Mumbai: LS Digital, an independent digital marketing transformation (DMT) company from India announced the launch of its first edition of #ChallengeTheNow In: Sights six-part series. In: Sights which stands for Industry Sightings, is a collation of industry insights and observations, designed for business leaders of all sizes poised to transform how we perceive and execute marketing in the era of digitally-empowered consumers. The series aims at enabling business leaders to take on change and drive their businesses into the future.
Recognising digital as the pivotal touch point in the consumer journey, brands need to undergo a transformative process to effectively engage this growing audience and remain adaptable in a dynamic business environment. Speaking at the launch LS Digital, CEO & founder Prasad Shejale said, “The In: Sights Papers consolidates our discoveries in key areas of the digital marketing transformation field. Each paper illustrates strategies for brands to connect with consumers at a deeper level.
#ChallengeTheNow serves as the catalyst for digital leaders to bridge the gap between conventional practices and transformative strategies – remapping and rewiring data, creativity, media, and technology fostering a comprehensive understanding of how to create impactful brand-customer experiences for the present and the future.”
This first edition of In:Sights series from LS Digital will be periodically released on its LinkedIn platform starting 18 December 2023 till 31 March 2024. Each paper will focus on how stakeholders can harness appropriate tools, systems, and models to achieve objectives such as strategising using AI, acquiring new customers, ensuring a seamless user experience resulting in positive brand customer experiences. These will be across the six-pillar DMT framework:
1. Technology & Innovations: A new, yet sure-footed imperative is the adoption of Ai to chart new Strategies, this paper intends to serve as a clarion call to help leaders embrace Ai in meaningful and measurable ways – elevate and personalise brand-customer connect.
2. Media: Businesses must embrace a media optimisation strategy, benchmark competition, and have an SEO strategy to cater to the right audience.
3. Customer Experience (CX): It is essential to have complete visibility of the consumer journey across all touch points. Businesses should know how to amplify, optimise, and personalise brand stories for positive end-user experiences.
4. Creative & Communication: This paper will uncover insights on effective brand communication and social media strategy, content strategy, personalisation, and the use of mixed formats to engage with digital audiences.
5. Data & Insights: Adopting a data-driven approach will allow business leaders to make more accurate and informed decisions. This paper will delve into the need for a data integration strategy, a consolidated view of user data, KPI monitoring, AI/ML evaluation and more.
6. User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX): This is an important aspect that entails customer journey mapping, a UI/UX audit, along with other strategies that ensure that consumers have a frictionless product experience.
Today, enterprises are at various stages of marketing and digital maturity, hence it is clear that there is no-one-size-fits-all solution. What enterprises require is a holistic reimagining of marketing transformation leveraging digital as a catalyst to reconfigure its marketing approach and leap ahead with confidence. In:Sights will empower business leaders with the knowledge about the resources required to acquire, engage, and retain consumers in a meaningful way.
Mumbai: Myntra continues to record strong demand within the Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) sector, as beauty enthusiasts flank the platform for its assortment of leading homegrown and international brands, compelling value offers and its seamless tech-first end-to-end shopping journey. Riding on this strong demand, the platform has enhanced its Virtual Try-On feature, an offering that leverages Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to personalize and improve the end-to-end shopping journey on the platform, enabling customers to discover and purchase the perfect shade across makeup categories. The feature on Myntra Beauty has enabled a 1.5X jump in consideration and 2X jump in conversion on the Makeup category styles using this feature on the platform.
The Virtual Try-On feature has now also been extended to Makeup categories like lipstick, blush, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, foundation, Contour, highlighter, and concealers, among others. The cutting-edge feature, working with ModiFace, an enterprise that solves for Augmented Reality (AR) technology in the beauty industry, has 11 Makeup brands live on Myntra with over 3000 styles, which include the likes of Lakme, Maybelline, M.A.C, L’Oreal Paris, NYX Professional Makeup, SUGAR, Faces Canada, Colorbar, among others. Lipsticks and Foundations were the most virtually tried products on Myntra Beauty. Technology also plays an imperative role in Myntra’s Beauty charter to enhance the overall experience with compelling features such as the Assisted selling tools like the AI Skin Analyzer (Skin and Hair) and Product Finder to truly simplify and personalize the shopping journey.
With a catalogue of a diverse range of more than 90000 SKUs across more than 1500 sought-after brands, Myntra’s BPC portfolio also includes more than 200 international brands, catering specifically to existing and emerging consumer needs and niches. Some of the popular brands on the platform include NYX Professional Makeup, Victoria’s Secret, Makeup Revolution London, Armani, Bath and Body Works, L’Oreal Paris, Lakme, Maybelline New York, Shiseido, Forest Essentials, M.A.C, and Phillips, among others.
