Britannia

Top news stories in April featured Britannia, Changi Airport, Numeros Motors, Baskin Robbins, and Poonawalla Fincorp, according to Prittle Prattle News.

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This week’s news highlights 10 significant developments across various sectors in India, showcasing a shift in the country’s approach towards setting clear directions for the year ahead. Here’s a summary of each development:

  1. Britannia Appoints Tilt Brand Solutions: Britannia Industries has appointed Tilt Brand Solutions to handle its Cakes, Rusks, Breads, and Croissants portfolio, focusing on creative and strategic development for its adjacency categories.
  2. Changi Airport Wins Global Honour: Changi Airport in Singapore has been named the World’s Best Airport for 2025, with over 5.5 million passengers traveling between India and Changi in 2024, a record figure surpassing pre-pandemic volumes.
  3. Numeros Motors Receives Intellectual Property Award: Numeros Motors, a Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer, has received the National Intellectual Property Award for its contributions to patent filing, IP protection, and market-ready commercialization.
  4. Baskin-Robbins India Introduces Gelato Line: Baskin-Robbins India has launched a new range of gelato-based offerings, marking a shift towards premiumization and an attempt to capture an experience-driven customer segment.
  5. Poonawalla Fincorp Launches Credit Product: Poonawalla Fincorp has launched a dedicated loan product for shopkeepers and small-format retailers, aiming to formalize access to structured, need-based lending using simplified documentation and fixed-tenure instruments.
  6. Coromandel and Ma’aden Sign Long-Term Fertiliser Agreement: Coromandel International has formalized a long-term agreement with Saudi Arabian mining company Ma’aden for the steady supply of Di-Ammonium Phosphate and other complex fertilizers.
  7. Excelia International Launches Gateway Year Programme: Excelia International Institute has expanded its foundation-level offerings with a targeted entry program for international students, including a strong focus on the Indian cohort.
  8. IIM Raipur and NADT Formalise Partnership: IIM Raipur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) for a long-term collaboration across taxation, governance, and public policy.
  9. Team R Factor 6024 Advances to World Robotics Stage: Team R Factor 6024, a school-level robotics team, has qualified for the global finals of the FIRST Robotics Championship, achieving a 300% increase in girl participation this year.
  10. BIS Hosts Global Plenary on AI Standards and Trust: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has hosted the 15th Plenary Meeting of ISO and IEC’s joint technical committee on Artificial Intelligence, focusing on AI governance, ethical frameworks, and international alignment.

These developments highlight the growing focus on localisation, long-term value creation, and sectoral alignment, demonstrating leadership through direction rather than just scale.

Britannia NutriChoice’s latest initiative drives transparency in food packaging with clearer label standards.

Britannia NutriChoice, a well-known brand, has introduced a new campaign, “Face the Facts,” to promote transparency in its product messaging. The campaign is focused on providing clear and honest information about its cookies, without any exaggerated claims. The new packaging addresses common consumer questions and provides direct, factual information.

According to Archana Balaraman, General Manager, Marketing, Britannia Industries, the campaign goes beyond a simple visual update. It is about opening a direct dialogue with consumers and providing information to empower them to make informed choices. The new packaging reflects the brand’s honest approach, setting the tone from the first glance without being deceptive.

Vasudha Misra, President (Creative), Lowe Lintas, adds that the brand’s goal is to “cut through the noise” and provide clear information, allowing consumers to feel good about enjoying a Britannia NutriChoice with their daily chai. The campaign addresses the demand for clear information and better snack choices without overpromising.

Through this campaign, Britannia NutriChoice aims to present its products in a straightforward and honest manner. The brand is committed to providing transparency in its product messaging, addressing common consumer questions, and empowering consumers to make informed choices. The “Face the Facts” campaign is a positive step towards fostering trust and credibility between the brand and its customers.

