Category: Brands

ITC Mangaldeep Integrates Augmented Reality for Maha Kumbh 2025 Experience

MUMBAI: It’s taking reality into another fragrant and spiritual dimension. ITC’s incense brand Mangaldeep has introduced 3D augmented reality to coincide with Maha Kumbh 2025. This innovative initiative allows devotees to immerse themselves in sacred rituals such as Shahi Snaan (royal bath), Deep Daan (lamp offering), and Aarti (prayer ceremony) from the comfort of their homes. You too can do so from where you are right now by clicking here.

As the largest spiritual gathering on earth, occurring once every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh is expected to attract over 400 million devotees in 2025. Recognizing that many may be unable to attend in person, ITC Mangaldeep’s AR technology ensures that the transformative spirit of the event reaches a global audience.

Through an exclusive AR experience, users can create personalised Maha Kumbh souvenirs and participate in virtual rituals while sharing their spiritual moments with loved ones. In addition, a hybrid Deep Daan ceremony will be held, where virtual offerings made by users will be physically taken to the Ganges each week, fostering a unique connection between the digital and physical realms.

ITC matches & agarbatti division CEO Gaurav Tayal stated, “The Maha Kumbh is a profound confluence of faith and tradition. Our AR initiative brings this sacred experience closer to millions, deepening the connection between innovation and spirituality.”

ITC Mangaldeep’s commitment to integrating modern technology with ancient traditions positions it as a leader in transformative spiritual experiences, making access to the Maha Kumbh more inclusive than ever.

January 23, 2025
Q3 FY 2025: Hindustan Unilever Ltd & the art of growing steadily

MUMBAI: India’s leading FMCG company Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has reported steady financial results for the third quarter (Q3) and the nine-month period ended 31 December 2024. With a strategic focus on premiumisation, innovation, and cost optimisation, HUL demonstrated resilience amidst market challenges and rising input costs.

Q3 2025 ended 31 December 2024, saw HUL record a total income of Rs 16,050 crore, a 1.7 per cent increase from Rs 15,781 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. Its revenue from operations stood at Rs 15,559 crore, driven by solid performances in the home care and food categories. Profit before exceptional items and tax remained steady at Rs 3,474 crore even as net profit rose 2.1 per cent to Rs 2,989 crore as against Rs 2,925 crore in Q3 2024.

Operating expenses were well-managed at Rs 12,576 crore, indicating efficient cost control. Home care vertical was a stellar performer with revenue climbing Rs 5,739 crore, with segment profit at Rs 1,086 crore, underscoring its role as a key growth driver. The beauty and well being vertical also saw revenues swelling to Rs Rs 3,556 crore, although profits declined slightly to Rs 1,018 crore due to higher input costs. And the food segment was a steady performer awith revenue at Rs 3,745 crore and proft as Rs 755 crore.

On a nine month basis, HUL’s total income reached Rs 48,159 crore, up 1.9 per cent from Rs 47,266 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 46,759 crore, showcasing steady consumer demand. Profit before tax grew to Rs 11,053 crore, while net profit increased by 6.1 per cent to Rs 8,196 crore. The home care category recorded a nine month revenue of Rs 17,143 crore, supported by premiumisation and product innovation. The beauty & well being vertical generated Rs 10,258 crore, benefiting from a focus on personal care products while the foods tranche delivered consistent revenue of Rs 11,398 crore, reflecting effective competitive pricing strategies.

During the quarter, HUL split its beauty & personal care division into two new segments—beauty & wellbeing and personal care—to enhance strategic focus and operational efficiency. Prudent management of raw material costs and advertising expenditure helped mitigate the impact of rising input costs and currency fluctuations. A continued shift towards premium product offerings in home care and beauty & wellbeing bolstered overall performance.

Additionally, it got clearance from its board (based on the recommendation of the independent and audit committees) to dissect the ice-cream business from HUL and fuse it with its wholly owned subsidiary Kwality Wall’s (India) Ltd. Following this, Kwality Walls will issue shares to all the HUL shareholders in a 1:1 ratio.. The ice-cream business had a turnover of Rs 1,595 crore in the year ended 31 March, 2024, that is 2.7 per cent of HUL’s turnover, and it has some great brands in Cornetto, Magnum and Kwality Walls. The demerger creates a leading ice-cream company listed on the stock exchange which will be given wings to fly with a separate managed allowed to focus on its growth.

