Category: Brands

Mumbai: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and JSW signed a strategic partnership to establish 10 new Suvidha centres in Mumbai. Launched in 2016, HUL runs 12 Suvidha centres in Mumbai through a pioneering public-private-partnership with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and HSBC India impacting 300,000 people annually. The agreement signed through JSW Foundation will provide safe and dignified sanitation services to additional 200,000 people in low-income communities in Mumbai.

The key highlights of services provided at these Suvidha centres include:

1.       New Suvidha centres to benefit additional 200,000 people through access to safe toilets, purified drinking water, showers, and laundry services.

2.       All amenities will be available at affordable rates including drinking water at Rs. 1 per litre and a monthly pass at Rs. 150 for a family.

3.       New centres will save 300 million litres of water over a decade and will run on solar energy.

Suvidha centres serve as a comprehensive solution for the hygiene and sanitation needs of low-income communities, all under one roof. The Centres are also conceived keeping in mind the safety and well-being of women and children through inclusive design, adequate lighting, CCTV cameras and a panic button for emergencies.

Moreover, the partners will undertake an extensive behaviour change program on health and nutrition through home-to-home visits in the communities around the centre. The centres will also be run by staff hired from the nearby communities, thereby building a sense of ownership and pride.

 In addition to promoting hygiene, the Suvidha centres are also designed to be environmentally conscious and sustainable. Through the implementation of rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling methods, they will save over 300 million litres of fresh water in a decade. Additionally, HUL and JSW Foundation will work closely on further improving the community and environmental impact of the Suvidha Centres.

BMC commissioner & administrator Dr. Iqbal Chahal said, “BMC and HUL are delighted to announce the partnership with JSW to further our mission of providing safe and dignified sanitation through the Suvidha Centres. Together, through this public-private partnership (PPP) we are committed to expanding access to quality sanitation for an additional 200,000 people residing in urban slums, with a particular focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of women and children. With 12 Suvidha Centres already operational, we are committed to replicate and scale this model making quality sanitation and hygiene facilities a reality for a larger population in Mumbai. This partnership represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to create a safe, inclusive, and healthy city for all.”

Hindustan Unilever Limited CEO and managing director Sanjiv Mehta said, “Our Suvidha Centres exemplify how innovation and collective action by the public and private sectors can help address urban sanitation challenges. Launched as a small pilot with the invaluable support of BMC in 2016, Suvidha now impacts more than 300,000 people every year. We’re delighted to have JSW Foundation join our mission to enable access to safe sanitation for all. This partnership is evidence that Suvidha continues to be a pathbreaking model in the field of community well-being.”

 According to JSW Foundation chairperson Sangita Jindal, “Our partnership with HUL and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to establish 10 state-of-the-art Suvidha centers in Mumbai reiterates our commitment to empower local communities and pave the way for a brighter future, particularly for women and children. Through this partnership with HUL, we are fostering a collective social action to further expand the network of Suvidha centers in the city with the aim to provide fresh drinking water and other sanitation services to low-income communities residing in Mumbai city.”

Mumbai: Boult has announced the celebration of their upcoming six years milestone anniversary. From the beginning of Boult’s extraordinary journey, it has taken immense pride in the six core pillars that shaped its success—Innovation, Technology, Design, Accessibility, Community, and Quality. While innovation has been at the heart of Boult’s ethos, design emerged as the cornerstone of the brand’s success with every Boult product being meticulously crafted with a fusion of aesthetics and functionality. By incorporating inclusive features and valuing customer feedback, Boult not only made its products accessible but also served the community with cutting-edge technologies.

And this remarkable six years started in 2017 with only one category of TWS earphones. However, the relentless efforts, impeccable designs and pioneering innovation led the brand to become the second largest TWS brand in India by selling a product every 5 seconds. And now, the brand proudly stands as the best wireless headphones brand in India and the fastest emerging smartwatch brand, having sold over 1.5 Crore units to date. According to the IDC report, Boult has secured a remarkable 366.5 per cent year-on-year growth, holding a significant 9.3 per cent market share in the first quarter of 2023, and key models such as Boult Drift and Cosmic have contributed significantly to this success.

The commemoration of Boult’s monumental six year anniversary will be as unique as the journey of the brand. With a myriad of fun activities and interesting initiatives, Boult is transcending its customers to the sixth dimension where Boult’s website will transform into a giveaway heaven.

