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Tag: Sushant Dash

  • Starbucks unveils 50 store in Bengaluru with first drive-thru outlet

    Starbucks unveils 50 store in Bengaluru with first drive-thru outlet

    MUMBAI: Starbucks marked a significant milestone with the opening of its 50 store in Bengaluru, also unveiling its first drive-thru outlet in South India. The occasion was commemorated with a special event attended by Tata Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash and Swiggy Food Marketplace CEO Rohit Kapoor.

    The event highlighted the strength of the long-standing partnership between Starbucks and Swiggy, which began eight years ago with just six stores in Mumbai. Since then, the collaboration has expanded across 70 cities and 350+ stores nationwide, supported by Swiggy’s robust delivery ecosystem.

    As part of the celebration, Kapoor joined 50 Swiggy delivery partners on a ride to the new store, capping the journey with a cup of Starbucks coffee. Dash added a personal touch by brewing a signature Americano for Kapoor symbolising their shared passion for quality and consistency.

    Tata Starbucks CEO Dash shared, “Our 50 store in Bengaluru and first drive-thru in South India marks an exciting new chapter in our growth journey one rooted in accessibility, innovation, and deep local relevance. At Starbucks, we use the specialty grade Arabica for every cup of coffee, serving the finest quality to every consumer. Swiggy has been a trusted partner in this journey, helping us deliver the Starbucks experience to customers wherever they are. As we expand across India, we remain committed to crafting new moments of connection, whether in-store or delivered to your doorstep.”

    Swiggy Food Marketplace CEO Kapoor added, “Starbucks’ 50 store in Bengaluru is not just a milestone for their retail footprint, but also a marker of how far this partnership has come. From just a handful of stores in one city to now serving customers in 70 cities Swiggy has been proud to partner with Starbucks every step of the way. Together, we’ve worked to make high-quality coffee and food experiences more accessible to millions of consumers across the country. As we scale further, we’re excited to keep pushing boundaries and delivering memorable experiences, one order at a time.”

    The duo has collaborated on popular campaigns such as ‘Double the Love,’ ‘Friday Frappuccino,’ and ‘Items at 199,’ and co-created the ‘Classics’ menu tailored to Indian palates. This celebration reflects not just a store count but a shared mission to bring premium coffee and food closer to consumers, in-store and at home.

  • PR industry continues to grow at 20 per cent, reaching ₹2,500 crore

    PR industry continues to grow at 20 per cent, reaching ₹2,500 crore

    Mumbai: The Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) hosted the third edition of its flagship thought-leadership forum, PRologue 2024 on 25 July in Gurgaon.

    At this event, PRCAI presented initial findings of SPRINT 2024*, its annual industry survey in collaboration with IPSOS, which estimates a growth of 19.6 percent in FY 2022-2023 for the industry. PRCAI presented and deliberated on an optimistic projection for the Indian PR industry, reaching 2,500 crore from 2,100 crore in FY 2021-2022.

    The event saw panelists engage in dynamic discussions on the theme ‘Reimagining Communications in a Turbulent World.’ With changing demographics in India, influence of technology and AI, economic trajectory, the PR industry is experiencing changes at a fast rate, from skills required in the industry, to greater attention to PR by C-Suite, to innovation in audience outreach, to shaping narratives, to services and specializations offered to be ready for the future of communications. These themes were explored at the recent PRologue 2024, which was attended by 300 communication and business professionals.

    India is home to the largest Gen Z population, earning trust from this dynamic group is vital for brand success. Diving into the evolving behaviour of new-age consumers, PRCAI guest speakers included Tata Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash, content creator Anushka Rathod and Edelman India lead advisor, brand marketing & communications Ashutosh Munshi who talked about how to ‘Crack the Gen Z Code’ at the event.

    Tata Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash said, “Gen Z’s unique expectations and strong opinions, shaped by their digital nativity, challenge brands to innovate. At Starbucks India, we engage with this dynamic group daily, finding their perspectives both refreshing and inspiring. Their insights drive us to continually adapt and improve our communication approach.”

    Emphasizing trust and engagement, the panel underscored public relations’ crucial role in navigating rapid technological advancements and widespread misinformation. The second panel with guest line-up including, Staqu Technologies CEO & co-founder Atul Rai, Medianama founder and editor Nikhil Pahwa, HT Media Group business head Yatik Naik, and The Indian Express COO Nandagopal Rajan discussed strategies to ‘Navigate The AI Tightrope,’ balancing the dilemma of innovation versus misinformation.

    The most awaited industry event is a combination of trend discussions at PRologue 2024, followed by the global SABRE South Asia Awards, that celebrated the most creative and interesting work in the field of public relations. More than 50 awards were given to compelling campaigns. SUGAR Cosmetics co-founder and CEO Vineeta Singh was awarded the top honour of CEO of the year at the SABRE South Asia 2024 Awards.

