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
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
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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
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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
Devices 3 min read 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.
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.
Electric appliance makers to seek GST cut as LPG crisis lifts demand
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has convened a meeting on Wednesday with leading manufacturers, brands and industry bodies to outline its plans and seek feedback that can be implemented on a war footing to ensure adequate availability of electric cooking appliances. This is the first such engagement with the industry since the onset of the Gulf war.
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.
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
Devices 2 min read Entry-level 5G smartphone prices have risen from sub-₹10,000 around Diwali to ₹13,000-14,000 and are expected to cross ₹17,000-18,000 in the next quarter-back to FY21 levels, industry executives said. Some brands have indicated to the trade that prices could approach ₹20,000 in the next 2-3 months.
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
Industry 2 min read The frequency of visits are close to getting normalised to the levels before 2020, when India froze the issue of business visas to Chinese nationals following the Galwan border clash. Kolkata | New Delhi: They are back, and in growing numbers. Chinese professionals are returning to India for business and markvisits, as bilateral ties improve and New Delhi resumes issuing business visas.
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 cos hike prices amid rising cost of war
Industry 3 min read Companies are raising prices on electronics and vehicles. This follows earlier hikes and is driven by rising commodity, logistics, and energy costs. Experts warn these increases could hurt consumer demand. Price hikes are happening sooner than expected. This situation may erase the benefits of recent GST rate cuts. Demand recovery is at risk.
Retailers roll out festival discounts amid inventory pressure, Gulf war concerns
Retailers are rolling out discounts for Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Eid. This is to clear inventory amid concerns about the April-June quarter. Smartphones, TVs, and home appliances see aggressive offers. Prices are rising due to higher chip, plastic, and freight costs. The Gulf war adds to economic uncertainty and inflation risks.
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.
Indian Restaurants Push Dine-In Revival With Exclusive Dishes and App Discounts to Regain Diners, ETBrandEquity
Marketing 1 min read Food companies are rolling out special, exclusive dishes and offering redemption coupons to grab a bigger slice of the booming food delivery market. They're really pushing these incentives to attract more customers and boost their presence in this increasingly delivery-focused landscape.
Proterial Plans to Localize Magnet Production in India, Expanding into Heavy Rare-Earth-Free Magnets and Amorphous Steel, ETAuto
Proterial has recently expanded its portfolio of heavy rare earth-free magnet technologies, aimed at enabling more sustainable and scalable production Japanese metal maker Proterial is evaluating plans to manufacture its key products in India, including rare earth magnets and its newly developed electric vehicle magnets that do not require heavy rare earth elements, its global president and chief executive officer Sean M Stack said.
Demand for Chinese smartphones in India falls for first time ever; prices to rise
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India’s consumer goods makers bet on volume-led growth as inflation eases, GST cuts boost demand
The next Nvidia growth wave is coming from an unlikely place For two years, the Nvidia (NVDA) story has been simple: a handful of massive U.S. cloud providers racing to buy as many of its chips as possible. That …
Electronics makers shed flab to offset heavy chip prices
Hi-Tech 3 min read Mass-market brands opt for scaled-down hardware specs, lower memory configuration. Memory prices have seen an "unprecedented and record-breaking" 80-90% quarter-on-quarter surgeA sharp surge in memory chip prices, driven by rising demand from the global build-out of AI infrastructure, is forcing consumer electronics manufacturers to borrow a leaf from the FMCG playbook - strip down product specifications and features to avoid frequent price hikes. It's called 'shrinkflation'.
Boosting Premium Offerings and Digital Growth in India, ETRetail
FMCG 3 min read FMCG major aims to raise India and US share to 45%; buyouts & portfolio changes key: Top execs Kolkata: Consumer goods giant Unilever is aiming to raise the revenue contribution of its two anchor markets-the US and India-to 45% from the current 33% over the medium to long term, chief executive Fernando Fernandez said.
Unilever to sharpen India play with premium & q-comm push
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GST trickle-down? MNC CEOs cheer India sales while low-income consumers lag
Kolkata: Global consumer goods manufacturers saw a pickup in demand in India after the GST rate rationalisation, driving faster sales growth last quarter and prompting some companies to upgrade their business outlook for the country in 2026. Global chief executives of Colgate-Palmolive, Mondelez, Apple, Honeywell and AO Smith in recent earnings calls confirmed faster business growth in their Indian business in the December quarter.
Quick commerce march trampling on ecommerce toes
Aanya Thakur and Writankar Mukherjee India's quick commerce grocery delivery was expected to hurt kirana stores first. Instead, the first casualty seems to be the ecommerce channel. Quick commerce now accounts for roughly 47% of India's online grocery market and will outpace ecommerce channels to control two-thirds of the sales by 2030, according to latest data from strategy consulting firm Redseer shared exclusively with ET.
Republic Day sales see fastest growth in five years on GST cuts, wedding demand
Synopsis Republic Day sales recorded their fastest growth in five years as demand picked up across groceries, electronics and apparel. Lower prices following GST cuts, early wedding purchases and stronger demand for mass-market products drove the surge, according to companies and retailers.
Big FMCG flags market data as new-age channels gain share
Synopsis Companies are raising concerns about incomplete retail data, which they say is influencing consumer buying habits. Businesses like Tata Consumer Products, ITC, AWL Agri Business, and DS Group have noted this issue and some are now conducting their own studies. NielsenIQ, a market research firm, stated it is working to improve its services. The company is expanding its relationships with retailers, refining its research methods, and boosting its ability to track online sales.
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