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Tag: PepsiCo India

  • Siddharth Suri returns to Moët Hennessy India as managing director

    Siddharth Suri returns to Moët Hennessy India as managing director

    MUMBAI: The champagne is flowing again. Siddharth Suri has been appointed managing director of Moët Hennessy India, marking a homecoming to the LVMH-owned spirits house where he previously spent over five years. Most recently business head for away-from-home, restaurant and travel retail at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Suri brings extensive leadership credentials from across the luxury and fast-moving consumer goods sectors.

    His career spans more than 20 years in sales, marketing and business development. At Diageo India, where he worked for four years until early 2024, he served as national head of strategic key accounts and country lead for Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific emerging markets, driving international sales from Dubai.

    Suri’s earlier tenure at Moët Hennessy included roles as sales director for India travel retail and domestic markets, overseeing operations across India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. He also held senior positions at Pernod Ricard India, including head of region operations and head of sales operations in New Delhi, and at PepsiCo India, where he rose to general manager for market development in Mumbai and zonal sales head for Maharashtra and Goa.

    A graduate of the International Management Institute with a postgraduate diploma in sales, distribution and marketing operations, Suri has built a reputation for transforming and scaling businesses across India and emerging markets.

  • EGF levels up comms game with Gaurav Shangari as policy outreach lead

    EGF levels up comms game with Gaurav Shangari as policy outreach lead

    MUMBAI: In India’s fast-evolving gaming arena, the E-Gaming Federation (EGF) has just played a power move appointing Gaurav Shangari as its new director of policy Communication & Outreach. A seasoned communications strategist with over 15 years’ experience, Shangari steps into the role to spearhead EGF’s policy messaging, media relations, and ecosystem outreach at a time when the online skill gaming industry is battling regulatory headwinds while chasing explosive growth.

    Previously a Avian We group business director at Shangari led ESG, sustainability, and policy communication for big names like Pepsico India, Wadhwani Foundation, Godrej Enterprises group, and The Convergence Foundation.

    “With Gaurav, we’re strengthening our ability to shape a forward-looking narrative for gaming and engage more deeply with policymakers, media, and civil society,” said EGF CEO Anuraag Saxena. “His track record in driving impactful campaigns will be pivotal in advancing our mission of integrity and innovation in gaming.”

    For Shangari, this is more than a corporate posting, it’s personal. “This is a landmark era for India’s gaming landscape,” he said. “As both a gamer and a communications practitioner, I look forward to shaping gaming’s role as a driver of India’s digital economy, powered by creativity and skill.”

    Backed by Shangari’s storytelling playbook, EGF is doubling down on its quest to create a safe, trusted, and well-regulated online gaming ecosystem. And if the industry is gearing up for its next big leap, the Federation clearly wants the narrative to sound as sharp as the gameplay.
     

  • Mahesh Shetty: the unassuming low profile deal maker at JioStar Entertainment

    Mahesh Shetty: the unassuming low profile deal maker at JioStar Entertainment

    MUMBAI: In a media industry obsessed with the limelight, Mahesh Shetty remains an anomaly. No splashy interviews, no endless conference panels, no constant social media updates. Instead, a man who lets numbers and results do the talking. Now, as he takes charge of revenue at JioStar Entertainment, succeeding Ajit Varghese who departs for Madison, Shetty is poised to script the next big chapter of his career.

    For industry insiders, this move feels less like a surprise and more like a natural progression. Over nearly three decades, Shetty has quietly built a résumé that stretches across the most competitive corners of Indian business: FMCG, radio, broadcast television, live events, and OTT streaming. Each stint has added another layer to his arsenal, sharpening a leadership style best described as calm, precise, and relentlessly focused on outcomes.

    When Shetty joined Viacom18 in April 2019, he was already regarded as a heavy hitter in sales and monetisation. Over the next five years, he transformed revenue operations, straddling linear television, Jiocinema, Viacom18 Live, and the Consumer Products and Licensing divisions. But it was the December 2024 merger with Disney Star that truly tested his mettle.

    Handed responsibility for a formidable empire of 90‑plus TV channels and JioHotstar, Shetty got to work without fanfare. While the spotlight stayed firmly on content deals and boardroom machinations, he was busy engineering the rise of the Large Client Sales (LCS) portfolio. Under his watch, LCS swelled until it accounted for over 80 per cent of JioStar’s entertainment revenues, an achievement industry peers describe as “quietly spectacular.”

