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My India Times 2025-01-25 2

ITC Hotels Aims for Worldwide Expansion After Merger

ITC Hotels, one of the most prestigious hospitality chains in India, is initiating a significant transformation with its ambitious plans for global expansion. This strategic move follows its separation from ITC Limited, enabling the hotel division to function as an independent entity. As articulated by Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri, this increased autonomy positions ITC Hotels to pursue strategic opportunities and execute initiatives aimed at growth in both domestic and international markets.

Entering International Markets with a Targeted Approach

With a robust network of 140 properties in India, ITC Hotels is now venturing into global markets. The group’s international expansion strategy initially focuses on neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka and Nepal, as well as West Asia, regions offering promising growth potential.

Having already established properties in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Kathmandu, Nepal, ITC Hotels is further strengthening its presence with an additional property planned in Nepal. To accelerate this expansion, the brand is adopting a franchise and management model. This approach minimizes financial risk while simultaneously boosting the brand’s visibility across international markets.

A Shift Toward Asset-Light Growth for Speedy Scaling

Post-demerger, ITC Hotels has embraced an asset-light model that prioritizes management and franchise agreements over property ownership. This strategic approach allows the company to optimize its resource allocation, facilitating swift expansion. With a defined objective of increasing its portfolio to 200 properties, ITC Hotels is concentrating on the luxury, leisure, and heritage sectors, thereby ensuring its offerings appeal to a diverse range of travelers.

Sustainability and Culinary Expertise: Hallmarks of ITC Hotels

In the highly competitive hospitality sector, ITC Hotels distinguishes itself with a strong focus on sustainability and its globally recognized culinary legacy. These attributes have become the cornerstones of the brand’s identity, appealing to discerning travelers who prioritize eco-conscious luxury and exceptional dining experiences.

Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality

ITC Hotels has long been at the forefront of green hospitality, operating some of the most environmentally sustainable hotels in the world. The group proudly boasts 12 LEED-certified net-zero carbon hotels and five net-zero water hotels. These sustainability efforts go beyond industry standards, resonating with travelers seeking luxurious accommodations that align with their environmental values.

Showcasing Indian Cuisine on a Global Platform

Culinary excellence is another defining aspect of ITC Hotels. Renowned for its authentic Indian cuisine, the group has created iconic dining experiences, with flagship restaurants like Bukhara at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, earning global acclaim. These dining establishments continue to attract international dignitaries and travelers, offering them a taste of India’s rich culinary heritage.

A Diverse Portfolio for Every Traveler

ITC Hotels caters to a broad range of travelers with a carefully curated portfolio of brands designed to offer unique experiences:

ITC Hotels and Mementos by ITC: Luxury properties delivering personalized leisure and upscale experiences.
Welcomhotel: Premium properties ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Storii: Boutique hotels offering intimate, immersive stays in picturesque settings.
WelcomHeritage: Heritage properties that celebrate India’s cultural legacy through architecture and design.
Fortune: Mid-range hotels providing affordable yet premium services for business and casual stays.

Recent additions like Mementos and Storii reflect the group’s adaptability to the evolving preferences of today’s travelers, combining modern amenities with unique cultural and experiential elements.

Strengthening Domestic Footprint While Expanding Overseas

While ITC Hotels prepares for global expansion, its focus on the Indian market remains unwavering. Over the past two years, the group has launched 26 properties and continues to prioritize growth within the country. The asset-light strategy ensures this expansion is both financially viable and operationally efficient.

Enhancing Luxury and Heritage Offerings in India

In India, ITC Hotels is concentrating on its luxury and heritage segments to attract high-end travelers. Flagship brands such as ITC Hotels, Mementos, and WelcomHeritage are redefining hospitality by blending luxury with cultural authenticity, offering guests a one-of-a-kind experience steeped in tradition.

Competing with Global Giants Through Unique Differentiators

As ITC Hotels enters international markets dominated by established hospitality brands, it is positioning itself with a unique value proposition:

Unmatched Service: The brand’s legacy of exceptional service ensures that guests receive a personalized and memorable experience.
Cultural Integration: By weaving elements of Indian heritage into modern luxury, ITC Hotels creates a distinct identity that resonates globally.
Sustainability Leadership: With eco-friendly practices embedded in its DNA, ITC Hotels appeals to the growing segment of travelers who prioritize sustainability.

