Category: Brands

  • JBL brings the power of music to Roblox

    JBL brings the power of music to Roblox

    Mumbai: JBL opens the doors to JBL Land, a new Roblox world that is built with sound at its core as it invites players to discover, produce and celebrate their personal ‘Sound’. JBL Land welcomes Roblox users and JBL fans to step into a realm where music, gaming, and creativity collide. Unparalleled self-expression through sound adds a new dimension to avatar personalisation and gameplay.

    “By launching JBL Land on Roblox, we are giving our community tools for digital self-expression through sound. Not only can players explore the land as they customize their avatars, they can also create their own unique sound identity,” said Daniel Lee, Chief Marketing Officer at JBL. “As our iconic brand steps into the virtual world of Roblox, we embrace new opportunities to further activate brand partnerships and events, and make them accessible to more people. We are thrilled to enter the virtual world of Roblox as we connect with a new generation of audio lovers on new platforms.”

    Sound, style & self-expression

    JBL Land is designed as a vibrant space where users can play games and earn and discover ‘Soundbytes’. These short snippets of sound – which could be anything from a reggaeton beat to a puppy woof, or the iconic JBL ‘Power-up’ sound, – can be mixed by players to create their own unique tracks. Players can then add their Sounds to the Jukeboxes scattered throughout the land, where they can be discovered and celebrated by others. That way the soundtrack of JBL Land is created by the community, and Jukeboxes serve as mini-stages where everyone gets their spotlight.

    The world will also feature a dedicated JBL Shop for in-world merchandise, where players can spend their JBLZ or Robux currencies on exclusive virtual items like headphones and portable speakers for their avatars, further enhancing their Roblox experience.

    Games & special seasonal activations

    At launch, JBL Land will offer three dynamic games, each crafted to deliver fun, engaging experiences that showcase the power of sound. Players can look forward to exploring these debut games, with more content planned to roll out as JBL Land grows. As part of the launch, JBL is partnering with the creator Robuilds to create a short movie, produced entirely in JBL Land, taking the audience along a sound-filled quest.

    Aligning with JBL’s rich history in music and sound, JBL Land will also host special Roblox activations throughout the year including:

    1   JBL Snow Party game

     JBL Tomorrowland activation

     JBL Music Academy quest

     Virtual launches of new products

    JBL Land opened its doors on 21 February 2024. Get ready to play, create, and connect in a land of musical freedom. For more information about JBL Land and the upcoming events, please visit JBL Land – Roblox 

  • TAM AdEx: Rewinding 2023 for advertising in music genre

    TAM AdEx: Rewinding 2023 for advertising in music genre

    Mumbai: TAM AdEx India has released a report on television medium – reminiscing 2023 for advertising in music genre.

    Trends: Ad volumes/channel in music genre: 46 per cent rise in 2023 compared to 2019

    Ad volumes for movie genre per channel witnessed growth during 2021 and 2022 with 37 per cent and 42 per cent share compared to 2019. Whereas, 2023 observed growth in ad volumes by three per cent over 2022 for movie genre. Compared to Q’4 of 2023, there was growth in ad volumes of 17 per cent in Q’2 of 2023.

    Share of music genre in overall TV advertising: 2019-23

    Over the past five years, the music genre constituted a share of ad volumes ranging from 11 per cent to 13 per cent.

    Top five sub-genres of music genre

    Tamil and Punjabi Music sub-genre maintained their ranks in 2023 over 2022, with Tamil having 18 per cent share of ad volumes and Punjabi 13 per cent share in 2023. Together, the top five music sub-genres accounted for 55 per cent share of ad volumes in 2023.

    Leading sectors: Top 10 sectors added 95 per cent ad volume share for ‘music’ advertising

    In 2023, the F&B sector emerged as the top contributor to ad volumes within the music genre, accounting for a 26 per cent share. During 2023, the top eight sectors retained their respective positions compared to 2022.

