Category: Marketing

  • Swiggy with team Singham creates new Guinness World Record

    Swiggy with team Singham creates new Guinness World Record

    Mumbai: Swiggy along with the team of the film Singham Again has created a new Guinness World Record for delivering the largest vada pav order in a single delivery. In collaboration with the team of Singham Again, Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty, Swiggy delivered 11,000 vada pavs to children from the Robin Hood Army, an NGO that focuses on fighting hunger through surplus food distribution across multiple locations in Mumbai.

    Mumbai’s iconic vada pavs from MM Mithaiwala, were delivered using Swiggy’s newly launched Swiggy XL Fleet, designed for handling bulk food deliveries. Swiggy collaborated with the Singham Again team and delivered 11,000 vada pavs across various Robin Hood Army-supported schools in Mumbai.

    The first stop was Airport High School & Junior College in Vile Parle, where Ajay Devgn, Rohit Shetty and Swiggy co-founder Phani Kishan received the order, creating a Guinness World Record for the largest number of Vada pavs delivered in a single order. The vada pavs were distributed across RobinHoodArmy-supported schools in Bandra, Juhu, Andheri East (Chandivali and Chakala), Malad, and Borivali.

    Swiggy co-founder and chief growth officer, Phani Kishan said, “In the 10 years of Swiggy, we have delivered millions of vada pavs across Mumbai, and other cities. We’re going XL by teaming up with Singham Again to set a Guinness World Record for the largest single food order for Vada pavs. This exciting event perfectly captures Swiggy’s commitment to delivering food whether big or small—and celebrates the love for Mumbai’s iconic street food in a truly spectacular Singham style.”

    Swiggy XL, a fleet of electric vehicles introduced to efficiently handle high-volume orders, played an instrumental role achieving this Guinness World Record. This first of its kind initiative demonstrated Swiggy’s focus on leveraging technology and innovation to address evolving delivery needs while making a significant contribution to the community.

    Speaking about the record, Rohit Shetty expressed, “We are elated to have collaborated with Swiggy for this record-breaking delivery of vada pav, bringing food and joy to children. Just like Singham’s larger-than-life personality and strong ethics, this initiative has achieved a meaningful cause.”

    The event concluded with children enjoying their meals, marking the success of this collaboration between Swiggy and the Singham Again team. The record-breaking delivery was made possible by Swiggy’s newly launched XL fleet designed for large scale orders. Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) is the vehicle manufacturer with Moeving Urban Technologies Ltd. operating the fleet on the ground.

    The idea was conceptualised and executed by Havas Play. Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “We’re always driven by the ambition to create meaningful connections through meaningful media that reflect cultural shifts. With Swiggy, we’ve once again tapped into the pulse of pop culture, delivering a campaign that’s bold, innovative, and community focused. Securing the coveted Guinness World Records title for the largest vada pav delivery exemplifies not only the disruptive potential of Swiggy XL but also our strategic vision in crafting high-impact, culturally resonant campaigns that redefine the industry. ”

  • Ikea India’s ‘My Happy Space’ returns for a new season of home transformations

    Ikea India’s ‘My Happy Space’ returns for a new season of home transformations

    Mumbai: To create a better everyday life for the many people, Ikea India has released the second season of its popular series, My Happy Space, in association with Monk Entertainment and Next Narrative. Indian homes are vibrant and full of life and this season will continue to celebrate the lively nature of Indian homes where people are always seeking small makeovers that add more character and functionality to their living spaces.

    The first season was immensely successful, achieving over 14 million cumulative views, reaching 80 per cent of the target audience, and garnering over 252K engagements by using a multilingual format and diverse focus to broaden its reach and resonance. Building on the success of Season 1, this new season aims to inspire Indian households by showcasing how every corner can be beautifully transformed to enhance space without sacrificing the wallet. It delves deeper into how every Indian home can do more with less space, demonstrating how thoughtful design can unlock the full potential of any living space.

    Conceptualised by Monk Entertainment and Next Narrative, and co-produced with Monk Entertainment and SOL Production, this four-part series showcases collaborations with influential creators from diverse backgrounds across India. The first episode, airing today, features a studio makeover by Your Food Lab chef Sanjyot Kheer, followed by episodes with South Indian actress Vithika Sheru, comedian Raghu Gowda, and actress Meghana Raj.

