Hindustan lever

Morgan Stanley upgrades Godrej Consumer and Hindustan Unilever, while downgrading Dabur.

Morgan Stanley has updated its ratings on several leading consumer stocks, signaling a shift in its preference towards certain staples. The brokerage has upgraded Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. to “overweight” from “equal-weight”, and Hindustan Unilever Ltd. to “equal-weight” from “underweight”. In contrast, Dabur India Ltd. has been downgraded to “underweight” from “equal-weight”. According to Morgan Stanley, the current global environment has created a framework for certain consumer staples to excel, providing an opportunity for defensive stocks to outperform.

The brokerage attributes the resilience of these consumer staples to their ability to insulate themselves from global uncertainties. In a note, Morgan Stanley emphasized that “we re-position our staples’ preferences that are insulated from any reset.” This highlights the brokerage’s confidence in the performance of these stocks, which are well-equipped to weather economic challenges.

Morgan Stanley’s revised ratings are also driven by the prospect of margin improvement in the consumer staples sector, despite an economic slowdown. The brokerage believes that opportunities should be selective and not broad-based, with a focus on specific areas that are likely to benefit from the current global landscape.

The revised ratings are seen as a strategic shift in Morgan Stanley’s preference for certain consumer staples, which are expected to provide a higher level of resilience and protection in the face of global uncertainties. The brokerage’s positive outlook on Godrej Consumer Products and Hindustan Unilever reflects its conviction that these companies are well-positioned to capitalize on the current market environment.

When can we expect HUL, Nestle India, Marico, and Dabur to release their earnings reports?

The financial year 2024-25 has come to a close, with global markets experiencing heightened volatility due to the threat of a global trade war sparked by US President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on over 180 countries. India appears to be managing the crisis better than others, but the full impact of the tariffs on its economy is yet to be seen.

The performance of India’s FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) companies is often seen as a barometer of the country’s economic health and consumer trends. As such, investors and analysts will be closely monitoring the financial results of major FMCG companies for the quarter and year ending March 31, 2025.

Some of the prominent companies in India’s FMCG space include Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Nestlé India, Marico, and Dabur. These companies will be announcing their quarterly and annual results in the coming weeks, with HUL’s board set to meet on April 24, Nestle India on April 24, Marico on May 2, and Dabur on May 7.

The results will provide insights into the companies’ performance and their potential exposure to the US tariffs, which could impact their operations and profitability in the coming financial year. Investors will be keenly watching these results to gauge the impact of the global economic uncertainty on India’s economy and consumer spending habits.

Hindustan Unilever Achieves Regulatory Accruals for Q1 2025, According to TipRanks Insights.

Hindustan Unilever Limited, a multinational consumer goods company, has announced that it has ensured regulatory compliance for the first quarter of 2025. The company’s compliance is in line with the guidelines set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and other regulatory bodies.

Hindustan Unilever’s regulatory compliance ensures that the company is in compliance with all the relevant laws, rules, and regulations applicable to its business operations. This includes compliance with corporate governance norms, accounting and auditing standards, and other regulatory requirements.

The company’s compliance is overseen by its Audit Committee, which is responsible for reviewing and ensuring compliance with the company’s internal controls, financial reporting, and other regulatory requirements.

Hindustan Unilever’s regulatory compliance is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of its stakeholders, including shareholders, investors, employees, and customers. The company’s compliance helps to ensure transparency, accountability, and good governance practices.

Additionally, the company’s compliance with regulatory requirements helps to protect its business and reputation. Regulatory non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including fines, penalties, and even loss of licenses.

In the first quarter of 2025, Hindustan Unilever reported a revenue growth of 10% year-on-year, driven by volume growth across various product categories. The company also reported a profit growth of 12% year-on-year, driven by cost savings and efficiency initiatives.

Hindustan Unilever’s compliance with regulatory requirements is just one aspect of its commitment to governance and sustainability. The company is committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment, and has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.

