ITV

Category: Brands

  • Harleen Bhatti hops onto Honasa Consumer

    Harleen Bhatti hops onto Honasa Consumer

    MUMBAI: Harleen Bhatti has taken the reins as vice president of direct-to-consumer operations at Honasa Consumer Ltd, parent company of Mamaearth, stepping into the role this April after a nine-month stint at Wellbeing Nutrition.

    The digital marketing maven brings impressive credentials from India’s consumer tech landscape, having previously served three years at The Good Glamm Group, where she built and led a 25-member team across D2C functions that directly impacted more than 60 per cent of the group’s revenue.

    “My North Star metric is focused on achieving a target LTV:CAC ratio and ensuring a profitable recurring P&L,” Bhatti noted about her approach to digital growth—a philosophy that has served her well across stints at several high-profile consumer brands.

    Before joining The Good Glamm Group, Bhatti spearheaded retention marketing at Lenskart.com, where she claimed to have generated a return on investment of 4x from customer relationship management channels. Her earlier career included roles at Cure.Fit’s Eat.fit division and Capillary Technologies.

    Bhatti’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Honasa, which has been expanding its brand portfolio beyond its flagship Mamaearth line. Her extensive experience in performance marketing, customer acquisition and retention strategies could prove vital as the company looks to strengthen its direct-to-consumer operations in an increasingly competitive beauty and personal care market.

    The digital growth specialist cut her teeth in strategy consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers and investment banking at Copal Amba before finding her niche in consumer tech marketing. With her track record of driving profitability through data-driven customer engagement strategies, Honasa appears to be betting on Bhatti to help cash in on India’s booming D2C revolution

  • Cookie Pookie makes tiny threads count with fashion that’s kind and cute

    Cookie Pookie makes tiny threads count with fashion that’s kind and cute

    MUMBAI: In a delightful blend of cuteness and conscience, Cookie Pookie has officially toddled onto the kidswear scene armed with sustainable style for little ones aged 0 to 8. Designed with ultra-soft fabrics, fuss-free silhouettes, and planet-friendly processes, the brand is all about making childhood comfier and the future greener.

    “Cookie Pookie was born out of a personal need – as a parent, I struggled to find kidswear that was both cute and conscious,” said Cookie Pookie founder & CEO Vandana Jaglan. “We wanted to create a label that speaks to modern parents who value quality, sustainability, and comfort. Each piece is made with love and the intention to last because we believe in quality fashion even for our little ones.”

    With “Fashion that Cares” as its guiding motto, Cookie Pookie combines cheerful prints with compact-by-compact fabrics that are not just easy on the skin but also easy on the planet. The line-up includes onesies, rompers, coordinated sets, and tees all ethically crafted in Reach-compliant factories and packaged in recyclable, biodegradable materials.

    But this brand isn’t just green, it’s smart too. From Indian baby-friendly sizing to research-backed design choices, each stitch has been thoughtfully tailored. The silhouettes encourage movement, ensuring that toddlers can play, tumble, and twirl with ease. Even better? Many styles are gender-neutral, designed to be passed down and loved again.

    With its first collection out now, Cookie Pookie is poised to become every parent’s go-to for wardrobe essentials that are high on style, snug on skin, and soft on the planet. In a world of fast fashion, it’s a gentle reminder that little clothes can make a big difference.

  • Gold standard storytelling marks PNGS’s shimmering festive campaign

    Gold standard storytelling marks PNGS’s shimmering festive campaign

    MUMBAI: When it comes to gold, it’s not just about karats, it’s about characters. This Akshaya Tritiya, P N Gadgil & Sons (PNGS), one of India’s most cherished jewellery legacies, has launched its heartfelt campaign titled Festival of Golden Movements. The initiative wraps age-old tradition in a modern glow, turning gold from ornament into heirloom, and from fashion into feeling.

    Fronted by actor and brand ambassador Mithila Palkar, the campaign film unfolds like a reel of emotion. Set against a celebratory backdrop, it shows gold jewellery not merely being worn but treasured, passed on with warmth and pride. The tagline “You shine brighter when you’re wrapped in gold” is more than just poetic, it’s a reflection of PNGS’ philosophy that every piece of jewellery is a memory in metal.

    “Gold is never just a transaction, but a turning point,” said Aditya Modak. “Whether it is a bride’s first heirloom or a milestone gift, we see ourselves as jewellers and memory-makers. The campaign captures that emotion. It is about those fleeting seconds that live on through gold.”

    The spotlight is firmly on traditional heavyweight designs temple jewellery, intricate bangles, timeless mangalsutra crafted for legacy moments. At the same time, PNGS has smartly tuned into shifting consumer sensibilities. While families continue to invest in gold as tradition, younger audiences are gravitating towards lighter, aspirational piecejewellery that balances heritage with a hint of minimalism.

    This dual-track strategy has powered PNGS through a high-growth year, even as gold prices have surged 25–30 per cent. By staying close to customer sentiment and marrying tradition with trend, the brand has stayed not just relevant, but radiant.

    With 33 EOB outlets and a hybrid model that spans physical stores, video catalogues, WhatsApp-led personalisation, and digital gifting, PNGS is growing with thoughtful agility. The brand now aims to scale to 50+ showrooms by 2030, with particular focus on deepening its presence in North and South India.

    As Akshaya Tritiya ushers in a season of gold and good fortune, PNGS’ Festival of Golden Movements campaign offers a meaningful reminder: while styles change, sentiment doesn’t. And sometimes, the most lasting legacy fits in the palm of your hand woven in gold, wrapped in love.

  • KL Rahul ticks all the bold boxes in Police’s new watch collection

    KL Rahul ticks all the bold boxes in Police’s new watch collection

    MUMBAI: Time to turn heads KL Rahul is putting his signature style on your wrist with the launch of Police’s bold new Spring-Summer 2025 watch collection. Released on the cricketer’s birthday, the collection is a sartorial salute to individuality, fearless self-expression and most importantly audacity.

    Known for its edgy, statement-making designs, Police has long stood for those who dare to be different. Its latest drop leans even harder into that ethos with timepieces that blend industrial swagger and sleek sophistication, anchored in the “Audacity Wanted” concept. And who better to front that than Rahul, a style icon who’s never played it safe on or off the field?

    From see-through dials to gold-accented minimalism, the collection doesn’t shy away from drama. Take the Skeletor (Rs 25,995), a mechanical marvel with a matte olive dial, exposed mechanics, and an olive silicone strap that screams rebellion. It’s as comfortable as it is commanding.

    Or meet Surigao (Rs 24,995), the Swiss Army knife of style. With day, date, and 24-hour sub-dials nestled into a matte black sunray dial, it’s equal parts muscle and precision set in an ion-plated gold case that means business.

    If you like your statements loud and unapologetic, Shield (Rs 28,495) might be your match. A black transparent dial with gunmetal indexes sits inside a screw-styled case, complemented by a contrasting brown leather strap that feels both rugged and refined.

    Available at Helios, World of Titan, Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop and online, the watches offer something for every wrist that doesn’t want to blend in. Whether you’re owning the boardroom or the dance floor, Police’s latest drop ensures you’re on time and on point.

  • DesignCafe opens third experience centre in Mumbai

    DesignCafe opens third experience centre in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Home interiors  brand, DesignCafe, has launched its third experience centre in Mumbai, located at Vicino Mall, Oshiwara, Andheri West. This opening marks the company’s fifth centre in Maharashtra and its seventeenth across India, following a recent launch in Pune.

    The new experience centre aims to cater to the strong demand and growing customer base in Mumbai by offering a comprehensive and inspiring experience for homeowners.

    The centre features:

    * A fully designed sample flat showcasing space-optimized interiors.
    * Display zones for modular kitchens, wardrobes, bedrooms, and living areas.
    * Mumbai-inspired design elements suitable for modern, compact homes.
    * Design solutions that can increase space by up to 20 per cent.
    * A curated selection of premium finishes, high-quality materials, and versatile design combinations.

    This new location is part of DesignCafe’s commitment to providing personalised interiors designed for efficiency and style, suitable for the fast-paced lifestyle of Mumbai.

    Co-founders Gita Ramanan and Shezaan Bhojani stated that opening their third centre in Mumbai reflects their understanding of the city’s living and growth patterns. They emphasized the need for maximising space in Mumbai homes and highlighted their design approach in achieving this while reflecting individual homeowner styles.

    Gita Ramanan added that their vision is to make world-class design, seamless execution, and quality homes accessible to every homeowner across India, particularly in cities like Mumbai, emphasizing affordability and functionality as key standards.

    The Oshiwara Experience Centre operates on DesignCafe’s in-house design-to-installation model, which includes:
    * End-to-end project execution with over 400 expert designers.
    * A 65,000 sq. ft. factory equipped with German machinery.
    * A rigorous 51-point quality check.
    * 0 per cent EMI options and a 20-year warranty.
    About DesignCafe:
    Founded by architects Gita Ramanan and Shezaan Bhojani, DesignCafe has delivered over 10,000 homes and operates 17 Experience Centres in 11 cities. The brand focuses on providing intelligent, space-saving, and personalized interiors designed to suit various lifestyles and budgets, with an emphasis on functionality, affordability, transparent pricing, and quality service.

  • Indonesian coffee unicorn hopes to brew up a storm in India

    Indonesian coffee unicorn hopes to brew up a storm in India

    MUMBAI: The aroma of Indonesian coffee has wafted into India’s bustling café scene as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing coffee chain, Kopi Kenangan, has  planted its flag at Pacific Mall in Delhi’s Tagore Garden. Valued at over $1 billion—making it the region’s first food and beverage unicorn—the brand is brewing ambitious plans for the world’s most populous nation.

    “India’s vast young population and growing appreciation for diverse coffee experiences make it an ideal market for Kenangan Coffee. We are committed to delivering high-quality coffee that resonates with local preferences, creating memorable moments for every customer,” says  Kenangan Brands co-founder & CEO Edward Tirtanata, backed by heavyweight investors including Peak XV Partners and Meta co-founder Eduardo Saverin’s B Capital.

    The coffee upstart is positioning itself as a challenger to pricier global giants like Starbucks and Tim Hortons. With espresso shots starting at a modest Rs 99 and larger servings below Rs 150—roughly Rs 80-100 cheaper than premium competitors—Kopi Kenangan is clearly betting its beans on price-conscious customers.

    The company’s secret ingredient? Gula Aren, an Indonesian palm sugar with a lower glycemic index than refined alternatives, aimed at health-conscious Indians who still fancy a sweet fix. This nutritious twist might just be the sugar rush needed to stand out in India’s increasingly frothy café marketplace.

    With plans to open 10+ stores by end-2025 and intentions to pour up to Rs 40 crore into sourcing and expansion over the next two years, the brand isn’t just dipping its toe in the market—it’s diving in headfirst.
    “Our mission is to blend Indonesian craftsmanship with local flavours,” says vice president and general manager for India Sanjay Mohta, as the company prepares to tap local coffee producers to complement its Indonesian offerings.

    India’s café culture is still percolating compared to mature markets, but with consumption estimated at over one million 60-kilogram bags between 2023-2024, there’s plenty of room to grow. While established chains like Café Coffee Day have seen their market share drip away due to financial troubles, newcomers including Third Wave Coffee and Blue Tokai have been gaining steam.

    For now, the Indonesian outfit is targeting students and young professionals in their first jobs—Gen Zers and millennials looking for an affordable caffeine kick. After Delhi, the brand plans to expand to Mumbai and Bengaluru, hoping its wallet-friendly prices and locally-sourced ingredients will help it brew up a loyal following.
    In a market where even fast-food giants like McDonald’s are trying to espresso themselves, Kopi Kenangan will need more than just cheap prices to avoid becoming another has-bean. But if it can capture India’s increasingly caffeinated hearts, this Indonesian import might just become everyone’s cup of tea—or rather, coffee.

     

  • Manushi Chhillar joins Neworld Developers as brand ambassador

    Manushi Chhillar joins Neworld Developers as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: Neworld Developers, has announced the onboarding of Manushi Chhillar Miss World 2017, actress, and global icon as its official brand ambassador. The announcement comes as the company opens its new corporate headquarters at Sector 66, M3M International Financial Centre, Golf Course Extension Road, Gurugram, a prime real estate and business corridor in the NCR region.

