Writankar Mukherjee
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Senior Editor with @EconomicTimes; tracks consumer goods, electronics, omni-channel retail. Views expressed are personal. Web: economictimes.com
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Articles by Writankar Mukherjee
नवरात्रि-दशहरे ने कर दी कंपनियों की मौज, महंगाई के बावजूद कपड़ों और घरेलू उपकरणों की बिक्री में उछाल
Apple India in sweet spot as FY26 revenue crosses Rs 1 lakh crore, profit soars
Apple India's revenue reached ₹1 lakh crore in FY26, reflecting a strong growth trend in smartphone sales. Revenue growth was noted at 31%, exceeding that of its competitor Samsung, which faced a decline. Net profit increased by 66% from the previous fiscal year, highlighting Apple's robust performance. The premium smartphone market saw significant growth, benefiting Apple due to its strong brand appeal.
Festive demand on easy finance: Samsung, Vivo, Xiaomi and others stretch EMIs to 30 months, bear interest costs Original
Samsung, Vivo, Realme, Xiaomi, Oppo and Nothing have done this even for entry- and mid-segment smartphones, where EMI options weren't offered to customers or were for a shorter eight to 10 months. Also read: Want the latest iPhone without buying it?
Consumer companies score low on R&D spending amid innovation chorus
Kolkata: India’s consumer companies are increasingly emphasising their commitment to technological advancement, localisation and innovation, but their actual research and development (R&D) spending remains low. An ET analysis of 20 large companies across the fast-moving consumer goods, automobiles and electronics sectors showed that average R&D spending rose to 0.9% of sales in 2025-26 from 0.5% five years ago, with much of the increase coming from automobile and electronics makers.
Tata Electronics triples equity investment as iPhone, chip plans expand
Tata Electronics triples equity investment as iPhone, chip plans expand Tata Electronics triples equity investment as iPhone, chip plans expand By , ET BureauLast Updated: Sep 29, 2026, 12:15:00 AM IST Follow us Font Size Tata Electronics significantly increased capital investments and debt financing for Apple iPhone manufacturing and semiconductor initiatives. The company provided ₹61,280 crore in guarantees and ₹1,017 crore in loans to subsidiaries.
Reliance Industries News: कैंपा कोला पर मुकेश अंबानी का बड़ा दांव, FMCG बिजनेस के लिए खोल दिया खजाना
इकनॉमिक टाइम्स•24 Sept 2026, 9:25 am IST रिलायंस इंडस्ट्रीज एफएमसीजी पर बड़ा दांव लगा रही है। नई दिल्ली: देश की सबसे मोस्ट वैल्यूएबल कंपनी रिलायंस इंडस्ट्रीज एफएमसीजी बिजनेस में बड़ा दांव लगा रही है। कंपनी ने इस बिजनेस से जुड़ी कंपनी Reliance Consumer Products (RCPL) की अधिकृत शेयर पूंजी चार गुना बढ़ाकर ₹40,000 करोड़ कर दी है। इससे कंपनी को पूंजी जुटाने, उधार लेने और निवेश करने की सीमा बढ़ाने में मदद मिल सकती है। यह कंपनी Campa Cola और Independence रेंज के जरूरी सामान बेचती है। रजिस्ट्रार ऑफ...
Apple’s pricing gap takes a bite out of iPhone sales outlook in India
iPhone 18 10 hours ago iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro: What you'll miss with Apple's first foldable Cult of Mac - Anurag Chawake • 10h So you’re eyeing the iPhone Duo. Before you preorder, know this: The iPhone Duo versus iPhone 18 Pro fight is closer than you might think, but the folding phone loses by more than a few rounds. Apple’s latest flagships launched together during Wednesday’s Surprise and Shine event.
