Category: NEW PRODUCTS
Kia India names Mr. Gwanggu Lee as the Managing Director and CEO
Kia India, the country’s premium carmaker, today announced the appointment of Mr. Gwanggu Lee as the new Managing Director and CEO, effective immediately. He will be the 3rd Managing Director and CEO of Kia India, succeeding Mr. Kook Hyun Shim and Mr. Tae Jin Park. Kia India’s former MD & CEO – Mr. Tae Jin Park, is retiring after his remarkable 36-year journey with Kia Corporation and 4 years stint with Kia India.
With over 30 years of robust experience in the automotive sector, Mr. Gwanggu Lee will spearhead Kia’s transformative journey focusing on fostering sustainable business growth. Mr. Lee has held leadership positions in various capacities in both developed and developing economies, including roles in the US, Canada, Italy, Mexico, Kia Headquarters in Central and South America, and Kia Europe Headquarters in Germany. His recent role as President at Kia Mexico played a pivotal role in the company’s substantial growth and establishment as a production and export hub.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Gwanggu Lee, MD, and CEO – Kia India, said, “I am very excited to assume this responsibility as Kia India has become one of the most loved and trusted brands in just 4 years. With two segment-breaking updates – the new Seltos & the new Sonet and a host of more innovative products on the way, Kia India is surely on the right path to sustainable business growth. It’s a privilege to lead a team that has set industry benchmarks, and I shall be contributing towards achieving many more as one team. My vision is to unlock the next phase of growth through inspiring Kia brand experiences thereby creating more value and long-lasting impact for our customers, partners, and employees alike.”
With his experience within the industry and the brand, Mr. Gwanggu Lee will continue to grow Brand Kia’s strong position in India.
CASE India Expands Footprint in Southern Region with new Dealership in Vijayawada
CASE Construction Equipment, a brand of CNH, has expanded its network by appointing a new dealer partner in Vijayawada. The new facility, SEPS (Srinivasa Edifice Power Services), is located in Srinivasa Nagar Bank Colony, Vijayawada, offering a wide range of products along with comprehensive after-sales support and spare parts. The new dealership will also cater to the neighboring regions such as Guntur, Krishna, East and West Godhavari, Vishakapatnam, Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam.
Speaking about the strategic partnership, Shalabh Chaturvedi, Managing Director, CASE Construction Equipment – India & SAARC region said, “The opening of this dealership in Vijayawada marks a significant enhancement of our market footprint in southern India. This facility is strategically located to serve the growing demands of the region’s construction sector, offering a complete range of innovative products and services. We at CASE, are committed to support the government’s focus on infrastructure development in the country by providing reliable equipment and robust after-sales support, ensuring our customers are fully equipped to meet the challenges of modern construction projects.”
This state-of-the-art facility will offer CASE’s full range of construction equipment and deliver a comprehensive customer experience. It will meet customer needs with amenities such as a fully equipped workshop, a training and conference room, availability of genuine parts, a team of skilled sales & service engineers, an upcoming telematics centre, and a customer lounge.
A global leader in Construction Equipment since 1842, CASE has been present in India since 1989. It has consistently remained a market leader in the Vibratory Compactor segment and a leading player in the backhoe loader segment, since inception. The company produces Made-in-India products in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh for the domestic and export markets in over 105 countries.
Tata Consumer Products appoints Partha Biswas as President and Head RTD business
Tata Consumer Products (TCP), the consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella, has announced the appointment of Partha Biswas as President and Head for its RTD business (erstwhile Nourishco Beverages Ltd.). This is in line with the Company’s focus on strengthening and expanding its growth businesses.
Partha brings 20 years of experience spanning category leadership, business strategy and sales and marketing. Partha’s earlier role was in Viacom18 where he last held the responsibility of EVP & Head of their largest entertainment channel. Prior to this he was Chief Operating Officer at ACT Fibernet. He has earlier held significant roles spanning category development, operations and general management at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages.
On the new appointment, Sunil D’Souza, Managing Director & CEO of Tata Consumer Products said “We are happy to welcome Partha to Tata Consumer Products. The RTD category is one of our growth businesses and Partha’s expertise will help us further scale up and accelerate the business and unlock the category’s potential.”