Leading brands across the world continue to choose Myntra Beauty as the partner of choice to foray into the Indian market, with the likes of NYX Professional Makeup, Barry M, Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Caudalie, Etude, Benefit Cosmetics, Freeman, Paco Rabbane, Juice Beauty, Carolina Herrera, and Neal’s Yard Remedies having already impactfully reached Indian consumers via cohesive associations with the platform. Some of the recently on boarded brands include Victoria’s Secret, Farmacy, Olaplex, Sebastian Professional, among others. With D2C brands steadily gaining mindshare with beauty aficionados, Myntra Beauty has also enabled new age consumer brands in their growth journey, with brands like Plum, Foxtale, Villain, Minimalist, Renee, Arata, Sunscoop, Chemist at play, The Derma Co., MyGlamm, MARS and Re’equil, growing upwards of 80 per cent YoY on Myntra Beauty.
Over the last year, Myntra Beauty has also witnessed a notable surge in men’s beauty and personal care purchases, particularly in self-skincare, acne and pimple care, hair removal spray, ingredients-led products like serum, face wash, and body wash, as well as foundation and concealer, with sheet masks for hydration and glowing skin also gaining popularity. Through the year, Myntra Beauty witnessed a 200 per cent YoY growth in men buying skincare products. As one of the few shopping destinations that has a healthy rate of fashion-forward, metrosexual male shoppers that flank the platform, Myntra observed men’s grooming trends such as a focus on hair removal and personal hygiene, a growing interest in skin minimalism, and an increasing popularity of DIY face masks, among others.
Myntra Beauty has witnessed a 4X growth in selection in the last three years, with the platform constantly looking to strengthen its position as one of the go-to destinations for beauty, skincare, and personal care in the country, encouraging customers to ‘find their own beauty’. Emerging as one of the key players in India’s burgeoning beauty market, Myntra Beauty grew a whopping 3X of the market in 2023, with a high repeat rate on the platform.
Mumbai: Infectious Advertising, one of independent creative hot-shops has appointed Neville Suraliwala as business head.
With over 15 years of experience and working across reputed agencies such as FCB Ulka, Lowe Lintas, Soho Square (Now 82.5), L&K Saatchi and Saatchi and Makani Creatives. Neville has worked with renowned brands like Indian Oil, Fair & Lovely, Clinic Plus, Head & Shoulders, Piaggio, Bisleri, Franklin Templeton, Yes Bank, Nilkamal, Lee Cooper, Tata Real Estate, and several other respected names.
Speaking about joining Infectious Advertising, Neville Suraliwala said, ‘I am thrilled to bring my expertise and passion for effective communications to the vibrant and dynamic environment of the Infectious Advertising family. Here, creativity is the solution to every marketing challenge, and I am excited to contribute to this ethos of innovative thinking and collaboration. I genuinely look forward to this new chapter filled with creative opportunities and impactful collaborations that help us achieve bigger milestones and attain mutual success.’
Infectious Advertising’ chief operating officer Siddhartha Singh commented, “Absolutely delighted to have Neville on board the Infectious family, the few meetings we had with him give us the confidence that his skills and expertise shall contribute significantly to our growing ambition of being an agency that produces work that is contemporary and effective – work that pushes the envelope of ‘virality’. Wish Neville the very best and look forward to working with him closely.”
Over the last year, Infectious Advertising has made significant additions like Ashish Naik as ECD, Shabbir Motiwala as head of production, Ankit Gandhi as business head and Vinayak Kohli as creative director. Neville’s appointment is yet another move for the agency in strengthening the senior leadership team.
Mumbai: In the dynamic realm of the contemporary digital landscape, social media has emerged not merely as a communication tool but as a formidable force in the realm of targeted advertising. Brands today have the unprecedented opportunity to harness the power of social media platforms to connect with their ideal audience, amplify their brand messages, and ultimately drive conversions. Today, we will delve into the key strategies that can empower brands to wield social media effectively for targeted advertising.
Understanding your target audience for a more nuanced strategy
The cornerstone of successful targeted advertising on social media begins with a deep understanding of the target audience. Brands must go beyond superficial demographic data and delve into the intricacies of their audience’s interests and online behavior. By conducting thorough market research, brands can identify not only the age, gender, and location of their audience but also the nuances that make them tick. This granular understanding lays the foundation for crafting messages that resonate on a personal level.
