Polo Mint Shifted Under Allen'S

The Rs 1,435-crore Nestle India Ltd has consolidated all its confectionary products under the brand Allen's with 'Polo' being the latest addition to the list. "It is a strategic decision to move the 'Polo' under the Allen's umbrella and we feel this move will give the company more vertical focus on its brands," a senior offical of Nestle India told Business Standard.

"Yes, we have included 'Polo' brand under this umbrella recently in addition to the already existing products such as Splash and Toffo," the offical added.

Nestle which has promoted 'Polo' with arguably some of the finest and crispest ads will continue the 'Mint with the hole' campaign under Allen's Polo, in line with its other brand Allen's Soothers.

 

According to Nestle, this decision to bring in 'Polo' under Allen's is in line with its business development activities under which the company, in addition to consolidating its brands, is also planning to launch new brands.

In the domestic market during the previous year, Nestle India launched more than 30 brands. "The emphasis was in the thrust areas of culinary, chocolate and confectionay," the offical added.

Nestle India for the six months ended July 5, 1998, has reported a net profit of Rs 35.1 crore as compared with Rs 22.3 crore for the same period during the previous year indicating an 57 per cent rise. It has reported a net sales of Rs 787.6 crore (Rs 624.6 crore), an increase of 26 per cent. An interim divident for 1998 of Rs 2.50 per equity share and corporate dividend tax of 10 per cent per annum have been paid in June, 1998. The company has also commenced manufacture of sauces at its Bicholim factory and also its Bar-One chocolate brand at its Ponda unit. It has reported a gross revenue of Rs 794.3 crore (Rs 628.8 crore), while its gross profit after interest but before depreciation and taxation is at Rs 77.2 crore as against Rs 37.2 crore during the previosu year's six months period.

The company during the previous year expanded its manufacturing activities, enhanced its market presence through rapid launch of new products designed to meet specific consumer needs and has also consolidated and strengthened sales and distribution network, with greater emphasis in smaller towns and new business areas. The company during the year ended December 31, 1997, has been able to achieve its objective of doubling turnover every three years -- from Rs 716 crore in 1994 to Rs 1,435 crore in 1997.