We would like to thank Vikram Grover who has decided to move on from Tata Consumer Products. He worked with the Company for over a decade and played a key role in achieving several milestones for the Company’s branded tea business before leading the RTD business where he focused on scaling up the business and driving a strong portfolio across value and premium categories.
Mamaearth is proud to announce the strategic acquisition of the assets of CosmoGenesis Labs
Honasa Consumer Ltd., holding company of Mamaearth, The Derma Co., Aqualogica, Dr Sheths and a fast-growing House of Brands for personal care, is proud to announce the strategic acquisition of the assets of CosmoGenesis Labs (CosmoGenesis Cosmetics a sole proprietorship firm), a renowned leader in cosmetic formulation and development within the field of premium skincare solutions. With this acquisition, Honasa takes a significant leap in research driven innovation and underscores the capabilities to stay ahead of the curve in terms of crafting for Indian consumers.
Founded by Ms. Rohini Manoj in 2011, CosmoGenesis has solidified its position as a frontrunner in the cosmetic formulation and development industry in India. With a steadfast dedication to innovation and quality, CosmoGenesis has been instrumental in supporting a staggering number of over 5000 cosmetic and personal care formulations for businesses in India.
At CosmoGenesis, the R&D team boasts extensive expertise in various facets of cosmetics, coupled with rich experience in natural & organic formulations. With its fully equipped, state-of-the-art laboratory, CosmoGenesis demonstrates its dedication to excellence, offering global expertise to new-age companies and established brands worldwide.
Sharing her thoughts on the acquisition, Ghazal Alagh, CIO and Co-founder, Honasa Consumer Limited, comments, “Innovation has been at the core of Honasa Consumer and data-driven consumer research has kept us ahead of the curve in the personal care segment. This strategic alliance with CosmoGenesis will exponentially increase our ability to research new trends with greater efficiencies and help craft best-in-class products. It helps lay foundational setting for transformative growth and innovation in profound ways. This acquisition empowers us to tap into new sub-categories, leverage cutting-edge research and development, and ultimately, deliver exceptional value to our consumers. With CosmoGenesis in Honasa family, we’re confident that our ability will drive and scale meaningful growth and make a lasting impact in the beauty industry while staying true to our values of innovation, quality, and sustainability. Together, we are set to elevate the standards of skincare, providing unparalleled benefits to our consumers, employees, and stakeholders.”
“We have been working with Honasa Consumer for sometime now and have worked on some incredible innovations. As we join forces with Honasa, I am thrilled about the immense potential this partnership holds,” says Ms. Rohini Manoj, Founder of CosmoGenesis. “Our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, particularly in botanical ingredients and natural beauty care, ensures that we will continue to create groundbreaking products that our consumers can trust.”
Teaming up with CosmGenesis, Honasa is striving to offer an even wider range of innovative, safe, and science-backed skincare solutions to new-age and next-gen consumers.
Printers extend market opportunities for customers and provide higher levels of productivity, flexibility, and efficiency – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
Epson, a world leader in digital and printing solutions, today announced the launch of two new 44-inch, dye-sublimation products. Designed for low to medium-volume printing, the SureColor SC-F6430 4-colour and SureColor SC-F6430H 6-colour are ideal for applications such as textile production, personalised products, and high-end photo reproduction. The printers offer a range of significant improvements, including increased productivity and reduced wastage.
Based on Epson’s revolutionary Micro TFP PrecisionCore technology, which is designed to deliver exceptional image quality, both printers offer different advantages, depending on the needs of the user. The SC-F6430, increases productivity by 20% compared to its predecessor the SC-F6330. The SC-F6430H provides an extended colour gamut by offering the use of CMYK, plus a choice of either Fluorescent Pink and Fluorescent Yellow, Light Cyan and Light Magenta or Orange and Violet. As Epson’s first 6-colour 44-inch dye-sublimation printer, the SC-F6430H opens the door to an expanded range of potential applications for both textile and rigid substrates. This enhancement will aid the users in the production of fashion, home wear, sportswear, soft signage and promotional items, and much more.