Overall, Hindustan Unilever’s regulatory compliance is essential for maintaining its reputation, building trust with stakeholders, and ensuring the long-term success of the company.

Precise dates for HUL, Nestle India, Marico, and Dabur’s earnings announcements remain unknown.

The financial year 2024-25 has concluded amidst global economic uncertainty, with US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on over 180 countries sparking fears of a trade war and market volatility. Despite this, India seems to be weathering the storm better than most, but the full impact of the tariffs on the economy remains to be seen. Investors and analysts will be closely monitoring the financial results of India’s leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies for the quarter and year ending March 31, 2025, as their performance is often seen as a barometer of the country’s economic health and consumption trends.

Companies such as Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Nestlé India, Marico, and Dabur will release their quarterly and annual results, providing valuable insights into how the Indian economy is faring amidst internal and external challenges. A key factor to watch is the potential impact of US tariffs on these companies’ operations and profitability, particularly as they enter the new financial year 2026.

The scheduled dates for the announcement of Q4 and FY25 results by major FMCG companies are as follows:

* Hindustan Unilever – April 25, 2025
* Nestlé India – April 28, 2025
* Marico – May 3, 2025
* Dabur – May 6, 2025

These results will provide crucial information on the FMCG sector’s performance, helping investors and analysts gauge the impact of the global economic uncertainty on India’s economy and consumption trends.

HUL’s Kwality Wall’s Golden Spoon brings the taste of authentic Indian parlours to the comfort of your own home.

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has launched Kwality Wall’s Golden Spoon, a new range of ice cream products that brings the flavors and convenience of a traditional Indian parlor to homes. The new range is designed to cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of Indian consumers, who are looking for a delicious and convenient dessert option at home.

Kwality Wall’s Golden Spoon is available in a variety of flavors, including classic and unique flavors such as chocolate chip cookie dough, strawberry cheesecake, and pistachio. The ice cream is made with high-quality and fresh ingredients, and is designed to be consumed straight from the packet or used as a topping for cakes, pastries, and other desserts.

The packaging of Kwality Wall’s Golden Spoon is designed to be convenient and easy to use. The ice cream comes in a compact and portable packet, making it easy to take on-the-go or to serve as a snack at home. The packet also features a built-in spoon, making it easy to scoop and serve the ice cream without any mess.

HUL claims that Kwality Wall’s Golden Spoon is a game-changer in the Indian ice cream market, as it offers a unique and convenient dessert option that is perfect for a wide range of occasions, from family gatherings and parties to casual evenings at home. The product is also targeted towards the younger generation, who are looking for a fun and delicious dessert option that is easy to enjoy on-the-go.

The launch of Kwality Wall’s Golden Spoon is part of HUL’s strategy to innovate and expand its offerings in the Indian ice cream market. The company is committed to providing high-quality and convenient dessert options that meet the evolving tastes and preferences of Indian consumers.

Consumer Goods Producers Anticipate a Lackluster Q4 Performance

The Indian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is expected to have a dull quarter, with some companies performing better than others. Marico Ltd reported a high single-digit revenue growth in the quarter, driven by steady growth in key segments and pricing tweaks in its domestic business. On the other hand, Dabur India Ltd’s update was disappointing, with growth expected to slow down due to delayed and truncated winters and tepid urban demand.

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) expected high single-digit sales growth in rupee terms, with a mid-single-digit volume growth. Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) volumes are expected to be flat in the quarter, and the company’s revenue growth is likely to be 2% year-on-year.

Nestle India Ltd is expected to perform better, with consolidated revenue growth of 5% year-on-year and domestic sales rising 5-6%. However, gross margins are expected to be under pressure due to input cost inflation and lacklustre revenue growth.

The sector’s overall performance is expected to be impacted by gloomy demand, with urban demand remaining affected by low wage growth and high inflation. Nomura Global Markets Research expects overall consumer demand/volumes in the quarter to remain unchanged from the previous quarter.

