Category: Brands

  • Astral Pipes partners with five powerhouse teams for 2024 Indian Cricket League Season

    Astral Pipes partners with five powerhouse teams for 2024 Indian Cricket League Season

    Mumbai: Astral Pipes, manufacturer of innovative piping solutions, announces its strategic partnerships with five marquee teams in the upcoming 2024 season, commencing on 22 March 2024. These partnerships reflect Astral Pipes’ commitment to being a reliable brand, reflecting the reliability embodied by the five esteemed teams, with a vision to connect with diverse audiences across the nation.

    Astral will serve as the Associate Partner for the five-time champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, as the Associate Partner for Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings and as the official partner for Lucknow Super Giants. These collaborations underscore how Astral Pipes is leading the way in terms of branding and consumer engagement in India’s premier cricketing extravaganza.

    As an associate of the title-winning franchises, Astral Pipes brings its legacy of reliability and trust to the forefront, aligning seamlessly with the brand’s positioning as ‘India’s Trusted Pipe Brand.’

    Speaking about the partnerships, Astral Ltd executive director Kairav Engineer said, “We are thrilled to extend our association with these esteemed teams for the 2024 season. Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians, and these partnerships provide us with a unique platform to engage with our diverse target audience across the country. At its core, Astral is a dynamic and reliable brand, and we wanted these attributes to be reflected in our associations and partnerships.”

    Astral Pipes’ collaboration with these teams not only amplifies its brand presence but also facilitates deeper engagement with fans from different regions and demographics. Astral Pipes aims to strengthen its bond with consumers and reinforce its position as a brand synonymous with trust and quality.

  • Deme by Gabriella’s “Tropic of D” collection enchants at Lakmé Fashion Week

    Deme by Gabriella’s “Tropic of D” collection enchants at Lakmé Fashion Week

    Mumbai: The Lakmé Fashion Week, concluded with a surge of summery vibes as Deme by Gabriella Demetriades unveiled its captivating “Tropic of D” collection on the final day of Fashion Week (17 March). This wasn’t just a runway show; it was a coronation, anointing “Tropic of D” as the undisputed queen of summer fashion.

    The front row, including Bollywood royalty and fashion elite, became a captivated court. Sonal Chauhan, Anusha Dandekar, Shibani Akhtar, Arjun Rampal along with son and daughter Mahika, Farah Ali Khan, and Pragya Kapoor – their mere presence added a mesmerising power to a dazzling evening. Yet, even amidst this star wattage, the true story unfolded on the runway.

    Deme’s founder, Gabriella Demetriades, describes the collection as an ode to the carefree spirit of the season. “Flowing silhouettes that dance with every step, a vibrant tapestry of colours that kiss the skin, and a touch of playful charm that exudes confidence,” she said.

    “This is the essence of ‘Tropic of D’ – a collection designed to make every woman the radiant star of her summer soiree.”

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Voompla (@voompla)

     

    The fashion runway transformed into a tropical paradise as a breathtaking procession of gowns, each a masterpiece in its own right, glided down the platform. The collection pulsated with the carefree spirit of summer, a kaleidoscope of colours that seemed to explode off the fabric. Fiery oxblood reds mirrored the setting sun, ethereal sky blue whispered lazy summer afternoons, and chic beiges and olive hues echoed lush foliage.

    These vibrant hues adorned the forms of Mahieka Sharma (New Age Model of the Year), the phenomenal Super Model Rikee Chatterjee, Pratiksha Shetty, Ikisvon Jamang (a rising star whose powerful presence matched the collection’s grandeur), Sakshi Sindhwani (a champion of inclusivity showcasing the collection’s versatility), and Subhiksha Shivkumar, each model a force in their own right. Some dazzling designs that caught the eye were the Oxblood silhouette, sculpted without sleeves, caressing the curves with delicate gathers, and a playful peek-a-boo cutout adding a touch of alluring mystery, perfect for balmy nights. The black mesh gown is adorned with 3D flowers that whisper of enchanted gardens. A stunning blue mermaid silhouette accented by a unique cowl finish and delicate organza flowers. Whimsy took centre stage with a chic beige halter neck dress adorned with crocheted seashells and starfish, while sophistication reigned supreme in a sleek black malai dress with a criss-cross ruched neckline.

    Deme’s “Tropic of D” collection left an indelible mark on Lakmé Fashion Week. Each piece, imbued with the magic of a sun-drenched paradise, promises to be a coveted crown jewel in any wardrobe. It’s a collection designed for the woman who celebrates her individuality with an air of island opulence, a woman who doesn’t just command attention, she reigns supreme.

