Footwear manufacturer Bata India Ltd is redesigning its product portfolio, strengthening digital marketing and streamlining operations as part of a comprehensive transformation strategy aimed at accelerating sustainable and profitable growth.
In his message to shareholders in the company’s Annual Report 2026, Bata India Chairman Ashwani Windlass said the footwear major is investing across product innovation, operational excellence and organisational capabilities to build a stronger and more agile business.
Product makeover at the core
Windlass said Bata is revamping its product portfolio to offer more contemporary designs, enhanced comfort and superior value while preserving the trust the brand has built over generations.
The company is also reinvigorating its marketing strategy with sharper consumer insights, stronger storytelling and greater digital engagement to improve brand appeal and attract younger customers.
“Our ambition is to accelerate revenue through a balanced combination of higher volumes and improved average selling prices, supported by a more premium product mix, stronger brand equity and superior execution,” he said.
Focus on operational excellence
Operational excellence remains the second pillar of Bata India’s transformation strategy. The company is simplifying manufacturing, sourcing and supply chain processes, strengthening planning capabilities and building a leaner, more responsive supply chain capable of serving customers faster and more efficiently.
Windlass said Bata is also investing in organisational capabilities and improving resource productivity to ensure every function contributes more effectively to long-term value creation.
Streamlining business for future growth
During FY26, the company undertook several initiatives to optimise its product architecture, improve stock keeping unit (SKU) productivity, streamline operations and enhance organisational efficiency.
Windlass acknowledged that these measures required disciplined execution and difficult decisions but described them as essential investments in building a more resilient company.
Leveraging global expertise
He said Bata India’s partnership with its parent, Bata Shoe Organisation (BSO), provides a significant competitive advantage by combining global expertise in design, sourcing, manufacturing and retail with deep insights into the Indian market.
According to Windlass, this blend of global best practices and local understanding enables the company to respond quickly to evolving consumer preferences.
Manufacturing efficiency and retail expansion
Bata India Managing Director & CEO Gunjan Shah said the company continues to focus on improving manufacturing efficiency and productivity to deliver high-quality products while remaining agile to changing market dynamics.
He said Bata has successfully implemented multiple Voluntary Retirement Schemes (VRS) at its manufacturing units as part of its operational restructuring.
The company is also working to minimise waste, reduce its carbon footprint and strengthen sustainable manufacturing practices.
On the retail front, Shah said Bata will continue expanding its footprint while driving same-store sales growth.
The expansion strategy will focus on towns and semi-urban markets, with new stores under the Bata and Hush Puppies brands.
Premiumisation to fuel growth
The company believes a stronger premium product mix, coupled with improved operational leverage and wider retail reach, will help translate revenue growth into higher shareholder value over the long term.