Mobile Commerce on Rise; Contributing 45% of Total Online Transactions: Criteo Report

Criteo, the leading commerce marketing technology company, today debuted findings from its Global Commerce Review, analyzing shoppers’ activities, behaviors and preferences across all devices and browsing environments. The report, which highlights a growing importance of mobile apps among shoppers, reinforces the “mobile-first” mindset, and will help inform omnichannel commerce marketing strategies worldwide. Another key finding includes the relevant touchpoints for a shopper’s journey.

Expressing his views on the findings of the research, Siddharth Dabhade, General Manager, Criteo India said, “With increase in smartphone usage, app adoption and mobile browsing is the largest media consumption for Indian consumers.  And with this, an interesting omnichannel shopping pattern has also emerged.  He further added, “Our latest study also illustrates this, where smartphones are seen contributing to nearly fifty percent of the total online transactions in India. It is the perfect time for brands and retailers to leverage the rise of mobile-commerce in India and invest in mobile apps and mobile advertising, to effectively connect with shoppers to yield greatest possible commerce results”

Research Highlights:

Mobile Growth
Mobile web usage has reached a maturity point, but shoppers rarely stay in one place for long, moving in and out of walled gardens, and are still buying on-the-go, with varying levels of frequency, on all connected devices. Also with rise in the mobile usage, the frequency of the shopper engagement is also increasing.

In India, smartphones contributes 45% of total transactions (App excluded). Smartphone usage has been increasing at 6% since Q4 2016, showing that smartphones continue to be the most preferred environment.

Omnichannel Matters
The omnichannel strategies help educate shoppers during their winding journey, which in turn drives positive online results.

 Global omnichannel customers offer the highest lifetime value to brands and retailers, generating 27 percent of all sales, despite representing only 7 percent of all customers.

Globally, retailers that are successful in combining offline and online data are able to apply more than four times (4X) as much sales data to improve marketing efforts.

 App Opportunity
App has now become a crucial touchpoint for a shopper’s journey. Owing to this fact, apps are presenting a huge opportunity in terms of reaching out to the mobile first shoppers. In order to better connect with these mobile-first shoppers, enhance mobile shopper engagement and get substantial sales, retailers and brands need to invest in mobile app optimization and build a targeted marketing strategy.

 Conversion rates are 5 times higher on app, about 20% then on mobile web, which is 4%, in the Asia-Pacific region. Globally, advertisers saw nearly a 50 percent year-over-year increase of in-app transactions, climbing to 46 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017.

 Shopping Moments
Consumers continue to trade desktop for mobile, and back again, depending on the time and day they are shopping online.

 Retailers looking to target the busy working customer cannot ignore the dominance of desktop during business hours, especially between 9 a.m. - noon. Alternatively, optimizing for smartphone and tablet targeting remains critical in the evenings and throughout the weekend.

 Cross Device Data
Cross-device data combinations can help retailers make up lost ground from lower shares of mobile sales. It also helps in revealing where the shopper will go based on where their journey began.
 In India, 25% of post click sales are preceded by a click on another device.

 Combining cross-device data to better understand and target shopper intent allows marketers to capture higher-value shoppers. This trend is apparent in Travel & Retail category.

SAP Ariba Makes Procurement a Snap for Mid-Market in India

When it comes to taming the complexity of procurement, size doesn’t matter. Mid-market companies face the same challenges in managing their spend and suppliers as their larger peers and should have access to the same enterprise-class technology they use to overcome them. Now they do, thanks to SAP Ariba Snap, a new, packaged offering from SAP Ariba that provides fast-growing companies with everything they need to drive a simple, efficient buying process that quickly delivers results. The company will showcase the solution – and the success it is driving for companies around the world – at SAP Ariba Live, the premier business commerce conference that kicks off today at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

 “Procurement innovation and excellence are not the exclusive domain of large enterprises,” said Jason Wolf, Global Head, Strategic Growth Initiatives, SAP Ariba. “With SAP Ariba Snap, mid-market companies can leverage the full strength of SAP Ariba’s market-leading cloud-based applications and business network to digitize the source-to-settle process from end to end and run simpler and smarter than ever.”
 Doing the Heavy Lifting

SAP Ariba Snap provides simple, affordable and scalable implementation options led by SAP Ariba partners that enable growing enterprises to quickly get on the path to digitization and begin delivering results. And there’s nothing light about it. Using the solution, mid-market companies can leverage decades of best practices alongside market-leading software to automate every step of the source-to-settle process and beyond savings and efficiencies, drive real business value.

 Sourcing: Collaborate with trading partners, compare bids side-by-side, and award business to suppliers that can deliver what’s needed, when needed, on the most optimal terms.
 Orders: Access the world’s largest network of more than 3 million companies to find and immediately buy millions of items from vetted suppliers around the world.

