ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Honor India gets smarter with AI-powered support

    Honor India gets smarter with AI-powered support

    MUMBAI: Honor India is putting the “smart” back into smartphones with its latest move, becoming the first smartphone brand in the country to integrate the Uttik AI Answer Engine. The innovation redefines how customer support works, transforming it from reactive to real-time.

    For a generation that turns to AI for every answer, Honor is now meeting its customers where they are, across platforms like Google AI Overview, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. The system, powered by PSAV Global, ensures that queries about Honor devices receive instant, accurate and contextual responses, eliminating long wait times and confusion.

    “We listened carefully to our customers and recognised they were facing frustration when seeking answers about our products,” said PSAV Global (official partner for Honor Smartphones) CEO C.P. Khandelwal. “The implementation of the AI Answer Engine demonstrates our ability to unite empathy and intelligence, creating long-term trust through smarter engagement.”

    The results have been nothing short of transformative. Response times have dropped from three days to under five minutes, while self-service success has climbed dramatically. Troubleshooting that once took hours now happens in minutes, supported by multilingual accessibility for India’s diverse users.

    The system’s impact goes beyond efficiency. Real customers are praising Honor’s fast, transparent and proactive service. Many cite quick repairs and replacements that have turned frustrating issues into positive experiences, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for reliability.

    The AI-driven platform continuously learns from each interaction, refining responses and even predicting potential issues before they escalate. With real-time sentiment monitoring and predictive analytics, Honor has turned data into empathy, anticipating needs before customers have to ask.

    By combining innovation with intuition, Honor India’s partnership with Uttik has not just upgraded its customer support, it has rewritten the playbook on how technology can build trust, loyalty and delight in a digital-first world.
     

  • Thirst for growth as TABP pours Rs 26 crore into Bharat’s beverage boom

    Thirst for growth as TABP pours Rs 26 crore into Bharat’s beverage boom

    MUMBAI: In a country where nimbu paani meets nostalgia and flavour fuels fortune, Coimbatore-based TABP Snacks and Beverages is bottling Bharat’s thirst, one sip at a time. The company, which turns beloved street-side drinks into hygienic, affordable, and ready-to-drink formats, has raised 3 million dollars (Rs 26 crore) in a fresh funding round led by LC Nueva, with participation from Entrust Family Office and investors Arun Mukherjee and Soumya Malani.

    Founded in 2018 by engineer duo and husband-wife team Prabhu Gandhikumar and Brindha Vijayakumar, TABP has quietly brewed a niche for itself in the value beverage market. Think local favourites from rose milk to lemon soda but in standardised, safe, and scalable packaging. It’s a refreshing formula for an underserved consumer base often overlooked by mainstream FMCG giants.

    “Our belief has always been simple, India’s beverage revolution won’t be led by metros alone,” says TABP co-founder and CEO Gandhikumar. “For millions in tier-2 towns and rural belts, there’s still a gap between taste, hygiene, and affordability. Our goal is to fill that gap with quality beverages that feel aspirational yet remain accessible.”

    And the numbers suggest he’s onto something. From a modest Rs 4 crore in FY19, TABP has fizzed its way to Rs 212 crore in FY24–25, targeting a heady Rs 800 crore in the next three years before a planned pan-India expansion and eventual public listing.

    The company plans to deploy the fresh funds to expand distribution across southern and eastern India, introduce new beverage formats, and boost manufacturing capacity. It’s a move aimed at tapping into India’s Rs 1.38 lakh crore non-alcoholic beverage market, a sector expected to swell to Rs 2.1 lakh crore by 2029, powered by affordability-led consumption and rising hygiene awareness among mass consumers.

    While global giants continue to dominate the premium urban aisles, a vast swathe of small-town and rural beverage consumption remains unorganised, often sold at roadside stalls in unhygienic conditions. TABP’s mission? To bring structure, safety, and scale to this chaos. By reimagining hyper-local favourites as packaged, standardised products, the brand is doing for drinks what Amul did for milk and Lays did for snacks.

    “Under Prabhu’s leadership, TABP has found a sweet spot between aspiration and accessibility,” said a Entrust Family Office partner. “Its differentiated flavour play and disciplined growth model show that innovation can thrive even in value segments.”

    LC Nueva’s spokesperson echoed this sentiment, adding, “We’ve been early believers in TABP’s Bharat-first approach. Its growth proves that the next wave of consumption will be value-driven yet aspirational.”

