Brands

Sustainability is the core of our brand: Rahul Singh

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2024

Mumbai: EcoSoul Home is one of the largest eco-friendly products companies with an active presence in countries like the USA, Canada, India, China, and Vietnam, offering more than 70+ products in the market. The brand currently has multiple sales channels, including D2C, Amazon, and Walmart.com, a Retail presence in ~2,000 stores, and a significant B2B presence.

EcoSoul Home significantly contributes to the local economy by encouraging SME sectors and women empowerment and exporting EcoSoul products from India, thus contributing to the thriving Indian exports sector.

Indiantelevision.com caught up with EcoSoul Home co-founder Rahul Singh where he shared his insights, his experience of the industry and much more…

Edited excerpts

On he initial vision for EcoSoul Home

Our brand was born out of our work in creating sustainable product categories at Wayfair in New York. It was that time when we noticed a significant demand for eco-friendly products and were inspired to innovate further. This led us to the unusual idea of upcycling plant waste into practical, everyday products, thereby reducing reliance on paper. Our initial mission was clear and simple: to contribute to a greener world by creating sustainable, eco-friendly products.

With an initial investment of Rs 4 crores, we started our journey by specializing in creating products from bamboo, sugarcane bagasse, and palm leaf. And over the past 3 years, we have sold 967,000 products to nearly 100,000 customers across five countries, with our revenue reaching Rs 600 crore worldwide. This success was bolstered by securing external funding in 2021, which enabled us to expand our reach and product offerings further. Additionally, we have contributed to reducing over 1.3 million pounds of plastic and an equivalent amount of carbon emissions, reinforcing our mission to promote a greener planet.

On securing the initial investment of $500,000, and the key factors that helped you close the $18 million funding round

Ans: Our initial investment of $500,000 was sourced from our savings, along with contributions from a few supportive family members and friends who believed in our vision and the potential of our eco-friendly home solutions. One of the key factors that helped us close the $18 million funding was building a team of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in sustainability, technology, and business development, reassuring investors that we could execute our vision. We highlighted the growing trend towards sustainable living and the increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly home products, convincing investors of the significant growth potential. We also outlined a clear path to scale our operations, including plans for expanding our product line, entering new markets, and forming strategic partnerships, which attracted investors to our scalable business model. Additionally, we leveraged our network to connect with the right investors who shared our passion for sustainability, helping us find enthusiastic supporters willing to invest in our growth.

On deciding which new products to develop and introduce

With over 100 products in the market, we employ a strategic approach to decide which new products to develop and introduce. Recognizing the rising demand for eco-friendly products, we focus on adapting to local preferences, cultural nuances, and diverse consumer behaviors to ensure our success in this dynamic market. Our process begins with comprehensive market research to identify gaps and opportunities in various regions. We closely monitor trends and consumer feedback to understand what people need and prefer in their daily lives. In 2023, we successfully introduced more than 50 products in the Indian market, all of which are affordable alternatives to single-use plastics. This achievement underscores our commitment to making sustainable living accessible to a broad audience. We prioritize affordability to ensure that eco-friendly options are within reach for as many consumers as possible. Additionally, we maintain a flexible and innovative approach, allowing us to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and emerging trends.

On approaching and balancing different sales channels

Ans: Yes, being present on different sales channels can be challenging, considering the demand planning and advertising algorithms for every channel are different. However, we are all about adapting to a comprehensive and strategic approach to manage and balance these diverse channels.

Our strategies usually start off with developing bespoke marketing strategies for each different channel which caters to some specific characteristics. We also rely on trend mapping to keep track of what’s happening and synchronize our story in a way that is highly integrated and scalable.

And, through consistent brand image and storytelling, we ensure that our brand values of sustainability and quality are clearly communicated. This consistency helps build trust and brand loyalty among our diverse customer base.

Lastly, utilizing data analytics, we continually monitor performance across all sales channels. This data-driven approach allows us to understand customer preferences, identify emerging trends, and optimize our strategies accordingly. For example, insights from online sales can inform inventory decisions for retail stores, ensuring we meet demand without overstocking.

On strategies you have found most effective for expanding your market presence in countries like the USA, Canada, India, China, and Vietnam

Guided by our created approaches, expanding our market presence has been a strategic priority for us. In the USA, where we began, we capitalized on the strong consumer demand for sustainable products through strategic partnerships with major retailers and targeted marketing campaigns that emphasize our commitment to eco-friendly practices. This approach has enabled us to navigate a competitive landscape and establish a strong foothold. In Canada, we’ve used the growing interest in sustainability by localizing our marketing efforts and expanding our retail presence, ensuring our products resonate with Canadian values.

