Category: Brands

  • Puranique Spirits raises a toast with India entry

    Puranique Spirits raises a toast with India entry

    MUMBAI: Here’s to new beginnings with a European twist! Puranique Spirits has officially entered the Indian market, bringing a taste of refined luxury with its flagship Puranique Vodka and Puranique VSOP Cognac. The launch took place at an exclusive event at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, with veteran actor Mahesh Manjrekar unveiled as the brand ambassador.

    Distilled nine times for exceptional smoothness, Puranique Vodka promises a silky sip, while the VSOP Cognac showcases French craftsmanship at its finest. Drawing from heritage distilleries in France and the Scottish Highlands, Puranique has spent over two decades perfecting spirits now enjoyed in 18 countries.

    Puranique Spirits India CEO Anoop Mohan said, “India is a hotspot for premium spirits. Consumers want more than a drink, they want an authentic, world-class experience. Our entry brings European legacy to match India’s growing taste for refined beverages.”

    The brand plans to expand its Indian portfolio to 24 premium offerings by 2026, covering five key categories: Cognac, Gin, Rum, Vodka, and Artisan Craft Spirits. Each product promises authenticity, quality, and a touch of luxury for discerning consumers.

    Mahesh Manjrekar added, “Puranique is not just about beverages, it’s about creating experiences. I’m proud to be part of a brand that blends heritage, craftsmanship, and refinement for India’s premium market.”

    With this launch, Puranique Spirits aims to set a new benchmark in India’s luxury beverage scene, pairing European excellence with the country’s evolving palate for world-class spirits.

  • Yes and Centum win big for powering youth dreams

    Yes and Centum win big for powering youth dreams

    MUMBAI: Talk about making a skill-ful impact! Yes Foundation and Centum Foundation have bagged the prestigious Mahatma Award for Partnership & Impact 2025 for their joint initiative, the Youth Empowerment for Security (YES) Programme, which is changing the lives of young Indians one skill at a time.

    The initiative, focused on skilling and employability, has trained over 1,800 underserved youth across Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, and Assam, with more than 30 per cent women participants. Over 1,250 of them have already found jobs in fast-growing sectors such as retail, BFSI, healthcare, and logistics.

    The programme’s success comes at a time when women’s workforce participation in India is on the rise. Government data shows the female worker population ratio jumped from 30.2 per cent in June to 32 per cent in August 2025, signalling a strong push towards inclusion.

    “This partnership is helping young people gain skills, confidence, and opportunities,” said Yes Bank president, CSR and CEO of Yes Foundation  Garima Dutt. “It’s not just transforming lives but building a future of economic self-reliance and inclusive growth.”

    Upgrad Enterprise CEO Srikanth Iyengar, which supports Centum Foundation through scalable skilling models, added, “Social impact doesn’t happen overnight. Together, we’re bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity, especially for women and rural youth.”

    Instituted by philanthropist Amit Sachdeva and supported by the Aditya Birla Group, the Mahatma Award celebrates organisations that embody Gandhian values of truth, inclusion, and social justice. Previous winners include icons such as Ratan Tata, Sudha Murthy, and Microsoft Philanthropy.

    The recognition adds to Centum Foundation’s growing list of honours, including a recent Brandon Hall Gold Award for the same initiative, proving that when partnerships work with purpose, the impact speaks louder than words.

  • Mecturing sweeps into festive season with smart Mopx and big savings

    Mecturing sweeps into festive season with smart Mopx and big savings

    MUMBAI: Looks like this festive season just got a smart upgrade! Mecturing, India’s homegrown innovator in smart home and lifestyle tech, has kicked off its ‘Smart festive sale 2025’, a month-long celebration of intelligent living that runs from 22 September to 22 October 2025.

    From jaw-dropping discounts of up to 60 per cent, instant 10 per cent savings on SBI and ICICI cards, to 0 per cent EMI options and free Diwali demos, the sale promises to make high-tech living not just aspirational but accessible. Customers can also enjoy a one-year extended warranty and a 10-year suction motor warranty, the first of its kind in the industry.

    At the heart of the celebration is the launch of the all-new Mopx series, a futuristic cleaning marvel featuring, biomimetic dual rotating mop technology that mimics real human scrubbing for spotless results. Priced at Rs 24,999, the Mopx delivers professional-grade cleaning designed especially for Indian homes and at a fraction of typical market costs.

