Tag: Sensodyne

  • Rural India, local disruptors, small packs drive FMCG growth: Worldpanel

    Rural India, local disruptors, small packs drive FMCG growth: Worldpanel

    MUMBAI: Once a luxury, now a lifestyle. Premiumisation in India is no longer the preserve of posh metros and plush wallets, it’s trickling down to rural towns, reshaping FMCG, and even spilling over into housing, cars and gadgets.

    That’s the big takeaway from Worldpanel India’s latest report, which reveals that premium brands now account for 15 per cent of FMCG volumes across everyday categories like detergents, soaps, toothpaste, tea, biscuits and skincare. And while the trend slowed briefly in 2024, the long-term trajectory is clear: India wants more “premium” and it wants it on its own terms.

    Once seen as laggards in this space, rural households are now powering premium growth. Their share of super-premium volumes has jumped from 30 per cent in 2021 to 42 per cent in 2025, and affordable premium products now see over half their demand from villages.

    It isn’t just multinational giants raking it in. Homegrown disruptors like Burhani liquid dishwash in Madhya Pradesh, AVT gold cup tea in Tamil Nadu, and Meera shikakai shampoo in Karnataka and Odisha are winning hearts by marrying premium positioning with natural, health-focused credentials.

    Bite-sized formats like Sensodyne (75g), Nabati wafers (30g), and Tresemme sachets (6ml) are driving trials without denting the “premium” aura. Even super-premium players like Dove, Malkist and Taj Mahal tea are cashing in with affordable packs.

    It’s not just soaps and snacks. Luxury housing sales (Rs 3 crore plus homes) surged 80 per cent in 2024, premium smartphones grew 8 per cent YoY in Q2 2025, and luxury car sales crossed 50,000 units for the first time. Clearly, India’s “premium” shift is rewriting aspiration itself.

    “Premiumisation in India is no longer restricted to metros or high-income households,” said Worldpanel by Numerator, managing director – South Asia, K. Ramakrishnan. “Rural consumers are becoming aspirational, disruptors are redefining premium, and affluent households are reprioritising spends. For brands, this is both a challenge and a golden opportunity.”

  • Diageo appoints Aanandita Datta as vp marketing and category head

    Diageo appoints Aanandita Datta as vp marketing and category head

    MUMBAI: Diageo India has named Aanandita Datta as its new vice president, marketing and category head. She moves from Pizza Hut, where she was chief marketing officer for India and the subcontinent, and before that spent nearly a decade at Unilever.

    A marketing veteran with 19 years of experience, Datta has worked across categories from oral care and foods to beverages. She launched and scaled brands such as Sensodyne and Lipton, built new categories like green tea and sensitive oral care, and led Horlicks’ major relaunch in 2010. At Pizza Hut, she drove campaigns to court young consumers and make the brand part of “young India’s daily life”.

    Datta described herself as a “storyteller with a curious mind”, saying her purpose lay in “exploring the unknown and inspiring others to do the same”. She has previously managed portfolios worth over €1.3bn, partnered with the UN and Indian government on sustainability projects, and steered both disruptive innovation and mature-brand growth.

    At Diageo, she takes charge of marketing strategy and category development in one of India’s most competitive consumer markets.

  • TV9 Network and Sensodyne brush up on oral health for the third time lucky

    TV9 Network and Sensodyne brush up on oral health for the third time lucky

    MUMBAI: When it comes to oral health, TV9 Network and Sensodyne certainly know how to keep their pearly whites shining bright. For the third consecutive year, this dynamic duo is back, brushing up on India’s oral hygiene habits. Launching on World Oral Health Day (20 March 2025), this nationwide campaign urges citizens to ‘Take the First Step’ and #BeSensitiveToOralHealth. And this isn’t just another toothy grin—it’s a full-fledged mission to conquer cavities and declare war on dental woes!