Operational Independence Fuels Ambitious Growth

The demerger from ITC Limited marks a pivotal moment for ITC Hotels, granting the brand the freedom to shape its own growth trajectory. With greater operational independence, the group can swiftly adapt to market trends, innovate its offerings, and attract strategic investments to support its ambitious plans.

Under the leadership of Sanjiv Puri, ITC Hotels aims to create a future-ready portfolio that caters to diverse traveler needs while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and quality.

Conclusion: Redefining Modern Hospitality

ITC Hotels is on the cusp of an exciting transformation, driven by its vision to deliver sustainable, experiential hospitality. As the brand expands its footprint domestically and internationally, it is not merely growing but redefining what it means to provide luxury in the modern world.

By combining tradition, innovation, and sustainability, ITC Hotels is setting new benchmarks for the global hospitality industry, solidifying its position as a leader in eco-conscious, world-class hospitality.

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My India Times 2025-01-25 2

Hindustan Unilever Targets India's Premium Beauty Market with Strategic Acquisition of 'Minimalist'

In a bold move to capture the pulse of India’s rapidly growing skincare market, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), a subsidiary of global consumer goods powerhouse Unilever, has announced the acquisition of a 90.5% stake in Uprising Science, the parent company of the trailblazing skincare brand 'Minimalist'. The deal, valued at a significant ₹29.55 billion (2.3 million), reflects HUL's confidence in the potential of India’s premium beauty and personal care sector as it adapts to shifting consumer behaviors and challenging market dynamics.

Minimalist: The Perfect Match for HUL's Strategic Vision

The acquisition of 'Minimalist' aligns seamlessly with HUL’s broader strategy to expand its premium beauty portfolio and tap into the evolving demands of India’s discerning, young, and digitally savvy consumers.

Why 'Minimalist' Stands Out

Science-Backed Skincare: With its focus on transparency, clean formulations, and ingredient-based solutions, 'Minimalist' has gained widespread trust among urban millennials and Gen Z consumers.

Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Success: Leveraging a robust digital presence, the brand has redefined skincare shopping by offering a seamless online experience.

Impressive Growth: Clocking a revenue of ₹3.47 billion in FY24, 'Minimalist' has established itself as a leader in India’s niche premium skincare category.

Strategic Implications for HUL

Strengthening the Premium Portfolio: The acquisition complements HUL’s iconic brands like Dove, Lakmé, and Pears, enabling a diversified product offering across price points.
Capturing Emerging Consumer Trends: By acquiring a brand that resonates with consumers prioritizing effectiveness and transparency, HUL positions itself as a leader in modern skincare.
Accelerating Digital Transformation: Minimalist’s digital-first model offers HUL valuable insights and infrastructure for strengthening its e-commerce and D2C capabilities.

Navigating Market Challenges: Urban Slowdown & Rising Costs

While the acquisition marks a significant milestone, HUL faces challenges in maintaining profitability amidst economic headwinds:

Urban Demand Deceleration: Urban markets, contributing 60% of HUL’s revenue, have shown signs of demand slowdown. Despite rural recovery, the subdued urban growth trajectory poses a near-term challenge.

Rising Input Costs: Commodity inflation continues to pressure margins, evident in HUL’s third-quarter core profit margin, which dipped by 20 basis points year-on-year to 23.5%.

Key Financial Insights: FY25 Q3 Performance

Profit Before Exceptional Items & Tax: Marginal growth of 0.2% to ₹34.69 billion.
Revenue Growth: A modest 2% rise to ₹151.95 billion, driven by selective price hikes and rural demand recovery.
Flat Sales Volume: Reflects weak performance in the food, beverage, and personal care segments.

Despite these mixed results, the Minimalist acquisition signals HUL’s intent to focus on long-term growth rather than short-term gains.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

Market analysts view this acquisition as a strategic leap that positions HUL to ride the wave of premium beauty growth in India.

Amit Purohit, Equity Analyst at Elara Capital: “Minimalist’s addition to HUL’s portfolio is a step in the right direction. While it adds less than 1% to the company’s total revenue, its alignment with future consumer trends makes it a significant move.”