  • M Baazar onboards Kriti Sanon as their brand ambassador

    M Baazar onboards Kriti Sanon as their brand ambassador

    Mumbai: M Baazar, one of Eastern India’s leading fashion retailers, proudly announces its partnership with Bollywood’s dynamic diva, Kriti Sanon, as their newest brand ambassador. They have also chosen Pavail Gulati as the other new face for the brand.

    Most recently awarded with a National Film Award for her work, Kriti Sanon is also a two-time Filmfare Award winner and also finds her place among the elite in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list of 2019. Known for her captivating on-screen performances and charismatic persona, she effortlessly blends chic, boldness, and versatility, establishing herself as a definitive fashion icon in the Indian film industry making her the perfect choice for M Baazar.

    Expressing her excitement about the collaboration, Kriti said, “When I discovered the exquisite  collection at M Baazar, I was instantly drawn to its contemporary flair and fashion, which  resonates perfectly with my sense of style.”

    Pavail Gulati, known for his stunning performances in Bollywood movies, echoed Kriti’s enthusiasm: “M Baazar’s dedication to offering the latest trends and quality apparel is commendable. I’m thrilled to be part of a brand that exudes elegance and style.”

    M Baazar CMD Sanjay Saraf stated, “We’re so happy to have Kriti Sanon and Pavail  Gulati join our brand. We’re proud and excited about this partnership and believe it will elevate  fashion to new levels.”

    With a network of 155 plus stores spanning nine Indian states, M Baazar curates a diverse range of menswear, ladieswear, kidswear, and accessories, catering to the fashion-forward generation of today. The collaboration with Kriti Sanon and Pavail Gulati is poised to elevate the brand to greater heights, setting new benchmarks in fashion and style.

  • UBON signs Dhruv Jurel as its brand ambassador

    UBON signs Dhruv Jurel as its brand ambassador

    Mumbai: UBON, an Indian audio brand, embodying the fusion of music, youth, and action sports, has appointed Indian cricketer Dhruv Jurel as its latest brand ambassador. Dhruv Jurel is an international Indian cricketer who has stunned everyone with his performance in the recent test matches against England. He has also been a major player for the Rajasthan Royals since 2023. UBON’s new innings with him aim towards music, youth, and fitness enthusiasts.

    UBON is a ‘Made in India’ brand and is dominating the offline audio market with its range of value for money, stylish, advanced, and high-quality products. The brand is available in 3000 plus cities in India and is expanding globally to countries such as Africa, UAE, Sri Lanka, Nepal, etc. Emphasizing consumer preferences and aesthetics, the brand has crafted products that effortlessly blend with the modern consumer’s individual style. This has fostered a community of over a million enthusiasts who proudly showcase their UBON accessories and make a bold lifestyle statement.

    Regarding the partnership, UBON co-founder Lalit Arora, said, “We are immensely proud to be associated with the rising star of Indian Cricket, Dhruv Jurel. He is a youth icon and inspires Generation Z through his hard work and achievements. His dynamic persona perfectly goes with the brand-BORN TO BE FREE. We are excited and looking forward to working with him.”

    Expressing his thoughts, Dhruv Jurel remarked, “Music constitutes a significant facet of my lifestyle. It aids me in regulating my thoughts, alleviating anxiety before pivotal moments in games, and facilitating relaxation. The key to maximizing enjoyment of music lies in selecting the appropriate accessory. UBON, with its stellar audio quality and stylish designs, has become my trusted companion, perfectly aligning with my personality.”

    This collaboration highlights UBON’s commitment to endorsing sports, fitness, and a wholesome lifestyle. Dhruv Jurel will be playing in the IPL this year, one of the most widely viewed cricket tournaments worldwide, and this association will enable UBON to connect with a larger audience, presenting its products to a broad and diverse consumer demographic.

    UBON’s association with Dhruv Jurel is a significant step forward for the brand and underscores its commitment to excellence and innovation. The company also announced its sponsorship with the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 and looks forward to an exciting season of cricket ahead.

    It is to be noted that UBON is a young, dynamic, and very popular brand among sports enthusiasts, youth, and music lovers. UBON has always been at the forefront when it comes to sports. This association is the epitome of UBON’s persona.

