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Category: Brands

  • Thermocool turns up the heat with ‘Raid 2’ partnership starring Ajay Devgn across India

    Thermocool turns up the heat with ‘Raid 2’ partnership starring Ajay Devgn across India

    MUMBAI: This summer, it’s not just temperatures soaring-so is Thermocool’s brand game. Thermocool Home Appliances has teamed up with the upcoming Hindi cinema thriller Raid 2 in a star-powered collaboration featuring Ajay Devgn, aiming to blitz every screen and street corner across India.

    Produced by T-Series and Panorama Studios, Raid 2 brings themes of courage and justice—values Thermocool claims to bottle into every appliance it sells.

    “We are thrilled to be associated with Raid 2—a film that talks about courage, integrity, and doing the right thing. These are values that we at Thermocool highly admire and mirror in our products and brand philosophy”, said Thermocool Home Appliances Ltd director sales & marketing Tanuj Gupta.

    The campaign is already firing on all cylinders—television ads, Youtube streams, social media blitzes, and giant hoardings have flooded tier one and tier two cities, making sure no thermostat-owning human misses the memo.

    Gupta further noted, “This partnership also showcases our changing marketing strategy, which is centred around high-recall partnerships and more meaningful audience interaction”.

    In-cinema branding, curated contests, and digital content are fuelling Thermocool’s ambitions to lock into the hearts (and homes) of India’s families, especially as the heatwave encourages shoppers to rethink their cooling solutions.

    Devgn’s no-nonsense screen presence dovetails neatly with Thermocool’s promise of robust, value-based home products. With Raid 2 expected to have a wide national reach, the brand is banking on more than just box office success—it’s aiming for serious emotional connect and deeper market penetration.

  • The Souled Store bags Redwolf to expand its pop culture merchandise empire

    The Souled Store bags Redwolf to expand its pop culture merchandise empire

    MUMBAI: In a move set to reshape India’s pop culture merchandise landscape, the homegrown brand, The Souled Store announced the acquisition of Redwolf, another popular name in the fandom apparel and collectibles market.

    The deal brings Redwolf’s founders—Ameya Thakur, Rahul Jaisheel, and Vivek Malhotra—into The Souled Store fold. Their expertise and passion are expected to supercharge the brand’s mission to create more innovative, fan-driven collections.

    “Merging with The Souled Store was the next logical step in realising our vision of bringing the best pop culture merchandise to the Indian audience. All three of us are huge pop-culture geeks ourselves and look forward to leveraging the scale provided by The Souled Store to take the brand to greater heights,” said Malhotra.

    The Souled Store co-founder Vedang Patel added, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Redwolf to The Souled Store family. Their incredible creativity and commitment to providing fandom-inspired products is a perfect fit. This acquisition will strengthen our mission to become the Home of Pop-culture in India. We are excited to co-build this shared vision with the founders of Redwolf.”

    Founded on a love for fandom culture, The Souled Store has built a vibrant space where fans can find products celebrating their favourite movies, TV shows, music, and characters. With Redwolf now part of the family, the brand plans to offer an even bigger and better range of exclusive collaborations and creative products.

    This partnership brings The Souled Store closer to its ultimate goal: evolving into a global lifestyle brand that speaks to every fan’s soul.

  • CA Vikas Vohra Sets a New Benchmark Mentoring Finance Professionals at edZeb

    CA Vikas Vohra Sets a New Benchmark Mentoring Finance Professionals at edZeb

    You must have heard this popular saying “A good teacher is like a candle—it consumes itself to light the way for others.”

    This is so true when we talk about our very own CA Vikas Vohra at edZeb. This is not just a saying—it is a reality he lives every day. His name has quickly become synonymous with excellence in finance mentorship. He is very well-known for his sharp mind and a heart full of guidance. Vikas Sir has set a new standard for how finance professionals should be mentored in today’s fast-moving world.

    Nowadays, you will find knowledge is plenty, but guidance is rare. And his presence is shaping futures, one student at a time. He is focused on imparting real-world learning. With a knack for making tough concepts simple, he’s not just teaching finance—he is building finance leaders.

    CA Vikas Vohra’s Journey

    “Experience is the best teacher,” is what CA Vikas Vohra’s journey proves.

    He has walked the path in the finance world for over a decade that most students wish to tread. He has been working from audit rooms to boardrooms. It was a walk through the learning, the leadership, and the exposure to real world finance. He did not just study numbers, he lived them. His solid background as a Chartered Accountant gave him depth of knowledge and insight. That makes him quite unique because he decided to share that wisdom with many more through his CFA coaching in Delhi at edZeb.