Selecting the right social media platforms for distinct audience
Not all social media platforms are created equal, and each harbors a distinct audience with unique preferences and expectations. For effective targeted advertising, brands need to be strategic in selecting the platforms that align with their audience demographics and content formats. For instance, a visually-oriented brand may find Instagram to be more suitable, while a B2B service might thrive on LinkedIn. By choosing the right platforms, brands can ensure that their messages reach the right eyes and ears.
Creating engaging and relevant ad content with captivating visuals
In the crowded landscape of social media, capturing attention requires more than just a presence; it demands compelling content. Tailoring advertising messages to align with the preferences and interests of the target audience is paramount. Brands should focus on crafting content that not only showcases their products or services but also tells a story that resonates with the emotions of their audience. From eye-catching visuals to persuasive copy, every element of an ad should be designed to captivate and engage.
Leveraging advanced targeting options
Social media platforms offer a treasure trove of advanced targeting options that go beyond basic demographics. Brands can harness the power of sophisticated targeting tools, including demographic targeting, interest-based targeting, and behavioral targeting. By zeroing in on the specific traits and behaviors of their audience, brands can ensure that their ads are reaching individuals with a genuine interest in what they have to offer. This precision not only maximizes the impact of advertising efforts but also minimizes wastage on uninterested audiences.
Tracking and analysing campaign performance
The digital nature of social media advertising provides a unique advantage – real-time data. Brands should leverage analytics tools to meticulously track and analyze the performance of their campaigns. By scrutinizing metrics such as engagement rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, brands can gain valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. This data-driven approach empowers brands to optimize their campaigns on the fly, ensuring that resources are allocated where they generate the maximum return on investment.
Conclusion: Navigating the social media advertising landscape
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital advertising, mastery of social media platforms is indispensable. Brands that understand their audience, strategically choose platforms, create compelling content, utilize advanced targeting options, and continuously analyze campaign performance are poised for success. As the digital realm continues to shape consumer behavior, the ability to navigate and capitalize on the opportunities presented by social media is a competitive advantage that no brand can afford to ignore. By adopting a holistic and data-driven approach to targeted advertising on social media, brands can not only connect with their ideal audience but also cultivate lasting relationships that extend beyond the confines of the digital world.
This article has been authored by Digidarts founder & CEO Siddhartha Vanvani.
Mumbai: Imagine a world where technology seamlessly intertwines with fashion, music, and creative culture, transforming ordinary devices into powerful expressions of style. Wear-tech, a thrilling fusion of fashion and technology, empowers individuals to make a style statement while embracing cutting-edge innovation. It’s a realm where utilitarian gadgets become bold expressions of personal style, breaking the mold and defining the future of wearable technology. In this realm of ‘wear-tech,’ one brand stands out as a pioneer and disruptor: Nu Republic.
Indiantelevision.com spoke to Nu Republic founder Ujjwal Sarin on their differentiating aspect, TG that they cater to, and much more…
In 2018, Ujjwal embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey, founding Nu Republic – an Indian lifestyle wear-tech brand that beautifully converges music, fashion, technology, and creative culture. Nu Republic has earned a reputation for crafting cutting-edge wireless audio products, including true wireless earbuds, headphones, speakers, and wearables, designed for disruptors, pioneers, and individuals who defy conformity.
Edited Excerpts:
On the inspiration to start Nu Republic and focus on the intersection of technology and fashion in the consumer electronics industry
At Nu Republic we believe that wear-tech products are worn by people, carried on as an accessory and are born to be stylish & fashionable – not merely functional. Unlike Gen-X, wireless technology is native to Gen-Z, not acquired.
This conviction is at the center of Nu Republic’s mission to convert wearable technology, from black and boring function serving devices as a powerful mode of fashion, disruption and self-expression.
Through our fashion-first design philosophy. We are on a mission to redefine the playing field by making high-style attainable and high-tech affordable.
On seeing Farhan and Shibani Akhtar’s involvement as brand ambassadors shaping Nu Republic’s image and reach in the market
Farhan and Shibani will be the ambassadors of Nu Republic – a brand that shares their unwavering commitment towards disruption and innovation. Farhan Akhtar, a versatile actor, director, and producer, and Shibani Akhtar, an accomplished model, singer, and television host, embody the ethos of Nu Republic & bring their individual expertise, effortless style to this collaboration.