  • McDonald’s India – North and East join hands with ONDC to increase digital reach

    McDonald’s India – North and East join hands with ONDC to increase digital reach

    Mumbai: With the aim to delight customers with its diverse food menu on the buyer’s app, McDonald’s, India North and East joined ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) Network to enhance customer accessibility.

    The partnership signifies the brand’s efforts to reach closer to customers by penetrating additional digital platforms. The menu of McDonald’s India North and East will now be available* across ONDC buyers’ applications with exclusive ala carte and meal options.

    Speaking on the initiative, McDonald’s India – North and East MD Rajeev Ranjan said, “We are excited to announce our collaboration with the ONDC Network. This is a significant step in our journey of making the McDonald’s experience more accessible to existing and new customers. With the power of ONDC’s technologically enabled fully integrated inclusive consumer-friendly platform and our strength of high-quality great-tasting food served quickly with a smile every at time, we are committed to build a more profound and meaningful connection with our customers.

    ONDC MD and CEO T Koshy said “McDonald’s India integration with the ONDC Network marks a monumental milestone in our journey to revolutionize digital commerce across the country. This development underscores the growing acceptance and trust that established brands like McDonald’s have in ONDC’s open, inclusive, and interoperable Network. As more and more brands join us, it amplifies our commitment to empower businesses, foster healthy competition, and provide consumers with unparalleled choice and convenience.”

    By integrating with the ONDC Network, McDonald’s North and East India is well-positioned to leverage the power of technology to expand its reach and better serve customers. This collaboration enables us to partner with all buyer applications that can help transform our operational landscape and enrich the overall experience of our valued customers.

  • Harmanpreet Kaur teams up with Woloo for women’s sanitation cause

    Harmanpreet Kaur teams up with Woloo for women’s sanitation cause

    Mumbai: Woloo, India’s first loo discovery app proudly announces the appointment of Indian women’s cricket team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, as their brand ambassador. Founded by Manish Kelshikar, the app is aimed at providing safe and hygienic washroom facilities for women. The user can easily locate and access certified washrooms using the app, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and hygiene.

    Talking about the appointment, JetSynthesys founder and CEO Rajan Navani said, “We believe that access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities is not just a basic necessity but a fundamental right for every woman. With Harmanpreet Kaur joining Woloo as the brand ambassador, we are confident that her influence will amplify our efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women by providing them with access to clean and safe washroom facilities. At JetSynthesys, we are committed to leveraging technology to improve the quality of life for women across India. Looking forward to the impact Woloo and Harmanpreet are all set to create.”

    Commenting on the collaboration, Woloo founder & CEO Manish Kelshikar stated, “From Day one, we’ve been seeking someone like Harmanpreet, who truly embodies the spirit of resilience and empowerment. Her stature as an inspiring Indian cricketer makes her the perfect member of the Woloo family. We’re all delighted to have her join us on this important journey.”

    Excited to be a part of Woloo, Harmanpreet Kaur stated, “I’m super excited and truly grateful to support a cause like this, something that didn’t cross my mind until I heard about it from Woloo. It made me realize how much we’ve taken things for granted and continue to live with this oversight. Woloo is pioneering a mission that addresses a fundamental need, and it requires tremendous support from everyone. There’s no reason why such a necessity should be so hard to expect. Together, Woloo and I aspire to build a future where every woman feels empowered and respected.”

    The Woloo app is currently available on Android and iOS devices. Woloo service is now available across 400 cities with 40,000 hygienic washrooms on its platform. Through strategic partnerships with organisations like the Toilet Board Coalition (TBC), Woloo intends to expand city by city across India.

  • Whitemuds pioneers handcrafted shoes with a global design team

    Whitemuds pioneers handcrafted shoes with a global design team

    Mumbai: Whitemuds, the luxury brand in men’s footwear, proudly introduces its latest offerings – a meticulously crafted ready-to-wear collection and an exclusive made-to-order line. With a bespoke atelier nestled in the heart of New Delhi, Whitemuds combines the timeless art of handcrafting shoes with a commitment to meeting the everyday and special occasion needs of its discerning clientele.

    At the core of Whitemuds’ offerings are its unparalleled designs, curated by a talented team of designers spanning Bristol, Birmingham, and India. These designs go beyond mere fashion; they serve as a means for customers to express their unique style. Each design undergoes meticulous scrutiny, with carefully selected substrate choices and color combinations during the sampling stage. Only the most exceptional pieces make it to the hand-crafting production lines, ensuring that every pair tells a tale of sophistication and individuality.

