Category: Marketing

  • Jyothy Labs launches fabric care and insecticide products

    Jyothy Labs launches fabric care and insecticide products

    MUMBAI: Jyothy Labs, the Indian FMCG company, has expanded its product lineup with three new offerings across its fabric care and household insecticide categories, stepping up competition in these fiercely contested market segments.

    The company has introduced Ujala  Young & Fresh as the latest addition to its well-established Ujala fabric care range. The new product enters India’s competitive fabric care market, estimated at over Rs 20,000 crore, where Jyothy Labs has maintained a strong position despite intense rivalry from heavyweights such as Hindustan Unilever’s Surf Excel and Procter & Gamble’s Ariel. Ujala has historically dominated the fabric whitener segment while expanding into detergents in recent years.

    In the household insecticide category, Jyothy Labs has launched two specialized variants of its Maxo Knockout Spray – one formulated specifically for mosquitoes and flies, and another targeting cockroaches. These products enter a market currently dominated by SC Johnson’s All Out and Reckitt Benckiser’s Mortein, with Godrej’s Hit brand also commanding significant market share. The household insecticide market in India has seen steady growth amid increasing health consciousness and vector-borne disease concerns.

    The launches come as part of Jyothy Labs’ strategy to strengthen its presence in key household categories through product differentiation, as the company seeks to maintain its competitive edge in a sector where multinational corporations continue to increase their marketing investments.

    The company, which also owns brands such as Margo, Exo, and Pril, aims to leverage its strong distribution network, particularly in rural areas, to challenge its larger competitors through targeted innovations in these essential household categories.

     

  • Mahindra races past Hyundai as India’s no two carmaker in February 2025

    Mahindra races past Hyundai as India’s no two carmaker in February 2025

    MUMBAI: India’s automobile sector witnessed a power shift in February 2025, as Mahindra outsold Hyundai to claim the second-largest carmaker spot in the country. With 50,420 domestic sales, Mahindra registered a robust 19 per cent YoY growth in the passenger vehicle segment, while Hyundai’s domestic sales dropped by 4.3 per cent YoY to 47,727 units, securing its third-place position.

    Mahindra’s total sales, including exports, reached 52,386 units, riding high on India’s SUV boom. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the company registered 20 per cent growth, selling 5,03,439 units in FY25, compared to 4,10,246 units in FY24.

    Mahindra’s export performance was particularly impressive, nearly doubling YoY, with 3,061 units shipped in February 2025, marking a 99 per cent surge from 1,539 units last year.

    Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) recorded total sales of 58,727 units, including 47,727 domestic sales and a strong export performance of 11,000 units registering 6.8 per cent YoY growth. However, the domestic market decline from 50,201 units in February 2024 signalled a 4.3 per cent drop.

    Market leader Maruti Suzuki maintained its top position, selling 1,60,791 passenger vehicles, reflecting a marginal 0.32 per cent YoY growth. The company’s exports, however, dipped by 13.5 per cent, with 25,021 units shipped compared to 28,927 units in February 2024.

    Tata Motors saw a 9.43 per cent YoY decline in February, selling 46,435 passenger vehicles, down from 51,267 units in 2024. The company’s EV sales were particularly affected, registering a 22.82 per cent drop, with 5,343 units sold, compared to 6,923 in the previous year.

    Toyota Kirloskar Motor maintained its stronghold in the Indian automotive market, recording an impressive 13 per cent YoY growth in February 2025. The company sold 28,414 units, a significant jump from 25,220 units in February 2024. Of these, 26,414 units were dispatched to domestic dealers, while 2,000 units were shipped to international markets. With this steady growth, Toyota continues to strengthen its position, riding high on demand for its premium and reliable offerings in India and beyond.  

    Kia continued its upward trajectory, selling 25,026 vehicles in February 2025, marking an impressive 23.89 per cent YoY growth from 20,200 units in February 2024. Kia kept the momentum going in February 2025, clocking an impressive 25,026 unit sales, a 23.89 per cent YoY surge from 20,200 units in the same month last year. Leading the charge was the ever-popular Sonet, roaring ahead with 7,598 units, followed by the stylish and powerful Seltos at 6,446 units. The all-new Syros made a strong debut, securing 5,425 units, while the Carens, a favourite among families, registered 5,318 units. Meanwhile, the premium Carnival added an exclusive touch to Kia’s lineup with 239 units sold. With this stellar performance, Kia continues to solidify its place in India’s ever-evolving automobile landscape.

