The Boston Analytics Consumer Sentiment Index for August fell below the benchmark value of 100 since its inception, signalling a low-key festive season ahead.
Mature markets globally have either become saturated or have slowed down. The emerging markets have therefore become strategically important for these companies. The contribution of Indian operations to the global sales of these multinational behemoths is still small -- 1.5 to 3 per cent -- but this share is bound to grow given the buoyancy in the Indian market.
In a bid to tap the growing demand for premium international spirits in India, global spirits major Bacardi Martini plans to introduce more brands from its international portfolio. Bacardi Martini India is a 76:24 joint venture between the global major and Indian firm Gemini Distilleries.
JWT, Crayons in race for Congress account, BJP calls for a pitch.
While stable raw materials prices have spelt relief for most FMCG companies, they are still having a tough time in defining the future pricing strategy. Most have indicated that input costs have hit their margins, while others maintained that if inflation continued unabated, there would be a further correction in prices. Many FMCG companies have either raised prices or reduced the size of their products to combat the rise in farm commodity prices and packaging costs.
Dabur's international business stands at around Rs 380 crore (Rs 3.8 billion), out of which Nepal accounts for Rs 40 crore (Rs 400 million), while Pakistan contributes around Rs 10-12 crore (Rs 100-120 million). However, the bulk of Dabur's international business comes from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries and Africa.
The whole country broke into an impromptu celebration and by the evening, four state governments had announced cash rewards that added up to Rs 1.4 crore. Cash-rich BCCI also announced a reward of Rs 50 lakh for Bindra and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad issued him a lifetime AC first-class travel pass. Not to be left behind, budget carrier SpiceJet gave him free unlimited travel for life.
Monetary tightening by the Reserve Bank of India to control the sharp rise in prices has checked the march of Indian consumers up the consumer electronics value chain.
Price-wary customers, waiting for good bargains in the festival season this year, are likely to be disappointed.
With an aim to increase its exports business, biscuit maker Britannia Industries is betting big on new international markets.
Apparel, fast-moving consumer goods and healthcare retailers are all moving to their own brands to ease the squeeze on their profit margins. Till not so long ago, only a handful of retailers like Shopper's Stop had their own labels. Now, private labels have become core to every retailer's strategy.
The sharp rise in flexible packaging prices, thanks to the crude oil spiral, has become a new headache for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies.
Winds of change are blowing across the fast-moving consumer goods market.
In a clear indication of things to come, homegrown FMCG major Dabur India has decided to increase prices 5 per cent across most product categories to accommodate the sharp rise in the price of flexible packaging material made of polymers. This is the sharpest price rise effected by the company in eight years.
Liquor firms introduce innovative packaging to push sales and save costs.
Cobra Beer owner Karan Bilimoria told Business Standard that he will introduce 500 ml cans across beer categories this year. However, he believes that packing beer in cans will be good for exports too. "I see a great potential in the canned segment. It will also help us export Cobra from India," he said. The company already has the required infrastructure to package India-brewed Cobra beer in cans at its Bihar brewery.
During May-June, sales of not only seasonal consumer goods such as ACs and refrigerators go up, but also with more and more families going abroad for holidays, there is a surge in sales of cameras and camcorders and even laptops, according to industry observers. While Reliance Digital is offering value for money combo offers on cellphones to laptops and televisions.
The rise in raw material costs has caused a 10 per cent increase in the retail prices of fast-moving consumer goods as companies are passing on the rise in costs.
In a move to focus on its core FMCG strength, the Burman family, promoters of Dabur India, last week announced their exit from the pharma business.
Miguel A Torres, president, Torres group of companies, has his friendly, blue eyes fixed on the bubbling market. "We will invest $1 million to hire more people and expand to other parts. We have already invested the same over the last six years," he says. Torres produces red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines, ranging from single vineyard to mass-market brands.
© 2025 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances