ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Ykone agency acquires Barcode

    Ykone agency acquires Barcode

    Mumbai: YKONE, an international influencer marketing agency, announces the acquisition of 70 per cent of the Indian agency Barcode, a content & influencer marketing agency. With this  strategic move and by combining the strengths of both companies, YKONE has positioned itself as a  worldwide leader in influencer marketing with a turnover of close to $100 million

    Ykone continues to pursue Its international growth

    Founded in 2008, YKONE first launched with their headquarters in Paris and is now implanted in 18 of the world’s most important cities, from Hong Kong to Dubai to Milan. Over the past decade, the agency has established itself as the international leader in influencer marketing, pioneering the industry and pursuing increasingly ambitious campaigns for brands in the luxury, beauty, fashion and travel sectors, and more recently in the FMCG market.

    Hugo Boss, Chopard, Prada, Estée Lauder, Ferragamo, and Nespresso are among the 100+ iconic brands that trust YKONE to connect with their audience through impactful stories and content on social media. YKONE offers all-encompassing influencer marketing and social media solutions to provide a seamless experience to their clients.

    The Acquisition of the Barcode Agency

    After early and successful influencer marketing campaigns involving some of India’s biggest stars,  such as Deepika Padukone for Chopard and Priyanka Chopra for Experience Abu Dhabi, YKONE’s acquisition of Barcode is a strategic move that aligns with the growing opportunities in the Indian influencer market. India’s luxury market is expected to be one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. A Bain & Co. report even suggests that by 2030, the luxury market in India could reach a  staggering $200 billion. With India’s massive social media audience of over 500 million people, the acquisition creates a platform for brands and creators to be part of the next big global journey.  

    The talent management branch of Barcode, known as “CLICK MEDIA,” represents more than 20  famous Indian influencers & actors such as Rohit Zinjurke (30 million followers) and Karishma Sharma  (2,2 million followers). This adds significant value to YKONE’s portfolio and enhances its ability to connect brands with high-profile influencers in the Indian market.

    YKONE’s decision to remain independent and carve its path in the influencer marketing and social media industry sets it apart from social media marketing agencies that are often absorbed by larger advertising groups. By staying independent, YKONE can maintain its agility, focus on innovation, and establish itself as a worldwide leader in the field. The acquisition of Barcode further strengthens YKONE’s position, with a turnover of $100 million and a workforce of over 300 employees.  This consolidation of resources and expertise positions YKONE for continued growth and success in the influencer marketing and social media worldwide landscape.

    YKONE founder and CEO Olivier Billon stated: “The acquisition of Barcode Agency is a significant step for YKONE and its international expansion. YKONE already had a presence in India with an office in Bangalore since 2017. With the addition of Barcode’s operations in India, YKONE’s reach in the  country and the broader Asia-Pacific region expands even further.”  

    Barcode CEO Rahul Khanna stated: “We express our heartfelt appreciation to our customers and collaborators in India. This acquisition empowers us to provide worldwide services to our Indian clientele while simultaneously promoting India’s unique narrative globally. We are very proud to join forces with YKONE’s talented teams. My ambition with Olivier is to achieve worldwide supremacy in the field of Influencer Marketing.

    We are happy to introduce CAMPAYGN to the Indian market. This innovative tool shall help fill the  gap of Indian customers planning their content & social commerce strategy with Barcode and  YKONE.”

    With this move, both YKONE and Barcode can leverage their respective strengths, resources, and expertise to seize new business opportunities and adapt to the evolving developments in the international influencer marketing landscape. 

  • How to select the best ELSS funds for tax saving in 2024?

    How to select the best ELSS funds for tax saving in 2024?

    Mutual fund investments are extremely popular in India. Statistics show that mutual fund SIP accounts stood at 7.91 crore until January 2024. However, when investors invest in these flexible schemes, they also look to benefit from a tax-saving perspective. ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) mutual funds constitute a sub-category of equity funds that helps investors do just that.

