Mumbai: Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), a multi-business corporation and a leading FMCG Conglomerate, announced a unique collaboration with Snapchat to celebrate Chewing Gum Day for Chingles Filz, a liquid-filled chewing gum. Leveraging Snapchat’s cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) lens technology, Chingles Filz Chewing Gum has created an interactive and immersive experience for its users.
The digital campaign #ChinglesChewingGumChallenge on the Snapchat platform aims to engage users by incorporating jaw-tracking technology into a gamified lens, providing an unprecedented and enjoyable chewing gum experience. To enhance user engagement, the AR gamification lens (which prominently showcases Chingles Filz Chewing Gum branding) will allow users to immerse themselves in a virtual gum-chewing practice, creating a real-life engaging experience. The lens offers a variety of thrilling challenges and games centred around the theme of chewing gum. This further provides an opportunity for users to engage in friendly competition with their friends and fellow Snapchatters, adding a competitive edge to the celebration. Users can effortlessly participate and challenge their gum-chewing Snapchat friends and followers, spreading the enjoyment and enthusiasm of Chewing Gum Day.
DS Foods Ltd (Confectionery) general manager Arvind Kumar expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration saying, “‘Chingles Filz’ Chewing Gum is a brand known to be full of life and laughter that brings a smile to everyone’s face. We are confident this AR-driven campaign for Chingles Filz on Chewing Day will excite consumers and liven them up taking our consumer engagement to a whole new level, pushing boundaries, redefining consumer engagement, and creating memorable experiences. We look forward to seeing how this unique initiative resonates with the Chingles audience and adds a delightful twist to Chewing Gum Day celebrations.”
Key highlights of the Chingles Filz Chewing Gum Snapchat AR Lens for Chewing Gum Day:
Immersive Gameplay: Users can experience the joy of chewing gum in a playful and interactive way. The lens uses jaw-tracking technology to simulate the act of chewing gum, creating a lifelike and engaging experience.
Engaging Challenges: The lens offers exciting challenges and games related to chewing gum. Users can compete with friends and fellow Snapchatters, adding a competitive edge to the celebration.
Customised Chingles Filz Branding: The lens prominently features Chingles Filz Chewing Gum branding, reinforcing the brand’s association with the joy of chewing.
Shareable Moments: Users can easily share their chewing gum adventures with friends and followers on Snapchat, spreading the fun and excitement of Chewing Gum Day.
Mumbai: Clear Premium Water has made a significant announcement on the launch of its natural mineral water brand ‘NUbyClear’ in India.
NU, positioned as a premium offering by Clear Premium Water, is a range of natural mineral water, bottled at the source, boasting the goodness of natural mineral compositions such as calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, fluorides, sodium, chlorides, potassium, nitrates, and alkalinity of 7.70 ±.
What truly distinguishes this brand is its exceptional approach to encapsulating the essence of the Himalayas – bringing the very elements from the ‘roof of the world’ right to your taste buds. A truly distinctive concept for the Indian market, featuring four captivating designs across the range, all designed to transport you directly to the heart of the mountains.
NU is poised to delight a discerning clientele encompassing upscale dining establishments, luxurious hotels, trendy cafes, renowned restaurants, exclusive clubs, airports, and more across Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. It will soon be expanding the product, PAN India. This premium experience does come with a higher price point compared to the other bottled mineral water options in India
Clear Premium Water’s strategic objective behind launching the NU brand is to offer a diverse range of products to cater to a broader audience within the elite segment.
Clear Premium Water founder & CEO Nayan Shah expressed, “In the wake of the post-COVID era, it has become evident that people are increasingly gravitating towards healthier lifestyle choices. Simultaneously, there has been a notable surge in spending within this particular sector. Recognizing this burgeoning trend, we seized the opportunity to introduce NU as a distinct product line tailored to the discerning tastes of the elite consumer segment.”
Since its establishment in 2010, Clear has been at the forefront of providing high-quality drinking water to consumers across India. The brand has built a stellar reputation for itself by adhering to the most stringent global safety, hygiene, and quality standards. Each drop of Clear water undergoes an exhaustive 11-stage purification process and is subject to 121 quality checks, ensuring consumers receive nothing but the best.
