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Toothpaste, flour, school notebooks, and shoes are all the things we use from morning until night. Their names appear different in the market. People assume they belong to different companies. The truth is, behind all these seemingly different brands, there are a few large parent companies, which is called a sub-brand strategy. 

In this, a large parent company markets its products and brands under different names to reach different types of customers. Whether it’s ITC, which started as a cigarette manufacturer, or Bata, a shoe manufacturer, or large parent companies like Emami, Relaxo, and Dabur, all use this business strategy.

1. ITC Limited

The Imperial Tobacco Company (ITC) was founded in Calcutta in 1910. Its largest market spans both rural and urban India. Initially, the company solely manufactured tobacco and cigarettes. Later, it shifted its business strategy and began manufacturing everyday food and beverages. Today, this large company encompasses many well-known brands. 

• Aashirwad (flour and spices)
• Sunfeast (Biscuits)
• Bingo (Snacks & Snacks)
• Yippee (noodles)
• Savalan and Fiamma (soaps and bath products)
• Nimayal (household cleaning supplies)
• Classmate (Copy and Pen)
• Fabelle (Chocolate)
• B Natural (Fruit Juice)

2. Bata India

The Bata company was originally founded in the Czech Republic in 1894. It was established in India in 1930, with its headquarters in Gurugram. The brand’s largest market in India is in cities and small towns. While Bata is often known primarily for its shoe industry, it also operates a variety of other brands catering to different age groups and budgets. 

• Hush Puppies (Office & Formal Shoes)
• North Star and Power (Stylish Play and Wear Shoes)
• Weinbrenner (men’s sturdy shoes)
• Bubblegummers (baby shoes)
• Marie Claire (women’s shoes)
• Scholl (comfortable and healthy shoes)

3. Emami Limited

Emami was founded in 1974 in Kolkata. Its largest market is in smaller towns and the states of North and East India. The company primarily manufactures face and body care products. This large company has implemented a strategy of acquiring and expanding several established and well-known brands. 

• BoroPlus (Skin Care & Creams)
• Navratna (cold oil)
• Zandu (Ayurvedic medicine)
• Kesh King (Hair Oil)
• Dermicool (powder)
• Smart & Handsome (Boys Cream)
• Menthos Plus Balm (Pain Healing Balm)

4. Relaxo Footwear

Relaxo was founded in Delhi in 1976. Its main offices are in Delhi and Gurugram. Its largest market is the common man and middle class. Its footwear is best sold in small towns and villages. The company manufactures affordable and durable footwear. To avoid customer confusion, the company has adopted a strategy of launching its brands under different names. 

• Sparx (sports and walking shoes)
• Flights and the Bahamas (everyday slippers)
• Schoolmate (School Shoes)

5. Dabur India

Dabur began in 1884 as a small Ayurvedic medicine shop in Calcutta. Today, the company’s head office is in Ghaziabad. Dabur’s largest markets are in India, as well as in other countries abroad, including the Middle East. The name Dabur evokes memories of honey, Chyawanprash, and Amla oil. With its Ayurvedic credentials and trust, the company maintains a strong market presence through a variety of products.

• Real (Fruit Juice)
• Hajmola (stomach tablet)
• Vatika (Hair Oil and Shampoo)
• Dabur Honey (Real Honey)
• Dabur Red Paste (Toothpaste)
• Odonil (home deodorant air freshener)
• Fem (bleach and facial products)
• Gulabari (Rose Water and Skin Care)