Category: Brands

  • Kenstar turns up the heat with smart water heaters built to last longer

    Kenstar turns up the heat with smart water heaters built to last longer

    MUMBAI: Bathing blues just got a hot upgrade. Kenstar, one of India’s most trusted appliance brands, has unveiled its latest portfolio of water heaters under the cheeky campaign “Bath Ban Jaye,” a promise to end the nation’s dreaded “half bath” syndrome.

    The new line-up is designed to tick every modern checklist: smarter heating, energy efficiency, sleek design, and safety at its core. Backed by SwirlHeat Technology, the heaters deliver 20 per cent more hot water output, while high-density PUF Insulation keeps it warm 10 per cent longer, trimming electricity use. Add to that German Blue Sapphire Technology, which extends product life by 40 per cent, and Kenstar’s proposition of “Heats Fast, Makes It Last” feels less like a tagline and more like a guarantee.

    With a wide capacity range from 3 litres to 100 litres, the line includes storage, instant, tankless, gas heaters, and even immersion rods all tested to withstand 8-bar water pressure, suiting India’s growing high-rise lifestyle.

    Kenstar hasn’t skimped on safety either. Its 7-Level Safety Shield combines thermal cut-out protection, an IPX4 splash-proof design, and multi-functional valves, ensuring peace of mind with every shower. Each unit also comes with a 7-year warranty on tanks, adding durability to dependability.

    For those who think style belongs only in the living room, Kenstar’s designs make bathrooms just as chic. The Art Series adds a wooden finish, while the Oris Series comes in Snow White, Golden Yellow, Cocoa Brown, and Ocean Blue, a palette that makes water heating look positively fashionable.

    “Every bath should be complete, not compromised,” said Kenstar CEO Sunil Jain as the brand doubled down on its mission of blending smart, stylish, and sustainable home solutions. With 5-star BEE ratings, Kenstar water heaters are designed to lighten not just bills but also the everyday burden of Indian households.

    From cutting bills to cutting cold showers short, Kenstar’s latest range is turning up the heat on the competition ensuring that when it comes to bathing, India gets the full story, not a half chapter.
     

  • Ajay Devgn splits the difference as Instamart launches India’s quickest sale

    Ajay Devgn splits the difference as Instamart launches India’s quickest sale

    MUMBAI: When Ajay Devgn does the splits, India sits up and shops. Swiggy’s Instamart has kicked off its first-ever Quick India Movement 2025 billed as the nation’s quickest festive mega sale by bringing back the actor’s legendary debut stunt with a cheeky twist.

    Rolling out from 19–28 September 2025 on both the Swiggy and Instamart apps, the sale promises lightning-fast deliveries and discounts of 50 per cent to 90 per cent across electronics, kitchen, dining, beauty, personal care, and toys. It’s not just a shopping spree; it’s a sprint.

    The campaign film, conceptualised by Lowe Lintas, reimagines Devgn’s Phool Aur Kaante split, this time not between motorcycles but everyday essentials like speakers, jugs, ladders, and toys. Backed by the playful refrain “I just splitttt”, Devgn declares, “Jo mujhe chahiye, abhi chahiye.” The tongue-in-cheek homage captures the absurd, meme-worthy energy Instamart wants to bottle this festive season.

    Shoppers can score an extra 10 per cent off with Axis, RBL, HSBC, and IDFC Bank, plus an additional 10 per cent cashback on Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Cards. Digital wallets are in on the action too Rs 150 cashback via Amazon Pay, Rs 50 off on Simpl, and up to Rs 200 cashback on Mobikwik UPI.

    Ajay Devgn summed up the stunt-with-a-spin: “Instamart has given my Phool Aur Kaante stunt a twist. The Quick India Movement is all about bringing speed and ease to everyone!”

    The sale reflects a broader shift in how India shops. From groceries to gadgets, Instamart has become a festive favourite in Tier II cities and beyond, with demand peaking on occasions like Holi, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Rakhi.

    With movie nostalgia, meme-ready swagger, and heavy-duty deals, Instamart’s Quick India Movement 2025 looks set to prove one thing when India wants it, India wants it now.

  • 84 per cent Indians seek healthier food choices: Pwc report

    84 per cent Indians seek healthier food choices: Pwc report

    MUMBAI: A new Pwc India report reveals that for Indian consumers, it’s no longer just about what’s on the plate, it’s about how it’s made, how safe it is, and how it supports their health goals.

    Released on 11 September, the ‘Voice of the consumer 2025: India perspective’ surveyed over 1,000 Indian consumers and uncovered a clear appetite for healthier, tech-integrated, and eco-friendly food choices.

    Among the standout stats: 84 per cent of respondents said food safety is a top priority; 29 per cent would switch brands for health benefits; 80 per cent now use health apps or wearables to manage wellness; nearly half prefer eco-friendly packaging, while 73 per cent would even pay more to support sustainable farming.

    “Nutrition, affordability and sustainability are shaping today’s food choices,” said Pwc India, partner and leader- retail and consumer sector, Ravi Kapoor.“Consumers are embracing tech-led, personalised wellness, local produce and digital shopping experiences offering huge opportunities for forward-looking brands.”

    The report also highlights a shift towards cost-conscious shopping, with 63 per cent of consumers citing food prices as a key concern. They’re mixing it up buying from supermarkets, local kirana shops, and digital delivery platforms to get the best value.

    Interestingly, tradition still holds its ground: 74 per cent of consumers said their food habits are rooted in cultural heritage, proving that while innovation matters, nostalgia isn’t going anywhere.

    As supply chains tighten and consumer expectations climb, the food industry is feeling the heat but it’s also getting a recipe for reinvention. Clean labelling, tech-savvy wellness solutions, and genuine sustainability practices could be the key ingredients for future growth.

  • Taneira wraps the festive season in ‘The Gift of Pure Love’

    Taneira wraps the festive season in ‘The Gift of Pure Love’

    MUMBAI: Taneira, the ethnic wear brand from the House of Tata, is weaving emotions into every fold this festive season with its touching new campaign, ‘The gift of pure love’: a celebration of relationships, memories, and the timeless elegance of the saree.

    Rooted in the belief that true love should be felt, not just seen, the campaign highlights how a thoughtfully gifted saree can carry far more than aesthetic value, it carries intention, memory, and meaning. A Taneira saree is crafted with the purity of natural fabrics, the gentle shine of silk, and the soul of Indian handcraft traditions. It’s more than a gift, it’s an embrace.

    Through two emotionally resonant films, Taneira brings alive everyday stories: a husband’s quiet gesture, a sister’s heartfelt surprise, all wrapped in the grace of a saree. These vignettes aren’t about grand declarations, but about quiet, personal acts of love that make festivals truly special.

    “Our campaign beautifully captures the spirit of festive gifting and meaningful bonds,” said Taneira, chief sales and marketing officer, Somprabh Singh. “With the Miara collection, we’re offering not just sarees, but heirlooms of love and craftsmanship.”

    Alongside the campaign, Taneira launches its ‘Miara’ collection, a festive range designed for today’s woman, marrying traditional artistry with a modern twist. From delicate cottons to lustrous silks, Miara sarees start at Rs 6,499, offering versatility for every festive mood, whether as a cherished gift or a personal indulgence.

    Ogilvy South, executive creative director, Aarti Nichlani, summed it up and said, “These aren’t just pretty colours and textures. These sarees tell stories – honest, real, and deeply Indian. Just like the moments we’ve captured in the campaign.”

    In an era of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Taneira’s campaign is a reminder that some gifts never go out of style, especially when they come from the heart, stitched with meaning, and steeped in tradition.

