From zero to a powerhouse again, this is the inside story of Maggi noodles in India. Former Nestlé India chief Suresh Narayanan shares how a beloved brand fell, rebuilt trust, and scaled to about 400,000 tonnes a year. We explore GST rate cuts, inflation pressure on middle India, premiumization, digital first marketing, e commerce distribution, and what it takes to spark consumer love in a crowded market. If you care about brand turnarounds, manufacturing scale, and the future of FMCG in India, this conversation delivers playbook level insights with real numbers and hard lessons.What you will learn• How Maggi rebuilt trust and demand after a national crisis• Why GST cuts can unlock consumption and improve FMCG margins• How premiumization and Gen Z tastes reshape noodles and coffee• Nescafe growth, out of home to in home flywheel, where Nespresso fits• Data versus gut in pricing, media spend, and channel strategy• How legacy brands counter 400 local challengers with speed and relevance• First principles for brand managers in an AI and marketplace worldTimestamps:(00:00) – Introduction1.35 – What do GST rate cuts mean for daily consumption?(03:00) – How has inflation shifted spending from discretionary to essentials?(04:55) – Which has hit harder—input price rise or household budget pressures?(06:55) – How are today’s spending pressures different from earlier cycles?(09:05) – How has the Indian consumer evolved over the last 35 years?(14:00) – What has changed in Nestlé’s brands and their connection with consumers?(16:15) – Do enduring brands suggest unchanging consumer desires?(18:40) – How has out-of-home coffee culture impacted Nescafé?(23:04) – How does Maggi respond to rising regional competition?(28:31) – How do you advertise to Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers?(36:55) – What guiding principles should young brand managers follow today?(39:10) – Closing remarksWatch for practical takeaways you can use this quarter. Like and subscribe if you want deeper dives on India business, tech, and manufacturing stories.
In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, we ask the big question — what will it take for India to repair US trade relations? In this high-stakes conversation, leading voices in diplomacy, economics, and foreign affairs unpack the standoff between India and the United States. Is this really about tariffs and trade policy, or is it driven by deeper geopolitical tensions involving Russia, China, and shifting global alliances?Amb Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Former Secretary, MEA, Indrani Bagchi, CEO, Ananta Aspen Centre, and Gaurav Sansanwal, Fellow, India Chair, CSIS, Washington, D.C. join Govindraj Ethiraj to reveal what went wrong, why a near-complete trade deal collapsed, and what moves could still put the relationship back on track.Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 677 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Nikhil Varma, Technical Lead, India at Algorand.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(04:12) The tariff overhang continues but markets have forgotten them(09:05) How real world enterprises are building on blockchain(18:21) The rains are leaving earlyhttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 675 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Ajay Srivastava, Founder at Global Trade Research Initiative as well as Gulam Zia, Executive Director at Knight Frank.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the day(01:00) Is India riding a global market boom or trailing it?(06:17) Welcome to a decade of dust as over 910 societies sign up for redeveloping their properties in Mumbai city.(17:06) India’s non tariff barriers are almost machiavelian in design and implementation as many importers have found.(28:32) Air India CEO reiterates nothing wrong with Ahmedabad plane or operations referring to preliminary report.(29:28) Mahindra says it will issue advisory on impact of ethanol blended fuel as controversy continues to rage.https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 674 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research as well as Pushan Sharma, Director at Crisil Intelligence.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(04:31) Markets jump again as Trump appears to smoke a peace pipe.(07:04) No GST rate cuts on mobile phones but sales are expected to be strong, picking up on Apple’s latest iPhone 17(16:50) This year’s monsoons have been excessive and hurt crop production. What should policy makers do next?https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 673 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Anuj Gupta, Commodity Expert, Suresh Narayanan, former Chairman and Managing Director of Nestle India as well as Apoorva Bajaj, Founder of Edubuk.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) The markets return to pre 50% tariff levels as economy appears to absorb shocks.(03:14) Another $20 billion of IPOs could come this year(05:52) How Indian consumers are satiating their appetite for gold despite prices rising to record levels.(10:00) Pressured Indian households will welcome lower prices on items of daily consumption. But household priorities have changed too.