Category: Marketing

  • ITC Mangaldeep distributes 100,000 jalbattis at Mahakumbh

    ITC Mangaldeep distributes 100,000 jalbattis at Mahakumbh

    MUMBAI: Incense sticks are a part of most Indian’s daily worship rituals. Whether in temples or at home, the beautiful perfume that permeates the place lends to a calmness of the spirit. ITC’s Mangaladeep has been among the more favoured national incense brands in the Maha Kumbh 2025.

    As part of its activities, ITC Mangaldeep has introduced a unique and innovative offering, Mangaldeep Jalbatti, an underwater incense stick designed to honor the sacred rivers while preserving their sanctity. The total number of jalbattis distributed has been increased to a whopping 100,000 from 10,000 after witnessing a huge demand among the devotees. 

    Crafted from alum (phitkari) powder, a traditional water purifier, Jalbatti dissolves in water upon contact, contributing positively to water quality. By incorporating Jalbatti into their offerings, devotees can now uphold their devotion while ensuring that the rivers remain as pure as their faith.

     As the world’s largest spiritual congregation, Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj continues to stand as a proud testament to India’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions.

    Millions of devotees have been gathering at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to partake in rituals such as Ganga aartis, shahi nnaans, and deep daans, all symbolising their profound reverence for these ancient rivers. 

    ITC Mangaldeep has been an integral part of this devotion, enhancing spiritual experience through various initiatives. 

    Through this initiative, ITC Mangaldeep has  reinforced its commitment to enabling devotion and empowering devotees by blending tradition with meaningful impact. As millions take their holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, jalbatti serves as an emblem of devotion that not only honors but also safeguards the sacred waters

  • Rishabh Pant strides back to adidas as campaign face

    Rishabh Pant strides back to adidas as campaign face

    MUMBAI: From boundary-smashing innings to fearless comebacks, Rishabh Pant has always been a cricketer who plays on the front foot. Now, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman is back with adidas, as the sportswear giant signs a multi-year partnership with the Indian cricket star. This collaboration sees Pant rejoin adidas’ elite athlete roster, which already boasts names like Jude Bellingham, Noah Lyles, Kuldeep Yadav, and Nikhat Zareen.

    Pant, who previously partnered with adidas from 2016 to 2019, returns to the fold, further strengthening the brand’s deep-rooted legacy in Indian cricket—one that has seen collaborations with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma. With his never-give-up attitude and unwavering self-belief, Pant perfectly embodies the adidas ethos of resilience and excellence.

    Adidas India general manager Neelendra Singh said, “At adidas, we stand by athletes through every high and low, supporting their journey to greatness. Rishabh’s fearless spirit and dedication to the game make him a perfect fit for our brand. We are thrilled to have him back in the adidas family.”

    Pant said, “adidas is a brand I have always admired. We share a vision of inspiring athletes and pushing boundaries. I look forward to this journey, empowering the next generation and making a lasting impact in the world of sports.”

    With a history of championing top athletes across cricket, football, athletics, and tennis, adidas continues to be at the forefront of sporting excellence. The addition of Pant to its roster reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of Indian sports, ensuring the next generation has the support they need to dream big and play bigger.
     

  • Coca-Cola reports strong quarter as Maaza joins billion-dollar brand club

    Coca-Cola reports strong quarter as Maaza joins billion-dollar brand club

    MUMBAI: The fizz in the Coca-Cola Co continues to be strong. It has reported a six per cent  rise in  its latest quarterly revenue to $11.5 billion in the period to 31 December 2024, with Indian beverage Maaza becoming its 30th billion-dollar brand. Thums Up and Sprite are the other Indian brands in the billion dollar club.

    The company saw unit case volumes increase by two per cent  in the fourth quarter of 2024, while full-year volumes grew one per cent, driven by strong performance in India, Brazil and Mexico.

    “In India, our business rebounded nicely during the quarter and we grew volume. We recruited consumers with innovative marketing campaigns that link Coca-Cola with music, Sprite with travel and Thums Up with movies”, said  The Coca-Cola Co chairman and CEO James Quincey.

    The company’s digital transformation in India added approximately 440,000 outlets to its customer platforms in 2024. The beverage giant also completed a significant refranchising of its Indian bottling operations, recording net gains of $303 million for the year.

    Chief financial officer John Murphy, following a recent visit to India, said: “The Indian market has got a tremendous amount of runway ahead. We believe that the Jubilant group coming in is going to add tremendously to our abilities to continue to step change our execution in the marketplace”.

