A technology firm wanted to test the feasibility of developing an online portal to connect home-chefs with customers. Our report provided an estimate of the size of the restaurant business in the city under study and the key competitors. Over 100 home-chefs, offering a variety of cuisines, were selected based on criteria such as hygiene standards and their willingness to accept and fulfil online orders.

An e-tailing company wanted to track their biggest competitor in India to get an overall picture of their operations, profitability and future outlook. In-depth interviews with industry stakeholders helped gathered critical information on customer base, gross merchandise value, marketing activities, financials, service capability, technology, organization structure and customer support capabilities.

A UK-based consultancy firm wanted to identify the baby food products (0-3 years) that were widely available in the Indian market - such as infant milk powder, cereals, wet savoury meals, drinks, etc. The study involved in-store assessments of pharmacies, hypermarkets and supermarkets. In-depth interviews with store owners and assistants provided information on manufacturers, brands, prices, pack type and the number of facings of baby food products currently available in the stores.

A paper towels manufacturer that had developed a new patented product, required customer feedback prior to the product launch. A blind test was conducted on 200 respondents for four different brands of paper towels. The brands were rated on parameters such as strength, absorbency, etc. Insights into how end-users evaluated the patented product helped the client gauge it would perform vis-a-vis competing brands.

A leading Indian FMCG company wanted to expand their presence in the e-commerce space. In-depth interviews with accomplished and upcoming e-tailers helped map the supply-chain of the sector, and provided insights on how other FMCG firms were approaching e-commerce. Information about the competitors' sales structure, business model, revenue sources, cost structures & profitability, and growth projections was captured.

A large paper mill, looking to launch new consumable products, required an assessment of channel partner margins at different levels in the supply chain in the tissue paper segment in India. Interviews with senior management (production and sales & marketing executives) and distributors of converters, helped determine the diverse supply chain models, operating business models, and the margins by product segment and brand.

A global FMCG company required an overview of India's airport retail market, and an understanding of the ownership models of four major competitors in the food & beverages and cosmetics & accessories categories. Airport operators, retail consultants and retail outlet operators were interviewed to establish the functioning of different retail outlets in these airports, and highlight the procedures and clearances associated with establishing retail outlets in airports.

An investment advisory firm, keen to set up a bottled water business in India, wanted to understand the opportunities for a new entrant in the corporate sector. In-depth interviews with IT and BPO firms helped assess the potential demand for packaged bottled water by this sector, the market opportunity, and mapped the competitive landscape. ValueNotes recommended a marketing strategy in terms of target market and product pricing.

A leading paper mill in India wanted to benchmark itself against competition, and understand how they were perceived in the market vis-a-vis the competition. A voice of customer study with 300 respondents - dealers, converters and end-users - provided insights into the selection criteria of a brand and their perception of our client's brands. Interviews with sales personnel helped benchmark the client against competition on product portfolios, distribution networks and company policies. Our research helped the client reassess their sales and marketing strategies.

A consumer products company wanted to explore the opportunity to distribute cosmetics and beauty products in China. Our report provided an overview of the structure of the cosmetics market in the country segmented by product & brand, government trade regulations, market size & future growth rate, drivers & inhibitors for growth, and the prevalent distribution channels (store-based retailing, direct sales, and internet retailing).

A consulting firm wanted a snapshot of leading FMCG companies worldwide. Information about the company's business segments, key influencers, business strategy and financial performance was provided through desk research. The company insights helped the end client's marketing team develop an approach strategy.

An FMCG company wanted to fine-tune their sales & strategy team's go-to-market model and improve the RoI. Over 500 company personnel, channel partners, distributors, re-distributors, etc, were interviewed across metros and smaller cities in the country. Our research highlighted the best practices followed by the industry, competitors' sales structures, their key result areas, salary structures, hiring procedures, training activities, and their current go-to-market strategies.

The client wanted to assess the potential of setting up a premium ice cream parlour and international frozen yoghurt franchise in Pune. In-depth interviews with target consumers helped establish their most favoured products and flavours; in-store amenities, services, entertainment and ambience they expected; and how much they were willing to pay for such premium products.

The client wanted to understand the microbial testing practices of food manufactures in South Asia. In-depth interviews with food safety & quality control mangers helped establish the regulatory requirements, prevalent testing methods and the receptivity for automated testing products in the region. Based on our findings, the client was able to identify potential markets for their product.

