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Category: Brands

  • Brahm Group grabs the bag with Ahikoza stake to up luxury game

    Brahm Group grabs the bag with Ahikoza stake to up luxury game

    MUMBAI: If your handbag doesn’t come with a backstory and a bit of red carpet DNA, is it even luxury? In a move that blends couture cool with commercial clout, Brahm Group has acquired a majority stake in luxury handbag label Ahikoza, setting the stage for a new chapter in India’s fast-evolving high-fashion narrative.

    Announced on 7 April 2025, the deal marks Brahm Group’s latest play in the premium B2C lifestyle arena. Ahikoza, the brainchild of NRI entrepreneur Namrata Karad, has already made its runway rounds—from Cannes to the Grammys—slung on the shoulders of Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Kate Hudson, and desi divas like Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

    The goal now? A 15 per cent year-on-year growth trajectory, anchored in global expansion, digital buzz and a renewed commitment to ‘slow luxury’—a fancy term for artisanal craftsmanship. Karad, who returned to India to scale her globally adored brand, said, “I have always loved accessories, in particular handbags. In the world of luxury. I found a gap in the market… I believe that like the power brands that inspired me, Ahikoza will offer something unique and of value.”

    Ahikoza will now operate under the ‘Brham’ umbrella—Brahm Group’s lifestyle platform that curates elevated experiences across luxury real estate, products, and services. And no, this isn’t just another vanity investment. With the global luxury handbag market expected to balloon from $22.8 billion in 2023 to $41.1 billion by 2032 (at a CAGR of 6.77 per cent), the timing couldn’t be sharper.

    Brahm LifeStyle LLC chairman & CEO Bhavook Tripathi said, “At Brham, we believe in fostering brands that resonate with contemporary luxury while staying true to craftsmanship and legacy. Ahikoza’s philosophy aligns seamlessly with our vision.”

    True to that vision, Ahikoza by Brham pledges to stay rooted in sustainability, investing in low-waste practices and long-lasting materials. Each handbag is designed to make a statement—and stay relevant.

    With this deal, India’s luxury game just got a major style injection. And yes, it’s got pockets.

  • Eveready powers up with three times stronger battery and no-leak promise

    Eveready powers up with three times stronger battery and no-leak promise

    MUMBAI: If your remote’s dying, your clock’s ticking offbeat, or your kid’s toy refuses to roar, Eveready’s got just the jolt you need—and then some. The battery behemoth has amped up its Carbon Zinc game with a next-gen launch boasting 3X Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (EMD) power, anti-leak tech, and a shelf life that refuses to quit for three years.

    Unveiled on 7 April 2025 in Mumbai, the launch marks a full-throttle upgrade for the legacy brand that already owns over 50 per cent of India’s dry cell battery market. The new batteries undergo a jaw-dropping 300 quality tests—yes, 300—to ensure they won’t let you down when you need power the most.

    Eveready also rolled out a zippy new TV campaign to back the product push, spotlighting the brand’s commitment to long-lasting, everyday power solutions that don’t quit until you do. And if that sounds like marketing fluff, there’s steel behind it.

    “Eveready holds a leadership position in India’s dry cell battery industry, especially in the Carbon Zinc segment. This launch aligns with our continuous endeavour to offer dependable and durable power solutions to consumers. The latest product offering highlights Eveready’s sheer commitment towards catering to the evolving needs, adding value and becoming a trustworthy power source for various household applications,” said Eveready Industries India Ltd SVP & SBU head (batteries and flashlights) Anirban Banerjee.

    Packed in a neat set of 10, these upgraded batteries retail at Rs 18 a pop. And with leak-resistant design thrown in, they’re engineered to keep devices—and your patience—intact. Designed for everything from torches to toys, these little powerhouses scream reliability with a side of budget-friendliness.

    As Eveready continues to focus on sustainable, scalable, and profitable business verticals, this launch reinforces its charge to deliver not just batteries—but real, lasting value for India’s billions.

