ITV

Category: Brands

  • Little Caesars gets bigger; lands in India, its 30th global market

    Little Caesars gets bigger; lands in India, its 30th global market

    MUMBAI:  It’s looking at getting a slice of the Indian ready-to-eat pizza market. Little Caesars, the world’s largest family-owned pizza chain, has officially entered India, firing up ovens for its first store in Delhi NCR this June. The move makes India the thirtieth country on its global map, as the Detroit-based brand continues its rapid rise across continents.

    Best known for its iconic Hot-n-ready pizzas, Crazy Bread and convenience-first formats like the Pizza Portal, the brand promises Indian pizza lovers a slice of the action that’s piping hot, pocket-friendly, and packed with flavour. But this isn’t just another import—Little Caesars is rolling out a customised India menu, marrying its American-style indulgence with local culinary punch.

    “With our delicious pizzas and unbeatable value, we’re eagerly anticipating introducing a unique menu that we believe will captivate India,” said Little Ceasers president global retail Paula Vissing. “Our mission has always been to offer delicious, high-quality food at exceptional prices, and we can’t wait to introduce Little Caesars to families, students, and busy professionals throughout India.”

    Spearheading the brand’s Indian innings is Harnessing Harvest, a powerhouse franchisee backed by nearly 90 years in Indian hospitality and a recent billion-dollar valuation. The company brings deep market savvy and a finger firmly on the pulse of evolving desi tastes, ensuring that Little Caesars doesn’t just land—it localises.

    The Delhi NCR store is just the appetiser, with a wider India expansion already on the menu. With rising incomes and a growing appetite for global flavours, India’s fast-food game is heating up—and Little Caesars looks ready to bite into the action.

    Having recently set up shop in Cambodia and Kuwait, Little Caesars’ India launch signals the brand’s growing global ambition. And with Detroit roots, a $150 billion pizza industry, and over six decades of dough mastery behind it, this is one pizza chain that’s not afraid to travel far and wide for a bigger piece of Bharat

  • Bisleri makes a splash in MEA with thirst-quenching Apparel deal

    Bisleri makes a splash in MEA with thirst-quenching Apparel deal

    MUMBAI: Water you waiting for, Middle East and Africa? Bisleri International has just uncapped a major partnership with Dubai-based Apparel Group, setting the stage for a regional beverage boom. The strategic alliance will see Bisleri’s much-loved portfolio ranging from its iconic packaged water to its fizzy favourites manufactured, marketed and distributed across MEA, starting with the UAE in 2025.

    With a legacy that’s been hydrating India for over 50 years, Bisleri has long held the top spot in the country’s packaged water market. Its product range includes not just the flagship water bottle, but also the premium Vedica Himalayan spring water, and aerated offerings like Limonata, POP, Spyci Jeera, Rev, and Soda. Currently, it operates 128 manufacturing centres and reaches over 500,000 outlets in India alone plus it already has a UAE presence, having backed events like the Dubai Marathon.

    “The Middle East and Africa markets represent significant opportunity for value creation,” said Bisleri International CEO  Angelo George. “With a large Indian diaspora already familiar with our brands and Apparel Group’s consumer expertise in the region, the match is just right.”

    Founded in 1996, the Apparel Group is no lightweight. The retail behemoth runs 85 plus brands and 2,300 plus stores across 14 countries, supported by a workforce of 25,000. Now, they’re ready to add hydration to their retail portfolio.

    Apparel Group CEO Neeraj Teckchandani called the tie-up a “strategic milestone” that aligns with the Group’s ambition to diversify and scale. “We see this as a long-term, value-driven collaboration that redefines beverage retail in the region,” he added.

    With fizzy ambitions and deep-pocketed partners, Bisleri’s Middle East expansion is anything but a drop in the ocean. It’s a sign that the Indian refreshment giant is thirsty for more and ready to bottle global growth.

  • Spa-ce to grow as Meghavi Wellness bags fastest-growing company title

    Spa-ce to grow as Meghavi Wellness bags fastest-growing company title

    MUMBAI: When wellness becomes a way of life and not just a weekend indulgence, it’s bound to turn heads. And Meghavi Wellness Spa has clearly been doing just that. The premium spa chain has just clinched the coveted ‘Fastest Growing Indian Company Excellence Award’ at the International Achievers Conference (IAC), held in New Delhi on 31 May 2025. The award was presented by minister of state for social justice & empowerment Ramdas Athawale,  during a national seminar themed around “Individual Achievements & National Development – Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

    With a wellness footprint that’s rapidly expanding across metro and Tier-2 cities, Meghavi Wellness is redefining what a spa experience feels like in modern India. Think Ayurvedic tradition meets scientific precision with just the right dose of luxe. From ancient healing techniques to high-end tech-backed therapies, the brand is creating what it calls “accessible luxury” in the self-care space.

