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Tag: ONDC

  • Mars cosmetics names Anmol Sahai Mathur as vp marketing for brand push

    Mars cosmetics names Anmol Sahai Mathur as vp marketing for brand push

    MUMBAI: Mars is reaching for the stars in beauty. The fast-growing Indian cosmetics brand has appointed Anmol Sahai Mathur as its new vice president of marketing, signalling its intent to move from challenger to household name.

    A seasoned marketer with more than a decade of experience, Mathur has built a career at the crossroads of digital storytelling, influencer partnerships and brand strategy. He has worked with platforms such as Triller and Eloelo, and most recently led digital marketing at the open network for digital commerce (ondc).

    Speaking on his appointment, Mathur said, “Mars has always stood out with its bold, inclusive approach to beauty. I look forward to creating campaigns that mirror the spirit of our consumers and strengthen the brand’s position as a go-to choice across India.”

    Having worked with Mars before, Mathur is no stranger to the brand’s core ethos of affordability, innovation and quality. His return, according to the company, is about deepening consumer bonds and driving digital-first growth.

    Mars cosmetics, business administrator, Rishabh Sethia said, “With Anmol’s deep understanding of our brand and his digital expertise, we are confident he will lead the next phase of growth and help us connect even more meaningfully with consumers.”

    In his new role, Mathur will focus on sharpening brand identity, building out Mar’s digital presence and crafting emotionally resonant campaigns under the company’s “make-up for everyone” vision.
     

  • Waayu delivers 1,10,000 Mahakumbh prasad boxes across India

    Waayu delivers 1,10,000 Mahakumbh prasad boxes across India

    Mumbai: Waayu, India’s first 0 per cent commission food delivery platform in partnership with ONDC, has successfully delivered over 1,10,000 Mahakumbh prasad boxes and Sangam Jal orders by the conclusion of Mahakumbh 2025. This initiative allowed devotees across the country to experience the spiritual essence of the event from their homes.

    Launched on 13 January, Waayu’s campaign distributed Mahaprasad across 19,000 pin codes in India. The shuddh desi ghee besan laddoos, freshly prepared in Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Varanasi using traditional methods, met strict hygiene standards. The initiative also aligned with Mahakumbh’s sustainability goals by using eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging.

    As Mahakumbh concluded on 26 February, 40 per cent of orders came from tier-1 cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, 35 per cent from tier-3 cities including Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, and 20 per cent from tier-2 cities such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal. Approximately 23,000 boxes were delivered to travellers in Prayagraj.

    Waayu co-founder & CEO, Mandar Lande credited partnerships with major logistics providers, including delivery, blue dart, shiprocket, amazon shipping, and India post, for ensuring timely deliveries nationwide. He also highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability through plastic-free packaging.

    Waayu collaborated with ONDC and many platforms such as Paytm, Snapdeal, Bajaj Finserv, Digihaat, Mystore, and Rubaru, streamlining Mahakumbh prasad orders. ONDC’s open network enabled swift nationwide delivery within seven days, making prasad accessible to devotees regardless of their location.

    Waayu MD & co-founder, Anirudha Kotgire stated, “We are extending prasad delivery beyond Mahakumbh 2025 to build a broader spiritual commerce ecosystem. We plan to replicate this model for festivals such as Ram Navami, Krishna Janmashtami, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, regional Kumbh Melas, and Makar Sankranti.”

    Following the success of this initiative, Waayu is expanding its reach in tier-1 and tier-2 cities, offering local restaurants a cost-effective alternative through its ONDC partnership. By addressing gaps in food delivery across smaller cities, Waayu aims to establish itself as a sustainable and restaurant-friendly market competitor.

  • Zupee partners with ONDC

    Zupee partners with ONDC

    Mumbai: In its bid to promote Indian board games, Zupee, an Indian skill-based Ludo platform, has entered into an agreement with the government-backed e-commerce platform, ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) to make skill-based games from Zupee more accessible to the masses.

    Under the agreement, Zupee is registered as a seller application on the platform, with the pioneering gaming company offering its popular game of Ludo, through ONDC.

    Speaking about the partnership, Zupee founder & CEO Dilsher Singh Malhi said, “We are delighted to partner with ONDC and be listed on the platform. This collaboration strengthens our efforts to bring the joy of playing culturally relevant Indian games, responsibly, to a larger audience. We are excited to test the potential of the partnership for both Zupee and ONDC users.”

    The partnership will also help the leading game developer to build trust around online gaming amidst existing and future gamers.

