ITV

Category: Brands

  • Madhur Bajaj, auto industry stalwart and Bajaj scion, dies at 73

    Madhur Bajaj, auto industry stalwart and Bajaj scion, dies at 73

    MUMBAI:  Madhur Bajaj, non-executive director of Bajaj Auto and a key figure in India’s automobile sector, passed away on Friday morning at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai. He was 73.

    Bajaj, who had been hospitalised due to health complications, suffered a stroke two days ago and succumbed to it around 5 am, company sources confirmed. Further details on the funeral arrangements are awaited.

    Born on 19 August 1952, Madhur Bajaj was a driving force behind Bajaj Auto’s growth and played a pivotal role in shaping the auto and finance industries in India. A graduate of Sydenham College, Mumbai, he later earned an MBA from IMD Lausanne, Switzerland.

    His career spanned across diverse sectors, from automobiles to consumer durables and financial services. He was the past president of Siam, India’s apex automobile manufacturers’ body, and also led the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA).

    Bajaj held senior positions within the Bajaj group, including non-executive vice chairman of Bajaj Auto and chairman of Maharashtra Scooters Ltd. He also served as a director on the boards of Bajaj Holdings, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Electricals, and Bajaj Finance. His contributions to Aurangabad’s industrial and social landscape, including the development of the Kamalnayan Bajaj Hospital and Nath Valley School, remain a lasting legacy.

    Beyond corporate boardrooms, Bajaj was a passionate philanthropist. A trustee of the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, he was deeply involved in rural development and water conservation initiatives. He firmly believed that “the secret of living is giving,” dedicating much of his life to social causes.

    Bajaj’s passing marks the end of an era for both the auto industry and Indian business leadership. His vision, influence, and contributions will long be remembered.

  • Sula Vineyards toasts to record revenue in FY25, wine tourism pours in double-digit growth

    Sula Vineyards toasts to record revenue in FY25, wine tourism pours in double-digit growth

    MUMBAI: : Sula Vineyards, India’s largest wine producer, has uncorked its Q4 and FY25 sales update, reporting a record annual revenue of Rs 618.8 crore – a modest 1.7 per cent rise year-on-year. The last quarter was flatter, up just 0.7 per cent, but wine tourism stole the show with a strong 24.6 per cent jump in Q4 and a 10.2 per cent gain for the full year.

    SulaFest’25, a crowd-puller, helped boost revenue alongside higher spend per guest and strong occupancy rates. While the elite and premium wine categories held steady in the domestic market, the elite segment alone grew a healthy 8 per cent. The Source range was the standout performer, enjoying robust double-digit growth.

    In a major milestone, Sula secured listings for four new wines with the canteen stores department (CSD) after a two-year effort, expanding its range to nine wines. The first shipments rolled out in March, setting the stage for a strong CSD performance in FY26.

    Flying high, Sula’s premium wine cans—Chenin Blanc, Zin Red, and Zin Rosé—are now served aboard IndiGo’s international business class, giving the brand a taste of global skies as India’s top airline spreads its wings overseas.

    Meanwhile, the 2025 grape harvest delivered in both quantity and quality, marking five straight years of stellar vintages. With ample wine stocks, Sula is well positioned for a sparkling FY26.

    Commanding over 50 per cent of the Indian wine market, Sula  is the country’s largest wine producer and a pioneer in wine tourism. Its portfolio of nearly 70 labels is crafted across five state-of-the-art wineries in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Sula’s vineyard resorts and tasting rooms in Nashik and Bangalore attract over 400,000 visitors annually. 

  • Aditi Kothari Desai takes the reins at DSP Asset Managers

    Aditi Kothari Desai takes the reins at DSP Asset Managers

    MUMBAI:  Aditi Kothari Desai has been named chairperson of DSP Asset Managers, stepping into the top job from her father, Hemendra Kothari, who has led the firm since its inception in 1996. Aditi, the fifth-generation custodian of the Kothari family’s financial empire, is also the first woman to lead the firm.

