ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Deloitte and Clevertap partner to transform customer engagement with AI

    Deloitte and Clevertap partner to transform customer engagement with AI

    MUMBAI: Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP has announced a strategic alliance with Clevertap to revolutionise customer engagement using AI-powered analytics and data-driven insights. This collaboration aims to help businesses optimise interactions, boost retention, and drive digital transformation across key sectors, including retail, financial services, quick commerce, and travel.

    As companies increasingly shift to insight-led engagement models, the partnership will focus on delivering real-time analytics, predictive insights, and highly personalised experiences. By combining Deloitte’s strategic expertise with Clevertap’s AI-driven platform, businesses can create seamless and scalable customer journeys.

    Deloitte India partner Hemendra Upadhyay said, “This partnership is about equipping businesses with the right tools to stay ahead in an evolving digital landscape. Through collaboration, we will help enterprises leverage data and technology to enhance customer connections and drive growth.”

    Clevertap co-founder & chief product officer Anand Jain, “Deloitte’s deep market insights, combined with Clevertap’s AI-driven solutions, will enable businesses to build personalised, scalable engagement strategies that redefine customer relationships.”

    The alliance will begin with pilot projects, joint training, and co-marketing initiatives, eventually expanding to industry-specific solutions and innovation labs. Over time, the partnership aims to establish new standards for digital transformation, ensuring businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

  • Caratlane introduces Eternity a diamond collection redefining elegance

    Caratlane introduces Eternity a diamond collection redefining elegance

    MUMBAI: Caratlane a Tata product, has launched Eternity, a stunning collection of diamond-studded tennis bracelets, necklaces, and earrings designed to bring luxury into everyday life. Crafted for both comfort and elegance, the collection reimagines classic jewellery with a modern touch.

    Aimed at those who appreciate iconic style without compromise, Eternity makes high-end jewellery more accessible, offering a seamless blend of refinement and wearability. The collection’s flexible diamond settings ensure effortless movement, creating a fluid, lightweight feel.

    Caratlane CEO & MD Saumen Bhaumik said, “With Eternity, we have redefined a timeless classic, ensuring it meets the needs of today’s wearer. This collection is sophisticated yet practical designed for those who seek elegance without sacrificing comfort.”

    Designed to be worn alone for understated charm or layered for a bold statement, the Eternity collection is a tribute to enduring beauty and effortless luxury.

  • Britannia Treat launches Rs 10 lakh challenge to test mathematical precision

    Britannia Treat launches Rs 10 lakh challenge to test mathematical precision

    MUMBAI: Britannia Treat is inviting maths enthusiasts, problem-solvers, and biscuit lovers to take on the Treat Circle Challenge, a unique contest with a grand prize of Rs 10 lakh. Created by The Womb and supported by renowned educator Nitin Vijay of Motion Kota, this competition blends learning with fun in an exciting way.

    The challenge? Measure the circumference of the inner circle of a Britannia Treat biscuit as precisely as possible down to seven decimal places. It may sound simple, but precision is key.

    How to Enter,

    – Pick up a Britannia Treat biscuit Choco Creme, Orange, Vanilla, or Chilli Guava.

    – Measure the inner circle’s circumference in metres, accurate to seven decimal places.

    – Submit your answer at [www.treatchallenge.com](https://www.treatchallenge.com/) for a chance to win.

    Beyond the grand prize, creativity counts too! The most innovative video demonstrating the measurement method will win a Bookmyshow voucher worth Rs 1 lakh.

    Britannia Industries general manager & marketing Siddharth Gupta shared, “At Britannia, we love creating engaging experiences. The Treat Circle Challenge turns a simple biscuit into an exciting test of skill and knowledge, sparking curiosity and learning.”

    Motion Kota founder & CEO Vijay added, “This challenge makes mathematics fun and accessible. I look forward to seeing participants put their accuracy to the test!”

    The Womb COO Heval Patel noted, “Britannia Treat’s signature hole inspired this quirky and playful contest. With Vijay’s involvement, it becomes both relevant and enjoyable for our audience.”

