A seminar recently organised by a collaborative effort between GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and its Mumbai Alumni Chapter, shed light on the challenges of growing a manufacturing brand into a retail brand in India, and eventually an international brand. The seminar was entitled - “Manufacturing to Retailing: Strategic Move or Growth Requisite?” and was held at the GIA’s Mumbai campus.

Sharing a professional perspective on the subject, Colin Shah, Managing Director of Kama Schachter Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., attended the event as chief speaker. He spoke on different strategies of product development and positioning, marketing and merchandising to tackle changing consumer demands, market trends across the globe and the importance of marketing research for jewellery design and manufacturing. Shah, the founder of Kama Jewellery has grown his company to the level of establishing various international manufacturing units and brands under the umbrella of Kama Schachter Jewellery Pvt. Ltd.

“He has shared years of exhaustive research in product development and marketing strategies for brands within India and abroad,” said Apoorva Deshingkar, head of country sales for GIA in India. “Such insight into the industry mechanisms is tremendously valuable to GIA alumni.”