Business
Sanjiv Puri’s ‘Next’ strategy drives ITC into future-ready lane with smart innovation in FMCG, Hotels, Agri
Diversified consumer goods conglomerate ITC appears to be closing in on turning its fast-moving-consumer-goods (FMCG), agriculture and hotel segments as its main growth drivers, with chairman Sanjiv Puri shepherding the ‘Next’ strategy for its next horizon of growth through bold acquisitions, and disruptive digital innovation.
This new strategy is aimed at ensuring that the ITC remains future-oriented, consumer-centric, and nimble to create enduring value for stakeholders, something that the financial results are mirroring with FMCG and agriculture contributing nearly half of its total revenues in the April-June quarter.
The FMCG segment has been driven by higher demand for hygiene products, fragrances, spices, snacks, agarbattis and dairy products, with Salvon standing out as a growth engine of sorts.
ITC acquired Savlon from Johnson & Johnson in 2015, foraying into the disinfectant and antiseptic products market. Savlon crossed Rs 1,200 crore in consumer spends in 2020-21, growing more than 13 times since acquisition, making it the largest brand in the company’s personal care products portfolio, overtaking Vivel.
ITC has launched over 120 new products over the last one year, with product innovations in hygiene, nutrition and convenience segments. These include Savlon’s foray into surface and cloth disinfectant sprays, ‘neem’ based cleaning solutions Nimwash and Nimeasy, convenience-focused products such as ITC Master Chef Frozen Snacks, and scale up nascent categories and products such like B Natural juices, Fabelle chocolates amongst others.
In four years from 2016-17 to 2020-21, the FMCG segment’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margins have improved by 640 bps.
FMCG on fast lane
The company today is one of the largest incubators of world-class Indian brands. ITC FMCG business has garnered consumer spends of over Rs 22,000 crore and delighting more than 150 million households.
Scaling up and fortification of existing growth platforms consisting of megabrands is an essential cog in the wheel of ITC’s next strategy. The company has expanded its purpose-led brands like Savlon, Aashirvaad, and Sunfeast into adjacent categories with remarkable success. These brands have immense headroom to grow given the relatively lower household penetration and rising per capita income. ITC is exploring more value accretive inorganic opportunities as an additional pillar of growth.
Puri’s strategy to make ITC future-ready manifests in Life Sciences and Technology Centre (LSTC). LSTC helped ITC to launch 120 products amid the pandemic to meet emerging preferences. Towards this goal, the company has launched 9 state-of-the-art integrated consumer goods manufacturing facilities (ICML) to create structural advantages and drive enhanced competitiveness is also worth mentioning.
The new-age consumer is a digital native with extensive engagement in social and e-commerce platforms. Recognizing this, ITC is identifying emerging trends in real-time through its Marketing Command Centres called ‘Sixth Sense’ to speedily launch differentiated products as also creatively engage with consumers.
Under the ‘Next’ strategy, Puri has clearly sought to explore opportunities to craft disruptive business models anchored at the intersection of digital and sustainability. It is deploying a smart ecosystem with an integrated real-time operations platform across the organization to enable next-generation supply chains and smart manufacturing with digitally enabled factories.
The company has adopted multi-dimensional digital interventions for smart sourcing, smart logistics across businesses, and Industry 4.0 implementation in manufacturing. This is in addition to customized apps to facilitate digital ordering and trade engagement.
It has fast-tracked its journey in e-commerce, to meet the growing preference for ‘contactless shopping’. This is besides strengthening the direct-to-consumer platform, ‘ITC e-Store’ to reach consumers in newer geographies and introducing more ‘digital first’ brands to leverage the growing e-commerce space.
ITC under Puri’s stewardship is unwavering in its resolve to build a formidable FMCG business. Revenues from its FMCG business during the quarter stood at Rs 3726 crore, accounting for 25 per cent of the quarterly revenues. The agriculture segment turned in revenues of Rs 4,091 crore, accounting for 28 per cent of the company’s total quarterly revenues of Rs 14,649 crore before netting out inter-segment revenues of Rs 1,764 crore.
Big data, AI in agri
ITC’s decades-old agri business, powered by the e-choupal network, also appears to be coming of age.
Once the legal framework is in place that allows farmers to sell their produce outside their areas of cultivation, there is a clear opportunity in agri-business, similar to what ITC e-choupal in India and Pinduoduo in China have done successfully with scale.
Both are examples of using big data, technology network and artificial intelligence (AI) in farming to offer a better deal to peasants, make agriculture a rewarding vocation and bring them closer to the global markets by building digital platforms linking retailers with products consumers.
