Category: Brands

  • Instagram: Akshay & CAYA unveil 24 toilets over 24 hours

    MUMBAI: As part of all the action leading to the upcoming release of the movie Viacom18 Motion Pictures’ “Toilet Ek Prem Katha”, the lead actor in the film – Akshay Kumar – unveiled 24 toilets over 24 hours on Instagram, in partnership with CAYA. The activity is reflective of the ethos of the film, which addresses the larger conern of open defecation in India, in an entertaining manner. These toilets will help bring much needed sanitation across smaller villages in Jaipur, Delhi, Rewri, Mohali, Karnal, Panipat, Kota, Yamuna Nagar, Narnaul, Gurgaon and address the pertinent issue of open defecation.

    Starring Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar & produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Toilet Ek Prem Katha is co-produced by KriArj Entertainment along with with Cape of Good Films, Friday Film Works, Plan C Studios and Abundantia Entertainment. The movie releases on 11 August, 2017.

    “Toilets can be such a taboo subject, but it’s such an important part of everyday life that many of us take for granted. This campaign is a small, but hopefully impactful contribution from the team of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha towards giving the people in these cities a much needed resource, and making sanitation a part of their conversations in a positive manner. We hope that through the movie, and this campaign, we can bring more awareness to such an important issue!” says Akshay Kumar.

    Commenting on the association, Rudraup Datta, Marketing Head, Viacom18 Motion Pictures says, “It is often said that cinema is an agent of social change & with Toilet Ek Prem Katha we have a complete family entertainer which highlights one of the biggest issues faced by our country; open defecation. Thanks to Akshay Kumar we have been able to implement the campaign for 24 Toilets/24 hours as an effort to take this mission to the ground level, driven by Caya. With Instagram on board, we can leverage it digitally and reach out to millions of consumers and hope to inspire and encourage them to join the fight against this stigma.”

    To join the actor on his journey as part of the 24 Toilets / 24 Hours campaign, you can follow Akshay’s Instagram stories on @akshaykumar, where he will be posting stories every hour. You can also follow the hashtag #24Hours24Toilets.

    Toilet Ek Prem Katha, directed by Shree Narayan Singh is a love story between Keshav (Akshay Kumar) and the progressive Jaya (Bhumi Pednekar), set in two villages near Mathura. The film traces the journey of a man in love, whose only aim in life is to get what his wife demands and rightfully so! Toilet Ek Prem Katha is a satirical take on a battle against the age old tradition of open defecation in the country.

  • Cure.fit signs Rs 1-bn pact with Hrithik’s HRX

    MUMBAI: Wellness startup Cure.fit has announced its Rs 1 billion partnership with the Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, who will promote Cure.fit through his brand, HRX. His iconic status as a fitness idol will amplify Cure.fit’s mass appeal, endorsing the philosophy of holistic health management.

    Cure.fit had bagged US$ 3 million (Rs 192 million) in a round of funding from UC-RNT Fund, a joint venture between Ratan Tata’s RNT Associates and the University of California.

    Cure.fit’s offers customised, integrated health-based solutions on a singular platform. This strategic association is expected to accelerate Cure.fit’s expansion plans, pan India. The company’s growth plan over the next five years includes adding 500 new ‘CULT’ outlets – Cure.fit’s chain of fitness centres – across India. The Cure.fit app’s subscriber base will grow to a million users.

    Cure.fit’s fitness vertical, Cult.fit, is predicted to witness an exponential growth as a result of its association with Hrithik Roshan and the synergy of ideologies between HRX and Cure.fit. As part of the collaboration, Hrithik Roshan’s signature workout – ‘HRX Workout’, designed by him along with his personal trainer under his brand HRX, is available exclusively at all CULT centers and eventually will be made available on the Cure.fit mobile app.

    HRX aims to revolutionise the fitness scenario in India, as a value-for-money, high quality alternative to international brands.

    Cure.fit co-founder Mukesh Bansal said, “Our partnership with HRX will enable us to expand our market presence and consumer base.”

    Roshan said, “I strongly believe in the philosophy of healthy living which is integral to brand HRX – it is not just about being fit, but truly undergoing a transformation in your lifestyle and understanding the connection between mind and body.”