    SUGAR Cosmetics CEO & co-founder Vineeta Singh said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Best CEO of the Year at SABRE South Asia 2024 Awards hosted by PRCAI. I dedicate this award to my mother and SUGAR’s workforce, especially 3000+ women employees, beauty enthusiasts, and stakeholders at large. This award recognition underscores our focus to redefine the Indian beauty landscape whilst saluting the indomitable spirit of women who embrace their most authentic selves.”

    PRCAI VP Kunal Kishore said, “PRologue and SABRE SA have become the industries’ most awaited moments of learning and recognition. Our goal is to focus on authentic conversation and reimagine every year our ever-changing environment that can constantly up the game for the industry.”

    ‘This year at PRologue 2024, PRCAI partnered with the Guinness World Records (GWR) and created a new record for the most signatures collected on a t-shirt in 60 minutes. It called upon the attendees and industry professionals to pledge to the power of “Educate, Elevate, Empower” and for each one of them to commit an hour this year to upskill the next generation of talent in the industry.

    PRCAI CEO Deeptie Sethi remarked, “The industry is witnessing a healthy growth and PRCAI is committed to help the industry strive for excellence with platforms to upskill, standardizing guidelines to build a world-class workforce and stronger industry practices for both today and tomorrow. We are excited about the first-ever Guinness World Record for PRCAI, that symbolizes our commitment to encourage each member of ours as an integrated part to cultivate a more skilled and innovative workforce for the future.”

    To elevate the industry standards and cultivate a more professional and collaborative environment for collective success, PRCAI has a new client-consultancy partnership charter and code of conduct guidelines, which will be announced soon to build an even stronger ethical, professional, and progressive PR industry.

  • Starbucks India & Manish Malhotra unveil coffee and glam-inspired merchandise

    Starbucks India & Manish Malhotra unveil coffee and glam-inspired merchandise

    Mumbai: Launching exclusively in India, Starbucks India and Manish Malhotra are all set to introduce a one-of-a-kind collaboration. The limited-edition lifestyle drinkware range will see the coming together of two distinctive voices in coffee and fashion. This collection will celebrate Starbucks philosophy of elevating everyday moments of the coffee-drinking experience, tailored to consumers and through the lens of the ace couturier’s signature craftsmanship.

    Over the years, globally, Starbucks has collaborated with iconic brands to bring forth a line of collectibles that make accessible the realms of international style, glamour and fashion for its consumers, the collaboration with Manish Malhotra will offer an unparalleled experience for coffee, art, design and fashion enthusiasts alike.

    The limited-edition range comprises of stoneware ceramic mugs, stainless steel tumblers and environment-friendly reusable cup. The design inspiration takes from exquisite Kashmiri motifs, a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship, that uniquely captivates its traditional floral technique inspired by the region’s rich cultural heritage and breath-taking natural surroundings. The timeless beauty of Kashmiri embroidery, a signature of the Manish Malhotra brand, translates into intricate patterns that are rich in cultural significance, on Starbucks cups and tumblers.

    In color palates that range from charcoal black, regal golds, pristine whites and subtle carmines, the range embodies the luxurious essence of traditional craft with contemporary style. This collaboration not only celebrates the exquisite craftsmanship and natural inspirations of Kashmir but also brings a touch of elegance to the coffee experience, creating a unique fusion of global aesthetics and local heritage.

    Commenting on the collaboration, legendary designer Manish Malhotra said, “I am delighted to join forces with Starbucks India to introduce the limited-edition collection. My aim was to design something deeply rooted in India while complementing the iconic tradition that Starbucks is renowned for. Kashmir holds a special place in my heart, serving as both a personal connection and a cornerstone of my brands’ identity. In crafting a signature collection for my collaboration with Starbucks, my aim was to seamlessly integrate the beauty and craftsmanship of Kashmir into everyday moments. The decision to use gold as a prominent colour in my designs’ stems from its powerful statement and resonance with my brand’s aesthetic. Gold, much like the intricate art and craft of Kashmir, embodies a sense of opulence and timelessness.”

    “At TATA Starbucks, we have always believed in the power of design, art and community in sharing elevated experiences for coffee lovers across India. From our stores to our packaging – each touchpoint at Starbucks is a testament to this thought. As we continue to lead growth in India, we are thrilled to partner with Manish Malhotra. Mr. Malhotra is one of India’s most prominent voices in fashion and has played a pivotal role in the country’s approach to style. We hope this collaboration elevates our consumers daily cup of coffee with Manish Malhotra’s inimitable design language.” said TATA Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash.

