ITV

Category: Brands

  • Godrej Consumer Products lowers Q4-2014 ad spends by 36 per cent

    Godrej Consumer Products lowers Q4-2014 ad spends by 36 per cent

    BENGALURU: FMCG player Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GPCL) spent (-35.93) per cent less towards Advertising and Publicity (Ad & Pub spends) in Q4-2014 at Rs 145.78 crore as compared to the Rs 227.53 crore in the immediate trailing Q3-2013 and (-14.75) per cent lower than the Rs 171 crore in the year ago quarter (Q4-2013).

    However, the company spent 24.61 per cent more towards Ad & Pub in FY-2014 at Rs 832.97 crore as compared to the Rs 668.48 crore in the last fiscal (FY-2013). Overall, as per Fig 1 below, in terms of rupees spent, the company’s overall Ad & Pub spends trend (linear) upwards over the last eight quarters starting with Q1-2013 till Q4-2014. However, in terms of Ad and Pub spends in terms of percentage of Operating Revenue (Op Rev), the linear trend is downwards, the company is spending less as a percentage of its Op Rev towards Ad & Pub.

    The company’s Op Rev in Q4-2014 has fallen by (-2.56) per cent to Rs 1931.52 crore from Rs 1982.27 crore in Q3-2014, but is 12.34 per cent higher than the Rs 1719.39 crore in Q4-2013. GCPL’s FY-2014 Op Rev is 18.49 per cent higher at Rs 7602.41 crore as compared to the Rs 6416.30 crore in FY-2013.

    Overall, GCPL’s PAT for FY-2014 at Rs 759.73 crore is (-4.57) per cent lower than the Rs 796.10 crore in FY-2013. Q-o-Q, PAT at Rs 236.28 crore in Q4-2014 is 20.69 per cent higher than the Rs 195.77 crore in Q3-2014, but (-29.29) per cent lower than the Rs 334.14 crore y-o-y.

    As per Fig 2 below, GCPL’s Op Rev, PAT and PAT as percentage of Op Rev, all show an upward trend.

    In its India category review, the company has the following to say:

    Household Insecticides

    Sales growth returns back to normalcy at 17 per cent plus, well ahead of the category. GCPL continues to drive market share gains aided by success of Good Knight Fast card and HIT Anti Roach Gel. GCPL believes that the new launch Good Knight Xpress LV will bring further gains to GCPL franchise.

    Soaps

    Sales value grew at 1 per cent, well ahead of the category growth which is facing significant pressure in terms of consumer off take. Category de-grew both in value and volume terms in mid to high single digits respectively. GCPL has recently launched a new variant for Godrej No. 1 ‘Lavender and Milk Cream’and says that it has also started a 360 degree media campaign for Cinthol ‘Cool’ soap ahead of summers.

    Hair Colours

    Strong momentum in hair colours was maintained, delivering sales growth at 16 per cent plus despite anniversarisation of Expert Cr?me launch. Growth rates were significantly ahead of category growth rates. The company has also launched new packaging for Expert Advanced Gel based hair colours and a twin use pack for Expert Cr?me. GCPL has on going initiatives such as salon engagement programs, festival linked promotions, etc. to drive higher  consumption and penetration for the category continued to deliver healthy results.

    Aer

    GCPL says that Aer continues to do well aided by its consumer engagement initiatives. The product was launched in gel format for both click and twist format.

     GCPL chairman Adi Godrej’s quote

    “We have delivered robust performance in our India and in our international businesses this quarter, in a challenging market environment. Our focus on sustaining and extending leadership in our core categories has enabled us to grow significantly ahead of the market. Our innovations have delivered well ahead of expectations. Overall, our operating performance has been strong, with profits growing ahead of sales.”

    “Our India business delivered relatively healthy sales growth, amidst a slowdown in the household and personal care market. We have continued to gain market shares across categories, driven by new innovations and compelling marketing programs.”

    “Our international businesses also had a good quarter with significant improvements in profitability. Our teams have demonstrated great agility and resilience to deliver this market-leading performance.”

