ITV

Category: MAM

  • Coca-Cola, NBA expand global marketing partnership

    MUMBAI: The National Basketball Association (NBA) and beverage conglomerate Coca-Cola have announced a new multi-year extension of their longstanding global marketing partnership.


    The continuing association will showcase Sprite through exclusive programmes designed to connect with the league’s young and passionate fan-base on a global basis.


    Coca-Cola, an NBA marketing partner since 1986, has used the partnership to promote several different brands in its diverse beverage portfolio.


    In 2011, for the first time Sprite will be the lead brand to be associated with the NBA around the world. Sprite, the world’s leading lemon-lime sparkling beverage, has been the Official Soft Drink of the NBA in the US since 1994.
     
    In the US, Sprite will continue to engage fans through special programmes highlighting the slam dunk, including Sprite Slam Dunk at NBA All-Star and the Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown amateur slam dunk competition. Sprite also will conduct a variety of NBA-themed activities, including events, digital promotions, grassroots programmes and under-the-cap promotions to connect with NBA fans worldwide.


    Coca-Cola US CMO Beatriz Perez said, “Our partnership with the NBA offers the flexibility and collaboration to create innovative marketing programs that spark the connection between Sprite and basketball fans. “Through programs like Sprite Slam Dunk, Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown and others, we’re able to communicate with people online, on television, through mobile technology, locally and at retail, so that we’re in touch with NBA fans wherever they are.”
     
    NBA executive VP, global marketing partnerships Mark Tatum said, “For more than two decades, The Coca-Cola Company has been one of the NBA’s most committed and active marketing partners. Sprite is an exciting and vibrant brand that maintains a meaningful connection to the younger consumers that also make up a valuable segment of our fan-base. We look forward to working together to develop more exciting and innovative NBA experiences that will resonate with this audience around the world.”


    Sprite will continue as the title partner of the highly anticipated annual Sprite Slam Dunk competition at NBA All-Star, which it has supported since 2003. Recently, Sprite and the NBA have collaborated to offer new elements that allow fans to participate in the event. Since 2008, fans have been able to vote for their favorite dunker, and in 2009 and 2010, fans were able to help choose one of the event participants .
     
    Sprite also will continue to present the Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown. Inspired by the NBA All-Star event, this slam dunk competition determines the best amateur dunker in North America via a grassroots tour and online fan-participation component. The second edition of the Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown is currently underway, and the four finalists will compete for the contest title and $10,000 grand prize at NBA All-Star 2011 in Los Angeles .


    Fans in the US will be able to experience both the Sprite Slam Dunk and the Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown at NBA.com/Dunk, a dedicated website that offers unique content for both the NBA and amateur Slam Dunk competitions.


    Sprite will continue to highlight its NBA partnership through its global integrated marketing campaign, The Spark , which conveys the lemon-lime sparkling beverage’s ability to refresh and invigorate.


    Throughout the partnership, Sprite and the NBA will collaborate in various international markets to reach NBA fans with a variety of NBA-themed events and promotions.


    Advertising will appear during international telecasts of NBA games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 42 languages. In addition, Sprite will join the NBA for a series of grassroots programmes that encourage kids to play basketball in Mexico , and Africa , among others.


    Coca-Cola VP Global Partnerships and Experiential Marketing Scott McCune said, “The passion for the NBA continues to grow around the world and through our global partnership we are able to create marketing programs in multiple countries such as China , where our brands and NBA basketball are both incredibly popular. We are able to create grassroots programmes in markets around the world to encourage young people to play basketball and drink Sprite. For the first time our two biggest markets for the Sprite brand, the U.S. and China , will both be activating our NBA partnership with the same brand giving us greater scale.”


    Prior to extending its NBA relationship, The Coca-Cola Company reached a new multi-year marketing partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) that began with the 2010 WNBA season. The partnership supported Live Positively, Coca-Cola’s effort to make a positive difference in the world. WNBA FIT Clinics were held at community parks across the US to engage youth through a variety of fitness skills and drills while stressing the importance of health and nutrition. The Coca-Cola Company also served as a Gold partner of the Inspiring Women Luncheon, an annual event that includes prominent attendees from the worlds of entertainment, sports, business, and politics.

  • Lintas Media Group wins media duties of Citizen Watches

    Lintas Media Group wins media duties of Citizen Watches

    MUMBAI: Lintas Media Group Bangalore has won the media mandate of Citizen watches.

