Tag: Arvind Joshi

  • “Greenpanel sets itself apart by focusing on building a strong consumer-facing brand:” Arvind Joshi

    “Greenpanel sets itself apart by focusing on building a strong consumer-facing brand:” Arvind Joshi

    Mumbai: Greenpanel, the largest manufacturer of wood panels in India, is redefining its market strategy with a blend of innovative marketing and strategic partnerships. Known for its high-quality Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), Pre-Laminated MDF, Wooden Flooring, and Plywood, Greenpanel is making significant strides to enhance brand visibility and engagement.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up Greenpanel VP of marketing Arvind Joshi to gain insights on Greenpanel’s innovative strategies and future growth plans, showcasing how the company is setting new benchmarks in the wood panel industry.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On some recent marketing investments and initiatives that Greenpanel has undertaken to boost brand visibility

    Greenpanel has been actively investing in strategic marketing initiatives to enhance our brand visibility and connect with a wider audience. One of our most significant partnerships has been with the Delhi Capitals team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where we are proud to serve as the principal sponsors. This collaboration has allowed us to align with a sport that captures the enthusiasm and passion of millions across India, providing us with a powerful platform to engage with cricket fans nationwide.

    In addition to this partnership, we launched an extensive ATL campaign featuring a television commercial with popular Delhi Capitals players David Warner, Rishabh Pant, and Anrich Nortje. This campaign was strategically aired twice on national news channels to reach a broad audience and on regional news and movie channels to ensure maximum reach and impact across diverse demographics.

    Furthermore, we have launched Greenpanel MITR, an influencer loyalty app, to strengthen our connection with our influencer audience. This initiative is designed to engage and reward carpenters & contractors fostering a closer relationship and enhancing brand advocacy.

    These initiatives are part of our ongoing efforts to position Greenpanel as a leading brand in the wood panel industry.

    On Greenpanel differentiating itself from competitors in its marketing efforts

    Greenpanel sets itself apart by focusing on building a strong consumer-facing brand, especially in the MDF category. Unlike our competitors, we aim to create brand pull and recall not only among key influencers like architects, interior designers, contractors, and dealers but also directly with the end user. To this end, our marketing efforts are designed to create a lasting impression and establish a direct connection with those who use and appreciate our products.

    On Greenpanel tailoring its marketing strategies to effectively reach and engage consumers in tier two and three cities

    To effectively reach consumers in tier two and tier three cities, Greenpanel leverages a multifaceted approach. Our partnership with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL has significantly boosted our visibility in these markets, allowing us to connect with a broad audience through the widespread appeal of cricket.

    Additionally, we focus on strategic local placements to align with regional cultural and religious events. For instance, we have made targeted investments in high-visibility campaigns during Ganpati in Maharashtra, Durga Puja in West Bengal, and Navratri in Gujarat. We also executed prominent highway branding during the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration on key routes leading to Ayodhya, and local branding in Ujjain during Mahashivratri.

    These initiatives, combined with our efforts in highway wall branding and enhancing dealer point visibility, ensure that Greenpanel’s presence is both prominent and relevant in these important regions. By tailoring our approach to local contexts and celebrations, we strengthen our connection with communities and effectively engage with consumers across tier two and tier three cities.

    On Greenpanel leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, AR/VR, etc to enhance its marketing strategies and customer experiences

    Greenpanel is embracing emerging technologies to enhance our marketing strategies and provide superior customer experiences. We have integrated a 3D visualiser on our website, allowing customers to explore our aesthetic pre-laminated MDF and wooden flooring ranges. This tool enables users to visualize how our products will look in their spaces, offering a more interactive and personalized shopping experience.

    In addition, we are strategically exploring the potential of AI to optimize our marketing activities. Rather than rushing into the trend, we are thoughtfully considering how AI can genuinely add value to our campaigns and customer engagement. By doing so, we aim to deliver more targeted and effective marketing strategies while enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

    On collaborations or partnerships that have been particularly beneficial for Greenpanel’s marketing efforts

    One of our most impactful collaborations has been with the Delhi Capitals team in the IPL. This partnership has allowed us to connect with a broad audience across India, leveraging the widespread appeal of cricket to reinforce our brand presence and engage with consumers on a national scale.

    Another notable partnership has been with India Fashion Week, where our wooden flooring was prominently featured on the runway. This collaboration provided us with a unique opportunity to showcase our products, highlighting the quality and aesthetic appeal of our offerings. By aligning with a prestigious event like India Fashion Week, we were able to reach a discerning clientele and enhance our brand’s reputation in the premium segment.