“Epson has earned a powerful reputation for providing comprehensive printing solutions that cater to businesses’ unique needs, delivering exceptional quality, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Our strong presence in the Indian market further bolsters our commitment to supporting businesses with top-notch end-to-end printing solutions. These new printers are perfect examples of our commitment to listening to market needs and delivering timely and effective solutions,” said Satyanarayana P, Director – Sales and Marketing (VP/LFP/RS)
The SC-F6430 and SC-F6430H offer several other advantages to business users including new, higher-capacity ink packs that contain 45%* more ink (1.6L), reducing replacement frequency and waste. The ink packs only need to be shaken and inserted, no more pouring and stirring, which can create a mess. The printers also feature a new 4.3-inch touch screen which is 30% larger than the previous model. Simplified maintenance routines minimize downtime and software bundles are included to help businesses run more efficiently and better analyze costing and profitability. Both products offer users a complete solution including hardware, software, printhead, ink, sublimation papers, warranty, plus the SC-F6430H includes a bundled take-up reel.
Blue Star Ltd : Net Profit for the quarter grew to Rs 83.37 crores compared to Rs 74.35 crores in Q1FY23 – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
The Company entered Q1FY24 on a strong note on the heels of an exceptional Q4FY23 performance with a record carried forward order book and a promising summer season. While the unseasonal rains across the country resulted in muted demand for the unitary products, with its robust performance in its diversified B2B business portfolio, the Company delivered good results for the quarter.
Consolidated Financial Performance for Q1FY24
- The Company’s Revenue from Operations increased by 12.6% to Rs 2,226.00 crores for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, compared to Rs 1,977.03 crores during the same period in the previous year.
- The Operating Profit (PBIDTA excluding Other Income and Finance Income) for the quarter was Rs 145.00 crores (6.5% of Revenue) compared to Rs 123.31 crores (6.2% of Revenue) in Q1FY23.
- Net Profit for the quarter grew to Rs 83.37 crores compared to Rs 74.35 crores in Q1FY23.
- Other Income (including Finance Income) for Q1FY24 was Rs 9.40 crores compared to Rs 10.51 crores in Q1FY23.
- Finance Cost for the quarter increased to Rs 18.00 crores from Rs 10.62 crores in Q1FY23.
- Tax expense for the quarter was Rs 30.24 crores compared to Rs 26.34 crores in Q1FY23.
- Earnings per share (not annualized) for Q1FY24 (Face value of Rs 2.00) was Rs 4.33 compared to Rs 3.86 in Q1FY23.
- Carried Forward Order Book as on June 30, 2023, grew by 37.4% to Rs 5359.05 crores, compared to Rs 3901.48 crores as on June 30, 2022.
- Net Borrowing as on June 30, 2023, was Rs 283.46 crores (Debt Equity ratio of 0.20 on a net basis), compared to a net cash position of Rs 81.03 crores as of June 30, 2022. Relatively higher borrowing levels are due to the investments in manufacturing capacity expansion to meet the growth in demand.
Consolidated Segment Performance for Q1FY24
- Revenue of the Electro-Mechanical Projects and Commercial Air Conditioning Systems grew by 19.1% to Rs 949.12 crores in Q1FY24 compared to Rs 796.76 crores in Q1FY23. The Segment Result for Q1FY24 was Rs 66.62 crores (7.0% of Revenue) compared to Rs 45.17 crores (5.7% of Revenue) in Q1FY23. In the Electro-Mechanical Projects business, the government’s continued thrust in enhancing manufacturing Capex led to healthy order bookings from the Factories and Data Center sectors. While the Company bagged fewer than anticipated orders from the Commercial Buildings sector, it saw an uptick in enquiries from the Healthcare and Hospitality sectors. The inflow of enquiries and tenders in the Railway Electrification and Metro Railway sectors also remained buoyant throughout the quarter. The Commercial Air Conditioning business witnessed continued traction from the Government, Industrial and Healthcare sectors coupled with increasing demand from the Education and Retail sectors which enabled the growth of this business.