'Croma on turnaround path as losses narrow, quality of growth gets better': CEO
11 hours ago Meta settles US lawsuit over alleged Facebook and Instagram teen addiction, agreeing to pay up to $18 billion and add new safety measures for young users. Meta has reached a settlement in a major US lawsuit that accused Facebook and Instagram of being deliberately designed in ways that could …
Order it, pack it and deliver it: Q-commerce cos plan to bring large electronics orders home in 30 mins
Synopsis Quick commerce firms are engaging with manufacturers to boost sales of large appliances. Established e-commerce players are also striving for quicker delivery options. Some businesses are considering models that utilize manufacturer warehouses alongside retail locations. This strategic move is intended to elevate average order values and enhance profit margins, reflecting the evolving consumer demand for speedy delivery across various categories.
China tightens business visas for Indians, disrupting manufacturing operations
Synopsis Indian executives report significant difficulties obtaining Chinese business visas recently. Visa application approvals have dropped sharply for many companies in key sectors. This situation impacts manufacturing operations and project execution for Indian firms. India relies heavily on China for essential components and capital equipment. The Indian government is aware and considering diplomatic engagement with Beijing.
Staring down the barrel: India Inc stockpiles ahead of festive season
Synopsis To ensure smooth production during the vital festive period, companies are proactively increasing their imports and enhancing buffer stocks of essential parts. The ongoing crisis in West Asia is driving up raw material costs, with shipping lines warning of longer delivery schedules and elevated expenses. Businesses are bracing themselves for possible shortages, preparing for extended lead times. Staring down the barrel: India Inc builds buffers as West Asia tensions escalate.
ITC enters cola business to add more fizz to beverages portfolio
F&B 2 min read The company is initially retailing it through quick commerce platforms as a pilot before a wider rollout, targeting the country's fastest-growing diet cola segment. Sales of sugar-free beverages have been growing at the fastest pace across both carbonated and non-carbonated drinks as consumers increasingly shift towards healthier options.
Indian AC makers eye Europe as record heatwaves spark export opportunity
HDFC Bank 7 hours ago HDFC Bank appoints former Axis Bank CFO Puneet Sharma as CFO-designate Indiatimes - ETBFSI Staff • 7h Largest private sector lender HDFC Bank said its board, based on the recommendations of the Audit Committee and the Governance, Nomination and … India 8 hours ago Big relief for EV buyers! Delhi now offers tax waiver on electric cars up to ₹30 lakh livemint.com - Eshita Gain • 8h The Delhi government on Monday approved a new EV policy that offers a major incentive for...
Consumer companies ramp up festive production on demand hope
15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00 Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only. Worry not. You’re just a step away. It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.
FY27 kicks off strong: Double-digit sales growth in apparel, ACs, premium goods
Companies, however, warned that an uneven monsoon and accelerating inflation could weigh on demand in the coming months. Also Read: Delhivery unveils welfare scheme with Rs 15 lakh accident cover for gig workforce Kolkata|Mumbai: Sales of apparel, air-conditioners, refrigerators and premium beauty products grew in the double digits in the first two-and-a-half months of this fiscal year, indicating a recovery in discretionary spending.
West Bengal polls throw up landslide victory for helmets as sales zoom to record heights
7 hours ago Aero bikes and wheels get most of the attention, but the smartest aero upgrades are not always the most expensive ones. We know that aerodynamic drag is the biggest force slowing riders down, even at pretty modest speeds of 10 to 18 mph. And while aero bikes and wheels, which can cost many thousands …
Indian cos take guard against Rupee’s strikes: Fast-track exports, deepen localisation, extend currency hedging timelines
15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00 Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only. Worry not. You’re just a step away. It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.
