Category: Brands

  • Apsara launches new brand identity and packaging design

    Apsara launches new brand identity and packaging design

    Mumbai: Apsara, the flagship brand of Hindustan Pencils, has launched its new brand identity and packaging design. This transformation aims to redefine Apsara’s market presence with a fresh look that reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.

    Since its inception in the 1960s, Apsara has become a well-known name in stationery, elevating the simple pencil into a symbol of excellence. Through campaigns like “Extra Marks for Good Handwriting,” Apsara has set standards for students and professionals alike. Today, Apsara continues to innovate, demonstrating the impact of a well-designed product.

    Apsara has consistently updated its logo and packaging to maintain relevance. The latest rebranding modernises the typeface while preserving its recognition. This update introduces a unified visual identity across all product lines, including art materials, gifts, and stationery, bringing consistency to the brand’s overall presentation.

    In this revamp, a turquoise shade has been selected as the primary brand color, unifying Apsara’s diverse product range under a single identity. For the pencil and related categories, where Apsara has a strong legacy, subtle adjustments were made to preserve familiar visual elements and the existing color palette. The art materials and gifting segments now feature a bold yellow color scheme, improving shelf visibility and making it easier for customers and retailers to recognise the products.

    “Our new packaging is a testament to our dedication to delight consumers with designs that are as exceptional as our products,” stated Hindustan Pencils president Pradip Ughade. “This revamp not only enhances the customer experience but also strengthens Apsara’s market presence across a broader spectrum of products.”

    The agency behind the revamp – Almond Branding founder Shashwat Das added, “This transformation solidifies Apsara’s leadership in the market. The refreshed identity resonates with both our loyal customers and new audiences, reinforcing Apsara’s influence in the stationery and art materials markets.”

    Apsara continues to set industry benchmarks with its innovative approach and unwavering commitment to quality. The refreshed branding embodies the company’s vision of evolving with market trends while upholding the core values that have defined Apsara for generations.

  • Aditya Roy Kapoor joins Himalaya Family as its official brand ambassador

    Aditya Roy Kapoor joins Himalaya Family as its official brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Himalaya PartySmart, a natural and wellness lifestyle brand, aimed at preventing hangovers, is proud to announce its collaboration with renowned actor Aditya Roy Kapur as its official brand ambassador. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for Himalaya PartySmart, reinforcing its commitment to reach a wider set of consumers and promote wellness and responsible social choices.

    At the heart of this collaboration is Himalaya PartySmart, a clinically-tested, herbal supplement designed to prevent hangovers. Its unique blend of natural ingredients which supports the liver and can be consumed before, after or during the session. As a single-dose capsule, PartySmart offers an easy way for adults to enjoy social drinking responsibly while supporting their well-being.

    Aditya Roy Kapur, celebrated for his versatility and charm on screen, embodies the spirit of Himalaya PartySmart perfectly. His widespread appeal among audiences of all ages and demographics makes him a promoter of the brand’s message of enjoying celebrations while taking care of one’s health.

    Speaking on this association, Himalaya Wellness marketing director – beauty & personal care Ragini Hariharan said, “We are thrilled to welcome Aditya Roy Kapur to the Himalaya PartySmart family. His widespread appeal and commitment to wellness perfectly align with our mission to promote responsible and enjoyable celebrations, especially as we establish ourselves as a more holistic lifestyle brand. With Aditya on board, we look forward to inspiring more people to prioritize their health while having a good time.”

    Aditya Roy Kapur shared his excitement about the collaboration, remarking, “I am super excited to be associated with Himalaya PartySmart, a brand that aligns with my belief in balancing enjoyment with wellness. I’m a big believer in living a balanced life, and that includes enjoying my social events and concerts without compromising my well-being. We’re working on some exciting upcoming initiatives and I look forward to contributing to their mission of promoting responsible celebration habits.”

    Fans can expect to see Aditya Roy Kapur featured in a series of upcoming marketing initiatives designed to inspire people to celebrate responsibly. 

