Category: Marketing

  • Delhivery partners with Truecaller to boost logistics communication efficiency

    Delhivery partners with Truecaller to boost logistics communication efficiency

    Mumbai: Delhivery, India’s largest fully integrated logistics company, partners with Truecaller, the global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communication. This collaboration enhances communication efficiency for Delhivery’s customers using Truecaller’s Customer Experience Solution.

    Delhivery strengthens customer safety with Truecaller’s advanced call solution. In the fast-paced logistics sector, timely and effective communication is critical. Delhivery serves over 33,000 businesses, including top brands such as Nykaa and Flipkart, and adopts the Truecaller verified business caller ID solution. This strategic move addresses everyday challenges like missed and rejected calls due to a lack of trust and context, ensuring users enjoy a seamless and secure communication experience.

    Truecaller verified business caller ID enhances brand elements such as company name, logo, category name, and verification tick, helping customers identify calls. This feature builds trust and assures confidence in communications with Delhivery. Given Delhivery’s role in logistics for major brands, each interaction needs transparency for customers.

    Delhivery leverages Truecaller’s call reason capability, which adds context to calls by displaying their purpose beforehand. The company uses Truecaller’s dynamic APIs to personalise call reasons for each delivery request. This customisation proves essential for Delhivery, ensuring that communication remains personalised and transparent for the end customer.

    Delhivery’s CTO Kapil Bharati comments, “Our strategic partnership with Truecaller is a step towards ensuring efficiency and trust for our clients and their customers. The Truecaller Verified Business Caller ID solution helps us provide a better experience to our customers and our delivery executives, while reducing the risks of fraud and spam.”

    Truecaller, global head GTM & developer products, Priyam Bose states, “At Truecaller, we are dedicated to facilitating communication safety and efficiency for businesses. Our Verified Business Caller ID solution is designed to build trust, enabling customers to recognise legitimate calls and provide significant value and protection to consumers. We are ecstatic to collaborate with Delhivery, as the partnership aligns with our commitment to enhancing the customer experience and providing secure communication across the logistics ecosystem.”

    The verified business caller ID solution enhances business call efficiency and significantly reduces phone call-related frauds and scams, promoting customer safety in business communications. This safety feature serves as a crucial benefit of the solution.

    The strategic collaboration between Delhivery and Truecaller testifies to their shared commitment to transforming customer communication. This partnership elevates the standard of trust and transparency in every business interaction within the logistics sector.

     

  • Maruti Suzuki partners with the Indian Air Force

    Maruti Suzuki partners with the Indian Air Force

    Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki India has partnered with the Indian Air Force and Uttarakhand War Memorial for the Vayu Veer Vijeta Rally, tagged as the “Himalayan Thunder” and “Wings of Glory.” The rally aims to honour fallen soldiers and inspire youth to join the Indian Armed Forces. It was ceremonially flagged off on 1 October 2024 by defence minister Rajnath Singh at the National War Memorial, with the formal flag-off on 8 October at one of the world’s highest air force stations.

    The rally includes 52 participants, including air warriors, women officers, veterans, and War Memorial representatives, covering 7000 km from Ladakh’s THOISE Air Force Station to Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang Air Force Station. Three former Air Force chiefs will join in different segments, with 12 Maruti Suzuki Jimny SUVs tackling the challenging terrain. The rally, supported by PHDCCI, will stop at War Memorials and hold 16 halts and 20 youth interactions to raise awareness about the armed forces.

    Maruti Suzuki’s senior executive officer of marketing & sales Partho Banerjee stated, “Maruti Suzuki is proud to associate with the Indian Air Force in the Vayu Veer Vijeta Rally, an initiative that honours our armed forces. This rally stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of the heroes who have given everything in the line of duty. We have a long-standing association with the armed forces and the Jimny is building on that legacy with its legendary off-road capabilities. The Jimny perfectly aligns with the ethos of this mission, and we are proud to have our vehicles to be a part of this rally.”