Clear’s unwavering dedication to quality shines through its impressive array of certifications, which includes ISO 22000:2005, ISO 9001:2015, HACCP, FSSAI, CGWA, BIS, CCA, GPCB, NEPHRA, and EPR. This commitment extends to a sustainable ethos, demonstrated by its vertically integrated, environmentally conscious manufacturing facility. Clear Premium Water has set ambitious sustainability targets, aiming to achieve plastic neutrality by 2027, reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, and attain water positivity by 2030. These goals underscore Clear’s unwavering commitment to both quality and environmental responsibility.
When it comes to NU this range encapsulates the true essence and richness of the Himalayan glaciers, delivering pure goodness directly in a bottle – just nature’s finest. While Clear already enjoys widespread popularity, ‘NU’ serves as a gateway to an untapped market segment.
The introduction of ‘NUbyClear’ marks a significant milestone for Clear as it expands its product portfolio, aiming to quench the thirst of India’s elite consumers with the untamed essence of the Himalayas, captured within a single bottle, leaving an indelible mark on their palates and hearts. Available in a wide variety of 250ML, 500ML, 1LTR.
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have Chalkboard Entertainment co-founder Shujaat Saudagar.
Saudagar fell into the rabbit hole in 1999 where he mentored under Prahlad Kakkar, also known as the Godfather of Indian advertising. He moved on from Genesis and directed an award-winning short film, Bali, along with the biggest ad campaigns for Pepsi, Lava Mobiles, KFC and Datsun. He stepped into the world of features with his debut directorial, Rock On 2!
Saudagar helms Rabbit Hole Films and has directed an Amazon Original series called Bambai Meri Jaan, based on a best-selling book by Hussain Zaidi. He recently directed an experimental feature, The Underbug, which won the Grand Jury Award at The Slamdance Film Festival 2023.
So, without further ado, here it goes…
● Your mantra for Life
Live for the moment
● A Book you are currently reading
Exhalation by Ted Chiang
● Your Fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
Eat when hungry not when bored
● Your comfort food
Mutton biryani
● When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going
“You never know how much time you have left.” Martin Scorsese
● Your guilty pleasure
Bread pudding
● When was the last time you tried something new
2 days ago, Vietnamese Coffee, amazing!
● A Life lesson you learnt the hard way
Trust actions, not words
● What gets you excited about life
Movies
● What’s on top of your bucket list
Playing my film at the Lumiere Theatre
● If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be
Spend less!
● One thing you would most like to change about the world
Increase literacy
● An activity that keeps you motivated / charged during tough times
Mumbai: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today announced its collaboration as an Associate sponsor of the oldest and iconic football club, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 for a period of 11 months.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone for both HMSI as well as MBSG and promises to elevate the sporting experience of football enthusiasts across the nation.
As part of this association, HMSI will promote its iconic brand ‘Dio’ which has been captivating hearts since its debut in 2002. As India’s first moto-scooter designed for the fun-loving and dynamic young generation, the Dio has been a style symbol on the road. Taking forward its moto-scooter DNA and creating more excitement among fun-seeking youngsters, HMSI introduced the all-new Dio 125 in 2023.
Throughout the ISL 2023-24, Honda Dio will feature prominently on the player’s jerseys, adding to the energy and excitement of the ISL. This move ensures that Honda’s vibrant presence will be carried by the players of MBSG as they step onto the field, creating a dynamic connection between the brand and the sport.
In addition to jersey branding, HMSI’s association with MBSG for its brand Dio will extend to other strategic branding opportunities within the ISL. HMSI’s presence will be evident through perimeter hoarding during matches, ensuring that fans across stadiums and television audiences nationwide will experience the brand’s essence. The concourse area will also showcase Honda’s branding, enhancing the overall match-day experience for fans and supporters.
Speaking about the association with Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India director, sales and marketing Yogesh Mathur said, “The association between HMSI and Mohun Bagan Super Giant is a testament to our mutual commitment to providing thrilling experiences to football fans and enthusiasts alike. This partnership promises to add excitement, energy, and joy to the ISL 2023-24 season. Honda Dio, with its “Fun” philosophy, aligns perfectly with the fun and fervour that football brings with it. We look forward to an action-packed season of football and memorable moments with MBSG.”
Expressing his excitement about the partnership, RPSG Sports Pvt Ltd chief executive officer Colonel Vinod Bisht said, “We are honoured to forge this partnership with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India. As a club with a strong legacy, we share the same vision of inspiring young minds through the thrilling world of football. Together, we will leave an indelible mark on the sports industry, and in West Bengal specifically. We welcome Honda Dio to the Mohun Bagan family, and we look forward to an incredible journey ahead.”
