Certification for Sustainable Hospitality Practices

Feb 04, Mumbai, India — The Park Navi Mumbai has been awarded the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Certification, reaffirming the hotel’s strong commitment to sustainable hospitality through responsible design, efficient operations, and environmentally conscious practices.

Conveniently located near the operational Navi Mumbai International Airport (T1), The Park Navi Mumbai has integrated sustainability into its core functioning, offering guests a refined luxury experience that aligns with global environmental standards. The certification recognises the hotel’s consistent efforts to minimise its environmental footprint while maintaining high standards of comfort and service.

Among the key initiatives acknowledged by IGBC is the hotel’s use of solar energy, significantly reducing dependence on conventional power sources. The property has also adopted advanced water-conservation systems, energy-efficient management practices, and comprehensive waste-management processes, including waste segregation and responsible disposal. These measures ensure optimal use of resources across the hotel while supporting long-term environmental goals.

Commenting on the achievement, Rahul Makhija, General Manager, The Park Navi Mumbai, said: “Achieving IGBC certification is a proud moment for our entire team and reinforces our long-standing commitment to sustainable hospitality. From water-saving innovations to robust waste-management systems, environmental responsibility is deeply embedded in our operations. Our approach to sustainability goes beyond compliance—it enhances the guest experience while contributing positively to the community and the environment. We remain focused on protecting the planet and setting higher benchmarks for responsible luxury.”

With this recognition, The Park Navi Mumbai joins a distinguished group of hospitality leaders who are actively embracing environmentally responsible practices, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand in shaping the future of modern hospitality.

Adani Ports Posts Strong Q3 and 9M FY26 Performance, Raises EBITDA Outlook

Ahmedabad, Feb 3: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), India’s largest Integrated Transport Utility, today announced robust financial and operational results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, driven by sustained momentum across ports, logistics, marine and international operations.

Financial Highlights (Consolidated)

• Q3 FY26 Revenue: Up 22% YoY

• Q3 FY26 EBITDA: Up 20% YoY

• Q3 FY26 PAT: Up 21% YoY

• 9M FY26 Revenue: Up 24% YoY

• 9M FY26 EBITDA: Up 20% YoY

• 9M FY26 PAT: Up 18% YoY

Operational Performance

• Cargo handled: 123 MMT in Q3 FY26 (+9% YoY); 367 MMT in 9M FY26 (+11% YoY)

• All-India cargo market share: 27.4% (9M FY26)

• Container market share: 45.6% (9M FY26)

• Rail volume: 528,872 TEUs (+11% YoY, 9M FY26)

• Marine fleet: Expanded to an all-time high of 129 vessels

FY26 Guidance Update

APSEZ raised its FY26 EBITDA guidance, exceeding the earlier upper band, driven by stronger-than-expected organic growth and consolidation of NQXT Australia.

• Revenue guidance: Revised upward

• Capex: Maintained as per earlier guidance

• Net debt / EBITDA: 1.9x (Proforma: 1.8x)

• Port cargo volume guidance: 505–515 MMT

Management Commentary

Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO, APSEZ, said:

“APSEZ has once again delivered a strong and resilient performance. Sustained momentum across our four business pillars, along with the consolidation of NQXT, has enabled us to raise our FY26 EBITDA guidance. Even post-acquisition, our leverage remains unchanged, underscoring balance sheet strength and disciplined capital allocation.

Our ambition to double revenue and EBITDA by FY29 remains firmly on track, supported by capacity expansion, operational excellence, and superior customer experience. Sustainability continues to be central to our strategy, and our adoption of the TNFD framework reinforces our commitment to nature-positive infrastructure development.”

