ITV

Category: MAM

  • BCCI Seeks media buying partner for Tata IPL 2025

    BCCI Seeks media buying partner for Tata IPL 2025

    MUMBAI : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for agencies looking to manage media buying and strategy for the Tata IPL 2025—a golden opportunity to shape the marketing of one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles.

    The selected agency will be responsible for the pan-India media strategy, ensuring effective allocation of budgets across multiple platforms, including television, radio, digital, print, out of home an out of home innovations.

    Interested parties must confirm their participation via email at rfq@bcci.tv and demonstrate their capability to handle media buying across all listed platforms at a similar scale.

    Eligible agencies will be asked to submit a detailed proposal, including:
    * A comprehensive media plan and strategy for IPL 2025 within a budget of Rs 30 crores (excluding taxes), with cost breakdowns for each medium.
    * Proof of work and in-house expertise in media buying across all platforms.
    * Agency fee, commission, or cost per medium.
    * Discount structures for bulk buying.
    * Innovative outdoor marketing ideas.

    The deadline for participation it the EOI is 10 March 2025, while the proposal submission document too has an end date of 13 March 2025.

    With the IPL being a marketing juggernaut, this opportunity promises not just visibility but a chance to shape how millions engage with the tournament. Let the bidding begin!

  • Hexaware cracks the top Brand Finance 25 most valuable IT brands list

    Hexaware cracks the top Brand Finance 25 most valuable IT brands list

    MUMBAI: Hexaware Technologies, the IT services firm that’s been steadily climbing the tech ladder, has officially entered the Top 25 Most Valuable IT Brands globally, as recognised in the Brand Finance IT Services 25 2025 report. Not too shabby for a company that seems to have made AI its new best friend.

    With a brand value jump from USD 724 million in 2024 to USD 824 million in 2025—a healthy 14 per cent increase—Hexaware has also seen a staggering 124.5 per cent growth over the past four years. It’s leapt five places to claim the 24th spot, with its Brand Strength Index (BSI) rising from 73.4 to 76.4 and its brand rating now proudly sitting at AA+. Not bad for a year filled with geopolitical hiccups and decision-making disruptions.

    The report credits this meteoric rise to Hexaware’s financial stability and enhanced BSI, bolstered by a revamped Brand Strength Framework and solid perception scores in key markets like the US and Europe. Meanwhile, Hexaware’s commitment to branding and innovation continues to drive strong growth, proving that a little self-promotion goes a long way.

    At the heart of Hexaware’s success is its “AI-first” strategy, which has revolutionised its services and internal operations. Unlike some companies that merely talk about AI, Hexaware has taken the plunge, ensuring that a whopping 99% of its IT workforce—including the leadership—has undergone extensive AI and generative AI training. If you thought AI was coming for your job, it turns out Hexaware employees are coming for AI first.

    CEO and managing director R. Srikrishna called the ranking a testament to Hexaware’s commitment to innovation and customer value. “Our ‘AI-first’ approach hasn’t just changed our services; it has given our clients the tools to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape,” he said. “We are immensely proud and excited for the journey ahead.”

    Chief marketing officer Nidhi Alexander echoed the sentiment, adding, “Our rise in the rankings reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of our clients. We remain committed to pushing boundaries and delivering transformative value.”

    Brand Finance CEO and chairman David Haigh weighed in on the company’s success, attributing it to its relentless focus on innovation, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction. “Hexaware’s ‘AI-first’ strategy solidifies its position as a key player in the sector, using artificial intelligence to drive expansion and deliver cutting-edge solutions globally.”

  • LT Foods signs Shah Rukh Khan to endorse Daawat rice

    LT Foods signs Shah Rukh Khan to endorse Daawat rice

    MUMBAI: It’s cooked up an endorsement agreement with the badshah of Indian cinema – Shah rukh Khan. As part of this, SRK will represent its premium basmati rice brand, Daawat. Sources told indiantelevision.com that the agreement is for three years, and is valued at about Rs 35 crore. No confirmation was coming from LT Foods or SRK’s management team. 

    The marriage  is a match made in culinary heaven – one of Indian cinema’s finest actors and stars teaming up with one of the world’s finest basmati brands.

    In true superstar fashion, Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, declaring, “I’m delighted to join hands with aawat Their passion and commitment to excellence mirror my own, inspiring people to bring out their finest—be it in performances or on their plates.”

    LT Foods’ managing director & CEO Ashwani Arora, was equally effusive, calling Daawat  more than just a brand, but a purveyor of “moments of joy and togetherness.” With a flair for the theatrical, he added, “Shah Rukh Khan, being the finest global actor, embodies excellence—making him the ideal choice to represent Daawat. Together, we celebrate the art of bringing out your finest.” 

