MAM
Vadilal selects 12 children to feature on its calendar
AHMEDABAD: As a part of its consumer outreach program, ice-cream brand Vadilal has selected 12 children between five and 10 years of age to be featured on its 2012 calendar. Close to 20,000 such calendars will be produced.
“The kids to be featured in the calendar were chosen through an innovative campaign in which children‘s participation was encouraged by means of a public competition. Vadilal had launched the ‘Freeze the Moment‘ contest seeking submission of photographs that showed children enjoying their favourite ice cream,” Vadilal Industries MD Devanshu Gandhi said.
The contest kicked off in the last week of November 2011. Of the nearly 1000 entries received the brand shortlisted 12 to be featured on the calendar. Apart from the chance to be on the Vadilal 2012 calendar, the winners were also awarded a cash prize.
Vadilal Industris MD Rajesh Gandhi added, “The contest itself generated heart-warming response and excited discussion about the campaign. Indeed, on the very first day of the campaign, the company received hundreds of responses with parents showing keenness to have their children winning a place on the calendar.”
The calendar will be available at the Hapinezz outlets and retail centres.
Brands
Funskool India crosses US$40 million turnover in FY 2025-26
Toy manufacturer posts steady growth despite global headwinds.
MUMBAI: Funskool India has played its cards well turning challenges into steady growth while keeping the fun alive in the toy business. The country’s leading toy manufacturer has reported a turnover of $40 million in FY 2025-26, demonstrating resilience in a difficult global environment. The company recorded an average growth of 14 per cent over the past two years, with exports growing at a healthy 19% year-on-year.
While domestic business grew at a modest single-digit pace, Funskool saw encouraging traction in key categories such as Fundough (dough) and Handycrafts (arts & crafts).
Funskool India Ltd. CEO K.A. Shabir said, “We successfully navigated the challenges posed by US tariffs last year and continued to grow both our export and domestic businesses. Given the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia, we are currently working with a moderate growth outlook of 12–15 per cent, with plans to revisit our targets after Q1 once the situation stabilises.”
He highlighted strengthened partnerships with global companies including Spin Master (Canada), Moose Toys (Australia), Melissa & Doug (USA), Asmodee (France), Learning Resources (USA), and Buffalo Games (USA). The expansion of the company’s Goa plant is progressing and is expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year.
Looking ahead, Funskool expects a significant shift in domestic growth momentum for FY 2026-27, driven by new categories such as friction vehicles under the brand “BlazeTrix”, remote-control cars under “VoltRush”, and the addition of popular licences like Paw Patrol.
In an industry where playtime never stops, Funskool has shown that even in turbulent times, a smart strategy and strong partnerships can keep the business ticking along nicely. As it gears up for the next financial year, the company appears well-positioned to build on its solid foundation and bring even more joy to children worldwide.