    The limited-edition range starts at a retail price of Rs 850 and onwards and includes –

    ●    As an ode to sustainability, the introduction of the two reusable cups for everyday beverages to showcase the intricate artwork and elevate your everyday beverage, priced at Rs 850.

    ●    Stoneware ceramic mugs with a gold luxor foiling in a matte finish, priced at Rs 2100.

    ●    Stainless steel tumblers in an opaque matte black outer finish that are double-walled, and vacuum sealed to make your drinking experience easy, priced at Rs 2900.

    ●    Each piece of merchandise is also accompanied by a personalised note by Manish Malhotra.

    ●    The brands have also launched an exclusive limited-edition collectible which comprises a set of stoneware ceramic mug and stainless-steel tumbler and a personalised note by Manish Malhotra that is accessible only to Starbucks Rewards members.

  • Tata Starbucks celebrates International Coffee Week

    Tata Starbucks celebrates International Coffee Week

    Mumbai: TATA Starbucks is taking things a notch higher by extending International Coffee Day (1 October) celebrations for a week. Toasting to the journey from bean to cup, this weeklong celebration will include a dedicated Coffee master’s Program called Master Brewers and a seven-day Coffee experience series that has been specially curated for customers.

    This program brings alive the nuances of growing and sourcing ethical coffees from across the world, processing & roasting of different coffee’s to fun-filled brewing and latte arts curated by Starbucks for its customers and delivered by Starbucks Coffee masters. It will empower them to transcend the ordinary and become true masters of the art of crafting exceptional coffee, ultimately earning the prestigious ‘special apron’—a symbol of pride and distinction traditionally owned by the best baristas in the business. This program is, in essence, the golden key for coffee enthusiasts to join the ranks of the coffee elite.

    International Coffee Week is not just a celebration; it’s a unique opportunity for coffee enthusiasts in India to immerse themselves in the world of coffee crafted especially for them by Starbucks. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store for them:

    Coffee Experience Series: In addition to these bespoke coffee masterclasses, TATA Starbucks has curated a selection of seven distinctive coffee engagement programs at their stores throughout the week, promising an unforgettable coffee experience for all. Each day at 4 PM, these programs will feature unique coffee tastings, each centered around a different theme, aimed at expanding your coffee knowledge. It’s an open invitation to discover, learn, and celebrate the world of coffee like never before.

    Expressing his delight on this initiative, TATA Starbucks CEO Sushant Dash remarked, “Celebrating our journey into India, where the specialty coffee culture was just blossoming, we took a pioneering role in refining and introducing this culture to a predominantly tea-drinking population. Today, we stand as the catalysts of this transformative shift, as consumers increasingly seek a deeper connection to their coffee. They yearn to uncover the story behind their brew, to truly immerse themselves in the essence of specialty coffee.”

    He further added, “Our curated program and week-long in-store experiences have been tailored to cater this exact curiosity of today’s coffee enthusiasts, who not only desire premium experiences but also possess a deep appreciation for the intricacies of coffee, right from its origins on the farm to the final cup. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to fulfilling their quest for coffee knowledge while celebrating the true essence of coffee excellence.”

    International Coffee Week celebration at Starbucks includes special promotions and a series of exclusive, coffee-centric experiences designed especially for its Indian customers, offering a unique opportunity to partake in the festivities while also sharing in Starbucks’ unparalleled coffee expertise. Starbucks India mobile app would also bring alive these unique tastings which customers can view and participate in across the seven days. 

  • Puneet Das elevated to Tata packaged beverages president India & south Asia

    Puneet Das elevated to Tata packaged beverages president India & south Asia

    NEW DELHI: Tata Consumer Products (TCP) has elevated Puneet Das as president – packaged beverages, India and south Asia. Das, who has been associated with Tata Consumer Products since 2017, was earlier senior vice president- marketing for the India beverages business.

    Das takes over from Sushant Dash, who was recently named chief executive officer for coffee chain Starbucks in India. 

    Before joining Tata Consumer Products, Das held senior marketing roles in companies such as Marico, PepsiCo, GSK Consumer. He comes with about 20 years of experience in the FMCG sector, having worked in India, Africa and other international markets.

    In a recent statement, TCP stated that Das has played a crucial role in formulating marketing strategies for Tata Tea and Tata Coffee Grands. 

    "We are happy to elevate Puneet Das as president for packaged beverages. This is in line with our aspiration to recognise and groom internal talent. We have an exciting time ahead for our packaged beverages business with focus on scaling up our distribution and reach, building on product innovation while strengthening the core portfolio. Puneet’s appointment comes at a time when the organisation is going through its transformation journey and we are confident that his experience and leadership will help us accelerate the business and achieve new heights," said Tata Consumer Products managing director & CEO Sunil D'Souza. 