The demerger followed a decision by Hindustan Unilever’s parent company in the UK to carve out its ice-cream business into a separate company. The rationale behind this separation was that in ice-cream has a different operating model, including differentiated infrastructure for supply and distribution, capital allocation needs, distinct channel landscape and go- to-market strategy.

HUL also announced that it has agreed to acquire 90.5 per cent of the Rs 500 crore turnover Uprising Science Pvt Ltd – which is behind the Minimalist hair care and skin care products range. The HUL board agreed to a price tag of Rs 2,670 crore at a pre-money enterprise valuation of Rs 2,955 crore (and a primary infusion of Rs 45 crore) for the acquisition of the shares from the sellers which include co-founders Mohit Kumar Yadav and . Rahul Yadav, Peak XV Partners Venture Investments VII, Surge Ventures II, and Twenty Nine Capital Partners (General Partner). The transaction is expected to be completed in Q1 of FY 2026. Following that, HUL will acquire the remaining 9.5 per cent of Uprising’s equity within two years.

Minimalist will join the portfolio of brands in HUL’s beauty & wellbeing division led by executive director Harman Dhillon. The current Minimalist team led by Mohit and Rahul will continue to operate the business in collaboration with HUL.

January 22, 2025
Blue Energy Motors to invest Rs 3,500 crore in Maharashtra EV truck plant

MUMBAI: What’s better than a zero-emission truck? How about 30,000 of them.

Blue Energy Motors Ltd., a key partner in Essar’s green mobility initiative, has inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra. Signed at the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos, this ambitious partnership paves the way for a Rs 3,500 crore investment to transform the state into a powerhouse for electric vehicle (EV) truck manufacturing.

Set to kick off in the 2025-26 fiscal year, this state-of-the-art facility will churn out 30,000 advanced EV trucks annually. But that’s not all. The plant will feature cutting-edge research and development capabilities, a battery-pack line, a motor manufacturing unit, and its own charging infrastructure.

The investment doesn’t just promise innovation—it’s a win for the economy too. With 4,000 direct jobs in the pipeline, this initiative is set to energise Maharashtra’s green energy transition while cementing its status as a global hub for clean mobility solutions.

Why make this move now? Blue Energy Motors CEO Anirudh Bhuwalka explained, “We are excited to announce this landmark partnership with the Government of Maharashtra. This collaboration represents a crucial milestone in our ambitions of pioneering green trucking in partnership with Essar’s green mobility initiative. It reflects our shared vision for a cleaner, greener and a more sustainable future. Our investment will not only reaffirm Maharashtra’s position as a global hub for advanced clean mobility solutions but also will contribute to job creation and economic growth.”

Blue Energy Motors’ AI and ML-enabled EV commercial vehicles are more than just trucks; they’re game-changers. Designed for unmatched efficiency and reliability, these zero-emission giants promise to revolutionise heavy-duty trucking while significantly slashing carbon footprints.

The new facility will employ industry-leading manufacturing practices, ensuring that the trucks deliver on both performance and sustainability.

The transition to green energy isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about smart economics too. This investment by Blue Energy Motors aligns with global goals to combat climate change and champion sustainable development.

Is this the spark India needs to electrify its mobility future? With Maharashtra leading the charge, the answer might just be a resounding yes.

As industries worldwide embrace sustainability, this initiative marks a significant step forward for India’s EV ambitions. Will this partnership set the benchmark for green mobility solutions across the globe? Blue Energy Motors is betting Rs 3,500 crore that it will.

January 22, 2025
Brand Finance Global 500 Brands 2025 report: Apple maintains lead as tech giants dominate

MUMBAI: The band of top brands globally continues to be dominated by tech giants. At least that’s what Brand Finance’s top 500 Global Brands report for 2025 has revealed. Apple has retained its position as the world’s most valuable brand, with a brand value of $574.5 billion. The tech giant is followed closely by Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, which occupy the second, third, and fourth spots, respectively.

