Tag: Suresh Chand

  • Bingo! chips away at Its past with a bold new bite

    Bingo! chips away at Its past with a bold new bite

    MUMBAI: Now that’s how you take the chips on your shoulder and turn them into a punchline. Bingo! potato chips has flipped the script on its “Big No” phase with a hilariously self-aware new campaign that sees the brand roast itself before making a fiery comeback.

    Known for its trademark wit and quirky energy, Bingo! has never shied away from humour, and this time, it’s using it to reclaim its snack throne in north and west India. In the new campaign film, the brand cheekily admits it wasn’t quite everyone’s first pick before declaring, “Yes, we were a Big No. But not anymore!”

    The bold relaunch features a complete makeover, right from edgy, gothic-inspired pack designs to two flavour-packed innovations, butter garlic, the garlic-bread-in-a-chip experience, and Himalayan pink salt, a refined twist on a timeless classic. With six striking packs that blend art, attitude and appetite, Bingo! is betting on curiosity, confidence and serious crunch.

    “Humour has always been in Bingo!’s DNA,” said ITC Foods VP & head of marketing, snacks, noodles & pasta Suresh Chand. “This isn’t just a comeback, it’s a new energy, a new attitude, and a brand that’s owning its journey.”

    Echoing that sentiment, Ogilvy senior executive creative director Rohit Dubey added, “When mischief and marketing meet in the right spot, magic happens.”

    With this self-roasting, high-flavour reboot, Bingo! isn’t just back on the shelves, it’s back in the conversation. And this time, the answer to Bingo! is a loud, crunchy “YES.”

  • Jasbir Singh zooms up the ranks at Zee News as chief manager

    Jasbir Singh zooms up the ranks at Zee News as chief manager

    MUMBAI: Jasbir Singh has stepped into a new avatar at Zee Media Corporation Ltd, now donning the hat of chief manager at Zee News. A familiar face in the corridors since 2017—when he joined as senior manager—Singh’s elevation marks a steady rise fuelled by grit, grind, and serious sales chops.

    Before his Zee innings, Singh racked up impressive mileage across India’s top media houses—stints at India Today as deputy manager – corporate sales, Jagran Prakashan, and Infomedia18 (Network18) as senior executive saw him build a well-rounded armoury in corporate sales and business strategy.

    An MBA in marketing and sales from the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology – SMU, Singh blends street-smart execution with boardroom savvy. As the media landscape grows fiercer and faster, Zee News now has a seasoned player steering the charge from the frontlines.
     

  • CID joins Bingo!’s latest flavour investigation in a pickle-packed plot twist

    CID joins Bingo!’s latest flavour investigation in a pickle-packed plot twist

    MUMBAI: ITC’s Bingo! Mad Angles has cooked up a tangy conundrum with its latest innovation, ‘Mystery Pickle’, a new achaar-loaded flavour twist that’s roped in by none other than the legendary CID team to crack the case. In a deliciously bizarre crossover, ACP Pradyuman, Daya and Dr. Salunkhe don their detective hats once again but this time, the only fingerprints involved are likely to be covered in spice.

    Taking inspiration from the brand’s hit variant Achaari Masti, the new launch dives deeper into India’s eternal love affair with pickles — and adds an element of whodunnit with a tongue-in-cheek TVC. Shot in the trademark over-the-top CID style, the ad is packed with forensic clues, slow-motion stares, and a hilarious face-off between the OG CID trio and their own Mad Angles doppelgangers.

    But the masala isn’t just on-screen. Bingo!’s Mystery Pickle also invites consumers to play detective via an on-pack contest, challenging them to guess the secret flavour and win exciting prizes.

    ITC Ltd. VP & head of marketing, Snacks, Noodles & Pasta, Foods Division, Suresh Chand said, “Achaari Masti has long been our breakout hit and a consumer favourite, so it was only natural that we push the boundaries with another exciting twist on the pickle genre. The entire launch is gamified to engage our core TG from the get-go & the tie up with the show CID has enabled us to craft yet another stand out communication & lend gravitas to the whole mystery angle.”

