Education and Stationery Products
The flagship brands, namely ‘Classmate’ for the student community and ‘Paperkraft’ for the discerning working executives have established a strong presence in the Indian stationery market. The rechristened education and stationery business has expanded its range of products with the launch of scholastic products such as geometry boxes. The business has effectively leveraged the Company’s world-class environment friendly Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) paper manufacturing capability to impart unmatched quality to its product range. The business has played a pioneering role in partnering over 15 small scale units to upgrade their quality, delivery capability and business processes. 8 of these units were awarded the ISO 9001:2000 certificate, which is a first for the stationery industry. This accomplishment underscores the mutual benefits of a marketing partnership between a large marketing company and small scale manufacturers.

Safety Matches and Incense Sticks
In the Matches segment, new value added offers such as ‘Aim Mega’ and ‘Aim Metro’ have resulted in the combined portfolio delivering a topline growth of 8% in a mature category. The business continues to source significantly from the small scale sector, working closely with these units to improve their competitive capability through the induction of technology and best practices.

The Agarbattis business recorded an impressive 28% growth in revenues, riding on the success of ‘Mangaldeep’ and its two key sub brands – Madhur 100 and Yantra. The business continues to work in conjunction with NGOs and Self Help Groups in Tripura, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu etc., extending support to them by training village women in rolling agarbattis, thereby creating income streams for women from poor rural households. Livelihood opportunities have been created for 5000 people so far. The business continues to collaborate with Small and Medium Enterprises to harness the best of their entrepreneurial skills and raise their process and quality standards. 7 out of 10 agarbatti manufacturing units have received ISO 9001:2000 certification with our support. The business has commenced export of premium perfumed candles to the US. The business has also launched a range of premium aromatic candles in the Indian market under the brand ‘Expressions’.