Business

Swedish home furnishing giant IKEA has identified India as a key strategic market, both as a fast-growing consumer base and as a critical node in its global supply chain. The company aims to raise local sourcing for its Indian retail operations from 30% to 50%, while also expanding procurement from Indian suppliers for its international network. Currently sourcing goods worth €400 million annually from India, IKEA’s ambitions include diversifying its product categories and embedding sustainability across its operations.

India has made notable strides in sugar exports during the ongoing 2024-25 marketing year, shipping 4.24 lakh tonnes of sugar by April 2025. The largest share of exports has gone to Somalia, followed by other countries like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. With a total export limit of 10 lakh tonnes for the year, the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) is optimistic about meeting the target. The association has also called for an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar and a rise in ethanol procurement prices to match the increased cost of sugarcane.

Bata India Ltd., a leading player in the Indian footwear sector, announced a 36% decline in operating profit to Rs 37 crore for the fourth quarter ending March 31, 2025, down from Rs 58 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal. Despite a marginal dip in revenue to Rs 788 crore from Rs 798 crore year-over-year, the company emphasized volume-driven growth amidst persistent demand challenges. The board declared a final dividend of Rs 9 per share, complementing the interim dividend, reflecting Bata's commitment to shareholder returns.

Limca, Coca-Cola India’s iconic lime-lemon carbonated drink, has surpassed the Rs. 2,800 crore revenue milestone in 2024, reflecting the brand’s renewed momentum in both urban and rural markets. Once a staple of Indian summer refreshment, the 53-year-old brand has undergone a strategic transformation, capitalizing on growing consumer demand across states like Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana. With a strong focus on innovation, localized distribution, and culturally resonant marketing, Limca is rapidly gaining market share.

Sugar manufacturer EID Parry (India) Ltd has reported a robust financial performance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, buoyed by growth in its distillery and consumer products divisions. The company posted a consolidated net profit of Rs. 1,772.54 crore for the year, up from Rs. 1,617.37 crore in the previous fiscal. For the fourth quarter alone, profit surged to Rs. 539.44 crore, a significant rise from Rs. 294.30 crore a year earlier.

Global industrial real estate powerhouse Panattoni is deepening its commitment to India with a planned Rs. 210 crore investment in a state-of-the-art logistics and industrial park in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Spanning 25 acres, the new facility—dubbed Panattoni Park, Hosur I—marks the firm’s second project in India following its initial venture in the Delhi-NCR region. Strategically designed as a plug-and-play model, the upcoming development will offer 5.5 lakh sq. ft. of Grade A infrastructure tailored to serve e-commerce, third-party logistics, FMCG, and manufacturing clients.

The recently concluded free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom promises to reshape the dynamics of the alcoholic beverage market in India. French spirits conglomerate Pernod Ricard’s Indian subsidiary has announced its intent to pass on the benefits of reduced import duties to consumers, making premium Scotch whiskies more affordable. The agreement will see tariffs on UK-origin whisky and gin slashed from 150% to 40% over a decade.

Zuari Industries Ltd, a flagship of the diversified Adventz Group, reported a consolidated net loss of Rs. 20.75 crore for the fourth quarter of FY25, a stark reversal from a Rs. 63.37 crore profit in the same period last year. For the full fiscal, the company registered a cumulative loss of Rs. 94.37 crore, compared to a robust profit of Rs. 712.75 crore in FY24. Despite modest revenue growth, performance across its verticals—agrochemicals, engineering, real estate, and biofuels—was insufficient to counter broader economic pressures and operational inefficiencies.

Tata Steel UK has announced a pivotal advancement in its green steel production strategy with a significant contract awarded to JASO Industrial Cranes. The deal involves supplying seven high-capacity process cranes to support the upcoming Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at the Port Talbot plant, a £1.25 billion investment in sustainable steelmaking. Expected to become one of the world’s largest EAFs by 2028, the facility aims to slash carbon emissions by 90%, cutting five million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Shriram Properties, a prominent real estate developer with a robust presence in South India, announced a remarkable more-than-twofold increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs. 47.66 crore for the quarter ending March 2025. This surge comes alongside a 19% rise in quarterly revenue to Rs. 427.51 crore. Despite a slight dip in total income for the full fiscal year 2024-25 to Rs. 973.38 crore, the company maintained steady annual profitability with net profit inching up to Rs. 77.30 crore.