ITV

Category: Brands

  • Dusit checks into India’s heartland with big plans and bigger pillows

    Dusit checks into India’s heartland with big plans and bigger pillows

    MUMBAI: Who said luxury stays were only for metros? Dusit International, Thailand’s hospitality heavyweight, is going deep into India’s belly—and we’re not talking about Bangkok curry. After dipping its toes in the Himalayas with dusitD2 Fagu in Shimla, the brand is doubling down with a fresh batch of hotels in under-served but high-potential Indian cities. From Bhiwadi to Manali, the roadmap is equal parts spa, strategy and some serious swagger.

    Dusit’s new game plan includes opening six properties across tier two and tier three cities like Raipur (200 keys), Bhiwadi (165 keys), Lonavala (120 keys), Kolkata (220 keys), and luxury boutique escapes in Kasol and Manali (40 keys each) under the Dusit Collection banner. It’s the brand’s way of sprinkling its signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality across India’s scenic but often overlooked travel gems.

    “India represents an exceptional growth opportunity for Dusit – across major metros and particularly in tier two and tier three cities, where premium hospitality options remain limited despite strong demand,” said Dusit International VP – development (global) Siradej Donavanik. “The country’s tourism industry is evolving rapidly… We aim to create exceptional stays that resonate deeply with Indian travellers.”

    Fresh off the December 2024 launch of its dusitD2 Fagu in Shimla, the company also inked deals for three more properties in Karnataka, including the wellness-centric Devarana Sakleshpur – A Dusit Retreat (expected to open in 2028), and two Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts.

    With a portfolio stretching from ultra-luxury Devarana to millennial-ready ASAI Hotels, Dusit isn’t aiming for mass expansion. It’s curating destinations with a wellness bent, premium design ethos, and genuine local flavour. Think essential oils meet essential Instagram content.

    The hospitality giant is also walking the sustainability talk. Its Tree of Life programme aligns with the UN’s sustainable development goals through 31 measurable criteria — planting not just properties but purpose. From reducing impact to upskilling talent, Dusit is setting up more than just beds. It’s crafting a hospitality ecosystem, including local education through Dusit Hospitality Education.

    All this fits into Dusit’s global ambition of signing over 100 hotels in the next five years, across emerging markets like Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Japan, and India. With its seamless blend of Thai flair and local insight, the group wants to turn every stay into an experience, not just an expense.

  • Listerine joins KKR as official mouthwash partner for IPL 2025

    Listerine joins KKR as official mouthwash partner for IPL 2025

    MUMBAI: Listerine, has announced its official partnership with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2025, bringing a refreshing twist to the cricketing season. With over 95 per cent of adults in India suffering from cavities, according to the World Health Organization, this collaboration aims to highlight the crucial role of mouthwash in daily oral care routines.

    KKR, one of IPL’s most popular franchises, is known for its spirit of excellence, teamwork, and passion qualities that align perfectly with Listerine’s mission to promote better oral health. Through this partnership, Listerine will leverage KKR’s massive fan base to raise awareness about preventive oral care, encouraging fans to swish their way to a healthier mouth.

    Kenvue business unit head-essential health & skin health & oral care & VP marketing Manoj Gadgil said, “We are thrilled to partner with KKR, a team that resonates with millions of fans across India. In India, oral care is often neglected as part of the overall health regime, being largely curative rather than preventive. This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for us to engage with cricket enthusiasts to highlight the significance of a comprehensive oral care regime by brushing and swishing with a mouthwash as part of their daily routine as well as when on-the-go to ensure holistic oral care. With Listerine, germs will get clean bowled, one swish at a time!”

    Listerine will feature prominently across KKR’s marketing campaigns, offering fans engaging content, promotions, and interactive experiences both on and off the field.

    This partnership is more than just about cricket it’s about fostering a culture of oral wellness. With Listerine, fans can ensure their oral hygiene is match-ready, allowing them to cheer for their favourite team with confidence.

  • Incred mints over Rs 600 crore for ISOF-I as credit cravings soar

    Incred mints over Rs 600 crore for ISOF-I as credit cravings soar

    MUMBAI: The private credit market just got a new heavy-hitter, and it’s not playing small. Incred Alternative Investments, the alt-assets arm of Incred Capital, has locked in over Rs 600 crore (around $70 million) for its maiden special situations credit vehicle—Incred Special Opportunities Fund-I (ISOF-I). That’s a strong opening act in a game where size, speed and swagger matter.

    The announcement, made on 3 April 2025, signals a bullish start for ISOF-I, a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with a base size of Rs 1,000 crore and an additional green shoe option of Rs 500 crore. And this is just the warm-up. More commitments are expected to roll in as the fund positions itself as the go-to for dislocated deals, distressed situations and debt moves with alpha built in.