    With over 20 years of experience across investments, sales, marketing and digital transformation, Aditi started her career in investment banking at Merrill Lynch, New York. She joined DSP Asset Managers in 2002 and has since spearheaded the firm’s domestic growth strategy, founded its international business, and driven digital transformation. She also chairs DSP’s fintech arm, Compound Express.

    A Wharton graduate with an MBA from Harvard, Aditi is determined to uphold DSP’s legacy. “I am honored to take on this responsibility and continue building on our AMC’s legacy. This transition is simply a continuation of the same long-term thinking and investor-first philosophy that has defined DSP’s journey for over 160 years, and I intend to continue our endeavor to make a difference to and elevate as many lives as we can. We are one of the few fully independent family-run firms among India’s top 10 asset managers, and our family continues to invest its own public fund capital into the very funds we manage which speaks to our deep conviction and accountability,” she elaborated.

    Her father, Hemendra Kothari,  a towering figure in India’s financial sector, is confident in her leadership.  Said he: “It has been a privilege to lead DSP Asset Managers since its inception. While I am passing the baton to my dear daughter Aditi, I feel proud to see our family’s legacy continue with a visionary leader who embodies the values of reputation, integrity, and high standards that have guided us for generations. Our unwavering commitment to these principles has been the cornerstone of our success, and I am confident that Aditi will uphold these traditions while leading the firm into a new era of innovation, digitization and growth.” 

  • VIP Clothing zips into quick commerce with Zepto

    VIP Clothing zips into quick commerce with Zepto

    MUMBAI:  VIP Clothing, one of India’s top innerwear brands, is getting snug in the quick-commerce space by launching its premium range on Zepto. Shoppers can now snap up Frenchie, Feelings, and VIP with just a few taps, enjoying rapid doorstep delivery.

    Zepto chief business officer Devendra Meel called it a perfect fit. “We’re thrilled to have VIP Clothing on board. Our Sellers goal has always been to provide users with fast and reliable access to daily essentials,
    and this partnership enhances that mission. Thanks to our sellers for enabling this. With VIP’s premium
    innerwear now available on Zepto, we are confident that users will enjoy the ease of shopping for their
    favourite products with just a few clicks.”

    VIP Clothing chairman & managing director Sunil J. Pathare said, “We are looking forward to our partnership with Zepto, as it represents a significant step towards enhancing the shopping experience. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of making high?quality innerwear easily accessible—whenever and wherever our customers need it. As we expand into quick commerce, we look forward to reaching more consumers and providing them with the efficiency and convenience they need for their everyday purchases.”

    After a successful launch on Swiggy Instamart, VIP Clothing is doubling down on digital, adapting to modern shopping habits. With Zepto’s lightning-fast network, the brand is set to reach consumers across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

    As VIP Clothing rethreads its retail strategy, blending digital and physical stores, the message is clear: convenience is king, and getting premium innerwear is now faster than ever.

  • Sahibandhu becomes Manipal Fintech amid gold credit boom

    Sahibandhu becomes Manipal Fintech amid gold credit boom

    MUMBAI: Sahibandhu, has officially rebranded as Manipal Fintech Pvt. Ltd. The transformation reflects the company’s sharpened focus on delivering future-ready, technology-led financial solutions at scale.

    The rebrand comes at a time when demand for gold-backed credit is on the rise across India. Manipal Fintech aims to tap into this momentum while expanding into adjacent financial services, targeting underserved regions, and investing in next-gen fintech infrastructure.

    Manipal Fintech CEO Puja Singh shared, “The transition to Manipal Fintech is more than a rebranding, it is a reflection of the evolution we have undergone as a company and the future we are committed to building. Over the years, we have earned the trust of customers and banking partners by delivering transparent, secure, and seamless gold loan services. With this transformation, we are scaling our efforts to make finance more accessible, seamless, and secure for every Indian. Backed by the Manipal Group’s legacy of trust, we are positioned to lead the next phase of financial innovation, delivering long-term value to customers and partners.”

