Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Home Blog

Start following Kiara Advani’s simple yet powerful morning ritual for glowing skin

By
Aashi Goel
-
0

Have you ever stopped to marvel at Kiara Advani’s radiant and flawless skin? In the exquisite glamour that is Bollywood, Kiara Advani stands out not just for her acting genius but also for her luminous and healthy skin. Amidst the overwhelming myriad of options surfaced by the beauty industry, this simple yet transformative ritual is not only a fad, but the cornerstone of her radiance.

 

The secret might be simpler than you think. It’s not a gruelling workout or a 10-step skincare routine; it’s a simple cup of warm water, with a slice of lemon in it. Kiara’s morning habit of indulging in warm water infused with the zest of fresh lemons has become a conscious choice rooted in her approach to holistic well-being. The actress recommends this refreshing elixir not only for its skin-enhancing benefits but also for the multiple benefits it has in improving your overall health and vitality.  

 

Hansa Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute in one of her videos on the health benefits of lemons mentioned, “Drinking one glass of lemon water every day in the morning will benefit you for a lifetime”.  Her claim can further be supported by a research published in the Journal of Science and Technology which reveals that “It is a healthy appetiser and helps to treat diseases with digestive aids. Lemon does not disclose any adverse effects, according to literature, but it is used all over the world as a traditional medicine”. Vitamin C, which is abundantly present in lemons, fights toxins and increases collagen production in the body, both of which help in treating acne as well as tightening the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. While lemons are famously known for their Vitamin C component, not many people are aware of their Potassium-rich skin, which is an important mineral for nervous stimulation as well as maintaining blood pressure. Here are a few more benefits of adding lemon water to your everyday diet:- 

  • Immediately soothes muscle cramps
  • Peptin in lemons makes us feel fuller, thereby, helping in weight loss
  • Boosts immunity by stimulating the production of White Blood Cells in the body
  • Removal of kidney stones 
  • The lemon peel when infused in water for 30 minutes, activates its bioactive compounds which boost immunity and prevent our bodies from cellular damage
  • It also helps in the release of digestive enzymes which help in better absorption of nutrients

 

This simple kitchen hack has proudly made its way into the celebrity wellness circuit. Not only Kiara Advani but also Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon, and Malaika Arora have this one drink in common at the break of dawn.

Here are 3 ways, you can incorporate the lemon water glow into your morning routine:- 

  1. Warm ginger lemon tea- Boil a glass of water with crushed ginger. When its done, squeeze a lemon into your glass and have it warm. To enjoy it in place of your morning tea, you may add a teaspoon of honey to it.

2. Ginger lemon shot – Take an inch of ginger root, and one squeezed lemon. Add enough water to blend it (3-4 tablespoons) in a blender, and have it as a morning shot.

3. Lemon-infused detox water- Cut up slices of one lemon and add it to your water bottle. Have 1-2 glasses of lemon water in the morning, and keep having the rest throughout the day. 

While lemon water offers a myriad of health benefits, it’s crucial to exercise moderation. One lemon a day is a healthy limit, and people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should be cautious about excessive lemon juice intake. As with any dietary rituals, balance is key to ensuring you enjoy the advantages without overdoing it. 

West Asia Conflict Raises Dal Price Concerns; Rice Exports to Iran Face Disruption

By
SnackTeam
-
0

Escalating tensions in West Asia are beginning to ripple through India’s trade channels, with potential implications for food inflation, export flows, and bullion markets. Industry stakeholders warn that prolonged disruption could push up retail prices of pulses, while rice exports to Iran and other Gulf nations may face immediate risks.

Pulses Prices Under Pressure

India imports approximately 5–6 million tonnes of pulses annually, including tur, urad and lentils, primarily from Myanmar, Canada and African nations. According to Suresh Agarwal, president of the All India Dal Mill Association, any extended disruption to shipping routes could raise logistics costs and, consequently, landing prices.

“If the war continues beyond a week, the price of pulses will increase,” Agarwal said, noting that higher freight rates would quickly filter into retail markets. With pulses being a staple in Indian households, any spike could add pressure to food inflation.

Rice Trade Advisory Issued

While pulses prices may rise, rice prices could soften domestically if export shipments to Iran and Gulf countries slow. The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) has advised members to avoid new CIF (cost, insurance and freight) contracts for these regions, recommending FOB (free on board) terms instead so that freight and insurance risks remain with buyers.