 Invoicing: Replace tedious manual processes with efficient digital ones to speed accuracy, approvals, payments and delivery.

Contracting: Create a simple, consumer-like experience that makes it easy for end users to buy from preferred vendors in line with company policies to increase spend under control and drive compliance.

 Supplier Management: Find and onboard trading partners around the world and automatically update their information to accurately match opportunities with capabilities and manage performance.

 Working Capital Management –Accelerate payments for approved invoices to key suppliers in return for a discount to improve cash flow and management.

 Partnering for Success
 Many SAP Ariba partners around the world currently offer SAP Ariba Snap packaged solutions. “Premikati has developed several industry-specific SAP Ariba Snap implementation packages to accelerate time to value no matter the vertical the client is in,” said Chad Buchanan, COO of Premikati.  “And we can have a customer using the solution in as little as eight to 12 weeks.”

 And mid-market companies are reaping the benefits of the collaborative approach. “SAP Ariba came in with the resources on day one to do the heavy lifting and get us up and running and take care of our customization requests,” said Matt Volker, Vice President of Supply Chain for NatureSweet, who has implemented SAP Ariba Snap with the help of SAP Ariba partner Nitor Partners . “And we are confident it can be a solution in the long term for managing our aggressive growth.”

Everstone Backed Servion Acquires Innoveo AG, Leading OmniChannel Cloud Software Provider in InsurTech Space

The Everstone Group backed Servion Global Solutions has acquired Innoveo AG (formerly known as Pactera Switzerland AG), an InsurTech Cloud software provider, headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland.

Founded in 2007, Innoveo AG has offices in Zürich, Hong Kong and Budapest and services some of the world's largest insurance companies with its product Innoveo Skye. This is a multifaceted, cloud-based technology suite, which enables digitalization of insurance processes and accelerates insurance product launch cycles; up to ten times faster as compared to other solutions. This enables businesses to enhance their Customer Experience significantly.

The powerful Innoveo Skye Business Canvas, a tool designed to be used by non-technical business users, allows insurance companies to streamline new product development and maintenance activities. Furthermore, the Innoveo Skye® solution expands the product delivery options by offering omni-channel digital capabilities, as well as improved agent and consumer user experience.

The InsurTech space is growing rapidly: according to recently published World Insurance Report, nearly one third (over 31%) of insurance customers globally use InsurTech solutions.

Puneet Pushkarna, Chairman, Servion Global Solutions and new Chairman of Innoveo AG, stated: “Innoveo’s cutting-edge solutions, backed by their outstanding team, offer a unique and strong investment opportunity. We are excited to work with the management and employees and look forward to leveraging our deep understanding of the sector, to help the company strengthen its leadership position in the InsurTech space.”

Nick Stefania, co-founder and CEO at Innoveo, said, “This is an extraordinary turning point in our company’s history since we started in 2007. We’ve already demonstrated our solution’s capability in creating value for insurance companies across the world. Now, we’ve found the right partner, it will enable us to scale and play an important role in the global InsurTech market.” 

Sameet Gupte, CEO of Servion Group stated, “The acquisition of Innoveo not only strengthens the group’s focus on Omnichannel Cloud offerings, but also propels us in the InsurTech space. We are very excited to leverage the Innoveo Skye software platform globally along with our existing platforms such as ServIntuit, ServInsights, LCM, U-Nexsys, iAssit, and RapCTI.”

 Everstone Capital, through a SPV owns majority stake in Servion Global Solutions.

Microsoft Announces First Renewable Energy Deal in India

Microsoft Corp. has announced the completion of its first renewable energy deal within the Karnataka state of India. The agreement will see Microsoft purchase 3 megawatts of solar-powered electricity from Atria Power to help power its new office building in Bangalore. This will meet 80 percent of the projected electricity needs at the new facility. This deal is part of a state government of Karnataka program to encourage investments in local solar energy operations, in line with the larger Indian government goal to ramp up solar power generation to 100 gigawatts by 2022, as part of India’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

“Investing in local solar energy to help power our new Bangalore office building is good for Microsoft, good for India and good for the environment,” said Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India. “We are proud to be deepening our long history of partnership and investment in India with this agreement. This deal will help us grow sustainably and supports the growth of the Indian solar energy industry, so that the entire country can more easily and reliably access clean electricity.”  

“Microsoft, like India, has ambitious commitments to use more renewable energy,” said Rob Bernard, Chief Environmental Strategist, Microsoft. “By purchasing local solar power to meet some of our local electricity needs, we’re not only meeting our goals but also supporting the growth of local clean energy industries. This growth leads to more clean electricity capacity, which will help India meet its targets for the Paris Agreement, reduce carbon emissions and provide clean electricity to its growing population. We’re proud to play a small role in this Indian energy transformation.”

