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Category: Brands

  • Fintech powerhouse Angel One snaps up Walmart tech guru in C-suite shuffle

    Fintech powerhouse Angel One snaps up Walmart tech guru in C-suite shuffle

    MUMBAI: Angel One Ltd has poached tech heavyweight Rohit Chatter as its new chief data officer, while bidding farewell to outgoing data chief Deepak Chandani.

    Chatter, fresh from his gig as chief software architect at Walmart Global Tech, will take the reins with immediate effect, as Chandani prepares to clear his desk by April  end.

    The well-timed appointment sees Angel One doubling down on its AI ambitions, with chairman Dinesh Thakkar making no bones about the company’s lofty aspirations. 

    “We’re not just embracing the future of finTech—we’re building it,” he declared with characteristic swagger. “Data is the foundation of this revolution and Rohit’s unparalleled expertise in AI, cloud platforms and data science will be a game-changer in redefining digital investing. With his leadership, we will push the boundaries of innovation, deliver hyper-personalized experiences and empower millions with smarter financial solutions.”

    Chatter brings nearly three decades of tech wizardry to the table, having cut his teeth at Silicon Valley giants and masterminded large-scale data operations. At Walmart, he was the brains behind their generative AI revolution, while his stint as CTO at InMobi saw him transform their remarketing platform into a cash cow across major markets.

    The data boffin’s CV also boasts impressive turns at Yahoo India, where he spearheaded big data initiatives, and various leadership roles at Talisma, IPSoft, TiVo and Alcatel in the US. His tech toolkit includes everything from Oracle databases to Unix systems, alongside programming chops in Perl, Python and Java.

    Chatter, who holds a BE in electronics & telecom and an MBA from NMIMS, seems positively gung-ho about his new role. 

    “Angel One is revolutionizing the financial services industry with its AI-first approach and I am excited to be part of this dynamic team. AI and data science are shaping the future of investing and my focus will be on enhancing Angel One’s platforms with automation, predictive analytics and intelligent insights that empower investors across India. The potential to innovate and scale AI-led financial solutions at Angel One is immense and I look forward to thisjourney,” he enthused, barely containing his excitement at the prospect of unleashing predictive analytics upon India’s investing masses.

    For the uninitiated, Angel One stands tall as India’s largest listed retail stock broking house by active NSE clients. The tech-savvy outfit serves over 30 million investors through its digital platforms, including the Angel One Mobile App, the rather clever ‘ARQ Prime’ recommendation engine, and the ‘Smart Money’ educational platform designed to turn investing novices into market maestros.

  • Singapore’s Temasek bags a tasty morsel of Indian snack giant Haldiram’s

    Singapore’s Temasek bags a tasty morsel of Indian snack giant Haldiram’s

    MUMBAI:  Singapore’s state investment firm Temasek has finally taken a bite out of India’s snack market, snapping up a 10 per cent slice of Haldiram’s for a whopping $ one billion. 

    The deal, which values the bhujia behemoth at an eye-watering $10 billion, comes after months of negotiations and sees Temasek trumping several heavyweight rivals who baulked at the hefty price tag.

    bhujias

    American private equity titan Blackstone pulled out of the race just over a week ago, finding the valuation too hard to swallow after seven months of talks. Other potential suitors, including Bain Capital, General Atlantic, and even Tata Consumer Products, had previously walked away from the table.

    Haldiram’s journey from a tiny shop in Bikaner, Rajasthan in 1937 to commanding nearly 13 per cent of India’s $6.2 billion (almost Rs 60,000 crore) savoury snacks market has been nothing short of remarkable.

    The company’s most popular offering, “bhujia” – a crispy fried snack made with flour, herbs and spices – sells for as little as Rs 10 in corner shops across the country and has helped turn the family-run business into a global operation spanning 100 countries.

    Haldiram Snacks Foods posted a tidy profit of Rs 1,400 crore in FY24 on revenues of Rs 12,800 crore, excluding its Rs 1,800 crore  restaurant business, which wasn’t part of the Temasek deal.

    Not content with just one slice of the pie, the Agarwal family that controls Haldiram’s is reportedly looking to offload another five per cent stake for around $500 million as part of a pre-IPO placement.