    His Transformative Role at edZeb

    CA Vikas Vohra plays a key role in mentoring CFA aspirants. His influence goes far beyond the classroom, making finance feel real and relatable. His belief in “Knowledge shared is knowledge doubled,” and so he brings lessons to life. The use of real-world case studies and live market analysis helps students understand how finance works in the business world today.

    Vikas Sir does not just follow the syllabus; rather, he focuses on creating clarity by simplifying even the toughest topics. It ensures that every student truly understands the concepts. His teaching style is interactive, making each class engaging and full of “aha” moments. His students enrolled in the financial modelling course not only learn finance but also enjoy it, applying their knowledge in real-life situations.

    Benchmarks Setting Long-Lasting Impact on Learners

    As the proof of the pudding is in the eating, the true value of a teacher is seen in the success of their students. Under the guidance of CA Vikas Vohra learners have passed their CFA exams with flying colors. Moreover, they have also stepped confidently into the finance world. His impact goes far beyond the classroom, and here is how he is helping students raise the bar.

    Turning Learners into Professionals
    Under his expert mentorship, students prepare to crack their exams and prepare for life in finance. His teaching focuses on building skills that work in the real finance industry, not just in theory.

    Results That Speak
    His classes have seen high pass rates. Many of his students now work at leading finance firms. Only because of his real-world teaching style bridging the gap between books and boardrooms.

    Patience as His Superpower
    Vikas Sir is known for his calm and steady approach. No question is too small for him. He makes time for every student, explains tough concepts in a simple way, and ensures no one is left behind.

    More Than a Teacher
    To many, he is more than just a faculty member; for them, he is a mentor and a motivator. Whether a student is stuck on a chapter or unsure about their career path, he is always there to give the right advice.

    A Cheerleader at Heart
    He celebrates each win, big or small. From clearing a doubt to clearing an exam. He makes his students feel seen and supported at every step.

    In every sense, Vikas Sir is helping shape not just finance students, but future finance leaders.

    His Role in edZeb’s Vision

    The institute was built with the vision to provide practical, mentorship-driven coaching to finance aspirants, and Vikas Sir lives that vision every day. His teaching style matches edZeb’s core belief: education must empower, not overwhelm. Together, they are redefining finance education.

    A rising tide lifts all boats, so does under CA Vikas Vohra’s mentorship, edZeb is not just growing but thriving. His dedication has raised the bar for finance education, and in doing so, he is lighting the path for many more to follow.

    As the world of finance evolves, one thing is clear: with mentors like Vikas Sir, the future is in good hands.

    So, if you want to know more about them,
    Call +91-8263-900-900
    Sr. Counsellor, 
    edZeb

  • Zouk and Kriti Sanon unpack pride and purpose with A Bagful of You campaign

    Zouk and Kriti Sanon unpack pride and purpose with A Bagful of You campaign

    MUMBAI: Fashion just got a little more soulful and a lot more personal as Zouk, India’s proudly vegan and 100 per cent Indian lifestyle brand, has launched its latest campaign, A Bagful of You. Featuring National Award-winning actress Kriti Sanon as the face of the movement, the campaign isn’t just selling bags, it’s celebrating roots, resilience, and cultural pride.

    Rolling out during IPL 2025 across Connected TV, Youtube, and Meta’s social platforms, A Bagful of You marks Zouk’s grand debut on India’s biggest cricketing stage. Offline, the campaign is making waves too, turning malls and city streets into style runways where tradition meets ambition. With Zouk’s signature Indian prints and cruelty-free materials front and centre, the message is loud and clear: fashion isn’t just what you wear, it’s who you are.

    Commenting on the launch, Zouk founder Disha Singh said, “With ‘A Bagful of You’, we wanted to spotlight something that often gets overlooked the silent strength, pride, and individuality of the modern Indian woman. She is everywhere. She’s in cities and small towns, boardrooms and classrooms, weaving tradition into ambition every single day. At Zouk, we build cultural continuity into daily life. Our prints are proudly Indian, our materials consciously vegan, and our purpose deeply personal. This campaign is an extension of the message that fashion serves beyond looking good, it honours one’s connection to their identity and culture.”