Investors will be closely watching management commentary on rural and urban demand trends, but a significant recovery in urban demand is not expected immediately. Until volumes improve and inflation softens, optimism may need to be tempered. The Nifty FMCG index has underperformed the benchmark Nifty 50 over the past six months, falling 16% compared to 11%.

HUL appoints Dr. Vivek Mittal as Executive Director, General Counsel and Company Secretary

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced the appointment of Dr. Vivek Mittal as its new Executive Director, Legal and Corporate Affairs, effective March 2025. Mittal will succeed Dev Bajpai, who has announced his early retirement. With over 25 years of experience, Mittal has worked with several reputed companies, including Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Danaher Corporation, and Lupin Limited, where he managed legal, ethics, compliance, and data privacy risks.

Mittal holds a Ph.D., LL.B, M.Com degree, and is a member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). His expertise lies in building dynamic legal teams and handling high-stakes legal matters while maintaining a strong commitment to ethics and compliance. He has consistently contributed to driving strategic initiatives and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance across industries.

HUL’s CEO and Managing Director, Rohit Jawa, welcomed Mittal, stating, “Dr. Mittal has a proven track record of managing complex legal matters while upholding ethical standards and compliance. His contributions have been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and ensuring regulatory compliance. I am confident that he will lead the HUL legal function to new heights of growth and transformation.”

Mittal’s appointment to HUL’s Management Committee is a significant development for the company, given his extensive experience and expertise in legal affairs. His leadership is expected to drive growth and transformation in the company’s legal function, ensuring compliance and unethical practices during his tenure.

Bringing harmony to the senses through our immersive ‘Chai Bansuri’ installation

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has unveiled a unique installation in Vijayawada, called Brooke Bond Taj Mahal ‘Chai-Bansuri’, which combines tea brewing with classical music. The installation features a specially designed tea kettle that transforms its spout into a flute, or bansuri, as steam escapes from it. As the tea brews, the steam flows through the flute, playing a rendition of Raag Hamsadhwani, a traditional Indian classical music composition.

The installation, conceived and deployed in partnership with Mindshare and Ogilvy, is set in a tranquil setting on Bhavani Island, overlooking the Krishna River. Visitors can enjoy a cup of Taj Mahal Tea at the Taj Mahal Tea House pop-up and immerse themselves in the soothing sounds of Indian classical music.

According to Shiva Krishnamurthy, Executive Director of HUL, Taj Mahal Tea is synonymous with great Indian tea and music, and the Taj Mahal Chai Bansuri is a celebration of this connection. This innovative installation aims to create an unforgettable experience by fusing the simple act of tea brewing with the beauty of classical music. The event is a unique marketing campaign for Taj Mahal Tea, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

Incorporate Hindustan Unilever, TCS, and two other undervalued stocks with a PE ratio below the industry average on your watchlist – Trade Brains

The article by Trade Brains suggests that three Indian stocks with a P/E (price-to-earnings) ratio lower than their respective industries could be worth monitoring. The stocks are:

1. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) – A fast-moving consumer goods company with a P/E ratio of 25.59, lower than the industry average of 37.13.
2. TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) – A leading IT services company with a P/E ratio of 23.63, lower than the industry average of 26.15.
3. Bajaj Finserv – A non-banking finance company with a P/E ratio of 15.24, lower than the industry average of 21.43.
4. ITC (Industries Trading Corporation) – A tobacco and hotel company with a P/E ratio of 20.91, lower than the industry average of 25.69.

These companies are considered undervalued by the market, and the low P/E ratio may indicate a potential buying opportunity. A low P/E ratio can be a result of various factors, including uncertainty in the company’s growth prospects, high debt levels, or perceived risks in the industry.

On the other hand, stocks with high P/E ratios are considered overvalued, and the ratio may indicate that the market is pricing in high growth expectations. For instance, a high-growth start-up might have a much higher P/E ratio than its more established peers in the same industry.

