Net sales decline 4.4% to ₹1,421 crore; premium portfolio shows growth momentum
Colgate-Palmolive India reported a 5.4% year-on-year reduction in advertising and promotional expenses for the first quarter of FY26. The company spent ₹188.41 crore in Q1 FY26, down from ₹199.07 crore in the same quarter last year.
Sequentially, ad spends rose 4.3% compared to ₹180.57 crore spent in Q4 FY25, indicating a cautious yet steady investment in brand activities.
The dip in marketing expenditure aligns with a 4.4% drop in net sales, which fell to ₹1,421 crore from ₹1,486 crore in Q1 FY25. Net profit also declined, standing at ₹321 crore versus ₹364 crore a year earlier.
Despite market headwinds, the company introduced new products during the quarter, including Colgate Kids Squeezy Toothpaste in Strawberry and Watermelon variants for children aged 3–6, and the MaxFresh Mouthwash Sachet Stickin Fresh Tea flavour for on-the-go use.
Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India), commented:
“Our Q1 results reflect persistent headwinds from subdued urban demand and heightened competition. The impact is also visible due to a high base from last year, which saw a 12% CAGR growth over FY23–FY25. However, we are making strong progress in category premiumisation, with our premium portfolio delivering solid revenue growth. Strategic brand investments continue to be a focus, supported by healthy margins. We remain confident in a gradual recovery in the second half of the year.”
Colgate’s strategic push toward premium offerings and selective brand investments aims to navigate current market challenges and sustain long-term growth.