Farhan and Shibani are the OG trailblazers who have inspired us all. Farhan has consistently pushed boundaries and disrupted the Indian film industry with his exceptional talent and revolutionary approach to acting, singing and filmmaking. Shibani, on the other hand, has carved a niche for herself in the world of fashion, music, and entertainment, redefining norms and inspiring individuals through her talent.
Their disruptive mindset, creative brilliance, and their dedication to making a difference align perfectly with our brand’s mission
We will be working closely with Farhan and Shibani and reach a diverse set of new audiences who believe in our mission, our products and align with our brand ethos.
On the differentiating aspect of Nu Republic from other consumer electronics brands; the innovations or features that make your products stand out and the TG that you cater to
In personal audio and electronic industry, brands are locked in a price-driven race, resulting in uniform product aesthetics. Nu Republic breaks the mould, prioritising design innovation while keeping technology at par. This makes us stand out amidst a swathe of brands and deliver trailblazing excitement to our fans the citizens of Nu Republic.
Nu Republic’s target audience is a fusion of tech-savvy fashionistas who relish style experimentation. With design-centric products that defy the ordinary, Nu Republic redefines technology as a fashion statement, appealing primarily to millennials and Gen Z.
On the special promotions or plans that Nu Republic has in store for its customers to celebrate the ongoing festive season with your smart tech products
Nu Republic has a massive launch plan this festive season. We have introduced a range of #5 head-turning products for our fans which will redefine their style.
These products include the Transform-X, award winning True Wireless Earphones with head-turning design, Epic ANC Ture Wireless Earphones with Active Noise Cancellation, and Motorhead Series watches with built-in Gyro Sensors and a 360^-rotating dial.
On some insights into the design process and the role aesthetics play in your product development
At the heart of our product design philosophy are three cornerstones:
● Design – Reject mediocrity, our products boast unique design traits that capture attention and ignite conversations and stoke emotion.
● Technology –For us “tech” in wear-tech is nothing more than an enabler, and not an end. In our world only when head-turning design is combined technology, does the technology really become worthwhile and meaningful.
● Emotion: we know your life is fast-paced – all we do is add some features to it that give you more control, comfort and long-lasting use to make your life easier. our philosophies to combine sophistication with speed, and agility with fun. this makes us funky and yet a class apart.
On Nu Republic’s future expansion plans
To march forward on our mission, we will continue to innovate design-centric products that enable people to embrace technology as an extension of their personality.
From an availability perspective – Nu Republic’s street cred has grown and has earned us a dominant place on store shelves and e-commerce marketplaces. Our products are widely available across leading e-commerce marketplaces & retail stores. We will continue to expand deeper and make our products widely available to more customers across India. We are also expanding to other countries and will unveil the plans soon.
Mumbai: In today’s health-conscious world, the choice of cooking oils plays a crucial role in our daily culinary decisions. As people become increasingly aware of the impact of their dietary choices on overall well-being, the selection of the right cooking oil is no longer just a matter of taste; it’s a matter of health. The quest for cooking oils that not only enhance the flavors of our dishes but also promote a healthier lifestyle is driving a significant shift in consumer preferences. This shift towards health-consciousness has led to the rise of cooking oils that offer not only delicious flavors but also essential nutrients and health benefits.
‘Freedom’ is the flagship brand of Gemini Edibles and Fats India Ltd. (GEF India). Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils is available as Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil, Freedom Physically Refined Rice Bran Oil and Freedom Mustard Oil, & Freedom Groundnut Oil.
Freedom Healthy Cooking oils promotes ‘guilt-free eating’ and its brand promise is captured by its tagline ‘Freedom to eat, Freedom to enjoy. It is a range of premium quality healthy edible oils available at a competitive price point.
Indiantelevision.com spoke to Gemini Edibles and Fats India Ltd Sr. vice president of sales and marketing P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy on the brand’s journey, its unique value propositions, and much more…
Reddy is 51 years old and has more than 30 years of cross-functional exposure in various edible oil organisations. He is a go-getter and brings a determined focus on revenue, relationship & repute through his leadership, adaptability & communication skills. He is both people & process driven with a sound understanding of business dynamics. His focus on aggressive brand building and sales team development has helped to create a vibrant workforce. He has been instrumental in setting up a robust and vast distribution network which has been crucial in positioning “Freedom” as the number two brand in the Sunflower Oil category in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in a short span of two years. His clear understanding of the sector and command over marketing has helped GEF win credibility and trust with stakeholders and partners.