    Leading categories: Toilet soaps (nine per cent) led the music genre’s category in 2023

    During 2023, the top 10 categories had a collective share of 42 per cent with Toilet Soaps leading the list. Tea entered the top 10 list of categories in 2023 with three per cent share of ad volumes compared to 2022. Out of the top 10 categories present in 2023, five of them belonged to Food & Beverages Sector.

    Top growing categories: 100 plus categories registered positive growth

    Toilet soaps saw the highest increase in ad seconds (55 per cent), while eye make up topped in terms of growth percent with eight times growth during 2023 compared to 2022 in music genre.

    Leading advertisers: 2023 – 760 plus players were present in the music genre

    Top 10 advertisers contributed 70 per cent share of music genre’s ad volumes. Reckitt Benckiser and HUL retained their first and second positions during 2023 with 24 per cent and 21 per cent share of ad volumes. ITC was the only new entrant during 2023 compared to 2022.

    Exclusive^ advertisers present in music genre: Y 2023

    Over 45 advertisers publicised exclusively in music genre during 2023. Juniors Fashion Week was the top exclusive^ advertiser in Music Genre followed by Jay EII Healthcare.

    ^ Present in music genre but not in other genres

    Leading exclusive advertisers: 2023

    Over 295 advertisers exclusively publicized during 2023 in the music genre. In the year 2023, Bacardi Martini India emerged as the leading exclusive advertiser over 2022.

    Present in 2023 but not in 2022

    Leading brands of 2023: Over 1,980 brands were present in music genre during 2023

    The top 10 brands contributed 17 per cent share of music ad volumes. Dettol Antiseptic Liquid secured the first position with three per cent share of ad volumes in 2023. The top five brands retained their respective positions during 2023 over 2022. Veet Pure, Santoor Sandal, and Turmeric & Surf Excel Easy Wash were new entrants in 2023 compared to 2022. Mortein Smart Plus was an exclusive brand that entered the top 10 list and secured ninth position in 2023 over 2022.

    Advertising share by time bands in music genre

    Prime time garnered highest share of ad volumes of 32 per cent followed by afternoon with 27 per cent in 2023. Primetime, afternoon & morning time bands together added 74 per cent share of music genre ad volumes.

    Ad size in the music genre: 2023 and 2022

    Ad size of 20-40 seconds was majorly preferred by advertisers in both 2023 and 2022 with 72 per cent and 69 per cent share of ad volumes respectively.

  • Anupam Mittal teases next project with iconic tagline ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’

    Anupam Mittal teases next project with iconic tagline ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’

    Mumbai: Anupam Mittal, the enigmatic founder of a prominent matchmaking platform, also recognised for his role as a sharp-witted judge on a popular reality show, has become a notable figure in the business and entertainment industry.

    But now, the buzz in the business corridors is hinting at something new. Anupam Mittal, known for his audacious ventures, recently set the social media world on fire with a cryptic Instagram reel. In his latest reel, he said, “Itne dillon ko milaane ke baad bhi, apni gaadi aagey badh rahi phir bhi… Yeh Dil Maange More. Maybe it’s about time I do something about this dil ki feeling?”.

    As online chatter peaks, one can’t help but wonder: What’s Anupam Mittal up to now? With a tagline reminiscent of Pepsi’s iconic ’90s campaign, ‘Yeh Dil Maange More,’ his followers are leaving no stone unturned to decode the message. While the details remain under wraps for now, people are flooding his Instagram with comments, each trying to crack the code and predict his next move. Curiosity is infectious, and it seems like everyone is eagerly awaiting the big reveal.

    As his announcement continues to drive conversations on social media and in the offline world, the question looms large: With a tagline echoing Pepsi’s memorable slogan, “Yeh Dil Maange More”, – What will Anupam Mittal unveil next, and how will it reshape the entrepreneurial landscape?

  • Canon marks 21st year as global leader in interchangeable lens cameras

    Canon marks 21st year as global leader in interchangeable lens cameras

    Mumbai: Canon Inc has announced that the company’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) have maintained the number one share of the global market for 21 consecutive years from 2003 to 2023.