    “This honour is more than an award, it’s a reflection of our belief that wellness has the power to transform lives,” said Meghavi Wellness co-founders Megha Dinesh and Prashant Jain. “We’re building a brand that puts empathy and authenticity at the heart of self-care.”

    The award couldn’t come at a better time. With India’s wellness economy booming fuelled by a growing appetite for preventive health, holistic treatments and lifestyle-driven care Meghavi Wellness is tapping into a sweet spot between ancient wisdom and modern well-being. And judging by the speed of its growth, they’re getting the formula just right.

    As it sets its sights on new cities, upgraded offerings, and deeper customer engagement, this recognition isn’t just a feather in its cap, it’s a clear marker that Meghavi’s mindful march to the top has only just begun.

  • Divya Chadha returns as head of marketing for Amazon Music India

    Divya Chadha returns as head of marketing for Amazon Music India

    MUMBAI: Divya Chadha, one of India’s most dynamic marketing minds, has struck a new chord—this time with Amazon Music. After a six-year symphony at Spotify India where she scaled listener love and podcast adoption, Chadha has returned to the Amazon fold as head of marketing, based out of Mumbai.

    With stints at eBay, Amazon.in and Spotify already under her belt, Chadha brings a treasure trove of brand-building battle scars and a marketing mindset that’s as sharp as it is strategic. From powering up Amazon Great Indian Sale and Mr & Mrs Verma to orchestrating Spotify’s rise in India’s music and podcasting game, she’s played it all—mass media, user acquisition, podcast evangelism, trust-building, and category creation.

    Her Spotify run was marked by memorable campaigns driving both free and premium user base growth, top-of-mind brand recall, and a noticeable uptick in subscriptions and podcast listenership. At Amazon, she had earlier shaped India-first brand narratives like Adjust No More, Apni Dukaan, and Try Toh Kar, and even led Amazon Fashion’s #MustHave push.

    Before she turned into a full-blown marketing maestro, Chadha was also part of the merchandising and campaign ecosystem at eBay, where she helped scale direct marketing to over 20 per cent of revenue and crafted category-level storytelling across fashion, home and lifestyle.

    Now back in Amazon, this time with rhythm and reach in mind, she’s all set to amplify Amazon Music’s voice in a noisy, competitive Indian streaming market.

    Let the music—and marketing—begin.

  • Decathlon rolls out Second Life Bazaar to push circular sports retail across 68 stores in India

    Decathlon rolls out Second Life Bazaar to push circular sports retail across 68 stores in India

    MUMBAI: Old gear is getting a new shot at glory. Decathlon India is rolling out its largest circular retail campaign to date with the launch of Second Life Bazaar, an 11-day sustainability activation starting 5 June 2025—coinciding with World Environment Day. The campaign spans 68 stores nationwide and aims to turn Indian sports retail into a regenerative game plan.

    At the heart of the campaign is a three-pronged strategy: buyback, resale, and DIY maintenance. Customers can trade in old Decathlon cycles and fitness gear for store vouchers, buy refurbished equipment at 30 per cent to 60 per cent off MRP, and take part in workshops to fix and maintain their sports goods—from skates and rackets to scooters and cycles.

    Decathlon’s new circular model is set to grow its circular product portfolio by 28 per cent to 30 per cent this year, with a longer-term goal of tripling circular turnover by 2027—projecting 200 per cent growth from 2024 levels. The company also expects to keep more than 300,000 sports products out of landfills during that period.

    “We have always believed that accessibility and sustainability must go hand in hand. As our customers evolve, so does our responsibility to offer high-quality, long-lasting products that not only reduce environmental impact but also address affordability. Sustainability is a year-round commitment for us, but the Second Life Bazaar holds special significance as we mark World Environment Day, a moment to reaffirm our dedication to responsible consumption”, said Decathlon India CEO Sankar Chatterjee.

    Backed by targeted advertising and communications, the campaign has gained traction in key metros and high-growth clusters including Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata, Delhi NCR, Chennai, and across east India and Tamil Nadu.

    “Circularity is an environmental strategy as well as a transformative approach to how we perceive value. With the Second Life Bazaar, we are enabling our customers to actively participate in sustainability by extending product lifecycles, reducing waste, and creating tangible environmental benefits”, added Decathlon India leader, sustainable development Annie George.

    Globally, Decathlon has implemented similar campaigns in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the UK, and Poland. The Indian edition aligns with Mission LiFE and positions Decathlon as a key player in pushing circularity within the country’s fast-evolving sports retail landscape.

     

  • Soleful surprises and dapper delights for dad this Father’s Day

    Soleful surprises and dapper delights for dad this Father’s Day

    MUMBAI: He may not say much, but he’s always said enough. This Father’s Day, swap the clichés for classics that match his quiet strength and unwavering presence. Whether it’s a crisp kurta or a sturdy pair of sandals, here are six meaningful gifts from Fabindia that blend functionality with finesse perfect for the man who’s been your guiding light.

