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Category: Brands

  • JioStar reveals Festive Sentiment Survey 2025

    JioStar reveals Festive Sentiment Survey 2025

    MUMBAI – As the country gears up for the upcoming festive season, JioStar today released the 2025 edition of the JioStar Festive Sentiment Survey, which reveals that 92 per cent of Indian consumers plan to continue or increase their festive spending this year, signalling robust consumer confidence and a golden opportunity for brands. The survey, built to decode how India is thinking, spending and discovering this festive season, uncovers key trends for marketers – a growing millennial spend base, men spending more this festive season but women set to drive diversity in purchases, shopping across more categories such as fashion, beauty, wellness, home appliances, and mobiles, gifting resurgence with nearly 1 in 2 consumers shopping for others this season and most importantly 65 per cent of consumers yet to decide which brands they will buy from. With an average festive shopping budget of ₹16,500, the window to influence purchase decisions is wide open.

    JioStar is India’s most powerful entertainment engine, commanding ~50 per cent TV viewership during festive peaks and to capture the hearts of audiences and the attention of advertisers, JioStar also unveiled its most expansive entertainment line-up yet. From kids to families to premium audiences, JioStar’s festive programming ensures there’s something for everyone, with iconic characters, beloved shows, and new launches lighting up every screen. At the heart of this festive season lies #HarGharMeinJashn, JioStar’s flagship celebration of India’s biggest cultural months. Through this campaign, JioStar aims to go beyond just programming and focus on building moments of joy, memory and meaning across screens.

    “This year’s festive outlook is marked by strong consumer optimism and evolving media consumption. Marketers are looking to engage audiences across platforms and languages, and that’s where JioStar’s robust festive offering becomes invaluable. With #HarGharMeinJashn, we are creating a high-impact funnel for brands across discovery, intent, and purchase touchpoints,” said JioStar head of revenue, entertainment, Mahesh Shetty.

    As India prepares to celebrate, JioStar’s diverse content line-up includes a robust mix of reality and fiction that span cultures and languages. The line-up includes pan-India favourites like Bigg Boss across five languages, Star Parivaar Awards, a new weekend prime-time reality format Pati Patni Aur Panga, JioHotstar Specials such as Trial 2, Salakaar and Rambo in Love and marquee movies such as Chhaava, Kesari 2, Empuraan and Thudaram. Fiction powerhouses continue to drive daily engagement, with shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (Hindi), Siragadikka Aasai (Tamil), and Chempaneer Poovu (Malayalam) resonating deeply with audiences. International titles such as Thunderbolts, A Minecraft Movie, Final Destination Bloodlines, King & Conqueror, Only Murders in the Building S5 will also resonate with the newer audiences.

    With curated programming across Onam, Durga Puja, Navratri, Ganesh Utsav and Diwali, JioStar ensures that brands are placed at the heart of every celebration. JioHotstar will also bring families together for large-scale digital celebration Janmashtami LIVE, Navratri LIVE, Dussehra LIVE. The hyper-local festive programming is market-specific and curated to align with regional traditions, viewer behaviours, and cultural nuances.

    JioStar, with its unprecedented reach across TV and digital, is uniquely positioned to convert this consumer momentum into measurable brand impact. The survey, developed to decode how India is thinking, spending, and discovering this season, points to strong media influence and significant opportunity for last-mile persuasion.

    JioStar’s media solutions this festive season are sharper, smarter, and more immersive than ever. Alongside high-impact formats like pre-roll takeovers, pause ads and interactive formats, this year introduces innovations such as MegaBlasts for maximum reach, JioStarverse for AI-powered influencer marketing and Moment.ai for contextual storytelling. Advertisers can also tap into smarter ad formats, including countdown, location-based and AQI-based dynamic formats, unlocking real-time relevance and driving deeper audience engagement.

    As Indian homes light up, so do their screens, and JioStar is where brands can show up meaningfully and memorably. JioStar is giving advertisers every tool to make their presence count, at scale, in context, and in culture.