    Stepwise plan to help investors select the best ELSS funds in 2024:

    Investors can adopt the following strategic approach to investing in ELSS funds in 2024 to make the most of their mutual fund investments:

    • Listing down investment objectives and carrying out a risk assessment: As the first step, investors must list down their investment objectives. It helps to think of investment objectives in one-line assertions: “I wish to plan my retirement” Or “I wish to save for an upcoming vacation”, for example. Next, the investor must analyse their risk-taking capacity and gauge whether they are a conservative or a non-conservative investor with respect to risk.

    • Shortlisting ELSS funds and analysing them: Next, the investor must research ELSS funds online and analyse them. The most efficient way to analyse an ELSS fund is by using a mutual fund SIP calculator. Investors can use these free, online tools to calculate their returns at the end of their investment tenure. These calculators can also help investors know their ideal investment amount. After shortlisting a few ELSS funds, investors must compare their expected returns to further narrow down their search.

    • Noting down the expenses of investing in each shortlisted ELSS fund: Since ELSS mutual funds charge an expense ratio, investors must also note down the expense ratios charged by each fund in their shortlist. This will help them further narrow down their list and bring it down to two-to-three funds.

    • Considering liquidity concerns: Investors should bear in mind that ELSS mutual funds have a three-year-long lock-in period. These funds offer very less liquidity, and investors should be aware of this feature at this stage. They must accordingly decide on their investment amount. It is at this stage that the investor can select the fund of their choice and make the investment.

    • Reassessment: After investing, the investor must keep revisiting their ELSS investment to check if it aligns with their larger investment goal(s). If their ELSS investment does not align with their investment goal(s), they must reassess and make changes. An SIP investment calculator can help investors with this too.

    In the five-step procedure outlined in this article, the role of online mutual fund returns calculators emerges as being extremely crucial. Investors must make the most of these online tools since they help them plan for their ELSS investments in advance. The utility of these calculators goes beyond helping investors calculate their returns, since they can also be used to assess one’s risk-taking capacity. Investors can enter different values of investment amounts and tenures to assess their own capacity of taking risks through their ELSS investments.  
     

  • “We manifest to be the biggest Rice Straw manufacturers in the world”: Rice Straw’s Vishal Laddha

    “We manifest to be the biggest Rice Straw manufacturers in the world”: Rice Straw’s Vishal Laddha

    Mumbai: Sustainability is a word which we get to hear quite often these days. But are we actually implying it in our day to day lives? And especially when it comes to saying no to plastic, embracing eco-friendly alternatives like bamboo or rice straws can significantly reduce our environmental footprint. Not only do these straws help minimise plastic waste, but they also contribute to cleaner oceans and healthier ecosystems. Making the switch to eco-friendly straws is a small yet impactful step towards a more sustainable future.

    Emboying the true essence of sustainability is a visionary entrepreneur and sustainability enthusiast Vishal Laddha. With over a decade of experience and a diverse educational background, he simplifies sustainability through cooperation and consulting, aiming to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. His venture, Smaart Eats LLP, leads the industry with eco-straw innovations. Offering consulting services, Vishal guides individuals and brands towards sustainable growth, from ideation to execution. Notably, his introduction of Smaart Rice Straw showcases his commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, earning him acclaim in initiatives like the Maharashtra State Innovation Society.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Rice Straw co-founder Vishal Laddha to gain valuable insights on the creation of Smaart Eats LLP, elements or materials that make up the composition of Smaart Eats’ rice straw and much more.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On your inspiration behind focuing on sustainability

    Covid-19 Pandemic was an eye opener for me. It made me realise about the karmic quote “What goes around, comes around”. The way we have abused natural resources, the nature gave it back to us. The pandemic gave us time to reset, reassess and analyse about the things which we ignore like taking care of our surroundings; and what are we giving back to society? The decision of building a sustainable future came from my inner consciousness; hence my life is now dedicated to creating a better future for the generations to come.

    On the creation of Smaart Eats LLP and its eco-straw variations

    We saw a big gap in the straw market. Before 2022 only plastic were used predominantly. Only after the ban on single-use plastic, paper straws became popular. But, there were not enough manufacturers to meet the demand.