    Canon’s EOS series of interchangeable lens digital cameras are imaging systems based on the basic concept of “Speed, Comfort, and High Image Quality,” for which the company has developed proprietary key components, including CMOS image sensors, the DIGIC image processors, and interchangeable lenses. Putting together a wide-ranging product lineup—from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals to entry-level models that allow users to enjoy full-scale shooting with easy operation, as well as a rich selection of over 115 RF and EF series lenses that make possible a wealth of creative expression—Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers.

    During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. By launching this groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, Canon spurred growth in the digital SLR market, capturing the top share of the global market and heralding the age of digital SLR cameras. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. Canon’s desire to further expand the boundaries of visual expression led to its next-generation EOS R System, launched in October 2018, which includes the full-frame mirrorless camera EOS R5—the first camera to feature 8K video recording—released in July 2020 and the EOS R3 in November 2021, which features tracking of fast-moving subjects and continuous shooting performance. In addition, Canon launched the EOS VR System, designed to record video for virtual reality content, in December 2021.

    In 2023, Canon led the demand for mirrorless cameras and lenses by further expanding its lineup of EOS R series cameras and lenses. This expanded lineup included the EOS R50 (released in March 2023), an APS-C size mirrorless camera complete with easy-to-use and convenient functions, the EOS R8 (released in April 2023), a full-frame camera that is both small and lightweight while demonstrating high performance and the EOS R100 (released in June 2023), an APS-C size mirrorless camera that even beginner photographers can use to enjoy full-fledged shooting, and 9 RF lenses.

    Additionally, Canon-brand cameras comprised the number one share of Rugby World Cup France 2023, demonstrating that they have earned the deep trust of professional photographers. Based on the support of this wide range of customers, Canon managed to secure the number one share of the global market for the 21st consecutive year.

    Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies while bringing fulfillment and excitement to people’s daily lives as well as promoting the spread of photo and video culture by providing products, services, and solutions that meet its customers’ diverse needs.

  • MamyPoko Pants launches extra absorb pants

    MamyPoko Pants launches extra absorb pants

    Mumbai: MamyPoko Pants, one of the brands in baby diapers, has launched Extra Absorb Pants, the best absorbent pants that have been launched after extensive research of more than five years. This is the upgraded product by MamyPoko pants which comes with 30 patented technologies.

    The new and advanced product comes with the ability to facilitate deep absorption, which is essential for ensuring deep sleep in babies. To inform the target audience about the advanced product and the benefits it provides; the brand has devised a campaign to highlight the importance of deep absorption, ensuring a deep sleep for the child.

    In this pursuit, it has come up with Extra Absorb Pants to relieve the stress of mothers in ensuring the well-being & good sleep of their babies. Reiterating the message that a happy and cheerful baby eventually contributes to the happiness of the mother, the new diaper harnesses the benefit of the FlexiFit feature to provide two times protection from thigh leakage. At the same time, the additional third layer immensely enables deeper absorption for up to 12 hours. Likewise, the deeper absorbing capacity of the diapers translates to longer hours of uninterrupted deep sleep in children. Providing tranquil, long hours of deep sleep to the babies, in turn, allows mothers the much-needed extra time to resume their chores or indulge in recreation and hobbies to rejuvenate their energy after a short break.    

    The brand has rolled out a campaign #PowerofDeepSleep with an enthralling TVC to convey its objectives and benefits. And to further amplify its reach amongst target groups through digital platforms, the brand launched a DVC (Digital Video Commercial), and took an ingenious route to come up with an AI-led, CGI ad film to capture the imagination of the audience. The ad film explores the theme of uninterrupted deep sleep through the lens of an imaginative baby who delves into new adventures every day owing to an uninterrupted, peaceful deep sleep during the night.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Neha Marda (@nehamarda)

     

    The Digital TVC was further leveraged with a 360° approach entailing influencer activity for driving amplification across digital platforms. For driving campaign mileage amongst the target audience, MamyPoko Pants roped in television celebrity Neha Marda to tap the large audience base following the actress. Along with this, the brand collaborated with mommy bloggers to create visibility and, likewise, instil the top-of-the-mind recall value of the brand among mothers.

