ITV

Category: Brands

  • Nespresso expands into India with Delhi flagship

    Nespresso expands into India with Delhi flagship

    MUMBAI:  Coffee connoisseurs can cheer. Nespresso, the Nestlé-owned premium coffee brand, has established its first Indian retail presence with a boutique in Delhi’s Select Citywalk Mall, marking a significant step in the firm’s Asian expansion strategy.

    The Swiss company, which pioneered the premium single-serve coffee segment, has entered a market traditionally dominated by tea consumption but where urban coffee culture has gained substantial momentum in recent years. The company had initially entered the Indian market in late 2024 through e-commerce channels before committing to this brick-and-mortar investment.

    Nespresso chief executive  Philipp Navratil, highlighted the importance of physical retail in the firm’s market development approach. “This boutique will help us bring Nespresso’s product range to Indian coffee consumers in an immersive environment,” he noted at the launch event. The company appears to be replicating its successful retail strategy from other emerging markets, where experiential shopping has proven effective in building brand loyalty.

    The Delhi boutique follows Nespresso’s established retail formula: trained coffee specialists offer tastings and personalised recommendations in a carefully designed environment showcasing both the firm’s coffee varieties and its machine range. This high-touch approach has served the brand well in other markets where coffee consumption patterns are evolving.

    For Nestlé, the parent company with an already substantial presence in India, this expansion represents a strategic move into the premium segment.

    “Coffee culture in India is evolving rapidly,” observed Nestlé India chairman & managing director Suresh Narayanan. “This launch reflects our commitment to deliver premium experiences to Indian consumers.”

    The company has appointed Thakral Innovations as its official distribution partner in India, covering all Nespresso products across retail channels. This partnership model has been successfully deployed by Nespresso in other markets where specialised distribution expertise is required.

    Notably, Nespresso has maintained supply chain connections in India since 2011, sourcing high-quality coffee through its sustainability programme. The firm currently works with approximately 2,000 Indian coffee farmers through its AAA Sustainable Quality initiative, which focuses on improving quality, productivity and environmental practices.

    The Indian premium coffee market has shown resilience and growth potential despite economic headwinds, with urban consumers increasingly willing to spend on premium food and beverage experiences. Nespresso’s entry pits it against established players including Starbucks, which has operated in India since 2012 through a partnership with Tata Consumer Products.

    Nespresso, which achieved B Corp certification in 2022, currently operates in 93 markets worldwide with a retail network of 791 boutiques. Whether the company can successfully cultivate a significant market in a country where tea remains the dominant hot beverage will be a key test of its globalisation strategy and the evolving tastes of Indian consumers.
     

  • Britannia CEO Rajneet Kohli resigns after 2.5-year tenure

    Britannia CEO Rajneet Kohli resigns after 2.5-year tenure

    MUMBAI: Britannia Industries Limited has announced the resignation of chief executive officer and executive director Rajneet Singh Kohli, who will depart the company on 14 March  2025.

    In a regulatory filing, the company stated that Kohli submitted his resignation on 5 March  to “pursue an opportunity outside Britannia.” The board of directors accepted and approved his resignation through a circular resolution passed on 6 March.

    Kohli, who joined Britannia in September 2022, has led the Rs 17,000 crore (USD 2 billion) FMCG giant through a period of significant transformation, overseeing the company’s expansion into new food and beverage categories.

    Under his leadership, Britannia’s market capitalisation increased 1.5 times, adding approximately INR 50,000 crore in shareholder value. During his tenure, Kohli spearheaded several key initiatives, including a large-scale distribution transformation project and the establishment of a digital & data analytics council to implement AI and automation across the business.

    The 130-year-old company, known for its biscuits, bread, cakes, and dairy products, reaches over 200 million Indian households through a complex supply chain network comprising 90 factories, 900 vendors, and 4,000 distributors.

    Before joining Britannia, Kohli served more than four years at Jubilant FoodWorks, which operates Domino’s Pizza in India. As president and chief Business officer, he oversaw Domino’s transformation into a food-tech company with 1,700+ stores across 380 cities. During his time at Domino’s, online orders grew from 54 per cent  to over 98 per cent , and the business expanded its store network by more than 700 locations.