    Mahindra’s rise highlights India’s growing preference for SUVs, while Hyundai’s dip suggests an evolving competitive landscape. Tata Motors faces challenges in the EV space, while Kia continues to gain traction. As the race heats up, all eyes are on how carmakers respond to shifting market trends.

     

  • Coca-Cola brings American sports drink to India’s scorching summer market

    Coca-Cola brings American sports drink to India’s scorching summer market

    MUMBAI:  Coca-Cola India is set to introduce American sports drink BodyArmorLyte to the subcontinent this summer, as the beverage giant scrambles to capitalise on what executives have joyfully described as “early arrivals” of heatwave conditions.

    Coca-Cola India & southwest Asia  vice-president Sundeep Bajoria announced the expansion with palpable enthusiasm for the premature scorching temperatures that have already begun tormenting the nation’s 1.4 billion residents.

    BodyArmorLyte, a coconut water-based hydration drink popular in the US, will join other newcomers including Honest Tea – an organic offering sourced from Assam – and Vitaminwater, which has thus far been confined to testing in airport terminals where dehydrated travellers are presumably less price-sensitive.

    The company expects its established brands ThumsUp and Sprite to each reach the $2 billion sales mark in India, though  Bajoria tactfully avoided committing to any timeline for this achievement, to Economic Times.
    When questioned about competition from Reliance Industries’ resurrected Campa Cola brand, Bajoria echoed his global president’s diplomatic stance: “We welcome competition,” he said, presumably while clutching a stress ball under the table.

    Coca-Cola appears undeterred by inflation concerns, with Bajoria explaining they would capture “a significant part of that inflation through price package mix and architecture” – corporate speak for “we’ll make the bottles slightly smaller rather than raising prices directly.”

    The company is counting on recent tax relief for the middle class to drive consumption.

  • In partnership with AAAI, SGF has hosted the lecture series, featuring top speakers for years.

    In partnership with AAAI, SGF has hosted the lecture series, featuring top speakers for years.

    Mumbai: The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the Subhas Ghosal Foundation (SGF) have announced that award-winning independent digital journalist Faye D’Souza will deliver the AAAI Subhas Ghosal memorial lecture 2025 on 5 March at St. Regis, Mumbai.

    Established in memory of Subhas Ghosal, a towering figure in the advertising industry, the Subhas Ghosal Foundation promotes the professional values he upheld. In collaboration with AAAI, the Foundation has hosted the lecture series for several years, featuring distinguished speakers such as Rajan Anandan, Uday Shankar, Ronnie Screwvala, Aroon Purie, and Sudhir Sitapati.

    Speaking on behalf of SGF, Sam Balsara stated, “We live in an era where news and views shape our daily lives. Faye D’Souza, with her fearless journalism, will discuss the challenges and opportunities for independent journalists and the implications for democracy and public discourse. It promises to be an insightful session.”

    This year’s event also welcomes a new sponsor, Amazon MX Player.

  • Jacadi Paris brings French chic to Mumbai with first India store

    Jacadi Paris brings French chic to Mumbai with first India store

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s mini fashionistas are in for a stylish treat as Jacadi Paris, the iconic French luxury childrenswear brand, makes its grand debut in India. With 270 stores worldwide, the brand has now arrived at Palladium Mall, Mumbai, bringing a touch of Parisian elegance to the city’s youngest style icons.

    With Indian parents spending 35 per cent more on premium childrenswear than they did five years ago, Jacadi’s entry into the market couldn’t have been better timed. Known for its chic, timeless designs, the brand caters to discerning families who value both style and heritage in their little ones’ wardrobes.

    The 628-square-foot boutique seamlessly blends tradition with modern craftsmanship, offering a curated selection of apparel, accessories, and footwear for newborns to 12-year-olds. The brand’s emphasis on sustainability is evident in its use of organic cotton, water-saving processes, and recycled materials, making it a go-to for eco-conscious shoppers.

    Jacadi’s Mumbai launch is just the beginning. The brand is set to open its second store in Bangalore by April 2025, reinforcing its commitment to expanding in India’s growing luxury kidswear market.

  • Godrej Properties sells over Rs 1,000 crore of homes at Pune project launch

    Godrej Properties sells over Rs 1,000 crore of homes at Pune project launch

    MUMBAI: Godrej Properties Ltd has achieved record-breaking sales exceeding Rs 1,000 crore at the launch of its Godrej Evergreen Square project in Hinjewadi, Pune. The Mumbai-based developer sold 1,398 homes with a combined area of more than 1.23 million square feet.

