In a latest report, Motilal Oswal, one of the leading stock research firms in India, revealed that Beauty and wellness company Marico's March quarter sales are expected to go up by 23.6% to Rs 578 crore on Y-o-Y basis.

In addition, the company's net profit is also expected to surge by 22% to Rs 36.8 crore on Y-o-Y basis.

It may be noted that apart from Motilal Oswal, many market analysts are also positive on Marico's upcoming results.

With the intention to strengthen its presence in the Russian beverages market, Tata Tea declared that the company, through one of its abroad arms, along with EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) is all set to get hold of 51% equity stake in Russian packaging and distribution company ‘Grand’.

Grand is mainly focused on regions outside the big cities and areas including the Urals, Siberia and Southern Russia.

Tata will have an effective share of 33.2%, whereas EBRD will hold 17.8% in the Grand business respectively.

In a bid to combat the problem of the current global economic crises, the fast moving consumer goods major, Unilever Group has decided to step up its cost cutting drive at the global level where it will concentrate more on protecting the cash flows.

Speaking with the media persons here on Friday, Paul Polman, Unilever’s CEO said that the company has appointed a Global Procurement Officer to handle this task. A common global procurement platform has also been drawn to meet the requirements of the FMCG major across the globe.

Decline in input cost prices and strong performance by hair and skin care category helped Dabur India Ltd to show good results in the third quarter of current financial year. The firm posted a rise of 16.1% in net profit for Q3 ended December 31, 2008 despite low customer spending and tight financial conditions.

Sunil Duggal, Chief Executive, Dabur India said, "Even in the current economic scenario, demand for our everyday use products continue to be strong and we have not seen any significant impact on consumer spending." He hoped that the firm would continue to expand its business in next financial year despite global slowdown.

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) witnessed 34 percent rise in its net profit. The FMCG major made profit of Rs 546.61 crore for the quarter ended September 30. Its profit was Rs 408.06 crore during the corresponding quarter of last year. The company managed to increase its net sales by 20 percent as compared to the same quarter of last year. Net sales stood at Rs 4,027.87 despite global financial crisis and volatility problems in the finance system. 

Cadbury India, has announced the launch of its dark chocolates--Cadbury Bournville Fine Dark Chocolate--in the Indian market. 

The dark chocolate, which is loved by millions of consumers because of its rich taste and intrinsic health and well-being benefits, would be available in four different variants--Rich Cocoa (80g), Almond, Hazelnut and Raisin & Nut (90g). 

The chocolates will be priced at Rs 75.