ITV

Category: Brands

  • Acer races into quick commerce with gadgets that click in minutes

    Acer races into quick commerce with gadgets that click in minutes

    MUMBAI: Why wait for tomorrow when your tablet could arrive before tea? Acer India is flipping the script on traditional tech retail by diving headfirst into quick commerce, ensuring its gadgets get to you faster than ever before. With a strategic push into lightning-speed delivery, the brand has teamed up with leading platforms to offer select accessories, monitors, and tablets right to your doorstep often within minutes.

    Whether you’re an office warrior needing a monitor in a pinch or a student hunting for last-minute learning tools, Acer’s new initiative has your back and your gadgets in record time.

    Acer India chief business officer Sudhir Goel said, “At Acer, innovation isn’t limited to our devices, it’s reflected in the way we serve our customers. Our foray into quick commerce eliminates waiting times and delivers essential tech solutions right when people need them. Whether it’s for work, learning, or leisure, Acer’s premium technology is now just minutes away.”

    This shift mirrors India’s surging demand for instant gratification and convenience. In a world where attention spans are shorter than charging cables and work-from-anywhere is the new norm, Acer’s pivot to on-demand delivery aims to marry convenience with quality.

    By reimagining how tech meets its users, Acer is not just selling products, it’s setting a new benchmark in convenience-led retail. From living rooms to lecture halls, your next tech upgrade might just arrive before your coffee cools.

  • Harmanpreet hits it out of the app as new face of Crex cricket platform

    Harmanpreet hits it out of the app as new face of Crex cricket platform

    MUMBAI: There’s a new innings underway this time off the field as Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of India’s women’s cricket team, pads up as the newest brand ambassador for Crex, the world’s leading cricket analysis app. The collaboration brings a strong shot of star power to the platform while bowling over gender stereotypes in sports.

    Speaking about the development, India women’s team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur said, “I am thrilled to partner with Crex, a platform that shares my passion for cricket and is actively working to elevate the women’s game. It’s inspiring to see Crex’s commitment to bridging the visibility gap in sports and encouraging young girls to chase their cricketing dreams. I look forward to connecting with fans and contributing to the growth of this beautiful game for everyone.”

    Crex chief strategy officer Rajat Vallabh said, “Crex has signed Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, as its brand ambassador. This campaign is a step towards building more support for women’s cricket, helping it grow, gain more fans, and get the recognition it deserves, just like men’s cricket. Let’s celebrate and cheer for our women in sports!”

    Joining fellow cricketing star Shikhar Dhawan on the Crex roster, Harmanpreet’s partnership signals a strong move towards levelling the playing field and spotlighting the rise of women’s cricket.

    Since its launch in 2017, Crex has bowled fans over with its clean, data-rich experience offering everything from live scores and match commentary to player rankings and performance insights. Whether it’s a Test match or a local league clash, Crex’s coverage spans all formats, making it the go-to app for casual viewers and hardcore cricket junkies alike.

    With features like shot maps, scoring breakdowns, weather updates, and expert analysis, the platform is transforming how fans consume the sport. And with Harmanpreet now on board, it’s clearly aiming to ensure that the women’s game gets the same spotlight as the men’s.

    In an era where cricket is as much about fan engagement as it is about boundaries and bouncers, this partnership is more than a marketing move, it’s a masterstroke.

  • Tommy Hilfiger hits Mumbai runway with Hindi cinema glam and fashionable chatter

    Tommy Hilfiger hits Mumbai runway with Hindi cinema glam and fashionable chatter

    MUMBAI: Mumbai had its fashion radar dialled to high style as Tommy Hilfiger touched down in the city on 15 April 2025, blending American chic with Hindi cinema glitter. The day saw Mumbai’s fashion elite and top celebrities mingling amid bold styles and vibrant banter, underlining the designer’s deepening ties with India’s fashion capital.

