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Category: Brands

  • Doodle-icious: Amul celebrates regional leaders’ wins in assembly polls with topicals

    Doodle-icious: Amul celebrates regional leaders’ wins in assembly polls with topicals

    MUMBAI: Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee was sworn-in as West Bengal chief minister for the third straight term Wednesday after she spearheaded her party to a remarkable victory in the recently concluded assembly elections. 

    2 May marked a jubilant day for regional stalwarts as along with Didi, Pinarayi Vijayan and MK Stalin also emerged victorious in their respective states despite a stiff opposition challenge.

    The TMC proved all exit polls wrong and won 213 seats in West Bengal, two more than its 2016 tally, successfully taking on the BJP juggernaut led by PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, besides a battery of national and state leaders.

    The Amul creative features the TMC Supremo in her trademark white cotton saree with the captions “She Didi It Again” and “Enjoy TrinAmul!”

     

     

    The historic win of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the Kerala Assembly election has put the spotlight on its lead author, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. His resolute leadership style and daring political experiments amid major challenges and crises in the state – like the 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreak, the Sabarimala case controversy and now the Covid2019 pandemic – has found resounding approval among the state’s electorate, so much so that it re-elected an incumbent government for the first time in four decades. The LDF won 91 seats and the Congress-led UDF 40, while BJP failed to secure a single seat in the state, despite roping in ‘Metroman’ E Sreedharan in a last-minute bid to garner votes.

     

     

    The Amul Topical reads “Triwondrum” showing the Kerala CM in his signature white mundu and shirt against a backdrop of the State’s map with the words “Amul – God’s own snack” – a reference to its official state tourism tagline, God’s own country.

     In Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin-led DMK wrested power from BJP ally AIADMK, denying the ruling party a third straight term. Stalin, the 68-year-old DMK president, is all set to become the chief minister for the first time, after a decade in opposition. The Secular Progressive Alliance led by him won a convincing victory over arch-rival AIADMK in the southern state, securing 156 seats.

    The Amul topical depicts the DMK president taking a victory walk on a ramp with the words “STALwin” emblazoned.

     

     

  • Accenture pledges $25 million for Covid relief in India

    Accenture pledges $25 million for Covid relief in India

    KERALA: Software giant Accenture has pledged $25 million (about Rs 185 crore) to support the Covid relief efforts in India. Additionally, the company will also give access to Covid vaccines for over two lakh eligible employees and their families in India. 

    “Safety and well-being of our people continue to be our top priority and we are providing care, support, and access to vaccines for our eligible people in India who are facing an unprecedented challenge,” Accenture said in a statement. 

    The Ireland-based MNC will also provide PPE kits to frontline workers, and food and home care kits to the poor people in the nation. The company is also working closely with the government to support vaccination camps and provide local language call-centre support. 

    Accenture India chairperson & senior managing director Rekha M Menon said that the company stands in solidarity with India. 

    “We have made a fresh pledge of $25 million for pandemic relief efforts in addition to the ongoing investments in our people and communities. The local and global efforts include providing ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and medical kits,” wrote Menon on her Linkedin page. 

    A few days ago, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of Hyundai Motor India, had also announced Rs 20 crore relief package in the midst of the raging second wave of the pandemic in the country. After announcing the relief package, Hyundai Motor India said that the funds will be used to deploy resources to set up oxygen generating plants in hospitals, to aid critical patients, and help hospitals become self-sufficient in oxygen. 

  • Parineeti Chopra signs as Dabur brand ambassador

    Parineeti Chopra signs as Dabur brand ambassador

    NEW DELHI: Dabur India has roped in Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra as the new brand ambassador for Dabur Pudin Hara. The brand has also unveiled a new TVC with Chopra.

    The TVC is a slice-of-life relatable story of a young couple where the husband has a mild stomach problem after having a heavy meal. He thinks that an ambulance or doctor might have to be called during the night and he would not be able to sleep. That is when Chopra, his wife, offers him Pudin Hara Pearls which relieves his distress.

    Dabur India marketing head- OTC healthcare Ajay Singh Parihar shared that the new campaign aims to highlight the importance of Pudin Hara during different stomach problems, in an endearing manner. “We are excited to have Parineeti Chopra as the new face of Dabur Pudin Hara. She fits well with the brand persona of being modern, trustworthy, and progressive apart from connecting well with different sets of consumers. A new TVC featuring Parineeti Chopra has also been unveiled with an interesting consumer insight Isse Pehle Ki Baat Badh Jaaye, Lein Pudin Hara,” he added.

    “I always believe in natural ways of taking care of oneself and the new campaign of Dabur Pudin hara is exactly that. Hence, I would want to communicate to the consumers that they can take care of their stomach with 100 per cent natural and safe Pudin Hara, which also has a strong heritage and is the most trusted brand of Dabur,” said Chopra.