    The rally will pass through key regions like Leh, Kargil, Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and Tawang, paying tribute to the sacrifices of India’s heroes while promoting the legacy of courage and service.

  • Zydus Wellness launches Complan VieMax

    Zydus Wellness launches Complan VieMax

    Mumbai: In a move representing a significant milestone, science-backed FMCG major, Zydus Wellness has extended its legacy brand Complan into adult nutrition with the launch of VieMax. Scientifically designed with protein, prebiotics, and probiotics, the nutrition drink aims to support muscle mass, gut wellness and overall immunity among adults.

    Zydus Wellness CEO Tarun Arora said, “VieMax is a perfect complement to our existing portfolio at Complan. For more than 50 years, Complan has been synonymous with family nutrition, catering to infants to children. With VieMax, we are extending our commitment to comprehensive health solutions for adults. The unique formulation addresses critical nutritional gaps, such as protein deficiency, gut wellness, muscle health, and immunity, which are increasingly prevalent issues in India.”

    The launch comes amid rising concerns about nutrient deficiencies among Indian adults. Studies show that 73 per cent of Indians are protein deficient, negatively affecting muscle health, daily activities, and overall quality of life. Additionally, 71 per cent of individuals aged 30 to 55 exhibit poor muscle health, and 18 per cent report chronic gastrointestinal (GI) issues that worsen with age.

    Complan VieMax addresses this gap with its protein-gut formula, enriched with the prebiotic and probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans and 31 essential nutrients, including high-quality proteins, calcium, vitamin D2, and other vitamins and minerals. This may improve the absorption of branched-chain amino ccids (BCAAs), counteract anabolic resistance, boost muscle power, alleviate GI symptoms, and enhance immunity.

    Available exclusively at pharmacies in vanilla and chocolate flavors, each serving of Complan VieMax contains 2.6 billion probiotics and nine per cent prebiotics to support gut health and improve protein digestion.

  • The Body Shop extends ‘Spark A Change 2.0’ with Diana Penty this Diwali

    The Body Shop extends ‘Spark A Change 2.0’ with Diana Penty this Diwali

    Mumbai:  The Body Shop extends its award-winning “Spark A Change” campaign this Diwali, unveiling “Spark A Change 2.0” in partnership with Plastics for Change (PFC). The campaign, celebrating five years of collaboration, features actress Diana Penty and introduces a new festive gifting range that supports waste collectors in India.

    At the event, Quest Retail – The Body Shop Asia South, chief brand officer, Harmeet Singh along with Plastics for Change’s COO, Srinidhi Kashyap and a programme beneficiary, Deepa, highlighted the impact of the partnership. This year, The Body Shop focuses on sustainable gifting, offering multi-purpose pouches made from recycled plastic and launching a donation drive to provide e-tricycles to support waste collectors in improving their livelihoods.

    The partnership has benefitted over 2,000 waste collectors, providing them with fair wages and better working conditions, with a particular focus on empowering women. Since 2019, the initiative has purchased over 2,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste, equivalent to 100 million bottles, promoting ethical plastic recycling.

    Harmeet Singh expressed pride in the campaign, saying, “We’re elated to launch Spark A Change 2.0 campaign, that embraces the theme of giving and sharing the joy that reaches out far and beyond. This film amplifies the positive impact of our partnership with Plastics for Change, showcasing how businesses can drive meaningful change. Over the past five years, we’ve diverted millions of plastic bottles from landfills and empowered thousands of waste collectors, especially women, with improved income opportunities and market access. Our donation drive to provide e-tricycles further supports their efforts in a sustainable and eco-friendly way

    Plastics for Change CEO Andrew Almack added, “Our partnership with The Body Shop has been a game-changer for both environmental sustainability and social progress. By creating a fair-trade market for recycled plastic, we have reduced plastic pollution and improved the lives of thousands of waste collectors. This partnership showcases how innovative business models can address complex global challenges while uplifting marginalised communities.”