    Haldiram savouries

    Industry insiders suggest the family had initially sought an even higher valuation, but recent wobbles in the Indian stock market and lacklustre quarterly results from food companies forced a reality check.

    The deal represents a significant expansion of Temasek’s Indian portfolio, which already includes stakes in Manipal Hospitals and KFC and Pizza Hut operator Devyani International.

    For Haldiram’s, which has diversified into ready-to-eat foods, beverages, chocolates and retail supermarkets, the cash injection could fuel further expansion in a market predicted to more than double to Rs  95,521.8 crore by 2032. That’s a scorchingly hot pace.

    Hot indeed – and with traditional Indian snacks now accounting for over half of all salty snack sales in the country, it seems the crunch is only just beginning.

  • Havmor teams up with Swiggy Instamart to launch ‘Thandai Ice Cream’ for Holi

    Havmor teams up with Swiggy Instamart to launch ‘Thandai Ice Cream’ for Holi

    MUMBAI: Havmor Ice Cream, a subsidiary of Lotte Wellfood Co. Ltd and one of India’s most cherished ice cream brands, has teamed up with Swiggy Instamart to introduce a special limited-edition ‘Thandai Ice Cream’ family pack for Holi. Available exclusively on Swiggy Instamart, this festive treat brings the traditional flavours of Holi to consumers in a rich, creamy, and shareable format delivered straight to their doorstep in just 10 minutes.

    As quick commerce transforms consumer habits, this collaboration ensures that the classic thandai taste, synonymous with Holi, is now just a tap away. Havmor’s latest offering reimagines the much-loved festive beverage into an indulgent ice cream, perfect for celebrating with friends and family.

    “With the onset of summer and the festive cheer of Holi, we wanted to introduce a refreshing take on traditional flavours,” said Havmor Ice Cream vice president – marketing Rishabh Verma. “Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and this exclusive partnership with Swiggy Instamart allows us to deliver joy and indulgence instantly, making festive celebrations even more delightful.”

    Swiggy Instamart chief business officer Hari Kumar G said, “Festivals are when consumers seek convenience without compromising on tradition. We are delighted to bring Havmor’s ‘Thandai Ice Cream’ exclusively to our platform, ensuring that Holi celebrations are sweeter, hassle-free, and more accessible than ever.”

    The Havmor ‘Thandai Ice Cream’ Holi special edition is available exclusively on Swiggy Instamart from 11 March 2025, offering a deliciously modern twist on a timeless festive favourite.

  • Rebel Foods grills opens 200 Wendy’s in India-Let the burger fest begin

    Rebel Foods grills opens 200 Wendy’s in India-Let the burger fest begin

    MUMBAI: If burgers had a Hall of Fame, Rebel Foods and Wendy’s would waltz in with a victory burger and a side of fries. The world’s largest internet restaurant brand and India’s master franchise holder for Wendy’s just flipped its way to a sizzling milestone-opening the 200 Wendy’s restaurant in India at Elan Miracle Mall, Gurugram. And let’s just say, they’re making more noise than a burger sizzling on a hot grill.

    Wendy’s has achieved this feat in just 40 months, marking one of the fastest expansions in India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) history. With a presence in over 50 cities, including 15 dine-in locations, Wendy’s is proving that India’s appetite for quality burgers is insatiable.

    To mark the occasion, Rebel Foods has flipped the script on celebrations, rolling out a month-long burger bonanza starting 15 March. First up, an all-women superbike squad, rocking Wendy’s signature red pigtails, will be zooming through key cities, delivering orders with more flair than a perfectly tossed burger patty—turning heads faster than a sizzling grill at lunchtime.

    Wendy

    Flagship Wendy’s outlets in Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad will transform into party hubs, complete with live DJs, unlimited Rs 200 menus, and burger-fueled festivities. Even delivery customers won’t be left out—special milestone-branded packaging will ensure the celebration reaches every doorstep.

    Wendy’s isn’t just expanding in size-it’s also pushing flavour boundaries. The launch of two bold new menu ranges—the savoury, umami-packed Korean Range and India’s first-ever Chimichurri Range—proves that fast food can be innovative.