    Having built a strong ecosystem for gold-backed lending in partnership with major Indian banks, the company now sets its sights on broadening its reach and deepening its impact with smarter, faster, and more inclusive financial offerings.

    The new identity also brings a fresh visual presence. The logo features a bird forming the letter ‘M’ symbolising financial freedom and upward progress. A blue gradient signifies digital agility, while the gold gradient reflects trust and long-term value creation.
     

  • Creativefuel scoops up Missmalini for Rs 6 crore

    Creativefuel scoops up Missmalini for Rs 6 crore

    MUMBAI: In the world of content queens and digital clout, the original ‘blogger-to-brand’ icon has just switched sides. Missmalini Entertainment – the sparkly pioneer of India’s celeb-and-lifestyle blog boom – is now officially part of the Creativefuel empire.

    Price tag?

    A cool Rs 6 crore.

    Sass?

    Still intact.

    Creativefuel, the marketing and content agency run by brothers Nikhil and Tushar Sukhramani, has been on a buying spree like an influencer with a fresh credit card. The latest in their cart? The domain and social media assets of Missmalini, once the glittering jewel in the Good Glamm Group’s content crown.

    “Missmalini has long been a cultural touchstone in India’s digital storytelling space. Bringing it into our fold allows us to amplify its voice and legacy in new ways,” said a senior executive from Creativefuel.

    Under the deal, Good Glamm Group keeps the talent management vertical while parting ways with the brand’s core online presence. Essentially, Creativefuel gets the stage and the spotlight – GGG keeps the backstage crew.

    Missmalini Entertainment was founded in 2008 by Malini Agarwal and shot to stardom by blogging Hindi cinema before Hindi cinema knew what blogging was. GGG bought it in 2021 as part of its multi-brand content strategy – but with rising pressure to cut the fat, they’re now selling off the family silver.

    This is not an isolated event. GGG, once the unicorn strutting in sequins, has been quietly divesting. It’s already sold Sirona back to its founders, waved goodbye to Scoopwhoop, and exited its sneaker fantasy, 7-10.

    Rumours swirl that Organic Harvest and The Moms Co. are next on the auction block.

    Meanwhile, the group is reportedly raising Rs 150–240 crore at a drastically slashed valuation—down from $1.26 billion to a humbling sub-$120 million. Ouch.

    But for Creativefuel, it’s all opportunity and optimism. This move follows their recent pick-ups—Youtube channels Hasley India and Pataakha – positioning them as serious players in the ‘digital entertainment multiverse’.

    Their game? Build a media house that dances across platforms and demographics, blending viral with viable.

    Missmalini’s portfolio comes with strong verticals like Girl Tribe, Ignite Edge, Agent M, MM Studios and of course, its juicy celeb gossip heritage. Add Creativefuel’s marketing chops, and you’ve got a cocktail with brand equity, nostalgia, and serious monetisation mojo.

  • Starbucks unveils 50 store in Bengaluru with first drive-thru outlet

    Starbucks unveils 50 store in Bengaluru with first drive-thru outlet

    MUMBAI: Starbucks marked a significant milestone with the opening of its 50 store in Bengaluru, also unveiling its first drive-thru outlet in South India. The occasion was commemorated with a special event attended by Tata Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash and Swiggy Food Marketplace CEO Rohit Kapoor.

    The event highlighted the strength of the long-standing partnership between Starbucks and Swiggy, which began eight years ago with just six stores in Mumbai. Since then, the collaboration has expanded across 70 cities and 350+ stores nationwide, supported by Swiggy’s robust delivery ecosystem.

    As part of the celebration, Kapoor joined 50 Swiggy delivery partners on a ride to the new store, capping the journey with a cup of Starbucks coffee. Dash added a personal touch by brewing a signature Americano for Kapoor symbolising their shared passion for quality and consistency.

