Voices

``We are competing with candies, colas and ice-creams. It is a game of acquiring share of mouth. The lifting of QRs will see more segments emerge and over time, we may see people consuming candies for reasons other than just indulgence.'' -- Mr Stefano Pelle, Managing Director, Perfetti India.

``There are over 1.5 million retail outlets for FMCG products in India. Over three-fourths of these stock branded impulse products, but less than a fourth stock chocolates.'' -- Cadbury India, in its Analysts Meet.

``The duty structure has left the industry gasping for breath. Not only does it have a killing effect on profitability, it has a cascading effect on marketers with roughly 37 per cent of the revenues going to meet levies and taxes.'' -- Mr A. K. Dhingra, Director (Sales and marketing), Perfetti India.

``With the current levels of inflation and economic indicators pointing towards a sluggish market, it would be difficult for the company to maintain the level of earnings unless it takes a price increase on finished products.'' -- Nestle India in its 2000 annual report.

``Apart from aggressive distribution tactics from competitors, Parrys' poor performance over the past two years was also on account of wrong product introductions. The distribution channels were not in a position to handle the volumes planned for them. We have now corrected this and are building our direct coverage.'' -- Mr N. C. Venugopal, Managing Director, Parrys Confectionery.

``The lifting of QRs opens a new window of opportunity for importing products from other Cadbury Schweppes group companies. This offers a more cost-effective way of trying out new products.'' -- Mr Matthew Cadbury, Managing Director, Cadbury India.