    LT Foods Ltd. is a global fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) powerhouse, specialising in high-quality rice and rice-based foods for over 70 years. With a presence in more than 80 countries, including India, the U.S., the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, LT Foods is on a mission to fill dinner tables—and stomachs—around the world.

    Its flagship brands include Daawat a staple in Indian kitchens, and Royal, North America’s best-loved basmati brand. Not content with just ruling the rice world, LT Foods is also diving into the future of food, catering to millennials with organic offerings and supplying top businesses with high-quality ingredients.

    With a revenue of around Rs. 7,822 crore as of FY’24, LT Foods has a ‘farm to fork’ approach, ensuring its rice travels in style—from well-entrenched distribution networks and automated processing units in India, the US, and Europe, to over 1,400 distributors worldwide.

     

  • Why Adani Wilmar wants to swallow Tops brand owner GD Foods

    Why Adani Wilmar wants to swallow Tops brand owner GD Foods

    MUMBAI: Packaged foods giant Adani Wilmar Limited (AWL) has developed an appetite for acquisitions, the latest one being for GD Foods Manufacturing, a privately held maker of kitchen foods and ingredients. 

    It informed the  Bombay stock exchange through a regulatory filing  today of  its plans to acquire the company which is the maker of the popular Tops  brand of sauces, pickles and other food products. It informed the bourse that  it has signed a  share purchase agreement (SPA) to acquire 80 per cent of its equity capital  at a price per share based on an enterprise valuation of Rs 603 crore. 

    The acquisition marks a significant step in AWL’s strategy to diversify its product portfolio beyond edible oils into higher-margin food categories. 

    The deal aligns perfectly with AWL’s ambition to strengthen its position in the branded foods segment. GD Foods, with its Tops brand, generated Rs 386 crore in revenue for FY24, growing at an impressive 15 per cent CAGR over the past three years. The company offers more than 80 products across eight plus categories and has established a strong presence in north and central India with over 150,000 retail touchpoints spanning 15 plus states.

    Key synergies from the acquisition include:
    * AWL will significantly enrich its offering with high gross-margin products while maintaining focus on kitchen essentials.
    * The acquisition brings another strong brand to AWL’s kitchen essentials category.
    * GD Foods adds new product categories with limited competition from national players, particularly in sauces where Tops is the No 1 brand in culinary sauces and No 3 in tomato ketchup in North India.

    AWL plans to unlock value through its robust sales and distribution network. Its  deep partnerships with modern retail channels, including quick-commerce platforms, will benefit the Tops brand. The acquisition will expand Tops’ reach into rural markets using AWL’s established infrastructure, says the latter. 

    North India, which is Tops’ core market, is also AWL’s strongest region, creating immediate synergies. AWL will leverage its pan-India presence to introduce select Tops products to new markets The combined entity aims to capitalise on AWL’s strong partnerships with organised retailers.

    AWL will initially acquire 80 per cent of shares from existing promoters, with the remaining 20 per cent  to be acquired in phases over the next three years at a pricing formula agreed upon in the SPA. The existing promoters will continue to support the business transition, and GD Foods will operate as a separate entity. The acquisition will be funded through internal accruals and IPO proceeds (if applicable), with completion targeted within 60 days, subject to customary closing conditions, said AWL.

    The deal comes as India’s packaged foods market is showing tremendous growth potential, with significant  headroom for branded products to gain market share from the unorganised sector. 

    * Edible Oils: Rs 2.0 lakh crore market with 75 per cent  branded product penetration
    * Wheat: Rs 1.5 lakh crore market with only 12 per cent branded product  penetration
    * Rice: Rs 2.1 lakh crore market with just 11 per cent  branded product penetration
    * Pulses & Besan: Rs 1.2 lakh crore market with merely 5 per cent  branded product penetration 
    * Sugar: Rs 0.6 lakh crore market with 6 per cent  branded product penetration
    * Spices: Rs 1.4 lakh crore market with 18 per cent  branded product penetration 

    For both companies, this strategic move represents an opportunity to combine complementary strengths: AWL’s manufacturing excellence, widespread distribution network and financial might paired with Tops’ strong brand equity, innovative product range and market leadership in specific categories. 

    AWL currently has impressive scale with:
    * Packaged staple foods revenue of approximately Rs 37,000 crore (as of Dec’24).
    * Household reach of 121 million
    * 2.1 million retail touchpoints
    * Edible oil division with last twelve months (LTM)  Dec’24 revenue of Rs 45,208 crore.
    * Food & FMCG division with LTM Dec’24 revenue of Rs 6,150 crore.
    * Industry essentials division with LTM Dec’24 revenue of Rs 7,369 crore.

