Category: Brands

  • Godrej’s Locks & Architectural Solutions unlocks smarter service with digital-first CRM

    Godrej’s Locks & Architectural Solutions unlocks smarter service with digital-first CRM

    MUMBAI: Godrej Enterprises Group’s Locks & Architectural Solutions division has rolled out a new Service CRM platform that’s set to overhaul after-sales service across India’s rapidly expanding smart home ecosystem. Spanning 80+ divisions, 200+ service centres, and more than 6,500 pin codes, the digital upgrade aims to keep over two lakh customers connected, calm and in control.

    Touted as a game-changer for India’s Rs 6,000 crore locks industry, the Service Cloud unifies support across both smart and traditional locking systems — offering one-touch complaint registration, faster resolutions, and full visibility into service history.

    Godrej Enterprises Group, Locks & Architectural Solutions, business head, Shyam Motwani said, “At Locks & Architectural Solutions, we believe that our responsibility to the customer begins, not ends, at the point of purchase. The Service Cloud is a digital-first initiative designed to simplify and strengthen our service experience, making it more intuitive, efficient, and transparent. This is our commitment to ensuring that every home we secure feels supported, always.”

    The company, which crossed Rs 1,000 crore in FY25 revenue, is eyeing Rs 2,500 crore by FY28. With customer experience increasingly defining market leadership, the CRM is expected to be a key growth lever — not just a digital tool, but a lock-in for loyalty.

  • KDM wins Zee Bharat Ki Udaan Award for powering faith with 1080 charging points at Maha Kumbh

    KDM wins Zee Bharat Ki Udaan Award for powering faith with 1080 charging points at Maha Kumbh

    MUMBAI: In a country where missing a Whatsapp call from family during a spiritual pilgrimage could cause panic, KDM made sure that devotion met innovation. The lifestyle and mobile accessories brand has been conferred with the Zee Bharat Ki Udaan Award for its Bharat Ka Charger Maha Kumbh initiative—recognised for powering up millions of mobile phones at the world’s largest spiritual gathering.

    KDM was felicitated by Union minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during Zee Bharat’s flagship programme ‘Bharat Ki Udaan’. The award highlighted KDM’s unique contribution at Maha Kumbh 2025, where it installed 1,080 mobile charging stations equipped with its indigenous KDM-T Technology. These stations helped over 23 lakh pilgrims keep their phones and connections alive through the 45-day religious congregation.

    The initiative seamlessly plugged into the government’s vision for a ‘divya and digital’ Maha Kumbh and aligned with the broader Digital India narrative. Beyond the buzzwords, KDM’s solution addressed a pressing need—connectivity for devotees, many from rural areas, who relied on their phones to stay in touch with their loved ones amid the chaos and crowds.

    ‘KDM Bharat Ka Charger’ employs Kinetic Dynamic Mobile Charging Testing Technology (KDM-T Technology), a fully Made-in-India solution designed to prevent overheating, overcharging, and voltage issues—ensuring safety alongside service.

    Acknowledging the honour, KDM founder N D Mali said, “Extremely honoured and privileged to receive the ’Zee Bharat Ki Udaan Award’ from the hands of Shri. Nitin Gadkari ji which is making me feel charged, inspired and motivated to take Bharat Ka Charger campaign ahead… This award motivates us to continue our efforts to charge both mobile and the economy with KDM Bharat Ka Charger”.

    Mali added that the company’s vision—“Har Ghar KDM” by 2030—targets reaching 10 crore households while creating direct and indirect employment for 50,000 women.

  • Amway stirs up the wellness game with ‘Nutrilite Triple Protect’

    Amway stirs up the wellness game with ‘Nutrilite Triple Protect’

    MUMBAI: Amway India has added extra muscle to its wellness playbook with the launch of Nutrilite Triple Protect, a plant-based dietary supplement designed to support immunity, gut health, and skin vitality — all in one go.

    Infused with three natural heavy-hitters — Acerola cherry (a Vitamin C powerhouse), turmeric (for anti-inflammatory flair), and licorice (to soothe the gut) — this latest offering delivers a triple-action formula minus the fluff. Each serving clocks in with 100 per cent of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C, courtesy of acerola cherries plucked from certified organic farms in Brazil — said to contain nearly seven times more Vitamin C than amla.