Edited Excerpts:
On Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils’ journey from its inception to becoming the leading brand in the sunflower oil category in India and the the key milestones along the way
The journey for Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils has been amazing. Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil the flagship brand of Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, which was launched in 2010 is now the No. 1 selling brand of Sunflower Oil in India (Source Neilson IQ MAT March 2022), with operations in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, through selected channels in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
This was achieved by working on a well-formulated strategy of building a good brand, delivering consistent product quality with attractive packaging, and building a robust distribution network that could help us reach the nook and corner of the states. It was a conscious decision to launch the brand ‘Freedom’ in selected geographies to ensure a better, focused, and optimal use of resources at hand.
To create awareness about Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, we formulated a well-rounded marketing strategy around the core message of ‘Guilt Free Eating’ giving the customers ‘Freedom to Eat, Freedom to Enjoy.’ For directly reaching out to the target audience – we have initiated several on ground activities like ‘Best Chef Hyderabad’, ‘Freedom Cookery Show’, ‘Healthy Pakoda Party’ and sponsoring various other initiatives to encourage usage and gather acceptance for the brand. We have also partnered with leading properties on OTT and TV Channels like ‘Big Boss – Kannada’ etc. This helped garner a better share-of-voice and visibility for Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils. This helped us break the clutter of brands with 20+ years of legacy in the category.
We also introduced several customer and retailers outreach campaigns like Freedom Aarogya Rath Yatra, Freedom Cookery Shows in urban and rural markets to explain the customers about the benefits of using sunflower oil, and the other variants in our portfolio. With the basics in place, we launched several sales promotion offers like ‘Car Jar Offer’, My Freedom – My Gold Offer to encourage adoption of Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils.
We are also running a campaign ‘Freedom Retail Raja’ to expand the market penetration of Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils and enrol the channel partners on ‘Kirado’ app an innovative platform that helps us design special campaigns, communicate about upcoming new launches and schemes etc. This also provides a 2-way communication channel with retailers. Channel partners can also raise the concern with the organisation, which are assigned and attended as per the prescribed matrix. It is encouraging more retailers to sign up. This is enabling better trust, confidence and transparency with the channel partners and helping grow our market reach.
Our promotion and digital strategy ensured we were connected to the end users and engaged with them for their inputs to help us retain the existing customers and grow the customer base. With the success of sunflower oil, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils was able to garner share in the other variants launched for niche users based on regional preferences.
Key Milestones:
On the unique value propositions or product attributes that Freedom offers to set it apart from other brands in the market
Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd was started by professionals with deep understanding and strong relationships in the market. We launched ‘Freedom’ with a clear objective to make the best product offering, manufactured in the state-of-the-art manufacturing unit, ensuring consistency in quality, innovative packaging, and geographically focused launch to optimize the resources and transportation cost. The policy was always to deliver a good quality product using state-of-the-art infrastructure at a value-for-money price point.
The cooking oil market in India is highly competitive. Instead of spreading our limited resources over a vast geographical area, we also remained focused on the key markets of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, and other neighbouring states, that consume almost 70 per cent of sunflower oil sold in India. We also leveraged our understanding of market dynamics, market penetration, and optimising the resources at our disposal in these states and benefit from consumers’ trust and preference for our brand.
On consumer preference for cooking oils evolving over the years and Freedom adapting to these changing preferences and health-conscious trends
We have started an initiative ‘Freedom Oil Knowledge Series’ that disseminates information about the health benefits of edible oils. As a part of this series, we also conduct seminars using relevant influencers to bring the spotlight on specific myths about edible oils and get experts to discuss and dispel the myths. Most of the communication with our customers is also centered around the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and using the right cooking oil for daily usage.
To educate customers, as a part of the ‘Freedom Oil Knowledge Series’ a campaign was introduced with famous nutritionist Dr. Matheen Asrar (PhD Nutritionist) advising people to follow a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, and switch to a healthy cooking oil like Freedom Rice Bran Oil for everyday cooking. This campaign was very well received and has generated over one million views.
Moreover, besides communicating the health benefits of our product range to the customers, we also participate in several initiatives to promote healthy living and healthy eating. We have been associated with a flagship event ‘Freedom Hyderabad 10K Run’ for the last six years, which is a platform to engage with the health conscious, spread the right information about the use of edible oils, and gain their patronage.
On the quality control measures and certifications that Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils adheres to in order to ensure the highest quality products for consumers
Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils prioritises quality assurance by adhering to GMP system (Good Manufacturing Practice) and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) guidelines. Our fully automated plants streamline the refining and bottling process, reducing human intervention. This ensures consistent quality batch after batch.