    Other Key Findings from the JioStar Sentiment Survey 2025 include:

    ·  Increased spending capacity: 85 per cent say their financial situation has improved or stayed the same over the last year

    ·  Millennial vs. Gen Z: Millennials expected to spend more than Gen Z, with higher budgets and category intent

    ·  Women shoppers drive variety: Women will shop across more than 2 categories, including apparel, beauty, gadgets, and home décor

    ·  Top product categories: Apparel and fashion (33 per cent), mobiles (27 per cent), electronics (18 per cent), followed by holidays, jewellery, and beauty

    ·  Online discovery leads: 76 per cent of consumers cite online ads as the top information source, followed by OTT/UGC content and social media

    ·   High brand influence opportunity: 65 per cent of shoppers have not yet decided on the brand they’ll buy from—opening the door for last-mile persuasion

    ·  Balanced retail channels: 52 per cent plan to shop online; 42 per cent offline, indicating the need for omnichannel strategies

    ·  Digital payments dominate: 61 per cent of shoppers prefer cashless options, led by UPI and mobile wallets

    Link to the Festive Sentiment Report

  • Oven Story serves up cheesy freedom with week-long pizza party

    Oven Story serves up cheesy freedom with week-long pizza party

    MUMBAI: Who says freedom can’t come with extra cheese? As India gears up for its 79th Independence Day, Oven Story Pizza is swapping the tricolour for a triple helping of indulgence with its week-long ‘Freedom Week’ from 11 to 15 August, a festival where pizza, prizes, and playful surprises share the same table.

    The celebration is far from a standard pizza promo. For five days, Oven Story is firing up ovens and imaginations with daily temptations: free garlic bread on every order, a complimentary Choco Lava Cake for sweet patriots, a Buy 1 Get 3 Pizzas deal that laughs in the face of moderation, and budget-friendly combos to keep both hearts and wallets warm.

    But the real twist comes from the brand’s Instagram feed, where it’s staging a digital treasure hunt. Over the week, 79 exclusive promo codes will drop via Instagram Stories each unlocking a different reward, from meal upgrades and free add-ons to the jackpot prize: free pizza meals for your entire gang.

    “It’s about more than just deals,” says Rebel Foods CMO Nishant Kedia. “Food especially pizza, has this uncanny power to bring people together. Freedom Week is our way of turning Independence Day into a shared celebration of joy, community, and flavour.”

    With an irresistible blend of indulgence, gamification, and community spirit, Oven Story’s Freedom Week promises to be a delicious rebellion against the ordinary. Whether you’re in it for the garlic bread, the grand prize, or just the thrill of the hunt, one thing’s certain this is one freedom you’ll want a slice of.
     

  • Casio strengthens India strategy with local manufacturing of select watches

    Casio strengthens India strategy with local manufacturing of select watches

    MUMBAI: Casio India, a subsidiary of Japan-based Casio Computer Co. Ltd., today announced the sale for its locally manufactured watch models, marking a strategic step in deepening Casio’s local footprint and long-term vision for India. This milestone aligns with Casio’s efforts to enhance product availability, support national manufacturing goals, and respond more intuitively to Indian consumer preferences.

    Since entering the Indian market in 1996, Casio has steadily built a reputation for innovation, reliability, and stylish design. The decision to “Make in India” is both a strategic and symbolic step that enables the brand to become more agile and responsive in a market that continues to evolve rapidly in terms of fashion, function, and consumer expectation. As part of this development, Casio is manufacturing 28 specially curated watch models in India, integrating its globally trusted Japanese technology with the strengths of India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

    Commenting on the initiative, Casio India managing director Takuto Kimura said, “India has always been a priority market for Casio, and we continue to see immense potential for growth here. By manufacturing locally, we are better equipped to design and deliver products that truly resonate with the Indian mindset and lifestyle. This move allows us to be more agile in responding to consumer needs, while also ensuring that the watches we offer are more aligned with local tastes and expectations. Local manufacturing is not just a strategic step—it’s a consumer-first approach that reflects our deep commitment to the Indian market.