    Commenting on the launch, Amway India managing director Rajneesh Chopra stated, “As poor nutrition continues to impact over half the nation’s health, the need for clean, plant-based solutions for overall wellbeing has never been greater. Today’s consumers are prioritizing health like never before, with 52 per cent ranking immunity as the top benefit they seek in supplements – underscoring a growing demand for holistic wellness recommendations. 

    Keeping in mind the consumer needs and as part of our strategic business priority of Accelerating Product Innovation Pipeline, we are happy to introduce our latest innovation – Nutrilite Triple Protect by Amway.This one-of-a-kind formulation brings together science-backed ingredients to support immunity, gut and skin-empowering individuals to take a proactive, holistic approach to wellness. With a health-first approach, we at Amway are committed to empowering individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing and focus on enhancing their healthspan—living not just longer, but healthier lives.”

    Backed by 90 years of nutrition science, Triple Protect champions Amway’s seed-to-supplement philosophy, combining bioavailability with sustainability. With 40 mg of turmeric extract (equivalent to 50 times raw turmeric) and 167 mg of licorice extract (equal to six times the raw stuff), the formulation cuts no corners. No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives — just clean, potent plant power.

    As Indian consumers lean into proactive health and preventive care, Amway is angling to be their supplement of choice. With Triple Protect, the brand isn’t just selling capsules – it’s bottling up nature’s immunity arsenal, ready to take on stress, pollution, and dodgy diets, one serving at a time.

  • Mahesh stays on board with AbhiBus for another blockbuster journey

    Mahesh stays on board with AbhiBus for another blockbuster journey

     MUMBAI: When it comes to bus bookings, Mahesh Babu isn’t just riding shotgun, he’s driving trust. Abhibus, Ixigo’s bus ticketing arm, has renewed its nearly decade-long partnership with Tollywood icon Mahesh Babu, extending one of the longest-standing celebrity-brand collaborations in India’s mobility space. First onboarded in 2016, the superstar continues as the face of AbhiBus in 2025, a partnership built on reliability, relatability, and regional resonance.

    From quirky in-transit ads to heart-tugging tales of homecoming, the duo has delivered some memorable campaigns over the years. This summer, fans can look forward to a new campaign that rides on this legacy while showcasing Abhibus’s evolved customer offerings like the “Filter New Buses” feature and the “AbhiAssured” promise.

    “Mahesh Babu has been more than just a brand ambassador, he’s been a fellow traveller in our journey of growth,” said Abhibus COO, Rohit Sharma. “From 2016 to 2025, his presence has helped us build deeper connections across the South and beyond.”

    Mahesh Babu echoed this sentiment, saying, “My journey with Abhibus has always felt personal. It’s about making travel smoother and safer. Abhibus doesn’t just take you places, it makes sure you get there comfortably.”

    As Abhibus expands across new markets, Mahesh Babu remains its most familiar co-passenger, a constant in a changing travel landscape, reminding Indian commuters that the ride can be just as memorable as the destination.

  • Oben rides high with Rs 100 Cr Series A charge for e-motorcycle push

    Oben rides high with Rs 100 Cr Series A charge for e-motorcycle push

    MUMBAI: Full throttle, zero emissions, Oben Electric is charging ahead, literally and figuratively. The Bengaluru-based EV startup has announced an extended Series A funding round of Rs 50 crore in May 2025, doubling its January raise and taking the total Series A tally to Rs 100 crore. With this, Oben Electric has now raised a total of Rs 200 crore to date, further fuelling its ambition to become India’s leading electric motorcycle brand.

    The latest round saw participation from both new and returning investors, including Helios Holdings, the Sharda Family Office, and the Kay family, signalling continued confidence in the company’s growth, tech edge, and strong unit economics.

    Oben plans to deploy the fresh capital to supercharge its expansion to 150 plus showrooms across 50 plus cities by FY26, roll out its O100 platform of affordable e-bikes under Rs 1 lakh, and boost manufacturing capabilities at its Bangalore facility, which already churns out up to 100,000 units annually.

