Category: Brands

  • Gramiyaa packs cold-pressed oils in cartons to preserve freshness

    Gramiyaa packs cold-pressed oils in cartons to preserve freshness

    BENGALURU: India’s cooking oil aisle is getting a makeover. Gramiyaa, a Bengaluru-based producer of wood cold-pressed oils, has launched what it claims is the country’s first gable-top carton packaging for cooking oils—a format designed to keep oils fresher for longer.

    The redesigned packaging, unveiled under the brand’s Fresh Drip campaign, swaps conventional plastic and glass bottles for fully opaque, nitrogen-flushed cartons. The company says this locks in freshness from seed to seal, preserving aroma and nutrition that typically degrade in traditional packaging.

    “Packaging is only part of the story,” said Gramiyaa founder Sibi Manivannan. “We go the extra mile to ensure our oils stay fresh naturally.” The brand employs natural sedimentation and cotton fabric filtration to remove seed residue that can turn rancid and accelerate spoilage.

    Each batch undergoes a three-step process: natural seed sedimentation allows particles to settle slowly; cotton fabric filtration removes residual sediments; and nitrogen flush sealing removes oxygen before sealing to prevent oxidation and nutrient loss. The carton’s multi-layer opaque design blocks light and air, whilst a double-seal provides an airtight barrier that locks in aroma even after opening.

    All Gramiyaa oils are wood cold-pressed in-house at the company’s facility in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. Each carton features a QR code revealing exactly when and where the oil was pressed. The brand controls the entire supply chain—sourcing directly from farmers, manufacturing, lab-testing and packaging on-site.

    “The cooking oil industry hasn’t changed its packaging in nearly a century,” added Manivannan. “We asked ourselves—if freshness is what matters most, why not design for it?”

    The brand offers a range of wood cold-pressed oils, including groundnut, coconut, sesame and mustard oil, catering to diverse culinary traditions whilst preserving natural flavour and aroma.

    As health-conscious Indians increasingly reject heavily processed oils, Gramiyaa is betting that what works for milk and juice can work for the kitchen staple that’s been sold in bottles since before independence. The real test will be whether consumers are willing to pour their cooking oil from a carton.

  • Oppo India sparks festive glow with Tum Jagmagao featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Jitendra Kumar

    Oppo India sparks festive glow with Tum Jagmagao featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Jitendra Kumar

    MUMBAI: Now here’s a campaign that truly rings in the light from within! Oppo India has unveiled its festive brand film ‘Tum Jagmagao’, featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Jitendra Kumar, in a celebration that goes beyond diyas and decorations, straight into the glow of self-discovery.

    Through cinematic storytelling, the film follows Ranbir as he returns to his childhood home for a rushed Diwali visit, only to rediscover himself through forgotten memories, friendships, and the warmth of family. What begins as a hurried holiday turns into a gentle reminder that the brightest light often comes from within.

    In true Oppo fashion, technology plays a starring role. The Oppo reno 14 5G Diwali edition and F31 pro plus 5G weave seamlessly into the story, helping capture those fleeting festive moments and keeping loved ones close through crystal-clear calls. With its heat-sensitive colour-changing technology, the reno 14 Diwali edition even reflects the festive hues of the season, inspired by mandala art and peacock motifs.

    “Tum Jagmagao reflects Oppo’s belief that technology should empower people to live fully and shine from within,” said Oppo India head of product and digital marketing Sushant Vashistha. “The Reno and F31 series are not just devices, but companions that help capture and relive life’s brightest moments.”

    For Ranbir Kapoor, the campaign strikes an emotional chord. “It captures the joy of rediscovering yourself in the little moments that truly matter,” he shared. Co-star Jitendra Kumar echoed the sentiment, calling it a reminder that Diwali’s real magic lies in reconnecting with oneself and those who light up our lives.

     

  • Libas lights up the festive season with festive campaign Roshni

    Libas lights up the festive season with festive campaign Roshni

    MUMBAI: Here’s a fashion story that truly shines from within! Libas, India’s leading ultra-fast fashion brand, has launched its 2025 festive campaign Roshni, a dazzling celebration of light, power, and the divine energy that every woman carries within.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Libas (@libasindia)

     

    Much like its name, Roshni (meaning light) glows with symbolism, honouring women as the embodiment of the Devi, balancing strength with grace. Drawing from Indian history and timeless tales, the campaign weaves mythology and modernity into one luminous narrative.