     

  • Aashirvaad Atta’s Ganesh idols on wheat grains set record this Ganpati

    Aashirvaad Atta’s Ganesh idols on wheat grains set record this Ganpati

    MUMBAI: Holy grain! In a record-breaking festive twist, ITC’s Aashirvaad Atta has proven that devotion need not be larger than life. Sometimes, it fits on a single grain of wheat.

    During the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the iconic ‘Andheri cha raja’ pandal in Mumbai, Aashirvaad pulled off a feat that earned it a place in both the India book of records and the Asia book of records for the ‘biggest distribution of Ganesha idols on wheat grains.’

    Yes, you read that right. Lord Ganesha, meticulously engraved onto actual grains of wheat, was at the centre of this unique campaign. Over 2,000 micro-idols were distributed to devotees, each grain carefully enclosed in an acrylic display box with a built-in magnifying lens. Think of it as a divine collectible with a sprinkle of science and a whole lot of soul.

    The initiative was part of Aashirvaad’s festive campaign: “Gehu gehu hai vishesh, har gehu mein hai Ganesh,” spotlighting the purity and cultural significance of wheat in Indian homes. Through this punny yet poignant message, the brand wove a connection between the grain that sustains millions and the god who removes obstacles.

    Commenting on the milestone, ITC, chief executive, staples & adjacencies, foods division, Anuj Rustagi said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival where devotion meets grandeur, and we wanted to offer something truly unique. By engraving Lord Ganesha on a single grain, we showcased how tradition and innovation can come together to celebrate purity in a memorable way.”

    From its trusted ‘chakki MP sehori aata’ to ‘organic aata,’ Aashirvaad continues to win hearts across India by delivering quality flour that meets local tastes and now, sets records too.

    Looks like when it comes to devotion and innovation, Aashirvaad truly doesn’t grain and bear it, it goes the extra (milli)metre.
     

  • Radio tunes into growth as ad volumes rise 3 per cent in H1 2025

    Radio tunes into growth as ad volumes rise 3 per cent in H1 2025

    MUMBAI: Radio isn’t just background noise, it’s making advertisers sit up and listen. According to TAM Adex’s Half-Yearly Advertising Report, radio ad volumes grew by 3 per cent in January–June 2025 compared to the same period last year, signalling a steady tune-up for the medium.

    Services struck the loudest chord, accounting for a massive 30 per cent share of all ad volumes. Collectively, the top ten sectors spanning auto (11 per cent), banking and finance (10 per cent), education (9 per cent), and food and beverages (7 per cent) captured nearly 89 per cent of the airtime. Durables made a new entry into the top 10, showing the medium’s appeal beyond traditional categories.

    Among categories, properties and real estate kept their prime spot with 14 per cent share, but hospitals and clinics surged into second place, clocking 18 per cent growth, while jewellers glittered with 17 per cent growth. Pan masala puffed up by 78 per cent, and commercial vehicles raced ahead, multiplying their presence 27 times over.

    On the advertiser leaderboard, Maruti Suzuki India overtook LIC of India to claim pole position, while newcomers like Vishnu Packaging and Muthoot Financial Enterprises accelerated into the top 10. Jeena Sikho was the leading brand on radio, followed by Maruti Suzuki Arena and SBI.

    Regionally, Gujarat topped the charts with an 18 per cent share of ad volumes, with Maharashtra close behind at 16 per cent. Jaipur retained its crown as the country’s leading radio city, commanding 9 per cent of the pie, ahead of Nagpur and Delhi.

    Evenings were prime time, accounting for 37 per cent of ad volumes, followed by mornings (31 per cent). And when it came to messaging length, advertisers kept it short and snappy 94 per cent of ads were under 40 seconds.

    With over 360 categories and 8,000 advertisers using radio in the first half of 2025, the medium is proving it’s still music to brands’ ears blending reach, resonance, and regional punch in equal measure.