    Of course, not every sip is smooth. Climate-linked raw material volatility and rural distribution challenges continue to test the industry. But TABP is banking on regional familiarity, frugality, and a ground-up network to weather the heat.

    For now, as the company scales up its operations and prepares to go national, TABP stands as a symbol of Bharat’s changing palate, one that values both taste and trust.

    From steel tumblers to pet bottles, from roadside stalls to retail shelves, the message is clear: India’s thirst for affordable quality is here to stay and TABP just might be the one to quench it.

     

  • L’Oréal brings dermatologist darling La Roche-Posay to India

    L’Oréal brings dermatologist darling La Roche-Posay to India

    MUMBAI L’Oréal India is betting big on Indian skin. The beauty giant has launched La Roche-Posay, the world’s number one dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, marking a major push into the country’s booming dermocosmetics market.

    The French brand arrives with four heavy hitters: Mela B3 Serum, armed with Melasyl, a patented molecule that took 18 years to develop and claims to visibly reduce stubborn dark spots and melasma across all skin tones; Anthelios, offering broad-spectrum sun protection in a lightweight formula; Cicaplast, which repairs irritated skin; and Effaclar, targeting acne-prone complexions.

    India’s tryst with hyperpigmentation—driven by fierce UV exposure and hormonal changes—makes it prime territory for La Roche-Posay’s science. The Mela B3 Serum has been clinically proven to reduce up to 90 per cent of persistent dark spots, a claim that matters in a market where pigmentation concerns dominate dermatology clinics.

    “La Roche-Posay represents a gold standard in dermatological skincare where efficacy meets tolerance,” said Mumba-based Skinfinitii Aesthetic & Laser Clinic cosmetic dermatologist and medical director Jaishree Sharad. The introduction of Melasyl marks a milestone in addressing pigmentation concerns prevalent in Indian skin, she added.

    Each product contains La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, naturally rich in selenium and known for its antioxidant properties. The brand, founded in 1975, has built its reputation on close collaboration with dermatologists—globally partnering with over 250,000 healthcare professionals.

    L’Oréal India L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty director Rami Itani called the launch an important milestone. “We are proud to bring the most advanced dermatological knowledge and innovation to India, empowering dermatologists and consumers to achieve healthier skin and better lives,” he said.

    The products are available exclusively through dermatologist clinics, Nykaa, Apollo 24X7 and pharmacy stores. It’s L’Oréal’s second dermatological brand in India after CeraVe, which entered in 2023.

    For La Roche-Posay, which has spent five decades at the forefront of skincare science, India represents fresh hunting ground. With its focus on pigmentation and its dermatologist-first distribution strategy, the brand is positioning itself not as another beauty label but as a medical-grade solution. In a country obsessed with fair skin and plagued by pigmentation, that positioning might just work.

  • Disrptve blends AI and art for Sarab Khanijou’s ‘DHUN’

    Disrptve blends AI and art for Sarab Khanijou’s ‘DHUN’

    MUMBAI: When couture met code, creativity found a new rhythm. Disrptve Communications, the new-age marketing agency known for fusing art and technology, has unveiled DHUN, a melody in motion for designer Sarab Khanijou, an AI-crafted storytelling asset that turns luxury fashion into digital poetry.

    The project reimagines couture’s tactile artistry through the lens of generative AI while preserving the emotion and craftsmanship at its heart. Using a custom-built photo capture system, Disrptve’s tech team meticulously documented every sequin, stitch, and fold from Khanijou’s collection. These high-resolution captures trained bespoke AI models (LoRAs), enabling lifelike recreations that reflect rhythm, motion, and elegance.

    From there, the creative team composed mood-driven visual sequences inspired by DHUN’s themes of heritage and fluidity. With tools like Flux and advanced inpainting, they redefined how couture can be experienced, not just seen.

    “It’s more than digital enhancement, it’s a new form of storytelling,” said Disrptve Communications chief business officer Chetan Chopra. “AI here doesn’t replace creativity; it refines it.”

    Designer Sarab Khanijou, initially hesitant about merging couture and AI, was ultimately impressed. “Seeing the final visuals, I knew I made the right choice. Disrptve brought a contemporary flavour to traditional design,” he said.

    With DHUN, Disrptve Communications is setting the tone for a future where creativity and AI move in harmony, one handcrafted pixel at a time.

     

  • Tata Comm kicks off Real Madrid fan drive in India

    Tata Comm kicks off Real Madrid fan drive in India

    MUMBAI: Game on for Indian Madridistas! Tata Communications, Real Madrid CF, and Footballerista have joined forces to launch the Madridista Premium loyalty programme in India, promising to bring fans closer than ever to the world-famous club.