    ONDC MD & CEO T Koshy said, “ONDC has been committed to delivering a range of products and services through a democratized digital commerce and a neutral ecosystem for sellers.  The integration of Zupee, one of the largest skill-based online gaming companies in India, on ONDC Network will be a critical step to strengthen the open and diverse digital marketplace. Zupee’s integration on ONDC Network will not only facilitate offering of value entertainment to larger users in India but also allow them to access a wider range of products and services at a right price from a single, unified platform.”

    In conclusion, this partnership will empower ONDC and Zupee to expand their reach, accelerate customer acquisition, and provide even greater value to their growing user base.

  • Wholsum Foods joins ONDC Network

    Wholsum Foods joins ONDC Network

    Mumbai: Wholsum Foods, the parent company of Slurrp Farm and Mille, has announced its integration into the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network. This integration marks a significant step forward in Wholsum Foods’ mission to provide nutritious, tasty, and convenient food options that cater to the needs of both children and adults across India.

    Wholsum Foods is built on the belief that wholesome eating should be a part of every family’s daily life, without compromising on taste or convenience. Slurrp Farm, a brand for children, offers a delightful range of products made from ancient grains and natural ingredients. From cereals to dosas to pancakes to noodles and pasta, Slurrp Farm ensures that parents can easily provide their little ones with meals that are both nutritious and delicious, nurturing a healthy relationship with food from a young age.

    Mille is crafted for adults who seek gourmet-style nutrition without sacrificing the convenience needed in today’s fast-paced world. Mille’s thoughtfully designed product range brings a modern twist to traditional nutrition, offering foods that are rich in flavour and packed with essential nutrients, making it easier for adults to maintain a balanced diet while savouring their meals.

    By joining the ONDC Network, Wholsum Foods is making these thoughtfully crafted products accessible to a wider audience, especially in tier two and beyond markets where the demand for healthy, convenient food options is rapidly growing. Through this network, Slurrp Farm and Mille products will be available on a variety of shopping apps, ensuring that families across India can easily discover and enjoy the benefits of delicious, nutritious eating.

    Wholsum Foods co-founders Meghana Narayan and Shauravi Malik commented on this development: “Our vision has always been to make nutritious food that everyone in the family can relish. By joining the ONDC Network, we’re able to bring our passion for tasty and healthy eating to more households, whether it’s through Slurrp Farm for children or Mille for adults. We’re excited to reach new customers across the country and make it easier for them to choose wholesome meals that fit their lifestyle.”

    As ONDC network continues to revolutionise digital commerce in India, Wholsum Foods is poised to expand its reach and strengthen its position as a leader in the health food industry. This integration will further ensure that Wholsum Foods’ products are not only accessible but also conveniently discoverable, making the path to healthier eating accessible for consumers nationwide.

    ONDC MD & CEO T Koshy said, “We are pleased to have Wholsum Foods on board the ONDC Network. As they expand their reach, we are confident that this integration will make it easier for families across India to access high-quality, nutritious food. We look forward to supporting their journey as they bring their distinctive offerings to a broader audience.”

  • Jagran New Media joins forces with ONDC Network to launch Khojle.com

    Jagran New Media joins forces with ONDC Network to launch Khojle.com

    Mumbai: Jagran New Media, the digital wing of Jagran Prakashan Ltd, together with the ONDC Network, is thrilled to announce the launch of Khojle.com, a one-stop marketplace that will transform the e-commerce landscape. This strategic move marks the first time that ONDC has joined forces with a leading Indian publisher to provide a unified user experience.

    Khojle.com aims to create an all-in-one marketplace focused on India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. It aims to enhance online shopping by integrating e-commerce opportunities into the browsing experience across Jagran New Media’s websites. With one click, users can easily access Khojle.com’s retail marketplace while reading and browsing content, exploring a wide range of consumer goods like fashion, home & kitchen, groceries, electronics, personal care and more with tailored recommendations based on preferences. Beyond convenience, Khojle.com supports the MSME sector and startup ecosystem by enabling growth with strong support from the ministry. This strategic initiative is designed to broaden market access for businesses of all sizes, setting a new benchmark in India’s e-commerce evolution.

