Tag: Tata Group

rip

Simone Tata, Lakmé’s ‘Cosmetic Czarina’ and Trent Founder, Passes Away at 95

allycaralgoa

Written by Allycaral Desk

Simone Tata, the pioneering business leader who transformed Lakmé into India’s most recognisable beauty brand and laid the foundation for the retail giant Trent Ltd, passed away early Friday at the age of 95. She had been recovering from an illness and was undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital since August, following initial care at King’s Hospital in Dubai.

She is survived by her son Noel Tata, daughter-in-law Aloo Mistry, and grandchildren Neville, Maya, and Leah. She was also the stepmother of former Tata Group chairman, Ratan Tata.

From Geneva to India: A Remarkable Journey

Born Simone Naval Dunoyer in Geneva, Switzerland, she first visited India as a tourist in 1953. Love brought her back to the country, and in 1955 she married Naval H. Tata. Her association with the Tata Group began in the early 1960s, marking the start of one of India’s most impactful corporate careers.

Shaping India’s First Homegrown Beauty Powerhouse

Simone Tata’s formal entry into the Tata business ecosystem came in 1961 when she joined the board of Lakmé, then a small subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills Company (TOMCO), which was known for brands like Hamam and Modi Soaps.

At a time when India’s beauty market was either dominated by foreign brands or underserved, she envisioned a cosmetics line created specifically for Indian women. Under her leadership, Lakmé grew from a modest company into a pioneering, trusted Indian beauty brand. In 1982, she became chairperson, earning the title “Cosmetic Czarina of India.”

The HUL Era and a Strategic Pivot

In the post-liberalisation period, Lakmé Ltd entered a 50:50 joint venture with Hindustan Unilever to create Lakmé Unilever Ltd in 1996, combining Lakmé’s cosmetic strength with select HUL brands.
Two years later, in 1998, Lakmé divested its brands to HUL in a landmark deal valued at approximately ₹200 crore.

The sale marked a turning point. Instead of exiting the consumer space, Simone Tata shifted focus to retail—an industry then ripe for organised players. This vision led to the creation of Trent Ltd.

The Birth of Trent Ltd

After the sale to HUL, the company began its transformation by acquiring Littlewoods International (India) in March 1998, which was engaged in ready-to-wear retail. Lakmé Ltd was later merged with Trent, and the entity was officially renamed Trent Ltd, laying the foundation for a powerful homegrown retail empire.

Today, Trent operates successful formats like Westside and Zudio, both of which stand as testaments to Simone Tata’s foresight, strategy, and belief in modern Indian retail.

A Legacy Etched in Corporate History

Simone Tata’s contributions shaped two major Indian industries—beauty and retail. Her leadership style, long-term vision, and pioneering spirit continue to influence India’s consumer landscape. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy lives on in every Lakmé product, every Westside store, and every woman she empowered to embrace beauty confidently.

TechPulse

Air Purifier Demand at Croma Soars 30% in 2025, Driven Strongly by Delhi NCR

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Croma has recorded a significant shift in consumer behaviour in 2025, with air purifier demand rising by 30 percent year-on-year across its online and offline channels. The company’s latest analysis reveals that Delhi NCR continues to dominate the category, accounting for an overwhelming 72 percent of all air purifiers sold, reflecting the region’s ongoing struggle with poor air quality and its heightened sensitivity toward pollution-related health concerns. Maharashtra followed with 12 percent and Karnataka with 4 percent, showing that other states too are witnessing an increase in awareness and adoption.

Consumers across India are choosing purifiers equipped with HEPA filters, widely recognised for their ability to eliminate airborne particles including dust, pollen and mould. A growing segment of buyers is also opting for advanced models featuring multi-layer protection combining pre-filters, activated carbon filters and UVC LED technology to ensure a more comprehensive defence against pollutants and odours. According to Croma, air purifiers have evolved from niche seasonal products to essential year-round appliances as customers increasingly prioritise clean indoor air, particularly in pollution-prone cities.

Design preferences also play an important role in purchase decisions. White continues to be the most preferred colour among customers, accounting for 77 percent of all units sold, followed by black at 19 percent and metallic shades at 4 percent. The preference for minimalist colours suggests that buyers want devices that blend seamlessly with modern home interiors. In terms of pricing, the ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 segment emerged as the highest-selling category with 49 percent of overall sales. The super-premium range contributed 36 percent, signalling that more customers are ready to invest in devices with better room coverage, enhanced filtration performance and smart features. Philips and Dyson together commanded an impressive 84 percent share of air purifier sales at Croma in 2025, reinforcing their strong leadership in the category.

Croma also reported that it witnessed its highest-ever weekly sales of air purifiers within a single week, which alone accounted for 27 percent of its annual category sales. This surge aligns with spikes in pollution alerts, changing weather patterns and heightened public attention on air quality. Approximately 12 percent of customers further opted for Croma’s ZipCare plans, ensuring long-term protection and service support for their devices. Through constant analysis of customer behaviour and external conditions, Croma continues to position itself as a trusted advisor, helping customers choose the right air purifier based on their space, budget and health needs while offering the latest advancements in design and technology.

Travel

Air India to Resume Non-Stop Flights to Mainland China; Delhi–Shanghai Route Restarting February 2026

allycaralgoa

Air India has officially announced the resumption of its non-stop operations to mainland China, nearly six years after services were halted. Beginning 1 February 2026, the airline will operate four weekly flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG), marking a major milestone in restoring India–China air connectivity.

