The year 2003-04 was witness to significant enhancement in ITC’s market standing in its newer FMCG businesses. New product launches, growing consumer acceptance and increasing market shares point to rapid progress towards leadership position.

A range of Indian ready meals was launched under the ‘Aashirvaad’ umbrella. These include Rajma Masala, Navratan Korma, Dal Makhani, Dal Tadka, Aloo Matar, Palak Paneer, Pindi Chana, Matar Paneer and Pav Bhaji.

Under its gourmet cuisine brand, ‘Kitchens of India’, the Company launched a basket of cooking pastes for a range of dishes including Chicken Curry, Butter Chicken Curry, Mutton Curry, Fish Curry, Hyderabadi Biryani and Vegetable Biryani.

Confectionery

The ‘Candyman’ brand was extended to deposited candies in the butterscotch and orange variants. The offerings of regular varieties were expanded with the introduction of orange and pineapple flavours. ‘Candyman’ also saw the launch of eclairs in choco and caramel variants.

Biscuits

The Company entered the biscuits market with a range of differentiated products under the ‘Sunfeast’ brand with offerings in glucose, marie and cream. The initial launch included two product innovations, namely orange marie and butterscotch cream. Bourbon and orange cream also form part of the range.

Agarbattis

‘Mangaldeep’ agarbattis were launched in ‘3-in-1’ packs (sandal, bouquet and rose). Bouquet and sandal fragrances are also available in individual packs. The ‘fragrance-locked’ system is a unique packaging concept developed by ITC to help retain fragrance.