    The campaign has been conceptualized by Grapes, an integrated communication agency. Elaborating on the campaign, Shradha Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of Grapes said, “The campaign provided us with a lot of insightful experience. Being driven by the desire to always intrigue the audience with a breakthrough concept, we came up with a comprehensive 360° approach to create awareness among the target audience while ensuring back-of-the-mind recall value.”

    Speaking on the same, Unicharm vice president marketing Toshiyuki Nakamura said, “The launch of the Extra Absorb Pants marks our commitment to ensure the comfort of babies aimed at enriching and easing the motherhood journey. In the quest to support mothers in raising their babies, we created the new product after conducting extensive research and integrating innovative technologies that ensure uninterrupted deep sleep. The product has been consciously devised to abide by the ethos of the brand promoting deep absorption to ensure deep sleep in children. Consequently, to enunciate the benefits of the product, we took an integrated approach to drive maximum visibility with the help of the campaign. Our new campaign has been conceptualized to organically engage with the mothers and in turn, build brand credibility and loyalty among them by taking care of their babies with the Extra Absorb Pants.”

     

     

  • “Winning trust early in the game ensured that the customer retention and repeat buying was high”: AS-IT-IS Nutrition’s Himmath Jain

    “Winning trust early in the game ensured that the customer retention and repeat buying was high”: AS-IT-IS Nutrition’s Himmath Jain

    Mumbai: AS-IT-IS Nutrition, headquartered in Bangalore, has recently unveiled some remarkable insights that have largely evaded media coverage. In the fiercely competitive landscape of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) ventures. With a remarkable turnover of 200 crores already achieved, the company sets its sights ambitiously, targeting a turnover of 500-600 crores within the next three years.

    Setting itself apart from the competition, AS-IT-IS Nutrition adopts a strategic marketing ethos, allocating a mere four per cent of total revenues to marketing endeavors. This frugal approach not only distinguishes them but also underscores the efficacy of their marketing strategies, showcasing substantial outcomes achieved on a lean budget.

    Himmath Jain is the co-founder and director of AS-IT-IS Nutrition; a manufacturer of pure dietary supplements. He completed his MBA in 2003 from the Goa Institute of Management and subsequently worked with India Bulls and Morgan Stanley. After working for India Bulls and Morgan Stanley he joined his family’s pharmaceutical business in 2007.

    After joining the family business, he discovered there was a paucity of branded supplement BRANDS in India. To fill the existing gap in the supplement market he launched his own nutrition site MyNutraMart.com and launched Zenith Nutrition brand along with his brother Arvind in 2009. In 2012 he sold his family-run pharmaceutical business to pay greater attention to the nutrition business including focusing on its branding and online sales. In March 2018 his interest in nutrition and supplements led him to introduce AS-IT-IS Nutrition to the Indian market. 

    Indiantelevsion.com caught up with Jain, where he shared numerous insights of their company right from its achievements, to its marketing strategies and expansion plans and much more…

    Edited excerpts

    On elaborating AS-IT-IS Nutrition’s journey towards profitability while being bootstrapped and the key strategies that enabled this achievement

    AS-IT-IS Nutrition’s journey to profitability is rooted in our commitment to purity and quality, supported by lean operations, customer trust, and targeted marketing. We optimized expenses by focusing on product quality, streamlined our supply chain, and built customer loyalty through transparency and quality control. Our customer-centric approach and effective use of digital marketing also played crucial roles in our financial success. Not raising funds also helped us devise cost effective marketing campaigns and stay away from significant burn which other brands are susceptible to.

    On the company managing its resources effectively to achieve a turnover of 200 crores

    Winning trust early in the game ensured that the customer retention and repeat buying was high. Our resource management centered on cost-efficiency, scalable operations, and strategic investments. By optimizing packaging and logistics and leveraging technology in inventory and customer relationship management, we kept operational costs in check. Strategic investments in product development and marketing, coupled with a focus on cash flow management and a robust sales strategy, propelled us to achieve a 200-crore turnover.

