Creative Alliance for Nilgiris

Creative Alliance for Nilgiris

I can, you can , we all can

Dharmalingam Venugopal

December 11 is International Mountain Day.

This year the theme is Promoting mountain products.

Globalization offers opportunities for mountain producers to market their high quality mountain products, such as coffee, tea, tourism and handicrafts at the national, regional and international levels. Though mountain products cannot compete with the prices and volumes of lowland production, they  can concentrate on high value, high quality products to boost local economies.

Nilgiri products

This is the formula for success for Nilgiri products, particularly tea- high value and high quality. But to do that one has promote the Nilgiri brand in a big way-  road shows, advertisements, buyer-seller meet etc

‘Blue Mountains come to Chennai’ or ‘Chennaiyil Neela Malai’

Dec 11 is an excellent opportunity to have the event in Chennai. December is the month Chennai attracts the best of people / customers from all over India and abroad.

Venue

A shopping mall would be the best place. Spencers Shopping Mall on Mount Road has the best location and comparatively less expensive.

Duration

The event can be for two days. Dec 11 (Friday) and Dec 12 (Saturday).

Products that can be promoted

Mainly tea, confectionaries (varkies), chocolates, vegetables, tourism, eco-tours, organic products etc.

Promotional activities

Free distribution of sample Nilgiri teas (both liquid and packets), demonstration, lectures etc on how Nilgiri teas are different and unique and their high value to higher income consumers. The same goes for other products.

Side attractions

Nilgiri songs and dance, product exhibitions, celebrity endorsements ( including our own young star in cinema and TV), prizes, free trip to Nilgilris etc.

Roping in Non-resident Nilgirians

There are thousands of Nilgirians, especially youth in Chennai, nearby places and abroad. A call can be given that each one should help sell a minimum of 10 kgs of Nilgiris teas during the two days by way gifting to friends and others. Social media can be used to reach out to maximum Non-resident Nilgirians.

Organising team

All creative and constructive Nilgirians can pool their creativity, marketing skill and resources to make the even a grand success. Capable Nilgirians can seek sponsorship and other support for the event.

If the response is good, the Creative Alliance for Nilgiris will take the initiative.

If the event becomes a success, as it should, it can be repeated in Bangalore and other places.

What’s the first step?

Please read this and reply at  the earliest how you can help in this. Equally important, share this mail with as many Nilgirians as possible.

This is only a skeleton of an idea. Your views and suggestions are welcome to make it full-fledged.

An excellent idea. Along with Tea, other much sought after products like Eucalyptus Oil can be included. Deepak Bhojraj’s creative and eco friendly products like note Pads, coasters, bookmarks  etc are other items that may be promoted – Wg Cdr JP