    Diana Penty shared, “I’m proud to be part of the ‘Spark A Change’ initiative, which truly embodies the joy of giving. This year, celebrate Diwali with a touch of nature-inspired beauty products from The Body Shop and discover ethical gifts to share with your loved ones. Experience the magic of the festive season in-store and online, and support their Community Fair Trade partner, Plastics for Change, to help light up the lives of waste collectors who contribute to a cleaner planet.”

    Customers can support the initiative by donating through The Body Shop’s website or at any of their 200 stores across India. The festive gifting range includes CYO and Pre Packed Gift boxes starting at Rs 695, available in vibrant colours, as well as eco-friendly makeup pouches made from recycled plastic.

  • ITC unveils candyman tadka lollipop with sweet & tangy twist

    ITC unveils candyman tadka lollipop with sweet & tangy twist

    Mumbai: ITC Candyman, has introduced its latest offering, candyman tadka lollipop, making it the brand’s highly anticipated entry into the lollipop segment. This new offering delivers a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavours, setting a new benchmark in the confectionery industry.

    Candyman Tadka Lollipop is designed to captivate taste buds with its green mango and tamarind variants, complemented by a masala-filled centre that releases an explosion of flavours. The product’s playful tagline, “Sweet Outside, Naughty Inside”, perfectly captures the fun and mischievous spirit Candyman is known for.

    The brand also released a new campaign announcing the launch. The campaign captures the playful nature of its young audience who, while appearing sweet and innocent, also have a naughty side – just like the delicious Candyman Tadka lollipop that starts sweet but has a naughty yet tasty masala surprise within.

    Speaking about the launch, Chocolates, Coffee and Confectionary COO Rohit Dogra remarked, “Candyman Tadka is an exciting expansion for us as we enter the lollipop category. This product represents our commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries in the confectionery space. With its unique masala-filled core and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavours, Candyman Tadka offers a refreshing experience that truly stands out in the market. We are confident that this launch will further strengthen ITC’s presence in the Confectionery category and open up exciting avenues for growth.”

    Commenting on the new TVC Campaign, FCBUlka Bangalore president Damodaran Nair the agency responsible for creating the campaign, said, “The younger audience have a playful duality – they’re not just sweet; they can be cheeky and mischievous when they want to be. That’s why Candyman Tadka Lollipop is the perfect match, bringing a bold twist to the traditional lollipop. We saw the opportunity to shake up the category and create a fun, cheeky campaign that captures this flavorful combination. We’re excited to see how Candyman Tadka will redefine the way lollipops are enjoyed in India. And we know this is just the start of something big.”

  • How MakeMyTrip leveraged Bigg Boss integration to boost homestay popularity

    How MakeMyTrip leveraged Bigg Boss integration to boost homestay popularity

    Mumbai: In India, where entertainment dominates, the boundaries between content and commerce have blurred, leading to strategic brand integrations that capture audience attention. Outside of sports, reality television has emerged as a powerful platform for brands to connect with millions due to its mass appeal. This trend aligns with the global shift away from traditional advertising toward immersive brand experiences. Brands are now moving beyond ads to become part of the stories unfolding on screen. Partnerships with major entertainment properties, such as Bigg Boss, Kaun Banega Crorepati, and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, provide valuable opportunities for visibility and engagement.

    A notable example of this trend is MakeMyTrip’s partnership with Bigg Boss season 17, centered around the campaign ‘Bigg Boss ka Ghar, MakeMyTrip Par’. This initiative invited viewers to enter a contest for a stay in the Bigg Boss house, integrating the brand into the show’s narrative. Contestants logged onto the MakeMyTrip app to pitch their freedom to Bigg Boss, creating excitement among the audience. To enhance engagement, MakeMyTrip also launched billboards and advertisements, driving further interaction. Virtual tours of the Bigg Boss house, hosted by contestants, added another layer of connection. The campaign culminated with fifteen winners staying in the Bigg Boss house, forging a strong link between MakeMyTrip and its audience.

