Latest news with #ZydusWellness
News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
Plant-Based Proteins: The Sustainable Choice Shaping the Future of Nutrition
Last Updated: As science advances and awareness deepens, plant-based proteins will no longer stand in the shadows of tradition As the world awakens to the deeper impact of everyday choices, food is no longer just fuel — it is a force. Our plates now reflect not only personal preferences but global priorities. In this evolving narrative of nutrition, plant-based proteins have emerged not as a passing trend but as a quiet, powerful revolution. Once considered an alternative, they are now becoming essential offering a way to nourish a growing population while gently treading on the planet that feeds us. Dr. Vilas Shirhatti, Principal Adviser, Zydus Wellness (RiteBite Max Protein), shares all you need to know: Traditional animal-based proteins, while rich in amino acids, exact a heavy toll on ecosystems. Livestock farming contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, water depletion, and deforestation. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), animal agriculture accounts for nearly 14.5% of global emissions — more than the entire transportation sector. In contrast, proteins from legumes, nuts, grains, and seeds have a substantially smaller carbon and water footprint, making them a far more sustainable and scalable solution for the future. From a health perspective, plant-based proteins are increasingly proving their merit. A study published in The Journal of the American Heart Association found that diets higher in plant proteins and lower in red and processed meats were associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, these protein sources support metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and may aid in long-term weight management — all without overburdening the digestive system. Moreover, the science of digestibility and bioavailability has advanced. Earlier criticisms regarding the completeness of plant proteins have now been addressed by combining various sources — such as rice and peas — to achieve a complete amino acid profile. Modern food technology continues to refine these blends, resulting in efficient, high-quality protein that caters to diverse dietary needs, including for those managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Beyond nutrition and ecology, there's a socio-economic dimension at play. Growing plant-based protein crops requires less land, fewer resources, and supports local farming economies. This shift can democratize access to quality nutrition while building resilience against climate change and global food insecurity. Over the past three to four decades, we've also seen a rise in zoonotic diseases — illnesses passed from animals to humans — such as COVID-19, bird flu, H1N1, and mad cow disease. A greater reliance on plant proteins can reduce such risks and help prevent future outbreaks. The future of nourishment rests in harmony — where personal well-being and planetary vitality are no longer separate pursuits but deeply entwined. Every choice for a cleaner, kinder protein source becomes a quiet act of restoration, not just for our bodies but for the Earth itself. It is a shift toward regeneration over depletion, conscience over convenience, and resilience over short-term gain. As science advances and awareness deepens, plant-based proteins will no longer stand in the shadows of tradition. They will lead not as alternatives, but as the new standard — for a healthier, more sustainable world.
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Business Standard
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Emami, HUL, ITC: Is early monsoon good news for FMCG stocks? Analysts weigh
The early arrival of monsoon in India this year, as per the forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), may have a mixed impact on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, believe analysts. Monsoon hit Kerala on Saturday, May 24, 2025, marking the earliest arrival over the Indian mainland since 2009, IMD announced. Further, it has advanced in Karnataka, Goa, parts of Maharashtra, parts of west-central and north Bay of Bengal, and some parts of Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland within 24 hours, a record advancement. This, analysts said, could be beneficial to agri-related and/or staple-focussed FMCG companies, while it may hurt those FMCG players that are more skewed towards summer portfolios. How will early monsoon affect FMCG companies? Normally, the summer months from April to June drive strong demand for summer-centric products such as cold beverages, ice creams, talcum powders, and others. On the other hand, agri-related segments look forward to good monsoons as it is vital for better yields, and stronger harvests. FMCG companies closely monitor the monsoon as it has a direct impact on rural demand, raw material costs, and overall sales performance. "The early onset of the monsoon could affect companies with summer-centric portfolios, though it will be limited to the current quarter only. Over the medium-term, they should be able