    The partnership, unveiled in Mumbai and Madrid, aims to engage over 22 million Indian supporters and 11 official fan clubs, a clear nod to India’s growing football fandom. Through Madridista Premium, Indian fans can now enjoy exclusive club content, curated merchandise, and digital experiences that capture the spirit of Santiago Bernabéu, all from the comfort of home.

    Tata Communications will power the digital backbone of the programme using its Move technology to create an always-connected, interactive fan experience. Footballerista, the customer-facing partner, will curate front-end engagement and campaigns to make joining the Madridista movement easy and exciting.

    “This partnership isn’t just about digital innovation, it’s connecting Real Madrid to its Indian fanbase that goes beyond traditional fandom,” said Real Madrid’s institutional relations director Emilio Butrageño.

    Tata Communications Move vice president and global head Marco Bijvelds added, “Our technology is designed to break down barriers and create connections. We’re building a stage for Real Madrid’s fan experience in India, making supporters feel even more connected to their beloved team.”

    For India’s passionate football community, this isn’t just a programme, it’s a passport to Madrid’s magic.

     

  • Blyp parks it smart with Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz win

    Blyp parks it smart with Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz win

    MUMBAI: Talk about finding the perfect spot! Blyp, India’s smart parking pioneer, has parked itself firmly in the spotlight after featuring on Zee TV and ZEE5’s entrepreneurial show IdeaBaaz. The startup not only wowed audiences with its innovation but also drove home fresh funding of Rs 50 lakh from titan investor Sandesh Sharda.

    Formerly known as ParkMate, Blyp is on a mission to make India’s parking woes a thing of the past. Its quick parking app promises to help users find, book, and park in just two minutes, turning one of urban India’s biggest daily headaches into a seamless experience.

    Appearing in the fourth episode of IdeaBaaz (aired on 2 November), co-founders Dhananjaya Bharadwaj and Abhimanyu Singh shared how the company is reimagining the way India parks, with a focus on speed, safety, and sustainability. The show, which celebrates visionary startups, gave Blyp a national stage to showcase how technology can transform everyday life.

    The Rs 50 lakh investment forms part of Blyp’s ongoing bridge round following its pre-series A funding. The capital will fuel tech upgrades, city expansions, and partnerships with malls, corporates, and institutions across India.

    “Being featured on IdeaBaaz is a proud moment for our entire team,” said Bharadwaj. “With our new funding, we aim to accelerate our expansion and bring faster, more sustainable parking experiences to millions.”

    COO Abhimanyu Singh added, “Our goal is to make parking effortless, from eliminating manual payments to enabling digital-first smart city ecosystems.”

    Already active across Delhi NCR and several smart cities, Blyp is driving India toward a future where finding parking is as simple as a tap, no honking, circling, or stress required.

     

  • One million Indians make fitness a habit with cult

    One million Indians make fitness a habit with cult

    MUMBAI: India just got a little fitter! cult, the fitness and wellness platform from Curefit, has announced that one million members have successfully built lasting fitness habits through its programmes, a remarkable feat in a country where only 0.6 per cent of the population actively engages in fitness activities.

    At the heart of this achievement lies cult’s 3 by 4 framework, which defines habit formation as exercising at least three days a week for four consecutive weeks. Miss a session, and the cycle resets, making consistency the ultimate test. Backed by a seven-year study of 1.5 lakh members, the data revealed that users who complete this 3 by 4 cycle are three times more likely to stay active long-term.

    Interestingly, most achievers were between 25 and 34 years old, with men and women forming habits at nearly the same rate. More than half (58 per cent) built habits within the first month of joining.

    To make the process engaging, cult introduced features like ‘cult Ninja’, a gamified multiplayer challenge that keeps members motivated through levels, leaderboards and positive reinforcement. Trainers celebrate milestones, while streaks, nudges and flexible access across gyms, sports centres and online classes help users stay consistent, anytime, anywhere.

    “Our vision is to make fitness an achievable daily habit,” said cult CEO Naresh Krishnaswamy. “In a country where fitness isn’t a natural priority, we’ve built an environment that helps people stay committed. This milestone proves that with the right approach, fitness can become a way of life.”

    With offerings like cult Pro, cult Elite, cult LUX, cult PLAY, and partnerships with Gold’s Gym and Fitness First, the platform caters to every kind of fitness enthusiast, from beginners to pros.

