ITV

Category: Brands

  • Anymind banks on avatars to fast-track brand live streaming

    Anymind banks on avatars to fast-track brand live streaming

    MUMBAI: Talk about putting your money where your face is. Anymind group is banking on avatars to give live commerce a fresh facelift.

    The company has rolled out its new ‘Avatar Bank’ on Anylive, its AI-powered live commerce platform. Think of it as a ready-to-wear wardrobe, but for digital hosts: brands can now dip into a library of pre-made AI avatars instead of spending time and money creating one from scratch.

    The appeal? Speed and savings. With avatars off the shelf, brands can launch streams in just a week, making live commerce campaigns quicker, leaner and far less of a production headache. For brands juggling multiple campaigns, that’s as close to plug-and-play as it gets.

    Anylive isn’t just about pretty faces either. The platform can deliver content in multiple languages, run streams around the clock, and crunch data from both human and AI-led sessions to help brands fine-tune scripts and performances. The Avatar Bank slips neatly into this ecosystem, letting businesses mix and match, use custom avatars for premium projects, or pick from the bank when speed matters.

    Anymind Group, ceo and co-founder, Kosuke Sogo said the feature has already gained traction in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. “This update makes it easier than ever for brands to incorporate AI avatars into their live commerce efforts. We will expand our lineup to give brands more choice, helping them achieve maximum results with minimal effort,” he said.

    For a world hungry for faster campaigns, the message is clear: avatars aren’t just virtual, they’re virtually indispensable.

  • Toto taps into style with season-inspired basins, faucets and sleek WCs

    Toto taps into style with season-inspired basins, faucets and sleek WCs

    MUMBAI: Flush with ideas. Toto is giving India’s bathrooms a seasonal makeover. The Japanese bathroom giant has expanded its India portfolio with a stylish new line-up of basins, faucets and water-efficient WCs, blending artistry, technology and sustainability in one seamless flow.

    Taking inspiration from nature’s four seasons, the brand’s latest basins arrive in striking hues: forest green for spring, mandarin orange for summer, scarlet red for autumn and ash blue for winter. Beyond looks, each piece is glazed with Toto’s ‘cofiontect’ finish, keeping surfaces fresher and easier to clean.

    Adding sparkle to sinks, new faucets in rose gold and graphite finishes bring a luxe touch. Crafted with PVD technology for durability, they pair design finesse with responsibility, manufactured using processes that recycle up to 90 per cent of wastewater.

    Completing the collection is a new WC range featuring sleek concealed models in square and round shapes. With Toto’s ‘tornado flush’ technology and dual-flush options as low as 3 litres, these bowls are designed to save water without skimping on comfort.

    “Indian consumers want more than just functionality; they want bathrooms that are stylish, sustainable and enjoyable,” said Toto India, managing director, Shiozawa Kazuyuki. “These launches combine design and innovation to make every experience thoughtful.”

    For Toto, which has been redefining bathrooms globally for over a century, this expansion cements its Indian journey with products that are as refined as they are responsible, proving once again that the future of luxury is sustainable.

  • Kamat Hotels plants flags in Himalayan foothills and tech hub

    Kamat Hotels plants flags in Himalayan foothills and tech hub

    MUMBAI:  Kamat Hotels (India) Limited has thrown open the doors to two contrasting properties that capture India’s dual identity: a wellness sanctuary beneath the snow-capped Himalayas and a sleek business hotel in the country’s tech capital.

    The hospitality chain unveiled The Orchid Rishivan Hotel in Rishikesh and IRA by Orchid Hotel in Hyderabad on Sunday, adding 117 rooms to its expanding empire and planting its flag firmly in both India’s spiritual heartland and its commercial nerve centres.

    In Rishikesh, where the Ganges rushes down from sacred peaks, the 54-room Orchid Rishivan Hotel promises to marry ancient mysticism with modern luxury. Guests can stretch into sunrise yoga sessions beside a centuries-old Shivling temple, then retreat to a state-of-the-art spa surrounded by whispering forests. The property operates under a revenue-sharing model and caters to the booming wellness tourism market, complete with conference facilities for corporate retreats and intimate wedding venues.

    Orchid RishiVan Hotel

    Some 1,500 kilometres south, the 63-room IRA by Orchid Hotel stakes its claim in Hyderabad’s bustling business district. The leased property targets the city’s army of technocrats and deal-makers with contemporary rooms and dining that blends authentic Hyderabadi spices with international flavours.