    The Coca-Cola Co has been facing intense competition in the Indian marketplace which is only going to multiply with Reliance Industries putting all its might behind the Campa Cola brand to crack open the soft drink market for itself. Price has so far been the pivot which has seen its brands Campa Cola corner 10 per cent plus shares in certain markets where launches have been made 
     

  • Honeywell-AM Green partner to propel India’s sustainable aviation fuel

    Honeywell-AM Green partner to propel India’s sustainable aviation fuel

    MUMBAI: The future of clean energy just got a serious power boost! Honeywell and AM Green have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at India Energy Week 2025, laying the groundwork for a game-changing initiative that could catapult India into the global spotlight for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), green methanol, and carbon capture solutions.

    This partnership is all about big ambitions—reducing crude oil import dependence, helping shipping companies adopt low-emission fuels, and giving airlines the tools to meet Corsia mandates for low-carbon, drop-in fuel replacements. Simply put, it’s a serious play to decarbonise aviation and shipping while reinforcing India’s energy security.

    The Honeywell-AM Green alliance will assess the techno-economic feasibility of producing SAF from ethanol, green methanol from various CO₂ emission sources, and green hydrogen. But beyond the buzzwords, what does this really mean? Think next-gen fuels, fewer emissions, and a cleaner planet—all made possible with a combination of cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking strategy.

    Honeywell, known for its carbon capture wizardry and ethanol-to-jet innovation, joins hands with AM Green, an emerging leader in green hydrogen and ethanol production. Together, they’re building an ecosystem that directly supports India’s SAF blending mandates and positions the country as a global green fuel export hub.

    Honeywell India president Ashish Modi emphasised the larger vision behind this move, “The collaboration with AM Green will help advance India’s low-carbon economy and create an ecosystem that supports the government’s SAF blending mandates, positioning India as a global leader in alternative fuel innovation. By combining Honeywell’s proven carbon capture technologies and ethanol-to-jet solution with AM Green’s expertise in green hydrogen and ethanol production, we will pave the way for a sustainable future and reinforce our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

    Meanwhile, AM Green co-founder & group president Mahesh Kolli highlighted the scale of their clean energy ambitions, “We are delighted to partner with Honeywell, one of the world’s largest technology companies shaping the future of energy. This partnership demonstrates AM Green’s emerging leadership position as a global clean energy transition solutions platform while contributing to India’s ambition of emerging as an exporter of reliable, sustainable, and lowest-cost green molecules and its derivatives, accelerating industrial decarbonisation globally.”

    For the aviation and shipping sectors, this means a real path to net-zero. But there’s an even bigger win here—Indian farmers stand to benefit significantly. By creating demand for ethanol feedstocks, this partnership supports rural economies and aligns with India’s national green hydrogen mission to boost green hydrogen production via green methanol for both domestic and export markets.

    The feasibility study is set to wrap up by mid-2025, marking a crucial milestone in India’s journey toward large-scale decarbonisation. If successful, this initiative could redefine India’s role in global clean fuel production, solidifying its position as a pioneer in sustainable aviation and shipping solutions.

  • Jasprit Bumrah joins foundit: Precision bowling meets smart job matching!

    Jasprit Bumrah joins foundit: Precision bowling meets smart job matching!

    MUMBAI : India’s pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah is teaming up with foundit, a leading jobs and talent platform, in a partnership that brings together the precision of world-class cricket and the accuracy of AI-driven job search. Just as Bumrah delivers pinpoint yorkers at blistering speed, foundit aims to match job seekers with the right opportunities with the same level of focus and efficiency.

    Commenting on the partnership, foundit CEO V Suresh said, “Jasprit Bumrah’s agility, accuracy, and dependability perfectly align with our mission to empower professionals in a dynamic job market. His stellar performances, including India’s World Cup triumph in 2024, make him an ideal representative for our brand.”

    Foundit VP– marketing Anupama Bhimrajka added, “With 70 per cent of India’s jobseekers engaged in cricket, Bumrah’s influence resonates widely. His precision mirrors our commitment to matching candidates with the right opportunities through advanced AI technology.”

    The campaign featuring Bumrah will roll out across multiple media platforms in the coming months, drawing parallels between his pinpoint accuracy on the field and foundit’s data-driven job search approach.

