ITV

Category: MAM

  • Fry and Mighty HyFun celebrates India’s global potato power play

    Fry and Mighty HyFun celebrates India’s global potato power play

    MUMBAI: As the world bites into French Fries Day, India is frying high and it’s not just about the spuds. Frozen fries are having a global moment, and India’s making sure it has a seat and a plate at the table. Leading the charge is Hyfun Foods, which on this French Fries Day celebrates not just the golden crisp, but a golden opportunity: turning India into a global hub for potato innovation.

    In FY 2023–24, India exported over 135,877 tonnes of frozen French fries worth Rs 1,478.73 crore, with Hyfun contributing the lion’s share to this crispy crusade. From straight cut to crinkle to peri-peri fries, HyFun now serves up potato perfection in over 40 countries.

    But beyond the global stats and sizzling exports lies a quiet revolution back home in Gujarat’s potato fields.

    What began as a modest contract-farming initiative with 200 farmers has now grown into Hyfarm, an agri-arm that supports over 7,000 smallholders across 35,000 plus acres in North Gujarat. And by 2028, HyFun aims to empower 30,000 plus farmers, focusing on climate-smart practices and stable income models.

    “At HyFun, growth has never been just about numbers. It’s about empowering farmers, advancing agriculture with science and technology, and creating a profitable and sustainable future,” said Hyfun Foods managing director & group CEO Haresh Karamchandani.

    Home to one of Asia’s largest potato processing plants, HyFun’s Gujarat facility can process over 1,000 tonnes of potatoes daily, blending agritech precision with palate-pleasing versatility from hash browns to coated fries.

    This French Fries Day, Hyfun isn’t just celebrating a snack, it’s celebrating India’s place on the global plate, powered by its farmers, technology, and taste buds.

    Because when it comes to putting India on the global food map these fries are just the beginning.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Kia shifts into top gear with Atul Sood as new sales and marketing head

    Kia shifts into top gear with Atul Sood as new sales and marketing head

    MUMBAI: From driving growth at Toyota to taking the wheel at Kia, Atul Sood is all set for his next ride. Kia India has hit the accelerator on its leadership transformation, appointing Atul Sood as senior vice president of sales & marketing, effective 11 July 2025. A veteran of the Indian auto sector, Sood will lead Kia’s pan-India sales operations and marketing strategy, reporting directly to chief sales officer Joonsu Cho.

    Bringing with him nearly 30 years of industry experience, Sood was most recently president and director at Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India (TMSS), where he played a key role in steering innovation and business expansion. His previous stints at Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific further cement his reputation as a strategic leader with a deep understanding of both market dynamics and customer needs.

    Kia India’s MD & CEO Gwanggu Lee welcomed the appointment saying, “Atul’s proven track record in customer-first innovation and dealer network development makes him the ideal candidate to guide Kia through its next growth chapter. We’re confident his leadership will further our brand promise and strengthen our foothold in India’s mass-premium segment.”

    An engineer from Thapar Institute and a PGDM holder from SCMHRD Pune, Sood brings a rare mix of operational rigour and marketing flair. His leadership comes at a time when Kia India is looking to expand its market share, grow its product footprint, and deepen customer relationships across metros and emerging markets alike.

    Speaking on his new role, Sood said, “Joining Kia at such a pivotal moment in its India journey is truly exciting. The brand’s commitment to innovation, design, and customer delight aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to building on its strong foundation and driving sustainable growth across the country.”

    With this appointment, Kia India signals its intent to keep up the momentum in one of the world’s fastest-evolving auto markets and if Sood’s track record is any indication, the ride ahead is going to be anything but ordinary.
     

  • Jupiter banks on experience with Akhilesh Jha in the driver’s seat

    Jupiter banks on experience with Akhilesh Jha in the driver’s seat

    MUMBAI: If money talks, Jupiter Money just made a power move by bringing banking veteran Akhilesh Jha into the conversation. In a strategic hire that signals its next phase of growth, Jupiter Money has appointed Akhilesh Jha as senior vice president for banking and partnerships. With over 20 years of experience in retail banking and digital strategy most recently as head of retail banking portfolio at DBS Bank Jha steps in to amplify Jupiter’s push toward becoming India’s go-to money platform.