It is essential to conduct a thorough analysis of each company, including its financial performance, competitive position, and industry trends, before making any investment decisions. A low P/E ratio alone is not a guarantee of long-term success, but it can be an attractive feature for investors seeking undervalued companies with potential for future growth.

HUL’s ‘Tea Next’ endeavour aims to inspire and support small-scale tea farmers

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Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has launched a new initiative called Tea Next, aimed at training and capacity building for small-scale tea farmers in the Indian tea industry. The initiative was launched with a specific focus on regenerative agriculture practices, which are essential to address the challenges faced by the tea industry, including climate change, soil degradation, and tea quality depletion. The program aims to equip small tea growers with the skills and knowledge necessary to adopt regenerative agriculture practices at scale, which will benefit the environment, improve incomes, and elevate the quality of tea produced in Assam and India.

The Tea Next initiative brought together small tea growers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders, with a specialized session on capacity building and regenerative agriculture held recently. The event was attended by over 300 small tea growers, who received valuable insights and practical knowledge on topics such as responsible pesticide usage, compliance with maximum residue limit (MRL) guidelines, and FSSAI recommendations. The training session aimed to mitigate the use of harmful chemicals in tea cultivation, teaching growers the correct application of legally approved chemicals and highlighting the dangers of banned substances.

Ishtpreet Singh, Vice President of Beverages for South Asia at HUL, emphasized the importance of small tea growers in the Indian tea industry, stating that the Tea Next initiative is a commitment to enhancing their capabilities and fostering sustainable practices in the sector. Tuli Mandeepsingh, Procurement Director of Nutrition for South Asia at HUL, added that the objective of Tea Next is to ensure that small tea growers are well-versed in regenerative agriculture practices and able to adopt them at scale.

The Tea Next initiative concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to continue their support to empower small holder farmers in the tea industry, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all. The program is a significant step in the right direction, as it acknowledges the vital role that small-scale tea farmers play in the Indian tea industry and works to address the challenges they face. By equipping them with the training and resources necessary to adopt regenerative agriculture practices, the Tea Next initiative aims to improve the sustainability and profitability of the tea industry, while also promoting the welfare of small tea growers.

Rajneet Kohli, former CEO of Britannia, to lead HUL’s food division as its new head.

Rajneet Kohli, former CEO of Britannia Industries, is joining Hindustan Unilever (HUL) as the executive director of its foods and refreshment division. He will take over the role on April 7, replacing Shiva Krishnamurthy, who will be leaving the company to pursue an external opportunity. Kohli has over 30 years of experience in consumer and retail, and has previously worked with companies such as Asian Paints, Coca-Cola, and Jubilant FoodWorks.

As the new executive director, Kohli will lead HUL’s foods and refreshment division, which includes brands such as Kissan ketchup, Bru coffee, and Horlicks malt drinks. The division reported a revenue of Rs 15,292 crore in fiscal 2023-24, making it the second-largest contributor to HUL’s turnover, which stood at nearly Rs 60,000 crore.

Kohli has a strong track record of driving product innovation and digital capabilities, which will be crucial in leading HUL’s foods and refreshment division to the next phase of growth and transformation. His extensive experience in managing large foods and beverages businesses will be beneficial in navigating the competitive food and bakery segment.

HUL has made several high-profile appointments in 2023, including the appointment of Rohit Jawa as its managing director and CEO, and Harman Dhillon as executive director of its beauty and wellbeing division. With Kohli’s addition to its executive team, HUL is poised to further strengthen its position in the consumer goods market.

Kotak Securities slashes target prices for eight FMCG stocks, including Tata Consumer and HUL, citing a weak earnings outlook for the sector and embedding Nestle as a new target.