    Graced by Union minister of state, Ministry of Health and family welfare Anupriya Patel, the campaign kicked off with strong government backing. Patel noted, “The Government of India is making several efforts to create awareness about oral health because even today, a large population in our country lacks basic knowledge about oral health care. And when we talk about quality and affordable health care services in the context of oral health care, accessibility is still limited compared to our actual needs. I would like to congratulate Sensodyne and TV9 Network on this initiative.”

    Sensodyne is leaving no stone unturned—or should we say, tooth unbrushed—by rolling out two state-of-the-art mobile dental vans across Indian cities. Offering free dental check-ups and personalised oral care advice, these vans aim to bridge the dental divide, especially in underserved communities.

    Commenting on the partnership, Haleon India subcontinent BU general manager Navneet Saluja said, “We are honoured to continue our collaboration with TV9 Network for the third consecutive year. Sensodyne’s ‘Take the First Step’ campaign focused on World Oral Health Day, has been dedicated to driving meaningful progress in oral health awareness and accessibility across India. Our partnership with TV9 Network has played a crucial role in amplifying this mission, allowing us to reach millions with the message of proactive dental care. This year, by leveraging innovative solutions like Mobile Dental Vans and AI-driven diagnostics, we are making oral health solutions more accessible and actionable for communities nationwide. I firmly believe that through collaboration and shared expertise, we can create a lasting impact on India’s oral health landscape and contribute to a healthier future for all.”

    Adding sparkle to the campaign, TV9 Network CRO Amit Tripathi said, “We are delighted to partner with Sensodyne for the third time in a row for this impactful initiative aimed at raising awareness around oral health, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. At TV9 Network, we believe in leveraging the power of our platforms to drive conversations that matter and create meaningful change.”

    Further amplifying the message, TV9 Network has introduced a futuristic touch—a QR Code Amplification across their broadcast and digital channels, leading users to AI-driven diagnostic tools and free dental consultations. Talk about making oral hygiene high-tech!

    This commitment is also part of Sensodyne’s ongoing partnership with TV9 Network’s Mega Thought Fest – What India Thinks Today, reinforcing preventive care and sustained oral hygiene as priorities.

    In the spirit of PM Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, this campaign pushes oral health to centre stage, hoping to create a brighter, healthier future—one smile at a time.

  • Colgate-Palmolive (India) Q3 brushes off rivals with Rs 1,452 crore sales

    Colgate-Palmolive (India) Q3 brushes off rivals with Rs 1,452 crore sales

    MUMBAI: Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd has reported a steady yet somewhat subdued financial performance for the third quarter and nine months ending 31 December 2024. In a world where Pepsodent, Sensodyne, and a slew of herbal toothpaste brands are fighting tooth and nail (quite literally) for consumer preference, Colgate remains the unshaken champion of oral care.

    While macroeconomic headwinds and intensifying competition have made the landscape tougher than biting into a frozen chocolate bar, the company has managed to keep its shine by leveraging premiumisation and technology-driven consumer engagement strategies.

    Can Colgate continue to outshine its rivals, or will Sensodyne’s sensitivity play and Pepsodent’s cavity-fighting pitch take a bite out of its market share? For now, Colgate is brushing aside the competition and keeping its growth streak minty fresh.

    Headline figures

    In Q3 FY25, net sales stood at Rs 1,45,221 lakh (Rs 1,452.21 crore), reflecting a 4.7 per cent year-on-year growth. Not the kind of jaw-dropping leap that makes investors do a double take, but hey, steady growth is better than a cavity-inducing decline! The domestic business, a key driver of performance, saw a 3.2 per cent growth in Q3 and an 8.8 per cent increase over the nine-month period—a testament to India’s undying love for minty-fresh breath and cavity-free smiles.

    For the nine-month period, net sales reached Rs 4,54,718 lakh (Rs 4,547.18 crore), an increase of 9.2 per cent compared to Rs 4,16,352 lakh (Rs 4,163.52 crore) during the same period last year. That’s a growth curve any dentist would approve of! It also suggests Colgate still holds its ground in an ever-growing battlefield of oral care brands trying to take a bite out of its market share.