By providing clear and honest information, Britannia NutriChoice is differentiated from other brands that often make exaggerated claims or use deceptive marketing tactics. The brand’s commitment to transparency and honesty is likely to attract consumers who value authenticity and are seeking better snack options. Overall, the “Face the Facts” campaign is a step in the right direction for the brand, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.

Britannia Leverages Mobile Technology to Foster Everyday Wellbeing Without Wearable Devices

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In honor of World Health Day, Britannia’s NutriPlus App is making a significant impact in promoting everyday wellness in India. This mobile-first app, developed in collaboration with Aktivo Labs, allows users to track their lifestyle habits without needing wearables. The app translates daily behaviors like movement, sleep, hydration, and fiber intake into a single Nutri+ Score, which has already registered over 158,000 sign-ins and demonstrated significant improvements in user wellness.

The app’s concept is built on the idea of making small, easy decisions that lead to a higher quality of life. By tracking key parameters such as movement, sleep, fiber consumption, and hydration, users can make steady, long-lasting gains. The simplicity and accessibility of the app have contributed to its strong organic traction, with a 50% activation rate and over 1.5 lakh user sign-ins despite minimal marketing efforts.

The app’s success is evident in the measurable improvements it has brought about in users’ lifestyles. The data reveals a 10.7% rise in daily steps and a 16.7% increase in exercise time. The app’s ability to provide a clear picture of users’ progress, offering weekly wellness assessments and actionable insights, has been key to driving engagement and retention.

The app’s AI-powered scoring system, developed in collaboration with Aktivo Labs, considers multiple wellness parameters to generate a daily wellness indicator. An improvement in the Nutri+ Score from 60 to 62 indicates a 2-point improvement in user wellness over a year, showcasing a steady shift towards more active, rested, and nourished routines.

By harnessing technology and AI, NutriPlus eliminates the need for additional wearable devices, making it inherently more accessible. Its mobile-first design ensures that wellness tracking remains seamless and intuitive, leveraging the widespread reach of smartphones across the country.

In the future, NutriPlus plans to evolve and expand, aligning with Britannia’s commitment to simplifying wellness choices for millions across India. The app has already introduced a customized diet chart feature, offering personalized plans aligned to individual wellness goals. With its user-centric approach and continuous updates, NutriPlus is poised to become a comprehensive wellness companion for a healthier society.

Britannia Unveils Cutting-Edge Pilot Program to Revolutionize Retail Experience for Visually Impaired Customers

Britannia Industries has launched a pilot program in collaboration with MORE Retail, Mithra Jyoti, and Google Cloud’s Astra technology to enhance the retail experience for visually impaired individuals. The program, called Britannia A-Eye, uses a smartphone’s camera to scan the environment and provide voice-based guidance to navigate store aisles. The AI-powered technology also identifies products and provides access to detailed information such as pricing, ingredients, nutrition, and expiration dates, primarily for Britannia products. This solution eliminates the need for external assistance, allowing visually impaired consumers to shop independently.

The pilot uses Google Cloud’s multimodal AI capabilities to enable seamless navigation, real-time product identification, and instant access to product information. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to revolutionize inclusivity in retail and promote equity and independence for all consumers. Britannia Industries’ General Manager of Marketing, Siddharth Gupta, emphasized the importance of innovation in fostering inclusivity, stating that Britannia A-Eye is a testament to how cutting-edge technology can shape the future of inclusive retail. WPP’s Chief AI Officer, Daniel Hulme, added that the partnership with Google is about pushing the boundaries of AI-driven innovation and redefining inclusivity in retail.

Our global footprint has expanded to span 60 countries worldwide.

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Britannia, India’s iconic biscuit brand, has a fascinating history that dates back to 1892. The company was founded in Kolkata with an initial investment of just ₹295 by a British businessman. Initially, Britannia made biscuits in a small house, but its growth was rapid. By 1910, it had adopted electric machinery to increase production, and in 1921, it started importing industrial gas ovens to meet the rising demand. The company expanded its operations with the establishment of a large manufacturing unit in Mumbai in 1924.