    Step into comfort: Priced at Rs 2,999, these brown leather sandals are built for the long haul. With premium leather and all-day comfort in mind, they’re a grounded yet stylish option for the dad who’s walked beside you every step of the way.

    Carry a piece of him: This Rs 999 brown leather wallet may be compact, but it’s packed with character. Its slim design and refined stitching make it a perfect everyday essential for a man who carries little but means everything.

    Wrap him in heritage: For the father who embodies grace and grit, the beige silk hand block printed Bandhgala jacket (Rs 3,899) blends traditional artistry with modern tailoring. It’s a nod to the man who makes every gathering feel like home.

    Tradition at his feet: If he’s partial to ethnic elegance, look no further than the brown leather embroidered juttie for Rs 1,300. With its shimmering details and soft sole, it’s comfort wrapped in craftsmanship.

    Casual, but considered: A Rs 1,599 maroon cotton handwoven short kurta offers both ease and elegance. Handloomed by skilled artisans, this piece is for the dad who balances simplicity with strength in every move.

    Bright idea: If your father’s desk is his kingdom, this gold metal study table lamp (Rs 5,999) will be his crown jewel. Sleek, adjustable, and resolutely modern, it’s a nod to the focus and clarity he brings to life.

    From the sturdy to the stylish, these thoughtful picks from Fabindia prove that gifting dad doesn’t need to be grand, it just needs to be grounded. After all, some heroes don’t wear capes… they wear kurtas and carry wallets that have aged as gracefully as they have.

  • EaseMyTrip 2.0: Nishant Pitti plots a first-class upgrade for Indian startups

    EaseMyTrip 2.0: Nishant Pitti plots a first-class upgrade for Indian startups

    MUMBAI: Buckle up—EaseMyTrip is switching lanes. Chairman and founder Nishant Pitti has just rolled out EaseMyTrip 2.0, a turbocharged phase of growth where the travel-tech player won’t just book your holiday—it may just bankroll your next big startup.

    Announced on 2 June, the move marks a bold pivot for one of India’s most profitable online travel agencies. Rather than gunning for control or swift exits, the brand’s new strategy will focus on acquiring up to 49 per cent equity in promising businesses while letting founders retain full operational control. The model? Think co-pilot, not cockpit hijack.

    “We want to back founders who are building exciting businesses and not replace them,” said
    Nishant Pitti. “EaseMyTrip 2.0 is about combining their vision with our platform to create real, lasting scale.”

    The sectors in Pitti’s sights are as wide-ranging as a world map—from core travel segments like spiritual tourism (Ayodhya, Kedarnath, Varanasi), luxury escapes, and student travel to the more offbeat like air ambulances and intercity cabs. But there’s also a pivot to lifestyle. Wellness clinics, spa services, EMI travel payments, insurance, airport lounges and bespoke gifting are all part of the wishlist.

    This is not angel investing in yoga pants. EaseMyTrip 2.0 aims to fuse scale with soul. Founders can expect working capital, access to customers, co-branded marketing, and full freedom to operate—without ceding their vision.

    Entrepreneurs looking to hop aboard this flight can submit business plans, past financials and a three-year growth roadmap to vikash.goyal@easemytrip.com.

    Founded in 2008, EaseMyTrip has managed to do the unthinkable in the OTA space—stay bootstrapped, profitable, and pandemic-resistant. With a 47 per cent CAGR in pre-tax profits (FY20–24), a zero-convenience-fee model, and presence in 10 global markets, the company is now ready to scale new altitudes. And this time, it wants fellow fliers.

    As Pitti put it, ““We’re building an ecosystem; not just a travel company. “EaseMyTrip 2.0 is our commitment to helping India’s most promising businesses scale faster and with our expertise behind them.”

    Let the startups take off.

  • Jonty Rhodes joins Vig-Gunjal’s Upurfit as investor and brand face, dives into India’s fitness startup race

    Jonty Rhodes joins Vig-Gunjal’s Upurfit as investor and brand face, dives into India’s fitness startup race

    MUMBAI: It’s not every day that one of cricket’s most agile fielders jumps into the startup arena—feet first. But Jonty Rhodes, the South African dynamo whose name is etched in every highlight reel from the ’90s, has added a fresh title to his career scorecard: strategic investor and brand ambassador for Upurfit, a rising Indian sports and fitness brand.

    Based in Mumbai and launched in 2023, Upurfit is angling for a slice of India’s booming sports wellness market, projected to touch $40 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 19 per cent, according to a joint Deloitte-Google report. With its range of performance, recovery, and hygiene-focused products, the brand promises clean ingredients and results that speak to the everyday athlete.