  • Muthoot Microfin champions women’s health with awareness drive

    Muthoot Microfin champions women’s health with awareness drive

    MUMBAI: Muthoot Microfin is proving that empowerment goes beyond financial independence, it starts with health. As part of its Women’s Day initiatives, the microfinance leader hosted an extensive online workshop on cervical cancer awareness and menstrual health on  7 and 10 March 2025. Reaching over 850 attendees across 19 states and Puducherry, the sessions featured expert-led discussions on HPV vaccination, early detection, and menstrual cup benefits, conducted in regional languages for maximum impact.

    In addition to awareness, Muthoot Microfin is ensuring action. Partnering with Reliance General Insurance, the company is offering free health check-ups for female employees, covering 70 key health parameters. To prioritise convenience, sample collection will be arranged directly from employees’ homes.

    Speaking about the initiative, Muthoot Microfin CEO Sadaf Sayeed said, “At Muthoot Microfin, we believe that empowering women goes beyond financial independence; it begins with good health and awareness. As part of our Women’s Day initiatives, we reinforced our commitment to fostering inclusion and supporting women’s well-being through impactful healthcare awareness sessions. Our employees across India benefited from these sessions in regional languages, along with access to essential health check-ups, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to lead healthier, more confident lives. A healthy woman uplifts not just her family but the entire community, and we are proud to contribute to this positive change.”

    Muthoot Microfin has consistently championed employee health, previously running sessions on breast cancer, diabetes prevention, and lifestyle diseases. With plans to expand these initiatives, the company continues its holistic approach to workplace wellness, proving that true empowerment is about financial security and physical well-being alike.

  • PepsiCo pops $1.95bn for trendy gut-friendly fizz

    PepsiCo pops $1.95bn for trendy gut-friendly fizz

    MUMBAI: PepsiCo has opened its corporate wallet to quench its thirst for growth in the better-for-you drinks market. The American beverages giant announced it will acquire poppi, the prebiotic soda upstart that has captivated wellness-minded millennials, for a fizzy $1.95 billion—though tax benefits will reduce the actual outlay to $1.65 billion.

    The acquisition marks another strategic pivot for the soft drinks titan as it attempts to wean itself off sugary legacy brands and catch the health-conscious wave sweeping through beverage aisles. Poppi, with its apple cider vinegar formulation and Instagram-friendly packaging, has become something of a darling among the kombucha crowd.
     

    Ramon Ramesh

    “We’ve been evolving our food and beverage portfolio over many years, including by innovating with our brands in new spaces and through disciplined, strategic acquisitions that enable us to offer more positive choices to our consumers,” said said PepsiCo chairman & chief executive  Ramon Laguarta. “More than ever, consumers are looking for convenient and great-tasting options that fit their lifestyles and respond to their growing interest in health and wellness. poppi is a great complement to our portfolio transformation efforts to meet these needs.”

    The acquisition represents a fairytale ending for poppi’s founders, Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, who brewed their first batches in their Texas kitchen before landing an investment on American television programme “Shark Tank” from guest judge Rohan Oza and his Cavu Consumer Partners from its initial seed round to today.

    “As we look to reorient our portfolio offerings to address white space consumer needs, the poppi brand’s unique intersection with wellness and culture is a perfect addition to our portfolio,” said PepsiCo Beverages US CEO  Ram Krishnan. “Allison and the poppi team have built a magnetic brand that’s ahead of the trends, with a loyal consumer base and a demonstrated capacity for growth. We are big fans of the poppi brand movement and believe this incredible brand paired with our commercial capabilities will drive continued growth and innovation for years to come.” 