    Tata Starbucks CEO Dash shared, “Our 50 store in Bengaluru and first drive-thru in South India marks an exciting new chapter in our growth journey one rooted in accessibility, innovation, and deep local relevance. At Starbucks, we use the specialty grade Arabica for every cup of coffee, serving the finest quality to every consumer. Swiggy has been a trusted partner in this journey, helping us deliver the Starbucks experience to customers wherever they are. As we expand across India, we remain committed to crafting new moments of connection, whether in-store or delivered to your doorstep.”

    Swiggy Food Marketplace CEO Kapoor added, “Starbucks’ 50 store in Bengaluru is not just a milestone for their retail footprint, but also a marker of how far this partnership has come. From just a handful of stores in one city to now serving customers in 70 cities Swiggy has been proud to partner with Starbucks every step of the way. Together, we’ve worked to make high-quality coffee and food experiences more accessible to millions of consumers across the country. As we scale further, we’re excited to keep pushing boundaries and delivering memorable experiences, one order at a time.”

    The duo has collaborated on popular campaigns such as ‘Double the Love,’ ‘Friday Frappuccino,’ and ‘Items at 199,’ and co-created the ‘Classics’ menu tailored to Indian palates. This celebration reflects not just a store count but a shared mission to bring premium coffee and food closer to consumers, in-store and at home.

  • Pulse Golmol imli goli brings tangy nostalgia for Just Rs 1 a pop

    Pulse Golmol imli goli brings tangy nostalgia for Just Rs 1 a pop

    MUMBAI: Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), has expanded its confectionery portfolio with the launch of Pulse Golmol imli flavour goli. This soft, tangy tamarind-based goli is priced at just Rs 1 per pouch and promises to spark nostalgia among Indian consumers.

    Infused with natural tamarind, Pulse Golmol taps into the flavour profile that generations have grown up loving. The product also highlights tamarind’s Ayurvedic benefits, especially its role in aiding digestion.

    DS Group business head – confectionery Jyotiroop Barua said, “DS Group is excited to unveil its newest offering, Pulse Golmol, adding to the Pulse product line. It’s more than just a goli; it’s a delightful journey down memory lane, reawakening the carefree joy and zest. Each tangy tamarind treat is bursting with the playful Pulse flavour. Pulse is market leader in HBC category and just like our core Pulse products, we’re confident that this new offering will be a favourite among our consumers and further strengthen our position in the market.”

    To support the rollout of Pulse Golmol, the brand is launching a multi-faceted campaign across the country. The pre-launch phase includes impactful in-store displays, product sampling, and on-ground consumer activations. A wider media campaign will follow, crafted to evoke playful nostalgia and highlight the mischievous tang of tamarind.

    DS Group’s confectionery division recently crossed Rs 1,000 crore in annual turnover for FY 2023-24. It holds a dominant position in the non-chocolate confectionery segment, particularly in the hard-boiled candy (HBC) and Indian ethnic confectionery (IEC) categories.

    Sustainability also remains a key focus for DS Group. The company operates a fleet of over 800 electric vehicles for confectionery distribution, aligning with its ESG vision and commitment to ethical business practices.

    DS Group continues to innovate across its diverse brand portfolio, which includes Pulse, Pass Pass, Rajnigandha Pearls, Chingles, Pulse Natkaare, and the recently acquired LuvIt. With a strong grip on evolving consumer tastes especially among Gen Z the group is modernising its ethnic offerings and embracing new-age marketing and digital strategies.

     

  • Baskin Robbins scoops into Italy with new summer gelato sensation

    Baskin Robbins scoops into Italy with new summer gelato sensation

    MUMBAI: Mamma mia! Baskin Robbins is cranking up the cool factor this summer with a deliciously indulgent twist, say ciao to their all-new Italian Gelato Range. The world’s largest QSR ice cream chain, which has been steadily expanding its presence across India, is now bringing a scoop of Italy to Indian palates with artisanal gelatos and decadent sundaes that promise a true taste of the Mediterranean.

