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Tag: Pepsi

  • Soaps to sodas, GST clean sweep gives FMCG a bubbly new outlook

    Soaps to sodas, GST clean sweep gives FMCG a bubbly new outlook

    MUMBAI: The FMCG aisle just got a tax wash, and shoppers may finally come out smelling of roses. With the government’s GST 2.0 reform collapsing the maze of 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent slabs into a neat trio of 5 per cent, 18 per cent and a frothy 40 per cent, the everyday essentials that power India’s consumption story have been given a welcome scrub.

    Soap, toothpaste, shampoos, toothbrushes and shaving cream once languishing at 18 per cent now gleam under the 5 per cent bracket, a move that analysts say could spark a volume surge of 8–12 per cent in FMCG sales in Q4 2025. For households tightening belts, and for rural India where every rupee pinches, that’s a tax break with real bite.

    Food has also found its sweet spot. Ghee, nuts, bottled water, namkeen and dairy staples have been moved to 5 per cent, with paneer and UHT milk made entirely GST-free. The dairy sector alone is expected to lap up a Rs 11,400 crore boost, with giants like Amul and Britannia licking their lips. Even indulgences like ice-cream and butter now come with a lighter 5 per cent tag.

    It isn’t just the kitchen basket that’s cheering. Tractors, pumps and fertilisers all at 5 per cent promise lower farm costs and higher rural income, feeding directly into FMCG consumption. Add cheaper packaging materials, and margins for companies like HUL, Dabur and Marico may fatten by 100–150 basis points.

    But it isn’t all sugar and spice. Premium and discretionary products still find themselves in the bitter bracket. Aerated drinks, colas, energy beverages and luxury chocolates continue to fizz under 18 per cent or the punishing 40 per cent sin rate, leaving players like Coca-cola and Pepsi nursing flat outlooks. The GST Council may have thrown a party for soaps and shampoos, but sodas are still paying for the hangover.

    On the compliance front, the industry is racing to reprint price tags and rejig invoices before the 22 September 2025 roll-out, with old stock adjustments threatening short-term headaches for distributors. Yet, with GST audits now mandatory only above Rs 10 crore turnover, smaller FMCG outfits can breathe easier.

    The broader script is clear: this reset is pro-rural, pro-consumption and pro-MSME, even if it means the exchequer takes a knock – with the Global Trade Research Initiative warning of a Rs 10,664 crore revenue shortfall from import-linked IGST alone.

    Still, for an industry fuelled by volume, the GST reboot couldn’t have been better timed. As festive season shelves stack up, FMCG finds itself freshly polished, priced to move, and perfectly poised to turn tax relief into a consumption carnival.

  • Theblurr brings on Sainath Saraban as co-founder and chief creative officer

    Theblurr brings on Sainath Saraban as co-founder and chief creative officer

    MUMBAI: Theblurr has announced the appointment of Sainath Saraban as co-founder and CCO. With a legacy of bold storytelling and a globally attuned creative lens, Sainath will lead Theblurr’s creative vision across markets, helping brands cut through noise with ideas rooted in insight, craft, and outcomes.

    Sai brings over two decades of creative leadership, having worked across India, the USA, LATAM, S.E. Asia, Europe, and Africa. His portfolio spans some of the world’s most respected brands including Pepsi, Bacardi, Coca-Cola, Nike, Levi’s, Amazon, Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard with standout work like the iconic ‘Aaj kuch Toofani karte hai’ campaign for Thums Up.

    From his early days at JWT and McCann to becoming National Creative Director at Leo Burnett India, and later founding Simple Creative Inc. and Studio Simple in the U.S., Sai has continuously bridged cultural nuance with big-brand storytelling. His work as a Global Creative Director with Hewlett-Packard demonstrates that great ideas can travel globally while staying locally relevant.

    “Sai is not just a creative leader—he’s a global storyteller who speaks the language of culture, technology, and human truth,” said Theblurr co-founder & CEO Shamsuddin Jasani. “At Theblurr, where we combine AI with human intelligence, he will be key in driving creative excellence with speed and purpose.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Sai said, “Theblurr is the kind of agency I’ve always wanted to build a creative playground fueled by technology and purpose. From campaign thinking to platform storytelling, I’m excited to create work that is culturally alive, globally scalable, and commercially impactful.”