    On Greenpanel’s upcoming marketing initiatives or campaigns

    Greenpanel is committed to building its brand in the consumer mindspace through a range of innovative marketing initiatives. In the near future, we will be placing a strong emphasis on digital marketing, recognizing its growing importance in reaching and engaging with consumers effectively.

    A key focus area will be launching a robust influencer campaign, leveraging the power of social media and digital influencers to connect with our target audience. By collaborating with influencers who align with our brand values, we aim to enhance our brand visibility and strengthen our relationship with consumers.

    On Greenpanel’s plan to expand its market presence both domestically and internationally in the coming years

    With the largest production capacity in the country, Greenpanel is well-positioned to expand our market presence. Our constant and consistent efforts are focused on exploring and venturing into new geographies to capitalise on growth opportunities. By leveraging our production capabilities and continuously innovating, we are confident in our ability to enhance our market presence and deliver high-quality products to customers.

  • Greenpanel launches its new TVC

    Greenpanel launches its new TVC

    Mumbai: Greenpanel has announced the launch of its new TVC, featuring Delhi Capitals’ commendable players ‒ Rishabh Pant, David Warner, and Anrich Nortje. The commercial launch is a part of the brand’s association with the IPL franchise as its principal sponsor. It is a strategic marketing move aimed at increasing brand visibility and amplifying marketing initiatives while leveraging IPL sponsorship.

    Crafted by (L&K Saatchi & Saatchi), this television commercial adopts a whimsical and light-hearted tone, offering viewers a peek into the entertaining chaos behind the scenes of an ad shoot. From navigating unexpected challenges to witnessing moments of camaraderie among the cast and crew, the commercial captures the essence of the filmmaking process. It humorously portrays the efforts of the crew in guiding the players out of their comfort zones to deliver authentic performances. The TVC culminates with a clever analogy drawn by the players, likening their newfound acting prowess to the water-resistant qualities of Greenpanel’s HDWR MDF boards, cleverly weaving in the brand’s messaging. (the tagline/messaging: MDF Ka Doosra Naam)

    The integrated marketing plan for the commercial launch includes a combination of ATL, BTL, and digital initiatives. A high-frequency campaign has been curated to promote the commercial which is live on prominent television channels and OTT platforms and will run throughout the IPL season. Aligned with the ongoing elections, the brand has secured impactful and prime advertising spots on renowned TV channels for both polling and election days. In the digital space, Greenpanel has launched paid campaigns on social media and developed digital films featuring the players. It is also promoting the partnership and TVC launch through social media marketing. Additionally, the brand has a strong on-ground presence via POSM and stadium and merchandise branding in Delhi Capitals’ home matches.

    Greenpanel VP, marketing Arvind Joshi said, “This time around, we’ve opted for a fresh and innovative approach by conceptualizing the commercial in a behind-the-scenes (BTS) format. We hope this will be a fresh kind of viewing experience and will break the clutter. Our latest TVC showcases our superior quality product offering and talks about our water resistant HDWR boards and reinforces Greenpanel’s leadership position.”

    Director Shayak Roy added “It was the first and the best 1 hour of shooting of my life. Kudos to the team at Greenpanel for buying into such a fun idea which probably many brands at their level wouldn’t have dared to take up. Cheers to everyone involved, when all the parties are aligned it’s always a six.”

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi CCO Rohit Malkani: “After the hilarious and hugely popular Greenpanel IPL film last year, the pressure was back on to do another winner. We had Greenpanel toss us a product (Greenpanel Water resistant HDWR) that started off an explosion of fun ideas. But finally, we honed in on a film-in-film technique that uses Delhi Capital players to do what they’re best at, having fun!”

  • Greenpanel introduces a one-of-its-kind Greenpanel Mitr app

    Greenpanel introduces a one-of-its-kind Greenpanel Mitr app

    Mumbai: Greenpanel, a wood panel manufacturer, has announced the launch of its upcoming one-of-its-kind application, Greenpanel Mitr. It is a part of the brand’s loyalty program for contractors and carpenters, and the first launch event happened in Delhi on 7 March’24, which saw more than 200 carpenters in attendance. Available on Google Play Store and iOS app store and, the Greenpanel Mitr app is a strategic move by the brand to recognise the carpenter and contractor communities for their concerted efforts and unwavering commitment to work.

    The new age application helps the brand to engage and interact better with their strong network of influencers (carpenters and contractors) and turn them into brand loyalists. Additionally, the application will contribute to increasing Greenpanel’s awareness in the carpenter and contractor ecosystem and persuade them to become its trusted partners.