    Kohli’s career also includes nearly 14 years at The Coca-Cola Company, where he rose to senior vice president for north, west, and central India, and head of the premium products division for India. Earlier in his career, he worked at Asian Paints for over five years in various sales and operations roles.

    Britannia Industries has not yet announced Kohli’s successor.

     

  • A Regal Feast: Behrouz Biryani launches luxurious ‘Royal Metal Handi’

    A Regal Feast: Behrouz Biryani launches luxurious ‘Royal Metal Handi’

    MUMBAI: Behrouz Biryani, has introduced its most opulent offering yet the ‘Royal Metal Handi’ biryani. Launched just in time for Ramadan, this first-of-its-kind metal handi elevates home dining and group feasting with portions serving two or four.

    To mark the launch in true royal fashion, Behrouz installed a dramatic countdown billboard at Mumbai’s Mahim Causeway, concealed behind velvet curtains. As the timer reached zero, the curtains dropped, revealing a steaming Nawabi Handi biryani with the message,‘Once a royal secret, now a royal feast’.

    The brand is also transforming a section of Inorbit Mall Vashi into a Nawabi palace, treating visitors to a special Eid surprise—a traditional ‘Eidi Lifafa’ containing Behrouz Biryani gift vouchers.

    To amplify the launch, Behrouz has partnered with top Indian comedians and influencers, including Sumukhi Suresh, Prashasti Singh, Sahil Shah, and Aadar Malik. They will partake in an interactive challenge, deciphering ancient Urdu clues to unlock the royal biryani.

    Rebel Foods co-founder & CEO, Ankush Grover stated, “The Royal Metal Handi is our way of adding an extra touch of grandeur to Ramadan feasts. From our unveiling film featuring Saif Ali Khan to our ‘Barkat Box’ community initiative, we are making Behrouz the flavour of the season.”

    To further captivate audiences, Behrouz has produced a grand television commercial featuring Saif Ali Khan and narrated by Vijay Raaz, reinforcing the brand’s royal heritage.

    Behrouz Biryani has also launched a special Ramadan menu, featuring Zaffrani Gosht Biryani, Murgh Biryani, rich Haleem, Angara Murgh Kebabs, Gosht Seekh Kebabs, crispy Murgh Samosas, and the indulgent Shahi Tukda. Additionally, the ‘Royal Iftari Sandooq’ offers a seven-course Nawabi feast, including Murgh Shorba, Dum Gosht Biryani, and a regal dessert selection.

    With this lavish new offering, Behrouz Biryani continues to set the benchmark for festive dining, making this Ramadan a truly royal affair.

  • Bitmovin streams ahead with AI-powered Ad analytics & real-time insights

    Bitmovin streams ahead with AI-powered Ad analytics & real-time insights

    MUMBAI: Bitmovin is rewriting the rules of video streaming with two cutting-edge enhancements to its Analytics platform Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) Analytics and Real-Time Observability. These tools are designed to help streaming providers fine-tune their ad strategies and proactively address quality issues before they impact viewer experience.

    According to Bitmovin’s eighth Annual Video Developer Report, ad insertion remains the streaming industry’s biggest headache, even as advertising emerges as the top opportunity for innovation. SSAI, a widely adopted architecture for ad monetisation, often comes with technical roadblocks. Bitmovin’s SSAI Analytics aims to clear those hurdles by offering real-time debugging and deep insights into ad performance. The tool provides precise metrics on ad plays, viewer engagement, abandonment rates, and performance across devices and streaming formats.

    “Advertising-based models have surged in popularity, but implementing SSAI successfully has remained a major challenge,” said Bitmovin CEO and co-founder Stefan Lederer. “With SSAI Analytics, our customers gain real-time engagement data and troubleshooting capabilities, ensuring maximum revenue potential from ads.”

    But Bitmovin isn’t stopping at advertising. The company’s Real-Time Observability feature is transforming video analytics from reactive troubleshooting to proactive quality control. Instead of waiting for complaints, streaming providers can now detect and resolve potential issues before they affect viewers. Advanced filtering options allow operators to pinpoint disruptions across different devices, networks, and streaming environments, significantly reducing churn and improving audience retention.

