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Parag Milk Foods has announced its quarter 3 earnings for the fiscal year 2024. The dairy company reported a 6 percent rise in its profit to Rs 36 crore in Q3 FY 25. The company's consolidated revenue surged to Rs 885 crore- 11 percent volume growth and 10 percent value growth in the same period. 

In the nine-month period, Parag Milk's Profit After Tax (PAT) increased to Rs 93 crore, registering 15 percent YoY growth. On the other hand, the revenue stood at Rs 2,514 crore.

The FMCG company credited its profit increase in the third quarter to robust volume growth in its key product categories, mainly Ghee, Cheese, and Paneer which saw 15 percent rise in Q3FY25 and a 17 percent climb in the year-to-date period ending December FY25.

According to the company,  the flagship brand Gowardhan Ghee's market share improved by 22 percent in the branded cow ghee segment, while the brand “Go Cheese” sustained its 35 percent market share in the Cheese category.

“India’s dairy industry continues to evolve, driven by rising consumer demand for high-quality and value-added products. At Parag, we are not only leading this transformation but also redefining ourselves as a global nutrition provider. Our highest-ever delivery in Q3 leveraging strong festive demand is a testimonial to the increasing preference for premium dairy offerings and our ability to meet evolving consumer needs," Chairman of Parag Milk Foods, Devendra Shah, said.

On the company's outlook, Shah added "We are focused on strengthening our supply chain, expanding our reach through new-age distribution channels, and driving product innovation to offer superior nutrition solutions. We continue to remain focussed on sustainable growth and long-term value creation".

Gowardhan Ghee-owner Parag Milk reports 6% rise in profit, revenue surges 11%

India is one of the most coveted markets for the global advertisers and marketeers. The advertising and marketing industry is on the verge of massive changes coming in the future. Speaking about this aspect, Sir Martin Sorrell, S4 Capital Chairman addressed the audience at Amazon MX Player's Streamnext revealed his thoughts on how powerful leadership can change the way a country is perceived globally by businesses.

Speaking about India's future, he said, "By 2050, 3 of the world's largest economies, China, India, and Indonesia will be in the top five. The other 2 will be Germany, and and probably Japan. So those will that will be the way that it sort sorts out and Asia will be pretty important. One caveat about Asia, if you're big as a client in China, defined as 15 to 20% or more of yourselves in China, do you really wanna be bigger given the Taiwan and security risk?"

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/businesses-must-take-back-control-in-an-ai-driven-future-s4s-martin-sorrell-55132.htm">Also read: Businesses must take back control in an AI-driven future: S4's Martin Sorrell</a>

Continuing his explanation, he said, "That's where India comes to play because India is the alternative. So China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, all offer huge opportunities for our clients in terms of growth. A on a micro, basis, and then Europe is very troubled at the moment. I come from the UK."

Earlier, Sir Martin Sorrell has spoken about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised his keen sense of marketing and branding. Elaborating on the same, he said, "UK has a huge economic pressure along with France and Germany, and I don't think that those three economies here in India under Prime Minister Modi, who clearly understands the importance of leadership, the importance of branding, and the importance of strength and direction and vision."

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/india-to-emerge-as-the-top-alternative-to-china-for-global-advertisers-says-sir-martin-sorrell-55121.html">Also Read: India emerges as top alternative to China for global advertisers, says Sir Martin Sorrell</a>

PM Modi understands importance of strength, direction and vision, says Sir Martin Sorrell

India is one of the most coveted markets for the global advertisers and marketeers. This has been emphasized by experts worldwide that India is on a path to massive growth economically and socially. Highlighting this aspect, Sir Martin Sorrell, S4 Capital Chairman addressed the audience at Amazon MX Player's Streamnext event and said that India will be one of world’s top economies in the coming time.

He spoke about Middle East, that “despite the political turn up turmoil, huge opportunities. We're doing a lot of work both in Saudi and the UAE, and we see significant opportunities for growth and development. And then, of course, Asia.”

He stressed the fact that Asia was the next big thing for business, and that geography played an important part in the industry of advertising and marketing. He said, “By 2050, 3 of the world's largest economies, China, India, and Indonesia will be in the top five. The other 2 will be Germany, and probably Japan. So those will be the way that it sorts out and Asia will be pretty important. One caveat about Asia, if you're big as a client in China, defined as 15 to 20% or more of yourselves in China, do you really want to be bigger given the Taiwan and security risk?”