Mumbai: The Marcom Avenue marketing agency is pleased to announce its latest achievement in securing the performance marketing mandate for the prestigious brand, PriyaGold. The collaboration aims to amplify PriyaGold’s digital presence and engagement with its diverse customer base.
As part of this partnership, The Marcom Avenue will leverage its expertise in data-driven insights, creative content, and cutting-edge digital strategies to enhance PriyaGold’s brand visibility and market reach. The agency will focus on driving measurable results, optimising customer acquisition, and increasing overall brand performance.
“The Marcom Avenue is thrilled to have been entrusted with the performance marketing mandate for Priya Gold. We are excited to work with a brand that is synonymous with quality and innovation in the food industry,” said Ms Divanshi Gupta, Director at The Marcom Avenue. “Our team is committed to delivering exceptional results, and we look forward to helping PriyaGold achieve new heights in the digital landscape.”
PriyaGold is celebrated for its diverse range of delectable snacks and confectionery products that have delighted consumers for years. By partnering with The Marcom Avenue, the brand aims to strengthen its digital marketing efforts and maintain its position as a trusted and beloved choice among consumers. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for The Marcom Avenue, further solidifying its reputation as a leading digital marketing agency in India.
Priya Gold director Manas Agarwal expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “Partnering with The Marcom Avenue would prove to be instrumental in leveraging our strengths, amplifying Priya Gold’s narrative, and expanding our market reach to a remarkable audience. Their team has consistently demonstrated their expertise in the marketing field and has gone above and beyond to understand our unique requirements. Their efforts have played a significant role in positioning Priya Gold as a preferred choice for snacks and confectionery products. We are excited to continue this partnership and achieve new milestones together.”
The successful collaboration between Priya Gold and The Marcom Avenue stands as a testament to the power of strategic marketing and client-centric solutions. As they embark on their partnership journey, both entities remain committed to driving innovation and delivering exceptional results in the world of snacks and confectionery products.
Mumbai: Commemorating 12 successful years in the field of PR and communications, PR Professionals, the flagship company of PRP Group announced a strategic partnership with 5W Public Relations (5WPR), a premier full-service PR agency based in the United States, since 2003.
This strategic collaboration marks PRP’s expansion into the United States market and promises to bring a new dimension of international PR excellence to clients on both sides of the Pacific. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to provide clients with a wider range of services and expand their global reach.
Headquartered in the heart of New York City, 5WPR has consistently ranked as one of the top 10 independent, full-service PR agencies in the United States, for more than two decades. 5WPR founder & chairman Ronn Torossian has led the company’s growth, overseeing more than 300 professionals in the company’s headquarters in midtown Manhattan. 5WPR is regularly recognised as an industry leader and has been named ‘PR Agency of the Year’ by the American Business Awards on multiple occasions. With a reputation for crafting cutting-edge PR programmes that connect businesses and ideas with their target audiences, 5WPR brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the partnership. The strategic alliance between PRP and 5W Public Relations is set to deliver unparalleled PR and communications services that cater to clients’ unique needs seeking a global footprint. This partnership leverages the strengths and capabilities of both agencies, promising a seamless blend of local insight and international reach.
PR Professionals founder & managing director Sarvesh Tiwari expressed his excitement about this collaboration, saying, “We are excited to join forces with 5W Public Relations, a distinguished agency with a proven track record of success in the United States. This strategic tie-up signifies a major milestone for PRP as we expand our presence into the U.S. market, enabling us to serve our clients with even greater efficiency and effectiveness on a global scale.”
Torossian added, “We are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership, as it opens new horizons for growth and innovation for 5W to support India-based businesses looking to expand in the United States. 5W has a long history of helping international companies enter and gain traction in the US market and we look forward to doing more of this work through our partnership.”
With this strategic alignment, PRP and 5W Public Relations aim to deliver comprehensive PR solutions, including media relations, reputation management, crisis management, brand building, digital marketing, and more, to clients seeking to enhance their visibility and reputation in an increasingly globalized world.
The partnership between PR Professionals Group and 5W Public Relations is expected to benefit clients across industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, consumer goods, real estate, and more.
