Ahmed Rahimtoola

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗺𝘂𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗶𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴? As we mark World Milk Day today, here is a piece one of the best examples of how Asia’s largest milk brand is leveraging nostalgia in building a brand. The spotlight is back on an iconic Shyam Benegal directed ‘Manthan’ when recently GCMMF walked the red carpet at Cannes where the 4K restored version was released. Did you know Manthan is India’s first crowdfunded film where 5,00,000 farmers donated ₹2 each to bring the project to fruition 48 years ago? The jingle ‘𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘎𝘢𝘢𝘮 𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘺’ taken from the same movie has been refurbished several times by the brand to evoke positive emotions for brand. Amul scored perfectly every time to transport us back to memories and feelings associated with the past to create an emotional connection with its consumers. A wealth of research shows that nostalgia can result in creating more trust towards the brand and increase purchase intention. ➡️Following the reception at Cannes, the restored version of Manthan will be released in 100 theatres, across 50 cities in India on June 1 and June 2. 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. (𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞!)🔊 This is so iconic and nostalgic, that every time I come across this ad film it gives goosebumps! Happy weekend. #worldmilkday #nostalgia #nostalgiamarketing #retromarketing #amul #marketing #iconicads #bestads

103

17 Comments

Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL), PepsiCo’s largest franchise bottler, on Tuesday, reported a 22.33% rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 628.82 crore for the September quarter driven by volume growth and improved margins. VARUN BEVERAGES LIMITED Click on the link below to know more..... #retailnews #retailtrrends #retailsector #retailindustry #retailing #retailresults #retailupdates #businessnews #retailgrowth #retailsectornews #retailindia #retailtrends #retailbusiness #ir #IndiaRetailing

2

#FMCG leaders - STOP TAKING INDIAN CONSUMER FOR A RIDE For years, major FMCG BRANDS HAVE CONTROLLED Indian households through convenience and clever marketing—pumping consumers with SUB-STANDARD, LOW-QUALITY, UNHEALTHY PRODUCTS under the guise of “healthy” benefits that were outright misleading. Kirana shops were silent partners. The untold rules: “STOCK LEADS TO SALES” and “HAMMER FALSE CLAIMS UNTIL CONSUMER BELIEVES them” Here’s the reality check: QUICK COMMERCE and SOCIAL MEDIA have disrupted, democratized, and transformed the FMCG landscape. Consumers are now INFORMED, EMPOWERED, and DONE with being taken for granted and misled. FMCG brands, kirana shop owners, and the government—it’s time to wake up or GET LEFT BEHIND. ## FMCG Brands: STOP BLAMING - EARN BACK CONSUMER TRUST • TRANSPARENCY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE: Consumers are FED UP with hidden ingredients and false health claims. Start being HONEST about what’s inside. Drop the sugar, additives, and processed junk—OR GET READY TO BE REPLACED by cleaner, more transparent brands. • STOP BANKING ON BLIND LOYALTY: Loyalty is DEAD. Today’s consumers want HEALTH, QUALITY, and ETHICS—not empty promises. If you can’t innovate with products that truly resonate, prepare to watch your market share slip away to brands that can. • GO DIGITAL—FAST: Quick commerce isn’t a threat; it’s a TOOL. Embrace it, or get outplayed by brands that leverage digital channels and data to stay relevant. Your consumers have moved online—WHY HAVEN’T YOU? #KiranaShop Owners: WORK FOR THE CONSUMER NOT THE BRAND • BE THE LOCAL TRUST HUB: People trust you. Stock brands that are HONEST and HEALTH-FOCUSED. Become the go-to for QUALITY, not just convenience. • PARTNER WITH HONEST BRANDS: Consumers want alternatives to cheating brands. Build relationships with ethical brands that match new consumer values. Become known for QUALITY, not just the same old products. • DIGITIZE TO COMPETE: Small steps matter. List your shop online, offer home delivery, and STAY CONNECTED with your customers. Quick commerce can’t replace your local credibility—USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. Government: PROTECT CONSUMER INTEREST • MANDATE HONEST LABELS: Enforce strict standards on health claims. STOP BRANDS FROM MISLEADING CONSUMERS. If you don’t protect them, you’ll FURTHER lose credibility. • EMPOWER KIRANA SHOPS: Support local stores with incentives for digital tools and training. KEEP THEM COMPETITIVE in an online world where big players dominate. • FOSTER LOCAL, ETHICAL BRANDS: Give small, honest brands a leg up. INCENTIVIZE SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES and help these businesses reach more consumers. ##BottomLine FMCG ecosystem is transforming because CONSUMERS ARE TRANSFORMING. Quick commerce has given consumers CHOICE, SPEED, and INFORMATION. The era of taking consumers for granted is OVER. Embrace transparency, empower kirana stores, and support honest brands. THAT’S THE FUTURE OF FMCG #RatneshJain Revant Himatsingka (Food Pharmer)