The flights will be operated using Air India’s modern Boeing 787-8 aircraft, equipped with 18 fully flat beds in Business Class and 238 comfortable seats in Economy Class. Shanghai now becomes the 48th international destination served by the Air India group.

In addition, Air India has revealed plans to launch a Mumbai–Shanghai non-stop service later in 2026, pending regulatory permissions.

A Major Step Forward for India–China Connectivity

The resumption follows new diplomatic agreements that restored suspended air links between the two nations. Air India originally launched non-stop flights to mainland China in October 2000, and this relaunch reflects renewed confidence in business, tourism, trade, and academic exchanges.

Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson called the move a symbolic reconnection of two ancient cultures and fast-growing global economies.
He stated:

“This resumption is more than a route launch. It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses. We are happy to reconnect one of the world’s most vital air corridors, enabling travellers to pursue opportunities in business, trade, healthcare, education and culture — with warm Indian hospitality that defines Air India.”

Flight Schedule: Delhi (DEL) – Shanghai (PVG)

Effective 01 February 2026

Flight No.SectorDepartureArrivalDays
AI352Delhi–Shanghai1200 hrs2020 hrsTue, Thu, Fri, Sun
AI351Shanghai–Delhi2200 hrs0315 hrs (+1)Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun

Bookings are now progressively opening across Air India’s channels — website, app, sales offices, contact centre, and travel agents worldwide.

The airline expects that the restored route will help strengthen ties in pharmaceuticals, technology, education, finance, and tourism, contributing to deeper socio-economic exchanges.

Business

Croma Launches Festival of Dreams with Up to 35% Off on Electronics

Tanisha Cardozo

Croma, India’s leading omni-channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group, has kicked off the festive season with the return of its much-anticipated Festival of Dreams campaign. Running until October 23, 2025, the campaign brings customers across India an unbeatable mix of festive offers, flat discounts, and special deals across a wide range of categories both in-store and online.

This season, shoppers can enjoy flat 35% off* on popular categories such as TVs, air conditioners, small home appliances, and audio gear. Smartphones, laptops, refrigerators, and washing machines are also seeing exciting markdowns of up to 30%. In addition to discounts, customers can take advantage of cashback offers up to 20%*, exchange bonuses, and attractive EMI plans — all designed to make upgrading your home or buying gifts for loved ones easier and more joyful.

A spokesperson from Infiniti Retail Ltd shared, “Festive shopping should be simple, joyful, and stress-free. With flat savings across the most-loved categories and special windows around Dussehra, Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj, we’ve curated offers that will add an extra element of celebration to every Indian home. Through our Festival of Dreams, it is our endeavour to ensure our customers have a joyful and fulfilling festive celebration with their loved ones.”

Recent GST reforms have led to an additional 10% savings on TVs and air conditioners, giving customers more value during the high-spend festive season. Whether customers choose to shop at one of the 560+ Croma stores across 200+ cities or online via croma.com and Tata Neu, they’ll find a seamless experience with mirrored offers, expert buying support, and convenient order tracking.

Croma’s omni-channel capabilities mean shoppers can research online, reserve products, opt for store pickup, or request doorstep delivery. Whether upgrading your own home or buying thoughtful gifts for loved ones, the Festival of Dreams ensures every celebration is filled with smart savings and joy.

Offers applicable only on select brands, classes & categories and may vary by store and city. T&C Apply.

EduConnect

Somerville College, Oxford Honours Natarajan Chandrasekaran with Prestigious Foundation Fellowship

Tanisha Cardozo

Somerville College at the University of Oxford has proudly announced the election of Mr Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, as a Foundation Fellow—one of the highest honours the College bestows for philanthropy. This prestigious recognition was conferred during a ceremony held on 23rd September 2025, attended by distinguished guests including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey, the High Commissioner of India, HE Vikram Doraiswami, and other prominent leaders from the Tata Group and academia.

Chandrasekaran, widely known as Chandra, was elected to this Fellowship by the outgoing Principal, Baroness Jan Royall, along with the Governing Body of Somerville College, in acknowledgment of his instrumental role in enabling the creation of the College’s new flagship teaching and learning hub—the Ratan Tata Building. Named after Mr Ratan Tata, a revered philanthropist and Chandrasekaran’s mentor, this building will serve as the permanent home for the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD). Since its inception in 2013, the OICSD has been a leading force in researching critical issues related to sustainability and development that impact India and the global community.

A Foundation Fellowship creates a lifelong bond between the recipient and Somerville College and is a testament to the transformative support and enduring partnership between the Tata Group and Oxford. Catherine Royle, Principal of Somerville College, praised Chandrasekaran as “a shining testament to the power of meritocracy and just how much can be achieved through intellect and hard work,” celebrating his ongoing contributions to the shared vision between the College, the OICSD, and the Tata Group.

In his remarks, Natarajan Chandrasekaran highlighted the long-standing commitment of Somerville College to addressing pressing social causes over nearly 150 years, aligning with the core values of the Tata Group and its luminary Ratan Tata. He expressed confidence that the partnership’s fertile interdisciplinary environment would continue to foster collaboration and innovation to tackle some of the world’s most urgent environmental and social challenges.

Chandrasekaran’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences from the Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, followed by a Master of Computer Applications from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli. Since completing his studies, he has dedicated himself to the Tata Group, ascending through leadership roles to become Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of India’s largest business conglomerate.

The conferral of the Foundation Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between one of India’s most respected business leaders and one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, reinforcing a shared commitment to philanthropy, education, and sustainable development.