An SME wanted to diversify into the food & hospitality market in western and southern India. They required market intelligence on the opportunity for a microbrewery in the region. In-depth interviews with consumers and competitors provided insights into changing consumer needs and preferences, key locations, and the competitive environment. The findings of our study helped the client develop a concept that addressed customer needs and set up a microbrewery in a suitable location.

A tobacco manufacturer wanted to expand their retail hookah tobacco and khaini businesses in India. The objective was to determine the major players, establish the market size, and provide an assessment of the business. Our research provided insights into the current state of the market, future potential, key growth drivers, risks and challenges of being in the business, and the uncertain environment of the business.

A leading Indian manufacturer in the FMCG sector wanted to raise funds for expansion. Our client, a boutique merchant banker that was advising the manufacturer, was looking at creating a fundraising document within a short period of time. ValueNotes developed an investment pitch document, along with a detailed investment memorandum for private placement in two weeks time to expedite funding discussions with investors.

Our client's product pricing strategy is impacted by commodity price fluctuations. ValueNotes continuously tracks key commodity prices – in local markets (sourced via primary research) across India. These include fuels, resins, sugar, various juice concentrates, plastics, milk, etc. - along with trend analysis and forecasts.

The study mapped key players in probiotic and prebiotic supplements in Japan. The research study analyzed product details and positioning (health claims). strain/ingredient suppliers, key competing brands, distribution channels, and linkages to academic research

A European manufacturer of detergents wanted to identify a potential outsourcing partner. In-depth interviews were conducted with detergent manufacturers in India to evaluate their expertise to develop, manufacture, and deliver the required product.

The research study analyzed the size of the Indian brewery market, growth trends, key players, market drivers and challenges, and foreign interest / investment. Senior management, including directors, heads of operations, and marketing & plant managers, at over 35 breweries were interviewed.

Research objective: To determine market size, and estimate future growth in four processed food segments - snack foods, soups, sauces, and ready-to-eat / ready-to-serve foods - in India. The report included an analysis of growth trends and drivers, cultural issues, exports, industry capacities, and shift from traditional foods.

The report provided market size estimates, key consumer preferences and uses, growth drivers, key trends, sales & distribution networks, and regulatory & taxation norms. In-depth interviews were conducted with companies, distributors, retailers, importers and port authorities.

The client, a multinational FMCG company, was looking to understand the scope of franchising in the beauty business. The study included sizing the beauty salon market in India; establishing growth estimates, drivers, inhibitors, and industry trends; an analysis of key user segments; nature of products and services available in the market; and the competitor landscape, including detailed profiles.

Our research presented Indian rice exports in terms of volumes exported; countries exported to; and details of government regulations and restrictions. The ten largest exporters of rice from India were further evaluated on the basis of their export capabilities, volumes, quality processes, prices and authenticity certifications.

An Asian brewer looking to expand in select Asian markets wanted detailed benchmarks of competing beer manufacturers in these countries. Company profiles included brands data, location of breweries, manufacturing capacities, sales & distribution channels, market shares, and key future growth strategies.

Enabled client to make effective pricing and distribution changes to product lines, after investigating how competitors were able to price products more competitively, without compromising quality. Our research unearthed alternate supply streams for sourcing raw material and machinery, which the client had hitherto been unaware of.

Research to identify key growth drivers and investment opportunities in distribution/supply chain in selected food segments. We mapped consumption patterns and benchmarked the extent of enabling infrastructure in specific regions. The study also identified potential local partners based on predetermined financial and operational criteria.

An analysis of the whey industry in India for a consulting firm, which included an evaluation of the market potential for demineralised and sweet whey powder. The study involved analyzing the industry structure, supply chain, government regulations and price trends. Based on in-depth interviews with industry experts, ValueNotes recommended potential partners and entry options.

The study involved identifying products in the confectionery market using visual or physical cues to convey 'lightness', using packaging, texture, colour, portion size, but not calorie control.

Research report on the poultry sector in India. Analyzed the retail value chain, industry structure, segmentation, consumer behaviour, supply chain, regulations, cost structures, pricing trends & margins, along with business model and SWOT analysis of key players.

Studied and analysed systemic changes adopted by global FMCG companies to encourage "open" innovation. Mapped new skill sets organizations were seeking/ building to make changes effective and successful.

Conducted interviews with manufacturing heads of 7 companies from confectioneries, food, personal care and retailing to understand automation in manufacturing processes, equipments, quality standards, issues and success factors in India.