    After downloading the Greenpanel Mitr app, carpenters and contractors will have to sign up and register themselves on the app. After undergoing the verification process, they would be able to scan QR code from the Greenpanel board that they have bought. After this, they will receive allocated points in their wallets, which can be redeemed for direct cashback in their bank accounts or for a host of rewards like mobile phone, TV, bike, scooty etc.

    MDF Business president Sunil Singh said, “We value the carpenter and contractor fraternity for their unwavering support and trust in us. The Greenpanel Mitr app is dedicated to them for their commitment to their work and being a significant part of Greenpanel’s growth journey. “

    Plywood Business senior VP Shital Gupta said, “Greenpanel Mitr is dedicated to our unsung heroes – carpenters and contractors. Their contributions often go unnoticed and unrewarded. With the app, they will not only be recognized for their contribution but will also provide our brand a platform to stay connected with our valuable partners “

    Greenpanel VP & head marketing Arvind Joshi said, “Greenpanel Mitr is a testament to our commitment to innovation. It stands strong as a symbol of our dedication to supporting the carpenter and contractor communities, and will also act as a medium for us to reach out to them with updates around our upcoming campaigns, schemes, product launches etc.“

    Accessible to carpenters and contactors across India, the app will be available in Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. Greenpanel Mitr will cater to the MDF, prelaminated MDF, and plywood categories. Greenpanel has also set up a dedicated toll-free number: 1800-202-9408 for the contractor and carpenters to address their queries, which is operational six days a week from 9 am – 6 pm (closed on Wednesday).

    To promote the app launch, the brand has conceptualized a comprehensive marketing campaign, including launch events across India to ensure widespread awareness and adoption of the Greenpanel Mitr app.

    The app will also be promoted through digital campaigns, WhatsApp and email marketing as well as on-ground presence at dealer counters through POSM.

  • “Our marketing strategy is comprehensive and tailored for both B2B and B2C segments”: Greenpanel’s Arvind Joshi

    “Our marketing strategy is comprehensive and tailored for both B2B and B2C segments”: Greenpanel’s Arvind Joshi

    Mumbai: Greenpanel is the foremost wood panel manufacturer in India, renowned for their top-quality medium density fibreboard (MDF), plywood, and flooring. With state-of-the-art facilities in Uttarakhand and Andhra Pradesh, the company prioritises innovation and sustainability.

    They take pride in crafting exclusively from 100 per cent renewable agro-forestry wood, thus exemplifying their commitment to environmental responsibility.

    As the largest MDF manufacturer in India and Asia, the company’s annual production capacity exceeds 6,66,000 cubic meters and their extensive network of over 3,000 plus outlets ensures convenient access to our premium products.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Greenpanel Industries Ltd VP & head marketing Arvind Joshi, to know more about their key analysis and marketing strategies they conduct at the company and more…

    Edited excerpts

    On competitive analysis to understand how Greenpanel can differentiate itself in the market

    We carry out competitive analysis via customer and dealer level control groups and through random surveys to understand consumer needs and gaps thereof.

    To address these gaps, we have developed our products with international technology and innovation, at our state-of-the-art facilities in Uttarakhand and Andhra Pradesh. Our products are based on 100% renewable agro-forestry wood.

    We have best in class product offerings such as HDWR, FRMDF, Club Plywood, Laminated MDF and Wooden flooring, for various applications, distinguishing Greenpanel as a versatile and comprehensive choice for our consumers.

    On resources and budget allocated to support this marketing strategy

    Our marketing strategy is comprehensive and tailored for both B2B and B2C segments.

    Our core marketing objective is to maintain top of mind awareness and own the leadership position in the MDF category and be synonymous to MDF.

    On the B2C front, we leverage TV Campaigns for driving reach and awareness, while utilizing News and sports as a medium to drive reach and frequency. We are the principal partners of IPL’s franchise team Delhi Capitals for next 3 years, we also strategically advertise during high-impact events, such as the ICC Cricket Men’s World Cup and IPL with placements on prominent OTT platforms like Jio, Hotstar, ensuring maximum consumer outreach.

    On the B2B front, we carry out Branding and visibility drive at dealer touchpoints and do one to one interaction with architects to understand the pulse of the market. We also do pan-India meets with contractor and carpenters every month.

    We also drive brand salience through new age platforms like Social Media, WhatsApp and other digital platforms.

    This 360 degree approach to marketing, ensures that we stay relevant on top of the consideration set for our audience.

    On Greenpanel ensuring that the marketing investments align with the company’s overall business strategy

    Based on overall company’s business strategy, Marketing is certain percentage of company’s turnover, our objective is to create ample awareness and make Greenpanel synonymous to MDF.