This comprehensive strategy, guided by cutting-edge automation, ensures that every SKU of Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils meets the highest benchmarks, offering consumers a reliable and wholesome choice for their culinary needs.
On Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils addressing concerns such as sustainability and environmental issues in its production and packaging processes
Sustainability and concern for the environment is at the core of our philosophy at GEF India. At the factory level, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils stands out as the sole producer with zero liquid discharges in our plants. Unlike conventional setups where effluent treatment plants are below ground, our unique approach places them above ground, enabling early detection of seepage. Our plants are directly linked to the Pollution Control Board, ensuring emissions are closely monitored.
Moreover, our commitment extends to recyclable packaging. These dual efforts underscore our unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability in every aspect of our operations.
On the key factors contributing to the brand’s popularity, especially considering its diverse offerings, in the context of Freedom’s product range
We believe that ‘Freedom’ is recognised as a trusted and reliable brand by the customers.
We back each offering/ product with consistent and persistent communication, highlighting the USPs of each offering. We devise innovative and creative messaging using all available mediums for communicating with our customers to ensure the acceptance and growth of Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils.
On Freedom leveraging digital platforms and e-commerce to reach a wider audience and enhance the brand’s online presence
India is rapidly going digital. In today’s world, where India is rapidly embracing mobile technology and using it more and more to stay connected, digital marketing is crucial to stay connected and engage continuously with the audience. We have a vibrant digital and social media presence in order to reach and interact with the target audience. We are using social media marketing, tactical influencer marketing, and digital advertising as new marketing channels. Besides advertising and digital public relations campaigns, we are actively exploring and leveraging the traffic flow on Google Apps, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms with OTT (Over the Top) Platforms such as Zee5 and Hotstar.
On the long-term goals and aspirations for Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils in terms of market expansion, innovation, or social responsibility
We are presently fully operational in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh. We are actively working on plans to launch our operations in full state of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Kerala besides moving up East.
We will continue to innovate in our processes and product packaging based on customer feedback. We have recently introduced a 10-litre multi-use jar of Freedom Refined Sunflower oil. It has been specially designed keeping in mind the requirements of the modern-day consumer and a growing trend of using environment-friendly products that can be reused.
We’re planning to introduce “Deepa Prajwalam Oil,” a unique addition to our range. This oil is specially designed for traditional lamp usage, adding a new dimension to our offerings.
Mumbai: New data shows approximately 70 per cent of Indians are ready to spend more this Diwali, representing a marked 35 per cent increase from last year, according to the third festive pulse survey conducted by global advertising technology leader The Trade Desk. The planned increase in consumer spending is led primarily by consumers’ bullish view that their financial situation has improved (53 per cent), and consumers’ eagerness to celebrate a lot more this year (49 per cent).
The new research indicates growing optimism among Indian consumers is slated to drive larger festive sales this year, giving brands an opportunity to build advertising campaigns tailored to consumer interests and preferences as the biggest shopping season of the year approaches.
Skyrocketing optimism spurs consumer spend
The surge in optimism is driving increased consumer spend, with a significant majority expressing an interest in purchasing luxury goods and apparel (84 per cent) and gold (80 per cent). Amongst those who plan to spend more, 68 percent said they are more likely to increase spending on new clothes, 65 per cent on gold and jewellery, 64 per cent on Diwali food items and gifts for family, and 64 per cent on friends and colleagues.
“This year’s Diwali is shaping up to be the most significant shopping season ever. People are gearing to celebrate more, in turn, they plan to spend more,” said The Trade Desk general manager, India Tejinder Gill. “To make the most of this opportunity, marketers should focus on building trust to engage customers with relevant advertising campaigns that reach them at the right place at the right time. The Trade Desk is empowering marketers to make smarter media decisions for the festive season and for the long term, whilst helping them track campaign performance to drive business growth effectively.”
Brands who engage early and consistently will stay top-of-mind
The findings reflect an always-on branding strategy is the key in engaging consumers effectively. When shopping for Diwali, more than half (58 per cent) of Indians consider themselves to be planned shoppers, while almost half (45 per cent) regard brand trust as an important factor in their Diwali shopping decisions.
The research also unveils significantly higher brand loyalty, compared to Diwali shopping last year. Within the top three product categories where consumers demonstrate the strongest loyalty, a notable 74 per cent of consumers will stick to the same brand when purchasing products in health and personal care, which is an increase of 23 per cent compared to last year. While 69 per cent of Indian consumers will do so for consumer electronics, an increase of 30 per cent, and 65 per cent for makeup and fragrances, an increase of 27 per cent from last year.