Dev Garg, vice president of IREF, cautioned that rising bunker fuel costs and oil price volatility could sharply increase container and bulk freight charges. Insurance premiums may also climb, exposing exporters to losses on fixed delivered-price contracts.

Gem and Jewellery Sector at Risk

Beyond agriculture, the conflict poses challenges for India’s gem and jewellery trade, particularly its strong linkages with the UAE and Dubai.

Kirit Bhansali, chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, warned that supply disruptions in rough diamonds and bullion could impact employment in Surat, India’s diamond cutting and polishing hub, which supports nearly one million workers.

Dubai remains India’s second-largest supplier of gold. In calendar year 2025, India imported gold bars worth $16.48 billion, up 28.47% year-on-year. Rough diamond imports through Dubai rose marginally to $7.45 billion, while exports of cut and polished diamonds to Dubai surged nearly 49% to $2.39 billion.

The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has significantly strengthened bilateral trade flows in recent years, reducing duties and boosting competitiveness. Any geopolitical escalation could disrupt this momentum.

Bullion Markets Brace for Volatility

Precious metals are also expected to remain volatile as investors seek safe-haven assets amid heightened geopolitical risk.

Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency) at LKP Securities, noted that renewed military tensions involving Iran could trigger a gap-up opening in gold and silver prices when global markets resume trading. As equity markets face pressure, capital typically shifts toward bullion as a hedge against uncertainty.

With oil prices, freight rates, and insurance costs all vulnerable to further escalation, the evolving West Asia situation carries significant implications for India’s food inflation trajectory, export stability, and commodity markets in the weeks ahead.

Advertisement

Kay Beauty Surges to ₹132 Crore in FY25, Posts 50% Revenue Growth

By
SnackTeam
-
0

Celebrity-founded cosmetics brand Kay Beauty, co-created by Katrina Kaif in partnership with Nykaa, has reported a 50% year-on-year jump in revenue, reaching ₹132.4 crore in FY25.

The performance marks a significant leap from ₹88.3 crore in FY24, underscoring the growing strength of celebrity-led beauty brands in India’s competitive cosmetics market.

Investing for Scale

Financial filings with the Registrar of Companies show that Kay Beauty sharply increased spending to support its rapid expansion. Total expenses rose 60% to ₹117.6 crore during the fiscal year, outpacing revenue growth as the brand prioritised scale and international expansion.

Marketing and advertising outlays doubled to ₹16.6 crore, reflecting intensified efforts to sustain brand visibility in the crowded “clean beauty” segment. Beauty advisor expenses climbed to ₹13.2 crore, signalling a continued focus on omnichannel retail and in-store engagement.

Employee benefit costs more than doubled to ₹7.5 crore as the team expanded to support growing operations, while cost of goods sold rose to ₹40.8 crore in line with higher sales volumes.

Despite the revenue surge, net profit edged down slightly to ₹11 crore from ₹11.3 crore a year earlier. The company spent ₹0.89 to earn every rupee in FY25, compared with ₹0.83 in FY24—indicating a strategic tilt toward market share acquisition over short-term margin expansion.

Expanding Beyond India

Founded in 2019, Kay Beauty has steadily transitioned from a domestic favourite to a global aspirant. Its vegan, cruelty-free formulations infused with skincare ingredients have gained traction internationally.

In 2025, the brand entered the United Kingdom, launching at premium beauty retailer Space NK—becoming the first Indian-founded beauty label to secure placement at the luxury chain. It has also expanded into the UAE through Nysaa, Nykaa’s international retail arm, strengthening its presence in the GCC market.

Domestically, Kay Beauty continues to leverage Nykaa’s extensive distribution network, alongside ecommerce platforms and physical retail outlets.

Strong Partnership Model

The brand operates under a strategic celebrity-corporate alliance. Nykaa (FSN E-Commerce Ventures) holds a 50.99% majority stake, providing retail infrastructure and distribution muscle. Katrina Kaif owns 41.5% and remains actively involved in product development and creative direction, while Matrix India Entertainment Consultants holds the remaining 7.5%.

As it enters FY26, Kay Beauty appears focused on deepening its premium positioning in Europe and the Middle East while consolidating its leadership as one of India’s most successful celebrity-led beauty brands.

Advertisement

Chinese Wok Debuts in Agra, Crosses 75 Stores in North India

By
SnackTeam
-
0

Chinese Wok, the flagship Desi Chinese QSR brand from Lenexis Foodworks, has launched its first outlet in Agra at Sanjay Place, Civil Lines—one of the city’s busiest commercial districts. The opening marks the brand’s 75th store in North India, underscoring the region’s central role in its national expansion strategy.

