The Company’s uncompromising commitment to providing superior value to consumers through world-class products helped in sustaining its leadership position in the cigarette industry. The strategy of value addition yielded an impressive performance during the year.

The market standing of the Company’s Lifestyle Retailing business stood significantly enhanced on the back of an impressive 52% growth during the year in both the premium and popular segments. The export segment also registered strong growth during the year.

The brand’s association with high fashion and premium imagery stood reinforced with the resounding success of the 'Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week' (WIFW), the country's most prestigious lifestyle event. As part of the 'Ramp to Racks' initiative, the business in collaboration with some of the leading designers of the country successfully introduced the ‘Wills Signature’ range of designer wear in select ‘Wills Lifestyle Stores’.

For every Classmate notebook sold, ITC contributes Re. 1/- towards its rural development initiatives including primary education.

Stationery sales doubled during the year driven by the flagship brand 'Classmate'. 'Classmate'has become India’s leading and most widely distributed notebook brand in a relatively short span of time, garnering a share of 16% in the branded segment of the market.

During the year, the premium stationery brand 'Paperkraft' unveiled its new designer range. 'Paperkraft' is targeted at discerning executives and college students and is available at all leading modern format stationery stores.

The Safety Matches business gained significantly during the year from synergy benefits accruing from the recent acquisition of Wimco Ltd. by Russell Credit Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

Market standing of the Company's 'Mangaldeep' brand of incense sticks (agarbattis) stood further strengthened with sales recording robust growth during the year driven by improved distribution reach and the launch of 11 new products(7 at regional level and 4 at national level). ITC collaborates with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to upgrade technology and quality standards to enhance their competitiveness. Currently,7 such SMEs manufacturing agarbattis have received ISO 9001 certification with ITC’s support. During the year, the ‘Mangaldeep’ brand was also exported to 11 countries including USA & South Africa.