    Ikea India country marketing manager Anna Ohlin said, “We are delighted to partner again for the second edition of My Happy Space. This format has proven to be effective, enabling us to connect with a broader audience across diverse geographies, cultures, and passion points. We are committed to investing in creative concepts and intellectual properties that will help integrate Ikea seamlessly into Indian homes. This season’s message is simple: ‘More is possible in every home with Ikea.’ We believe that Indians have a special talent for maximising their spaces, and we want to empower them to make the most of their homes.”

    Next Narrative founder & CEO Mohit Jagtiani said, “We are thrilled to bring back Ikea My Happy Space for a second season this year. The hyperlocal collaboration with creators, combined with a multilingual approach, allows us to showcase the incredible range of possibilities that Ikea offers to diverse audiences. Last year’s campaign received an astounding response, and we’re excited to build on that success, delivering even greater results this time around.”

    Monk Entertainment co-founder and CEO Viraj Seth said “Bringing Season 2 of My Happy Space to life with Ikea has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This season goes beyond simple makeovers, we’re helping people unlock the full potential of their homes. Ikea’s dedication to innovative, functional design allows us to demonstrate how even the smallest changes can create a significant impact. We’re excited to see how this series will continue to inspire Indian households to reimagine and elevate their living spaces.”

    Sharing his overall experience with the collaboration, Sanjyot Keer said, “Transforming my creative studio with Ikea on ‘My Happy Space’ Season 2 was a game-changer. Ikea’s thoughtful design approach didn’t just revamp my workspace; it elevated the entire environment, making it a place where creativity can truly flourish. Every corner now reflects my culinary passion, proving that with Ikea’s reliable process, more is possible in any space. Sharing this journey on YouTube has been incredible, allowing viewers to see how a well-designed space can truly upgrade your lifestyle. Ikea delivered that beautifully.

  • Reliance Industries reports lower net profit; flat revenues in Q2 FY 2025

    Reliance Industries reports lower net profit; flat revenues in Q2 FY 2025

    MUMBAI: Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd reported nearly flat revenues and lower profits for Q2 of FY 2025 ended 30 September 2024 as compared to Q2 of FY 2024 ended 30 September 2023.

    Revenue from operations at the oil to telecom conglomerate was at Rs 235,481 crore (Rs 234,956 crore); other income (Rs 4,876 crore vs Rs 3,841 crore) took up total income to Rs 240,357 crore (Rs 238,797 crore). Higher expenses of Rs 215,320 crore (Rs 212,304 crore) took a toll on the bottom line with PBT falling to Rs 25,037 crore (Rs 26,493 crore). Lower taxes (both direct and differed) of Rs 5,396 crore (Rs 6,673 crore) helped rescue the fall in PAT marginally which dropped to Rs 19,101 crore (Rs 19,820 crore). Net profit attributable to the owners of the company fell 4.88 per cent to Rs 16,563 crore (Rs 17,394 crore).

    The oil to chemicals business reported higher revenues of Rs 155,580 crore (Rs 147,988 crore) with EBITDA dipping to Rs 12,143 crore (Rs 16,277 crore). A press release stated that the oil to chemicals revenue improved with higher volumes and increased domestic placement of products. EBITDA was lower by 23.7 per cent on account of sharp decline in product margins. Fuel cracks declined by nearly 50 per cent Y-o-Y. Downstream chemical also declined with muted global demand. In a well-supplied market, RIL benefited due to superior ethane cracking economics driven by sharp fall in ethane prices.

    The oil and gas business had a lower top line with revenues at Rs 6,222 crore (Rs 6,6620 crore). EBITDA for this segment however showed buoyancy rising to Rs 5,290 crore (Rs 4,766 crore). The press release stated that lower gas price realizations led to six per cent  lower revenue in the oil and gas segment. Oil and gas segment EBITDA increased by 11.0 per cent on account of sustained volume growth and one time provisioning towards decommissioning cost for Tapti field in Q2 FY 24.