Indian cos take guard against Rupee’s strikes: Fast-track exports, deepen localisation, extend currency hedging timelines
1:18 4 hours ago India: Indian Muslims perform Eid al-Adha prayers at Jama Masjid in New Delhi. StringersHub • 4h SHOTLIST: NEW DELHI, INDIA (MAY 28, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF MUSLIMS GATHERING AT JAMA MASJID 2. VARIOUS OF EID AL-ADHA PRAYERS BEING PERFORMED 3. VARIOUS OF WORSHIPPERS PRAYING 4. PEOPLE EXCHANGING EID GREETINGSNEW DELHI, INDIA - MAY 28: Indian Muslims gathered at Jama Masjid in New Delhi on Thursday, May 28, to perform Eid al-Adha prayers.
Quick commerce becomes FMCG's biggest online sales channel in India
Synopsis Latest data from companies including ITC Ltd, AWL Agri Business, Tata Consumer Products and Parle Products showed quick commerce accounted for 60-75% of their total online sales in FY26, rising sharply from less than half a year earlier.
Retail Inc Opens (More) doors to rising demand
FMCG 2 min read Addition of stores by top chains touches 3-year high in FY26, 25% more than FY25. The retailers added 2,182 stores in FY26, equivalent to six new stores a day on a net basis. In comparison, they added 1,745 stores in FY25 and 1,865 in FY24.
FMCG major Emami to acquire majority stake in Vedix, SkinKraft parent co IncNut
China Tightens Financial Tap on Iran Oil Trade Ahead of Trump-Xi Talks China is quietly pulling back where it matters most: money. Regulators have told the country’s biggest banks to halt new lending to five refiners hit …
South Korea Inc meets Modi; Cos including Samsung & LG looking to expand in key market, export more
15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00 Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only. Worry not. You’re just a step away. It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.
Rupee depreciation forces Indian firms to adopt Yuan payments, boost local sourcing
Now we're cooking with water! Startup offers a hydrogen-powered stove Imagine slashing your cooking electricity bill by a factor of six. That would almost be as wild as cooking with water! Well, a green-tech startup …
Tata invests ₹1,500 crore more to charge up iPhone biz
Kolkata: The Tata Group is stepping up investments in its Apple iPhone contract manufacturing business with fresh equity infusion of ₹1,500 crore into Tata Electronics, underscoring its aggressive scale-up plans in electronics. Tata Sons has also more than doubled the authorised share capital of Tata Electronics Products and Solutions by ₹3,500 crore to ₹6,250 crore, signalling further capital infusion into the Pegatron Technology India unit in which it acquired a controlling 60% stake last year.
Brands focus on leaner product lines amid surging input costs
According to market researcher Counterpoint Research, smartphone makers are rationalising their portfolios by 5-7%, prioritising profitability and improving channel efficiency. TV manufacturers, too, are scaling back model line-ups, after price increases of up to 20% in the past four months rendered several variants unviable at their intended price points, industry executives said.
Mobile, car, electronics makers to keep price hikes minimal to protect festive demand
Industry executives said the price increases would be smaller than previous hikes-and in some cases the lowest this calendar year-as companies absorb part of the impact of higher commodity prices, freight costs and rupee depreciation. "We are increasing prices by about 2%, the lowest this year, from September 1 and then hold on to prices till Diwali at least," Haier India chief executive Satish NS said.
India Inc ramps up exports as Iran ceasefire reopens Middle East trade
Industry 2 min read Manufacturers of electrical goods including air-conditioners, refrigerators, wires and cables are gearing up for higher orders. The Middle East, a key export markfor Indian consumer goods firms, saw business drop 40-50% last month due to the conflict. Kolkata | Mumbai | New Delhi: India Inc is moving rapidly to capitalise on the Iran war ceasefire by resuming exports and restoring factory utilisation in the region to full capacity.
West Asia War: Govt pushes local induction cooktop output amid LPG concerns
At a video conference on Thursday, senior officials of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) urged large manufacturers to enter the segment and sought inputs on achievable capacity, as well as challenges in component sourcing and localisation. Representational image.