    Hilfiger’s day kicked off at the Tommy Hilfiger store at Jio World Drive in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai’s go-to luxe address. He joined a lively panel discussion with actress and philanthropist Manushi Chhillar and creative dynamo Sarah-Jane Dias. The trio exchanged insights on global style trends and cultural interplay, much to the delight of fashion enthusiasts.

    As night fell, the fashion fiesta moved to the iconic Taj Chambers at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. With views of the Arabian Sea and Gateway of India, the dinner was an intimate affair, brimming with glamour and cultural flair. Hindi cinema A-listers such as Karan Johar, Sara Ali Khan, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, and singer Guru Randhawa added star wattage to the exclusive guest list.

    Infused with Hilfiger’s hallmark energy and a splash of Mumbai’s unique style quotient, the evening highlighted the designer’s commitment to India’s vibrant fashion and entertainment landscape.

  • Hyundai shifts gears as sunroof SUVs steer sales past the halfway mark

    Hyundai shifts gears as sunroof SUVs steer sales past the halfway mark

    MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is basking in the glow of rising consumer aspirations, with sunroof-equipped vehicles accounting for 53.2 per cent of total sales in FY2024-25. As open skies meet open roads, the sunroof has become less of a luxury and more of a must-have, showcasing the Indian consumer’s growing appetite for premium features.

    That’s not all that’s revving up, SUVs are now Hyundai’s undisputed road royalty, contributing 68.5 per cent to the company’s domestic sales, a sharp rise from 63.2 per cent in the previous fiscal. With a power-packed lineup including the Exter, Venue, Creta, Alcazar, Tuscon, and Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s SUV story is clearly in top gear.

    Hyundai Motor India Ltd whole-time director and chief operating officer Tarun Garg said, “FY2024-25 has been a landmark year for Hyundai Motor India. The fact that two out of every third vehicle sold by us in India was an SUV is a testament to our deep understanding of Indian customers and our commitment to delivering innovation, safety and style. The doubling of ADAS variant contribution and growing popularity of sunroof-equipped models reflects the rising aspirations of our customers and their readiness to embrace global technologies. We shall continue to march forward with a focus on customer delight, offering products that are future-ready, feature-rich, and engineered for India.”

    Sunroofs, once considered a luxury for high-end models, are now an option in 12 of Hyundai’s 14-model lineup. Meanwhile, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the tech behind modern-day driving safety saw its share double to 14.3 per cent in FY2024-25, up from 6.7 per cent the previous year. ADAS features are now offered in nine of HMIL’s models, underscoring the brand’s commitment to safety and sophistication.

    Hyundai’s portfolio also serves up a smorgasbord of engine and transmission options, including Petrol, Diesel, Turbo Petrol, CNG and Electric, coupled with manual and automatic variants like iVT, AT, AMT, and DCT giving buyers everything from city zippiness to highway muscle.

    As Indians look for smarter, safer, and sleeker ways to hit the road, Hyundai is clearly riding the winds of change sunroof open, tech tuned in, and all cylinders firing.
     

  • Zyod stitches tech into fashion with smart hubs launch in Gurugram and Jaipur

    Zyod stitches tech into fashion with smart hubs launch in Gurugram and Jaipur

    MUMBAI: Fashion and technology are finally hitting it off, and Zyod is playing the matchmaker. On 22 April, Zyod unveiled smart, tech-driven excellence hubs at its Gurugram and Jaipur manufacturing facilities. By fusing digital innovation directly onto the production floor, Zyod aims to speed up production, enhance quality, and keep sustainability fashionable.

    These cutting-edge hubs feature automated quality checks that spot defects instantly, cutting down on tedious rework. With AI-driven line planning predicting workflow bottlenecks before sewing even starts, Zyod is slashing idle time and upping output speed and precision.

    The company’s proprietary Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system provides real-time insights across the production cycle, further fine-tuning efficiency. Digital sampling replaces traditional prototypes, reducing waste and accelerating product development cycles.