Indian consumers are least likely to hold strong brand affinity for toys, games, and collectibles (50 per cent), home and living (50 per cent) and travel (47 per cent). Marketers who employ an always-on strategy can help enhance brand affinity by maintaining consistent connections with their audience throughout their entire purchasing journey.
OTT platforms are effective advertising channels
The open internet provides an opportune place for brands to advertise, and over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms are garnering notable traction. The majority of respondents (61 per cent) express a willingness to research a product online if they like the ads shown on this channel. Furthermore, people aged 25 to 40 years exhibit a larger appetite for ads on OTT platforms, as half of them (51 per cent) reportedly pay attention to ads on the channel. Concurrently, 43 per cent said they direct their attention towards ads on news, websites, and blogs.
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted online by research firm Milieu amongst a nationally representative sample of 1,000 India adults, fielded in June 2023. All data was weighted by age and gender to reflect the latest Indian population estimates.
Mumbai: Cannes Lions has announced the launch of the Entertainment Lions for Gaming. The new Lion will be judged and awarded for the first time in June 2023, with Riot Games global head of marketing Francine Li serving as the inaugural jury president.
The Entertainment Lions for Gaming, originally a part of the Entertainment Lions, is being introduced as part of a long-term plan that started when Cannes Lions separated out the Entertainment Lions for Music in 2016 and then later the Entertainment Lions for Sport in 2019.
The jury, which will be announced early next year, will be multidisciplinary and comprise creatives, brands, gaming experts, publishers, platforms and producers.
The Entertainment Lions for Gaming will celebrate creative work that connects people to brands through gameplay. Submissions will need to demonstrate how brands successfully tapped into complex gaming communities and seamlessly added real value to the overall gaming experience while driving commercial success.
Speaking about the new introduction, Lions CEO Simon Cook said, “We’ve seen the number of Lion winners that feature gaming rise by 74 per cent in the last five years. Based on the velocity at which this space is evolving, and the increased relevance that gaming now holds within the creative marketing community, this feels like a natural progression.”
He added, “We also can’t ignore that gaming is bigger than Hollywood and the music industry combined. I’d like to thank all the many agencies, brands, gaming experts and passionate advocates from around the world who have helped shape this new Lion. Our belief is that this award will offer a new benchmark, and shine a spotlight on creative work that sits at the intersection of brands, creativity, gaming, customer experience and communities. I’d like to thank Li for agreeing to lead the first Entertainment Lion for Gaming jury in 2023, we are grateful for her wealth of talent and expertise.”
About her role, Li said, “I’m honoured and excited to serve as the inaugural jury president of the Entertainment Lions for Gaming. This new Lion is being introduced at a time when the gaming industry is truly reaching new heights. I believe that gaming is the future of entertainment, bringing together passionate global communities in shared immersive and interactive experiences. The creative work in gaming is community driven, deeply rooted in insight and adds value to the player experience, a true definition of modern marketing. I look forward to celebrating groundbreaking work and awarding the first ever Entertainment Lions for Gaming with a jury of my esteemed peers.”
Mumbai: On Friday, Wunderman Thompson revealed that Google, Apple, Samsung, and Amazon are the most inspiring brands in the world.
Wunderman Thompson’s proprietary diagnostic tool, “Inspire Score: Top 100 2022,” proves that inspiring brands are able to grow their market share more quickly and charge a higher premium for their products and services than their competitors.
Wunderman Thompson’s Inspire Score is a proprietary diagnostic tool that measures a brand’s inspiration status and uncovers the brand attributes that fuel business growth through their ability to inspire people.
As per the report, Google once again takes the top spot as the most inspiring brand in the world today, while Apple, Samsung, and Amazon remain in the top four for the second year running, cementing their position as powerful inspiration engines thanks to their ability to place themselves at the centre of people’s lives — and stay there.
Colgate has taken the fifth spot for 2022 as they strive to reimagine a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet.
Commenting on the report, Wunderman Thompson global chief executive officer Mel Edwards said, “As the world’s foremost researcher on inspiration, we have again proven that there is a strong correlation between inspiration and brand growth. The Inspire Score demonstrates how inspiring brands can drive growth in market share and command a price premium, which is increasingly important in the face of these changing economic conditions. The brands at the top of our list have shifted with the zeitgeist and placed themselves at the centre of people’s lives, perfectly positioning themselves to take advantage of inspiration as a powerful lever for growth.”