  • Coca-Cola India Foundation unveils stories of transformation through Amrit Sarovar revival in Rajasthan

    Coca-Cola India Foundation unveils stories of transformation through Amrit Sarovar revival in Rajasthan

    MUMBAI: Over the past decades, Sikar district has experienced irregular monsoon seasons, with an average annual rainfall of just 550 mm, leaving communities vulnerable to severe water scarcity. The available water was also affected by high fluoride levels, leading to health issues within the community. Under its campaign ‘Refreshing Difference,’ Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation released a video series highlighting the impact of its long-running water access initiative in the district. Implemented in collaboration with Social Action for Rural Advancement (SARA), the initiative focuses on reviving traditional water systems to address water scarcity in the drought-prone regions of Sikar, Rajasthan.

    The newly launched video series features stories of transformation and is narrated by beneficiaries who have been directly impacted by the project.

    • Kamlesh Devad, a young sarpanch, helped lead the efforts to expand water access across 6 villages: Click Here
    • Shravan Lal Ghayal shares how the recharged pond has revived his village’s groundwater and provided water access to local animals: Click Here
    • Lala Ram Punya transformed his dry farmland into thriving fields assisted by the check dams: Click Here

    Over the past decade, the project has benefited 18,000+ residents across six villages – Rajpura, Balyawas, Karad, Khora, Dungri Khurd, and Chhota Narena. It includes check dams, pond restoration, and groundwater recharge. These efforts ensured safe drinking water access, enhanced agricultural productivity, revitalized local ecosystems, and supported more resilient rural livelihoods.

    Lauding the initiative, Social Action for Rural Advancement (SARA) director Mota Ram said, “What makes this project different is not just the structures we built, but the mindset we helped shift. We worked with communities. Families contributed, some gave ₹100, some gave labour, others gave land. That ownership changed everything. We insisted on equal pay for women, trained them as barefoot engineers, and helped form Village Development Committees that now manage the water systems themselves. Even nine years after project completion, they’re still maintaining, adapting, and innovating. With the support from Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, we created more than just recharge structures, we created local stewards of sustainability.”

    Sharing the impact on his community, Kamlesh Devad, Sarpanch of Laxmipura, said, “The check dams constructed in Laxmipura, Rajpura, and Nausal through the efforts of SARA and Anandana, have transformed our villages. Rainwater now stays, recharging wells and ponds, and providing much-needed water for both farming and livestock. Earlier, our cattle struggled during dry spells. But now, they drink from the ponds revived by this initiative. Farmers are seeing better yields, and the entire village benefits. These structures haven’t just conserved water; they’ve strengthened our way of life and supported livelihoods.”

    Rajiv Gupta, Director, Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, said, “Water is fundamental to thriving communities and resilient ecosystems. In Rajasthan, our interventions focus on restoring traditional water systems and building local infrastructure that strengthens long-term water security. Through the ‘Refreshing Difference’ campaign, we are deepening our commitment to water stewardship in the state, supporting agricultural sustainability, community health, and climate resilience. Our partnership with organisations like SARA is part of a broader effort to empower local communities and drive meaningful, lasting change across high-need regions.”

  • India’s ice queens rise in Pocket FM’s ‘Sound of Courage’

    India’s ice queens rise in Pocket FM’s ‘Sound of Courage’

    MUMBAI: In a world flooded with noise, opinions, and clutter, Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, is on a mission to inspire the nation through meaningful narratives. The latest chapter in its widely loved ‘India, Kuch Acha Suno’ campaign spotlights the incredible true story of the Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team — a tale of grit, belief, and breaking barriers.

    Despite family resistance, societal pressure, and being mocked for playing “men’s sport,” each player faced her own challenges but never gave up. They eventually went to represent India and won a historic bronze at the Asia Cup. Their incredible journey – from frozen lakes in Ladakh to the international podium – now comes alive in ‘Sound of Courage’, a brand film launched by Pocket FM, as part of its campaign ‘India, Kuch Acha Suno!’.