    HRX co-founder Afsar Zaidi said, “The collaboration is a strategic move to grow the fitness community for our brand to propel itself as one of the top home grown fitness brands in the country. In our journey of HRX to touch a billion people of our country, this partnership will play a key role.”

  • Future Group launches premium gourmet gifting brand

    MUMBAI: Future Consumer Limited the food and FMCG arm of Future Group launches a premium gourmet gifting brand – ‘Gruezi’, in partnership with ‘Chocolat Frey AG’ headquartered in Switzerland. Chocolat Frey AG is one of the world’s most premium chocolate manufacturer and is part of Migros Group. The brand name ‘Gruezi’ is inspired by the Swiss word for ‘hello’ which signifies the welcoming of new moments that will be etched in memories for life! 

    Gruezi offers pure Swiss chocolates crafted by a technique that has been mastered for over 200 years, with a unique blend of flavors, ranging from a crunch to mouthfuls of soft and delicious soft-fills – concepts inspired by various Swiss elements like the behemoth, the king of mountains, Matterhorn. Gruezi’s initial range of gourmet offerings include finest assortment of Swiss chocolates available in two special packs Gruezi Swiss Matterhorn Chocolates and Gruezi Assorted Centre Filled Chocolates.

    Rahul Kansal says, “We are extremely excited to launch Gruezi, as it’s our first foray in the premium chocolates category. Gruezi is a gourmet gifting brand that is not limited to festivals or special celebrations. Instead, whenever the moment calls for expressing more than a casual gesture, Gruezi finds place. A perfect way to say hello to joy!”

    Gruezi Swiss Matterhorn Chocolates are jagged peaks of velvety milk chocolate that sit around honey and almond nougat which make every bite worth savouring. Gruezi Assorted Centre Filled Chocolates include four indulging flavors such as Triangolo, Mandolina, Caramelita and Giandor. Both packs are priced at Rs. 450 per box and can be purchased from Foodhall, select Big Bazaar Gen Nxt, Big Bazaar and Nilgiris stores in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

    public://future-group.jpg

  • Samsung is 2017 ‘Spikes Asia Advertiser of the Year’

    MUMBAI: Spikes Asia has announced that this year’s Advertiser of the Year will be awarded to Samsung Electronics following a hugely successful 2016 Festival where the company were recognised with 21 Spikes awards.

    The Award honours brands that set themselves apart through the quality of their campaigns and recognises innovative marketing and inspiring creative communications. Terry Savage, Chairman Cannes Lions and Vice-Chairman, Spikes Asia said, “Samsung Electronics is one of the world’s leading brands. By experimenting with what is possible through technology they try to make our lives and the world around us better.”

    “Working with agencies across the region Samsung provides freedom to push the creative standard and we’re delighted to be able to recognise their commitment to excellence. Their campaigns encompass the full spectrum of cutting-edge technological expertise and creative bravery and we look forward to seeing what the future brings”, he continued.

    Winning Samsung campaigns at last year’s Festival ranged from product demonstrations using device detecting technology in ‘Celebrity Tantrum’ to demonstrate the features of the new screen to fearless marketing in launching the Galaxy S7 in the region using CRM and social media to convert attitudes in ‘Right the Wrong’. While the ambition to improve people’s lives through ‘Touchable Ink’, a tactile ink that could be used by printers to make products and packaging more accessible for the visually impaired was lauded and awarded 3 Grands Prix, 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Spikes.

    In 2017 Samsung has shown remarkable growth, overcoming brand challenges amid a difficult market environment. To launch the Galaxy S8 and S8+, ‘The New Normal’ and ‘Breaking Out’ were released following a successful introduction of both ‘The Ostrich’ and ‘This is a Phone’ campaigns. In addition to these short films, Samsung is also rolling out a series of digital, social and out-of-home activations across the globe, such as ‘Whale’ and ‘Astronaut.’

    Younghee Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Electronics and Head of Global Marketing for Samsung’s Mobile Business will accept the Award onstage at the Spikes Asia Awards Ceremony on Friday 29 September. Speaking on the announcement she said, “Our brand work is the first articulation of the evolution to create a new connection with our consumers through a shared value-based approach, rooted firmly in our company’s philosophy ‘that meaningful progress can only happen when you dare to defy barriers. Samsung is a brand focused on creating real human value with its technology and we want to build upon our tech prowess to become a human-focused lifestyle brand.”