    We realised that India is an agriculture country and about 25 per cent of food grains go in vain just at the warehouse before they are sold in the market, may be due to overstocking or quality related issues. That’s when we had our Eureka moment, we thought why don’t we up cycle these crops make the straws which would be made with natural ingredients, eco-friendly, which can bio-degradable, which can be composted easily, which are sustainable and creates zero waste.

    On Smaart Eats LLP’s distinguishing factor setting its innovative product, Smaart Rice Straw, apart in the competitive market for sustainable alternatives

    Smaart Rice Straw a product by Smaart Eats LLP stands for its innovation in every step. We work on the principals of quality, consistency and trust. We offer our straws at an economical price, so it can be easily accepted by the customers without burning their pockets.

    Alternatively, talking about paper straws, they are still sold loosely in transparent plastic pouches. This does not have mentions any specification about its manufacturer of the materials used to make the straws.

    Paper straws made of recycled paper which goes through rigours chemical treatments. More to this, the glue which is used to bind these straws is not of the food grade. All these toxic chemicals go into your drink, which is enough to make you very sick in the long run!

    Would you still consider paper straws sustainable?

    On the challenges that you have faced in revolutionising the industry with eco-friendly products

    Introducing a new product and creating a new category of product is a challenge in itself. The biggest challenge that we still face is in creating awareness. To create large scale awareness, you need a very big budget to advertise on a national level. Being a bootstrapped start-up we have limited resources and we have to spend very sensibly at every stage.

    As, I always say sustainability is in our own hands, we have to change our mind-sets first in order to change others. Unless, the end consumers don’t ask the restaurants, cafes, hotels for our sustainable products. Restaurants don’t find a need to invest in it.

    I feel governments can play a vital role in creating awareness and promote brands which are helping in making India clean and green. I believe even a little help in procuring raw materials, subsidies, 0 GST on eco-friendly products can help the industry to grow organically.

    On the specific elements or materials that make up the composition of Smaart Eats’ rice straw, ensuring it meets the criteria of being 100 per cent biodegradable, gluten-free, and vegan

    Smaart Rice Straw is the first ever registered branded straws in India. Our straws are made of three major ingredients rice flour, Tapioca starch and water. We have are certified by FSSAI, START-UP INDIA, ISO, FDA, HACCP, HALAL, KOSHER and we possess all mandatory lab tests which ensure all its properties and features. All our raw materials are sources ethically from the local market and we promote women empowerment.

    On whether your business is currently established in both traditional retail spaces and online channels, embracing an omni channel approach to enhance accessibility for your customers

    As manufacturers, we focus on B2B institutional sales to generate volumes. After all manufacturing is all about economies of scale. The more we make the lesser will be the manufacturing cost and we will be able to offer better prices to customers.

    Therefore, we have strategic tie-ups with many prestigious hospitality chains like Social, Natural ice-creams, Mainland china, Yoko’s Sizzlers, Toscano, The Bar stock exchange, Olive, Smoke house deli, Sigree Global Grill, Hyatt hotels, Taj Group, Novotel, The Fern Group, Sheraton Hotels and many more. We serve directly to more than 750 outlets across India.

    Straw as a product is not widely used at house-hold level unless there is a party; hence we never concentrated on B2C segment. However, we do have our e-commerce website where people order and reach us.

    On your future expansion plans, and on envisioning to scale your business to reach new markets or introduce innovative products/services

    To scale our business we are investing in technology and automation to enlarge our production capacity. We are also in a phase of trials of our new product range. We are collaborating with start-ups who are likeminded and manufacturing eco-friendly products. With a common vision to make India sustainable!

    We manifest to be the biggest Rice Straw manufacturers in the world. We make in India the hub of Rice Straws, serve the domestic market and also export globally.

  • Celebrate Holi with Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic’s Thandai Gelato

    Celebrate Holi with Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic’s Thandai Gelato

    Mumbai: Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic, a renowned name in the realm of frozen delights, is thrilled to announce its newest flavor: Thandai Gelato, just in time for the festive season of Holi. This special gelato is inspired by a traditional Indian drink called Thandai and is made with all the yummy ingredients that make Holi celebrations so special. Get ready to enjoy the flavors of Holi like never before with Thandai Gelato from Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic!