    “The overall macro outlook remains turbulent. While the pace of economic recovery remains uncertain, we are hopeful that consumer sentiment will become more positive and we will see better growth in the sector in the quarters ahead. We will continue investing judiciously for the longer term to improve our competitive position and emerge stronger than ever before. I am confident that with our clear strategic focus, our superior execution and our top notch team, we will continue to deliver industry leading results in the future.”

  • DDB MudraMax throws India’s first ever voters party

    DDB MudraMax throws India’s first ever voters party

    MUMBAI: While Mumbai voted on 24 April, DDB MudraMax and Thincquisitive Foundation celebrated democracy, by hosting India’s first ever Voters Party at Hard Rock Cafe, Andheri, Mumbai.

     

    Being a Voters party, only people who had voted, by showing proof of the Black Dot, could enter. The hosts screened the IPL match and this was followed by live performances by Anushka Manchanda, Spud in the Box and Vasuda Sharma.

     

    Operation Black Dots objective was to bring a shift in the way politics is looked at in India and by making it more engaging and inclusive. Open hangout sessions were held, at regular intervals with eminent political leaders, journalists and economists such as Priya Dutt, Ajit Ranade, Aarthi Saathe, Mahrukh Inayet, Sanjay Jha, Milind Deora, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, where a various number of topics were discussed such as Section 377, Political Ideologies, Money spent on political campaigns etc.

     

    The team also got the youth interested and tuned in, by visiting most colleges across Mumbai, and helping students get their voters id and also answer all queries they had regarding any subject. Apart from this, Vishal Dadlani, Purab Kohli, VJ Jose and Anushka Manchanda were roped in to spread the word and get as many youngsters to vote by tweeting and posting messages about #OBDIndia on their Twitter and Facebook pages.

     

    On 23 April, Tata Nano Twist helped promote the initiative by supplying six cars and four bikes that went all around the city, encouraging people to vote, the next day. The team also took to outdoor for the final leg, by asking Sachin Tendulkar and Shah Rukh Khan where they’re going to be on voting day.

     

    Commenting on the success of the campaign,  Operation Black Dot  founder and DDB Mudra Group chief youth marketer Samyak Chakrabarty said, “Thorough this campaign, not only is this an incentive for the disinterested voters to go out and vote, but is an excellent way for them to celebrate their vote and consequently democracy. From getting MPs on bean bags to breaking down complex political concepts into quick fun videos, we did it all to ensure our TG finds such discourse interesting and engaging. Our team of 100+ volunteers who were mainly students themselves did a great job in engaging their peer groups for this cause.”

  • Cricketer Rohit Sharma to play for Rajhans Group Real Estate

    Cricketer Rohit Sharma to play for Rajhans Group Real Estate

    MUMBAI: The Gujarat-based real estate conglomerate, Rajhans (Desai-Jain) Group, has chosen Indian batsman Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador.

     

    Sharma will spearhead the company’s aggressive foray into new real estate projects and new geographies in India. The group already has an impressive presence in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Delhi and will enter Punjab and Madhya Pradesh very soon. 

     

    The group would now have the benefit of Rohit Sharma’s star power and endorsement as they usher in global and many “first-time-in-India” concepts in Real estate (residential, commercial and retail) and expand their significant presence in entertainment (targeting 100 screens by mid-2015 across India) and the hospitality sector (targeting 25 chains of restaurants by mid-2015 across India).

     

    Rajhans (Desai-Jain) Groups chairman Jayesh Desai stated: “We are thrilled with this association with Rohit Sharma – the rising young star of Indian cricket. I have always believed that the power and boundless energy of youth fuels growth and success. We wish to always be a young, agile company – because only as a youngster does the world and the future seem full of possibilities. Rohit, for me, epitomizes that power and motive force of youth that Rajhans believes in.”

     

    ‘I do think both Rohit and us at Rajhans are the new era in our respective fields of work – be it him in cricket or us in real estate and want to become the stalwarts of the future. And both of us want to make millions of Indians happy,’ added Rajhans realty director Sunil Jain.