Business Segment Highlights

• Domestic Ports: 15% YoY revenue growth in 9M FY26, driven by rising market share and container volumes

• International Ports: Highest-ever 9M revenue, strengthened further by the NQXT Australia acquisition

• Logistics: Q3 FY26 revenue surged 62% YoY, led by asset-light trucking and international freight services

• Marine: Q3 FY26 revenue grew 91% YoY, supported by offshore vessel acquisitions and long-term contracts

Strategic & Operational Milestones

• Vizhinjam Port crossed 1.3 million TEUs in its inaugural year, becoming the fastest Indian port to surpass 1 million TEUs

• Mundra Port became the first Indian port to directly berth a fully-laden VLCC

• Completed acquisition of NQXT Australia, adding 50 MTPA capacity

• Initiated Vizhinjam Phase 2 expansion

• Launched India’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering initiative through an MoU with BPCL

ESG & Sustainability Leadership

• First Indian Integrated Transport Utility to adopt the TNFD framework

• 12 ports certified Zero Waste to Landfill

• Committed to Net Zero by 2040

• Achieved Top 95th percentile globally in S&P Global CSA 2025

• MSCI ESG rating upgraded from CCC to B

Credit Ratings & Balance Sheet Strength

• JCR: A-/Stable (above India’s sovereign rating)

• Moody’s: Baa3, outlook revised to Stable

• ICRA: AAA/Stable

• Fitch: BBB-, outlook Stable

• S&P: BBB-, outlook Positive

Awards & Recognition

• Mundra Port ranked among the Top 20 container ports globally

• Vizhinjam Port won the National Project Excellence Award 2025

• Dhamra Port won the PAR Excellence Award

• Kattupalli Port received the Exceed Environment Award 2025

Ekostay Commends Budget Push Positioning Travel as a Strategic Growth Engine

Varun Arora, CEO and Co-Founder,  Ekostay 

This year’s Union Budget clearly signals a shift in how India views travel and hospitality from a discretionary spend to a strategic growth engine. Measures like the rationalisation of TCS on outbound travel and the announcement of a ₹5,000 crore ‘Growth Connector’ framework for city economic regions show a strong intent to strengthen tourism-led development and urban ecosystems. For hospitality brands, this creates a more confident environment to invest, expand into new destinations, and build experiences that are aligned with long-term economic growth rather than short-term cycles. It’s a welcome step toward positioning travel as a serious contributor to India’s broader growth story.

AU Small Finance Bank partners with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India for two-wheeler financing

Mumbai, Feb 03: AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), Indias largest Small Finance Bank and the first in over a decade to receive in‑principle approval to transition into a Universal Bank, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI). The collaboration will offer customers affordable and convenient financing options for purchasing Honda two-wheelers across India.

As a preferred financier for Honda two-wheelers, AU Small Finance Bank will provide STP-enabled, analytics-based faster credit decisioning supported by Account Aggregator, along with digitally enabled repayment solutions to deliver a smoother, simpler, and more convenient financing experience. The partnership also includes joint marketing and promotional efforts across HMSI dealerships and AU Small Finance Bank branches.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

This collaboration will help to fulfil the dream of customers across segments including the first-time two-wheeler buyers, by enabling quicker eligibility assessment with paperless process, making it easier to own their vehicle. Honda customers will benefit from competitive schemes, promotional offers, and pre-approved offers, along with end-to-end tech-enabled loan support from AU Small Finance Bank.

AU Small Finance Bank customers will also gain the ability to purchase Hondas trusted range of motorcycles and scooters, supported by the banks seamless system integration that enables online applications, real-time status tracking, and a frictionless financing experience. The tie-up further provides AU customers with direct access to HMSIs extensive dealership network across India.

Commenting on the occasion, Uttam Tibrewal, ED & Deputy CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, “Partnering with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India marks a significant milestone in AU Small Finance Banks journey of expanding mobility finance across the country. Honda is one of the most trusted and aspirational two‑wheeler brands in India, and this collaboration strengthens our commitment to enabling millions of customers with easier access to high‑quality mobility. As we progress toward becoming a Universal Bank, such partnerships reinforce our national distribution strength, customer‑first philosophy, and our ability to deliver transparent and innovative financial solutions at scale.”

Mr. Yogesh Mathur – Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Strengthening the financing ecosystem is central to HMSIs customer-centric approach. This collaboration with AU Small Finance Bank is aimed at enhancing the credit solutions offered to the customers at HMSI dealerships across India. It will simplify the purchase journey and enable us to offer customers affordable and convenient financing options, while creating trust and transparency at every stage of the buying experience.”

Through this integrated operational framework, both organizations aim to maximize the effectiveness of the partnership and deliver a consistent, efficient, and customer‑focused financing experience.