    Jagran New Media CEO Bharat Gupta highlighted the significance of the partnership, “I am thrilled to announce the landmark partnership with ONDC network for the launch of Khojle.com, a pioneering initiative that seamlessly blends content with commerce to provide a comprehensive solution. This collaboration will revolutionize e-commerce in India, especially empowering Tier two towns and rural areas where internet usage now surpasses urban areas, thanks to ONDC DPI’s deep integration. It aims to democratize e-commerce access for ‘Naya Bharat,’ significantly boosting local MSMEs by offering unique content-to-commerce opportunities wherein we will help them with content marketing and product amplification. This move aligns perfectly with our nation’s growth towards a $5.2 trillion economy, promoting initiatives like #VocalforLocal and #OneDistrictOneProduct, paving the way for an inclusive growth environment for retailers and businesses alike. Khojle.com is designed as a holistic platform with an audience & services model that caters to our extensive user base, from accessing the latest news and information to personalized shopping experiences. This venture is a true reflection of our commitment to fostering innovation and providing user-centric solutions. My sincere appreciation goes to the Ernst & Young team, whose passion and expertise have been instrumental in bringing this visionary project to life.”

    ONDC MD & CEO T Koshy expressed his enthusiasm and said, “Working with Jagran New Media strategically aligns perfectly with our mission to expand e-commerce penetration in India, enabling population-scale inclusion of sellers of all types and sizes. The launch of Khojle.com not only opens avenues for startups but also ensures consumer access to wide choices. This initiative aligns with ONDC’s democratizing e-commerce and a collaborative environment that is propelling industry growth.”

    Khojle.com is innovatively designed to enhance Jagran New Media’s user experience by seamlessly integrating reading and shopping into a single platform, offering a unique combination of news, politics, sports content, and a diverse shopping experience. This one-stop solution is not just limited to a website but also extends to a user-friendly app, allowing users to stay informed and shop from any corner of the country with ease. This initiative represents an additional revenue stream for Jagran New Media and aligns with ONDC’s mission to broaden e-retail penetration in India. Khojle.com is more than just an e-commerce marketplace; it’s a transformative approach to content and commerce, enabling scalable and cost-effective e-commerce solutions that support scalable growth for startups.

    Visit the website to shop – https://www.khojle.com/

  • McDonald’s India – North and East join hands with ONDC to increase digital reach

    McDonald’s India – North and East join hands with ONDC to increase digital reach

    Mumbai: With the aim to delight customers with its diverse food menu on the buyer’s app, McDonald’s, India North and East joined ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) Network to enhance customer accessibility.

    The partnership signifies the brand’s efforts to reach closer to customers by penetrating additional digital platforms. The menu of McDonald’s India North and East will now be available* across ONDC buyers’ applications with exclusive ala carte and meal options.

    Speaking on the initiative, McDonald’s India – North and East MD Rajeev Ranjan said, “We are excited to announce our collaboration with the ONDC Network. This is a significant step in our journey of making the McDonald’s experience more accessible to existing and new customers. With the power of ONDC’s technologically enabled fully integrated inclusive consumer-friendly platform and our strength of high-quality great-tasting food served quickly with a smile every at time, we are committed to build a more profound and meaningful connection with our customers.

    ONDC MD and CEO T Koshy said “McDonald’s India integration with the ONDC Network marks a monumental milestone in our journey to revolutionize digital commerce across the country. This development underscores the growing acceptance and trust that established brands like McDonald’s have in ONDC’s open, inclusive, and interoperable Network. As more and more brands join us, it amplifies our commitment to empower businesses, foster healthy competition, and provide consumers with unparalleled choice and convenience.”

    By integrating with the ONDC Network, McDonald’s North and East India is well-positioned to leverage the power of technology to expand its reach and better serve customers. This collaboration enables us to partner with all buyer applications that can help transform our operational landscape and enrich the overall experience of our valued customers.

  • Domino’s now available on the ONDC network

    Domino’s now available on the ONDC network

    Mumbai: Domino’s, a food service brand, has announced that it has joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Network. With this integration, Domino’s catalogue will be seen on all apps that a consumer is shopping from across a network that is rapidly developing, while seamlessly facilitating transactions. Customers in Delhi NCR can order Domino’s Pizza via ONDC, and other cities will be live soon.

    This will enable Domino’s to expand its customer base by making its products available to buyers from all ONDC seller apps based on geographical proximity, paid promotions or through product or brand search. The move will help the brand grow its presence across the country and help achieve its mission expanding touchpoints and occasions for consumers to enjoy pizza.  

    As an adopter of the ONDC Protocol, Domino’s is proud to represent everything innovative in products and technology. The brand has already established its reputation as a market disruptor with its innovative range of products. By joining ONDC Network, Domino’s aims to create multiple consumer touchpoints through disruptive innovations.

