From the desk of Strategic Resources For any query, discussion or feedback, please contact Pavan Chandra, Head of Strategic Resources at pchandra@zenithoptimediaindia.com, +91-124-4195100. Office Address : 10th Floor, Vatika Tower, Block-B, Sector 54 Gurgaon -122002, Haryana, India.

Volume: IV

July 25, 2007

 

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Airlines

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Sales and Market Share

 

 

Source: Directorate General of Civil Aviation

 

 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

 

 

 

01. Jet Waits For Global Biz Travelers – July 13

Jet Airways to focus on upmarket global travellers

Jet Airways, which is launching its first flight to the US in August 2007, is targeting the high-class global business travellers rather than focusing only on the NRIs. According to Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal, “The flight between Mumbai and Newark (New Jersey) connects two global financial hubs. The traffic to and from Mumbai, we felt, was the highest in India and not restricted to just budget tourists or Gujarati NRI families travelling to Ahmedabad for vacations. Mumbai is the financial hub of India and has now gained importance globally. That’s why we chose to inaugurate our US operations with the Mumbai-Newark connection”.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

02. Jet Forges Partnership With Brussels Airlines – July 11

Jet Airways signs a code-sharing pact with Brussels Airlines

Jet Airways has signed an MoU with Belgium’s Brussels Airlines for implementing code-sharing – a frequent flyer partnership and check-in facilities for travellers between Europe, US, Canada, Africa and India. Brussels Airlines would code-share on Jet Airways’ flights between Brussels and Mumbai, Delhi and Toronto.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

03. Air Deccan Enhances Seat Capacity – July 06

Air Deccan increases seating capacity to meet growing demand

In view of the growing demand, low-cost airliner Air Deccan announced enhancement of its seat capacity for southern travellers. In South India alone, Air Deccan offers over 2.5 lakh seats per month, and has a market share of 40%—in terms of seats offered in the region. According to Air Deccan’s CEO, Ramki Sundaram, with Trivandrum, Madurai and Coimbatore developing into modern cities, Air Deccan flights, due to affordable fares, are being sought after by leisure as well as business travellers.

 

Source: DNA

 

 

 

04. Air Deccan To Sell Tickets From Post Offices – June 27

Air Deccan to leverage on the widespread reach of the postal department

 In an attempt to benefit from the widespread presence of postal offices, low-cost carrier Air Deccan is collaborating with the Postal Department to offer e-tickets. Initially, this service will be launched in 500 internet-enabled post offices in Karnataka by July 2007. The airline has already trained 1,000 postal personnel to access the Air Deccan website and issue e-tickets.

 

Source: The Times of India

 

 05. Shopper’s Stop – June 21

Nok Air promotes ‘shopping phenomenon’

Nok Air, a Bangkok-based low-cost airline, has initiated a new retail wave by offering its passengers discount coupons from Bangkok’s Siam Paragon, Asia’s largest mall. According to Patee Sarasin, CEO, Nok Air, “This is the first time an airline is dedicated to shoppers. This initiative not only benefits Nok Air passengers but also projects Bangkok as the world’s most popular shopping tourist destination, which is in line with the initiative of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration”. Nok Air’s inaugural fare of Rs 9,999 (for a round ticket from Bangalore) can be availed till October 2007.

     

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

Product Launches
 

 

06. Tiger Airways To Start Flights To India In Oct – July 03

Tiger Airways, partly owned by Singapore Airlines (SIA), will introduce flights to India from October 2007. The Singapore-based budget airline plans to start four weekly flights to Chennai from 28 October and three weekly flights to Kochi from 30 October.

  

 

 

07. Finnair Begins Flights To Mumbai – June 26

Finnair, one of Finland’s leading airlines, introduced a direct flight from Helsinki to the commercial capital of India, Mumbai, on 26 June, 2007.

 

 

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Alcohol

 

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Sales and Market Share
 

 

Source: Euromonitor Report- Alcoholic Drinks- India- June 2007

 

 

 

08. Radico Khaitan Net Up Marginally In 2006-07 – July 02

Radico Khaitan records a marginal increase in its net profit

Liquor company Radico Khaitan recorded a marginal increase in its net profit to Rs 45.25 crore in FY 2006-07 from Rs 45.03 crore in FY 2005-06. IMFL sales of Radico in FY 2006-07 stood at 13.5 million cases.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

 

 

09. Brown-Forman Set To Give Tequila Market A Shot – July 14

Brown-Forman to introduce its premium tequila range in India

By Q4 in FY 2007, Brown-Forman, the maker of Jack Daniel’s whisky, plans to introduce a range of premium tequilas in India. The brands, including Herradura and El Jimador, will be rolled out in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Brown-Forman’s Area Director and VP (South-Asia) Amrit Kiran Singh said, “Tequila is a small but growing market in India. It is picking up, especially in places such as premium night clubs”.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

10. John Distillers Uncorks Big Banyan Range Of Wines – July 11

John Distilleries to foray into wine segment with ‘Big Banyan’

Bangalore-based John Distilleries, with its latest venture, Chateau de Banyan, is planning to launch its first premium wines brand, ‘Big Banyan’. Big Banyan will come in five varieties—Shiraz, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon in red wines and Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc in white wines. John Distilleries has entered into an alliance with the Italian wine maker, Lucio Matricardi, to produce the wines.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

11. Budweiser Pops Open In India – July 07

Budweiser enters the Indian beer segment

St Louis-based Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc (A-B) in co-operation with Crown Beers launched Budweiser, priced at Rs 68 per 650 ml, in India. The Indian beer market has two dominant players, India’s United Breweries Ltd, which controls over 45% of the market and UK’s SABMiller, which holds around 35% of the market share. “As the Indian beer market continues to experience tremendous growth, our goal is to best position Budweiser as a leading brand in the premium category”, said Anheuser-Busch, CEO of Asia-Pacific operations and Stephen J Burrows, president.

 

Source: DNA

 

 

 

12. Cobra Beer Plans Foray Into Wine Making – June 27

Cobra Beer plans to enter the wine segment with four varieties

Cobra Beer, a leading global beer company, plans to enter the wine segment by launching four varieties by 2007 end. According to COO Poonam Chandel, the company has finalised the brand, blends and packaging, and will produce wine in Maharashtra. The company plans to manufacture 15,000 cases initially, increasing this figure to 50,000 during 2008-09.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

13. Indians Love Beer More Than Wine – June 24

Beer market to grow by 39% by 2010

According to a new study by an international consultancy and research organisation, in India,  the beer market is expected to increase by 39% by 2010, whereas the wine and spirit markets are forecasted to grow at 31.7% and 31.6%, respectively. The broader alcoholic drinks industry is expected to increase at a rate of 32.4%. The high level of investments, marketing initiatives and new product launches, coupled with a booming economy, will be the key factors for the expected growth of the beer industry. According to industry estimates, approximately 130 million cases of beer were sold in India in FY 2006-07.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

14. Diageo To Tie Up With Premium Wine Outlets – June 20

Diageo to revamp premium wine outlets

Diageo – a leading premium liquor company which sells brands such as Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Captain Morgan – is tying up with premium wine outlets across India to restructure them as walk-in shops. These shops will be known as Johnnie Walker Select and customers can to touch and feel the products, in the same way as they can in a duty-free shop. According to Asif Adil, Managing Director, Diageo India, the company will make an investment worth Rs 35-40 lakh in each outlet. The company is also planning to revamp about 25 outlets in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chandigarh and the National Capital Region. 

 

Source: Business Standard

 

Product Launches

 

 

15. Cobra Beer Launches 'King Cobra' – July 06

On 6 July, 2007, UK-based Cobra Beer launched 'King Cobra' in the Indian market. ‘King Cobra’ has 6.9% of alcohol, and is priced at Rs 45 per 650 ml bottle.

 

Advertising Campaigns
 

16. McDowell’s No. 1 Happiness Mantra Is Contagious – June 19

McDowell’s launches a new TVC

Conceptualised by Mudra Communications, Bangalore, McDowell’s launched a new TVC that depicts the world transforming with a snap of the index finger. The advertisement features people, “charged up by the euphoria” of McDowell’s No. 1, setting off a chain reaction that has a whole town dancing to the ‘No. 1’ tune. S Radhakrishnan, executive director of Mudra South said, “The new McDowell’s No. 1 communication clearly recognises the optimism and infectiousness of the youth in today’s context. It also builds an international imagery for the brand to propel it into the next level, and takes the brand property of the ‘cheer’ index finger forward”.  The TVC is based on the idea that exciting times begin with McDowell’s No.1.

 

Source: Exchange4Media

 

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Cars

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Sales and Market Share
 

 

 

 

17. Automakers Get Sales Math All Wrong In Q1 – July 11

Rising interest rates and lack of buying sentiment hit the automakers

Rising interest rates and lack of buying sentiments impacted the compact cars and  entry-level sedans in Q1 of FY 2007-08, with sales declining  by 5.47% to 22,75,595 units from 24,07,336 units in Q1 of FY 2006-07. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Maruti 800’s domestic sales were down by 2,306 units to reach 17,994 units, whereas the combined sales of Santro and Getz fell by 1,050 units.

