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Tag: Snickers

  • Ducktape Studios wins big at Cannes, Spikes and more in debut year

    Ducktape Studios wins big at Cannes, Spikes and more in debut year

    MUMBAI: From duct tape to Ducktape, India’s latest creative export is fixing eyeballs on global awards. Ducktape Studios may be barely a year old, but it’s already sticking out in the global ad world for all the right reasons. The Mumbai-based production house, helmed by award-winning director Raylin Valles, has stormed Cannes Lions, Adfest, Spikes Asia and the Kyoorius Awards in 2025, proving that a sharp idea with a dash of madness can punch well above its age.

    At this year’s Cannes Lions, Ducktape landed a Bronze Lion for its quirky Amazon campaign with Ogilvy India and earned a Film Craft shortlist for Dirty Money, its riotous spot for Steadfast Shredders created with Mullenlowe. The momentum continued at Adfest, where the team bagged a Silver for Film Direction and two Bronzes for Arms Deal and Hungal Driving School in collaboration with DDB.

    Meanwhile, at Spikes Asia, Arms Deal racked up a Bronze and two shortlist mentions, while the Kyoorius haul included a dazzling 4 Blue Elephants and 11 Baby Blues.

    This awards streak is no fluke. Ducktape’s cinematic chops are backed by Valles’s deep agency roots and an enviable global reel. His resume reads like a Cannes wish list Coca-Cola, Apple, Netflix, Unilever, Snickers, Ikea, Spotify, Disney+ Hotstar and his directing style ranges from stylised comedy and animated flair to high-octane action.

    “We launched Ducktape to build a space where ideas and craft could run wild,” said Valles. “A year in, we’ve worked with iconic brands, fearless agencies and some real heavyweight talent. We’ve made things that sparked memes, conversations and now, awards.”

    The studio’s sharp storytelling and slick visual language are drawing praise for being rooted in Indian culture while playing to a global stage. And while Ducktape’s tape measure of success is already long, it’s clear they’ve only just begun rolling.

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  • Brands bid farewell to MS Dhoni for making India proud

    Brands bid farewell to MS Dhoni for making India proud

    NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricket team captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, bid adieu to international cricket on 15 August. He made the declaration through his Instagram post where he wrote, “Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout. From 19.29 hrs consider me as Retired.”

    Popularly known as captain cool and also one of the most successful cricket captains of India, he has led the team in many astonishing victories. Under his regime, India won three ICC trophies including the 2011 cricket world cup.

    The unexpected announcement left many people shocked and netizens poured in their tributes for Dhoni and saluted the legendary cricketer. In just a few hours, social media was abuzz with his name and #DhoniRetires was trending on top.

    The style of retirement was also very unique from the cricketer. Dhoni posted a video which highlighted some of the best moment he has experienced in his lifetime during the course of the game. It also featured other Indian cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul David and Virat Kohli.

    Dhoni was not only the world’s highest-paid cricketer but a popular choice in the advertising world as well. Over the years, he has worked with an array of brands. In his astonishing career, he worked with multiple brands like Cars24, Mastercard, Netmeds, Dreams11, redBus, Snickers, Indigo Paints and many more. With Pepsi, MS Dhoni had the longest association of 11 years; it started in 2005 and campaigns like ‘Oh yes Abhi’ and ‘Change the game’ garnered a lot of attention.

    Recently, he was featured in CARS24 360 degree marketing campaign, “Car bechni ho, toh CARS24” where Dhoni played dual characters of a seller and buyer.

    ITC Ltd also released a film for Sunfeast Yipee when the brand expanded into the new category of pasta products. The TVC showcases him tasting six delicious pasta variants, offering the convenience of instant preparation.

    The former captain had done many back to back TVC campaigns with Dream 11 and Snickers, with a new avatar each time.

    According to the Duff & Phelps Celebrity Brand Valuation study 2019, while Virat Kohli retained his position as the biggest celebrity brand in India for the third successive year, Dhoni was ranked at number nine.

    As per Forbes, in 2016, Dhoni’s net worth was around $31 million and brand endorsements comprised a large part of this value.

    According to the Adex survey of TAM Media Research, during the January to June period of 2010, while Dhoni, at his peak, endorsed brands for 24 companies on TV, Shah Rukh Khan and Tendulkar were seen promoting the products of 16 and 15 companies, respectively.