    This high-profile association coincides with Neworld Developers’ ambitious Rs 5,000 crore launch plan, targeting key Indian markets including Goa, Ayodhya, and Haryana. The move reinforces the

    Chhillar, known for her elegance, intelligence, and aspirational presence, mirrors Neworld Developers’ ethos of offering premium, trustworthy, and life-enhancing real estate solutions to the modern Indian homebuyer.

    Neworld Developers founder & chairman Sunil Sisodiya said, “Chhillar brings a global presence and cultural relatability that resonates with our vision of creating world-class spaces for aspirational Indians. As we inaugurate our new office in the heart of Gurugram, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering landmark projects that redefine lifestyle living. Our upcoming launches in Goa, Ayodhya, and Haryana are a testament to our ambition to elevate real estate standards across the country.”

    Chhillar said, “I’m honoured to be the face of Neworld Developers, a brand that reflects ambition, trust, and innovation. Real estate is more than just infrastructure, it’s about creating meaningful spaces for people to grow and thrive. I am excited to be part of Neworld’s journey in building such transformative environments.”

    The newly launched Gurugram office is set to become the nerve centre for Neworld’s expansion, offering enhanced connectivity, strategic visibility, and cutting-edge infrastructure to support client engagement, corporate operations, and development initiatives.

  • ITC to acquire Mother Sparsh, expands natural baby care portfolio

    ITC to acquire Mother Sparsh, expands natural baby care portfolio

    MUMBAI: ITC Ltd. has announced definitive agreements to acquire the remaining 73.5 per cent stake in Mother Sparsh Baby Care Private Ltd. an Ayurvedic and natural baby care brand for Rs 81 crore, through a mix of primary subscription and secondary share purchase. This will bring ITC’s total investment in Mother Sparsh to approximately Rs 126 crore.

    Mother Sparsh, which has been an associate company of ITC since 2021, has built a strong reputation among Indian mothers for its Ayurvedic, natural products spanning baby personal care, health and hygiene, and specialised baby care solutions. The brand’s digital-first model and robust presence across its D2C platform and e-commerce channels have helped it achieve an impressive annual revenue run rate of over Rs 110 crore.

    The acquisition aligns with ITC’s ‘ITC Next’ vision, spearheaded by chairman Sanjiv Puri, which is focused on creating a future-ready portfolio by tapping into high-growth, digital-first segments.

    ITC Ltd. divisional chief executive, personal care products business division Sameer Satpathy said, “This acquisition is an exciting opportunity, aligned with our aspiration to build a formidable portfolio of future ready, best-in-class innovative offerings that delights Indian consumers. Mother Sparsh in a true spirit of entrepreneurship, has created a reputed brand with Indian ethos in the natural baby care space, powered by an assortment of innovative products and a robust digital ecosystem.”

    Mother Sparsh founder & CEO Himanshu added, “We are delighted that ITC, who came on board as an early investor, is now taking Mother Sparsh to the next level. This partnership is a testament to the brand’s potential in the fast-growing natural baby care segment. We’re confident that ITC’s institutional strengths will help serve the evolving needs of Indian mothers for generations to come.”

    The acquisition process will be completed over the next two-three years, with the Mother Sparsh team including founder & CEO Himanshu continuing to head operations during this transition phase.

  • Sunscreen spat sees HUL and Mamaearth kiss and make up, with a few tweaks

    Sunscreen spat sees HUL and Mamaearth kiss and make up, with a few tweaks

    MUMBAI: The beauty world’s latest dust-up has settled, with Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) and Honasa Consumer, the brains behind Mamaearth, calling a truce after a courtroom rumble. It all kicked off when Lakmé, HUL’s flagship beauty brand, launched a “sun superiority campaign” that rather pointedly suggested some “online bestsellers” were fibbing about their SPF claims. Honasa, whose Derma Co. brand sports a rather distinctive orange, felt a tad singed, accusing Lakmé of throwing shade on their packaging and claims.