    Poppi team

    “When I created poppi in our kitchen, it was fueled by a desire to create a better-for-you soda,” said poppi co-founder Allison Ellsworth. “We never imagined how many people we could reach through hard work, determination and a clear mission to create a functional soda that stands the test of time. We believe poppi is the soda that will be embraced for generations to come, and we’re beyond grateful to the amazing poppi team, our partners who believed in us from the very beginning and most importantly our incredible community. We can’t wait to begin this next chapter with PepsiCo to bring our soda to more people – and I know they will honour what makes poppi so special while supporting our next phase of growth and innovation. I hope our story inspires others to explore their passions, take the risk, and believe that anything is possible.”

    “poppi is a true testament to the American Dream! From the kitchen to Shark Tank to becoming an iconic brand, this couldn’t have been done without the amazing founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, the incredible team in place led by CEO Chris Hall, the unmatched support of Cavu’s uncommon team led by Stevie Clements, and the extraordinary poppi community,” said  Cavu Consumer Partners co-Founder Rohan Oza and guest shark on ABC’s Shark Tank. “We’re beyond thrilled to be partnering with PepsiCo so that even more consumers across America, and the world, can enjoy poppi – a truly modern soda for the next generation.”

    With no more than five grams of sugar per serving and what the company calls “cultural cache”, poppi has captured a loyal following among consumers who find traditional sodas too sweet but still crave the satisfaction of carbonation. Its range includes reimagined classics like cola and root beer alongside trendier flavours such as raspberry rose.

    The transaction, which includes potential additional earnout payments tied to performance targets, is still subject to regulatory approval.

    For PepsiCo, which generated nearly $92 billion in revenue last year, the acquisition represents more than just another brand in its portfolio. It signals the company’s recognition that yesterday’s fizzy drinks might not satisfy tomorrow’s consumers—particularly those who expect their beverages to do more than merely refresh.
    Whether the company can maintain poppi’s cool factor while scaling it through its industrial distribution machine remains to be seen. Previous attempts by beverage giants to nurture acquired brands have sometimes gone flat.

  • Is a lumpsum investment in mutual funds safe?

    Is a lumpsum investment in mutual funds safe?

    Investing your capital in mutual funds through a lumpsum investment can be rewarding, but you must understand the risks and benefits involved. When aligned with long-term financial goals, lumpsum investments offer a way to grow your wealth. However, the safety of lumpsum investments depends on factors including market conditions, the mutual fund scheme, and your risk tolerance. 

    This article explores lumpsum investment in mutual funds, their benefits, risks, and strategies to maximise returns. 

    Understanding lumpsum investment

    In a lumpsum investment, you invest substantial capital at once rather than spreading it out through periodic contributions. This approach is suitable if you have a significant amount and want it to work for you in the market.

    You can make lumpsum investments through mutual funds in stocks, bonds, and other securities. Mutual funds allow you to benefit from professional fund management and market opportunities. 

    Benefits of lumpsum investment in mutual funds

    •    Investing a lumpsum amount in mutual funds during a market upswing has the potential to generate sizeable returns. Since your entire capital is exposed to market movements from the start, it can benefit from an upward trend, though market fluctuations remain a risk.

    •    A lumpsum investment allows more capital to be invested upfront, giving it a longer runway to grow and recover from short-term market fluctuations while benefiting from compounding. This makes it suitable for long-term financial objectives like education or retirement.

    •    A lumpsum investment is simple as it involves only an initial transaction, eliminating the need to track multiple payment dates. However, it requires careful market timing and risk assessment, making it better suited for investors comfortable with market fluctuations.

    Risks associated with lumpsum investment

    •    One of the primary risks of lumpsum investment is immediate exposure to market volatility. Since the entire amount is invested at once, there is no cost averaging to mitigate risks. If the market declines soon after investment, your portfolio value could significantly drop, leading to potential short-term losses.

    •    Timing the market accurately is extremely difficult, making lumpsum investments risky. Investing at market highs may lead to lower returns, while investing before a downturn could result in significant losses. Since predicting market movements is nearly impossible, investors must be prepared for potential volatility.

    To understand the potential of your lumpsum investment, consider using the lumpsum calculator. 