    Kriti Sanon shared her personal connection to the campaign’s message as well, saying, “What spoke to me most about ‘A Bagful of You’ is that instead of selling an image, it’s a reminder of who we already are. What I carry says everything about what I stand for. Whether it’s a mood, a memory, or a moment of pride, it’s all part of me. So, beyond an
    accessory, it’s an extension of my personality, my roots, and my values. Zouk’s bags, with their beautiful Indian prints and cruelty-free materials, make that connection even stronger. When I carry a Zouk, I carry my culture with me, and I do it with pride.”

    Built on the belief that fashion should fit your soul, not just your style, A Bagful of You blends Zouk’s design philosophy with a relatable, heart-warming narrative that resonates with modern Indian women. It reflects everyday pride from boardrooms to classrooms where ambition and tradition weave effortlessly together.

    With over 15 lakh happy customers and exclusive stores now in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Lucknow, and Gurgaon, Zouk continues to expand its footprint across India. The brand recently launched its women-first luggage line, further solidifying its commitment to creating functional, stylish essentials for today’s traveller.

    As Zouk grows its community of vibrant, rooted, and fearless women, A Bagful of You stands tall as a reminder that true style isn’t about fitting in, it’s about standing out, authentically.

  • Rajiv Malhotra boards 12Go as chief product officer

    Rajiv Malhotra boards 12Go as chief product officer

    MUMBAI: Rajiv Malhotra has packed his bags for a fresh adventure, joining 12Go as chief product officer, and adding another heavyweight chapter to a career that’s criss-crossed e-commerce, travel, media, mobile, and logistics.

    An MBA from NTU Singapore and a citizen of Singapore with OCI status in India, Malhotra brings 25 years of razor-sharp product expertise to the role — across start-ups and blue-chip giants alike. Whether it’s managing $100 million+ P&Ls, pioneering UX strategies, scaling digital businesses, or launching SaaS solutions, he’s left an unmistakable signature on every stop.

    Before this, he steered digital media products at SPH Media, led logistics products at Gojek, advised start-ups, and even brewed success as an entrepreneur with Hotellauncher.com. Past tours of duty also include Expedia, MakeMyTrip, Yatra, and Yahoo! SEA, where he was at the bleeding edge of product innovation and digital transformation.

    From product vision to UX design, Malhotra is passionate about building tech solutions that actually make life easier (and a lot more profitable). A self-confessed Kombucha enthusiast and amateur chef when off-duty, he knows a thing or two about the perfect blend — whether in the kitchen or in code.

  • Runwal Realty lays the foundation for legacy with Sonam Kapoor as brand face

    Runwal Realty lays the foundation for legacy with Sonam Kapoor as brand face

    MUMBAI: Hindi cinema meets blueprint as Runwal Realty rolled out its latest brand campaign, roping in actor and style icon Sonam Kapoor as its ambassador. With the tagline ‘Building for generations to come’, the campaign, executed by Thought Blurb Communications, aims to etch legacy into luxury real estate and shift focus from square footage to storytelling.

    Taking over Mumbai’s skyline via hoardings, print ads and digital banners, the campaign marks a strategic inflection point for the developer, known for upscale properties in high-value locations. It will soon extend into film and experiential formats, designed to resonate with a clientele that prefers purpose over pomp.

    “‘Building for Generations to Come’ is not just a brand philosophy—it’s our compass,” said Runwal Realty director – retail Sanya Runwal. “Sonam Kapoor brings that same timeless elegance and depth… Her understanding of personal space and design mirrors our own vision.”

    Kapoor’s selection as brand ambassador reflects Runwal’s intent to blend aesthetic refinement with cultural resonance. The company isn’t just selling homes—it’s selling heritage.

    Thought Blurb Communications MD & CCO Vinod Kunj unpacked the brand’s tonal shift, “Luxury cannot be sold too stentoriously. It has to be understated and nuanced… At this level, the need for meaning and creating a legacy is of much greater importance.”

    At the heart of the campaign lies the idea that real estate is more than a transaction—it’s a long-term emotional investment. In a sector often defined by noise, Runwal’s subtle messaging intends to cut through the clutter by appealing to values that last longer than granite countertops.

    As Runwal Realty positions itself for the long haul, its branding suggests it is no longer just constructing buildings but crafting relationships built on legacy, taste, and trust.
     

  • Candere founder Rupesh Jain launches Lucira to reshape diamond game with ethical brilliance

    Candere founder Rupesh Jain launches Lucira to reshape diamond game with ethical brilliance

    MUMBAI: India’s fine jewellery scene just got a luminous new player—and it’s wearing a conscience. Rupesh Jain, the mind behind Candere’s meteoric rise, unveiled Lucira, a lab-grown diamond jewellery brand built for modern romance and meaningful milestones.