    Sandesh of the Sharda Family Office said, “Oben Electric has cracked the product-market fit in a large, untapped category. Their full-stack integration from LFP batteries to control units and their high growth QoQ made this a clear bet.”

    The company currently boasts 37 retail outlets across 26 cities in 13 states, with new footprints in Punjab, Telangana, Gujarat, and Odisha, among others solidifying its rapid post-funding execution.

    At the heart of Oben’s offering is the Oben Rorr EZ, priced at Rs 99,999, targeting urban commuters with its 175 km range, 0–40 km/h in 3.3 seconds, and 95 km/h top speed. Its flagship Rorr, too, continues to make noise among performance-first riders, both powered by India’s first LFP battery tech in two-wheelers, engineered for durability and heat resistance.

    Oben’s differentiation lies in being truly R&D-led and vertically integrated, designing not just bikes but also their core systems motors, batteries, vehicle control units, and fast home chargers all in-house. With a team of 500 plus experts, 150 plus domestic vendors, and partnerships across 68,000 public chargers, Oben is laying the groundwork for long-term dominance.

    Oben Electric founder & CEO Madhumita Agrawal summed it up, “With O100 and rapid expansion underway, we’re not just building electric motorcycles, we’re building India’s answer to global two-wheeler mobility.”

    The company now has its sights on a USD 30 million Series B fundraise in 2025, aimed at international expansion and deeper product scale-up. If Oben’s roadmap is anything to go by, India’s electric two-wheeler scene just got a whole lot more exciting.

  • Coca-Cola India’s recycled PET flag makes Limca Book of Records history with sustainable swing

    Coca-Cola India’s recycled PET flag makes Limca Book of Records history with sustainable swing

    MUMBAI: On a cricket field where sixes were smashed and fans chanted for centuries, a different kind of record took centre stage. Coca-Cola India has earned a spot in the Limca Book of Records 2025 for crafting the country’s largest national flag made from recycled PET (rPET) bottles—a sustainable salute that flew high during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

    The eco-friendly tricolour, stitched from approximately 11,000 post-consumer PET bottles, made its debut at the tournament’s opening ceremony and fluttered proudly at every India match across 10 stadiums from 5 October to 19 November 2023. This showstopper wasn’t just about symbolism. It was a centrepiece of Coca-Cola India’s Maidaan Saaf campaign, aimed at advocating responsible waste management and nudging fans toward conscious consumption.

    Backed by Go Rewise and Ganesha Ecoverse Limited, the bottles were turned into Global Recycled Standard-certified yarn before being stitched into the vibrant flag. Alongside it, over 1,000 volunteers clad in rPET safety jackets took on the role of cleanliness champions. They fanned out across stadiums to educate fans on proper waste segregation while ensuring the stands didn’t look like post-match war zones.

    “This moment is not just about setting a record; it’s about reimagining possibilities”, said Coca-Cola India & south west Asia VP – public affairs, communications and sustainability Devyani Rana. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners ‘Go Rewise’ who played a crucial role in creating the Recycled PET Flags, and to ICC for their invaluable efforts”.

    International Cricket Council CCO Anurag Dahiya called the recognition a ‘proud moment’, while Go Rewise founder Yash Sharma underlined the impact of innovative recycling, “It not only reduces waste but also gives rise to powerful symbols of unity and environmental responsibility”.

    The Maidaan Saaf campaign, launched in 2023, is part of Coca-Cola’s wider sustainability roadmap. It focuses on innovative packaging, integrating recycled materials, and boosting recyclability. The flag is both a literal and figurative banner of Coca-Cola’s packaging goals, which include ‘Design’ and ‘Partner to Collect’—strategies built to leave a lasting impact on communities while tackling India’s plastic problem.

    With the Limca Book of Records nod, Coca-Cola India has given a new meaning to making the nation proud—not just with cricket, but with conscience.