    During the period, ‘captain cool’ appeared for a host of brands, including Reebok, Aircel, Godrej, and TVS. In July 2010, he had signed a Rs 210 crore deal with Rhiti Sports Management and Mindscapes which till date is considered as one of the highest-paid deals.

    Brands from across verticals joined the bandwagon and poured good wishes for the cricketer, and launched creatives on social media. Amul rolled out a heartwarming video, a montage of his achievement in his 16 years long international career.

    Brands like Parle-G, Zomato, KFC, Google, Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, IndiGo and many other brands paid tribute to the legendary cricketer.

  • Snickers urges consumers to acknowledge frontline warriors with a token of gratitude

    Snickers urges consumers to acknowledge frontline warriors with a token of gratitude

    MUMBAI: Snickers, the nougat, caramel and nuts filled chocolate bar from Mars Wrigley, has launched an interesting campaign to express gratitude for the incredible work being done by essential workers against all odds. In line with its efforts to constantly innovate, Snickers has created the opportunity for consumers to share a customized digital ‘Thank You’ message at the back of the pack with their brave warriors. The campaign stems from the thought that a small gesture can go a long way, especially for our everyday heroes.

    While people across the country have been staying at home to protect their health and that of their loved ones, there are some warriors who have been fighting against the odds and risking their lives to provide necessary services and goods. Some have been on the frontline helping in hospitals, streets and police stations, and there are others who have provided support behind the scenes by ensuring access to essential goods and services. From doctors, nurses and policemen to vegetable vendors, grocery shopkeepers and factory workers – there is no shortage of heroes. To express gratitude and show recognition for their immense hard work, Snickers has introduced ‘Acknowledge Your Heroes’.

    The campaign aims to express gratitude with a simple message – ‘To Those Who Keep Us Going, Send A Free Snickers To Keep Them Going’. With ‘Acknowledge Your Heroes’, Snickers invites consumers to nominate a friend, family member or neighbor who deserves a Snickers bar for their contribution to making lives of other people easier during the pandemic. This nomination can be completed by filling this form. On being nominated, the nominee shall receive a personalised digital ‘Thank You’ message at the back of Snickers pack along with a free Snickers.

    Mars Wrigley marketing director -Yogesh Tewari said, “We are grateful to each and every individual who has been who has been at the forefront of the current crisis and is ensuring that we stay safe and have access to essential goods and services. They are the real heroes and their tireless spirits in these difficult times is commendable. With this campaign, we hope to encourage our consumers to join hands with us to recognize the efforts of these brave warriors and offer a token of heartfelt appreciation and gratitude.”

    As the world continues to tackle the difficult times, the frontline warriors with their undeterred determination and perseverance have become a source of inspiration for generations to come. Highlighting and recognising their efforts, Snickers has curated a film featuring the younger generation aspiring to grow up to become doctors, nurses, and policemen. The film celebrates all Covid2019 warriors, who have redefined heroism for the youth.

    BBDO Worldwide (Gurugram) chief creative officer – Akashneel Dasgupta said, “Growing up, one’s ambitions are uncomplicated, to be a doctor or a policeman. To those innocent minds they are the true heroes of society. And what we have seen in the last three months has just vindicated that fact. No wonder the youth always earmarked them as their idols. Snickers joins many other brands in saluting these true warriors and gives everyone an opportunity to show their gratitude by sending out a Snickers. Because heroes should never go hungry.”

  • This exam season, beat exam blues with SNICKERS

    This exam season, beat exam blues with SNICKERS

    MUMBAI: SNICKERS, the nougat, caramel and nuts filled chocolate bar from Mars Wrigley urges students to beat all kinds of exam blues and wishes them the very best, with an innovative twist to the regular bar.

    With the global brand proposition, ‘You are not you when you’re hungry’, the new campaign builds on how hunger makes people act out in unexpected ways, especially when there is additional stress due to exams. The new campaign has been launched with a simple message that, ‘Exams can be stressful, don’t let hunger add to it’. While students across the country are putting in their best efforts to prepare for the upcoming exams, stress and nervousness are likely side effects that are hard to avoid, and this stress coupled with hunger can be a detrimental combination. SNICKERS, famous for its quirky and humorous brand persona, has come to the rescue with SNICKERS Exam Bars, giving an innovative spin to the proposition with “Stress mat lo, Snickers lo”.