 

Source: DNA

 

 

 

18. Hyundai India June Sales Up 1.5 Pc YoY – July 02

Hyundai sells 16,335 cars in the domestic market

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. sold 27,653 cars in June 2007, up 1.5% from June 2006.  The company sold 16,335 units in the domestic market. According to Arvind Saxena, vice president, Marketing and Sales, the company plans to increase its dealer network to 250 and its service network to approximately 1,000 in 2007.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

19. Maruti June Vehicle Sale Up By 25 Pc – July 02

Maruti Udyog registers a 25% increase in sales in domestic market sales

Maruti Udyog sold 56,000 vehicles in the domestic market in June 2007, a 25% increase from 44,626 vehicles in June 2006. Compared to June 2006, the company’s domestic sales grew by 38.3% in the A2 segment (Alto, Wagon-R, Zen and Swift models), 46.4% in the A3 segment (SX4, Esteem) and 24% in the C segment (Omni, Versa).

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

20. GM India June Sales Up 43 Per Cent – July 02

General Motors records a 43% increase in sales

General Motors India recorded a 43% increase in sales during June 2007, primarily due to its newly launched Chevrolet Spark. The company sold 4,779 units in June 2007, compared to 3,346 units in June 2006.

 

Source: The Hindustan Times
 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others
 

 

21. Anti-Theft Devices To Be Must For All Vehicles From Oct – July 14

Anti-theft devices to be made mandatory from October 2007

To counter the growing number of vehicle thefts, which have been increasing at an average of 25 % since 2002, the Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) plans to mandate the installation of anti-theft devices in passenger cars and light trucks (up to two-tonners) by October 2007. Though many companies, such as Maruti Udyog, Ford India, Honda Siel Cars and Mahindra Renault (in its Logan sedan), have standardised security equipment, the absence of clear norms has created problems. No minimum standard is specified for the equipment to be fitted into vehicles, and companies avoid anti-theft systems because of cost issues.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

22. Bajaj May Ride Ghosn Dream – July 13

BAL may tie up with Nissan Renault to develop a $3000 small car

India-based, Bajaj Auto Ltd. (BAL) may enter into a partnership with France-based Nissan Renault for its $3,000 car project. According to industry experts, this partnership could be part of a larger alliance between Renault and Bajaj Auto, covering commercial vehicles as well. However, BAL’s Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj has not confirmed the same though is CEO of Renault and Nissan Motors, Carlos Ghosn announced that they would develop a $3000 small car using Indian expertise.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

23. Mitsubishi Set To Drive In SUVs – July 12

Mitsubishi Motor plans to widen portfolio in luxury car segment

Japan’s Mitsubishi Motor Corporation is planning to widen its portfolio in the luxury car segment in India. The company plans to introduce Outlander, its compact SUV, by 2007-end, which will be followed by Lancer Evolution 9 (also known as The Evo), a sporty sedan. "We will introduce an all new model from the Mitsubishi product line in Japan by 2007-end, taking our total number of models to five”, says R Santhanam, managing director, Hindustan Motors.

 

Source: The Times of India

 

 

 

24. Audi Aims To Sell 3,000 Cars In India By 2010 – July 11

Audi aims to sell 3,000 cars in India

Audi, a Germany based automobile manufacturer, plans to sell approximately 3,000 cars in India by 2010. Benoit Tiers, managing director of Audi India, said, "We are firming up our production and assembly plans in India. We will be setting up an exclusive plant at Sibling Company Skoda's facility and hope to sell about 3,000 units by 2010". The company also intends to expand its marketing and dealer networks by setting up dealerships in Chennai, Gurgaon and Hyderabad.

 

Source: Datamonitor News and Comment

 

 

 

25. Auto Makers Eye Malls To Speed Up Sales – July 10

Automobile sector now eyes malls to increase sales

With increased competition and declining sales in the automobile sector, automobile manufacturers are looking at a presence inside malls to take advantage of the retail boom. Rolls Royce entered Mumbai's Atria Mall, and BMW plans to showcase its products in Ambi Mall, Gurgaon. Maruti and Toyota as well as the two-wheeler manufacturers are also considering opening showrooms in malls.

 

Source: The Times of India

 

 

 

26. Maruti Beats Monsoon Blues With Filmi Deals – July 04

Maruti introduces innovative marketing schemes

To increase its sales in the rainy season, Maruti Udyog introduced innovative marketing schemes involving vendors, suppliers, sub-vendors, dealers and employees. The vendor scheme, called Hum Saath Saath Hain, launched in June 2007, has resulted in the sales of 450 units. The employee scheme has helped Maruti sell 2000 cars. The brainchild of Maruti Udyog MD Jagdish Khattar, these schemes, valid till August 2007, are planned to complement Maruti’s other long-term initiatives such as its rural scheme Mera Sapna Meri Maruti  and the NRI offer Dil Se.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

27. Maruti On Overdrive Mode In Rural India – July 01

Maruti focuses on rural market to increase sales

Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) has entered into an understanding with regional rural banks (for car finance) and village panchayats to increase sales in rural areas. MUL Managing Director Jagdish Khattar said that the rural scheme, which began in April 2007, has resulted in the sale of 2,700 cars (comprising 50% Alto and 23% M800). In addition, MUL has asked its dealers to appoint rural sales executives (RSEs) to build and maintain relationships with potential customers. The company also organised roadshows with approximately 45 floats (vans on which the company's cars are displayed) across the country.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

28. Bajaj`S First Car To Be Priced At Rs 2-5 Lakh – June 26

Bajaj to showcase its passenger car in January 2008

Bajaj Auto plans to showcase the concept vehicle of its proposed car in January 2008 at the annual Auto Expo. Rajiv Bajaj, managing director of Bajaj Auto said, ““We are aiming to come up with a concept passenger vehicle by January 2008 and if the response is good, it will take us three years to go in for commercial production”. The company plans to price its first car between Rs 2-5 lakh.

 

Source: Business Standard

 

 

 

29. Auto Majors Go Aggressive On Marketing, Raise Ad Spend – June 24

Auto companies are spending more on marketing and advertising

With a spate of vehicle launches, auto companies are combining innovation and aggression in their advertising and marketing initiatives to create distinct identities for their respective models. For instance, Hyundai Motors has increased its advertising and marketing costs by 10%. It is also considering increasing radio and internet advertising, apart from region or state-specific campaigns, to effectively reach its target audience. Maruti is introducing a new product portfolio, and is also utilising new communication channels such as SMS, radio and digital media in addition to traditional advertising.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

 

 

30. Luxury Car Sales Hit The Fast Track – June 22

Sales of luxury cars on an upswing

According to industry estimates, the luxury car market in India is growing 30% annually.  Manufacturers of Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Ferrari & Maserati, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and BMW are improving their sales targets. Mercedes-Benz sold 1,020 units in the first five months of 2007 and hopes to surpass its 2006 sales of 2,100 cars. Porsche, which entered the Indian market in 2004, has sold 200 sports cars and aims to sell another 150 by June 2008. According to Peter Kronschnabl, President of BMW India,  BMW has revised its sales target for 2007 from 1,000 to 1,200 units.

 

Source: Business Standard

 

 

 

31. Xenitis To Roll Out Small Car With Chinese Alliance – June 22

Global Automobiles to manufacture entry-level car

Global Automobiles, a subsidiary of the Kolkata-based Xenitis group, has collaborated with China's Guangzhou Motors Group Co for the production of entry-level cars in India. With a price range of Rs 1 lakh–1.25 lakh ($2,400-$3,000), affordability will be the major criterion determining the car’s positioning in the Indian market, according to Suparna Maitra, head, Corporate Strategy, Xenitis.

 

Source: The Hindustan Times

 

 

32. New Versions Of Fiesta And Logan – July 08

Ford India has launched a limited edition of its Fiesta sedan to commemorate the rollout of 50,000 units of the model in India. The limited edition would be available on the Exi and Zxi variants for both petrol and diesel.

 

 

 

33. Maruti Grand Vitara To Cost Rs 13.8-14.8 Lakh – July 05

On 5 July, 2007, Maruti Udyog Ltd launched the new Grand Vitara, a five-seater sports SUV, with a 2-litre VIS engine in Mumbai. The company has priced the manual transmissions model at Rs 13.80 lakh and automatic at Rs 14.80 lakh.

 

 

 

34. Hyundai Motor India Introduces CNG Variant – July 04

On 4 July, 2007, Hyundai Motor India introduced the CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) variant of its car Santro.

 

 

 

35. Mahindra Renault Unveils Logan Variants – June 30

On 29 June, 2007, Mahindra Renault unveiled two new variants of the Logan, the 1.6 GLX (petrol) and the 1.5 dCi DLX (diesel).

 

 

 

36. Skoda India Reveals Plan To Launch Small Car – June 27

On 27 June, 2007, Skoda India announced that it will launch Skoda Fabia, its first small car in the Indian market, by 2007 end.

 

 

 

37. Hyundai Unveils Diesel Sonata – June 27

On 27 June, 2007, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) launched a new automatic variant of its diesel-powered luxury sedan Sonata Embera CRDi, which is priced at Rs 15,71,656 (ex-showroom Delhi).