    “We are thrilled to announce securing commitments over Rs 600 crore in Incred Special Opportunities Fund (ISOF-I) reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative private credit solutions. By leveraging Incred Group’s origination strengths and a seasoned underwriting team, we aim to generate 21-23 per cent returns. ISOF-I is well-positioned to capitalise on evolving market opportunities, such as dislocated secondary opportunities, cash flow mismatch situations in the economic cycle and flexible debt solutions, while delivering sustained value for our investors,” said Incred Alternative Investments CIO – private credit, Saurabh Jhalaria.

    Unlike safe-haven plays, ISOF-I is engineered for risk-adjusted hustle. It targets high-yield credit instruments across old economy sectors, backed by chunky collateral to keep the downside in check. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill fixed income—it’s a buffet of bold bets with buffers.

    The fund’s strategy? Market-agnostic, high-return, and highly nimble. Think of it as the financial equivalent of a Swiss Army knife: flexible enough to tackle cash flow crunches, special situations, and secondary market slip-ups. With regular distributions and a clear-eyed focus on generating meaningful alpha, the fund is built to woo both domestic and offshore LPs who like their risk spicy and their returns meaty.

    Backed by a team seasoned in special situation investing and a proven track record in performing credit, Incred’s latest launch is more than just a fund—it’s a bet on India’s evolving credit ecosystem.

    Time will tell how many more crores follow. But if ISOF-I keeps this momentum, it might just set the bar for how to launch a private credit rocket.

  • Schaeffler India cracks down on counterfeit products with major raids

    Schaeffler India cracks down on counterfeit products with major raids

    MUMBAI: Schaeffler India, has ramped up efforts to eliminate counterfeit bearings and components from the market. In collaboration with local authorities, its brand protection team has carried out multiple successful raids in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, seizing fake products falsely marked with Schaeffler’s FAG, INA, and LuK brands.

    Counterfeit products pose a significant risk to operational safety and performance, leading Schaeffler to strengthen its enforcement measures. Working closely with law enforcement, the company is actively tracking and dismantling unauthorised supply chains dealing in fake Schaeffler products.

    Schaeffler India MD & CEO Harsha Kadam said “At Schaeffler, quality and reliability are at the core of everything we do. Counterfeit products not only compromise safety and performance but also erode trust in the industry. We are committed to eliminating counterfeit products from the market by undertaking stringent legal action, conducting awareness campaigns, and empowering customers with the right tools to identify genuine Schaeffler products.”

    Schaeffler India urges customers to stay vigilant and verify authenticity before purchasing. Key identification measures include, products feature a unique identification code and two-dimensional barcode on packaging, which can be verified using the Schaeffler Origincheck app, henuine Schaeffler products display precise logos, fonts, and laser-marked details, customers should buy only from Schaeffler-authorised distributors to ensure product authenticity.
     

  • Kartik Aaryan boards Thomas Cook’s borderless card campaign with youth appeal

    Kartik Aaryan boards Thomas Cook’s borderless card campaign with youth appeal

    MUMBAI: Thomas Cook (India) Limited has just dialled up the charm—and the Gen Z appeal—by roping in Hindi cinema heartthrob Kartik Aaryan as the brand ambassador for its foreign exchange business. The move, announced on 3 April 2025, is part of a strategic push to woo India’s youth with its freshly launched Borderless Travel Card.

    The card is a slick multi-currency prepaid solution designed to make international travel less of a hassle and more of a flex. And who better to headline that message than the actor who already lives rent-free in the hearts of millennials and Gen Z? “I am excited to work with Thomas Cook India—a brand that is synonymous with not just pioneering travel but also innovative and youthful agility,” said Aaryan.

    Kicking things off is a playful new campaign featuring Aaryan himself, where he explains forex woes to a fellow traveller while flaunting the Borderless Travel Card like it’s the ultimate travel hack. Think multiple cards, currencies and SIMs? Nah. This one card claims to do it all, and Aaryan is the guy telling you exactly why.

    Thomas Cook EVP – foreign exchange, Deepesh Varma backed the move with data-driven confidence, “Our research reflects significant opportunity from Young India, and we are already witnessing an encouraging uptick in demand. Kartik is the perfect fit to inspire and address this powerful segment.”

    The campaign will run across digital, social and connected TV platforms, ensuring every scroll and swipe gets a dose of Kartik’s forex finesse. For Thomas Cook, this isn’t just another ambassador play—it’s a bid to capture the imagination (and wallet) of India’s new-age traveller.

    The Borderless Travel Card follows in the footsteps of Thomas Cook’s earlier successes like Study Buddy for students and EnterpriseFX for business travellers. With travel back on the agenda and wanderlust in full swing, the timing couldn’t be more pitch-perfect.