    “Our partnership with Wendy’s continues to thrive, and with localized innovative new menu additions like the Korean and Chimichurri Ranges, we’re changing the way India enjoys hamburgers,” said Rebel Foods co-founder & CEO – India and MENA, Ankush Grover.

    The Wendy’s Company SVP, MD, APMEA Chris Conway shared his excitement, stating, “We are building a high-performing, differentiated QSR brand in India. Growing to 200 restaurants demonstrates that Wendy’s is winning in the market by delivering what customers want: Fresh, famous food and exceptional customer experiences. We deeply appreciate our strong partnership with Rebel Foods, whose growth vision has been key to our rapid expansion. As Wendy’s continues to expand, we look forward to bringing our high-quality food and hospitality to even more communities across India.”

    Since entering India in 2020, Wendy’s has been serving up menu hits like the Spicy Aloo Crunch Hamburger, the Flavor Fresh Range (featuring Firebolt Tandoori, Lord Cheesynator, and Nachoburg), and India’s crispiest fries. Now, with Rebel Foods leveraging its expertise in cloud kitchens, dine-in formats, and digital-first food experiences, Wendy’s is poised for even greater heights.

    The 200 store isn’t just another QSR opening—it’s proof that India’s burger boom is here to stay. And with Rebel Foods at the helm, the Wendy’s expansion is just getting started.

  • Lubi Industries partners with Sunrisers Hyderabad for a power-packed T20 2025

    Lubi Industries partners with Sunrisers Hyderabad for a power-packed T20 2025

    MUMBAI: Lubi Industries LLP, a manufacturer of pumps, motors, valves, and EV chargers, has announced its role as the principal partner of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the upcoming T20 cricket season. The collaboration underscores Lubi’s commitment to excellence and aligns with SRH, last year’s runners-up, known for their dynamic performances.

    Lubi Industries LLP director Ronak Porecha stated, “Cricket unites communities like no other sport, making it the perfect platform for Lubi Pumps to engage with our consumers. Our association with SRH allows us to reinforce our dedication to high-performance solutions while tapping into the passion of millions of cricket fans.”

    SRH CEO K. Shanmugam welcomed the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to have Lubi Industries on board for the 2025 season. With their longstanding legacy of innovation and reliability, this collaboration is set to create immense value for both parties while deepening our connection with our loyal fan base.”

    With over six decades of industry expertise, Lubi Industries shares values of resilience, performance, and teamwork qualities that define both the brand and SRH. Given cricket’s widespread appeal in India, this partnership offers a powerful platform to enhance Lubi’s visibility, particularly in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions, where SRH enjoys a dedicated following.

    By integrating sport and brand synergy, Lubi Industries aims to strengthen its market presence and engage consumers on a deeper level as the cricketing fever grips the nation once again.

  • Dunkin’ business head Chitrank Goel calls it quits at Jubilant FoodWorks

    Dunkin’ business head Chitrank Goel calls it quits at Jubilant FoodWorks

    MUMBAI: In a surprise move, Jubilant FoodWorks has announced that Chitrank Goel, its  executive vice president and business head for Dunkin’, has tendered his resignation.

    The donut boss, who joined the company in September 2021, will hang up his apron on 15 April after a tenure of three years and seven months. Jubilant’s board will be look for his replacement “in due course,” according to the regulatory filing with the Bombay stock exchange.

    Goel’s departure comes at a critical juncture for the company as it continues expanding its portfolio beyond the flagship Domino’s Pizza brand. The executive was tasked with not only steering the Dunkin’ ship but also “incubating new brands.”

    Before joining the Jubilant family, Goel spent a whopping 14 years with consumer goods giant Unilever, where he cut his teeth across various markets. His last role there saw him heading the ice cream business unit in Poland and Baltics. 

    Industry insiders speculate that Goel’s extensive international experience and proven track record in scaling businesses might have attracted a juicier offer elsewhere. The resignation letter, dated 11 March, mentions he’s leaving “to take up an external opportunity” – corporate-speak for “found a better gig.”

    During his Unilever days, Goel boasted impressive achievements, including boosting growth rates from 7 per cent to 16 per cent in the out-of-home channel and unlocking “disproportionate growth” in quick commerce.