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  • Shoumyan Biswas takes the global marketing wheel at Practo

    Shoumyan Biswas takes the global marketing wheel at Practo

    MUMBAI: Shoumyan Biswas, one of India’s most pedigreed marketing minds, has just hung his boots at Tata Digital and laced up for his next sprint—as the global chief marketing and strategy officer at Practo. The move puts him squarely in the driver’s seat of the healthtech player’s next growth phase.

    Biswas, known for launching Flipkart Plus, scaling Big Billion Days, and making loyalty glamorous  again, isn’t your average CMO. He’s also held P&L roles, built brands from scratch, and juggled strategy, product, and people mandates across unicorns and FMCG giants alike.

    From starting out at Pepsi to orchestrating multi-million dollar brand lifts at Hindustan Unilever, scaling kitchen empires at Rebel Foods, advising ICICI Lombard’s board, and leading loyalty and growth at Flipkart and Tata, the man’s résumé reads like a marketer’s bucket list.

    At Tata Digital, he wore three hats—CMO, business head, and chief of group loyalty. Now, at Practo, he’s sharpening his scalpel to carve out new-age healthcare narratives, with a dose of data and digital sorcery.
    With over two decades of shaping brands and boosting bottom lines, this boardroom giant is now gunning for a healthier, wealthier Practo.

     Watch this space—Biswas rarely misses a prescription for impact.

  • Mother Dairy creams off victory in cola campaign clash

    Mother Dairy creams off victory in cola campaign clash

    MUMBAI: As Pepsi and Coca-Cola reignite their decades-long fizzy feud ahead of the the IPL 2025 and the coming blazing summer, dairy giant Mother Dairy has quietly churned up a storm by pouring itself into the beverage battle with an utterly brilliant repartee campaign.

    The latest skirmish began when Coca-Cola launched its nostalgic “Half Time, Coke Time” campaign, encouraging cricket fans to reach for the red can during match intervals. Pepsi quickly fizzed back, rebranding the Times of India as the Any Times of India with its “Anytime is Pepsi Time” response – a strategic play reminiscent of their legendary 1996 “Nothing Official About It” campaign that outflanked Coca-Cola’s official World Cup sponsorship.

    Pepsi’s effervescent retort listed life’s precious moments – “first time, thirst time, play time, crunch time, winner time, we time, me time” – suggesting their blue brand transcends scheduled refreshment, sparking a social media frenzy with fans bubbling over about the clever wordplay.

    Just as the carbonated competitors were locked in their temporal tussle over “half time” versus “anytime,” Mother Dairy skimmed past the conflict with a masterful third-way strategy, unveiling its “Not Just a Drink, but a Lifetime Companion” advertisement. The dairy disruptor effectively curdled both rivals’ messaging by positioning milk as the true timeless beverage.

    “Coke claimed half time, Pepsi countered with anytime, but Mother Dairy has completely changed the game with lifetime,” notes a marketing analyst. “It’s like watching two soda brands argue over when you should drink them, while Mother Dairy calmly points out what you should be drinking all along.”

    Industry experts suggest this calcium-rich counterpunch represents perfect timing from Mother Dairy, which has milked the opportunity to remind health-conscious consumers there’s a nutritionally superior alternative.
    “This isn’t just about stealing attention; it’s about changing the conversation entirely,” explains a  consumer behavior specialist. “While the cola giants debate between ‘half time’ and ‘anytime,’ Mother Dairy has moved the goalposts to ‘lifetime’—effectively highlighting that their product doesn’t just refresh momentarily but nourishes permanently.”

    In this high-stakes game of marketing chess, Mother Dairy appears to have made a strategic moo-ve that has left the cola kings decidedly cheesed off and scrambling to respond to this unexpected dairy disruption in India’s competitive beverage market.

  • PepsiCo’s India ambitions: fizzing with growth potential

    PepsiCo’s India ambitions: fizzing with growth potential

    MUMBAI: In the sweltering heat of India’s bustling metropolises, where street vendors hawk their wares amid a cacophony of honking horns and animated chatter, PepsiCo has spotted an oasis of opportunity. The beverage and snack behemoth aims to double its revenue in this vibrant South Asian nation over the next five years, viewing India as a critical “key anchor market” where it’s pouring investments like a perfectly fizzy drink into a chilled glass.

