ITV

Category: Brands

  • Jyothy Labs launches fabric care and insecticide products

    Jyothy Labs launches fabric care and insecticide products

    MUMBAI: Jyothy Labs, the Indian FMCG company, has expanded its product lineup with three new offerings across its fabric care and household insecticide categories, stepping up competition in these fiercely contested market segments.

    The company has introduced Ujala  Young & Fresh as the latest addition to its well-established Ujala fabric care range. The new product enters India’s competitive fabric care market, estimated at over Rs 20,000 crore, where Jyothy Labs has maintained a strong position despite intense rivalry from heavyweights such as Hindustan Unilever’s Surf Excel and Procter & Gamble’s Ariel. Ujala has historically dominated the fabric whitener segment while expanding into detergents in recent years.

    In the household insecticide category, Jyothy Labs has launched two specialized variants of its Maxo Knockout Spray – one formulated specifically for mosquitoes and flies, and another targeting cockroaches. These products enter a market currently dominated by SC Johnson’s All Out and Reckitt Benckiser’s Mortein, with Godrej’s Hit brand also commanding significant market share. The household insecticide market in India has seen steady growth amid increasing health consciousness and vector-borne disease concerns.

    The launches come as part of Jyothy Labs’ strategy to strengthen its presence in key household categories through product differentiation, as the company seeks to maintain its competitive edge in a sector where multinational corporations continue to increase their marketing investments.

    The company, which also owns brands such as Margo, Exo, and Pril, aims to leverage its strong distribution network, particularly in rural areas, to challenge its larger competitors through targeted innovations in these essential household categories.

     

  • Coca-Cola brings American sports drink to India’s scorching summer market

    Coca-Cola brings American sports drink to India’s scorching summer market

    MUMBAI:  Coca-Cola India is set to introduce American sports drink BodyArmorLyte to the subcontinent this summer, as the beverage giant scrambles to capitalise on what executives have joyfully described as “early arrivals” of heatwave conditions.

    Coca-Cola India & southwest Asia  vice-president Sundeep Bajoria announced the expansion with palpable enthusiasm for the premature scorching temperatures that have already begun tormenting the nation’s 1.4 billion residents.

    BodyArmorLyte, a coconut water-based hydration drink popular in the US, will join other newcomers including Honest Tea – an organic offering sourced from Assam – and Vitaminwater, which has thus far been confined to testing in airport terminals where dehydrated travellers are presumably less price-sensitive.

    The company expects its established brands ThumsUp and Sprite to each reach the $2 billion sales mark in India, though  Bajoria tactfully avoided committing to any timeline for this achievement, to Economic Times.
    When questioned about competition from Reliance Industries’ resurrected Campa Cola brand, Bajoria echoed his global president’s diplomatic stance: “We welcome competition,” he said, presumably while clutching a stress ball under the table.

    Coca-Cola appears undeterred by inflation concerns, with Bajoria explaining they would capture “a significant part of that inflation through price package mix and architecture” – corporate speak for “we’ll make the bottles slightly smaller rather than raising prices directly.”

    The company is counting on recent tax relief for the middle class to drive consumption.

  • Godrej Properties sells over Rs 1,000 crore of homes at Pune project launch

    Godrej Properties sells over Rs 1,000 crore of homes at Pune project launch

    MUMBAI: Godrej Properties Ltd has achieved record-breaking sales exceeding Rs 1,000 crore at the launch of its Godrej Evergreen Square project in Hinjewadi, Pune. The Mumbai-based developer sold 1,398 homes with a combined area of more than 1.23 million square feet.

    The project, launched in November 2024 just four months after land acquisition, represents Godrej’s most successful launch ever in Pune by both value and volume. Godrej Evergreen Square has a developable potential of 2.41 million square feet and an estimated revenue potential of approximately Rs 2,045 crore.

    Located in Hinjewadi, an established residential area in western Pune, the development benefits from proximity to well-developed social infrastructure including schools, healthcare facilities, retail outlets and entertainment venues. The area offers strong connectivity to major highways and expressways, with additional appeal coming from a new metro line connecting Hinjewadi to Shivaji Nagar. A metro station just two minutes from the project will significantly enhance accessibility for residents.