    The project, launched in November 2024 just four months after land acquisition, represents Godrej’s most successful launch ever in Pune by both value and volume. Godrej Evergreen Square has a developable potential of 2.41 million square feet and an estimated revenue potential of approximately Rs 2,045 crore.

    Located in Hinjewadi, an established residential area in western Pune, the development benefits from proximity to well-developed social infrastructure including schools, healthcare facilities, retail outlets and entertainment venues. The area offers strong connectivity to major highways and expressways, with additional appeal coming from a new metro line connecting Hinjewadi to Shivaji Nagar. A metro station just two minutes from the project will significantly enhance accessibility for residents.

    “We are delighted with the response to our project, Godrej Evergreen Square. This has now become the best-ever launch in Pune residential real estate,” said Godrej Properties MD & CEO Gaurav Pandey. “We’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our customers and all stakeholders for their trust and confidence in Godrej Properties. We will do our best to ensure Godrej Evergreen Square offers its residents an outstanding living experience.”Gor

  • Bajaj Auto accelerates electric mobility with GoGo three-wheeler launch

    Bajaj Auto accelerates electric mobility with GoGo three-wheeler launch

     MUMBAI: Bajaj Auto Ltd, arguably the world’s most valuable two-wheeler and three-wheeler company, has unveiled Bajaj GoGo, a comprehensive new range of electric three-wheelers set to transform urban mobility with industry-leading performance and technology.

    The new vehicles, which promise an impressive range of up to 251 kilometres on a single charge—the longest in the segment—represent Bajaj’s strategic expansion in the rapidly growing electric three-wheeler market, where the company has already established itself as one of the top two players within just one year of entry.
    “The electric three-wheeler segment in India has been growing at a staggering 30 per cent  CAGR for the past three years, and this growth is expected to continue,” said Bajaj Auto’s Intra City Business Unit president Samardeep Subandh. “With the launch of Bajaj GoGo, we’re blending our 75-year legacy of trust with cutting-edge technology tailored specifically for three-wheelers.”

    The Bajaj GoGo range features three passenger variants—P5009, P5012, and P7012—with the nomenclature indicating passenger vehicles of different sizes (50 and 70) and battery capacities (9kWh and 12kWh). The entry-level P5009 is priced at Rs 3,26,797, while the premium P7012 variant retails at Rs 3,83,004 (ex-showroom Delhi).

    What sets the GoGo range apart is its pioneering two-speed automated transmission system—an industry first that significantly improves range efficiency and gradient performance on challenging road conditions. The vehicles also feature groundbreaking safety innovations including auto hazard detection and anti-roll technology, making them the first electric three-wheelers to offer these as standard features.

    “The all-electric Bajaj GoGo range will provide a comprehensive solution to customers looking to maximise earnings and minimise the hassle of downtime and maintenance,” added Subandh. “The next time you need a ride, hail a Bajaj GoGo!”

    The GoGo brand name draws inspiration from the colloquial term used globally for three-wheelers, reflecting Bajaj Auto’s understanding of the deep cultural connection drivers share with their vehicles. With its full-metal body construction and aesthetic design, the GoGo range aims to appeal to both individual owners and fleet operators.

    Industry analysts note that the impressive 251-kilometre range addresses a critical pain point in the electric three-wheeler segment—range anxiety—which has historically been a barrier to adoption. The five-year battery warranty further reinforces Bajaj’s confidence in the product’s reliability and longevity.

    The company also offers a Premium TecPac with advanced features including remote immobilisation and reverse assist for customers seeking enhanced functionality. According to Bajaj Auto, cargo variants of the GoGo will be introduced in the coming months, expanding the brand’s footprint in the commercial delivery segment.

    Bajaj Auto’s push into the electric three-wheeler segment comes at a time when India’s urban centres are increasingly prioritising sustainable mobility solutions. The GoGo range not only promises environmental benefits but also aims to deliver compelling economics for owners, with significantly reduced operating costs compared to conventional fuel-powered alternatives.

    The company’s extensive dealership network across India will support the nationwide rollout, with bookings now open at all Bajaj Auto dealerships. This robust infrastructure is expected to provide GoGo with a competitive advantage in terms of service support and spare parts availability.

