Hindustan Unilever (HUL) is restructuring its beauty and personal care (BPC) division, dividing it into distinct entities focused on beauty and well-being (B&W) and personal care (PC).
The BPC division’s shift to B&W and PC will take effect from April 1, 2024. With sales of INR 5,809 crore, BPC contributed 38% to the company’s September quarter numbers – higher than home care and foods & refreshment.
Two executive directors, Harman Dhillon (43) for B&W and Kartik Chandrasekhar (48) for PC, will lead the divisions, becoming members of the HUL Management Committee (MC) starting April 1, 2024. Madhusudhan Rao, the current executive director for B&W and PC, has opted for retirement from the company.
Dhillon, who joined HUL in 2006, is currently the Head of Skincare for India. Between 2015 and 2016, she served as the Global Brand Director for the ‘TRESemme’ business, based in London. On the other hand, Chandrasekhar is presently the Global Vice President and Head of Oral Care & Skin Cleansing for D&E markets.
Rohit Jawa, CEO and MD, HUL, said, “HUL has a track record of strong performance. As we embark on our next phase of growth and transformation, we will combine our scale and discipline with innovation and agility to serve our consumers even better and build a future-fit business. BPC continues to be a source of value creation for us. However, the business model, innovation rhythm and competitive landscape for both B&W and PC are diverging. The transition will allow us to bring more focus, and leverage our strong portfolio in both businesses. I am glad to have seasoned business leaders like Harman and Kartik to lead B&W and PC, respectively.”
There has been growing focus on B&W and PC given the growth opportunities and consumer shifts in these categories globally.
On Thursday, Ulta Beauty increased its projected full-year profits and sales, attributing the adjustment to robust demand for premium skincare and fragrances. Additionally, the company announced the upcoming retirement of its longstanding CFO, Scott Settersten, slated for April next year.
After nearly two decades with the company, Scott Settersten will step down, and Paula Oyibo, the current senior vice president of finance who joined in 2019, will succeed him as the new CFO.
Following the company’s outperformance in the third quarter, shares of the beauty retailer surged by 6.6% during extended trading.
Despite increased borrowing costs affecting household budgets, affluent shoppers are prioritizing the indulgence of beauty and skincare products, even as they reduce spending on larger discretionary items such as televisions and apparel.
Ulta has experienced an uplift in consumer interest gravitating towards dermatologist-recommended brands such as La Roche-Posay and CeraVe. Simultaneously, the company has observed strong demand driven by social media promotions of brands like Good Molecules, Hero Cosmetics, and Peach Slices.
In the third quarter, Ulta Beauty witnessed a wave of notable product launches. This included ‘Half Magic,’ a vegan and cruelty-free makeup line created by Euphoria makeup artist Donni Davy exclusively available at Ulta Beauty. Additionally, there were new hair styling tools from Shark Beauty, the dermatologist-recommended PanOxyl, a favored brand among Gen Z, and the emergence of Sniff, an up-and-coming unisex fragrance.
The beauty retailer increased the lower end of its yearly profit projection to a range of $25.20 to $25.60 per share, up from the earlier estimate of $25.10 to $25.60 per share.
The company has also revised upwards the lower range of its annual net sales projection. The new expectation is in the range of $11.10 billion to $11.15 billion, compared to the previous forecast of $11.05 billion to $11.15 billion.
The quarterly net sales of the retailer increased by 6.4% to reach $2.49 billion. According to LSEG data, analysts had, on average, anticipated revenue of $2.47 billion.
After excluding items, the company achieved earnings of $5.07 per share, surpassing Wall Street’s projected profit of $4.95.
In a recent LinkedIn post, Avneet Singh, the Founder & CEO of Medusa Beverages Pvt Ltd, announced an exciting development that is sure to captivate beer enthusiasts. Medusa Beverages, known for its commitment to brewing innovation, has unveiled its latest creation – “Medusa Air.”