    Founder and CEO Aditya More summed up the spirit of the campaign perfectly.  “The festive season is a time of joy and togetherness. With our smart festive sale 2025, we want to inspire people to embrace smarter living by upgrading to intelligent home solutions that combine convenience, innovation, and long-term value.”

    And that’s not all, every purchase during the sale brings assured festive gifts, from smart mixers and consumable kits to water heaters, mop liquids, and even surprise vouchers. Plus, Mecturing’s free exchange plan offers up to 80 per cent buy-back value, underscoring its customer-first approach.

    Whether it’s cleaning smarter, cooking quicker, or simply living better, Mecturing’s festive initiative makes sure Indian homes shine brighter and cleaner this Diwali.

  • Nothing’s Diwali ad lights up with witty sparkle

    Nothing’s Diwali ad lights up with witty sparkle

    MUMBAI: Talk about lighting up Diwali with a spark of mischief! Nothing’s latest campaign, Go Subtle or Go Nothing, throws glitter at the clichés of festive advertising, and then cheekily sweeps them away.

    In a season where every brand tries to tug heartstrings or dazzle with drama, Nothing takes a sly detour. The film opens like a familiar Diwali ad: think slow music, soft lighting, and predictable gifting, before turning it all on its head. Characters suddenly break the fourth wall, a dry voiceover kicks in, and the film gleefully pokes fun at its own genre.

    From a Nothing phone 3 strung up like fairy lights to Headphone 1 doubling as diya stands and CMF buds arranged into rangoli, the ad revels in playful absurdity. With comedian Samay Raina lending his trademark wit to the narration, the film feels like a love letter to Diwali ads, with a wink.

    “We wanted a campaign that feels fresh, playful, and unapologetically bold,” said Nothing co-founder and India president Akis Evangelidis. “Diwali is about creativity and joy, and we wanted to bring that spirit to life while staying true to Nothing’s offbeat style.”

    Written by Vishal Dayama and Rajat Thakur, produced by Devarsh Thaker for Braindad, and directed by Aneesh Malankar, the campaign is live across Nothing’s digital channels, encouraging fans to celebrate the festival of lights with a twist of irony and a dash of glow.

    After all, this Diwali, you can either go subtle, or go Nothing.

  • Bajaj lights up Kolkata’s Pujo with power and poise

    Bajaj lights up Kolkata’s Pujo with power and poise

    MUMBAI: Talk about turning up the wattage this Pujo! Bajaj plugged into Kolkata’s festive spirit with a sparkling campaign that blended tradition, technology, and a touch of nostalgia.

    The brand didn’t just stay home this year, it stepped into the heart of the celebrations, lighting up some of Kolkata’s most iconic pandals. From a radiant LED tunnel at Deshpriya Park to towering displays at Sreebhumi Sporting Club and a 16-day-long sky high LED spectacle at Tala Park Road, Bajaj quite literally became part of the city’s festive glow.

    Adding digital dazzle to the celebrations, actress and influencer Ishita Dutta brought her Bengali roots and warm charm to a special film that celebrates the flavours of Durga Pujo. In the short, she recreates her mother’s festive dishes: khichuri, labra, chutney, and payesh, with a little help from the Bajaj Evoque 1000W mixer grinder. With its sturdy motor, Duracut blades, and tough military-grade jars, the Evoque became the star of the kitchen, blending heritage with modern ease.

    The campaign encouraged devotees to share their Pujo snapshots across social media, tagging Bajaj electricals and creating a citywide ripple of festive energy online.

    With its glowing pandal presence and heartfelt storytelling, Bajaj once again proved it knows how to light up not just homes, but hearts too.

  • ITC Master Chef turns up the heat with new fries and kebab delights

    ITC Master Chef turns up the heat with new fries and kebab delights

    MUMBAI: The freezer aisle just got a little hotter and a whole lot tastier. ITC Master Chef is turning up the flavour dial with two bold new entries to its frozen food spread: Piri Piri French Fries and Chicken Malai Seekh Kebab.

    For those who like their snacking with a side of spice, the Piri Piri French Fries bring a fiery twist to a comfort classic. Made from quality potatoes and packed with two sachets of piri piri seasoning, they’re crisp, punchy, and addictive, perfect for air frying or deep frying when that craving hits.