In India, we’ve focused on local manufacturing to optimize costs and availability while educating consumers about the benefits of our eco-friendly offerings. Collaborations with local businesses and NGOs have further enhanced our outreach and credibility. China presented opportunities through digital marketing on popular platforms and partnerships with local retailers, emphasizing sustainability as a key selling point amid rising environmental concerns. Lastly, in Vietnam, we’ve prioritized affordability and distribution network expansion, alongside community engagement initiatives to promote our brand and sustainability efforts.

On sharing some of the sustainable practices and materials that you use in your products

Sustainability is the core of our brand, it drives every aspect of our product development and company ethos. Our commitment to sustainable practices is reflected in the materials we use and the methods we employ. Our products are crafted from eco-friendly materials such as palm leaves, bamboo, sugarcane bagasse, and PLA (polylactic acid), all of which are renewable and biodegradable. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also ensure that our products are safe and non-toxic for consumers.

Our focus on sustainability is guided by the 3As: awareness, availability, and affordability. We strive to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable living through our products and initiatives. By ensuring that our products are widely available, we make it easier for consumers to make environmentally conscious choices. Finally, we are committed to affordability, ensuring that sustainable products are accessible to a broad audience without compromising on quality or design.

On some initiatives to support women’s empowerment within the communities you operate

Since our inception in 2020, we have employed over 100 women, focusing on their professional and personal development. Our efforts are particularly evident in rural India, where our in-house manufacturing capacity has created over 50 jobs for women, providing them with stable employment and income. By bypassing middlemen and directly employing local communities, we ensure that women receive fair and well-deserved wages, contributing significantly to their financial independence.

Apart from this, we have collaborated with organisations like +Purpose to enhance our women’s empowerment initiatives. These partnerships allow us to implement programs that uplift and support our female workforce. Also, our American website offers customers the option to support women’s empowerment through their purchases. At checkout, consumers can choose from four causes, two of which specifically aid local female workers in India and assist women-led small to medium businesses. Furthermore, we offer various training programs and workshops aimed at the professional and personal development of our female employees. These initiatives help them build skills, gain confidence, and advance in their careers.

On major trends you see shaping the future of the eco-friendly products industry

Ans: The eco-friendly products industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Firstly, consumer expectations are evolving. More than ever, consumers expect brands to be transparent and responsible. They demand high-quality products and services from companies that behave ethically and contribute positively to society and the environment. Secondly, the integration of smart technology is revolutionizing the industry. Innovative solutions for water management, air quality monitoring, and urban planning are optimizing resource usage and enhancing environmental resilience in cities worldwide. These technologies not only improve efficiency but also help in minimizing the environmental footprint of urban areas.

Another major trend is the mainstreaming of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in sustainable finance and investment. Investors are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability regarding ESG performance, driving companies to improve their sustainability practices to attract investment. This shift towards sustainable finance is encouraging businesses to adopt more comprehensive and integrated approaches to environmental and social governance, ensuring long-term positive impacts.

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Brands

Netflix India names Rekha Rane director of films and series marketing

Streaming giant bets on a seasoned marketer who helped build Amazon and Netflix into household names

Published

7 days ago

February 9, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: Netflix has put a proven brand builder at the helm of its films and series marketing in India, naming Rekha Rane as director in a move that signals sharper focus on audience growth and cultural cut-through in one of its most hotly contested markets.

Rane steps into the role after seven years at Netflix, where she has quietly shaped how the platform sells stories to India. Her latest promotion, effective February 2026, crowns a run that spans brand, slate and product marketing across originals, licensed content and new verticals such as games.

A strategic marketing and communications professional with roughly 15 years’ experience, Rane has spent much of her career building technology-led consumer businesses and new categories, notably e-commerce and subscription video on demand. She was part of the early push that introduced Amazon.in, Prime Video and Netflix to Indian homes, then helped turn them into everyday brands.

At Netflix, she most recently served as head of brand and slate marketing for India from March 2024 to February 2026, leading teams across media and marketing for global and local content portfolios. Before that, as manager for original films and series marketing, she led IP creation and go-to-market strategy for titles including Guns and Gulaabs, Kaala Paani, The Railway Men* and The Great Indian Kapil Show, spanning both binge and weekly-release formats.

Her earlier Netflix roles covered product discovery and promotion in India and integrated campaign strategy to drive conversations around the content slate, product awareness and brand-equity metrics.

Before Netflix, Rane logged more than three years at Amazon in brand marketing roles in Bengaluru. There she handled national and regional campaigns for Amazon.in, worked on customer assistance programmes in growth geographies and contributed to the go-to-market strategy for the launch of Prime Video India.

Her career began well away from streaming. At Reliance Brands in Mumbai, she worked on retail marketing for Diesel and Superdry. A stint at Leo Burnett saw her work on primary research for P&G Tide, mapping Indian shoppers’ paths to purchase. Earlier still, at Orange in the United Kingdom, she rose from sales assistant to store manager, running a team and owning monthly P&L for a retail outlet.