    Tops brings several valuable assets to the table:
    * Diverse portfolio spanning sauces, condiments, meal preparation items, and cooking aids
    * Strong presence in key North Indian markets including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan

    KPMG India Corporate Finance is serving as exclusive financial advisor to AWL with PricewaterhouseCoopers Services LLP and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas conducting due diligence and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas providing legal counsel.

    AWL has demonstrated capability in scaling acquired brands. Amongst its notable successes figure the launch of Alife Soap in 2020 which crossed Rs 100 plus crore in sales within two years. The acquisition of Kohinoor in May 2022 saw it generating Rs 350 plus crore in sales within 18 months. The Hotels, Retail and Catering (HoReCa) team established in Q1 FY23 generated Rs 600 plus  crore in sales within two years. 

    With that kind of a track record, the acquisition can only be a good and taste-filled recipe for success. 
     

  • FCB India wins creative mandate for Dulcoflex

    FCB India wins creative mandate for Dulcoflex

    MUMBAI: FCB India, part of FCB Group India (IPG Group), has secured the creative mandate for Dulcoflex, a global brand in digestive health, and has been . The agency will develop integrated marketing campaigns to strengthen Dulcoflex’s position in the laxative category and increase its relevance among Indian consumers.

    The account was awarded following a multi-agency pitch and will be managed from FCB India’s Mumbai office.

    Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, India director – brand & innovation Nupur Gurbaxani said,: “Dulcoflex has been a trusted companion for millions of consumers worldwide. As we further strengthen our presence in India, we are thrilled to collaborate with FCB India, part of IPG Group. Their expertise in crafting insightful and consumer-centric campaigns aligns perfectly with our mission of making self-care as simple it should be.”

    FCB India CEO Ashima Mehra commented, “We are excited to partner with Dulcoflex, a brand synonymous with digestive wellness. Digestive health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and through our creative expertise, we aim to break barriers and spark meaningful conversations around this category.”

  • Decathlon scores big for Women’s Day with ‘Play Your Own Way’ campaign

    Decathlon scores big for Women’s Day with ‘Play Your Own Way’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Who says an athlete must fit a mould? This International Women’s Day, Decathlon is shattering stereotypes with the third edition of its Play Your Own Way campaign, a bold call for women to embrace movement on their own terms, without rules, labels, or limitations.

    The campaign delivers a powerful message saying that sport doesn’t define athletes by gender, it defines them by grit, passion, and the will to push forward. Whether sprinting, swimming, stretching, or scaling new heights, every woman who moves is an athlete, plain and simple. The centrepiece of the initiative is an inspiring film showcasing women owning their space in sport like running, lifting, and leaping without constraints, proving that the real game-changer is mindset, not muscle.

    Decathlon India CEO Sankar Chatterjee stated, “‘Play Your Own Way’ isn’t just a campaign; it’s a movement. We want every woman to feel seen, heard, and empowered in sports and beyond. Alongside this, our internal initiative HeroesofDecathlon celebrates the incredible women who lead our teams and inspire us daily.”

    Decathlon’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the campaign. The brand recently earned the prestigious EDGE Move Certification for gender equality, making it the first sports brand to achieve this milestone. With fair pay practices, equitable opportunities, and a culture that champions diversity, Decathlon continues to set the gold standard for inclusivity.

    As Play Your Own Way rolls out across platforms, the message is clear this Women’s Day, it’s time to play, move, and break the rules that never should have existed in the first place!

  • Hrithik, Farhan, Abhay say ‘Yas’ to adventure in ultimate reunion

    Hrithik, Farhan, Abhay say ‘Yas’ to adventure in ultimate reunion

    MUMBAI: Fourteen years after they won hearts with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol are back together this time, for a new kind of adventure. The much-speculated viral video featuring the trio has led to the reveal of Zindagi Ko Yas Bol, an exciting campaign for Yas Island that brings fans the closest thing to a sequel.

    The campaign, which unfolds in a five-episode series, sees the iconic trio exploring Yas Island’s most thrilling experiences. In the spirit of their original road trip film, each of them takes on a new challenge, pushing boundaries and embracing adventure with a resounding ‘Yas’. From high-speed roller coasters to jaw-dropping experiences, the series promises nostalgia, laughter, and a reminder to live life to the fullest.

    Adding to the excitement, the campaign features a brand-new jingle that encapsulates the fun and energy of Yas Island.

