Archive: January 6, 2022

Gifts World Expo revives Corporate Gifting Business after the Pandemic!

Held at Pragati Maidan after a long overdue due to pandemic, Gifts World Expo successfully revived the business & networking opportunities. Ideas, innovations, and networking were the major highlights of the exhibition from 9-11 September 2021.

New Delhi, October 6, 2021: Gifts World Expo Delhi Edition 2021, held at the prime location of Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, concluded successfully after three days of exciting business & networking activities that saw more than twelve thousand visitors flowing in to witness the latest gifting trends in the post-pandemic world.

While walking on thin ice due to the challenging times, the popular gifting industry platform took a leap of faith to reunite everyone and get back to business with a variety of innovations and a power-packed environment throughout the Physical Exhibition. It garnered the reputation of being a point of convergence for industry professionals while following the COVID-19 safety protocols very strictly.

The 2021 Edition of Gifts World Expo witnessed more than 100 exhibitors, who brought together over 5000 products and 500 brands. Due to an attractive range of products, a great deal of footfall was witnessed. Visitors have come from various parts of the country (Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, etc.) reaching a staggering 7344 mark. Visitors were eager to check out the post-pandemic market after the long halt. Due to this, the exhibitors received the brand visibility that they were looking for, along with being involved face-to-face with prospective clients and decision-makers of the industry.

The Physical Exhibition witnessed some of the best industry names exhibiting their latest products, innovations, and customized creations for the diversified audience at the show. Some of the prominent exhibitors were Raymond, Go Noise, Decathlon, Jack & Jones/ Vero Moda, Baltra, Ubon, Ferns N Petals, Bombay Shaving Company, The Man Company, The Purple Box, Tamta, and many more.

Anshul Choukhany, KASA Enterprises, commented, “We were very cautious about how the event would go, given the entire pandemic being placed. But hats off to the team, they have taken one step up ahead, they have maintained all the necessary precautions. The response has been fantabulous; there have been a lot of resellers, and companies coming in. It is actually a very different experience after the Covid era you can say. Because people are more alert, and wanting to come out, wanting to explore new brands, new products because it has been over one and a half years that they have not seen the new concepts, new products around. Here we are again at the Gifts World Expo, showing the entire range of Jack & Jones/ Vero Moda to the entire team and the community of corporate gifting.

Madhumita, Founder & CEO of Hamelin, said, “Pandemic has been slowing down a little bit in the market. But I am glad that we are bouncing back and the economy is also bouncing back. We are getting a lot of fresh leads from companies that we have not heard of before. Great job guys. Really happy here!”

Himani Gulati, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., said, “Gifts World Expo received an overwhelming response. All the covid protocols were in place. Buyers were pouring in from all over the country, down south, and central India. Very apt buyers joined the show. The response was much better than what we expected. We had very serious buyers. About 20-25% of corporates attended the show. In terms of exhibitors, the platform this year witnessed prominent sellers like The Man Company, Humanitive, Scott International, Go click, Modways, Ubon, Raymonds, Baltra, Tistabene, Ferns n petals, Pluchi, and many more. People are back on track. It is a turning point for the industry.”

Commenting on the success of Gifts World Expo 2021, Gaurav Singh Juneja, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., said, “It was fascinating to see more than 12,000 visitors at the Physical Edition of Gifts World Expo in the post-pandemic market. Yes, it was challenging. But the platform as usual succeeded to gather a lot of serious buyers and positive feedback from the exhibitors as well. The enthusiasm among the buyers and exhibitors showed a very positive sign for the revival of the Gifting Industry post-pandemic which was badly affected, we could see buyers from all across India and which meant real business for the exhibitors.

Testimonials as such are proof that Gifts World Expo has created a standard of being a highly professional and well-organized exhibition that covers the diversified gifting solutions to fulfill every sourcing need even during challenging times.

Every year, the platform adds trendy products and solutions to this platform to stay up to date with the latest in the market. Considering the same Health & Hygiene section was a part of the show highlights. Visitors who poured in to explore the latest solutions in the post-pandemic industry were in awe of the incredible mix of products offered by the exhibitors. From eco-friendly solutions by Greenium to cruelty-free, handcrafted, and Made in India products by Hamelin; all were more than enough to leave the buyers mesmerized. The other exclusive products that enhanced the product range at the show were grooming items by The Man Company, charging solutions by UBON, Crystals by CrystalforWellness, high-purity copper products by Tamta, and many more.

Brands like Ferns & Petals added the essence of freshness and colors to the exhibition, with its floral and attractive gifting solutions.

About the Organisers:

MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. is an international exhibition company with a strong presence of over four decades in the advertising industry, over 20 years in publishing & 16 years in exhibitions. The company has produced more than 100 market-leading trade exhibitions for various segments in addition to publishing various magazines & advertising trade directories of repute. Successful exhibitions are conducted all over India, Dubai, Singapore, and Thailand.