    “We are tapping into the rising demand for wellness tourism and destination weddings, while Hyderabad positions us to serve a thriving corporate market,” said executive director Vishal Vithal Kamat. His father, executive chairman and managing director Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, described the openings as highlighting the group’s “dual focus” between eco-luxury and metropolitan hospitality.

    The launches underscore Kamat Hotels’ strategy to capture both ends of India’s travel spectrum: spiritual seekers fleeing urban chaos and business travelers powering the country’s economic engine. With wellness tourism surging and corporate travel rebounding post-pandemic, the group is betting that India’s contradictions—ancient and modern, spiritual and commercial—can fuel profitable growth.

  • Siyaram’s ‘Devo’ hands PR mandate to Vigor Media after multi-agency pitch

    Siyaram’s ‘Devo’ hands PR mandate to Vigor Media after multi-agency pitch

    MUMBAI: Siyaram’s is tailoring a new chapter in Indian menswear and it has chosen Vigor Media Worldwide to stitch the narrative together.

    The premium men’s occasion wear brand ‘Devo,’ launched by textile giant Siyaram’s, has awarded its public relations mandate to Vigor Media after a competitive multi-agency pitch. The win signals Vigor Media’s growing reputation for strategic storytelling and brand-building in the fashion and lifestyle space.

    Backed by the four-decade legacy of Siyaram’s, ‘Devo’ is positioning itself as the go-to label for contemporary Indian men who want to blend tradition with modern flair. From sherwanis and Jodhpuri suits to tuxedos, Indo-western ensembles, and curated accessories, the brand promises to dress men for everything from intimate poojas to big, fat weddings.

    Under the mandate, Vigor Media will spearhead a 360 degree PR strategy, from media outreach and influencer engagement to digital amplification, with the goal of establishing ‘Devo’ as not just another fashion label, but a fresh style statement in Indian ethnic and fusion wear.

    Expressing confidence in the partnership, Siyaram’s, executive director, Gaurav Poddar said, “With Devo, we are expanding our legacy into ethnic fashion that reflects the confidence and sophistication of today’s Indian man. We believe Vigor Media Worldwide will play a pivotal role in elevating Devo’s brand journey across the country.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Vigor Media Worldwide, founder, Nikhil Singhal added, “Devo is not just a new label. it’s a strategic extension of a legacy brand into a high-growth fashion category. Our team is excited to craft compelling stories that highlight the brand’s unique offerings while shaping its narrative as modern yet rooted in Indian culture.”

    With India’s ethnic and fusion wear market booming, fuelled by rising incomes, millennial tastes, and a renewed love for tradition. Devo’s entry looks well-timed. And with Vigor Media now helming its story, the brand seems set to make a stylish mark on celebrations across the country.

  • Spykar’s new podcast stitches heritage with ambition in ‘It’s in our jeans’

    Spykar’s new podcast stitches heritage with ambition in ‘It’s in our jeans’

    MUMBAI: All sewn up, Spykar is threading stories, not just jeans. India’s homegrown denim label has unzipped a new chapter in storytelling with the launch of its podcast, ‘It’s in our jeans/genes.’ The series promises conversations as textured as a vintage denim jacket, spotlighting change makers who are stitching heritage into modern ambition.

    The debut episode features the dynamic Suta sisters: Sujata and Taniya. The brand has reimagined the saree for today’s generation while empowering more than 17,000 artisans across India. True to the show’s theme, the duo even paired denim with sarees in a playful diy experiment, blending tradition with trend in one seamless drape.

    “Fashion is about more than denim, it’s about identity and the stories that connect us,” said Spykar Lifestyles, co-founder and ceo, Sanjay Vakharia. “The Suta sisters embody the balance of heritage and modernity, reflecting the ambition of a new India that thinks global while staying rooted.”

    For Sujata and Taniya, the podcast felt like a natural fit. “Suta has always been about effortless, joyful sarees and supporting artisans. Spykar’s podcast celebrates the same values: authenticity, storytelling, and pride in taking Indian traditions to the world,” they shared.

    With more episodes lined up across technology, food, music, and start-ups, ‘It’s in our jeans/genes’ aims to inspire students, entrepreneurs, and dreamers alike. Available on Spotify, Youtube, Apple podcasts and more, the series cements Spykar’s role not just as India’s denim favourite, but also as a storyteller for a new India: authentic, ambitious, and global.