Every sixth product on the website will be offered free to the consumers. In addition to this, Boult has set up exclusive Pop-up stores in two different cities where customers visiting the stores will have access to special discounts and limited-edition deals as a token of gratitude to its amazing customers for their continued support throughout the brand’s six-year journey. Besides, people can delve deeper into Boult’s 6D by pedaling a bicycle, located in two prime locations, MGF Metropolitan Mall in Gurgaon and Nexus Mall, Koramangala, Bengaluru and grab some amazing gift hampers.

Speaking on the occasion, Boult director & co-founder Varun Gupta  shared his enthusiasm and further plans for the company and said, “It has been an exhilarating journey. When I and Tarun found our core, we didn’t expect it would emerge so remarkably in a short span of 6 years and people would shower immense love to it. The journey was a combination of highs and lows but the growth trajectory of the brand always remained on the rise. We were able to do this because we embraced innovation & technology and integrated it in such a way that it reaches the masses. I have always been proud of Boult’s designs and the process will continue making us reach unlimited victories. As a home-grown brand, our aim is to make the Indian brand become available globally for which we have made an entry into the US and UK markets and have also mapped out 5 more countries to further spread our presence.”

Boult XX & co-founder Tarun Gupta added, “Boult is best known for its cutting-edge technologies and impressive designs and we will continue our stride to be the best in the game. It is our passion which has always inspired us to fuel our quest for groundbreaking innovations and delivering an extraordinary experience to consumers through our products, whether it is hearables or wearables. Currently, we are focussed on pushing our Boult in India, Boult for India initiative and strive to localise raw material as much as possible to boost domestic production.”

Mumbai: Meesho, India’s e-commerce marketplace, has made it to TIME’s  prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential Companies in the world for 2023. Meesho was recognised as one of the ‘Pioneers’ on the list for the extraordinary impact it has made on India’s e-commerce landscape.

In its third edition this year, TIME100 Most Influential Companies list honours organisations – across sectors including health care, entertainment, technology, retail and energy – that have made substantial contributions towards shaping industries and redefining the way we live and work. To assemble the list, TIME solicited nominations across sectors, and polled its global network of contributors and correspondents, as well as outside experts. Then TIME editors evaluated each on key factors, including impact, innovation, ambition, and success. The result is a diverse group of 100 businesses helping chart an essential path forward.

TIME said, “Unlike its competitors, Meesho doesn’t charge sellers a commission, which it says enables it to sell 60 per cent of its products for less than $4, in reach for Indian families that make less than $6,000 a year.”

This recognition validates Meesho’s trailblazing achievements and its commitment to democratizing internet commerce for everyone through an inclusive and egalitarian platform. The company has empowered millions of small businesses to come online and create digital storefronts, which has not only boosted their earning potential but also helped generate employment at scale. At the same time, Meesho’s focus on catering to underserved consumers through affordable and relevant products has driven inclusion from both urban and rural India.

“We are honoured and humbled to be recognised by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential Companies in the world. With a Bharat-focussed company getting this accolade, this achievement is a proud moment for the entire country,” said Meesho CEO & founder Vidit Aatrey. “It’s a great endorsement of the team’s hard work, determination, and passion as we continue to empower small businesses while also making online shopping affordable for millions of customers from all corners of the country. Our mission is to create sustainable livelihoods by enabling entrepreneurship, and this recognition reaffirms the positive impact we are making on people’s lives.”

With 140 million annual transacting users,  1.1 million+ sellers  and  100 million active product listings across 30 categories, Meesho aims to fuel discoverability of a wide assortment of products for both urban and Bharat consumers. The company recently emerged as the world’s fastest shopping app to cross 500 million cumulative downloads across Google Play and iOS App Store combined, as per data.ai (formerly App Annie). It also unveiled a new brand identity to showcase the platform’s  inclusivity   with   a   vast   collection   of   value-first   products,   and   how   it’s   helping consumers   across   income   segments,   geographies,   languages,   genders   and   age   groups realize their shopping aspirations.

Mumbai: Being the official merchandise partner of well renowned teams such as Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS), playR is a well known sports equipment manufacturer with its wide range of equipment and accessories which include gloves, pads, balls, bats, bags, etc. With its slogan, “Let’s play”, playR ensures efficient and reliable products catering to the needs of the players.

playR always comes up with equipment that is extremely innovative and flexible to use for all players whether experts or amateurs. With its innovative equipment, playR continues to keep its audiences engaged and determined when it comes to cricket.