During World War II, Britannia received a major contract to supply biscuits to Indian and Allied forces, which helped the company scale further and diversify its offerings. In 1955, it launched its iconic Bourbon biscuits, and in 1963, it started producing cakes, cementing its place in every Indian kitchen.

In 1979, the company was rebranded as Britannia Industries Limited, under the leadership of the Wadia Group, particularly Nusli Wadia. The company continued to expand globally and innovate, earning over 80% of its revenue from biscuit sales.

Today, Britannia is a symbol of trust, quality, and innovation in the Indian food industry, with a current market cap of ₹1.29 lakh crore. Despite expanding into dairy and other products, biscuits remain the company’s core business. Recent developments include the closure of its iconic Taratala factory in Kolkata, one of its oldest biscuit plants, marking the end of an era.

Throughout its history, Britannia has maintained its commitment to quality and innovation, making it one of the most trusted and beloved brands in India and beyond.

Global Consumer Goods Leaders Prepare to Implement 2-4% Price Adjustments to Mitigate Thin Profit Margins

Several consumer goods companies in India, including Peer Godrej, Emami, and Marico, are experiencing pressure on their profit margins due to high palm oil prices and other raw material costs. As a result, they are implementing price hikes and grammage cuts to maintain their operating margins. Peer Godrej’s Managing Director and CEO, Sudhir Sitapati, expects the company’s operating margin to be between 22-26% for fiscal 2025, with a potential one-to-two round of price increases needed to reach this level.

Emami, another major player, anticipates a further 1-1.5% price increase in the coming quarters, on top of the 2% hike it took in the December quarter. Britannia Industries has also announced a price hike of 4-5% in the current quarter and may take further actions to maintain its margins. Marico has taken a 10% price hike in coconut oil and 20% in edible oil so far this fiscal, but more price hikes are expected to cushion profit margins.

These companies are facing challenges due to the high prices of palm oil, a key raw material, as well as other vegetable oils. Marico’s Managing Director, Harsha Manjunath, stated that the company may need to take more price hikes, as the current price hikes taken were not enough to maintain profit margins. The companies are expecting higher prices to continue in the near future, which will likely lead to more price increases and trade-offs to maintain their operating margins.

Nifty indices to undergo a shuffle: E-commerce giant Zomato and fintech company Jio Financial expect to receive $822 million in inflows, as energy major BPCL and consumer goods company Britannia exit the sector.

The Nifty 50 index is undergoing a semi-annual rebalancing process, which will see the addition of Zomato and Jio Financial Services to the index. This change is expected to bring in a passive inflow of $544 million and $278 million, respectively. On the other hand, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Britannia Industries Ltd will exit the index, leading to significant outflows. The rebalancing process will also see weightage adjustments for Grasim Industries and Bajaj Finance.

Other stocks that will be added to the Nifty 100 and Nifty Next 50 indices include Indian Hotels, Bajaj Housing Finance, Hyundai Motor India, CG Power, and Swiggy. Meanwhile, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corp (IRCTC), Adani Total Gas Ltd, NHPC Ltd, and Union Bank of India will be dropped from these indices.

According to JM Financial, BPCL’s removal could lead to outflows of $204 million, while Britannia’s exclusion is likely to result in outflows of $215 million. On the other hand, Indian Hotels Company is expected to benefit from inflows of $85 million, while Power Grid Corporation and CG Power are set to see passive inflows of $49 million and $47 million, respectively.

The changes will be implemented at the close of trade on Thursday, and passive flows from index funds and ETFs tracking the Nifty indices are expected to drive significant buying and selling in the impacted stocks.

Rajneet Kohli, former CEO of Britannia, to lead HUL’s food division as its new head.

Rajneet Kohli, former CEO of Britannia Industries, is joining Hindustan Unilever (HUL) as the executive director of its foods and refreshment division. He will take over the role on April 7, replacing Shiva Krishnamurthy, who will be leaving the company to pursue an external opportunity. Kohli has over 30 years of experience in consumer and retail, and has previously worked with companies such as Asian Paints, Coca-Cola, and Jubilant FoodWorks.