    “Real-Time Observability shifts the paradigm from damage control to prevention,” Lederer added. “By offering unparalleled insights into streaming infrastructure, we empower providers to deliver flawless viewing experiences.”

    Bitmovin, a pioneer in the streaming industry with over 400 global clients including BBC, Hulu, fuboTV, and Discovery has built a reputation for firsts, from developing the world’s first commercial adaptive streaming player to its software-defined encoding service that runs seamlessly across any cloud platform. With SSAI Analytics and Real-Time Observability, the company continues to push the boundaries of streaming technology, helping platforms boost engagement, reduce churn, and monetise content more effectively.

    For an industry hungry for innovation, Bitmovin’s latest advancements promise smoother streams, sharper ads, and fewer frustrations both for providers and their audiences.

     

  • MaxIQ raises 7.8 million dollars to bring AI-powered clarity to revenue

    MaxIQ raises 7.8 million dollars to bring AI-powered clarity to revenue

    MUMBAI: MaxIQ, the AI-powered Revenue Intelligence platform, has secured 7.8 million dollars in seed funding, with Dell Technologies Capital leading the round and Intel Capital participating. The investment will fuel product innovation, team expansion, and scaling operations, as MaxIQ aims to eliminate revenue fragmentation in B2B SaaS enterprises.

    For B2B SaaS companies, managing revenue is often like piecing together a puzzle with missing pieces, disconnected tools, siloed teams, and unreliable forecasts slow down growth. MaxIQ’s AI-driven platform solves this by bringing together sales, customer success, and RevOps into a single, real-time revenue ecosystem. From deal qualification to post-sales adoption, MaxIQ enhances forecast accuracy, speeds up onboarding, and ensures businesses capture maximum value across the customer journey.

    Founded by Sonny Aulakh in 2022, the company is now bolstering its leadership with Matt Hickey as CEO and Rob Sexton as CRO, both veterans of Palo Alto Networks, EMC, and Securiti.ai. Hickey is set to steer MaxIQ from category pioneer to industry leader, while Sexton will drive revenue strategy and expansion.

    “The gap between sales and customer success is costing businesses time and money,” said MaxIQ CEO Matt Hickey. “We’re closing that gap by unifying workflows and using AI-powered insights to help revenue teams operate in sync and deliver faster value.”

    Dell Technologies Capital investor Chris Hillock called MaxIQ’s vision bold and transformative, adding that it offers B2B SaaS firms the ability to harness fragmented data and optimise revenue operations.

  • Amit Doshi to join PhonePe as CMO

    Amit Doshi to join PhonePe as CMO

    MUMBAI: He’s put himself in for challenging yet exciting role. Former Britannia Industries CMO Amit Doshi is set to join PhonePe as Chief Marketing Officer. His getting connected to PhonePe comes at a time when the fintech has drawn a line to go for public offering.

    Over the years , Amit has worked with brands such as Lenovo , Perfetti Van Melle  where he left an indelible mark by expanding the reach and sales of the brands under his remit.

    At Britannia he had oversight over  the biscuits, crème wafers, and salty snacks categories.   His appointment at PhonePe will see him drive the  company’s expansion strategy, positioning him to lead impactful marketing and brand-building efforts.

  • Jejurikar of M&M is CEO of the year at glittering Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025

    Jejurikar of M&M is CEO of the year at glittering Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025

    MUMBAI: The Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025 culminated in a grand ceremony at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, where the country’s top leaders were honoured for their innovative and transformative leadership and contributions to their industries and the nation. 

    The first awards of the evening celebrated breakthrough innovations and stellar achievements: 

    * Emerging Innovator Award: BugWorks Research, with Dr Anand Anandkumar, Dr V Balasubramanium and Dr Santanu Datta remarking, “Innovation isn’t just discovery; it’s impact.” 

    *  Outstanding Startup Award: BrowserStack. Recipients Ritesh Arora and Nakul Aggarwal noted, “We power half the world’s airlines, banks, and tech firms.” 

    * Icons of Excellence: Ajay Singh of SpiceJet and Katrina Kaif of Kay Beauty were honoured, with Singh saying, “We started SpiceJet against all odds,” and Kaif emphasising, “If you enter business, you must have something unique to say.” 