    Unlike many of his contemporaries, Shetty has never been a fixture on the media circuit. A quick Youtube search throws up barely two interviews in decades of leadership. For him, visibility isn’t the goal revenue is. Colleagues often describe his style as understated but laser‑focused: the kind of leader who invests in people and processes rather than profiles.

    And yet, in boardrooms and client meetings, his presence is anything but muted. Those who have negotiated with him speak of a professional who can combine charm with steely precision, moving effortlessly from big‑picture strategy to the finest of details.

    At JioStar Entertainment, Shetty now steps into the role at a pivotal moment. He continues to oversee LCS while expanding his remit to drive topline performance across verticals. Reporting directly to him are trusted lieutenants Anuradha Mathu Agrawal, Srijith Jagdish, Shubhra Sethi, and Kingshuk Mitra. The wider reporting structure remains unchanged, a signal of stability even amidst transition.

    But the challenges ahead are anything but routine. India’s entertainment market is in flux, with digital consumption soaring, advertisers demanding sharper ROI, and post‑cookie targeting reshaping the playbook. JioStar itself is betting aggressively on original content, hybrid monetisation models, and cutting‑edge audience intelligence. For Shetty, this means crafting not just a revenue plan but a reinvention of value creation in India’s content economy.

    Part of what makes Shetty uniquely suited to the task is the breadth of his experience. Before Viacom18, he spent 12 years with Radio Mirchi, rising to the role of COO, where he built some of radio’s most successful monetisation strategies. Before that, he logged more than a decade at Pepsico India, beginning as an assistant marketing manager in 1995 after earning his B.Com and MBA in Marketing. There, he cut his teeth in senior sales and marketing roles heading marketing for Gujarat, and later serving as GM for National On‑Premise Sales.

    This mix of FMCG discipline, radio agility, broadcast heft, and OTT dynamism has forged a leader uniquely comfortable navigating JioStar’s complex entertainment revenue landscape. From regional advertisers looking to tap India’s heartland, to global partnerships eyeing scale and reach, Shetty has seen and sold it all.

    For JioStar, the stakes could not be higher. With platforms like JioHotstar pushing for scale and viewership habits fragmenting across screens, Shetty’s challenge will be to stay ahead of the curve: innovating in ad formats, deepening client relationships, and ensuring measurement keeps pace with expectations of accountability.

    If the past is any indication, he won’t be chasing headlines or soundbites while doing it. But in boardrooms and balance sheets, his impact will be impossible to ignore.

    For now, all eyes are on Mahesh Shetty not because he craves the spotlight, but because he knows exactly how to deliver when it matters most.

  • Kurkure® inks partnership with Ching’s Secret for the ultimate snack fusion

    Kurkure® inks partnership with Ching’s Secret for the ultimate snack fusion

    MUMBAI: When two iconic brands join forces, you get a snack so bold and spicy, it might just ignite your taste buds!

    Kurkure®, India’s favourite crunchy snack, has partnered with Ching’s Secret, the trailblazer of desi Chinese flavours, to launch the flavour we never knew we needed- ‘Schezwan Chutney Kurkure®’. This new variant fuses Kurkure®’s classic Masala Munch with the fiery zing of Ching’s Schezwan Chutney, creating a snack designed to revolutionise your chai breaks and binge sessions.

    Indian-Chinese cuisine has a loyal fan base, much like Kurkure® and Ching’s Secret. This collaboration is a celebration of everything we love—chatpata masalas, spicy kicks, and an oh-so-addictive crunch. Whether you’re team Kurkure® or team Ching’s, this snack is sure to win your heart.

    Available in Rs 5, Rs 10, and Rs 20 packs, it promises to bring big flavour without burning a hole in your pocket. Perfect for sharing, snacking solo, or adding a fiery twist to your Netflix binges.

    PepsiCo India marketing director for Kurkure® & Doritos, Aastha Bhasin shared, “PepsiCo India is excited to partner with Tata Consumer Products’ Ching’s Secret for this milestone collaboration. Kurkure®️ has always led the way in introducing trendsetting innovations within the snacking category, and this partnership underscores our commitment to delivering flavours that truly connect with evolving consumer preferences. Together, this collaboration brings two well-loved brands to celebrate a snacking innovation that blends flavours enjoyed by consumers across India.”

