The Big Picture

The brand licensing industry, although in its nascent stage in India now, is on agrowth trajectory in the foreseeable future, given the rising brand conscious-ness and higher penetration of modern retail & e-commerce, voiced the industry experts in the India Licensing Expo 2017

- Gargi Bhardwaj

The B2B ILE 2017 witnessed participation of close to 150 brands, portraying numerous business opportunities and the industry stalwarts joining under one roof to strategize the next course of action for the L&M industry. Supported by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, the show boasted a two-day exposition, awards night, and knowledge forum, including conference and licensing master-class.

OPPORTUNITY IN INDIA

From the time with one store in Andheri, Mumbai – Shoppers Stop was touted to be the ‘Mecca’ of retail to now when 70 global brands forayed into India in 2016, the Indian L&M industry has travelled a long way.

“The owners of intellectual properties (IPs), including major cartoon, entertainment, and corporate brands are keen to enter the Indian market. Everybody wants to tap the 1.3-billion customer base that the country has, especially when awareness of brands among consumers in 900 cities is high,” asserted License India Chairman Gaurav Marya during the event.