    Using a lumpsum calculator

    A lumpsum calculator helps you estimate the future value of your investments. It provides a picture of potential returns, which assists in effectively planning and managing finances. By entering the investment amount, duration, and expected rate of return, the calculator provides an estimate of the maturity value. 

    For example, if you invest INR 1 lakh in a mutual fund with an expected return of 12% per annum for 30 years, the lumpsum calculator would estimate the total investment value to be about INR 29.95 lakh. This demonstrates how compounding works over time, allowing your investment to grow exponentially. 

    Strategic use of lumpsum investments

    To mitigate the risks associated with lumpsum investments, you can adopt a few strategies: 

    •    Invest in a mutual fund that offers diversification across asset classes and sectors. This helps by spreading risk and enhancing returns.

    •    Research the mutual fund’s historical performance, expense ratio, and the fund manager’s track record. This can provide insights into the fund’s potential to deliver consistent returns.

    •    The mutual fund should align with your liquidity needs. Some funds have lock-in periods, which prevents you from liquidating them in case of emergencies. 

    By following these strategies, you can optimise your lumpsum investments while minimising risks. 

    Conclusion

    A lumpsum investment in mutual funds can be a strategic move when planned carefully with a long-term perspective. While it may carry inherent risks, such as market volatility and timing the market, these can be mitigated through diversification, research, and an investment strategy.

    A lumpsum calculator can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations for investments. However, the safety of lumpsum investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. 
     

  • Trip Cancellation Coverage in Travel Insurance and How to Claim It

    Trip Cancellation Coverage in Travel Insurance and How to Claim It

    Traveling is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in your life. It allows you to explore different cultures, traditions, places, history, and even discover more about yourself. The joys of travelling can open new dimensions of peace, while disruptions in these plans can create a perpetual sense of dissatisfaction.

    Trip cancellations are essentially unforeseen events that prevent you from following through on your plans. They can arise due to a number of reasons including medical emergencies, natural disasters or personal crisis. When these unplanned and unwanted situations arise, trip cancellation coverage helps you deal with the financial setbacks. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo with individual travel insurance or with a group with group travel insurance, trip cancellation coverage will help you recover non-refundable expenses.

    What is travel insurance and what does it cover?

    Domestic or international travel insurance is a financial contract in which you, as the policy holder, acquire financial safety while the insurer guarantees to provide support during unforeseen events. In India, the travel insurance policies are regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, commonly known as IRDA. Under this governing presence, insurers ensure standardised coverage for domestic andinternational travel insurance plans designed for individual and groups alike.

    The majority of comprehensive travel insurance policies in India offer the following benefits under the coverage:

    Medical emergencies cover hospitalisation charges as well as medical treatments and emergency evacuation if you fall ill or suffer injuries during your trip.

    Trip Cancellation and Trip Disruption reimburse you for prepaid and non-refundable expenses when your journey is delayed or cancelled due to extenuating circumstances.

    Many renowned Indian travel insurance providers such as HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, Tata AIG and others offer customised policies that cater to both individual and group travellers. You can avail of individual travel insurance plans if you’re travelling solo, or opt for group travel insurance when you travel with your colleagues, friends, family, and other people.

    What is trip cancellation coverage?

    The majority of coverage under domestic and international travel insurance plans deals with emergencies that you can neither foresee nor address without planning. Among them, trip cancellation coverage is a very specific component of travel insurance that reimburses you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

    The following reasons are generally accepted as viable causes for trip cancellations coverage:

    Medical emergencies

    If you suddenly fall ill, incur injuries or need hospitalisation, you may cancel your trip. The insurer will help you by providing the necessary compensation for non-refundable charges such as hotel booking, flights, etc.

    Death of a family member

    If an immediate relative passes away before the trip or during, you may delay or cancel your trip for which the insurer will provide the necessary compensation.

    Natural disasters

    Unforeseeable and uncontrollable calamities such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones may affect your travel destination, thus disallowing you from continuing on your journey. In such cases, domestic or international travel insurance can provide reimbursement.

