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Tag: Balfour Manuel

  • Click, cart, commitment: India’s e-shoppers want more than just speed

    Click, cart, commitment: India’s e-shoppers want more than just speed

    MUMBAI: Voice-activated shopping? Viral trends driving sales? Welcome to aisle 2030. Blue Dart Express Limited, part of DHL eCommerce, has just dropped the E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, and it’s clear: Indian online shoppers are not just clicking, they’re expecting. From AI-powered assistants to sustainability-first delivery, today’s buyers want tech with trust and purchases that feel purposeful.

    Drawing from consumer insights across generations and shopper types, the report explores what’s really pushing the buy button for Indians online. And it’s not just deals or discounts, it’s delivery reliability, eco-credibility, and the seamlessness of a Tiktok-to-checkout experience.

    Almost 89 per cent of Indian shoppers want AI-powered features think virtual try-ons, voice-based product search, and digital shopping assistants. And this isn’t wishful thinking 64 per cent are already shopping hands-free. AI isn’t a futuristic add-on anymore; it’s becoming the new filter on the retail lens.

    Forget browsers. 84 per cent of Indian consumers have already made a purchase via social media, and a whopping 90 per cent say Instagram, Facebook and Youtube could be their primary shopping destinations by 2030. Influencers are doing more than trending dances 93 per cent of Indian buyers say social buzz shapes what lands in their carts.

    Cart abandonment isn’t about indecision, it’s about expectation. 80 per cent of shoppers say they’ll cancel a purchase if their preferred delivery option isn’t available. And if the returns process doesn’t match expectations? Another 81 per cent walk away. Even trust in the courier matters: over half (54 per cent) won’t buy from retailers with unreliable logistics partners. In e-commerce, convenience is king and logistics is the throne.

    Sustainability is no longer a bonus, it’s a baseline. 82 per cent of shoppers now weigh eco-friendliness before clicking “buy.” Whether it’s over packaging waste or carbon-heavy delivery, 59 per cent have ditched carts due to sustainability concerns. Plus, 52 per cent say they’re opting for pre-owned goods, and 81 per cent are open to recycling or buy-back schemes.

    “Convenience, choice and control are non-negotiable,” said Blue Dart managing director Balfour Manuel. “Despite digital leaps, delivery and returns remain the heartbeat of consumer experience. Brands must evolve beyond tech towards transparency, purpose and seamless execution.”

    As AI reshapes interfaces, social media morphs into shopping malls, and sustainability steers decisions, this report offers a sneak peek into the shopper of tomorrow. Retailers that listen closely and deliver boldly may just turn browsing into belonging.

    Because in 2025, a smooth checkout isn’t enough. Shoppers want a story, a stance and same-day delivery.

  • Blue Dart re-appoints Balfour Manuel as managing director for second five-year term

    Blue Dart re-appoints Balfour Manuel as managing director for second five-year term

    Mumbai: Integrated transportation and distribution logistics company, Blue Dart Express has re-appointed Balfour Manuel as managing director for another term of five years with effect from 16 May 2022. The shareholders of the company approved his re-appointment at the recently held Annual General Meeting, the company said in a statement.

    Balfour Manuel has been instrumental in the success of Blue Dart since its inception. He has been with the organisation since its initial days in 1983 and has played a key role in focusing its ‘People Centric’ philosophy.  

    Blue Dart chairman Sharad Upasani commented, “Despite the VUCA environment, under Balfour’s leadership, we are elated to see the robust growth that Blue Dart has achieved in the last four years. His extensive knowledge and all-round experience in the logistics sector has enabled the organisation to surpass emerging challenges and remain a leader in the logistics space. We are optimistic that, the ensuing years, will be more rewarding and Blue Dart will continue to deliver excellent results year over years.

    Balfour Manuel said, “The next five years are going to be challenging and I am grateful to have this opportunity to set new benchmarks. Like always, we will persistently focus on overall sustainable growth and expansion and remain the nation’s trade facilitator and a deeply customer-centric brand, offering wide range of logistics solutions that cater to our customers’ needs.”

    “With a keen focus on technology & digitalization, infrastructure, strengthening of our aircraft fleet, our brand and ‘people connect’, we will continue to remain a Provider of Choice, consistently working towards the group’s credo, ‘Connecting People, Improving Lives,” he added.

    Further, Blue Dart has strengthened its present Board composition with the induction of Prakash Apte and Padmini Khare Kaicker as Independent Directors of the Company for a term of five years, effective from 28 July 2022.

    Prakash Apte’s professional career spans over 40 years, most of which has been with multinationals in various positions related to Specialty Chemicals, Pharma & Agribusiness industries.  He brings with him experience in the areas of global business & strategy, finance, governance, leadership and personal values.

    A qualified chartered accountant from ICAI, Padmini Khare Kaicker is managing partner of B. K. Khare & Co.. She brings with her experience in the areas of strategy, finance, risk & governance, business and organisational matters.