    Gross margin and EBITDA margin improved sequentially compared to the last quarter, though they remain under pressure when measured against last year’s higher base. Net profit after tax (PAT) for Q3 FY25 stood at Rs 32,278 lakh (Rs 322.78 crore), a slight decline from Rs 33,011 lakh (Rs 330.11 crore) reported in Q3 FY24. Perhaps inflation took a bite out of those numbers?

    However, the nine-month period gave Colgate something to grin about, with PAT increasing 14.6 per cent YoY to Rs 1,08,181 lakh (Rs 1,081.81 crore), up from Rs 94,384 lakh (Rs 943.84 crore) in the previous fiscal period. Looks like strategic premiumisation and efficiency initiatives are keeping things sparkling.

    Profit before tax (PBT) for Q3 stood at Rs 39,505 lakh (Rs 395.05 crore), showing that operational efficiencies are still paying off. Meanwhile, basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) stood at Rs 11.87 for Q3 and Rs 39.77 for the nine-month period—numbers solid enough to keep shareholders smiling all the way to the bank!

    Colgate-Palmolive’s MD & CEO Prabha Narasimhan acknowledged that the quarter was marked by soft urban demand and heightened competition. Despite these challenges, the company exhibited resilience, with mid-single-digit volume growth in its core toothpaste category and competitive gains in the toothbrush segment.

    “While the near-term macro environment remains challenging, we are committed to driving growth through a strategy that works,” remarked Narasimhan, reiterating Colgate’s focus on premiumisation, digital engagement, and category expansion.

    A highlight of the quarter was the launch of India’s largest oral health movement, a digital-first, AI-driven initiative that offers personalised AI-generated dental screening reports and free dental check-ups in partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA). Available in nine regional languages, this initiative aims to enhance oral health awareness at scale.

    Furthermore, Colgate expanded its product portfolio with the “MaxFresh Sensorial” range, building on the success of the “Visible White Purple” series.

    But let’s be honest—can even the best toothpaste keep everyone grinning when inflation is chomping away at disposable incomes? While the recent numbers show resilience, the question remains: can Colgate continue to take a big bite out of market share, or will rival brands leave it with a mere nibble?

    For now, Colgate is holding its ground, refusing to be rinsed away by competition. With strong brand equity, a tech-savvy approach, and a strategy sharper than the bristles on a new toothbrush, Colgate is setting itself up to flash an even brighter smile in the quarters to come. Stick around—the next quarter’s numbers will tell the real story!

     

  • Kaun Banega Crorepati season 16 attracts top sponsors

    Kaun Banega Crorepati season 16 attracts top sponsors

    Mumbai: Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) continues to captivate audiences across India with its unique blend of knowledge, entertainment, and life-changing opportunities. As season 16 unfolds, the show’s enduring popularity is evident in the impressive lineup of top-tier sponsors it has attracted.

    With 12 sponsors onboarded there has been 100 per cent growth over the last year, Leading the way are ACKO and Aditya Birla Group as co-presenting sponsors, IDFC First Bank returns for the third consecutive year as the exclusive banking partner with Atomberg, Vimal and Sensodyne as co-powered sponsors, Veeba as the taste partner, Ultratech Cement and Kalyan Jewellers as partners. Raymond as the wardrobe partner, and Godrej Locks as the safety partner.

    The show’s innovative features, such as the real-time interactive KBC Play Along on Sony LIV, continue to enhance viewer engagement. The KBC Play Along feature allows audiences from across the globe to participate in real-time continues to offer advertisers unique and valuable opportunities to reach a highly engaged audience.

    KBC offers unique opportunities for deep and diverse in-show integrations. By embedding themselves within the show’s narrative, brands can forge meaningful connections with viewers and achieve measurable outcomes, making KBC a powerful platform for brand storytelling and engagement. 

    . ACKO: Partners with the KBC LIFELINES, leveraging contextual moments within the show to integrate the insurance category effectively.