to make it up in the other categories," said Ajay Thakur, lead analyst - consumer staples, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers. Emami and Zydus Wellness are among the few companies that could be impacted more by the early monsoon, according to Thakur. Emami's summer-linked products include Dermicool Prickly Heat Powder with a 14 per cent market share by volume, and Navratna Cool Talc with 62.8 per cent market share by volume, according to its 2023-2024 annual report. Zydus Wellness' summer portfolio, meanwhile, includes products such as Nycil Prickly Heat Powder (35 per cent market share) and Glucon D (59.5 per cent market share). On the contrary, an early and stronger-than-usual monsoon could help improve the sowing of Kharif crops, raise reservoir levels, and boost rural demand. "This will help FMCG companies improve volumes in rural areas (which has been flat for many quarters)," said Amit Agarwal, senior vice president - fundamental research, Kotak Securities. That said, reports suggest that India's monsoon rains have lost momentum after covering western regions ahead of schedule, and their arrival in northern and central states could be delayed, extending a heatwave in the grain-growing plains. What's ahead for FMCG companies? Ajay Thakur of Anand Rathi Stock Brokers expects urban demand to recover in Q2FY26 and in the second half of FY26 on the back of good monsoon and government initiatives in terms of consumption boost coming into play. He recommends buying Emami and Zydus Wellness at current levels from a long-term perspective as valuations remain attractive and earnings growth is reasonably good for both. So far in 2025, the Nifty FMCG has gained 0.05 per cent as against Nifty50's rise of 5.2 per cent. According to market research firm NielsenIQ, demand for FMCG in rural India stood at 8.4 per cent in the March quarter, compared to 9.2 per cent in October-December of 2024. Urban demand growth moderated to 2.6 per cent, compared to 4.2 per cent in the October-December quarter. "We expect urban demand to start showing better traction from Q2 onwards, or more towards H2 onwards," said Thakur. That apart, the government's support to improve consumption, driven by increasing income threshold to claim tax rebates as announced during the Union Budget for 2025-26, aids long-term growth outlook.
Mint
22-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
FMCG's digital makeover: The rise of quick-commerce exclusives
New Delhi: Your favourite packaged goods might soon look different depending on whether you are buying from a kirana store or online. Some differences, indeed, have already begun to appear. Large fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies such as Marico, Zydus Wellness and Godrej Consumer Products, even ice-cream makers such as Baskin Robbins are creating special versions of their products for buyers on quick-commerce platforms–from new variants to more premium offerings. Some are even testing new products there based on preferences of the urban online shopper. For instance, Marico, which sells edible oils, hair oils and oats, will take more gourmet variants of its oats to quick commerce, even as its honcho said it is looking to customize offerings for online platforms 'across all brands". Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) is experimenting with launching products together on online and offline channels, with online showing better traction. Also read: Young Indians are drinking less but better Then, Zydus Wellness, which makes butter, sugar-free and health drinks, sells its plant-based Nutralite butter exclusively on quick commerce platforms, and more offerings are on the way. And Baskin Robbins has floated ice-cream flavours and combinations that are not available offline. The move by these companies comes in the backdrop of the surging popularity of quick commerce, even though the channel currently brings in just 2-7% of overall sales for larger companies. Overall, per data shared by Nielsen IQ, the value share of e-commerce stood at 13% in the top eight metros for the 12-month period ended 31 March. This growth was on account of increasing online shopper penetration, more purchase occasions, and increasing basket sizes, NIQ said. 'There will be a wider portfolio due to the growth in quick commerce," said Anand Ramanathan, consumer products and retail sector at Deloitte in South Asia, while pointing out that FMCG has traditionally operated with fewer assortments and a narrow portfolio. 'However, now companies will have to launch and try which products work across which platforms, adding to their complexity," he said. 'You will have more frequent product launches; that's a new capability that companies will have to build given this shift." Who's doing what In an interview with Mint last week, Saugata Gupta, managing director and chief executive officer of Marico Limited, said the company is designing a channel-wise portfolio. Also read: Marico calls it—India's FMCG sector to rebound this financial year 'The shopper in quick-commerce is different from the (online) marketplace; consequently, the portfolio and the stock-keeping unit mix that goes in these channels should be different," said Gupta, adding that the company could look at new product launches for online channels as well. 