  • Transteel and Tata Steel unveil eco-smart graphene jute-cotton office fabrics

    Transteel and Tata Steel unveil eco-smart graphene jute-cotton office fabrics

    MUMBAI: Transteel, has teamed up with Tata Steel to introduce graphene-enhanced jute and cotton fabrics to India’s commercial furniture landscape. This cutting-edge upholstery material, designed to boost durability and wellness, supports a circular economy model and significantly reduces reliance on plastics.

    Unveiled earlier this year at FM and CRE World Hyderabad and CE Worldwide, the collaboration showcased Transteel’s new bio chairs collection, upholstered in Tata Steel’s advanced graphene-treated natural fibres. As event sponsor, Transteel highlighted its vision of eco-conscious design that doesn’t compromise on performance.

    Bio chairs incorporate Tata Steel’s proprietary Graphene ink technology, enhancing the strength, water and stain resistance, and antibacterial qualities of natural fabrics. By integrating these materials, Transteel underlines its commitment to ergonomic comfort, quality craftsmanship, and environmental stewardship.

    “At Transteel, we are committed to designing workspaces that are both functional and sustainable. The introduction of Graphene enriched jute and cotton fabrics in our bio chair collection allows us to offer high-performance office seating solutions that support environmental responsibility while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and durability,” said, Transteel managing director Shiraz Ibrahim.

    Targeted at corporate and commercial spaces, the bio chairs offer a durable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic upholstery. As the go-to-market partner for upholstery-grade graphene, Transteel is currently in talks with Tata Steel for a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) agreement signalling a long-term alignment on sustainability goals.

    The partnership exemplifies both companies’ shared mission to reduce plastic use, support farm-to-business sourcing, and champion circular economy practices in the office furniture industry.
     

  • Nikon’s nocturnal marvel: Z5II raises the bar for low-light photography

    Nikon’s nocturnal marvel: Z5II raises the bar for low-light photography

    MUMBAI: Nikon has unleashed its latest weapon in the camera wars—the Z5II, a full-frame mirrorless marvel that promises to turn night into day. Unveiled yesterday in Mumbai, this 24.5-megapixel powerhouse boasts what the company rather immodestly calls “unparalleled performance” in challenging conditions, particularly when the lights go down.

    The Z5II’s party trick is its astonishing -10EV autofocus detection range—the lowest in Nikon’s stable—allowing photographers to capture sharp images in environments so dim that rivals would be fumbling for a torch. Paired with a hefty 5-axis in-body stabilisation system offering up to 7.5 stops of shake compensation, the camera practically laughs in the face of tripods.

    Speed demons will appreciate autofocus that’s three times nippier than its predecessor, with a 14fps burst rate to freeze even the flightiest subjects. “Whether to capture a bird taking flight or a split-second moment in sports,” Nikon boasts, “the Z5II is the perfect camera to capture fleeting instances with precision.” One might say it puts the “snap” back in snapshot.

    Filmmakers haven’t been forgotten, with 4K 60p recording in crop mode and 4K 30p in full-frame—using 6K oversampling for extra detail—plus 12-bit N-Raw for those who enjoy torturing their computers during editing. Slow-motion aficionados can revel in Full HD at 120fps, perfect for capturing dramatic hair flicks or champagne corks in exquisite detail.

    The Z5II flexes its artificial intelligence muscles with nine types of subject detection—tracking everything from dogs to trains—and introduces a dedicated picture control button for quickly cycling through “Imaging Recipes,” Nikon’s rather culinary term for its filters and presets.

    For those shooting in harsh sunlight, the electronic viewfinder pumps out a retina-searing 3,000 cd/metre square  of brightness, while a 3.2-inch vari-angle screen handles awkward angles with aplomb.

    Nikon remains mum on pricing and availability, directing eager shutterbugs to its website for more information. With its impressive specs and focus on low-light performance, the Z5II appears poised to light up the mirrorless market—even in the darkest corners

  • Lotus Herbals unveils marketing blitz for souped-up sunscreen serum

    Lotus Herbals unveils marketing blitz for souped-up sunscreen serum

    MUMBAI: India’s natural beauty heavyweight Lotus Herbals is ramping up promotion for its latest sun-shielding innovation with a multimedia marketing assault. The company’s Safe Sun Ultra Rx Sunscreen Serum SPF60+ PA++++ is being thrust into the spotlight via a campaign blanketing OTT platforms, television channels and social media.