    Set against the stark and stunning landscape of Ladakh, the film documents how these women braved societal resistance, inadequate gears, and freezing temperatures to chase a dream many deemed impossible. Often training in borrowed men’s gear, their story is one of courage, conviction, and unrelenting belief in themselves.

    “Victory is born out of persistence,” says Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team captain Tsewang Chuskit. “Our journey was filled with doubt back home, but it was our association that believed in us and stood by us. Still, we chose to listen to our inner voice. ‘Sound of Courage’ reflects our truth—it’s a reminder that trusting yourself can change everything.”

    “We didn’t just win a medal — we made a statement. Against all odds, we carved our own path, broke barriers, and proved that passion knows no boundaries. This Bronze at the IIHF Asia Cup isn’t just about the game — it’s about resilience, belief, and a dream that refused to die.

    To our incredible Ice Hockey family — the players, parents, coaches, and support staff — who believed in us when few did. You showed up when it was hard. Together, we turned every challenge into a stepping stone. We are more than a team — we are a movement,” said Harjinder Singh ‘Jindi’, General Secretary, Ice Hockey Association of India and Member IIHF Asia Committee.

    Pocket FM SVP & head of brand marketing, communications and partnerships, Vineet Singh shared, “In a world filled with noise and negativity, we want to shine a light on stories that inspire and uplift. ‘Sound of Courage’ is more than a film—it’s a tribute to every individual who’s ever dared to defy the odds and to the unheard stories that deserve to reach far and wide.”

    Padma Shri recipient Morup Namgyal has lent his voice to the video. The film is not just about ice hockey. It is about every Indian woman who has chosen her own path – mothers, daughters, and sisters who’ve broken barriers with silent strength. It speaks to a nation where listening to your heart is an act of defiance and courage.

    The film features the players from India’s Women’s Ice Hockey team including Tsewang Chuskit, Sonam Angmo, Sonam Angmo (Kanji) Skarma Rinchen, Rinchen Dolma, Sherap Zangmo, Padma Chorol, Rigzin Yangdol, Dechen Dolker and Diskit C Angmo.

    With ‘Sound of Courage’, Pocket FM furthers its ‘India, Kuch Acha Suno’ movement—an initiative to amplify real stories that bring hope, pride, and purpose to every Indian ear. The film was conceptualised by Pocket Entertainment’s in-house creative team, which led the visualisation, direction, and production in collaboration with Black And White Films.

    Watch here:

     
     

     

  • Birlanu seals the deal with leakproof promise in playful new campaign

    Birlanu seals the deal with leakproof promise in playful new campaign

    MUMBAI: When it comes to plumbing promises, Birlanu isn’t letting a single drop or secret slip. The CKA Birla Group company has rolled out a cheeky new brand campaign built around the pledge of “Infinite peace of mind with Birlanu Leakproof Pipes”, tackling one of homeowners’ biggest frustrations: leakage.

    The star of the show is Birlanu’s Trufit Technology, an engineering precision process that ensures perfect alignment between pipes and fittings, delivering truly leakproof joints. The company’s pipes span more than 20 product categories, from CPVC, uPVC and SWR to silent, underground drainage, HDPE, MDPE, gas lines, water tanks and more.

    The film, conceptualised by DDB Mudra with media handled by Madison, takes a refreshingly light approach: two mischievous kids share secrets through a pipe, with not a whisper or a drop escaping. The metaphor is clear: what happens inside a Birlanu pipe, stays inside a Birlanu pipe.

    Birlanu chief marketing officer Peeyush Bachlaus said the campaign reflects “the trust our customers place in the Birla name every day” and presents the leakproof solution “in a loving manner”. Birlanu chief business officer for Pipes, Arun Kumar Magoo, added that Birlanu is also the first in the industry to adopt Organic Based Stabilizers (OBS) for uPVC pipes and fittings, offering a 100 per cent heavy metal-free formulation, a move that reinforces its nature-positive, safety-first credentials.