    At a time when fintechs are rewriting the rules of personal finance, Jupiter’s move shows it’s doubling down on what it does best: combining digital ease with meaningful banking experiences. In his new role, Jha will lead the charge on deepening collaborations with banks and financial institutions, helping Jupiter scale its offerings across savings, credit, and payments.

    “We are building a platform that simplifies money for millions of Indians,” said Jupiter Money president, Rohit Kumar Pandey. “Akhilesh brings the perfect mix of legacy banking and fintech edge. As we grow, his insight will be vital in shaping impactful partnerships.”

    Jha echoed the sentiment, noting the “mutually beneficial ecosystem” that fintech-bank alliances can create. “Customers get intuitive, digital-first products; banks unlock new channels and revenues; and Jupiter becomes the bridge that makes it happen,” he said.

    The announcement comes at a time when Jupiter Money is riding strong tailwinds. In the last quarter alone, it secured key regulatory clearances, expanded its credit footprint, and maintained steady user growth. With an eye on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the company is working to unlock financial access for underserved digital users.

    Jupiter’s product suite already includes an all-in-one savings account (powered by Federal Bank), a Rupay credit card with CSB Bank that integrates with UPI and offers cashback, and an upcoming prepaid wallet after receiving RBI nod. Jha’s appointment adds muscle to Jupiter’s ambition of turning its platform into a full-stack, digital-first banking experience, one that’s as easy as it is empowering.

    As Indian consumers grow savvier and seek smarter ways to manage their money, Jupiter Money’s latest leadership bet might just prove that experience is, in fact, the best investment.

  • Belgian Waffle Co stirs up National Waffle Day with #WhatsYourDrill campaign

    Belgian Waffle Co stirs up National Waffle Day with #WhatsYourDrill campaign

    MUMBAI: The Belgian Waffle Co is flipping National Waffle Day on its head this year. No more boring 1 August – the company has rescheduled it to the third Wednesday of July, with this year’s big day falling on 16th July. And as ever, they’re pulling out all the stops with a pre-buzz campaign that’s as playful as their menu.

    Enter #WhatsYourDrill, a campaign that taps straight into the brand’s fanbase’s obsession with their waffle rituals. Fans are asked to share their National Waffle Day plans – or rather, their ‘drills’ – in a bid to turn a humble date shift into a nationwide cultural moment. But here’s the twist: The campaign kicks off with a cheeky hoax – National Waffle Day is Cancelled! Cue panic from waffle lovers, before the big reveal: “Nope, it’s just rescheduled, folks!”

    “As we celebrate 10 incredible years of The Belgian Waffle Co, National Waffle Day holds even greater significance for us this year. What began as a single-store idea has now become a national movement across 660+ stores, bringing smiles to millions every day.

    Day is not just a day— it’s a celebration of our loyal community, our partners, and the culture we’ve built together. As India’s largest waffle brand, we remain committed to expanding access to quality desserts while staying rooted in innovation, consistency, and customer delight,” said The Belgian Waffle Co executive director and CEO Ankit Patel.

    This tongue-in-cheek fake-out set the stage for the full-scale campaign, which is all about intrigue, humour, and pulling fans deep into the waffle web. Highlights include ‘Mission Announcement – The Gimmick,’ where all orders – both online and in-store – came with “classified” mission slips and 3D glasses that, when worn, revealed the new date: 16 July. How’s that for immersive?

    Some meme that created a wave for the campaign:

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by NAUGHTYWORLD (@naughtyworld)

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by NAUGHTYWORLD (@naughtyworld)

    Meanwhile, loyal fans received ‘Post Office Mission Letters’ and were inducted as Waffle Lieutenants, tasked with spreading the word. On the digital front, influencers will hijack timelines to show how they’re prepping for the big day.

    On 16 July, all Waff-wiches and Waffle Crisps will go for just Rs 100 at over 660 stores across 220 cities. It’s the kind of crispy celebration fans live for – and this year, it’s got that extra crispy zing.

    #WhatsYourDrill isn’t just about waffles, it’s about turning a random Wednesday into a movement. So, what’s your drill for National Waffle Day?

  • Russhabh Thakkar on cracking India’s CTV code, one immersive ad at a time

    Russhabh Thakkar on cracking India’s CTV code, one immersive ad at a time

    MUMBAI: For Russhabh Thakkar, founder and CEO of Frodoh, held a curiosity back in time about where technology intersects with media CTV, DOOH, and the systems behind how ads really work. He knew that he wanted to build something of his own in that space. Frodoh came from spotting the gap between how people watch today and how brands still plan. The goal was simple, build for the way attention actually works now, not how it used to.