    Terrorism and civil unrest

    Certain issues may arise due to governmental disconcerns that affect certain regions. Such disturbances would prevent you from continuing on your journey, in which case your travel insurance plan will reimburse you the non-refundable amounts.

    It is important to keep in mind that whether you choose individual travel insurance or group travel insurance, if the reasons for cancellation are not included in the contract, the insurer is not bound to pay. This could happen due to personal reasons, visa rejections, and unnecessary or spontaneous changes in travel plans that are not impacted by the terms and conditions of the contract.

    How to file a claim for trip cancellation coverage in India?

    Upon purchasing a group or individual travel insurance plan for domestic or international trips, you can rest assured that the insurer has your back when you suffer unprecedented setbacks. In such cases, you will need to file a claim against your domestic or international travel insurance for the trip cancellation coverage. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

    Check the terms of your policy carefully and understand the terms and conditions related to trip cancellation. It will help you realise whether or not you are filing a legitimate claim, after which you can proceed with the next steps.

    As soon as you suspect cancellation of your trip or extenuating circumstances that could result in cancellation, you must immediately inform your insurance provider. The majority of Indian insurers such as HDFC, Ergo, Bajaj Alliance and others offer 24/7 helplines and online portals where you can report the incident and file your claim.

    You will need to gather a few necessary documents when submitting a claim form for trip cancellation, which are as follows:

    Proof of trip cancellation via official communication from airlines, hotels and other operators involved in the tour.

    Medical reports pertaining to the necessity to delay or cancel your trip, such as doctor’s certificate, hospital discharge summary, medical bills, etc.

    Death certificate of the immediate relative who passed away, thus resulting in the trip cancellation.

    Travel and payment receipts, such as copies of flight bookings, hotel reservations and other prepaid expenses for which you need reimbursement.

    First incident report or FIR filed for theft, civil unrest or legal issues that led to trip cancellations.

    Once you have all the documents handy, you must fill out the claim form online on the insurer’s portal or app. You must ensure absolute accuracy when filling out the form, especially about personal details, trip details, cancellation reasons, supporting documents and your domestic or international travel insurance ID.

    You must submit the travel insurance trip cancellation coverage claim within the specified deadline. In India, this period is typically between 30 to 60 days of the trip cancellation. If you delay in filing the claim, it may be rejected.

    After submitting the claim form with the necessary documents, you can keep track of its status by contacting the insurer’s customer support system. Typically, Indian insurers process claims within 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the claim and the verification process.

    Trip cancellation coverage can be immensely helpful, especially when you’re traveling internationally. Given the difference in currency, any delays and cancellation of your journey could result in massive unforeseen payments. This would be a cumbersome endeavour, but international travel insurance can bail you out of such situations.

    Conclusion

    Trip cancellation coverage in travel insurance is designed to provide financial relief when you are in an unknown land facing unforeseen disruptions. Understanding what is covered, the terms and conditions of the plan and following the correct claim process can help ensure a hassle-free experience.

    It is important that you read the terms and conditions of the policy document carefully when purchasing group or individual travel insurance policies. It will enlighten you about the limitations and inclusions of your plan, thus allowing you to file legitimate claims. It is also crucial that you purchase your domestic or international travel insurance policy from an IRDAI-approved provider to guarantee necessary support in your time of need.

    Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales. 

  • Rajesh Rana takes the reins as ITDC’s marketing chief

    Rajesh Rana takes the reins as ITDC’s marketing chief

    MUMBAI:  Hospitality veteran Rajesh Rana has been appointed director (commercial & marketing) at India Tourism Development Corp  (ITDC). The ministry of tourism, in an order dated 10 March 2025, confirmed the appointment committee of the cabinet’s (ACC) nod for his five-year stint—or until further notice. Rana took charge today, 17 March 2025.