  • Tata Consumers Products strengthens beverage wellness portfolio

    Tata Consumers Products strengthens beverage wellness portfolio

    New Delhi: Tata Consumer Products is strengthening its wellness portfolio in the packaged beverages category to cater to consumer needs. It has introduced two new products – Tata Tea Tulsi Green and Tata Tea Gold Care, and reformulated its existing Tetley Green Tea with added Vitamin C. These new offerings are developed with beneficial ingredients that are known to help improve the body’s immunity and enhance overall wellness.

    Tata Tea, Desh Ki Chai has a rich heritage of over 30 years and is known for catering to the local tastes & preferences in various geographies. The two new product offerings combine the refreshment of everyday tea with the goodness of Indian herbs which are known for their health benefits: Tata Tea Gold Care is infused with a medley of five native ingredients that provide wholesome goodness in every cup and promote wellbeing. It packs the goodness of immunity boosting ingredient tulsi and other native ingredients ginger, cardamom, mulethi and brahmi that not only make for a perfect cup of masala tea but also are known to provide specific health benefits.

    Tata Tea Tulsi Green is a blend of green tea and real tulsi leaves. Tulsi is traditionally known to boost immunity and green tea is known for its multiple health benefits. These two were brought together to create a product that tastes and feels good. The blend has been crafted keeping in mind the preference of consumers to use native ingredients along with home-made mixtures in their regular cup of tea. The promise of the brand is ‘Tulsi wali immunity, ab tasty bhi’. This has become even more relevant in current times when consumers are increasingly valuing authentic ingredients in food and beverage products without a compromise on taste.

    Tetley, the second largest tea brand globally, has an offering Tetley Green tea, which is the second biggest green tea brand in India. Tetley Green Tea is an excellent source of antioxidants that are known to have various beneficial effects on health. Now, Tetley green teabag range in India has been reformulated with added Vitamin C and is relaunched as Tetley Green Tea Immune. Hence, Tetley Green Tea Immune has all the goodness of antioxidants rich green tea and added vitamin C, which helps support the Immune system. Tetley Green Tea Immune is available in four exciting variants, (Classic, Lemon & Honey, Ginger Mint and Lemon and Mango variant), to ensure rejuvenation in every sip.

    Tata Consumer Products president packaged beverages (India, Bangladesh and middle east) Sushant Dash said, "We are enhancing wellness offerings in our beverage portfolio with the launch of two exciting variants in our Tata Tea brand- Tata Tea Gold Care and Tata Tea Tulsi Green and the re-launch of Tetley Green Tea Immune. The pandemic has seen consumers showing a significant preference for trusted health and wellness products. Tata Tea and Tetley are reputed brands in the tea segment and our new offerings will give consumers great quality teas along with the added benefits of these natural ingredients and Vitamin C. Consumers can also buy these variants from the convenience of their homes, through e-commerce platforms. We will continue to invest in our brands and innovate to create quality and distinctive products for our consumers.”

  • Tata Global Beverages appoints Indigo Consulting to redevelop its corporate website

    Tata Global Beverages appoints Indigo Consulting to redevelop its corporate website

    MUMBAI: One of India’s leading digital agencies, Indigo Consulting and part of the Publicis Groupe announced that the agency has been chosen to work with Tata Global Beverages, a $1.4 billion company that unties the beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella.

     

    With a brand presence across 40 countries, Tata Global Beverages is the world’s second largest tea company with growing interests in coffee and water. It has a portfolio of strong brands such as Tata Tea, Tetley, Eight O’clock Coffee, Himalayan water and Good Earth tea.

     

    Indigo Consulting has been tasked to evaluate and refocus Tata Global Beverages’ brand communication efforts towards more effective online experiences via the company’s website. The website revamp comes as a concerted effort by the group to amplify its brand awareness and use the channel to better communicate with the company’s key target groups – investors, media, employees and consumers.

     

    Commenting on the move to partner with Indigo Consulting from among the other international contenders, Tata Global Beverages global brands director Sushant Dash says that the website is a critical piece of its corporate identity and looks forward to the redevelopment resulting in an engaging and differentiated online experience for its stakeholders.

     

    The agency has already chalked out plans for the website overhaul and these plans will help build a differentiated online positioning for Tata Global Beverages, says Indigo Consulting SVP strategy and client services Priti Jhavar.

     

    She says, “Tata Global Beverages is such a dynamic brand in itself that to play it safe and stick to a stiff, corporate persona would be a great disservice not just to the group but also to its customers. This is a brand that is responsible for bringing magical beverage moments daily to people around the world and that’s the message that we are very excited to convey through new-age interactions and advanced technology on their website.”