    “We are delighted with the response to our project, Godrej Evergreen Square. This has now become the best-ever launch in Pune residential real estate,” said Godrej Properties MD & CEO Gaurav Pandey. “We’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our customers and all stakeholders for their trust and confidence in Godrej Properties. We will do our best to ensure Godrej Evergreen Square offers its residents an outstanding living experience.”Gor

  • Bajaj Auto accelerates electric mobility with GoGo three-wheeler launch

    Bajaj Auto accelerates electric mobility with GoGo three-wheeler launch

     MUMBAI: Bajaj Auto Ltd, arguably the world’s most valuable two-wheeler and three-wheeler company, has unveiled Bajaj GoGo, a comprehensive new range of electric three-wheelers set to transform urban mobility with industry-leading performance and technology.

    The new vehicles, which promise an impressive range of up to 251 kilometres on a single charge—the longest in the segment—represent Bajaj’s strategic expansion in the rapidly growing electric three-wheeler market, where the company has already established itself as one of the top two players within just one year of entry.
    “The electric three-wheeler segment in India has been growing at a staggering 30 per cent  CAGR for the past three years, and this growth is expected to continue,” said Bajaj Auto’s Intra City Business Unit president Samardeep Subandh. “With the launch of Bajaj GoGo, we’re blending our 75-year legacy of trust with cutting-edge technology tailored specifically for three-wheelers.”

    The Bajaj GoGo range features three passenger variants—P5009, P5012, and P7012—with the nomenclature indicating passenger vehicles of different sizes (50 and 70) and battery capacities (9kWh and 12kWh). The entry-level P5009 is priced at Rs 3,26,797, while the premium P7012 variant retails at Rs 3,83,004 (ex-showroom Delhi).

    What sets the GoGo range apart is its pioneering two-speed automated transmission system—an industry first that significantly improves range efficiency and gradient performance on challenging road conditions. The vehicles also feature groundbreaking safety innovations including auto hazard detection and anti-roll technology, making them the first electric three-wheelers to offer these as standard features.

    “The all-electric Bajaj GoGo range will provide a comprehensive solution to customers looking to maximise earnings and minimise the hassle of downtime and maintenance,” added Subandh. “The next time you need a ride, hail a Bajaj GoGo!”

    The GoGo brand name draws inspiration from the colloquial term used globally for three-wheelers, reflecting Bajaj Auto’s understanding of the deep cultural connection drivers share with their vehicles. With its full-metal body construction and aesthetic design, the GoGo range aims to appeal to both individual owners and fleet operators.

    Industry analysts note that the impressive 251-kilometre range addresses a critical pain point in the electric three-wheeler segment—range anxiety—which has historically been a barrier to adoption. The five-year battery warranty further reinforces Bajaj’s confidence in the product’s reliability and longevity.

    The company also offers a Premium TecPac with advanced features including remote immobilisation and reverse assist for customers seeking enhanced functionality. According to Bajaj Auto, cargo variants of the GoGo will be introduced in the coming months, expanding the brand’s footprint in the commercial delivery segment.

    Bajaj Auto’s push into the electric three-wheeler segment comes at a time when India’s urban centres are increasingly prioritising sustainable mobility solutions. The GoGo range not only promises environmental benefits but also aims to deliver compelling economics for owners, with significantly reduced operating costs compared to conventional fuel-powered alternatives.

    The company’s extensive dealership network across India will support the nationwide rollout, with bookings now open at all Bajaj Auto dealerships. This robust infrastructure is expected to provide GoGo with a competitive advantage in terms of service support and spare parts availability.

  • Botswana and De Beers extend diamond partnership

    Botswana and De Beers extend diamond partnership

    MUMBAI: The government of Botswana and De Beers Group have signed new agreements, securing a 10-year sales deal (with a potential five-year extension) and a 25-year extension of mining licences for their 50:50 Debswana joint venture, now running from 2029 to 2054.

    Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, said the agreements will “underpin the success of our diamond industry” and bring stability to the market. De Beers chief executive officer Al Cook, called it “the world’s greatest public-private partnership.”

    Key Agreements
    * Mining Licence Extension: Ensures long-term value from Debswana’s assets, including Jwaneng Cut-9, Jwaneng Underground, and Orapa Cut-3.
    * Sales Agreement: Botswana’s Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) will sell 30 per cent of Debswana’s output, increasing to 40 per cent after five years. In an optional five-year extension, both ODC and De Beers will each sell 50 per cent.