    Reliance’s retail business received a slight knock with revenues dropping to Rs 76,325 crore (Rs 77,163 crore). The press release said EBITDA for this segment improved fractionally to Rs 5,861 crore (Rs 5,841 crore) with a continued focus on streamlining of operations and calibrated approach in B2B.

    Digital services which includes its Jio Platforms business was the shining star with revenues climbing to Rs 38,055 crore (Rs 32,657 crore) and EBITDA at Rs 16,139 crore (Rs 14,055 crore). The 17.8 per cent Y-o-Y EBITDA increase was due to better subscriber mix, digital services scale-up and revision in telecom tariffs, stated the RIL press release.  

    “I am happy to note that during this quarter Reliance once again demonstrated the resilience of its diversified business portfolio. Our performance reflects robust growth in digital services and upstream business,” said RIL chairman & managing director Mukesh Ambani. ”This helped partially offset weak contribution from O2C business which was impacted by unfavorable global demand-supply dynamics.  

    “Growth in digital services was led by increased ARPU and improving customer engagement metrics reflecting the strong value proposition of our services. The home broadband segment is witnessing accelerated momentum on the back of our unique industry-leading JioAirFiber offering. Jio’s broad spectrum of offerings enables it to digitally empower every village, town and city in India as well as the country’s small and medium scale enterprises. The digital services business continues to focus on innovative deep-tech solutions on a national scale and is on track to deliver the path-breaking benefits of Artificial Intelligence to all Indians. 

    “The retail segment continues to increase its consumer touchpoints and product offerings across physical and digital channels. The unique omni-channel retail model enables the business to service a wide range of requirements of a vast, heterogenous customer base. The retail business continues to partner with renowned domestic as well as global players, expanding its basket of quality product offerings. The focus on strengthening our retail operations will help us rapidly scale-up this business in the coming quarters and years and sustain our industry-leading growth momentum.  

    “The first of our new energy giga-factories is on-track to commence production of solar PV modules by the end of this year. With a comprehensive range of renewable solutions including solar, energy storage systems, green hydrogen, bio-energy and wind, the new energy business is poised to become a significant contributor to global clean energy transition.” 

  • Zomato hires live events pro Kunal Khambhati from Bookmyshow

    Zomato hires live events pro Kunal Khambhati from Bookmyshow

    MUMBAI: That the food delivery and tech megacorp Zomato has big ambitions in the live space became apparent when it acquired PayTM’s Insider ticketing business for Rs 20,480 million. It That move  gave it instant access to a platform as well as data around a few million customers who were using it which would make it easier for it provide them further services, including live events and going out experiences.

    Now the company has hired Kunal Khambhati, the former head of live events and intellectual property at BookMyShow. The recruitment has happened just as Zomato is gearing up to launch its long-talked-about going out app, District, that will serve users looking for restaurant bookings, payments, live performances, sports events, staycations and holiday rentals. Khambhati’s role will be to look after the live entertainment vertical of the app. 

    He has oodles of experience under his belt: he played a big hand in live events and IP for nearly eight years, across India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Before this, he had held the position of associate vice-president – marketing strategy & sales at Percept for nearly 10 years.  He is a 2006 graduate of the Indian Institute of Planning and Management. 

    At Zomato, Khambhati is most likely expected to work alongside former Twitter exec Rahul Ganjoo and Pradyot Ghate (spent several years in Zomato across product, tech and growth) who will lead the District app. 

    Zomato  had hired Zeenah Vilcassim as CEO of its live entertainment division last year from Bacardi where she  was the marketing director of  India. 

    When District launches, Zomato will have three apps – Zomato, (food delivery), Blinkit (grocery delivery ) and District (going out).

    That’s not all:  Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal wants to take Zomato live into the stadium space as well, partnering with those who are willing and upgrading the infrastructure. 

    The execs at Zomato live are sure going to have their hands full. 

     

  • Rana Daggubati invests in Kingdom of White

    Rana Daggubati invests in Kingdom of White

    Mumbai: Actor Rana Daggubati has invested in Kingdom of White, an all-white lifestyle brand. This partnership is a key milestone in the brand’s mission to redefine white with versatile styles. Kingdom of White plans rapid expansion through an omnichannel approach, and Daggubati’s collaboration will enhance the brand’s presence across India.