As the new executive director, Kohli will lead HUL’s foods and refreshment division, which includes brands such as Kissan ketchup, Bru coffee, and Horlicks malt drinks. The division reported a revenue of Rs 15,292 crore in fiscal 2023-24, making it the second-largest contributor to HUL’s turnover, which stood at nearly Rs 60,000 crore.

Kohli has a strong track record of driving product innovation and digital capabilities, which will be crucial in leading HUL’s foods and refreshment division to the next phase of growth and transformation. His extensive experience in managing large foods and beverages businesses will be beneficial in navigating the competitive food and bakery segment.

HUL has made several high-profile appointments in 2023, including the appointment of Rohit Jawa as its managing director and CEO, and Harman Dhillon as executive director of its beauty and wellbeing division. With Kohli’s addition to its executive team, HUL is poised to further strengthen its position in the consumer goods market.

Kotak Securities slashes target prices for eight FMCG stocks, including Tata Consumer and HUL, citing a weak earnings outlook for the sector and embedding Nestle as a new target.

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According to a domestic brokerage firm, Kotak Institutional Equities, the demand for consumer goods is expected to remain subdued in the next few quarters. The firm believes that urban consumption will continue to slow down, while rural demand will remain stable and outperform urban demand for the fifth consecutive quarter. Additionally, the firm expects a continued rise in key commodities such as palm oil, tea, and coffee, which will put pressure on the margins of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies for at least one to two quarters.

As a result, Kotak Institutional Equities has cut its earnings estimates and valuation multiples for several FMCG companies, including Hindustan Unilever, Nestlé, Britannia, Dabur, Godrej Consumer Products, Marico, Colgate-Palmolive, and Tata Consumer Products. The firm has also revised its target prices for these companies, with Godrej Consumer Products being its preferred pick. According to Kotak, Godrej’s household insecticides business is facing a strong season, and the company’s recent price hikes and potential easing of palm oil prices could help restore profitability in its soap segment.

Kotak has trimmed its target price estimates for these FMCG companies, with the largest cut being for Tata Consumer Products. The firm believes that the sector’s near-term margin weakness will persist, but Godrej Consumer Products can restore profitability through price hikes and a potential easing of palm oil prices. The firm has also downgraded its price targets for most of these companies, with Hindustan Unilever, Nestlé, and Britannia being cut by 0-3%. Marico and Colgate-Palmolive were cut by 0-2%, while Dabur and Tata Consumer Products saw a reduction of 1-4%.

Overall, the firm’s recommendations reflect a cautious stance on the sector amid subdued demand trends, with Godrej Consumer Products being its top pick. The firm advises investors to be cautious and check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

Britannia’s Gujarat plant experiences operational disruption, according to LinkedInI maintained the same information and context, but rephrased the sentence to make it more concise and clear. Let me know if you’d like me to make any further changes!

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Strike at Britannia’s Gujarat plant hits operations

A strike by workers at Britannia’s Gujabat plant in India has disrupted operations at the facility, which is one of the largest bread-making units in the country. The strike, which began on Monday, involves around 2,500 workers who are demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and the regularization of contract workers.

The strike has led to a significant reduction in production at the plant, with only a limited number of staff working to maintain basic services. The company has reportedly lost around 5,000 tons of bread production due to the strike, resulting in a revenue loss of around RS 100 crore (around $13.5 million USD).

The workers are affiliated with the Indian Federation of Labour (IFU) and are demanding a 15% increase in their monthly wages, which they claim is long overdue. They are also demanding the regularization of 1,200 contract workers who have been employed at the plant for over five years.

The workers have also been protesting against the company’s decision to shift some of the plant’s operations to a new unit in Gujarat, which they claim will lead to job losses. The protesters have also demanded improved working conditions, including reduced working hours and a better safety record.