    Holi, the festival of colors and joy, is incomplete without indulgence in traditional delicacies. Recognising the significance of this beloved festival, Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic has crafted a special treat that captures the essence of Holi – Thandai Gelato. This inventive gelato flavor beautifully captures the cultural richness and flavorful essence of the festival. Crafted with care, each scoop embodies the spirit of tradition and festivity, offering a delightful experience for all.

    What makes this Gelato special is its genuine mix of ingredients, chosen carefully to taste just like traditional Thandai. Each spoonful of this creamy treat has a delicious blend of almonds, saffron, cardamom, and other spices, giving it a flavor that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. Whether you have it alone or with your festive meal, Thandai Gelato is sure to make everyone happy with its yummy taste.

    Commenting on the launch, Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic founder Gagan Anand expressed his excitement, saying, “At Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic, we take pride in crafting flavors that not only tantalize the taste buds but also evoke cherished memories and cultural experiences. With the introduction of Thandai Gelato, we aim to celebrate the spirit of Holi and offer our customers a unique culinary journey filled with joy and nostalgia.”

    Thandai Gelato invites both dessert enthusiasts and those celebrating Holi to embark on a flavorful journey that blends tradition with creativity. Whether shared with family or enjoyed solo, this special treat promises to add sweetness to any celebration, extending beyond the confines of the Holi festival.

  • Celebs join Seagram’s 100 Pipers Glassware to support eradication of corneal blindness in India

    Celebs join Seagram’s 100 Pipers Glassware to support eradication of corneal blindness in India

    Mumbai: Seagram’s 100 Pipers Glassware Play for a Cause is an initiative that aims to spread awareness about eye donation and the impact it can have to eradicate corneal blindness in the country. Championing the initiative are renowned celebrities including Bhumi Pednekar, Harmanpreet Kaur, Randeep Hooda, Dia Mirza and others, who will inspire people to learn more about the cause and support the initiative.

    As per official sources, there are approximately 1.5 million people suffering from corneal blindness in India, with 40 thousand new cases added every year. Sight for these individuals can be restored by corneal transplantation. However, only about 25 to 30 thousand eyes become available through donations every year – which is negligible compared to the need. This is a disappointing statistic, especially in a country like India where with our population, we need only a minor fraction of people to be donors to eradicate corneal blindness completely from the country. The Play for a Cause campaign seeks to make people aware about the problem and inspire them to be part of the solution.

    This initiative focuses on making an impact by driving awareness and intent towards this critical cause. Seagram’s 100 Pipers Glassware has also partnered with Mohan Foundation, an NGO that has been a pioneer in the realm of organ donation in India for the last 25 years. Inspired by the campaign, people can also go to the Mohan Foundation page to know more about the process of actually becoming eye donors.

    Another key advocate for this initiative is India’s Iconic Rock Band, Parikrama. All members of this legendary rock band have pledged to be organ donors. In fact, last year they also released ‘Translucent Night’, an original song in support for organ donation. As part of this initiative, Parikrama will also perform magical live events in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Gurgaon, Kolkata, and other cities where they will play Translucent Night among other iconic rock hits.

    100 Pipers Glassware has scaled up The Play for a Cause initiative over many years to support agendas that create a positive impact on society such as fundraising for the Kerala flood victims, aiding Nepal Earthquake relief efforts, and initiatives like providing food for the underprivileged, tree plantation drives among many other.

    “Seagram’s 100 Pipers has always inspired people to go beyond material markers of success to make a positive impact on the world. With Play for a Cause we have, over many years, created a platform where consumers can actively participate in creating that impact – be it raising funds for natural disaster relief, helping feed the underprivileged, or through many other relevant causes. This year, 100 Pipers Glassware Play for a Cause aims to spark a movement that not only spreads awareness about the critical need of corneal donation in our country, but also inspires people to help bring India closer to becoming free from corneal blindness.” commented Pernod Ricard India CMO Kartik Mohindra.

