ITV

Category: Brands

  • Cricketer Shubh Lakshmi Sharma named brand ambassador of Weltweit College Hazaribag

    Cricketer Shubh Lakshmi Sharma named brand ambassador of Weltweit College Hazaribag

    NEW DELHI: Star cricketer Shubh Lakshmi Sharma has been named the brand ambassador of the Weltweit College in Hazaribag.

     

    Weltweit College is an instructional activity of Weltweit Foundation, New Delhi, which concentrates on training in the field of business administration, computer applications and journalism. The institute is focused to train students, essentially by giving them industrial exposure through real ventures in the field, along with conventional classroom teaching in the modern infrastructure.

     

    Affiliated to the renowned Vinoba Bhave University Hazaribag, Weltweit has experienced educators to create a dynamic on-ground involvement in the very heart of the Jharkhand. The organisation is prepared to roll out noteworthy improvement and put resources into a student, where desire leads them and make the next move to follow their dreams, to get the best out of their lifetime opportunities.

     

    Weltweit College chairman CA Manoj K Pahwa said, “Virtues like passion, hard-work, sincerity and commitment are what we would like to inculcate in all our students. Our main objective to introduce the star cricketer as the brand ambassador is to make the young generation aware of the institute’s academic features and teaching methodology. We have only one target to prepare each student with the assistance of the best brains as the faculty members.”

     

    Weltweit College MD Abhishek Sinha added, “In Shubh Lakshmi Sharma, we see a “go-getter”. She with her passion and commitment has crafted her own space in the highly competitive sports arena. Introduction of Ms Sharma as the brand ambassador is part of our expansion strategy to make young generation aware of our unique training system through a popular face of Jharkhand. The reputation of an institution is, in large part, measured by the excellence of its students. The Weltweit College will help the students to push boundaries of their development, and expand their potential to deliver their best.”

     

    Sharma added, “As a person I have always worked towards excellence. In Weltweit College Hazaribag, I see the same commitment towards their students, faculty and external stakeholders.  I’m happy to get associated with the iconic institute like Weltweit College and would definitely spread the positive steps taken by the institute to train the students in the field of business administration.”

  • Godrej Hit launches app to track Dengue & Malaria

    Godrej Hit launches app to track Dengue & Malaria

    MUMBAI: On World Mosquito Day (20 August), Godrej Hit launched a special drive to create heightened awareness around the need to download its mobile app, which is designed to deliver real-time info on dengue and malaria based on user’s location at vulnerable places.

     

    While the app is available for download on Google Play store for Android users, it will also be launched soon on the iOS platform. 

     

    The brand ran an app download campaign on 20 August on Twitter with the hashtag #HarKoneMeinDanger, which would help drive more app downloads and also create buzz about the impending risks arising due to dengue and malaria.

     

    Godrej Consumer Products business head India and SAARC Sunil Kataria said, “As a category leader Kala Hit has always led the fight from the front against dengue and malaria by educating people about this threat. This has been achieved through innovative campaigns under “Kill pests Kill diseases” like sand art activity on beaches of Chennai and Puri last year.”

     

    “Hit-Track the Bite is one-of-a-kind mobile app that intuitively provides real-time information on the threat levels to users basis their location. The app also provides precautionary measures required to remain safe. Spreading this information is critical and thus the app has a built-in feature that allows users also to alert their family and friends at the click of a button,” he added.

     

    According to Kataria, Kala Hit would be embarking on a 4000 plus kilometers drive starting from Delhi with the objective of educating people about dengue. On its way to Bangalore, the Hit van will cover more than 20 cities and demonstrate how Hit – Track the Bite app can help them be informed and be safe from dengue and malaria.

     

    LinTeractive senior vice president Sumanta Ganguly said, “Hit — Track the Bite app is an offering that is unique in its approach. It’s the first of its kind that takes safety and precaution to the next level on the digital platform.”

     

    LinTeractive unit creative director Gauri Joshi added, “Our vision to create a unique app that protects users from the ever-present risk of dengue and malaria has finally been realized. Given the increase in smartphone penetration, we are confident that the users will download and discover the many benefits that the app offers. With the app, users can stay informed and keep their near and dear ones safe from these diseases.”

  • Toonz ropes in Baseline as exclusive licensing & merchandising partner

    Toonz ropes in Baseline as exclusive licensing & merchandising partner

    MUMBAI: Toonz Media Group has signed a multi-year global deal with sports marketing and licensing company Baseline, as its exclusive licensing and merchandising partner.

     

    Baseline with its expertise in marketing and licensing will offer sales and marketing support to the company.