These will enable aggregation from farmers, incentivise creation of warehousing networks along highways, village storage schemes and the digitised app-based system for direct marketing by farmers, a model that ITC e-choupal has broadly demonstrated over the years.
Baareh Mahine Hariyali, an ITC e-Choupal initiative, which has combined multiple initiatives of cropping intensity (wheat, rice and summer moong), productivity enhancement and market linkages.
As reported by ITC, over 2 lakh farmers have already benefited from the interventions under the ‘Baareh MahineHariyali’ programme — over 35,000 farmers who have adopted the package of practices reported doubling of income and those who have implemented the programme partially reported increase in their incomes by 30 per cent to 75 per cent.
ITC, under Puri, is now implementing e-Choupal 4.0 at scale to bring the benefits of the digital revolution to agriculture. Envisaged as a ‘phygital’ system, the e-Choupal 4.0 is designed as a crop agnostic integrated solution framework that will synergistically aggregate technologies like remote sensing, precision farming, drone-based services, quality assaying and e-marketplace.
ITC e-Choupal 4.0 aims to strengthen agricultural entrepreneurship and agri-tech startups through agri services aggregator models, thereby empowering farmers with next generation agricultural practices. The aim of the model is to sharpen personalisation of agri services driven by data and analytics.
This may well be the right time for ITC’s integrated agribusiness enterprises with significant presence across crop development, procurement, supply chain, processing and marketing to decisively shift gears through a tech-driven matrix mounted on apps, blockchain, warehousing, AI and big data.
With the launch of Super App ‘ITC-MAARS’ that will bring the next phase of transformation in its agri-business and support the e-choupal through strength and scale under Puri.
Hotels and more
ITC’s hotel business has acquired scale and market standing over time. It is now set for a turnaround with the management decision to pursue asset right strategy while simultaneously leveraging ITC’s world-class properties.
Against this backdrop, the move to refresh ‘Welcomhotel’ is a long-awaited development as it will help the company to generate leads and pipeline for management contracts. Also, the launch of a new boutique brand christened ‘The Storii’ to offer the new-age traveller curated nature experiences will help the company make inroads into the emerging segment.
Business
Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: Toyota & Lexus Unveil Future Projects In Indian Portfolio; Images Below
New Delhi: Japanese car maker Toyota and it’s luxury arm, Lexus have showcased some of their future models from their respective India portfolios at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Toyota’s standout concepts include the X-Van, bZ4X, and Urban EV, while Lexus has captivated audiences with the ROV Concept 2 and LF-ZC.
Toyota’s star studded lineup
Moreover, Toyota showcased some of its updated and facelifted models during the autoshow. The Japanese car maker features included the Prius Flexi-Fuel PHEV, the Hilux FCEV, and a detailed cross-section of the Innova Hycross hybrid. Additional highlights include the striking Hilux Black Edition and the Land Cruiser 300 GR Sports, adding excitement to the brand’s lineup.
Toyota X-Van (Concept)
The X-Van, envisioned as a futuristic MPV, is designed to redefine spaciousness and versatility to meet diverse customer needs. This boxy, three-row utility vehicle eliminates the B-pillar, resulting in an expansive glasshouse and flexible seating configurations, available in 1-3-2 or 2-2-2 layouts. It features sliding suicide doors, a three-pane sunroof, and robust plastic cladding on the lower sections, adding a rugged and bold aesthetic to its innovative design.
Toyota BZ4X
The bZ4X electric SUV concept, first unveiled in 2021, is built on the e-TNGA architecture developed with Subaru. Its design features sharp styling, chunky black wheel-arch trim, a contrasting roof, and a silhouette influenced by the popular RAV4 SUV. The front showcases Toyota’s ‘Hammerhead’ design language, reminiscent of the latest Camry sold in India.
In global markets, the production-spec bZ4X comes with a 71.4kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of 450km. It’s available in two variants: a single-motor version (204hp, 265Nm) and a twin-motor AWD version (218hp, 336Nm).
Lexus LF-ZC (Concept)
The Lexus LF-ZC concept offers a glimpse into the premium electric sedan slated for international launch next year. Designed with a modular structure, its centrally placed batteries free up space for versatile front and rear configurations, supporting both single- and dual-motor setups. Lexus claims the top-spec LF-ZC will deliver a range exceeding 1,000km upon production.
The concept features Lexus’s latest design language, emphasizing sharp, aerodynamic styling. Inside, it boasts a futuristic cockpit with a steering yoke incorporating steer-by-wire technology and digital control pads seamlessly integrated across the cabin.
Mumbai, Jan 22: The Maharashtra government has signed a record 31 MoUs with investment proposals worth Rs 6,25,457 crore in the field of steel, metals, renewable energy, infrastructure, cement, Lithium-Ion Batteries and Solar Modules on the sidelines of World Economic Forum summit at Davos.