    The accompanying festive collection captures that same spirit: flowy silhouettes, intricate embroidery, and sequinned details that sparkle with understated glamour. Crafted in plush velvet and silk, the pieces radiate regal charm, with prices ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 7,000. Think florals, shimmer, and everything that lights up the festive mood.

    Speaking about the campaign, Libas head of marketing Nisha Khatr said, “With Roshni, we wanted to capture the true essence of the festive season: joy, strength, and light. India has always been a land of Devis, and this collection embodies that duality: gentle yet fierce.”

    Available across Libas’ app, website, leading e-commerce marketplaces, and offline stores, Roshni invites women to celebrate not just the sparkle around them, but also the glow within.

    Because this festive season, as Libas reminds us, light isn’t just something you see. It’s something you wear. 

  • Asian Paints turns ‘Mera wala blue’ into ‘Meri wali blue’ for women in blue

    Asian Paints turns ‘Mera wala blue’ into ‘Meri wali blue’ for women in blue

    MUMBAI: Talk about a fresh coat of inspiration! Asian Paints has added a vibrant twist to its iconic Mera wala blue with the launch of Meri wali blue, a heartfelt campaign celebrating India’s women cricketers and the fans who bring the game to life from their living rooms.

    Part of the brand’s ongoing Har ghar blue narrative, the new film beautifully captures how cricket, while played on the pitch, truly lives in Indian homes, in the cheers, emotions, and shared pride that colour every household blue.

    Conceptualised by FCB Kinnect and directed by Good Morning Films, the film traces the journey of a blue jersey, from a tailor’s careful stitching to a young girl’s gleeful cry of “Meri Wali Blue” as she spots her hero Harmanpreet Kaur’s number on it. The message is simple yet stirring: India cheers for India Wala Blue.

    The campaign extends Asian Paints’ deep association with cricket, following its smart integrations during the India vs England series and Asia Cup earlier this year. The brand has painted itself firmly into the nation’s sporting story. This time, by championing the rise of women’s cricket and the growing chorus of fans rallying behind it.

    Asian Paints Ltd MD & CEO Amit Syngle said, “Cricket brings families, friends, and neighbours together. With Meri Wali Blue, we’re proud to celebrate India’s women cricketers, whose grit and grace continue to inspire millions.”

    FCB Kinnect CEO Rohan Mehta added, “Building on an idea that’s shaped culture and giving it fresh relevance is powerful. With just one word, Meri Wali Blue carries hope and belief for generations of women athletes.”

    As group executive creative director Yogesh Mani Pradhan put it, “It’s not just an ad,  it’s a rallying cry for today, turning nostalgia into a new cultural moment.”

  • Phoenix Marketcity Chennai ignites Diwali euphoria

    Phoenix Marketcity Chennai ignites Diwali euphoria

    MUMBAI: Talk about elemental energy! Phoenix Marketcity Chennai is turning up the festive heat with ‘Euphoria – A celebration of sorts,’ a Diwali bash that promises to set every sense alight this Sunday, 12 October.

    The city’s favourite lifestyle destination is embracing the theme of The Five Elements- Earth, water, fire, air and ether transforming its space into a living, breathing spectacle of lights, music and couture. Expect no less than a fashion-meets-fantasy showcase where glamour flows as freely as festive cheer.

    Headlining the evening is Dino Morea, who will blaze the runway as celebrity showstopper in a grand fashion presentation curated by Prasad Bidapa. Soulful singer Charu Semwal will lend her voice to the vibe, setting a perfect tone for the night’s visual symphony.

    Guests can also revel in theatrical performances, carnival dancers and immersive displays, ensuring that every corner of the venue hums with celebration. And what’s a festival without feasting? The event’s gourmet spread, inspired by the five elements, promises flavours as dynamic as its décor.

    With its mix of style, sound and sensory delight, Euphoria is poised to be Chennai’s showstopper event this Diwali, where fire meets fashion, air meets artistry, and celebration is truly in its element.

  • Royal Stag goes large with AI festive greetings

    Royal Stag goes large with AI festive greetings

    MUMBAI: AI, aye, captain! This festive season, Seagram’s Royal Stag packaged drinking water is taking celebrations to the next level with an AI twist. Its new campaign, Celebratelarge – Hum Hain Generation Large, Humaara Har Celebration Large, turns the art of wishing into a tech-powered experience, with none other than Rohit Sharma helping India “live it large.”