     

    “It is not just an intention – we have already begun to deliver delightful experiences and keeping our commitments. After receiving the prestigious CREDAI Award in 2012, we were recognised as the ‘Best Fully Completed Luxury Residential Project from Surat City’ by CNBC Awaaz Real Estate Awards – 2013,” he concluded

     

  • Myntra.com ropes in Ranveer Singh as brand ambassador for Roadster

    Myntra.com ropes in Ranveer Singh as brand ambassador for Roadster

    MUMBAI: The fashion and lifestyle e-commerce platform, Myntra.com, has signed up Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador. Singh will endorse the contemporary jeanswear brand from Myntra.com – Roadster.

     

    The association further marks the company’s focus on establishing itself as the fashion brand for young India.

     

    Myntra CMO Vikas Ahuja said, “Being the preferred fashion destination in the country, we constantly aim to resonate fashion and lifestyle in the hearts and minds of the youth of the country. Our private brands play a significant role in this, and in creating differentiation, choice and value for our shoppers. Roadster products are known for their combination of style and class and unparalleled quality. Signing on Ranveer Singh is a sturdy step towards the evolution of the Roadster brand, which we intend to take to another level. Ranveer’s power-packed and unconventional persona makes him the ideal choice for Roadster.”

     

    Ranveer Singh added, “I have always been very selective when it comes to brand associations because I believe that who you associate with says a lot about you. Roadster is a brand I took a liking to instantly. The clothes are wonderful and are more than real value for the price point they are pitched. Most importantly however, I subscribe to its philosophy of not being bound to any societal norms and I’m really looking forward to doing some great work with Roadster as we continue ahead on the journey.”

     

    With over 650 products to choose from, Roadster offers Denim aficionados a stupendous range of stylish products for both men and women. Roadster products are priced between Rs 300 – 3,799 and are exclusively available on Myntra.com.

  • Brands woo Mumbai voters with offers

    Brands woo Mumbai voters with offers

    MUMBAI: Political parties may have succeeded in getting Mumbaikars to step out and cast their vote but brands are taking a step further in wooing all those who fulfilled their duty on voting day. Here’s looking at what’s on offer for inked customers:

    Vote today, party tomorrow

    Today being a dry day, DDB Mudra Max, which has been running an interesting initiative titled ‘Operation Black Dot’ for the last few months, is hosting what it calls a ‘voters’ party’ tomorrow for first-time voters at one of the suburban outlets of Hard Rock Café. While Myra Wines is serving a complimentary glass of wine at restaurants such as The Table, Salt Water Café and Smoke House Deli in SoBo. Blue Frog is offering free entry tomorrow. The pub has also asked those who voted to take selfies with a pint of GBC beer and post them on their social pages. The first 25 to do so will be getting the second pint free.

    Food for vote

    Just flash your inked finger and avail some cool offers at places like Sun-N-Sand, Sahara Star, Dominos, KFC, Ice Cream Works, Le 15 Patisserie, Bistro Café, Ramada Goa Portuguesa, 6th Street Yogurt, Cream Centre, Grain & Bagel Café, Debonairs Pizza, Spaghetti Kitchen, Bombay Blue, Noodle Bar, Copper Chimney and The Little Door.

    Go shop

    The likes of Spykar, bYSI and It’s our Studio are offering discounts on apparel and other products.

    Pamper your hair

    Lakme Salon is offering a 50 per cent discount at all outlets across the city while Trinity Salon is offering free haircuts to those who come flaunting their ‘Kaala Teeka’. Taj salons across Taj properties have come up with cool offers as well.

    While brands took the initiative to ensure good voter turnout, seems like Mumbaikars were not wooed enough to go and vote.

  • Yatra.com is Rajasthan Royals’ official travel partner for IPL

    Yatra.com is Rajasthan Royals’ official travel partner for IPL

    MUMBAI: Yatra.com has announced its partnership with the Pepsi Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals as official travel partner.