  • Botswana and De Beers extend diamond partnership

    Botswana and De Beers extend diamond partnership

    MUMBAI: The government of Botswana and De Beers Group have signed new agreements, securing a 10-year sales deal (with a potential five-year extension) and a 25-year extension of mining licences for their 50:50 Debswana joint venture, now running from 2029 to 2054.

    Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, said the agreements will “underpin the success of our diamond industry” and bring stability to the market. De Beers chief executive officer Al Cook, called it “the world’s greatest public-private partnership.”

    Key Agreements
    * Mining Licence Extension: Ensures long-term value from Debswana’s assets, including Jwaneng Cut-9, Jwaneng Underground, and Orapa Cut-3.
    * Sales Agreement: Botswana’s Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) will sell 30 per cent of Debswana’s output, increasing to 40 per cent after five years. In an optional five-year extension, both ODC and De Beers will each sell 50 per cent.

    Economic Commitments
    * Diamonds for Development Fund: De Beers commits BWP 1 billion ($75 million) and further contributions from Debswana’s dividends to drive economic growth and job creation.
    * Local Beneficiation: Investments in diamond jewellery manufacturing, a grading laboratory, and a vocational training institute.
    * Marketing Initiatives: Botswana and De Beers will co-invest in campaigns to stimulate diamond demand and uphold ethical standards.

     

  • TVS Motor wheels out new three-wheelers in Mexico

    TVS Motor wheels out new three-wheelers in Mexico

    MUMBAI: Two and three wheeler maker TVS Motor CO (TVSM)   has driven its TVS King Duramax Plus and TVS King Deluxe Plus three-wheelers into the Mexican market. Both vehicles are designed with car-like features on a three-wheel platform, offering enhanced driver and passenger comfort alongside durable, reliable engines that deliver low ownership costs.

    TVS Motor Co business head Latin America Martin Corsunsky said: “The three-wheeler segment is a great space for us. We have amongst the most advanced engineering and technology and we have years of experience, from all across the globe.”

    The TVS King Duramax Plus features a liquid-cooled 225 cc engine, providing best-in-class power and gradability. Additional features include all-gear-start technology, LED headlamps, tubeless tyres, and ribbed drum brakes. The vehicle offers expanded rear passenger space, driver foot-rest, and twin lockable dashboard storage, complemented by a new signature front grille design.

    Meanwhile, the TVS King Deluxe Plus comes equipped with a 200 cc duralife engine and feather-touch ignition via an i-Touch button. Built on a ladder-type chassis with additional cross beams for safety, it includes a king-size driver seat, extra-large utility box, large foldable mirrors, and tubeless tyres.

    Both models will be available through Motomex, TVS’s official distributor in Mexico, starting March 2025. This launch represents a significant expansion of TVS Motor Company’s presence in Latin America, reinforcing its commitment to providing efficient mobility solutions across global markets.

    TVS Motor Co currently sells its products in more than 80 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

  • Adani Wilmar and Akshaya Patra expand Mid-day meal reach in Ahmedabad

    Adani Wilmar and Akshaya Patra expand Mid-day meal reach in Ahmedabad

    MUMBAI: Adani Wilmar Limited (AWL) has partnered with The Akshaya Patra Foundation to expand the Mid-day meal programme, providing nutritious meals to underprivileged schoolchildren in Ahmedabad.

    As part of the initiative, six newly introduced delivery vans will facilitate smooth meal distribution, enhancing food accessibility across schools. The vans were officially flagged off in Ahmedabad, with key representatives from Adani Wilmar and The Akshaya Patra Foundation in attendance.

    Adani Wilmar MD & CEO Angshu Mallick stated, “Proper nutrition is essential for a child’s education and future. By supporting The Akshaya Patra Foundation, we aim to ensure that nutritious meals reach children seamlessly, helping them learn and grow without the barrier of hunger.”

    The Akshaya Patra Foundation, which serves over 2.1 million children across 16 states and two union territories, welcomed this support. Gujarat vice president Raya Rama Dasa said, “These delivery vans are vital in reaching more children efficiently. We are grateful to Adani Wilmar for their continued dedication to tackling classroom hunger.”

    This partnership builds on Adani Wilmar’s Fortune Suposhan initiative, which focuses on eradicating malnutrition and anaemia. Last year, the company donated three vans and provided meals for 2,000 children for a year.

    Adani Wilmar reaffirms its commitment to fostering a healthier and more nourished generation, ensuring that no child’s education is compromised due to hunger.