    Tonic Worldwide senior creative director, Josna Joseph said “With Bingo! Mad Angles Mystery Pickle, we didn’t just launch a new flavour, we cracked open a full-blown whodunnit. Partnering with the legendary CID show gave us the perfect playground to build intrigue, nostalgia, and madness into every frame. From iconic catchphrases to parallel pickle realities, this campaign was all about blending cultural memory with fresh chaos. The result? A snackable mystery that India can’t stop decoding. Just the way Mad Angles likes it”

    Blending nostalgia, humour and a good dose of madness, the campaign gives fans something to chew on both literally and figuratively.

     

  • Bingo! Tedhe Medhe brings the swagger to Mahakumbh 2025

    Bingo! Tedhe Medhe brings the swagger to Mahakumbh 2025

    MUMBAI: Move over plain chips; Bingo! Tedhe Medhe is here to add some “Bhaukaal” (swagger) to your Mahakumbh 2025 experience. The brand’s Bhaukaal Lok experiential zone is set to dazzle the crowds with bold flavours, quirky vibes, and unforgettable fun.

    Designed to celebrate the essence of Uttar Pradesh—its vibrant culture, flavours, and spirit—this campaign positions Bingo! Tedhe Medhe as the ultimate “Son of the Soil” snack, connecting with consumers at a deeply regional level.

    What’s cooking at Bhaukaal Lok?

    Curious? You should be! Here’s what awaits you:

    BYOB (Bring Your Own Bingo!) Chaat Zone

    Get ready to redefine your snack time with a fusion of UP’s iconic chaat flavours and Bingo!’s signature variants—Masala Tadka, Chatpata Twist, and the brand-new Xtraa Teekha. Visitors can customise their chaat creations, served innovatively in Bingo! packs. Pro tip: Don’t forget to take a selfie before devouring it!

    Interactive content zone

    Ever wanted to create viral content? Now’s your chance. With quirky UP-themed props like gamchhas (towel), funky sunglasses, and cheeky dialogues, visitors can craft the perfect Instagram reel or TikTok moment. Just tag it with #BhaukaalLok to make sure your swagger reaches beyond the festival grounds.

    Bingo! bonfire

    Feel the heat—literally! Groove to the Bawaal Dhun, snack on fiery Xtraa Teekha flavours, and join the Tedhe Medhe Mandali for a night of epic fun. It’s a party where snacks meet swag.

    Speaking about the campaign, ITC Foods vice president & head of marketing – snacks, noodles and pasta, Suresh Chand said, “We are thrilled to be a part of Maha Kumbh 2025—a confluence of tradition, culture, and community. Through our unique experiential zone, we aim to bring an exciting twist to the festivities, blending the flavours and vibrancy of Uttar Pradesh with the boldness of Bingo! Tedhe Medhe.”

    Translation? They’re here to ensure your Kumbh experience is as fun and flavourful as their snacks.

    Where else will you find a bonfire dedicated to snacks, the chance to create viral content with gamchhas, and customised chaat that screams UP swagger?

    The campaign kicked off on 14 January and promises to run throughout the Kumbh festivities. Whether you’re a foodie, a social media buff, or just someone looking to soak in the festive vibes, Bhaukaal Lok has something for everyone.

    So, why settle for boring snacks when you can have Bhaukaal snacks? Head to Bingo! Tedhe Medhe’s Bhaukaal Lok at Mahakumbh 2025 and let your taste buds—and your Instagram feed—thank you later.

  • Bingo! & AIPA partner to popularise pickleball in India

    Bingo! & AIPA partner to popularise pickleball in India

    Mumbai: Bingo!, a popular snacking brand from ITC Foods, has announced a five-year partnership with the All India Pickleball Association to promote pickleball in India. The partnership begins with the Bingo! World Pickleball Championship (WPC) aims to support the growth of pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports globally.

