It is the turn of Sony and Godrej to set their sales targets for this Onam. Sony aims Rs.100 crore turnover with a marketing investment of Rs.5.5 crore. Godrej has set Rs.80 crore as their sales target compared to their Rs. 52 crore business last year, an expectation of 50% growth. Both of them also announced various Onam special offers.

Kerala government can consider establishing an employment exchange in partnership with private firms. This will be a great way to make jobs available for a larger public even in hinter lands. With Akshaya centres and broadband connection at all Panchayats, an employment exchange that can be accesed over internet will be a boon for all in Kerala. Karnataka governement has plans to partner with TeamLease. Politicians in Kerala might think why partnering with a private enterprise, and may decide to do it alone. But a public enterprise will not be able match resources of a private enterprise here.

Onam is the biggest shopping season in Kerala. Economy eagerly awaits a heady Onam every year as it is the momentous time when every Malayali open their wallets. After a tepid Onam last year, expectations are huge this time. The buzz has started even though it is still a month away. Onam is a season when consumers are canvassed to spend for their wants rather than needs. Consumers will be convinced that they are getting unforeseen and unbelievable offers. It's a time when consumer prudence generally takes a walk and returns back after their indulgence only to realize that they have been outsmarted by some marketing professionals. But it doesn't matter as the saying goes 'Kaanam Vittum Onam Vanganam (Unnanam)'. Like every year, electronic goods, textiles, gold, automobiles, fancy ornaments, home decor & furnishings and alcohol would be on demand like there is no tomorrow. Discount offers will be a regular feature at every store. Electronic goods manufacturer LG a

As per the comment by Indian Commerce Secretary, Rahul Khullar, government may reduce customs duty on natural rubber which is at 20% now. Rubber prices should moderate with a reduction in customs duty.  Internationally the prices of natural rubber is in the range Rs.150-160 per kg while it is Rs.170-180 in the domestic market. This has been hurting tyre manufacturers. Automobile industry is in a quandary where they are not able to meet customer demands due to lack of tyres in the market. Recently India became the second largest consumer of natural rubber after China. One leading commercial vehicle manufacturer is rolling out trucks with only 4 tyres fitted. They are fitting another two tyres while the vehicle is with dealers. 

Business Line has a report here  that also shows a list of towns with ranks according to Income Tax collections. Kochi is ranked 19th with a collection of Rs.1091 crores in the financial year 2007-'08. This was an increase of 42% from the previous year. Thiruvananthapuram is ranked 41st with a tax collection of Rs.471 crores, less than half of Kochi. It can be said that the rank indicates business potential of that particular city. Thus it is significant to note that Kochi ranks above Lucknow, Coimbatore and Madurai.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation [KSRTC] has put out a tender inviting applications for licence to display advertisements on their 5473 buses which includes 20 A/C buses. The tender can be seen here . Tender is for 2 years which can be extended for another 2 years with a 25% increase. Tender costs Rs. 25,000 and closes on 3rd August, 2010. There was a notification last year as well. Whatever happened there was only very few advertisements seen on buses. This is a big opportunity for everyone involved - advertiser, agency and KSRTC - provided the license is with a professional agency with national reach and there is a mechanism inside KSRTC to maintain advertisement materials on buses. As such buses other than premium are not even washed and taken care off well. Advertisements are a gold mine for KSRTC. It would be better for KSRTC to take an agency on board for a fee (fixed + variable) and work with them to get advertisements and mange them too. There are many more opportuniti

Kerala government made Rs.483 crores selling lotteries in the year 2008-09. Revenue from lotteries grew a substantial 31% from the previous year. Lottery is huge business in Kerala. Lottery agents and shops are ubiquitous. It provides large scale employment. Everybody seems to buy tickets on a daily basis. Interestingly the governement opposes online lotteries. Is lotteries good for the economy? An economic pragmatist would say an emphatic no.

Today is yet another 'Hartal' day. The last one was on 26th June, 2010. Two hartals within a fortnight to protest the recent fuel price hike by the central governement! Economy takes a toll. On the positive side, hartal is a day for rejuvenation. It is a day when economic rat-race takes a pause, and people spend quality time with their family and friends. They can afford it as all their peers and competition is doing the same! Isn't it a wonderful day?

McCormick & Company Inc has acquired 26% stake in Eastern Condiments Pvt Ltd. The stake is bought for approximately Rs. 163 crores ($35 million) and the deal values Eastern Condiments approximately at Rs. 629 crores ($135 million). McCormick holds 50% stake in AVT McCormick Ingredients Pvt Ltd. AVT is a prominent tea brand in Kerala. Eastern is a leading spices, curry masala and other semi processed package foods brand in Kerala. Their products primarily reaches Keralites across the world. Mr. M.E. Meeran is the chairman of the company. VC Circle  has a detailed report. McCormick must have bigger plans in Kerala and India.