    What drew Rhodes to the brand wasn’t the glitter of celebrity endorsement. “What struck me about Upurfit was the clarity of its mission. When Vikram and Munish first approached me, it wasn’t about signing up a celebrity endorsement. Their focus was on product relevance, clean ingredients, and true performance. My family and I tried the products ourselves, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be part of this journey. I’m excited to support Upurfit not just as a face, but as a strategic investor committed to building value”, he said.

    For co-founders Munish Vig and Vikram Gunjal, the association is more than a high-profile endorsement. It’s a hands-on alliance.

    “For us, Jonty isn’t just a cricketing icon. He represents resilience, commitment, and performance. He’s the ideal mentor and gospeller for a brand like ours that is built for the athlete in every Indian. His belief in our products and now in our mission is a huge validation of what we’re building”, said Gunjal.

    Vig added, “The turning point for us was Jonty’s feedback. He shared detailed insights on what athletes and fitness enthusiasts truly need, and his perspective has already shaped our upcoming product roadmap. His involvement goes far beyond brand value. It’s product leadership and strategic insight in action”.

    Upurfit is now doubling down on building products that combine science, simplicity, and performance. With a cricketing legend on board and a homegrown ethos at heart, the brand seems primed to take a firm stance in India’s increasingly health-conscious ecosystem.

  • Suhana Khan laces up with adidas India, reimagines iconic Originals for gen z flair

    Suhana Khan laces up with adidas India, reimagines iconic Originals for gen z flair

    MUMBAI: Adidas India has tapped Suhana Khan as the latest face of its brand, signalling a bold stride in blending classic streetwear heritage with the next generation’s flair for expression. The announcement marks a strategic move by the global sportswear giant to rejuvenate its Originals identity with a voice that speaks to India’s youth.

    With this collaboration, adidas revisits its cult-classic sneaker franchise — the Superstar — anchoring the campaign in timeless fashion that resonates across generations. While the shoe first stormed courts and streets decades ago, Suhana’s entry breathes new cultural relevance into the silhouette, infusing it with the energy of digital-age trendsetters.

    “I’m super thrilled to be joining the iconic adidas family. The brand has always held a special place in my heart, with its classic sneakers being a staple in my wardrobe. adidas Originals stands for creativity, authenticity, and staying true to yourself — values I truly admire. To now be part of a legacy rooted in culture that has inspired so many across the world feels incredibly special”, Suhana shared in a statement.

    Adidas India GM Neelendra Singh echoed the sentiment, “At adidas India, we have always believed in the power of cultural creators, those who shape the now and define what’s next. Suhana Khan infuses fresh energy into some of our most iconic apparel pieces and classic sneaker silhouettes like the Superstar, reimagining them for a new generation. Her style is effortless and expressive, and we’re excited to welcome her into the adidas family as we continue to champion individuality and self-expression through street culture”.

    The partnership underscores adidas India’s approach to stay rooted in legacy while adapting to evolving style codes. By welcoming a young cultural voice like Suhana, the brand aims to reassert its Originals line as a mainstay of contemporary wardrobes, without abandoning its heritage.

    As Suhana steps into her role, adidas promises a renewed creative vision — one stitched together by classic design, future-forward influence, and the enduring appeal of self-expression.

  • Hit for Six Rohit Sharma bats again for TCL in year two of brand play

    Hit for Six Rohit Sharma bats again for TCL in year two of brand play

    MUMBAI: Rohit Sharma isn’t just mastering moments on the cricket pitch, he’s now doubling down on doing so in your living room too. The Indian skipper has returned for a second innings as brand ambassador for TCL India, extending a partnership that fuses cool-headed consistency with cutting-edge consumer tech.

    TCL, known for its growing footprint in the smart TV and home appliance sector, continues to lean into Indian sensibilities with this brand move. Rohit, who is exclusively managed by Rise Worldwide, fits snugly into the brand’s “Master the Moment” philosophy bringing a blend of precision, poise, and impact to the company’s message.

    “We are thrilled to have Rohit continue with us,” said TCL India general manager Philip Xia. “His leadership under pressure and reliable performance mirror the values we stand by at TCL innovation, dependability, and cultural resonance.”

    The feeling is mutual. “TCL’s drive to innovate resonates with my own approach to the game,” said Rohit Sharma, sounding as composed as ever. “Together, we want to remind people that technology, when used well, empowers you to live every moment to its fullest.”

    The extended association comes at a time when TCL is betting big on its AI-powered solutions, expanding its smart TV and appliance range across Indian markets. From product rollouts to emotion-led campaigns, Rohit’s face (and finesse) will front a host of initiatives aimed at turning tech into a lifestyle statement.

    As TCL plays the long game in India’s fast-growing consumer electronics arena, it’s clearly banking on cricketing charisma to keep it in pole position and Rohit Sharma, as always, is ready to deliver.