    The championship was launched with ITC Foods VP, head of marketing snacks, noodles and pasta, Suresh Chand; All India Pickleball Association president Arvind Prabhoo; and celebrity guests Mandira Bedi and Nyra Banerjee.

    Pickleball, with over five million players in 84 countries and 40 per cent female participation, has grown 275 per cent in India over the past three years. The sport is expected to surpass one million active players by 2028. Bingo!’s sponsorship will help expand this growth by hosting college tournaments across 23 states, introducing the sport to students, and cultivating new players for national and international competitions.

    Bingo!, known for innovation in snacking, aligns with pickleball’s dynamic gameplay. As part of the collaboration, the classic ‘Love All’ start of pickleball matches will be rebranded as ‘Boing All,’ adding a fun twist to the game.

    ITC Foods VP, head of marketing snacks, noodles and pasta, Suresh Chand said, “At Bingo!, we’ve always believed that sports and innovation go hand in hand, making this partnership with the All India Pickleball Association a particularly prestigious moment for us, enabling us to support young athletes and sports enthusiasts across the country. We are dedicated to working closely with AIPA to build a strong foundation for pickleball and to support its growth through grassroots programs, college tournaments and nationwide promotions.”

    All India Pickleball Association president Arvind Prabhoo said, “We are thrilled to partner with Bingo! Snacks, a brand that resonates with millions of Indians, and believe this partnership will be instrumental in bringing pickleball to the forefront of Indian sports. Through this partnership, we envision a future where pickleball is accessible to everyone, from college students to aspiring professional athletes. With Bingo!’s extensive reach and vibrant brand presence, this partnership aspires to create a ripple effect, making pickleball a household name and positioning India as a leading force in the global pickleball arena.”

    GroupM, South Asia MD, content, entertainment and sports Vinit Karnik said, “It’s a great collaboration between Bingo and All-India Pickleball Association to announce the five-year partnership, supporting the growth of the sport across India. We’re optimistic that this partnership will strengthen Bingo’s commitment to expanding the sport’s reach and accessibility across the country. This collaboration reflects our commitment to expanding the sport’s reach and inspiring the next generation of players to take on both national and international challenges. We’re confident that this alliance will foster a new wave of enthusiasm for pickleball, helping it gain the popularity it truly deserves.”

    This strategic partnership between Bingo! and AIPA is poised to shape the pickleball landscape in India. By merging Bingo!’s innovative brand identity with pickleball’s thrilling gameplay, the collaboration aims to inspire a new wave of athletes while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

  • ITC Bingo! onboarded as Fankar-E-Kashmir 2024’s title sponsor

    ITC Bingo! onboarded as Fankar-E-Kashmir 2024’s title sponsor

    Mumbai: ITC Bingo! has announced its partnership with Fankar-E-Kashmir as the title sponsor, supporting an initiative to preserve and promote Kashmir’s folk and Sufiana music traditions and provide regional youth with opportunities in the music and cultural industries. The event is taking place on 26 October 2024, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC) in Srinagar.

    With deep-rooted influences from Persian, Sufi, and Central Asian cultures, Kashmir’s music faces a risk of fading away. Fankar-E-Kashmir seeks to preserve this heritage by giving young artists a platform to showcase their talent and gain recognition. Bingo!’s involvement reinforces its commitment to supporting local artisans and creating avenues for emerging artists.

    The event features a live talent hunt music contest, workshops on intellectual property rights and sound technology, and a grand finale performance by a renowned artist. Winners will receive cash prizes of Rs 25,000 for first place, Rs 15,000 for runner-up, and Rs 2,000 for all participants. Additionally, the winner will have the opportunity to become a ‘Bingo! artist’, with Bingo! producing and promoting their original song for a Bingo! Tedhe Medhe music video.