     

    Through this association, Yatra.com aims at reaching out to millions of IPL fans by leveraging the cricket fever in the country.

     

    Commenting on the association, Yatra.com CEO Dhruv Shringi said, “We are delighted to partner with Rajasthan Royals and ride the IPL wave this season. Yatra is about creating ‘happy travelers’ and offering complete commitment and dedication to customers and partners. This partnership is a great fit as the Rajasthan Royals brand ethos resonates closely with our own.”

     

    The name ‘Rajasthan Royals’ is inspired by the former princely states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It was born from the commitment to entertain cricket fans and unearth new talent across the globe, with a sharp focus on India. As a brand it stands for resilience, commitment, intensity and never say die attitude. With roots in the culturally rich state of Rajasthan, the Rajasthan Royals are impassioned by indomitable qualities of strength, courage and fighting prowess, which personifies the brand.

     

    Commenting on the partnership, Rajasthan Royals CEO Raghu Iyer said, “Rajasthan Royals is pleased to partner with a leading online travel company like Yatra.com, as the team’s official travel partner. We trust that this will mark the beginning of a long and fruitful journey for both organisations in the time to come.”

     

  • HUL aims for a #Brightfuture this Earth Day

    HUL aims for a #Brightfuture this Earth Day

    MUMBAI: The biggest consumer goods company in the country, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), does more than just a lip service to the corporate social responsibilities (CSR).

     

    On Earth Day, the company launched a campaign on twitter with a hashtag #Brightfuture with an aim to interact with people and get them to tweet what actions people have taken for a better tomorrow.

     

    Through the #Brightfuture campaign, HUL wants people to share ‘how through their small actions they have been able to achieve sustainable living especially for the bright future for the children.’

     

    “A large number of people today want to adopt a sustainable lifestyle and prefer using brands that are more sustainable. It is our belief that occasions such as Earth Day provide us an opportunity to encourage people to take action by doing small things which, added together, contribute to a better society and environment,” says the HUL spokesperson.

     

    The response has been good with many sharing tips on the same. Some of the tips shared on the company’s twitter page are: “I prefer to read online to save newspaper and print got by cutting trees,” “I’ve played ‘Dry & Safe Holi/Diwali’ for years. Now I do my bit to spread awareness regarding it,” “Enjoy sports and recreational activities that use your muscles rather than gasoline,” “Reduce travelling by using video conferencing for meetings.”

     

    The company promises to give HUL goodies to the best tweets.

     

    The consumer goods company which believes in a sustainable tomorrow, through its various initiatives like Project Sunlight or Help A Child Reach 5, has done its bit with an aim to make sustainable living desirable and achievable by inspiring people to look at the possibilities of a world where everyone lives well and within the natural limits of the planet.

     

    The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan which was launched in 2010 has three ambitious goals, all to be achieved by 2020:

    1.  To help more than a billion people take action to improve their health and wellbeing.

    2.  To halve the environmental footprint of our products across the value chain, not just those relating to manufacturing or within our direct control.

    3.  To source 100 per cent of their agricultural raw materials sustainably.

  • Cadbury India is now Mondelez India Food

    Cadbury India is now Mondelez India Food

    MUMBAI: Cadbury India, a subsidiary of Mondelez International, has changed its name to Mondelez India Foods. The change in name of Cadbury is in line with the gradual changeover of the name of all subsidiaries of Mondelez International globally.

     

    The company is focused on creating delicious moments of joy that is encapsulated in its name – “monde” for world and “delez” for delicious.

     

    The change in name of the company will have no impact on the names or packaging of its popular products like Cadbury Dairy Milk, 5 Star, Gems, Bournville, Perk, Celebrations, Choclairs, Halls, Bournvita, Tang and Oreo, which will continue to be sold under the same brand names as before. The only change consumers will experience is that the new name of the company will appear on the back of pack of the products.