     

    Toonz has several cartoon characters of which some are self created and some are acquired from the likes of Walt Disney, Turner, Nickelodeon, Sony, Universal, BBC, Paramount, Marvel and Hallmark. Baseline’s prime objective is to promote Toonz Media Group’s character in the South Asia region.

     

    Baseline managing director Tuhin Mishra said, “Licensing is a very important vertical of our overall company business. When an opportunity came to join hands with the premier licensing company like Toonz Media Group, we jumped at it as Toonz Media comes with a huge repository of brands that it owns or has acquired over a period of time.We are sure it will be a mutually beneficial partnership in the times to come.”

     

    Toonz Media Group CEO P Jayakumar added, “L&M forms an integral part of Toonz Media Group’s business strategy. It was indeed a delight to know that Baseline Ventures’ vision and ideology were in perfect synchrony with ours. We plan to collaborate with them on all our existing brands and also our new brands in the future. We look forward to a robust and fruitful partnership.”

  • Thums Up’s tribute to real heroes of nation receives 1 million views

    Thums Up’s tribute to real heroes of nation receives 1 million views

    MUMBAI: Thums Up, India’s iconic soft drink brand marked the country’s 69th Independence Day with a tribute to the nation’s Real Heroes and the country used this film as a platform to express its love a million times within 48 hours.

     

    Set against the diverse cultural and regional canvas of India, the film captures the journey of a young Indian soldier as he travels from his military base to his home in Kerala, making one stop in his journey to the martyrs’ home to deliver the news of his martyrdom, personally. The narrative navigates through a string of anecdotal situations of various people he meets during his journey on route to the heart wrenching moment when the young soldier finally reaches the martyr’s family. The film concludes with the soldier enjoying a happy moment with his family before an alert is commissioned to all soldiers cancelling all vacations and an order to report to basecamp. Through the soldier’s journey, the film captures the diverse locations and myriad of cultures in India, while reminding the audiences about the unparalleled perseverance our brave soldiers display every day.

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Debabrata Mukherjee, VP – Marketing & Commercial, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia said, “Thums Up has always stood for strength and a spirit of inspiration. We believe that real heroes are the ones who have inner strength and compassion. This independence day, we wanted to celebrate the protectors of our independence, the ‘True Heroes’ of our nation. We wanted to salute the sons of the soil for their undying spirit and indefatigable courage.

     

    He further added, “It gives us great joy that the effort has received such a heartwarming response. In just 48 hours, the film has been seen over a million times on social media; a clear reflection of the nation’s love, appreciation and respect for the real heroes who keep us safe, everyday.”

     

    Conceptualized by Qyuki Digital Media Pvt Ltd. and Asylum Films, the Digital Film and its music has been created by Dhruv Dhanekar of Wah Wah Music.

     

    Commenting on the film Samir Bangara, Co-founder and MD of Qyuki.com said, “This film is special at many levels. Both the Director, Razy Ghai and I grew up as armed forces kids and that was a big inspiration for the script and execution of the film. We are proud to be working with one of India’s most iconic brands Thums Up, to salute the true heroes of our country.”

  • Bombay HC lifts ban on Maggi; Nestle to lab-test product

    Bombay HC lifts ban on Maggi; Nestle to lab-test product

    NEW DELHI: Just a day after the Government announced it was moving a Consumer Court, the Bombay High Court lifted the nationwide ban on Maggi Noodles but asked Nestle India to test five variants of noodles at three accredited labs.

     

    The Court said in a sharp indictment that principles of natural justice were not followed by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in passing the impugned order of ban. 

     

    Holding that tests must be completed within six weeks, the Court told Nestle India that if test reports suggest that lead is within permissible limit then it can start the sale of products. 

     

    In June, the FSSAI said the popular snack was found “hazardous and unsafe for human consumption.”

     

    More than 2,700 samples of Maggi noodles have been tested by laboratories in India and abroad in recent months, and each test confirmed the level of lead to be “far below permissible limits,” Nestle had said in a recent statement.

     

    The Department of Consumer Affairs’ claim for Rs 639.95 crore in damages from Nestle is to be heard by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) in probably the class-action suit against a multinational. The ruling of the quasi-judicial body will be legally binding.

     

    In June, the country’s food safety regulator banned Maggi after excessive amounts of lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG) were reported in samples tested in Uttar Pradesh.

  • New case filed against Nestle India in Consumer Court

    New case filed against Nestle India in Consumer Court

    NEW DELHI: Even after reports that Maggi Noodles have been found to be safe for consumption, a complaint has been filed against Nestle India in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) by the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of consumers of Maggi.

