MAM
India to lead increased ad spends in BRIC countries: Warc
NEW DELHI: Global advertising expenditure is forecast to grow by 5.6 per cent at current prices in 2014, rising to 5.3 per cent in 2015.
According to Warc’s latest International Ad Forecast, the BRIC countries led by India are expected to post the largest ad spend increase this year, although their impressive rates of growth are forecast to be much lower in real terms once inflation is taken into account.
Ad spend growth is forecast to rise 14 per cent in India (5.6 per cent adjusted for inflation), 12.4 per cent in Brazil (6 per cent), 12.3 per cent in China (9.5 per cent), and 8.6 per cent in Russia (2.2 per cent).
In its previous report published in October 2013, Warc anticipated global growth of 4.4 per cent in 2014 based on its analysis of 12 leading markets – Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and the US.
However, improved trading conditions, greater economic stability and an expected stimulus from major sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup and the Sochi Winter Olympics has led to a more positive outlook.
In the more established markets, the UK is forecast to record the highest rate of growth on 5.8 per cent (3.8 per cent adjusted for inflation), closely followed by the US at 5.6 per cent (3.8 per cent).
At current prices, they will be followed by Canada (3.2 per cent), Australia (2.9 per cent), Japan (2.3 per cent), Germany (2 per cent), Italy (0.7 per cent) with France trailing on 0.2 per cent projected growth.
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“This year is set to record the highest annual rate of growth since 2010, when the industry was bouncing back from recession,” said Warc data and journals director Suzy Young.
“This is largely because the outlook for the global economy is now stabilising and advertisers are starting to feel confident about making additional investments,” she explained.
Looking to 2015, all 12 markets are expected to show growth in ad spend at current prices, with India increasing its ad spend at the fastest rate of 13.5 per cent.
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.