    ITC Foods VP, head of marketing snacks, noodles and pasta, Suresh Chand said, “ITC has a long and rich tradition of supporting our nations’ musical heritage with the ITC Sangeet Research Academy. We are working on developing interesting regional musical content for our brands, such as Bingo! Tedhe Medhe and Bingo! Mad Angles. We are proud to be a part of this exciting event which celebrates the musical tradition of Kashmir and provides a platform for the youth of the region to showcase their talent”

    The event is organised in collaboration with ShowCase Events, The Eagle, and The Rabab Academy, organisations dedicated to conserving and promoting India’s rich folk music traditions. With an eminent jury comprising legendary Kashmiri musicians Gulzar Ganaie, Ustad Abdul Rashid Hafiz and Noor Mohammad, the event is set to be a remarkable celebration of culture and talent.

    The Eagle founder Angelina Fernandes said, “I have been closely working with multilingual national and international award-winning artists and my curiosity for Kashmiri talent brought me on to be passionately involved with Fankar-E-Kashmir”.

    “Folk Music is very close to my heart, and I want to be able to do whatever I can to help keep it alive,” said ShowCase Events (a company that has worked towards promoting artists) chief executive Nanni Singh.

    Music Journalist and The Rabab Academy founder Nazir Ganaie said, “Being a Kashmiri myself and a musician, I feel for our dying art and want to help with initiatives such as this to conserve it.”

    Workshops will be held from 10:00 am onwards, followed by the live talent hunt contest from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, culminating in the grand finale performance. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with music, learning, and celebration.

  • Bingo! Tedhe Medhe releases ‘Rockanjali’ song

    Bingo! Tedhe Medhe releases ‘Rockanjali’ song

    Mumbai: This Durga Puja, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe pays tribute to 50 years of Bengali rock music with the release of the ‘Rockanjali’ song. Composed and performed by notable musicians Siddhartha Sankar Roy (Siddhu) and Avijit Burman (Pota) from Cactus, Gaurab Chatterjee (Gabu) from Lakkhichara, and Anindya Chatterjee from Chandrabindoo, the song celebrates the cultural significance of Bengali rock and emphasizes the importance of friendships and bonding during Durga Puja. ‘Rockanjali’ reflects the essence of Bengali rock and aims to inspire a new generation of music lovers, highlighting the genre’s impact on Bengali art and culture over the past 50 years.

    Bingo! Tedhe Medhe has also launched the ‘Rockanjali’ contest to connect with its core consumers and showcase young musicians during Durga Puja. The contest attracted over 120 entries from students across Kolkata’s colleges, with 15 bands selected as finalists. These bands will perform at iconic Durga Puja pandals, offering a unique opportunity to reach thousands of spectators. For the first time, Kolkata will host a ‘Concert on Wheels’ as part of the ‘Rockanjali Pujo Tour.’ From Chaturthi to Navami, the tour will visit six prominent Durga Puja pandals, promoting Bangla rock music throughout the city.

    Speaking about the theme song, ITC Foods VP & head of marketing, snacks, noodles and pasta, Suresh Chand said: “With Rockanjali, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe wanted to create something truly special for this Durga Puja. Our song honours the rich legacy of Bengali rock music while giving young, emerging talent a platform to shine. Through the Rockanjali Pujo Tour and contest, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe is excited to connect with the youth and foster the next generation of rockstars during one of Kolkata’s most iconic festivals.”

    Renowned singer and composer Anindya Chatterjee from Chandrabindoo commented, “Bengali rock has always been about expressing the deepest emotions of our people—our struggles, our joy, our friendships. The Rockanjali song, created in collaboration with Bingo! Tedhe Medhe, is a tribute to the spirit of Bengali rock and to the fans who have kept it alive for 50 years. It’s an honour to be part of this project with so many iconic voices.”

    By blending music, culture, and competition, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe’s Rockanjali is set to provide a unique experience that will resonate with the city’s cultural routes, creating a lasting impact. The song will serve as a gateway for the next generation of musicians, setting the stage for Bengal’s future rock stars.