     

    The case has been filed under section 12(1)(d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) as class action suit on behalf of the large number of consumers of Maggi in the country on grounds of unfair trade practices, sale of defective goods and sale of Maggi Oats Noodles to the public without product approval.

     

    The complainant has sought a total claim of Rs 639.95 crore.

     

    This includes a sum of Rs 284.55 crore that the opponent company is liable to pay and a sum of Rs 355.40 crore as punitive damages on account of the gross negligence, apathy and callousness on the part of the opponent company. 

  • Coca-Cola ropes in Diljit Dosanjh as brand ambassador in Punjab

    Coca-Cola ropes in Diljit Dosanjh as brand ambassador in Punjab

    MUMBAI: Coca-Cola India has entered into an endorsement agreement with Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, for its flagship brand Coca-Cola.

     

    Speaking about the association with Dosanjh, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia VP Debabrata Mukherjee said, “We are extremely pleased to have Diljit Dosanjh as the face of Coca-Cola in Punjab. His appeal cuts across age groups and socio economic strata, just like Coca-Cola and his personality reflects the brand’s core values of optimism, joy and happiness. We are excited by the prospects that lie ahead for the brand and our partnership with Diljit.”

     

    Dosanjh added, “Being an artiste and an entertainer, I feel fortunate to have a platform that allows me to spread joy and bring a smile on the face of my fans. And now, my association with an indisputable icon of happiness, brand Coca-Cola will amplify this effort, making for a perfect happiness recipe with a Punjabi tadka. I am really excited and look forward to a great association with Coca-Cola.”

     

    The brand will kick start its association with Dosanjh through the Independence Day special episode of Coke Studio Season 4, which is  going to be aired on 14 August, 2015.

  • UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra bats for adolescent anaemia patients

    UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra bats for adolescent anaemia patients

    NEW DELHI: UNICEF has released a short film in which its Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra and others emphasised the importance of stepping up the fight against adolescent anaemia, regarded as a major health problem among adolescents in developing countries including India.

     

    In the film released on the occasion of World Youth Day, Chopra said, “One out of two young girls and one out of three young boys in India are anaemic. Anaemia is a serious health problem not only in rural but also in the urban areas. Anaemia can be prevented by taking iron-rich diet, Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets once a week and deworming tablets every six months. It is really that simple.”

     

    The film highlights the importance of the Government’s Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) programme for adolescents launched in 2012 to reduce severity and prevalence of nutritional anaemia in adolescents between 15 and 19 years. Several medical personnel also spoke about the problem of anaemia along with Chopra.

     

    As many as 56 per cent girls and 30 per cent boys in this age group in India are anaemic, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 3 data. This group comprises one-fourth of India’s population and is a key driver of its future economic growth.

     

    Research shows that after the first year of life, adolescence is the second highest growth spurt period. Adolescents, if given the right nutrition, gain up to 50 per cent of their adult weight, more than 20 per cent of their adult height, and 50 per cent of their adult bone mass during this period.

  • Q1-2016: Marico marketing spends at Rs 197.52 crore

    Q1-2016: Marico marketing spends at Rs 197.52 crore

    BENGALURU:Indian consumer products in beauty and wellness space company Marico Limited (Marico) spent 2.8 per cent more towards advertisement and sales promotion (ASP, marketing spends) during the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 (Q1-2016) at Rs 197.52 crore (11.1 per cent of total income from operations or TIO) as compared to the Rs 192.18 crore (11.8 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015 and was 44 per cent more than the Rs 137.15 crore (11.2 per cent of TIO) in the immediate trailing quarter.

    Notes: 100,00,000=100 Lakhs = 1 crore = 10 million

    During a 14 quarter period starting Q4-2012 until the current quarter, the company reported record TIO for the current quarter at Rs 1783.22 crore, which was 9.9 per cent higher YoY than the Rs 1623.13 crore in Q1-2015 and 45.4 per cent more than the Rs 1226.25 crore in the immediate trailing quarter (Ref Fig B below). The company says that its topline growth was driven by sixper cent volume growth in India leading to overall volume growth of fiveper cent. Marico’s Domestic business recorded a value growth of 12 per cent while the International business posted a growth of fourper cent.

    Company speak

    Marico in its Q1-2016 earnings release says that market share gains continue in approximately 80 per cent of its portfolio; almost the entire domestic portfolio gained share. Marico’s FMCG business in India achieved a turnover of RS 1,428 crore ($227 million) during the quarter, a growth of about 12 period over Q1-2015. The Business continues to gain market share in more than 95 per centof the portfolio reveals the company.