This is Microsoft’s first solar energy agreement in India, and one of the first in Asia — the company completed a new solar agreement in Singapore last week. Once completed, this project will bring Microsoft’s total global direct procurement in renewable energy projects to nearly 900 megawatts. The deals in Asia follow wind projects in Europe and a substantial portfolio in the United States, and mark continued momentum toward the corporate clean energy commitments set by the company in 2016. Microsoft’s goal is to rely on wind, solar and hydropower electricity for at least 50 percent of its energy usage worldwide by the end of 2018. 

Moonbow New Technologically Advanced Alpheus UV + UF Water Purifier for Areas with Low TDS level of Water

Moonbow has expanded its product portfolio of water purifiers with the launch of Alpheus UV + UF - India’s most powerful UV water purifier. Priced at Rs 9,490 the water purifier has been certified by TUV, world renowned German certification lab. The purifier removes up to 100 crore microbes per 1 litre of water as against 1 crore microbes removal by ordinary aluminum based UV water purifiers. Alpheus UV + UF Water Purifier has been designed especially for areas with low TDS levels as RO purification in these areas can lead to depletion of essential natural minerals from the drinking water, hence making it unhealthy.

RO based water purifiers remove essential minerals present in the water along with heavy metals and all other impurities. Hence, when RO water purifiers without Mineral Fortification technology are used in areas with low TDS water supply, the mineral content of purified water falls below necessary requirement for the body. Whereas, UV water purifiers are capable of removing all the impurities in low TDS water while maintaining essential natural minerals. UF when combined with UV filter acts as double protection shield against bacteria and cysts. Hence, UV + UF is the ideal combination of water purifier for cities with low TDS water supply.

Rakesh Kaul, President & Chief, Consumer Products Division, HSIL Ltd. said, “Industrialization and urbanization have led to a rapid increase in the levels of water pollution and water borne diseases, making water purifiers a basic necessity. As a result, the current market size of the organized market of water purifiers in India today which is currently pegged at INR 4500 crore is poised to grow by 20%.”

He further added, “Consumers often perceive that RO water purifiers are the best option for water purification. Ideally, before buying a Water Purifier, one should get the water TDS checked & accordingly select a Water Purifier. UV water purifiers are better suited for areas with low TDS levels as they help in maintaining the water’s natural mineral contents whereas RO Water Purifiers with Mineral Fortification Technology are better suited for high TDS levels. With the launch of Alpheus UV+ UF, we expect an increase in our share of revenue from water purifiers and hope to be among the top 3 players by 2021 in the country. Moonbow water purifiers aim to deliver not only the purest water but mineral enriched healthy drinking water. Our advanced modern age features like Mineral Fortification, Hexapure and DigiSense technology enable us to be a step ahead of other water purifier brands in the Indian market.”

The water purifier is the best in its category as it comes with a single body stainless steel UV sterilizer as compared to existing aluminum body UV water purifiers. The stainless steel UV sterilizer makes the water purifier’s performance much more efficient and its single body design ensures zero leakage of UV rays from the sterilizer barrel. Also, unlike aluminum UV sterilizers, it further protects from unhealthy leaching of heavy metals like aluminum and lead in water, thus making the water 100% safe and healthy. The water purifier is stylish, sleek with 7 litre storage tank and comes with user friendly interface with Power, Tank Full, Failure Alert and Filter Replacement Indicators.

Moonbow Alpheus UV + UF offers lifetime warranty on its stainless steel UV sterilizer thereby reassuring consumers of its performance, whereas, other UV water purifiers available in the market come with a warranty of only 1 year on UV barrels.

HSIL Limited makers of iconic sanitary ware brand Hindware, entered the water purification segment with the launch of Moonbow Water Purifiers in mid of 2016 calendar year. Today, the brand has six different models priced between Rs 9,490 to Rs 24,990  Moonbow water purifiers are available across key retail outlets pan India. 

Godrej's Wi-Fi Enabled Solutions -EVE - Ushers New Trebds 'SmartLife' in Bangalore

Embarking on a high growth strategy in the Indiani market, Godrej Security Solutions (GSS) has unveiled -Safety Design in Buildings, Smart Home Pavilion, Drone Pavilion, Wearable Security Pavilion and Job & Career Pavilion.

Amalgamating the need to make security chic and the ease of wireless security that empowers consumers to confidently state - 'I Am Secure', GSS has introduced the wireless range of home cameras - EVE Series. EVE - which is a contraction of the product's USP, 'Easy Viewing Everywhere' - encompasses five variants, EVE Mini (1.3 MP), EVE Cube (1MP & 2MP) and EVE PT (1MP & 2MP). The EVE series is capable of directly streaming live feeds of a premise to the smartphones of home owners, and helps one to not only watch over their loved ones but also listen in on what's happening there, remotely from anywhere in the world.