Opportunities Ahead: Unlocking Long-Term Value

For HUL, the road ahead is ripe with opportunities to drive value from this acquisition. To ensure success, the company must focus on:

Maximizing Digital Synergies: Leverage Minimalist’s D2C expertise to build a more robust e-commerce strategy across all product categories.

Expanding Product Offerings: Utilize Minimalist’s innovation-driven ethos to introduce new products in adjacent categories like haircare and wellness.

Maintaining Brand Identity: Integrate Minimalist into the HUL ecosystem without diluting its unique positioning as a transparent and science-driven brand.

Conclusion:Charting a New Era in India’s Skincare Industry

Hindustan Unilever’s acquisition of 'Minimalist' signals a strategic pivot toward dominating India’s high-growth beauty and skincare market. This move not only strengthens HUL’s position as a market leader but also reflects its ability to adapt to shifting consumer preferences.

While challenges like urban slowdown and margin pressures remain, the acquisition underscores HUL’s commitment to long-term growth through innovation and digital transformation. With this bold step, HUL is poised to shape the future of India’s beauty revolution—where premium, purpose-driven brands like 'Minimalist' lead the charge.

For HUL, the acquisition is more than just a business deal; it’s a strategic commitment to redefining beauty and skincare for modern India.

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My India Times 2025-01-25 2

Global Brand Power 2025: Apple Retains Crown as NVIDIA Joins the Elite

The global brand landscape continues to shift dramatically as innovative companies redefine industries, connect with audiences, and deliver value like never before.

Insights on the World’s Most Valuable and Fastest Growing Brands

Apple has once again established itself as the world's leading brand in 2025, retaining its supremacy with an extraordinary brand valuation of $4.5 billion. The technology behemoth continues to set the standard in design, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Meanwhile, brands such as NVIDIA, TikTok, and DraftKings are redefining growth trajectories across various sectors. Below is an in-depth analysis of the key highlights and trends influencing the global branding landscape in 2025.

The Titans of Technology: The Top Five Brands

Four of the top five global brands belong to the tech industry, underscoring their continued dominance in the digital era:

Apple: 4.5 billion (+11%) Apple continues to lead with cutting-edge innovations, its seamless ecosystem, and its ability to build emotional connections with its customers.

Microsoft: 1.1 billion (+35%) Powered by its AI advancements, cloud services, and enterprise solutions, Microsoft records remarkable growth, reaffirming its leadership in technology.

Google: 3.0 billion (+24%) Google's data-driven innovations and unmatched search and advertising capabilities fuel its strong performance.

Amazon: 6.4 billion (+15%) Amazon’s ecommerce, logistics, and AWS dominance secure its place among the top global brands.

Walmart: 7.2 billion (+42%) Walmart's bold digital transformation efforts and sustainable practices propel its value growth, making it the only non-tech brand in the top five.

The Fastest-Growing Brands: Reshaping the Landscape

While established names remain strong, rising stars in diverse industries showcase the dynamic power of emerging trends:

NVIDIA: .9 billion (growth from .7 billion in 2020) NVIDIA's breakthrough in AI, gaming technologies, and semiconductor innovations propels it into the top 10 for the first time.

TikTok/Douyin: 5.8 billion (+79%) By redefining social entertainment and capturing global audiences, TikTok has quickly become one of the most valuable brands worldwide.

DraftKings & FanDuel: Surging Growth in Online Gambling With legalization across more U.S. states, DraftKings (.1 billion) and FanDuel ( billion) are capitalizing on the booming online gambling market.

BYD & Pinduoduo: The Chinese Disruptors BYD ($14 billion) and Pinduoduo ($13 billion) demonstrate China's growing influence on global markets, driven by innovation and customer-centric strategies.

Global Trends Redefining Brand Growth

Sustainability as a Core Value Brands investing in green practices and renewable technologies—like Tesla, BYD, and Walmart—are not just meeting consumer expectations but shaping industries.

AI & Digital Transformation Companies like NVIDIA, AMD, and TSMC are leading the AI revolution, powering everything from autonomous vehicles to advanced robotics.

Experience Economy Success stories like TikTok and Apple highlight the growing demand for seamless, immersive experiences. These brands connect emotionally and culturally with their customers, creating lifelong loyalty.