The top 10 most valuable brands are dominated by US-based companies, with Walmart, Facebook, and Nvidia also featuring in the list. However, Chinese brands such as TikTok/Douyin, State Grid Corp of China, and China Construction Bank are rapidly gaining ground, with significant increases in their brand values.

The report highlights the growing influence of Asian brands, with 17 Chinese companies featuring in the top 100, including newcomers such as Moutai and Wuliangye. Japanese brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Group also make significant appearances in the list.

European brands, meanwhile, are struggling to keep pace, with only 12 companies from the continent featuring in the top 100. German brands such as Deutsche Telekom, Mercedes-Benz, and SAP are among the notable exceptions.

The report also notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on brand values, with many companies experiencing a decline in their brand worth. However, tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Google have been largely immune to the pandemic’s effects, thanks to their diversified revenue streams and strong brand recognition.

The top 10 most valuable brands in the world are:

1. Apple (USA) – $574.5 billion
2. Microsoft (USA) – $461.1 billion
3. Google (USA) – $412.9 billion
4. Amazon (USA) – $356.4 billion
5. Walmart (USA) – $137.2 billion
6. Samsung Group (South Korea) – $110.6 billion
7. TikTok/Douyin (China) – $105.8 billion
8. Facebook (USA) – $91.5 billion
9. NVIDIA (USA) – $87.9 billion
10. State Grid Corporation of China (China) – $85.6 billion

Brand Finance also analysed what brands have grown the most since 2020, plus TikTok – although Brand Finance began valuing the brand in 2022, its 79 per cent growth in four years puts it in the same league as the other high-growth brands.

1. TikTok/Douyin: USD105.8 billion, up from USD59.0 billion (in 2022)
2. DraftKings: USD5.1 billion, up from USD18 million
3. FanDuel: USD7.0 billion, up from USD56 million
4. NVIDIA: USD87.9 billion, up from USD4.7 billion
5. AMD: USD11.0 billion, up from USD1.4 billion
6. Pinduoduo: USD13.0 billion, up from USD2.5 billion
7. BYD: USD14.0 billion, up from USD3.1 billion
8. Apple: USD574.5 billion, up from USD140.5 billion
9. TSMC: USD34.2 billion, up from US8.6 billion
10. Microsoft: USD461.1 billion, up from USD117.1 billion
11. Lilly: USD8.0 billion, up from USD2.1 billion

To take a dekko at the Top 100 Global Brands 2025 list click on the word free. Basic data for the top 100 is available for free.

January 22, 2025
Brand Finance valuation Report 2025: Three Indian firms in top 10 IT list

MUMBAI: Indian information technology (IT) firms are rocking it, and how. What started as a dream project to build India’s IT capabilities some 30-40 years ago has yielded dividend in a manner possibly not imagined. Take a look at the brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance Global 500 and IT Services Top 25 reports. At least three Indian firms figure in the top 10 IT firms list.

The report also reveals that the value of the top 25 IT services brands has surged to $163 billion, spurred by increased corporate spending and demand for advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Top 10 IT Services providers as per the report are (in alphabetical order) — Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, Fujitsu (IT Services), HCLTech, IBM Consulting, Infosys, NTT DATA, TCS, and Wipro.

Accenture retains its title as the world’s most valuable IT services brand for the seventh consecutive year, with a brand value of $41.5 billion. It also claims the title of the strongest brand, surpassing IBM Consulting, and has secured $3 billion in new generative AI bookings over the past year. Its rise in brand strength is largely driven by its exceptional familiarity and market presence, particularly in the US, where it commands the highest familiarity levels among the top 25 brands. Accenture’s robust competitive position is further reflected in its top score for consideration in both Europe and the US.

TCS follows as the second most valuable IT services brand, with a brand value of $21.3 billion, bolstered by investments and its association with marathons and other high-profile sports events worldwide. From sponsoring iconic races like the TCS New York City Marathon and the TCS Sydney Marathon (its latest acquisition in 2024), to partnering with Jaguar TCS Racing in Formula E, TCS has cemented its global presence by using sports as a dynamic platform to connect with diverse audiences while highlighting its transformative digital solutions.