    On this occasion, Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd CEO & MD Sameer Khetarpal said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the ONDC Network, marking a significant milestone and step forward for our brand in India. We aim to serve millions of customers who are looking to order food through the ONDC network.”

    ONDC MD & CEO T Koshy said, “Domino’s joining ONDC is a significant development with the potential to create ripple effects for the F&B category on Open Network. Their vast selection is now more accessible and represents a major expansion of choices for consumers nationwide. When a brand like Domino’s embraces the open protocols, we move closer to our vision of a truly interoperable e-commerce ecosystem that serves sellers and buyers everywhere without any filters. ONDC was conceived with the very idea of digital inclusion to benefit the entire country. We look forward to many opportunities that this integration will unlock soon.”

    India’s tech stack is growing rapidly, and initiatives like the ONDC Protocol are playing a crucial role in driving innovation and growth. Domino’s has already made a name for itself in the market with its innovative product portfolio. By coming on board ONDC Network, the brand is well-positioned to take its products to new customers across the country.
     

  • ONDC’s first brand film celebrates the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship

    ONDC’s first brand film celebrates the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship

    Mumbai: ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) is thrilled to present its debut brand film, “ONDC Network par ab har business ke liye Bharat khulega” a celebration of the boundless dreams and aspirations of Indians in the new era of digital commerce.

    The film, released ahead of Republic Day, serves as a testament to ONDC’s commitment to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and fostering the growth of existing businesses without constraints. It envisions a world where anyone with a dream can thrive, breaking free from traditional limitations and embracing limitless opportunities provided by the Open Network. The film further enhances ONDC’s commitment towards #vocalforlocal, especially supporting women entrepreneurs.

    Set against the backdrop of India’s diverse landscapes, the 145-second film weaves together a tapestry of stories featuring archetypes of sellers and showcasing the journey of individuals from various walks of life. From the local street diya seller to the artisan crafting locks in Aligarh, from the neighborhood kirana shop owner to the creator of tangy Rajasthani pickles, and from a bridal boutique proprietor to an independent cab driver – the film encapsulates the spirit of a thriving India fueled by inclusive, interoperable and unbundled nature of the Open Network.

    “ONDC is the foundation of a thriving ecosystem where both established and emerging businesses can aspire for sky-high goals and realize their entrepreneurial dreams, bound only by the limits of their imagination. By tapping into the Open Network, businesses and entrepreneurs can expand without boundaries and maximize their value creation. Our first brand film celebrates this spirit of boundless aspirations and inclusive growth,” said Shireesh Joshi, CBO, ONDC CBO Shireesh Joshi.

    With ONDC as a catalyst, the film presents a narrative of breaking barriers, fostering connections, and creating a symphony of opportunities that enable small businesses and individual entrepreneurs to transcend local boundaries and reach a nationwide and even a global audience. The film expresses this with an expression that we hope becomes a rallying cry for everyone connected with the ONDC Network now and in months to come.

     

  • The Body Shop India joins ONDC Network

    The Body Shop India joins ONDC Network

    Mumbai: The Body Shop, a British-born international ethical beauty brand on a quest for social and environmental justice, has officially joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Network through Shopalyst’s plugin. This is a significant move between ONDC and The Body Shop to add 100% VEGAN product formulations and ethically sourced Skincare, Bodycare, Haircare and Make-up to join the expansive ‘Open Network’.

    The Body Shop India, one of the largest beauty retailers since 2006 has a strong retail presence with 200 stores and reaching 15000+ pincodes via the ecommerce channels and new digital experiences.  The new ground-breaking development enables The Body Shop to showcase its catalogue across a rapidly expanding network, allowing consumers to explore and transact easily. Also, this gives an opportunity to the buyers choose from an entire selection of ethical products available through any app on the network – all within a single, unified app or website.

    The Body Shop Asia South VP – retail & operations Vishal Chaturvedi said, “We are thrilled to be one of the first international beauty and skincare brands in India to join the ONDC Network. As a brand that is always looking to innovate and disrupt the market, joining the ONDC Network is a great move for us. With ONDC Network, we can widen our reach, be easily accessible to consumers across the country, and provide them with a simply great experience at affordable prices.”

    This move is strategically aligned with The Body Shop’s vision to expand its presence across the country and make ethical, sustainable and vegan beauty products accessible to a wider audience. Furthermore, by adopting the ONDC Protocol, The Body Shop intends to create multiple consumer touchpoints, providing an enhanced and simplified shopping experience for all consumers alike.