    The new offering aims to solve the sun-protection conundrum that has long plagued consumers: effective coverage without the dreaded white-cast ghosting or breakout-inducing heaviness. This water-based formulation, infused with skin-strengthening Cica and hydrating hyaluronic acid, promises to disappear into  the skin within seconds while delivering industrial-strength sun protection.

    The promotional film employs a see-saw metaphor to highlight how most sunscreens force users into an unwelcome compromise between protection and appearance. Enter the protagonist who demonstrates how this serum tips the scales in favour of both benefits.

    Says Lotus Herbals  chairman and managing director Nitin Passi. ” Our new campaign for the Safe Sun UltraRx Sunscreen Serum highlights the unmatched protection this sunscreen offers and also celebrates the aspirations and needs of the modern woman. This revolutionary water-based serum, with SPF60+ PA ++++ emboldens women to combat the sun, with unwavering confidence, while nurturing healthy blemish free skin.”

    The marketing push includes presence across JioHotstar, regional TV channels, and social platforms, complemented by in-store promotional materials designed to lure shoppers at the point of purchase.

    Lotus Herbals’ Safe Sun range now boasts over 22 variants, having pioneered several sunscreen innovations in the Indian market, including the country’s first matte gel sunscreen and sports-focused sun blocks. This latest serum appears to be their answer to young consumers tired of being forced to choose between sun safety and social-media-ready skin.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88v9QzIMkoA
     

  • Clevertap and Infobip join forces to power RCS in omnichannel engagement

    Clevertap and Infobip join forces to power RCS in omnichannel engagement

    MUMBAI: Clevertap has partnered with global cloud communications platform Infobip to integrate Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging into its omnichannel offering, promising a new era of dynamic, visually rich, and highly personalised brand-customer interactions.

    With over 1.2 billion monthly active users across 60+ countries and Apple set to support RCS with iOS 18 the format is fast emerging as a game changer in digital communication, set to reach over 2 billion users by late 2025.

    Through this collaboration, brands using Clevertap can now craft captivating RCS messages featuring high-quality visuals, carousels, and real-time, two-way interactions enabling more engaging conversational marketing and deeper customer connections.

    “RCS represents the future of brand-customer interactions—dynamic, interactive, and personalised experiences that continuously evolve with consumer expectations. By integrating RCS into our omnichannel platform, we’re empowering businesses to elevate their customer interactions to the next level. Our partnership with Infobip helps us realise this vision and ensures that businesses can continuously meet and exceed customer needs,” said Clevertap co-founder & chief product officer Anand Jain.

    Beyond aesthetics, RCS ensures trust through verified brand identities and detailed analytics, such as read receipts and real-time feedback crucial for campaign performance and loyalty building.

    With Clevertap’s platform, brands can further enhance RCS with, segment users and analyse behaviour using real-time, predictive insights, boost campaign success through AI-powered testing and iteration, integrate RCS with email, push, Whatsapp, SMS and more for seamless journeys, deliver tailored content using contextual and behavioural data.

    Infobip chief alliances officer Veselin Vuković commented, “Our partnership with Clevertap unlocks new opportunities for businesses to fully integrate RCS alongside other channels into their omnichannel offerings. By combining our robust channel capabilities with Clevertap’s advanced orchestration and personalisation engine, we are empowering businesses to enhance their conversational marketing experiences, drive real-time engagement through AI-powered automation, and deliver highly personalised interactions that strengthen customer relationships and support long-term growth.”

    This integration marks a major leap in digital communication, enabling brands to manage and measure their RCS campaigns effortlessly through one unified platform—turning every customer touchpoint into an interactive, meaningful experience.

  • United Breweries launches Amstel Grande in Uttar Pradesh

    United Breweries launches Amstel Grande in Uttar Pradesh

    MUMBAI: India’s brewing behemoth United Breweries Limited (UBL) has finally popped the cap on its premium beer Amstel Grande in Uttar Pradesh, giving the state’s tipplers a taste of Dutch brewing prowess. The Heineken-owned company is betting its bottom rupee that UP’s increasingly sophisticated beer swiggers are ready to part with extra cash for a more refined gulp.