    “As the fashion industry shifts toward on-demand manufacturing, traditional production methods often fall short in the face of rising market demands for speed, adaptability, and accuracy. Our new excellence hubs address this challenge head-on by incorporating advanced technologies into the production line. With features like automated quality control, AI-based line planning, and digital sampling, we’ve eliminated the need for physical prototypes, greatly accelerating development timelines and minimising material waste,” said Zyod co-founder Ankit Jaipuria.

    The locations weren’t chosen by accident. “Gurugram and Jaipur were selected for these hubs owing to their strong apparel manufacturing ecosystems. Gurugram’s dynamic tech sector offers skilled talent, while Jaipur’s rich textile heritage and craftsmanship enable access to premium raw materials. Combined with excellent connectivity, these locations empower Zyod to uphold agile and responsive production timelines aligned with modern market needs,” explained Zyod co-founder Ritesh Khandelwal.

    Each hub employs over 400 professionals, managing more than 700 styles and juggling over 2,000 design-to-delivery cycles simultaneously. This level of scalability allows Zyod to maintain quality and agility without breaking a sweat.

    Zyod now eyes nationwide expansion of its excellence hubs and the upcoming launch of a dedicated innovation centre—a significant leap for India’s apparel manufacturing scene.

  • AnyMind seals sweet deal with AnyReach to power up global gift-tech game

    AnyMind seals sweet deal with AnyReach to power up global gift-tech game

    MUMBAI: Wrapped with tech and tied with synergy, Anymind Group has just added another bow to its box of digital surprises this time, a full acquisition of Japanese e-gifting innovator, Anyreach. The Tokyo-based firm, best known for its platform Anygift, will now operate under the Anymind umbrella, marking the group’s 10th acquisition and its fifth in Japan.

    Founded in 2016, Anymind has grown into a global BPaaS (Business Process as a Service) player across marketing, e-commerce, and digital transformation, now spanning 15 markets. Its latest move not only fortifies its grip on the booming e-commerce landscape but also gifts it a stronghold in Japan’s rapidly expanding digital gifting space.

    AnyGift, used by over 700 companies in Japan lets online shoppers send physical or digital gifts without needing the recipient’s address, a feature that has found massive favour in a market projected to hit 257 billion dollars by 2027.

    On the completed acquisition, Anyreach CEO and founder Konosuke Nakajima said, “We founded AnyReach in 2021 with the mission to create a global e-gifting platform. In less than three years, Anygift has been adopted by over 700 companies, solidifying its position in Japan. By joining forces with AnyMind Group, which operates in 15 countries and regions, we can expand globally and continue innovating beyond digital gifting, incorporating offline experiences as well. Together, we aim to build the world’s No.1 platform in the gift-tech industry.”

    Anymind Group CEO and co-founder Kosuke Sogo said, “With this acquisition, our 10th M&A deal and fifth in Japan, we are accelerating our expansion in the e-commerce space. By combining our technology and expertise in marketing and e-commerce with AnyReach’s e-gift platform, we will provide new value to enterprise e-commerce strategies, support brand growth, and deliver unique purchasing experiences to consumers worldwide.”

    The acquisition brings a potent trifecta of capabilities into play. By fusing Anygift with Anymind’s e-commerce platform AnyX and influencer marketing engine Anytag, the newly united teams are poised to offer next-level solutions to brands looking to stand out in the digital bazaar.

    Beyond business, the acquisition symbolises a new phase in what both companies call the “gift-tech” revolution where digital convenience meets emotional expression, now at a global scale.

    From Southeast Asia to the world, it seems gifting just got an upgrade.

  • Anchor finds its North Star with Aimee Baruah in sparkling new campaigns

    Anchor finds its North Star with Aimee Baruah in sparkling new campaigns

    MUMBAI: In a move that’s all smiles and sparkle, Anchor Oral Care has announced acclaimed actor and cultural icon Aimee Baruah as its brand ambassador for the North East region. With this appointment, the leading Indian oral care brand is aiming to widen its grin across the region, already a key market for the brand for decades.