    Brand ambassador, Bhumi Pednekar said, “As the brand ambassador of 100 Pipers Glassware, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent a brand that aligns with my values and convictions. I’m dedicated to fostering positive transformation in every way possible. I firmly believe in the importance of contributing to the greater good of our world through my actions. Leading the 100 Pipers Glassware Play for a Cause initiative signifies my endeavour to embrace a future where we strive towards ensuring that we give the gift of sight to every individual suffering from corneal blindness.”

    “I am part of the 100 Pipers Glassware ‘’Play for a Cause’ initiative to highlight my commitment to a vision where every pledge brings us closer to eliminating corneal blindness in India.” Randeep Hooda quotes.

    “Being part of the 100 Pipers Glassware Play for a Cause initiative underscores my dedication to spreading awareness and fostering a future where sight knows no boundaries.” commented Harmanpreet Kaur.

    Dia Mirza also expressed “Proud to stand in support of the 100 Pipers Glassware Play for a Cause initiative, advocating for a society where the gift of sight is a universal right.”

    “Music has the power to touch the deepest parts of our souls and serves as a universal language that unites people from all walks of life. Through our collaboration with 100 Pipers Glassware Play for a Cause initiative, we would like to harness the emotive power of music to inspire individuals, motivating them to pledge as donors and become part of a movement dedicated to eradicating corneal blindness.” commented MOHAN Foundation executive director Pallavi Kumar.

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  • B2B branding 101: Strategies for building trust and authority

    B2B branding 101: Strategies for building trust and authority

    Mumbai: Strategic planning is essential for any B2B brand with a clear set of goals to achieve success and to develop a successful B2B marketing strategy in this competitive world of business. The B2B industry was estimated to be worth 5.6 billion dollars in 2021 and is projected to grow to almost 60 billion dollars in 2025, according to research. Business-to-business branding, in contrast to B2C branding, entails intricate connections and decision-making procedures. Consequently, developing techniques for establishing authority and trust is crucial and should go beyond using eye-catching logos and memorable slogans.

    Here are some insights and strategies by PromotEdge CEO Saurav Agarwal specifically designed to cater to the needs of business-to-business (B2B) enterprises. Saurav Agarwal has forged key partnerships with leading B2B players across industries like steel, plywood, tmt, acp, pipes, and chemicals, driving the agency’s success in B2B marketing.

    .   Understanding your core audience

    Building a strong B2B branding strategy necessitates a solid grasp of your audience. This means going beyond basic demographics and delving into the intricate needs, challenges, and decision-making processes that drive your target market. Through our collaboration with various clients, it has become evident that adjusting our messaging to align with the specific technical and business goals of their customers is crucial for ensuring relevance and impact in our communications.

    .   Content: The voice of expertise

    In the B2B world, the content you produce is a clear demonstration of your expertise. By focusing on crafting high-quality, informative content that meets your audience’s nuanced needs, you can elevate your brand’s authority. Consider creating detailed case studies that not only highlight your innovative solutions but also educate your audience on industry trends, positioning you as a respected thought leader.

     .  The Human Touch in Digital Narratives

    Personalization and the human element are pivotal in B2B branding.

    Our team has successfully collaborated with numerous b2b companies to develop content that goes beyond simply explaining the impact of their initiatives – we help them tell the story of their journey and the people behind the success. Through creating unique intellectual property and crafting personalised leadership narratives, we provide a fresh perspective to the technical aspects of their business.

     .  Digital dominance: A multi-pronged approach

    In today’s digital world, the opportunities to connect with your audience are endless. By implementing a comprehensive digital strategy that includes a visually appealing website, strategically crafted social media content, and robust SEO efforts, businesses have seen a significant increase in visibility and the ability to engage with their audience in a dynamic way. It’s not just about being present online; it’s about creating meaningful interactions that solidify your brand’s reputation and authority.

     .  Consistency across the board

    Establishing a strong brand presence in the B2B sector is a multi-faceted process that requires a combination of creativity, strategy, and persistence. It’s essential to recognize that building brand recognition and trust takes time and effort. By upholding consistency in your messaging and visuals, you can elevate your brand’s reputation and credibility within the industry.