  • L’oréal stands in solidarity with India’s fight against Covid

    L’oréal stands in solidarity with India’s fight against Covid

    Mumbai: To address the acute shortage of oxygen being faced by India in combating the Covid2019 pandemic, L’Oréal has lent its financial support to the French government’s initiative to provide oxygen generators, liquid oxygen containers and specialised respirators to the country. In addition, the global cosmetic brand is working with a network of NGOs across India, including GiveIndia, United Way Mumbai, Hemkunt Foundation, ActionAid Association, the Akshay Patra Foundation etc to supply critical oxygen equipment, medical supplies, food, education and hygiene kits across the country.

    L’Oréal will provide oxygen concentrators and cylinders to hospitals in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and distribute over 100,000 units of sanitisers to government hospitals, police forces, municipal corporations, and those on the frontline of the pandemic across the country. The company said it will also give care packages to approximately 2000 nurses who have become the primary caregiver and family to many.

    With schools closed indefinitely, underprivileged children have not had access to education or food provided by schools. To aid their requirements, L’Oréal has partnered the Akshay Patra Foundation to provide 4,000 food and education kits for children. As women have been amongst the most severely impacted by the pandemic, L’Oréal is working with Action Aid India to provide livelihood training and infrastructure support, there by empowering them to restart their livelihoods.

    L’Oréal India managing director Amit Jain said, “We are deeply concerned with the severity of the second wave of the pandemic and committed to working closely with the government and our NGO partners to support the country’s collective efforts to fight the crisis.”

    L’Oréal employees will also be contributing toward Covid relief to an NGO of their choice via the fundraising platform GiveIndia.

  • Covid effect: TVS Motor’s domestic sales plunge 33% in April

    Covid effect: TVS Motor’s domestic sales plunge 33% in April

    NEW DELHI: After holding steady on the road to recovery, TVS Motor Company sales plunged 26 per cent to 2,38,983 units in the month of April 2021. This is a significant downturn from the 3,22,683 units the company sold in March 2021.

    The company’s total two-wheelers sales in April stood at 2,26,193 units compared to 3,07,437 units in March. Domestic two-wheeler sales of TVS Motor stood at 1,31,386 units last month, as against 2,02,155 units in March this year.

    Though the company has seen an overall drop of nearly 33 per cent compared to its performance in March, it is nevertheless a massive growth if one considers its performance during the same period last year, when sales crashed to zero in the domestic market due to the nationwide lockdown.

    “Domestic sales in April 2021 are lower due to lockdowns in many states, but retails continue to be ahead of despatch. We have reduced dealer stocks to support the channel partners and will produce to maintain adequate inventories for customer demand when it reopens,” TVS Motor noted.

    The company’s total exports registered sales of 1,07,185 units in April 2021 as against 9,640 units registered in the month of April 2020. Two-wheeler exports recorded sales of 94,807 units in April 2021 as against 8,134 units in April 2020.

    Three-wheelers manufactured by TVS Motor recorded sales of 12,790 units in April 2021, compared to 1,506 units in the same period last year.

  • PepsiCo Foundation initiates community vaccination drives

    PepsiCo Foundation initiates community vaccination drives

    MUMBAI: The PepsiCo Foundation has partnered with non-profit organisation Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) to roll out an extensive community relief outreach program to support the Indian government’s ongoing efforts against Covid2019. 

    As part of the partnership, SEEDS will drive Covid2019 vaccinations for the community at large, set up Covid care centres equipped with beds and medical facilities including oxygen cylinders. Additionally, oxygen concentrators will also be provided to central government for distribution to various government hospitals. The entire community relief program will be rolled out across the country with a special focus on five states — Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana.

    As part of the initiative, extensive awareness drives will also be organised across various states to promote vaccination amongst the population at large. These sessions will be conducted in partnership with NGOs including SEEDS along with the local Government authorities.

    In the first phase of the program, over one lakh vaccine doses will be provided to communities at large administered through the local healthcare system. Further, five Covid care centers would also be set up in key states for three months. Each centre will be equipped with beds and will have all key medical facilities including oxygen cylinders for emergency use, medical equipment, provision of meals among others. Additionally, over 100 state-of-the-art oxygen concentrators are also being procured and will be provided to various state government authorities to support their on-ground requirements.

    In the second phase, the PepsiCo Foundation will be rolling out partnerships with other NGOs to support the frontline Covid warriors with PPE kits, N95 and surgical three-ply masks, pulse oximeters, sanitisers, etc.