'It (e-commerce) is a very good channel to test market some new products," he said. 'We will continue to do that. Some of the premiumization of the core portfolio could be led via these channels." Quick commerce is now 3% of Marico's India business as of the March quarter. Between brands such as Plix (supplements), True Elements (foods) and Saffola, the company is investing significantly in quick commerce to drive growth in its foods business. Mumbai-based GCPL has been pushing more premium products online, both e-commerce and quick commerce, before scaling them up offline. It recently launched its Cinthol range of foam body washes both via quick-commerce as well as general trade stores in Tamil Nadu as an experiment. Response on quick-commerce was relatively encouraging due to the channel's salience with more affluent shoppers, said the company's management. Last year, it launched its Hit Matic mosquito repelling machine priced around ₹550 only on e-commerce, apart from Park Avenue Deo gift scents. 'Quick commerce is a channel that we are very happy with, because it solves a genuine need of convenience," Sudhir Sitapati, chief executive officer, GCPL said at the company's media roundtable earlier this month. Sitapati said quick-commerce has experienced exponential growth over the past two years, particularly benefiting mid-sized product packs that offer higher margins for companies. Also read: Consumer goods makers' appetite for deals is only growing bigger For Zydus Wellness, the parent company of Complan drink and Nycil talc, online commerce accounts for 10-11% of its business; of this, the share of quick commerce is 40%. According to its chief executive, the share of large packs across its portfolio has been rising across online platforms. It is ramping up supplies to such packs across these platforms. 'Modern trade is a great place to buy large packs, but there are some specific packs designed for online channels—their share has been going up," said Tarun Arora, chief executive officer (CEO) at the Ahmedabad-based company, in an interview with Mint. 'Therefore, we are seeing how best we can serve urban online shoppers with specific stock keeping units whose demand has gone up." Even categories like ice cream, where impulse and instant gratification play a big role, are seeing rapid transformation in the way consumers interact with brands. 'With this behaviour in mind, we have been bringing in a range of SKUs that are tailored for this ecosystem," Mohit Khattar, CEO, Graviss Foods, Baskin Robbins, told Mint. 'These include flavour profiles and formats that appeal to the consumers who frequent these platforms." Today, nearly a third of the company's business comes from food delivery, of which a significant part can be attributed to quick commerce, he said. 'Apart from the very popular ice cream cones, bars and cups, our range also includes ice cream funwiches, ice cream cake slices, multilayered ice cream doublet bars and bite sized ice cream rocks," said Khattar. 'We have also recently introduced creamy milkshakes in low sugar and no added colours for quick commerce." What about offline India is a large general trade market. Across such stores, consumers buy small sachets of shampoos for single use, family packs of soaps, 1 kg packs of flour, biscuits, colas and chips on a daily basis. General trade continues to be stressed on account of growth in online and modern trade retail in the top 10 markets; users of general trade are also more burdened by greater inflation and buying smaller packs or switching to cheaper brands. 'E-commerce is still growing at 30-40% because it is talking to consumers who don't have a problem with inflation and are driven by convenience," said Sanjay Sharma, CEO of Orkla India that sells MTR brand of packaged foods. Sharma declined to comment on the company's quick-commerce strategy. It also helps that users of quick commerce are more insulated from the broader slowdown in the FMCG market. FMCG volumes grew 5.1% in the March quarter amid a 5.6% price hike, according to NielsenIQ. However, urban market growth decelerated in the March quarter, growing 2.6% year-on-year, declining both sequentially and annually. Offline retailers, often small family-run stores, which still represent a significant portion (over 70%) of the fast-moving consumer goods market in India, have expressed concerns regarding quick commerce platforms and their adverse impact on their business. Zydus's Arora said keeping differentiated packs also helps overcome some challenges with traditional trade. 'It also helps overcome the trade conflict…but it's more focused on what the consumer needs because there is a behaviour shift that is happening," he said. According to experts, as quick commerce continues to reshape urban shopping habits, consumers can expect to see even more tailored products hitting their screens and doorsteps.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zydus Wellness Ltd (BOM:531335) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Sales Growth and ...