    Backed by advanced mould design, precision extrusion, and a future-focused product portfolio, BirlaNu aims to blend engineering excellence with sustainable practice. The integrated campaign is hitting TV, OTT, digital, OOH and BTL channels, targeting both urban and rural markets for maximum reach.

    With its pipes promising to hold water literally and figuratively Birlanu is making sure leakage is nothing more than a childhood game.
     

  • Shilpa Shetty named brand ambassador for Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds

    Shilpa Shetty named brand ambassador for Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds

    MUMBAI: Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds has launched its new campaign, “Let’s Get Real”, promoting innovation, ethics, and conscious buying. Shilpa Shetty is the brand ambassador and a strategic investor.

    “Limelight isn’t just participating in the lab-grown diamond category, we’re building it,” said Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds founder & managing director Pooja Sheth Madhavan. “As a first mover, we carry the responsibility to lead the shift in how lab grown diamonds are perceived. With an aggressive roadmap to open 100 stores by 2026, we’re scaling both reach and relevance. ‘Let’s Get Real’ calls out traditional myths about luxury and offers a compelling promise of diamonds that shine boldly with a purpose. This campaign is more than marketing; it’s a cultural reset.”

    Shilpa Shetty, as brand ambassador, supports the campaign focused on mindful luxury. Her business experience and commitment to conscious living align with the brand’s goals.

    “What drew me to Limelight was the honesty of their story,” said Shilpa Shetty. “Lab-grown diamonds are a smart and responsible choice. As someone who values authenticity and mindful choices, investing in Limelight felt natural. With ‘Let’s Get Real’, you can wear something stunning yet meaningful without any compromise. That’s the future of luxury, and I’m proud to help shape it.”

    The campaign targets modern Indian women who are value-driven and informed. With sustainability, innovation, and transparency growing in importance, lab-grown diamonds are becoming the preferred choice for many luxury buyers.

    “‘Let’s Get Real’ is not a cosmetic line, it’s our core positioning,” said Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds CMO Rupali Shrivastava. “Luxury today is about meaning, not legacy. Our integrated 360° campaign spans TV, digital, print, OOH, multiplex cinema, influencers, and in-store experiences. It’s backed by deep consumer insight showing strong traction for labgrown diamonds among young, independent women across India. This is not meant to sit in lockers or wait for occasions. It’s made to be worn every day, everywhere by women who want their diamonds to reflect their values and lifestyle. We are not just responding to this shift, we’re driving it.” 
     

  • Mahindra Logistics launches Alyte

    Mahindra Logistics launches Alyte

    MUMBAI: Mahindra Logistics Ltd., announced the launch of Alyte – a refreshed, premium, and tech-enabled B2C mobility service designed for today’s digitally connected urban commuters. Offering seamless airport-to-city, in-city travel, and outstation rides, Alyte combines comfort, advanced technology, sustainability, and elevated service standards to meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers. Alyte is launched in Delhi NCR, with planned expansions across Noida International Airport, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other key metropolitan cities.

    Alyte has been serving corporate clients as part of Mahindra Logistics Mobility Enterprise Solutions. By unifying all people mobility services under a single, modern brand, Alyte strengthens the B2C mobility portfolio with a sharp focus on providing safe and reliable services for an uninterrupted B2B, B2C, and airport travel experience.

    With assured rides, transparent surge-free pricing, zero cancellations, and a premium in-ride experience delivered by well-trained chauffeurs, Alyte is redefining everyday commuting. The service also offers 24/7 customer support—with no bots—and live GPS tracking to enhance safety and convenience. Rides can be booked through the newly launched Alyte mobile app, which features an intuitive interface for hassle-free bookings, real-time ride tracking, secure payments, and greater user control—reflecting the brand’s commitment to a tech-led, customer-first experience.

    To meet the diverse needs of today’s travellers, Alyte offers two distinctive service categories—Privé and Select, combining a premium experience with safety and convenience. Alyte Privé represents the elite offering, featuring premium electric vehicles tailored for those who prioritise comfort, sustainability, and seamless mobility. Alyte Select complements this with a curated fleet of high-quality sedans and SUVs, designed for everyday travel.

