MAM
Unibic Biscuits India targets Rs 300 million turnover for 2006
BANGALORE: In a premium biscuit segment market that‘s just worth around Rs.5 billion in India and growing at about 20 per cent annually, the five-month old Australian company Unibic Biscuits India (UBIPL) claims that it is gearing up for Rs.300 million turnover for the calendar year 2006. Unibic plans to ramp up the turnover to10 per cent of projected Rs.10 billion over the next few years. The overall biscuit market (including the unorganized players) is worth around Rs.50 billion in India currently. Parle, Britannia and ITC are the biggest players in the premium biscuit segment with Britannia‘s Good Day being the market leader. |
 UBIPL MD, D D Saxena revealed some of the plans which are still at the nascent stage while speaking with Indiantelevision.com today during the launch UBIPL‘s third product in India – Butter Cookies. The other two existing products are Anzac and the Bradman Chocolate Chip Cookie. Saxena plans to introduce 10-12 different varieties from their Australian parent company‘s kitty in India.. |
|
Saxena disclosed compay‘s game plan for future growth in revenues. UBPIL plans alliances with food chains. UBPIL already manufacture two types of cookies for Café Coffee Day (CCD). Another two varieties are to be added to this selection. An exclusive five-year contract has been signed with CCD. This association has already contributed almost Rs.10 million over the last five months in terms of sales. Certain processes, which were earlier being carried out in Australia, will be done here because of labour arbitrage – Indian labour is cheaper than that in Australia, US and Europe. By sourcing from India, costs can be cut down by as much as 40 per cent in some cases. Australian chains Woolworth‘s and Coles are potential customers as are UK‘s Tosco‘s, Salisbury, Marks and Spencer‘s, US coffee chain Satrbuk‘s. Unibic Australia already supplies to these companies house brands, UBIPL could be a substitute supplier. Institutional tie-ups with BPO‘s, corporates are another avenue that Saxena is exploring. |
|
Saxen also plans to add Celebration tins to the Indian market to be sold durng the festival season. In a country such as New Zealand having a population of around 3.5 million, almost a million tins are sold explained Saxena, who is initially targeting around 30000 tins annually in India. Saxena expects domestic consumption to be about 60 per cent, 15 per cent would come from strategic tie-ups in India (similar to CCD) and about 25 per cent would be through exports. Currently the marketing strategy has been limited to events such as walkathons, associating with sports – one of which was bringing the UNIBIC Bradman Cup 20/20 tournament to India, which was held at Bangalore in August this year. UBIPL has a three-year tie up with the Karnataka State Cricket Association for this event. Soon regional channels in South India would start airing UBIPL TVCs. By March 2006, Saxena expects to have TVC‘s aired on national channels. A sum of Rs.75 million is likely to be earmarked for the ad campaign for 2006, of which 60 per cent would be towards TVC‘s, the rest would be divided between other media including that on foreign shores. Presently UBIPL create their own ads, which are shot by independents, and plan to buy off media time from media agencies. A comprehensive plan for the campaign would be ready by the first quarter of 2006. |
Brands
Samsung India elevates Aditya Babbar to lead mobile business
Exec takes charge of MX sales and marketing after Raju Pullan’s exit
NEW DELHI: Samsung India has elevated Aditya Babbar to lead its mobile phone business, following the exit of Raju Antony Pullan.
Babbar, who previously served as vice president within the mobile division, has been appointed head of sales and marketing for the MX (mobile experience) business, effective May 1. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s sales and marketing operations for smartphones and related categories in India, reporting to the executive vice president of the MX business.
A long-time Samsung executive, Babbar brings over a decade of experience within the organisation, having held multiple leadership roles across product, marketing and category management. Most recently, he led product marketing and e-commerce for the mobile division, following earlier stints as head of product and marketing and senior director roles.
His career within Samsung Electronics and its India operations has also included responsibilities for flagship devices, tablets and wearables, giving him a broad view of the company’s premium and mass-market portfolio.
Babbar succeeds Pullan, who stepped down from the role, marking a leadership transition at a time when India remains a key battleground for global smartphone makers.
The appointment signals continuity within Samsung’s leadership bench, with an internal candidate stepping up to steer one of its most critical business units in a highly competitive market.