  • ITC Bingo! introduces three Korean flavour variants a new brand song

    ITC Bingo! introduces three Korean flavour variants a new brand song

    Mumbai: ITC Bingo!’s latest offering Bingo! 2X Hot and Spicy Korean-style chips are all set to delight consumers with its three sizzling formats – Bingo! Original Style, Bingo! Hashtags and Bingo! Potato chips. Recognising the Indian consumers’ undeniable love for all things Korean, from K-drama to K-pop and now Korean cuisine, Bingo! is the first brand in India to launch Korean-flavoured savoury snacks.

    To amplify the launch and tap into the K-wave, Bingo! has collaborated with popular South Korean singer Aoora, for a new song – Maeun Maeun, which means Spicy, Spicy in Korean. The music video has been conceptualised and developed by Tonic Worldwide. The song is fun, catchy and energetic, set to resonate perfectly with the vibe of the brand. This strategic collaboration leverages the immense popularity of Korean pop culture (K-pop) amongst the target audience, creating a wider buzz around the launch of Bingo! 2X Hot and Spicy Korean-style chips.

    The brand is planning a 360-degree media campaign to connect with the audience. Bingo! will leverage social media to engage users and generate pre-launch excitement. The brand will tap into the relevant online spaces by being present on K-Pop and Gen Z music lineups across leading platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Bingo! will leverage music channels to organically position the song as an engaging content. Promotional spots featuring the song will be strategically placed across movie, music, and general entertainment channels. The brand has also partnered with approximately 15 influencers across regions, including Korean influencers in India, Indian influencers in Korea and food vloggers, to spread awareness about the new launch.

    ITC Bingo! has always been at the forefront of bringing differentiated and innovative snacking experience to Indian consumers. It has carved a niche for itself by bringing several ‘industry–first’ products such Mad Angles!, Hashtags! that takes consumers on an adventure of textures and flavours.

    Today, consumers are increasingly looking to experiment with products and flavours. Research shows that there is a growing interest among consumers to try Korean flavours and engage with Korean culture. According to the Mintel Report, this is more evident among GenZ consumers, with about 30 percent GenZ females showing interest in new Korean flavours.

    Having identified a gap in the market for a Korean-inspired product in the snacking segment, Bingo! Korean style delivers an authentic taste experience that perfectly blends the essence of fiery Korean-style flavours with Bingo!’s potato chips.

    ITC Foods VP & head of marketing, snacks, noodles and pasta Suresh Chand commented on the launch, “The Korean culture has significantly penetrated in India especially among the GenZ audience. We, too, noticed that our consumers are seeking Korean experiences in snacking. Catering to this demand, we have launched the all new first-of-its kind spicy, tangy Korean-Style Chips in the Indian market. Infused with Korean-inspired flavours tailored to the spice-loving palates of India, we are confident that this range will delight our consumers.”

    Spokesperson from Tonic Worldwide said, “This collaboration between Bingo and Aoora is twice as spicy. ‘Maeun’ means spicy in Korean. The new flavour is so spicy that we had to add another ‘Maeun’! As an agency, we are obsessed with the consumer, their behaviour, so when it came to launching a product that is for the GEN-Z, we wanted to do it in their language. K-Pop, is way beyond a music genre for the audience, it’s a part of their culture. The catchy song captures the core essence of the new flavours Korean style. Super excited!”

    The new range will be available across all markets in India in convenient and pocket-friendly packs.

  • ITC’s Sunfeast YiPPee and Bingo became the  regional sponsor of AFA

    ITC’s Sunfeast YiPPee and Bingo became the regional sponsor of AFA

    Mumbai : In an recent move that is certain to delight football fans in India, Bingo! And Sunfeast YiPPee! from ITC Ltd have joined hands with the Argentine football association (AFA), as their official regional sponsor.

    The World Champion Argentina Football team enjoys huge fan following in India. The admiration for the team and game is significantly growing especially among the young audience. YiPPee! and Bingo! as youth-oriented brands, are all about fun, excitement, being playful, which beautifully resonates with the spirit of AFA.