    The current size of the account is Rs 250 million, and is expected to grow further.

    Lintas Media Group will handle all forms of media – mass media, Out of home and Internet and mobile.

    The mandate was given after a multi-agency pitch process that involved names like the incumbent Allied Media and Dentsu.

    Says Citizen marketing manager Aditya Sengupta, “We liked LMG‘s thought process and intent to work with them for our media requirements.”

    “Formulating innovative solutions to make a brand click in the lifestyle space is an exercise that completely energises the team at LMG”, says LMG deputy CEO Sudha Natrajan.

  • Talwalkars ropes in Carat and Guava

    Talwalkars ropes in Carat and Guava

    MUMBAI: Health centre chain Talwalkars Better Value Fitness has roped in Carat Media as its media agency and Guava Creative Solutions as its creative partner.

    Talwalkar‘s overall marketing spends for the upcoming year would be around Rs 40-50 million.

    Carat Media Services MD Kartik Iyer confirmed the news to Indiantelevision.com.

    Aegis Group‘s Carat and boutique agency Guava will handle the business from their Mumbai offices.

    The mandates were given following multi-agency pitches that were initiated in November last year.

    The upcoming ad campaign that is expected to start next fiscal will comprise a well-balanced media mix of TV, digital (social media such as Facebook and Twitter), mobile marketing and brand activations.

     

  • Jaypee ropes in Mudra Delhi as creative partner

    Jaypee ropes in Mudra Delhi as creative partner

    MUMBAI: Jaypee Group, the infrastructural company, has roped in Mudra India Delhi as its creative agency.

    The agency will handle the creative duties of the real estate group‘s cement business for South India, edible oil, power and Formula One. The consolidated account size is in the region of Rs 400-500 million.
     
    Says Jaypee Group EVP Shiva Dixit, “Since we were entering into South India with our cement business, we were looking to engage a new agency. There was no pitch called for these businesses. Mudra is a great agency and they have a lot of good advertising and creative contribution to their credit. So, we just thought of going along with them.”

    In the next couple of months, the company is also expected to launch a campaign through the outdoor, print, TV advertising for its edible oil division.
     
    Adds Mudra North and East EVP and head Ajay Naqvi, “We are extremely excited with this mandate. We were persistent and I think our passion, thinking and work all got acknowledged and appreciated. We hope to do justice to this responsibility. I must specifically mention Vandana Katoch, Creative Director and Gopal Krishnan, Vice President, who have ably led this business and I am confident will continue to do so.”

    For Formula One racing event in India, Jaypee plans to start promoting close to the event dateline 30 October. The coveted race will be taking place at Jaypee Group Circuit in Greater Noida, about 50 km from New Delhi.
     

  • Brand value of Indian banks pegged at $14.7 bn

    MUMBAI: The downturn in US and Japan has massaged the brand value of Indian banks as 18 of them make it to the Top 500 league.


    The total brand value of Indian Banks has grown 19 per cent to $14.74 billion, according to the latest survey of brand valuation consulting company Brand Finance.


    The survey, which was done in partnership with The Banker magazine, ranked the State Bank of India (SBI) two notches up in the pecking order as it has transformed into a customer-led organisation.


    SBI, which became the first Indian bank to break into the world‘s Top 50 list in 2010, has moved to the 34th position in the new survey.


    SBI has a brand value of $5.67 million, as compared to $4.55 million in the 2010 survey, as it continued to strengthen its position by accelerating transformation into a brand and customer-led business model with focus on innovation.


    BrandFinance Global Banking 500 is an annual review of the top banking brands in the world. 
      
    ICICI Bank has a brand value of $2.50 billion and has to more than double its speed if it has to catch up with SBI.


    Axis Bank, which currently stands at No 202 (from 239), has seen an increase of 50 per cent in the brand value to $652 million and would possibly make it to the top 200 of global banking 500 by next year.
      
    The methodology employed by Brand Finance uses a discounted cash flow (DCF) technique to discount estimated future royalties at an appropriate discount rate, to arrive at a net present value (NPV) of the trademark and associated intellectual property: the brand value.