- Unitary Products revenue grew by 6.3% to Rs 1,198.45 crores in Q1FY24 compared to Rs 1127.59 crores in Q1FY23. The Segment Result was Rs 89.34 crores (7.5% of Revenue) in Q1FY24 compared to Rs 91.13 crores (8.1% of Revenue) in Q1FY23. With large parts of the country witnessing unseasonal rains, the demand for room air conditioners remained flat. The Commercial Refrigeration business witnessed traction across all segments with an uptick in demand from the Hospitality, Pharma and Processed Food sectors coupled with strong demand from Educational Institutions and Commercial Establishments. The Company also witnessed growth in the Modular Cold Rooms category with significant investments in Infrastructure for the Warehousing and Logistics segment, apart from seeing increased traction for its kitchen refrigeration equipment, driven by the growth of QSRs and the Hospitality sectors.
- The Professional Electronics and Industrial Systems Business revenue grew by 48.9% to Rs 78.43 crores in Q1FY24 compared to Rs 52.68 crores in Q1FY23. With a steady rise in corporate capex across segments, revenue grew across all lines of business. Increased penetration and investments in the Healthcare segment by both the public and private sectors continued to create opportunities for the Healthcare business. Additionally, the Non-Destructive Testing business also continued to gain momentum during the quarter. The Segment Result was Rs 10.49 crores (13.4% of Revenue) in Q1FY24 compared with Rs 5.89 crores (11.2% of Revenue) in Q1FY23.
Setting Records: Škoda Kodiaq scales new heights
In a moment that captures the true spirit of engineering, resilience, and exploration, Škoda Auto India has made history with the Škoda Kodiaq becoming the first petrol-powered SUV from India to reach the North Face Base Camp of Mount Everest. This incredible feat is now officially recognised by both the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records.
Commenting on this remarkable feat, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “At Škoda Auto India, we believe exploration drives progress. This achievement stands as a testament to this and finds great synergy with our strategy of being relevant, driving differentiation, and enhancing trust. Relevant because it reflects the growing ambition of Indian customers to go farther and demand more from their vehicles. Differentiated because no other petrol SUV has ever taken on such a formidable challenge and triumphed. And above all, it reinforces trust – trust in our products, our engineering, and our commitment to safety, quality, and reliability. We will continue with our focus on enabling journeys that go beyond the ordinary.”
The Record
Spanning over 6,000 kilometres across India, Nepal, and China, the Škoda Kodiaq traversed extreme altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, and challenging terrains to reach the Mount Everest North Face Base Camp on the Tibetan side. This expedition showcases the strength of the Kodiaq as a combination of cutting-edge technology, European design, and real-world performance.
Setting Records
In H1 2025, Škoda Auto India recorded its highest-ever half-yearly sales with 36,194 units, marking a 134% growth over H1 2024 and helping the brand rise to the Top 7 carmakers in India. Earlier in July, the brand also crossed 300 customer touchpoints, now present across 172 cities, reinforcing its commitment to getting closer to customers across the country. With a future-ready portfolio, a clear focus on customer-centricity, and a rapidly expanding network, Škoda Auto India continues to surge ahead in its 25th year in India and 130th year globally, fuelling its journey of progress with relevance and trust.
Revaa Launches Hip Huggers & Sleep Shorts; Eyes 750,000 Women and 25-30% Annual Growth
Targeting 750,000 new users and 2X sales growth, Revaa expands into period activewear with Hip Huggers and Sleep Shorts — Boy Shorts and Leggings to folloIn a first for India’s menstrual care space, Revaa, the fast-growing D2C period care brand, has launched its highly anticipated Period Activewear collection. Designed for today’s active, style-conscious women, the new line features Hip Huggers and Sleep Shorts with built-in leak protection, enabling women to move, stretch, and rest freely — all while on their period. The brand’s next drop, Boy Shorts and Leggings, is expected later this month, completing a collection that’s set to redefine period wear as fashion-forward wellness essentials.