    The collaboration had an immediate and measurable impact. The contest led to a 100 per cent increase in clicks on the homestay icon within the MakeMyTrip app, driven by engaging app animations. Homestay searches rose by 15 per cent, indicating higher booking intent. The campaign also resulted in a 12x increase in social media followers, boosted by over 500 organic posts. Audience engagement was high, with more than 130,000 contest entries, demonstrating the campaign’s strong appeal.

    MakeMyTrip CMO & chief business officer Raj Rishi Singh said, “Our partnership with Bigg Boss last year significantly elevated the awareness of MakeMyTrip’s Homestays and Villas offerings. By integrating a unique experience where fans could immerse themselves in the iconic Bigg Boss house, we tapped into a loyal and engaged audience. This innovative association not only strengthened our brand’s connection with viewers but also showcased the diverse, high-quality homestay options we offer, driving both awareness and engagement across India.”

    Viacom18 head – network sales, Mahesh Shetty spoke about the collaboration, “Our collaboration with MakeMyTrip on Bigg Boss demonstrates how reality TV can seamlessly elevate brand engagement. By embedding MakeMyTrip’s offerings directly into the viewer experience, we created an opportunity for the audience to not just watch, but actively participate with the brand. This unique integration helped MakeMyTrip stand out in a crowded market, driving visibility and building stronger connections with a diverse and engaged audience. It’s a prime example of how immersive content can unlock new avenues for brand growth and resonance across platforms.”

    The MakeMyTrip and Bigg Boss collaboration highlights how strategic partnerships with reality TV shows can boost brand growth and engagement. As traditional ads lose impact, brands that integrate naturally within content and offer added value gain loyalty, visibility, and customer engagement. MakeMyTrip’s Bigg Boss Season 17 partnership set a strong example, demonstrating that content-driven marketing is key to future brand engagement.

  • 10 Essential Tips for a Successful Exterior House Painting Project

    10 Essential Tips for a Successful Exterior House Painting Project

    Painting the exterior of your home can completely transform its look and feel. A fresh coat of paint enhances curb appeal and protects your home from the elements. But, as simple as it might sound, exterior house painting requires planning, preparation, and attention to detail. If you’re gearing up to tackle this project, here are ten essential tips to ensure it goes smoothly.

    Choose the Right Paint

    When it comes to painting the exterior of your house, selecting the right paint colour is crucial. Lighter shades can make your home appear larger, while darker shades provide a bold statement. It’s important to consider the style of your home and the surroundings to pick colours that complement the architecture.

    Plan Around the Weather

    You can’t control the weather, but you can plan for it. Dry, warm days are ideal for painting, as rain or humidity can ruin fresh paint. Be sure to check the forecast and plan accordingly.

    Invest in Quality Paint

    Cutting costs by choosing cheaper paint is tempting, but high-quality distemper paint can save you money in the long run. Distemper paint is durable, resists fading, and withstands harsh weather conditions, making it perfect for exterior walls.

    Prep Your Surface

    Before opening the paint can, you need to prep the surface. Remove any old, peeling paint and sand down rough patches. A smooth surface ensures the paint adheres better and lasts longer.

    Prime First

    A good primer creates a solid base for your paint and helps it stick better. It also enhances the finish, especially when transitioning from darker to lighter shades.

    Don’t Forget to Caulk

    Exterior painting isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about protecting your home. Use caulk to seal any gaps or cracks in the walls, windows, or door frames. This helps prevent water from seeping in and causing damage.

    Use the Right Tools

    For a professional finish, use high-quality brushes and rollers. Brushes work great for edges and corners, while rollers help cover larger areas faster.

    Mind the Details

    Be careful with details like trim, windowsills, and doors. A contrasting paint shade for the wall trims can add visual interest and make your home pop. Take your time to make these smaller areas perfect.

    Apply Multiple Coats

    Don’t rush the process by trying to get away with one coat. For long-lasting and vibrant results, apply at least two coats of paint, allowing ample drying time between each layer.

    Finish with a Sealant

    After you’ve applied your paint, consider using a clear sealant to protect your work from UV rays and moisture. This extra step will keep your home looking fresh and vibrant for years.