    The company says that it has seen healthy volume growth in key categories in India: Parachute Rigids- eightper cent and Value Added Hair Oils (VAHO) 14 per cent with a continued premiumization in VAHO in India with higher share gain in value (230 bps) as compared to volume (124 bps). The company has four Prototypes in the market – three in Value Added Hair Oils and one in Leave-in Conditioners to fuel premiumization of hair nourishment portfolio. These prototypes will be scaled up based on prototype results.

    Marketing spends

    Marketing spends in Q1-2016 have been the highest during the fourteen quarter period under consideration in terms of absolute rupees. In terms of percentage of TIO, ASP was highest in Q3-2013 at 14.1 per cent of TIO (Rs 157.82 crore). While in absolute rupees, ASP shows a linearly increasing trend during the 14 quarters under consideration, in terms of percentage TIO, the trend declines linearly during the same period. Please refer to Figs. A and A-1 below.

    Profit after Tax

    Marico’s TIO numbers have been mentioned above. During the period under consideration in this report, the company has reported the highest profit after tax (PAT) in the current quarter at Rs 237.83 crore (13.3 per cent of TIO), which was 28.4 per cent more than the Rs 185.28 crore (11.4 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015 and was more than double (2.16 times) the Rs 110.04 crore (nineper cent of TIO) in Q4-2015.

  • Groupon India raises funds from Sequoia, rebrands as Nearbuy

    Groupon India raises funds from Sequoia, rebrands as Nearbuy

    MUMBAI: In a drive to consolidate its position as a leading local commerce player in the country, Groupon India has raised funding from Sequoia India. Additionally, the company has also been rebranded as Nearbuy.

     

    Post the funding, Nearbuy is looking to expand its reach to 35+ cities across 18+ categories and function as an independent entrepreneurial entity, while still continuing to have Groupon as the large shareholder.

     

    Nearbuy India will continue to operate under the company’s CEO and founder Ankur Warikoo’s leadership. Groupon’s Shared Service Centers in Chennai and Bangalore will remain under the sole control and operation of Groupon.

     

    Over the past three years, Groupon India has delivered on an aggressive growth strategy, scaling up presence across the country, growing the customer base and partnering with quality merchants. Since its initial days, the company has gone on to command over 50 per cent market share in the Indian coupon industry. In 2014, the company sold over seven million vouchers with a redemption rate of 97 per cent amongst its customers. More than 100,000 merchant locations were featured in the year, with a merchant retention rate of 70 per cent+. Mobile has been a key driver accounting for over 40 per cent of Groupon India’s business, up from less than 10 per cent a year ago.

     

    With the increasing penetration of mobiles and explosive growth in mobile internet usage, Nearbuy aims to lead the confluence of local commerce across existing segments such as F&B, Travel, Wellness as well as new local services such as home and auto services, online food ordering, movies and in-store shopping.

     

    “We’ve had the opportunity to service some of the biggest and most-loved brands across categories as Groupon – and now as Nearbuy we plan to expand that portfolio. The unique location based services will allow merchants to target consumers that are closer to their establishments and will offer unprecedented value to address critical business requirements. We are glad to have received the support of Sequoia India as a strategic partner, who are bringing on board the value, knowledge and expertise they possess, along with the resources required to make our vision a reality. The local commerce market in India is growing at a never-seen-before pace, and mobile penetration is facilitating that. Add to that Groupon’s Global support and we become a truly local player with global expertise and technology,” said Warikoo.

     

    “The potential of the Indian market is huge — our decision to bring in Sequoia is expected to provide the additional resources our India business needs to grow and become a true local commerce leader,” said Groupon CEO Eric Lefkofsky.

     

    “Under the continued leadership of Ankur Warikoo, Nearbuy is well positioned to lead the dynamic Indian local commerce market. As a continued shareholder in the business, Groupon looks forward to seeing Nearbuy achieve its vision to become the leading local commerce company in India,” added Lefkofsky.

     

    Sequoia Capital India Advisors managing director Mohit Bhatnagar opined, “Tens of thousands of service and retail establishments across India have a new friend in Nearbuy. This mobile first platform will cause more consumers to walk into their stores, spas, hotels, movie halls and help them sell more products and services. The unique Nearbuy platform is all about hyper local discovery, discounts and frictionless payments. This we believe is an untapped billion dollar market opportunity. Nearbuy is best poised to exploit this opportunity, given the strong foundation Ankur and team have built with Groupon India.”