    Economic Commitments
    * Diamonds for Development Fund: De Beers commits BWP 1 billion ($75 million) and further contributions from Debswana’s dividends to drive economic growth and job creation.
    * Local Beneficiation: Investments in diamond jewellery manufacturing, a grading laboratory, and a vocational training institute.
    * Marketing Initiatives: Botswana and De Beers will co-invest in campaigns to stimulate diamond demand and uphold ethical standards.

     

  • TVS Motor wheels out new three-wheelers in Mexico

    TVS Motor wheels out new three-wheelers in Mexico

    MUMBAI: Two and three wheeler maker TVS Motor CO (TVSM)   has driven its TVS King Duramax Plus and TVS King Deluxe Plus three-wheelers into the Mexican market. Both vehicles are designed with car-like features on a three-wheel platform, offering enhanced driver and passenger comfort alongside durable, reliable engines that deliver low ownership costs.

    TVS Motor Co business head Latin America Martin Corsunsky said: “The three-wheeler segment is a great space for us. We have amongst the most advanced engineering and technology and we have years of experience, from all across the globe.”

    The TVS King Duramax Plus features a liquid-cooled 225 cc engine, providing best-in-class power and gradability. Additional features include all-gear-start technology, LED headlamps, tubeless tyres, and ribbed drum brakes. The vehicle offers expanded rear passenger space, driver foot-rest, and twin lockable dashboard storage, complemented by a new signature front grille design.

    Meanwhile, the TVS King Deluxe Plus comes equipped with a 200 cc duralife engine and feather-touch ignition via an i-Touch button. Built on a ladder-type chassis with additional cross beams for safety, it includes a king-size driver seat, extra-large utility box, large foldable mirrors, and tubeless tyres.

    Both models will be available through Motomex, TVS’s official distributor in Mexico, starting March 2025. This launch represents a significant expansion of TVS Motor Company’s presence in Latin America, reinforcing its commitment to providing efficient mobility solutions across global markets.

    TVS Motor Co currently sells its products in more than 80 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

  • Adani Wilmar and Akshaya Patra expand Mid-day meal reach in Ahmedabad

    Adani Wilmar and Akshaya Patra expand Mid-day meal reach in Ahmedabad

    MUMBAI: Adani Wilmar Limited (AWL) has partnered with The Akshaya Patra Foundation to expand the Mid-day meal programme, providing nutritious meals to underprivileged schoolchildren in Ahmedabad.

    As part of the initiative, six newly introduced delivery vans will facilitate smooth meal distribution, enhancing food accessibility across schools. The vans were officially flagged off in Ahmedabad, with key representatives from Adani Wilmar and The Akshaya Patra Foundation in attendance.

    Adani Wilmar MD & CEO Angshu Mallick stated, “Proper nutrition is essential for a child’s education and future. By supporting The Akshaya Patra Foundation, we aim to ensure that nutritious meals reach children seamlessly, helping them learn and grow without the barrier of hunger.”

    The Akshaya Patra Foundation, which serves over 2.1 million children across 16 states and two union territories, welcomed this support. Gujarat vice president Raya Rama Dasa said, “These delivery vans are vital in reaching more children efficiently. We are grateful to Adani Wilmar for their continued dedication to tackling classroom hunger.”

    This partnership builds on Adani Wilmar’s Fortune Suposhan initiative, which focuses on eradicating malnutrition and anaemia. Last year, the company donated three vans and provided meals for 2,000 children for a year.

    Adani Wilmar reaffirms its commitment to fostering a healthier and more nourished generation, ensuring that no child’s education is compromised due to hunger.

  • Optimum Nutrition unveils project Protein Thali on World Protein Day

    Optimum Nutrition unveils project Protein Thali on World Protein Day

    MUMBAI: To mark World Protein Day, Optimum Nutrition has unveiled project Protein Thali, an initiative designed to educate active Indian adults on the importance of protein in their diet. The campaign aims to bridge the country’s significant protein deficiency by encouraging individuals to rethink meal compositions and make protein a priority.