 

 

 

38. Mitsubishi Plans To Launch Another Car By Year-End – June 26

On 25 June, 2007, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation launched its Montero (with a 3.2-litre common-rail direct-injection system) in the SUV segment.  The company also plans a new car in next few months.

 

 

 

39. Scorpio Stings, In Style And Price – June 24

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) launched two new variants of the Scorpio–Lx and Gateway. 

 

 

 

40. Ford To Launch Diesel Variant Of Fusion By Q3' FY 08 – June 20

On 20 June, 2007, Ford India announced that it will launch the diesel variant of its mid-size vehicle Ford Fusion by the third quarter of FY 2007.

 

 

 

41. Fords New Endeavour – June 21

Ford India relaunched its premium action sports utility vehicle (SUV) Endeavour, priced between Rs 14.72 lakh and Rs 15.62 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), on 20 June, 2007.

 

 

 

42. GM India Launched Optra Diesel Sedan In Rajasthan – June 18

    General Motors launched its Chevrolet Optra TCDi Diesel sedan in Rajasthan on 18 June, 2007.

 

 

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Computers

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Sales and Market Share
 

 

Source: IDC's India Quarterly PC Tracker, 1Q 2007 Release

 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

 

43. HP Close To Gesture-Based Keyboard Deal – July 16

HP Labs to finalise its deal to license its gesture-based keypad

HP Labs is close to finalising its deal with a leading mobile vendor to license its gesture-based keypad for mobile users in India. The keyboard is priced at Rs 2,500. The gesture-based keyboard is an electronic pen-based device that can be used to create text in languages that use phonetic scripts. The company is also launching a new range of HP iPAQs that are equipped with this keyboard.

 

Source: Business Standard

 

 

 

44. Desktops Down: India Laps Up Notebooks – June 30

Smarter, slimmer and feature-rich laptops to replace bulky desktops

With laptop prices reducing significantly to match those of desktops, bulky desktops may soon become obsolete. At present, the ratio of laptops to desktops in India is 20:80. Reduced prices, attractive promotional schemes and product features have resulted in laptops’ entry in all sectors, including education, retail, and telecom.  Acer India’s Managing Director WS Mukund said, “India is still a developing market and thus price conscious. But as the market matures and prices fall further, we will see laptops and desktops to be in the ratio of 50:50 in four-five years”.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

45. Acer Plans Major Notebook Sales In India – June 28

Acer plans to sell 150,000 notebooks in India

Global personal computer company Acer Inc. plans to sell 150,000 notebook units and earn revenues of Rs 11 billion in India in FY  2007-08. To achieve this, the company recently launched two new series of laptops, Gemstone and Profile, for the corporate and individual consumer segments in India. These laptops are priced in the range of Rs 59,999 to Rs 69,999. According to Acer India’s Managing Director W S Mukund, the new series of laptops will enable the company acquire a market share of 15%.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

News

46. Microsoft In Pact To Sell PCs In India – June 27

Microsoft enters into agreement with Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and Zenith Computers Ltd.

Microsoft Corp has entered into an agreement with Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., and Zenith Computers Ltd. to manufacture and sell personal computers in India. The company plans to sell its computers, priced at Rs 21000, through 10 retail outlets each in Bangalore and Pune.  Starting July 2007, this sales initiative will be on a test basis and will be expanded on the basis of customer response.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

47. Dell Eyes Sales Through Retail Stores – June 19

Dell to sell PCs through retail stores

In a significant strategic shift, Dell has decided to sell its PC’s through retail stores in countries such as India, the US and Puerto Rico. Dell is trying to gain back some of the market share that it lost to Hewlett Packard, globally. In India, the company has already entered government and education verticals and is now targeting the banking, finance and insurance services (BFSI) sector. According to Rajan Anandan, Vice-President and General Manager, Dell India, “This is a great opportunity for Dell. We have deep worldwide experience in these segments and should be able to offer meaningful services to our clients”.

 

Source: Business Standard

 

Product Launches

 

48. Dell Launches New Notebooks, Desktops – July 12

Dell launched a new range of notebook and desktop computers, targeted at small businesses, under the brand name ‘Vostro’, on 11 July, 2007.

 

49. LG Pioneers Finger Print Security In Desktop PCs – June 25

LG Electronics India Pvt. Limited (LGEIL) has launched India’s first ever desktop PC with fingerprint security.

 

 

 

50. HP Launches New Notebooks, Desktops – June 22

On 21 June, 2007, Hewlett-Packard India announced the launch of India's first 20-inch-screen entertainment notebook – ‘HP TouchSmart’, `The Dragon', and HP iPAQ 512 Voice Messenger, in the Indian market.

 

 

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Consumer Durables

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Sales and Market Share
 

 

Source: ORG survey for January-March quarter of 2006-07

 

51. Onida Bags Third Slot In Split A-C Sales – July 13

LG maintains leadership in the split AC segment

According to a retail sales audit by research agency ORG-GFK, LG Electronics was the market leader in the split AC segment with a 26.8% market share, followed by Samsung with 14.9%, Onida with 10.8% and Voltas with 9.4%. The split AC segment registered a 60% growth, whereas the window AC segment grew by 15%.

 

Source: Business Standard

 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others
 

52. Durables That Run On Gas Soon – July 14

Reliance Industries Ltd to introduce gas-run consumer durables

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is planning to introduce gas-run air conditioners (ACs), water heaters and room heaters by the end of 2007. The company is currently in talks with Chinese companies for technical support for these products. RIL has already started the trial run for these products, and will sell these products through its Reliance Retail outlets.

 

Source: The Financial express

 

 

 

53. ‘LG Presents Women’s Week’ At eZone – July 04

LG and eZone organise fun-filled, informative festival for women

eZone, the electronics specialty retail format from Home Solutions Retail (I) Ltd., in alliance with LG, organised the ‘eZone women’s Week’ from 30 June to 8 July. This initiative included special offers, workshops and contests for women at eZone outlets across the country. Manoj Kumar, CEO, e Zone and Electronic Bazaar, said, “This campaign tries to make the lives of women more exciting through the efficient working of these high technological and cost-effective electronics which actually can reduce time and increase her efficiency in giving care, concern towards herself and the family”.

 

Source: agencyfaqs

 

 

 

54. First-Time Buyers Take Premium Route In White Goods Market – June 25

New-gen buyers drive demand for premium consumer durables

Approximately 12% of the top-end consumer electronics products are purchased by the first-time users who are new-economy professionals and double-income-no-kids (DINK) couples. A fall in the prices of premium products and growth of organised stores is creating this new consumer segment. The Indian electronics market is becoming an early adopter of the latest technologies. According to Girish V Rao, LG Electronics India’s vice president of sales & marketing, Indian consumers’ lifestyles and aspirations are changing; they are ready to spend more and buy the latest technologies rather than have obsolete products. As a result, the replacement cycle has reduced to approximately 4-5 years for a television and 7-8 years for home appliances.

 

Source: The Economic Times

   

 

Product Launches

 

 

55. Philips Stirs Up Juicer Market With The Launch Of 'Philips Aluminium Juicer' – June 21

Philips Electronics India Ltd, a consumer electronics company, announced the launch of Philips Aluminium Juicer HR 1861 (Philips ALU juicer) on 21 June, 2007 in India.

 

 

 

56. Philips Launches New Ambisound Home Theatre System (HTS8100) In India – June 21

On 21 June, 2007, Philips Electronics India Ltd announced the launch of Philips Ambisound (HTS8100), a one-piece home theatre system priced at Rs 59,990, in India.

 
 

Advertising Campaigns

 

 

57. Videocon And O&M Re-Position Bazoomba TV In New Campaign – June 27

Videocon launches new TVC for its ‘Bazoomba’ range

Videocon launched a new TVC, ‘SoundStation’ for its ‘Bazoomba’ range of TVs. This TVC is an assemblage of reactions to different pitches of sounds, which brings out the clarity and gradual rising in tones. The objective of the campaign is to communicate the product’s main USP, which is spectacular sound output. According to Sumanto Chattopadhyay, O&M, "Our idea emphasises the fact that Videocon SoundStation TV is great at amplifying the low, medium and high frequency sounds. So the viewer hears everything in full clarity and never misses even the slightest bit of the viewing experience”.

 

Source: Exchange4media

 

 

 

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Financial Services

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Banks

Source: Indian Banks’ Association

 

 

58. Citi Unseats StanChart As Top Foreign Bank – June 23

Citibank emerges as the top foreign bank in India

The rankings of foreign banks operating in India have been changed. Citibank has emerged as the country’s largest foreign bank, a position held by Standard Chartered Bank for the last six years. On 31 March, 2007, the total asset base of Citibank in India was Rs 66,358 crore compared to StanChart’s Rs 58,853 crore. However, StanChart is still the most profitable foreign bank. It has reported a 51% rise in profits to Rs 1,364 crore for the FY 2006-07 while for the same period Citibank reported a 27.5% rise in net profits at Rs 900 crore.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

Insurance

59. Non-Life Premium Income To Touch $11.6 Bn By 2010 – June 29

Indian non-life insurance market to double premium income by 2010

According to ‘India 2010 Lloyd’s View’, Indian non-life insurance market is forecasted to double its premium income to $11.6 billion in 2010, and existing insurers (PSUs or private), new insurers and global reinsurance market will play an important role in achieving this result. The report states that the public sector undertakings (PSUs) will need to readjust their business models to deal with the challenges posed by private players.