763

21 Comments

What got us here won't take us there. It's truly inspiring to hear HUL MD Rohit Jawa sir acknowledging the need for HUL to embrace change. India is changing , and so are its people. Today's consumers are more informed and aware than ever before. D2C brands have emerged by addressing specific consumer needs, and they are certainly giving traditional players tough competition. Established brands have traditionally led the Indian market by dictating consumer desires, and consumers have followed. However, today's customers are vocal about their needs and seek out brands that cater to those specific requirements. Rohit Sir emphasized a crucial point about the diminishing disparity between urban and rural markets. What were once considered premium offerings in rural areas are now becoming standard. In my view, established brands hold a competitive edge in terms of scale, reach, and branding. Start-ups often drive innovation, which established brands either imitate or acquire. It's interesting to see what's ahead. #startup #hul

16

1 Comment

5 Key Trends to Watch out in Indian Snacking Consumption 🇮🇳 As consumers seek convenience and variety in their snacking choices, manufacturers are innovating to meet these demands. Here are the top trends shaping the dynamic snack landscape in India: 🌟 Rising Demand for Premium Snacks 🌟 Fusion of Flavours 🌟 E-com & D2C 🌟 Nutritious Snack Choices 🌟 Regional Delicacies in Every Bite Stay ahead of the curve and keep an eye on these trends that are set to transform the snacking industry in the years to come! 🍿🌶️🥜 #Snacking #Trends #Innovation 🚀

18

PepsiCo's leading bottler, VARUN BEVERAGES LIMITED, aims to raise INR 7,500 crore through a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) to fund its growth initiatives. The board approved the proposal in a meeting on Wednesday, allowing for the issuance of equity shares in one or more tranches, pending equity shareholder approval via postal ballot. The raised funds will be directed towards investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures, and supporting growth by expanding the product portfolio, entering new markets, and making strategic acquisitions. Read full story here: https://lnkd.in/gDCikVe3 #funding #beverages #growth #expansion #varunbeverages #news #latestnews LinkedIn News India Linkedin News Ashu Agrawal

14

Indian beer startup Proost Beer (Grano69 Beverages), established in 2017, raised Rs 30 crore in its Series-A funding round led by Chimes Group and Srinivasan Namala. The firm intends to use the funds for enhancing its supply chain, expanding operations, improving its product range, and investing in brand-building initiatives. Proost aspires to revolutionize the Indian beer market with its superior quality, low bitterness, and high drinkability beverages, sourcing nearly all raw materials locally. By the end of this decade, the company aims to capture a 5% market share in the Indian beer sector through innovation, consumer-focused product development, and strategic market growth. Proost, a pioneering beer startup established in 2017 by Tarun Bhargava and Vijay P S., is dedicated to sharing the authentic flavor of expertly brewed beer with people worldwide. Their passion for craft beer drives them to spread their enthusiasm for the beverage across various regions. In their recent Series-A funding round, led by Chimes Group and Srinivasan Namala, they secured Rs 30 crore, which saw participation from Hyderabad Angels, The Chennai Angels, and other High Net Worth Individuals. Proost's pre-Series A round concluded after raising approximately Rs 25 crore ($3 million) in October 2023. The company plans to utilize these funds to reinforce its supply chain, extend operations into new markets, enrich its product lineup, and invest in brand-building initiatives, as stated in a press release. As an innovative beer brand, Proost aims to revolutionize the Indian beer market with its premium quality, low bitterness, and high drinkability. They source 99% of their raw materials locally, providing a refreshing experience to beer aficionados throughout their markets. To stay relevant, Proost intends to expand its product range by launching new variants that align with shifting consumer preferences and industry trends. Currently, the company enjoys a robust presence in retail outlets across Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. By the end of the decade, Proost targets capturing a 5% market share in the Indian beer sector, driven by innovation, customer-focused product development, and strategic market expansion. Factacy.ai Congratulates and wishes them well. #innovation #management #digitalmarketing #technology #creativity #futurism #startups