    Mahindra Logistics Ltd managing director & CEO Hemant Sikka said, “India’s mobility ecosystem stands at an inflection point—demanding new standards in safety, comfort, reliability, and service excellence. With Alyte, we are building on a trusted legacy to reimagine urban and airport mobility through a premium, tech-enabled platform that shapes the future of people mobility”.

  • Doms draws bold Q1 lines with 26 per cent revenue surge

    Doms draws bold Q1 lines with 26 per cent revenue surge

    MUMBAI: Doms Industries is sketching a strong start to FY26 and the numbers are anything but sketchy. The stationery-to-hygiene products maker chalked up a 26 per cent year-on-year jump in consolidated revenue to Rs 56,227.72 lakh for the quarter ended June 2025, compared with Rs 44,501.17 lakh in the same period last year.

    Net profit for the quarter stood at Rs 5,910.20 lakh, up from Rs 5,430.25 lakh in Q1 FY25, powered by robust demand for its stationery range, which contributed a hefty Rs 52,623.15 lakh in sales. Hygiene products chipped in Rs 3,604.57 lakh, though slightly down from the previous quarter.

    Operating profit from stationery alone touched Rs 10,079.58 lakh, with hygiene adding Rs 243.99 lakh. After depreciation of Rs 2,040.90 lakh and finance costs of Rs 347.76 lakh, profit before tax clocked Rs 7,934.01 lakh.

    Expenses rose to Rs 48,742.21 lakh, led by higher material costs of Rs 27,335 lakh and employee expenses of Rs 7,640.85 lakh, as the company ramped up production and workforce strength to meet demand.

    On the capital side, Doms reported total assets of Rs 159,863.53 lakh against liabilities of Rs 45,585.72 lakh. From its IPO proceeds, Rs 19,819.96 lakh has been utilised, leaving Rs 13,452.49 lakh earmarked mainly for project expansion.

    The company’s earnings per share came in at Rs 9.44, up from Rs 8.54 a year ago. With both pencils and profits pointing upward, Doms seems to be writing a growth story that’s hard to erase.

     

  • Venky’s hatches higher Q1 profits as poultry powers past feed cost squeeze

    Venky’s hatches higher Q1 profits as poultry powers past feed cost squeeze

    MUMBAI: In the corporate coop this quarter, Venky’s (India) Ltd has laid a golden egg. The poultry-to-oilseed giant reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 15.83 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, up from Rs 15.78 crore a year ago, despite battling feed cost pressures and softer margins in its core poultry segment.

    Revenue from operations climbed 7.15 per cent year-on-year to Rs 865.83 crore, compared with Rs 808.02 crore in Q1 FY25. Total income stood at Rs 877.52 crore, buoyed by Rs 11.69 crore in other income.

    The company’s poultry and poultry products division remained the main profit roost, bringing in Rs 475.66 crore in sales, followed by oilseed at Rs 318.02 crore and animal health products at Rs 96.98 crore. Segment results showed poultry still feeling the heat with a loss of Rs 5.55 crore, while animal health (Rs 23.18 crore) and oilseed (Rs 10.05 crore) kept the ledger in the black.

    Expenses rose to Rs 855.75 crore from Rs 717.63 crore last year, driven by higher material costs (Rs 553.08 crore) and feedstock price volatility. Finance costs edged up to Rs 4.29 crore, while depreciation came in at Rs 9.21 crore.

    Earnings per share for the quarter stood at Rs 11.24, compared with Rs 11.24 in the previous quarter and Rs 9.44 a year earlier. On the balance sheet, total assets grew to Rs 2,09,115 lakh, while liabilities were steady at Rs 59,975 lakh.

    While the poultry flock faced headwinds, the diversified revenue mix helped Venky’s keep its Q1 nest egg intact proving that in this business, you can still rule the roost if you spread your wings wide enough.