    Adding to the excitement, Tata Consumer Products president – packaged foods, Deepika Bhan said, “We are thrilled about this maverick collaboration between two iconic chatpata masaaledar brands – Ching’s and Kurkure®. Together, they bring to life a fusion that seamlessly blends the zesty notes of Ching’s Schezwan Chutney tadka with Kurkure’s signature masala profile. This collaboration is set to surprise and delight consumers, promising an unforgettable sensory adventure.”

    The launch will roll out with a high-impact TVC, supported by a multimedia blitz across TV, digital, and print channels. Whether you’re scrolling Instagram or catching up on your favourite show, this fiery snack is bound to catch your eye. Because who doesn’t love a snack that screams bold and desi?

    This collaboration is the stuff foodie dreams are made of, and with its addictive mix of flavours, it’s destined to become the snack of the season.

    Grab a pack and let the flavours do the talking!

  • MS Dhoni stars in Lay’s ‘So Light, So Good’ campaign

    MS Dhoni stars in Lay’s ‘So Light, So Good’ campaign

    Mumbai: Lay’s has introduced a new flavor, red chilli as part of its ‘So Light, So Good’ campaign. The launch includes a TV commercial featuring cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, emphasizing the light texture of Lay’s wafer chips. Available in salt & pepper and red chilli, these chips aim to appeal to snack lovers across India.

    The TVC shows Dhoni catching and eating the floating chips, playfully highlighting their lightness. The tagline ‘So Light, So Good’ effectively promotes the product.

    Speaking about the campaign, PepsiCo India category lead – potato chips, Saumya Rathor said, “We’re deeply committed to delivering top-quality products and unique experiences to our consumers. Our new Lay’s Wafer Chips flavour is a game-changer, featuring innovative packaging and a superior product. Moreover, coming together with MS Dhoni for this campaign has been an incredible experience. This collaboration has enabled us to create a campaign that truly stands out, perfectly complementing a product that leads the way in quality. We’re confident that people will love it”

    Brand ambassador and cricket legend, MS Dhoni, expressed, “Being part of the new Lay’s wafer chips campaign was a real treat. It was a fun shoot and I think people will enjoy watching it. And with exciting new Lay’s flavors on the horizon, there’s always something new to discover.”

    With the launch of the new red chilli flavor, Lay’s pushes the boundaries of snacking innovation. Lay’s wafer chips offer lightness, bold flavors, and a satisfying crunch, reinforcing the brand’s leadership in the Indian snack market. As Lay’s expands its thin-cut chip portfolio, this new flavor aims to delight taste buds nationwide, making every snacking moment ‘So Light, So Good.’

  • Lay’s partners with the Indian fashion label HUEMN

    Lay’s partners with the Indian fashion label HUEMN

    Mumbai: Lay’s has partnered with the Indian fashion label HUEMN to launch a limited-edition merchandise collection. This collaboration combines Lay’s vibrant colors with HUEMN’s distinctive fashion design, offering a bold new take on style.

    Lay’s, known for its innovative products and flavors, is extending its playful spirit to fashion. HUEMN, recognised for its handcrafted pieces, merges artistry with bold expression. The collection provides a unique experience that reflects both brands’ commitment to cultural relevance.

    The collaboration includes a special promotion where consumers might find HUEMN merchandise inside select Lay’s bags. Lay’s announced the partnership with a teaser and created an interactive treasure hunt in a department store’s Lay’s aisle. Selected loyal customers, identified through social listening, received golden tickets giving them the chance to find exclusive HUEMN merchandise hidden in Lay’s packs. This initiative combined the excitement of a treasure hunt with the appeal of high-end fashion, engaging Lay’s fans in a memorable way.

    Expressing her delight on this association, PepsiCo India category lead – potato chips, Saumya Rathor said, “At Lay’s, we’re always looking for innovative ways to bring joy to our consumers, and our collaboration with HUEMN is a perfect example of that. By drawing inspiration from Lay’s vibrant colors, we’ve created a unique merchandise collection that speaks directly to our Lay’s fandom. For the launch, we’ve introduced an element of surprise, transforming the simple act of snacking into an exciting treasure hunt. Partnering with HUEMN, we are delivering an experience that goes beyond traditional snacking. We can’t wait for our fans to discover these limited-edition pieces and make them a part of their everyday style.”