The MoUs were signed on Tuesday in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior government officers.
CM Fadnavis said, “The MoU signed today paves the way for Maharashtra’s comprehensive growth and development.” He further stated that this marks a new record for securing such a significant investment amount in a single day. Similarly, several investment agreements are expected on the second day as well.
Of the Rs 6,25,457 crore, JSW will invest a record Rs 3 lakh crore for Maharashtra’s Green Transformation and Tata Group will also make an investment of Rs 30,000 crore in multiple sectors.
The Chief Minister met with key executives of several companies and invited them to invest in Maharashtra. Among these, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran held discussions with CM Fadnavis during which it was confirmed that the Group would invest Rs 30,000 crore in the state. The CM also met Carlsberg Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen, who expressed interest in investing in Maharashtra.
The Chief Minister assured him of full cooperation for the group’s plans. Additionally, M.A. Yusuff Ali, Managing Director of the Lulu Group, conveyed interest in investing in Nagpur and expanding operations in Maharashtra.
CM Fadnavis held discussions with ReNew Power Chairman and CEO Sumant Sinha about a 15,000 MW pipeline and wind energy projects in the Beed district. Schneider Electric India’s Managing Director and CEO Deepak Sharma also met the Chief Minister. Discussions included the use of AI in the energy sector and strengthening ITIs in the state with assistance from the World Bank. Expansion plans in Ahilyanagar and Nashik were also hinted at. Mastercard APAC President Ling Hai held talks with CM Fadnavis, while Louis Dreyfus Company CEO Michael Gelchie discussed opportunities in agriculture, food processing, international shipping, and financial sectors. Emphasis was placed on enhancing collaboration in agriculture. The CM also met Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S. and discussed potential investments and opportunities.
“The series of meetings highlighted Maharashtra’s focus on attracting substantial global investments and fostering economic development,” said the Chief Minister’s Office in a release.
CM Fadnavis in his post on X said, “Extremely happy to witness the historic Rs 3,00,000 crore MoU signing between Govt of Maharashtra & JSW Group, with an employment generation of 10,000 in the regions of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Gadchiroli, and Nagpur. Very much thankful to Sajjan Jindal ji for being a part of this historic moment at Davos, which will give a huge boost to Maharashtra’s industrial environment. It will give a big boost to Maharashtra’s industrial environment. The areas of this investment like Renewable Energy, Infrastructure, Cement, Lithium-Ion Batteries, and Solar Modules will play a huge role in our mission ‘Green Maharashtra.”
The government signed an MoU with Waaree Energy with a total investment of Rs 30,000 crore in green energy and solar components. it will create 7,500 jobs. The company chairman Hitesh Joshi was present.
The government inked an MoU with Blackstone-Panchshil Realty for an investment of Rs 25,000 crore for the development of the data centre. It will generate 500 jobs. Further, Blackstone will invest Rs 25,000 crore in Information Technology in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It will create 1,000 jobs.
The government inked an MoU with Erulearning Solutions for an investment worth Rs 20,000 crore in education. The government signed an MoU with ZR2 Group for investment worth Rs 17,500 crore in automobiles and EVs in Pune region to generate 4,000 jobs.
The state government and Balasore Alloys Ltd signed an MoU for investment of Rs 17,000 crore in steel and metals. The venture will generate 3,200 jobs. The company was represented by Satish Kaushik at the time of the signing of the MoU.
The state government and Reliance Infrastructure Ltd signed an MoU for investment worth Rs 16,500 crore in the defence sector. It will generate 2,450 jobs. The company was represented by Sateesh Seth.
Powerin Urjaa will invest Rs 15,299 crore in green energy and generate 4,000 jobs. Open Origin India Inc will invest Rs 15,000 crore in green energy to create 1,000 jobs.
Viraj Profiles Pvt Ltd and the state government inked an MoU for the investment of Rs 12,000 crore in steel and metals to generate 3,500 jobs. Neeraj Raja Kochhar, Chairman and MD of Viraj Profiles was present at the time of the signing of the MoU.
Avani Power Batteries will make investment of Rs 10,521 crore in electronics to generate 5,000 jobs in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. H2e Power will invest 10,750 crore in green energy to create 1,850 jobs in Pune region.
The government signed an MoU with Rural Enhancers for investment worth Rs 10,000 crore in social sectors including hospitals.
The government inked an MoU with Welspun for an investment worth Rs 8,500 crore in logistics to generate 17,300 jobs.
Essar in partnership with Blue Energy will invest Rs 8,000 crore in green energy to create 2,000 jobs.