    Daggubati remarked, “Investing in brands with a unique story has always been important to me, and Kingdom of White is truly redefining the essence of wearing white. Their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and style immediately stood out to me. After exploring their collection, I was genuinely impressed by the versatility and timeless appeal of their designs. This is more than just clothing; it is about creating an elegant statement that resonates with consumers who value simplicity, sophistication, and the art of wearing white. I am thrilled to be part of this journey and connect with those who share a passion for refined, versatile fashion.”

    Kingdom of White co-founder Vineet Haralalka stated, “We’re thrilled to welcome Rana Daggubati to our family. His investment reinforces our confidence in bringing timeless, effortless style to everyone who appreciates and loves the versatility of white, and will help us grow our footprint across India while introducing our curated, minimalist styles to more customers.”

  • Droom celebrates ten years with launch of AI-powered MyDroom platform

    Droom celebrates ten years with launch of AI-powered MyDroom platform

    Mumbai: Droom, an automobile marketplace, proudly marked its 10th anniversary by launching MyDroom, an AI-powered platform promising to transform the future of vehicle ownership. This milestone was celebrated with grandeur, featuring Guest of honour Naveen Jindal (chairman, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd., Philanthropist, Sportsperson and 3-time member of parliament)  and none other than its investor and brand ambassador, global music icon Badshah. The event was also graced by over 150 of India’s most influential tech entrepreneurs, who shared inspiring stories of innovation and success.

    Founded in 2014, Droom has continuously pushed the boundaries of the automobile industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to empower over 2.5 million customers. The company’s journey from a fledgling start-up to a dominant force in the market is a testament to the resilience and vision of Droom’s founder & CEO Sandeep Aggarwal and his unwavering commitment to reshaping how India buys, sells, and manages vehicles.

    MyDroom: Shaping the future of vehicle management

    At the heart of the celebration was the unveiling of MyDroom, a revolutionary AI-powered platform designed to offer a seamless, personalized vehicle management experience. From predictive maintenance and real-time tracking to personalized recommendations, MyDroom is a game-changer for vehicle owners. It not only helps users stay ahead of maintenance schedules but also integrates various services like repairs, roadside assistance, and even car washes into a single platform—making vehicle ownership smarter and more efficient than ever before.

    Celebrating a decade of growth and innovation

    Droom’s 10-year journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having sold over 580k  vehicles worth a staggering $7.3 billion, the company has facilitated more than 4.5 million listings and served a vast network of 23,000 dealers across 1,176 cities. Today, with 16 million Monthly Active Users and 16.2 million app downloads, Droom stands as a beacon of India’s tech-driven revolution.

    Addressing the audience and congratulating the entire Droom team on this success guest of honour Jindal Steel & Power Ltd chairman Naveen Jindal affirmed “Our country’s growing pool of educated and skilled men and women driving the social and economic change. The majority of our population comprises youth who are aspiring for opportunities. And for us to provide these opportunities, we need to grow and for growth, we need to cooperate, collaborate and co-exist with our neighbours. He praised every Entrepreneur for their hard work and contribution to make India what it is. In continuation, he said with the right efforts Haryana will be a developed state in the next 10 years and Gurugram will be the developed city of the state in the next five years.

    Badshah, investor & brand ambassador, echoes the same excitement, “I’ve been a part of Droom’s journey as an investor and ambassador, and it’s been inspiring to see how they continue to innovate and push boundaries. MyDroom is a groundbreaking platform that perfectly aligns with my passion for technology and forward-thinking solutions. I’m excited to see how this will transform the way we manage and experience vehicles.”

    Droom founder & CEO Sandeep Aggarwal reflected on the company’s journey, “The past decade has been an extraordinary journey of innovation, disruption, and growth. We are deeply grateful to our team, customers, and partners for their trust and support. MyDroom marks the next chapter in our story—one that places vehicle owners at the forefront and harnesses AI to deliver a truly personalized, seamless experience. We are excited to lead the industry into the next decade and beyond. We are very grateful that Mr. Naveen Jindal and Baadshah took out time from their super busy schedule and joined the celebrations that encourage us to constantly do better work.”