    Indian banks among top 500 list include-






















































































































    Bank Current Rating Previous Rating Brand Value Market Cap
    SBI 34 36 5670 46,417
    ICICI Bank 69 70 2501 28,809
    HDFC Bank 155 141 913 25,051
    Punjab National Bank 195 174 675 9,298
    Axis Bank 202 239 652 14,452
    Bank of Baroda 213 196 585 7,648
    Canara Bank 224 213 550 5711
    Bank of India 242 195 502 6,602
    Kotak 263 287 434 8,307
    HDFC 322 N/A 315 23,573
    IDBI Bank 324 305 309 2,562
    Indian Overseas Bank 343 334 290 1,836
    Power Finance Corporation 375 N/A 224 9,399
    Union Bank of India 376 274 244 4,422
    Centeral Bank of India 390 471 237 1,766
    Allahabad Bank 393 345 235 2,838
    Corporation Bank 449 393 193 2,319
    Andhra Bank 450 461 190 1,786


    The survey also claims that the banking sector is showing signs of recovery, with the world’s 500 most valuable banking groups growing by 62 per cent in market capitalisation and their brand values cumulatively increasing by 49 per cent.


    Banker magazine said that there is a decline in US dominance of World banking industry and rise in banking brands from Middle East.


    Also, this is the first time that a Russian bank has broke into the Worlds top 20 bank brands.


    Explains Brand Finance plc CEO David Haigh, “This year’s Brand Finance Global Banking 500 shows how significant the recovery of global banking brands has been. The value of the Top 500 global bank brands is now four per cent higher than in 2008, prior to the banking crisis. The total value of the top 500 global bank brands has increased 49 is $716 billion, an increase of 49 per cent on 2009.There has been a significant shift in the balance of power globally away from the US and towards banks in emerging markets.”


    Asian markets, despite doing well, grew by only 31 per cent in brand value because Japanese brand values declined by 3 per cent reflecting the continued instability of the Japanese market.


    India and China, in contrast, saw brand value growth by 137 per cent and 58 per cent respectively.


    Banks in the Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand, have seen a recovery with a growth of 58 per cent.



    Whilst the number of European banks in the Global 500 has increased from 174 to 197, the number of UK banks has fallen from 24 to 22. This suggests that recovery in continental Europe – most particularly in France, Spain and Switzerland – has left British banks behind. European bank brands have recovered significantly, growing their brand value in aggregate by 67 per cent.


    The Banker editor Brian Caplen adds, “In the wake of the financial crisis, banks are approaching the issue of branding with renewed vigour. However this cannot be a short term project. What Brand Finance’s rankings show is that successful banks such as HSBC and Santander work at getting all the parts of the operation to work in favour of the branding.”


    The Top 10 banks in the list include:



    1. Bank of America (US)

    2. Wells Fargo (US)

    3. HSBC (UK) 

    4. Santander (Spain)

    5. Chase (US)

    6. Bradesco (Brazil)

    7. Barclays (UK)

    8. ICBC (China)

    9. Citi (US)

    10. China Construction Bank (China)

  • Oriflame appoints Ignitee Digital Solutions as digital marketing agency

    Oriflame appoints Ignitee Digital Solutions as digital marketing agency

    MUMBAI: Beauty products company Oriflame India has signed Ignitee Digital Solutions as the digital media agency for a period of one year.

    Ignitee will run a dedicated social media campaign on social networking sites such as Facebook and YouTube to celebrate the launch of ‘Dare To Be‘.

    Says Ignitee Digital Solutions COO Shankar B, “In the past we have handled clients from the beauty industry, hence our partnership with Oriflame India will further strengthen our presence in this segment. During the annual partnership Ignitee Digital Solutions will initiate all the activities that would enhance Oriflame India‘s presence in the social media landscape.”

    Oriflame is currently concentrating on the youth segment. ‘Dare To Be‘ is a new youth philosophy which specifically targets young people. ‘Dare to Be‘ encapsulates new ranges, products and accessories inspired by young women and the hottest beauty trends.

    The Swedish beauty products company recently appointed Starcom Worldwide as its media partner in India.

     

  • Kajal Malik to head Sakal’s brand solutions cell

    Kajal Malik to head Sakal’s brand solutions cell

    MUMBAI: Sakal Media Group has roped in Kajal Malik to head its brand solutions cell.

    Malik moves from Lintas Media Group where she headed the planning business of ITC foods.
     
    Says Sakal Media Group MD Abhijit Pawar, “I believe Kajal with her expertise and ability will bring to life multiple opportunities for brands to engage with consumers in Maharashtra. Sakal is a credible paper and the association will deliver sustainable value for the brand. Sakal in the last 2 years has become the fastest growing Marathi paper. We would like Sakal to be a bridge between brands and consumers in Maharashtra.”