PRP at present has global footprints in Canada, European Offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, the African Office in Nigeria, and the GCC Office in Bahrain, and Nepal, the expansion to the United States has further strengthened PRP’s global reach.
Mumbai: Mavcomm Consulting, a distinguished leader in brand and reputation management, and House of Lions, India’s fastest-growing integrated communication consultancy, announced a partnership that integrates both firms and promises to redefine brand and reputation management. The collaboration leverages the expertise of both entities to propel brand and business transformation through the seamless integration of storytelling, design, strategic narratives and reputation management fuelled by data-driven insights.
Both entities will merge their collective expertise to offer a holistic 360-degree approach to fortifying and enhancing brand reputation. The convergence of three visionary leaders, Chhavi Upadhyay, Anand Mahesh Talari, and Amit Shankar, underscores the emergence of a formidable force in the arena of brand and reputation management.
Mavcomm Group partner Chhavi Upadhyay expressed her excitement about this partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with the House of Lions. Together, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of brand and reputation management and providing our clients with innovative and strategic solutions. By combining our strengths, we are confident of creating powerful stories and setting new industry standards. This collaboration represents the future of integrated communication solutions, and we at Mavcomm are thrilled to be a part of this journey.”
Mavcomm Consulting co-founder & MD Anand Mahesh Talari elaborated on the synchronicity of this endeavour, noting, “Our experience with clients across diverse sectors has highlighted the demand for a communication partner capable of harmonizing reputation management and digital marketing with cohesive and synchronized strategies. This symbiotic approach aligns with the evolving nature of communication, fostering client confidence and improving their visibility and public perception.”
House of Lions founder Amit Shankar highlighted the significance of integrated strategies and skill development in the current landscape, asserting, “Gone are the days when clients relied solely on agencies for rudimentary brand communication. Today, they seek comprehensive strategies that encompass all facets of communication, recognizing the interdependence of each element. Partnerships like these not only benefit clients but also nurture the creative talents within agencies, enabling them to explore and acquire new skills while masterfully executing diverse communication aspects.”
Mavcomm Consulting, a stalwart in the field has been working on complex communication mandates since its inception in 2006. With over 17 years of experience, they have earned the trust of Fortune 500 companies, as well as companies, brands, organizations, and individuals across various growth stages. With offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and permanent affiliates in Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Jaipur, Mavcomm Consulting boasts a reach in more than 100 Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities through their network. Additionally, as the exclusive Indian member of the Global Communications Alliance (GCA), a network of top independent Public Affairs and Corporate Affairs firms spanning 15 countries across key geographies, Mavcomm Consulting is well-positioned to provide global communication solutions.
House of Lions, with offices in Gurugram, France, and Singapore, adds the final piece to the communication puzzle, completing the offering for brands seeking a comprehensive 360-degree communication solution. By seamlessly blending their respective strengths in branding, positioning, image management, and communication, clients in India and overseas can expect a more integrated and cost-effective solution.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in the realm of brand and reputation management. It signifies a commitment to elevating the standards of integrated communication, empowering brands to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of communication with confidence. The comprehensive array of services offered through this collaboration encompasses digital communication, media relations, creative design, video production, strategic narrative development, and the creation of tailored campaigns.
Mumbai: Experiential marketing is like the thrilling racecar of the advertising world, where brands shift gears from traditional methods to create unforgettable, hands-on experiences for their audience. Now, imagine this fast-paced world colliding head-on with the heart-pounding excitement of auto events and motorsports. That’s where the magic of specialized experiential marketing in the auto and motorsport segment comes to life. It’s an exhilarating journey where brands rev up their engagement strategies, fueling the passion of enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike, and steering towards success with unforgettable brand experiences.
Indiantelevision.com in an email conversation with Maxperience co-founder & CEO Arvind Balan spoke on the company’s launch, trends in the experiential marketing industry and more.
Arvind Balan is the co-founder & CEO of Maxperience, a leading experiential marketing agency headquartered in Delhi NCR, catering to both national and international brands. The agency offers 360 degree marketing solutions to the clients, but Arvind’s love for motorsports and over 18 years of extensive experience has led him to establish a specialisation for Maxperience in the auto events and motorsport segment.
Having started Maxperience in 2018, Arvind has since been dedicated towards creating immersive, unforgettable and safe experiences for the audiences that inspire and excite them. Under his leadership, the agency has also seen exponential year-on-year growth for the last five years.