Addressing the issues with China, he said that that's where India comes into play because India is the alternative. “So China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia, all offer huge opportunities for our clients in terms of growth. And then Europe is very troubled at the moment. I come from the UK. The UK has a huge economic pressure along with France and Germany.” Sir Martin Sorrell explained.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/modi-a-master-marketer-martin-sorrell-praises-indias-strong-global-presence-53977.htm">Also Read: Modi, a master marketer: Martin Sorrell praises India's strong global presence</a>

India emerges as top alternative to China for global advertisers, says Sir Martin Sorrell

Television advertising in India saw a 14% increase in ad volumes in 2024 compared to 2020, though it experienced a 4% decline in comparison to 2023, according to data from TAM AdEx. The report sheds light on changing trends in advertising, with certain sectors gaining traction, co-branding partnerships becoming more popular, and established players maintaining their dominance.

Co-branded advertising continued to gain momentum in 2024, with over 60 films collaborating with brands for more than 770 hours of TV ads. The largest contributor was Pushpa 2, accounting for 21% of all co-branded ad volumes. Other prominent collaborations included Fighter, which partnered with 13 brands, making it the most brand-associated movie of the year, followed by Bade Miyan Chote Miyan with 10 partnerships. Spotify led the co-branding ads, securing 7% of the total share.

The Food & Beverages sector dominated television advertising in 2024, accounting for 21% of the ad volumes, followed by Personal Care/Personal Hygiene with 16%. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) maintained its top spot among advertisers, holding a 16% share, while Reckitt Benckiser was behind five of the top ten most-advertised brands. Advertising spend also showed fluctuations throughout the year. The second quarter of 2024 saw a 6% rise in ad volumes compared to the first quarter, while the fourth quarter registered a 6% decline compared to the third quarter. In terms of product categories, Toilet Soaps, Toilet/Floor Cleaners, and Washing Powders/Liquids maintained their top three positions, collectively comprising 14% of total ad volumes. Paints saw the highest growth in ad duration, with a 51% increase, while Beauty Accessories/Products recorded an impressive 300% growth compared to 2023.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/advertising/tv-ad-volumes-declined-by-4-in-2024-compared-to-2023-54851.html">Also read: TV ad volumes declined by 4% in 2024 compared to 2023</a>

Pushpa 2, Fighter lead co-branded advertising in 2024, contribute 800+ hours of TV Ad Time

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on Wednesday announced it has acquired the premium actives-led beauty brand Minimalist. 

HUL will acquire 90.5% stake in the company through a combination of secondary buyouts and primary infusion with a path to acquire the balance stake in two years.

“We are delighted to welcome Minimalist into the HUL family. This acquisition is another key step to grow our Beauty & Wellbeing portfolio in high-growth premium demand spaces. Mohit, Rahul and the team have created a great brand built on science, product efficacy and transparency," Rohit Jawa, CEO and Managing Director, HUL said.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hul-likely-to-acquire-skincare-startup-minimalist-in-rs-3000-crore-deal-report-52272.htm">HUL likely to acquire skincare startup Minimalist in Rs 3,000 crore deal: Report</a>

Founded in 2020 by Mohit Yadav and Rahul Yadav, Minimalist is one of the fastest growing digital-first brands. Minimalist raised $15 million in a Series A funding round by Sequoia Capital India, with participation from Unilever Ventures. The company has raised $17 million so far. Co-founders Mohit Yadav and Rahul Yadav hold 62 percent of the stake in the company while Peak XV (formerly known as Sequoia Capital) holds 27.9 percent stake.

The Peak XV Partners-backed startup is the fastest-growing direct-to-customer (D2C) brand in the country at present. It's the only startup in the skincare industry that registered profit in fiscal year 2024.

According to the data, Minimalist doubled its profit to Rs 10.83 crore in FY 24 from Rs 5 crore in FY 23. The company's revenue from operation surged to Rs 347 crore, up from Rs 184 crore in FY 23.

Available on e-commerce platforms like Nykaa, Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, and others, Minimalist has doubled its advertising expenses to Rs 117 crore in FY 24 from Rs 65 crore in FY 23.

HUL acquires 90.5% stake in premium beauty brand Minimalist

HUL has cut its standalone advertising expenses by 8 percent in the third quarter of FY 2025. The company slashed the ad expenses from Rs 1,593 crore in Q3 FY 24 to Rs 1,466 crore in Q3 FY 25.

The standalone net profit saw a surge of Rs 3,001 crore in Q3 FY25 majorly on account of profit from the divestment of the ‘Pureit’ business. The revenue from the operation has jumped to Rs 15,195 crore in the same period.