    ONDC MD & CEO T Koshy said, “As the ONDC Network charts its course towards creating a transparent e-commerce ecosystem that champions equal opportunities for all, we are elated to have The Body Shop join the Network. This not only signifies a significant stride for The Body Shop but also sets a pioneering precedent for the beauty industry at large.”

  • Uncovering ONDC: India’s next D2C growth catalyst

    Uncovering ONDC: India’s next D2C growth catalyst

    Mumbai: The Indian e-commerce landscape is going through a monumental shift with the introduction of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

    The government of India started this initiative to build a new era of interconnected e-commerce in India – providing small and medium businesses a fair shot in the game.

    This further breaks the marketplace monopoly.

    And the results are evident. ONDC has successfully captured the spotlight, with more than 100,000 merchants spanning 273 cities and 45 diverse entities in its network, including big brands like ITC, Red Bull, and Hindustan Unilever.

    D2C brands all across the country have also embraced ONDC with open arms.

    How D2C brands leverage ONDC to expand their footprint in India

    D2C brands are often directly connected to shoppers through their own websites. This enables them to control all aspects of their business – from brand messaging and pricing to creating targeted marketing strategies.

    However, challenges are expected to arise due to the complexities of reaching the target audience, competing with big brands, logistics, and payment processing.

    SellerApp head of product design Sowmya Nagarajan said “ONDC is the way for D2C brands to reach more niche markets. At SellerApp, we ensure a smooth onboarding experience for brands onto the network, along with dedicated support to enrich their catalogue and storefront and amplify their brand presence.”  

    SellerApp, an e-commerce data analytics company, formed a strategic partnership with Google Cloud, an offering by Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Yes Bank to help MSMEs and brands onboard into the ONDC network and grow their reach in PAN-India. The company also provides market intelligence and business monitoring solutions for brands like Red Bull, True Elements, Patanjali and Bombay Shaving Company as part of their support.

    Furthermore, D2C brands can alleviate these challenges by leveraging seller applications like SellerApp, Growth Falcon, and uEngage to get unrestricted access to the ONDC network. This gives them the wide reach and flexibility they require to grow.

    Here’s how the process works:

    Connect your D2C Store: Connect your D2C store to an ONDC-enabled platform like SellerApp to ensure smooth onboarding to the network.

    Publish your product catalogue: Update your product catalogue on the ONDC network with the help of SellerApp catalogue management.

    Simplify order and payment processing: SellerApp also simplifies order and payment processing – enabling you to provide a robust customer experience to buyers.

    Monitor inventory: Monitor your inventory and get a snapshot of your inventory level with SellerApp to prevent last-minute stockouts.

    ONDC Benefits for D2C Brands

    ONDC brings countless benefits to D2C brands growing their e-commerce footprint in India.

    Uncover opportunities in tier two & three cities

    ONDC breaks urban barriers, connecting D2C brands with eager consumers in smaller cities and addressing logistical hurdles.

    Escape marketplace monopoly

    ONDC helps D2C brands break free from predatory pricing, biased algorithms, data limitations, and logistical challenges and levels the playing field for brands of all shapes and sizes.

    Expedite product launches

    ONDC enables D2C brands to launch new products, test the market and gather feedback rapidly. It allows them to improve the products before scaling up.

    Enables mobile commerce

    ONDC integrates with diverse mobile apps, like messaging, social media, gaming apps, etc., widening the reach for D2C brands in the Indian market.

    Navigating the challenges of ONDC for D2C brand

    While ONDC presents a golden opportunity for D2C brands to expand their e-commerce ventures in India, it’s not free from challenges.

    Intense competition

    The accessibility of the ONDC network escalates competition among D2C brands and e-commerce players.

    Brands must create distinct value propositions, focus on quality and provide outstanding customer experiences to stand out.

    Compliance adherence

    ONDC requires brands to comply with certain government regulations, which can hinder growth opportunities.

    Brands need to proactively ensure all compliances are met to protect customer trust and maintain ethical business practices.

    Cybersecurity vulnerabilities

    ONDC exposes brands to cybersecurity risks like hacking, phishing, malware and fraud, requiring an extra layer of security measures to safeguard customer data.

    Looking ahead

    The Government of India’s ONDC initiative is set to revolutionise the e-commerce landscape in India, providing SMBs and D2C brands access to a more inclusive market. However, some challenges exist regarding implementation and adoption.

    D2C brands must weigh the opportunities and risks of joining the ONDC network and make smart decisions to set the stage for their future growth in India.