Category: Brands

  • Locks & Architectural Solutions unveils the Godrej Advantis GSL D1

    Locks & Architectural Solutions unveils the Godrej Advantis GSL D1

    MUMBAI: Locks & Architectural Solutions, a business of the Godrej Enterprises Group, a pioneer in the home safety and architectural solutions segment, today announced the pan-India launch of its latest hi-tech innovation, the Advantis GSL D1 smart door lock. Designed and made in India for the world, the Advantis GSL D1 is a breakthrough in modern home safety that blends aesthetic elegance with cutting-edge smart access technology & accessibility.

    With price starting at Rs18,499/-Positioned as India’s most advanced digital lock for modern households, the GSL D1 has been engineered to meet evolving urban lifestyle needs, combining design sophistication & accessibility with multi-layered digital protection.

    Locks & Architectural Solutions, Godrej Enterprises Group business head – Locks & Architectural Solutions, Shyam Motwani said, “With Advantis GSL D1, we are redefining what modern home safety looks like. It’s not just about keeping your home safe, it’s about doing it with style, intelligence and simplicity. This launch marks a significant leap in smart home safety solutions for the Indian market, reinforcing our commitment to ‘Make in India, for the world”

    Key Features That Define the GSL D1 Advantage:

    ●    Mobile NFC: Hassle-free access without keys or cards
    ●    Remote Operation Over Wi-Fi: Unlock and monitor your door from anywhere in the world.
    ●    Mobile Bluetooth: Access doors via Bluetooth using the Godrej Smart Locks App.
    ●    Biometric Security: Fingerprint-based access for advanced protection.
    ●    PIN Code Access: Create complex, nearly unbreakable passwords using scrambled codes.
    ●    RFID Card: Encrypted access cards to prevent duplication and ensure added safety. Simple to use, perfect for elderly family members.
    ●    Mechanical Key Override: High-grade mechanical fallback using EXS technology.
    ●    VDP Integration: Enhanced compatibility with video door phones for added convenience.

    Now available in two sleek finishes — Rose Gold and Black, the GSL D1 also features Emergency Type-C USB charging, free installation, and a 3-year warranty.

    The Advantis GSL D1 will be available in 350 + multi-brand home improvement stores across Gujarat. The product will also be available through major e-commerce platforms, ensuring rapid doorstep availability in urban metros.

    As part of its larger vision, Locks & Architectural Solutions is continually innovating in the space of architecture and home safety, blending craftsmanship with intelligent smart home solutions. With the GSL D1, the company reiterates its promise of offering secure, stylish, and smart access solutions for the evolving Indian home.

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  • Kia India scales certified pre-owned network to 100 outlets across 70+ cities

    Kia India scales certified pre-owned network to 100 outlets across 70+ cities

    MUMBAI: Kia India, has achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating its 100th Kia Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) outlet. With this milestone, Kia has emerged as one of the fastest OEMs in India to develop a 100-outlet strong, pre-owned vehicle network—achieved in under three years.

    In line with its commitment to delivering long-term value and customer-first solutions, Kia India offers warranty coverage of up to two years/40,000 km, along with four complimentary periodic maintenance services on its CPO vehicles. This makes it one of the most comprehensive and customer-centric certified pre-owned programs in the Indian auto industry.

    The company’s CPO network now spans over 70 cities and represents nearly 60% of Kia India’s total retail footprint, underlining the surging demand for certified, high-quality pre-owned vehicles among consumers.

    On achievement, Kia India, chief sales officer,  Joonsu Cho said, “Crossing the mark of 100 outlets milestone for our Certified Pre-Owned network within three years in India is a strong testament to the trust customers place in the Kia brand. In this short span of time, our CPO business has transformed into a strategic growth driver—powered by exceptional quality, reliability and trust. Through our exclusive, design-forward outlets and a fully digital experience, we are reshaping the pre-owned car market by offering customers the same confidence and convenience they associate with a new Kia vehicle. As we expand this network, our commitment remains focused on offering customer-centric solutions, long-term value, and a seamless ownership journey that reflects the Kia promise of movement that inspires.”