  • The Body Shop sparks joy with marigold glow and changemaking Diwali gifts

    The Body Shop sparks joy with marigold glow and changemaking Diwali gifts

    MUMBAI: Diwali just got a fresh coat of glow and this time it’s painted marigold. The Body Shop has rolled out the third edition of its award-winning initiative, Spark A Change 3.0, with a stirring festive film starring Saachi Bindra and Saiee M Manjrekar and the launch of a limited-edition Marigold Bodycare range. The campaign puts kindness at the heart of celebration, showing how the smallest acts can light up not just homes, but lives.

    At the centre of this season’s sparkle is the Marigold Bodycare collection, part of The India Edit. Inspired by the flower synonymous with prosperity and new beginnings, the line includes a Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Body Mist with a warm, earthy fragrance. Priced from Rs 495 onwards, the collection sits alongside the brand’s colourful Changemaking Gifts, wrapped in festive hues of marigold, pink, green and red.

    The campaign film carries an intergenerational narrative, weaving belonging and empathy into a traditional Diwali moment. “With Spark A Change 3.0, we are building on our legacy of beauty with purpose,” said The Body Shop India chief brand officer Harmeet Singh. “Our collaboration with Plastics for Change shows how conscious business can transform lives and protect the planet.”

    The partnership with Plastics for Change (PFC), based in Bengaluru now the world’s largest source of fair trade-verified recycled plastic continues to power the social impact of Spark A Change. Last year’s edition funded donations equivalent to 19 E-tricycles for waste collectors. This year, the brand aims to expand that drive, giving collectors safer and more sustainable ways to earn a living.

    For the actors, the campaign’s message resonates beyond the screen. “It reminds us that even the smallest acts of inclusion can light up someone’s life,” said Saiee M Manjrekar. Saachi Bindra added: “Spark A Change 3.0 goes beyond gifting, it creates real impact. The Marigold range feels pure and rejoicing, a perfect festive gift.”

    From customisable gift sets to pre-packed hampers and gift cards, The Body Shop is offering treats that combine indulgence with intent. Beyond festive shimmer, the initiative stands as a reminder that beauty, when matched with purpose, can truly spark change, one marigold-tinted act at a time.

  • Roadcast launches India’s first made-in-India alcohol breath analyser

    Roadcast launches India’s first made-in-India alcohol breath analyser

    MUMBAI: Roadcast, a saas-based, hardware-agnostic tracking platform backed by Jubilant Foodworks, has unveiled India’s first fully homegrown alcohol breath analyser. The launch marks a significant leap in road and workplace safety, as well as a push for indigenous innovation under the ‘Make in India’ vision.

    Compact and easy to use, the device integrates with Roadcast’s telematics system to prevent vehicle ignition if a driver is intoxicated. Real-time data is simultaneously transmitted to fleet administrators, making it a powerful tool for transport companies, government fleets, taxis, ambulances and public transport operators. Beyond roads, it can also be deployed in warehouses, factories and offices, with features such as facial recognition for attendance management combined with alcohol detection.

    “With this launch, our aim is to make safety proactive rather than reactive,” said Roadcast, co-founder & ceo, Vishal Jain. “The alcohol breath analyser is not only technologically advanced but also proudly made in India. It brings accountability into everyday operations while demonstrating India’s ability to create lasting impact on society and industry.”

    The launch comes at a time of rising global demand for alcohol detection technologies. The global breath analyser market is projected to grow from 715.5 million dollars in 2024 to 1,154.3 million dollars by 2034 (CAGR 4.9 per cent), while India’s market is expected to expand at an even faster 8.2 per cent CAGR. Roadcast has set itself a milestone of one million dollars in business from this product over the next two years and is targeting two times overall growth by adding safety tech to its portfolio.

    Unlike conventional alcohol tests that rely on blood or urine samples, Roadcast’s analyser offers a non-invasive, on-the-spot solution. Historical data storage and reporting further enhance compliance, making it especially valuable for industries with strict safety mandates.