    The limited-edition Exam Bars will be available with good luck greetings for the students such as ‘Do Well’, ‘Rock On’, and ‘Shine On’. The brand has also launched a comical film that offers respite to help battle the deadlines and stress of the fast approaching examinations, and a message that while stress and hunger can get to the best of us, one can always grab a SNICKERS.

    Talking about the launch of the SNICKERS Exam Bars and the video, Mars Wrigley, marketing director Yogesh Tewari said, “With the examinations approaching fast, our strategy was to use our signature tongue-in-cheek sense of humor that has become synonymous with SNICKERS to engage with our primary target audience by offering much-needed relief from exam stress. The launch of SNICKERS Exam Bar comes at the back of the insight that exams can be extremely stressful, and that hunger along with stress get manifested through various behaviors. We are reiterating our commitment to our loyal consumers by offering a bar of delicious chocolate with a positive and fun message to lighten up these taxing times.”

    On the campaign, BBDO India chief creative officer Akashneel Dasgupta said, “Every classroom is a microcosm of society. We find all kinds of characters, almost stereotypes. But two things that are common is that they all get stressed during exams and hunger aggravates it. It manifests in their behavior and everyone behaves in a way that’s a typical of them. SNICKERS address their hunger pangs, so that they can give their best. And one can be at their best only when they are themselves and not hungry. SNICKERS have also introduced exam-specific packs in the market which carry wishes like Keep Calm, Shine On, etc. in place of the regular branding.”

    The film features characters that we are all too familiar with – ‘the topper’, who having revised the entire syllabus several times, makes everyone around him nervous with doubts and questions, or ‘the  Gambler’, who seems to have the undoubtable insight into which questions will appear in this year’s question paper. The 2.43-minute  film features many more such humorous characters that one encounters around examination halls. With a comical take on the proposition, ‘Stress Mat Lo, Snickers Lo’, the film offers a much-needed respite to students from the stress that accompanies exam time and guarantees a nostalgic walk down the memory lane for the rest. SNICKERS Exam Bars are available in traditional and modern outlets across the country.

  • Snickers introduces all new almond variant

    Snickers introduces all new almond variant

    MUMBAI: Mars Wrigley Confectionery India today launched a new variant of its much loved chocolate brand SNICKERS®. The all new SNICKERS®  ALMONDS offers a base of nougat and crushed almonds, topped with a layer of diced almond mixed with caramel and enrobed with chocolate.

    Traditionally associated with boosting brain power, Almonds have always been a favourite of every Indian home. SNICKERS® ALMOND builds on this and highlights that hunger leads to forgetfulness which further leads to all kinds of irresponsible behavior. Therefore for every hungry brain SNICKERS® ALMOND is the answer.

    The tagline ‘No Bhook. No Bhoolna’ takes a spin on the brand’s global proposition of ‘Who Are You When You Are Hungry? and urges people to step up and take responsibility in their respective spheres of daily life. 

    The launch of the new variant will be supported by a television, digital & outdoor campaign, each of which will resonate with the idea of ‘You Become Forgetful When You Are Hungry’. The campaign reaches out to the brand’s millennial audiences by addressing everyday situations that are relevant to them. Whether it is reaching out to post on social media when someone is in trouble, or people not owning up to their responsibilities, the new campaign reflects how hunger causes forgetfulness leading to irresponsible and irrational actions and behaviors.

    Talking about the launch of SNICKERS® ALMOND, Mr. Yogesh Tewari, Marketing Director, Mars Wrigley Confectionery, said, “As a brand, SNICKERS® has always built on the proposition of ‘You Are Not You When You Are Hungry’ and this time, we wanted to bring in the angle of responsible behavior with SNICKERS® ALMOND. The campaign focuses on the goodness of almonds for hunger satisfaction and talks about stopping all kinds of irresponsible behavior. The product is a new, delicious twist to an all-time consumer favorite, and we are confident that SNICKERS® ALMOND will be well received by consumers across the country.”

    Two new thirty second TVCs have been introduced as part of the campaign, that will also be amplified digitally through online video bumpers of six seconds each. Each TVC focuses on a real life situation where people have forgotten their basic responsibilities as good citizens, because hunger has taken over their minds.