  • WOW Skin Science launches its new onion + collagen anti-hair fall range

    WOW Skin Science launches its new onion + collagen anti-hair fall range

    Mumbai: WOW Skin Science has announced the launch of its new Onion + Collagen anti-hair fall range. This updated product addresses the increase in hair fall concerns during the monsoon season. The new formulation combines collagen with onion to deliver improved results and strengthen WOW’s position in the haircare market.

    As a pioneer of the onion haircare range in India, WOW Skin Science has expanded the category with innovative products. The new Collagen-enriched formula, tested extensively, showed significant hair fall reduction in just two weeks. This blend of natural onion and collagen offers a solution that combines nature and science effectively.

    The updated WOW Onion + Collagen range provides a dual-action approach: onion strengthens hair roots, while collagen forms a protective layer to prevent dryness, repair damage, and improve texture. This combination offers effective hair fall control and a smooth finish, setting a new standard in the onion haircare market.

    On the launch, WOW Skin Science co-founder Manish Chowdhary shared, “At WOW Skin Science, we understand that today’s consumers seek advanced solutions. Our new and improved Onion + Collagen range reflects our commitment to ‘Activated Naturals,’ blending natural ingredients with active components for exceptional results. We are confident that this breakthrough formulation, being the first in India to combine collagen with onion specifically for hair fall treatment, will set a new standard in haircare segment.”

    To support the launch and build awareness of collagen in haircare, WOW Skin Science is implementing a 360-degree media activation strategy. This includes a fresh digital commercial featuring Urvi Singh, known for her role in Kota Factory. The campaign spotlights the tagline ‘Hair Fall ke liye OG nahi, OC,’ showcasing onion as the original gangster (OG) of hair fall control. Now, paired with collagen (OC), this dynamic duo emerges as the ultimate hair care solution, Onion + Collagen.

    WOW Skin Science’s new Onion + Collagen range is set to address hair fall issues, especially during the monsoon season. As India’s first hair care range combining onion with collagen, it features a formulation free from sulphates, parabens, and silicone, providing an effective and gentle solution. The range is available through e-commerce platforms and retail stores, making it accessible to users across the country.

  • Rohit Sharma launches ‘RS by True Elements’ with True Elements

    Rohit Sharma launches ‘RS by True Elements’ with True Elements

    Mumbai: After a successful cricket career, captain Rohit Sharma is expanding his impact off the field. He has partnered with True Elements to launch a licensed brand, RS by True Elements, to co-build a product line in the Indian food industry.

    Exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, Rohit Sharma will be the ambassador for True Elements while leading the RS by True Elements brand. True Elements, a homegrown brand specialising in healthy breakfast and snacks like oats, muesli, seeds, and regional snacks, will co-create and market products under the RS brand, with RISE Worldwide managing the partnership.

    True Elements’ philosophy is to make “Food That Does Not Lie.” They encourage consumers to read ingredients and understand what they are consuming.

    Rohit Sharma, as a partner and ambassador said, “This is a good time and opportunity to launch RS by True Elements, where, today, the focus for consumers is to know what they are eating. I have been a fan of True Elements, as they have stayed committed to their values and business philosophy. The partnership is aimed at building an alternative product line for consumers to make their preferred choice and be more aware of what is being offered to them.”

    True Elements was founded in 2016 by Puru Gupta & Sreejith Moolayil.  After 10 years, the brand has scaled to a level where it is available on all major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Swiggy, Instamart, Zepto etc, servicing 24829 pin codes along with a presence in 25000+ offline stores nationally. Major ones are Lulu, Metro, Nature’s Basket, Vijetha Supermarket, Haiko Supermarket, Dorabjee’s, Village Hypermarket, Pothys, Rajakumari, Society stores, etc.

    “This is the first time a cricketer is licensing a health food brand in India – a first for the ecosystem. Given the authenticity that Rohit has in cricket, we believe it would help us reinforce our commitment to being ‘True’ and honest with our customers and help us scale rapidly. With Rohit starting a brand with us, it reiterates his confidence in us as a brand and our principles, which is a big motivation for the entire team. Am sure the joint effort will be a good benchmark for the rest of the industry” said True Elements co-founder and CEO Puru Gupta.