    Lucira launched with a clear purpose: to combine tradition, tech and ethics in a category still glinting with old-world opacity. Touted as the ‘Rings King’, the brand caters to proposals, weddings, and anniversaries with handcrafted jewellery that mixes AI-powered personalisation and certified diamonds—all at a lower cost to the planet and pocket.

    “Lucira is about elevating meaningful moments with timeless design and ethical brilliance. We’re not just shaping rings, we’re shaping what they represent in today’s world,” said Jain, who previously built Candere into a market leader before its acquisition by Kalyan Jewellers.

    Lucira’s entry comes as lab-grown diamonds gain serious traction worldwide. Offering the same visual, chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds, LGDs are increasingly seen as the responsible luxury choice. Lucira’s pieces are certified by IGI, GIA, SGL and Hallmark, and each design is crafted to reflect individuality and emotion.

    Backed by India’s booming diamond ecosystem and friendly policy climate, Lucira aims to be the country’s first global lab-grown diamond luxury house. Its omnichannel roadmap begins online, with flagship stores set to open in metros, followed by phased expansions into tier-two cities and select global markets.

    “Our vision is to create a premium, design-led fine jewellery destination that begins online and extends into beautifully curated physical spaces,” Jain added. “With AI-powered customisation, virtual try-ons, and seamless e-commerce, we’re meeting customers where they are.”

    Lucira launches with five proprietary signature cuts and a focus on solitaires, eternity bands, and convertible everyday rings. These aren’t just accessories—they’re declarations, reimagined as heirlooms for a generation that values purpose as much as sparkle.

    As Jain puts it, Lucira is not just a new chapter—it’s a future-forward manifesto for how jewellery should look, feel and matter.

  • Funskool plays it smart, crosses Rs 300 crore turnover with 20 per cent export boost and desi brand wins

    Funskool plays it smart, crosses Rs 300 crore turnover with 20 per cent export boost and desi brand wins

    MUMBAI: India’s homegrown toy titan Funskool just levelled up in a big way. For FY 2024–25, the company clocked a turnover exceeding Rs 300 crore—powered by a potent mix of desi hits and global play.

    Recording over 20 per cent year-on-year growth, the brand credited its performance to a sharpened export strategy and deepening alliances with global toy majors. Exports alone surged by nearly 30 per cent, solidifying Funskool’s role as a serious player in the global toy trade.

    “We are moving in the right direction. With an impressive growth trajectory, Funskool continues to play a vital role in advancing the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” said Funskool India Ltd CEO K.A. Shabir. “We are focused on deepening our partnerships with global toy brands and further positioning ourselves as a quality toy manufacturer in the international supply chain.”

    Currently, Funskool contributes close to 20 per cent of India’s total toy exports. Its outbound shipments to the United States now account for around 40 per cent of that volume, giving the brand a strong foothold in one of the world’s largest toy markets.

    The company’s ambitions don’t end there. For the ongoing fiscal, Funskool has set its sights on USD 40–45 million in revenue, driven by capacity expansions and the global tilt toward Indian manufacturing. The firm recently doubled output at its Ranipet facility and is now planning further upgrades at both Ranipet and Goa plants.

    On the home front, the company has steadily built out its portfolio of Indian brands—including Giggles, Fundough, Handycrafts, Play&Learn, and its growing lineup of board and card games—cementing its reputation as a market leader.

    With exports scaling and domestic love holding firm, Funskool’s FY25 performance proves that playtime pays off.

  • Nestlé brews up record sales in India as coffee, cocoa and cats fuel growth

    Nestlé brews up record sales in India as coffee, cocoa and cats fuel growth

    MUMBAI:  Nestlé India stirred up a storm this quarter, brewing its highest-ever domestic sales at Rs 5,235 crore. For the full year ended 31 March 2025, total standalone revenues topped Rs 20,078 crore, with net profit settling at Rs 3,315 crore, marking a modest jump of 3.7 per cent year-on-year. The board also declared a final dividend of Rs 10 per share, sweetening the pay out pot to Rs 27 per share for FY’25.

    A frothy combination of caffeine, confectionery, and kitty treats. Beverages, led by Nescafe’s cold coffee range, posted double-digit growth. The Gen Z-fuelled ready-to-drink variants are creating a whole new universe of coffee consumption moments. Meanwhile, Kitkat continued to crack the confectionery code — India is now its second-largest market globally.