    On shedding some light on the specific marketing strategies that have yielded substantial results for AS-IT-IS Nutrition

    Our effective marketing strategy, focusing on content marketing, customer advocacy, strategic partnerships, and consistent brand identity, has allowed us to achieve significant results with just 4% of revenue. By creating valuable content, leveraging customer testimonials, collaborating with aligned influencers, and ensuring cohesive messaging across platforms, we’ve built a strong brand presence and customer base with minimal spend.

    On the lean marketing budget aligning with the brand’s overall business strategy

    Our lean marketing budget reflects our ethos of efficiency and authenticity, supporting our financial success and sustainable growth. This approach emphasizes targeted, meaningful engagement over extensive spending, fostering brand authenticity, and credibility. It enables us to invest in innovation and maintain a customer-centric focus, ensuring long-term sustainability and brand relevance.

    On steps implemented to foster innovation amidst a rapidly changing business landscape of the company

    To foster innovation, AS-IT-IS Nutrition invests in R&D, adopts a customer-centric approach, monitors market trends, encourages cross-functional collaboration, and remains agile. These strategies ensure our products and practices are at the forefront of industry trends, allowing us to respond proactively to market shifts and customer needs, thereby sustaining our growth and market relevance.

  • Kriti Sanon launches cleansers from HYPHEN skincare brand

    Kriti Sanon launches cleansers from HYPHEN skincare brand

    Mumbai: HYPHEN, a skincare solutions brand, born out of the dynamic partnership between industry leader PEP Technologies and celebrity entrepreneur Kriti Sanon, is setting new benchmarks in the skin care industry with its diverse product portfolio. To elevate skincare routines #BeyondBasic, the brand has now introduced its latest breakthrough in skin care – its brand new range of cleansers consisting of the Moisturising Creamy Cleanser and Oil Control Daily Exfoliating Cleanser. These unique cleansers are two-in-one products that not only cleanse the skin thoroughly but also hydrate it after being rinsed off.

    Face cleansers are generally considered a “wash-off” product, with consumers often settling for basic or harsh cleansers that not only make the skin dry but also damage its barrier by stripping it of its natural oils, making it prone to environmental stressors. Furthermore, people do not indulge in enough cleansing or exfoliating excessively that their skin feels tight. However, the right cleanser is the first and foremost step towards a healthy skincare regime. Understanding its importance and recognising the need for cleansers that do not dry up the skin, HYPHEN has launched its line of Beyond Basic Cleansers to provide effective and gentle cleansing while nourishing and protecting the skin.

    This newest range of cleansers is an instant upgrade. They are carefully formulated and packed with powerful ingredients that deeply cleanse the skin, control oil and hydrate the skin barrier. Suitable for all skin types and ideal for double cleansing routines, the products will also refresh the skin after make-up removal, leaving it squeaky clean with zero irritation. The range includes:

    A.  Moisturising Creamy Cleanser

    This gentle yet effective cleanser deeply cleanses the skin by removing dirt and impurities while moisturizing it. Formulated with -2 per cent (Ceramide + Polyglutamic Acid + Phospholipids), – 3 per cent Colloidal Oatmeal, and -1 per cent Biosaccharides, the cleanser maintains the skin’s pH barrier and nourishes it, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

    B.  Oil Control Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

    This exfoliating cleanser is specifically designed for oily skin. It effectively removes excess oil and dirt while gently unclogging the pores for a smoother, clearer complexion. The cleanser is infused with – 2 per cent AHA + BHA, -2 per cent Niacinamide, – 1 per cent Biosaccharides and -1 per cent Prebiotic Sugar to maintain the skin’s pH barrier, nourish it and promote healthier-looking skin.

    HYPHEN co-founder & chief customer officer Kriti Sanon shared her excitement about the new range, saying, “I feel a face wash and a cleanser are probably the most underrated skincare products because everyone feels that they’re something you apply and wash off. So, it doesn’t matter which one you use. But actually, if you are not using the correct cleanser, it can really strip your skin of its natural oils. Hence, we have created two amazing cleansers. These cleansers have made a remarkable difference ever since I incorporated them into my skincare routine! They not only effectively clear the skin of impurities but also moisturize it – providing dual-action benefits in only one step! I’m excited to share this with our consumers and elevate their skincare experience to go #BeyondBasic!”