    Unveiled in Gurugram, the campaign reimagines how the country swaps festive greetings. Using regenerative AI and advanced voice synthesis, fans can now create personalised video messages featuring Rohit Sharma himself,  transforming a simple wish into a hyper-real moment of connection.

    Adding another layer of sparkle is a 3D Festive Map, an AR-driven visual playground that captures the vibrancy of India’s celebrations. Meanwhile, India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav steps in with curated festive tips spanning gifting, food, fashion and music, making every celebration feel a touch grander.

    The campaign is also teaming up with Gaana to amplify the festive mood through music. “Festivals in India are about culture, expression and togetherness, and music makes these moments even more special,” said ENIL CEO Yatish Mehrishi. “This collaboration reimagines celebrations through creativity and innovation, encouraging today’s generation to live large.”

    Consumers can craft their own personalised greeting with Rohit Sharma and even win ICC T20 World Cup tickets by visiting royalstagliveitlarge.com. True to its name, Royal Stag’s latest campaign doesn’t just celebrate festivals, it celebrates them large.

  • Explurger steps up to PM Modi’s call for homegrown tech

    Explurger steps up to PM Modi’s call for homegrown tech

    MUMBAI: Time to log off and step out! Responding to prime minister Narendra Modi’s call for indigenous innovation, Explurger, a proudly made-in-India social media app, is reimagining how we connect online, and offline.

    Launched with the mantra “Get out – get social,” Explurger encourages users to explore the world, meet people in real life, and share authentic travel and lifestyle experiences. Every journey, check-in, or post automatically creates a digital travelogue, making social media as much about living life as sharing it.

    “The prime minister’s call underscores India’s growing confidence in building its own tech frameworks,” said Explurger founder and CEO Jitin Bhatia. “Our app is entirely developed in India, powered by Indian talent, and designed to resonate globally. Explurger shows that Indian technology can inspire, innovate, and compete on the world stage.”

    Rooted in the Make in India and Digital India missions, Explurger reflects the spirit of self-reliance. With over 17 million users, it signals a new era of homegrown digital innovation, one where technology doesn’t just connect, it empowers and enriches real-world experiences.
     

  • La Chérie’s Dancing Cloud Japanese cheesecake lands in Mumbai

    La Chérie’s Dancing Cloud Japanese cheesecake lands in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Pune’s much-loved dessert house La Chérie has wafted into Mumbai with its headline act — the Dancing Cloud Japanese Cheesecake — a dessert so airy it trembles like silk.

    A runaway hit in Pune, the souffle-style cheesecake has become a sensation for its cloud-soft texture, subtle sweetness and melt-in-the-mouth finish. Steering clear of dense, sugary cheesecakes, La Chérie’s version is baked fresh in small batches with no preservatives or artificial stabilisers — just pure technique and clean ingredients.

    “We wanted to offer something that feels familiar yet surprising — comforting but elegant,” says the La Chérie team. “The Dancing Cloud is our idea of quiet indulgence — it doesn’t shout; it stays with you.”

    With Mumbai currently in the grip of a Japanese culinary wave — from omakase dining to kawaii cafés — the brand’s entry could not be better timed. Its cloud kitchens serve a full range of cheesecakes, though the Japanese variant is the undisputed hero. Available on Swiggy and Zomato, the line-up includes the Mini Dancing Cloud (Rs 299), the Chocolate variant (Rs 359) and the Big Dancing Cloud Whole Cheesecake (Rs 899).

    What sets La Chérie apart is its restraint. There’s no gelatin, compound chocolate, agar or bulking agents — only precision baking and honest ingredients. Made with eggs, the cheesecake can be savoured warm or chilled, offering a different experience each time.

    Founded in 2020, La Chérie has built its name on craftsmanship and purity — from its signature Japanese cheesecake to its indulgent New York version. Its Mumbai launch signals more than just expansion — it’s a sweet shift in the city’s dessert culture: thoughtful, modern, and blissfully light.

  • Ajay Devgn takes a swing at India’s whisky drinkers

    Ajay Devgn takes a swing at India’s whisky drinkers

    MUMBAI: Hindi cinema stars launching whisky brands is hardly novel. Ajay Devgn is having a crack anyway. The actor and entrepreneur has co-founded The GlenJourneys, a single malt scotch brand developed with premium spirits outfit Cartel Bros, which launched its Cask Series in India in October with the ambitious goal of capturing 20 per cent of the country’s luxury single malt segment within two years.

