Nestlé India reported a strong financial performance in the third quarter of FY26, posting a 45% year-on-year jump in consolidated net profit, supported by robust volume growth, higher brand investments and a gradual recovery in consumer demand following GST-related benefits. The maker of Maggi and KitKat recorded a net profit of ₹998 crore in Q3 FY26, compared with ₹688 crore in the same quarter last year. Sequentially, profit rose 34.3% from ₹743 crore in Q2 FY26.

Revenue from operations grew 18.5% year-on-year to ₹5,667 crore, up from ₹4,779 crore in Q3 FY25, while total income stood at ₹5,678 crore. The company also achieved its highest-ever quarterly turnover of ₹5,643.5 crore, marking its strongest volume growth in nearly five years.

Total expenses increased to ₹4,667 crore during the quarter, compared with ₹3,861 crore a year earlier, reflecting higher input and investment costs. Cost of materials consumed formed the largest component at ₹2,464 crore, while employee benefit expenses stood at ₹590 crore. Nestlé India significantly stepped up its consumer-facing media and advertising spends, which rose 42% year-on-year, underlining its focus on brand building and demand generation. Ebitda margin for the quarter stood at a healthy 21.3%.

Category-wise, confectionery emerged as the fastest-growing segment, delivering strong double-digit growth driven by higher volumes. Growth was aided by increased advertising, wider distribution, improved store presence, premiumisation and rising in-home consumption, further accelerated by quick commerce and strengthening rural demand. The powdered and liquid beverages segment posted its 18th consecutive quarter of double-digit sell-out growth, while the pet food business also recorded robust double-digit expansion.

Looking ahead, Chairman and Managing Director Manish Tiwary said Nestlé India will continue to invest in capacity expansion, automation and technology to simplify operations and drive efficiencies, while sustaining momentum across core categories.