(17:22) How a university in the US confirms whether a certificate from an Indian university is a genuine one.https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 672 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA as well as Adam Wolfe, Emerging Markets Economist at Absolute Strategy Research (ASR).SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) Markets fail to hold onto gains, steel, auto stocks shine(02:52) India is set to outstrip China in oil demand(03:38) Gold hits a fresh high, quick reminder, bullion is up 38% this year(05:10) How auto dealers are happy tax rates are down but they want to be compensated for higher priced inventory(15:40) How Tesla’s US market share has hit an 8 year low(17:26) Why foreign investors are selling for more than a decade now and the story from 1998 - 2016. A deep dive discussionhttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 671 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Nikhil Varma, Technical Lead, India at Algorand, Sheetal Sapale, Vice President–Commercial at Pharmarack as well as Ganesan Ramachandran, Managing Director and Lead - Industry Groups at Accenture.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) Markets are losing steam but other assets are volatile.(06:31) What the GST rate cut on life saving drugs really means.(11:10) India’s new digital personal data protection bill can trigger key changes in handling of data and need for security.(19:38) Agentic AI is a big opportunity. What do employers want from the future workforce? https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
In this Weekend Edition of The Core Report, Govindraj Ethiraj sits down with S Ramesh, former CBIC Chairman, and Krishan Arora, Head of Indirect Tax at Grant Thornton Bharat, to decode India’s bold new GST reforms.From slashed rates on food, cars, medicines, and apparel to a tough new 40% slab on luxury goods, GST 2.0 is rewriting the rules of consumption and business. But what does it mean for FMCG, pharma, auto, airlines, and insurance? And how will India tackle the ₹48,000 crore revenue hit, stock transitions, and compliance challenges?What you’ll learn:How GST 2.0 reshapes demand across key industriesWhy hidden costs like cess & inverted duties still matterWhat businesses must know about tribunals & disputesThe unfinished agenda: services, ATF, natural gas & moreA sharp, no-fluff breakdown of India’s biggest tax reform in years — essential listening for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone tracking the economy’s next chapter.(00:00) Introduction(02:20) TAKEAWAYS FROM NEW GST REFORM(08:00) Industry Impact: Passing the Benefits?(11:50) Transition Challenges: Stocks & ITC(14:26) CBIC approach in the past(18:45) Reforms: Appellate Tribunals(20:30) Unfinished Agenda: Services & Exemptions(28:45) The Road Ahead: Next-Gen GSTJoin The Core Insider to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzXJw6XkwZulY4nigdtvs4Q/joinListeners! We await your feedback: https://tinyurl.com/TCR-Listener-SurveyThe Core & The Core Report is ad supported & FREE for all readers & listeners.Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships & brand studio requirements.For more of our coverage check out thecore.in(https://www.thecore.in/)Support the Core Report (https://tinyurl.com/Support-the-Core-Report)Join & Interact anonymously on our WhatsApp channel (https://tinyurl.com/The-Core-WhatsApp-Channel) Subscribe to our Newsletter (https://www.thecore.in/newsletters/thecorenewsletter)Follow Us on Social Media for More Updates:Twitter (https://twitter.com/the_core_in)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the.core.in/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thecore.biz/)Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecore-in)Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@thecore_in)
On Episode 669 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Ajay Rotti, Founder and CEO of Tax Compaas, Madhavi Arora, Lead Economist at Emkay Global Financial Services as well as Kaushik Sanyal, Managing Director for Data & AI, India at Accenture.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) Stocks jump on GST rate cuts, clothing industry gets a shock.(03:13) The big question, will demand and consumption rise because of lower consumption tax?(10:42) The unfinished agenda on GST reform(20:39) More used cases for agentic AI, including in areas you may not guesshttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 668 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Prashant Agarwal, Co-Founder and JMD at Wazir Advisors as well as Paul Hickin, Chief Economist and Editor-in-Chief at Petroleum Economist.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:09) Global bond markets are wobbling again, India gains in anticipation of GST rate cuts(04:13) Why gold prices are set to rise further(06:28) India’s services sector continued its strong run, hitting a 15-year high in August on new orders and rising output led by international demand(07:38) Why Indian apparel companies have to go multi global location(11:50) New oil finds in South America are bringing in fresh supply in the face of fresh shifts in demand and supplyhttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 667 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Indrani Bagchi, CEO, Ananta Aspen Centre as well as Cameron Johnson, partner at Tidalwave Solutions and a global supply chain strategist.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:41) Market pause(04:33) Bonhomie and camaraderie in Tianjin, now what?(13:05) The new global supply chain dynamics(27:19) Tesla has received only 600 orders since launch in mid Julyhttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 666 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich as well as Rajesh Cheruvu, Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer at LGT Wealth India. SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) Markets start September on a strong note. Will they hold?