“North India continues to be a key growth engine for Chinese Wok. Reaching our 75th store in the region reflects not just expansion, but deepening consumer trust in emerging markets. Agra is not only a strong residential and commercial hub but also one of India’s most visited tourist destinations,” said Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks.

Strengthening Regional Clusters

The Agra launch aligns with Chinese Wok’s cluster-based growth model in North India, aimed at improving supply chain efficiencies, enhancing brand recall, and ensuring consistency across neighbouring markets. Early traction has been strong, with robust footfall during the first week signalling positive consumer response and positioning the outlet as a promising addition to the city’s organised dining landscape.

Agra presents a compelling consumption market driven by a young demographic profile, active student communities, and rising demand for structured QSR formats.

Value-Led Menu Strategy

Designed to cater to students, families, and working professionals, the Agra outlet offers dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services. The brand continues to focus on competitive pricing, generous portions, and menu variety.

Popular offerings are expected to include value combos, the ₹99 Superbowl, Chowmein, Kurkure Momos, and Manchurian available in six sauces—reinforcing Chinese Wok’s positioning as a leader in the Desi Chinese segment.

National Scale

Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok has grown into India’s largest Chinese QSR chain, operating over 260 outlets across more than 45 cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Vadodara.

With its Agra debut, the brand continues to consolidate its North India presence, leveraging regional growth to strengthen its national footprint in the competitive quick-service restaurant space.

Advertisement

Opera Everyday Elevates Jaipur’s Dining Scene with Authentic Italian Craft

By
SnackTeam
-
0

Jaipur’s premium casual dining segment continues to evolve, and Opera Everyday has carved a distinct niche with its unwavering focus on authentic Italian cuisine. Positioned as an urban-casual concept rooted in craftsmanship rather than fusion, the restaurant reflects a deliberate shift toward culinary integrity in a market often shaped by adaptation.

Founded by Chef Ayush Khandelwal along with Ronak, Ujjwal, and Shreya, Opera Everyday was born out of a shared vision to recreate the essence of a relaxed Italian afternoon in the heart of Jaipur. The founders describe the venture as a quiet rebellion against diluted flavours, aiming to preserve traditional techniques while thoughtfully engaging with the local market. Their philosophy centres on delivering authenticity, sophistication, and a sense of everyday indulgence rather than trend-driven experimentation.

Heritage Setting, Contemporary Expression

The restaurant operates from a pre-Independence property located in one of Jaipur’s established neighbourhoods, integrating heritage architecture into its brand identity. The structure’s muted pink façade, framed by greenery and a mature champa tree, sets the tone for a space that balances nostalgia with modern sensibilities.

Inside, original elements such as black-and-white marble flooring and preserved windows remain intact, complemented by contemporary additions including red thread installations and soft ambient lighting. The spatial design prioritises both aesthetic appeal and operational functionality, aligning with current consumer preferences for experiential yet accessible dining environments.

A Food-First Philosophy

Opera Everyday’s core strength lies in its focused, technique-driven menu. The kitchen specialises in hand-rolled pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted using imported Tipo 00 flour to achieve the airy crust and signature blistering associated with authentic Italian baking.

Signature dishes include the Spicy Margherita Neapolitan Pizza, Beetroot Fettuccine (Hand-Rolled), Mushroom Goat Cheese Ravioli (Hand-Rolled), Verde Ratatouille Bun Panuozzo, Burrata Sourdough, and Skillet Cookie. The emphasis remains firmly on ingredient quality and traditional preparation methods, catering to diners seeking global culinary experiences within a regional setting.

Balanced Beverage Strategy

The beverage program draws inspiration from Italy’s aperitivo culture, offering spritz variations led by Aperol, seasonal cocktails, house blends, and thoughtfully curated non-alcoholic options. Rather than positioning the bar as a standalone attraction, the drinks menu is designed to complement the food, reflecting a balanced revenue model across kitchen and bar operations.

Recognition and Repeat Patronage

Opera Everyday has earned accolades including “The Best Italian Restaurant” and “Most Promising” newcomer at the Eazydiner and Bikaji Awards. Yet its sustained growth appears driven more by repeat customers than by awards alone. Professionals, entrepreneurs, and well-travelled diners form a loyal base, drawn to the restaurant’s consistency and authenticity.