  • Iodex presents Active Muscle Care Cream to combat daily muscle stiffness

    Iodex presents Active Muscle Care Cream to combat daily muscle stiffness

    MUMBAI: Iodex, has introduced its latest innovation—Iodex Active Muscle Care cream, a non-sticky formula designed for rapid relief from pain and stiffness caused by everyday activities.

    Formulated with four potent ingredients boswellia extract, eucalyptus oil, capsaicin extract, and camphor—the cream delivers a warming sensation that improves blood circulation, easing muscle stiffness and discomfort.

    The brand’s latest national campaign, conceptualised by Leo India, uses the song Dauda Dauda Bhaaga Bhaaga Sa to capture the fast-paced nature of modern life, where physical strain often limits quality time with loved ones. The campaign film portrays a father unable to play with his child due to muscle pain, until Iodex Active Muscle Care comes to his rescue.

    Haleon India category leader for pain & respiratory Pavan Wani said, “For decades, Iodex has been a trusted part of Indian households, providing effective relief when pain strikes. Most individuals rely on common household remedies or rest at the end of each day to combat their physical discomfort or muscle stiffness arising due to daily activities. With Iodex Active Muscle Care, our aim is to aid you in getting relief from this daily pain and muscle stiffness. At Haleon India, our purpose is to deliver better everyday health with humanity, and this launch is a direct reflection of that. By providing an accessible and effective solution for muscle care, we’re empowering individuals to stay ahead of this stiffness, maintain an active lifestyle, and ultimately, take control of their well-being.”

    The campaign will be amplified across television, print, and digital platforms. The new Iodex Active Muscle Care cream is now available at prominent pharmacies, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms across India.

  • Ginza Industries launches Hektor to stitch up men’s fashion game

    Ginza Industries launches Hektor to stitch up men’s fashion game

    MUMBAI: If Achilles had a wardrobe malfunction, Hektor would’ve walked in wearing wrinkle-free armour and saved the day. Ginza Industries has just dropped its slick new menswear brand, Hektor—a sartorial powerhouse aimed at modern men who want to look like legends without feeling like they’re wearing one.

    Launched this week, Hektor is Ginza’s homage to boldness and brains, borrowing its name (and serious gravitas) from the battle-hardened hero of Greek mythology. But forget togas. This brand is armed with something far more tactical: bonded stitch technology. Goodbye bulky seams, hello sleek sophistication. This futuristic sewing sorcery promises a second-skin fit, durability that can take a beating, and breathability that would make linen jealous.

    “Hektor is not just about clothing; it’s about a mindset. It’s crafted for the men who push boundaries, lead with confidence, and embrace life’s challenges head-on. With Hektor, we are redefining men’s fashion by merging heritage with cutting-edge technology,” said Hektor founder Rohit Sethia. “With our innovative bonded stitch technology and high-performance fabrics, Hektor is setting new benchmarks in style and functionality. Whether it’s the high-flying executive, the urban adventurer, or the trendsetter making waves, Hektor’s collection is designed to complement their relentless drive and ambition.”

    The collection features modern essentials including statement polos, tailored shirts and premium innerwear—all designed for style, strength and stretch. Expect no less than fabric wizardry: odour resistance that snubs sweat, UPF protection for sun-fighting power, cool-to-touch textures, moisture-wicking magic, and enough wrinkle resistance to survive suitcase torture.

    From high-flyers to heavy lifters, Hektor’s threads promise to back up ambition with engineering. And yes, you can now shop the future at www.hektor.in. The collection will soon grace digital shelves on Nykaa, Amazon, Ajio and Myntra.

  • Rising star soars to Dove at Unilever

    Rising star soars to Dove at Unilever

    MUMBAI: Prerna Gursahani has slathered herself in corporate success, landing the coveted role of global brand manager for Dove at consumer goods behemoth Hindustan Unilever.

    After three years of keeping skin supple as global assistant brand manager for Vaseline, Gursahani has been promoted to oversee the company’s flagship beauty brand, which has made its name championing real beauty and body positivity.

    The polished executive is no stranger to Unilever’s corridors of power. Her relationship with the Anglo-Dutch giant began in 2013 when she cut her teeth as a brand assistant in the company’s laundry category, focusing on water and “disruptive innovation”—presumably more than just adding an extra rinse cycle.

    Following a brief dalliance with the brewing industry at White Owl Brewery and a stint as account manager at advertising agency J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, Gursahani returned to Hindustan Unilever in 2019 as assistant manager sustainability, before smoothly transitioning to the Vaseline team in 2022.

    In addition to her corporate exploits, the ambitious brand whiz serves as an ambassador for One Young World, having initially joined as a delegate in 2020. The global forum for young leaders evidently spotted her potential early on.

    Commenting on her LinkedIn page, Gursahani gushed that she was “thrilled” about her new appointment, adding that she was “excited to be part of a brand that champions real beauty and strives to create a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and confident”—a sentiment that will surely wash well with Dove’s marketing ethos.