The Home Care business, which includes brands like Surf Excel and Vim, saw a 4.6 percent increase in revenue from operation to Rs 5,742 crore in Q3 FY25. Liquid portfolio maintained its double-digit growth trajectory.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/beauty-boom-hul-leads-skincare-surge-with-a-likely-rs3000-crore-minimalist-deal-52282.htm">Beauty Boom: HUL leads skincare surge with a likely Rs3,000 crore Minimalist deal</a>

The 'Beauty and Wellbeing' segment's sales increased to Rs 3,438 crore between October and December FY25.

According to the HUL, the 'Home Care' business is growing ahead of the rest of the business. Additionally, small packs are more in demand among consumers.

In the food segment, HUL registered low-single-digit growth in 'Tea' due to pricing. 

HUL's tea brands, such as Taaza, Lipton, and Brook Bond, delivered mid-single growth in Q3 FY25. However, coffee continued to deliver double-digit growth.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/fmcg-2024-adex-wrap-hul-dabur-marico-godrej-cut-ad-expenses-in-q2-fy25-51692.htm">FMCG 2024 adex wrap: HUL, Dabur, Marico, Godrej scaled back ad expenses in Q2 FY25</a>

Packaged food also reported mid-single-digit growth led by the strong performance of Ketchup, Food Solutions, Mayonnaise, and international sauses.

HUL acquired a 90.5 percent stake in skincare brand Minimalist in the last quarter through secondary buyouts at a pre-money enterprise value of Rs 2,955 crore. The rest 9.5 percent stake will be acquired from the founders in two years as per terms set out in the transaction documents.

HUL cuts ad expenses by 8% in Q3 FY25, profit surges to Rs 3,001 crore

By Chandra R Srikanth & Maryam Farooqui

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands branding and is a great ad man, Martin Sorrell, executive chairman, S4 Capital, a digital advertising and marketing services company, has said.

"He (Modi) understands branding. He's a great ad man," the S4 Capital chairman told Moneycontrol in Davos on January 20, adding India is front and centre at the World Economic Forum.

"Indian representation is very strong. It is strong not only in India but increasingly abroad," he said. “Also, the projections are that by 2050, India will be the third-largest economy in the world. It's already the most populous economy in the world. Its birth rate, although it is coming down, is still strong enough to increase the population. I am an increasingly raging Indian bull.”

Last year, too, the advertising guru said Modi was the ultimate master of branding and done a superb job on positioning India. He had said that amid the geopolitical issues involving the US and China, the Russia-Ukraine situation, and the intense conflict in the Middle East, India emerged as the go-to market and an alternative to China in Asia.

This year, Sorrell said, World Economic Forum president Børge Brende's estimates that India will account for 20 percent of the worldwide growth.

"India is very well positioned and with very strong growth potential. India will be the third largest economy of the world by 2025. I remain a raging (India) bull," Sorrell said last year, adding India was top of the agenda for many and the world's gaze is on India.

"Three of the top five countries will be in Asia by 2050. India will be at number three. Countries like Japan will continue to be important but India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, among others is what I call the new Asia which is really coming to perform," he had said.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/legacy-will-inspire-the-mobility-sector-pm-modis-tribute-to-ratan-tata-and-osamu-suzuki-at-bharat-mobility-global-expo-2025-53876.htm">Read more: Legacy will inspire the mobility sector: PM Modi's tribute to Ratan Tata and Osamu Suzuki at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/bharat-mobility-global-expo-2025-over-90-launches-on-the-first-two-media-days-at-bharat-mandapam-53919.htm">Read More: Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: Over 90 launches on the first two media days at Bharat Mandapam</a>

Modi, a master marketer: Martin Sorrell praises India's strong global presence

KRBL Limited, the parent company of the India Gate basmati rice brand has appointed Ogilvy as its creative digital partner to strengthen its digital presence and elevate its engagement across various platforms.

KRBL said Ogilvy's selection is based on the ad agency's expertise in digital strategy, creative storytelling, and data-driven marketing. Kunal Sharma, AVP – Marketing, Modern Trade & E-commerce at KRBL Limited, said that partnering with Ogilvy will help strengthen the brand's presence in the evolving FMCG industry.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/ogilvys-piyush-pandey-becomes-first-indian-to-receive-the-lia-legend-award-43791.htm">Ogilvy's Piyush Pandey becomes first Indian to receive the LIA Legend Award</a>

