Category Archives: Business

Mosaics Fine Art Festival Selects Best of Show Winner

Artist Ann Kathryn Kehoe awarded first place prize at 29^th annual art festival.

(St. Charles, Mo., Sept. 25, 2024) Missouri resident Ann Kathryn Kehoe was recently awarded the prestigious title of “Best of Show” at the Mosaics Fine Art Festival’s 29^th annual event. She was among nearly 100 juried artists from more than 15 states.

Kehoe received a cash prize of $1,000 as the first-place winner for her jewelry. Eight artists were honored with an “Award of Recognition” prize along with $500 each. The awardees include:

• Chris Abigt, oil/acrylic, from Ottumwa, Iowa
• Rob Gilmore, photography, from Maryland Heights, Mo.
• Naomi Hart, mixed media, from Hartford, Wisc.
• Christian Nevin, jewelry, Orlando, Fla.
• Neshama Roash, photography, from St. Louis, Mo.
• Tatyana Robberts, oil/acrylic, from O’Fallon, Ill.
• Leslie Song, mixed media, from St. Louis, Mo.
• Steve Springmeyer, photography, from St. Louis, Mo.

Denise Wulff, president of Mosaics Fine Art Festival, said Kehoe was chosen as the overall winner based upon her “handcrafted jewelry, which was both unique and beautifully designed.” Wulff noted that Kehoe “wowed the judges with her artistry and creativity.”

Pictured from left to right is Mosaics Fine Art Festival Denise Wulff, artist Ann Kathryn Kehoe, and Mosaics’ vice president Melinda Nolan.

The Mosaics Fine Art Festival is a nonprofit organization that showcases local and regional artists while educating the community’s children and adults in how art can enhance their lives. The festival features a wide array of artwork produced by a mix of emerging, mid-career and established artists in all media. For more information, call (314) 406-2067 or visit Mosaics Fine Art Festival.

GROHE’s Phantom Black sets new benchmark in the bathroom industry

New Delhi, September 24, 2024: GROHE, a leading global luxury brand for bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, has introduced industry’s first darkest black collection —The Phantom Black, which is part of its popular Essence range. This elegant collection was launched Pan India on September 20, with special preview at GROHE’s experience centers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Phantom Black combines elegance and sophistication, designed to leave a lasting impression in modern bathrooms. The launch event attracted a distinguished audience from the architectural, design & trade community, highlighting the collection’s appeal and significance in contemporary design.

GROHE’s Phantom Black represents a significant evolution in design philosophy, acknowledging a notable market shift from the traditional chrome finishes to the sophisticated allure of solid dark black. This recent addition by GROHE not only reflects changing consumer preferences but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of modern bathroom spaces.

The GROHE Phantom Black collection is distinguished by its innovative lacquer technology, providing exceptional durability to its finish. Resistant to scratches, fading, and corrosion, the smooth matte texture radiates luxury while enhancing the beauty of any bathroom. A standout feature is its ability to repel fingerprints, water spots, and stains, ensuring easy maintenance and a consistently clean appearance. Versatility and elegance define the collection, as its sophisticated finish complements a wide range of interior styles—from contemporary to industrial—making it an ideal choice for both designers and homeowners alike.

GROHE is expanding its design horizons by closely monitoring market insights and evolving consumer preferences. The introduction of Phantom Black, following the successful Matte Black range, demonstrates GROHE‘s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that resonate with today’s design-savvy customers. By offering a curated palette of colors and finishes, GROHE empowers consumers to create personalized bathroom spaces that reflect their individuality. This strategic focus not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also ensures that products are durable and easy to maintain, aligning with the practical needs of modern living. Through this approach, GROHE continues to redefine luxury in bathroom design while addressing the diverse aspirations of its clientele

Priya Rustogi, the leader at LWT India and Subcon said,” The Indian market is evolving like never before, with consumers increasingly seeking innovative designs and fresh colors like Phantom Black that reflect their individuality and contemporary lifestyles. This shift highlights a desire for bold expressions that transform spaces into personal statements.”