  • Ugro Capital buys Profectus Capital in all-cash deal worth Rs 1,400 crore to boost MSME play

    Ugro Capital buys Profectus Capital in all-cash deal worth Rs 1,400 crore to boost MSME play

    MUMBAI: Ugro Capital has pulled off a serious power play in India’s NBFC sector. The MSME-focused Datatech lender announced it would acquire 100 per cent of Profectus Capital in an all-cash deal worth Rs 1,400 crore. The transaction, funded through UGRO’s recently raised equity proceeds, is expected to add Rs 150 crore in annualised profits and Rs 115 crore in cost savings.

    This strategic buyout adds immediate heft to Ugro’s balance sheet with a 29 per cent AUM spike and gives the lender a stronger foothold in high-yield emerging markets and school financing—the latter alone carrying a medium-term potential of Rs 2,000 crore. The deal also diversifies Ugro’s asset mix, leaning further into secured lending with zero incremental origination cost.

    As part of the transaction, Ugro signed a share purchase agreement to acquire Profectus Capital Private Limited from its existing shareholders, making the company a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition is subject to customary approvals, including clearance from the RBI and shareholders.

    “This strategically priced acquisition deploys our equity raise to achieve instant scale and Rs 115 crores cost savings and annualised incremental profitability of Rs 150 Crores thus boosting ROA by 0.6–0.7 per cent. Integrating Profectus’ school finance expertise unlocks Rs 2,000 Crores growth potential and strengthens our secured asset mix – accelerating our journey to become India’s largest MSME lender through enhanced emerging markets and embedded finance capabilities”, said Ugro Capital founder & MD Shachindra Nath.

    Profectus Capital currently manages Rs 3,468 crore in assets across a seven-state footprint, supported by a 28-branch network and over 800 employees. Its gross NPA stands at 1.6 per cent, with a net NPA of 1.1 per cent.

    Profectus Capital ED & CEO K.V. Srinivasan added, “The coming together of the two organisations would be beneficial owing to the synergies and complementarity of the businesses, which should result in greater operational efficiency and profitability for the business. We at Profectus, thank our investors for their unwavering commitment and support throughout our journey, which has helped us to establish a very strong process-oriented business with an excellent portfolio quality”.

    Both companies will retain their existing operations and business strategies during the integration phase.

    Incred Capital acted as the exclusive advisor to Ugro Capital, with SNG & Partners serving as legal counsel. Pricewaterhousecoopers Services LLP conducted the financial due diligence, while Legacy Growthpartners handled the tax due diligence.

  • Mars hits it out of the park with its first-ever premier league of beauty

    Mars hits it out of the park with its first-ever premier league of beauty

    MUMBAI: Mars Cosmetics, just bowled over the internet with the Mars Premier League (MPL) — a vibrant collision of cricket frenzy and cosmetic flair. Channeling the pulse of IPL season, MPL wasn’t just a beauty contest — it was a high-stakes face-off blending bat, blush and bold looks in equal measure.

    Staying true to its mantra of ‘Makeup for Everyone’, Mars handed over its City Paradise Eyeshadow Palettes to makeup mavens across India, challenging them to capture the spirit of eight IPL cities in jaw-dropping beauty looks. Think stadium roar meets spotlight shimmer.

    Mars Cosmetics director and business administrator, Rishabh Sethia said, “We’re always looking at opportunities to pair beauty with moments in culture that truly resonate with our fans. The IPL is a sporting event, of course, but it’s also a celebration of passion, community, and high-level energy. We brought that same energy into the world of makeup with the Mars Premier League. It was not competition; it was a moment for creativity, for self-expression, and for everything glamorous.”

    Conducted in four electrifying rounds — the first three online and open to all — the MPL ignited an avalanche of fan votes, reels, and cosmetic creativity. The grand finale saw India’s top beauty creators converge offline, judged by a panel that included Aditi Dubey, Vandana Sehgal, and MPL mentor Anupreet Bakshi.

    And it was Delhi’s own Anupreet who walked away with the Rs 1,00,000 cash prize, a red-carpet pass to the Bollywood Hungama Style Icon Awards, and a coveted meet-and-greet with actor Varun Dhawan — all while stealing hearts (and likes) with her fierce, city-inspired artistry.

