Malabar Gold partners with Brand Union for global push

Malabar Gold, leading jewellery retailers, is joining hands with Brand Union, a global branding agency, for creating a distinct international brand identity. Brand Union, part of WPP group, will work closely with Malabar Gold in strengthening the latter's position in the regional and global markets, according to M P Ahammed, chairman, Malabar Group.

He said that the group, which had retail outlets both in India and GCC countries, was all set to become an international brand by expanding its network to other regions of the world. It was now looking at Far Eastern countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia and also Sri Lanka for immediate expansion.

Also on the anvil was an entry into European markets, starting from London, he said.

Malabar Gold, which currently has a turnover of Rs 4,000 crore and employs 4,600 personnel, has opened 54 showrooms over the last 18 years and, during the last two years, established its presence in all the GCC countries. It will soon open new outlets in Jeddah, Ruwi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Guntur, Kondotty, Kottakkal and Chavakkad.

Ahammed said there was good opportunity for India-designed and India-made ornaments all over the world and it was a fact that 10 out of 12 diamonds marketed worldwide were finished in India.

He said that by expanding the network across the world, Malabar Gold was opening the doors for global appreciation of Indian jewellery.

Hermann Behrens, chief executive officer, Brand Union, Middle East, said that his company would help Malabar Gold achieve its ambition of becoming one of the top global jewellery brands.