  • Vodafone’s Friendship Day video: Keep relationships real

    MUMBAI: Millennials today across the world are obsessed with their smartphones and are getting more dependent on their devices and the internet by the day. This has led to a new phenomenon called phubbing which has become rampant in our everyday lives. Phubbing is the term used to describe the habit of snubbing someone in favour of a mobile phone. Knowing or unknowingly most people today choose to look into their phones even as they sit across the table from someone.

    “Relationships have moved from being warm and personal to being online and distant. While one can argue that the internet brings the world together, it also is making people grow more apart. As a brand which is a partner to one’s relationships, we wanted to take a relevant stand against Phubbing and ask the youth to indulge in real conversations with each other”, shares Ogilvy India EVP Hirol Gandhi.

    Research and data on India embracing feature phones and social media usage is erupting everywhere. A recent study by Kantar, IMRB and MMA on the feature phone usage in India indicated that people in India spend about three hours a day on the phone. “In our Friendship Day film, we chose to showcase the youth and their relationship with the internet and social media, and how they are today sub consciously choosing to ignore the connections that can be made offline while enhancing their connections online. It really is a representation of a lot of us,” shared Ogilvy India ECD Kiran Anthony.

    From the launch of the #LookUp movement around Valentine’s Day, to building momentum on Father’s Day and now releasing the 3rd story on Friendship Day, the LookUp movement is gathering huge applause. “The LookUp campaign has struck a chord among millions of Indians – with over 50 Million Video Views, 80,000 conversations, almost 260,000 people engaged & industry best Video View Completion rates, the #LookUp movement in only growing from strength to strength, and continues to inspire the Youth & grow brand love for Vodafone,” concluded Vodafone India EVP – Marketing Siddharth Banerjee.

  • Infosys acquires digital studio Brilliant Basics

    MUMBAI: Infosys, a leader in consulting, technology and next-generation services, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Brilliant Basics, a London-based product design and customer experience (CX) innovator known for its world-class design thinking-led approach and experience in executing global programs.

    The acquisition is expected to close during the second quarter of fiscal 2018, subject to customary closing conditions.

    This acquisition represents Infosys’ commitment to the expansion of a worldwide connected network of digital studios. These studios are focused on fulfilling the needs of our global clients for end-to-end digital transformation solutions required to meet customer demand for next-generation enhanced customer experiences.

    “Adding Brilliant Basics’ design and CX capabilities has already proven to be invaluable, helping Infosys close large deals with a deep blend of skills,” said Infosys president & deputy COO Ravi Kumar S. “Brilliant Basics will leverage the breadth and depth of Infosys Digital to drive Digital Transformation solutions, which connect our clients’ Systems of Record to new Systems of Engagement.”

    Brilliant Basics founder and CEO Anand Verma added, “Being a key member of the Infosys family allows Brilliant Basics “bb” to enhance and scale the overall offering for our clients. Infosys has a unique vision and approach to partnership and acquisition, which will enable us to closely collaborate on Digital Transformation programs globally.”

    With Infosys Digital Studios spanning the globe – from Bengaluru and Pune to New York, London and Melbourne – the addition of Brilliant Basics will enhance the company’s expertise in the financial services, retail and telco sectors across Europe and the Middle East.

    “We are already seeing the synergies of our relationship, having partnered together on numerous Digital Transformation engagements and wins,” said Scott Sorokin, Global Head of Infosys.Digital. “Looking ahead, we expect Brilliant Basics to play a key role in our continued success.”

  • M&M’s make a stylish entry in red and yellow

    MUMBAI: They are fun, they are irresistible and they are now in India!

    This morning, M&M’s® took Maximum City by storm and, oh boy, what a grand filmy entry. Mr. Red and Mr. Yellow scootered down the iconic Gateway of India, in true Bollywood style, channeling their own Sholay moment a la Jai and Veeru, leaving the crowd ecstatic.

    Mars International India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mars Inc., operates in two categories, a pet care manufacturing and marketing business; and a chocolate importation and marketing operation.