    At Greenpanel, we ensure that marketing investments are closely aligned with the overall business strategy through our “AIDA” approach. This strategy focuses on educating consumers, emphasising responsible product use, and showcasing the superiority of our product range.

    With a robust demand outlook, we maintain a strong emphasis on MDF business, setting higher growth targets, and implementing a focused strategy to ensure that marketing efforts are in harmony with the company’s overarching business goals.

    On particular emerging trends in the industry that you are targeting or monitoring

    Certainly! The MDF industry is experiencing some interesting trends:

    1.   Customization and Personalization: One emerging trend in the furniture industry in India is the growing demand for customized and personalized furniture. Consumers are looking for unique pieces that reflect their individual style and preferences. In the MDF category, various design trends have started gaining prominence like:

    a.   CNC carving – which allows intricate and precise patterns, textures, and decorative elements to be carved into MDF boards

    b.   Designer finishes, where it mimics the look of natural materials like wood, stone, or metal.

    c.   MDF can also be carved into various mouldings, including crown mouldings, baseboards, and chair rails.

    d.   The smooth surface of MDF is perfect for painting and thin MDF boards are often pasted on top of plywood as a means to achieve even surface

    2.   New Housing Projects in New Cities: Indian government has initiated several housing projects and programs aimed at addressing the country’s growing housing needs and promoting affordable and sustainable housing for all.  For example the ‘Smart Cities Mission’ has been launched to develop and transform existing cities into smart and sustainable urban centers.

    3.   Smart and Sustainable Designs: With the development of new housing projects in emerging cities, there is an increasing focus on smart and sustainable interior design. This includes the integration of smart home technologies, energy-efficient designs, and the use of eco-friendly materials. Developers and interior designers are catering to the demands of modern homeowners who value sustainability and convenience.

    4.   Online Retail and Virtual Showrooms: The furniture and interior design industry in India has been impacted by the rise of e-commerce. More companies are establishing an online presence, making it easier for customers to explore and purchase furniture and decor. Additionally, virtual showrooms and augmented reality tools are becoming increasingly popular, allowing customers to visualize how furniture will look in their homes before making a purchase.

    On specific marketing channels or platforms are you planning to invest in to enhance industry visibility

    To enhance industry visibility, we plan to invest in a diverse range of marketing channels and platforms that align with the unique aspects of the Indian market. Here’s how we intend to leverage these channels:

    1.   Cricket Sponsorship and Advertising:

    Given that cricket is akin to a religion in India, we recognize its immense popularity and emotional connect with the masses. We are the principal sponsors of Delhi Capitals in Indian Premier League (IPL) which has enabled us to gain visibility for Greenpanel on air as well as on-ground. We are also advertising on new age OTT platforms like Hotstar for the ICC Men’s cricket world cup 2023 and maintain brand presence through on-ground visibility in bi-lateral cricket series as well.

    2.   Television Campaigns:

    TV remains one of the most powerful mediums to reach a vast and diverse audience in India. We intend to run 2-3 peak campaigns every year on television. These campaigns are strategically timed to coincide with major events and festivals across the year, maximizing our brand exposure and impact.

    3.   Digital Marketing:

    Recognizing the importance of the digital landscape, we adopt a Hero, Hub, Hygiene approach to our digital marketing strategy.

    We develop standout, high-impact digital campaigns that capture attention and resonate with our target audience. Through various digital platforms we aim to maintain a consistent online presence, while continuing with digital hygiene by responding to customer queries and feedback promptly.

    4.   Below-the-Line (BTL) Marketing:

    BTL marketing will be a continuous and strategic part of our promotional activities. We plan to maintain regular presence in all dealer touchpoints. This includes point-of-sale materials, in-store displays, and experiential marketing activities that reinforce our brand’s presence and influence purchase decisions at the point of sale. This continuous bombardment approach will help keep our brand top-of-mind for potential customers.

  • amarujala.com among top three news websites of south Asia

    amarujala.com among top three news websites of south Asia

    NEW DELHI: amarujala.com, the website of the Hindi newspaper Amar Ujala, has won the WAN-IFRA award for one of the top three news websites in south Asia.

    Competing against big media houses across south Asia, amarujala.com’s victory signals two important trends: firstly, the fact that the industry is paying attention to the leading voices in Hindi on digital, and secondly, the fact that Amar Ujala’s focus on global standards of product and design is paying off. It may signal a completely different approach to the Hindi audiences, according to the World Association of Newspapers.