    The finale was a content creator’s dreamscape, featuring interactive hubs like a DIY “Mirror, Mirror” booth and a buzzing nail art lounge — designed to spark influencer creativity and spread the MPL glam gospel across social media.

    While Mars remains tight-lipped about whether MPL will return next year, this debut season has already rewritten the rules of beauty marketing — where mascara meets match fever, and fandom finds its fiercest winged eyeliner.

  • Sanya Malhotra stirs up the wellness scene with Bree Matcha debut

    Sanya Malhotra stirs up the wellness scene with Bree Matcha debut

    Mumbai: Bollywood star Sanya Malhotra is swapping scripts for sips with the launch of Bree Matcha, her debut entrepreneurial venture in collaboration with wellness brand Essenzaa Nutrition. The new clean-label matcha brand aims to serve a ritual of calm and clarity, one cup at a time.

    Born out of a shared love for functional superfoods and mindful routines, Bree blends traditional Japanese tea culture with the pace and pulse of modern Indian life. The range includes Everyday Matcha, Ceremonial Matcha, and a full ceremonial kit — complete with a chasen, bowl, and spoon — designed to elevate the daily brew into an intentional ritual.

    Sourced from Kagoshima, Japan, and backed by Essenzaa’s 14-year legacy in clean nutrition, Bree boasts antioxidant-rich blends that energise without the crash.

    “At a time when everything feels urgent, Bree Matcha is my personal reminder to slow down and be intentional,” said Malhotra. “It’s a ritual I deeply believe in, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of something that  builds and supports natural energy and calm focus.”

    Essenzaa Nutrition, founded by Dr Kunal Shah and Siddharth Shah, brings its global credibility — exporting to 23 countries and specialising in clinically proven formulations — to the table. With Bree’s minimalist design and mindful messaging, the brand isn’t just selling tea; it’s serving a lifestyle.

    “We wanted to introduce a product that aligns with both health and lifestyle. BREE is not just about energy, it’s about how you choose to show up in your day,” said Shah.

    “We wanted to introduce a product that aligns with both health and lifestyle. BREE is not just about energy, it’s about how you choose to show up in your day,” said Dr Kunal Shah.

    “Bree Matcha is not just a beverage—it’s a movement towards conscious consumption and modern wellness,” said Siddharth Shah. “Our vision is to make matcha a part of everyday rituals for the new-age Indian consumer, blending ancient Japanese tradition with contemporary lifestyles.”

  • Birla Tyre hits the gas with bold new identity and ‘Tyger’ reboot

    Birla Tyre hits the gas with bold new identity and ‘Tyger’ reboot

    MUMBAI: Birla Tyre has rolled out a bold new brand identity, complete with a redesigned logo and a revamped website, as the company shifts gears under new ownership. Led by Dalmia Bharat Refractories Ltd (DBRL) and strategic partner Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd (HSCL), the relaunch signals Birla Tyre’s ambition to reclaim relevance in a fast-evolving mobility landscape.

    At the heart of the rebrand is ‘Tyger’ — a sleek new mascot that channels power, agility and leadership. The custom-designed wordmark evokes speed and momentum, while a punchy blue-and-orange palette adds flair and optimism. Together, they set the tone for a company itching to make tracks again.

    Speaking on the occasion, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd chairman cum managing director & CEO Anurag Choudhary said, “This rebranding is more than merely a visual transformation; it is a reaffirmation of our dedication to purposeful development and progress.”

    Dalmia Bharat Refractories Ltd whole time director & CEO Dr. Chandra Narain Maheswari further added, Our new logo encapsulates the essence of Birla Tyre, which is founded on four fundamental pillars: a legacy that motivates boldness, a product line that is prepared for the future, an unwavering commitment to continuous innovation and a oneness with world around us. As this new identity signals Birla Tyre’s readiness to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry with energy, innovation, and purpose.”

    The brand refresh is backed by a deeper overhaul — new capital, sharper strategy, and operational rejig. With distribution expansion, product innovation, and aggressive marketing in the pipeline, Birla Tyre is steering hard into the future. Integrated campaigns across TV, digital, print, and outdoor media are expected to follow shortly.

    The company now aims to regain traction in key markets and win back mindshare.