Notable highlights include:

1.       Cricket Gear Bag: Your Ultimate All-in-One Solution for Cricket Equipment.The Cricket Gear Bag is meticulously crafted with the modern cricketer in mind. It offers ample storage space and intelligently designed compartments to accommodate all your cricket gear, including bats, pads, gloves, helmets, and more. No more juggling multiple bags or struggling to find the right equipment – everything you need is neatly organised in one place. It eliminates the hassle of carrying multiple bags, ensures your gear stays organised, and simplifies your cricketing experience.

2.       Superior Batting Equipment: playR’s specially crafted cricket bats deliver unmatched power and precision. Designed with the needs of professional and amateur cricketers in mind, these bats provide exceptional balance, superb grip, and optimal weight distribution, enabling batsmen to dominate the game.

3.       High-Performance Gloves: playR’s gloves and pads offer a perfect blend of comfort, protection, and flexibility. These specially designed gloves provide excellent grip, shock absorption, and breathability, enhancing players’ confidence and dexterity on the field.

4.       Premium Cricket Balls: playR’s cricket balls are hand-crafted and engineered to deliver consistent performance and durability. These high-quality balls provide excellent seam control, swing, and bounce, ensuring an exhilarating experience for bowlers and fielders.

Speaking about the partnership, playR CEO Ravi Kukreja expressed his views, saying, “We are incredibly excited to partner with some of India’s most popular IPL teams. This collaboration presents a tremendous opportunity for us to connect with a larger audience and foster increased engagement between fans and their beloved teams. The IPL has revolutionised the sports merchandise market in India, and our objective is to offer fans the finest sports merchandise and equipment available. This partnership between playR and the IPL teams is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence and its understanding of the dynamic nature of the IPL. With the launch of these innovative products, playR aims to revolutionise the cricketing landscape and further strengthen its position as a leading sports equipment brand.”

Mumbai: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the sixth largest jewellery retailer globally with over 315 showrooms across ten countries, has signed mass superstar  Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr. also known as NTR Jr. as its newest brand ambassador. NTR Jr. will be featured in the upcoming consumer campaigns of Malabar Gold & Diamonds. A prolific actor and a pan-India mass superstar attracting global attention, NTR Jr. reflects the core values of the group i.e., trust, transparency, and excellence with his affable and grounded persona.

The second innings of NTR Jr. as the brand’s ambassador will make Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ 30 anniversary even more glittering. Signing the superstar is in line with the group’s aim to further expand its customer base and build a stronger consumer connection in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana region as well as across India and around the world.

NTR Jr. shared, “I am happy to be associated once again with Malabar Gold & Diamonds. Apart from being one of the most trusted jewellery brands, they are actively showcasing Indian designs, art & culture on the global stage. Their customer-centric promises and ESG initiatives have established their leadership in the industry. I see great synergy between the values I believe in and what the brand stands for”.

Malabar Group chairman MP Ahammed said, “We are excited to renew our time-tested association with NTR Jr. He has emerged as one of the widely admired movie stars in India across regions. His outstanding filmography underlines his command over the craft of acting. He is an actor par excellence and his impressive personality will further elevate our brand proposition. We had an amazing association in the past with NTR Jr. and the revival of the relation will help accelerate the acceptance of the brand globally in our ambition to be the no. 1 global jewellery retailer. As we celebrate our 30 anniversary this year, we would like to reaffirm our commitment to offering our valued customers excellence in transparency, jewellery variety and craftsmanship along with a world-class jewellery shopping experience”.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds boasts an extensive retail network in India, UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Malaysia, Singapore and the US. The group has plans to foray into new markets such as the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Egypt, Bangladesh, Turkey and New Zealand as well as major cities in India.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds is known for providing an exceptional jewellery shopping experience with convenience and customer-friendly policies, known as the ‘Malabar Promise.’ This promise assures customers of unmatched quality, transparency, and service assurance. With more than 12 exclusive sub-brands in gold, diamond, and precious gems, Malabar Gold & Diamonds presents designs curated from 20 countries, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of their vast, multicultural customer base.

Mumbai: From lattes to cocktails, fashion and even paint colours, pistachios are having a moment. Food industry leaders like Baum + Whiteman and Lyons Magnus recently predicted pistachios will be the top nut of 2023 in food trend research. Beyond the taste and nutritional benefits of the nut, trends are extending into the colour – and even smell – of pistachios, with the nutty aroma now being used in candles and perfumes.