  • Fast and festive: Instamart’s quick India sale delivers deals in minutes

    Fast and festive: Instamart’s quick India sale delivers deals in minutes

    MUMBAI: No time like the present, especially when the present arrives in 10 minutes. Instamart has kicked off its ‘Ouick India movement 2025,’ promising shoppers lightning-fast festive deals with savings of up to 90 percent.

    http://quickindiamovement.in

    Running from 19 to 28 September on the Swiggy and Instamart apps, the sale is packing in over 50,000 products: from iphones and smart speakers to Barbie dolls and beauty essentials, all dropped at your doorstep in minutes.

    Tech lovers can score blockbuster discounts on top smartphones like the iphone 17, Oneplus, Samsung, OPPO and Motorola, alongside hot gadgets such as the Lenovo ideapad slim 3, JBL flip 5 speakers and Philips smart home must-haves. Beauty buffs, meanwhile, can nab a Plum green tea face wash for just Rs 99, while toy fans get their pick of LEGO and Barbie.

    Adding a playful twist, shoppers voted for their favourite deals to appear during the daily golden hour (5–7 pm), unlocking crowd-pleasers such as the Oneplus 13r at Rs 38,999, Hammer airflow earbuds at Rs 349 and a 20-piece Cello opalware dinner set at Rs 799. Hourly price drops promise even more surprises.

    Instamart, CEO, Amitesh Jha called it “the country’s mega-festive season sale delivering thousands of products at unbeatable value and speed… no more waiting days for your orders to arrive.”

    On top of jaw-dropping deals, banks and wallets are sweetening the pot with instant discounts and cashback offers, including 10 percent off with Axis, ICICI, RBL and HSBC cards, plus extra rewards for Swiggy HDFC credit card and Phonepe UPI users.

    Backed by leading brands such as boat, Philips, Pampers and Nestasia, Instamart’s quick India movement is shaping up as the fastest way to tick off every festive wish list. Because why wait for tomorrow’s deals, when today’s can be at your door in ten minutes flat?
     

  • TCS reaps growth honours with Everest Group’s 2025 Elevate recognition

    TCS reaps growth honours with Everest Group’s 2025 Elevate recognition

    MUMBAI: Scaling new peaks comes naturally to TCS. Tata Consultancy Services has been crowned with the ‘Growth Honor’ of the year at Everest Group’s 2025 Elevate Honors in Dallas, a recognition that applauds its industry-leading organic growth and market impact.

    The IT giant marked a staggering 39.4 billion dollars in total contract value and 30 billion dollars in revenues in FY25, consolidating its position as one of the world’s most powerful tech players. Everest Group noted TCS’ consistent revenue growth among global peers with revenues above 5 billion dollars, calling it proof of delivery excellence, operational strength, and innovation at scale.

    “This award reflects our unwavering commitment to growth, driven by our expertise in AI and digital transformation, and the trust our clients place in us,” said TCS, global head – analyst relations, Nikhil Shahane.

    The recognition caps a landmark year for TCS. In 2025, it became the world’s second-largest IT services brand, with a valuation of 21.3 billion dollars, and secured a spot in Fortune’s ‘World’s Most Admired Companies.’ Meanwhile, Whitelane Research ranked TCS first for customer satisfaction in Europe, for the twelfth consecutive year.

    Everest Group, partner, Ronak Doshi said: “Elevate Honors are based on fact-based, analyst-driven research. Honourees like TCS are recognised solely for high performance and excellence.”

    TCS’ growth story is being fuelled by next-gen bets, especially on artificial intelligence. The firm recently appointed a chief AI and services transformation officer and expanded services spanning AI, cloud, data, cyber security, and digital engineering. Its global clientele includes the top names in banking, telecom, retail, healthcare, and entertainment.

    With over 600,000 employees across 55 countries, TCS is not only delivering technology-led transformation but also investing in long-term partnerships, sustainability, and community impact, including sponsorship of marathons from New York to London to Sydney.

    In short, TCS isn’t just climbing mountains, it’s building them.
     

  • Cleartrip sends prices on holiday with festive travel deals from Rs 2,999

    Cleartrip sends prices on holiday with festive travel deals from Rs 2,999

    MUMBAI: Cleartrip is giving travellers a reason to pack their bags and their worries away this festive season. The Flipkart-owned travel platform has launched its new campaign, “Prices jo karde sabki chhutti,” just in time for The Big Billion Days (TBBD) 2025, making five-star stays start at just Rs 2,999 and international flights from as low as Rs 5,999.

    The idea is simple: everyone dreams of a break, and Cleartrip’s prices make it almost too easy to say yes. Along with unbelievable value, the brand has rolled out a ‘Visa Denial Cover’ for extra peace of mind and expanded its hotel listings fourfold, from 20,000 to over 80,000 properties.