Singh expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled to announce the launch of our latest beer variant, ‘Medusa Air.’ This new variant is not just a beer; it’s an experience designed to elevate your taste buds to new heights.”
Medusa Air distinguishes itself with a combination of a lighter feel and bolder taste. The beverage is described as a mild beer with an aromatic twist, carefully crafted to provide a smoother experience without compromising on the bold and distinctive flavor that defines the Medusa brand.
Singh emphasized the artistry in brewing, stating, “Our brewing team has poured their expertise into every drop of Medusa Air, creating a masterpiece that reflects the artistry and passion behind our craft. From the selection of premium ingredients to the meticulous brewing process, each element contributes to an unparalleled beer-drinking experience.”
Medusa Air is more than just a beverage; it’s designed to elevate the beer-drinking experience. Perfect for moments of celebration, relaxation, or simply when one desires to savor a premium beer, Medusa Air promises to be the go-to choice for those seeking a refined and unforgettable drinking experience.
With this bold introduction, Medusa Beverages is marking the beginning of a new chapter in its brewing adventure. The company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of brewing innovation is evident in the creation of Medusa Air, promising consumers a refreshing twist to their beer-drinking experience.
As Medusa Air takes its place among the Medusa Beverages lineup, beer connoisseurs can look forward to enjoying a beverage that combines the richness of flavor with a lighter touch, setting it apart in a league of its own.
Radiohead Brands, the four-year-old startup behind the Jimmy’s Cocktails and sparkling mixers brand, has finalized its pre-Series A funding round, raising a total of INR 35 crore.
Prath Ventures took the lead in the latest fundraising round, contributing INR 12.2 crore. Capital Ventures, Illeyrium Ventures, angel investors Neel Bahl and Sandeep Aggarwal of Droom, along with existing investors, also participated in the funding.
The company produces cocktail premixes and sparkling beverage mixers, such as tonic water and ginger ale, among other products. It competes with established brands like Sepoy & Co., Franklin & Sons, Svami, and Jade Forest in the non-alcoholic beverage market.
In July this year, the company secured INR 11 crore in a pre-Series A funding round, with financial backing from Vijay Shekhar Sharma and Prath Ventures.
Ankur Bhatia, the founder and CEO, emphasized the company’s dedication to establishing its brands in a sustainable and profitable manner. The focus lies on prioritizing cash flow, avoiding credit sales, and ensuring account-specific profitability. The company was co-founded by Bhatia and Nitin Bhardwaj, who serves as the COO.
Radiohead recorded gross revenues of INR 80 crore in FY23 and anticipates concluding the current fiscal year with INR 100 crore. The company is striving to achieve profitability by the next fiscal year.
Prath Ventures’ founder, Piyush Goenka, highlighted the company’s robust grasp of brand development and distribution. “We believe the company is set to emerge as a leading player with a diversified portfolio,” he added.
The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), a prominent economic policy think tank, projects strong growth for the nation’s non-alcoholic beverage market. As per its 2022 report, the market is poised to experience substantial compound annual growth at a rate of 8.7%, potentially reaching an impressive INR 1.47 trillion by the year 2030.
This expansion contrasts with the pre-pandemic market of INR 67,100 crore in 2019, which included soft drinks, juices, bottled water, and fruit-based beverages.
India’s Adani Group is currently in the process of considering the divestment of its stake in Adani Wilmar, a joint venture with Singapore-based Wilmar International. According to Jugeshinder Singh, the group’s chief financial officer, a decision on this matter is expected within the next three months, as disclosed on Friday.
“We are currently studying whether to keep or divest Wilmar stake,” Singh said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai.
The group led by Gautam Adani currently possesses a 44% stake in the fast-moving consumer goods joint venture. According to a report by Bloomberg News in August, the Adani family has been contemplating the potential sale of its stake for several months. The report suggested that the billionaire and his family might retain a minority stake in a personal capacity.
In November, Adani Wilmar incurred a loss for the second consecutive quarter.
