MAM
F1 Sponsorship forum kicks off next month
MUMBAI: Juan Villalonga, the man who had the vision of bringing telecom major Telefónica into Formula One, will deliver the first keynote address at the Formula One Sponsorship Forum.
The event takes place from 16-17 November 2005 in Monaco, France. In India Formula One action airs on ESPN Star Sports (ESS).
Villalonga, the former chairman of Telefónica and one of Europe’s most eminent and influential business executives, still has close links to Formula One and is highly knowledgeable about the business of the sport. He said, “I wish there had been a conference like this when I was working on the proposal to bring Telefónica into Formula One. The sponsorship forum is the perfect opportunity for a potential sponsor to meet all the right people and do all its research within a concentrated two day period.”
Villalonga’s vision to introduce Telefónica to Formula One has since been more than justified after Renault and Spanish driver Fernando Alonso took the 2005 constructors and drivers world championships. Formula One’s stock in Spain has risen hugely and this has been a major boost for Telefónica’s sponsorship.
Joining Villalonga at the event will be hundreds of delegates from companies worldwide. Companies registered to attend include Allianz, AMD, British American Tobacco, BMW, Credit Suisse, Diageo, Intel, Panasonic, Petronas, SAP, Shell, Ford, Siemens, Emirates, Toyota Motor Corporation and Vodafone.
The forum is a meeting place for all of Formula One’s stakeholders to network, debate and close deals. 40 seminars taking place throughout the two day period, chaired by well-known experts across a range of different sectors. All participants will be able to join in any of these workshops and contribute to open debates, some of which will be reported or televised:
There will also be an exhibition and demonstration area consisting of 1000 sqm of space to demonstrate the latest equipment, techniques, solutions and advances.
Brands
BlaBliBlu hits Rs 100 crore run rate within six months of launch
Affordable luxury fragrance brand rides youth demand and rapid adoption
NEW DELHI: BlaBliBlu has clocked an annual run rate of Rs 100 crore within just six months of launch, underlining the rapid rise of new-age fragrance brands catering to India’s young consumers.
The startup, founded by Palash Arneja along with Rajat, Kushal and Durgesh, is currently operating at a monthly run rate of Rs 8 crore. The milestone places it among the fastest-growing entrants in India’s competitive fragrance market.
BlaBliBlu’s growth story hinges on a clear gap it spotted early on. Consumers typically had to choose between expensive international perfumes and lower-priced options that often compromised on quality or longevity. The brand positioned itself in between, offering fragrances priced under Rs 1,000 while maintaining premium-like performance.
A key differentiator has been its product formulation. With a fragrance oil concentration of around 25 per cent, the company claims its perfumes deliver longer-lasting wear comparable to higher-end global brands. Combined with sleek packaging and design, the products have resonated with younger buyers looking for both style and substance.
“Reaching a Rs 100 crore annual run rate within six months is an exciting milestone that shows strong customer demand across India,” said BlaBliBlu founder Palash Arneja. He added that the brand’s focus has been on delivering premium-quality scents while keeping them accessible, supported by continuous feedback and product innovation.
Instead of relying heavily on marketing spends, the company has leaned on a product-led growth strategy. Its trial packs, priced at Rs 399, allow customers to sample multiple fragrances before committing to a full-size purchase. The option to redeem the trial cost or opt for a refund has helped reduce hesitation and build trust among first-time buyers.
Customer insight has also played a central role in shaping the brand. Before launch, the team conducted on-ground research across malls and retail spaces to understand preferences. Since then, feedback from thousands of users has fed into product development and brand decisions.
Looking ahead, BlaBliBlu plans to expand its portfolio into adjacent categories such as body washes, roll-ons and car fragrances, while also exploring niche scent offerings.
With a strong start and a clear value proposition, the brand’s early momentum suggests it is well placed to carve out a lasting space in India’s evolving fragrance market.