    Balancing the heat with something mellow, the Chicken Malai Seekh Kebab steps in with creamy indulgence. Rich in protein and curated with subtle spices and dairy notes, it promises a melt-in-mouth, restaurant-style experience that can be ready in minutes whether on the tawa, in the oven, or microwave.

    “With consumers seeking both taste and convenience in their everyday snacking, we are delighted to launch two new products,” said ITC Limited vice president and business head for frozen and fresh foods Ashu Phakey. “The Chicken Malai Seekh Kebab is a treat for kebab lovers, while the Piri Piri Fries bring home the bold, zesty flavours consumers love.”

    True to ITC Master Chef’s culinary promise, both products are freshly frozen, crafted with hygiene and care, and backed by the brand’s hallmark of quality. They join recent launches like Sabudana Tikki, Hara Bhara Kebab, and Punjabi Samosa, strengthening the brand’s hold over India’s frozen snacking market.

    Now sizzling their way to leading retail and e-commerce shelves, ITC Master Chef’s new duo proves one thing whether you like it hot or mild, this brand has your cravings covered.

  • Pantaloons stitches a new style story with Samantha Ruth Prabhu

    Pantaloons stitches a new style story with Samantha Ruth Prabhu

    MUMBAI: Pantaloons just got its perfect fit and it’s none other than Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The fashion icon and actor has joined as the brand’s first-ever ambassador, marking a stylish new chapter in Pantaloons’ journey towards trend-forward, self-expressive fashion. To celebrate the partnership, the brand has unveiled its festive campaign, ‘Spark Your Imagination’, which urges modern India to dream, create and flaunt their unique style. The campaign captures Pantaloons’ mission to move fashion beyond fabric making it about play, personality, and fearless creativity.

    “Spark Your Imagination is more than a festive campaign, it’s the start of a new chapter for Pantaloons,” said Pantaloons and Ownd! CEO Sangeeta Tanwani. “Samantha embodies exactly what fashion stands for today confidence, versatility, and experimentation.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Samantha Ruth Prabhu said, “Fashion to me is self-expression, and Pantaloons aligns perfectly with that belief. The campaign celebrates confidence and creativity values I deeply connect with.”

    Known for her bold fashion choices and effortless glamour, Samantha mirrors Pantaloons’ ethos of being chic yet comfortable, a style muse for the modern Indian shopper who isn’t afraid to stand out.

    The festive film for ‘Spark Your Imagination’ is a visual feast from shimmering lanterns to blooming flowers, it paints a world where every corner sparks a new idea for self-expression. Conceptualised by Teresa Sebastian and Dimple Parmar of Talented, the campaign celebrates individuality: “Style is one size fits one. Every piece of clothing is a spark, waiting to be made your own,” they said.

    Rolling out across television, digital, social media, and in-store experiences, the campaign brings Pantaloons’ new proposition to life that fashion isn’t just about what you wear, but what you create.

    Because this festive season, Pantaloons isn’t just setting trends, it’s sparking imaginations.

  • Flair Pens launches ‘The Right Move’ campaign for eco-friendly pencil

    Flair Pens launches ‘The Right Move’ campaign for eco-friendly pencil

    MUMBAI: Flair Pens has rolled out its latest sustainability-led initiative, ‘The Right Move’, a campaign that positions the Move 2mm mechanical pencil as an eco-conscious alternative to traditional wooden pencils. Conceptualised by Schbang, the emotionally charged film uses a child’s perspective to highlight the unseen environmental cost of classroom stationery.

    At the heart of the campaign is a simple yet powerful metaphor: the act of sharpening a pencil visually transforms into trees being cut down, reminding viewers of the link between everyday stationery choices and deforestation. By framing this through a child’s innocent lens, the narrative drives home the importance of making conscious decisions early on.

    Unlike traditional wooden pencils, the Move 2mm mechanical pencil is refillable and not made of wood, while still retaining a familiar wooden feel. This innovation reduces waste, ensures longevity, and allows students to enjoy the same writing experience without compromising on sustainability.

    The campaign is designed to resonate with students, parents, and educators, positioning Flair not just as a stationery manufacturer but as an empathetic innovator addressing both environmental and user needs.