Consolidated Net Sales Growth: 17%, reaching INR9,106 million for the quarter. Volume Growth: 13% year-on-year for the quarter. Annual Revenue Growth: 16.2%, amounting to INR26,912 million for FY25. Personal Care Segment Growth: 22.5% for the quarter, 33.4% for FY25. Food and Nutrition Segment Growth: 15.4% for the quarter, 13% for FY25. Gross Margin Expansion: 42 basis points for the quarter, 168 basis points for the year. EBITDA Growth: 17.1% for the quarter, reaching INR1,900 million; 23.2% for FY25, totaling INR3,797 million. Net Profit After Tax Growth: 14.4% for the quarter, reaching INR1,719 million; 30% for FY25, totaling INR3,410 million. Earnings Per Share: Increased from 41.94% to 54.5% for FY25. Dividend Recommendation: Final dividend of INR6 per equity share, a 20% increase over the previous year. Cash Conversion from Operations: INR3,800 million, reflecting a strong realization of 100%. Market Share - Everyuth Scrub: 48.5%, with a 321.4 basis points increase. Market Share - Everyuth Peel Off: 77.7%, with a 6.1 basis points gain. Market Share - Nycil: 33.8% in the prickly heat powder category. Market Share - Glucon D: 58.8% in the glucose powder category. Market Share - Sugar Free: 95.9% in the sugar substitute category. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with BOM:531335. Release Date: May 19, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Zydus Wellness Ltd (BOM:531335) reported a consolidated net sales growth of 17% for the quarter, with a volume growth of 13% year-on-year. The personal care segment achieved notable double-digit growth of 22.5% for the quarter and 33.4% for the financial year 2025. The company has seen consistent margin expansion, delivering 42 basis points in the quarter and 168 basis points for the year. Zydus Wellness Ltd (BOM:531335) has recommended a final dividend of INR6 per equity share, representing a 20% increase over the previous year. The company has achieved a significant increase in its ESG score, reaching 79, and secured the 99th percentile among 390 companies in its peer group. Volatility in edible oil prices and dextrose monohydrate remains a key concern for Zydus Wellness Ltd (BOM:531335). The nutritional drink category reported a decline of 2.1% at the MET level, indicating softness across key metrics. Employee costs have increased due to variable pay and the integration of acquired business teams, leading to a higher cost base. The company faces challenges in maintaining inventory levels for seasonal products like Glucon D and Nycil, which can impact margins. There is a need for strategic focus on expanding the adult nutrition segment, which currently holds a smaller market share compared to children's nutrition. Q: Can you update on the organic volume and value growth during this quarter, and explain the increase in employee costs? A: The comparable business growth is in low double digits, with mid to high single-digit volume growth. The increase in employee costs is due to variable pay linked to performance and the inclusion of the acquired business's team on payroll, which typically would be on third-party payroll in most FMCGs. This has led to a higher percentage cost, but some moderation is expected going forward. - Tarun Arora, CEO Q: EBITDA margins have improved after four years. Is this sustainable, and can you provide guidance? A: We aim to move EBITDA margins to 17%-18% in the next couple of years. This will be driven by maintaining positive gross margins, investing in brand growth, and achieving operating leverage. We are committed to structurally driving EBITDA back to high levels. - Tarun Arora, CEO Q: How is quick commerce impacting your business, and is it helping reach new consumers? A: Quick commerce increases accessibility, especially in urban areas, and helps reach new consumers by overcoming distribution challenges. It is both replacing existing channels and reaching new consumers. Brands like Complan and cold chain products like butter perform well in quick commerce. - Tarun Arora, CEO Q: Can you comment on the growth and future expectations for the recent acquisition of Natural India Private Limited? A: The business has seen over 50% growth in the four months since acquisition, with positive low single-digit margins. We expect to maintain a CAGR of 25%+ as seen in the past three to five years. - Tarun Arora, CEO Q: What is the company's vision for FY28 or FY30, and where do you see the company heading? A: We aim to strengthen our consumer franchise, expand in food and nutrition, and personal care. We target crossing INR5,000 crores in revenue, expanding internationally, and achieving 17%-18% EBITDA margins. We focus on category development and increasing consumer penetration. - Tarun Arora, CEO For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Standard
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Zydus Wellness consolidated net profit rises 14.37% in the March 2025 quarter
Sales rise 17.04% to Rs 910.60 crore Net profit of Zydus Wellness rose 14.37% to Rs 171.90 crore in the quarter ended March 2025 as against Rs 150.30 crore during the previous quarter ended March 2024. Sales rose 17.04% to Rs 910.60 crore in the quarter ended March 2025 as against Rs 778.00 crore during the previous quarter ended March 2024. For the full year,net profit rose 29.97% to Rs 346.90 crore in the year ended March 2025 as against Rs 266.90 crore during the previous year ended March 2024. Sales rose 16.24% to Rs 2691.20 crore in the year ended March 2025 as against Rs 2315.20 crore during the previous year ended March 2024. Particulars Quarter Ended Year Ended Mar. 2025 Mar. 2024 % Var. Mar. 2025 Mar. 2024 % Var. Sales 910.60778.00 17 2691.202315.20 16 OPM % 20.8720.85 - 14.1113.31 - PBDT 186.60160.10 17 381.30298.10 28 PBT 173.40154.40 12 352.90274.30 29 NP 171.90150.30 14 346.90266.90 30