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According to a domestic brokerage firm, Kotak Institutional Equities, the demand for consumer goods is expected to remain subdued in the next few quarters. The firm believes that urban consumption will continue to slow down, while rural demand will remain stable and outperform urban demand for the fifth consecutive quarter. Additionally, the firm expects a continued rise in key commodities such as palm oil, tea, and coffee, which will put pressure on the margins of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies for at least one to two quarters.

As a result, Kotak Institutional Equities has cut its earnings estimates and valuation multiples for several FMCG companies, including Hindustan Unilever, Nestlé, Britannia, Dabur, Godrej Consumer Products, Marico, Colgate-Palmolive, and Tata Consumer Products. The firm has also revised its target prices for these companies, with Godrej Consumer Products being its preferred pick. According to Kotak, Godrej’s household insecticides business is facing a strong season, and the company’s recent price hikes and potential easing of palm oil prices could help restore profitability in its soap segment.

Kotak has trimmed its target price estimates for these FMCG companies, with the largest cut being for Tata Consumer Products. The firm believes that the sector’s near-term margin weakness will persist, but Godrej Consumer Products can restore profitability through price hikes and a potential easing of palm oil prices. The firm has also downgraded its price targets for most of these companies, with Hindustan Unilever, Nestlé, and Britannia being cut by 0-3%. Marico and Colgate-Palmolive were cut by 0-2%, while Dabur and Tata Consumer Products saw a reduction of 1-4%.

Overall, the firm’s recommendations reflect a cautious stance on the sector amid subdued demand trends, with Godrej Consumer Products being its top pick. The firm advises investors to be cautious and check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

Do Kwality Wall’s products contain vanaspati oil in their ingredients?

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Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), the manufacturer of Kwality Wall’s (KW) frozen desserts, has clarified that they have never used vanaspati (also known as Dalda) or hydrogenated vegetable oil in their products. A WhatsApp message, which went viral, made this false claim, suggesting that KW frozen desserts were being sold as ice-creams, which had come under the radar of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). HUL responded to the claim, stating that the message misrepresents facts and creates a false impression that their products are being labeled incorrectly.

Further, HUL clarified in a statement that they strictly follow labeling and packaging regulations, displaying "frozen dessert" on their product packages. The company’s official website FAQ section also confirms that their products do not contain vanaspati. The company clarified the difference between vanaspati and vegetable oil, stating that they use vegetable oil, not hydrogenated vegetable oil or vanaspati.

This is not the first time this claim has been made. In February 2020, The Quint’s fact-checking team debunked the same claim after it went viral on social media. The team is urging people to fact-check claims before sharing them online, and encourages readers to send in their queries for verification to webqoof@thequint.com or WhatsApp at 9540511818.

In conclusion, it is evident that the claim that Kwality Wall’s contains Dalda or vanaspati oil is false, and people should be cautious when sharing information online.

Prices and demand fluctuations force Nestlé to make deep cuts in its workforce to stay competitive.

Nestlé, a multinational food and beverage company, has announced plans to cut jobs in response to pressures from overcapacity and market changes. The company, which employs over 330,000 people globally, has been facing challenges in the current market scenario.

Thierry Van Basten, CEO of Nestle SA, stated that the company is making adjustments to address the current market conditions, which have led to increased competition and pressure on the company’s ability to make profits. As a result, Nestle will be axing jobs and restructuring certain business units to better align with the current market demands.

The company is also planning to focus on its core businesses, such as coffee, pet food, and infant nutrition, while reducing its presence in other areas. Nestle’s strategic review, which was announced in 2020, will lead to a streamlining of its operations and a shift towards more modern and agile businesses.

The company has not specified exactly how many jobs will be cut, but stated that it will apply both voluntary and compulsory redundancies across various countries and business units. The restructuring process is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Nestlé is not the only company in the food and beverage industry facing challenges. Other major companies, such as Kraft Heinz and Unilever, have also announced similar measures to adapt to the changing market landscape.