    With 73 per cent of India’s population deficient in protein and over 90 per cent unaware of their daily protein needs, project Protein Thali seeks to drive awareness and behavioural change. The campaign promotes the swap the serve concept, advocating for replacing a portion of carbohydrates with protein. When combined with Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100 per cent Whey, a single meal can provide 40 grams of protein-an essential component for muscle gain and recovery after physical activity.

    Renowned athlete PV Sindhu stated, “Throughout my journey as an athlete, expert guidance on nutrition has been vital to my performance. Protein plays a key role in recovery, and I am excited to collaborate with Optimum Nutrition to share these insights through project Protein Thali.”

    Glanbia Performance Nutrition general manager, Sumit Mathur stated, “Protein is crucial, yet many Indians, including sports enthusiasts, do not prioritise it. By transforming the traditional Indian thali into a Protein Thali, we aim to inspire a shift towards a protein-inclusive diet.”

    In a practical demonstration of its commitment, Optimum Nutrition introduced project Protein Thali at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), where athletes were served specially curated protein-rich meals, including Gold Standard 100 per cent Whey. This initiative aimed to highlight how effortlessly protein can be incorporated into daily diets.

    Optimum Nutrition invites consumers to participate in the movement by sharing their own Protein Thali creations on social media using Swaptheserve. With Gold Standard 100 per cent Whey trusted by millions worldwide, the brand continues to lead the way in fulfilling the protein needs of active individuals.

  • Micromax Ventures into solar market with 5GW facility, partners with Jinchen

    Micromax Ventures into solar market with 5GW facility, partners with Jinchen

    MUMBAI: The sun isn’t just shining-it’s powering the next big leap for Micromax. Once a formidable name in India’s mobile revolution, the homegrown electronics giant is now setting its sights on the solar energy sector. With its latest venture, Startup Energy, Micromax is stepping into the solar panel manufacturing game in partnership with China’s Jinchen, a leading solar equipment manufacturer.

    Micromax has inked a strategic contract with Jinchen to establish a 5GW advanced solar module manufacturing line. The project will roll out in multiple phases, integrating automation, precision engineering, and high-efficiency production technologies.

    The goal? To deliver cost-effective, high-quality solar panels for residential, commercial, and industrial applications at scale.

    Micromax’s latest play aligns perfectly with India’s ambitious renewable energy mission. With the country eyeing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and installed solar capacity already surpassing 72 GW as of 2023, the demand for locally manufactured, high-performance solar panels is skyrocketing.

    Micromax Informatics MD Rajesh Agarwal elaborated on the company’s vision, “With Startup Energy, we are extending our expertise into the renewable energy sector, making clean power more accessible, reliable, and cost-effective for individuals and businesses.”

    Startup Energy’s manufacturing facility will leverage advanced automation and precision engineering, ensuring top-tier efficiency and scalability. But Micromax isn’t stopping there—the company also plans to explore strategic R&D partnerships to drive innovation in next-gen solar technologies. From enhancing energy efficiency to increasing long-term sustainability, Micromax is crafting an ecosystem where affordability meets cutting-edge advancements.

    With Startup Energy gearing up to power homes, industries, and the nation, Micromax is proving once again that it knows how to disrupt an industry—this time, under the Indian sun.

  • Phonepe prepares for IPO, targets $15 billion valuation with top banks

    Phonepe prepares for IPO, targets $15 billion valuation with top banks

    MUMBAI: Phonepe is gearing up for its stock market debut, enlisting J.P. Morgan, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Morgan Stanley, and Citi to oversee its IPO. The fintech firm, backed by Walmart, is eyeing a valuation of up to $15 billion as it plans to list on Indian stock exchanges.

    Marking a decade in business, Phonepe has restructured its corporate framework, consolidating its various divisions into wholly owned subsidiaries. This strategic move, coupled with robust financial growth, positions the company favourably for public listing.

    Phonepe has reported over 70 per cent revenue growth in the past fiscal year while narrowing net losses and achieving an adjusted post-tax profit. A sharp focus on automation, operational efficiency, and cost management has reinforced its financial stability.

    With a strong user base and innovative digital solutions, Phonepe aims to sustain its strong position in India’s fintech space. As it advances towards the IPO, the company remains committed to scaling its business and driving long-term profitability in the evolving digital payments sector.