Edited Excerpts:
On the story behind Maxperience’s launch and its unique approach to specialising in the auto events and motorsport segment within the experiential marketing industry
Maxperience came into existence because of my lifelong passion for motorsports and adventure events. From a young age, I had an unwavering fascination with everything related to cars, racing and the thrill of adventure. Crossing paths with Arpit Gupta, who is the co-founder and managing director of Maxperience, we realised that we shared the same passion. More than that, we were driven by the same vision of turning our passion into a sustainable and profitable venture. Hence, Maxperience was born in December 2018.
Initially, our focus was solely on organising auto events, but as we ventured further into this space, we realised the enormous potential it held for corporate solutions. So, we soon expanded our services to offer comprehensive corporate solutions centred around autosports and motoring experiences. This transition allowed us to work with some of the most reputable and well-known brands in the industry. Clients like Hero MotoCorp, MG Motors, Royal Enfield, Audi, Porsche, Apollo Tyres, CEAT Tyres, BYD, and many others trusted us to deliver outstanding experiences that aligned with their brand objectives.
Over the years, Maxperience has grown into an experiential marketing agency, providing a wide range of solutions. However, what sets us apart and continues to be our core DNA is our unwavering commitment to autosports and motoring experiences. This passion-driven focus is the driving force behind everything we do, from creating unique events to crafting innovative marketing campaigns.
On the challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered while growing Maxperience over the past few years
The current Indian market and landscape is an opportunity in itself, I believe. People are actively looking for personalised experiences as they allow them to relate better to a brand, so subsequently, many brands are stepping up to provide their consumers with such experiences. But when we first started, it was quite the challenge to sell everyone on the idea of using motorsports to create such experiences. But our passion showed, the results also spoke for themselves, and we convinced our clients and the larger industry that when used correctly, motorsports can be used as an effective marketing tool.
Over the last four years, Maxperience has seen a steep growth curve. So, initially it was challenging for our small team to keep up with it. But we persevered, soon new people joined the mission, and the growth hasn’t slowed down!
On the recent trends or innovations that you’ve observed in experiential marketing and its evolution in the future
While brands like Harley Davidson have aced the game in building rider communities since long, the trend has now picked up as more and more brands are now looking to build their own communities, with tech and app being an important part of the whole process.
Further, technology has introduced multiple other innovations in experiential marketing with use of tools like Augment & Virtual Reality (AR/VR), incorporation of AI, use of hybrid experiences, projection mapping and other such techs. The same is bound to grow further as it creates a stronger brand resonance with the GenZ audience, which are going to make up biggest bunch of consumers in coming years.
On India’s response to Motorsport
Well, India only recently hosted MotoGP, one of the biggest motorcycle racing events in the world, for the first time ever. That is the biggest indicator of the country’s building affinity towards motorsports. Prior to this as well, the number of auto adventure and motorsports events have been seeing a significant rise.
Further, India is witnessing a shift in consumer behaviour within the automobile industry, which is also driving the popularity of motorsports. Due to an increase in disposable income and easier access to information, consumers are now more discerning when it comes to their vehicle choices. The mindset has shifted away from solely considering utility and day-to-day functionality to encompassing a broader perspective, which includes a focus on the overall power and performance of the vehicle. This has in turn opened up space for experiential solutions that allow consumers to truly experience the performance and capabilities of these vehicles.
On sustainability and environmental concerns playing a role in your marketing strategies, in the world of motorsports and auto events
Recently, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) enacted an environmental policy and sustainability guidelines, which underlines protection measures for soil, groundwater & local biodiversity during, along with curbing sound & air pollution. We strictly adhere to the guidelines in each of our activations. Further, we also follow the international norms by Treadlightly, an initiative that promotes the responsible use of motorised vehicles when recreating outdoors.
Taking sustainability and environmental factors into account while executing any motorsport event or automobile experiential event is always the top priority for us. In one of our recent events, Hero Dirt Biking Challenge, we set ourselves a lofty task of achieving ‘zero plastic wastage’. I’m proud to say that we accomplished it! It has set us to keep up the efforts in our other events.