    .   Reflecting on our diverse partnerships

    Collaborating with clients across industries such as mining, transmission towers, plywood, and foundry has showcased our ability to adapt and our deep expertise in the B2B domain. These partnerships have not only enhanced our strategies but also broadened our awareness of the complex challenges and opportunities within each industry, allowing us to deliver effective, customised solutions.

    Building a successful B2B brand is all about understanding the market, creating strategic content, personalising the experience, utilising digital platforms, and remaining consistent. At PromotEdge, we are experts in navigating these complexities and helping our clients craft brands that exude trust and authority.

  • Noise collaborates with Airtel Payments Bank and Mastercard to launch new way to pay

    Noise collaborates with Airtel Payments Bank and Mastercard to launch new way to pay

    Mumbai:  Airtel Payments Bank collaborated with Noise, a smartwatch brand, and Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments space, to unveil A New Way to Pay. The entities have come together to launch the Bank’s Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch aimed at revolutionizing contactless payments, to redefine and make contactless payments accessible to a larger consumer base. Bringing the power of, Tap and Pay to every wrist, the initiative will empower users to unlock the full potential of smart wearables and democratise convenient financial solutions, enabling users to stay ahead of the curve and enjoy the benefits of the future of payments.

    These smartwatches, developed by Noise and enabled by Airtel Payments Bank will boost Tap and Pay capabilities, and enhance the experience for users by bringing the convenience of contactless payments through the smart wearables. The smartwatch will empower Airtel Payments Bank’s customers to do more with their wearables, making it a one-stop solution for their daily lifestyle needs. The new smartwatch is now available to be purchased at Rs 2,999.  

    Customers who have a savings account with Airtel Payments Bank can purchase this smartwatch from the Airtel Thanks App. Customers who are new to the bank can order the smartwatch immediately by opening a bank account digitally on Airtel Thanks App. They can then activate the watch by linking it to their savings bank account via the Thanks App in just one minute. Once linked, users can immediately commence making payments by simply tapping the watch on Point of Sale (POS) machines with the Tap and Pay facility. A customer would be able to make payments between Rs 1 to INR 25,000 per day using the Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch.  

    The smartwatch has been conceptualized and meticulously crafted by Noise, India’s leading smartwatch brand, celebrated for offering a perfect synergy between state-of-the-art technology and functionalities that enhance a convenient lifestyle. Equipped with an array of health and productivity features and industry-forward innovation, the smartwatch is designed with an appealing 1.85-inch square dial to enhance the user experience further by enabling contactless payments directly from the wearable.

    The smart watch’s NFC chip supported by the Mastercard network will further empower people to do more with their wearable, making the smartwatch a one-stop solution for all their lifestyle needs. The NFC chip-enabled smartwatches are designed to seamlessly support contactless payments at retail outlets, POS terminals, and various other touchpoints, making financial transactions more inclusive and convenient for all.

    Speaking on the launch, Airtel Payments Bank COO Ganesh Ananthanarayanan said, “Urban digital customers now have a seamless solution for on-the-go digital payments through our partnership with Noise and Mastercard. The Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch revolutionizes how customers engage in contactless payments, offering unparalleled convenience. With this innovation, customers can effortlessly make transactions without the hassle of carrying extra cards or using their phones for small payments. Our collaboration with Noise reflects our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of urban digital consumers. By integrating contactless payment capabilities into wearable technology, we empower customers with greater freedom and flexibility in their daily transactions. This smartwatch is the first wearable device that the bank has launched. The Bank will be coming up with more options and innovative payment solutions to enhance the digital banking experience, ensuring convenience and security for our valued customers.”

    Speaking on the partnership and the innovation in the Smart Watch, Noise co-founder Amit Khatri said, “At Noise, innovation is our driving force, guiding us to constantly meet evolving consumer needs. We are thrilled to partner with Airtel Payments Bank. It marks a significant stride in redefining the smart wearable experience, exemplifying our potential to disrupt and bring forth yet another industry-forward innovation: Tap and Pay functionality in smartwatches. Through the Tap and Pay functionality powered by NFC chips on the Mastercard network, we aim to simplify the payment process and enhance convenience by unlocking a new way for users to interact with their devices. From conceptualization to bringing the idea to life, the Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch, born from this partnership, reflects on our commitment to delivering meaningful innovation that ensures that every interaction with our product upgrades and enriches their lives.”