    Fireside Chat – Katrina Kaif on Business and Branding: Katrina Kaif, in conversation with Naini Thaker of Forbes India, talked about her journey from Bollywood to the boardroom, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and self-expression in branding.  

    Business & Economy Panel: This segment featured robust discussions on the economic outlook and key business strategies: 
    * Leaders like KVS Manian, Rajesh Jejurikar, and Madan Sabnavis explored topics ranging from global trade challenges to growth projections and the role of MSMEs in job creation. 
    *  A standout quote from Rajesh Jejurikar: “The world needs India more than India needs the world.” 
    Final Set of Awards and Closing Highlights: The ceremony recognised outstanding leaders: 
    *  Icons of Excellence: Jay Shah, Chairman of ICC; Shyam Srinivasan, Veteran Banker; and Mohit Joshi of Tech Mahindra were honoured. 
    *  Promising Startup: Presented to Minimalist, received by Rahul Yadav and Mohit Yadav. 
    * Regional Goliath: Presented to MTR Foods, received by Sunay Bhasin and Sanjay Sharma. 
    * Grassroots Philanthropists: Rizwan Koita and Rekha Koita of Koita Foundation. 
    *  Climate Warrior: Presented to Indra Water, received by Amrit Om Nayak and Krunal Patel. 
    * Turnaround Star: Presented to Indian Hotels Co Ltd (IHCL), received by Puneet Chhatwal. 
    * Next-Gen Entrepreneur: Varun Jaipuria of Varun Beverages. 
    * Institution Builder: Ashish Dhawan of Central Square Foundation and Ashoka University. 
    * Entrepreneur of the Year: Supam Maheshwari of FirstCry. 
    * CEO of the Year: Rajesh Jejurikar of Mahindra & Mahindra. 

    “These are tricky times, when great leaders and transformational leadership are needed more than ever. These are people who seize the day. Today, we have a hall full of people who seize the day, and we are here to raise a toast to them,” said Suveen Sinha, Editor, Forbes India. 

    The event concluded with a grand finale that included a celebratory toast and a group photo of all the winners, embodying the spirit of collaborative success and leadership. 

    Special thanks were extended to partners Federal Bank, KIA, Indiqube, Rajasthan Tourism, and Reliance Industries for their support in making the event a success. 

  • Ambuja Cements seals CCI nod for game-changing Orient Cement buyout

    Ambuja Cements seals CCI nod for game-changing Orient Cement buyout

    MUMBAI: Adani-backed Ambuja Cements Ltd, one of India’s top cement makers, has laid the groundwork by securing the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) approval for its acquisition of Orient Cement Ltd. With this regulatory nod, Ambuja is all set to mortar its dominance, brick by brick, as it paves the way for an industry power move that will set its expansion strategy in concrete.

    The deal, originally announced on 22 October 2024, involves a major takeover through a share purchase agreement. Ambuja Cements will acquire 7,76,49,413 equity shares, which make up 37.90 per cent of Orient Cement’s existing share capital. An additional purchase of 1,82,23,750 equity shares (8.90 per cent stake) will further bolster its holdings.

    But that’s not all—Ambuja is also rolling out an open offer to acquire up to 5,34,19,567 equity shares, representing 26 per cent of Orient Cement’s expanded share capital. The deal values the open offer at Rs 395.40 per share, putting serious weight behind Ambuja’s aggressive acquisition strategy.

    The green light from CCI came on 4 March 2025, with the regulator granting unconditional approval under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002. With no regulatory roadblocks, the cement giant is now positioned to finalise the transaction and accelerate its growth momentum.

    Ambuja Cements continues to make bold moves in the infrastructure and building materials sector. By bringing Orient Cement into its fold, Ambuja aims to boost its market presence and production capacity, cementing (pun intended) its leadership in India’s competitive cement industry.

    This strategic acquisition reinforces Ambuja’s commitment to expansion and efficiency. With regulatory hurdles cleared, the focus now shifts to execution—expect Ambuja to lay a stronger foundation for growth in the coming months.