“We’re not just launching products, we’re building a mindset shift,” says Mahipal Singh, Founder & CEO, Revaa. “Periods shouldn’t mean dull outfits or restricted movement. With our activewear, we want women to flow through life — stylish, comfortable, and empowered.” India’s reusable menstrual care market is booming, growing at 21% year-on-year. Yet until now, fashion-led period wear remained largely untapped. Revaa aims to serve a massive 75 million urban women in this space, with plans to reach 750,000 new users through its activewear line. The launch is also projected to double Revaa’s monthly sales and sustain 25–30% annual growth for the brand.
The Period Activewear collection combines sleek design with advanced period protection. Hip huggers offer a chic, high-waist silhouette crafted from bamboo fabric, featuring 4-layer technology that holds 40–50ml for 8–10 hours of worry-free wear, perfect for heavy flow days or an active lifestyle. Sleep shorts provide overnight comfort with a lightweight, breathable knit, a relaxed waistband, and 50ml absorbency, so women can enjoy undisturbed, stress-free sleep. Both products are available exclusively on Revaa’s direct-to-consumer platform, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to offering a trusted, community-first experience.
Since its inception, Revaa has focused on transforming menstrual wellness into a positive, style-driven experience. The brand’s portfolio spans three key categories: Menstrual Magic, offering reusable and disposable pads, liners, and period panties; Wellness Wonders, featuring essential oils and balms designed to ease period pain, promote sleep, reduce anxiety, and uplift mood; and Fashion Fusion, a vibrant collection of quirky totes, travel kits, pouches, and scrunchies that bring comfort and style together seamlessly.
Now, with Period Activewear, Revaa continues its mission of helping women flow through life with ease, style, and confidence — every single day of the month.
Emami Marks Golden Milestone, accomplishes 50 Glorious Years
Emami Group, one of the leading diversified business conglomerates in India, proudly marks its 50th anniversary, commemorating five decades of delivering happiness to the nation. The celebration reflects the remarkable journey of Emami from a humble beginning of a personal care product manufacturing company in the by-lanes of Kolkata to a Rs 30,000 cr business conglomerate employing around 25,000 people across the world, embodying the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship. The Emami Group was founded in the mid-70s in Kolkata, West Bengal by two childhood friends Mr. R S Agarwal and Mr. R S Goenka, who embarked on a courageous entrepreneurial journey that marked the inception of Emami.
With a 50-year history in background, Emami has grown to be a trusted brand in India. Its journey is marked by significant milestones and achievements, reflecting qualities like Courage, Tenacity, Spirit of Togetherness, Trust, and Care. Emami, known for touching the lives of its consumers and spreading happiness, is well known for its Innovative, Differentiated and Disruptive offerings. Present in 70 countries across SAARC, MENAP, SEA, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the CIS countries, Emami is acknowledged as a global brand with values rooted in India.
Established in 1974, Emami, under the visionary leadership of R S Agarwal and R S Goenka, started with a modest capital. Thereafter, Emami as a brand has grown from strength to strength – a journey that has been marked by pivotal landmarks – launch of flagship products like BoroPlus (1982), Navratna (1989), and Fair and Handsome (2005). Noteworthy turning points encompass acquisition of Zandu in 2008 and that of business of Kesh King in 2015. The philosophy of “Innovision,” where capabilities are driven through world-class innovation based on deep consumer insight, has propelled Emami to its present stature. Further, the Group’s major business decisions of diversification into businesses of edible oil and food, paper, pharma retail, leisure retail, real estate, contemporary art and sports where it has etched its leading positions successfully over the years, reflects its vision for growth. Emami’s evolution over time is also exhibited through its business approach of being present in dynamic new age categories offering high growth potential through strategic investments. The brand’s resilience in the face of challenges, its disruptive approach to business, and the tenacity with which it has pursued its goals exemplify the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship.
On the occasion of the beginning of 50 years celebration, the Emami Group formally unveiled a special Logo showcasing the legendary founders and the Group’s vision – ‘Making Lives Happier’. As one of the initiatives of this momentous occasion, the Emami Group has also commissioned a sculpture titled ‘The Earth Keeper’ at HIDCO ECO Park, Kolkata, representing the spirit of leadership, shared identity, the environment and hope that resonates with what Emami stands for. Crafted by
renowned artist and sculptor Jagannath Panda, the bronze installation features a deer with a hoof on a stack of books titled “Encyclopaedia of Desire,” symbolizing human materialistic desires’ environmental cost. Birds on the antlers signify collective refuge-seeking, advocating unity in addressing ecological challenges. Through commissioning of this unique artwork, the Group endeavours to present the city a symbolic structure that adds value to its surroundings.
