Interview: Gaurav Bhagat, Founder & Managing Director of Consortium Gifts

An interview with Gaurav Bhagat, Founder & Managing Director of Consortium Gifts, an integrated gifting and promotional products company

We’re thrilled to interview Gaurav Bhagat, the dynamic Founder and Managing Director of Consortium Gifts, a leading name in integrated gifting and promotional products. Under his stewardship, Consortium has revolutionized the industry with innovative solutions that blend creativity and functionality.

Gaurav shares his journey, the evolution of his company, and his vision for the future of promotional products in a competitive market.

Consortium Gifts has become a leading name in premium corporate gifting across Asia. Can you share the vision and mission behind the founding of the company?

Gaurav Bhagat: Being recognized as a leader in Asia’s premium corporate gifting space is truly humbling, but Consortium Gifts began not from aspiration but desperation. After my family lost everything due to a failed business deal, I started the company in a moment of crisis with just Rs. 10,000/- on a credit card, initially making mouse pads and promotional items.

Desperation gradually transformed into aspiration, and by 2012, we set a bold milestone to become Asia’s largest in the sector. Our vision was to redefine corporate gifting with unmatched quality, creativity, and innovation, driving us to relentless excellence.

As of August 2024, Consortium Gifts has expanded across tier 1, 2, and 3 cities and established a strong presence in markets like Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

Today, 70% of our business is international, with 40% of domestic revenue coming from emerging cities, reflecting the growing importance of premium gifting in business engagement and retention.

What sets Consortium Gifts apart from other corporate gifting companies in Asia, and how do you maintain this unique position?

Gaurav Bhagat: A prime example is our team’s accomplishment in July 2024, where we fulfilled a large consignment within just three days—a task declined by many due to the tight deadline. We stand out by integrating advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and additive manufacturing, streamlining our processes.

Our global reach, as the exclusive Indian member of the International Gifting Council (IGC), further distinguishes us. This prestigious membership allows us to secure international contracts that are rare in India.

To maintain our unique market position, we leverage automated systems like CNC machines, reducing production times by 20%, while AI-driven analytics enhance precision and cut downtime by 15%. This commitment to innovation ensures we cater efficiently to Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities across Asia.

What are the current trends in the corporate gifting industry, and how does Consortium Gifts stay ahead of these trends?

Gaurav Bhagat:Current trends in the corporate gifting industry are heavily centered around sustainability. Companies are increasingly demanding eco-friendly materials, sustainable packaging, and manufacturing processes that prioritize environmental conservation. Solar-powered production units and the use of sustainable materials are becoming the norm.

At Consortium Gifts, we’re ahead of the curve with our in-house brand, Boardroom, which focuses on sustainability. Our Boardroom collection includes products like diaries made from zero-percent tree materials and t-shirts crafted from R-PET bottles.

We’ve also embraced precision machining and 3D printing to minimize material waste, reducing it by up to 40%. Our sustainable range features innovative items such as wooden wireless power banks, bamboo amplifiers, wheat straw coffee mugs, cork laptop bags, and microgreens grow kits.

By championing these trends, we cater to the evolving needs of businesses across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities, ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of corporate gifting.

Can you discuss any notable trends in the premium gifting segment and how Consortium Gifts is addressing them?

Gaurav Bhagat: In the premium gifting segment, there’s a clear shift towards premium and designer brands. Quality and style are now paramount, with customers prioritizing brand consciousness over value consciousness. This trend is reshaping the landscape of corporate gifting.

To meet these evolving demands, Consortium Gifts has strategically partnered with top-tier brands. Recently, we launched an exclusive premium corporate gifting collection in collaboration with renowned designers Shantnu & Nikhil.

This collection features over 20 premium products, including stylish laptop sleeves, exquisite stationery, sophisticated ties and cufflinks, and versatile travel bags for both men and women.

What are some of the most successful or unique gifting solutions that Consortium Gifts has developed recently?

Gaurav Bhagat: One of our most successful and unique gifting solutions is the Shantnu-Nikhil premium corporate collection. Launched recently, this collection has set a new benchmark in corporate gifting by merging utility with luxury.

The range includes new leather items such as backpacks, duffle bags, and accessories, designed to meet the discerning tastes of our clients while making a lasting impression.

The success of this collection is evident from the overwhelming positive feedback and high demand we’ve received across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities. It reflects our commitment to offering gifting solutions that resonate with contemporary trends and preferences, ensuring that each gift not only serves a functional purpose but also stands out as a symbol of sophistication.

Can you share any upcoming product lines that you are particularly excited about?

Gaurav Bhagat: We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming tie-up with Hugo Boss, bringing around 40 exclusive products to India, all marketed through Consortium Gifts. This marks one of our most significant launches to date, reflecting our commitment to offering premium international brands to our clientele.

Building on the success of our previous collections, we’re also excited about new drops from Shantnu-Nikhil, which will continue to merge luxury with practicality. Additionally, we have collaborations with BrandCharger and several other global brands in the pipeline, set to be unveiled soon.

Are there any emerging markets or new business opportunities that Consortium Gifts is currently exploring?

Gaurav Bhagat: Yes, Consortium Gifts is actively exploring opportunities in the Philippines, a market that holds great potential for us. We’re looking at potential collaborations and eventual acquisitions to strengthen our presence there.

Additionally, we have ambitious plans to expand our offices to Europe and North America, tapping into these lucrative markets.

In line with our commitment to innovation, we are also integrating AI-driven product design and presentation into our offerings. This approach will allow us to cater to the specific needs of our clients across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities, ensuring that we stay ahead of industry trends and continue to deliver exceptional value.

These initiatives represent the new frontiers we’re exploring, positioning Consortium Gifts as a global leader in the corporate gifting industry.

Gaurav Bhagat’s leadership at Consortium Gifts exemplifies the fusion of creativity and strategic thinking in the promotional products sector. His commitment to innovation and quality continues to set new standards, driving the industry forward.

As Consortium evolves, Gaurav’s insights promise to shape the future of gifting and promotional solutions, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of industry trends.

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