    Amstel Grande, which has already wet whistles in Maharashtra and West Bengal, is being flogged as a slow-brewed revelation. The company rather grandly claims its “secret ingredient” is time—allowing the beer to marinate longer before hitting parched throats

    “After receiving an overwhelming response in Maharashtra and West Bengal, we are excited to bring Amstel Grande to Uttar Pradesh,” said  UBL chief marketing officer Vikram Bahl. “Uttar Pradesh is a vibrant market with a growing demand for premium beverages and we are confident that Amstel Grande will quickly become the go-to choice for those seeking unmatched quality and craftsmanship. This launch further strengthens our commitment to delivering world-class quality.”

    The Dutch beer, born of two mates’ boozy dreams in Amsterdam circa 1870, now finds itself competing in the crowded Indian hooch market. The Heineken-owned brand has cleverly pitched its local brewing operation as “globally inspired, locally brewed”—a neat trick that saves on shipping costs while maintaining the exotic foreign cachet.

    For the privilege of quaffing this premium amber nectar, UP’s beer connoisseurs will have to shell out Rs 110 for a 330ml bottle, Rs 160 for 500ml, and  Rs 210 for the full 650ml experience. The price reflects what the company insists is a sugar-free formulation using “the finest quality barley” and “carefully selected hops.”

    The packaging, dripping with illustrations of Amsterdam’s canals and buildings, ensures drinkers can feel smugly continental while getting sozzled in Lucknow. The brew’s philosophy of being “brewed for bonding” suggests that friendship itself might be impossible without the lubricating effects of a premium lager—a bold claim, but one that countless pub-goers have tested thoroughly over the centuries.

    As summer scorchers loom, UBL will be hoping that Amstel Grande flows freely through India’s most populous state. For a beer that boasts about taking its time, its success or failure should become apparent rather quickly.

  • Haier redefines luxury with Lumiere, India’s first 4-door convertible fridge

    Haier redefines luxury with Lumiere, India’s first 4-door convertible fridge

    MUMBAI: Haier Appliances India, has redefined luxury and innovation with the launch of Lumiere, India’s first 4-door convertible side-by-side refrigerator. The grand unveiling took place at the Hindustan Times (HT) India’s Most Stylish 2025, a celebration of fashion, glamour, and cutting-edge trends.

    Haier, the only brand manufacturing 4-door side-by-side refrigerators in India, continues to push boundaries in premium home appliances. Lumiere, designed for modern Indian homes, seamlessly blends advanced technology with refined aesthetics, setting new benchmarks in both style and functionality.

    The reveal was a showstopping moment, presented by actress and UN ambassador Dia Mirza, co-host Cyrus Sahukar, and , Haier Appliances India president NS Satish. Adding to the excitement, cinema icons Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Shikhar Dhawan, Kanika Kapoor, and Farhan Akhtar explored Lumiere’s sleek design and intelligent features at Haier’s exclusive brand zone during the red carpet segment.

    Haier Appliances India president Satish said,
    “At Haier India, we take immense pride in being the only brand in India manufacturing 4-door convertible side-by-side refrigerators. This achievement reflects our commitment to innovation and delivering solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern Indian homes. The launch of the Haier Lumiere Series is a proud addition to our ‘Made in India, Made for India’ vision, combining advanced technology with elegant design. Our association with HT India’s Most Stylish 2025 provided the perfect platform to showcase a product that redefines style and functionality. As we continue to innovate, Haier remains dedicated to introducing appliances that elevate everyday living while complementing contemporary lifestyles with elegance and performance.”

    HT Media Group Ltd VP & head branded IPs Vijay Nair added, “We are delighted to have Haier India as a valued partner at the 13 edition of HT India’s Most Stylish. As the voice of the nation since 1924, HT has been at the forefront of culture, style, and innovation. This year, we crafted an immersive experience, celebrating 100 years of style through the cinematic lens where fashion met storytelling in its most iconic form. Haier’s spirit of innovation perfectly complemented our vision, making this collaboration truly special. We are proud to have provided a platform that showcased Haier’s commitment to redefining home experiences with style and functionality through the launch of the Lumiere series refrigerator.”