(02:12) September rains last longer and higher than average as well (03:35) Have the markets absorbed the tariff shocks, where is the bottom?(11:47) How is Asia navigating the post Trump tariff world?https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 665 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Dr Richard Baldwin, Editor in Chief, VOXEU. SHOW NOTES(00:31) A Quick Wrap(09:44) Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Unlike Anything Since World War II(13:48) The Myth of Bringing Back Manufacturing Jobs(15:26) Ripple Effects: Cascading Protectionism and Domino Liberalisation(19:46) From Obama to Trump: How America Turned Against Globalisation(27:44) Strategic Tariffs, Supply Chains, and the Weaponisation of Trade(29:40) Why Businesses Must Build Resilience Beyond the U.S. Markethttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 664 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Ajay Bagga, Market Expert.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:41) The markets can get it wrong as they did with Trump tariffs.(02:19) Why investors should temper their expectations.(03:20) How much did India really gain from Russian oil imports?(06:18) The markets are digesting tariff tensions.https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 663 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Prabhakar Kudva, Director and Principal Officer - Portfolio Management Services at Samvitti Capital.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) India braces for tariff bomb. RBI Governor assures support.(07:00) India’s oil imports fall year on year and month on month.(09:16) India’s hotting surfing destination also hosts a rising fund manager who is pulling in money from the rest of the country.https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 662 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Rama Bijapurkar, Author of ‘Lilliput Land: How Small is Driving India’s Mega Consumption Story.’SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(05:57) Markets hold up last week..stability ahead.(11:52) India’s aspirational middle class is exhausted.https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
This weekend on The Core Report: Govindraj Ethiraj sits down with Girish Tanti, Co-Founder & Vice Chairman of Suzlon Group, to trace the unlikely origins of one of India’s most iconic renewable energy companies.What began as Girish’s unfinished MBA thesis — the bold idea of setting up a wind energy company in India — became Suzlon Energy, a venture that transformed a family textile business into a global green energy pioneer.In this exclusive conversation, Girish opens up about:Early struggles to make wind power viable in IndiaCompeting with global giants in the US & EuropeSurviving crises, including the loss of founder Tulsi TantiRebuilding into a debt-free, sustainability-driven leaderA must-listen for anyone tracking innovation, resilience, and India’s green future.(00:00) Introduction(01:35) The Origins of Suzlon(06:35) Building Wind Power in India(07:35) Innovation and Technology at the Core(11:45) Wind Energy and India’s Climate Goals(19:00) Global Footprint, Indian Roots(27:45) Digitization In Wind Energy(38:00) India’s Wind Potential(43:30) Lessons from the past(54:30) The Future of Energy — Wind & BeyondJoin The Core Insider to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzXJw6XkwZulY4nigdtvs4Q/joinListeners! We await your feedback: https://tinyurl.com/TCR-Listener-SurveyThe Core & The Core Report is ad supported & FREE for all readers & listeners.Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships & brand studio requirements.For more of our coverage check out thecore.in(https://www.thecore.in/)Support the Core Report (https://tinyurl.com/Support-the-Core-Report)Join & Interact anonymously on our WhatsApp channel (https://tinyurl.com/The-Core-WhatsApp-Channel) Subscribe to our Newsletter (https://www.thecore.in/newsletters/thecorenewsletter)Follow Us on Social Media for More Updates:Twitter (https://twitter.com/the_core_in)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the.core.in/)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thecore.biz/)Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecore-in)Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@thecore_in)
On Episode 660 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to K Ramakrishnan, Managing Director - South Asia at Worldpanel by Numerator as well as Ashok Malik, Partner at The Asia Group, and former Policy Advisor, MEA.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:19) The markets rise for the 6th straight day(03:30) India is largest underweight market in emerging market investor holdings: Nomura(06:58) How India’s rural consumer is buying differently and aspirationally. Exclusive insights from Kantar Worldpanel study.(07:50) Parle is India’s most chosen in-home FMCG brand, Surf Excel enters top 5.(20:38) India-US relations have endured long term damage even at this point, will it ever recoverhttps://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Linkedin | Youtube
On Episode 659 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Anand Kulkarni, Director at Crisil Ratings as well as Ananay Jain, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(04:31) Markets rise for the 5th day on easing tariff fears.(07:29) Government initiates laws to ban real money gaming(16:07) Why are telecom companies raising prices?https://www.investing-referral.com/aff303Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube