Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting announces its 15% acquisition with a newaddition of Personal Wash Brands – Jo, Doy, and Bacter Shield

Bengaluru, Tuesday, December 5, 2023 – Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, announced its 15acquisition by acquiring Jo, Doy, and Bacter Shield, brands from VVF (India) Limited. This is also thecompany’s third acquisition within the last twelve months.

The acquisition will be a strategic expansion for Wipro in the personal wash segment. Jo toilet soap isthe key brand with a significant play in North, East and West markets. Doy operates in the premium segment with differentiated positioning, and Bacter Shield has an anti-bacterial range of soap and handwash. These brands together recorded a revenue of over INR 2100 MN during FY23.

Mr. Vineet Agrawal, CEO of Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, and Managing Director, Wipro Enterprises expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, in his released statement he stated, “We are thrilled to onboard the notable personal wash brands of Jo, Doy and Bacter Shield into the Wipro family. With a diverse array of brands and Wipro’s robust distribution network, we are positioned to fortify our market presence and propel growth. These brands complement our existing portfolio and will give us a stronger foothold in the key markets.”

“We are pleased to embark on this journey with Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting. The divestment of Jo, Doy, and Bacter Shield to Wipro aligns with our focus on optimizing our portfolio and underscores our confidence in Wipro’s ability to nurture and elevate these brands. This alliance reflects our commitment to delivering value to consumers and marks a significant step in our strategic business evolution”, commented Mr. Rustom Godrej Joshi, Chairman and Managing Director, VVF (India)Limited.

Mr. Neeraj Khatri, Chief Executive, Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, India, and SAARC Business,further added, “The addition of lo, Doy, and Bacter Shield to our portfolio reinforces our commitmentto enhance our offerings in the personal wash category in India and SAARC markets. The acquired brands have a strong legacy of over two decades, with Jo being recognized for its natural, fresh, and premium ingredients, Doy for its range of beauty and skincare soaps, and Bacter Shield for its focus onhygiene and protection. This move not only expands our product offerings but also strengthens our position as a leading player in the region, enabling us to better serve the evolving needs of our consumers.”

The brand Jo is currently available in five existing variants of Lime, Almond, Sandal, Rose & Neem. Doysoap is available in three variants of Aloe Natural, Hydrating Milk and Honey Glow. And Bacter Shieldis an anti-bacterial range with a soap and handwash.

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Driver Logistics launches Karnataka operations to Invest 525 Crores

· Pledges to Revolutionize Logistics Infrastructure and Boost Employment
· To launch in South East Asia with Thailand

Bengaluru, 04 December 2023: Driver Logistics, a rapidly growing logistics service provider, unveiled its multi-client warehouse and Partial Truckload operations in Karnataka. CEO Mr. Aqil Ashique, at a press conference, declared the company’s strategic vision to position Karnataka as its gateway hub connecting South India to the rest of the nation.

Over the next year, Driver Logistics plans to hire more than 150 individuals for its Karnataka operations, with a focus on engaging young graduates. The company is set to expand its footprint across Karnataka, offering Warehousing, Full Truckload (FTL), and Partial Truckload (PTL) services to clients in key towns.

With a bold investment plan totaling INR 525 Crores over the next 5 years, Driver Logistics aims to revolutionize the logistics sector. The infusion of funds will drive technological advancements, benefiting shippers, logistics service providers, and the local job market.

Established in 2019, Driver Logistics has achieved an impressive growth rate of over 30% annually, expanding its presence to 7 states. As part of its expansion strategy, the company plans to increase its warehouse count from 53 to over 100 in the next 18 months.

Karnataka is positioned as a pivotal hub for Driver Logistics, facilitating the consolidation of operations in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. CEO Mr. Aqil Ashique emphasized the company’s resilient and efficient business model, highlighting its substantial growth without external funding.

Mr. Aqil Ashique, expressed optimism about the central government’s initiatives such as Gati Shakti, anticipating exponential growth in the logistics sector and a significant boost for companies in the 3PL sector. Beyond national expansion, Driver Logistics eyes the growing trade between India and South East Asian countries as a catalyst for increased demand in professional logistics services. In line with this vision, the company is exploring expansion into South East Asia, commencing with operations in Thailand.