    .  Aditya Birla Group: Sponsors the education of children equivalent to the number of questions asked, aligning with their corporate social responsibility.

    . IDFC First Bank: Acts as the banking partner with a presence across winning moments throughout the show.

    .  Atomberg Fans: First-time sponsor that rewards winners with hampers, enhancing the viewer experience.

    .  Sensodyne: Takes ownership of the “Expert Question of the Day” moment, aligning its brand with expertise and trust.

    .  Raymond: Onboarded as the wardrobe partner, contributes to the show’s style and presentation.

    .   RBI: Integrates the message “Jankar Baniye Satark Rahiye” within the bonus questions, promoting awareness and caution.

    .  Godrej Locks: Rewards contestants at the crucial ₹25 lakh “padav” and integrates their brand message around safety at the right moments.

    These points highlight how various brands are strategically integrating themselves within KBC, enhancing both their visibility and viewer engagement.

    The current season of KBC has already set new benchmarks for viewership and engagement.

    Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16 is now streaming on Sony LIV, offering viewers and sponsors another season of extraordinary experiences.

    Sony LIV head ad sales revenue Ranjana Mangla said, “Large-scale reality shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati spanning across 142 days of activity (100 episodes) have finally been acknowledged to deliver value at scale in the digital ecosystem creating a paradigm shift in the market. Kaun Banega Crorepati stands as one of India’s most iconic shows, providing an unparalleled platform for brands to connect with audiences. We are thrilled to welcome esteemed 12 sponsors, whose commitment to KBC on Sony LIV  underscores the immense value of this collaboration. With growing advertiser interest, we are confident that KBC Season 16 will once again deliver exceptional benefits to both our viewers, sponsors and partners.”

    ACKO EVP marketing Ashish Mishra said, “KBC occupies an iconic position in the Indian reality show landscape, making ACKO’s decision to continue with our partnership a natural fit. The show’s widespread popularity across ACKO’s core target audience enhances the value of this collaboration. Additionally, we recognized a unique synergy between KBC’s lifelines and our insurance offerings. Just as lifelines offer crucial support to contestants, ACKO provides protection solutions for life’s uncertainties, spanning life, health, car, travel insurances and more.”

    Atomberg Technologies founding member & chief business officer Arindam Paul said, “As a home-grown Indian consumer durables brand started by two IIT-ians, being a co-sponsor of India’s leading entertainment show- Kaun Banega Crorepati, is a massive feat.  Atomberg has always been a brand that’s stood at the intersection of innovation and customer delight; solving unseen, unstated consumer problems, such as introducing energy efficient BLDC fans to India and more. KBC is a show driven by curiosity – as is our  brand, and so this seemed like an organic fit for us.”

  • TV9 Network, Sensodyne urge people to take first step for their oral health

    TV9 Network, Sensodyne urge people to take first step for their oral health

    Mumbai: After the overwhelming response to the first edition of the oral health summit in 2023, TV9 Network and Sensodyne have joined hands again to create awareness around oral hygiene. In the run-up to World Oral Health Day on 20 March, a unique initiative has been launched calling upon people to #TakeTheFirstStep towards oral health. The campaign, urging people to follow their Funda-dental duties culminates into the second edition of Oral Health Summit. Experts and dignitaries from various segments of dental sciences shall engage in discussions around oral health problems that are pertinent to people of all ages.

    “In the post-Covid scenario, people are prioritising health and fitness. However, oral health holds key importance when it comes to well-being as it contributes to one’s overall health and quality of life. With this idea in mind, TV9 Network has partnered with Sensodyne to spread awareness and enable people to #TakeTheFirstStep towards oral hygiene,” said Raktim Das, Chief Growth Officer (Broadcasting & Digital), TV9 Network.