On adapting your marketing strategies to engage different target demographics, from motorsports enthusiasts to everyday consumers
We recognise that effective engagement requires a deep understanding of our audience and we employ various strategies to achieve this. The key among them is audience segmentation. Basically, segmenting our audience into distinct groups based on factors like their interests, preferences and behaviours. For example, motorsports enthusiasts may be looking for high-adrenaline experiences, while everyday consumers might just be looking to dip their toes, or maybe seek more family-oriented or practical engagements. This is why most of the motorsports we organise have various levels of “difficulty”, which allows beginner or amateur riders to experience the same thrill but in a more restrained way. It also gives them room to grow and steadily increase their level, making for a new experience every time.
Furthermore, a personalised approach is very important, so we take great care to craft experiences that resonate with specific target segments. This personalisation extends to the content, messaging and overall feel of our events. By addressing the individual interests as much as possible, we create a sense of personal connection that is vital for effective engagement. Experiential marketing, in particular, thrives on fostering these personal and emotional connections with consumers, setting it apart from other marketing approaches.
On notable projects or campaigns that Maxperience has worked on particularly in the auto and motorsport space
Our Hero Dirt Biking Challenge (HDBC) was not only unique but also massive in its scale, attracting over 100,000 participants from all corners of India. The challenge involved conducting various stages of the competition across 40 cities in 25 states. However, the true highlight was the creation of an entire sports village, known as a Bivouac, for the final stage of the event, in a location that had no access to electricity, water, or road connectivity. Despite these hurdles, our dedicated team managed to pull off this extraordinary event successfully, creating a memorable and immersive experience for participants and spectators alike!
Another noteworthy campaign was our celebration of Suzuki Hayabusa Day. This event was an opportunity to engage directly with Hayabusa owners and enthusiasts. We organised simultaneous rides in seven major Indian cities. What set this campaign apart was the sense of community it fostered among Hayabusa enthusiasts. By bringing together over 300 owners for a day of thrilling rides and camaraderie, we created a strong and lasting bond between the brand and its customers.
On the vision and mission of Maxperience in the next three years
In the next three years, Maxperience envisions and strives to continue its impressive growth trajectory. Our journey so far has been marked by rapid expansion and a steadfast commitment to our mission of establishing ourselves as the premier experiential marketing agency in India.
We also plan to expand the brand into a comprehensive 360-degree marketing and event powerhouse, while enhancing awareness and engagement within the motorsports industry.
Our vision for the next three years is to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in the experiential marketing industry. However, amidst all our expansion and evolution, one core element will always remain constant – our deep-rooted passion for autosports and the extraordinary experiences it brings.
Mumbai: Procter & Gamble India (P&G India), maker of brands like Gillette, Whisper, Vicks, etc, has announced a ₹300 crore ‘P&G Supply Chain Catalyst Fund’ to collaborate with external partners and innovators, in co-creating solutions that accelerate its journey towards supply 3.0 – the modern supply chain ecosystem. This fund will provide an opportunity to start-ups and innovators to collaborate with P&G on business solutions customized to create the next level of supply: a supply chain that provides greater agility, flexibility, scalability, transparency and resilience.
The announcement is in line with the prime minister’s Gati Shakti initiative, which is an endeavour towards multi-modal connectivity in the country that will enhance seamless movement of goods and services through targeted interventions.
P&G India’s strategic investment, as part of ‘P&G Supply Chain Catalyst Fund’ will encompass a diverse array of initiatives, including supply chain optimisation, digitization, capacity enhancement and sustainability, all designed to catalyse the company’s supply chain prowess. This new fund is part of P&G India’s ‘vGROW’ program that focuses on identifying and collaborating with start-ups, small businesses, individuals, and large organisations offering innovative industry-leading business solutions. These solutions will help the company in delivering a superior experience to its consumers and continuing to drive constructive disruption.
With this announcement, the company also launched the sixth edition of ‘P&G vGROW External Business Partner Summit,’ to be held from 28 to 29 September 2023. The Summit offers a platform to existing and new suppliers, in partnership with Incubate Hub, to pitch their solutions to P&G India’s leadership team. Senior leaders from P&G’s global leadership team, including P&G chief purchasing officer Ana Elena Marziano and P&G Sr VP Chandra Vaddadi, purchases also attended the summit.