    Perched in his no-frills office in the heart of Lower Parel, Thakkar was all set for a deep-dive chat, coffee brewed and insights loaded. But in true Mumbai fashion, the city’s legendary traffic had other plans. Yours truly arrived fashionably late (read: embarrassingly delayed), much to Thakkar’s polite but unmistakable dismay.

    Still, being the sport he is, we squeezed in a zippy 20-minute power convo before he dashed off for an urgent client meet. “No worries,” he smiled, “I’ll put pen to paper or well, fingers to keyboard and send over the rest.” And just like that, what started as a botched in-person interview turned into a digital dialogue packed with CTV gold.

    With the mantra “Don’t just get viewed, get noticed,” Thakkar and his team are helping brands ditch passive impressions for precision engagement. “We saw the gap early,” says Thakkar. “People were watching content differently, but ads hadn’t caught up. Frodoh is built for the way attention works now and not how it used to.”

    According to the FICCI-EY 2025 report, India has over 30 million CTV sets, with viewers clocking 40+ hours per month on smart TVs. But Thakkar believes this isn’t just about reach, “It’s where scale meets intent in real time.” With tier 2 and 3 towns joining the CTV party thanks to affordable smart TVs and bundled OTT deals, the viewing landscape has exploded. But most brands, he says, are “still fumbling with legacy playbooks.” Yes, Frodoh is helping them unlearn.

    Old-school demographics don’t work in today’s CTV ecosystem. Thakkar explains, “It’s not about who is watching, but why, when, and how.” His team helps brands track viewing behaviour, content types, and time-of-day data to serve dynamic creatives, sequential stories, and context-rich moments.

    To supercharge this, they built Frodoh Forge, an AI-powered campaign planner that takes a brand brief, decodes audience signals, suggests channels, and builds a media plan in minutes. “No extra forms. No lag. And everything’s tracked live,” he adds.

    While many still see programmatic CTV as a shiny new buzzword, Thakkar insists it’s “the backbone of how smart media gets delivered today.” As a supply-side platform (SSP), Frodoh curates inventory across niche OTTs, regional OEMs, and long-tail content players—making them DSP-agnostic and giving agencies the flexibility they crave.

    And with India’s ad market pegged to hit Rs 1.64 lakh crore according to GroupM’s TYNY 2025 report, CTV is no longer a footnote. “It’s the bridge between scale and precision,” says Thakkar. “We’re already seeing brands move from testing to long-term bets.”

    Frodoh sees shoppable TV, QR overlays, and pause ads as the next big frontiers—formats that turn the screen into a point-of-sale without breaking immersion. “We’re not just watching CTV anymore, we’re starting to use it,” he says.

    Thakkar is clear-eyed about the road ahead. “India’s CTV shift isn’t a trend, it’s a tectonic change. Some are adapting. We were built for it.”

    With the right blend of technology, talent, and timing, Frodoh World is ensuring brands don’t just survive this bonfire, they shine through it.

  • Baggage claim to fame as Safari and Boat launch trackable luggage

    Baggage claim to fame as Safari and Boat launch trackable luggage

    MUMBAI: No more baggage blues Safari’s latest launch ensures your luggage never goes off-track, even if your flight does. In a first-of-its-kind travel tech collaboration, luggage major Safari has teamed up with Boat to launch Safari Trackr, a Bluetooth-enabled, smart luggage range designed to take the anxiety out of airport chaos. Debuting during Amazon Prime Day, the collection blends boAt’s tracking tech with Safari’s trusted build, offering stylish peace of mind starting at just Rs 4,499.

    Whether your suitcase has taken a detour to a different carousel or vanished into a hotel lobby’s backroom, Safari Trackr ensures you’re not left wondering where your life-in-a-bag has gone. Equipped with Boat Tag, powered by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the luggage range works seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices, letting users track their bags in real time no matter where they are in the world.

    The campaign’s tagline, “Your Safari Got Safer,” captures the pitch-perfect blend of reliability and innovation. Told through two witty digital films, the campaign spotlights those all-too-familiar travel fiascos swapped bags, forgotten check-ins, and suitcase slip-ups juxtaposed with the smooth, in-control experience of a tech-savvy traveller.