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  • Asian Paints damp proof shields Old Trafford pitch

    Asian Paints damp proof shields Old Trafford pitch

    MUMBAI – In a unique activation, Asian Paints Damp Proof – India’s leading waterproofing solution has branded the cricket rain pitch cover at Old Trafford stadium during the recent India vs. England Test match. This crucial rain shield, which protects the cricket pitch from sudden downpours and ensures minimal game delays, became a powerful symbol of Asian Paints Damp Proof’s leadership in waterproofing, much like how the brand protects millions of Indian homes from water damage.

    Partnering with FCB Kinnect, Asian Paints brilliantly leveraged cricket’s rain delays, a cultural moment followed intensely across India, to demonstrate the brand’s promise of protection.

    Cricket in India is more than just a sport, it’s a shared passion that unites over a billion people. Yet, rain delays often bring matches to a halt, creating moments of tension and anticipation that dominate conversations nationwide. By owning the stadium’s rain pitch cover, Asian Paints Damp Proof turned these rain interruptions into a live demonstration of its expertise, protecting the very heart of the game – the pitch.

    Asian Paints MD & CEO Amit Syngle said, “Cricket is deeply loved in India, and when rain interrupts a match, it creates a moment everyone talks about. As India’s leading waterproofing solutions brand, we leveraged this moment to demonstrate our expertise where it truly counts. By integration on the cricket rain pitch cover, we reinforced our promise of protection in the most impactful way.”

    FCB Kinnect CEO Rohan Mehta added, “Brand leaders lead conversations, rather than join them. We saw the rain interruption and turned it into a moment of brand truth, and it became a real-time demonstration of the brand’s promise. At FCB Kinnect, this is the kind of creative integration we thrive on – culturally resonant and undeniably effective.”

    Neville Shah, CCO, FCB Kinnect, said, “Rain is truly frustrating when it comes to cricket. Covering the pitch to keep it dry, has always been a part of the sport. Spotting the media opportunity with a seamless connection to our core proposition is what makes the idea truly stand out. It’s not just ANY sponsorship. It’s relevant.”

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  • Nestlé Purina expands the Friskies range

    Nestlé Purina expands the Friskies range

    MUMBAI: Nestlé Purina is expanding its popular Friskies range with two new dry cat food variants – Friskies Meaty Grills and Friskies Indoor Delights, designed to keep cats healthy and active. Friskies Meaty Grills combines the taste and nutrition of chicken, turkey, lamb and vegetables, while Friskies Indoor Delights packs the goodness of chicken, salmon, tuna and vegetables. Indoor Delights have the added benefit of helping reduce hairball formation and litter odour. Both recipes provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition.

    Nestlé Purina India business head, Pallavi Anand said, “At Nestlé Purina, we understand how important it is for pet parents to give the best nutrition to their pets.  Friskies is recogniSed globally for its wide range of products and flavours with a rich history, dating back to the 1930s. With the launch of the new range of Friskies cat food, we are excited to offer tasty and nutritious products that embody our expertise in pet nutrition.”

    ­­The new range will be currently available across all major cities in India through pet specialty stores, e-commerce and quick commerce platforms, making it convenient for pet parents to bring home the goodness of Friskies.

  • Smirnoff Lemon Pop cracks open a fresh beat for Gen Z with ‘We Do We’

    Smirnoff Lemon Pop cracks open a fresh beat for Gen Z with ‘We Do We’

    MUMBAI: Smirnoff Lemon Pop Non-Alcoholic is bringing back the pop to pop culture. In its latest high-decibel drop, the brand has rolled out ‘We Do We’, a genre-smashing music campaign that turns the fizz of its cans into full-blown fire beats, tapping into Gen Z’s collaborative DNA.

    Helmed by Sez on the Beat (Sajeel Kapoor)—the maestro of India’s indie soundscape—the campaign kicks off with a beat built using Smirnoff Lemon Pop cans. Then, three genre-bending artists add their own spin to the mix, layering identity, rhythm and roots into a unified banger.

    Shai, the silky-voiced “Is It Love?” singer, brings her Indo-Brit energy to the mic. Agsy, Gen Z’s rap rebel, drops bars in Hindi, Punjabi and Haryanvi like no one’s watching. Nikhil aka Tabla Guy turns tradition into tremors with his signature East-meets-West tabla-and-techno fusion. The full campaign is now live on Instagram at @smirnofflemonpop.