The strike has received support from other unions and opposition parties in the region, who have accused the company of ignoring the demands of its workers. The company, on the other hand, has dismissed the demands and offered a one-time payment of RS 5,000 (around $67 USD) to each worker as a one-time settlement.

The strike has also sparked concerns over the impact it may have on the supply chain and food security in the region. The plant is a major supplier of bread to various segments of the market, including hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

The crisis is likely to escalate further if a resolution is not reached soon, with the possibility of the government intervening to resolve the dispute. The development highlights the ongoing struggle of workers in India to ensure their rights and demands are met, while also highlighting the economic impact of labor disputes on businesses and the broader economy.

Chief Executive Officer Rajneet Singh Kohli Steps Down from Britannia Industries

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Britannia Industries has announced that its Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Rajneet Singh Kohli, has resigned from his position to pursue an opportunity outside the company. Kohli submitted his resignation on March 5, 2025, and the Board of Directors has accepted it through a circular resolution passed on March 6, 2025. He will be relieved of his duties at the close of business hours on March 14, 2025.

The company has enclosed a copy of Kohli’s resignation letter, which includes the reasons for his departure. According to the letter, Kohli has decided to resign to pursue an external opportunity. Varun Berry, Executive Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Britannia Industries, expressed gratitude for Kohli’s contributions during his tenure as CEO and member of the board. Berry also wished Kohli the best in his future endeavors.

Kohli’s resignation marks the end of his tenure as CEO of Britannia Industries, a leading Indian food and beverages company. Despite the reasons for his departure not being disclosed, Kohli’s resignation is seen as a significant development in the company’s leadership restructuring. The company will now need to find a suitable replacement for Kohli, which may involve internal or external recruitment processes.

The news of Kohli’s resignation comes as a surprise, considering his strong performance as CEO. Under his leadership, Britannia Industries has seen significant growth and expansion, both nationally and internationally. However, the company’s board and management have shown understanding and respect for Kohli’s decision, wishing him well in his future endeavors. The resignation will likely have a minimal impact on the company’s operations, as the transition period is expected to be seamless.

The Indian beverage market, worth ₹10 billion, is increasingly saturated with products from Campa, Smoodh, and Amul Tru, among others.

Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), the company behind the Amul brand, has launched a new product called Tru, a dairy-based fruit drink priced at ₹10 for 150ml. This move is part of the company’s plan to increase its presence in the low-priced beverage market, which has become increasingly competitive in recent years. The company plans to introduce more beverages at this price point.

The ₹10 price point has become popular in India, as it is seen as an affordable option for the country’s large middle and lower-middle-class population. Other companies, such as Reliance Consumer Products Limited, have also launched products at this price point, including Campa, a brand that has disrupted the low-priced beverage market. The ₹10 price point is expected to account for a significant portion of the market, with the global beverages market estimated to reach ₹1.47 trillion by 2030.

GCMMF’s Tru product competes indirectly with other brands such as Dabur’s Real, Varun Beverages’ Tropicana, Britannia’s Winkin Cow, and Parle’s Smoodh. The company plans to expand its distribution network to increase its reach and volume.

However, the ₹10 market is also expected to face challenges, including inflation, which has forced companies to lower quantities to sell at the same price. Additionally, some analysts have cautioned against aggressive pricing tactics, which can hurt incumbents. Despite these challenges, the ₹10 market is expected to continue to grow, driven by increasing demand for affordable beverages.

To mark Avani Lekhara’s outstanding achievement, Britannia Marie Gold pays tribute with a special edition pack in her honour.

Britannia Industries, a leading fast-moving consumer goods company, has launched a unique initiative to honor Para Olympian Avani Lekhara’s remarkable achievements. In collaboration with Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), they have launched the “HerSpark” scholarship program, aimed at nurturing promising women athletes in boxing, swimming, judo, athletics, and parasports. This initiative provides a fully funded, three-year sports scholarship for young women athletes, covering professional training, coaching, lodging, nutrition, and educational opportunities.

