Continuing my India trip observations, the next set of observations relates to globalization. Parameters surrounding my observations are documented in this initial posting.
Globalization
- Signs of globalization were everywhere; for example, the sheer diversity of automobile brands was much greater than 6 years ago. I saw American brands of Ford and Chevrolet, European brands of Volvo and BMV, Asian brands of Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai. Of course, the Indian brands of Maruti, Tata plus the traditional Ambassador vehicles still make their presence. Even noticed a couple of luxury Porsches.
- Brand diversity in food was also quite evident. McDonalds, Subway, Pizza Hut, Pizza Corner, Dominos, KFC, Baskin Robbins, and a coffee chain called Coffee World all have multiple locations in Hyderabad. Six years ago, majority of those brands were not in Hyderabad. However, in the smaller cities in Andhra Pradesh, I did not see the global food restaurants yet. This time, I even noticed a couple of Mexican, Thai, and Italian restaurants, which I had not noticed in the past. Pizza seems to have become much more popular; a pizza from Pizza Corner (owned by a Swiss parent company) tastes somewhat like a pizza at California Pizza Kitchen, which they will deliver directly to your home. A medium vegetarian pizza was 245 rupees (about $5.30). (more…)
Reading, Writing, and Reflecting 