    Here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0DIMfC5wC3Q

    HYPHEN’s team believes in harnessing the power of nature and combining it with the potency of science to create skincare solutions that truly make a difference. The brand had recently launched the Retinal Reset Serum, a revolutionary skincare product that has garnered an overwhelming response, making it a favourite among consumers. This reaffirms HYPHEN’s commitment to delivering innovative and effective skincare solutions.

    The Beyond Basic Cleansers are now available on HYPHEN’s official website and leading e-commerce platforms, including Nykaa, Amazon, and Flipkart. Embrace the next level of skincare and go #BeyondBasic with HYPHEN!

    Key Highlights:

    1.    HYPHEN introduces a breakthrough range of cleansers designed to elevate skincare routines beyond the basic
    2.    The cleansers combine the power of natural ingredients with advanced scientific formulations to provide      effective and gentle cleansing while nourishing and protecting the skin.
    3.    The range includes the Moisturizing Creamy Cleanser and the Oil Control Daily Exfoliating Cleanser, each formulated to address specific skincare needs and provide dual-action benefits.
    4.    The Beyond Basic Cleansers are now available for purchase on HYPHEN’s official website and leading e-commerce platforms, including Nykaa, Amazon, and Flipkart.
  • BlackZone Mobiles ropes in Mouni Roy as brand ambassador for feature phones and smartwatches

    BlackZone Mobiles ropes in Mouni Roy as brand ambassador for feature phones and smartwatches

    Mumbai: BlackZone Mobiles, India’s leading mobile and wearables manufacturer has announced its strategic alliance with the popular Indian Bollywood actress, Mouni Roy, who will represent –Blackzone’s feature phones and smartwatches categories as its distinguished brand ambassador. This partnership aims to enhance BlackZone’s market presence, celebrated for its innovative designs, cutting-edge technology, and strategic pricing.

    Mouni Roy will play a pivotal role in BlackZone’s advertising campaigns, branding endeavours, and social media activities over the coming year.

    BlackZone Mobiles chairman Karan Thukral stated, “It is with great pride that we announce our collaboration with Bollywood Icon Mouni Roy, an actor par excellence of  today’s times. Ms. Roy’s vibrant personality and influential social media footprint are perfectly aligned with our mission to forge a deeper connection with audiences across India. Her grace and sophistication perfectly encapsulate our brand ethos.”

    A proud participant in the “Make in India” initiative, BlackZone is dedicated to expanding its reach beyond urban centers, making inroads into smaller cities and towns across the country.  

    BlackZone Mobiles managing director Kannav Thukral remarked, “Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our sleek designs and the advanced features of our products. Each BlackZone product stands out for its uniqueness. As a ‘Make in India’ advocate, we are focused on creating exceptional mobile devices that combine superior quality with affordability, ranging from our budget-friendly 4G feature phones to our stylish and practical smartwatches, all of which showcase the pinnacle of Indian manufacturing prowess.”

    Situated in Sonipat, Haryana, BlackZone’s expansive manufacturing facility highlights its dedication to promoting local employment and propelling technological innovation within the region. The domestic production of feature phones and smartwatches is a reflection of BlackZone’s ambition to spearhead India’s tech revolution.

    “BlackZone is more than just a brand to me; it epitomizes style itself. Each mobile offers an array of vibrant colours, features distinctive characteristics,” shared Roy.

    The partnership between Mouni Roy and BlackZone signifies a pivotal moment in the brand’s evolution, emphasizing the critical role of nurturing indigenous talent and innovation in shaping the future.

  • “Sustainability is anticipated to become a non-negotiable factor in consumer choices”: Danone India’s Sriram Padmanabhan

    “Sustainability is anticipated to become a non-negotiable factor in consumer choices”: Danone India’s Sriram Padmanabhan

    Mumbai: In a world where health-conscious choices are gaining prominence, the need for better nutrition in our day-to-day lives plays a pivotal role in shaping our well-being. At the forefront of this global paradigm is Danone, a renowned food and nutrition company committed to pioneering solutions for a healthier lifestyle.