Daikin plans Rs 1,000cr R&D unit to boost India play
Daikin Industries will invest ₹1,000 crore to establish its first global research and development centre outside Japan in India. This facility will focus on software and product development for chillers and air-conditioning systems. The company aims to hire 500 engineers, leveraging India's technical talent.
Cooking Appliance Cos May Seek Sops to Boost Production
Manufacturers of electric cooking appliances are seeking a GST cut and easier component imports from China. This comes as the government pushes for increased production to address the LPG shortage. A meeting is scheduled to discuss these measures. Demand for induction cooktops and electric kettles has surged significantly, leading to initial shortages. Highlights Electric appliance makers seek GST cuts amid LPG shortages. Surge in demand for induction cooktops and electric kettles reported.
Consumer Goods Cos Upbeat as GST Tailwinds Lift Volumes in March Qtr
Consumer goods companies and retailers saw sales rebound in the March quarter. This recovery was fueled by GST rationalisation and improved volumes. Companies like Marico and Dabur India reported strong domestic business growth. Retailers such as DMart and V-Mart also posted significant sales increases. This positive trend is expected to continue, despite global challenges. Organized trade channels showed sustained growth.
Consumer goods cos upbeat as GST tailwinds lift volumes in March quarter
FMCG 3 min read Marico and Dabur India reported high single-digit, year-on-year underlying volume growth in their domestic business in the March quarter, according to earnings updates, while staples player AWL Agri Business reported double-digit volume growth, led by edible oils, where volume rose 17%, and industry essentials. Dairy major Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which owns the Amul brand, reported 11.4% growth in sales to ₹73,450 crore in FY26.
Industry heads set to visit China to expand alliances
A group of business leaders across automotive, electronics, and renewable companies will be visiting China next week to explore various opportunities amid warming of diplomatic ties between the two neighbours. People in the know told that a delegation of 16-17 top executives from companies such as Dixon Technologies, JBM, and Hero Future Energies is set to embark on a three-day trip to China starting April 6 to seek partnership opportunities and expand alliances.
Electronics companies stockpile amid rising input costs and supply chain uncertainty
Companies are building inventories of memory chips and crude-linked derivatives such as plastics amid persistent price increases and supply uncertainties. This is in deviation to the usual practice where supplies are mostly linked to actual demand, except during peak buying season like Diwali. Kolkata: Consumer electronics and smartphone makers are stockpiling key inputs and finished goods well beyond their normal inventory cycles as rising input costs force record price hikes.
Consumption slowdown in Q4 to spoil full year's sales show
Price hikes, geopolitical woes drag sales of white goods, electronic items and key staples Automakers are considering 2-3% increase in prices, while consumer electronics and appliances may become 5-6% costlier, reflecting their heavy use of plastic components.
Tech prices surge: Phones, appliances set to cost more
Marketing 2 min read Electronics prices are climbing. Entry-level smartphones and televisions are now costing as much as they did six to eight years ago. This trend is driven by rising input costs and a weaker rupee. Home appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators will also see record highs soon. Consumers are facing increased costs for essential technology.
Factories firing on all cylinders as LPG supply eases
Industry 2 min read The government has increased LPG allocation to priority sectors like steel, automobiles, and textiles. This has helped reduce production constraints and bring operations closer to normal levels. LPG is widely used in industries such as automobiles and electronics for brazing and paint shop operations, and in segments such as food processing.
Tech prices surge: Phones, appliances set to cost more
OnePlus has confirmed that its latest mid-range device, the OnePlus Nord 6, will be launching in India next week. The new phone will be taking on …
Chinese Professionals Back in India on Warmer Ties
Chinese professionals are returning to India in growing numbers. Executives from major companies like Oppo and Xiaomi are visiting for business and market exploration. This marks a revival after nearly six years of limited travel. The frequency of visits is nearing pre-2020 levels. Indian manufacturing firms are also hosting Chinese partners. Highlights Chinese executives return to India as business ties improve. Top professionals from major firms visit India after years of restrictions.