  • Indian commercial office market hits record high, signals major shift in 2025

    Indian commercial office market hits record high, signals major shift in 2025

    MUMBAI: India’s commercial office market has reached new heights, with leasing volumes hitting a record 66.4 million square feet in 2024, a 14 per cent  year-on-year growth, according to the Ficci-Colliers report: India Office | Setting New Standards for 2025. The market is projected to grow further to 65-70 million square feet in 2025, marking a significant transition from a supply-led to an occupier-driven landscape.

    Bengaluru led the charge with its highest-ever absorption of 21.7 million square feet, while Hyderabad recorded the strongest growth at 55 per cent. The dominance of the technology sector has declined from 40-50 per cent  to 25 per cent , with engineering, manufacturing, financial services, and flexible workspaces now accounting for more than half of Grade A office demand.

    Global capability centres (GCCs) have emerged as a key driver, leasing 25.7 million square feet in 2024, a 41 per cent   increase year-on-year. Bengaluru captured 47 per cent   of GCC leasing, while Mumbai saw a fourfold rise in uptake.

    “Office leasing is expected to grow another 8-10 per cent   in FY26, fuelled by demand from GCCs and the financial services sector,” said Ficci committee on urban development and real estate chairman & RMZ chairman Raj Menda. 

    Sustainability is also shaping occupier preferences, with over 70 per cent of leasing now in green-certified buildings, a figure expected to rise to 80-85 per cent by 2025. Menda added: “Nearly 80 per cent   of new supply over the next two to three years will be green certified. By embracing sustainability and innovation, we can contribute to economic growth, enhance well-being, and leave a lasting impact on the environment.”

    The real estate investment trust (Reit) landscape is expanding, with 80 million square feet currently under Reits and an additional 400 million square feet identified as potential Reit stock. The listing of India’s first small and medium Reit (SM-Reit) in 2024 has opened new avenues for retail investors.

    Looking ahead, new office supply is expected to reach 60-65 million square feet in 2025, with vacancy levels projected to decline to 15-16 per cent. Average rental values are forecast to touch Rs  100-110 per square foot per month.

    Ficci committee co-chairman and managing director and CEO Godrej Properties  Gaurav Pandey highlighted the residential sector’s milestone in 2024, with demand hitting 1 billion square feet, valued at Rs  8.5 lakh crore, primarily concentrated in India’s top five cities.

    “The sector needs execution build-up and brilliant talent across both white-collar and blue-collar jobs,” Pandey added, stressing the importance of labour strategy and talent management for sustained growth.

    On the investment front, institutional inflows reached USD 4.7 billion in the first nine months of 2024, with over 60 per cent directed towards industrial, warehousing, and residential assets. The government’s Rs  1 lakh crore urban challenge fund aims to transform cities into growth hubs and improve infrastructure.

    However, affordability concerns persist in the residential segment said Ficci committee co-chairman and managing director and CEO HDFC Capital Advisors Vipul Roongta: “With the average unit price at Rs  1 crore in major cities, home ownership remains out of reach for the emerging middle class, who can typically afford homes in the Rs  50-75 lakh range.”

    Meanwhile, DLF vice chairman and managing director, rental business, Sriram Khattar, noted a shift in commercial real estate priorities: “Gone are the days when offices were built at 70-80 square feet per desk and simply filled up. The emphasis now is on quality workspaces that enhance occupier and employee experience.”

    Looking ahead, Colliers India managing director office services  Arpit Mehrotra stated: “The occupier-driven Indian office market will continue to diversify in 2025, and developers will need to remain agile to meet evolving preferences.”

  • How to Track the Performance of Your ULIP Over Time?

    How to Track the Performance of Your ULIP Over Time?

    If you have invested in a ULIP scheme (or are planning to do so), you might have had a few nagging concerns! They could be, “What’s my risk appetite?” or “How do I track my ULIP over time?” Getting the answers to these questions will ease your curiosity and put your mind at rest before taking action.

    Remember that childhood lesson you learned – “Look before you leap.” It wasn’t just for fun; it’s good advice to avoid confusion and surprises later! To save yourself from the discomfort of an unclear ULIP scheme, you need to know how to track and manage it to avoid any mess.

    This post will help you do just that – guide you through the steps of tracking and managing your ULIP efficiently so that you can leap with confidence!

    What to Keep in Mind Before Selecting a ULIP Scheme?

