FAN MAKERS AIR THEIR DIFFERENCES
Article Abstract:
In the domestic fan industry, organised players like Usha, Polar, Orient, Khaitan and Bajaj are facing stiff competition from the unorganised sector, who price the fans almost 25 percent lower by escaping from excise and sales tax. The difference in size between the organised sector, at Rs1,000 crore, and the unorganised sector, at Rs700-800 crore, is fast levelling out. Overall sales in the organised market declined by 8 percent in 1997-98. The unorganised sector is making good sales in the lower end of the market due to its price advantage. In response to this, the large players are focussing mainly on the premium segment, where brands still matter, by offering more product range and extra features. Usha is trying to consolidate by placing more emphasis on technology, Polar is concentrating on designs and Orient Fans of Calcutta is laying stress on marketing portable fans. Each company is launching new models for the premium segment. Khaitan is launching around eight new models and Bajaj Electricals is launching its Bajaj 2001 series of ceiling fans. Apart from these efforts, the companies are also introducing new marketing strategies like exchange offers and joint promotion schemes. The distribution network is also being increased. Usha is expanding its dealership network from the present 11,000 and Bajaj plans to increase the number of outlets to 10,000 from the present 7,500. (gsh)
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India: Organized players in local fan ind face stiff competition from unorganized sector, who price fans almost 25% lower
Publication Name: BusinessWorld
Subject: Business, international
ISSN:
Year: 1998
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THE BLOOMING OF THE SEEDS BUSINESS
Article Abstract:
Several private sector hybrid seed firms have entered the seed market in India. As per the government's new Seed Policy of 1998, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NBARD) has been permitted to provide loans to private seed companies at the same interest rate as that given to public sector seed firms. The private sector's share in the market has increased to 55 percent. The Seeds Association of India estimates the aggregate annual sales for the private sector at Rs1,467 crore in 1997-98. The net profit of private seed firms has increased by an average of 20 percent a year. Several firms are focusing on biotechnology and genetic engineering to produce superior hybrid varieties. Mahyco has tied up with Monsanto of the US for biotechnology research. Indo-American Hybrid Seeds Co (IHSC) of Bangalore exports hybrid seeds to the US, Holland, Africa and West Asia. IHSC has set up a biotechnology lab at Dhawalwadi near Jalna in Maharashtra. (vv)
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India: Several private sector hybrid seed firms have entered the seed market in India
Publication Name: BusinessWorld
Subject: Business, international
ISSN:
Year: 1998
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WELCOME TO THE HUB OF INDIA
Article Abstract:
Nagpur is slowly becoming the distribution capital of India with many companies planning to use it as the hub for distribution and transport. Nagpur is located at the intersection of all major road, rail and air routes in India. About 300 domestic and international flights cross over Nagpur everyday. The government of Maharashtra has decided to make the city into a multi-modal hub. There is a proposal to construct a freight city on 5,000 acres of land near the airport. The City & Industrial Development Corporation is the nodal agency for the project. (khr)
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India: Nagpur is becoming distribution capital of country w/ many cos planning to use it as hub for distribution & transport
Publication Name: BusinessWorld
Subject: Business, international
ISSN:
Year: 1998
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