Paytm enables users to ‘Tap to Pay’ from their virtual cards at retail outlets even without mobile data

Mumbai- 6th January 2022: India’s leading digital ecosystem for consumers and merchants (1) Paytm today announced the launch of ‘Tap to Pay’ which enables users to make instant payments through their Paytm registered card by just tapping their phone on a PoS machine. This will be possible even if the phone is locked or there is no mobile data or internet connection. Paytm’s Tap to Pay service is available for both Android and iOS users paying through Paytm All-in-One PoS devices and also PoS machines of other banks.

With the latest Tap to Pay service, Paytm uses its robust technology to convert the 16-digit primary account number (PAN) of the selected card into a secured transaction code or a “digital identifier”. This digital identifier ensures that a user’s card details remain only with the user and is not shared with any third party payment processor. When a user visits a retail outlet, they can just tap and pay on the PoS device, without having to share their card details through the transaction.

With the latest feature, payments can be made at all retail outlets, which have card machines that support NFC (near field communication). The cards can be managed through a dedicated dashboard on the Paytm app that offers a section on the transaction history of the card and at any moment can also change the primary tokenized card in a few simple steps. The dashboard also allows the user to change or de-tokenize the card whenever required.

Paytm spokesperson said, “True digitisation of financial services can only happen when it is not hindered by the limitations of data. With the introduction of Tap to Pay, we are now enabling our users to carry out all digital transactions with or without mobile data. This service is supported by Paytm All-in-One PoS, and also by most major banks and card networks to give our users the widest range of choices.”

Users can simply select the ‘Tap to Pay’ option on the Paytm app and activate their cards by following the below quick steps :

• Choose an eligible saved card from the card list or click on “Add New Card” on Tap to Pay home screen
• Provide the required card details on the next screen.
• Accept the Issuers’ Terms of Service for Tap to Pay
• Provide the OTP received on your mobile number (or mail id) registered with the card.
• You will now be able to see the activated card at the top of the Tap to Pay home screen.

Electric Mobility gains momentum in 2021: SMEV

Mumbai, 06 January 2022: 2021 has been a defining year for the electric vehicle market, especially the electric two-wheeler (E2W) in India. The total sales of E2W, including high-speed (HS) and low-speed E2W, in the 12-month period (Jan-Dec) in 2021 increased by 132% over the corresponding year 2020. The industry registered sales of 233971 E2W as against 100736 units sold in 2020.

The high-speed E2Ws, which have speeds greater than 25km/hour and require a full license, registered a whopping 425% growth, while the low-speed E2Ws (less than 25km/hour, no license, no registration) grew only by 24%.
The low speed has had negative growth in the last 2 quarters of 2021. The market share of the low-speed segment used to be upwards of 70% in all the previous years, and that has dipped to less than 15% in the last quarter of Oct-Dec 2021. The low-speed E2Ws are not subsidized under the FAME 2 policy that incentives only high-speed bikes based on their battery capacity @ Rs.15000 kwh, which has made the entry-level high-speed e2ws cheaper than many of the low-speed ones.

Commenting on the performance of the industry, Mr Sohinder Gill, Director General, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) said, “We haven’t seen better days than the last few months in the entire EV journey. In the last 15 years, we collectively sold around 1 million e2w, e-three wheelers, e-cars, and e-buses, and we will most likely sell the same 1 million units in just one year beginning January 22. The recent positive changes in EV policy through FAME 2 are a game-changer and a decisive move by the government to ensure a cleaner and greener transportation sector, reducing reliance on expensive and contaminated liquid fuel. Customers have now started shifting in large numbers from petrol two-wheelers to electric ones due to attractive prices, lower running costs, and lower maintenance. A significant percentage of customers also factor in the environment and sustainability in their decision to buy an electric two-wheeler. Going by the recent monthly trends, the next 12 months may see 5 to 6 times the growth over the previous 12 months.”

The E2W market is divided into 3 segments, low speed, city speed, and high speed. While the low-speed segment is waning away, the city speed segment (up to 50 km/hr) is gaining traction due to attractive pricing and lower replacement costs of batteries. Adoption in the high-speed segment, i.e., 70 km/hr, is low but may increase in the next few years as the battery prices come down.

Mr Gill explained the confusing nomenclature used for electric two-wheelers in India by saying, “Currently, all-electric two-wheelers sold in India are called electric bikes or e-bikes, but in fact, they are either electric motorcycles (around 2% of the market) or electric scooters (98%) that can comfortably seat two people and look like their petrol two-wheeler counterparts. There are no e-scooters like the ones seen in North America or Europe on which a rider can stand and go short distances. Electric cycle sales in India (popularly known as e-bikes globally) are also negligible and just beginning to happen. However, in the next 2 to 3 years, we will have products across all segments, ranging from e-scooters, e-motorcycles, and e-cycles from large and organized players. In four to five years, we can now confidently predict that around 30% of the two-wheeler market will be electric.