    Crafted with premium ingredients and designed to transport you straight to the streets of Rome, the range includes creamy new flavours like Chocolate & Roasted Hazelnut, Mango and Cream, and Blueberry Cheesecake Gelato. If that wasn’t enough to melt your heart, the sundaes such as Berry Me in Cheesecake, Salted Caramel & Brownie, and Cotton Candy Wonderland pile on bold textures and irresistible toppings.

    Graviss Group (Baskin Robbins) CEO Mohit Khattar said, “We’ve cultivated a deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences through consistent market analysis and direct customer feedback. This insight drives our innovation strategy and has enabled us to launch this delightful selection of artisanal gelato scoop flavours and sundaes that offer consumers an elevated dessert experience beyond traditional ice cream. Our ability to anticipate and respond to changing preferences positions us at the forefront of dessert innovation in the Indian market, and we remain committed to delivering premium, innovative experiences year-round to all age groups.”

    Baskin Robbins’ flavourful foray into gelato comes on the back of a strong FY25, where the brand opened its 1,000th store in India and the subcontinent and added 120 new stores in FY24-25. It now boasts a presence in over 290 cities, with its packaged consumer goods and B2B channels, think hotels, multiplexes and restaurants expanding alongside its iconic parlours.

    With double-digit growth projected for FY26, the Italian gelato launch is yet another cherry on top of Baskin Robbins’ dessert empire. Prices for the new range start at Rs 115, and the flavours are already scooping up attention across outlets nationwide.

    For a sweet escape that doesn’t require a passport, Baskin Robbins’ gelato promises la dolce vita, one scoop at a time.
     

  • Birla Opus rolls out the red wall with luxe new designer finish range

    Birla Opus rolls out the red wall with luxe new designer finish range

    MUMBAI: Why settle for beige when your walls can wear a masterpiece? Birla Opus Paints, part of the Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, has unveiled a stunning new Designer Finish range that brings together artistry, innovation, and a splash of Italian flair. With two premium collections, the Dream and Timeless, the brand is looking to elevate Indian interior design, one textured wall at a time.

    Launched alongside a growing footprint of retail and experiential stores across India, including Mumbai, Gurugram and Lucknow, the Designer Finish collection invites consumers to quite literally feel the difference. The Dream Collection dazzles with 3D patterns and over 150 water-resistant metallic shades, while the Timeless Collection leans into rustic, lime-based finishes inspired by the raw elegance of stone, clay, and marble.

    Commenting on the launch Birla Opus Paints CEO Rakshit Hargave said, “At Birla Opus Paints, we understand that today’s consumers are seeking more than just products; they desire experiences and products that reflect purpose and value. Our aim is not only to redefine creativity with advanced design technology and sustainable solutions, but to also set new standards in interior luxury. At the back of our Paint Studio and franchisee stores launches across India, we’re now presenting consumers with these exquisite finishes inspired from nature’s beauty and Italian artistry that will definitely add a taste of luxury to your home.”

    Each collection offers nature-inspired textures and colour combinations that aim to turn walls into canvas-like statements. Think sea swirls, dreamy clouds, earthy elegance, and handcrafted Italian craftsmanship, all rendered in eco-friendly, low-VOC paints that are as breathable as they are beautiful.

    The Dream Collection boasts 14 nature-themed designs, each available in 10 unique colourways offering a staggering 140 wall-finish variations. Meanwhile, the Timeless Collection brings 12 earthy, artisanal designs to life. All finishes are extra durable, scratch-resistant, and designed to offer a luxury look that lasts.

    The Designer Finish range is currently available at Birla Opus Paint Studios and franchisee stores, with plans to expand to Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Surat. With each new studio, Birla Opus is not just selling paint, it’s inviting consumers into a curated world of interior expression.

    So, whether you’re dreaming of drama or craving calm, there’s now a wall finish that speaks your language because in the world of Birla Opus, your walls do more than just hold up the roof. They make a statement.