MAM
Amul, Parle amidst global brands liked by Indians
MUMBAI: Domestic brands such as Amul, Parle, Big Bazaar and Dabur are liked and revered by Indian consumers at par with international brands like Samsung and Coca-Cola, a Nikkei BP-Market Xcel Data Matrix survey has revealed.
The top 10 brands featured in the survey are a mix of technology, FMCG and retail brands.
According to the Brand Asia Survey 2017, Samsung has emerged as the most popular brand in terms of consumer brand relationship, followed by food and drinks brand Amul and mobile brand Nokia.
“Amul, the food and drinks brand, has scored second place this year beating Coca-Cola (rank 10) and Pepsi (rank 15),” Ashwani Arora, Senior VP Research, Director on Board, Market Xcel, told IANS.
“Nokia is one brand which is revered by Indians and has a high connect and past equity. The brand was once a household name in India. The relaunch of the brand in India has refurbished the emotional connect with consumers as is evident in the survey,” Arora said.
Samsung mobiles and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company Parle ranked fourth and fifth in terms of the most popular brands in India.
“Parle — a brand from the pre independence era — goes on to prove the love people have for it still. It has ranked fifth this year and its win is solely dedicated to the wide variety of its biscuits which has satiated consumer palettes since ages,” said Arora.
“Hence, Indian brands are equally liked and revered by consumers,” he added.
The survey revealed that Future Group-owned retail business Big Bazaar was the only retail brand to mark a place in the top 10 popular brands at rank six.
According to Arora, the kirana shops are unable to provide the choice, ambience, service and discounts which Big Bazaar offers leading to its popularity among customers.
“The (Big Bazaar) brand has many firsts to its credit. The only national competitor to the brand being Reliance Retail,” he added.
The rest of the brands in the top ten category included toothpaste brand Colgate, messaging platform WhatsApp, FMCG brand Dabur and beverages company Coca-Cola.
A total of 200 brands were surveyed in 13 countries across Asia with a mix of national and international brands.
The categorisation of nominated brands was from FMCG, food and drinks, clothing/fashion, automaker, IT/home electronics, telecom, media/entertainment, finance, retail, restaurants (QSRs), sporting goods, transportation/logistic, aviation, finance and social media (internet).
Brands
Disney Cruise Line launches Disney Adventure as Robert Downey Jr. christens ship in Singapore
Star studded ceremony marks line’s first Southeast Asia ship
SINGAPORE: Disney Cruise Line has officially welcomed its newest and largest ship, the Disney Adventure, with a glittering, music filled christening ceremony in Singapore, marking the brand’s first ever vessel to homeport in Southeast Asia.
Held inside the ship’s grand Walt Disney Theatre, the celebration unfolded as a theatrical spectacle worthy of Broadway. Regional vocalists and musicians were joined by a 23 piece orchestra, while sweeping video projections wrapped the stage in classic Disney, Pixar and Marvel moments. Special appearances from captain Mickey Mouse and captain Minnie Mouse added a touch of nautical charm.
Among the headline performers were Jed Madela, hollywood performing arts hall of fame inductee, and Dami Im, international recording artist known for Eurovision. Together, they led a soaring tribute to Disney’s musical legacy.
On stage to mark the milestone were Josh D’Amaro, chairman of disney experiences and incoming chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Joe Schott, president of disney signature experiences.
D’Amaro described the ship as a new chapter for the company in Asia, saying it would bring Disney storytelling to audiences who may be experiencing the brand’s magic for the first time.
The ceremonial highlight came from Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr., who serves as the ship’s godparent. With characteristic flair, he declared, “You bring the theme and I’ll bring the thunder,” before delivering the traditional blessing: “I christen thee, Disney Adventure, may God bless this ship and all who sail upon her.”
The ceremony closed with a jubilant rendition of “Let’s Set Sail”, a long standing Disney Cruise Line tradition designed to stir excitement for the voyages ahead.
Drawing on more than a century of storytelling from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, the Disney Adventure promises a floating world of fantasy. Guests can wander through seven immersive themed areas, including San Fransokyo Street inspired by Big Hero 6.
On board highlights include a brand new Broadway style musical titled Remember, immersive dining, signature fireworks at sea, imaginative children’s clubs and a vibrant collection of bars and lounges for adults. Thrill seekers can also take on Ironcycle Test Run, the cruise line’s first roller coaster at sea.
The Disney Adventure is the eighth ship in the fleet and sets sail on its maiden voyage on 10 March, launching an inaugural season of three and four night itineraries. It forms part of an ambitious expansion plan that will see five more ships join the fleet by 2031.
For Disney, the magic is no longer just on stage or screen. In Singapore, it now sails.