    Highlighting the significance of this collaboration, Mastercard division president of South Asia Gautam Aggarwal said, “Today’s aspirational consumers are always on the lookout for unique multifaceted solutions that are quick, easy, efficient, and convenient. Contactless technology is a digital catalyst for a new set of consumer experiences. Mastercard has been partnering with the world’s leading global brands in the wearable segment to bring contactless payments to life. The company is delighted to collaborate with Airtel Payments Bank and Noise to jointly power the launch of this innovative smartwatch, which will act as a comprehensive lifestyle solution. Backed by Mastercard’s promise of safe and secure transactions, it will provide users with an enhanced and secure payment experience.”

    While helping users unlock contactless payment functionality on the Smart Watch, which is equipped with Bluetooth calling capability, and boasts a long-lasting battery life of up to 10 days. Additionally, the SmartWatch offers access to a collection of 150 cloud-based watch faces and supports 130 different sports modes. With an IP68 water resistance, it can withstand water exposure. The watch features a 1.85-inch TFT LCD with 550 nits brightness and is available in both black and blue colour options. Furthermore, it includes a Stress Monitor feature to help users track and manage their stress levels effectively. Additionally, the SmartWatch features SpO2 Monitoring, enabling users to monitor their blood oxygen saturation levels for better health insights and tracking. It is available in black, grey, and blue colour options.

    The smartwatch is just the start of this long-term partnership between Airtel Payments Bank and Noise, and the brands are working together to come up with the next phase of innovations on wearables, empowering India with Smart Payment Solutions. 

  • The Body Shop India set to expand its footprint to 100 more brand touchpoints by 2025

    The Body Shop India set to expand its footprint to 100 more brand touchpoints by 2025

    Mumbai: The Body Shop, a British-born international ethical beauty brand, has an ambitious yet purposeful vision for growth in India. The brand plans to expand to 100 more brand touchpoints by focusing on a major expansion in the Travel Retail, Beauty Specialty and Quick commerce segments. The Body Shop India currently has 200 stores nationwide and caters to 1500 cities through its Brand.com online reach as well as strong marketplace partnerships with all leading players.

    The Body Shop vice president of retail & operations Vishal Chaturvedi said, “India is one of the top markets for The Body Shop globally. Our consistent growth reflects the popularity of The Body Shop and the immense opportunities we are tapping into in the country. We will continue to scale up and focus on omni-channel expansion while leveraging newer opportunities in high convenience formats to build stronger brand affinity in India.”

    In line with The Body Shop’s mission to positively impact both people and the planet, the brand has been actively launching Activist workshop stores since 2022. The unique format stores empower customers to easily navigate and support the Recycling Programme launched by The Body Shop way back in 2019. Through this initiative; customers can recycle their favourite product packaging thereby fostering a more sustainable approach and supporting the environment through plastic recycling.

    Recently, The Body Shop India has been in the forefront with path-breaking campaigns highlighting women and their community trade partners in India. Earlier this year The Body Shop India launched an empowering brand campaign featuring renowned actress Diana Penty, emphasizing The Body Shop’s fearless & feminist brand ethos. 

  • MyGlamm onboarded as official beauty partner for ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’

    MyGlamm onboarded as official beauty partner for ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’

    Mumbai: The Good Glamm Group, South Asia’s largest direct-to-consumer beauty and personal care announces a three-year strategic partnership with Bollywood’s leading production house Pooja Entertainment; commencing the association with MyGlamm, coming on board as the official beauty partner for the upcoming Bollywood blockbuster ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’.

    Produced by Pooja Entertainment and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ is an upcoming blockbuster starring Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manushi Chillar, Alaya F, Sonakshi Sinha and more.

    Pooja Entertainment director Jackky Bhagnani shared, “Collaborating with the Good Glamm Group and integrating MyGlamm as the exclusive beauty partner for ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ is an exciting opportunity for Pooja Entertainment, delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences while staying at the forefront of industry trends that not only captivates audiences with its storytelling but also sets new standards in on-screen beauty and glamour.”