    Speaking on this HUEMN co-founder Pranav Misra said “As a brand, HUEMN has always championed wearable art that speaks to individualism and creativity. Inspired by the massive fandom surrounding Lay’s, this partnership is a celebration of the love and connection people have with their favourite potato chips. It’s about bringing the world of Lay’s and HUEMN together, offering the community a chance to wear something that represents both comfort and the joy of snacking. Creating this together with an iconic brand like Lay’s has been an incredible experience for all of us. We’re excited to see our communities embracing this unique association.”

    “Lay’s is a brand that is part of culture and now with the HUEMN partnership we will be a part of pop-culture. This is a great example of how we believe partnerships can create magic,” said Publicis Groupe South Asia CCO and Leo Burnett South Asia chairman Rajdeepak Das.

    The exclusive merchandise features classic sweatshirts, t-shirts and bodysuits adorned with playful Lay’s prints, offering a cool, visual appeal, that showcase Lay’s iconic branding. Each piece is crafted with high-quality materials, making them fun, comfortable, and perfect for the colder months approaching. The merchandise will be sold at HUEMN stores and HUEMN.in, starting today.

  • Mountain Dew offers wild card entry to Kaun Banega Crorepati

    Mountain Dew offers wild card entry to Kaun Banega Crorepati

    Mumbai: Mountain Dew has launched an exciting collaboration with the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), offering consumers a chance to secure a wild card entry into the show’s sixteenth season. This unique opportunity allows the Mountain Dew fans an opportunity to sit on the iconic hot seat, playing this popular game show, opposite the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, even after the official participation period has closed.

    This partnership is a testament to Mountain Dew’s commitment to motivating people to confront their fears and embrace Courage, a theme central to both the brand and KBC. So, the Mountain Dew x KBC campaign theme is, “Yeh khel ‘gyaan’ ka hai, par jeeta ‘himmat’ se jaata hai” (KBC is a game of knowledge, however, it takes courage to win it)!

    Commenting on the partnership, PepsiCo India category head, Mountain Dew, Akankshaa Dalal said, “Mountain Dew has always been about celebrating courage and victory in the various ‘hot seat’ situations that one can face in life. And this partnership with KBC is a natural fit as the game show brings with it moments where the stakes are high, and both knowledge and courage are tested every step of the way. By offering this wild card entry, Mountain Dew hopes to inspire millions to take bold steps towards realizing dreams.”

    Consumers can purchase Mountain Dew x KBC packs featuring a QR code till 30 September. By scanning the code, they will be directed to a WhatsApp bot where they can enter the 16-digit code found behind the label, provide demographic details, and answer a qualifying question. Those who complete these steps will have a chance to move on to auditions, with 10 lucky winners ultimately participating in KBC’s exclusive “Week of Courage.”

    The Mountain Dew x KBC campaign will be amplified through a TVC and a 360 campaign. The special Mountain Dew packs are being introduced across India and will be available at retail outlets and online platforms.

  • The PepsiCo Foundation, PepsiCo R&D and Quaker release ‘Building A Healthier Tomorrow’ report

    The PepsiCo Foundation, PepsiCo R&D and Quaker release ‘Building A Healthier Tomorrow’ report

    Mumbai: The PepsiCo Foundation, in collaboration with PepsiCo R&D and Quaker, has released the ‘Building A Healthier Tomorrow’ report at an event in Mumbai, highlighting the success of the Quaker ‘Bowl of Growth’ program. Launched in 2023 with NGO MAMTA HIMC, the initiative aims to uplift community health by supporting 1,000 malnourished children aged 3-5 in Mawal & Mulshi Blocks, Pune District, Maharashtra.

    Program impact and key findings:

    . 98 per cent of children consistently ate at least three-quarters of the ‘panjiri’ made with Quaker Multigrain & Millet-based recipe.

    . 89 per cent of the children in the program experienced improved or stable growth parameters.

    . 95.6 per cent of mothers & caregivers reported an increase in their children’s appetite.