A Regional Success Story

In Jaipur’s increasingly competitive F&B ecosystem, Opera Everyday illustrates how focused cuisine, adaptive reuse of heritage real estate, and community-oriented positioning can create meaningful differentiation. By moving away from formal fine dining and embracing an urban casual format centred on quality and retention, the brand demonstrates that regional cities can successfully sustain globally aligned culinary concepts—provided they are backed by operational discipline and a clear brand identity.

Opera Everyday stands as a testament to the idea that authenticity, when executed with clarity and conviction, can resonate just as strongly beyond metropolitan markets.

Advertisement

PizzaExpress Debuts at Elegante Mall, Expands North Delhi Presence

By
SnackTeam
-
0

Global casual dining chain PizzaExpress has strengthened its India footprint with the launch of a new outlet at Elegante Mall in North Delhi, marking a strategic expansion into one of the capital’s steadily growing consumption hubs.

The opening underscores the brand’s continued focus on high-density urban clusters where consistent mall footfall and diverse consumer demographics support scalable casual dining formats. North Delhi has emerged as a strong retail and hospitality zone, driven by families, students, and working professionals who prefer organised mall environments for socialising and dining.

Announcing the launch, the brand expressed confidence in the market response, highlighting the store as a long-awaited addition to the neighbourhood’s dining options. The messaging reinforces PizzaExpress’ positioning within the premium casual dining segment while tapping into the aspirational, experience-led expectations of modern urban consumers.

Mall-Led Expansion Strategy

The move aligns with a broader trend among international restaurant brands prioritising established neighbourhood malls over traditional central business districts. In Delhi’s organised retail ecosystem, food and beverage outlets remain key drivers of footfall and dwell time, often anchoring mall traffic throughout the week.

By selecting Elegante Mall, PizzaExpress gains access to a stable weekday customer base and robust weekend demand—factors that contribute to predictable revenue flows and long-term operational sustainability.

Strengthening Delhi’s Casual Dining Landscape

The launch also reflects sustained confidence in Delhi’s retail infrastructure and the resilience of the casual dining category amid heightened competition. As consumer preferences increasingly tilt toward structured, community-oriented dining spaces, brands are focusing on micro-markets that deliver steady returns and stronger brand visibility.

With its latest opening, PizzaExpress continues to deepen its presence in the capital, leveraging mall-centric growth to strengthen its positioning in India’s evolving premium dining landscape.

Advertisement

Supreme Court Says Rooh Afza Is a Fruit Drink, Slashes VAT to 4%

By
SnackTeam
-
0

The Supreme Court has determined that Hamdard’s iconic beverage Rooh Afza should be treated as a fruit drink, making it eligible for a reduced VAT rate of 4%. The judgment rebuffed the Uttar Pradesh commercial tax department’s push to class the product under a higher tax category.

Ruling and immediate effect

The top court’s decision means Rooh Afza will attract the lower tax slab reserved for fruit-based drinks. For consumers and retailers, the ruling could translate into smaller price increases than would have followed from a higher levy.

Hamdard, the maker of Rooh Afza, stood to benefit immediately from the classification — the company will now be taxed at the 4% rate applied to fruit-derived beverages rather than the steeper bracket sought by the state tax authority.

Basis of the court’s decision

The bench concluded that the core composition of Rooh Afza is derived from fruit ingredients, a determining factor in assigning tax treatment. The court dismissed arguments by the Uttar Pradesh commercial tax department that the drink belonged in a different category attracting a higher tax.

Neither the ruling nor public filings suggest the court relied on procedural errors by the tax authority; rather, the classification hinged on the product’s ingredient profile and the statutory definitions that govern VAT categories.

Industry impact

This decision could set a practical precedent for other concentrated syrups and fruit-based beverages seeking lower VAT treatment. Manufacturers may be encouraged to present detailed composition data and labeling to support favorable tax classification. For the beverages sector, the ruling may spur a wave of re-examinations of tax positions, influencing pricing strategies and competitive dynamics between traditional fruit syrups and carbonated or artificially flavored drinks.

State tax departments could face downward pressure on collections from items reclassified as fruit-based, prompting closer scrutiny and potentially more litigation as authorities test the boundaries of statutory definitions.

Risks and uncertainties

The ruling’s scope is tied to the specifics of Rooh Afza’s composition and the legal arguments presented; it does not automatically guarantee the same outcome for every syrup or beverage with fruit elements. Tax authorities may respond by tightening classification criteria or launching fresh assessments under different legal theories.