    The first TVC sees a man in a gym running on a malfunctional treadmill while everyone around him is capturing his plight on their smartphones. ‘When people are hungry, they forget how to behave’ he claims and gives the people standing by a SNICKERS® ALMOND to satiate their hunger, followed by the adage ‘No Bhook. No Bhoolna’.

    The second TVC is set in the context of a TV news show where politicians with differing views are seen throwing shoes at each other, while one of them  hides under the table to save himself. A chaiwallah appears and asks him ‘Are you hungry?’. When the politician replies in the affirmative, the chaiwallah hands him a SNICKERS® ALMOND and parts with the advice ‘No Bhook. No Bhoolna’.

  • MS Dhoni becomes a drama king in Snickers’ latest ad

    MS Dhoni becomes a drama king in Snickers’ latest ad

    MUMBAI: Mars Wrigley Confectionery, the company behind Snickers bars, known for its quirky, tongue-in-cheek personality has found a partner in the charming and dynamic cricket icon, MS Dhoni. He is the new brand ambassador.

    Since its launch in India, the filled chocolate bar has established itself as a solution to hunger cravings and has developed a strong base of loyal consumers. As the cricketer gets set to join the Snickers family, fans will get a chance to see a side of him that has so far remained undiscovered, that of a Drama King.

    Conceptualised by creative agency RK SWAMY BBDO, the TVC captures a humorous locker room conversation between captain cool and his team. MS Dhoni is seen in a completely new avatar, dressed as a warrior. Channeling his inner king, in full gusto, he calls upon his teammates to take a pledge to beat the opposing team. This uncharacteristic tirade is finally brought to an end when one of the players reasons that hunger makes even captain cool lose his cool and offers him a bar of Snickers to satiate his hunger.

    The new TVC gives a new spin to MS Dhoni’s otherwise calm personality and successfully reiterates that ‘hunger ache achhon ko badal deta’ and India’s favorite cricketer is no exception!

    Talking about the association, Mars Wrigley Confectionery marketing director Yogesh Tewari says, “We are honoured to have MS Dhoni join the Snickers family and with this association, we are beginning the next chapter of our journey in India and strengthening our relevance amongst Indian consumers.”

    Cricketer MS Dhoni adds, “I am extremely excited to be associated with the brand. It breaks away from the monotony and resonates with the quirk in everybody. It has the capability to curate emotions that redefine one’s personality the best. It has always been one of my favourites not only because of its delicious taste, but also because it is a perfect solution to hunger pangs.”

    The campaign that went live on 5 March on television, will be supported by an extensive 360-degree marketing approach including digital, in-store and OOH.

  • Hershey’s eyes India; to invest $50M in 5 years

    Hershey’s eyes India; to invest $50M in 5 years

    MUMBAI: The confectionary industry has emerged as one of the largest and well-developed food processing sectors of India. With international companies coming in and a stiff competition within Indian players to create a space for themselves, it is at an interesting juncture.

    Amidst all this, US confectionary giant The Hershey Co has announced that it will invest $50 million in India over the next five years to focus on growing and expanding their presence in India. “India is one of our key International focus markets and we are investing to build this important business,” says Hershey India chairman and managing director Praveen Jakate.

    India has emerged as the fastest growing market for the company, according to its recently announced its Q3 2017 global earnings and revenue. Hershey India recorded a strong double digit constant currency net sales growth, according to a statement from the company. As per the company’s Q3 2017 results, the constant currency net sales for Brazil in the third quarter increased by 3.3 per cent, while Mexico registered a net sales increased by 10 per cent. India outnumbered and recorded a net sales and growth of 16 per cent.

    Hershey’s sells 11 brand in India, including Hershey’s chocolate syrup, milkshake and chocolate almond spreads, along with Sofit soya milk and Jumpin juice, which it acquired from an erstwhile joint venture with Godrej Industries.

    The company plans to focus most of its investments now in brands owned by The Hershey Co. rather than in those brought from the joint venture, Jakate.

    “Our transition of the Indian portfolio is enabling a higher margin business, and we are on track to expand gross margins here by 1,000 basis points in 2017,” says Hershey chief financial officer Patricia A Little.

    In India, Hershey faces competition in the chocolate confectionary market from Mondelez, Mars, Snickers and Nestle.

    Market research firm Euromonitor expects the Indian market to grow at an 8 per cent compounded annual growth rate to be worth Rs16,000 crore by 2021.