    One of Whitemuds’ hallmarks is the ‘Goodyear Welted’ construction method, renowned for its ergonomic comfort and ability to retain the shoe’s original shape even under extreme usage conditions. This construction, both highly durable and refurbished, involves stitching the upper leather, lining leather, and welt to the ribbing bonded to the insole. The welt is then carefully stitched to the leather sole, providing exceptional strength and allowing for sole replacements when necessary.

    “We are elated to launch our ready-to-wear and made-to-order collections, representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship and luxury in men’s footwear. Whitemuds is dedicated to elevating your shoe experience, offering designs that go beyond the ordinary and constructions that stand the test of time,” said Whitemuds founder Dhruv Arya.

    Whether seeking the convenience of ready-to-wear or the personalized touch of made-to-order, Whitemuds invites men to discover the perfect blend of style, comfort, and longevity.

  • Centuary Mattress hosts India’s largest Qoolest sleep concert

    Centuary Mattress hosts India’s largest Qoolest sleep concert

    Mumbai: Imagine the audience being asked to doze midway during a concert. Although a swift departure from tradition, sleep concerts are becoming increasingly popular across the globe. These ‘sleep concerts’ are designed to curate an enriching and rejuvenating sleeping experience for the participants. In such concerts, falling asleep halfway through is not just acceptable – it’s actively endorsed. Thus, in a bid to raise awareness around the importance of sound sleep and its impact on overall wellbeing while helping people overcome their sleep issues, Centuary Mattress, India’s Sleep Specialist, proudly presents the country’s largest qoolest Sleep Concert, a one of its kind sleep inducing event set to take place on World Sleep Day, 15 March 2024 in collaboration with Big FM.

    Attendees will have the unique opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate to the tunes of Swaram Band, specially curated to induce deep relaxation and promote better sleep. Hosted in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, the event will witness the participation of hundreds of people in an immersive experience like never before.

    Addressing the occasion, Centuary Mattresses executive director Uttam Malani said, “In the present day and age, the need to practice and inculcate good sleeping habits has never been greater. With the medical community and even PM Modi in his recent influencer congregation backing the claim that 8 hours of sleep is a minimum physical requirement for the body, our Sleep Concert marks an endeavor to raise awareness regarding sound sleep through the medium of music. By seamlessly blending music and relaxation, this World Sleep Day we aim to underscore the profound importance of quality sleep in nurturing our physical and mental well-being.”

    The attendees attending the sleep concert can expect a serene atmosphere by the lake with soft lighting and dreamy fog, creating an unforgettable sleep experience.

  • Micro-influencers – for brands, smaller can be bigger!

    Micro-influencers – for brands, smaller can be bigger!

    Mumbai: What an interesting time to not have enough money to have Kim Kardashian do the marketing of your brand! With every endorsement, the persona of the celebrity goes larger, and so does their wallet, but using a big ticket money is not just money out from wallet, but may just be the noise of the noise bar.

    What brews better is catering to those who have a very niche followership – those who engage better with a smaller dedicated group!

    Sources like Emplifi have reported that micro-influencer-based sponsored posts on Instagram have an engagement rate as high as 91 percent. Micro-influencers may have ball park reach, but their relevance to the brand and to their audience builds the bridge of trust that no celebrity with millions of followers can.

    Celebrities including movie stars and sports stars may have a range of followers, but the demographics is better set for micro-influencers. Another aspect to consider is the fact that celebrities work with tons of endorsements, often many of them in the same time frame. But influencers are more tiered in that particular manner. Hence micro-influencers do not have to be people pleasers, because they just do not have to be.

    There is a certain wholesomeness that a public figure has to maintain that is not the shade to be followed by micro-influencers. It is practically given that these people may also be doing certain other side jobs to finance themselves. Another issue is that one can trust any micro-influencer faster than a celebrity. It is a known gimmick that the celebrity may not even be an actual user, or may not even have tried the product he or she is so enthusiastically promoting. Ultimately, no one believes that the beauty bar of film stars may actually be the ones used by them to actually take a bath. But seeing a how-to video of cheek contouring by a micro-influencer is believable and more credible. The fact that lot of micro-influencers also accept payment in goods improves the belief that they are users too.

    Marketers can articulate returns so much better with a micro-influencer than with another public figure. It can be counted transaction to transaction, with lot more effort expended on the big ticketers.