    The campaign’s light-hearted films playfully show how Cleartrip’s prices don’t just unlock destinations, but also moments of relief and joy. A digital-first push, the content spans short, snappy Youtube and Instagram videos, along with influencer tie-ups designed to resonate with Gen Z and families in Tier II and III cities where festive demand is surging.

    “Through Cleartrip, people aren’t just booking hotels or flights; they’re buying into an experience, a memory, a pause,” said Cleartrip, head of brand marketing, Govind Bansal. “It’s not just about discounts but making travel anxiety-free and within everyone’s reach.”

    Tilt Brand Solutions, chief creative officer, Adarsh Atal added, “We wanted to break the clutter just as Cleartrip has done with its offers. The thought was simple: when deals are this good, everyday hassles can go on a trip of their own.” 

  • Bonga Bonga toasts triple win, putting Indian liqueurs on global map

    Bonga Bonga toasts triple win, putting Indian liqueurs on global map

    MUMBAI: Raise a glass! India’s first homegrown liqueur has gone global in style. ‘Bonga Bonga Mystery Liqueur’, the debut brand from Indobevs, has made history by becoming the first Indian liqueur to win accolades across three of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions in the same year.

    Launched in 2025, Bonga Bonga clinched silver at The Spirits Business Global Asian Masters, silver at the World Liqueur Awards, and bronze at the International Spirits Challenge. For a debutant label, that’s a hat-trick many established global players would envy.

    These aren’t just any awards. The International Spirits Challenge, now in its 30th year, attracts thousands of entries from more than 70 countries, judged by distillers, bartenders and design experts. The World Liqueur Awards benchmark the very best against Europe’s legacy names, while the Asian Spirits Masters strips branding away to judge on taste alone.

    “From day one, Bonga Bonga was imagined for the world,” said Indobevs, cmo,  Anupam Gurani. “We wanted something global, alive and true to Indobevs’ DNA of innovation. Winning across three of the industry’s most credible stages affirms that ambition and shows a readiness among drinkers to embrace brands that tell new stories.”

    What makes Bonga Bonga different is its secret blend of over 40 botanicals: rosemary, thyme, lavender, cinnamon, ginger, honey and more, crafted into a layered, sharp profile. Served at –10 degree celsius as a pure shot, it’s not designed as a mixer but as a ritual: crisp, bracing and unapologetically bold. Each bottle comes with an infuser that lets drinkers add dried herbs to invent personal flavours, turning every pour into a canvas for creativity. Even the bottle itself is designed to live on: reused, repurposed and reimagined long after the last drop.

    For Indobevs, best known for cult favourite Brocode, Bonga Bonga is a category-bender, refusing to fit neatly into the global spirits playbook. With futuristic design, playful irreverence and a focus on participation as much as taste, the brand positions itself as a “category of one.”

  • Paisabazaar banks on bonds & FDs with new wealth management foray

    Paisabazaar banks on bonds & FDs with new wealth management foray

    MUMBAI: Paisabazaar, one of India’s largest consumer credit marketplace, has taken a bold step into wealth management by launching fixed deposits (FDs) and corporate bonds on its platform.

    Best known as the go-to hub for free credit scores and loans, the fintech giant now wants to be the one-stop shop for all things money. “Our vision is to be a lifelong financial partner by offering a full suite of borrowing, saving and investment options,” said Paisabazaar, ceo, Santosh Agarwal.

    The move comes on the heels of PB Money, Paisabazaar’s personal finance management tool built on the account aggregator framework. With the latest launch, the platform promises retail investors a digital-first, transparent experience to compare, choose and book investment products, all from the comfort of their phones.

    FDs from players like Bajaj Finance, Suryoday Bank, Shivalik SF Bank, Slice SF Bank, Utkarsh SF Bank, Shriram Finance and South Indian Bank are now live on the app. Meanwhile, corporate bonds, powered by SEBI-regulated Grip Invest are being pitched as a high-yield alternative, with potential returns of up to 13.25 per cent, and investments starting as low as Rs 1,000.

    Investors can filter bonds by yield, credit rating and ticket size, and even access SEBI-registered analysts’ curated advice on theme-based portfolios. The aim: to make fixed income appealing again.

    Long term, Paisabazaar plans to balance its credit engine with savings and investment offerings, while targeting underserved and ‘new-to-credit’ segments. The company believes its data-led approach will deepen customer engagement and build a resilient, diversified model.