Both federal and state policies are acting as strong tailwinds to transform India’s mobility sector to electric and help achieve a reduction in atmospheric pollution as well as the ever-burgeoning crude oil import bill.

Disclaimer:

1. The data doesn’t include low-speed segment
2. The above data has been collated from the Govt records of Vahan

M3M Foundation starts free 100-bedded Covid Care Center in Gurugram

Gurugram, 6th January 2022: Looking at the rising cases of Omicron variant in the country, M3M Foundation with support from Health Dept, Haryana Government and Doctors For You has started a free 100-bedded Covid Care Center at M3M My Den in Sector-67 Gurugram. Support seekers can avail the facility by contacting the free helpline number 0124-4085480. The center is fully equipped with all the medical facilities, doctors and medical staff.

“The cases of the Omicron are rising exponentially and swift collaborative actions are required to ensure the gains against the pandemic are not lost. The free Covid Care Center will support the patients in Gurgaon battling the disease and will be a great support to the people from various communities who don’t have access to medical care. Being a responsible organization, we will take every possible step to support the country, frontline workers and citizens in these testing times. I also want to thank the Health Dept, Haryana Govt for supporting us in this cause,” said Dr Payal Kanodia, Trustee, M3M Foundation.

It is noteworthy that M3M Foundation had previously established a 300-bedded Covid Care Center during the second wave of Covid which helped many patients combat the disease. The Center is a part of the organisation’s “Kartavya” initiatives that seeks to empower the underprivileged. Earlier, the M3M Foundation has also taken encouraging steps for food security by providing meals to more than 1 lakh beneficiaries since the onset of the pandemic across the country.

M3M Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M3M Group, is working towards bringing equitable development for attaining a brighter India. Education, environment, health, disaster management and socio-economic development are its key areas. The Foundation believes in taking an innovative approach to address social issues by developing self-sustained programmes.

Grapes appoints Partha Sengupta as Creative Director

New Delhi: Grapes, an Integrated-marketing agency, has announced the appointment of Partha Sengupta as the Creative Director. He will be based out of the agency’s Delhi office and will report to Shradha Agarwal, Chief Operating Officer and Strategy Head at the company. Sengupta will be responsible for the agency’s creative output for brands.

In his role, he will supervise the creative teams, assist in campaign conceptualisation, and will overlook art and creative teams, respectively.

Sengupta has been instrumental in conceptualising campaigns of several brands. Prior to this, he was associated with Wunderman Thompson as a senior creative director for more than three years.

In his 13 years of advertising experience, he has worked on brands like Coke, TATA, Pepsico, Reckitt Benckiser, Nestle, Aircel, Uninor, to name a few. After graduating from the National Institute Of Design, he had worked in agencies like McCann Worldgroup, Rediffusion DY&R, and J. Walter & Thompson, Havas worldwide. He does earn his bread from advertising, but creating newness has always been the butter to his creative half.

Speaking on the appointment, Shradha Agarwal, COO and Strategy Head, Grapes, said, “We are pleased to welcome Partha to the team. He comes with years of creative experience in the advertising fraternity and is a great asset to us as he holds impeccable expertise in conceptualising and executing creative ideas for brands. I am confident that he will continue to be an amazing leader, he brings not just the experience but the kind of enthusiasm and passion he entails has inspired us. I am sure he will deliver astonishing work, and I could see an exciting time for the agency.”

Partha Sengupta, Creative Director, Grapes, said, “I am extremely excited and ready for the new and exhilarating journey at Grapes. Advertising gives me the scope to solve problems for brands through design, art, and creative strategy. I look forward to working with the teams and assisting them to deliver creative solutions for our clients.”

realme India’s #HopeForGood to Bring The Joy of Education for 100 Children for an Entire Year

Mumbai, 6 Jan 2022: realme India’s 2021 Christmas campaign #HopeForGood witnessed a heart-warming collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages India, where the consumer technology brand joined hands with the independent non-governmental social development organisation to spread a little Yuletide cheer among kids adopted by the latter and bring them the gift of education, among others, to secure their future.

About a week ago, a team from realme India was seen visiting the kids at an SOS Children’s Village. In the released video, the team showcased innocent dreams and limitless aspirations of these kids, and made an appeal for twitteratis to come forward and leave messages that show support for these kids.

A little #HopeForGood can go a long way. This Christmas, you can help us in supporting the education of a hundred kids for a whole year. Share your message for these kids and be their Santa 💖

— realme (@realmeIndia) December 21, 2021

realme India appealed to Twitter to send in as many messages as possible and to help them contribute towards fulfilling the aspirations of the children by sponsoring their education.