"We are thrilled to partner with Ogilvy to redefine the staples category and transform how we connect with our customers. With over 40% of India's internet users shopping online, and the digital advertising market projected to grow at a CAGR of 21.5% through 2025, our collaboration with Ogilvy will help us strengthen our leadership in the rapidly evolving FMCG landscape. By leveraging cutting-edge digital strategies, we aim to build a dynamic food brand that resonates with the evolving needs of our consumers. This partnership will not only enhance our digital presence but also enable us to create more meaningful and engaging interactions, driving growth and customer loyalty," Sharma said.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/meet-the-female-trailblazers-at-the-top-of-the-worlds-most-famous-ad-agency-ogilvy-42092.htm">Meet the female trailblazers at the top of the world's most famous ad agency - Ogilvy</a>

Ogilvy's mandate will encompass a comprehensive digital strategy, including social media management, content creation, and influencer collaborations. The agency's first purpose-driven campaign for India Gate Basmati Rice is expected to launch later this year, focusing on educating and empowering consumers to make informed choices for their families.

Prakash Nair, President at Ogilvy said, "India Gate Basmati Rice is an iconic brand with a rich legacy. We are excited to be entrusted with their digital mandate and are eager to create work that will resonate not just with their loyal customer base but also help get new consumers to make India Gate their brand of choice".

India Gate Foods assigns digital creative duty to Ogilvy India

Amid the increased adoption of AI, a wealth management platform, Upstox has issued a cautionary advisory regarding an uptick in impersonation scams targeting investors. Recently, there has been a surge in scams wherein a group of individuals tries to impersonate brands and defraud the general public. Upstox said that its cybersecurity team has observed patterns - such as the creation and usage of fake Social Media accounts, Apps, WhatsApp groups, and Websites pretending to be Upstox offering educational courses, stock tips, and promising guaranteed returns. Upstox said that customers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 are especially affected by these impersonation scams due to a lack of awareness and limited access to reliable information sources.

Expressing concerns over the surge in fraudulent activities, Ravi Kumar, CEO and Co-founder of Upstox said, "As one of India's largest wealth-tech companies, it's our responsibility to educate individuals about these events and our commitment to preparing them to tackle such situations. We take the safety and security of our investors very seriously. We are committed to providing a secure investment environment and request all investors to conduct transactions only through our official channels. Please help us spread awareness and stay vigilant. Our goal is to ensure that every investor can transact with confidence and peace of mind".

Upstox shared a few crucial measures to avoid falling prey to impersonation scams

Check broker legitimacy: Always conduct thorough research before engaging with any individual or platform. Look for SEBI registration and Stock Exchange membership to ensure credibility. 

Beware of unsolicited offers: Exercise caution with unexpected calls, emails, or messages promising quick profits. Block and ignore such communications to avoid falling victim to scams. 

Verify communication channels: Pay close attention to the communication handles of brokers offering quick returns. Upstox always uses its official channels, details of which are provided at the end of this blog. 

Protect personal information: Keep sensitive information private, especially when dealing with unknown individuals or suspicious requests. Upstox or its employees will never ask for personal details without proper verification.

Upstox cautions investors of impersonation scams

Kalyan Jewellers has announced to expand its stores in the country by launching 40 more showrooms by Diwali. Besides, the Kerala-based Jewellery maker has also planned to launch 30 Candere showrooms and the first showroom in the US this year. 

Kalyan told stock exchanges, "As part of the previously communicated plan of launching 130+ new showrooms during the current financial year, in addition to the showrooms already opened, we have drawn up plans to launch another 40 Kalyan showrooms in India, 30 Candere showrooms and the first showroom in the US by Diwali". Candere is Kalyan Jewellers' digital-first jewellery platform.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/kalyan-jewellers-records-34-percent-revenue-growth-in-q4-fy2024-plans-to-launch-130-showrooms-in-india-in-fy-2025-28291.htm">Kalyan Jewellers records 34 percent revenue growth in Q4 FY2024; plans to launch 130 showrooms in India in FY 2025</a>

"We are upbeat about the upcoming new showroom launches and are gearing up with fresh collections and campaigns for the upcoming festive and wedding season across the country, starting with Onam towards the end of the current quarter," the company said in a BSE filing.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/kalyan-jewellers-rolls-out-a-new-campaign-on-gudi-padwa-featuring-brand-ambassador-pooja-sawant-27825.htm">Kalyan Jewellers rolls out a new campaign on Gudi Padwa featuring brand ambassador Pooja Sawant</a>


By the first quarter of FY2025, Kalyan launched 24 showrooms. The Jewellery brand has 277 total showrooms, of which 217 are in India, 36 in the Middle East, and 24 are of its Candere platform.

Kalyan Jewellers reported consolidated revenue growth of around 27% in Q1 FY2025 compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. In the Middle East, the Kerala-based jewellery brand witnessed 16% revenue growth in the first quarter of current fiscal year.

BRANDING