     

  • Honda wraps FY25 with a turbocharged 58.31 lakh units sold, goes full throttle

    Honda wraps FY25 with a turbocharged 58.31 lakh units sold, goes full throttle

    MUMBAI: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) hit the finish line of FY 2024–25 with its engines roaring, posting a massive 58.31 lakh unit sales—cruising ahead with a 19 per cent year-on-year jump. In March 2025 alone, the company sold 4,27,448 units, including 4,01,411 domestic and 26,037 exported two-wheelers. That’s not just acceleration—it’s domination.

    If FY25 had a theme, it would be more power to Honda—and not just the fuel-injected kind. The brand broke into electric mobility with its ACTIVA e and QC1, launched bookings on 1 January and started deliveries by March. At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, Honda didn’t just flex—it showed off its green muscle with tech-laden concepts, including the CB300F Flex-Fuel, Motocompacto, and advanced battery-swapping tech.

    The OBD2B compliant line-up got a massive revamp too, covering popular models from Activa to Hornet 2.0, showing Honda’s commitment to stay road-ready and regulation-proof.

    HMSI’s premium BigWing arm also fired on all cylinders. The launch of the NX200 with new-age upgrades and the refreshed CB650R and CBR650R turned heads in the upper cc league. And the 300cc flex-fuel CB300F? It’s now a first in India.

    Milestones? Oh, plenty. Shine & SP125 crossed 30 lakh customers in eastern India and 10 lakh in Madhya Pradesh, while the south saw Honda break the two crore sales mark. The numbers weren’t just big—they were legacy-defining.

    On the social front, HMSI didn’t let off the throttle either. It educated over 97 lakh citizens on road safety across 120 cities and trained women cab drivers under its Stree सारथी programme. From planting one lakh trees during environment month to empowering farmers through Project Annadata, it’s clear Honda’s drive is as much about heart as horsepower.

    Motorsport fans weren’t left in the dust. Mohsin Paramban dominated the IDEMITSU Honda Indian Talent Cup, while Honda Racing India made noise at the Asia Road Racing Championship. Even at the rough-and-ready Dakar Rally, Honda clinched a double podium with style.

    Honda didn’t just close FY25 on a high. It wheelied across it, leaving behind skid marks of innovation, impact, and sheer velocity.

     

  • Myprotein and Keventers blend health and taste with coffee protein fix

    Myprotein and Keventers blend health and taste with coffee protein fix

    MUMBAI: If your morning fix is stuck between a scoop of protein and a shot of espresso, here’s a newsflash you’ll actually want to digest. Myprotein has teamed up with Keventers, the dessert kingpin known for milkshake mayhem, to launch Coffee Impact Whey Protein—a collab that hits the sweet spot between fitness fuel and frothy indulgence.

    The announcement dropped in Mumbai on 3 April 2025, and true to its spirit, the launch wasn’t just a product drop—it was a flex. Myprotein brought its fitfam to Keventers’ Powai store on 26 March, calling on gym rats, shake chuggers and coffee lovers alike to spill the beans on what makes a ‘perfect match’.

    Naturally, the answer was caffeine plus protein. Duh.

    Myprotein ambassador Chetan Tambe, the kind of guy who can probably deadlift your insecurities, showed up to share his routine, chat with fans and introduce the blend that might just caffeinate your cardio.

    “This special campaign celebrates unique matches in the everyday life of our consumers, be it with a person, experience, or health,” said Myprotein India regional manager Sudeshna Saha. “Through this collaboration, we are bringing a health-conscious offering to the coffee lovers who want to indulge whilst sticking to their fitness regime. With the introduction of Keventers Coffee, we have two Keventers flavours, including the popular chocolate hazelnut, especially curated for the Indian audience.”

    For those who treat cheat days like urban legends, this collab lets you indulge with purpose. The new flavour joins Myprotein’s premium lineup on its website, and you’ll find it at select Keventers outlets, making this the rare milkshake that doesn’t wreck your macros.