    The new face of Anchor comes hand-in-hand with a refreshed marketing push that includes two culturally rooted campaigns Laal. Kamaal. Bemisaal. and Naye Zamane Ki Nayi Suraksha aimed at tapping into North East India’s strong preferences for natural, high-efficacy oral care products.

    Speaking on the development, Anchor Consumer Products director Karan Shah stated: “At Anchor Oral Care, we are committed to providing high-quality, effective, and natural oral care solutions. North East is a priority market for us, and our investment in this region reflects our dedication to serving consumers with superior products that meet their needs. Partnering with Aimee Baruah marks a significant milestone in our journey, and she will play a crucial role in raising oral health awareness across North East. With a legacy of trust and quality, Anchor Oral Care remains devoted to offering innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of North East consumers.”

    Anchor Consumer Products Creative Director Kunal Shah shared insights on the campaign’s vision: “With ‘Laal. Kamaal. Bemisaal.’ and ‘Naye Zamane Ki Nayi Suraksha,’ we aimed to create a fresh and culturally relevant narrative that resonates deeply with North East consumers. Anchor Oral Care is more than just a product it’s about building trust and reinforcing the importance of holistic oral health.”

    The Laal. Kamaal. Bemisaal. campaign champions Anchor Red Toothpaste, a herbal formulation boasting 10 Ayurvedic benefits made with ingredients like Tulsi, Laung, and Pudina. From strengthening teeth to promoting gum health, it blends time-tested wisdom with refreshing taste.

    Meanwhile, Naye Zamane Ki Nayi Suraksha, also starring Baruah, positions Anchor as a forward-thinking, scientifically backed brand with a focus on vegetarian and globally certified oral care. The TVC centres on Anchor’s CalFlo formulation, designed to deliver stronger, whiter teeth with long-lasting protection tailor-made for today’s health-conscious families.

    Expressing her enthusiasm, Aimee Baruah said, “I am thrilled to collaborate with Anchor Oral Care, a brand synonymous with trust, innovation, and holistic oral health. Good oral hygiene is essential for overall well-being, and I truly believe in Anchor’s dedication to providing effective and modern solutions for families. I look forward to being part of this meaningful journey.”

    Anchor Consumer Products sr. vice president of sales Asit Roy of  emphasized the brand’s strengthened focus on North East: ” North East is a high potential market and we are one of the leading brands in Oral Care. Our partnership with Aimee Baruah, along with our new campaigns, will enable us to deepen our engagement with consumers, expand our distribution, and strengthen our position in the oral care category.”

    Anchor Consumer Products, marketing head Sandeep Abbhi added, “Aimee Baruah is trusted, admired and culturally rooted personality in North East. Her strong credibility and connection with North East families make her the perfect choice to represent Anchor Oral Care. Beyond the TVC, she will be actively involved in digital campaigns, in-store promotions, and consumer engagement activities. Our creative approach leverages her real-life personality to establish a genuine and personal connection with our audience.”

    Anchor’s expansion into the North East is underpinned by a strategic focus on natural ingredients, ethical production, and high-quality, effective solutions. With growing awareness around dental health and a clear consumer preference for holistic care, the brand’s combination of tradition and science looks poised to win smiles and market share.

  • Rupinder Sandhu Anand rises to lead APAC at Oki

    Rupinder Sandhu Anand rises to lead APAC at Oki

    MUMBAI: Rupinder Sandhu Anand has stepped into a larger arena. The chief executive officer of Oki India has been elevated to vice president, Asia-Pacific, while continuing in her current role — a move that signals the company’s intent to scale up across the region with strong leadership at the helm.

    In a recent post, Sandhu Anand expressed her appreciation for the team and clients who shaped Oki’s India journey, and said she’s looking forward to “more markets, more challenges, more opportunities.”

    With over 25 years of experience, she brings a proven track record of growing multi-million dollar businesses and building high-performance teams. Since taking charge of Oki India in 2014, she has helped the company expand its market share and deepen customer partnerships in the BFSI and payments space.