    The program places the mother and child at the heart of its interventions. It has empowered parents and caregivers with knowledge and resources to provide balanced nutrition to children. A key focus of the program is to intervene during the early stages of malnutrition to prevent its progression to severe forms, ensuring a healthier future for children.

    Aligned with PepsiCo’s principle of ‘Partnership of Progress’, the Quaker ‘Bowl of Growth’ program strategically partnered with the Government of Maharashtra to ensure the scalability and sustainability of nutrition interventions. Building on the success of the first phase, Quaker will continue the program in Pune, reaching an additional 2,000 children, with further expansion plans for Mumbai, aiming to benefit 4,000 children.

    The event witnessed participation from the Government of Maharashtra, Commissioner of ICDS, Kailash Pagare; BJ Govt. Medical College, Pune, professor & head, Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Muralidhar P. Tambe; PepsiCo, chief medical officer and Senior Vice President of Life Sciences, Dr. Pietro Antonio Tataranni; PepsiCo Foundation, International Programs Lead, Kareem Mohamed; PepsiCo India and South Asia, R&D Region Senior Director, Mijanur Rahman; PepsiCo India, senior director and supply chain head, Rinkesh Satija; MAMTA HIMC, executive director, Dr. Sunil Mehra; and government of Maharashtra, deputy director and state nodal officer for child health, Dr. Govind Chaudhary. The municipal commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Dr. Bhushan Gagrani, shared a video message as part of the event.

    Congratulating PepsiCo India, Government of Maharashtra commissioner, ICDS, Kailash Pagare said, “The improvement in children’s nutritional health by the methodology of education, awareness and supplementation of nutrition is truly encouraging. These achievements highlight the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing malnutrition. The Government of Maharashtra fully supports and appreciates such initiatives as it aligns with our state’s vision for a healthier future.”

    Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) municipal commissioner Dr. Bhushan Gagrani (IAS) in his video message about the program, praised PepsiCo India for its dedication and commitment in launching the impactful ‘Bowl of Growth’ program in Pune, which aligns seamlessly with the state government’s efforts to eradicate malnutrition. He emphasized that the success of this initiative underscores the strength of public-private partnerships and stressed the importance of scaling this program to reach more children across Maharashtra.

    PepsiCo Foundation president and PepsiCo global head of philanthropy C.D. Glin, commented on the significance of the program, “At the PepsiCo Foundation, we combat food insecurity through initiatives like meal delivery, supporting food banks, and regenerative farming. Malnutrition is a global issue, and proactive intervention is crucial to address the unique challenges faced in different regions. The Quaker ‘Bowl of Growth’ report highlights our commitment to improving childhood nutrition, showing significant gains in nutritional intake and knowledge. Our partnership with MAMTA HIMC has positively impacted community health in Pune, Maharashtra. Additionally, the support received from the local administration at each and every step over the last year has been instrumental in the implementation of the program. By addressing food insecurity at a local level, we aim to help create sustainable and long-lasting change in the communities we serve.”

    PepsiCo MD, chief medical officer and senior vice president, life sciences, Dr Pietro Antonio Tataranni, added, “Through our pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) commitment, we are dedicated to offering positive choices that benefit people and our planet. The impact findings of the ‘Bowl of Growth’ program highlight PepsiCo’s efforts in supporting underserved communities in India.  The results are particularly encouraging, with 89 per cent of the children in the program experiencing improved or stable growth parameters. Additionally, 95.6 per cent of mothers & caregivers reported an increase in their children’s appetite. These numbers are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams over the past year. It’s heartening to see that the enrolled children loved the panjiri, with nearly each child consistently consuming at least three-quarters of the provided recipe.”

    PepsiCo India category lead, brand Quaker Sravani Babu said, “At Quaker, our 145-year commitment to nutrition is embodied in the ‘Bowl of Growth’ program. The ‘Building A Healthier Tomorrow’ report highlights significant improvements in children’s nutritional intake and awareness among mothers and caregivers. The positive response to Quaker’s nutrient-rich panjiri recipe has been particularly inspiring. Through our partnership with MAMTA HIMC, we have made a substantial impact on community health in Maharashtra. Aligned with PepsiCo’s principle of Partnership of Progress, this program marks an important first step, with its expansion now reaching Mumbai.”