Earlier today, realme India released another video, delivering on the promise they made a week ago. The latest video compiles the success story of how Twitter and the realme community came through with their support to help sponsor the education of 100 young minds for all of 2022.

Your contribution went a long way in building the future of the kids and helping them grow.
We're thankful & grateful for everyone who helped us reach our goal!✨

Let's continue to keep the #HopeForGood spirit alive! This is what we call #MerryChristmas. pic.twitter.com/8kNgUSvkUp

— realme (@realmeIndia) December 30, 2021

Bhawana Sharma, Digital Director at realme India expressed gratitude at the support the initiative received, “It is heart-warming to see how many people came through to support the children. This is the first step marking the beginning of our Hope for Good initiative and we hope to take many such steps in the future to drive more positive change. We’re ready to start the new year with more hope and compassion.”

Eggoz appoints Samarth Wadhwa as Head of Marketing

New Delhi, 06th January 2022: Eggoz is ecstatic to announce the appointment of Samarth Wadhwa as the company’s new head of marketing. Samarth brings nine years of marketing, brand management, product promotions and digital marketing experience to the company. His appointment as Head of marketing is a strategic move by Eggoz to capitalise on the company’s recent success and the vision to grow. He will be responsible for directing the marketing function and defining the short-team and long-term strategies of the brand as Head of Marketing.

Samarth formerly oversaw Brand and Digital Marketing roles at Ford India Pvt Ltd. and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd. before joining EGGOZ. During his tenure, his valuable contributions have aided in the organization’s growth through innovative marketing methods. Samarth completed his bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications from Bharati Vidyapeeth University Institute of Management & Research in New Delhi, as well as an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the same institution.

On joining the company, Mr. Samarth Wadhwa, Head of Marketing, EGGOZ stated, “It is an honour to be a part of EGGOZ, the first consumer-focused and integrated farmer egg brand in India and promote their mission of supplying chemical-free eggs fully integrated from farms in every corner of India. I am confident that EGGOZ’s products, services and strategies will quickly propel it to the top of India’s business landscape. I’m looking forward to working with the EGGOZ team and helping the company thrive in the market.”

Mr. Abhishek Negi, Co-founder of Eggoz said, “Samarth is an expert in the field of marketing as well as a strategic thinker. He provides a varied set of abilities and a wealth of expertise to help Eggoz expand in India. Samarth’s enthusiasm and dedication to his work will be invaluable in helping Eggoz shape and develop new opportunities. I look forward to Samarth making a strategic contribution to the company’s success.”

Simpl eyes aggressive growth backed by asset backed facility from partner investors

Bangalore, 6 January 2022: Simpl – India’s leading Pay-Later platform – has secured an asset-based facility from Franklin Templeton, Finuvo LLC and Catalina Finance to fund the rapid growth of its 1-click pay-later offering. The funding line will support close to $1bn in annual payment volume.

The recent capital infusion, along with the Series B funding last year, will allow Simpl to accelerate the growth of its existing businesses, which have already demonstrated robust organic growth with minimal marketing spend, historically. Simpl will also be doubling its engineering, product, data science and sales teams to work on a suite of new merchant and consumer-facing products to enable zero friction commerce experiences. The company will continue to address the three fundamental frictions in e-commerce – user experience, trust and speed.

After growing its merchant base by 10x in the last 12 months to more than 10,000 online retailers, Simpl is seeing strong growth acceleration in user-base and payment volumes. Besides the growing merchant network that now includes bellwethers such as Jio, Zomato, Bigbasket and MakeMyTrip, Simpl’s growth is fueled by the rise of e-commerce and consumers’ increasing demand for safe, seamless and cashless premium payment options.

Commenting on the financing, Simpl’s Co-Founder & CEO Nitya Sharma said,

“Since the pandemic broke out, Simpl has seen even more acceptance among new customer cohorts, thanks to the greater safety we offer via our 1-tap transactions. While the customer response validates our operating model, the current financing represents a landmark transaction by bringing blue-chip balance sheet partners on board, which will allow us to scale the business quickly and efficiently.”

“Finuvo is pleased to provide asset-backed financing in support of Simpl’s mission to enable a safe and seamless buying experience for consumers in India,” said Heather Hamilos, CEO of Finuvo LLC. “Simpl’s business model produces high-quality, short-duration receivables, and its underwriting mechanism has produced remarkably consistent results during a volatile period. The company’s strong credit performance and experienced management team give us the confidence to support its continued rapid growth.”

On the transaction, Russell Byrne, CFO – Simpl, added,

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this transaction as we were most thoughtful with the structure to ensure Simpl has scalable access to a capital base of global investors. As the market appreciates the combination of low risk, short duration and high data visibility, we now have a robust team of funding partners and infrastructure in place to scale the business.”