Top Stories
HUL Q3 net profit up 18% YoY
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) announced results for the December Quarter 2011. During the quarter, Domestic Consumer business grew at 16.5% with strong underlying volume growth of 9.1%. All segments delivered double digit growth. Soaps and Detergents grew by 21% with growth ahead of the market Laundry registered a strong performance with double digit growth across all brands. Rin Bar and Surf Excel quickwash were re-launched during the quarter with an improved formulation. The business continued its focus on driving upgradation. Skin Cleansing delivered strong double digit growth across premium, popular and mass segments. Lux benefited from the re-launch in September quarter and Lifebuoy from its strong proposition of germ protection. Dove continues to drive category premiumization.
Personal Products delivered broad based volume led growth of 14% with strong performance in Skin and Hair In Skin care, Fair and Lovely (FAL), Vaseline and Ponds grew in double digits. FAL core grew strongly while Vaseline and Ponds continue to lead market development and build segments of the future. During the quarter, Dove Body lotion was launched and Lakme portfolio expanded with the introduction of Lakme Absolute - a high performance long wear makeup range.Read more…
HUL delivered strong quarter of competitive growth: Harish Manwani
VD Wadhwa receives 'Movers of Time' award
VD Wadhwa, MD & CEO of Timex Group India Ltd was felicitated with ‘Movers of Time’ award at the 16th India International Watch and Clock Fair Samaya Bharati for rendering his exceptional services to the horological industry hence devoting a major part of his work life for the welfare and well- being of the watch and clock fraternity.
Timex Group, India’s second largest watch manufacturer participated in the bi-annual fair held in Mumbai where Wadhwa received the award on 1st February. Timex Group has been one of the top 20 international brands that plan to tap the Indian market and have already formed their base showcasing their offerings at the exhibition. The sixteenth India International Watch and Clock Fair “Samaya Bharati 2012” held in Mumbai between February 2 and 5.
Wadhwa is associated with Timex India since its inception in the sub-continent and has by this virtue, worked in various capacities, of the company. Wadhwa is truly a person who has been moving the Wheel of Time by taking Timex to new heights.
Expressing his happiness over receiving the award Wadhwa said, “I am elated to receive this honor from one of the most reputed and well-known fairs in the watch fraternity “Samaya Bharti”. At TGIL, participating in the exhibition and maximum interaction with the masses will be our foremost priority. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to Trade Post for initiating such a brilliant event and I am certain that this will be a huge success as its predecessors.”
“Samay Bharti” being a grand horological event would not only represent vast reserves of creativity and uniqueness but also showcase the change in attitude of Indian consumer and submerse the fraternity. It will not only encourage fresh thinking, stimulating new opportunities but also broaden our horizons on various emerging perspectives. In the last few years, Samaya Bharati has grown from strength to strength and has established itself as one of the premier fairs of the Indian Watch and Clock Industry.
Domestic News
Sony unveils MDR-EX42 stylish in-ear headphones
If looks is as crucial as your music, then be ready to embrace Sony’s stylish new in-ear headphones MDR-EX42 embedded with Swarovski Zirconi in cherry pink colour. Keeping style in mind, this trendy new in-ear headphones is embedded with floral and butterfly motif, adding brilliance and sparkle to the music listening experience. Offering excellent sound quality, it has an angled earbud structure for stable and comfortable wearing. The earbuds which are made of Hybrid silicon rubber, ensure secure fitting and long-term wearing comfort. Sony’s in ear headphones are perfect for luxury gadget fans that like to shine, sparkle and flaunt. The Swarovski Zirconia MDR–EX42 In-ear headphone is priced at Rs. 1,490 and is available across all Sony Center and other major electronic outlets in India.
AIZA adorns your open-air space
As winter bids adieu and makes way for spring and summer, enjoy the bright sunny day and the magnificence of nature on exceptional benches by AIZA Designs.
AIZA Designs with its collection inspired from the culture of Bengal, brings for you benches highlighting the essence of Kolkata in its designs and colors. With its detailed craft andwater resistance capability this collection of benches, viz; Bankura Chair, Maidan Bench, Bus bench, Taxi bench or the Haath rickshaw bench, will not only give your garden, verandah or balcony the vintage and contemporary gaze but also add the zing to your comfort space.
The unique quality about these benches is that you can even use them inside your living rooms. They will add colour and a unique look to the space. As you sip on your cup of tea or coffee, this unique design will style your ambience with élan and comfort. From smaller spaces to large gardens, AIZA Designs, the concept based stylized furniture, gives the feel of ethnicity with a chic look. So give your outdoor the epoch look, the AIZA Designs way.
RAYMOND WEIL unveils Maestro Quantieme a Aiguille
In 2012, RAYMOND WEIL is once again playing a choice musical score. Sounding a major note of importance, the new maestro Quantième à Aiguille makes its appearance in the emblematic collection of the music-loving watchmaker. The maestro collection symbolizes both the deep attachment on the part of the founding family and owner of RAYMOND WEIL to its watch making roots, but also to its permanent source of inspiration, music. This year, the collection is enhanced with a new prestige instrument: the maestro Quantième à Aiguille makes its impact with a flourish of elegance and sublime sobriety. “Maestro” means “master”, a person who excels in the practice of his art. In music, this word refers to the esteem commanded by a grand personality, composer or conductor. With the creation of a timekeeper inspired by the passionate workmanship and know-how handed down from generation to generation, isn’t there a bit of the “Maestro” in the Swiss watchmaker itself? The collection of the same name, created by RAYMOND WEIL in 2010, certainly evidences all the mastery of a watchmaker, who knows how to synchronize the rhythms of tradition and innovation. Read more…
B Thiagarajan, President-Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Products Group, Blue Star Ltd
Mother Dairy’s popular range of Ice Creams now in Bangalore
Havells introduces decorative range of CFL Lamps
Mirinda now available in 3 unputdownable tasty flavours
GROHE launches first ‘LIVE-CENTER’ in Mumbai
Godrej Nature’s Basket announces collaboration with MAFF, Government of Japan
Emami launches BoroPlus Advanced Moisturising Face Wash
GlaxoSmithkline Consumer appoints Jaiboy John Phillips as Wholetime Director
GlaxoSmithkline Consume Q4 net profit at Rs591 mn
International News
McDonald's global same-store sales rises
McDonald's Corp.'s (MCD) global same-store sales has reportedly jumped at 6.7% in January as the popularity of its beverage line-up continued. According to reports, last month, the fast-food giant predicted 5.5% to 6.5% growth. McDonald's is growing its sales faster than its competitors with increasingly diverse menu. The company plans to roll out smoothies to more countries and increase its breakfast business in Europe this year and last month it launched a new popcorn chicken called Chicken McBites in the U.S, reports added.