Following a January 24 report by U.S. short-seller Hindenburg Research, which expressed concerns about debt levels and the utilization of tax havens, the Adani Group is in the process of recovering. The report led to a substantial decline, erasing almost $147 billion in market capitalization.
While shares of its affiliated companies have experienced a rebound, their value is still approximately $120 billion lower than before.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), acting on directives from the Supreme Court, is presently conducting an investigation into the group.
Adani Wilmar shares, reflecting a 45% decline year-to-date, concluded Friday with a marginal 0.1% decrease.
On Friday, Tata Coffee Ltd (TCL) announced that the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Kolkata has granted approval for the merger of TCL with Tata Consumer Products and TCPL Beverages & Foods. In a regulatory filing, Tata Coffee disclosed that the NCLT, Kolkata Bench, issued the order approving the scheme of arrangement on November 10, 2023.
The filing mentioned that the company obtained a copy of the order on December 1, 2023.
The proposal for this merger aims to streamline management and operational structures, fostering increased efficiencies and the creation of synergies, as emphasized in the statement.
Currently, Tata Coffee is actively involved in the global consumer product business, boasting a diverse food and beverage portfolio. The primary focus of TCL and its subsidiaries revolves around instant coffee extraction, branded coffee, and plantation activities.
On Friday, TCL shares concluded the trading session with a 0.68% increase, reaching INR 279.75 per share on the BSE.
Taj Hotel’s Bombay Brasserie, the exclusive restaurant brand of an Indian hotel currently with a standalone presence abroad, is set to open in Singapore within a week. Presently located in central London, close to Taj’s St James Court hotel near Buckingham Palace and St James’ Park, this will mark the second standalone Bombay Brasserie in a new international location, as announced by Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President (Real Estate & Development) of Taj’s parent company, Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL).
Many years ago, ITC’s celebrated Bukhara enjoyed a standalone presence in a few western locations. However, those establishments eventually closed their doors. Fast forward to the present, and Taj’s Bombay Brasserie has emerged as the exclusive restaurant brand associated with an Indian hotel, boasting a standalone presence beyond India’s borders. This culinary gem brings to the table the diverse flavors of Mumbai, drawing inspiration from Parsi, Goan, Bengali, Gujarati, Portuguese, and Raj cuisines, making it a unique and vibrant dining experience.
“Our other restaurant brands are travelling within the group. As of now we don’t have plans to open standalone units of our restaurant brands other than Bombay Brassiere outside of out hotels in India or abroad,” Venkatesh said.
The group’s renowned restaurants such as Machan, Shamiana, and House of Ming, initially established at a single location, are now expanding to other Taj properties, both within India and internationally.
“A House of Ming (housed at Taj Mahal in Delhi) is opening in our properties in London and Jaipur. Shamiana (Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai) has travelled to Dubai. Bengaluru’s Taj West End now has a Machan (of Taj Mahal, Delhi). Bombay Brasserie, which is in London and Dubai, will also open at San Francisco. And Varq (of Taj Mahal, Delhi) has opened at our new property in Dubai,” shared a senior Taj official in a statement last October.
The group is broadening its reach with the home delivery brand Qmin, initiated during the Covid era. Integrated into all its lean luxe Ginger hotels, each establishment will now host a restaurant bearing the name Qmin.
Data isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a treasure trove waiting to be unlocked. For brands seeking explosive growth, the journey from data to dollars involves more than just collecting numbers. It requires a strategic blend of analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) – a dynamic duo capable of turning raw information into actionable insights that pave the way for unparalleled brand expansion. Let’s delve into the alchemy of transforming data into dollars and unlocking the potential within.
Data as the North Star: The Foundation of Strategic Growth
The road to explosive brand growth begins with a comprehensive understanding of the data landscape. Smart brands treat data not as a byproduct but as the guiding North Star, illuminating the path toward informed decision-making. By leveraging analytics tools to dissect customer behavior, market trends, and internal processes, brands gain the insights needed to identify opportunities and obstacles on the road to success. And when it comes to data we know that AI steps into the spotlight, empowering brands to predict future trends and consumer behavior. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast datasets, uncovering patterns and anomalies that human analysis might overlook. The ability to anticipate market dynamics positions brands ahead of the curve, enabling them to seize opportunities before they become mainstream.