    Another beautiful thing about micro-influencers is that while brands will like to work with known names, and celebrities want to work with brand names, micro-influencers can work with brands, irrespective of their status and position in the market. Legacy and heritage need not be the deciding factors because finally Victoria’s Secret and Mamaearth will all be needing a little help from these folks. Micro-influencers are special because they are with the common man, and yet a pedestal above. They are like the boy/girl next door who are just like you but can teach one skill better than that inaccessible distant star you know.  Reachable, snuggly and credible, they create aspirations for people to build a community that loves what they themselves love doing!

    The article has been written by School of Commerce, SVKM’S Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Indore Campus Associate Professor Dr Shilpa Sankpal.
     

  • Rasna ropes in actress Tamannaah Bhatia as their new brand ambassador

    Rasna ropes in actress Tamannaah Bhatia as their new brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Summer is here, we know it Coz Rasna’s new campaign is out! This year like every year Rasna has come out with a fresh new campaign that not only highlights their 21 vitamins and minerals that energise us but also highlights the emotions it stirs up that of vitamins of love, happiness, josh and success. On the basis of deep market research and blind product taste results, Rasna is reformulated as a vitamin, mineral, and glucose drink with real fruit extracts.  The new ad is a result of extensive market research done Pan India to help us understand our customers and their evolving needs. It focuses on the natural, healthier, and great taste aspects targeted towards sec A and B households and repositions it as a tastier, thicker, and healthier drink that satisfy rational aspects as well as working as a catalyst in providing energy, josh, happiness, and the most important vitamin, Vitamin love.  

    Today Rasna is not only the world-famous innovation Rasna soft drink concentrate, but also Rasna Instant powders, which come in many formats viz. 750gm pouch makes 33 glasses, 500 gm makes 22 glasses, 400 gm makes 17 glasses, sachet making single glass, sachet making 500 ml and so on. Rasna has also taken the lead to develop new-generation liquid concentrates like squashes and syrups. Rasna also has a full-fledged wellness range under its sub-brand Rasna Healthy Day comprising of pure honey, protein powders, honey/malt-based powders, chocolate spreads, instant soups and so on.

    This years’ highlight of the campaign of course is the onboarding of the sensational Tamannaah Bhatia, the face of youth and the heartbeat of many. In fact, Tamannaah has been a fan of Rasna and consuming Rasna since childhood, and has a distinct memory of herself as a kid saying Love You Rasna in actual life and that is why having her onboard was only natural. In fact, in the ad she herself has brought in the emotional situations of Rasna being the happiness giver, the success giver and of course Rasna highlighting the Love between family. This emotional magic of the ad could not have come about without Tamannaah’s creditable acting on the emotional front, only seeing the ad will prove the same.

    Commenting on the unveiling of Rasna’s new brand campaign and repositioning Rasna Group chairman Piruz Khambatta stated, “We are very proud that even a celebrity like Tamannaah Bhatia was so keen to endorse Rasna being her childhood favourite. Today Rasna does not only stand for the Love of the generations like celebrity’s but also of the common person, we are very proud that Rasna today is not only consumed by the super-rich, but also consumed by the real masses of India living in the villages. So Rasna today with its offerings ranging from Rs.1/- a glass to Rs.10/- a glass touches all walks of life. We are also very proud of the fact that Rasna with its direct inroads into supply chain especially in rural areas is ensuring that the farmers get double the value of their crops, in line with our Prime Minister’s vision of doubling their income. Rasna is a proud Make in India brand which is made with only locally sourced products as Rasna is one of the only companies using only Indian fruits and raw materials compared to competition in the sector which imports most of the fruits and ingredients. We have taken the lead, to develop better quality, value added natural products with vitamins and minerals meeting the ever-dynamic requirements of the customers.”

    Speaking on the partnership, Tamannaah Bhatia commented “There are brands and then there are legacies, Rasna is one such fine example from the heart of India. I take great pride in being associated with the most reputable beverage brand in the country. I understand now Rasna is fully formulated as a health drink with vitamins, minerals and glucose, I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this campaign, as it will bring nutrition to millions. It is the first love of every child and embedded in my heart as my first love as well, I have never seen another FMCG brand with such a strong emotional connection. It is hands down the national beverage of the country.”

    Rasna boasts of a 100 per cent brand recall and 85 per cent market share in its category. It is the world’s largest soft-drink manufacturer, available in 1.6 million retail outlets in India with 12 state- of – art manufacturing plants in the country and availability globally in 60-plus countries, realising the dream of ‘Make in India, for the world’ every passing year.