    Adds business head LS Krishnan, “Sakal Media Group have unique platforms to tap various TG be it kids, women,and youth to the other end of rural spectrum with “Agrowon” (the only agricultural daily in the country). We feel the potential has been hitherto underutilized by brands and therefore the decision to set up “Brand Solutions Cell” which would clearly understand the brand task and then create media opportunities from within the Sakal media group offering and at times beyond.”
     
    In her career spanning over 18 years Malik has been involved in strategic planning, media buying of various brand and media researches spanning across varied categories including FMCGs (ITC, Nestle, Dabur, Hamdard), consumer durables, automobiles and telecom among others.
     
    Says Malik, “Today‘s fragmented market is driving most advertisers to find customized solutions to connect best with their consumers. This drive serves as an exciting opportunity to create brand window beyond the obvious. Sakal with its multimedia offering is a great platform to deliver in one of the most critical market – Maharashtra. It bring forth a creative media solution for various advertisers which I always enjoy being part of.”
     
     

  • Sony gets push from Filmfare Awards telecast

    Sony gets push from Filmfare Awards telecast

    MUMBAI: The glamour and glitz of Bollywood is raking in ratings. In its most recent exposure, the Filmfare Awards has given its telecast partner Sony Entertainment Television (Set) a decent 26 GRP (gross rating points) push.

    Sony collected 180 GRPs for the week ended 12 February, up from 154 it reported in the trailing week, but remained in the fourth spot behind Hindi general entertainment channel leader Star Plus, second-ranked Colors and Zee TV.

    The Filmfare Awards, aired on 6 February, clocked a TVR of 5.2 in the Hindi speaking market (C&S, 4+ years), according to Tam data. The 217-minute show got a reach of 21 per cent while time spent was 53.6 minutes.

    The Filmfare Awards garnered better ratings than Zee Cine Awards. Aired on 30 January on Zee TV, Zee Cine Awards had managed a 4.5 TVR and a 19.4 per cent reach for the 242 minutes show. However, time spent on Zee Cine Awards was slightly higher at 55.7 minutes.

    Meanwhile, Hindi GECs collectively saw a decline in the ratings by 49 GRPs. Genre leader Star Plus shed eight GRPs, but maintained its lead status with 318 GRPs. Colors lost 28 GRPs to score 237 GRPs, followed by third-ranked Zee TV with 220 GRPs (shedding 30 GRPs). The channel had added 26 GRPs on the back of Zee Cine Awards last week.

    Hindi comedy-entertainment channel Sab remained rock solid with 153 GRPs (from 152 GRPs).

    Imagine TV lost 14 GRPs during the week as its big ticket reality show Zor Ka Jhataka – Total Wipeout – failed to impress. The Shah Rukh Khan hosted show, which opened with a 2.6 TVR in the previous week, could not manage to attract audience in the second week and its average rating fell from 2.6 TVR to 1.4 TVR.

    Imagine TV fell to 86 GRPs. Star One garnered 41 GRPs (from 35 GRPs last week) while Sahara One was at 27 GRPs (last week 28), according to Tam data.

     

  • Reliance Life Insurance, ICC, Room to Read launch campaign

    Reliance Life Insurance, ICC, Room to Read launch campaign

    MUMBAI: Reliance Life Insurance has joined hands with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Room to Read – a global non-profit organisation committed to promoting literacy and gender equality in education, to launch the ‘Boundaries for Books’ campaign.

    Reliance Life Insurance, will do the initiative – ‘Boundaries for Books’. It will contribute Rs 25,000 for every six hit during the cricket World Cup 2011. This donation will be made to Room to Read, towards establishing libraries and providing local language and English books to underserved children across India. Every single six will ensure that at least 30 children get access to fully functional libraries with books and trained teachers, thereby catalyzing a long-term revolution amongst young minds that will lead the future of India.

    Cricket fans and the public in general will have the opportunity to contribute to this fight against illiteracy, through convenient payment gateways, details of which will be announced shortly.

    The announcement, which builds on the ICC’s partnership with Room to Read that was unveiled last week, has received the support of a number of high profile players. These include Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews and Australia’s Shane Watson, who have become the first cricketers to become global Room to Read Ambassadors, while the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and Dale Steyn have all recorded promotional messages for the ‘Boundaries for Books’ campaign.