In recent years, Nestlé has faced various challenges, including changes in consumer behavior, increased competition from smaller, more agile players, and overcapacity in certain markets. The company has also faced criticism for its environmental and social impact, which has led to a shift in public perception and consumer behavior.

Efforts to address these challenges include the elimination of its word ‘Popular’ prefix from product packaging, as well as initiatives around sustainability and recycling. The company has also been working to reduce its environmental impact, including a commitment to use 100% renewable electricity by 2025.

The job cuts announced by Nestlé are a response to a combination of market pressures and internal reorganization. The company aims to restructure its operations to better compete in a rapidly changing market that is becoming increasingly challenging and competitive.

Market Movers: Track the stocks making headlines today, including TCS, Hindalco, HUL, Hero Moto, Asian Paints, Manappuram, Zomato, and PFC.

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Indian benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty50, ended higher for the fourth consecutive session, boosted by positive domestic and global cues, as well as reduced selling pressure from foreign institutional investors and a decline in the US dollar index. The Sensex rallied 847.13 points, or 1.12%, to end at 76,296.18, while the Nifty50 soared 283.05 points, or 1.24%, to settle at 23,190.65.

The day’s corporate actions included several companies going ex-dividend, ex-split, or ex-bonus, such as Indian Railway Finance Corporation, CG Power and Industrial Solutions, and others. Additionally, several companies announced strategic partnerships and investments, including Tata Consultancy Services’ partnership with The Cumberland Building Society to modernize its core banking ecosystem.

Other key developments included:

* Hindustan Unilever approving an investment in Lucro Plastecycle to strengthen plastic circularity and increase the availability of recycled content for packaging.
* Hero MotoCorp announcing a strategic investment of up to Rs 525 crore in Euler Motors for a 32.5% stake to enter the electric three-wheeler market.
* Manappuram Finance signing a deal with Bain Capital to acquire an 18% stake, led by a preferential allotment of equity and warrants.
* Power Finance Corporation’s subsidiary, PFC Consulting, transferring its 100% stake in Mundra I Transmission to Adani Energy Solutions.
* Glenmark Pharmaceuticals receiving FDA approval for Olopatadine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, and several other companies receiving regulatory approvals and certifications for their products and services.

Overall, the day saw significant developments in the Indian corporate space, with various companies making strategic announcements and investments to drive growth and expansion.

Leveraging Innovation and Marketeering Expertise, 16 years on, we craft the visionaries of tomorrow

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Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) celebrated the grand finale of its 16th season of L.I.M.E., a B-school case study competition, with a session featuring Rohit Jawa, CEO and MD of HUL, and Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor of CNBC-TV18. The discussion focused on HUL’s approach to staying ahead of market realities and adapting to rapid change while maintaining a strong foundation.

The event also showcased a theme-focused case study competition, “Sustainable Quick Commerce Disruption in Tier 2,” which examined the rise of Q-commerce, retail transformation in Tier 2 cities, and the need for sustainable business practices. The competition featured five teams from top business schools, including ISB, IIM-B, and SPJIMR, who presented their solutions to the chosen theme.

Rohit Jawa emphasized the importance of embracing digital platforms, quick commerce, and omnichannel retail experiences to remain competitive in today’s market. He also highlighted HUL’s approach to innovation, saying, “We are paranoid about staying ahead of the curve and becoming contemporary.” The jury panel, comprising industry experts from HUL, Ogilvy, and Swiggy Instamart, evaluated the teams based on their presentations and Q&A session.

The winning team, Key Lime Pie-Rates from ISB, was awarded a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, followed by Visionary Vixens from SPJIMR, who secured 1st runner-up with a prize of ₹3 lakh, and Three Broke Girls from ISB, who claimed 2nd runner-up with a prize of ₹2 lakh. The event concluded with a highlight reel available exclusively on CNBC-TV18.