    The event concluded with insightful questions about entrepreneurship during the 2 Fire Side chats, the first of Droom Founder and CEO Sandeep Aggarwal and Droom’s Brand Ambassador and Global music Icon Badshah and the second between Droom Founder and CEO Sandeep Aggarwal and guest of honour Naveen Jindal.  

  • ITC Mangaldeep introduces ‘Fusion’

    ITC Mangaldeep introduces ‘Fusion’

    Mumbai – ITC Mangaldeep has launched its latest range of incense, Mangaldeep Fusion. This new offering is an innovative mix of classic and modern fragrances that aims to elevate the experience of its consumers. Mangaldeep Fusion is designed for those who seek harmony in their spiritual practices while embracing modernity. This innovative product range brings together carefully selected natural ingredients and fragrances that have been traditionally used in Indian households, aiming to transform the incense experience into a modern aromatic journey for devotion.

    Each pack of Fusion contains three variants of sticks, uniquely combining one traditional and one modern fragrance per pack. Each charcoal-free pack of incense brings a refreshing twist to daily prayers with its unique fragrance combinations, such as the calming essence of sandalwood paired with the earthy aroma of vetiver, or the soothing notes of lavender complemented by the grounding scent of sage. Additionally, it indulges users in the rich, resinous aroma of sambrani harmoniously blended with the deep, luxurious Arabian fragrance of Oudh.

    Commenting on the launch, ITC Ltd. chief executive, matches & agarbatti business division, Gaurav Tayal said, “We are happy to launch Mangaldeep Fusion, a range that truly embodies our strength in innovation while reinforcing tradition. We at Mangaldeep are excited about this innovative launch and the enthusiasm we’ve seen from consumers as well as our distributors and wholesalers has been overwhelming. This new range is not just a product launch, it’s a modern interpretation of timeless devotion, blending the best of traditional ingredients with contemporary fragrances.”

  • Moxie Beauty debuts on Nykaa

    Moxie Beauty debuts on Nykaa

    Mumbai – Moxie Beauty has announced its partnership with Nykaa. This collaboration marks a significant step in Moxie Beauty’s growth strategy, making its full range of products available on the Nykaa platform.

    All of Moxie Beauty’s current lineup will now be available on Nykaa, offering customers access to its premium haircare solutions. In celebration of this partnership, Moxie Beauty will be exclusively launching its highly sought-after Frizz Fighting Serum on Nykaa. Specifically developed based on insights from Nykaa’s customer base, this product is designed to tackle frizzy and dry hair, a common concern among Indian consumers.

    Company’s primary target audience is a concern-driven demographic of individuals aged 24-40, who are focused on building an effective haircare routine for dry and frizzy hair. The brand anticipates that Nykaa’s platform will enable it to reach a broader audience and reinforce its positioning as a leader in the haircare segment.

    Moxie Beauty founder Nikita Khanna said, “Our partnership with Nykaa is more than just about increasing sales; it’s about building deeper connections with consumers who are looking for thoughtfully formulated products to address their hair concerns. We see Nykaa as a key partner in our journey to becoming a household name in the Indian beauty market. We believe this collaboration will help us to engage with a wider audience that values quality and efficacy in their haircare routine.”

  • Wybor signs cricketer Axar Patel as brand ambassador to boost market reach

    Wybor signs cricketer Axar Patel as brand ambassador to boost market reach

    Mumbai: Wybor, a rising Indian consumer electronics brand under the MEPL Group, has appointed cricket sensation Axar Patel as its brand ambassador, marking a major stride in its efforts to expand brand recognition in the competitive Indian market. Since its establishment in 2017, Wybor has grown rapidly, initially as an online marketplace, and later by building a robust dealer and distributor network to ensure extensive availability across the nation.

    Known for cutting-edge technology and high-quality products, Wybor’s range spans from Google QLED TVs to inverter split air conditioners, semi-automatic washing machines, air coolers, and smart watches, catering to the diverse needs of Indian households. The MEPL Group, which has a 45-year legacy in the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sector, backs Wybor’s ‘Make in India’ commitment to high standards and technological innovation. The company also emphasises an inclusive workforce, with over 50 per cent of its employees being women.

