What is the size of the Indian cosmetics market, and what is you share in the marketplace?
The Indian cosmetics market is worth about Rs 3 billion, of which we have about 60 per cent market share. You attempted to gain a foothold in the premium-end market with your Orchid brand. How big is this market to justify major investments in it? The premium-end cosmetics market is only 5 per cent of the total market. But we launched Orchid and invested heavily in developing these innovative products keeping in mind the growth prospects of this segment. Do you think the mass brands will make way for premium brands? This is not unlikely to happen. There will always be mass brands. However, consumers will upgrade to different brands as they grow in age and economic status. For instance, a collegian will shift to Lakme after she gets a job and might shift to Orchid after she lands a better job. Why is it that premium MNC brands such as Estee Lauder are not launching in India? Only mass brands like L’Oreal and Avon are in India. They sell in India, but out of select outlets. These brands