    RS by True Elements products are likely to hit the market by the end of August 2024.

    Rohit Sharma brings authenticity to RS by True Elements, and the cricketing legend will simplify packaged food for Indian consumers and hopes to bring about a change in people’s food habits and the way young minds think about food & health.

    In the coming months, there will be a campaign launch with a brand film featuring Rohit followed by product-led videos but for now, it is refreshing to see a one-of-a-kind licensing being pioneered in the food industry of India.

  • Timex celebrates 170 years of great watchmaking

    Timex celebrates 170 years of great watchmaking

    Mumbai: Celebrating its 170th anniversary, Timex honours the brand’s rich heritage and legacy of crafting durable timepieces that are made to be worn and loved for a lifetime.

    Since 1854, Timex has stood out in embodying the spirit of American ingenuity, boldly shaking up a 300-year-old industry to craft quality, accessible timepieces, and carving out their place in time with a legacy of firsts in watchmaking. They challenged the status quo, taking timekeeping off the mantles of the one per cent and bringing it to the world with the innovation of brass movements and mass assembly lines. They moved the watch from the pocket to the wrist and created the “watch that made the dollar famous.”

    Timex made women’s timepieces an accessory, not an heirloom and even tested their watches on live television. The brand invented the first smartwatch certified by NASA and shot it into outer space, introduced the first sports watch, and today still crosses nearly every finish line. With Indiglo, Timex changed the way the world tells time in the dark.

    Timex ventured into the Indian market nearly 35 years ago in 1988 with the launch of its acclaimed watch franchises –Marlin, Waterbury, and Q Timex. Timex India added Fria, a collection created for fashion-conscious modern Indian women perfectly blending classic designs and modern interpretations to the brand’s legacy.  

    Timex India MD Deepak Chhabra expressed, “It’s an absolute moment of pride for us to be a part of this iconic heritage and celebrate this milestone of 170 years of global excellence. From the launch of Timex’s iconic franchise Marlin, the brand has continued to build a legacy through technological innovation and contemporary designs. A Timex does more than just tell time; it tells your story. Our 35-year-old journey in India aligns with current fashion trends, solidifying our relevance and deepening our connection with Indian consumers.”

    Throughout its legacy, Timex has introduced iconic franchises like the Marlin, Waterbury, Q Timex, and Expedition North, encapsulating its rich heritage.

    Marlin

    The original Marlin watches first debuted in the 1950s and matured into a centerpiece of Timex’s broader collection in the 1960s. Today’s Marlin collection draws inspiration from that era, pulling both from Timex archives and 1960s culture more generally. Timeless and sophisticated, this collection draws on the best of the past while continuing to push Timex’s legacy of style, disruption, and quality into the future.

    Waterbury

    The Waterbury is the quintessential expression of Timex watchmaking, combining classic timepieces with design sensibility while putting value—a fundamental part of any Timex watch—at its heart. This franchise balances Timex’s rich past with its pioneering spirit, always respecting what has come before while looking boldly to the future.

    Q Timex

    Bold, irreverent, and confident, the Q Timex watches of today carry some of the stylistic references of the late 1970s and early 1980s and more fully the same ethos that courageously allowed Timex to embrace new technology and create precise, affordable watches with statement-making designs inspired by innovation and change.

    Expedition North

    The Expedition North collection offers enthusiasts watches that meet their love of exploration and the outdoors. Combining a casual outdoor/military aesthetic that fits a rugged lifestyle, high-quality components that are good for the environment, and performance features that are built for the long haul, this collection can withstand the elements of adventure after adventure.  

    Fria

    Designed for the Indian target audience, this collection embodies versatility with vibrant colours, playful patterns, and geometric shapes. Each piece tells a unique story, elevating every occasion and adding finesse to any outfit, be it casual or elegant. What truly defines Timex extends far beyond their heritage – it’s the way their watches have gone from being simple tools to cherished companions.