Further, explosive growth hinges on customer loyalty, and personalization is the key to winning hearts. AI algorithms, fueled by data insights, enable brands to create hyper-personalized experiences. From targeted marketing campaigns to tailor-made product recommendations, brands that speak directly to individual preferences forge stronger connections. The result? Satisfied customers who not only return but also become vocal advocates, fueling the brand’s growth organically.
Apart from that, the journey from data to dollars isn’t confined to customer interactions. Internal processes play a pivotal role. AI-driven analytics optimize operations by identifying inefficiencies, automating repetitive tasks, and streamlining workflows. From supply chain management to customer service, brands that prioritize operational efficiency maximize their resources, paving the way for sustainable growth.
Understanding the customer journey is a cornerstone of brand growth. Analytics and AI collaborate to map the entire lifecycle – from the first point of contact to post-purchase engagement. By dissecting each stage, brands gain insights into pain points, preferences, and moments of opportunity. This comprehensive view empowers brands to craft targeted strategies that guide customers seamlessly from awareness to advocacy.
AI-driven analytics enable real-time responsiveness to market changes. Whether it’s adjusting marketing strategies based on emerging trends or fine-tuning campaigns in response to customer feedback, brands that harness the power of data and AI remain agile and adaptive. This dynamic approach ensures sustained growth even in the face of ever-evolving market dynamics.
Monetizing Insights: Turning Knowledge into Revenue
The ultimate destination in the journey from data to dollars is the art of monetizing insights. Brands that transform data-driven insights into actionable strategies position themselves to capitalize on market opportunities. Whether it’s launching innovative products, entering new markets, or refining existing offerings, the ability to turn knowledge into revenue is the hallmark of explosive brand growth.
The alchemy of turning data into dollars requires a strategic marriage of analytics and AI. From laying the foundation with data-driven insights to predicting market dynamics, personalizing experiences, optimizing operations, unveiling the customer journey, adapting in real-time, and ultimately monetizing insights, this transformative journey is the roadmap to explosive brand growth. In the era where information is power, brands that master this alchemy hold the key to unlocking unparalleled success.
Competition today is like a crowded marketplace where new brands emerge like shooting stars. The ability to communicate effectively is the secret sauce that propels some to stardom while others fade into the background. For emerging brands, cultivating curiosity is not just a strategy; it’s an essential skill that can turn casual observers into devoted followers. Let’s explore the art of communication and the techniques that can give rising brands the curious edge they need.
Every brand has a story, but not all stories are created equal. Crafting a compelling narrative that transcends the product or service is the first step in capturing attention. Emerging brands need to delve into the roots of their existence, unearth the passion that drives them, and weave a story that resonates with the audience on a deeper, emotional level. A well-told brand story is the gateway to curiosity.
First things first, humanizing the brand involves showcasing the people, passion, and personality behind the logo. Whether through behind-the-scenes glimpses, employee spotlights, or candid moments, revealing the authentic face of the brand fosters a connection that goes beyond transactions and transforms casual onlookers into invested advocates.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and in the world of emerging brands, visual communication is non-negotiable. Investing in a cohesive visual identity, from logos to social media content, creates a visual language that speaks volumes about the brand’s personality. Eye-catching visuals not only capture attention but also serve as a silent invitation for curious minds to explore further.
Further communication is not a monologue; it’s a dialogue. Emerging brands that actively engage with their audience, whether through social media, live events, or interactive content, create a sense of involvement. Encouraging conversations, responding to feedback, and involving customers in the brand’s evolution not only builds trust but also sparks curiosity about what comes next.