There is also potential for administrative friction as states reconcile the decision with existing assessments and revenue targets. The outcome could unleash short-term uncertainty for retailers and distributors while tax officials adapt to the implications of the judgment.

Overall, the Supreme Court’s finding narrows the tax exposure for Rooh Afza and signals that ingredient-based classifications will play a decisive role in VAT disputes within the beverage industry.

Advertisement

Medusa Beverages Targets Gulf Markets in Push Expected to Add 5–10% to Revenue by FY28

By
SnackTeam
-
0

Medusa Beverages has launched a strategic drive into Gulf Cooperation Council markets, naming the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia among its early targets. The company says the move could contribute roughly 5–10% to consolidated revenue by fiscal 2028, signalling a major international push for the Indian brewer.

GCC rollout and immediate plans

The company will begin by exporting product from India to the region and plans to shift to local brewing over time. That staggered approach is designed to test demand while minimising initial capital outlay.

Medusa has highlighted the UAE and Saudi Arabia as priority markets within the GCC. Distribution will likely focus on hospitality, retail and outlets frequented by expatriate communities, where premium beer consumption is most concentrated.

Asset-light production model

Medusa’s expansion leans on an asset-light framework that prioritises flexibility. By outsourcing some production and leveraging contract brewing before building local capacity, the brewer aims to scale quickly without heavy upfront investment.

Executives argue this model preserves headroom in manufacturing and helps the company respond to demand spikes without being saddled by fixed costs. Local brewing, when introduced, would cut logistics costs and improve shelf-life control.

Domestic strategy: premiumisation at home

At the same time, Medusa continues to sharpen its home-market focus on premium offerings. The firm sees higher-margin craft and premium-label beers as the engine for margin expansion in India.

That domestic premiumisation push is intended to underpin broader international ambitions, creating brand equity that can be exported into new markets.

Industry implications

Medusa’s Gulf expansion could intensify competition in a region where demand for specialised and premium beers is growing among affluent and expatriate consumers. For regional distributors and incumbent brands, a new Indian entrant presents both distribution challenges and opportunities to broaden category offerings.

If Medusa successfully transitions from exports to local brewing, it could shorten supply chains and put price pressure on competitors. The move also signals rising confidence among Indian craft brewers to pursue cross-border growth rather than concentrate solely on domestic expansion.

Risks and uncertainties

Political and regulatory complexity in the GCC remains a chief uncertainty. Alcohol rules vary widely across the region, and changes in licensing regimes or import duties could affect market access and margins.

Execution risks include building reliable local manufacturing partnerships and establishing distribution in markets with established players. Currency swings, logistics costs and slower-than-expected consumer uptake could push back the timeline for the projected 5–10% revenue contribution.

Medusa frames the Gulf push as part of a multi-year growth plan that extends beyond fiscal 2026. The company will start small, learn local market dynamics and scale where returns justify deeper investment.

Advertisement

Akasa Air Taps Holi Nostalgia with Limited-Edition Café Akasa Menu

By
SnackTeam
-
0

In India’s fiercely competitive aviation market, where fares often dictate choice, airlines are increasingly turning to experience-led differentiation. Akasa Air is the latest to lean into this strategy, unveiling the fourth edition of its Holi Special Meal under its onboard dining service, Café Akasa.

Available from March 1 to March 31 across the airline’s network, the limited-period festive platter is designed to coincide with the spring festival of colours. The pre-bookable offering features Club Kachori with Dum Aloo, accompanied by Thandai gujiya and a beverage of choice—bringing traditional Holi flavours to 30,000 feet.

Building Emotional Connect Through Food

The initiative reflects a broader industry trend where airlines curate culturally resonant onboard experiences, particularly during peak festive travel periods. By incorporating dishes associated with Holi celebrations, Akasa Air aims to evoke familiarity and nostalgia, enhancing the in-flight experience beyond functional travel.

Passengers can pre-order the festive meal through the airline’s website and mobile application, reinforcing the carrier’s digital-first approach to ancillary services.

A Pattern of Seasonal Curation

Since launching operations in August 2022, Akasa Air has consistently positioned curated seasonal menus as a brand differentiator. Café Akasa has previously introduced festival-themed offerings around Makar Sankranti, Eid, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Christmas. The airline also allows travellers to pre-select cakes from its regular menu to celebrate birthdays onboard—small experiential additions aimed at fostering emotional engagement.