 

Source: The Financial Express

 

 

60. Insurance Biz Size May Touch $60 B By 2010 – June 23

Insurance business to reach the $60 billion mark by 2010

According to The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), the insurance business in India will increase six times to reach $60 billion by 2010 from its current size of approximately $10 billion. The country's life insurance premium is currently estimated at 1.8% of the GDP. The rural and semi-urban India will contribute $35 billion to the insurance industry by 2010, including $20 billion by way of life insurance and the rest through non-life insurance schemes. Urban sector insurance is estimated to reach $25 billion by 2010, with $15 billion and $10 billion contribution from life insurance and non-life insurance schemes, respectively.

 

     Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

 

Mutual Funds
 

 

Source: Association of Mutual Funds of India

 

 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

Banks

 

 

 

61. Real Estate Bank Plans 3,000 Franchisees – July 14

3,000 franchisee shops by Real Estate Bank of India (REBI)

The Bangalore-based Real Estate Bank of India (REBI) plans to invest up to Rs 25 crore by 2008 to open 3,000 franchisee shops across the country. Lakshmi Narayanan, president and CEO, said. “We have already invested Rs 5 crore since February 2007, when the company was incorporated. We are targeting the flourishing real estate market, especially the property transaction segment, where we want a 15-20%”.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

 

 

62. Postal Department To Strike Deal With 30 Banks For Rural Credit – July 11

DoP enters into alliance with Indian banks for disbursal of rural credit

The department of post (DoP) is in the final stages of an arrangement with 30 Indian banks, both public sector and privately owned, for the disbursal of rural credit and micro finance. According to K. Noorjehan, chief postmaster general, Maharashtra circle, the department has already entered into alliances with Corporation Bank and Union Bank and is finalising a similar deal with Dena Bank. The department expects to earn fee-based income of Rs 50 crore from such tie-ups. In addition, the department has been offering extensive training to its employees for carrying out the procedure (from identification of customers to address verification).

 

Source: The Financial Express

 

 

 

63. Treasure Hunt At Marine Drive? Bank On It – June 28

Centurion Bank of Punjab initiates a unique marketing campaign

Centurion Bank of Punjab initiated a unique marketing campaign to increase visitors to the newly opened branch at Marine Drive. Conceptualised by Arc Worldwide, Leo Burnett’s integrated marketing agency, initially direct mailers and press insertions were sent out to residents in various housing societies in the area, informing them of the bank’s new branch. Next, the concept of creating two ‘treasure chests’ in the bank’s branch was developed and keys for the same were distributed to joggers by volunteers and sandwich men in the area. Each key contained a special number, which, if sent as an SMS along with the person’s name to a certain number, made the person eligible to visit the bank to try their luck with the treasure chests containing special gifts and vouchers. “Each person who would walk in would definitely win something or the other, as the key would open at least one of the chests”, reveals CVS Sharma, senior vice president and director, Arc Worldwide. The bank opened new accounts for the individuals who walked into the branch to open up the treasure chest.

 

Source: agencyfaqs

 

 

 

64. ICICI To Modify Products For Rural Economy – June 20

ICICI Bank targets rural areas

ICICI Bank, in its bid to target rural areas, plans to modify some of its urban products to suit the requirements of the farming community. According to Rajiv Sabharwal, senior general manager, ICICI Bank, the bank is considering financing pre- and post-harvest activities, equipment alongwith crop finance, insurance and savings. In addition, the bank will also offer products for SMEs.

 

Source: The Financial Express

 
 

Insurance

 

     

65. Barclays’ Bancassurance Tie-Up With MetLife – July 12

Barclay and MetLife enter into bancassurance tie-up

MetLife India Insurance Company Pvt. Ltd. has entered into a tie-up with Barclays for bancassurance services, in India.

 

Source: The Hindu

 

 

 

66. 76% Indians Live Without Insurance Cover: Survey – July 06

Study reveals that 76% Indians live without an insurance cover

A study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research, in collaboration with Max New York Life Insurance Company, shows that 76% Indians live without an insurance cover and only 14% of those insured are women. A sample of over 63,000 Indian households, including over 8,800 in Uttar Pradesh, was taken for study. According to Max New York Life, senior vice president, Kenneth Sanoo, "There is a lack of understanding about the real benefits of life insurance towards both financial protection and long-term wealth creation”.

 

Source: DNA

 

 

 

67. Sachin Tendulkar Batting For Aviva Life – July 03

Sachin Tendulkar to be the new face of Aviva

Master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar has been signed, effective 1 July, 2007, as the new brand ambassador for Aviva Life Insurance (India). The company’s recently launched child plan ‘Aviva Little Master, designed for parents to secure their child’s future, is a tribute to the brand ambassador.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

 

 

68. Many In India Still Elude Health Cover – June 29

Low penetration level of health insurance in India

Health insurance premium earned by life insurance companies through their rider policies was Rs 27.88 crore in 2006-07, marking a 250% growth over FY 2005-06. However, the health insurance industry’s overall penetration level in the country is only an estimated 3%, reflecting the low levels of consumer awareness in the country. However, the growth potential in health insurance is enormous, with an average Indian consumer spending only about 1.2% of his total expenditure on health insurance products. Experts opine that companies should try and reach out to the low-income category. Currently, health insurance products are being bought primarily by urban consumers, especially in the high-income category.

 

Source: The Financial Express

 

Mutual Funds
 

 

69. SBI Mutual Fund Achieves A New Milestone – July 05

SBI Mutual Fund ranked 6^th among existing fund houses

SBI Mutual Fund had Rs 20,000 crore worth of AUM at the end of June 2007, and is ranked 6^th among existing fund houses. According to the official numbers released to AMFI, since 2004, SBI Mutual Fund has grown approximately 3.3 times compared to the industry's growth of approximately 2.6 times.

 

Source: agencyfaqs
 

 

Others
 

70. Baer Capital Launches India Operation– July 14

Baer Capital Partners incorporates Baer Capital Partners (India) Private Ltd

On 12 July, 2007, Baer Capital Partners announced the incorporation of its Indian subsidiary, Baer Capital Partners (India) Private Ltd, and the opening of its Mumbai office in Nariman Point. Beacon India Private Equity Fund is the first Indian investment initiative sponsored by Baer Capital Partners. It will provide growth capital to the Indian companies, and will focus on infrastructure and consumer oriented as well as other manufacturing and services businesses.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

 

 

71. Reliance Money Kiosks In Tatas’ CMC outlets – June 22

Reliance Money to install kiosks at CMC outlets

Reliance Money has entered into an agreement with CMC an IT solutions and services provider, to install its web-enabled retail kiosks at CMC’s 250 franchisee outlets across the country. CMC will also assist Reliance Money in acquiring new customers and act as a partner in both its trading and financial distribution businesses. Ramanathan Ramanan, the managing director and CEO, CMC said, “The initiative is aimed at enhancing our customer servicing capabilities in the financial services space. Customers will be able to complete their financial transactions using Reliance Money kiosks”.

 

Source: The Hindustan Times

Product Launches

Banks
 

72. Corp Bank Opens Online Education Loan Facility – June 29

Corporation Bank launched an ‘online request facility’ for the education loan product ‘Corp Vidya’ on 29 June, 2007

73. SBH, UAE Exchange Launching MoneyGram – June 21

State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH) in a tie-up with UAE Exchange & Financial Services plans to launch `MoneyGram', a popular foreign inward money remittance product on 16 July, 2007.

 

 

 

74. KVB Unveils Triple `S' Scheme – June 21

On 20 June, 2007, Karur Vysya Bank unveiled the triple `S' – Spouse, Senior Citizen Deposit Scheme, wherein joint term deposits can be opened by a married couple, one of the partners being a senior citizen. 

 

 

 

75. StanChart Launches Private Banking Services – June 16

 On 15 June, 2007, Standard Chartered Bank introduced private banking services in India. The focus of the bank will be on high net worth individuals (HNI), comprising those who possess investible wealth of $1 million (approximately Rs 4 crore) and above.

 

 

Insurance

 

 

76. ICICI Pru Launches Products To Tap Healthcare Sector – July 13

In a bid to tap the potential in the healthcare sector, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launched insurance products on 13 July, 2007. These products are expected to cover over 1,000 kinds of surgeries.

 

 

 

77. Aviva Offers Life Insurance Product For Rural India – July 04

On 4 July, 2007, Aviva Life Insurance launched a low-premium insurance product for customers of BASiX, an entity engaged in micro finance activities and other livelihood support services in the country.

 

 

 

 

78. Max Life Maker – June 24

Max New York Life Insurance has launched a new ULIP product, Max Life Maker Premium Investment Plan.

 

 

 

79. LIC Hsg To Offer Reverse Mortgage Product – June 20

LIC Housing Finance planned to launch a reverse mortgage product by July 2007. Under reverse mortgage, a company offers loan assistance to senior citizens by mortgaging their houses.