The arc is telling. As global streamers fight for attention in a crowded Indian market, executives who understand both mass retail behaviour and digital habit-building are prized. Rane’s career sits at that intersection.

For Netflix, the bet is simple: in a market spoilt for choice, sharp marketing can still tilt the screen. And with Rane now leading the charge, the streamer is signalling it wants not just viewers, but fandom.

Brands

Orient Beverages pops the fizz with steady Q3 gains and rising profits

Kolkata-based beverage maker reports stronger revenues and profits for December quarter.

Published

7 days ago

February 9, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: A fizzy quarter with a steady aftertaste that’s how Orient Beverages Limited, the company that manufactures and distributes packaged drinking water under the brand name Bisleri closed the December 2025 period, as the Kolkata-based drinks maker reported improved revenues and a healthy rise in profits, signalling operational stability in a competitive beverage market.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, Orient Beverages posted standalone revenue from operations of Rs 39.98 crore, up from Rs 36.42 crore in the previous quarter and Rs 33.53 crore in the same quarter last year. Total income for the quarter stood at Rs 42.24 crore, reflecting consistent demand and stable pricing across its beverage portfolio.

Profit before tax for the quarter came in at Rs 3.47 crore, a sharp improvement from Rs 1.31 crore in the September quarter and Rs 0.39 crore a year ago. After accounting for tax expenses of Rs 0.79 crore, the company reported a net profit of Rs 2.68 crore, nearly three times the Rs 0.99 crore recorded in the preceding quarter.

On a nine-month basis, the momentum remained intact. Revenue from operations for the period ended December 31, 2025 rose to Rs 117.66 crore, compared with Rs 106.95 crore in the corresponding period last year. Net profit for the nine months climbed to Rs 5.51 crore, more than double the Rs 2.18 crore reported in the same period of the previous financial year.

The consolidated numbers told a similar story. For the December quarter, consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs 45.06 crore, while profit after tax came in at Rs 2.06 crore. For the nine-month period, consolidated revenue touched Rs 133.57 crore, with net profit of Rs 4.49 crore, underscoring the group’s improving profitability trajectory.

Operating expenses remained largely controlled, with cost of materials, employee benefits and other expenses broadly aligned with revenue growth. The company continued to operate within a single reportable segment beverages simplifying its cost structure and reporting framework.

The unaudited financial results were reviewed by the Audit Committee and approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting held on 7 February 2026. Statutory auditors carried out a limited review and reported no material misstatements in the results.

In a market where margins are often squeezed by input costs and competition, Orient Beverages’ latest numbers suggest the company has found a reliable rhythm not explosive, but steady enough to keep the fizz alive.

Brands

BCCL profit jumps 53 per cent in FY25 as tax bill shrinks

Revenue rises 4.3 per cent to Rs 10,209.33 crore while deferred tax gain lifts bottom line sharply

Published

7 days ago

February 9, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

NEW DELHI: Bennett, Coleman and Company (BCCL) has posted a sparkling set of financial results for the year ended 31 March 2025, proving that there is still plenty of ink and gold left in the ledger.

Revenue from operations climbed a steady 4.3 per cent, reaching Rs 10,209.33 crore compared to Rs 9,786.44 crore the previous year. When you sprinkle in other income, which rose 8.9 per cent to Rs 949.36 crore, the total income for the media behemoth hit a healthy Rs 11,158.69 crore.

While the income grew at a modest pace, the bottom line tells a far more dramatic story. The real headline is the 53 per cent surge in annual profit. How did they pull off such a feat? While Profit Before Tax (PBT) saw a gentle nudge upward of 2.7 per cent to Rs 1,610.00 crore, it was a vanishing act by the taxman that really did the trick.

Total tax expenses plummeted by 32.4 per cent, dropping from Rs 468.76 crore down to Rs 316.97 crore. This was largely thanks to a swing in deferred tax, moving from an expense of Rs 156.02 crore in FY24 to a benefit of Rs 39.44 crore this year.

Total income rose from Rs 10,658.55 crore in FY24 to Rs 11,158.69 crore in FY25, marking a 4.7 per cent increase. Total expenses grew at a slower pace, up 3.0 per cent from Rs 9,306.06 crore to Rs 9,581.45 crore. Profit before tax inched up 2.7 per cent, moving from Rs 1,567.02 crore to Rs 1,610.00 crore. However, the standout figure was net profit, which jumped sharply by 53.0 per cent, climbing from Rs 1,042.03 crore in FY24 to Rs 1,594.73 crore in FY25.

Despite the rising costs of doing business across the globe, BCCL kept a tight grip on the purse strings. Total expenses rose by just 3.0 per cent to Rs 9,581.45 crore. By keeping costs lower than the rate of income growth, the company ensured that the final figure, a net profit of Rs 1,594.73 crore, was nothing short of a front-page sensation.

In a world of shifting digital tides, it seems the BCCL ship is not just steady, but sailing into significantly wealthier waters.