    PepsiCo India & South Asia CEO Jagrut Kotecha,  with eyes sparkling like carbonated bubbles rising to the surface, revealed that India will serve as the “engine of growth” for PepsiCo’s global revenue ambitions. Standing tall among the company’s top three markets globally, India’s performance has been anything but flat, serving up double-digit growth that’s as refreshing as a cold sip on a blistering summer day.

    Lays“We believe India will be the engine of growth for PepsiCo to drive the top line,” Kotecha explained, gesturing expressively during an exclusive interview with PTI. “Our per capita consumption in India is still very low, not only for beverages and food, but we would expect one of PepsiCo’s fastest-growing economies to change that,” he added, his optimism as effervescent as a freshly opened bottle of cola.

    The company hasn’t been crisping about when it comes to investments. PepsiCo has already established greenfield plants in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where golden wheat fields stretch to the horizon, and is preparing to pop open a new facility in Assam, nestled among lush tea plantations in India’s verdant northeast, by year’s end.

    “We are not going to be investment shy,” Kotecha declared, with the confidence of someone holding the winning hand in a high-stakes game. “We’re going to be investing forward to drive that growth because it’s there for us to capture.”
     

    Pepsi Beverages

    The numbers tell a tasty tale: PepsiCo has poured close to Rs 3,500-4,000 crore into the Indian market over the past three years—an investment as substantial as a fully loaded potato crisp.

    The American giant has crafted a strategy as carefully layered as a perfectly constructed sandwich. It has divided the kaleidoscopic Indian market into nine distinct clusters based on taste preferences, demonstrating an understanding that India’s palate is as diverse as its colourful festivals and traditions.

    PepsiCo operates through instantly recognisable brands that have become as familiar to Indians as the sight of cricket matches in neighbourhood parks—Kurkure with its distinctive crunch, Lay’s with its perfect crisp, thoughtful Quaker, and zesty Doritos dominate its food segment, which contributed a hearty 80 per cent to PepsiCo India’s revenue in 2023.

    The remaining 20 per cent bubbled up from beverages, a segment handled by bottling partner Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL), which operates a network of 41 plants scattered across the country like stars in the night sky. VBL isn’t sipping slowly either—they’ve increased capacity by a quarter this year alone.

    Kurkure

    Its beverages brand include carbonated fare such as  Mountain Dew, 7up, Pepsi, and energy drink Sting and sports beverages Gatorade, while in juices it has Tropicana and Slice brands .PepsiCo operates with Kurkure, Lays, Quaker and Doritos in the snacks category. 

    When questioned about new competitor Reliance’s Campa Cola, which has been creating ripples in the market with aggressive pricing and distributor margins, Kotecha maintained the composed demeanour of a drink that hasn’t lost its fizz.

    “It’s always good to have competition. Competition only helps to grow the category,” he remarked with the wisdom of a seasoned market player. “Even before Pepsi and Coke were there, there were a lot of local, regional players. Now Campa has also come with a lot of flair and expense. So our belief is the category will then grow and consumption will grow.”

    This optimistic outlook comes even as India’s per capita consumption remains “far less” than neighbouring Pakistan—a fact that doesn’t seem to dilute Kotecha’s enthusiasm.

    The vision for PepsiCo India is as clear as a glass of Mountain Dew: to achieve $2 billion (around Rs 17,000 crore) in revenue in the coming years. Having reported over Rs 5,950 crore in 2023 (for nine months due to a change in fiscal year), and maintaining double-digit growth since then, PepsiCo appears to be on a trajectory as steady as a perfectly balanced can of soda.

    As the sun sets over the vast Indian landscape, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, PepsiCo continues to bet big on a country where every street corner could potentially house a new consumer ready to reach for a cold drink or a packet of crisps. In this land of a billion dreams, PepsiCo is hoping its growth story will be nothing short of effervescent.

  • Sabu Jose appointed creative director at Identical Brains

    Sabu Jose appointed creative director at Identical Brains

    Mumbai: Post facility Identical Brains has announced the appointment of Sabu Jose as creative director, a strategic move aimed at strengthening the company’s post-production services for feature films, OTT, and advertising content. He will also play a key role in advancing its renowned visual effects division.