    “The 2mm pencil is truly an innovation for a cause. To launch such a product, we wanted to drive the importance of this innovation directly to its users, the children, and inspire them to make the right change,” said Schbang creative lead Vaibhav Das.  

    Through ‘The Right Move,’ Flair underscores its mission to make sustainable choices accessible and impactful, proving that environmental responsibility can begin with something as simple as a pencil. 
     

  • Zara turns 50 in style with star-studded collab

    Zara turns 50 in style with star-studded collab

    MUMBAI: Fifty and fabulous! Zara is marking its golden anniversary not with a cake but with couture. To celebrate turning 50, the Spanish high-street giant has enlisted 50 of the world’s most renowned creatives, from Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss to Annie Leibovitz, Pedro Almodóvar and Norman Foster, to design one-of-a-kind pieces that will hit stores on 6 October.

    The capsule spans jackets, bags, sleeping bags, chairs and even a pet carrier, each reflecting the signature spirit of its creator. Photographer David Bailey reimagines the aviator jacket, Pat Mcgrath puts her artistry into a makeup bag, Marc Newson crafts a set of sleek glasses, while Steven Meisel designs a collector’s pet carrier.

    “It is an honour that these artists have chosen to mark our birthday with us,” said Inditex non-executive chair Marta Ortega Pérez. “They share the same passions Zara has had since the beginning: quality of craft and the joy of design.”

    The project isn’t just about fashion fantasy. All proceeds will go to Women’s Earth Alliance, with Zara also donating 20,000 euros to 50 charities selected by the collaborators.

    Paris Fashion Week is playing host to the celebrations with a pop-up at 40 Avenue Georges V from 2–5 October, curated by Sarah Andelman. Visitors can view the entire collection, attend talks with designers such as Marc Newson, and soak in the atmosphere, soundtracked by Michel Gaubert and fuelled by We Are Ona’s café.

    Zara, founded in 1975 by Amancio Ortega in A Coruña, has grown from a single Spanish store into a global cultural force. Half a century later, its anniversary is doubling as a masterclass in the art of collaboration.

  • Indri crowned ‘Best World Whisky’ at Las Vegas with record 99.1 score

    Indri crowned ‘Best World Whisky’ at Las Vegas with record 99.1 score

    MUMBAI: India’s homegrown single malt Indri has once again made history on the world stage. The Indri-Trini Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025: Marsala Cask Finish has been named ‘Best World Whisky’ at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards 2025, with an extraordinary 99.1 points out of 100, one of the highest scores ever achieved by an Indian whiskey. 

    This marks Indri’s second big win at the competition, after first bagging the top honour in 2023. The victory reaffirms Indri’s reputation as a global benchmark for single malts, while placing India firmly on the world whiskey map. 

    Crafted by Piccadily Distilleries in Indri, Haryana, the award-winning edition is made from six-row Indian barley and finished in Marsala wine casks. Bottled at cask strength (60 per cent ABV), it is celebrated for its rich profile, stewed apricots, cherries, plums, and nutty spice on the nose; red berries, chocolate, nutmeg, and walnuts on the palate; with a long, lingering fruity-oak finish. 

    The recognition follows Indri’s phenomenal commercial success. In 2024, the brand became the fastest-growing and largest-selling single malt, outselling global heavyweights such as Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, The Singleton, and Laphroaig (IWSR data). 

    *“Indri has been rewriting the story of Indian single malts, breaking stereotypes and setting new standards globally,” said Piccadily Distilleries head of marketing Shalini Sharma. “This near-perfect score is not just a win for Indri, but a proud moment for India.” 

    The Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards, judged through blind tastings by expert distillers, buyers, bartenders, educators, and media, evaluates entries on appearance, aroma, palate, balance, and finish. 

    With the 2025 collector’s edition set to launch in India before Diwali, anticipation is at an all-time high. Indri’s limited-edition Diwali releases have fast become some of the most awaited whiskey launches worldwide. 

    For Piccadily Agro Industries Limited, Indri’s success underscores its commitment to premiumisation and innovation. The company, also known for Camikara premium rum and a wide portfolio of malt spirits, has rapidly emerged as a serious force in the global spirits industry. 

    Indri’s win is more than an award, it is a signal to the world that Indian single malts are not just competing, but leading, at the highest level.