    You must keep some important factors in mind before you choose the right ULIP scheme:

    Consideration

    Details

    1. Understand Your Financial Goals Define your financial goal (retirement, children’s education, wealth accumulation) to select the right investment strategy and life cover.
    2. Choose the Right Fund Equity Funds: Higher growth potential but higher risk.     
    Debt Funds: Safer, stable returns, ideal for conservative investors.     
    Choose based on your risk appetite and goal.
    3. Select Life Insurance Coverage Choose a life cover that’s sufficient to meet your family’s financial needs in case of unforeseen events.
    4. Lock-in Period ULIPs have a 5-year lock-in period. Stay invested for longer to benefit from compounding returns. Surrendering early may lead to penalties.
    5. Stay Updated on Market Trends Regularly monitor market trends to adjust your investment strategy and optimise returns by reallocating funds as needed.
    6. Be Aware of Charges

    Understand the charges involved:

    1. Mortality/Morbidity Charges
    2. Policy Administration Charges
    3. Fund Management Charges
    4. Premium Allocation Charges
    7. Choose a Suitable Payment Option
    1. Single Premium: One-time payment.
    2. Limited Premium: Limited number of years.
    3. Regular Premium: Ongoing payments. Choose based on your financial situation.
    8. Fund Switching Flexibility ULIPs allow you to switch funds (equity, debt, hybrid) to optimise returns. Understand the cost of switching and free switches, and calculate fund performance before switching.

    Know How to Track Your ULIP Over Time

    Let’s now learn the simple methods of tracking the performance of your ULIP. This way, you stay on the same page regarding your investment and plan your financial goals accordingly. Here below are the key steps you need to keep practising:

    1.  Calculate the Net Asset Value (NAV)                
    The first thing is to calculate ULIP’s NAV and compare it with the initial NAV. This will give you an idea of the absolute return value of your investment.

    2.  Use an ULIP Calculator                
    A trustworthy online ULIP calculator can help you to track your policy’s performance easily. You need to enter your premiums and the duration for which they are paid, along with some other details.

    3.  Monitor Periodic Statements                
    Mostly, the insurance companies provide regular statements that have the details of your ULIP’s fund value, NAV, etc. You need to thoroughly review them in order to remain updated on how your investment plan is performing.

    4.  Evaluate Fund Performance                
    Closely assess the performance of the specific funds in which your ULIP usually invests. Examining their past growth and risk variables throughout different periods in time is worthwhile.

    5.  Compare with Benchmark Indices                
    Benchmark indices like NIFTY or Sensex are useful for you to compare with your ULIP’s returns. This enables you to assess the performance of your funds in relation to market trends.

    6.  Understand the Charges                
    ULIPs carry a number of costs, including policy administration, fund management, and premium allocation. Identify these deductions and what effect they have on your entire returns.

    7.  Track via Online Portals                
    Numerous insurance providers provide online portals with up-to-date information on the performance of your ULIP. You may access fund valuations, transaction histories, and other crucial information through their websites.

    8.  Seek Expert Advice                
    In case you have any trouble evaluating the success of your ULIP, you can speak with insurance agents or financial specialists. They can provide insightful information on fund selection, market movements, and modifying your plan in accordance with your objectives.

    9.  Reassess Your Goals Periodically                
    Review your risk tolerance and financial objectives on a regular basis. In the context of such things, you might wish to change funds or modify the amount of your premium so it fits your changing goals.

    Summing Up

    So, now you’re all set with the know-how of choosing the right ULIP scheme and tracking its performance. Take the right approach to be able to leap with confidence and watch your investment’s impressive growth. Invest in peace!

    FAQs on ULIP Scheme Tracking

    1.  How to check ULIP return?                
    You can check the ULIP return by doing calculations based on the Net Asset Value of the fund. The Net Asset Value is easily calculated by dividing the total number of units held by investors by the value of the fund’s assets, removing its liabilities.

    2.  Is ULIP better than FD?                
    Indeed, ULIPs offer better investment opportunities than FDs. They offer you life insurance and guarantee the security of your funds. Also, they provide you with the opportunity to profit from investments. They are among the top spots to invest in because of their adaptable nature.

    3.  What is a ULIP calculator?                
    An insurance seeker can use this customised online tool (ULIP calculator) to compare various ULIPs. It helps them determine the maturity amount based on the amount they spend over a selected time period.