    The brand made its global debut with the Pioneer Edition, a 21-year-old Highland single malt priced at Rs 50,000 and limited to 600 bottles worldwide, available only in select international duty-free shops. The India launch takes a more accessible approach. The Cask Series—finished in rum, bourbon and sherry casks—is priced at Rs 6,409 and crafted specifically for the domestic market, which is growing at seven per cent year-on-year.
    GlennjourneysMaharashtra gets first dibs. The GlenJourneys has targeted 10,000 cases in the state by the end of this financial year, with rollouts planned for Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Chandigarh in November 2025, followed by other metros in early 2026. The brand has positioned itself as bridging tradition and modernity, appealing to both seasoned collectors and younger drinkers exploring premium spirits.

    Living Liquidz and Mansionz founder and Cartel Bros co-founder Mokksh Sani delivered the expected patter about craftsmanship. “Age refines a whisky—but a great cask defines it,” he said, claiming each expression in the Cask Series reveals “distinctive character” that sets it apart from conventional single malts. Devgn chimed in with talk of tradition meeting innovation and “the quiet power of time, wood, and artistry.”

    The GlenJourneys comes backed by Cartel Bros’ track record. The company makes The Glenwalk Scotch Whisky, which won gold at Mexico’s Spirits Selection Awards and best single malt scotch at the India Wines & Spirits Awards 2025. Whether those accolades translate into market share is another question entirely.

    India’s premium whisky segment is crowded with international heavyweights like Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal and Glenfiddich, alongside domestic players pushing upmarket. Celebrity endorsements open doors but don’t guarantee shelf space or repeat purchases. Devgn’s star power may generate initial buzz, but sustaining a 20 per cent market share target in a competitive, slow-growing category requires more than name recognition.

    The brand’s pricing strategy suggests pragmatism. At Rs 6,409, The GlenJourneys Cask Series sits below ultra-premium territory whilst claiming luxury credentials through cask finishing and Scottish provenance. It’s a crowded middle ground where execution matters more than marketing spin. Whether Indian whisky drinkers buy into Devgn’s vision—or simply buy the bottle once out of curiosity—will become clear soon enough.

  • European spirits maker bets big on India’s thirsty elite

    European spirits maker bets big on India’s thirsty elite

    MUMBAI: India’s premium spirits market has a new player with continental ambitions. Puranique Spirits launched its Indian operations in Mumbai on 7 October with nine-times-distilled vodka and VSOP cognac, betting that the country’s growing appetite for luxury tipples will fuel rapid expansion. By the end of 2026, the company plans to offer 24 premium products across five categories.

    The timing is strategic. India’s premium spirits segment is booming as disposable incomes rise and younger drinkers trade up from domestic brands. Puranique, which draws from distilleries in Cognac, France and the Scottish Highlands, hopes to ride that wave with products already sold in 18 countries. The company claims two decades of European distilling pedigree, producing award-winning cognac, armagnacs, liqueurs, gin, rum, absinthe and akvavit.

    “India is at the heart of the global premium spirits growth story,” said Puranique Spirits India promoter & chief executive Anoop Mohan at the Taj Lands End launch event. He framed the expansion as a “cultural bridge” between European craftsmanship and Indian taste, name-checking deepening UK-India trade ties for good measure.

    Puranique Spirits chairman Rahul Puranik struck a more measured note. “Bringing them to India feels like a natural progression in our journey,” he said, adding that the full portfolio rollout would create a “complete premium spirits ecosystem.” 

    Country head for India, Viren Moholkar promised “authenticity and unmatched quality” across 24 offerings spanning cognac, gin, rum, vodka and artisan craft spirits.

    The company also unveiled veteran actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar as brand ambassador. Manjrekar delivered the expected platitudes about heritage, craftsmanship and refinement, declaring Puranique a brand that “doesn’t just create beverages, it creates experiences.” 

    Whether Indian consumers agree depends on pricing, distribution and whether European pedigree translates into repeat purchases.

    India’s premium spirits market is crowded and unforgiving. International brands jostle for shelf space whilst domestic players like Diageo’s McDowell’s and Pernod Ricard’s Imperial Blue dominate volume. Puranique’s challenge is carving out enough premium territory to justify an ambitious 24-product pipeline within 16 months. The company’s European heritage may open doors, but execution—and taste—will determine whether it stays for the long haul.