P&G India subcontinent CEO LV Vaidyanathan said, “We are as committed to the nation’s progress as we are to serving consumers with superior products every day. With the ‘P&G Supply Chain Catalyst’ fund, we are focused on co-creating innovative solutions that enhance the very backbone of our operations – the supply chain. We are confident that focused interventions in the supply chain will have a positive impact on our overall priorities including constructive disruption and productivity.”
He further added, “Six years ago, we launched ‘vGROW’ – with the vision to create a platform to foster collaboration and partnerships with external partners and suppliers, to solve business challenges and provide a breeding ground to emerging startups across the country. With this fund, we have committed spends of more than ₹1800 Crore to date in business solutions through vGROW. We strongly believe that a healthy dissatisfaction with the status quo will help us raise the bar on constructive disruption and better serve consumers, customers, and communities.”
vGROW is P&G’s first-of-its-kind platform to identify and collaborate with businesses and individuals offering industry-leading solutions. Through this platform, P&G engages with over 2300 suppliers including start-ups, small businesses, and large organizations from a wide range of industries and services – from creative agencies to technology partners to material suppliers.
In partnership with WEConnect International, P&G India also conducted the next edition of the Women Entrepreneur Development Program (WEDP). About 30 women entrepreneurs, who were selected via an application process, graduated from the two-day program aimed at their capacity development. As part of the program, senior leaders from P&G conducted training and workshops with real-time case studies covering various aspects of building a sustainable business including professional skills like business strategy, finance capital, new customer outreach and more, including strategic inputs for driving business growth.
Mumbai: Soktas, a luxurious cotton fabrics brand by Grasim Industries, part of Aditya Birla Group, today announced the opening of its first-ever exclusive brand outlet in India at Jayanagar, Bengaluru. The store was inaugurated by Kannada Cinema actor and director Darling Krishna and Domestic Textiles COO Jasvinder Kataria, Grasim Industries and Aditya Birla Group.
Jasvinder Kataria, shared his excitement saying, “The launch of SOKTAS’ first ever exclusive retail outlet in Bengaluru is a significant milestone for us. Our fabrics are not just textiles; they are expressions of elegance and sophistication. We are thrilled to bring a world of premium luxury cotton fabrics to the city’s fashion-forward men. With our Turkish heritage and unwavering commitment to quality, SOKTAS is set to redefine the way Bengalureans experience fine fabrics.”
Soktas is poised to redefine the world of fashion with its exceptional range of premium cotton shirting fabrics, made with 100 per cent premium cotton and natural blends. Each piece of fabric is meticulously created using super-fine, high-quality yarns, resulting in an impeccable finish and a luxurious feel. Encompassing over 1000 square feet of space which is spread across two levels, the outlet in Jayanagar is designed to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience, showcasing an exquisite range of fabrics that cater to diverse fashion preferences and providing bespoke solutions for every custom tailoring need.
While inviting Bengaluru to shop at Soktas, actor Darling Krishna shared, “As an actor, I have always been captivated by the spirit of Bengaluru. The city consistently stays ahead in all fields ranging from sports to technology to entertainment. Now, there will be a brand in Namma Bengaluru that shares my vibe of being ahead in life. I am thrilled to personally experience Soktas and its exceptional range of luxurious cotton fabrics and elevate my style game.”
Kataria further added, “With this inaugural store, we lay the foundation for an ambitious plan to establish Soktas as the go-to brand for bespoke solutions, preferred by today’s discerning and fashion-forward men. What makes this moment even more electrifying is the launch of our new brand campaign, ‘Always Ahead.’ This campaign embodies our commitment to constant reinvention, pushing boundaries with limitless possibilities in patterns, textures, and designs, echoing the spirit of our ambitious and discerning consumers who appreciate life’s finer things. The Soktas Man challenges conventions, values quality and sophistication, and embraces individuality in style choices.”
SOKTAS believes in responsible sourcing and ethical practices, ensuring that every fabric tells a story of quality and consciousness. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its certifications, including GOTS, OEKOTEX, and ISO–9001.
SOKTAS sells through 3000 multi-brand premium fabric retail outlets across India. The grand opening of SOKTAS’ exclusive outlet in Jayanagar promises to be a landmark event in the world of luxury fabrics offering its customers multi-weave patterns such as premium jacquards, fil-coupe jacquards, and clip dobby fabrics, among others. Visit SOKTAS, Shop No. 22/136, ninth Main Road, third Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011 to experience the touch of luxury that is SOKTAS.