  • The Bear House hares into physical retail with Rs 50 crore fund infusion

    The Bear House hares into physical retail with Rs 50 crore fund infusion

    MUMBAI: The Bear House, a Bengaluru-based contemporary menswear brand, has secured Rs 50 crore in Series A funding led by JM Financial India Growth Fund III, as it prepares to claw its way deeper into India’s competitive fashion landscape.

    The sartorial upstart, which has built its reputation on “elevated core” menswear for young professionals who need versatile attire that transitions seamlessly from boardroom battles to evening revelry, plans to use the investment to expand its brick-and-mortar presence, shore up working capital, and beef up marketing efforts.

    Having conquered the digital sphere through its own website and major fashion marketplaces including Myntra, Ajio, Flipkart and Nykaa, The Bear House recently opened its first physical outpost in Bengaluru last month. With fresh capital now in its coffers, the brand aims to unleash approximately 20 additional stores across India over the next two years.

    “We are optimistic about the growth of India’s online branded apparel market, especially in the men’s business-casual segment,” said JM Financial managing director, private equity Siddharth Kothari. “The Bear House has demonstrated impressive growth by leveraging its unique design sensibilities and direct-to-consumer strategy to build a loyal customer following.”

    For a company that has thus far ruled exclusively in the digital realm, the push into physical retail represents a significant evolution in its growth strategy. Founded in 2017, the brand has cultivated a reputation for chic, uncluttered designs catering to urban professionals who want to look sharp without appearing trussed up.

    “This growth capital infusion will help us accelerate our expansion plans and strengthen our brand’s presence,” said The Bear House  co-founder Harsh Somaiya. “As we scale our offline footprint and invest in brand-building, we remain focused on staying true to our design philosophy.”

    Perhaps most impressive is that The Bear House has managed to build a Rs 150 crore+ online brand while remaining bootstrapped and profitable—no small feat in an industry where red ink often flows as freely as champagne at a fashion week after-party.

    Dexter Capital served as the exclusive advisor on the transaction, with its investment arm, Dexter Ventures, also participating in the funding round.

    “Today’s young professional consumer is looking for a stylish persona at work and outside without compromising with comfort,” noted  Dexter Ventures general partner Anuradha Agrawal, adding that the company’s success stemmed from Somaiya’s manufacturing expertise paired with his co-founder Tanvi’s design skills.

  • Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR reigns as India’s bestselling car four years running

    Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR reigns as India’s bestselling car four years running

    MUMBAI: Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR has maintained its pole position as India’s highest-selling car for the fourth consecutive year, with 198,451 units sold during the financial year 2024-25.

    The ubiquitous box-on-wheels has now amassed an impressive customer base of 3.37 million owners since its introduction, solidifying its status as the nation’s most beloved four-wheeled companion.

    “WagonR’s sustained leadership in the Indian automotive market underscores strong customer trust and an unmatched value proposition over 25 years,” said Maruti Suzuki India senior executive officer for marketing and sales Partho Banerjee.

    The company points to remarkable customer loyalty as a key factor in the model’s continued success, with one in four WagonR owners returning to purchase another—a rare feat in India’s notoriously fickle automotive marketplace.

    Despite the rise of SUVs and crossovers that have left many traditional hatchbacks gathering dust in showrooms, Banerjee remains bullish about the segment’s prospects: “Hatchbacks are an integral pillar of India’s automobile industry… this segment will continue to be a cornerstone in spreading the joy of mobility to every Indian household.”

    The WagonR’s enduring popularity flies in the face of automotive fashion trends, suggesting that practicality trumps posturing for many Indian buyers. The model’s winning formula combines spaciousness that belies its compact footprint, fuel efficiency that protects wallets, and just enough tech to keep pace with modern expectations.

    Under the bonnet, customers can choose between two K-Series Dual Jet engines—1.0L for the budget-conscious and 1.2L for those craving a bit more snarl in their steering wheel. Both come with manual and auto gear shift transmission options.

    The CNG variant continues to be a hit with eco-conscious penny-pinchers, offering superior fuel economy without sacrificing performance—a claim that might raise eyebrows among enthusiasts but resonates with family accountants.

    Safety features include the requisite alphabet soup of modern protection systems: ABS with EBD, ESP, and Hill Hold Assist, all built on Maruti’s Heartect platform that uses high tensile steel to keep occupants secure in the event of an unscheduled meeting with roadside obstacles.

    Inside, the WagonR offers modest luxuries including a 17.78cm infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering-mounted controls, and dual-tone interiors that aim to elevate the cabin ambience beyond utilitarian transport.

    As India’s car market continues its rapid evolution, the WagonR’s persistent chart-topping performance suggests that in a country where value still reigns supreme, this unassuming hatchback remains the undisputed king of the road.