    Honasa co-founder Ghazal Alagh  took to LinkedIn with a saucy post, welcoming Lakmé to the “in-vivo tested SPF 50 club,” a move that, the Bombay High Court suggested, might have been a tad disparaging itself. HUL, not one to take such cheek lying down, hit back, claiming their tests showed some rivals were, shall we say, economising on the truth.

    But the Delhi high court, like a stern headmaster, stepped in and told both parties to play nicely. Lakmé was ordered to tweak its ad, swapping out “online bestseller” for the more vague “some sellers” and changing the offending orange to a demure light yellow. Honasa, in turn, agreed to scrub their social media jibes.

     HUL maintained that their campaign was all about keeping consumers safe from those who might be stretching the truth about SPF.

    Honasa, perhaps with a sigh of relief, agreed to take down their digital digs. Both parties also promised to remove their physical hoardings, which were apparently giving each other the evil eye, within 48 hours.
    This skirmish highlights the fiercely competitive nature of India’s Rs 2,000 crore sun care market, where brands are fighting tooth and nail for a slice of the pie. With consumer understanding of SPF still patchy, there’s plenty of room for both innovation and, it seems, a bit of the old marketing mischief.

  • Good Monk raises $2M in pre-series A led by RPSG Capital to spice up India’s nutrition game

    Good Monk raises $2M in pre-series A led by RPSG Capital to spice up India’s nutrition game

    MUMBAI: In a world where nutrition advice changes faster than Instagram trends and “health drinks” taste like sadness, one Indian brand is turning tables—and taste buds. Good Monk, the Shark Tank Season 4 breakout star and flagship brand of Bengaluru-based Superfoods Valley, has raised $2 million in a pre-series A round led by RPSG Capital Ventures. The round also saw existing investors—Multiply Ventures, Sharrp Ventures, and Thinkuvate—double down on their belief in the clean-eating disruptor.

    Announced on 17 April 2024, the fundraise signals a strong vote of confidence in Good Monk’s refreshingly no-nonsense approach to health. Co-founded by Amarpreet Singh Anand and Sahiba Kaur—two parents tired of navigating the nutrient jungle—Good Monk has made it its mission to “smuggle” nutrients into Indian households, minus the taste tantrums and pill fatigue.

    “At Good Monk, we believe that nutrition should be easy, effective, and clean. Our mission is to empower Indian families to take control of their health without compromising on taste or convenience. We are thrilled to have RPSG Capital Ventures partner with us in this journey and are grateful for the continued belief by existing investors – Multiply Ventures, Sharrp Ventures & ThinKuvate who participated in the round,” said Good Monk co-founder Anand.

    The brand’s hero product is a nutrition mix that invisibly boosts meals for kids, adults, and even the 50+ crowd.

    No smell.

    No weird taste.

    No complicated regimen.

    Just modern science meets traditional wisdom—served in stealth mode. Sounds like the kind of ninja every kitchen needs.

    “Unhealthy wellness products masquerading as healthy options… that’s one of the biggest challenges today,” said co-founder Kaur. “The partnership with RPSG Capital Ventures will facilitate investing in R&D and product development to present better nutritional alternatives.”

    The company, which recently scored a deal from Vineeta Singh on Shark Tank India, claims to have grown 11 times in just 12 months. Fuelled by innovation, diversification, and mentorship from industry stalwarts like Sanjay Ramakrishnan (Multiply Ventures) and Rishabh Mariwala (Sharrp Ventures), the brand’s upward curve shows no signs of slowing.

    RPSG Capital Ventures’ managing partner Abhishek Goenka is betting big on that momentum. “We have strong conviction in nutrition, health and wellness as a space… Consumers are seeking innovative formats that make dietary supplements uncomplicated, convenient & effective. Good Monk has demonstrated impressive, clutter breaking, product innovation which we believe will disrupt the market significantly,” he said.

    Good Monk currently retails on its own website (www.goodmonk.in) as well as major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. The brand has been expanding its digital footprint with the same gusto it shows in your morning smoothie.

    From ‘Shark Tank’ to supermarket shelves, Good Monk is proving that nutrition doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be cleverly disguised and clinically backed.

    If there’s one monk who doesn’t believe in suffering for health, it’s this one.