MAM
Shaw Wallace sponsors IN Mumbai pageant, sports events
MUMBAI: Liquor major Shaw Wallace & company (SWC) is using the events route to create awareness and excitement around its brands such as White Mischief and Royal Challenge due to the existing curbs on liquor advertising. In fact, the company has entered into a co-branding exercise with IN Mumbai Network’s Miss Mumbai contest. The Royal Challenge Indian Open will be held in March 2003.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, SWC executive director Niranjan Thakur confirmed that the liquor associations have made several representations to the government for relaxing the curbs on advertising. “It is difficult to understand how the government permits outdoor advertising in the case of cigarette companies but forbids liquor companies. The fault also lies with some manufacturers who have gone above board and flouted norms. However, the government has to reconsider its decision and take a different view,” adds Thakur.
SWC is bullish on events which can offer the requisite mileage for the brands. Different brands have been associated with different sporting and fashion events – for instance Royal Challenge (RC) the premium whisky in India, has been associated with golf for the last several years. RC is sponsoring the Indian Open Golf at the cost of Rs 100 million. As far as whisky products are concerned, SWC’s top markets are western India and southern India (Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu).
The Royal Challenge Indian Open will be held in March 2003 and the four Royal Challenge Grand Prix will be held in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai & Mumbai. Exhibitions of the quality range of Royal Challenge Golf and Club accessories are also held on the occasion.
As far as vodka products are concerned, SWC’s largest market is Western India and Mumbai. “The second White Mischief Corporate Bowling Championship had teams from 28 different companies participating in the event. The location was the Bowling Co in Mumbai.The Championship, which is India’s largest corporate bowling event, was a huge success and got everybody together and motivated the employees to play for a team cause,” says Thakur.
CEOs participated in the CEOs Corporate Bowling Championship. included: E-Funds MD Pradeep Saxena, Mahindra and Mahindra ED Arun Nanda, DSP Merrill Lynch VC Shitin Desai, ING Asset Management CEO Kavita Hurry, Stanton Chase International MD R. Suresh , Star India CEO Peter Mukherjea, KPMG partner Bharat Raut.
Inspiration 2000 and Haywards, the beer brand, is associating with dart competitions.
SWC is also conducting ground events for its dealers and distributors. Some of the top performers will be sent on a fully sponsored trip to South Africa to watch the World Cup cricket matches. In fact, there is news that SWC’s advertising agency has worked on a “Bolo Tha Na” promotional campaign which was supposed to be launched during the World Cup. However, it will conform to the advertising rules that will apply to liquor advertising.
The industry is facing a lot of problems due to non-level playing field and government policies. The state governments also has a major say in the wholesale and retail distribution of liquor in India. For instance, in southern states, the wholesale business rests with the state government. In Delhi, the retail as well as wholesale business is with the government.
“We expect the central government and the finance minister to reduce excise duties. If they are planning to reduce import duties for foreign brands, the local brands must get a reprieve too,” adds Thakur.
It looks as if liquor marketing is in for some heady action!
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Buying online can sometimes appear more budget-friendly because you can compare plans, review features, and complete the process without depending entirely on offline assistance.
Still, a lower visible price does not always mean better value. To understand whether you can truly save more, you need to look at the full buying experience and the policy terms together.
Why Online Purchase Can Look More Economical
When you explore family health insurance online, you usually get access to plan details in a more direct and organised way. This can make the buying journey feel simpler and more transparent.
A few reasons online purchases may seem cost-effective include:
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● Direct access to premium details
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● Fewer chances of making a rushed decision
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This does not mean every online option is automatically cheaper. It simply means the online route may help you assess choices more carefully, and that itself can influence how much value you get from the policy you choose.
Saving Money is Not Only About a Lower Premium
A lower premium often catches your attention first, but that should not be the only measure of savings. If you buy medical insurance based only on what looks affordable at the start, you may overlook conditions that matter later.
A family health insurance policy should be judged on overall value, including:
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If the premium is lower but the policy has stricter internal conditions, the apparent saving may not feel meaningful when you actually need hospitalisation support.
So, the better question is not only whether online purchase costs less, but whether it helps you select a plan that remains financially sensible over time.
Comparing Plans Online Can Prevent Overspending
One clear advantage of the online route is that it allows you to compare different options without pressure. This can help you avoid paying for features you may not need or missing features that matter for your family.
Before you buy medical insurance online, look closely at:
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This level of comparison can support better decision-making. In many cases, savings come not only from the premium itself but from choosing a policy with fewer surprises.
Online Discounts Should be Viewed Carefully
Online discounts can make a plan look attractive, but they should always be read alongside the policy details. A discount may reduce the upfront cost, yet the true worth of the policy depends on what it covers and how it responds during a claim.
When reviewing discounted online plans, check whether the policy has:
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These points are important because a policy that looks cheaper at purchase may involve more out-of-pocket spending later. That is why discount-led buying should be replaced with detail-led buying.
Final Thoughts
Yes, buying online can sometimes help you save more when choosing family health insurance, but only if you look beyond the headline price. The online route may give you better visibility, easier comparison, and more time to review the policy terms.
That can support smarter choices and may reduce the chances of paying for a plan that does not suit your family well.
If you want to buy medical insurance online, treat savings as more than a discount. The real advantage lies in choosing family health insurance that balances affordability, clarity, and meaningful coverage for your household.
