British brands are all the Raj in India
As Prime Minister David Cameron tours India in a bid to boost trade links with the former ‘jewel in the crown’ of the British Empire, he may encounter a home from home amidst the many British brands which thrive on the subcontinent.
Modern brands such as JCB now accounts for half of all construction equipment sold in India and Standard Chartered, the London based bank, made history earlier this year when it became the first foreign company to list in Mumbai.
It is through shared history though that most brands can trace their lineage, amongst them Lifebuoy soap. Launched in 1894 this was a popular choice in Britain for those desiring a scrub, particularly through the war years. Though largely forgotten now, today it is the market leader in India.
Other brands, such as Gold Flake cigarettes, have been taken over by larger Indian industrialists. Manufactured in Britain from 1878 the popular fags are now produced by ITC, India’s largest tobacco firm. A similar takeover occurred at Cox & Kings, the world’s oldest travel company. First established in 1758 the Indian arm is now parent company of its British operation.
Another blast from the past, the Royal Enfield Bullet, harks back to a time when British motorbike manufacturers were pre-eminent. Its sales leapt 20% last year.
It is the future which holds greatest promise however with many believing India to be a brighter prospect than China, its limelight hugging competitor.