    Reliance Capital vice-chairman Amitabh Jhunjhunwala said, “Reliance Life Insurance is delighted to launch the ‘Boundaries for Books’ campaign in association with ICC and Room to Read to hit illiteracy for a six. Introducing the minds of disadvantaged young children to the enchanting world of books and the learnings they will get from that rare experience is a joy and privilege for us”.

    India‘s captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who along with the other 14 members of India’s ICC Cricket World Cup squad have recorded promotional messages for Room to Read, said: “The ‘Boundaries for Books’ campaign is an opportunity for all of India to get involved and bring their love of their country and love of cricket together for the betterment of our children. If every six I hit will allow children to access books and libraries, then there is no better inspiration for me to play my best!”

    Room to Read founder and board chair John Wood stated, “It is a matter of great pride that prominent organisations like Reliance Life Insurance and the International Cricket Council are partnering with us to combat the significant challenge of illiteracy. These organisations are investing their resources in building awareness and making a change. Room to Read is honoured to be a part of this campaign and looks to all cricket fans to play a role in ensuring that the next generation can build their futures on the foundations of a quality education.”

    Australia all-rounder and Room to Read Ambassador, Shane Watson said, “I am honoured to be associated with Room to Read and the ‘Boundaries for Books’ campaign during this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. I first got into reading when I was about eighteen, and I now realise how important it is for everybody to have the opportunity to have access to books. Room to Read is making reading a reality for millions of children – as they say ‘World Change Starts with Educated Children’– and I am committed to helping this organisation reach as many children as they possibly can.”

    Sri Lanka all-rounder and Room to Read Ambassador Angelo Mathews said, “From the time the tsunami hit Sri Lanka, Room to Read has been with our children, ensuring quality education programs across the country. As an ambassador of this cause, I ask each of you to get involved and do what you can to make sure that the next generation is empowered with an education.”

    Reliance Big FM, with a special ‘Hit illiteracy for a Six‘ segment, Big Cinema, Big CBS and various other Reliance ADA Group platforms will be used to reach across the masses. Prizes for top donors – such as invitations to a Reliance event in Mumbai with cricketers and other prominent personalities, signed memorabilia, photo opportunities and other incentives – will help propel the cause.

    The public can stay informed about the campaign at www.roomtoread.org/worldcup. The payment gateway will be powered by HDFC.

  • Timex ramps up retail strategy in India

    Timex ramps up retail strategy in India

    BANGALORE: Timex Group India (Timex) has ramped up its retail strategy in India, and more specifically in the southern region.

    Timex announced the opening of the 12th Timex Factory store in Bangalore. The new Time Factory store was inaugurated by Timex Head- Retail and New Brands Angelique O’Brien. The south has been a major market for all the brands sold by Timex, revealed O’Brien.

    Timex currently has 75 Timex Factory stores in 33 cities in India. The company plans to up the number of these stores in India to 100 in the next 12 months. Its products are available across 3000 points of sale including at organized retailers such as Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle. Timex plans to strengthen its retail footprint in tier II and tier III markets also.
     
    In a bid to grow revenues by 20 per cent this fiscal to Rs 3 billion from last year’s Rs 2.5 billion, the company has plans to complete ad spends of Rs 220 million by the end of the fiscal on 31 March 2011.

    In the past, the brand had been using print and outdoor media for advertising. Since the middle of last month, Timex has started advertising on television with a TVC by its creative agency JWT. It’s TVCs’ have been aired on television across genres as well as the on regional television. It also plans to launch email and SMS campaigns shortly.

    It has had Australian cricket fast bowler Brett Lee as a brand ambassador in the past. During the last quarter of 2010, it had Indian cricket ace batsman Virendra Sehawag to launch its ICC Watch series (International Cricket Council).

    Timex is the official timekeeper for the ICC World Cricket Championship 2011 that begins in the Indian sub-continent from 19 February.
     
    The company has ambitious plans to launch over 400 models of watches across categories by the end of this financial year targeting the discerning Indian consumer. Last month, the brand launched 14 styles of the Tarun Tahiliani collection of ladies watches, 9 of which are a part of the bridal collection. The collection has watches in the price range of Rs.10,995 and Rs.23,995.
     
    Timex Group has a portfolio of 11 brands spread across various segments from mid premium to luxury segment with Brands like, Timex, Opex, Guess, Gc, Marc Ecko, Nautica, TX, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Versus and Valentino with selling channels in more than 100 countries. The Group has a design centre based out of Milano and a manufacturing base spread across various countries.

    Mindshare handles the media buying duties for Timex.