The L.I.M.E. competition is a platform for young marketers to develop their skills and showcase their talents, with HUL aiming to challenge and shape the minds of future leaders in the industry. The grand finale session provided a glimpse into the future of marketing, emphasizing the need for adaptability, innovation, and sustainability in business practices, particularly in Tier 2 cities.

The Indian ice cream market is expected to witness a striking surge in demand this summer, with prominent brands like Amul, Mother Dairy, Havmor, and Baskin-Robbins spearheading the record-breaking sales figures.

The Indian ice cream market is set to experience a surge in demand due to the ongoing heatwave and summer season. Havmor Ice Cream, a leading player in the market, is introducing new products and scaling up production to meet the rising demand. The company is also leveraging its new state-of-the-art plant in Pune to increase production capacity.

Baskin-Robbins, another major player in the market, has seen consistent double-digit growth in India and is capitalizing on the demand surge. The company has set up a new manufacturing facility and opened over 1,000 locations in India and the SAARC region to cope with the growing demand.

The rise of quick commerce has also played a significant role in the growth of the ice cream market, with platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart providing seamless last-mile delivery. This has increased the accessibility of ice cream and has led to impulse buying, with consumers wanting to buy and consume ice cream quickly.

Industry experts are optimistic about the category’s growth potential, driven by rising disposable incomes, evolving consumer preferences, and innovation. They also expect the category to be fueled by premiumization and deeper market penetration, as well as the growth of channels like quick commerce.

However, there are also challenges ahead, such as the potential strain on production facilities and cold chain infrastructure, as well as the possibility of disruptions due to erratic weather patterns like early monsoons. Despite these challenges, the industry is expected to continue growing, with companies like Emami, Varun Beverages, and Hindustan Unilever set to benefit from the demand surge in adjacent categories such as cola, talcum powder, and cooling hair oils.

Overall, the Indian ice cream market is poised for significant growth, driven by innovation, premiumization, and the growth of quick commerce and other channels.

For minimalism’s founder, no frills opening up on HUL deal; VCs fuel fundraising frenzy and other key developments

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Minimalist Founder Opens Up on HUL Deal

Mohit Yadav, co-founder and CEO of skincare brand Minimalist, spoke about the brand’s recent acquisition by Hindustan Unilever (HUL) for over Rs 3,000 crore. Despite being acquired by a large FMCG company, Yadav expressed confidence that Minimalist’s values, including transparency and fair pricing, would remain intact. He also advised founders to prioritize finding investors who align with their vision, rather than solely focusing on valuations.

VCs on a Fundraising Spree

After a slowdown in fundraising last year, India-focused venture capital (VC) firms have resumed activity, with several new funds being launched in 2025. The recovery in the funding landscape and the wave of startup IPOs have contributed to this surge in VC fundraising. Fund sizes and cheque sizes are also increasing, allowing VCs to stay competitive and invest in startups with larger capital requirements.

BluSmart at a Crossroads

BluSmart, India’s oldest EV ride-hailing startup, is seeking a buyer due to the challenges of scaling an asset-heavy electric mobility business. The company is facing high capital costs to maintain its 7,000 EV fleet and charging stations, and its key supplier, Gensol Engineering, is facing a liquidity crisis. Industry sources suggest that Uber is exploring an acquisition of BluSmart, which would align with the company’s plan to deploy 25,000 EVs in India within two years. However, talks are still in the early stages, and BluSmart has denied any discussions.

Leo Puri steps down as Independent Director of HUL, citing global board responsibilities.

Leo Puri, an Independent Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), has announced his resignation, effective June 30, 2025. Puri has been serving on HUL’s board and has also held positions on other boards, including Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Fortis Healthcare. The reasons for his resignation are twofold. Firstly, he has taken on new board commitments, including a proposed appointment to the board of a global entity. Secondly, he is constrained by the overboarding criteria for Independent Directors, as per European Corporate Governance requirements.