“This year’s Inspire Score has taught us that a brand’s inspiration status and, therefore, propensity to grow, is highly dynamic. As the focus of people’s lives changes, so may the things that inspire them. Google, Apple, Samsung, and Amazon have once again scored highly given their ability to elevate consumers, make them feel like they’re making a popular, exciting choice, and motivate them to accomplish their goals, but 30 per cent of the Top 100 Most Inspiring Brands in the World for 2022 were not in the Top 100 last year. This reminds us that there is everything to play for when it comes to inspiration—these are metrics that brands can impact, thereby moving the needle on growth,” added Wunderman Thompson global chief strategy officer Neil Dawson.
Other key insights from the study include:
There have been strong gains for mobility brands such as Tesla and Uber as the world has opened up again post-covid, with a large number of automotive brands also featuring in the top 100.
Social media brands have also seen gains, showcasing their role in animating people’s lives and social interactions, both physical and virtual. The inspiring power of brands such as Instagram and WhatsApp also continues to grow, with TikTok making the top 100 for the first time this year.
Streaming brands continue to inspire, too. Netflix is now in the top 20, and Disney+ is a new entrant in the top 100, out-inspiring even its master brand.
Impulse brands have done well, perhaps because life is becoming a bit more spontaneous again, and beer, spirits, and treats have all risen.
The Inspire Score: Top 100 was first launched in 2020 as part of Wunderman Thompson’s global brand study, Inspiring Growth, the world’s largest ongoing research project into inspiration. This chapter explores why brands need to be inspirational, how inspiration drives growth, and what brands can do to inspire their customers. Meanwhile, the annual list of the Top 100 Most Inspiring Brands in the World tracks and analyses the brands that are best at inspiring their customers, revealing how inspiration affects a brand’s ability to drive growth in market share and command a price premium.
Mumbai: Garmin India, the popular brand of smartwatches in the fitness and wellness segment, has roped in Yeshudas Pillai as the country head for its India operations. His appointment is in line with the company’s objective to drive growth and development of the brand. With this appointment, the brand wants to intensify its focus to reach a larger set of audiences, speed up growth initiatives, and elevate its brand positioning.
Pillai will be based in Delhi. In his new role, he will be driving stakeholder engagement, growth, and development of the brand in India. With over 16 years of experience, Pillai has worked for prestigious consumer electronics, consumer durables, FMCG, and premium lifestyle brands.
Garmin is looking at strengthening its presence in India and continues to grow by double digits. The brand aims to boost its business continuously in India.
Addressing the occasion, Garmin’s regional director of South-East Asia & India Sky Chen said, “At Garmin, we firmly believe in prioritising the needs of our consumers. We see great potential in the Indian market, where we’ve recorded 32 per cent YoY growth until Q3’22, as per Garmin Connect. Venu series from the wellness segment contributed the most, with a 65 per cent YoY growth till Q3’22 as per Garmin Connect.”
He added, “We have seen a growth in the preference for mid-high range ($300 and above) smartwatches over the last couple of years in India. Looking at this trend, we are bullish on the premium segment and plan to expand our offerings. Also, there is a sharp increase in the activity trend, where we see uptake in outdoor activities that resonate well with our product line. For Garmin, we see India becoming one of the top three markets in the Asia region in the next five years.”
Welcoming Pillai, Chen said, “Pillai’s multitude of experience and strong track record in the consumer space make him an integral part of our team and will further our vision for the Indian market. With his result-driven professionalism, we look forward to bringing in the required momentum to our business growth in India.”
Joining Garmin, Pillai quipped, “I have always been a great believer in innovation and technology and the potential it has to change the moving world. I am excited to join the Garmin team and accelerate its growth in India. I look forward to working with the Garmin global leadership team and providing strategic impetus for strengthening the company’s foothold in India. Our vision is to strengthen our presence across the country, where we aim to have more than 10 Garmin brand stores by the end of 2023.”
After setting the precedent with its quality and premium products, Garmin currently has brand stores in Delhi NCR, Bangalore, and Pune. By the end of 2023, the brand aims to expand its presence across markets by opening brand stores, which will also double up as service collection points. Garmin has been known for cutting-edge GPS navigation products for almost three decades. Some of the recently launched product offerings in India embody Garmin’s philosophy of offering users compelling design and superior quality at a competitive price. With an aim to strengthen its positioning across India, the brand will bolster its data monitoring mechanism with ‘Garmin Health API’.
Garmin aims to get closer to its diverse user community through new partners across markets to offer all the latest Garmin products, including the newly launched Venu SQ 2 and Forerunner 955 & 255 series.