    Conceptualised and executed by Kommune, this campaign isn’t just catchy-it’s cultural commentary in 4/4 time. As identity, rhythm, and rebellion blend into a single sonic boom, one thing’s clear: We Do We isn’t background noise—it’s the Gen Z soundtrack.

  • Eveready lights up the dark with India’s first hybrid torch

    Eveready lights up the dark with India’s first hybrid torch

    MUMBAI: Eveready Industries, the household name in batteries and torches, has just sparked up the flashlight game. The company has rolled out India’s first hybrid torch, a slick, dual-powered device that runs on both a rechargeable battery and AA cells. Whether you’re stuck in a blackout or off-grid in the wild, Eveready’s new innovation ensures you’re never out of light.

    The rugged-yet-lightweight hybrid torch packs a 1W super-bright front LED, a 1W side light, and a fast-charging USB Type-C port that juices it up in 2.5 hours. But the real kicker? When the juice runs dry, it seamlessly flips to battery-operated mode with 3 AA batteries. That’s right—this light won’t ghost you when you need it most.

    Speaking on the launch, Eveready Industries India Ltd CEO Anirban Banerjee said, “Innovation is at the helm of all undertakings at Eveready. Over the years, this ideology has paved the way for us to consistently introduce unique and pioneering products that empower consumers. The latest offering from the house of Eveready reflects the brand’s legacy of innovation and trust, giving consumers uninterrupted lighting with modern convenience. Our Hybrid Torch, a new-age innovative solution, promises quality, convenience, and reliability to users while ensuring that they never run out of power. Going forward, Eveready will remain committed to delivering smarter, practical, and dependable solutions for consumers across Indian households.”

    For a pop-culture punch, Eveready has teamed up with the upcoming supernatural thriller Nikita Roy, starring Sonakshi Sinha. The actress, who plays a woman grappling with literal and metaphorical darkness, features in the brand campaign to spotlight the torch’s 2-in-1 power feature. The torch, like Sonakshi’s character, is all about facing the dark head-on with resilience, and a good backup plan.

    This marks Eveready’s second big flashlight drop in two years. Last year, the brand launched the Siren Torch, a rechargeable safety light with a 100-decibel alarm meant to protect women on the go. Both launches reinforce the company’s shift towards smart, design-forward, utility-first products.

    “Our association with Sonakshi Sinha’s film Nikita Roy is more than just a product integration. It symbolizes resilience and the will to keep going, even in the darkest of times,” Banerjee added.

    The hybrid torch is priced at Rs 399, comes in bold red and green, and is now available across major retail outlets and e-commerce platforms. Designed for travel, trekking, power cuts, or late-night fridge raids, this one’s got your back when the lights go out.
     

  • Sunfeast Mom’s Magic unwraps the love of adoption with heartfelt campaign

    Sunfeast Mom’s Magic unwraps the love of adoption with heartfelt campaign

    MUMBAI: ITC’s Sunfeast Mom’s Magic has baked more than just cookies, it’s baked a powerful message. The brand, long known for celebrating the warmth of motherhood, is now stirring hearts with its latest initiative to normalise and encourage adoption in India.

    Stirring the pot on outdated norms, the brand teamed up with the upcoming film Dear Maa to host a compelling panel discussion in Kolkata. On the table? Breaking down biases around adoptive mothers and pushing the belief that motherhood is measured in love, not DNA.

    The panel featured a stellar line-up: Soumeta Medhora, secretary of ISSA; actor Mandira Bedi; Shuvadip Banerjee, chief digital marketing officer, ITC Foods; director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury; and actor Jaya Ahsan, the face of Dear Maa. The group delved into the hurdles adoptive mothers face from social prejudice to emotional alienation, while urging society to widen its definition of family.

    At the heart of the event was the launch of Dil Se Maa, a stirring poem that pays tribute to adoptive mothers. The piece reimagines motherhood as a bond built on care, not chromosomes.