  • Hexaware cracks the top Brand Finance 25 most valuable IT brands list

    Hexaware cracks the top Brand Finance 25 most valuable IT brands list

    MUMBAI: Hexaware Technologies, the IT services firm that’s been steadily climbing the tech ladder, has officially entered the Top 25 Most Valuable IT Brands globally, as recognised in the Brand Finance IT Services 25 2025 report. Not too shabby for a company that seems to have made AI its new best friend.

    With a brand value jump from USD 724 million in 2024 to USD 824 million in 2025—a healthy 14 per cent increase—Hexaware has also seen a staggering 124.5 per cent growth over the past four years. It’s leapt five places to claim the 24th spot, with its Brand Strength Index (BSI) rising from 73.4 to 76.4 and its brand rating now proudly sitting at AA+. Not bad for a year filled with geopolitical hiccups and decision-making disruptions.

    The report credits this meteoric rise to Hexaware’s financial stability and enhanced BSI, bolstered by a revamped Brand Strength Framework and solid perception scores in key markets like the US and Europe. Meanwhile, Hexaware’s commitment to branding and innovation continues to drive strong growth, proving that a little self-promotion goes a long way.

    At the heart of Hexaware’s success is its “AI-first” strategy, which has revolutionised its services and internal operations. Unlike some companies that merely talk about AI, Hexaware has taken the plunge, ensuring that a whopping 99% of its IT workforce—including the leadership—has undergone extensive AI and generative AI training. If you thought AI was coming for your job, it turns out Hexaware employees are coming for AI first.

    CEO and managing director R. Srikrishna called the ranking a testament to Hexaware’s commitment to innovation and customer value. “Our ‘AI-first’ approach hasn’t just changed our services; it has given our clients the tools to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape,” he said. “We are immensely proud and excited for the journey ahead.”

    Chief marketing officer Nidhi Alexander echoed the sentiment, adding, “Our rise in the rankings reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of our clients. We remain committed to pushing boundaries and delivering transformative value.”

    Brand Finance CEO and chairman David Haigh weighed in on the company’s success, attributing it to its relentless focus on innovation, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction. “Hexaware’s ‘AI-first’ strategy solidifies its position as a key player in the sector, using artificial intelligence to drive expansion and deliver cutting-edge solutions globally.”

  • LT Foods signs Shah Rukh Khan to endorse Daawat rice

    LT Foods signs Shah Rukh Khan to endorse Daawat rice

    MUMBAI: It’s cooked up an endorsement agreement with the badshah of Indian cinema – Shah rukh Khan. As part of this, SRK will represent its premium basmati rice brand, Daawat. Sources told indiantelevision.com that the agreement is for three years, and is valued at about Rs 35 crore. No confirmation was coming from LT Foods or SRK’s management team. 

    The marriage  is a match made in culinary heaven – one of Indian cinema’s finest actors and stars teaming up with one of the world’s finest basmati brands.

    In true superstar fashion, Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, declaring, “I’m delighted to join hands with aawat Their passion and commitment to excellence mirror my own, inspiring people to bring out their finest—be it in performances or on their plates.”

    LT Foods’ managing director & CEO Ashwani Arora, was equally effusive, calling Daawat  more than just a brand, but a purveyor of “moments of joy and togetherness.” With a flair for the theatrical, he added, “Shah Rukh Khan, being the finest global actor, embodies excellence—making him the ideal choice to represent Daawat. Together, we celebrate the art of bringing out your finest.” 

    LT Foods Ltd. is a global fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) powerhouse, specialising in high-quality rice and rice-based foods for over 70 years. With a presence in more than 80 countries, including India, the U.S., the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, LT Foods is on a mission to fill dinner tables—and stomachs—around the world.

    Its flagship brands include Daawat a staple in Indian kitchens, and Royal, North America’s best-loved basmati brand. Not content with just ruling the rice world, LT Foods is also diving into the future of food, catering to millennials with organic offerings and supplying top businesses with high-quality ingredients.

    With a revenue of around Rs. 7,822 crore as of FY’24, LT Foods has a ‘farm to fork’ approach, ensuring its rice travels in style—from well-entrenched distribution networks and automated processing units in India, the US, and Europe, to over 1,400 distributors worldwide.