    PepsiCo India president Ahmed ElSheikh said, “India is embattling the second wave of the pandemic and we all are facing a challenging situation. In these difficult times, it becomes even more important for businesses to come together and partner with the Centre and state governments, civil society, NGOs, and healthcare institutions to support communities in need. Vaccination is one way which can help us combat Covid-19 and we are thankful to have partners like SEEDS to front-end the community vaccination drives and set up Covid care centres.”

    In addition to community care initiatives, PepsiCo India has also committed to cover the cost of vaccination for its employees and their spouses. As part of the same initiative, vaccinations drives are being organised in partnership with leading healthcare providers.

    Since the onset of the pandemic last year, PepsiCo India has been actively stepping up its community support programs. The company has provided over 10 million meals to the underserved communities and has made available over 35,000 Covid2019 test kits to various government labs and hospitals. The company also provided hygiene kits to farmers and truck drivers across states to ensure their well-being and safety during the pandemic. 

  • Marico Q4: Net profit surges 14.1% driven by volume growth

    Marico Q4: Net profit surges 14.1% driven by volume growth

    NEW DELHI: Consumer goods major Marico has reported a 14.1 per cent year-on-year growth in consolidated profit at Rs 227 crore for the quarter ended 31 March 2021, driven by volume-led strong revenue growth.

    Revenue from operations shot up 34.5 per cent to Rs 2,012 crore compared to the year-ago quarter, backed by robust volume growth of 25 per cent in the domestic business and constant currency growth of 23 percent in the international business, the Saffola oil maker said in its BSE filing.

    The foods portfolio grew 134 per cent in value terms in the quarter and crossed Rs 300 crore in turnover in FY21. “The base oats franchise grew by 84 per cent in value terms, backed by increased penetration and market share gains,” noted the FMCG player.

    Parachute Rigids grew 29 percent in volumes, albeit on a low base, undeterred by price hikes and pullback of consumer offers to counter a part of the input cost push.

    “Value-added hair oils grew 22 per cent in volumes with all of the key brands clocking double-digit growth. Saffola edible oils extended stellar run with 17 per cent volume growth despite a particularly strong base, on the back of investment in new markets and increasing household penetration,” the company added.

    At the operating level, EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) grew by 13.1 percent year-on-year to Rs 319 crore but margin contracted 300 bps year-on-year to 15.9 per cent in Q4.

    Advertising and sales promotion grew by 35 per cent as the company invested aggressively mainly in core franchises and food innovations while continuing to drive spending rationalisation and channelising investment towards growing franchises.

    In the international business, “Bangladesh clocked 20 per cent constant currency growth. South East Asia also reverted to positive territory with 13 per cent constant currency growth. MENA and South Africa also gained on a low base,” said Marico.

  • Brands salute the indomitable spirit of frontline workers on May Day

    Brands salute the indomitable spirit of frontline workers on May Day

    MUMBAI: As we celebrate one more May Day, also called the International Day of Workers or International Labour Day, dedicated to workers and labourers across the world (from behind closed doors in the safety of our homes), it becomes even more important to recognise the invisible labour of those countless workers who keep our lives going, uninterrupted. Who have put their lives at risk, tirelessly fighting an unseen deadly enemy to just do their everyday job- letting the rest of us have the luxury of choosing not to step out.  

    With this thought in mind, brands have come forward to shine a light on the working community, who have contributed to our well-being by sharing digital campaigns on this day dedicated to them. Here are some of the creatives/campaigns for Labour Day which caught our eye:

    Tata Motors shared a message of hope and solidarity on its Instagram handle, saying “This #LabourDay, we salute those on the frontlines of the battle against #COVID19. Here’s hoping for a safer and healthier future ahead.”

    It also reminded us all that “in these unfortunate times we are fortunate to have them”.

    Croma Retail shared a film that talks about taking out a moment to pause and to “wholeheartedly thank all the service staff who helped make our days brighter everyday”, while urging us to do the same. It shared, “Their work never stopped, even when the world did. Let’s take a moment to honour and celebrate the unsung heroes who have our utmost respect and gratitude, here’s to you!”

     
     
     

     
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     
     

     
     

    A post shared by Croma Retail (@croma.retail)

    The Aditya Birla Group’s UltraTech Cement gave a shoutout to the labourers who work day in and out, even in these Covid times to create our dream homes.

    Bajaj Allianz paid tribute to the frontline workers on social media. “Working endlessly to fight the global pandemic and keep us safe in the bounds of our home. This #WorldLabourDay, let’s contribute to their efforts by following all the rules and norms effectively. #CaringlyYours “ With the words, “Be it an emergency or a pandemic  they never stop caring  for us,” the insurance company posted.