    Adding a deeply personal note to the discussion, actress Mandira Bedi shared, “Adoption is a beautiful and transformative choice, one that is driven entirely by love. As Tara’s mother, I’ve faced my share of questions and societal bias — from being asked if I could love an adopted child as my own, to people assuming adoption is a last resort. But love doesn’t come with conditions. That’s why I truly value what brands like Mom’s Magic are doing — creating space for these conversations and helping society move beyond its outdated stereotypes, so that every child is embraced with a mother’s love.” 

    Speaking on the occasion, ITC – Foods Division, chief digital marketing officer, Shuvadip Banerjee said, “At Mom’s Magic, we have always believed in celebrating the extraordinary power of a mother’s love. Through this meaningful collaboration with the film Dear Maa, we aim to spark important conversations around adoption and stand in solidarity with all mothers who create magic in a child’s life—regardless of how that treasured journey begins. Together, we hope to inspire greater acceptance, empathy, and inclusion for every form of motherhood.”

    Sunfeast Mom’s Magic has consistently flexed its emotional muscle with campaigns like No More Missed Calls and Hug Her More. This new chapter is another notch in its belt of purpose-driven storytelling, one that swaps sugar for soul and biscuits for bold ideas.

  • CID joins Bingo!’s latest flavour investigation in a pickle-packed plot twist

    CID joins Bingo!’s latest flavour investigation in a pickle-packed plot twist

    MUMBAI: ITC’s Bingo! Mad Angles has cooked up a tangy conundrum with its latest innovation, ‘Mystery Pickle’, a new achaar-loaded flavour twist that’s roped in by none other than the legendary CID team to crack the case. In a deliciously bizarre crossover, ACP Pradyuman, Daya and Dr. Salunkhe don their detective hats once again but this time, the only fingerprints involved are likely to be covered in spice.

    Taking inspiration from the brand’s hit variant Achaari Masti, the new launch dives deeper into India’s eternal love affair with pickles — and adds an element of whodunnit with a tongue-in-cheek TVC. Shot in the trademark over-the-top CID style, the ad is packed with forensic clues, slow-motion stares, and a hilarious face-off between the OG CID trio and their own Mad Angles doppelgangers.

    But the masala isn’t just on-screen. Bingo!’s Mystery Pickle also invites consumers to play detective via an on-pack contest, challenging them to guess the secret flavour and win exciting prizes.

    ITC Ltd. VP & head of marketing, Snacks, Noodles & Pasta, Foods Division, Suresh Chand said, “Achaari Masti has long been our breakout hit and a consumer favourite, so it was only natural that we push the boundaries with another exciting twist on the pickle genre. The entire launch is gamified to engage our core TG from the get-go & the tie up with the show CID has enabled us to craft yet another stand out communication & lend gravitas to the whole mystery angle.”

    Tonic Worldwide senior creative director, Josna Joseph said “With Bingo! Mad Angles Mystery Pickle, we didn’t just launch a new flavour, we cracked open a full-blown whodunnit. Partnering with the legendary CID show gave us the perfect playground to build intrigue, nostalgia, and madness into every frame. From iconic catchphrases to parallel pickle realities, this campaign was all about blending cultural memory with fresh chaos. The result? A snackable mystery that India can’t stop decoding. Just the way Mad Angles likes it”

    Blending nostalgia, humour and a good dose of madness, the campaign gives fans something to chew on both literally and figuratively.

     

  • Why Raj Nayak is getting into scalable IPs with the  House of IP

    Why Raj Nayak is getting into scalable IPs with the House of IP

    MUMBAI: Is there still space in the content creation, event IPs, and the experiences verticals  despite the gadzillion or so producers, event organisers and individual creators  popping up from every nook and cranny all over India?

    Well, Raj Nayak, the former chief operating officer of Viacom18 and founder of House of Cheer, sure as hell believes there is. He has unveiled his next bold venture — House of IP — in partnership with digital marketing outfit Yaap.

    Positioned as a first-of-its-kind venture studio for event and entertainment IPs, House of IP promises to create, scale and monetise original properties across sports, music, digital content and branded experiences. From seed ideas to revenue engines, the studio aims to become a launchpad for immersive, culture-first experiences.

    “At a time when content is fragmented and brands are fighting for attention, scalable IPs are the future,” said Nayak who does not seem to be tiring despite being in the media and entertainment business for nearly four decades.