With his resignation, Puri will cease to be the Chairperson of the Risk Management Committee, ESG Committee, and Independent Committee at HUL. He will also step down from his directorships in Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Fortis Healthcare. In his current role at Dr. Reddy’s, Puri chairs the Stakeholders Relationship Committee and serves on the Nomination, Governance, and Compensation Committee, as well as the Science, Technology, and Operations Committee. Additionally, he has recently been appointed as the Chairperson of Fortis Healthcare’s board.

In a letter, Puri clarified that his decision is solely based on increasing professional commitments, and there are no other material reasons for his departure. His resignation takes effect on June 30, 2025, and his responsibilities will be assumed by other directors on the board. Puri’s departure from HUL’s board marks the end of his tenure as a director, which has been marked by his active involvement in various committees and his contributions to the company’s governance and decision-making processes.

Aims to achieve a minimum 10-fold offline expansion with HUL’s backing.Let me know if you’d like me to make any further adjustments!

Minimalist, a premium beauty brand, is set to expand its offline presence aggressively after Hindustan Unilever (HUL) agrees to acquire a 90.5% stake in the company for ₹3,000 crore, pending regulatory approvals. The partnership will help Minimalist scale its retail presence from 2,000 stores to 20,000 within two years. The acquisition will also grant Minimalist access to HUL’s vast retail network, which will enable the company to leverage HUL’s on-ground team, data, and infrastructure to scale its business more efficiently.

The partnership will also aid Minimalist’s international expansion, with HUL’s global footprint providing a faster and more seamless entry into new markets. Yadav, CEO of Minimalist, noted that the company can now tap into HUL’s existing distribution channels and market insights, which will optimize its retail presence in India and abroad. Additionally, Minimalist will benefit from HUL’s global R&D centers for product innovation, clinical studies, and ingredient evaluation.

Despite the majority acquisition, Minimalist will continue to operate independently within HUL’s framework, with Yadav and his team retaining full operational control. The acquisition will not impact Minimalist’s vision and growth strategy, and the company will continue to run independently, with no changes to its operations. This partnership is seen as a strategic move for both companies, with HUL gaining a foothold in the premium beauty market, and Minimalist gaining access to the resources and expertise needed to drive its growth and expansion plans.

Murmurs from the market: ICICI Bank, HUL, and Bandhan Bank are top picks among analysts, according to Zee Business.

According to a report by Zee Business, several analysts have picked out top stocks to buy and sell in the Indian market. In their top picks, ICICI Bank, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), and Bandhan Bank have been highlighted as stocks to buy.

ICICI Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks, has been given a “buy” rating by analysts, who believe it has the potential to outperform the broader market. The bank’s strong loan book, increasing fee income, and bancassurance business are key factors driving its growth prospects.

HUL, India’s largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, has also been recommended as a “buy” by analysts, who view its stronghold on the domestic market and robust dividend yields as positives. Additionally, the company’s prospects of increasing revenue through its large distribution network and successful marketing campaigns are also expected to drive its growth.

Bandhan Bank, one of the newest private sector banks in India, has been given a “buy” rating by analysts, who see potential in its large retail deposits and fast-growing branch network. The bank’s focus on microfinance business and successful diversification strategies are also expected to drive its growth.

On the other hand, analysts have advised selling stocks such as Bajaj Finance, which they see as having high valuations and high profit and loss (P/L) account but low return on equity (ROE). They also advise selling canteen services provider, DIVIS Laboratories, which they believe has high valuations and slow sales growth.

The report also highlights the following key trends in the Indian market:

1. Positive sentiment: Analysts are optimistic about the Indian market, with a split view on the economy, but generally positive.
2. Sector rotation: The rotation from large-cap to mid-cap and small-cap stocks is expected to continue, with a focus on sectors like IT and pharmaceuticals.
3. Valuations: Analysts are concerned about high valuations in some stocks and are advising investors to be cautious.

Overall, the report provides insight into the views of analysts on the Indian market, highlighting specific stocks to buy and sell, trends to watch, and other key factors driving the market.