    With over two decades of experience in the film and advertising sectors, Jose has an extensive portfolio featuring collaborations with leading brands such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Tata Motors, Airtel, Lakmé, and Garnier. His career includes leadership roles at prestigious studios, including Famous Studios, Prime Focus Ltd, Studio Mirage, and VC Studiioz.

    In his new role, Jose will oversee creative direction, digital content creation, and post-production consulting. Identical Brains is set to expand its DI colour grading services using advanced technologies like Baselight and Resolve, alongside bolstering audio post-production capabilities with Dolby Atmos and 5.1 mixing for immersive sound experiences.

    Previously, Jose served as COO and creative head at VC Studiioz, where he led post-production and brand services. He also founded ClearFX in 2024, offering visual design and filmmaking consultancy. His journey began as a 3D animator at Crest Communication, later progressing to roles as a senior editor and VFX artist at Famous Studios and Prime Focus.

  • Apeksha Harihar joins HCL Tech as organisation change management & communications manager

    Apeksha Harihar joins HCL Tech as organisation change management & communications manager

    MUMBAI:  She’s young,  she’s smart and she’s made a mark in the digital world. Digital marketing and communication specialist Apeksha Harihar has taken on a new role as organisation change management & communications manager at HCL Tech. 

    With over six years of experience in digital content creation and marketing, Apeksha brings a wealth of expertise to the position, including skills in change management, stakeholder analysis, and strategic communications.

    Apeksha, a graduate of Jai Hind College with a bachelor’s degree in mass media (journalism), has an impressive career trajectory. She served as the editor of Social Samosa, India’s leading online social media marketing publication, and has spearheaded digital strategies for prominent brands like Pepsi, HDFC, and Nestlé. Her portfolio includes roles in social media marketing, website transformation, and digital project management in India and Germany.

    In her new role at HCL Tech, Apeksha will lead change management initiatives, craft communication strategies, and align program activities to drive organisational transformation. Her recent experiences include sales and CRM at Tebubio and website migration projects with Media Kanzlei.

  • Jubilant FoodWorks signs MoU with Coca-Cola India for its sparkling beverages

    Jubilant FoodWorks signs MoU with Coca-Cola India for its sparkling beverages

    MUMBAI: Just a couple of  weeks after the Jubilant Bhartia group said that it would be taking a 40 per cent stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (the parent company of the largest Coca-Cola bottler in India),  it announced that its offshoot Jubilant Foodworks Ltd (JFL)  has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Coca-Cola India to procure its  sparkling beverages for its fast-food outlets.

    JFL  operates five brands – three of them are under master franchise  agreements from three global players —Domino’s, Popeyes, and Dunkin’—and two are proprietary brands Hong’s Kitchen, an Indo-Chinese QSR  brand in India and a café brand Coffy in Turkey. The group has 3,130 outlets in six markets including India, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan and Georgia with India accounting for 2,199 of them as of 30 September.

    Until now, Coke rival PepsiCo was the beverage partner of Domino’s in India following  an agreement in 2018. As part of that, PepsiCo’s  carbonated beverages such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, and Mirinda along with Lipton Ice Tea are served to customers. India is the largest market outside of the US for Dominos. 

    The Coca-Cola Co India’s brands include Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Minute Maid, Maaza, SmartWater, Kinley, Limca, and Fanta.

    JFL made a regulatory filing with the Bombay stock exchange informing it of the MoU on 26 December. It further stated that “MoU between Coca-Cola India and JFL contains the principal terms and conditions for purchase of a portfolio of sparkling beverage products and certain other products from The Coca-Cola Co authorised bottlers and for conducting marketing activities (which will be undertaken in the usual/ordinary course) for the said products, as defined in the MoU in relation to various brands of JFL (franchised/owned brands) and products purchased by JFL from The Coca-Cola Co authorised bottlers. A master agreement will be executed between the parties based on the principal terms and conditions mentioned in the MoU on 1 April 2025.  After execution of the master agreement, The Coca-Cola Company authorized bottlers will become suppliers of sparkling beverages and other products as set out in the MoU to JFL. The arrangement will help JFL enhance its consumer offerings.”

  • Collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA Euro holds immense significance for the Indian market: Rajesh Kaul

    Collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA Euro holds immense significance for the Indian market: Rajesh Kaul

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network has geared up to elevate the sports broadcasting experience in India with its role as the official broadcaster partner for the ongoing UEFA European Championship (Euros). For Sony Sports Network, this partnership represents more than just airing matches—it’s about delivering premium football content that resonates deeply with Indian audiences.

