India is the fifth-largest economy in the world and is home to some of the largest brands that contribute to the country’s development. The Indian government has taken effective measures in an attempt to boost economic growth. As per IMF, on a per capita income basis, India ranked 139th by GDP and 118th by GDP in 2018.
It is worth mentioning here that Indian brands have helped the country emerge on the world stage and make an international presence across the globe. We might have come across different types of brands in India.
The brand names are cool and catchy. Let’s take a look at the brands that you thought were foreign but are Indian-based brands.
Lakme
For the uninitiated, Lakme is an Indian cosmetics brand owned by Hindustan Unilever. The company was established in the year 1952 as a subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills. It is to be noted that it has been manufacturing cosmetics for both local and international consumers since then. It derived its name from the popular French opera Lakme, which means Lakshmi.
Munich Polo:
We might think that Munich Polo is a German-based brand. However, it is just another Indian brand that is one of the top brands for kids’ clothing.
American Swan:
People might think that if the word ‘American’ is used in a brand, then it is considered as an American brand. But that’s not foreign-based brand. American Swan is an Indian based brand which is claimed by The American Swan Lifestyle Company and its central command is located in Gurgaon.
Louis Philippe:
Louis Philippe, the brand which was once owned by King Louis Philippe, the King of French (1830) was purchased by Madura Fashion and Lifestyle in 1989 and hence it became an Indian brand now.
Flying Machine:
‘Flying Machine’ – going by the name alone, it triggers us to think that it is a foreign-based brand but this is made in India. Interestingly, this was India’s first homegrown denim brand which was launched in the year 1980 by Arvind Lifestyle Brand Ltd.
Peter England:
In case if you thought Peter England is from England, you’re wrong. It is not from England but is from India.
Monte Carlo:
There is no doubt that Monte Carlo is one of the most preferred brands by people in India. Monte Carlo is quite popular for their sweaters and Italian name. However, it is indeed a 100% Indian woolen wear brand from the Ludhiana-based Nahar Group.
Allen Solly:
Allen Solly is not a foreign brand. It is a backup of the Aditya Birla Group and authorized under Madura Garments. With unique and traditional thinking, they have brought about a revolution in Indian formal wear in the last two decades.