Weekly FMCG Update: Oil packaging crackdown, qCommerce makeover, Q4 results

Government targets dodgy oil pack sizes
Considering traders have been misusing the relaxed packaging rules to pass off edible oils packs of less than one-kilogramme as one-kilogramme at full price, the Indian government has plans to reintroduce standardised pack sizes. The current variety of 800-gramme to 850-gramme packs has led to consumer distrust and pricing manipulation. Uniform packaging (like one-kilogramme, 500-gramme, and 200-gramme) is being reconsidered to promote transparency and fair trade in the market.

Quick commerce gets FMCG makeover treatment
FMCG companies like Marico, Godrej, and Zydus Wellness are crafting special variants for quick-commerce shoppers—more premium, gourmet, or experimental. Some products, like Zydus’ Nutralite, are exclusive to these platforms. Baskin-Robbins has debuted online-only ice cream flavours. Although this channel accounts for just 2–7% of sales, it's growing fast in big cities, prompting firms to expand their digital offerings.

Rain dampens summer sales hopes
Unexpected early rains and cooler temperatures have disrupted the summer sales run for FMCG, air conditioners, and beauty brands. Sales of ice creams, fizzy drinks, and ACs dropped 20–25% across regions like the south and west. Some AC brands saw early momentum stall mid-May before a slight recovery began. Companies have responded by tweaking production to avoid overstock. Seasonal product planning has taken a hit, thanks to unpredictable monsoon patterns.

ITC profit rockets on one-off gain
ITC’s net profit quadrupled to INR 19,561-crore in the fourth quarter of FY25, propelled by a one-time gain of INR 15,179-crore from its hotel business demerger. Revenue rose 9% to INR 18,494-crore, driven by growth in cigarettes and agri-business. Non-cigarette FMCG performance dipped in profitability due to inflation, but segment revenue still rose. ITC’s final dividend was of INR 7.85 per share.

Sun Pharma sales rise despite profit dip
In the fourth quarter, Sun Pharma’s revenue rose to INR 12,815-crore (an 8.5% rise), but profit fell to INR 2,153.9-crore (a 19% fall). Adjusted profit (excluding exceptions) was up nearly 5%. India sales rose 13.6%, while global specialty revenue hit USD 295-million. The firm spent INR 816-crore on R&D and posted a healthy 28.7% EBITDA margin. API segment sales also surged.

JSW set to paint big with Akzo
After last week’s reports that JSW Paints is close to acquiring Akzo Nobel India, leading business portals have reported that the deal is set to take place for USD 1.1-billion, valuing the Dutch firm’s stake at INR 9,000-crore. The deal will push JSW into the top tier of India’s decorative and industrial paints markets. An open offer will follow the acquisition. It’s funded via promoter equity and bank loans. The move follows a bidding war, and may pave the way for a JSW Paints IPO and expansion.

Whisky experiences now open to the public
From distillery tours in Haryana to flavour labs in Bengaluru and airport boutiques in Mumbai, liquor brands in India are offering immersive experiences. Whisky labels like Indri and Paul John, and global names like Diageo and Suntory, are inviting consumers to explore how spirits are made—from grain to glass. These centres offer tastings, brand storytelling, and even whisky-making sessions. It’s a bold blend of education, entertainment, and branding for spirit enthusiasts.