  • Bold Care and Odd Not Even unveil streetwear with a statement

    Bold Care and Odd Not Even unveil streetwear with a statement

    MUMBAI: Bold prints, bold statements, and an even bolder message that’s what Bold Care and Odd Not Even bring to the streets with their exclusive ‘Take your pleasure seriously’ collection. This limited-edition drop fuses men’s wellness with street fashion, proving that confidence isn’t just an attitude, it’s a way of life.

    Designed for those who own their individuality, the Bold Care x Odd Not Even collection is a fearless mix of edgy graphics, bold prints, and striking accents across T-shirts, cargo pants, and dresses. More than just streetwear, it’s a statement of self-expression, blending unapologetic style with the freedom to embrace pleasure and well-being.

    Bold Care has consistently challenged outdated taboos surrounding men’s wellness, and this collaboration takes that conversation beyond words and into fashion. “Wellness is an attitude, a facilitator of confidence, and how you show up in the world. This collection isn’t just about bold prints; it’s about owning your choices whether in fashion or in life,” said Bold Care co-founder Rajat Jadhav.

    The collection has already caught fire online, with fans hailing it as a refreshing, unapologetic take on street fashion. Social media is buzzing with appreciation for its striking aesthetics and powerful messaging, making it more than just a trend, it’s a cultural movement.

    With style, confidence, and self-expression at its core, the Bold Care x Odd Not Even collab is proof that fashion isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about what you stand for.

  • TVS and Petronas extend lubricating sponsorship in high-octane motorsport deal

    TVS and Petronas extend lubricating sponsorship in high-octane motorsport deal

    MUMBAI: TVS Motor Co has revved up its partnership with Petronas Lubricants International, extending their slick collaboration for another three years of motorsport dominance across India’s racing landscape.

    The oil giants will continue as title sponsors of TVS Racing – India’s pioneering factory racing team that has maintained a scorching 80 per cent win rate across multiple racing formats – supporting their campaigns in supercross, rally and motorcycle championships nationwide.

    “TVS Racing has played a pivotal role in democratising motorsports in India,” said TVS Motor Co head business – premium Vimal Sumbly, whose Apache series motorcycles benefit directly from the team’s racing pedigree. “Petronas expertise in fluid technology, combined with our racing heritage, will continue to shape the future of two-wheeler racing in India.”

    The partnership goes beyond mere branding, with Petronas continuing as the official supplier of after-market oils to TVS’s sprawling dealer network. Its TVS TRU4 range will keep offering premium synthetic lubricants designed to give TVS motorcycles maximum thrust and longevity – ensuring riders can keep their pistons pumping at peak performance.

    Petronas Lubricants India chief executive officer Binu Chandy couldn’t contain his excitement about getting his hands dirty in India’s racing scene: “Our collaboration with TVS Racing has been instrumental in demonstrating the synergy between high-performance lubricants and motorsport excellence.”

    TVS Racing continues to dominate both at home and abroad, with Aishwarya Pissay extending her winning streak at the Bajas Championship while the team has secured titles across national racing categories.

    For petrolheads and speed freaks across India, this partnership promises to keep the nation’s motorsport scene well-oiled and running smoothly for years to come – proving once again that when it comes to racing success, proper lubrication is absolutely essential.

  • Fevicol sticks its name on Mumbai metro station in branding coup

    Fevicol sticks its name on Mumbai metro station in branding coup

    MUMBAI, 13 March 2025 – In a brilliantly adhesive marketing move, Pidilite Industries has slapped its iconic Fevicol brand onto Marol Naka Metro Station, permanently bonding itself to one of Mumbai’s busiest commuter hubs.

    The station, now officially dubbed Fevicol Marol Naka, marks the first time the adhesive giant has glued its name to public infrastructure, creating an unmissable presence in a location that sees millions of Mumbaikars pass through its gates daily.

    The  rebrand coincides with what would have been the 101st birthday of Pidilite’s founder, the late Balvantray Kalyanji Parekh, whose first manufacturing facility stood a stone’s throw from the station – a connection that company bigwigs were keen to cement.