Stovekraft Expands Presence in West India with Launch of Four New Pigeon Exclusive Brand Outlets in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, September 24, 2024: Stovekraft Limited, a leading name in innovative Cookware, Kitchenware Appliances, and Consumer Lighting, is excited to announce the opening of two new exclusive Pigeon Brand Outlets in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This expansion marks the company’s first exclusive retail foray into the West Indian market, further solidifying its commitment to meeting the growing demand for high-quality kitchen products. The company plans to inaugurate three additional exclusive stores in the West India region over the next quarter.

The newly launched Pigeon brand outlets in Ahmedabad cover a combined area of 2,400 square feet. This strategic expansion is aimed at broadening Stovekraft’s footprint in West India, thereby enhancing its market position in the region. Presently, the company boasts over 205 exclusive retail outlets across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and the newly added Delhi-NCR region.

Mr. Rajendra Gandhi, Managing Director of Stovekraft, emphasized the company’s dedication to delivering quality products to Indian households. “At Stovekraft, our mission is to bring high-quality kitchen appliances to the masses. We believe in providing products that elevate the culinary experience of every household. With the opening of our three stores in Ahmedabad, we are thrilled to continue our journey of offering reliable and innovative solutions to our customers in West India.”

The new Stovekraft stores in Ahmedabad exemplify the company’s commitment to providing top-notch kitchen appliances and exceptional customer service. With an extensive range of products, including gas stoves, chimneys, pressure cookers, cookware, and a variety of small domestic appliances, Stovekraft continues to set new standards in the kitchen appliances industry.

Mr. Mayank Gupta, Chief Growth Officer at Stovekraft, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s expansion into West India, stating, “The launch of our three stores in Ahmedabad is a moment of great pride for Stovekraft. We are excited to introduce our innovative and dependable kitchen appliances to the discerning consumers of West India. This marks the beginning of our expansion plan in the west region, and we aim to open approximately 10 more stores in West India within the next 4 months, raising the total stores count close to 250 around the country”.

Dr. M Nanda, Chief Marketing Officer of Stovekraft, highlighted the importance of exclusive retail outlets in strengthening the brand. “Our retail presence is crucial in fostering a deeper connection with our customers. Physical stores in Ahmedabad will offer an immersive experience, allowing consumers in the city to interact with our products directly. This will not only enhances brand visibility but also build trust and loyalty for the Pigeon brand. We are confident that our retail expansion in Ahmedabad will significantly elevate the Pigeon brand further. With a large and exciting product range on display, with all information available in the store, consumers in Ahmedabad have already started feeling a strong connect with the Pigeon brand”.

As Stovekraft embarks on its expansion journey in West India, the company takes pride in the overwhelming support and acceptance received from consumers across its existing stores in South and North India. This positive response has been instrumental in motivating Stovekraft to extend its footprint.

Stovekraft remains dedicated to upholding the trust placed in us by consistently delivering reliable, high-quality kitchen appliances that enhance the culinary experiences of households. We look forward to extending this tradition of excellence to our three new stores in Ahmedabad and beyond, as we continue to innovate, elevate, and serve the diverse needs of our cherished customers.

Fixderma partners with Amazon to launch revolutionary Durave Range

Delhi September 24, 2024 – Fixderma, a leading dermaceutical brand, launches its latest innovation in the skincare category, a moisturizer range – Durave, a groundbreaking new line of seven products that are designed to provide comprehensive skincare solutions. These lightweight and quick-absorbing formulations are a lot “More Than A Moisturizer” with a two-in-one action of delivering 24-hour intense hydration while addressing specific skincare concerns for each skin type.

These dermatologist-approved formulations are packed with potent ingredients that can be your ultimate hydrating solution. Durave is a wide range of four face moisturizers and three body lotions, each product targets different skin concerns including acne marks, dry skin, dark spots, and sensitive skin while also strengthening the skin barrier.

While this is the exclusive Amazon launch, you can also visit our official website www.fixdema.com to claim your favourite one.

Ms Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-founder, Fixderma India Pvt Ltd, said “We are thrilled to introduce our new Durave range. Our previous Shadow Sunscreen range was well-received by consumers as a Summer Essential. With the onset of winter, we are confident that Durave will gain immense popularity and become a go-to product for individuals seeking a complete 360-degree solution to winter woes.”

Mr. Preetam Jena, CMO and eCommerce Head, Fixderma India Pvt Ltd, said “Fixderma has launched the Durave range on Amazon, Fixderma website & stores as a part of our omni channel expansion strategy. As we continue to expand our online reach through collaboration with multiple e-commerce platforms, we aim to complement the same with our retail presence and provide customers with multiple touchpoints to experience the essence of Fixderma.

Godrej Launches HIT Spray Matic: India’s First Government-Registered Automatic Mosquito Control Gadget

Chandigarh, September 24, 2024: Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), has marked its entry into the smart home gadgets for mosquito control segment with the launch of the revolutionary HIT Spray Matic. This product is the latest addition to GCPL’s extensive anti-mosquito armoury, further extending the company’s relentless efforts to protect households across India. Godrej HIT Spray Matic is India’s only government registered automatic mosquito spray device, which is designed to eliminate the threat of deadly mosquitoes instantly, setting a new benchmark in mosquito control and elimination. This innovative launch is available exclusively on Amazon.

According to Redseer’s report, ‘Unlocking Convenience: The Indian Smart Home Revolution’, smart home devices in India have seen rapid growth, with penetration rates rising to 8-10% in 2023, up from less than 4% pre-COVID. The report predicts this growth will continue, with adoption expected to reach 12-15% by 2025 and 25-28% by 2028. This surge is driven by increasing internet access, with 55% of the population now online.

HIT is the market leader in the mosquito aerosol category pegged at INR 570 crore. Aerosols form a part of INR 7400 crore household insecticides category that includes various solutions as liquid vapourisers, burning formats such as incense sticks, coils, and creams by launching HIT Spray Matic, Godrej HIT has attempted to merge both aerosol and technology into one to deliver instant protection from mosquitoes. The HIT Spray Matic operates on an automatic daily cycle, releasing a spray every two hours, ensuring better safety and efficacy.

Commenting on the launch of HIT Spray Matic, Shilpa Suresh, Head of Marketing – Home Care, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) shared insights on this development, stating, “At GCPL, our commitment to pioneering effective and safe solutions for mosquito control remains unwavering. With HIT Spray Matic, we are introducing India’s only government registered automatic mosquito spray device that is poised to redefine mosquito protection in Indian homes. HIT Spray Matic is expected to be adopted as a technology-enabled solution for those who seek convenience, efficacy and long-lasting protection from mosquitoes. The early response from our exclusive launch on Amazon has been exceptionally positive, reinforcing our belief that HIT Spray Matic will become a household essential across the country.”

The HIT Spray Matic operates on an automatic daily cycle, releasing a spray every two hours for up to six hours, and then automatically powers down. This cycle resumes 24 hours later, ensuring continuous protection without manual intervention. Offering 12-hour non-stop protection, even with open doors and windows, HIT Spray Matic ensures a safe, mosquito-free environment for your home. Each refill lasts up to two months and releases a mild, pleasant fragrance, combining efficacy with comfort. Designed for versatility, HIT Spray Matic can be easily mounted 6 feet above ground level on a wall, seamlessly integrating into any room while safeguarding your family from mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya and is currently priced at INR 650.

Indian real estate set for breakthrough: 16% annual growth to propel market to USD 10 trillion by 2047: Colliers-CREDAI Report

Sydney, Australia, 23rd September 2024: India continues to be the fastest growing economy driven by strong domestic demand, improving business environment and supportive as well as forward-looking developmental policy initiatives. As India heads towards its centenary year of independence, real estate will play a pivotal role in economic growth trajectory of the country. This long-term growth in real estate is underpinned by six salient growth levers which includes, rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, digitalization, demographic shifts, sustainability and investment diversification; all of which will form the bedrock for a quantum leap in Indian real estate by 2047. These long-term growth ingredients will be pivotal in the expansion of Indian real estate – from under a trillion currently, to potentially a USD 10 trillion market by 2047, accounting for a 14-20% share in the country’s GDP.

The interplay between real estate and India’s economic growth journey over the next few decades is explored in the latest report “Indian Real estate: The Quantum Leap” by Colliers in collaboration with the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) and released at the CREDAI NATCON event in Sydney. Most importantly, the quantum leap will create multiple real estate hotspots in its wake. Along the accelerated journey till 2047, various real estate segments will evolve and continue to proliferate, growing and maturing by varying degrees. Core assets such as office & residential real estate are likely to mature further and alternative assets such as data centers & senior living will embark upon strong growth trajectories. Market consolidation, fair-pricing and institutionalization will become more pervasive across asset classes, especially in the industrial & warehousing segment.

Likely transformation of real estate segments in India (2024 to 2047)

Shifting demographics and rising urbanization to spur long-term real estate demand

With shifting demographic pattern in India, the median age is likely to increase from ~30 years to ~40 years by 2050. Further, half of the Indian population is projected to live in urban agglomerations by 2050. With rapid urbanization and supporting factors like infrastructure growth & employment opportunities, real estate traction is likely to expand beyond the tier I cities and create dispersed growth centers in smaller towns & cities. Peripheral areas of established cities and tier II & III cities of the country will particularly witness accelerated real estate development across asset classes.

Shifting demographics will drive real estate activity, especially in housing and retail asset classes. With a significant portion of the Indian population likely to fall in the sweet spot of ‘First-time homebuyer’ age-bracket, healthy traction across housing categories is expected in the next few decades. Additionally, population with a significant share of older people can potentially speed up investments in the senior living market.

“With the interplay of dynamic factors such as rapid urbanization, rising median age, and technological advancements, we are on the brink of a quantum leap, entering a new era of growth and diversification. By 2047, an estimated 50% of India’s population will reside in urban centers, creating unprecedented demand across residential, office, and retail spaces. Alternative segments like senior living, co-living, and data centers will also witness exponential growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological integration, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency becoming a standard across developments. As India navigates this exciting trajectory, the real estate sector will continue to attract institutional investments, fostering transparency, fair pricing, and global competitiveness. Being a leading industry body, CREDAI looks forward to working with various stakeholders to ensure that Indian real estate witnesses sustained and sustainable growth in the decades to come,” said Boman Irani, President, CREDAI National.

 “India has set its sight on becoming a USD 10 trillion real estate market, driven by the sector’s ability to adapt and innovate. Landmark initiatives such as RERA and REIT regulations have enhanced transparency, improved investor confidence, and streamlined operations across the sector. These reforms, alongside critical programs like PMAY and Gati Shakti, are creating a conducive environment for sustained real estate development. The government’s focus on affordable housing, infrastructure modernization, and industrial corridors have transformed both urban and rural landscapes, driving growth beyond traditional hubs. This transformation is creating vibrant opportunities for developers, investors, and homebuyers alike.  As we move forward, real estate will continue to be a catalyst for employment generation, economic resilience, and sustainable urbanization, reinforcing its role as a key pillar in India’s economic growth story,” said Manoj Gaur, Chairman, CREDAI National

As India commences on a period of expansion across most economic sectors, real estate is set for a ‘Quantum Leap’, with multiple growth opportunities arising along the accelerated journey phase. Favorable demographics and urbanization trends are likely to accentuate the emergence of over hundred – million plus cities by 2047. This in turn presents a case for emergence of multiple real estate hotspots dispersed across the country. Residential, office and retail segments, particularly, are expected to mature significantly in the next few decades, creating substantial opportunities for investors, developers and occupiers,” said Badal Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer, Colliers India

Infrastructure enhancement & supportive regulatory framework, imperative for fostering long-term real estate growth