Chinese professionals back in India on warmer ties
2 hours ago The dystopias you see in movies, books, TV shows, and video games might be closer to reality than you might want to believe. Many cities and dwellings are far from the positive environments that you envision human beings would thrive in. The members of the sprawling ‘Urban Hell’ online group call …
Top consumer goods cos keep capex plans intact
FMCG 2 min read Several players set to increase investments in FY27 as they expect disruptions from the war to have little impact on long-term demand Several players set to increase investments in FY27 as they expect disruptions from the war to have little impact on long-term demand Kolkata | New Delhi: Leading consumer goods makers said their capital expenditure plans for FY27 remain on track despite the Iran war, which has led to a surge in crude oil prices and input costs and necessitated...
Consumer companies hike prices amid rising cost of Iran war
Highlights Consumer goods face price hikes amid rising costs and geopolitical tensions. Electronics giants LG and Panasonic announce significant price increases. Frequent price rises could weaken consumer demand, say industry executives.
Retailers roll out festival discounts amid inventory pressure, Gulf war concerns
Marketing 3 min read In a bid to boost sales, Indian retailers are slashing prices on a range of electronics and home appliances, aiming to move stock in response to the economic uncertainties linked to the Gulf conflict. With smartphone and TV sales dipping, retailers are bracing for potential price increases driven by rising production costs. Highlights Retailers roll out aggressive discounts amid Gulf war concerns. Smartphone sales expected to decline sharply in the upcoming quarter.
LPG shortage forces manufacturers to switch fuels to keep production running
Oil & Gas 2 min read Companies are successfully implementing these changes, with some already in commercial production and others nearing rollout, ensuring output stability despite ongoing LPG availability issues. Manufacturers are shifting from LPG to alternative fuels like oxy-acetylene and diesel to combat supply shortages and maintain steady production.
Labour shortage fears hit industry amid war, Holi, Ramadan disruptions
Industry 3 min read Some aren't reporting for work while others have started leaving the big cities amid a shortage of LPG that's making it difficult to keep staff canteens running and the home fires burning. Workers haven't returned from the Holi break, companies said. Some executives also cited Ramadan, which runs for another week or so. And, apart from that, West Bengal is sfor one of the most hotly contested elections in its history.
Auto, appliance prices likely to rise as input costs jump
Industry 3 min read The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) recently informed the government that imports of key inputs are getting delayed along with cost escalations due to shipping disruptions. Automakers are considering 2-3 per cent increase in prices, while consumer electronics and appliances may become 5-6 per cent costlier, reflecting their heavy use of plastic components.
Stock-Out at Stores as Kitchens Go Electric
Panic buying of electric cooking appliances is surging across India. Consumers are rushing to buy induction cooktops, electric kettles, and other devices. Retailers are reporting massive sales and depleted stocks. Manufacturers are increasing production to meet this sudden demand. This trend follows government rationing of commercial LPG cylinders and extended booking intervals for domestic refills. Highlights Panic buying of electric cooktops surges across India amid gas fears.
Shipping disruptions from Iran war shake India’s auto, electronics exports
Industry 3 min read Escalating tensions linked to the Iran war are raising concerns across India’s manufacturing sector as disruptions to Gulf shipping routes threaten supply chains and energy supplies. Automakers including Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki have asked vendors to assess exposure to key inputs routed through the region, while some firms have set up crisis teams to monitor risks.
C-suites stuck at Gulf terminals amid Iran war, aviation disruption
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Crude Shock Threatens Indian Consumers as Gulf Conflicts Push Prices Higher, ETRetail
Oil pumpjacks silhouetted against a rising price chart as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drive a sharp surge in global crude oil prices. New Delhi: Consumer company bosses warned about the impact of escalating crude oil prices, supply disruptions, impact on consumer buying sentiment and disruptions in remittances from the Gulf region due to the West Asian conflict at a time when demand had started to pick up.
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