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Namma Yatri launches in Tumakuru, aims to Empower Drivers in Non-Metros and Digitize Mobility across Karnataka

Tumakuru, Karnataka, Dec 01, 2023: Namma Yatri (NY), the Bengaluru-based, community-led ride-booking app, announced its launch in Tumakuru today. Namma Yatri, part of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), aims to build a harmonious community of drivers and customers. It connects drivers directly with customers, ensuring direct and full payment. This will boost drivers’ income while delivering safe, convenient, and affordable rides to Tumakuru people.
What sets this launch apart is the grassroots support, driven by word of mouth and recommendations within the vibrant auto culture of Tumakuru. This launch is set to modernize commutes in Tumakuru, and the city can become a role model for building community-led mobility solutions. Over 300 drivers have already joined the platform, showcasing significant interest from the community.
Mr. Naveen Kumar, an auto-driver at Tumakuru and a Community ambassador, said, “Tumakuru is a smart city in need of digital transformation. Drivers want to give good service to customers. With doorstep pickups, it’s super convenient for customers. Customers can also share their feedback through the app which helps drivers to improve. The pricing is fair and complies with government guidelines. With Namma Yatri, drivers can earn more while customers pay less, and everyone reaches their destination faster and safer, making Tumakuru’s commute better for everyone.”
Shan M S, Chief Growth Officer at Juspay said, “We are pleased to extend Namma Yatri’s services to Tumakuru and empower the local driver community. The overwhelming response from drivers underscores the app’s value proposition beyond Bengaluru. Our people-first, tech-driven approach enables us to tailor our services to the needs of Tumakuru residents. We are committed to working closely with the Tumakuru community to fully digitize the city’s mobility needs for a hassle-free and cost-effective way of moving around the city.”
Digitizing mobility across India is pivotal to enhancing accessibility, affordability, and safety, contributing to overall economic development. With an existing community of 1 lakh drivers and 24 lakh customers, Namma Yatri is committed to expanding its services across Karnataka and beyond. Towards that goal, Namma Yatri invites driver communities in other cities and towns to take ownership and initiate launches to improve mobility in their areas.

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Stovekraft Expands its product portfolio with the launch of Pigeon Duo OTG Airfryer

Bengaluru, December 01, 2023: Stovekraft Limited, a pioneer in innovative cookware and kitchenware appliances, has launched the Pigeon Duo OTG Air fryer, underscoring its commitment to delivering cutting-edge products that meet the changing preferences of modern households.Pigeon Duo OTG Air fryer is an unparalleled innovation, seamlessly combining the functions of an OTG oven and an air fryer into a single, space-saving appliance.

Designed to redefine culinary experiences, this remarkable product brings convenience, versatility,and health-conscious cooking to your kitchen. With its spacious 25-liter interior capacity, itbaccommodates larger meals and facilitates the preparation of multiple dishes simultaneously. The Rapid Heating Technology (RHT) at 1400 Watts ensures swift heating, enabling users to commence cooking instantly and saving both time and energy.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajendra Gandhi, MD of Stovekraft, said, “We at Stovekraft have always been at the forefront of introducing high-quality kitchen appliances to meet our customers’growing demands. The Pigeon Duo OTG Air fryer is a revolutionary advancement in kitchen technology,designed to meet the needs of busy individuals and health-conscious families. This appliance seamlessly transitions between traditional OTG oven functions and advanced air fryer features,providing an all-in-one solution for baking, roasting, grilling, toasting, and guilt-free air frying. There movable trays make cleaning a breeze, ensuring simple and efficient upkeep.”

The Pigeon Duo OTG Airfryer uses Air Frying Technology to deliver crispy food textures with minimal oil, promoting healthier meals. This novel method provides the satisfying crunch of traditional frying without the extra calories and without sacrificing taste. It is simple to use, with 6 intuitive controls for precise temperature and cooking time settings.