To celebrate Avani Lekhara’s achievement, Britannia Marie Gold has rebranded its biscuit and packaging to resemble the exact dimensions of Avani’s target from her Paris 2024 victory. This is the first time in 18 years that the biscuit has been reshaped, making it a limited edition and exclusive offering. The scholarship program aims to identify and develop talented women athletes, providing them with world-class facilities and coaching from former Continental and Olympic athletes, including Mamuka Kizilashvili (judo) and Yoandris Betanzos Francis (athletics).

The “HerSpark” scholarship is a pioneering effort to empower women athletes, providing them with the necessary resources and support to succeed in their respective sports. This partnership between Britannia Industries and IIS is a significant step towards promoting women’s sports in India, encouraging more women to participate and achieve their goals in various sports. By supporting these talented athletes, the initiative aspires to build a strong foundation for Indian women’s sports, creating a positive impact on the sporting landscape and inspiring future generations of female athletes.

Britannia: Safeguarding the Seas – Effective Protocols for Minimizing Oil Leaks in Hydraulic Pipelines

The Britannia P&I Club has highlighted the risks of hydraulic oil leaks in the marine industry, emphasizing the importance of proactive maintenance and risk mitigation. Hydraulic oil leaks can lead to environmental and commercial risks, particularly in port, with fines and cleanup costs posing a significant threat. Leaks from hydraulic hoses and lines near the ship’s side can be especially hazardous, as oil can spill into the sea, causing environmental damage and financial losses.

To minimize these risks, the club recommends regular visual inspections of flexible hydraulic piping and hoses, as well as prompt action to address any signs of rust, corrosion, or contamination. It is essential to replace hydraulic hoses in high-risk locations every 2.5 years and every 5 years for hoses exposed to weather. The club also recommends maintaining a record of hydraulic tank quantities to accurately determine the amount of oil spilled, should an accident occur.

In terms of design, the club suggests avoiding exposed outboard hydraulic piping and flexible hoses, and instead, considering alternative designs such as electric or pneumatic power sources, which pose lower pollution risks. For example, a shipowner replaced existing hydraulic actuators with pneumatically operated ones, while all-electric systems for cranes, hatch covers, ramps, and winches can be considered if the ship type allows.

In conclusion, the club emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing potential pollution risks through alternative designs, proactive maintenance, and operational best practices. Failure to do so can result in environmental damage and significant commercial implications, including fines and cleanup costs. By following these best practices, shipowners and operators can reduce the risk of hydraulic oil leaks and protect the environment and their reputation.

Embracing the British spirit, be it on a sunny day, Archives – MARKETECH APAC

Britannia’s latest campaign for Good Day biscuits takes a bold approach by leaving the biscuit out of the advertisement altogether. Instead, the campaign, called “HEADLINES,” focuses on the long-standing connection between Good Day and chai. The idea is that the familiar round shape of the biscuit naturally comes to mind with every sip of tea. The campaign, developed by Talented.Agency, is being rolled out across multiple cities, with ads appearing at key chai consumption spots such as modern trade outlets, IT park food courts, and general trade “chai tapris.”

The campaign aims to reinforce Good Day as an iconic part of the chai experience, rather than just an option. Archana Balaraman, general manager for marketing at Britannia, explains that the goal is to establish Good Day as more than just a biscuit, but as a part of the chai experience. The campaign is set to expand into quick commerce and branded collaborations.

Javaad Ahmed and Spandan Mahajan, creatives at Talented, are behind the campaign and say that it was necessary to take a bold approach. For years, the variable in the chai-biscuit debate has been the biscuit, but it’s clear that Good Day is the one that comes to mind. The campaign will be a visual representation of the phrase “it’s always a good day with chai.” The campaign is set to roll out across India, appearing at various touchpoints where chai is purchased and consumed.