Further, United Phosphorus will make an investment of Rs 6,500 crore in green energy to generate 3,000 jobs. The government signed an MoU with Olectra EV for investment worth Rs 3,000 crore in automotive and EV to generate 3,000 jobs.
Kalyani Group will invest Rs 5,250 crore in defence, steel and EV. It will create 4,000 jobs. The MoU was signed in the presence of CM Fadnavis and Vice-Chairman & Joint MD of Bharat Forge Limited Amit Kalyani. “Thank you Amit Kalyani for joining this MoU signing at Davos! This investment is special because it is coming to Gadchiroli, which will give better lives to so many,” said the chief minister.
Gensol will invest Ra 4,000 crore in electronics in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to create 500 jobs. The government inked an MoU with & El Mont for the investment of Rs 2,000 crore in infrastructure. It will generate 5,000 jobs. The company director Kabir Bhandari was present.
BookMyShow will invest Rs 1,700 crore in the entertainment sector to generate 500 jobs. Further, the government signed an MoU with Tembo for an investment worth Rs 1,000 crore in the defence sector. It will create 300 jobs. The company director Shabbir Merchant was present on the occasion.
The government also inked an MoU with AB InBev in the F&B segment for investment worth Rs 750 crore. Kartikeya Sharma, President, India & South East Asia of AB InBev was present on the occasion.
Moreover, the government inked an MoU with CEAT Limited for investment worth Rs 500 crore in automotive and EC to generate 500 jobs.
Bisleri International will invest Rs 250 crore in food and beverages in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to create 600 jobs. The MoU signed paves the way for Maharashtra’s comprehensive growth and development.
New Delhi, Jan 21: India’s deal-making landscape witnessed a landmark year in 2024, with a record 2,186 deals valued at $116 billion, marking a 33 per cent increase in volumes and 76 per cent surge in values (year-over-year), a report showed on Tuesday.
Driven by India’s status as the fastest-growing G20 economy, with a 7 per cent growth rate driven by robust domestic demand, the country’s deal-making activity reached new heights, defying global economic uncertainty, and demonstrating the resilience of its economy, according to the Grant Thornton Bharat ‘Annual Dealtracker 2024’.
“As we look ahead to 2025, we are optimistic about the prospects for continued robust deal activity, fuelled by government reforms, a stable economy, and a thriving tech ecosystem, making India an attractive destination for investors despite global uncertainties,” said Shanthi Vijetha, Partner, Growth at Grant Thornton Bharat.
The mergers and acquisition landscape witnessed a record-breaking year, with 683 deals valued at $44.1 billion, marking a 37 per cent increase in volumes and a 75 per cent surge in values compared to the previous year.
Domestic consolidation drove growth, with 479 deals amounting to $23.5 billion, a 64 per cent increase in values, led by Indian conglomerates such as Adani Group, Aditya Birla Group and Nazara Technologies.
Outbound M&A also witnessed significant growth, with 121 deals valuing $16.9 billion, driven by two billion-dollar deals, according to the report.
The private equity landscape demonstrated resilience in 2024, with 1,298 deals raising $31 billion, up from 1,046 deals valuing $27.4 billion in 2023.
The year witnessed a 26 per cent rise in high-value deals (estimated at and over $100 million) and two billion-dollar deals.
The initial public offerings (IPO) activity reached unprecedented heights in 2024, defying global economic headwinds, with 86 listings raising a record $21 billion, more than triple the $6.2 billion raised in 2023, said the report.
We will take initiative on the problems of Mumbai University – Ambadas Danve
‘Water Grid’ project for Marathwada: Gulabrao Patil
The state government is preparing to bring private kindergartens under its control
Decision of Mahavikas Aghadi! The post of opposition leader in the Legislative Assembly goes to Uddhav Thackeray’s party, while in the Legislative Council it goes to Congress
Jalgaon: Passengers jumped off the train to save their lives after rumours of fire in Pushpak Express, got hit by another train
‘No Compromise On Law & Order’: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Assures Support To Telugu Film Industry Amid Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 Stampede Row
Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray Felicitates Arif Bamne, Boatman Who Risked His Life To Save 35 Passengers In Neelkamal Accident
Manipur Violence: Tensions Flare Once Again As Mob Attacks Top District Official’s Office In Kangpokpi; Visuals Surface
Maharashtra: Ministers Allocated Offices And Bungalows After Cabinet Portfolios
RSS leader Indresh Kumar presents chadar at Ajmer Sharif Dargah
-
Crime2 years agoClass 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra4 months agoMumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra4 months agoFalse photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
Maharashtra3 months agoMumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
National News3 months agoMinistry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Crime3 months agoBaba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
-
Maharashtra2 months agoMaharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News4 months agoJ&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface