Future Group forays into dryfruit segment

Future Consumer Enterprise Ltd (FCEL), part of Kishore Biyani led Future Group has forayed into dryfruit segment by launching a new brand KARMIQ.
It has introduced a range of products such as KARMIQ California almonds, pistachios and walnut kernels and cashews to tap health conscious young consumers, FCEL said in a statement.
FCEL, which is the largest sourcing-to-supermarkets FMCG company, is planning to expand its consumer product portfolio from food and spices, snacks and beverages to quality dryfruits, it added.
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IPA appoints Nilesh Gupta as President
* Industry body Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) today said drug firm Lupin's Managing Director Nilesh Gupta has been appointed as its President for 2015-17.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Chairman and Managing Director Glenn Saldanha has taken over as its Vice President, IPA said in a statement.

Metro Cash & Carry opens new wholesale outlet in Surat
* Germany's Metro Cash & Carry today announced opening of a new wholesale outlet in Gujarat's Surat city, taking its total count to 20 stores.
Located at VIP Road, Surat wholesale outlet will be Metro's first outlet in Gujarat, Metro said in a statement.
Metro Cash & Carry India MD Arvind Mediratta said: "Surat is among the competitive markets in the country and our price guarantee reflects our confidence that local traders and businesses will find the right products at the right prices at Metro."

The company forayed into the Indian market in 2003 and has a network of 19 wholesale outlets in 12 cities.
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Blue Mount Appliances eyes Rs 200-cr revenue FY17 * Blue Mount Appliances, country's first alkaline RO water purifier brand, is targeting a revenue of up to Rs 200 crore this fiscal by expanding its reach in tier-II and III cities.
As part of its strategy, the Delhi-based firm is planning to have 400 distributors and 7,000 retailers supported by nearly 400 service providers pan-India.
Besides, Bluemount is also utilising multi-trade channels as modern trade formats, e-commerce portals and direct sales initiatives to reach out to the customers.

"In recent past, we have seen a high adoption rate for water purifiers in smaller towns which encourage us to come out with more product ranges to cater the large size customers ," said BlueMount Appliance Managing Director Vishal Gupta.
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VirtusaPolaris launches BankConnect
* VirtusaPolaris -- a brand of Virtusa Corporation and Polaris Consulting and Services -- has launched BankConnect service to create more personalised banking services for customers.
Tata AIG General in distribution pact with Bank of Baroda
* Tata AIG General Insurance Company today said it has entered into a corporate agency agreement with Bank of Baroda to distribute its products to the public lender's customers.

"We are proud to partner with Bank of Baroda to provide general insurance solutions for the bank customers. Bank of Baroda has one of the largest distribution networks in India with a very strong customer franchise," Tata AIG General Insurance said in a release.
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LMW develops solar-powered mini ring frame * Coimbatore: Textile machinery manufacturer Lakshmi Machine Works claims to have designed and developed a user-friendly solar-powered mini-ring frame, which would benefit the Khadi industry.
The company, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, had joined hands with the Ministry of MSME for developing the new machine to help the self-employed youth in rural areas.

The mechanised mini-ring frame with 32 spindles is driven using solar energy and designed with a host of features that ensure high productivity, quality of yarn and also provide utmost safety and user-friendliness, the statement said.