    As cult continues to innovate and expand its ecosystem, one thing is clear, India’s fitness story is no longer a sprint, but a sustained, community-powered marathon.

     

  • Billboard hits the right note with India debut

    Billboard hits the right note with India debut

    MUMBAI: The world’s most recognised music media brand is striking a new chord with the launch of Billboard India, in partnership with Other Side Ventures Pvt. Ltd., backed by media advisor Priyanka Khimani. The move marks Billboard’s entry into one of the world’s most vibrant and fast-evolving music markets.

    Set to go live in early 2026, Billboard India will bring the brand’s signature offerings to the subcontinent, from its iconic charts, lists and music awards to exclusive editorial features, interviews, merchandise and events. The platform aims to celebrate India’s sonic diversity, spotlighting both the glitz of Hindi cinema soundtracks and the pulse of the indie scene making waves across streaming platforms worldwide.

    Priyanka Khimani, the driving force behind the partnership, said the venture will provide “one unifying voice to measure and highlight the incredible growth and success of India’s music industry,” adding that Billboard India aims to be “a world-class experience powered by data, celebrating talent with pride and prestige.”

    Echoing her enthusiasm, Billboard CEO Mike Van said, “India’s music scene is one of the most dynamic and culturally rich in the world. With Billboard India, we’re thrilled to recognise its extraordinary diversity while connecting the country’s thriving music community to our global stage.”

    Based in Mumbai, Billboard India’s editorial team will be announced soon, setting the stage for a high-decibel debut that promises to amplify India’s music to the world.

     

  • Experian rolls out Grameen Score for rural India

    Experian rolls out Grameen Score for rural India

    MUMBAI: Scoring big in Bharat! Experian Credit Information Company of India has unveiled the Grameen Score, a fresh credit scoring model designed to make borrowing easier and fairer for India’s rural population. The move aims to bridge the gap between financial institutions and millions of rural consumers who have long remained outside the formal credit net.

    Aligned with the Government of India’s push for financial inclusion and the Reserve Bank of India’s efforts to widen access to credit, the Grameen Score helps lenders assess rural borrowers more accurately and responsibly.

    Developed with a deep understanding of India’s villages, the model considers unique rural financial patterns such as repayment behaviour on small loans, the types of credit typically used in villages and even migration trends between towns and cities. The score ranges from 300 to 900, making it simple for lenders and borrowers alike to understand.

    The Grameen Score particularly shines a spotlight on women entrepreneurs and self-help groups, helping them secure fairer loans and build stronger financial identities. For lenders, it translates into faster, data-driven decisions and a clearer picture of repayment capability.

    Commenting on the launch, Experian Credit Information Company of India  chairman Manish Jain said, “The Experian Grameen Score aligns with India’s agenda of inclusive growth. By helping institutions assess credit risk more effectively in rural areas, we are improving access to finance and building a more resilient and transparent credit ecosystem.”

    He added that the score reflects Experian’s philosophy of “innovation with purpose”, using data and analytics to enable responsible rural lending and sustainable growth.

    With this initiative, Experian aims to turn financial dreams in India’s heartlands into reality, one score at a time.

  • Notice & District turn popcorn into crowned glory

    Notice & District turn popcorn into crowned glory

    MUMBAI: What happens when cinema meets design? You get a popcorn bucket that wears a crown. In a spectacular fusion of creativity and fandom, District and Notice, the design-led experimental object brand, have joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind collectible for the 10-year anniversary launch of Bahubali: The Epic. The collaboration celebrates not just the film’s grand return but the fans who made it legendary.

    The idea was born when District suggested reimagining the iconic crown of Bahubali, a symbol of power, legacy, and cinematic grandeur. Notice took that spark and transformed it into an elevated design experience that turns an everyday popcorn bucket into a work of art.

    The result, a bucket crowned with a sculpted topper, blending functionality with fandom and turning a regular movie snack into a keepsake worthy of royalty.

    Crafted by Notice’s team of designers, engineers, and makers, each limited-edition piece reflects meticulous craftsmanship, every curve and contour designed to feel as intentional as it is iconic.

    “Rather than just create merchandise, we wanted to design a moment,” said the team at Notice. “A simple act like eating popcorn becomes a connection to Bahubali’s epic spirit.”

    Available exclusively at Miraj Cinemas, Mumbai, during the film’s release, this limited-edition collaboration stands as a love letter to storytelling, scale, and design that makes even the smallest gestures feel monumental.