    The range comes in three sizes Cabin, Medium, and Large and three colours: Signature Black, Blue, and Green. Crafted from 100 per cent polycarbonate and strength-tested, the bags are built to last and be found.

    “People don’t just carry luggage, they carry their life,” said Safari Industries MD Sudhir Jatia. “Safari Trackr is our answer to the very real fear of losing that life in transit. With Boat as a tech partner, we’ve created a solution that’s smart, stylish, and simple.”

    Boat CEO Sameer Mehta added, “We’re bringing Boat Tag tech to something deeply practical keeping your belongings safe, visible, and connected. This partnership solves a real-world problem at scale.”

    The product will be available across India through Amazon, with the e-commerce giant promising fast delivery to 100 per cent serviceable pin codes. Amazon director of fashion & beauty, Siddharth Bhagat noted, “This collaboration is all about innovation and everyday utility. It’s a fresh take on what luggage can be.”

    With 330 plus service touchpoints and free installation in metros (plus virtual support for remote areas), GRIPIT’s servicing model adds another layer of ease to an already impressive offering.

    Safari Trackr doesn’t just hold your belongings, it holds your trust. In a world where travel is unpredictable, at least now your luggage won’t be.

  • Titan announces leadership reshuffle in jewellery and watches

    Titan announces leadership reshuffle in jewellery and watches

    BENGALURU: Titan Co Ltd  has announced key appointments within its senior management, effective later this year and early next. These changes follow previous intimations regarding the succession of C.K. Venkataraman as managing director and the resignation of Suparna Mitra, CEO of the watches division.

    Arun Narayan, currently overseeing the Tanishq India business for retail, marketing, and merchandising, is set to become the chief executive officer of the jewellery division from 1 January 2026. He will succeed Ajoy Chawla, who is slated to take over as managing director on the same date.

    A post-graduate from IIM Calcutta and a veteran of the Tata Administrative Services cadre, Narayan brings nearly three decades of experience in retail, marketing, and sales leadership roles within the Tata group and Titan. Since April 2020, he has been leading the Tanishq India business and previously held key positions as regional business head (west, all categories), Helios business head, and national sales & retail head for Titan watches.

    Meanwhile, Kuruvilla Markose, currently the CEO of Titan’s international business division, will take over as the chief executive officer of the watches division from 13 August  2025. He steps into the role vacated by Suparna Mitra. Markose, who holds degrees in agriculture and an MBA from IIFT, New Delhi, also joined the Tata Administrative Services in 1995. His three decades of experience span diverse sectors including FMCG, telecom, BPO, consulting, digital, and retail across the Tata group. He joined Titan in 2015 as chief digital officer and has been leading the company’s international expansion in watches, jewellery, and eyecare as CEO of the international business division.

    These appointments are part of a broader leadership transition within the company’s senior management.

  • Aayush Wellness launches Brain Fuel to combat cognitive decline

    Aayush Wellness launches Brain Fuel to combat cognitive decline

    NEW DELHI: Aayush Wellness Ltd has expanded its nutraceutical portfolio with the launch of Brain Fuel Capsules, a new product designed to enhance cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity. This move addresses a growing concern: the silent epidemic of cognitive strain affecting millions, including students, professionals, and the elderly, often before the age of 40.

    The company highlights factors like digital dependency, poor sleep, multitasking, nutritional imbalances, and chronic stress as major contributors to declining mental acuity. Global health estimates suggest over one in four adults exhibit signs of cognitive strain prematurely.

    Brain Fuel Capsules feature a synergistic blend of traditional herbs: brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) for memory and learning; ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) to reduce stress and improve concentration; ginkgo biloba for brain circulation and alertness; turmeric extract (Curcuma Longa – curcumin) for antioxidant benefits; and gotu kola (Centella Asiatica) to revitalise the nervous system and boost mental clarity.

    Aayush Wellness managing director Naveena Kumar stated, ” We believe that true wellness starts from within, and brain health is central to overall well-being. With the launch of Brain Fuel capsules, we are offering a time-tested solution to one of the most pressing challenges of our generation — cognitive fatigue driven by modern lifestyles. This herbal formulation supports long-term mental clarity without the side effects of synthetic alternatives.” 