TCS chief marketing officer Abhinav Kumar said: “As we kick off a new year in 2025 with the World Economic Forum at Davos, we are delighted to see our brand cross this major landmark and cement its position in the top tier of our industry. We have been a strategic partner to WEF for 15 years and in this period our brand has nearly grown ninefold in value and is known globally for being a leader in innovation, the ability to deliver the most complex technology work in the world, and in creating long term partnerships of value with our clients. My thanks to the hundreds of thousands of TCSers who proudly build and live this great brand every second. We are all in it for the long run.”

Infosys, valued at $16.3 billion, ranks as the third most valuable brand, boasting the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18 per cent among IT services brands over the past five years. Bolstered by the robust leadership of CEO Salil Parekh, Infosys has redoubled its relevance in the AI-first world and consistently delivered strong performances and innovation in the rapidly evolving digital services landscape.

HCLTech is recognised as the fastest-growing IT services brand in 2025, achieving an impressive 17 per cent increase in brand value to $8.9 billion, driven by significant deal wins and early adoption of AI technologies. This growth is fuelled by its strong financial performance driven by a series of mega deal wins across diverse industries and geographies in 2024, the continued positive momentum of its successful brand transformation and its early leadership in AI/GenAI business. HCLTech’s AI offerings have created a lot of stickiness in the market, the company having entered the space almost a decade ago and having strong AI partnerships with all the leading Technology OEMs and Hyperscalers.

“FY24 saw HCLTech deliver solid market performance with our revenue growth rate the highest among tier 1 global IT services companies and our early leadership in the AI and GenAI space. This exceptional performance is directly mirrored in our brand valuation, showcasing the strong correlation between our business achievements and our brand’s market perception,” said HCLTech chief marketing officer Jill Kouri..

“Our global purpose-driven strategy is paying off great results. HCLTech’s fastest brand value growth reflects the continued relevance and stickiness of our company’s value proposition to all its stakeholders, driven by bringing together the best of technology andour people to supercharge progress,” added HCLTech global head of brand Zulfia Nafees.

Sustainability is increasingly influencing brand reputation, accounting for 17.5 per cent of decision-making in the sector. Accenture leads in this area with the highest Sustainability Perceptions Score among the top 25 brands, reflecting its commitment to ethical management and social responsibility.

Infosys’ Parekh, for the second year in a row, has topped the IT services ranking in Brand Finance’s Brand Guardianship Index (BGI) 2025 for the role of CEO as brand custodian and steward of long-term shareholder value.

“Over the past four decades, brand Infosys has been nurtured by our founders and our leadership, carefully balancing purpose, promise and performance. This relentless focus is reflected in the brand’s leadership and steady gains in brand value over the years”, said Infosys global chief marketing officer Sumit Virmani. “We are delighted with Brand Finance’s recognition of Infosys’ continued brand momentum and differentiated value creation for businesses in an AI-first world.”

Brand Finance’s findings highlight the critical importance of AI capabilities and sustainable practices for IT service providers aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

January 22, 2025
Hyundai powers ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ with localisation and EV breakthrough

MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) isn’t just making cars; it’s making waves. With a roaring 92 per cent localisation in manufacturing and a game-changing battery-pack assembly plant in Chennai, Hyundai is taking its ‘Make-in-India’ commitment to full throttle. If this isn’t a rev-up moment for India’s automotive landscape, we don’t know what is.

Let’s talk numbers—1,238 indigenised parts, 194 vendors, and a whopping $672 million in forex savings (over Rs 5,678 crore) since 2019. Hyundai’s localisation journey is no leisurely Sunday drive; it’s a turbocharged race to leverage India’s resources and engineering talent.

Hyundai’s whole-time director & chief manufacturing officer, Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, put it perfectly, “Our indigenisation aligns seamlessly with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision. The launch of the battery-pack assembly plant is not just a milestone; it’s a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class technology made in India.”