    Amar Ujala director Probal Ghoshal said: “Amar Ujala’s vision for digital media is built into its brand vision of creating a world-class experience for the Hindi user, wherever they are in the world. We are therefore creating rich and hyper-engaged media vehicles, which intend to bring the world to the local audience and carry the local audience to the Hindi diaspora. Our vision is integrated and interactive, and it allows brands to partner with us cross-media. We are expanding our media platform making it video-rich and allowing the user’s voice a part of the experience of the platform.”

    Amar Ujala relaunched its website early this year, making it fully responsive, with a clean design, new interactive features and non-intrusive advertising approach. Feature to feature, Amar Ujala has upped the game and matches the best of English news websites, even bettering them, in unique feature sets. This went against the approach taken by most existing Hindi news websites, which were focusing more on quantity of page views, and monetization through distracting and intrusive advertising.

    “As a cultural icon, Amar Ujala sets the standards for Hindi & so we’ve brought the best practices of global design & packaging with a focus on re-positioning Hindi & its audiences,” said Amar Ujala digital business creative and product head Arvind Joshi.

    WAN-IFRA chose Amar Ujala taking into account website design, product, innovation, and audience fitment. With the digital monetization of news space trying to go beyond display and network advertising, these innovations will lead the way for business strategy as well.

    Himanshu Gautam, business head, Amar Ujala Digital, explained the importance of the new website in the context of Amar Ujala’s business objectives, “This is just the first phase of our roll-out plan, aiming at creating new kinds of rich user experiences, which in turn create high-value monetisation opportunities. We refuse to commodify our users by linking our business with just page views.”

  • amarujala.com among top three news websites of south Asia

    amarujala.com among top three news websites of south Asia

    NEW DELHI: amarujala.com, the website of the Hindi newspaper Amar Ujala, has won the WAN-IFRA award for one of the top three news websites in south Asia.

    Competing against big media houses across south Asia, amarujala.com’s victory signals two important trends: firstly, the fact that the industry is paying attention to the leading voices in Hindi on digital, and secondly, the fact that Amar Ujala’s focus on global standards of product and design is paying off. It may signal a completely different approach to the Hindi audiences, according to the World Association of Newspapers.

    Amar Ujala director Probal Ghoshal said: “Amar Ujala’s vision for digital media is built into its brand vision of creating a world-class experience for the Hindi user, wherever they are in the world. We are therefore creating rich and hyper-engaged media vehicles, which intend to bring the world to the local audience and carry the local audience to the Hindi diaspora. Our vision is integrated and interactive, and it allows brands to partner with us cross-media. We are expanding our media platform making it video-rich and allowing the user’s voice a part of the experience of the platform.”

    Amar Ujala relaunched its website early this year, making it fully responsive, with a clean design, new interactive features and non-intrusive advertising approach. Feature to feature, Amar Ujala has upped the game and matches the best of English news websites, even bettering them, in unique feature sets. This went against the approach taken by most existing Hindi news websites, which were focusing more on quantity of page views, and monetization through distracting and intrusive advertising.

    “As a cultural icon, Amar Ujala sets the standards for Hindi & so we’ve brought the best practices of global design & packaging with a focus on re-positioning Hindi & its audiences,” said Amar Ujala digital business creative and product head Arvind Joshi.

    WAN-IFRA chose Amar Ujala taking into account website design, product, innovation, and audience fitment. With the digital monetization of news space trying to go beyond display and network advertising, these innovations will lead the way for business strategy as well.

    Himanshu Gautam, business head, Amar Ujala Digital, explained the importance of the new website in the context of Amar Ujala’s business objectives, “This is just the first phase of our roll-out plan, aiming at creating new kinds of rich user experiences, which in turn create high-value monetisation opportunities. We refuse to commodify our users by linking our business with just page views.”

  • Marketing heads continue to roll at ZMCL

    Marketing heads continue to roll at ZMCL

    MUMBAI: In a recent churn of events at the Zee Media Corporation, resignations galore are pouring in and surprisingly they are all from the marketing department. 

     

    As was confirmed to Indiantelevision.com by various channel sources, Zee Media Corporation AVP marketing Manoj Sandal has put in his papers at the company. A pass out of Indian Institute of Commerce and Trade, Sandal was promoted to the rank of AVP marketing in April 2013.

     

    It may be recalled that the first resignation came in from Zee News AVP marketing Rohit Kumar, whose decade long tenure at the group ended a few days back.

     

    While the reason behind the same could not be ascertained, sources from the group said, “We are unaware about the reason but the call has been taken by the management entirely.”