    “At Pidilite, we believe in building lasting bonds,” said managing director Bharat Puri in what must surely rank as the most on-brand statement ever delivered. “This initiative brings immense pride to our employees who frequent this station daily.”

    The station makeover, which reportedly cost Pidilite a packet that would make even Mumbai’s eye-watering property prices look reasonable, includes playful artwork featuring the brand’s legendary humorous advertisements that have stuck in the nation’s collective consciousness for decades.

    branding metro

    For commuters accustomed to Mumbai’s famously packed trains, the irony of being sandwiched together in carriages sponsored by the country’s most famous adhesive won’t be lost.

    Madison’s outdoor media specialists MOMS orchestrated the deal, with CEO Jayesh Yagnik noting that metro stations offer brands  “an effective and meaningful targeted audience.” 

    Times OOH –  which is the the sole concessionaire of Mumbai Metro Line1 –  COO Rohit Chopra was quite cock-a-hoop about the station branding. Said he: “ Times OOH is committed to delivering impactful brand experiences through high-visibility transit media solutions. We are confident that this station will prove to be a valuable addition to the brand’s marketing initiatives.”

    Industry insiders suggest this high-visibility gambit could trigger a rush of copycat deals, as brands scramble to paste their identities onto Mumbai’s expanding metro network before the best stations are taken. Chopra is  surely going find himself busy fielding proposals. 

    For now, Fevicol has ensured that its relationship with Mumbai’s commuters will be exactly what its products promise: impossible to separate.

  • Ladhani group’s SLMG Beverages pops open Rs 11,000 crore fizzy investment plan for Coca-Cola

    Ladhani group’s SLMG Beverages pops open Rs 11,000 crore fizzy investment plan for Coca-Cola

    MUMBAI: SLMG Beverages – Coca-Cola’s largest Indian bottler  – is brewing up a storm with ambitious expansion plans that would make even the most hardened business tycoons gasp for breath.

    Ladhani Group, the fizz-fuelled empire behind SLMG Beverages, announced yesterday a whopping Rs 11,000 crore investment strategy over the next five years, with the lion’s share – Rs 8,000 crore – earmarked for expanding its bottling dominance across Uttar Pradesh and newly-conquered Bihar.

    “We’re looking at doubling our revenue to Rs 20,000 crore,” said  joint managing director Paritosh Ladhani,  whose ambition seems as effervescent as the products his company bottles at a mind-boggling rate of 40 million per day.

    Already among Coca-Cola’s top 15 global bottlers, SLMG has set its sights on cracking the elite top 10 by 2030. The company recently stormed into Bihar after snatching up territorial rights from Coca-Cola’s own bottling arm HCCBL, a move described by industry insiders as “gaining prime real estate in India’s beverage battleground.”

    The Lucknow-based firm is currently constructing a Rs 1,200 crore plant in Bihar’s Buxar district, with another Rs 1,500 crore facility in the pipeline. Meanwhile, its existing plants near Lucknow, Amethi, Bareilly and Ayodhya will receive substantial upgrades.

    Not content with dominating just one sector, the group plans to splash Rs 3,000 crore into its hospitality business, doubling its hotel room portfolio faster than you can say “ice and a slice.”

    “Our per capita consumption is still quite low and we are aspiring to catch up,” noted Vivek Ladhani, executive director, in a masterclass of understatement – considering Indians currently drink roughly one-eighth the cola Americans consume annually.

    The company’s aggressive expansion comes just as year ago-appointed CEO Costin Mandrea settles into his role. The European veteran brings 25 years of beverage industry expertise and a bold mission: “We are building the first Indian world-class bottler, a bottler that is made in India and able to sit at the same table with bottlers from Latin America, Europe and Asia.”

    With its newly expanded territory now covering a staggering 360 million potential consumers across UP, Uttarakhand and Bihar, SLMG appears poised to ride India’s fizzy drinks boom, which is expected to bubble up at a refreshing 7.29 percent annually through 2028.

    When asked about a potential IPO, Ladhani remained coy: “Definitely, we have a plan.” But for now, the company seems content to shake up the market through explosive growth rather than share offerings, backed by what executives described as “sufficient internal accruals” to fund their effervescent ambitions.