Oh, and did we mention that Hyundai’s Creta Electric now boasts locally assembled battery packs? Talk about an electrifying debut!

Why is everyone talking about Chennai? Because Hyundai and Mobis India have launched a state-of-the-art battery-pack assembly plant, complete with an annual capacity of 75,000 packs in phase one. Whether it’s NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt Oxide) or LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) batteries, this facility has it all.

Hyundai isn’t just building cars; it’s building them with 100 per cent locally sourced components like alternators, alloy wheels, catalytic converters, and shark fin antennas. Fancy tech like tyre pressure monitoring systems and panoramic sunroofs? Yep, localised too.

The company is also looking ahead with plans to replicate this success at its Talegaon manufacturing plant in Maharashtra. Can we hear a round of applause for the future?

In its localisation journey, Hyundai isn’t just saving forex; it’s creating jobs—1,400 direct employment opportunities, to be exact. The company’s engineering prowess and strategic partnerships are redefining what it means to be ‘Atmanirbhar’.

In a world racing toward electric and sustainable solutions, Hyundai’s efforts are more than just industry milestones—they’re a blueprint for automotive evolution. The localisation strategy isn’t just a business move; it’s a bold statement. And with the Creta Electric leading the charge, Hyundai is proving that Indian manufacturing isn’t just capable; it’s competitive.

January 22, 2025
Maruti Suzuki rolls out “More Power to Your Play” campaign for Brezza

MUMBAI: Rev your engines because Maruti Suzuki has just turned up the heat on the roads with the launch of its “More Power to Your Play” campaign for the Brezza. Starring none other than Indian cinema Gen Z sensation Kartik Aaryan, the campaign promises a heady mix of style, power, and unmissable swagger.

With over 12 lakh units sold, Brezza reigns supreme as India’s highest-selling compact SUV, and now it’s back with a bang to showcase why it’s the go-to choice for those who live life on their terms.

Aaryan, thrilled about his association with the Brezza, shared, “The Maruti Suzuki Brezza perfectly mirrors the spirit of today’s youth who believe in making their own rules. What drew me to this campaign was how authentically it captures the pulse of young India. The powerful 1.5L engine combined with features like HUD display, 360 view camera, 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, etc makes the Brezza a perfect partner for those who love to live life in their own style. The campaign’s essence, ‘More Power to Your Play,’ truly resonates with my belief in living life authentically.”

Maruti Suzuki India senior executive officer, marketing & sales, Partho Banerjee added, “We wanted to create a narrative that connects with our prospects and customers who seek a vehicle that matches their multifaceted and dynamic lifestyle. Kartik Aaryan’s dynamic personality and Gen Z appeal make him the ideal brand ambassador for our Brezza. Through this partnership, we are showcasing how Brezza empowers our customers to make every moment special, whether they are conquering city streets or exploring uncharted territories.”

He further added, “Since its inception, Brezza has established itself as India’s Highest selling compact SUV1 with over 12 Lakh units sold. Notably, over 36 per cent of our customers are first-time buyers, demonstrating Brezza’s strong appeal and value proposition among young aspirational Indians.”

The Brezza isn’t just any SUV—it’s a tech powerhouse. Highlights include:

. 40 connected features to keep you in sync with the road and beyond.

. SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system for an immersive experience.

. 360-view camera and head-up display for an edge in city or off-road adventures.

. Electric sunroof because, hey, who doesn’t love a bit of sunshine?

And let’s not forget the driving options: 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or a smooth 5-speed manual transmission.

If you’re thinking, “Isn’t this just another car ad?”, think again. This campaign merges high-energy visuals with compelling storytelling, showing Aaryan in his element—confident, playful, and ready for adventure. It’s like an Indian cinema blockbuster but with horsepower.

This integrated campaign will roll out across TV, digital, outdoor, and social media, ensuring the Brezza’s bold personality reaches every corner of the country. And with over 36 per cent of Brezza buyers being first-timers, Maruti Suzuki is betting big on this SUV to continue redefining the compact SUV segment.