  • Reliance eyes sports drinks disruption with Rs 10 Spinner

    Reliance eyes sports drinks disruption with Rs 10 Spinner

    MUMBAI: It’s looking at pumping up a rather placid Indian  sports hydration drink market which has not seen much innovation from major players who have  gotten used to selling bottled refreshments at high sticker prices.  

    Reliance Consumer Products is, like in the past, using price and packaging as points to gain consumers’ attention and possibly upset the existing economics that multinationals have put in place for their production pipelines over the decades that they have been present in India and serving sports hydration drinks.  

    Spinner the  Reliance offering is priced at Rs 10 for 150 ml, making it much more affordable than established players like  Pepsico’s Gatorade and Coca-Cola’s Powerade which retail at Rs 50 and above  for 500 ml. Decathlon’s sports drink Aptonia costs Rs 99 for a 400 ml bottle, though it is available at Rs 69 on the portal.

    Co-created with cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan, Spinner is be available in lemon, orange and nitro blue flavours. The company aims to create a Rs 83,000 crore (US$1 billion) sports beverage category in India within three years.

    The launch follows Reliance’s successful disruption of the sparkling beverages market with Campa, which gained 10 per cent market share in some states within two years. The company has partnered with five IPL teams including Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans to boost brand visibility. 

    “We’ve created an affordable hydration solution for everyone,” said Ketan Mody, chief operating officer at Reliance Consumer. The launch comes after the company’s recent entry into energy drinks with RasKik Gluco Energy, also priced at Rs 10.

    600 ml of Spinner -four packs of 150 ml each –  will cost  Rs 40, which is a substantial hair cut over the long-in-existence  price point that the big two have been commanding in the market. A price war is imminent with packaging variants  and pricing options being forced upon  Powerade and Gatorade.

    Should the consumer celebrate? 

  • Amrut launches premium whisky at Hyderabad airport

    Amrut launches premium whisky at Hyderabad airport

    MUMBAI: This one is for those enjoy their single malts. Amrut Distilleries has introduced Kadhambam, a premium whisky exclusively at GMR Hyderabad Duty Free stores in Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

    The whisky, bottled at 50 per cent ABV, is unique for being aged in four different casks – ex-bourbon, rum, ex-Oloroso sherry and brandy. The name “Kadhambam” means “mixture” in Tamil, reflecting its complex ageing process.

    “Kadhambam exemplifies our craft and innovation,” said Amrut Distilleries managing director Rakshit N Jagdale. “This launch reflects our ambition to expand Amrut’s presence in travel retail.”

     Monika Alcobev – Amrut’s distribution partner – managing director and chief executive Kunal Patel, noted the growing global recognition of Indian whiskies. “Kadhambam’s distinct blend is the perfect addition to GMR Hyderabad Duty Free’s exclusive offerings,” he said.

    Amrut defines the Kadhambam whisky as follows:

    Nose : Rich and floral, honeyed, nutty, new oak, vanilla, lifted fruit aromas of citrus and tropical fruits

    Taste : Candied fruits, subtle oak with a light dusting of peat and integrated spice

    Finish : Warming and complex with a dry, long finish

    A bottle of 700 ml of the bourbon is available at Rs 13,000 on the online Hyderabad Airport store.

  • Sonam Chopra elevated to vice president, talent acquisition at Morgan Stanley

    Sonam Chopra elevated to vice president, talent acquisition at Morgan Stanley

    MUMBAI: Sonam Chopra, a seasoned HR professional with over a decade of experience in talent acquisition and human resource management, has been appointed vice president, talent acquisition (non-technology) at Morgan Stanley.

    Having been with Morgan Stanley for over seven years, Chopra previously served as director, talent acquisition, and talent acquisition lead, where she played a pivotal role in developing recruitment strategies, identifying top-tier talent, and aligning HR initiatives with business goals.

    Before joining Morgan Stanley, she held leadership positions at Blend Financial Services, where she managed HR operations for a global workforce, and AIMS International, where she specialised in executive search for BFSI and e-commerce sectors. Her extensive experience also includes leadership hiring across industries such as IT, infrastructure, real estate, and commodity trading at Positive Moves.

    In her new role, Chopra will lead strategic talent acquisition initiatives, drive diversity and inclusion efforts, and continue enhancing Morgan Stanley’s employer brand to attract top talent in the financial sector.

    Expressing her excitement about the new role, Chopra shared, “I look forward to shaping the next phase of talent acquisition at Morgan Stanley and continuing to build a strong, dynamic workforce aligned with the firm’s vision.”