Brands
Mercedes-Benz India registers 25 per cent half-yearly sales growth
MUMBAI: Mercedes-Benz announced a strong growth in its sales for the Jan-June 2014 period. The automobile manufacturer registered a significant high of 25 per cent year-on-year growth by selling 4,717 units in this period.
Significant contributor to this growth trajectory has been the flagship S-Class sedan and the ML-Class SUV and the NGC portfolio comprising the A-Class and B-Class. While the C-Class and the E-Class luxury sedans remain the preferred vehicle of choice for the customers, the AMGs continue to grow in the performance segment it created. The recently launched CLA 45 AMG is expected to appeal to a new group of young Indians, hence widening the AMG customer base in India.
Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO Eberhard Kern commented, “2014 is our year of excellence and it’s our endeavor to create new benchmark in modern luxury. Our ‘Year of Excellence’ growth strategy is paying-off as we have been able to maintain our key focus of growth and sustainability in the Indian market amidst challenging market conditions. The first six months of sales growth reaffirms Mercedes-Benz India’s strong brand premium and competitive edge in terms of offering continuous product innovations, boasting of a benchmark production facility, extending an enriching after-sales experience and strengthening its qualitative network presence. With some of the most fascinating products lined up in the remaining two quarters, including the much awaited GLA-Class, Mercedes-Benz is all set for another year of strong growth.”
The luxury car maker has the densest network presence in the country with 64 outlets in 36 cities. New outlets were opened in Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Bhopal, Chandigarh and Mohali as well as three new AMG performance centres in Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai were inaugurated. The following months will see the launch of eight more outlets.
And it remains the fastest growing luxury brand in India in FY 2013-14 with 47 per cent year-on-year growth.
Brands
ITC Sunfeast Farmlite launches Sugar Free Cookies range
New variants offer guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious snackers.
MUMBAI: ITC Sunfeast Farmlite is sweetening the deal for biscuit lovers who want to have their cookie and eat it too without the sugar. The better-for-you biscuits range from ITC Foods has expanded its portfolio with the launch of an all-new Sugar Free Cookies line, aligning with the company’s vision of ‘Help India Eat Better’. The range is designed for consumers who are rethinking sugar in their daily snacking but refuse to compromise on taste and indulgence.
The collection debuts with two tempting variants: Choco Nut Cookies and Hazelnut & Oats Cookies. Both are a source of protein and contain no trans-fat, while the Hazelnut & Oats variant is also lactose-free.
ITC Ltd. vice president (marketing), biscuits, foods division, Suraj Kathuria said, “At Sunfeast Farmlite, we believe mindful snacking should never come at the cost of indulgence. With this launch, we are catering to the growing need for guilt-free snacking while delivering a rich, satisfying cookie experience.”
ITC Ltd. vice president & head of food sciences for foods division Dr Shantanu Das added, “We have applied robust food science to develop cookies that are sugar-free while preserving the taste and texture consumers love.”
Each cookie comes in convenient single-serve packs to maintain texture and freshness. Both variants are available in 100g packs priced at ₹100 and can be found on quick-commerce platforms including Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto.
In a market increasingly leaning towards healthier choices, ITC Sunfeast Farmlite’s new Sugar Free Cookies prove that cutting sugar doesn’t mean cutting joy. For the health-conscious yet indulgent snacker, this could be the perfect bite-sized solution.