Apart from that, Curiosity thrives in the presence of mystery. Emerging brands can strategically use teasers, sneak peeks, and tantalizing glimpses to pique curiosity. Creating an air of anticipation keeps the audience on their toes, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the brand’s story. The art lies in finding the balance between revealing enough to captivate interest and holding back to maintain an aura of intrigue.
Collaborative Storytelling: Involving the Audience
The most successful brand stories are the ones co-authored with the audience. Emerging brands can tap into the power of user-generated content, testimonials, and collaborative campaigns. Involving customers in the storytelling process not only strengthens the brand’s connection with its audience but also showcases a genuine appreciation for the community that surrounds it.
Communication is not static, especially for emerging brands navigating the ever-evolving landscape. Staying curious about industry trends, customer preferences, and cultural shifts is essential. Adapting communication strategies to remain relevant ensures that the brand’s message continues to resonate and capture the ever-curious minds of its audience.
The journey of an emerging brand is not just about what it offers but how it communicates that offering to the world. By cultivating curiosity through compelling stories, authentic humanization, visual allure, interactive engagement, mystery, collaborative storytelling, and adaptability, emerging brands can carve a unique space in the hearts and minds of their audience. In the realm of communication, the curious edge is the key to unlocking lasting connections and sustained success.
As the less glamorous sibling of the initial transaction, the post-purchase phase is frequently disregarded in the dynamic dance between businesses and consumers. But insiders know that the real magic happens beyond the honeymoon period. Developing a relationship that lasts past the initial sale is an art form as well as a strategy that sets exceptional businesses apart from the rest.
However, the journey doesn’t end at the checkout counter – in fact, that’s just the beginning. Smart businesses recognize that post-purchase engagement is a golden opportunity to deepen connections, foster loyalty, and transform one-time buyers into lifelong advocates. The true value lies in the ability to create an ongoing relationship that transcends the transactional, turning customers into brand enthusiasts. Generic thank-you emails are so last season. In the age of personalization, consumers crave tailored experiences that speak to their individual needs. Businesses that invest in customized follow-ups, whether through personalized emails, exclusive offers, or thoughtful post-purchase surveys, demonstrate a commitment to understanding and serving their customers on a personal level.
Power of Unpredictability!
Who said surprises are reserved for special occasions? Injecting unexpected moments of joy into the post-purchase journey can leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a surprise discount on their next purchase, a free sample of a new product, or an exclusive invitation to a VIP event, these delightful surprises not only showcase appreciation but also create a sense of anticipation for future interactions.
Social media platforms provide the perfect canvas for businesses to create spaces where customers can connect, share experiences, and become part of a larger narrative. By fostering a sense of belonging, businesses can transform their customers into a supportive community that not only buys products but actively advocates for the brand.
Anticipating Needs: Proactive Customer Support
Exceptional post-purchase experiences extend beyond the expected. Proactive customer support that anticipates and addresses potential issues before they arise showcases a dedication to customer satisfaction. By being one step ahead and providing solutions even before customers realize they need them, businesses can build trust and loyalty that withstands the test of time.
Loyalty programs are a staple in the post-purchase playbook, but not all are created equal. Going beyond mere point accumulation, successful loyalty programs engage customers through meaningful rewards, exclusive access, and personalized incentives. When done right, these programs become a two-way street where customers feel valued, and businesses gain loyal patrons who actively contribute to their success.
The Long-Term ROI of Post-Purchase Relationships
While the immediate focus of businesses often revolves around acquisition costs and short-term gains, the true return on investment lies in the long-term relationships forged after the purchase. A satisfied customer today can become a brand ambassador tomorrow, influencing others and contributing to a positive brand image that pays dividends over time.
The post-purchase phase is not the end but the continuation of a narrative between consumers and businesses. Those who master the art of post-purchase relationship building understand that sustaining love requires ongoing effort, personalized engagement, and a genuine commitment to the well-being and satisfaction of their customers. Beyond the initial transaction, lies a world of opportunity to create enduring connections that stand the test of time.
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