    He’s raring to go with his new venture, just like he was at the start of his career nearly 40 years ago.  “House of IP is built to turn bold concepts into cultural movements — and business success.”

    Yaap, known for its work in influencer marketing and digital media, brings its tech-driven, platform-first mindset to the collaboration. Founder Atul Hegde called the move a “natural evolution” of Yaap’s vision. “With Raj’s creative force and our digital DNA, this partnership will help build IPs that go the distance,” he said.

    House of IP is setting up shop in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Dubai, with plans to work both with original concepts and existing IP owners. The venture will offer strategic consulting, content creation, brand partnerships and monetisation models.

    “Think big ideas, deep culture connects, and long-term brand value,” Nayak added. “Welcome to the House of IP.”

    What should work in Nayak’s favour is the numerous relationships he has forged  and goodwill he has generated on almost every front throughout his career, whether amongst marketers or agencies or broadcast executives or event agencies.

    Then there is a bunch of startups as well as unicorns in almost every vertical which are looking for expertise to take them forward in the experiences department or their content needs. The new sports policy announced recently by the government is likely to see a plethora of new sports get a fresh impetus with administrators and the private sector getting together to make India a sporting nation and take it beyond just cricket. 

    Already, many leagues for many a sport have come up which need nurturing and guidance to make them grow a la the Pro Kabaddi League and the Indian Super League. Raj spent a large part of his early career selling sports and continues to do so with the Celebrity Cricket League, which should work in the House of IPs’ favour.

    Finally, with the overall live and experiential business literally exploding like never before, it’s most likely that his House of IPs will have a lot to cheer about. Just like his House of Cheer.

  • The Belgian Waffle Co drills down on National Waffle Day

    The Belgian Waffle Co drills down on National Waffle Day

    MUMBAI: The Belgian Waffle Co turned up the heat this National Waffle Day with a record-breaking 7 lakh footfalls across 660+ outlets in 220 cities on 16 July, flipping a midweek lull into a full-blown dessert riot.

    Led by the cheeky and energetic #WhatsYourDrill campaign, the brand teased fans with a faux cancellation of National Waffle Day—only to unveil a surprise date shift to the third Wednesday of July. Cue chaos, curiosity, and meme mayhem.

    The buzz peaked as “Waffle Lieutenants” (read: die-hard fans) received retro-style mission letters and classified 3D-glasses-included invites, decoding the secret celebration date. Influencer-led content exploded on Instagram, led by viral creator ShettyBrother whose “waffle drill” clip clocked 6 million organic views.

    With waffles priced at Rs100 for the day, the brand saw queues snaking out of stores, powered by a slick tech solution allowing pre-orders to manage the sugar rush. OOH ads across 77+ locations in metros and Tier-2 cities added to the visibility blitz, while store-level games like “Waffle Mania” kept fans entertained.

    Even employees got in on the action, posting “Cadet Profiles” and their own waffle rituals on LinkedIn, proving that behind every great drill, there’s an even crunchier team.

    “National Waffle Day is always a landmark moment for The Belgian Waffle Co. This year, as we celebrate 10 incredible years of the brand, it held even greater significance for us. The massive response across our 660+ stores country-wide reflected not just the growing love for our waffles, but also the enthusiasm with which our customers embraced the idea of celebrating rituals and indulgence in a way that felt uniquely personal. It’s a celebration of our loyal community, our partners, and the culture we’ve built together. This massive success year-after-year is humbling and encourages us to remain committed to product quality, consistency and customer delight,” said The Belgian Waffle Co Executive Director and CEO, Ankit Patel.

    “This year, we repositioned the National Waffle Day to the third Wednesday of July, shifting away from a fixed day which our consumers were quite aware about. The overwhelming response to that shift is a testament to the strong emotional connect the brand shares with our community. With the #WhatsYourDrill campaign, we wanted to give our community a platform to express themselves in fun, meaningful ways, to build a movement around rituals and shared joy. From user-generated content to on-ground engagement, the enthusiasm we witnessed reaffirmed our belief in creating experiences that go beyond the product and connect emotionally with our audience,” shared marketing head Vrushali Parab.

    Crunch met creativity, and National Waffle Day 2025 signed off with syrupy smiles and a sugar high that hit just right.