    By tackling one of India’s most pressing road safety issues like drunk driving and extending safety standards into workplaces, Roadcast is positioning its new solution as more than just a product. It’s a public safety tool designed to save lives and set new benchmarks for responsible mobility.

  • Technogym brings Italian design-led fitness to India with first boutique launch

    Technogym brings Italian design-led fitness to India with first boutique launch

    MUMBAI: Technogym, the Italian fitness and wellness giant, has officially stepped into India with the launch of its first boutique: a sleek space designed to showcase the brand’s award-winning equipment and immersive training experiences.

    Founded in 1983 by Nerio Alessandri in his family garage, Technogym has grown into a global benchmark for design-driven fitness. Its products are as much about style as performance, seamlessly fitting into living rooms, home gyms, offices and commercial fitness centres. Take the Technogym bench, for instance: a compact, elegantly designed unit that conceals all the essential tools for a full-body workout without cluttering a space.

    The brand’s dedication to marrying form and function has won it global recognition, including the If design award, good design award and red dot design award. Trusted by elite athletes and professional teams, from Formula 1 to leading football clubs, Technogym has also been the official supplier to nine Olympic games, most recently Paris 2024 and the Paralympics.

    The new Indian boutique offers a hands-on experience of Technogym’s most iconic products, all crafted in Italy. Highlights include:

    ‘Technogym Run’ is a high-performance, whisper-quiet treadmill that blends running with strength training and ‘Technogym Ride’ is developed with cycling champions, it features a 22-inch immersive screen and seamless integration with top training apps.

    Technogym’s ethos is rooted in precision and biomechanics, ensuring workouts that are effective, safe and tailored to everyone from elite athletes to fitness beginners or those with specific health needs. With over four decades of expertise, the brand is now looking to transform India’s fitness culture by combining luxury, science and innovation.

    “Technogym has always believed fitness is more than exercise, it’s a lifestyle,” said the company in a statement. “Our Indian boutique brings that philosophy to life, inviting enthusiasts, athletes and professionals to experience the future of wellness first-hand.”

  • Reelo launches ‘Membership’, a prepaid platform to power restaurant loyalty

    Reelo launches ‘Membership’, a prepaid platform to power restaurant loyalty

    MUMBAI: India’s F&B sector is getting a new loyalty lifeline. Reelo has rolled out ‘Membership’, a prepaid platform that helps restaurants drive recurring revenue while deepening customer relationships.

    The launch comes as restaurants struggle with shrinking margins and high third-party commissions. According to Food Delivery Unwrapped, a report by The Mavericks India, hidden aggregator costs run into thousands of crores each year. ‘Membership’ by Reelo aims to shift the balance back in restaurants’ favour by encouraging direct engagement through prepaid plans and rewards.

    “With Membership, we’re enabling restaurants to generate predictable revenue, build loyalty, and regain control of their customer relationships,” said Reelo, ceo and co-founder, Parin Sanghvi.

    The platform allows restaurants to design custom prepaid programs from coffee subscriptions and festival bundles to prepaid wallets where customers might load 5,000 and unlock 7,500 in spending power. Seamless integration with 35 plus POS systems means automation of sales, redemption and reconciliation at scale.

    Early pilots show promise. NOA by the Nutcracker in Mumbai enrolled 175 plus members in two months, adding over Rs 3 lakh in revenue. Niro in Ahmedabad saw visit frequency nearly double, while The Beer Café has launched its beer ocrat plan targeting Rs 50 lakh in the first month.

    “With loyalty in place, membership was the natural next step,” said NOA, ceo, Gordon D’Souza. “It builds deeper relationships and brings in steady, repeat business.”

    Reelo, which already supports 28,000 plus restaurants across India, the Middle East and Africa, says ‘Membership’ is about more than technology. “We’re catalysing a movement,” Sanghvi added. “This is the future of F&B in India: empowering restaurants to build legacies of loyalty.”