Infrastructure augmentation and policy-level push have enabled the Indian real estate to sail through multiple ebbs and flows of property cycles. Throughout last few decades, key regulatory frameworks and acts such as the RERA Act, PMAY, and REIT Regulations have provided a boost to investor and end-user participation. Policies and regulations for Logistics and Data Centers have been instrumental in the accelerated growth of newer real estate frontiers.  Furthermore, flagship programmes such as the Golden Quadrilateral Project, PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, ‘Make in India’ Programme and National Infrastructure Pipeline have positively impacted multiple real estate segments across the country, particularly the industrial & warehousing segment. With high-volume freight movement along industrial corridors, we can anticipate amplified requirement for warehouses, logistics hubs, and manufacturing units across multiple smaller locations in the country.

Over the next few years, asset classes under REITs/SM REITs will expand beyond office and retail to include warehouses, hotels, and rent-yielding residential properties. In the long-term, such financing avenues will become prevalent in alternate real estate verticals such as data centers, hospitals, educational institutes, senior and student living accommodations etc.

Alternate investments to become mainstream

Over the years, driven by strong domestic growth prospects, improvements in ease of doing business, and continual FDI relaxations, foreign capital inflow has grown significantly across diverse sectors. Institutional investments in the real estate sector in the last decade has crossed USD 60 billion, with majority being funded by foreign players. The anticipated spurt in foreign capital and equally strong contribution from domestic investors will fast-track the adoption of alternate funding strategies in Indian real estate. Green financing in the form of bonds & credit issuances and relatively newer financing avenues such as social-impact, distressed, special situation, and venture capital funds will become more prevalent in the next few years.

Digitalization & Sustainability will be the central themes in the future of real estate

Over the next few years, the Indian real estate sector will increasingly embrace digitalization across aspects ranging from planning, design & construction to property & facilities management. PropTech and Metaverse are likely to mature and elevate Indian real estate to global standards of operational efficiency, transparency and accountability. Increased data consumption, growing internet penetration, rise of online services, digitalization of businesses, and stricter adherence to data localization regulations are expected to spur demand for co-location and edge data centers closer to demand hubs.

Advanced technologies will also play a major role in decarbonizing the real estate sector. With focus on built spaces, developers will incorporate sustainable elements at every stage of construction. Green-certifications in the office market will particularly become a hygiene-factor and green-adoption levels are likely to increase from about 60-70% to almost 100% over the next few years.

HearClear inaugurates a new clinic in Jammu to expand presence across the country

Jammu, 23rd September, 2024: HearClear, a startup providing advanced hearing care solutions, has launched a new clinic in Jammu as part of its plan to provide advanced hearing solutions in the region. With the inauguration, the organization aspires to establish a world-class experience for facilitating hearing loss treatment for the elderly of the region.

 The new state-of-the-art clinic is in alignment with the brand’s larger goal of establishing an extensive retail network across the country. Acing its services, the clinic will offer top-class diagnostic solutions under the supervision of expert audiologists to promote ear health among the people of the region. At the same time, it will support advanced services such as hearing training, after-sales services, reprogramming, and fine tuning of hearing devices.

 The inauguration was facilitated by renowned neurologist Prof. Dr.S.K.Gupta and the eminent dermatologist Prof. Dr. Jitender Arora, former heads of the departments of Neurology and Dermatology, respectively, of Government Medical College, Jammu.

 The event was also attended by prominent dignitaries, including Prof. Dr. J. Paul, Prof. Dr. Romesh Nargotra, Prof. Dr. Yudhvir Gupta, Prof. Dr. Dinesh Luthra, and Mr. J.B.S. Johar, ex-chief engineer among others.

 Speaking on the occasion, Vineet Narang, the Founder & Managing Director of HearClear India, said, “The launch of the new clinic reinforces our commitment to create an integrated hearing care ecosystem across the country. It is a significant step towards strengthening our footprint in the region and addressing the issue of deteriorating state of hearing capability among the ageing population in Jammu. The new clinic will help us elevate geriatric care in the region with the inclusion of comprehensive hearing care solutions in the region.”