    Danone India, a prominent player in the food and nutrition domain, reflects the global ethos of its parent company, boasting a sales turnover exceeding 23 billion Euros and a workforce spanning across 57 countries. With a robust portfolio catering to adult nutrition, healthy aging, and child-toddler nutrition, Danone India embodies a fusion of global expertise and local nutritional aspirations.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Danone India marketing director Sriram Padmanabhan to discuss the brand’s entry and sustainability efoorts in India, the impact of nutritional drinks on children’s diets, and much more…

    Edited Excerpts:

    On Danone’s launch in India, and the brand setting itself apart in the competitive market

    Danone entered India in 2012. Driven by its mission to bring health to as many people as possible, Danone serves across life stages addressing significant health challenges with its power brands in Dexolac, Protinex, Farex and introduced its global brands Aptamil in 2017. We are committed to innovation, tailoring products to meet the unique nutritional needs and cultural preferences of each region worldwide.

    On Danone’s plan to demonstrate measurable impacts and transparency in its sustainability efforts in India, aligning with the ‘One Planet. One Health’ agenda?

    In line with the Danone Renew strategy, the company has redefined its sustainability journey, focusing on three pillars: health, nature, and people & communities. With a commitment to maximising impact, Danone’s priorities include delivering tastier and healthier food, promoting better choices, and investing in nutrition science. The overarching goal is to bring health through food, preserve nature, and enhance societal well-being. To achieve this, we implement robust monitoring and evaluation systems that track key sustainability metrics across our operations. We prioritise initiatives that not only mitigate environmental impact but also promote societal well-being, such as reducing carbon emissions, conserving water resources, and fostering community engagement.

    On research and development influencing Danone’s approach to product development and innovation in India

    The increased focus on research and development has allowed us to address the unique needs and preferences of Indian consumers. Through R&D, we have introduced products tailored to local tastes while upholding Danone’s global standards of quality and nutrition. We conduct India-specific research and development to ensure our product is tailored to local nutritional requirements. This enables us to continuously enhance and localize our product offerings and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of Indian consumers and the planet.

    On the unique features or benefits that AptaGrow offers to children aged three to six years

    AptaGrow is a scientifically designed health drink that addresses the nutrition requirement of children in the age group of three to six years. With 37 nutrients that contains a unique blend of prebiotics which help in better absorption of vital nutrients essential to support growth, brain development and immunity. It has 100 per cent milk protein and calcium to support height gain, Vitamin A, C, D to support immune health and DHA, iron, folic acid & iodine to support brain development, while the unique blend of prebiotics supports absorption of the essential nutrients. This low-fat, chocolate/vanilla-flavored drink serves as an ideal choice for promoting healthy growth and overall development in children. We have also introduced a first-of-its-kind tool – Aptagrow Growth Chakra, to help mothers measure and understand her child’s holistic growth needs. This tool not only measures the child’s height, weight but also immunity, brain development and overall well-being.

    On Danone’s response to skepticism regarding the need for specialised products like AptaGrow versus promoting whole foods for children’s nutrition, considering the ongoing debate on the influence of nutritional drinks on children’s diets

    While nutritional drinks aren’t substitutes, they serve as valuable additions to children’s diets, fostering overall health and wellness. While we recognise the importance of a well-balanced meal, we also understand that consistently meeting the nutritional needs of your child sometimes might be a challenge.

    Therefore, we launched AptaGrow a scientifically designed milk drink that addresses the nutrition requirement of children in the age group of three to six years. With 37 nutrients it contains a unique blend of prebiotics which help in better absorption of vital nutrients crucial to support growth, brain development and immunity. It has 100 per cent milk protein and calcium to support height gain, Vitamin A, C, D to support immune health and DHA, iron, folic acid & iodine to support brain development, while the unique blend of prebiotics supports absorption of the essential nutrients.