    Maybe your Timex was a gift, or perhaps it was passed down to you. Regardless of how you came to know and love it, your Timex does more than just tell time; it tells your story and reminds you to make time yours. For more information visit shop.timexindia.com

  • New age careers are becoming number one choice for youth today: Nipun Marya

    New age careers are becoming number one choice for youth today: Nipun Marya

    Mumbai: iQOO has launched ‘The Quest Film’ directed by Shoojit Sircar featuring Bhuvan Bam which was premiered at the PVR Directors Cut, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Conceptualised by Ogilvy India, “Keep Questing” aims to inspire the youth to explore their passions, and follow their dreams and aspirations. The film further delved into the quest of the youngest boy of the family who aims to make it big in his life despite multiple hurdles.

    Futhermore the brand has also unveiled The Quest Report 2024’ which encapsulates insights from 6,700 respondents, aged between 20-24 years, 7 countries- India, United States of America, United Kingdom, Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The report covers three broad areas: Gen Z Questers’ spirit & motivation to fulfil their dreams, obstacles & barriers that disrupt their quest for passion, and career choices that drive their interests.

    Executed by iQOO with CyberMedia Research (CMR), the report decodes Questers’ drive, passion and ambition through a quantitative metric- Quest Index, or “QI”. The results showcase India’ s QI as 9.1 followed by Malaysia with 8.7 QI, Thailand & USA with 8.2 QI, Indonesia with 8.1 QI, United Kingdom with 8 QI, and Brazil with 7.8 QI.

    Indiantelevision.com at the sidelines of this event, caught up with iQOO India CEO Nipun Marya, where he shared some vital details into the process of making this film, some additional insights on the report and much more.

    Edited excerpts

    What inspired you to create The Quest Film and collaborate with Shoojit Sircar?

    We prepared this film on the back of the findings which we got from the Quest report. In which we talked and surveyed 6,700 people across seven countries in the age group of 20-24. When we asked them, we found some very interesting findings. First is new age careers. They are really shaping up and becoming the number one choice for the youth of today. Second that we saw was that at one level, new age careers are becoming prevalent amongst the youth, but they still find very high societal pressure. So when we saw that, we thought why don’t we combine the two and make a film. We discussed with our creative agency Ogilvy and we were able to create a film which also depicts at one level what is the interest amongst the youth and at the same time how do they feel challenged when they express their choices.

    What are the key trends about Gen Z did the report uncover?

    Lot of trends actually! Firstly how audacious your dreams are. We found out that Indian youth are among the highest in the world in dreaming big. What is more heartening is even though dreaming big is one thing, the Indian youth are also hustling twice the global youth. Which means they are taking double the amount of steps to reach their goal. It also means whether they are taking courses or internships etc, whatever they are doing, they are trying to somehow learn more. Then gender also came out where we found out that women expressed the cause of the gender difference. Twice the number of women feel more challenged than men. Lastly societal pressure is still quite high and as a society if we can do something around it, I think it would be better.

    How does the research in the global report inform iQOO’s strategy and product development?

    When we discussed about this report, it gives us more insights into when we are communicating with Gen Z, like how we should do it and what are the aspects which we should touch upon when we communicate with them. At the product development level, it also shows us what are the key areas we should focus on when we have to think about our products like how new age careers are becoming important and critical and how can we enable better usage through our phone. Esports is one example, content creation is another example.

    How do you plan to leverage the findings of this report in its future marketing and product strategies?

    Firstly, this campaign is not necessarily for product marketing. We don’t intend to sell more products through this report. It is more about sharing our brand’s perspective.

    Any specific outcome you hope to achieve with The Quest Film and the report?

    We believe its a long journey. But its a first step towards taking this journey. We are just hoping we put our best foot forward and let’s see how the results come. 

  • Metro Brands Ltd partners with New Era Cap

    Metro Brands Ltd partners with New Era Cap

    Mumbai: New Era Cap, the New York-based brand in sports fashion has announced the signing of a long-term licensing agreement with Metro Brands Ltd (MBL), India’s footwear and accessories specialty. This partnership will expand the retail presence of New Era in India and deepen MBL’s retail expansion in the athleisure market.

    Under the terms of the agreement, MBL is granted exclusive rights for the distribution and sale of New Era products including headwear, apparel and accessories through retail stores and shopping kiosks. They will hold rights to channel online sales through their own websites, New Era sites and online marketplaces. New Era will also be present in the coming Foot Locker stores in India.