The Brezza promises more than just power—it’s your ticket to style, adventure, and tech-savvy drives. So, are you ready to give your play some power? The Brezza sure is.

January 21, 2025
Akshat Arora takes on role of marketing director at Third Wave Coffee

MUMBAI: Akshat Arora has stepped into the position of marketing director at Third Wave Coffee, effective January 2025. With over 13 years of experience in brand management and client relations, he brings expertise in digital marketing, e-commerce, influencer partnerships, and experiential marketing to the team.

Arora holds an MBA in marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies and a bachelor’s in business economics from Maharaja Agrasen College. His previous roles include leading marketing efforts for Tim Hortons India, where he served as head of marketing and product, and driving digital initiatives at Bisleri International. He also served as Reliance Brands (Steve Madden)-marketing head and Jaguar Land Rover marketing manager for around three years each.

Said Third Wave Coffee CEO Rajat Luthra: “Akshat’s extensive experience and innovative approach to business strategies makes him an invaluable addition to our team. Given the opportune stage the brand is at, we look forward to partnering with him as we embark on the next phase of our journey. We are confident that Akshat’s leadership will elevate our marketing strategies and deepen our connection with coffee enthusiasts nationwide.”

“Third Wave Coffee has already defined India’s coffee culture with its specialty coffee offerings and customer-first approach. My focus would be on creating a deeper preference for the brand and driving brand love as we continue to innovate and grow. Together with the team, I am committed to strengthening the brand’s legacy of transforming how India experiences coffee,” said Arora.

In his new role, Akshat will spearhead initiatives to enhance brand resonance, expand digital outreach, build consumer engagement through offline and online channels and strengthen the brand’s competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic market. His appointment comes at an exciting juncture as Third Wave Coffee celebrates the milestone of opening its 125th cafe and continues its expansion across India, reinforcing its leadership in the specialty coffee sector.

(Updated 21 January 2025 with inputs from Third Wave Coffee.)

January 20, 2025
Rajeev Singh appointed leader for transportation & mobility at Publicis Sapient

MUMBAI: Rajeev Singh has announced his new role as leader for the transportation & mobility industry across EMEA and APAC at Publicis Sapient. In this position, he will focus on developing strategic visions and driving profitable growth within a rapidly transforming sector.

His leadership will focus on leveraging Publicis Sapient’s Speed capabilities—strategy, product, experience, engineering, and data & AI – to support clients’ digital transformation journeys.

Rajeev brings extensive experience, having previously served as consumer industry leader at Deloitte Asia Pacific. With a strong background in automotive and consumer sectors, he is well-equipped to facilitate large-scale digital transformations and explore new business opportunities.

He holds an MBA in operations management from SP Jain Institute of Management & Research and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune.

Excited about his new journey, Rajeev expressed gratitude for the support received during his transition and looks forward to leading innovation in tech-driven transportation solutions.

January 20, 2025
Riya Arora gets managing director’s post at Inspirational group

MUMBAI: Riya (Rani) Arora has been appointed as the managing director of Inspirational group, bringing 27 years of extensive experience as a global leadership development and communications consultant. In her role, she will manage a wide range of leadership interventions across various sectors, including financial services, IT, FMCG, automotive, and manufacturing.

Riya, who previously served as the director for inspirational development group’s India office, holds a marketing degree and several certifications, including executive coaching, MBTI, DiSC, NLP, and assessment centers certification. She also possesses an honors diploma in information systems management.

Before her current role, Riya enjoyed an 11-year tenure at Capgemini (formerly Kanbay), where she created communication strategies and led comprehensive leadership development programs globally. Her final position was as the global head of assessment and development centers, where she oversaw programs across the US, UK, Singapore, Australia, and India.

As an independent consultant, she has collaborated with high-profile clients such as Barclaycard, World Bank, and Bajaj Auto, delivering customized leadership interventions. Riya’s earlier career included managing a computer academy and teaching French.

Beyond her professional commitments, Riya is an ardent follower of Sri Sri Ravishankarji and a daily practitioner of Sudarshan Kriya, advocating the importance of well-being in personal and professional settings.

January 20, 2025