    Miral Destinations CEO Liam Findlay said, “This campaign is about rekindling the spirit of friendship and adventure, much like the film did years ago. Yas Island is the ultimate destination for unforgettable experiences, and we’re delighted to bring this journey to life with Hrithik, Farhan, and Abhay.”

    Filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, who co-wrote the script for the campaign, added, “It’s incredible to see how the film continues to resonate with audiences. At its core, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was about stepping out of your comfort zone, and we’re excited to celebrate that once again.”

    Fans can follow the trio’s escapades on Yas Island’s official social media channels as new episodes unlock fresh challenges and breathtaking moments. Zindagi Ko Yas Bol isn’t just a campaign—it’s an invitation to say ‘Yas’ to life’s greatest adventures!

  • Adani Ports’ new film highlights its role in enabling business growth

    Adani Ports’ new film highlights its role in enabling business growth

    MUMBAI: The Adani Group has launched its latest film, Journey of Dreams, as part of its ongoing Hum Karke Dikhate Hain series, highlighting the transformative impact of Adani Ports on businesses and communities across India.

    The narrative-driven film celebrates India’s spirit of determination, illustrating how Adani Ports enables businesses-both large and small-to thrive through seamless connectivity and world-class infrastructure. As India’s largest integrated ports and logistics company, Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ) plays a crucial role in economic growth by facilitating global trade and empowering entrepreneurs.

    The film opens with a touching scene where a young girl watches a ship sail into the horizon and asks her father, “Do ships carry big things, Papa?” To which he replies, “They carry big dreams too.” This sets the stage for an inspiring journey showcasing the global reach enabled by Adani Ports.

    The story follows a father’s aspirations as his handcrafted Namda toys—a traditional wool-felting craft from Gujarat’s Kutch region—find international markets thanks to the logistical support of Adani Ports. His journey reflects the countless small business owners across India who benefit from the company’s extensive infrastructure and global market access.

    Adani Group head of corporate branding, Ajay Kakar stated, “At Adani Ports, we do more than move goods—we create pathways for dreams. Our world-class facilities and connectivity help businesses flourish, improving millions of lives. This film beautifully showcases how our ports serve as catalysts for aspirations, turning dreams into reality.”

    The film, created by Ogilvy India, aligns with Adani’s vision of business with a human touch. Ogilvy India chief advisor, Piyush Pandey stated, “Big businesses and projects hold true significance when they positively impact communities. This campaign captures Adani Ports’ commitment to fostering growth at every level.”

    Part of the AdaniHKKDH series, Journey of Dreams will be broadcast across multiple platforms, reinforcing Adani Ports’ role in shaping India’s economic future.
     

  • M S Walia appointed COO of Capital India Finance, bringing 30 years of expertise

    M S Walia appointed COO of Capital India Finance, bringing 30 years of expertise

    MUMBAI: Capital India Finance Ltd has appointed M S Walia as its new COO, leveraging his nearly three decades of experience in the financial services sector.

    Walia, an expert in regional markets, portfolio management, and customer dynamics, is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s operations. His expertise will be key in driving efficiency, expanding market presence, and refining financial strategies to fuel Capital India Finance’s growth.

    Before this role, Walia had a distinguished career at Sammaan Capital Ltd (formerly Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd) and spent eight years at Standard Chartered Bank, among other key positions in leading financial institutions.

    His academic credentials include executive education at Insead, a certification from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, an MBA in finance from Pune University, and a graduate degree from Punjab University.  

  • Fabric weaves a stronger data future with BB Media acquisition

    Fabric weaves a stronger data future with BB Media acquisition

    MUMBAI: Fabric is stitching together an even richer data ecosystem with the acquisition of BB Media, a global data science and market research firm. This strategic move strengthens Fabric’s position as the go-to provider of connected, actionable insights for the media and entertainment industry.

    Fabric CEO Rob Delf  called the acquisition a perfect fit, “With BB Media joining the Fabric family, we are expanding our capabilities to ensure media companies have access to the most comprehensive and actionable data available.”

    BB Media CEO Tom Gennari said, “For nearly four decades, BB Media has led the charge in media intelligence. In Fabric, we have found the perfect partner to push our insights further.”

    With BB Media’s expertise in audience analytics and market intelligence, Fabric will offer deeper global insights by tracking streaming platforms, pricing models, and content availability across 200+ countries. This integration enhances Fabric’s core solutions, Fabric Origin now benefits from BB’s measurement data, helping customers optimise content distribution decisions, while Fabric Studio sees improved automation and metadata management for better content discoverability. Additionally, Fabric’s AI-powered solutions will provide smarter, real-time insights, supporting industry professionals without replacing their expertise.