AWL Agri Business Ltd. (formerly Adani Wilmar Ltd.) Reports Q3 FY26 Financial Results

Q3 FY26 Performance

AWL Agri Business recorded robust revenue growth in Q3 FY26, supported by a 3% increase in volumes. Edible oils led the growth, while operational EBITDA and PAT remained resilient. On a last-twelve-month (LTM) basis, the company delivered record revenues and operational performance.

Distribution & GTM Strategy

• Direct reach expanded from ~600,000 outlets in March 2023 to 949,000 outlets as of December 2025

• Rural town coverage increased from 13,000 to over 60,000 towns

• 98 stock points nationwide, supported by micro-fulfilment centres for smaller-town distribution

Alternate Channels

• E-commerce, Q-commerce, and Modern Trade achieved strong volume growth in Q3 FY26

• Edible oils’ alternate channel share increased from ~5% to 9%; Food & FMCG from 11% to 25% over 15 quarters

• Q-commerce contributed ~30% of volumes within alternate channels

Other Channels

• HoReCa volumes grew 54% YoY; branded exports up 43% YoY, supported by global distribution networks

Project Updates & Capex

• Fully operational integrated food complex at Gohana expected to drive efficiencies and operational synergies

• New oleochemical facility planned in South India

New Product Development (NPD)

• Launch of Fortune Multi Grain Atta strengthens value-added offerings in staple foods

Segment Performance – Q3 FY26

Financial Summary – Q3 FY26

Comment from the MD & CEO
Mr. Shrikant Kanhere, MD & CEO, said:

“Despite a challenging macro environment, AWL Agri Business achieved steady volume growth, led by resilient performance in edible oils and a rebound in our Food & FMCG portfolio. We continue to enhance distribution reach, strengthen alternate channels, and focus on sustainable, profitable growth. Leveraging the Wilmar Group’s global network and our integrated operations, we remain confident in capturing emerging opportunities in India’s evolving food ecosystem.”

US Tariff Cut Boosts India’s Solar Exports: Saatvik CEO

Mr. Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy,

“The U.S. decision to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, along with the elimination of the additional punitive levy, represents a strategic turning point for the solar sector, rather than just a routine policy change.”

He noted that “India’s solar exports, which include solar cells and solar modules, have already reached billions of dollars, making the United States our most important foreign market.” The seven-percentage-point reduction in tariffs significantly enhances the cost-competitiveness of Indian-made solar cells and modules. This improvement will make projects more profitable for U.S. developers and create a substantial new demand for high-efficiency, Made-in-India products in the coming years.

“This change also strengthens the case for supply chains that are open and reliable. It alleviates long-standing concerns about Chinese producers circumventing tariffs and positions India as a credible and dependable alternative manufacturing base that aligns with U.S. trade and industrial objectives. For companies like Saatvik, this transforms the U.S. market from being high-risk to one full of opportunities, emphasizing the need to accelerate investments, upgrade technology, and establish long-term, bankable partnerships with American utilities and developers.”

Evocus enters into a strategic partnership contract with Sober & Co for its mixers

As part of the partnership, Evocus will take over distribution across all channels, offline retail, e-commerce, and on-trade, while Sober & Co. will continue to independently manage production and product development. The collaboration is designed to significantly strengthen Sober & Co’s market presence, which currently has about a 1000 retail touch points across India.

Through Evocus’s robust distribution network and deep market reach, Sober & Co. ‘s mixer range is expected to expand rapidly across key markets in India, making the brand more accessible to consumers nationwide.

Commenting on the partnership,  Clavell Santiago  VP – HoReCa Sales and Marketing, Evocus said,

“This partnership allows us to strengthen our basket offering and add greater value to our customers and partners. Sober & Co aligns strongly with our focus on clean-label, high-quality beverages, and we see a strong synergy between our portfolios.”

The association marks a strategic step for Evocus as it continues to identify and collaborate with brands that complement its positioning in the functional and premium beverage space.

Sharaan Kripalani, Founder/CEO of  Sober & Co added,

  “Partnering with Evocus enables us to scale faster and reach a wider audience across India, while allowing us to stay focused on product quality, product innovation, and operations.”

Evocus will be the exclusive distribution partner for the mixers offered by Sober & Co in India. While the company is evaluating similar opportunities, it continues to remain selective, working only with brands that share a strong strategic and portfolio fit.