The broader Café Akasa portfolio now features over 45 meal options, including regional Indian specialities, fusion dishes, snacks, and desserts. According to the airline, menu development involves collaborations with chefs from across the country, underscoring its focus on culinary diversity.

Beyond Price Wars

For a relatively young airline navigating a price-sensitive domestic market, festive menu launches may appear incremental. However, as competition intensifies and differentiation becomes harder to sustain through pricing alone, culturally meaningful gestures are emerging as subtle yet effective tools to cultivate brand affinity and long-term loyalty.

In a sector where margins are thin and choices abundant, even a thoughtfully curated festive meal can help an airline stand out—one nostalgic bite at a time.

Advertisement

Quick Commerce Enabler Inamo Set to Raise ₹50 Cr in Series A Round

By
SnackTeam
-
0

Quick commerce enablement startup Inamo is in the process of raising ₹50 crore (approximately $5.4 million) in what appears to be its Series A funding round, according to sources familiar with the development.

The round is being led by Five SB Limited, with participation from existing investors Shastra VC, Antler, and Gemba Capital. Regulatory filings indicate that the company is raising capital at a pre-money valuation of ₹110 crore (around $12 million), based on its October 2025 valuation report.

Capital to Fuel Expansion

Sources said the fresh capital will be deployed to scale operations amid intensifying competition in India’s fast-growing quick commerce ecosystem. The fundraise comes roughly five months after Inamo secured $3 million to expand its dark store network.

The company did not respond to queries sent earlier this week.

Building the Backend of Quick Commerce

Founded in 2024 by former Dunzo VP Sumit Anand and ex-ApnaKlub product head Rupesh Thakare, Inamo positions itself as an operational and technology partner for quick commerce platforms.

The startup enables businesses to establish, manage, and optimise dark store operations while also offering last-mile fleet services. In addition to tech-driven dark store management solutions, Inamo provides outsourced operational support, delivery optimisation, curation, listing, and replenishment services to D2C brands.

Currently operational across six metro cities, Inamo claims to manage more than 50 dark stores supported by a dedicated last-mile delivery fleet. It competes with players such as Zippee and Blitz in the quick commerce infrastructure space.

Riding the Quick Commerce Wave

India’s quick commerce sector is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by evolving consumer preferences for faster deliveries and hyperlocal convenience. The market is projected to grow from $6.1 billion in 2024 to $40 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 37%—nearly double the 19% growth rate of the broader ecommerce industry.

With investor interest intensifying and competition heating up, Inamo is positioning itself to capitalise on the backend infrastructure opportunity powering India’s quick commerce boom.

Advertisement

Monster Beverage Surpasses Q4 Estimates on Strong Energy Drink Demand

By
SnackTeam
-
0

Energy drink maker Monster Beverage reported fourth-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by sustained demand for energy and sugar-free beverages despite broader economic uncertainty.

For the quarter ended December 31, the company posted net sales of $2.13 billion, marking a 17.6% year-on-year increase and surpassing analysts’ estimates of $2.04 billion, according to LSEG data. Adjusted earnings per share came in at 51 cents, ahead of the projected 48 cents.

Core Energy Segment Leads Growth

Monster’s flagship Monster Energy Drinks division, its largest revenue contributor, recorded an 18.9% increase in sales to $1.99 billion during the quarter. The growth reflects continued consumer preference for energy and reduced-sugar options over traditional carbonated soft drinks, even as inflationary pressures weigh on household spending.

However, the company’s alcohol brands segment saw sales decline 16.8% year-on-year to $29 million, partially offsetting gains in its core portfolio.

Margins and Cost Outlook

Gross margin improved slightly to 55.5%, compared with 55.3% in the same period last year. The uptick was supported by pricing actions and supply chain efficiencies that helped counter higher aluminium costs.

Chief Executive Officer Hilton Schlosberg indicated that while current tariffs are not expected to materially affect operating results, the company anticipates a modest increase in costs during at least the first half of 2026 compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. Monster plans to continue managing aluminium tariff exposure through pricing adjustments and hedging strategies.

Despite the earnings beat, shares of the company slipped around 2% in extended trading.

With resilient demand for functional beverages and sugar-free offerings, Monster Beverage continues to demonstrate strength in its core energy category, even as it navigates cost pressures and softer performance in its alcohol portfolio.

Advertisement
123...1,411Page 1 of 1,411