     

    Commenting on the development, Mondelez India Foods managing director Manu Anand said, “With the change in name of the company to Mondelez India Foods Limited, we conclude the process of transition that began over two years ago.  We are today the pre-eminent and most loved food company in India with leadership in fast growing categories, strong route to market, robust innovation pipeline and world class talent and facilities. We view this change as yet another milestone in this exciting journey of success and leadership.”

  • Tata Motors’ passenger vehicles division is the official car partner for RCB

    Tata Motors’ passenger vehicles division is the official car partner for RCB

    MUMBAI: Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles Division today shared details for its association with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team as the official car partner. Captained by the super performer, Virat Kohli, the RCB team will see ace players like Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle & AB De Villiers, play this season.

     

    To expand the mutually beneficial contours of this partnership, both partners will shortly launch a series of joint initiatives to engage with their customers and RCB enthusiasts across India.

     

    Royal Challengers Bangalore VP, commercial operations & cricket academy Russell Adams said, “We are delighted to partner with Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and look forward to embarking on some interesting and engaging outreach programs soon”.

     

    Virat Kohli, Captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore said, “It is extremely encouraging to see more and more marquee brands and leading corporates come on board as team partners and the team looks forward to an exciting season ahead.”

     

    Speaking about the partnership, Tata Motors senior VP – sales & marketing passenger vehicles Ankush Arora said “We are happy to associate with a strong team like RCB. Through this association, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Division and RCB have brought their superstars together to offer a unique platform with an objective of engaging with customers and the youth of today around one of the biggest and passionate cricket tournaments, the IPL.”

     

    The current range of Tata Motors’ cars will be used to transport the team players. The BOLT logo features on the leading arm of the jersey as a partner of the team. The BOLT brand will also have significant brand exposure at RCB’s home ground, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, along with in-stadium promotional rights. The RCB team has established themselves as a stylish and cool team and have performed consistently last season. This partnership offers a perfect synergy for the values and attributes both partner brands have in common.

     

    Recently unveiled at the Auto Expo 2014, the BOLT is a sporty hatch engineered for global markets, through global teams across India, UK and Korea, It signifies enthusiasm for life, exudes sense of excitement, anticipation, and sportiness. It will set new standards in the hatch segment and is a true representation of the Horizonext philosophy, with best-in-class offerings. The BOLT showcases the Next in Design, Performance and Infotainment, from Tata Motors. 

  • Kings XI Punjab gets 14 sponsors on board, this year

    Kings XI Punjab gets 14 sponsors on board, this year

    MUMBAI: Starting the upcoming IPL season on a positive note, Kings XI Punjab, has announced Tata Motors Prima as its title sponsor.

     

    The franchisee has also on board Trip Factory, McDowells, Britannia, Pepsi, Flying Machine, Prayag Bath Fittings, Frontline Securities, R N Sports and Amazon as their new sponsors, while it continues its existing relationship with Arise India, ACC Cement, Kingfisher and TK Sports for this year.

     

    Kings XI Punjab COO Fraser Castellino said, “I am pleased to have Tata Motors Prima as our title sponsor and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with them. I would also like to welcome our other partners on board and thank them for putting their faith in the team. With such associations this year, the franchises’ excitement and energy levels have further been boosted for the tournament. I am hopeful that these partnerships will be mutually beneficial to all the parties involved.”

     

    “Tata Motors Prima is delighted to sponsor the Kings XI Punjab team, one of the most exciting franchises in the Indian Premier League for this upcoming season. We bring the same passionate commitment to our customers as this star line-up brings to their cricket. We wish “The Lions” the very best for this season of IPL,” said Tata Motors commercial vehicles executive director Ravi Pisharody.

     

     Tata Motors Prima is the title sponsor while Trip Factory and Prayag Bath Fittings are official team sponsors. Arise India has come on board as the mobile handset partner and Kingfisher as the good times partner. Britannia is the official goodness partner, while Pepsi is the official beverage partner. It has associated with Flying Machine as the official style partner, Frontline Securities as the official security partner, RN Sports as the official talent hunt partner, TK Sport as the official kitting partner and Amazon as the official online partner.  McDowells and ACC Cement continue to be the official team partners.