    Talking about the initiative, TV9 Network chief revenue officer Amit Tripathi said, “Optimal oral health is crucial to the wellness of people of all ages. With its wide reach in 7 languages, TV9 Network is well poised to help Sensodyne reach out to our viewers to disseminate the impactful message of being sensitive to oral health. With media amplification across digital and broadcast, we are spreading awareness in multiple languages.”

    Key members from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Niti Aayog, Indian Dental Association, National Oral Health Forum and Dental Council of India shall be sharing their valuable insights on dental health and sciences.

    “It’s an absolute privilege to continue our partnership with TV 9’s Oral Health Summit for the second consecutive year. As an organisation committed to improving everyday health with humanity, we proudly support this significant initiative and thank all the stakeholders from various sectors including government, public health experts, and representatives from key dental forums, for joining us. I’m confident that through our collaborative efforts and collective expertise, we will be able to set the right tone for oral health in India and elevate our country’s overall health. After all, oral health, often overlooked, is intricately linked to general well-being. Additionally, with Sensodyne’s latest education campaign #BeSensitiveToOralHealth, launched this World Oral Health Day, we’re further taking forward our agenda of bolstering oral health literacy and tackling preventable oral health issues through free dental consultations across the country,” said Navneet Saluja, area general manager, Indian sub-continent, Haleon who took immense pride in the awareness campaign and the initiative undertaken.

    The summit highlights shall be aired on all channels of TV9 Network on World Oral Health Day on 20  March 2024.

  • Sensodyne launches digital campaign to celebrate World Dentist’s Day

    Sensodyne launches digital campaign to celebrate World Dentist’s Day

    Mumbai: Sensodyne, a leading oral care brand from the house of Haleon (erstwhile GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare) has launched an endearing digital campaign to celebrate the role of dentists in our lives on World Dentist’s Day, observed on 3 October.

    As the tooth sensitivity expert, Sensodyne is proud to recognize and celebrate the indispensable role of dentists as guardians of our oral health. At the heart of this campaign are four short films that bring alive the small joys that are possible in our lives thanks to the good oral health that our dentists’ enable, thereby making them dentists of joy. These films show unique but relatable moments of joy in our consumer’s lives whether it is consuming chilled water after a long tiring day at work or relishing a piping hot cup of tea on a rainy day. It can be a special moment of a grandfather bonding with his grandson while biting into their favorite ice cream, or experiencing the transformation and newfound confidence of a teenager that comes with having braces removed. These engaging thumb stopper films are designed especially for Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube creating a visually compelling experience and reaching out to approximately fifty-three million people.

    To drive the importance of dentists and oral health, Sensodyne has also partnered with three prominent influencers from across the fields of fitness, travel, and culinary arts. Each of these influencers have not just shared their personal oral health stories but also brought the relationship with their dentists alive through conversations. From travel influencers relishing diverse cuisines to chefs emphasizing the importance of good oral health, the influencers talk about the critical link between oral health and living life to the fullest.

    With the commencement of the digital campaign, the brand has set in motion a series of upcoming initiatives across the country with the aim of engaging a broader audience to recognize the tireless efforts of dentists in making our lives better every day.

    Expressing her thoughts on the launch of this campaign, Haleon category head – oral healthcare Bhawna Sikka said, “This World Dentist Day, we wanted to demonstrate our firm belief in the importance of the role played by dentists in helping people maintain their overall health. Most people feel wary of visiting dentists; hence, through this campaign we hope to bring alive stories and conversations that show how dentists enable small joys throughout our life. They are the doctors of joy and people should see them more often.”

  • Sensodyne slammed by CCPA for misleading ads, fined Rs 10 lakh

    Sensodyne slammed by CCPA for misleading ads, fined Rs 10 lakh

    Mumbai: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken umbrage at GlaxoSmithKline-owned toothpaste brand Sensodyne for misleading advertisement. The consumer protection body has ordered discontinuation of these advertisements within seven days, according to an official statement.

    Additionally, the association imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on Sensodyne’s manufacturer. The CCPA said the company did not produce any cogent study or material to substantiate claims made in the advertisements or indicate any worldwide prominence of Sensodyne products.