    On the recent revamp of Protinex positioning Danone to maintain its market leadership in India’s adult nutrition sector and on digital strategies complementing this rebranding initiative to enhance customer satisfaction

    Since its inception in 1957, Protinex has been a prominent player in the field of adult nutrition in India. Over the past 65 years, Protinex has earned a strong reputation as a trusted and reliable brand, consistently delivering optimal nutrition to its consumers. Notably, Protinex has emerged as the leading brand in the adult nutrition segment. The recent brand revamp has been envisaged to further strengthen the brand relevance and build affinity across age segments while maintaining brand premium-ness with differentiated health benefits, greater quality, and taste across variants.

    Recognising the immense reach and influence of digital platforms, we aim to harness its potential to connect with our target audience effectively. By incorporating social media into our media mix, we engage consumers, share informative content, and foster meaningful conversations around health and nutrition, thereby amplifying the impact and strengthening our brand relevance.

    On the trends in consumer behavior that you foresee in 2024, particularly in relation to health consciousness and nutrition preferences

    In 2024, consumer behaviour is poised to reflect a heightened emphasis on holistic well-being, encompassing not only nutritional considerations but also mental and emotional health. The trend of viewing food as a holistic solution for overall wellness is expected to persist, with consumers seeking products that not only address nutritional needs but overall development. Moreover, the integration of technology into personalised nutrition plans is expected to become more mainstream, empowering consumers to tailor their dietary choices based on individual health conditions, preferences, and lifestyle.

    Sustainability is anticipated to become a non-negotiable factor in consumer choices, with a growing preference for products from brands that emphasize sustainable practices, eco-friendly packaging, and transparent supply chains. By staying attuned to these evolving consumer trends, brands and manufacturers can strategically position themselves to meet the changing demands of health-conscious consumers.

    On your vision and mission for the next three years

    At Danone, our global mission is “bringing health through food to as many people as possible.” We are committed to continually innovating and providing products and services that align with the nutritional requirements and expectations of consumers throughout their life stages. Our focus is on addressing local nutritional needs and promoting healthier eating habits among Indian consumers. Sustainability is at the core of our operations; we strive to reduce environmental impact while fostering inclusive growth across our supply chain. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of Indian communities while upholding the highest standards of sustainability and social responsibility.

  • NueGo partners with Delhi Capitals as an associate sponsor for the upcoming cricket season

    NueGo partners with Delhi Capitals as an associate sponsor for the upcoming cricket season

    Mumbai: NueGo, an intercity electric AC bus service from GreenCell Mobility, proudly announces its latest collaboration with Delhi Capitals for the upcoming cricket season, set to commence on 23 February

    NueGo will partner as the Associate Sponsor for the Delhi Capitals cricket franchise. NueGo brand logo will be featured on the leading trouser of the team’s official & training jersey, as part of the deal. This collaboration aligns with NueGo’s core values towards promoting eco-friendly travel and empowering women.

    GreenCell Mobility CEO & MD Devndra Chawla, “Our collaboration with Delhi Capitals signals a significant stride in our growth journey, emphasising our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and a shared winning ethos. In partnership with Delhi Capitals women’s team, our focus expands beyond sustainable mobility – it’s about fostering inclusivity and empowering women. Aligned with the vision of Delhi Capitals, NueGo is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where every woman can excel, both on the field and beyond.”

    Delhi Capitals, Interim CEO Sukhvinder Singh “NueGO are one of the leaders in sustainable mobility, and as they aim to expand their vision to inclusivity and women empowerment, we are delighted to welcome them to the Delhi Capitals family as our associate sponsor in this landmark moment for women’s cricket in India. This partnership symbolises our shared values and commitment towards making an impact in society. We look forward to a successful association with NueGo.”

    With this new alliance, NueGo has solidified its position with all three major sports leagues of the country: cricket, football, and kabaddi. This expansion, combined with an existing agreement with Chennaiyan FC, demonstrates NueGo’s continued commitment to fostering an eco-conscious culture and improving women’s sports in the country. Through this cricket partnership, NueGo will aim to inspire and spread awareness about safe and sustainable transportation to a wider audience.