Brands
Emami urges men to be interesting with ‘He’
MUMBAI: Metrosexuals have busted what was once a predominantly female bastion – cosmetics. Reason why more and more such companies are entering the Indian market; deodorant manufacturers being one of them.
Joining comparatively new entrants like ITC’s Engage and Vini Cosmetics’ Fogg and veterans including Axe and Park Avenue is the Rs 1821 crore FMCG major Emami’s brand new deodorant ‘He’. With the pan-India rollout of ‘He’ currently underway, in the initial phase, the deodorant will be available across all markets with a special focus on 23 top cities including metros, mini metros and tier I and tier II cities in the north, west and east. ‘He’ will be introduced in Hyderabad and Bangalore in the second phase.
So what made Emami enter an already crowded turf? “It is a big and growing category and hence, has the potential for differentiated offerings. We don’t believe in entering any category or launching any product just for being there. We only enter a category when we are able to get the right mix for the launch of any product and have the strategy in place to attain success,” says Emami director Harsha V Agarwal.
Agarwal argues that the deodorant segment has dynamic prospects as the level of penetration is very low. Also, in this category, not too much brand loyalty is exhibited by consumers as there is a multitude of me-too brands to choose from. Importantly, ‘He’ makes a differentiated promise to the customer of ‘being interesting’ as opposed to ‘being normal’ which is ‘boring’. Adding to the appeal is an unique fibre mould packaging which is sure to attract customers’ attention.
‘He’ will be launched in six variants—Smart, Confident, Extrovert, Recharge, Ruler and Magician. What’s more, actor Hrithik Roshan has been roped in as brand ambassador. “Hrithik is the youth icon, popular amongst the youth and teenagers both. He is different from the run-of-the mill actors and has never hesitated to take up interesting and challenging roles, resulting in many blockbuster films,” says Agarwal about the choice of ambassador. As for the name ‘He’, he says, “It is short, synonymous to masculine, so an apt name.”
Emami is undertaking an extensive social media marketing campaign #WhoisHe in the pre-launch phase. The launch is supported by 360 degree integrated communication including digital media. The campaign featuring Hrithik has been conceived and developed by Leo Burnett.
According to a brand consultant, there is enough space in the market. Pricing will play a factor if people will pick it up from the shelf.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