    A hospitality honcho with 26 years in the trade, Rana brings deep expertise in catering, tourism, marketing and business operations. An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management, Lucknow, with an MBA in marketing, he started out as a management trainee with Jaypee Hotels before making his mark at PSU THDC India Ltd.

    Rana’s career took off when he joined IRCTC in 2005, where he spent 19 years masterminding hospitality and tourism strategies. He climbed the ladder from deputy general manager to general manager, steering operations across regional, zonal and corporate offices. His knack for product development, marketing and risk management has left a lasting imprint on railway catering and tourism.

    Before his ITDC move, Rana served as general manager at IRCTC’s corporate office in New Delhi, also doubling as chief risk officer. With ITDC now in his hands, expect a shake-up in tourism marketing and commercial strategy.

  • HUL seals the deal: Uprising Science takeover gets CCI nod

    HUL seals the deal: Uprising Science takeover gets CCI nod

    MUMBAI:  Hindustan Unilever Ltd  (HUL) is set to expand its beauty and personal care empire, acquiring a 90.5 per cent stake in Uprising Science Pvt Ltd , with the remaining 9.5 per cent to follow in two years. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given the green light to the transaction under Section 6(2) read with Section 5(a) of the Competition Act, 2002.

    HUL, a behemoth in the FMCG space, boasts a portfolio spanning home care, beauty and personal care, and food and refreshments. Its 50+ brands include household names like Lux, Surf Excel, Lakmé, Knorr, and Kwality Wall’s. With manufacturing facilities across India and a vast distribution network, the company dominates the consumer market.

    Uprising Science, the target in this acquisition, specialises in beauty and personal care, particularly skincare, body care, baby care and hair care products. The acquisition is expected to strengthen HUL’s grip on the premium beauty segment, expanding its product range and market share.

    The companies argued that the deal won’t shake up India’s competitive landscape. However, they acknowledged overlaps in key markets, including skincare and haircare, as well as vertical linkages such as sales through beauty salons. The strategic move aligns with HUL’s broader push into high-growth personal care categories.

    With CCI’s approval in the bag, HUL is set to make further waves in the beauty business. Expect bold moves ahead.

  • Morepen Laboratories’ sugar-busting bargain hits Indian market

    Morepen Laboratories’ sugar-busting bargain hits Indian market

    MUMBAI: Morepen Laboratories has unleashed Empamore, a wallet-friendly weapon against Type 2 diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease that promises to shake up treatment for millions in the world’s diabetes capital.

    With India groaning under the weight of 101 million diabetes cases, the pharmaceutical firm’s latest offering aims to deliver the same therapeutic punch as pricier alternatives at a fraction of the cost—a sweet deal for patients previously priced out of optimal care.

    The new drug, empagliflozin, belongs to the coveted class of SGLT2 inhibitors and will be available in various formulations, including combinations with metformin. All products are manufactured at Morepen’s facilities, which boast the American regulator’s stamp of approval.

    “At Morepen, we are dedicated to democratising healthcare by making world-class treatments accessible to all,” declared vice president of sales & marketing Ashutosh Sharma. “With Empamore, we are providing a trusted, high-quality diabetes treatment at nearly 90 per cent lower cost than existing brands, helping millions manage their condition effectively without financial strain.”

    This aggressive pricing strategy aims to capture a hefty slice of India’s diabetes market, which is expected to grow at a robust 10.9 per cent compound annual growth rate as pre-diabetes cases swell to a staggering 136 million.

    Morepen is no newcomer to the diabetes battleground. The company has already flooded the market with more than 12.33 million glucometers and a mind-boggling 1.65 billion blood glucose strips, establishing itself as a familiar name in medicine cabinets across the subcontinent.

    The firm’s latest offering promises more than just glycaemic control, addressing cardiovascular and renal complications while packaging the pills in perforated strips for patients who might otherwise struggle with adherence.

    With a global footprint spanning 82 countries, Morepen’s bargain-basement diabetes treatment may soon be sweetening the lives of patients far beyond Indian shores—proving that sometimes, the best medicine is the one you can actually afford.