 

 

 

80. Tata AIG’s Rural Policy Launch Soon – June 18

Tata AIG Life Insurance Company is planning to add its rural health insurance product to its rural insurance portfolio in the next six months.

 

 

 

81. Birla Sun Life Launches Gold-Plus Plan – June 18

Birla Sun Life Insurance (BSLI) launched Gold-Plus Plan, a unit-linked insurance plan for individuals seeking short-term investments on 18 June, 2007.

 

Mutual Funds

 

 

82. Franklin Templeton Proposes Asia-Focused Fund – July 14

On 13 July, 2007, Franklin Templeton proposed to launch an international fund to cater to those who wish to invest in overseas securities.

 

 

 

83. UTI Mutual Launches Lifestyle Fund – July 03

UTI Mutual Fund launched a three year close-ended, equity-oriented scheme called UTI-India Lifestyle Fund on 2 July, 2007.

 

84. Lotus Launches Closed Ended Debt Scheme – June 26

On 26 June, 2007, Lotus India AMC launched a closed-ended debt scheme, to generate income by investing in a portfolio of debt and money market instruments. 

 

 

 

85. Kotak Mahindra MF Launches Gold ETF – June 21

On 20 June, 2007, Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund launched Kotak Gold ETF, an open-ended fund which will invest primarily in gold.

 

 

 

86. Birla Sun Life MF Launches New Capital Protection Scheme – June 20

On 19 June, 2007, Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund announced the launch of Birla Sun Life Capital Protection Oriented Plan. This capital-protection-oriented scheme aims to invest in both high-quality fixed income securities, and equity and equity-related instruments.

 

Others

 

 

87. Reliance Money Launches Security Token In Online Trading – July 02

On 2 July, 2007, Reliance Money launched a ‘security token’ to counter the growing threat of hackers and phishers in online trading.

 

 

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88. Manikchand To Enter Natural Juices Market – July 13

Manikchand Group plans foray into the natural juices market

Dhariwal Industries Ltd (Manikchand Group) plans to enter the natural juices market, which is worth Rs 700 crore and has a growth rate of 15%. The group is currently developing a product in the natural juices category, which will be launched in the metros.

 

Source: Indian Business Insight

 

 

 

89. Dominos Set To Foray Into Branded Ice Cream Segment – July 11

Domino’s Pizza to introduce ice creams

Domino’s Pizza, a global fast food retailer, is planning enter the ice cream market to extend its offerings in India.  Ajay Kaul, VP of marketing, Dominos Pizza India said, “We will be launching and retailing branded ice creams through both dining and home delivery concepts. This is to provide a complete meal (a pizza and a coke) followed by a scoop of ice cream. Hence, we are soon tying up with one of the leading manufacturers of ice creams in India and globally so as to launch ice creams at all our 147 restaurants in India”. Domino’s will offer ice creams in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavours.

 

Source: The Financial Expresss

 

 

 

90. ITC Foods Flags Off Sunfeast Open – July 11

ITC starts off Sunfeast Open with a beach tennis exhibition match

On 10 July, 2007, ITC Foods flagged off the third edition of women’s tennis tournament, Sunfeast Open at the Fortune Chariot Beach Resort in Mahabalipuram. Sports presenter and commentator Charu Sharma, squash player Dipika Pallikal, tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi and film star Trisha played an exhibition match as a prelude to the Sunfeast Open 2007. The Sunfeast Open is scheduled during 17-23 September, 2007, in Kolkata.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

 

 

91. Avesta To Introduce Functional Foods – July 11

Avesta aims to generate revenue of over Rs 15 crore in FY 2007-08

Avesta Good Earth Foods, the consumer foods division of Avesthagen, announced an investment of Rs 20 crore, in India, to bring out functional foods by September 2008. "The company expects to generate revenue of more than Rs 15 crore in the financial year 2007-08”, said Sandeep Dang, CEO, Avesta Good Earth Foods.  The company plans to have 15,000 outlets in 53 towns by September 2007.

 

Source: The Times of India

 

 

 

92. Café Coffee Day Readies For Mineral Water Splash – July 07

Mineral water by ‘Coffee Day’

Bangalore-based Amalgamated Bean Coffee Trading Company Ltd (ABCTCL), promoters of coffee retailing chain Café Coffee Day, will foray in the mineral water market under the brand name 'Coffee Day'. Venu Madhav, head of operations, ABCTCL, said, "This is a new initiative by which we want to extend our brand Café Coffee Day. We have recently readied our back-end operations to sell mineral water through Café Coffee Day outlets in a 500 ml bottle priced at Rs 15. We have already set up a manufacturing facility in Karnataka".

 

Source: fnbnews.com

 

 

 

93. Tata Group To Foray Into Food Retail – July 07

Tata Group to venture in food retail

The Tata Group, which recently entered the processed foods sector with the acquisition of 70% stake in Innovative Foods from the Amalgam Group, now plans to sell a range of food products, including fruits and vegetables and baked food, through a chain of retail stores. The company is planning to buy local food companies and is exploring options with international companies in the areas of seafood, fruits and vegetables, and baked food.

 

Source: fnbnews.com

 

 

 

94. Wrigley Acquires Joyco, Tops Bubble Gum Category – July 07

Wrigley strengthens position in India, China and Spain by acquiring Joyco

US-based Wrigley, has acquired the confectionery business of Joyco Group from Spanish food company Agrolimen. The deal has brought key brands such as Boomer bubble gum, Pim Pom lollipop and Solano candy under Wrigley's portfolio, thereby strengthening its position in the bubble gum category in India, China and Spain. The acquisition has also made it No. 1 in India and China for candy lollipops.

 

Source: fnbnews.com

 

 

 

95. Yakult Believes In Ladies First – June 26

Yakult India recruits housewives to sell its bacteria-enriched drink

Yakult India, a 50:50 JV between Japanese probiotic food company Yakult and Danone, is recruiting housewives to sell the company’s bacteria-enriched drink in the local market. “In India, we will have about 100 Yakult ladies by March 2008, including Yakult Lady Coordinators (YLCs), who train the Yakult lady and help to develop the market”, said Kiyoshi Oike, managing director, Yakult India. The Yakult Lady will be an independent sales agent, operating in a designated territory and earning a commission on every Yakult bottle sold.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

96. Desi Add-On Flavours To Spice Up Limca – June 22

Coca-Cola plans to launch add-on flavoured powders for Limca

Coca-Cola is exploring the idea of providing add-on local flavoured powders with its lemon drink Limca. This idea is inspired by consumers’ tendency to add salt and other ‘masala’ to the drink. On 16 June, 2007, the company started test marketing its Limca Fresh Mix brand in Delhi by offering the add-on powder in jaljeera, mint and ginger flavours. This consumer research initiative is supported by print advertisements and radio. The company plans to gather consumer reactions through feedback forms and qualitative video inputs.  This information will be used to improve the products and develop a communication strategy for them.

 

Source: Exchange4Media

 

 

 

97. Amul To Roll Out 10,000 Parlours By 2010 – June 20

10,000 Amul parlours to be launched by 2010

Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) is planning to open 10,000 Amul parlours by 2010. The parlours will offer various products including milk, cheese, butter, ice-creams, beverages, pizza and other dairy products. R S Sodhi, chairman and general manager of GCMMF said, "The time has come for us to make direct contact with the consumers and to ensure that we are not exploited or squeezed out in the market by the big retail players like Big Bazaar or Reliance…".

 

Source: DNA

 

 

 

98. Disney To Whip Up Cream Bell – June 18

Cream Bell ties up with Disney to launch ice-creams

Delhi-based ice-cream maker, the Universal Dairy Group, has tied up with Disney to launch a range of co-branded ice-creams. The new products would be sold under Universal’s existing ice-cream brand Cream Bell, and would target children, in the age group of 4-14 years.  The co-branded ice-creams are available in wrappers that feature Disney characters such as Goofy, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. The company has also launched 250 Disney carts in Delhi. 

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

Product Launches
 

99. NZ Ice Creams In India – July 02

On 1 July, 2007, New Zealand Naturals, one of the world’s premier ice cream and dairy products companies, launched a range of vegetarian ice creams, smoothies and sorbets in India. 

 

Advertising Campaigns
 

 

100. Perfetti Van Melle India Ropes In Kajol To Promote Alpenliebe – July 11

Alpenliebe to develop desire and greed: ‘Laallach Aha Lalap’

Perfetti Van Melle India (PVMI) has signed up Kajol as the brand ambassador for its confectionery brand Alpenliebe. Sameer Suneja, head-marketing, PVMI said, “We have not used any celebrities in our communications as our brands are salient enough due to edgy and cut-through communication. Our flagship brand Alpenliebe is a big hit among all age groups of the society. Alpenliebe is the market leader and we wanted to move its sales to the next level. In Kajol, we saw a perfect fit for Alpenliebe and the messages that the brand conveys”. The current TVC features an alligator that refuses to leave Kajol’s side since the day she threw an Alpenliebe at the alligator in a zoo. The TVC for Alpenliebe has the tagline ‘Laallach Aha Lalap’.