    The network’s strategy includes enhancing the viewing experience with cutting-edge features such as high-definition broadcasts, multilingual commentary options, and interactive elements, ensuring every fan can enjoy the games to the fullest.

    Beyond technical enhancements, Sony Sports Network is focused on fostering a vibrant community of football enthusiasts in India. By engaging directly with fans and creating compelling content around the Euros, the network aims to deepen connections and cultivate long-lasting viewer loyalty.

    The growing popularity of European football in India is undeniable, with an increasing fan base eagerly following international tournaments like the Euros. This trend reflects a broader shift in sports preferences among Indian audiences, presenting Sony Sports Network with opportunities to expand its influence in the sports broadcasting landscape.

    Indiantelevision.com caught with SPNI’s Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul.

    Edited excerpts

    On the significance of Sony Sports Network being the official broadcasting partner for the Euros in India

    The collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA Euro holds immense significance for the Indian market, as Indian audiences now have access to top-tier European club football.  Once we included regional language commentary in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Bengali it greatly enhanced viewership. The viewership impressions for UEFA EURO 2020 were more than triple those of the previous edition, reflecting the growing interest in international football in India.

    Moreover, the involvement of prestigious brands such as State Bank of India, Honda Motorcycles, Pepsi, and Yamaha among others, in addition to the ones we are in the process of onboarding, further amplifies the event’s appeal and commercial viability in the Indian market.

    Additionally, Sony Sports Network’s effective marketing strategies, like the appointment of Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan as the brand ambassador for football, aim to engage a younger, more affluent audience, expanding the sport’s reach beyond traditional markets like Northeast India, Goa, Kerala, and West Bengal. The integration of digital platforms like SonyLIV ensures that matches are accessible both on television and online, catering to the evolving consumption habits of modern viewers who prefer streaming content. Overall, the collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA underscores the network’s commitment to enhancing the football viewing experience in India and fostering the sport’s growth by making it more accessible and engaging for a diverse audience.

    On Sony Sports Network enhancing the viewing experience through high-definition broadcasts, multilingual commentary, and interactive features.

    Sony Sports Network is dedicated to enhancing the viewing experience for football fans through a combination of high-definition broadcasts, multilingual commentary, interactive features, and expert analysis. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Sony Sports Network ensures that all matches are broadcast in high-definition, providing viewers with a more immersive and engaging experience that captures every detail of the action on the pitch.

    In addition to high-definition broadcasts, Sony Sports Network has significantly expanded its multilingual commentary offerings. Recognizing the diverse linguistic landscape of India, the network provides commentary in multiple regional languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali. This approach not only makes the content accessible to a broader audience but also enhances viewer connection and engagement by delivering the game in their preferred language.

    To further bring fans closer to UEFA Euro 2024, Sony Sports Network has assembled a robust group of expert panellists. This distinguished lineup includes former France captain Patrice Evra, former India captains Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, former India forward Robin Singh, India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and former international stars David James, Don Hutchison, Terry Phelan, Ashley Westwood, and Mark Seagraves. The in-depth analysis provided by these experts on the Football Extraaa show during the tournament will significantly bolster the viewing experience, offering fans valuable insights and perspectives.

    On the inspiration of “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign

    The “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign was inspired by our desire to celebrate the grand scale and universal appeal of UEFA Euro 2024 in a way that resonates deeply with Indian football fans. Football is growing rapidly in India, and we wanted to create a campaign that captures the excitement, passion, and festivity associated with this major tournament. Our goal was to not only highlight the tournament’s importance but also to engage a wider audience and bring the vibrant football community in India together in anticipation of the event.

    Kartik Aaryan was a natural choice as the brand ambassador for this campaign. His immense popularity, charismatic personality, and genuine love for sports make him an ideal figure to connect with our target audience. Kartik’s appeal spans across different age groups and regions, making him the perfect spokesperson to convey the excitement of UEFA Euro 2024.

    In the campaign, Kartik dons the avatar of an alien to symbolize the universal appeal and excitement surrounding the event, emphasizing that UEFA Euro 2024 is not just a football tournament but a global festival that transcends boundaries. His involvement adds a touch of entertainment and relatability, ensuring the campaign resonates with fans across the country.