    Key interventions of the Quaker ‘Bowl of Growth’ program:

    . Nutrition: Developed a local recipe ‘panjiri’, made with a specialized Quaker multigrain & millets -based product with 18 vitamins & minerals.

    . Awareness: Conducted thematic engagement sessions and released a program video on the importance of nutrition and millets.

    . Education: Hosted daily workshops and introduced an illustrated comic book emphasising balanced nutrition.

    Quaker’s ‘Bowl of Growth’ initiative aligns with PepsiCo’s pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) ambition and ‘Food for Good’ efforts, aiming to provide nutritious food to 50 million people by 2030.

    The report launch was complemented by ‘Fuel the Future,’ an educational initiative aimed at empowering community members. Through this national competition, Quaker, a brand that stands for nutrition, aims to empower students of India’s Nutrition and Allied Science College to be the changemakers, drive awareness and educate communities about malnutrition.

  • PepsiCo India triumphs at Cannes Lions 2024 with four wins

    PepsiCo India triumphs at Cannes Lions 2024 with four wins

    Mumbai: PepsiCo India has once again distinguished itself in the marketing world by winning four awards at this year’s Cannes Lions, making it the brand with the highest number of awards.  

    Gatorade earned one gold and one bronze award for its groundbreaking Turf Finder initiative, recognised in the creative data category and entertainment for sports under live experience subcategory. Launched earlier this year, the Turf Finder Initiative is designed to ignite a passion for sports among residents of India’s bustling metropolitan areas. This initiative reflects Gatorade’s dedication towards promoting active lifestyles and fostering a love for sports in urban environments.

    Speaking on the win, chief marketing officer, India beverages, Tarun Bhagat said, “We are immensely honored and thrilled by Gatorade’s success at the 71st Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Winning top honors such as the Gold in the Creative Data Lions for Data-enhanced Creativity, and a Bronze in the Entertainment Lions for the Sports category is a significant achievement that highlights our innovative approach and dedication to fostering an active-lifestyle culture in India.

    Our Turf Finder initiative, leveraging Google Maps data, perfectly aligns with our mission to promote active lifestyles. In bustling metropolitan cities, there is a significant challenge in finding adequate spaces for playing sports. Despite a strong intent to engage in playing sports, individuals often find it difficult to locate suitable spaces due to a lack of adequate play areas. With Turf Finder, Gatorade seeks to solve this issue by leveraging the data from Google Maps to identify potential areas and transform them into playing areas, thereby providing sporting access for everyone. This initiative underscores Gatorade’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges and fostering community engagement in meaningful and impactful ways. We are grateful for the support and collaboration that made this possible and look forward to furthering our mission to promote sports and an active lifestyle.”

    Similarly, Lay’s achieved remarkable success, winning two awards, including one silver and one bronze in categories such as Glass: The Lion for Change and Sustainable Development Goals under live experience subcategory, along with the prestigious WARC Creative Effectiveness Grand Prix. The ‘Drops of Joy’ campaign, launched to reclaim water vapour during potato frying to achieve water-positivity, and ‘Farm Equal’, a project empowering over 2,500 women farmers in India with specialized tools in collaboration with USAID, were recognized for their innovation and impact.

    Commenting on the occasion, Lay’s India – PepsiCo category lead Saumya Rathor said: “We’re overjoyed to have our efforts recognized at Cannes. At our core, Lay’s is rooted in agriculture and deeply values the communities we work with and the environment we depend on. Our ‘Drops of Joy’ campaign highlights our efforts in water positivity by reclaiming water during production. Additionally, through Project Farm Equal, we’ve had the privilege of empowering over 2,500 women farmers, providing them with the tools and support they need. Winning Cannes Lions for these initiatives is a humbling reminder that our dedication to making a positive impact is resonating and making a difference.”

    Publicis Groupe, South Asia chief creative officer & Leo Burnett, South Asia chairman Rajdeepak Das added “With PepsiCo we have found the right partners who are aligned to our vision of using the power of creativity to make a real difference. All the campaigns from Gatorade Turf Finder, Lays Farm Equal and Drops of Joy use modern-day technology and tools to make a difference to our communities, and we couldn’t be prouder of our partnership with PepsiCo. And we are thrilled that some of the most creative minds from around the world who are part of the prestigious Cannes Jury also resonated with our work, winning us these precious Lions.”