    Globally known for their camaraderie and friendly banter, the Red and Yellow M&M’s® were in Mumbai to share happiness and spread joy in their unique style!

    Mars Chocolate GM – India & Indian sub-continent Andrew Leakey said, “India is a priority market for Mars Incorporated and we are committed to bring our best loved brands to Indian consumers. Our product portfolio in India reflects the same promise while offering our consumers the power to make informed choices. With the launch of M&M’s® in India, our aim is to grow the nascent bite-size category in the market. Across the world, for more than 70 years, M&M’s® have been a favorite brand.”

  • SRK rediscovers commomer’s life via Airbnb

    NEW DELHI: There is no place like home to disconnect from the outside world, and spend some time with oneself. And if it is a place where one can live like a local and not a star, then it is idyllic.

    Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan,who went on vacation to Los Angeles, is known for constantly looking for methods to reinvent his ways, and with this trip he is changing the way stars travel. This vacation has served as the getaway he needs to be able to experience the lights and palm trees of LA, by living like a local.

    Khan said “Being able to break away from a fast paced lifestyle, several thousand miles away from the city has been a refreshing experience. Our lovely Airbnb host made sure we have everything we needed. Living here like the locals in our spacious and beautiful LA home has been an ideal break. This has been a perfect retreat!”

    The popular Bollywood actor made the most of his short break to indulge himself on a lavish vacation in Beverly Hills LA, with Airbnb at an ideally located Beverly Hills estate to experience the beauty of the local place.

    The plush home chosen by the popular actor for his vacation comes with a tennis court and pool, offering a breathtaking view of Beverly Hills through a unique lens, breaking away from the standard itinerary. Khan’s entire family also accompanied him on this trip.

    public://Untitled-1_4.jpg

  • Birla campaign achieves 2 mn jumps, donates 200 prosthetic legs

    MUMBAI: #JumpForHealth, a month-long initiative launched by Aditya Birla Health Insurance, encouraged people to jump and share videos of them jumping on social media platforms. The initiative witnessed two million jumps submission from people across the globe, making a contribution of 200 prosthetic legs.

    The initiative not only encouraged people to live a healthy lifestyle but also counted every jump of individuals with a thought – ‘your feet in the air can help someone walk on their feet’. For every 10,000 jumps received, the company decided to donate one prosthetic leg to a person in need.

    The initiative saw participation from across a wide spectrum of people including;

    · From toddlers to a man on Everest Base Camp

    · From a physically disabled man to parkour enthusiasts

    · From celebrities to school children and mothers

    · From people in parks to 2000 women jumping on the beach

  • Be MobiKwik, get on Cox bus to meet Harry & Sejal

    MUMBAI: MobiKwik and Cox & Kings have associated with Jab Harry met Sejal movie.

    Mobile wallet company MobiKwik has partnered with the upcoming Bollywood movie Jab Harry Met Sejal, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma. As part of the association, MobiKwik users can win free movie tickets, avail special cashbacks on film tickets and a lifetime opportunity to meet their favourite stars whenever they transact with the code ‘Harry’ or ‘Sejal’ till 3 August. Red Chillies Entertainment head of marketing Binda De said: “Jab Harry Met Sejal is a movie for all age groups. The idea behind the collaboration with MobiKwik is to offer our audience an easy-going cashless solution.” MobiKwik head – marketing Akash Gupta said: “India’s digital payments revolution is being led by the millennial and most of them are Anushka or Shah Rukh fans.”

    Khan aka Harry flagged off a GPS monitored bus specially designed for the promotion of the new film in Mumbai. The bus is actually a key to meet Harry, in person who are the lead protagonists in the film.

    Cox and Kings has introduced the unique contest wherein you get a chance to meet the lead couple by just clicking a picture of the bus when the bus visits your city. Cox & Kings has also introduced a romantic Europe package named after the film which covers the most beautiful and charming destinations such as Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam where the film is shot.

    In the next 4-5 days, the GPS monitored ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ buses will visit different cities in the country such as Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Raipur . Whenever you spot the bus in your city, you just need to click a picture of the bus and upload it on twitter with #JHMSonwheels. A few lucky winners can win Jab Harry Met Sejal and Cox & Kings merchandise and also get an opportunity to meet Harry and Sejal.