 

Source: Exchange4media

 

 

 

101. SRK Ups The Fun Quotient Of Sunfeast Pasta Treat Pizza Style – July 06

SRK to feature in Sunfeast Pasta Treat TVC

Sunfeast Pasta Treat has launched a TVC featuring brand ambassador, Shah Rukh Khan for its new variant, Sunfeast Pasta Treat Pizza Style. Fun and humour form the foundation of the commercial which communicates the unique product proposition of two-in-one. Created by FCB Ulka, the TVC features SRK enjoying a fun afternoon with kids in the kitchen. When Khan asks the kids what they would like to eat – ‘pasta ya pizza’ – the kids ask for both; unfazed SRK says, “No problemo” and proceeds to prepare a meal of Sunfeast Pasta Treat Pizza Style. The TVC, which will be aired till September-October 2007, will be supported by posters and in-store displays.

 

Source: Exchange4media

 

 

 

102. Why Bachchan Is Having Out-Of-Body Experiences – June 26

Cadbury Dairy Milk’s new TVC aims to satisfy the ‘meetha’ urge of the customers

Cadbury Dairy Milk (CDM) has launched a new TVC to broaden its consumer base. The company has used various media, including radio, print, outdoor, on-ground activities (multiplexes and malls), mobile downloads and online advertising, to promote its products effectively.  Conceptualised by O&M, Mumbai, in June 2007, the company launched a teaser advt showing Amitabh Bachchan enjoying car-ride. Suddenly due to prompt from his driver, he has an urgent urge to have something sweet and start search for it. In the process, he bangs his head on a lamp-post and faints. A super invites the viewer to guess what will happen next, and log on to Meethamoments.com for details. According to the company, about 17,000 visitors, registered on the website and entered in a competition to preview the continuation TVC even before its launch on channels. The revealer commercial has the full story. On fainting Mr. Bachchan has an out-of-body experience, his spirit makes its way to a CDM vendor, but, isn’t able to communicate with him. Bachchan then possesses the body of a young woman strolling nearby, and asks the vendor to give him a CDM chocolate bar (in Bachchan’s voice). The shocked vendor complies, and Bachchan finally gets a taste of the chocolate.

 

Source: agencyfaqs

 

 

 

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Source: Euromonitor Report- Travel and Tourism - India- September 2006

 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

 

 

 

103. Carlson Hotels-Plan India Join Hands To Help Underprivileged Children – July 10

Carlson Hotels team up with Plan India to aid underprivileged children

Carlson Hotels Worldwide has associated itself with an NGO, Plan India to work toward ensuring basic rights to the underprivileged and needy children in the society. Under this initiative, Rs 40 at every guest check out would be contributed to the Plan India mission. The partnership involves all Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Country Inns & Suites by the Carlson Group in India.

 

Source: agencyfaqs

 

 

 

104. Marriott To Triple Hotel Portfolio In India By '10 – July 02

Marriott plans to have  21 properties by 2010

By 2010, Marriott International plans to triple its portfolio in India to 21 properties–six lodging brands ranging from the luxury to the upper-moderate tier and 5,524 rooms. Ed Fuller, president and managing director, International Lodging, Marriott International, said, “Our goal is to appeal to a wide range of travellers, both those visiting India from abroad as well as local travellers within India and we are confident that the portfolio that we, along with our local investors and partners, are building will be appreciated for their sophisticated amenities as well as for providing good value—whether at the luxury, upscale or upper moderate segments of the travel continuum”.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

105. Hotel Leela Venture Wooing US Tourists With Ayurveda Therapies – June 27

Hotel Leela aiming to attract the US Tourists with Ayurveda Therapies

With interest in alternative medicine increasing in the US, the Mumbai-based Hotel Leela Venture Ltd. is promoting its hotels, especially the Leela Kempinski Kovalam in Kerala, as a destination for ayurvedic-oil-massage-based therapies. In addition, it also aims at creating awareness about the benefits of ayurveda in the US. In response to the growing demand for ayurvedic therapies in its Goa hotel, the company added 10 new `ayurveda suites' in the property. According to Peter Leitgeb, president, Leela Palaces and Resorts, the company is planning to develop a communication and branding campaign to build its presence in the US market and promote the Leela group's hotels as a destination for ayurveda.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

 

 

106. Budget Hotel Is The New Trend In North India – June 19

Budget hotels in North India offer affordable accommodation

According to industry estimates, approximately 96% hotels in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh can be categorised as budget hotels, offering travellers accommodation in the range Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 a night. "The definition of a budget hotel has undergone a change over the past few years. Where one can avail a room in a hotel in Delhi for Rs 8,000, checking in a guest house in Himachal might cost him around Rs 5,000. So the need of the customer varies as per the place he's going to. But the travellers want affordable accommodation, which the budget hotels are able to provide", said Manbeer Choudhary, president, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI).

 

Source: The Financial Express

 

 

Product Launches
 

107. Jones Lang Lasalle Entering India In Q3 – June 16

Chicago-based Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels is set to commence its India operations in the third quarter of 2007. The company is planning to enter into a 50:50 joint venture with the real estate services and money management firm Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj.
 

 

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108. Emaar Plans 100% India Subsidiary – July 16

Emaar to set up a 100% subsidiary in India

Dubai-based realty company Emaar is setting up a 100% subsidiary in India despite having a 50:50 joint venture with Delhi-based MGF, a real estate developer and financier. The new venture will be implemented through Hamptons International, a UK company acquired by Emaar in 2006, and will sell residential property and consultancy services to developers and investors.

 

Source: Business Standard

 

 

 

109. DLF Group Bags Country’s Largest Ever Land Deal – July 13

DLF buys 110 acres land for Rs 1,750 crore

DLF Group, a real estate company, has acquired 110 acres of land in west Delhi for Rs 1,750 crore. The deal is one of the country’s biggest land deals.

 

Source: Indian Expresss

 

 

 

110. DLF To Invest Rs 1,250 Cr In DT Cinema Expansion – July 13

DLF plans to invest Rs 1,250 crore on expansion of DT Cinema

DLF is planning to invest Rs 1,250 crore on expanding its multiplex business, DT Cinema, by adding nearly 500 screens by 2011-12. According to DT Cinema CEO Kajal Aijaz, by September 2007, two DT Cinema complexes in Delhi and one in Chandigarh would be operational and 35 screens are expected to be functional by March 2008.

 

Source: Indian Express

 

 

 

111. Ansal Signs Deal With Fortis For Medicity – July 04

Ansal to set up a world-class medicity by 2014-15

Ansal Properties & Infrastructure has signed an agreement with Fortis Healthcare for setting up a world-class medicity, spread over 52 acres of land in Sushant Golf City, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, by 2014-15.

 

Source: Business Standard

 

 

 

112. Royal Palms To Develop Sez For Gem & Jewellery On Pvt Land – June 20

Royal Palms to develop Gem and Jewellery SEZ on Private Land

With an expenditure of Rs 400 crores, Royal Palms, the Mumbai-based real estate company is developing Mumbai’s first Gem and Jewellery Special Economic Zones (SEZ) on a private land. The SEZ at Royal Palms will be spread over 25 acres and will have 500 diamond processing units. According to Dilawar Nensey, Joint Managing Director, Royal Palms, the company is planning to develop, operate and maintain this SEZ on private basis, and proposes to offer premises only on lease basis and not on outright sale.

 

Source: Business Standard

 

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Source: Euromonitor Report- Hypermarkets - India- June 2007

 

Source: Euromonitor Report- Supermarkets - India- June 2007

 

 

 

113. Trent Net Rises Marginally – June 30

Trent’s annual net profit up by 33%

Trent Ltd. reported an increase in net profit to Rs 7.1 crore for the quarter ending 31 March, 2007, from Rs 6.98 crore for the quarter ending 31 March, 2006. For the FY 2006-07, the company’s net profit was up by 33% to Rs 32.41 crore.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line
 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

 

 

114. RPG To Open One Store A Day – July 12

RPG Group to invest Rs 1,000 crore for opening 365 supermarkets

RPG Group, the owner of retail stores under the Spencer's brand, plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore for opening 365 supermarkets by 2008 to strengthen its supply chain. Spencer's Retail offers a complete range of products and durables. According to RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka, the company plans to include five types of stores ­– hypermarket, supermarket, daily, express and `Fresh' stores for fruits and vegetables.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

115. After Big Bazaar, Biyani Goes Small, Lines Up Local Stores – July 06

Pantaloon to launch Fairprice Value Stores in Aug 2008

Kishore Biyani, the CEO of Pantaloon Retail, has said that the company plans to launch Fairprice Value Stores in August 2008. The non-AC, no-frills, basic-format stores will offer products at huge discounts. The stores will be constructed on local residential areas and will cater to the daily needs of consumers. Pantaloon aims at setting up 1,500 such stores across the major Indian cities by February 2009.