    Patel, known for his outstanding skills and dedication in cricket, aligns perfectly with Wybor’s brand ethos. “I’m honoured to partner with Wybor, a brand that not only delivers innovative products but also shares my passion for excellence and pushing boundaries. I look forward to being part of Wybor’s journey as it continues to grow as a top Indian brand,” said Patel.

    Malhotra Electronics Pvt Ltd, director, Gagan Preet Singh Malhotra expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Axar Patel, whose dedication, versatility, and hardworking spirit reflect the values we uphold at Wybor. As an all-rounder and a proud Indian, he embodies the same excellence we bring to our products. With a 45-year manufacturing legacy from the MEPL Group, Wybor continues to grow as a trusted, premium Indian brand,”

    Sportcell, head of talent, Puneet Solanki added, “We at Sportcell are proud to have played a pivotal role in aligning Wybor with Axar Patel. Axar’s exceptional talent, discipline, and unwavering determination mirror the values that Wybor stands for. This partnership marks the beginning of a dynamic collaboration, and we are excited to witness how it will elevate both the brand and the athlete.”

  • Digit Life Insurance unveils Virat Kohli as brand ambassador, expands campaign

    Digit Life Insurance unveils Virat Kohli as brand ambassador, expands campaign

    Mumbai: Digit Life Insurance has just announced the appointment of cricket superstar Virat Kohli as its brand ambassador, extending the popular ‘That’s It!’ campaign to include life insurance. As one of India’s fastest-growing digital life insurers, Digit aims to revolutionise the life insurance landscape with simplified, tech-enabled offerings. Kohli, who also serves as the brand ambassador for Go Digit General Insurance and is an investor in the general insurance company, takes the lead in the new campaign that has already made waves online.

    The first ad has attracted 20.7 million views on Instagram and 0.61 million views on X (formerly Twitter), building on Go Digit’s established brand recognition to introduce Digit Group’s expansion into life insurance. After receiving an IRDAI license to operate in June 2023, Digit Life Insurance became the 26th life insurer in India, and it currently offers six active products. Since its inception, the company has achieved over Rs 1,000 crore in total net premiums, experiencing a significant 519 per cent year-on-year growth (unaudited) as of September 2024.

    The ad kicks off in a children’s salon, where Virat Kohli, playing the role of a chachu (uncle), is waiting for his niece, played by Mishka Gambhir, to finish her haircut. When a curious parent inquires about where he purchased his life insurance, the atmosphere shifts as his niece humorously tries to stop Virat from responding in his characteristic style. With a cheeky smile, Virat launches into the iconic “Do the Digit Digit” dance, a throwback to his previous campaign for Digit General Insurance. The upbeat energy spreads throughout the salon as everyone joins in on the dance, and Virat reveals how life insurance now means Digit Life Insurance.

    The campaign’s primary objective is to introduce consumers to Digit Life Insurance, communicating the company’s entry into the life insurance market with a clear and celebratory tone. Utilising the catchy ‘Do the Digit Digit’ soundtrack, the ad aims to establish brand familiarity and trust, while presenting Digit Life Insurance as the default choice for protecting one’s loved ones.

    Digit Life Insurance, brand ambassador, Kohli commented, “Digit General Insurance since inception has been focused on simplifying general insurance for Indians. I am genuinely happy to see that Digit Group is now extending this new-age wave to life insurance as well. I am eager to see how Digit Life Insurance will transform this landscape for Indians and am thrilled to be part of this journey as the brand ambassador.”

    Digit Life Insurance, marketing spokesperson elaborated, “Through the “That’s It!” campaign, we wanted to transform the way we communicate the happiness of buying life insurance in one’s life. Rather than focusing on the aspect of what happens when someone is not in your life, we wanted to showcase the celebration of life that takes place when someone protects their loved ones through life insurance. Digit aims to be the default choice for life insurance for customers and “That’s It!” showcases that obvious choice that Virat Kohli is communicating through the first ad campaign.”