Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Nestle India reported a 26% increase in net profit to Rs 1114 crore on its highest ever domestic sales of Rs 6,445 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026, led by premiumisation, penetration and higher ad spends.“This performance was powered by double-digit volume growth, driven by over 50% increase in advertising spends, whilst delivering a healthy EBITDA margin of 26%’’, Manish Tiwary, chairman and managing director, Nestlé India said.Total sales and domestic sales for the quarter increased by 23% each, while all product groups contributed to the performance, he said.For FY26, total sales increased by nearly 15% to Rs 23,071 crore, while the net profit jumped nearly 7% year-on-year to Rs 3545 crore. The company on Tuesday also declared a final dividend of Rs 5 per equity share.The West Asia conflict is likely to have a limited impact on most packaged food companies’ Q4 performance, as it was confined to March. However, companies have flagged higher input costs driven by the rise in crude oil prices.Elaborating on the commodities outlook, he said “Edible oil prices are firm and have moved higher in line with global crude oil prices, supported by increased diversion to biodiesel’’.Meanwhile, unseasonal rains have impacted wheat production, resulting in a delayed harvest and lower quantity and quality.Commenting on coffee prices, the company said it expects prices to continue to trend lower, supported by a favourable crop in Vietnam and the forthcoming crop in Brazil.