    Prior to Oki, she held leadership roles at Diebold and Computer Associates, and was instrumental in setting up managed services and delivering operational excellence across key markets.

    Now, with an expanded mandate across Asia-Pacific, Sandhu Anand is expected to steer Oki’s vision forward — driving innovation, customer engagement and sustainable growth across diverse geographies.

  • HUL completes Rs 2,706 crore acquisition of Uprising Science

    HUL completes Rs 2,706 crore acquisition of Uprising Science

    MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has completed its acquisition of a 90.5 per cent stake in Uprising Science Pvt Ltd, with a cash consideration of Rs 2,706.45 crore.

    The consumer goods company finalised the deal after receiving approval from India’s competition watchdog in mid-March. HUL completed the transaction through a combination of primary cash infusion and secondary acquisition, as outlined in their January agreement.

    The Competition Commission of India had granted its approval on 17 March, clearing the way for HUL to proceed with its acquisition strategy. The regulatory clearance removed the final obstacle for the transaction, which was executed according to the share purchase and subscription agreement signed on 22nd January.

    Following this acquisition, Uprising Science and its subsidiaries have officially become part of the HUL corporate structure. The move signals HUL’s strategy to expand its portfolio beyond traditional consumer products into scientific ventures.

  • Lotus Chocolate turns up sweet results for FY ‘25

    Lotus Chocolate turns up sweet results for FY ‘25

    MUMBAI: Lotus Chocolate Co’s profits have soared, with the confectioner reporting a 240 per cent surge in annual profit to Rs 1,722.72 lakh for the financial year ended 31 March 2025. 

    The Hyderabad-based chocolate maker saw its revenue nearly treble to Rs 57,375.03 lakh, up from Rs 20,003.13 lakh in the previous year, according to the audited financial results approved by the company’s board on Monday.

    The firm’s earnings per share jumped to Rs 13.42 from Rs 3.84 in the previous fiscal year, giving investors plenty to cheer about. The results suggest Lotus’s recipe for growth is hitting the sweet spot with consumers across India.

    The company’s balance sheet reveals a substantial expansion in scale, with total assets ballooning to Rs 27,034.45 lakh from Rs 7,309.62 lakh. A significant portion of this growth appears in the company’s inventories, which jumped more than sevenfold to Rs 8,061.50 lakh, and trade receivables, which soared to Rs 13,308.49 lakh from Rs 2,689.51 lakh last year.

    The chocolate maker has been on an aggressive expansion drive, with borrowings surging to Rs 14,837.71 lakh from Rs 528.80 lakh. This debt-fuelled growth strategy appears to be working, with the company’s equity rising to Rs 5,953.27 lakh from Rs 4,245.35 lakh.

    The results incorporate the amalgamation of Soubhagya Confectionery Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary that was merged with Lotus following approval from the National Company Law Tribunal in August 2024.

    The  final quarter results tell a different story. Despite Q4 revenue more than doubling to Rs 15,745.39 lakh compared to Rs 6,581.79 lakh in the same period last year, the company’s quarterly profit plummeted by 65 per cent to Rs 141.55 lakh from Rs 400.27 lakh.

    This stark contrast between revenue growth and profit decline in Q4 appears to be driven by several factors. Cost of materials consumed surged 152 per cent to Rs 13,124.71 lakh, while finance costs skyrocketed to Rs 299.62 lakh from Rs 22 lakh. The company also saw its other expenses double to Rs 1,082.85 lakh.

    Adding to the quarterly squeeze, Lotus faced a tax expense of Rs 51.12 lakh, compared to a tax benefit of Rs 251.25 lakh in the same quarter last year—a swing that further eroded the bottom line.

    Despite a dip in performance in the final quarter, the overall annual figures suggest Lotus Chocolate is successfully unwrapping new growth opportunities in India’s increasingly sweet-toothed market.