    On sharing more details about the marketing strategy behind this campaign

    “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign aimed to maximize engagement, reach, and excitement for UEFA Euro 2024 among Indian football fans. Our strategy focused on tapping into various media channels, to create a ubiquitous presence, ensuring that the campaign reaches fans wherever they are. Recognizing India’s linguistic diversity, we are providing content in multiple regional languages, including advertisements, commentary, and interactive content in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali, to resonate with a broader audience and make them feel included in the excitement.

    Kartik Aaryan’s involvement as the brand ambassador is a crucial component of our strategy. His popularity and wide appeal make him an effective bridge to connect with our target demographic. Kartik posted the campaign look and video on his official X and Instagram accounts, which garnered over 127K engagements, highlighting the campaign’s wide reach and his influential presence. His portrayal of an alien in the campaign symbolizes the universal allure of UEFA Euro 2024, adding a fun and relatable element to the promotion. We have created a variety of engaging content, including new-look graphics, teaser videos, and campaign film, all designed to build anticipation and encourage fan participation.

    We are also partnering with famous sports personalities to amplify the campaign’s reach, and create maximum buzz and engagement for UEFA Euro 2024, making it a grand celebration of football that resonates with fans across India.

    On integration of original content and programming around UEFA EURO 2024 to keep the audience engaged beyond the live matches

    With football being one of the most followed sports globally and rapidly growing in India, we’re committed to providing an immersive experience that goes beyond just the live matches. For UEFA EURO 2024, we’re ramping up our efforts to keep fans engaged beyond the live matches. We understand that football is not just about the games; it’s about the analysis, and discussions surrounding them.

    The addition of football legend Patrice Evra to our esteemed panel for UEFA EURO 2024 will enrich the viewing experience for our audience. Alongside former India captains Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, former India forward Robin Singh, India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and former international stars David James, Don Hutchison, Terry Phelan, Ashley Westwood and Mark Seagraves will provide in-depth analysis and insights, keeping fans engaged before, during, and after the matches.

    On the key areas of growth SPNI is focusing on within sports broadcasting, particularly in relation to football

    At Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), we are dedicated to enhance the sports broadcasting experience, particularly in football. Recently, we renewed our UEFA Club competition rights for the next four years, which includes broadcasting rights of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Europa Conference League. Additionally, we have the rights of the 2028 edition of the UEFA European Championship (EURO 2028), as well as the Bundesliga, the Russian Premier League (RSL), and the UEFA Nations League.

    Our commitment to football broadcasting goes beyond securing rights. We are the pioneers in providing language feeds for football, ensuring that fans can enjoy the game in their preferred languages. “Football Extra” on Sony Sports Network has set a benchmark in football programming with its in-depth analysis and engaging content.

    We are continuously exploring new ways to enhance the viewing experience. Our goal is to bring fans closer to the action and make football more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

    On your personal excitement about UEFA EURO 2024 and Sony Sports Network’s role in bringing it to viewers

    Football happens to be one of the most followed sports in the world and is also growing by leaps and bounds in India. For instance, how the EURO 2020 broadcast on Sony Sports Network captivated audiences across India with 61 million viewers tuning in to witness the thrilling matches. This demonstrates the immense affinity Indian audiences have for international football competitions. We understand the significance of this event for football enthusiasts in India and are committed to delivering an unmatched viewing experience.

    We aim to provide viewers with an unforgettable experience to witness some of the world’s finest footballing talents competing on the grandest stage. It’s not just about the matches; it’s about the shared passion and joy that football brings to millions.

    On the biggest challenges in sports broadcasting over the next few years

    As a sports broadcaster, we haven’t faced any challenges in the industry, especially with major events like UEFA EURO 2024, but one particular challenge that stands out, particularly in India is cricket’s dominant viewership. Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Indian sports fans, and its overwhelming popularity can sometimes overshadow other sports events.

    However, at Sony Sports, we view this challenge as an opportunity to diversify and expand our offerings. We understand the importance of providing a multisport channel that caters to the diverse interests of Indian sports enthusiasts. By offering a wide variety of sports, including football, tennis, WWE, and more, we aim to appeal to a broader audience and elevate the profile of non-cricket sports in India.

    Through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and engaging content, we are committed to promoting a culture of sports beyond cricket.