These are some of the recent news and happenings in FMCG sector in India.

1. RECENT NEWS: FMCG (FAST MOVING CONSUMER GOODS) SECTOR

2. Instant noodles: Rivals turn the heat on Nestle'sMaggi Launch of Parle’s Big Byte soon dwindled to nothing and Voltas’s Cookie Feast arrived with a bang and left without a trace of ever having existed. In the near two decades of its existence, Maggi has been the only show in town when it comes to noodles. HUL has entered the fray with Knorr Soupy Noodles, GSK launched Foodles.

3. Maggi losing instant noodles market share in India to new entrants Maggi’s share of instant noodles, on an all-India basis, across urban markets, has slipped consistently. Maggi's instant noodles' value market share has fallen across the east, south, north and west zones for the same period. Nestle has the potential to expand the Rs 1,300-crore instant noodles category – which itself is growing at a rapid 15% annually. : “The category boundary is set to be re-drawn. From a snack food targeted at children, instant noodles category has evolved as a mainstay meal even for grown ups.”

4. Tata Global Beverages to enter kids foods business Global Beverages (formerly, Tata Tea) is poised to hit kids street. “We will be looking at nutritional food and wellness products in the food category. Nutritious food like fortified candies can be introduced for children. : “Our mission is to provide products in the market that deliver physical and functional benefits and satisfying emotional and well-being needs. Our vision is to be the leading ‘good for you’ beverage company.”

5. Coca-Cola enters dairy-based beverages segment Global beverages giant Coca-Cola marked its entry in the dairy segment with the launch of a milk-based mango drink. The product, Maaza Milky Delite, had been launched for the first time in Kolkata. The national roll-out of it would take place after the product's test marketing in Kolkata.

6. LG goes for an image makeover to target premium segment LG is working on a brand re-positioning exercise to cater to the premium segment by introducing more high-end products in India. The company is looking at bringing more products at the premium level, enhancing its after sales service and customer experience at the retail level. The company had recently launched hi-end products like 3D television on LED platform and 5-star rated refrigerators to tap the top end of the market.

7. Time is right for luxury watches in India Luxury watch brands like Rolex, Bvlgari, Omega, Tissot and Longines are eyeing the booming market in India. "India is one of the largest consumers of luxury watches and the market is booming.” The high-end watches cost anywhere between Rs 15,000 ($320) and Rs 50,000 ($1,100). There are some limited editions that cost up to Rs.5 crore (over $1 million).

8. Contd…. "Indians are very well-educated and aware of luxury brands. Indian customers are intelligent and when they get quality they don't hesitate in splurging," said Guillaume Marx, area sales director of ParmigianiFleurier. "The problems of customs duties, red tapism, etc do remain and will always pose a hindrance in the growth of this segment."

9. Colgate Palmolive gets HC nod to merge with CC Health Care Colgate Palmolive had applied to the High Court for the amalgamation with the company from April 01, 2009 The High Court of Judicature at Andhra Pradesh has sanctioned the scheme of amalgamation of CC Health Care Products

10. Dabur aims to double sales to Rs 7,000 cr in next 4 yrs It focuses on strengthening the healthcare segment to be one of the key growth drivers. The company's board members had approved a resolution to raise the fund. Dabur is looking at expanding its healthcare category besides growing the food, home and personal care businesses. "The 1:1 Bonus issue to the shareholders has been announced to mark the 125th year of Dabur's establishment. We feel the Bonus issue was long overdue to our investors,"

11. HUL's India operations become talent hub for overseas business Unilever is increasingly seeking their experience of handling a diverse and complex market like India to crack other markets, and it is assigning them roles that are more important in its present scheme of things. The majority of HUL managers who have moved out of India in recent times have gone to Asia (Bangladesh, China , Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand , Vietnam), East Europe (Poland and Russia) and Africa (South Africa); some have gone to the regional headquarters in Singapore, or to West Europe.

12. Contd… The plan, aimed at achieving greater cohesion among the multinational’s geographies. Unilever posts job openings on its intranet, and managers in other geographies are free to apply.