    As part of this partnership, YiPPee! and Bingo! will harness the rich legacy of AFA to engage with consumers through a series of unique initiatives. Participants will have the chance to win match tickets, meet and greet team players, branded merchandise, memorabilia and much more. Further, through this association the brands aim to deepen their reach and offer unparalleled experience that celebrates the shared adoration for the sport.

    Celebrating the partnership, the respective brands unveiled exclusive packs featuring star players like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, Julián Álvarez and Emiliano Martínez, merchandise and memorabilia at an event held at ITC Sonar.

    Commenting on the exciting association, ITC Foods, vice president & head of marketing, snacks, noodles & pasta, Suresh Chand, said, “As brands, we are constantly pursuing innovative ways to connect with our audience. Our partnership with World Champion Argentina, is a testament to our continuous efforts to delight our consumers by offering them memorable experiences. Through this collaboration, we aim to elevate the fan experience and deepen our connection with consumers, offering them unique opportunities to immerse themselves in their beloved sport.”

    Echoing the excitement, Argentine Football Association chief commercial and marketing officer Leandro Petersen said, “We are thrilled to welcome Bingo! and YiPPee! as our regional sponsor in India. Football possesses the power to transcend borders and cultures, and we are confident that this collaboration will not only amplify the love for the sport in India, but also create unforgettable experiences for fans. Together, we look forward to crafting cherished memories for fans across India.”

    YiPPee! also launched a unique G.O.A.T (greatest offer of all time) promo, where participants will have to sign up for the contest and share their YiPPee! happy moment with the Argentina football players to receive personalised digital memorabilia and compete to win original autographed jerseys and several other AFA branded merchandise.

  • Bingo! Mad Angles now brings ‘Har problem ka MMMMad solution’

    Bingo! Mad Angles now brings ‘Har problem ka MMMMad solution’

    Mumbai: Bingo! Mad Angles, a snacking brand of ITC Foods, is back with to tickle your humour bones with a new campaign on its revamped packaging.

    This new campaign is all about urging one to tackle everyday problems with a dash of creativity and a mouthful of Bingo! Mad Angles. Through the new TVC, Bingo! Mad Angles unveils its refreshed packaging which embodies dynamism and caters to the GenZ. It has a bold and colourful Mad Angles logo in the centre, as well as vivid illustrations that help the brand stand out amongst its competitors.

    Conceptualised by Ogilvy, the TVC features the brand’s new mantra by declaring Bingo! Mad Angles is Har problem ka MMMMad solution. Further, the TVC highlights the brand’s unique personality with characters enjoy the product in an unusual setup – a quack doctor’s office. It also conveys brand’s message of being unconventional, which encourages consumers to think outside the box and find new and creative ways to enjoy their lives.

    Noodles and Pasta VP, head of marketing snacks Suresh Chand said, “Bingo! Mad Angles is known for its innovation, creativity and humour. With this new campaign and new pack, we’re turning up the humour quotient to the maximum. We believe that everyone has the potential to think outside the box and creative solutions to their everyday problems and Bingo! Mad Angles just elevates the entire experience.”

    Ogilvy South president and head of office Tithi Ghosh said, “Due to popular demand Mad Angles is back with a bang! Earlier ads for Mad Angles created certain iconic elements like the ‘MMMM’ and the rotating triangle. The most memorable work has always played with a duality – on the surface several laugh-out-aloud comic moments but for those who seek a little more there is always something cerebral tucked into the narrative. Our new ad focuses on taste and makes ’MMMM’ of the product stand out with all madness Mad Angles loyalists expect from the brand.”

    The new pack will be available across India in four convenient packaging options: Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20, and Rs 50 packets, ensuring accessibility to consumers of various preferences and budgets.

    Bingo! Mad Angles is coming up with something new to find out how the quack doctor cracked the code that Har problem ka solution is Mad Angles. Stay tuned!