    Maggi also slurped its way back to volume growth. With masala magic intact, Nestlé’s cooking aids and prepared dishes segment showed mid-single digit growth, keeping India firmly on top as MAGGI’s largest global market.

    The milk products & nutrition category saw launches of Cerelac and Ceregrow variants with zero refined sugar, bolstering Nestlé’s health-first pitch. Meanwhile, the petcare segment — now fully integrated — clawed its way to the top with high double-digit growth, with Purina Pro Plan and Felix driving demand among pet parents.

    Nestlé’s out-of-home business is emerging as a dark horse, now dabbling in professional spreads with Kitkat Professional Spread for dessert chefs. E-commerce contributed 8.5 per cent to domestic sales, helped by a fast-track into quick commerce.

    The company reaffirmed its Rs 6,500 crore investment commitment towards new capabilities and capacities between 2020 and 2025. Its tenth  factory in Odisha, focused on food manufacturing, is already underway with a Rs 900 crore first-phase spend.

    Sustainability wasn’t just lip service. The company highlighted efforts like renewable energy adoption, circular packaging, regenerative agriculture, and ‘Zer’Eau’ water-saving tech in its Moga and Samalkha plants, recycling milk-extracted water to slash groundwater drawdowns by 20 per cent.

    * Operating margins: 21.5 per cent
    * Cash from operations: Rs 2,936 crore
    * Contribution to exchequer: Rs 5,504.7 crore
    * EPS: Rs 34.38
    * Share capital: Rs 964.2 crore

    Despite strong fundamentals, net cash dropped sharply to Rs 761.8 million, down from over Rs 7.5 billion last year — partly due to capex, dividends, and increased working capital needs.

  • Hindustan Unilever lathers up growth in FY’25 with a five per cent profit shine

    Hindustan Unilever lathers up growth in FY’25 with a five per cent profit shine

    MUMBAI:Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has managed to keep its balance sheet gleaming, reporting a five per cent jump in profit after tax to Rs 10,644 crore for FY’25, even as topline growth remained modest at two per cent. 

    The year’s big soap opera? A slick pivot to premiumisation, digital demand drivers, and a hard scrub of its product portfolio.

    For the March quarter (MQ’25), HUL clocked an underlying sales growth (USG) of 3 per cent, with volumes up two per cent. The FMCG major’s EBITDA margin stood at 23.1 per cent, slipping 30 basis points year-on-year, largely due to higher investments in innovation and future-facing channels. PAT for the quarter rose four per cent to Rs 2,497 crore.

    The home care division sparkled, with mid-single digit volume growth buoyed by strong performance in fabric conditioners and a renewed push on premium liquids like Surf Excel Smart Shots. Liquids, in fact, are the brand’s current crush – the portfolio grew in double digits and is now being democratised with new formats and price points.

    Beauty & wellbeing rose three per cent with hair care flexing double-digit volume muscle. Despite softness in mass skin care, the segment rode high on emerging channels and product launches like Liquid IV hydration sachets and summer-targeted sun care under Lakme and Vaseline.

    The personal care vertical delivered three per cent USG despite a slight volume dip. Skin cleansing lathered up high-single digit growth in the non-hygiene segment, while Closeup ventured into whitening territory with its ‘White Now’ range. Lifebuoy took centre stage at the Maha Kumbh with a refreshed ‘skin protection’ pitch.

    Food sales slipped one per cent, thanks to a drag in nutrition drinks, still reeling from pricing resets and category challenges. But there was flavour elsewhere – tea and coffee brewed growth, while ice cream melted hearts with double-digit volume gains and indulgent launches like Magnum Pistachio.

    CEO Rohit Jawa highlighted a year of “competitive performance” driven by “portfolio transformation, premiumisation and digital-first growth”. Big moves included the Minimalist acquisition, Pureit exit, and ice cream demerger approval. HUL also declared a hefty Rs 53 per share dividend (including a special Rs 10) – a total payout of Rs 12,453 crore.

    Looking ahead, the company expects demand to warm up in FY’26. With commodities stabilising, HUL is betting on low-single digit price growth and a volume-led playbook to deliver double-digit EPS growth.

    While volume may not have exploded, HUL’s strategic polish, from digital detours to premium suds, helped it stay competitive, confident, and cash-rich. Not bad for a company that just turned 90.