    After examination of the response submitted by the company, CCPA observed that the two market surveys submitted by the company in support of its claims ‘Recommended by dentists worldwide’ and ‘World’s No 1 sensitivity toothpaste’ made in the advertisements were conducted only with dentists in India.

    “No cogent study or material were submitted by the company to substantiate the claims made in the advertisements or indicate any worldwide prominence of Sensodyne products. Thus, the claims were observed to be bereft of any reason or justification,” the statement said.

    The central body initiated suo-moto action against the advertisements, running on various social media platforms and television, that showed dentists practising outside India (in the UK) endorsing the use of Sensodyne products — namely Sensodyne Rapid Relief and Sensodyne Fresh Gel — for protection against teeth sensitivity.

    Earlier on 9 February, the Authority had also directed GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare to discontinue advertisement of Sensodyne products, which show endorsement by foreign dentists.

  • Sensodyne launches first TV ad for its toothbrush portfolio

    Sensodyne launches first TV ad for its toothbrush portfolio

    NEW DELHI: Sensodyne, an oral health brand from the house of GSK Consumer Healthcare has launched its first-ever TV campaign to push its toothbrush portfolio. The effective & gentle care campaign attempts to break the common perception that hard brushing is imperative for effective cleaning and educates people on the importance of choosing the right toothbrush like Sensodyne.

    The campaign has been brought alive with a simple storyline in eight languages. The film begins with a woman vigorously brushing her teeth and showing some concern for her oral health. The TVC goes on to introduce Sensodyne brush, which is specially crafted with soft round tip bristles – which not only cleans effectively but is also gentle on teeth and gums.

    GSK Consumer Healthcare area marketing lead – oral care Anurita Chopra elaborated, “People want to choose the best for their oral health. However, there are still many misconceptions regarding the choice of toothbrush & brushing technique. Being a trusted oral health care brand, we want to educate consumers on the importance of choosing the right toothbrush. This campaign attempts to dispel the common perception that hard brushing is needed for effective cleaning and positions Sensodyne toothbrush as a specialist brush for best care of teeth and gums”.

    GSK Consumer Healthcare introduced low-cost Sensodyne daily care toothbrushes with premium credentials in 2018 in India. Overall India's toothbrush market is extremely big with a lot of organised and unorganised players operating at multiple price-points.

  • GSK’s new campaign for refurbished Horlicks

    GSK’s new campaign for refurbished Horlicks

    NEW DELHI: GSK Consumer Healthcare (GSK) has re-launched its health food drink Horlicks with 2X Immuno Nutrients. The new and improved Horlicks is enriched with immunity supporting micro-nutrients that support the body’s natural defence mechanism says the company. A new campaign will be supported by an extensive 360 degree campaign.

    A TVC by JWT themed “Baandho nahi bachpan ko” which showcases how strong immunity is the foundation of growth’ will be establishing the thought of “Andar se strong, bahar se growth”, Horlicks urges mothers to let children live an unshackled childhood by making them strong inside. Media buying is by Mindshare.

    Talking about the new product, GSK head of Marketing for Nutritional & Digestive Health Prashant Pandey said, “Science forms the core of our product portfolio that ensures we are relevant all the times and are able to address the nutritional needs of consumers. The new and improved Horlicks now has 2X Immuno Nutrients scientifically proven to support immunity to help the body’s natural defense system and further strengthen our leadership in the HFD category. Research has shown that low immunity can obstruct the overall growth in children leading to hindrances in day-to-day activities including everyday attendance in school. We are happy to be addressing these issues that are critical to the mental & physical growth of children thereby committing to our product proposition of making child strong from inside so that they grow taller, stronger and sharper.”

    GSK also markets and distributes a range of everyday health products such as Eno, Crocin, Iodex and Sensodyne. It claims that its marketing and distribution network comprises over 700 distributors and a direct coverage of over 8 lakh retail outlets.