    New Era is a symbol of authenticity and individuality, appealing to a wide range of people from sports fans to fashion-forward individuals. Best known for being the official on-field cap for Major League Baseball and the National Football League, New Era’s signature headwear silhouettes include the 59FIFTY, fitted cap, the 9FIFTY snapback and the adjustable 9FORTY.

    The Indian headwear market has thrived through e-commerce. Recognizing the potential for retail expansion, Metro Brands Ltd plans to strategically penetrate the market by integrating sports culture into the cap industry with New Era.

    New Era VP Paul Gils said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Metro Brands to create a robust growth plan for both headwear and apparel in India. Metro Brands has a deep understanding of the Indian consumer coupled with their expertise in retail and distribution. We look forward to significant brand expansion over the coming years.”

    Metro Brands Ltd CEO Nissan Joseph said, “At Metro Brands Ltd, our vision is to introduce the finest global brands to India and fulfill our customers’ complete athleisure wardrobe needs. This partnership marks a major milestone in that journey. It will allow us to revolutionize the cap market, elevate the retail experience, and address the evolving preferences of our customers. We are confident that, through this collaboration, caps are going to be the next statement accessory to watch out for.”

    Metro Brands Ltd, with over 800 stores across India, is gearing up to open the first Foot Locker store in the country. Within the Metro Brands Ltd family, an array of brands, including iconic Indian labels like Metro Shoes, Mochi and popular international choices like Crocs, FitFlop and Fila, have prospered.

  • ITC Sunfeast holds first-ever hen and cow conference

    ITC Sunfeast holds first-ever hen and cow conference

    Mumbai: ITC Sunfeast hosted a unique conference today featuring a humorous discussion between hen and cow representatives. They discussed the challenges of making milk and eggs more appealing to children while emphasizing their roles in providing good nutrition.

    The conference also included a larger panel discussion with representatives from various fields. The panel featured National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) West Bengal chairman Madan Mohan Maiti, IDA East Zone vice-chairman Dr Dulal Chandra Sen, clinical nutritionist and lifestyle consultant Dr Ananya Bhowmik, celebrity mom Koneenica Banerjee, and Nourishing Schools co-founder and CEO Archana Sinha. They emphasized the importance of eggs and milk during children’s developmental years as key sources of protein and other nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and iron. The discussion also explored innovative ways to make milk and egg consumption more appealing to kids.

    Recognising a gap in the market for an egg and milk biscuit, ITC Sunfeast introduced its latest product, Sunfeast super egg & milk biscuit, featuring the “Goodness of Protein.” ITC’s product development team designed the biscuit to offer both nutrition and a delicious, crunchy experience for children. The tagline, “Super Combo, Super Tasty,” reflects the brand’s focus on providing ‘Good for you’ products to its consumers.

    Speaking on the product launch, ITC Foods COO of biscuits and cakes cluster Ali Harris Shere shared, “Our consumer research highlighted that mother’s consider egg and milk to be essential food for children, however, individually, these ingredients are not very convenient for children to consume, especially for out-of-home consumption. Mothers want to provide these nutrients but existing products in the market do not have a combination of both. This prompted us to work with our product development teams to bring these two essential food components in the form of a biscuit making it convenient for everyday consumption. We are the first to introduce a biscuit with egg and milk at various accessible price points in India.”

    The Sunfeast Egg & Milk Biscuits will be available across South and East India at a price point of Rs 5, Rs 10, and Rs. 30. It will be rolled out in the rest of the country in a phased manner.

    At ITC, it has been a constant endeavour to offer value-added food offering to the consumer given the changing lifestyle and consumer preferences. As part of its nutrition strategy ‘Help India Eat Better’ framework, ITC is leveraging its strengths in science-based, consumer-led product development, agri, etc to meet consumer needs and help them make informed choices.

  • Rohit Sharma partners with True Elements

    Rohit Sharma partners with True Elements

    Mumbai:  Taking on from being one of the most successful cricket captain and player, captain Rohit Sharma is now looking to add to the impact he has off the field.  Rohit Sharma has partnered with True Elements to launch a licensed brand – RS by True Elements, to co-build a product line, bringing this unique and exciting partnership in the Indian food industry.