    These achievements by Gatorade and Lay’s highlight PepsiCo India’s commitment to innovation and its ability to create impactful campaigns that engage audiences and drive positive change. 

  • Lay’s Farm Equal honors women farmers with customised My Stamp

    Lay’s Farm Equal honors women farmers with customised My Stamp

    Mumbai: For generations, women have been the backbone of agriculture, silently tilling the land, nurturing crops, and ensuring food security for families and communities. Yet, their stories remain untold, their contributions remain unseen. Today, PepsiCo India, through its Lay’s brand, has taken a significant step forward with a unique endeavour in collaboration with the Department of Posts, Government of India: releasing customised My Stamp commemorating the heart of Indian agriculture – women farmers.

    Postal stamps are a timeless medium of communication that has evolved into collector’s items, symbolising significant milestones into India’s culture and history. By choosing stamps, Lay’s elevates these often-hidden heroes – our women farmers by shining a spotlight on their relentless dedication that has played a pivotal role in India’s agricultural landscape.

    The releasing ceremony, held at the PepsiCo India office in Gurgaon, celebrated a shared purpose of empowering women in agriculture and was attended by representatives from both PepsiCo India and Department of Posts. This launch extends Project Farm Equal, a multifaceted program spearheaded by PepsiCo India and USAID through the Global Development Alliance Project (GDA). The project empowers over 2,500 women farmers by addressing their unique challenges and serves as both a tribute to their indomitable spirit and a catalyst for further empowerment.

    The set of 12 my stamp feature a vibrant illustration of a woman farmer, clad in a yellow saree, proudly holding a basket overflowing with freshly harvested potatoes. This image is a powerful representation of the countless women working tirelessly in Lay’s potato fields, and a symbol of their dedication and sacrifice.

    “Postal stamps have always held a unique cultural significance, capturing and conveying stories that resonate with our heritage and values. Despite the digital age, stamps remain a powerful medium for storytelling. The stamp released by Lay’s and Department of Posts beautifully bring to life the contribution of women farmers, showcasing their invaluable role in Indian agriculture. Lay’s has done a commendable job in highlighting these often-overlooked heroes through such an aesthetically pleasing design. We are confident that stamp collectors across India will be eager to acquire these stamps, and they will inspire many to send letters again.”, stated chief postmaster general, Delhi circle Manju Kumar.

    Sharing her thoughts on the stamps, PepsiCo India category lead – potato chips Saumya Rathor said, “Stamps have globally been a symbol of honour which immortalise people, moments, and movements of great cultural value. The launch of the stamps as a part of our continued vision with Project Farm Equal, marks a momentous milestone in our journey to empower and educate women farmers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to succeed. By championing women in agriculture through this initiative, Lay’s is not only recognising their contributions but also spearheading a pivotal movement that places women at the forefront of the agricultural landscape.”

    U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in India, mission director Veena Reddy said, “Although women represent more than 40 percent of the global agriculture workforce, women face unequal access to training, technology, finance, and land. Understanding this gender divide, USAID and PepsiCo are expanding the range of roles that women can fill, reducing gender disparities, and increasing women’s access to training opportunities, as well as improved working conditions.”

    PepsiCo India’s director agro Anukool Joshi added, “I am immensely proud to witness the profound impact of our Farm Equal initiative. One aspect that particularly resonates with me is the pivotal role played by women farmers, whose inclusion has brought a fresh perspective to our practices. Their rigor and discipline in implementing critical agricultural methods ensure the safeguarding of yields and the flourishing of crops to their full potential.  This gesture of launching customised My Stamp issued by Department of Posts, celebrates and honours their tireless efforts.”

    Rajan Devi, a farmer at Lay’s potato field in Aligarh, expressed, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to Lay’s for recognising our hard work and dedication. To have our own postal stamp really fills our hearts with joy and pride. Being featured on a stamp is a moment of great joy for our entire community and a reminder that our efforts are valued.” (translated to English)

    This initiative shines a long overdue spotlight on the critical role women play in agriculture. It’s a powerful recognition of their dedication and resilience, and a step towards dismantling the barriers they face. Starting 15 June, these stamps will be available to the public at e-post office, serving as a tangible symbol of Lay’s dedication to empowering women in agriculture.