    Wrapping Up

    A successful exterior painting project involves preparation, patience, and attention to detail. By choosing the right diffuse paint, picking ideal paint shades for the wall, and following these essential tips, you can ensure your home looks great and is protected for the long haul. Get your brushes ready to refresh your home!

  • Leica India introduces chef Ranveer Brar as brand ambassador

    Leica India introduces chef Ranveer Brar as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Leica India introduces Chef Ranveer Brar as its brand ambassador during an exclusive event at Taj Lands End, Bandra, Mumbai. The event also marks the launch of Leica’s latest camera, the Q3 43. This collaboration between the luxury camera brand and the celebrated chef highlights their shared passion for storytelling and creativity, both in the culinary world and through photography.

    Chef Ranveer Brar, known for his ability to tell stories through food, becomes the face of Leica India, symbolising the seamless blend of culinary and visual arts. Brar’s love for photography and Leica’s precision-driven craftsmanship align perfectly, as both are rooted in authenticity and detail. His partnership with the brand aims to inspire a broader audience, encouraging the appreciation of both visual and culinary arts.

    Leica’s new Q3 43, which was unveiled at the event, continues the brand’s legacy of innovation. Priced at Rs 6,55,000, the camera features the legendary APO-Summicron 43 f/2 ASPH. lens, known for delivering distortion-free, sharp, and high-contrast images in all lighting conditions. With a tiltable 3-inch high-resolution touchscreen, 8K video capabilities, and its iconic grey leather exterior, the Leica Q3 43 represents the pinnacle of German craftsmanship.

    Commenting on his new role, Ranveer Brar said, “One may not realise it, but culinary and visual arts share an intrinsic quality—both are means of telling stories and preserving the essence of one’s experiences. Whether I am cooking or capturing photographs, my creative process is rooted in honesty and authenticity. And these values are reflected in Leica as a brand. My journey with Leica is as old as my fascination with visual storytelling. Its cameras allow me to capture images with remarkable authenticity and emotional depth. I am thrilled to partner with a brand that shares my creative vision!”

    Leica Camera Asia Pacific, managing director, Sunil Kaul expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “In a culturally rich country like India, we wanted to connect with audiences through a language they know best – food and their favourite chef, Chef Ranveer Brar. His passion for food and love for Leica are in alignment as Chef Ranveer dedicates attention to detail in his creations as to his appreciation of the hand-crafted products manufactured by Leica. Ranveer’s appreciation for visual storytelling allows him to connect and inspire others through photography, making him the perfect new family member for Leica India. We are excited to partner with him and take a step further in our commitment to advancing the art of photography in the land of diversity.”

    He added, “The launch of the Leica Q3 43 at the event marks another milestone in our dedication to pushing boundaries and nurturing a global community of visual artists. With its 43mm focal length, this camera captures moments just as the human eye sees them, preserving the authenticity and emotion of each scene in the most natural and unadulterated way. We are excited to see how this new innovation inspires the next generation of photographers to push creative boundaries and explore new ways of seeing the world.”

    The event featured prominent personalities like Latika Nath, Ashraf Abbas, Amit Asher, Larissa D’sa, Siddharth Kerkar, and Sooni Taraporevala, all of whom experienced Leica’s unmatched quality firsthand.

  • WebEngage & SGA PR partner to lead global discourse on retention marketing

    WebEngage & SGA PR partner to lead global discourse on retention marketing

    Mumbai: WebEngage has partnered with SGA PR to drive global conversations on retention marketing. This collaboration signifies SGA PR’s expansion into the rapidly growing MarTech space and enhances its portfolio in the B2B SaaS ecosystem.

    WebEngage delivers innovative retention marketing solutions, helping over 800 global brands, including IKEA, Unilever, Walmart, Myntra, and Airtel Africa, improve customer engagement and marketing ROI. The platform unifies data, automates campaigns, and offers AI-driven personalization, serving diverse industries like retail, BFSI, fintech, healthcare, and more.