Stovekraft Ltd (NSE/BSE: Stovekraft) stands as India’s premier kitchen appliances brand, established by Mr. Rajendra J Gandhi. Evolving from kerosene wick stoves in 1994, it now offers 600+ products under Pigeon, Gilma, Black & Decker, and Pigeon LED. With a turnover exceeding Rs. 1000 Cr., its presence spans the nation through 25 Super Distributors, 300 Distributors, and 61,000 Dealers.Stovekraft’s global footprint encompasses 12+ countries, including the USA, Middle East, and Africa,serving clients like Walmart and Big Lots.

Stovekraft has the largest manufacturing facility for kitchen appliances in the Harohalli Industrial Area.Near Bangalore. The second manufacturing unit is at Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

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Manta Air, the Premier Airline of Maldives, elevates to new heights with international flights to India starting from 2024

Unveiling direct Bengaluru to Dhaalu Airport routes from January 2024 with exclusive Packages for Indian travelers to explore the splendor of Dhaalu Atoll

Bengaluru, India, November 29, 2023 – Manta Air, the Maldives’ leading airline, proudly announces that it is starting direct flights from India to the tropical paradise of Maldives. The momentous announcement took place at a prestigious event hosted at the chic Bang at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Bangalore.

In a move aimed at redefining air travel between India and the Maldives, the airline will operate direct flights from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to the Maldives’ Dhaalu Airport, allowing visitors to avoid the hassles and additional expense of transiting through the main Velaana International Airport at Male, and gaining direct access to many luxury resorts located in Dhaalu atoll.

L-R: Deveen Colombage – Assistant Sales Manager at Niyama Private Islands Maldives; Daniel Farra – Resort Manager at Kandima Maldives; Richa Khera – Senior Manager BD India at RIU Hotels & Resorts; Ahmed Moumoon – Deputy CEO @ Manta Air; Neeraj Seth – Cluster Director PR at Pulse Hotels & Resorts 

Manta Air is the Maldives’ leading seaplane and domestic airlines operator and prides itself on providing its passengers with a seamless travel experience and exceptional customer service. By flying directly to Dhaalu airport, customers going to resorts located in that atoll are able to save on the usual transit time and additional transfer costs incurred when entering Maldives through the traditional Male’ airport route. Manta Air will provide easy immigration processes exclusively for its guests at Dhaalu Airport, enabling quick transfers. Dhaalu atoll is host to some the country’s best resorts, including Kandima Maldives, Niyama Private Islands, St. Regis Maldives, RIU, Baglioni, Angsana Velavaru, and Sun Siyam Iru Veli.

Flight schedules have been designed to allow guests to maximize their stay duration in the Maldives, with all flights arriving in the Maldives in the mornings and departing late in the evenings for India.

The flights are scheduled to commence in January 2024.

Ahmed Maumoon, Deputy CEO of Manta Air comments “This announcement marks a pivotal moment in our company’s trajectory – we are progressing from being the leading domestic and seaplane carrier in the Maldives to an international airline operator. With Manta Air’s expansion through a new direct flight route from India to the Maldives we anticipate a surge in travel interest and bookings from Indian tourists. This strategic move aims to enhance the guest experience and boost bookings for resorts in Dhaalu atoll, particularly Kandima, RIU Hotel, and Niyama Private Island, which are all located in close proximity to the airport. By facilitating easier and more affordable travel access to the Maldives, we foresee a substantial increase in travel demand from Bengaluru and across India in 2024 and beyond.”  

This strategic initiative signifies a major milestone for the homegrown Maldives’ airline and recognizes India as a pivotal source market for the Maldives. Manta Air, in collaboration with premium partner resorts, will curate combined exclusive packages for the respective properties that are conveniently connected to the Dhaalu Airport. These thoughtfully designed offers ensure end-to-end convenience for international travelers from India, resulting in significant savings on flight time and costs. With this initiative Manta Air aims to enhance the in-flight experience, streamline international travel processes, and eliminate the need for intermediary travel requirements or connecting domestic flights within the Maldives.

For more details, please visit https://mantaair.mv/

 

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