 

Source: Indian Business Insight

 

 

 

116. Hotel Rooms Planned In Malls Now – June 30

Malls to include hotel rooms for visitor accommodation

Developers plan to create hotel rooms in upcoming malls to provide accommodation to in-bound tourists and those who wish to be in the vicinity of the ‘happening’ life while maintaining complete ‘privacy’ in NCR. According to Vipin Luthra of Ambience Hospitality Management, the creation of hotel rooms in malls is relatively cheap; hence, the customers pay less for using the facility. DLF, a real estate company, is planning to open its first 250-room hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, at its mall in Saket, Delhi, in 2008.

 

Source: The Times of India

 

 

 

117. Future Bazaar Plans Doorstep Delivery For Food, Groceries – June 28

Future Bazaar adds doorstep food delivery to its product list

The Future Group’s e-commerce portal, Future Bazaar, is planning to offer doorstep delivery of food and groceries from its foods retailing format, Food Bazaar. At present, Futurebazaar.com sells nearly 5,000 products listed under categories such as consumer durables, home décor, apparel, mobiles, watches and accessories.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

 

 

118. Tatas Enter Airport Retailing – June 22

Tata opens Croma Zip at Mumbai airport

In technical alliance with the Australian retail company Woolworths, Croma, the consumer durable chain of Tata has set up its first consumer durable and electronic retail store at Mumbai airport’s domestic terminal. The store is branded as Croma Zip and sells products ranging from toys to laptops. According to Ajit Joshi, CEO of Infinity Retail Ltd. (which manages five Croma stores and Croma Zip store) in the coming months, the company is expecting a 25% conversion rate from the large number of passengers who pass through the terminal. 

 

Source: The Hindustan Times

 

 

 

119. Reliance Super Stores To Join Fresh – June 21

Reliance Retail will introduce Reliance Super stores

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Retail plans to introduce Reliance Super stores along with its Reliance Fresh chain to overcome opposition from local vegetable vendors and middlemen in various states. Reliance Super stores will consist of large supermarkets (with an area of 4,000-10,000 sq ft) that will sell grocery, stationery, pharmaceutical products and apparels. Reliance Fresh stores will comprise smaller stores (approximately 4,000 sq ft) selling fruits and vegetables.

 

Source: The Financial Express

 

 

 

120. Food Bazaar's Snack Brand Gains On Frito Lays Exit – June 20

Tasty Treat gains market share

The exit of Frito Lays brands from Pataloon’s Food Bazaar has immensely benefited Tasty Treat, the ready-to-eat private label of Food Bazaar. "In the past few months our private brand in the snacks category has been dominant with a 16 per cent share. In fact, the second largest selling snack brand – ITC's Bingo is way behind it'', said Sadashiv Nayak, CEO, Food Bazaar, Pantaloon Retail. He added, "We are exploring new brands and would be entering the new segments with more of our own private labels. We would look at regional preferences and would like our private brands to be the preferred brand in the foods space''.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

 

 

121. Reliance Retail Set To Storm FMCG Space With Packaged Tea – June 16

Reliance Retail to foray into the fast growing tea market

Reliance Retail plans to introduce packet tea under its private label, Reliance Select. The company has initiated an exclusive deal with Goodricke Group Ltd (GGL) to procure some of the Goodricke brands. Reliance plans to introduce packaged tea through grocery outlets such as hypermarkets and convenience stores.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

Product Launches
 

122. New Brand Identity For Spencer’s Hyper – June 30

On 29 June, 2007, Spencer’s Retail launched the first of its redesigned and rebranded Hyper stores at Inorbit mall in Mumbai. This 54,000-sq-ft store has provided Spencer’s Hyper with a new brand identity.

 

 

 

123. Pyramid To Launch In-House Grocery Brands – June 25

Pyramid Retail Ltd. plans to launch TruMart Uttam, an in-house brand for grocery items, at its supermarket chain TruMart by July 2007.

 

 

 

124. Rajesh Exports May Open Jewellery Retail Chain Worldwide – June 20

By 2008, Rajesh Exports plans to open approximately 50 retail stores of its ‘Laabh’ chain of jewellery in South East Asia, West Asia, Europe and the US.
 

 

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Telecom (Service Providers)

Share Prices
 

 

 

 

 

Sales and Market Share
 

 

Source: Cellular Operators Association of India

 

 

 

125. Telecom Industry Revenue Hits Almost 27 Billion Dollars – July 06

Indian telecommunications industry reports a 22% increase in sales

According to a survey, sales of India's telecommunications industry exceeded Rs 1 trillion ($24.76 billion) in FY 2006-07, representing an increase of 22% from FY 2005-06. Mobile-phone company revenues grew 56% to Rs 561.8 billion while fixed-line sales declined 11%. The number of cellular and fixed-line users rose 46% to 206 million and cellular subscribers increased approximately 73% to reach 157 million. Bharat Sanchar remained the top service provider, with revenue of Rs 401.35 billion in FY 2006-07, followed by Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications, Hutch and Videsh Sanchar. 

 

Source: DNA

 

 

 

126. Telecom Subscribers Base At 21.8 Cr – June 19

63 lakhs telecom new subscribers in May 2007

According to the latest figures released by the government, the total number of telephone connections reached 21.8 crore with the net addition of 63 lakh subscribers in May 2007. There was an addition in the GSM and CDMA segments by 50 lakh and 15 lakh respectively. However, the fixed line segment declined by two lakh.  Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh circles have added more than 4.5 lakh subscribers each. The total number of telephones in the country registered a growth of 46.9% between June 2006 and May 2007.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others
 

 

127. Airtel, RCoM DTH To Offer Broadband – July 02

DTH ventures of Airtel and RCoM to provide broadband services

Telecom companies, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications (RCOM), which are planning to enter Direct to Home (DTH) space by year-end 2007 are also considering providing satellite-based broadband internet services. According to Atul Bindal, president of Broadband and Telephone Services, Bharti Airtel, the company will consider offering broadband through Wi-Max or DTH. Similarly, RCOM’s DTH venture, BlueMagic will also provide satellite internet services.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

128. Bharti Is All Set To Launch 3G Services – June 23

Bharti completes the trials of 3G services

Bharti Airtel has completed the trials for all third generation (3G) services that the company plans to introduce. It is now awaiting the allotment of radio frequency (also called spectrum) from the government to launch 3G services in India. According to company sources, the pilots included testing all high-speed internet applications, next generation gaming, video and wireless streaming.  The company had successfully tried out IMS-based applications, a software platform in line with the latest 3G standards.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

129. Bharti Joins Race, To Bundle Handsets With Connections – June 22

Bharti to offer handsets with connections

In a major shift in strategy, Bharti Airtel plans to offer handsets with mobile connections. With every new connection, the company is likely to provide a handset at subsidised rates. This move was followed by the Vodafone Essar’s announcement of launching a series of ultra low-cost bundled handsets to increase its market share. The company is in talks with global handset players, excluding Nokia, Motorola and Sony Ericsson. 

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

130. Sarin Sets Aggressive Target As User Base Hits 30 Mn – June 16

Hutchison Essar’s subscriber base increases to 30 million

In May 2007, Hutchison Essar Limited (HEL) recorded 5.4% growth in subscriber base, reaching 29.2 million.  The company added about 0.8 million subscribers in first 15 days of June 2007.  HEL is the second GSM service provider in India to achieve this landmark. Arun Sarin, CEO, Vodafone, is hopeful that HEL (soon to be renamed as Vodafone Essar) would add over 1.5 million subscribers every month.

 

Source: The Economic Times
 

 

Product Launches

 

 

131. Airtel Introduces GPS On Mobile Handsets – July 12

On 12 July, 2007, Bharti Airtel launched a GPS-based navigation application, which will allow Airtel users to obtain map information and area coverage details. This service is provided in collaboration with Wayfinder Systems AB of Sweden and would be initially available only on the BlackBerry 8800 handset.

 

 

 

132. Encyclopaedia On Hutch Mobile – July 11

On 10 July, 2007, Hutch, in collaboration with Mobifusion, introduced the mobile version of the Britannica Concise Encyclopaedia.

 

 

 

133. Rel To Launch Biz Internet Services For SMEs – July 04

On 4 July, 2007, Reliance Communications, in collaboration with the networking firm Cisco, announced plans to start business internet services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in top ten cities and 200-odd tier-II cities in India.

 

 

 

134. BSNL’s Student SMS Plan – July 02

BSNL announced the launch of a new ‘student SMS plan’ in Kerala under the existing ‘Student Power 99’ post-paid mobile phone connection plan. Under the plan, student subscribers can send 100 free messages a month to any of the mobile numbers in the BSNL network in India.

 

 

135. Reliance ‘Jodi’ Offer – June 30

On 29 June, 2007, Reliance Communications announced a Jodi offer for existing and new post-paid mobile customers in Kerala. Under this scheme, customers can make unlimited free calls between two phones for a period of 12 months within the circle.

 

 

 

136. Tata Indicom Smart Phone For PCOs – June 30

Tata Indicom introduced a new telecommunications device called Parsec on 29 June, 2007. Parsec is a new generation-smart phone to be used in PCO booths in Kerala. Through this device, consumers can check movie reviews, listen to music, purchase airline tickets, recharge their pre-paid phones, send SMS and make telephone calls all from a single point.