Mehernosh Pithawalla, Vice President and Global Head - Marketing, Sales & Innovation, Godrej Security Solutions, said, "The year 2017 saw smart devices leading to #SmartLife. From Smartphones to Smart Homes - every innovation has brought about a seamless life experience. Home security solutions too have been undergoing a makeover. Consumers' buying decisions have evolved over the last decade in line with the rising per capita spending capacity. Bangalore is the city of dreams for many and has always been one of the top cities to usher in lifestyle trends - hence we launched our EVE range of home cameras that will provide consumers an experience of utmost convenience and ensure peace of mind. the city has a huge working population, hence a product like Eve Series will be ideal to watch over loved ones back home or watch over your premises here while you are away for a short trip to your home country."

EVE home cams are equipped with auto-record function based on motion sensing and will trigger notifications to the owner's handset every time they sense some suspicious motion. They are built as plug-and-play devices. All functionalities can be controlled from the app resting on the owner's smartphone. They can be charged on the go by a power bank.

Azafran Unveils 6 in 1 Eco Friendly Liquid Detergent to all Laundry Needs in Indian Market

Company forays into this segment by introducing India’s 1st plant based  liquid laundry detergent - Tropical Breeze; Plans to launch hand washes, home fragrances and organic candles soon

Staying with the commitment of developing products that are eco-friendly, Azafran Innovacion Limited - an integrated personal care company has launched its home care vertical Azafran Home – Green & Clean. Company forayed into this segment by launching India’s 1st plant based (coconut based detergent) liquid laundry detergent and is planning to come up with more products such as hand washes, home fragrances and organic candles soon.

Set up with a concept of ‘Farm to Home’, Azafran Home – Green & clean products are made using sustainable and natural ingredients which are safe for people as well as the planet. Company is in talks with Aditya Birla Retail – More Hyper Markets, Reliance Smart Stores, Spar, Hypercity and Metro Cash & Carry among other modern retail outlets for this division.

Speaking about this launch, T.R Suresh, Business Head, Azafran Innovacion Ltd said, “Available in exotic Tropical Breeze fragrance, the liquid detergent is the first offering from Azafran Home and the company will be launching more such innovative, natural products in coming months. This product is specifically formulated keeping needs of a mother, a working woman and a housewife in mind. The powerful action of the detergent is tough on the stains, while also being gentle on the clothes and the environment.”

Made from naturally derived & plant based ingredients which are free from dyes, Tropical Breeze - 6 in 1 Eco friendly liquid laundry detergent caters to all laundry needs and ideal for machine as well as hand wash. Developed from certified organic ingredients, grown in its own farmland near Sanand, Ahmedabad, company’s innovative range of products are devoid of harmful chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers. Tropical Breeze removes tough stains, eliminates unpleasant odours and works as a natural fabric conditioner. This eco- friendly detergent is also suitable for baby cloths.

Commenting on the trends, Elkana Ezekiel, Non-Executive Director, Azafran Innovacion Ltd said, “Our products are made without any compromise on quality and fulfilling our commitment to the environment. Company seeks to provide simpler & more sufficient way of living - a higher quality of life, toxin-free homes and more time spent in nature. Organic living is an established trend in developed countries and the concept is fast catching up in India with consumers opting for organic products for daily life. Our strength lies in the ‘Farm to Home’ concept where the entire process of growing ingredients, processing and making the products, all are done at our own facilities.
Company Profile: Azafran Innovacion Ltd

Azafran has its own organic farms with large greenhouses where numerous varieties of plants, flowers and herbs are grown specifically for its product range. Ingredients for the products are extracted and processed at its facilities to ensure maximum purity. Azafran has been awarded the USDA, ECOCERT stamp of approval. The company has done extensive investments in R&D and a production facility certified by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OSHAS 18001, WHO and GMP.

Azafran Innovacion Limited is a research oriented company based out of Ahmedabad, which offers innovative organic solutions for the Indian market. Azafran products are all made from certified organic ingredients, and are devoid of harmful chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers. Azafran’s product lines are created using nature's purest ingredients that are grown, harvested, extracted and processed at our own facilities.

Azafran has invested about Rs 20 crore to set up its completely integrated 40 hectare facility near Sanand, Ahmedabad which includes its own ECOCERT and USDA approved organic farm, large greenhouses, manufacturing facility and dedicated R&D centre for cosmetic research. Azafran grows numerous varieties of plants, flowers and herbs for its product range. Company extracts and processes these plants in its own facility and ensures 100% natural purity.

Azafran is the brainchild of two promoters, Aditi Vyas and Mansi Vyas who hold an incredible passion for innovating products made with certified organic ingredients.

Azafran is one of the first companies in India to receive international certifications like ECOCERT France and USDA certification for organic farm. Company’s production facility is certified by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, WHO and GMP. Company’s products are also certified by India Organic and Halal.