3

1 Comment

🚀🌟VARUN BEVERAGES SOARS: Shares Climb 2% as Q2 Profit Jumps 22% to ₹620 Crore! Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL), PepsiCo’s largest bottler, reported a 22% rise in its Q2 net profit, reaching ₹620 crore, which led to a 2% surge in its shares. This impressive growth reflects strong sales performance across both domestic and international markets. VBL’s strategic expansion and rising demand for its beverage offerings are key factors driving its continued success. As the company solidifies its leadership in the beverage industry, investors remain optimistic about future growth opportunities. #VarunBeverages #PepsiCo #Q2Results #BusinessGrowth #StockMarket #BeverageIndustry #InvestorRelations #Earnings #Investments

7

🚨 Exclusive: Slay Coffee, one of the oldest coffee D2C brands is struggling Slay Coffee, an early entrant in the D2C coffee space in India, is downscaling its cloud-kitchen operations with a three-month timeline to completely ditch this model. The Bengaluru-based brand, founded in 2015 and majority-owned by cloud-kitchen leader Rebel Foods, will shift from the format of delivering online coffee orders to a retail business involving cafés. Slay is trying to revive its business with new strategies. Even as Slay is working on new strategies, more brands entered the space with aggressive plans and the backing of venture capital firms. In the past two years, coffee chains have raised nearly $100 million, a steep increase from the $22 million gathered in the preceding four years, according to Tracxn. Full details👇 #Coffee #Bengaluru #Cafe #Cloudkitchen https://lnkd.in/d4eBw5CX

15

2 Comments

Tequila's popularity in India is surging, with a shift towards super-premium brands. Sumedh Singh Mandla, CEO of VBev, shares insights on this evolving market and its future trends. Explore how India's tequila scene is set to transform.

58

1 Comment

Godrej Food Trends Report 2024: 94.2% experts predict surge in artisanal chocolates, 76.9% forecast increased demand for Indian-origin varieties Link in the comments Godrej Industries Group #mediabrief #GodrejFoodTrendsReport2024 #marketing #media

Once upon a time in India, the spirits Industry was divided into two major groups controlled by the Mallyas and the Chhabrias and the competition existed in price segments which were defined as regular / prestige /premium & super premium. There were the speciality brands in Rum & Brandy. But for decades time stood still. The label for good spirits was given to difficult to afford ‘foreign’ brands.  This has now given way to unique flavour infused craft Gins, smooth vodkas , artisanal ciders . Imagine a Single Malt Whisky which has a pineapple-drop candy sweetness, carried hand-in-hand by barley and a firm vanilla backbone softened by thin oils that ensure the tannin build. And it is Made in India ! Today, the new variety of Indian Made Premium Spirits which stand out for their unique blends and excellent packaging stand tall when compared to international vintage favourites. No wonder then that the market of US$29.8bn in 2024 ( as per Statista ) grows vibrantly with change in the mix shown with a growing flavour presence through Gin, Liqueur and other speciality spirits.    So next time a friend offers an Indian spirit at his grand party , its time to rejoice.  #consumerbehaviour #markettrends #spirits

22

1 Comment

BEER & BHUJIYA: Quick Thoughts! United Breweries Ltd. - Beat On Reported Results - Good Pick-Up in Premium Volumes - Growth Led by North & West Regions Q2FY25 vs Poll - Revenue at 2117 Cr vs Poll at 2070 Cr - EBITDA at 227.2 Cr vs Poll at 218 Cr - Margins at 10.7% vs Poll at 10.5% - PAT at 132.3 Cr vs Poll at 128 Cr Key Internals - Total Volume +5% vs Expected 6-7% growth - Premium Volume growth at 27% - Gross Margins +81 Bps QoQ What could’ve been better? - Gross Margins -70 Bps YoY - Street expected stronger growth in Karnataka and other Southern States given focus and efforts Bikaji Foods International Ltd. - India - Good Performance; led by Sweets - Highest revenue growth in the sector so far - Volume growth at 15% Q2FY25 YoY Revenue +18.5% at 721.1 Cr EBITDA +21.7% at 106.7 Cr Margins at 14.8% vs 14.4% PAT +14.7% at 68.58 Cr Segment Revenue - Ethnic Snacks +10.5% at 460 Cr - Sweets +22% at 126.5 Cr - Western Snacks +23.2% at 59.6 Cr - Papad +26.2% at 29.4 Cr #FMCGisLife #StockMarket #PCG #India #Beer #EquityResearch #Analysis #MalooMusings