 

 

137. Hutch Unveils Stock Alert Packs – June 29

On 28 June, 2007, Hutch, in association with financial and business portal Moneycontrol.com, introduced a comprehensive range of stock alert packs. This alert will provide information on mainline Indian indices and global markets along with expert tips for the bourses.

 

 

 

138. Tata Indicom Launches 'InstaReturn' Scheme – June 25

On 25 June 2007, Tata Indicom launched 'InstaReturn', a post-paid scheme. In the scheme, the consumer will have to pay Rs 499, for which they would get a free talk time of Rs 499 for 60 days.

 

 

 

139. Hutch Launches 'Blackberry Curve 8300' For Rs 24,990 – June 22

In Delhi, on June 2nd, Hutch launched the light variant of Blackberry, high-end wireless communication devices, priced at Rs 24,990.

 

 

 

140. RCOM Launches Mobile Radio Service – June 21

On 21 June, 2007, Reliance Communications launched mobile radio service for post-paid and pre-paid subscribers of Reliance Mobile, Reliance Hello and post-paid Reliance landline subscribers.

 

 

 

141. Tata Indicom Launches Internet Radio Service – June 18

Tata Indicom launched its mobile Internet radio service in English, Hindi, Telugu and Tamil languages in Mumbai on 18 June, 2007.
 

 

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Two-wheelers

 

Share Prices
 

 

 

Sales and Market Share
 

 

Source: Auto News Bulletin May 18 – May 24, 2007 by Murad Baig Associates
 

 

 

Source: Auto News Bulletin May 18 – May 24, 2007 by Murad Baig Associates
 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

 

 

 

142. Sales Slump Forces 2-Wheeler Makers To Cut Dealer Margins – July 13

Two-wheeler companies withdraw dealer discounts to increase profit margins

Increasing interest rates on loans have led to a slump in the sales of two-wheelers.  As a result, two-wheeler companies have withdrawn dealer discounts (usually, Rs 1,500-2,000 per model) to increase profit margins. Besides this, gifts such as gold coins and zero percent finance schemes have also been withdrawn.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

143. Kinetic Ropes In Bipasha For New 125 Cc Scooter – July 12

Bipasha Basu to be the brand ambassador for Kinetic Motor Company

With effect from 11 July, 2007, Kinetic Motor Company signed on Bipasha Basu as the brand ambassador for its upcoming Kinetic SYM scooter for one and a half years. “Though she can endorse all Kinetic models, we would primarily see her endorse the upcoming Kinetic SYM model”, said Ajinkya Firodia, vice president, Marketing and Sales. The new 125 cc scooter, which is to be launched in August 2007, will be targeted at female customers.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

144. Two-wheeler Ads Losing Their Way – July 07

Study shows two-wheeler commercials suffer from monotony and repetitiveness

To meet the slump in two-wheeler segment, especially at the entry-level, two-wheeler manufacturers are concentrating on launching new variants and models. Advertising and promotional activities are playing a crucial role in creating brand recall and increasing sales. However, the studies show that two-wheeler commercials these days have elements of monotony and repetitiveness. Industry experts feel the creative campaigns in this sector suffer from sameness and fatigue. Piyush Pandey, vice-chairman, Ogilvy & Mather, Asia Pacific, said, “India’s biking ability is in its early stages. Therefore companies tend to highlight the features that the bikes usually have in a big way. The emotional connect will gradually happen once the market is more matured”.

 

Source: DNA

 

Product Launches

 

 

145. TVS Apache RTR 160 Unleashed – July 09

On 9 July, 2007, TVS Motor Company introduced the Apache RTR (Racing Throttle Response), a premier street bike.

 

 

 

146. Suzuki Plans 125cc Scooter To Take On Activa – July 04

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd. (SMIL) will introduce a 125cc scooter in October 2007  to compete with the Honda Activa and the Hero Honda Pleasure.

 

 

 

147. Evera To Launch Eco-Friendly Bikes Next Month – June 28

Evera Auto India is planning to launch a battery-powered motorcycle, priced between Rs 25,000 and Rs 32,000, in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in July 2007.

 

 

 

148. Bajaj Auto Launches Pulsar DTS Fi – June 25

On 25 June, 2007, Bajaj Auto Ltd. introduced 220 cc motorcycle Pulsar DTS Fi model priced at Rs 81,280 (ex-showroom Delhi) in Delhi. The company also opened its first north Indian 'probiking' showroom in Delhi.

 

 

 

149. Suzuki To Ride On Scooters, High-End Bikes – June 24

By September 2007, Japanese firm Suzuki Motor Corporation is planning to introduce a 125cc scooter and a 150cc motorcycle. The company will also launch its flagship pro bike Hayabusa by March 2008.

 

 

 

150. Yamaha Plans To Launch 150cc Bike By Mid-2008 – June 22

Yamaha Motorcycles India Ltd, a Japanese bike manufacturer, plans to launch a 150cc motorcycle by mid-2008. The proposed bike will use the four-valve engine of the company’s Viper range and will resemble the Yamaha R1.

 

 

Advertising Campaigns

 

 

151. Alag Andaaz For Hamara Bajaj – June 26

Aggression typifies new ‘Hamara Bajaj’ advertisement

Bajaj Auto has replaced its family-oriented ‘Hamara Bajaj’ advertisement (one of India’s most memorable advertisements till date) with an aggressive campaign. The new advertisement campaign, with the tag-line ‘Alag andaaz, alag hai khoj, rakhae aagay, hamari soch’, is aligned with the company’s new ‘Distinctly Ahead’ focus. The new campaign (scooters not included) features a 220-cc bike from the company’s flagship Pulsar range morphing into many new bikes that race each other. Conceptualised by the advertising agency Lowe, the advertisement is an attempt to reach out to the younger generation, evidenced by punch lines such as ‘naye bharat ki nayi raftaar’.  According to Bajaj Auto’s Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj, the new campaign is about technology, individuality and competitive spirit.

 

Source: The Financial Express

 

 

 

 

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Skin Care

Share Prices
 

 

Sales and Market Share

 

Source: Euromonitor Report - June 2007

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

 

 

152. Nivea Launches Male Whitening Products In India – June 22

Nivea invites men to "Join the Whitening Revolution"

German skin and beauty care company Beiersdorf has launched male “whitening” products under its Nivea For Men range. To promote these products, the company has launched a locally produced campaign using television, print advertisements and POS material. "So far men are addressed in a very boyish way and advertising is just circling around 'getting the girl' - we clearly wanted Nivea to make a very mature, serious statement to Indian men", said Sudarshan Singh, brand manager, Nivea India.

 

Source: Data Monitor

 

 

 

153. Shah Rukh Khan To Endorse Emami Fair And Handsome – June 19

Shah Rukh Khan signs up as a brand ambassador for Emami Fair and Handsome

Kolkata-based Emami Group of Companies has signed Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) as a brand ambassador for the Emami Fair and Handsome, which is a fairness cream for men. SRK’s two-year contract starts from 2007. Mohan Goenka, a director of Emami Group of Companies said, “We are elated to have India’s superstar Shah Rukh Khan onboard. We have a long association with Khan as he also endorses some of our other brands such as Himani Navratna Oil and Himani Sona Chandi Chyawanprash. Emami Fair and Handsome has been a star brand in the Emami portfolio and hence we thought of associating SRK’s brand image with Emami Fair and Handsome. This is all the more crucial as this brand is a category leader and SRK was the only name that came to our mind when we thought of selecting our brand ambassador”.

 

Source: Exchange4media

 

 

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Sports Apparel

Share Prices
 

 

 

 

154. Nike Kicks Off Website For Indian Soccer Fans– July 14

Nike launches ‘Nikefootball.in’ for Indian soccer fans

Nike has launched a website dedicated to football, ‘Nikefootball.in’, to target Indian football lovers. As a part of this initiative, Nike launched the ‘Where’s the next?’ online football event for teenagers in the 15-17 age group. Sanjay Gangopadhyay, marketing director, Nike India, said, “Nike sees this as an opportunity to feed the passion for football and to provide a premium experience for some of the most talented football obsessed teens in the country”. The winner of the contest (from 15 July, 2007 to July 31, 2007) will get an opportunity to be a part of an 11-member team from Asia. Participants are required to post a one-minute video displaying their football skills on Nike’s website.

 

Source: Exchange4Media

 

 

 

155. Benetton To Unveil Sports Label – July 02

Benetton plans to launch Playlife in India

United Colors of Benetton is planning to launch its sportswear label Playlife in India to strengthen its foothold in the apparel and accessories market. The company seeks to increase the number of its outlets in India to 150 by 2007.

 

Source: Business Standard

 

 

 

156. Hollywood Star To Be Face Of Reebok – June 21

Scarlett Johansson is Reebok’s new brand ambassador

Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson has been signed by Reebok as its new brand ambassador for the women’s footwear and apparel collection. Subhinder Singh Prem, managing director, Reebok India, said, “Scarlett embodies the pulse points of our brand individuality, authenticity and a life lived to the fullest in perpetual motion. These characteristics make her the perfect fit for our new women's footwear and apparel collection”. The company launched its latest collection, “Scarlett ‘Hearts’ Rbk”, a ‘fashion-forward and athletic-inspired’ footwear and apparel line, in India.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

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