    JSW paints shared a post to thank those who work round-the-clock for us in an Instagram story, “Seize the day from the safety of our homes and thank our heroes for all their efforts”

    Kotak Life shared an acknowledgement for the frontline workers, whose hard labour in the pursuit of their livelihood makes our lives smoother. “Here’s to the ones who strive hard for the development of our nation while risking their lives.”

    Automotive and inverter battery manufacturer Tata Green shared the following post on its Instagram, saying, “TATA Green appreciates the hard work, dedication and contribution of all the workers across our nation this #InternationalLabourDay,” with the message ‘Let’s honour the hands that have built our nation’.

  • Amazon India steps up to help small businesses amid Covid surge

    Amazon India steps up to help small businesses amid Covid surge

    New Delhi: As the country battles the devastating onslaught of the novel Coronavirus, Amazon India has rolled out a slew of measures for small and medium businesses to help them wade through the crisis.

    The e-commerce major said it will waive 50 per cent of the ‘sell-on-amazon’ or ‘referral fee’ from 1-31 May for sellers who have had an average monthly gross merchandise sale (GMS) of Rs 10,000 or below across January, February, and March 2021. It will also reimburse storage fees and long-term storage fees charged for keeping sellers’ products at its warehouses for merchants based out of non-serviceable pin codes.

    “Never has it been more important to stand with small businesses and we wanted to do our part to help our sellers tide through these tough times. We hope our initiatives, which include fee waivers, policy relaxations, and vaccination support, will be of help to our sellers at this time,” tweeted Amazon India vice president Manish Tiwari.

    Amazon India has over 8.5 lakh sellers on its platform. It has recently announced its decision to cover the Covid2019 vaccine costs for its eligible sellers and their dependents.

    The etailer said it will temporarily relax the claim windows for various types of reimbursements that the sellers file for 30 days. It will also take steps to mitigate any negative impact on sellers’ performance metrics due to defaults caused by the pandemic and the resulting restrictions in several states, on the sellers’ account health.

    “We are also working to relax our policies regarding late shipment rate, order cancellation, and returns to better support our sellers during this period,” said Tiwari in a blog post.

    India on Sunday recorded a massive surge of 3.92 lakh new Covid2019 cases and as many as 3,689 deaths from across the country. While the government has announced the beginning of phase-3 of the vaccination drive, the process remained suspended in several states due to a shortage of vaccines for the 18-44 years age group.

    Amazon India said the lockdowns and curfews announced in different states to tackle the situation continues to impact its businesses, even though the e-commerce companies have been allowed to operate. The government has allowed the delivery of only essential items like groceries and medicines.

    Amazon India works with more than 10 lakh small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) including sellers, delivery and logistics partners, neighbourhood stores, enterprises, developers, content creators, and authors in the country.

    “Our number one priority right now is to help save lives and extend support communities across the nation including our employees, sellers, delivery associates, other partners, and their dependents in this time of crisis,” said Tiwari.

  • HUL Q4: Net profit up 41%; health, hygiene & nutrition portfolios drive growth

    HUL Q4: Net profit up 41%; health, hygiene & nutrition portfolios drive growth

    NEW DELHI: FMCG major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) reported a good set of numbers on all fronts for the quarter ending 31 March 2021. Beating market estimates by a significant margin, net profit surged 41 per cent to Rs 2,143 crore on the back of a solid 16 per cent volume growth.

    Revenue grew by 34.6 per cent year-on-year to Rs 12,132 crore during Q4. Domestic consumer growth was at 21 per cent.

    For the fiscal 2020-21, the consumer goods company said its consolidated net profit was at Rs 7,999 crore, as compared to Rs 6,756 crore in 2019-20, a growth of 18 per cent. Consolidated total income for FY21 was at Rs 47,438 crore, as against Rs 40,415 crore in FY20.

    Health, hygiene and nutrition, which makes up 80 per cent of business, grew in double-digits for the third consecutive quarter, while discretionary and out-of-home categories improved sequentially, the company said.

    Home care growth at 15 per cent was enabled by a strong recovery in fabric wash. Household care continued its strong performance delivering double-digit growth. Liquids and fabric sensations continued to outperform, benefitting from robust market development initiatives, stated HUL.

    “Our in-quarter performance was strong on both the top-line and bottom-line. Despite challenging times, in FY21 our business ecosystem has withstood the disruption and demonstrated agility and resilience across the value chain,” said HUL chairman & MD Sanjiv Mehta. “We have delivered on our multi stakeholder business model. Our purpose-led brands and capabilities were further strengthened during the year and this positions us well to serve our consumers during this turbulent period.”

    The company’s focus will firmly remain behind delivering volume led competitive growth, he added.

    Mehta went on to say that the recent surge in Covid cases is of serious concern and “ensuring safety and well-being of people remains our top priority”.