Brands
Britannia’s brand support exercise on track (Q3-2014)
BENGALURU: An analysts’ meet presentation in August 2013 said that Britannia Industries Limited (Britannia) had been supporting its brands to leverage their strengths with higher percentage of ad and sales promotion spends (Ad & SP Spend) vis-?-vis Nett Sales Value, considering the fact that consumers had started rolling back spending.
Please note that the term ‘Operating revenue’ in this article/these Graphs, figures refer to ‘income from operations (net of excise duty)’.
Figure A
Britannia says that Food is a Rs.12,50,000 crores opportunity with branded food growing faster than overall food and non food with ‘Biscuit’ being the largest category in branded foods at about Rs. 25,000 crores.
The strategy seems to be on course, with the company registering an improvement in operating revenue and higher PAT, with the only blip being Q1-2014, when the company’s Operating revenue and total expense dipped (Figure B), while its ad spends in relation to income from operations (net of excise duty) peaked as (Figure D) below indicates. However, despite lower revenue in Q1-2014 and a slight dip in PAT q-o-q as compared to Q4-2013 in terms of money, the company’s PAT in percentage terms in relation to its Operating revenue and Total Expense also peaked at 5.82 per cent and 6.25 per cent respectively (Figure B).
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Figure B
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Operating revenue and Total expense down in Q1-2014 as Figure B above indicates, while PAT percentage peaks as indicated in Figure C below
Figure C
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Figure D indicates Ad and SP spend percentage in relation to Operating revenue and Total expense peaked in Q1-2014.
Figure D
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Figure E below indicates figures reported over six month and nine month periods of 2013 and 2014 ending September 30 and December 31 of the respective years.
Figure E
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While FigureF indicates the overall picture of the six quarters starting Q2-2013 and ending Q3-2014.
FigureF
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Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