Regional Champions Challenging Global Leaders The meteoric rise of Chinese brands like TikTok, Pinduoduo, and BYD demonstrates that regional champions are redefining global competition with their innovative approaches.

The World’s Strongest and Fastest-Growing Brands

Strongest Brand: WeChat takes the lead with an impressive Brand Strength Index score of 95.2/100, leveraging its super-app functionality and deep integration into users' lives.
Fastest-Growing Brand: e& (formerly Etisalat) boasts an unparalleled eight-fold increase in brand value due to strategic consolidation and market expansion.

Conclusion: The Future of Branding in a Fast-Changing World

The 2025 Brand Finance Global 500 underscores a critical lesson: Adaptability is the new currency of success. Whether it's through bold innovation, exceptional customer engagement, or aligning with global values like sustainability, brands that consistently reinvent themselves are poised to thrive.

As the competition intensifies, one thing is certain: the brands of tomorrow are those that boldly embrace change, push boundaries, and resonate deeply with their audience.

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My India Times 2024-12-03 2

Hush Puppies Appoints Vir Das as Its India Brand Ambassador, Signaling a New Era of Style and Comfort with a Humorous Twist to Connect with Modern Indian Consumers

Hush Puppies Welcomes Vir Das as India Brand Ambassador

Hush Puppies, the iconic global footwear brand, has officially appointed comedian and actor Vir Das as its brand ambassador in India. This collaboration aims to blend the brandâ€™s timeless appeal with a fresh, modern touch, targeting the evolving tastes of the Indian audience.

A Perfect Match: Vir Das and Hush Puppies

Known for his sharp wit, style, and relatable personality, Vir Das is an ideal fit to represent Hush Puppies in India. His strong connection with the audience, both in India and globally, aligns with the brandâ€™s playful spirit and commitment to comfort. Hush Puppies, traditionally known for its relaxed yet stylish footwear, is looking to build a deeper connection with younger, fashion-forward consumers.

To kick off the partnership, a new campaign has been launched that highlights the brandâ€™s core values through a comedic and relatable story. In the film, Vir Das prepares for the prestigious Emmy Awardsâ€”dressed in a sharp suitâ€”but is missing one key item to complete his look: his Hush Puppies shoes. In true comedic fashion, he frantically searches for them, with the familiar line, â€œWhere are my puppies?â€ When he finally finds the perfect pair, he exclaims, â€œHi, this is Vir Das, finally ready for the Emmys, with my Hush Puppies.â€ The video reflects the humor, charm, and the light-hearted essence that both Vir and Hush Puppies are known for.

Vir Das Shares His Excitement for the Partnership

Vir Das expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, â€œWhen Hush Puppies called, I thought, â€˜Great, now even my shoes will have better timing than me.â€™ But on a serious note, shoes that look good, feel comfortable, and share my love for dogs? Itâ€™s like they took my spirit animal and turned it into a shoe. Iâ€™m thrilled to join the â€˜bright side!â€™â€

Hush Puppies Reinforces Its Commitment to Comfort and Style

Deepika Deepti, Head of Marketing at Bata India, shared her enthusiasm about working with Vir Das: â€œVirâ€™s unique style, his global lifestyle, and his ability to break conventions perfectly resonate with Hush Puppiesâ€™ promise of comfort, style, and fun. We are excited to have him represent the brand and help us bring our feel-good philosophy to a wider audience in India.â€

A New Chapter for Hush Puppies in India

This collaboration signals Hush Puppiesâ€™ focus on attracting a younger, more fashion-conscious audience. The partnership is expected to make a strong impact on the Indian footwear market, bringing the brandâ€™s comfort-driven footwear to the forefront of style-conscious minds.

For years, Hush Puppies has been a symbol of quality, comfort, and sophistication, and now, with Vir Das at the helm of its India campaign, the brand aims to redefine what it means to feel good in footwear. The collaboration promises to bring an exciting new wave of energy and appeal to the next generation of Hush Puppies fans.

As the brand continues to grow in India, this campaign marks an exciting step towards expanding its presence and reaching more consumers who value both style and comfort. With Vir Das representing the playful spirit of Hush Puppies, the brand is poised to make an even bigger impact.

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