    Rohit Sharma, exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, is set to be the ambassador of True Elements along with spearheading RS by True Elements. True Elements is a homegrown healthy foods brand that makes healthy breakfast & snacks (oats, muesli, healthy seeds, regional snacks) & gift hampers. Given their product prowess, True Elements and Rohit Sharma will co-create and market products under the RS brand name, with RISE Worldwide managing the partnership.  

    True Elements’ philosophy is to make Food That Does NOT Lie. Just flip any of the product offering, read ingredients and consumers can educate themselves on what  they are consuming.

    Rohit Sharma, as a partner and ambassador said, “This is a good time and opportunity to launch RS by True Elements, where, today, the focus for consumers is to know what they are eating. I have been a fan of True Elements, as they have stayed committed to their values and business philosophy. The partnership is aimed at building an alternative product line for consumers to make their preferred choice and be more aware of what is being offered to them.”

    True Elements was founded in 2016 by Puru Gupta & Sreejith Moolayil.  After 10 years, the brand has scaled to a level where it is available on all major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Swiggy, Instamart, Zepto etc, servicing 24829 pin codes along with presence in 25000+ offline stores nationally. Major ones being Lulu, Metro, Nature’s Basket, Vijetha Supermarket, Haiko Supermarket, Dorabjee’s, Village Hypermarket, Pothys, Rajakumari, Society stores etc.

    “This is the first time a cricketer is licensing a health food brand in India – a first for the ecosystem. Given the authenticity that Rohit has in cricket, we believe it would help us reinforce our commitment to being ‘True’ and honest with our customers and help us scale rapidly. With Rohit starting a brand with us, it reiterates his confidence in us as a brand and our principles, which is a big motivation for the entire team. Am sure the joint effort will be a good benchmark for the rest of the industry” said True Elements co-founder & CEO Puru Gupta.

    RS by True Elements products are likely to hit the market by end of August 2024.

  • Shobitam acquires IsadoraLife

    Shobitam acquires IsadoraLife

    Mumbai: Shobitam has acquired IsadoraLife, a ready-to-wear saree brand. This move aims to make sarees more accessible globally and appeal to Gen Z. The partnership will address the challenges of draping sarees and broaden their appeal, positioning the saree as an essential item for wardrobes in India and internationally.

    The acquisition combines Shobitam’s co-founder Aparna Thyagarajan, and IsadoraLife’s founder Neha Tandon Sharma. This collaboration will drive significant investments in the ready-to-wear saree market over the next two to three years. Shobitam will use its global network to boost demand for IsadoraLife’s products.

    IsadoraLife’s workforce is entirely women, including over 45 artisans in Raipur, India, reflecting their commitment to diversity. The partnership aims to expand into new markets, enhance customer satisfaction by leveraging this expertise, and introduce easy-to-drape saree designs for Gen Z consumers.

    Shobitam co-founder & chief product officer Aparna Thyagarajan said, “It’s gratifying to see sarees pickup momentum but we often hear about the challenge of draping. And, while it may seem trivial, this simple concern was making women back out from possessing this beautiful piece of attire. Our acquisition of IsadoraLife is aimed at bridging this gap and seeing more and more women globally embrace the elegant saree, showcase our timeless culture effortlessly and take pride in being part of the Saree Revolution. Together, Shobitam and IsadoraLife are poised to further strengthen ethnic fashion globally and pave the way for an upward growth trajectory in the fashion startup ecosystem in India.”

    IsadoraLife founder & CEO Neha Tandon Sharma said, “I am excited about this new partnership with Shobitam and looking forward to seeing the growth and acceptance of Sarees like never before, both in the Indian market as well as the Global diaspora. Our partnership with Shobitam has come at the most opportune time when Indian fashion is going through an interesting transition phase with Sarees being seen as both traditional and contemporary wear. It is the epitome of clothing for Indian women and as seen at the Paris Olympics too by the Indian women contingent. Exciting times indeed!”