Among the minority who are relieved at the rising heat are consumer durables' companies and retailers. Air conditioner (AC) sales are picking up in anticipation of a hot summer.
The company, which has liquid detergent brands like Ezee and liquid cleaning agent brands like Godrej Dish Wash Liquid and Kiwi Kleen, is looking at companies that have good brands and distribution networks, largely in household care (detergents, cleaning agents segment) and haircare, with focus on colours and hair dyes. "Given the right opportunity, the company will spend around $100 million (Rs 5 billion)," said a source close to the development.
McDonald's, for instance, plans to invest Rs 120-150 crore (Rs 1.2-Rs 1.5 billion) for expansion in the current year. It will add 40 new outlets across India (it has 155) and open 40 kiosks, dessert and beverage service counters. Says Vikram Bakshi, managing director (north and east)" "We will maintain 30-35 per cent growth rate this year as well."
Stating that the differential pricing above Rs 12 was "unfair trade practice," Justice J D Kapoor, Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, said: "The process of converting ordinary water into mineral water is the same (for all bottlers) and the quality or purity is also the same. It is immaterial whether mineral water is obtained directly from springs or any other source." Yet, packaged water firms continue to price their 1 litre bottles above this amount.
Tata Motors has opted unconventional mediums like web search, viral marketing and innovative public relations-driven campaigns, where the news in brief is called 'Nano news' in some papers and television advertisement breaks are called 'Nano breaks.' There is also Nano merchandise like T-shirts and key chains. Unlike most car launches, it is not supported by a television campaign, leading to a big saving for the company.
"We are conducting a feasibility study to see whether the car can be displayed inside some of the Westside," said a source. The feasibility study is being conducted in select showrooms that have a suitable entrance and enough space to accommodate the Rs 1 lakh (Rs 100,000) car. The car might be displayed at showrooms that meet the required specifications.
Modern trade retail accounts for 5-6 per cent of the overall sales revenues of FMCG companies. It has been reported in the past that FMCG players like Godrej Consumer Products and Dabur had taken a tough stance against defaulting modern trade retailers and had stopped supplying to them or supplying only in return for cash payment, a deviation from the practice of supplying against credit.
The Titan and Fastrack brands fared well and also saw their margins expand. Watches accounted for 1 per cent of the Gitanjali Group's total turnover. The watch industry is estimated to be a Rs 2,500 crore market, growing at 5 per cent per annum. The premium-to-luxury market is close to being a Rs 300-500 crore market and will grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 30-35 per cent to be a Rs 1,500-2,000 crore market in the next six to seven years.
Fox Star Studio India, the distributor of Slumdog Millionaire in the country, has managed to gross around Rs 40 crore (Rs 400 million) from the markets, surpassing collections of some of the biggest Bollywood hits of last year such as Rock On.
Two of these categories -- detergent cakes and washing powder - account for around 15 per cent of the overall FMCG market of Rs 80,000 crore (Rs 800 billion), according to estimates made by analysts. Leading market research firm A C Nielsen's data for November 2008 show an across-the-category drop in sales volumes compared to the preceding month.
Is it possible to refurbish a brand that has been sullied with a Rs 7,800 crore (Rs 78 billion) fraud? One can't be sure, but to attempt this, the campaign ought to stress on integrity and action, say three of the top minds of the country's advertising industry.
Big-ticket events are likely to witness a 50 per cent drop in 2009 as corporates have cut down on sponsorships and marketing spends.
Marketers are now looking at consolidation with top three-four channels in a genre and effecting long-term deals with frequent reviews.
After a gap of five years, Hindustan Unilever has bagged slot zero position on B-school campuses. In 2007, the company had slipped to number 14 on the recruiters' list of B-schools. "It's an improvement of our brand value and affirmation of our employer brand," says Leena Nair, executive director HR, Hindustan Unilever.
Television and print media are expected to lose up to 10 per cent of their cumulative market share to new and emerging mediums like radio, digital and out-of-home (OOH) in 2009, as the overall growth rate of the advertising industry is set to decline in the new year, analysts tracking the sector said.
The Trident and Taj Mahal Palace and Tower said they have been flooded with requests for reservations at their restaurants when they reopen December 21, almost a month after the terrorist attacks on these landmark hotels destroyed significant portions of both buildings.
Direct selling FMCG company Amway India will increase the prices of all its products by 3-5 per cent in early 2009 even as commodity and crude prices are witnessing a sharp decline.
FMCG firm Marico's success lies in its ability to pick its fights, exiting areas where MNC competition is high and concentrating on creating niche segments instead.
This is one New Year when most citizens will not be comfortable partying following the terrorist attacks that left hundreds dead.
Donatella may attend Feb 2009 launch of Versace store in Delhi.
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