Mr. Aditya V Agarwal and Mr. Mohan Goenka, Promoter Directors, Emami Group, said “We are extremely proud to celebrate this landmark year of Emami. This achievement reflects our journey of delivering happiness and consumer delight through our exceptional products and services. It also highlights our commitment to India and its growth. We are grateful for the trust and support all our stakeholders including customers, partners, and employees have placed on us over the years, and we look forward to many more years of this home grown success story to continue. Our commitment to deliver innovative and effective products at competitive prices has been a driving force for Emami throughout its five-decades of journey.”
To celebrate its completion of 50 years milestone in 2024, the Group has planned many other activities over the next few months. With the concept of protecting its legacy, the Group is setting up a Legacy–cum-Experience Centre on the lines of a museum spread over 5,000 sq ft in Kolkata to showcase its journey as an inspirational experience for the future. A Book on Emami will also be published on this occasion. The Group will host other initiatives such as an Art camp and a Conclave where the Group will felicitate people who have played a significant role in its journey. The conclave will also host Talk Sessions by eminent speakers on the 50 year celebration theme – ‘Making Lives Happier’.
PlayboxTV Soars to the 4th Place Among Bharat’s OTT Aggregators
In the fast-evolving realm of digital entertainment, Playbox TV holds the position as the fourth largest OTT aggregator and stands as a groundbreaking force seamlessly merging digital presence and premium Over-The-Top (OTT) services. With its cutting-edge technology, PlayboxTV is setting new standards for value-added services in the industry, revolutionising the way people experience entertainment.PlayboxTV is breathing new life into the cable community by collaborating with over 50,000 cable operators, empowering them to offer digital products and services. This innovative approach is reshaping how Indians consume TV content. By partnering with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), PlayboxTV delivers uninterrupted, all-in-one entertainment solutions to consumers at lightning fast speed. PlayboxTV allows users to stream premium content seamlessly on any device, whether it’s a mobile phone, laptop, ordinary TV, or smart TV.
What PlayboxTV Has to Offer?
PlayboxTV is not just another OTT platform; it’s a super OTT aggregator that enhances the entertainment experience for customers. Here’s what it brings to the table:
1. Comprehensive Content Selection: PlayboxTV consolidates content from over 22+ OTT apps, with an extensive library of 550+ channels spanning 10+ languages. This all-in-one solution streamlines your entertainment experience, eliminating the need to juggle multiple apps while offering a diverse range of content, from timeless classics to the latest trends, including movies, TV shows, web series, and live TV channels.
2. Affordability: PlayboxTV aims to cater to all your entertainment needs at an affordable price, with subscription plans starting from INR 49 per month.
3. Multi-Platform Accessibility: PlayboxTV is available on iOS, Google Play Store, Android TV, Android Box, and Fire Stick. This cross-platform availability ensures that users can enjoy their favourite content on their preferred devices.
4. Personalised Recommendations: PlayboxTV goes the extra mile by offering personalised content recommendations based on users’ viewing preferences, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Reshaping the OTT Landscape
PlayboxTV boasts over one million subscriptions and set its sights on reshaping the OTT landscape of Bharat by focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. In doing so, it aims to democratise access to high-quality digital entertainment, making it accessible to a wider audience.
In a world where entertainment content is unlimited, PlayboxTV emerges as a key player, bridging the gap between traditional cable services and the digital age. Its innovative approach, diverse content offerings, affordability, and personalised recommendations make it a go-to choice for entertainment enthusiasts across India. With its ambitious plans to reshape the OTT landscape, PlayboxTV is undoubtedly a game-changer in the realm of digital entertainment. So, why wait? Dive into a world of limitless entertainment choices with PlayboxTV today!