    Through this partnership, SGA PR will craft strategic communication narratives to help WebEngage cement its leadership in retention marketing, particularly in the APAC and MENA regions. With expertise in new-age communication, SGA PR will build WebEngage’s brand credibility through innovative ideas and storytelling.

    WebEngage’s chief growth officer, Ankur Gattani expressed, “Customer Engagement and Retention have become more important than ever as brands move towards sustainable, profitable growth. In our mission to tie together high-quality user retention with enduring businesses and make this a mainstream conversation, we are happy to have a partner who understands new-age communications and brings agility and proactivity in their approach.”

    SGA PR partner & joint CEO, Rahul Jain added, “We are excited to join forces with WebEngage that is building and driving the narrative for retention marketing and customer data platform (CDP) in the APAC and MENA region. Our program’s aim will be to establish strong brand credibility through innovative ideas and storytelling to establish the MarTech as the ‘partner of choice’ for retention marketing.”

    This partnership further strengthens SGA PR’s MarTech portfolio, complementing its existing clientele across BFSI, fintech, B2B SaaS, and more.

  • Best mutual funds for retirement planning

    Best mutual funds for retirement planning

    Retirement planning is crucial to get financial security in your golden years. As life expectancy increases and healthcare costs rise, it’s important to have a clear plan for your future needs. One key aspect of retirement planning is building a reliable source of income to cover expenses after you stop working. Mutual funds can be an excellent solution for this, with features like diversification, professional management, and the potential for long-term growth. The key is to choose the best mutual funds that can strengthen your retirement portfolio. Let’s explore your options!

    Retirement mutual funds 

    A retirement fund is designed to meet retirement goals. These funds usually come with a lock-in period of 5 years or  till retirement. This lock-in period helps investors remain disciplined in saving for the long term. They typically offer a mix of equity and debt to balance risk and returns. As you age, these funds gradually shift their allocation from equity to safer debt instruments, reducing risk as you approach retirement.   

    Retirement mutual funds are structured to focus on capital appreciation during the early years and preservation as retirement comes closer. This makes them an ideal choice for those who prefer a predefined investment plan for their retirement.

    Equity mutual funds

    Equity funds primarily invest in stocks and have the highest growth potential over the long term among most other asset classes. For investors with a time horizon of 10–15 years or more before retirement, equity funds can be highly beneficial due to the power of compounding. However, they come with higher risks, which can be mitigated over a long investment period.

    Balanced or hybrid funds

    These mutual fund investments invest in both equity and debt instruments. They are designed to offer both growth and stability, which makes them ideal for investors nearing retirement. The equity portion contributes to growth and the debt portion brings stability, which can protect your capital during market volatility. Hybrid funds are specifically suitable for moderate-risk investors who want more than average returns with low risk.

    Debt mutual funds

    For conservative investors or those nearing retirement, debt funds are a safe haven. These funds invest in fixed-income instruments such as bonds, treasury bills, and government securities. Although they offer lower returns compared to equities, they are safer and provide stability, which is crucial during the withdrawal phase post-retirement.

    Index funds

    Index funds are passive mutual funds that track a market index like the Nifty 50 or Sensex. These are cost-efficient, with relatively lower fees compared to actively managed funds. They are suitable for investors who prefer market-average returns over trying to outperform the market. Given their consistency and lower risk, index funds can be a reliable component of a retirement portfolio.

    Start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) for retirement

    Starting an SIP for retirement is a smart way to build wealth gradually. By contributing a fixed amount regularly to a retirement mutual fund online, you benefit from disciplined savings, compounding returns, rupee-cost-averaging, and reduced market-timing risk. SIPs are most favoured for their affordability, as you can start with low amounts and can increase contributions over time according to financial changes. 

    Key takeaways

    By choosing the right mix of equity, hybrid, debt, and index funds based on your risk profile and time horizon, you can grow your retirement savings and maintain financial freedom in your golden years. Most importantly, stay disciplined with your contributions, whether through SIPs or lump-sum investments, and review your portfolio periodically to keep it aligned with your retirement goals.