Looking back at where the pistachio craze began, the pandemic forced consumers to reevaluate their health and wellbeing; people were forced to consider not only what they ate and how it affected them, but also how it affected the planet. The result was a movement toward plant-based proteins, and as a source of complete protein, pistachios fit the bill. Further, the sustainability of pistachios stands out from other crops; pistachios are a permanent crop that spans generations of farmers and as a high desert plant, are relatively drought tolerant.

The increasing popularity of pistachios in India has also been remarkable. Since American Pistachio Growers (APG) started its consumer outreach campaign in the country in 2019, the market for pistachios has grown rapidly. The rise of pistachios in Indian cuisine brings together traditional flavours and modern influences, resulting in a delightful and flavourful experience. Moreover, with the outreach, Indian consumers now recognize the nutritional benefits offered by these delightful nuts.

Renowned nutritionist, functional & lifestyle practitioner and eminent writer Pooja Makhija said, “Foods that are rich in antioxidants help protect healthy cells from free radical damage, and proteins are like the building blocks that help with muscle regeneration and repair. It is amazing that pistachios have both these powers. Since they are shelf stable and easily portable, a handful of American pistachios should be consumed daily by all.” In addition, they also have beneficial fats, fibre and other important nutrients that our body needs every day, Makhija added.

American Pistachios Growers  in-country marketing representative Sumit Saran remarked. “We have seen tremendous demand for American pistachios, as consumers in India are getting more aware. India has no commercial production of pistachios. In the past, pistachios used to be imported mainly from Iran. American pistachios are different from other origins. They are loved across the world for their excellent taste, high quality, consistency of size and food safety. They are great as a snack or as an ingredient. American pistachios are now easily available across India on all major e-commerce platforms or with major dry fruit retailers. All consumers have to do is search for California pistachios and choose from the many brands that sell them here.”

New Delhi: Khemani Group, one of the largest players in the Indian alcobev industry, has announced the appointment of popkorn, to propel its brand presence in the digital/social realm. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies as they join forces to revolutionize the way consumers engage and interact with alcoholic beverages.

Khemani Group has always been committed to delivering exceptional quality and innovation in the alcobev industry. With a diverse portfolio of brands that cater to discerning consumers, the company aims to strengthen its digital footprint and connect with a wider audience. Recognizing the immense potential of digital marketing and creativity, Khemani Group has chosen popkorn as its trusted partner to craft captivating brand stories, engage consumers, and create memorable experiences that resonate with today’s digital-savvy generation.

“I firmly believe that true success in the market place lies in forging powerful partnerships, embracing innovation, and harnessing the potential of hyperlocal consumerism. By joining forces with popkorn, we are poised to unlock new avenues of growth and navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Together, we will create extraordinary experiences for our consumers through enhanced brand visibility, engagement and pave the way for unparalleled success in the market,“ said Khemani Group vice chairman Amit Khemani.

popkorn chief executive officer Vishal Mehra shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are privileged to be raising a glass with Khemani Group as their digital creative agency. Our team is excited to collaborate with a forward-thinking company that values innovation and consumer engagement. Together, we will push boundaries, harness the power of storytelling, and create impactful digital experiences that will elevate Khemani Group’s brands to new heights.”

By combining Khemani Group’s legacy of craftsmanship and quality with popkorn’s digital expertise and creative prowess, the partnership aims to redefine the way consumers experience and interact with alcoholic beverages. With a focus on digital campaigns, social media engagement, content creation, and immersive experiences, Khemani Group and popkorn are set to create compelling stories.

Mumbai: Cornea, a leading electronics manufacturer, has recently introduced its premium & future of entertainment WebOS TV which is packed with advanced features that takes the viewing experience brilliance at its finest.

Equipped with the latest 4K technology, the Cornea WebOS TV delivers crystal-clear picture quality with vivid colors and sharp details. Its ultra-thin design and bezel-less screen provide a seamless viewing experience will elevate the viewing experience with the cutting-edge & transform the living room with the sleek and sophistication.

The Cornea WebOS TV is available in 50, 55, 65 & 75-inch and starts at Rs 28499. It comes with a user-friendly interface that runs on the popular WebOS operating system from where one can unleash the power of seamless screen sharing. Also, this enables one to easily access all the favorite streaming services and apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, among others. In addition to its superior performance and design, the Cornea WebOS TV is built to last. It features cutting-edge technology that ensures long-lasting durability and reliability.

