By Dipali Goenka
India is home to a vast pool of skilled labour and qualified professionals. This has been the major driving force behind international businesses choosing to establish a base in our country or viewing it as a preferred destination for outsourcing – either way, to leverage its high-quality human capital.
Today, while India continues to be a hotspot for global businesses, homegrown brands are taking the centre stage as they proudly showcase their ‘Indian-ness’ and permeate the international market. Brands are embracing innate Indian elements, and this goes much beyond simply using traditional Indian motifs on product packaging.
Consumers at an international scale have welcomed this, too; and this spans across sectors from FMCG to Textile. The rise of Ayurveda in the beauty and wellness industry is one of the most prominent examples here. Consumers worldwide are choosing skincare products made from Ayurvedic ingredients and Indian herbs. Mahindra tractors are plying in US farms, Royal Enfield and Bajaj bikes are being driven on streets all over the world, Ola has taken its presence to several countries, and even Meghan Markle chose product from an Indian organic baby clothes brand – Malabar Baby, for her son Archie.
This shift in preferences among global consumers is not just tangible. Yoga, an ancient Indian practice, is making waves all over the world with even Hollywood stars endorsing it as a holistic approach to wellbeing. Additionally, India’s advanced digital infrastructure has played a vital role. From companies like Infosys with operations spread across more than 50 countries to the rise of UPI digital payments, Indian brands are some of the most dependable and active players in international markets.
Coming to Welspun, the company has come a long way from 1985 to becoming a leading player in the textile space. We have delivered brand like ‘Christy’ – the official towel manufacturer and supplier of The Wimbledon Championships. We have two licensed brands – Martha Stewart and Scott Brothers, and we plan to take our products to an even wider consumer base. Here’s an interesting fact – as of today, every 4th towel and 9th sheet sold in the USA is manufactured by Welspun.
In my view, Brand India will continue to impact internationally, powered by a rich heritage, talented and educated workforce, a variety of offerings, and the inherent focus on innovation.