    Good Glamm Group Good Brands Co CEO Sukhleen Aneja said, “Our partnership with Pooja Entertainment represents a strategic blend of storytelling and beauty innovation. MyGlamm coming on board as the official beauty partner for the movie ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ seamlessly aligns with our philosophy #GlammUpLikeAStar with ease. MyGlamm’s line of innovative vibrant make up helps create beautiful looks inspired by the best of Bollywood.”

    As the exclusive beauty partner, MyGlamm will bring its innovative products and unparalleled expertise to enhance the on-screen beauty of the film’s cast. Additionally, The Good Glamm Group’s creator and media divisions – Good Creator Co and Good Media Co, will collaborate with Pooja Entertainment to curate engaging promotional content and immersive experiences for fans leading up to the movie’s release.

    With ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ poised to be one of Bollywood’s biggest releases of the year, The Good Glamm Group and Pooja Entertainment are set to captivate audiences with a blend of cinematic excellence and beauty innovation.

  • HostBooks join hands with Darsh Infotech

    HostBooks join hands with Darsh Infotech

    Mumbai: HostBooks Ltd., an enterprise business management solution provider catering to mid-large and premium industries in India, is thrilled to announce its latest strategic partnership with Darsh Infotech, marking a significant advancement in the company’s distribution and service capabilities.

    Darsh Infotech co-founder and CEO Bharati Nathwan brings over 15 years of expertise in delivering end-to-end retail solutions, specializing in POS, ERP, CRM, and auditing. With four decades of experience, Bharati’s profound domain knowledge ensures effective implementation of software solutions tailored to diverse business needs. Her confidence in HostBooks’ comprehensive solution highlights the potential to streamline operations and drive seamless growth, addressing inefficiencies associated with using multiple software systems. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and facilitate holistic business development.

    Expressing her enthusiasm about the partnership, Bharati Nathwani stated, “Joining forces with HostBooks Ltd. as a Platinum Partner is not merely a business decision but a strategic step towards empowering Indian enterprises. The potential for growth and the opportunity to streamline business operations with HostBooks are immense. Darsh Infotech foresees significant opportunities with HostBooks, particularly in mid-large enterprises across manufacturing, hospitality, restaurants, and distribution sectors.

    HostBooks zonal business head Paras Dixit warmly welcomes Darsh Infotech onboard, firmly believing that the synergy between HostBooks and Darsh will mark a pivotal moment for the industry. Swetak Singh, AVP & head of channel business, expressed admiration for Darsh Infotech’s impressive track record of experience. With their expertise, we anticipate lucrative growth and significant improvements within our focal areas. Furthermore, their profound domain knowledge and extensive network will undoubtedly bolster our position as the leader in the cloud software market.

    HostBooks vice president & business head of manufacturing Gopalkrishna Vaidyanathan remarked, “This partnership with Darsh Infotech is a cornerstone in our mission to democratize access to top-tier enterprise business solutions for mid-large and premium industries in India. We are thrilled to have Bharati Nathwani and his team on board, bringing their unparalleled expertise and vision to our collective journey.”

    Abhijit Dutta, CSO and advisor to the board of directors expressed immense excitement about having Darsh Infotech onboard. With their impressive track record and ability &  expertise to manage complex business scenarios in versatility, we anticipate substantial growth and enhancements in our focal areas. Their domain knowledge and extensive network will undoubtedly fortify our position as the leader in the cloud software market.

    This partnership sees great opportunity in mid-large and premium enterprises, especially in manufacturing, hotels, restaurants, and distribution. HostBooks has a long range of products to cater to different segments, which provides a great business opportunity and helps to grow fast. Moreover, HostBooks provides single platform access to several modules, which is very unique in the industry and helps customers save time and money. HostBooks also onboarded major clients like Royal Orchid, Delta Inn, KariGhar, Ferh Hotels, The Clark Hotels Group, Sagar Ratna, and many more, which builds confidence. HostBooks is a government-authorized GSP as well.