64

Allied Blenders & Distillers Ltd., renowned for its Officer's Choice Whisky, has received approval from Sebi to raise INR 1,500 crore through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), as revealed in a recent update from the markets regulator. The IPO plan involves a fresh issuance of equity shares valued at INR 1,000 crore and an Offer-for-Sale (OFS) of shares amounting to INR 500 crore by the promoters, according to details in the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP). As part of the Offer-for-Sale (OFS), shares will be sold by Bina Kishore Chhabria, Resham Chhabria, Jeetendra Hemdev, and Neesha Kishore Chhabria. Allied Blenders and Distillers, holding a market share of more than 8% in the Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) market by sales volumes in Fiscal 2023, previously submitted draft papers to Sebi in 2022 for an IPO valued at INR 2,000 crore. The company received approval from Sebi to initiate its inaugural public offering but chose not to proceed with the launch. Read full story here: https://lnkd.in/gpqYJSi3 #ipo #liquor #whisky #alcobev #liquorindustry #beverage #rum #alcohol Ashu Agrawal

7

🌟 The Potential of the Makhana Industry in Transforming Bihar's Business Ecosystem 🌟 The Makhana industry in Bihar holds immense potential to transform the state’s business ecosystem. As a region with rich agricultural heritage, Bihar's Makhana industry stands at a pivotal moment, with opportunities to drive economic growth and innovation. Current Demands: 1. Increased Quality Standards: There is a growing demand for high-quality, traceable Makhana that meets international standards. 2. Direct Market Access: Farmers and buyers seek more efficient ways to connect directly, reducing reliance on intermediaries. 3. Sustainable Practices: Consumers and businesses are increasingly focused on sustainability and ethical sourcing. Steps to Improve Farmer and Buyer Experience: 1. Enhance Quality Control: Implement stringent quality assurance processes to ensure that Makhana meets the highest standards, which will boost consumer confidence and marketability. 2. Facilitate Direct Connections: Develop platforms and systems that enable farmers to connect directly with buyers. This will help farmers receive fair compensation and allow buyers to access fresh, quality products. 3. Invest in Training and Technology: Provide farmers with training on best practices and invest in modern technology for processing and harvesting. This will improve product quality and efficiency. 4. Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage and support sustainable farming methods to ensure long-term viability and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. By addressing these areas, we can unlock the full potential of the Makhana industry, driving economic growth and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Bihar. Together, let’s work towards a thriving Makhana ecosystem that benefits both producers and consumers. #Makhana #BiharBusiness #AgricultureInnovation #SustainableFarming #QualityAssurance #DirectMarketAccess #EconomicGrowth

1

https://lnkd.in/dt7Yg3ip Q Commerce and why it suits Indian Culture I wrote this for Prasad at Brand Equity Attaching the original in case you can't access the link enjoy shiv Prasad Sangameshwaran

159

19 Comments

MARICO Q1FY25: Quick Thoughts - Largely in-line results, but optimistic commentary - Operational turnaround in Foods & Digital Brands are the key takeaways - Will be interesting to track the eventual result of a planned increase in distribution - Saugata Gupta and team have always been honest and credible with their guidance and achievements of the same. Key Takeaways from the result in 7 pointers: 1) Reported Results Revenue at 2680 Cr vs Poll at 2675 Cr EBITDA at 626 Cr vs Poll at 631 Cr Margins at 23.4% vs Poll at 23.5% PAT at 474 Cr vs Poll at 462 Cr 2)     Domestic Volume Growth at 4% vs expected 4-5% 3)     Gross Margins improved to 52.9%, higher YoY and QoQ, Ad Spends upped from 8.6% to 9% YoY, lower vs 9.9% QoQ 4)     Segments Parachute Q1 Volumes +2%; Value +6% Saffola Q1 Volume up mid-single digits, value -1% Value Added Hair Oils saw 5% value decline 6)     Mgmnt Commentary: - Domestic revenue growth to trend higher with pricing & volume growth gradually picking up - Expect operating margin to inch up over the next few years - Foods & Premium Personal Care: FY27 Revenue Share seen at >25% vs 20% - Beardo to deliver double digit EBITDA margin in FY25 - Target Double Digit EBITDA margin in Digital-first brands in FY27 - Foods portfolio to be 2x of FY24 scale in FY27 - Exit ARR of Digital-First brands expected to be 2x of FY24 ARR in FY27 vs 550-600 Cr in FY25 - Bangladesh dependence for International business to reduce to 40% from 44% by FY27 - To increase direct reach from 1m outlets to 1.5m outlets by FY27 - Will spend 80-100 Cr over next 3 years to fund distribution improvement and demand generation 7) Deal with Kaya Potential ₹100 cr revenue opportunity for Marico in 4-5 years Had spoken to the management last year for a detailed business plan over the next few years, still holds good, do watch: #StockMarket #Marico #FMCG #FMCGisLife #ResultsBreakdown #Analysis Rishabh Mariwala Harsh Mariwala #Consumption #India #CNBC https://lnkd.in/dbysDU3k

24

3 Comments