    Following the successful introductions of Sleep Gummies and Beauty Gummies, this launch aligns with Aayush Wellness’s strategy to capitalise on India’s burgeoning $18bn nutraceutical industry, which is expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15 per cent. The brain health segment, particularly herbal and natural solutions, is projected to be among the fastest-growing verticals, with a CAGR of 14.78 per cent, fuelled by increased mental health awareness, academic and work-related stress, and an ageing population.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Indian brands turn heads and hearts at Kantar’s ad-effectiveness awards

    Indian brands turn heads and hearts at Kantar’s ad-effectiveness awards

    MUMBAI: Culture met creativity head-on, and Indian brands walked away with the spoils. Danone, Hindustan Unilever, Haleon and Godrej Consumer Products were among the big winners at Kantar India’s Creative Effectiveness Awards, which celebrated five years of ads that hit both hearts and wallets.

    With more than 1,350 Indian creatives tested in 2024—out of 12,000 globally—the winners were chosen not by agency suits, but by the toughest (and truest) critics: everyday consumers. Think festival rituals, everyday mishaps, Bollywood throwbacks and even snarky political satire. The kind of stuff that makes you nod, laugh or text your mum.

    HUL took home the crown across TV and digital. Meanwhile, Godrej Fab tickled funny bones with its satirical punch, Pond’s struck a Bollywood chord, and Nihar shaved off grooming clichés with flair.

    To mark the fifth anniversary of the awards, Kantar unveiled a snappy new mantra—distilled from half a decade of tracking India’s most powerful campaigns. Turns out, the most effective ads haven’t lost the plot: culture still sells, and creativity still seals the deal.

    The report’s insights are as spicy as a masala chai:

    ●    Culture is comfort food: Great Indian ads are like dal—with a creative tadka. They’re emotional, familiar, and loaded with meaning.

    ●    Tiny moments, big memories: It’s not grand gestures but the small stuff—rainy train stations, puja rituals, awkward family dinners—that truly lands.

    ●    Multilingual magic: Language may vary, but emotion doesn’t. The most effective brands ditched the Hindi-only formula for regionally rooted storytelling.

    ●    Execution eats strategy for breakfast: Music, humour, idioms, casting—get them right, and you’ve got a winner.

    Influencer-driven content, says Kantar, isn’t just noise—it holds eyeballs 2.2 times longer than standard ads, and delivers a 58 per cent average salience score. That’s gold in today’s skip-happy world.

    In India, you don’t invent culture—you tune into it, add some flavour, and serve it up with feeling. That’s how brands go from ads to icons.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Hero MotoCorp revs up EV ambitions with new chief

    Hero MotoCorp revs up EV ambitions with new chief

    NEW DELHI: Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has announced a significant leadership reshuffle, bringing in new talent to accelerate its push into sustainable, future-ready mobility. On 10 July 2025, the company appointed Kausalya Nandakumar as chief business officer for its emerging mobility business unit. She will report directly to  Pawan Munjal, the executive chairman, and will be tasked with shaping the strategic direction and growth of Vida, Hero MotoCorp’s electric vehicle brand.

    Nandakumar brings nearly two decades of leadership acumen from the automotive, electric mobility, and digital innovation sectors. Her appointment underscores Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to pioneering new technologies and growth platforms. She joins Hero MotoCorp after an illustrious 18-year tenure with the Mahindra Group, where she played a pivotal role in building and scaling new ventures.

    Most recently, as chief operating officer of Mahindra Electric Automobile, she spearheaded the operational readiness and market entry strategy for the company’s electric SUV business, valued at $9.8 billion. Her extensive career also includes heading business transformation for Mahindra’s farm division and leading Glyd, Mahindra’s electric shared mobility business. Notably, she conceived and built SmartShift, one of India’s pioneering digital logistics platforms, transforming it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

    This strategic appointment coincides with the departure of Swadesh Srivastava, who is stepping down due to health reasons. Srivastava will work closely with Nandakumar in the coming weeks to ensure a seamless handover. The company expressed its gratitude for his contributions and extended best wishes.

    Nandakumar’s academic credentials include a master’s in business administration (marketing) from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, and a bachelor’s degree in electronics & instrumentation engineering from Mumbai University. 

    She has further refined her leadership skills through programmes at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School.. Her background and expertise are set to reinforce Hero MotoCorp’s ambition to lead the next era of mobility, delivering innovation with impact and driving sustainable growth.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)