For decades Indians have enjoyed Vicks VapoRub as a means to fight colds and coughs. The brand has led this category since 1951 when the product was introduced.
Today the brand is part of American behemoth Procter & Gamble and in India P&G sells, Clearasil, Whisper Sanitary napkins, Ariel detergent and the Old Spice range of products to the country. Today, Vicks with a vast portfolio of related products, claims to be India’s Number One Health Care brand.
In 2010,the brand appeared on Vicks Digital Thermometer targeting children. Fueled by its warm reception, in January of this year, the company introduced a range of healthcare products: the V977 Forehead Thermometer, the V1300 Personal Inhaler and the V188 Vaporizer. These devices are actually managed by Kaz Inc. a US corporation that and has held the Vicks license from Procter and Gamble since 1995. In addition to Vicks, they sell other health care products and domestic appliances from leaders such as Braun and Honeywell, with sales of over $500 million per year in over 60 countries. The company is looking to expand its portfolio further in the Indian market.