Commenting on the same, Cornea director Ankit Garg said ” We are highly delighted to introduce our new premium WebOS TV to the market. These televisions with the latest technology and premium features will deliver an incredible viewing experience. Whether one is watching movies, playing games, or streaming the desired shows, the Cornea WebOS TV will provide with an unparalleled entertainment experience.”

This TV is operated through the Magic Remote, which is a very versatile remote control that allows for smooth and easy navigation. With its scroll button, one can easily browse through content, and with voice control, one can command the TV with voice. The air mouse feature is convenient for air gestures, making it easy to point and click. And with universal control, one can even use the magic remote to control other devices like cable boxes or Set-top-box.

The Cornea WebOS TV is available for purchase online on Amazon or from official Cornea website. With its impressive specifications and features, the Cornea WebOS TV is sure to set the standard for premium home entertainment.

Amazon

Mumbai: Suniel Shetty, one of the most established faces in the Indian Film Industry, has announced his collaboration with Branquila Brand Ventures, the integrated brand management agency founded by Sandeep Dahiya. Effective immediately, Branquila Brand Ventures assumes responsibility for managing Suniel Shetty’s brand and businesses across multiple avenues. This is the first time that Suniel Shetty has got an agency on-board, to not only strengthen and scale-up existing ventures but also explore newer avenues, across categories, and across platforms.

Talking about the collaboration, Suniel Shetty said, “Sandeep brings with him two key ingredients for unlocking future growth – experience across categories & imagination beyond compare. It’s a rare combo, and I am excited to have him on-board to explore newer avenues, as well as to propel the existing ones.” He further added, “I strongly believe in ethical growth, and doing things differently. I am glad that we’ve got great alignment with him there as well.”

Branquila Brand Ventures founder & CEO Sandeep Dahiya commented, “Anna Suniel Shetty is an industry in himself, and it’s an honour to work with him across multiple ventures to curate, create and collaborate on new and novel ideas.” He further stated, “Mr. Shetty’s acute understanding of the key aspects of business, is hard to match – not just within the industry, but outside it as well. We look forward to collectively breaking newer frontiers.”

The collaboration surely promises exciting ideas and collaborations in the rapidly evolving entertainment and brand management landscape.

Dahiya launched Branquila last year, after he quit the Times of India Group in 2021. He spent eight years at the group, spearheading the launch of Times’ legacy brands into newer consumer categories. Under his leadership, Femina FLAUNT became one of the bestselling exclusive women’s fashion brands within Shoppers Stop in over 25 cities. At Times Lifestyle Enterprise, Dahiya lead the Times Group’s foray in the beauty space, with the launch of Femina FLAUNT Studio Salon – a company-owned, company-operated format, in Mumbai. Today, Femina FLAUNT Studio Salons is a 20+ salon chain, nationally. Prior to the Times Group, he spent 8 years at Viacom18, heading its consumer products business – creating a scalable & sustainable business model in new categories for brands and IPs of MTV, Nickelodeon, Vh1, and Colors.

Mumbai: IdeateLabs, one of India’s digital-first marketing solutions providers, has conceptualised and created a digital campaign for the ‘Unbranded to Branded’ Exchange Festival for Fashion Factory, a division of Reliance Retail. The campaign encourages customers to exchange their old clothes and shoes for a value of up to Rs 400 and get an additional discount of up to 50% on new, branded clothes.

The campaign is led by two digital films that playfully use “ex” to reveal the exchange offer in different scenarios. The campaign idea stays true to the DNA of Fashion Factory, of bringing branded fashion to all at the most affordable rates. 

Unbranded to Branded festival started at the beginning of this month and ends on 25 June 2023, and is promoted through a variety of digital channels, including social media. The target audience for the campaign includes young fashion enthusiasts, sustainability advocates, budget-conscious shoppers, fashion innovators, and early adopters.

“We are excited to partner with Fashion Factory in this fun campaign,” said IdeateLabs COO Raman R.S. Minhas. “The U2B campaign is a great property that powers Fashion Factory to reach a wide audience and drive sales. We needed that balance of engaging content and offer push, which happened when the team hit upon the creative device of “ex”. We believe the campaign will resonate with the audience and further establish Fashion Factory as India’s leading value fashion retailer.”