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Tag: Zomato

  • Faasos rolls out Shawarma Fest 2025 with a flavour-packed comeback

    Faasos rolls out Shawarma Fest 2025 with a flavour-packed comeback

    MUMBAI: Move over popcorn, this October shawarmas are stealing the spotlight. Faasos is back with its cult favourite Shawarma Fest 2025, a month-long sizzler running from 15 September to 15 October National Shawarma Day with prices starting at just Rs 149 and available pan India.

    This year’s edition is bigger, bolder, and spicier, with six limited-edition shawarmas reimagining the classic wrap with global flavour twists:

    . Chipotle Chicken Shawarma – smoky Mexican-inspired firepower

    . Chipotle Paneer Shawarma – creamy yet spicy indulgence

    . BBQ Chicken Shawarma – sweet, smoky, and finger-licking juicy

    . BBQ Paneer Shawarma – a veggie delight with BBQ swagger

    . Schezwan Chicken Shawarma – tangy, spicy, and unapologetically bold

    . Schezwan Paneer Shawarma – a zesty vegetarian kick in every bite

    “Shawarma Fest is our way of celebrating fans’ love for shawarmas while surprising them with new flavour adventures,” said Rebel Foods CMO Nishant Kedia. “It’s indulgence, convenience, and innovation, all wrapped up.”

    But Faasos isn’t stopping at food. The fest comes with a quirky twist, a mini-film series titled ‘what if… iconic films had a new hero?’. In this reel-universe, shawarmas take centre stage as the real stars, premiering exclusively on Faasos’ Instagram throughout October.

    Available via Eatsure, Swiggy, and Zomato, the shawarmas are also paired with festive offers to tempt foodies into repeat indulgence. With 73 per cent of Indian diets protein-deficient and a growing appetite for bold, quick bites, Faasos is turning shawarmas into both a comfort and a conversation starter.

    By blending cult classics with daring reinventions, Faasos’ Shawarma Fest 2025 proves one thing: when it comes to food trends, the wrap game is still unbeatable.

  • Makemytrip and Zomato serve hot meals right to train passengers’ seats

    Makemytrip and Zomato serve hot meals right to train passengers’ seats

    MUMBAI: No more soggy samosas in foil packets, train travel in India just got a gourmet upgrade. Makemytrip has teamed up with Zomato to bring meals from 40,000 plus restaurant partners across 130 plus stations straight to passengers’ seats.

    The move rides a wave of appetite: in FY 2024–25, more than 90,000 rail passengers used Indian Railways’ e-catering services daily, a 66 per cent year-on-year growth. With its new ‘Food on Train’ service, MakeMyTrip is banking on its Live Train Status tool to nudge travellers into ordering at just the right moment, ensuring breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks arrive piping hot.

    The partnership has already been soft-launched with encouraging results, showing travellers lean towards travel-friendly meals. To add festive flavour, passengers booking rail journeys on MakeMyTrip this Diwali will also get a complimentary coupon redeemable on Zomato orders.

    “Over the past few years, we have been growing faster than the industry in train bookings, driven by customer-centric innovations. Food on Train is another step to enhance the journey,” said Makemytrip CBO & CMO Raj Rishi Singh.

    Zomato, which has already served 4.6 million plus orders across 130 plus stations as an IRCTC-authorised food partner, sees this as a natural extension. “This collaboration makes meals seamless and enjoyable, delivered directly to your seat,” said Zomato VP for Product Rahul Gupta.

    Beyond food, Makemytrip is also reshaping every stage of the train journey with tools like route extension assistance, seat availability forecasts, seat lock, trip guarantee, free cancellation, live PNR updates, and real-time tracking.

    From steaming biryanis to paneer rolls, rail journeys may never taste the same again because now, your favourite restaurant is only a station away.
     

  • Trilok drops high-octane spin on Ganpati aarti Sukhkarta Dukhharta

    Trilok drops high-octane spin on Ganpati aarti Sukhkarta Dukhharta

    MUMBAI: Ganpati has never sounded like this before. Trilok, the AI-led music collective known for stitching Indian roots with global sounds, has taken the classic aarti “Sukhkarta Dukhharta” and turned it into a festival headliner. Think rock riffs, electronic drops, desi dhols, and a raw devotional energy that feels equally at home in a pandal or a street carnival.

    The track isn’t arriving quietly either. It comes with collaborations from Zomato, Boat, and a starry appearance by actor-creator Neel (@justneelthings) in the music video. Together, they’ve added scale and sparkle to what’s shaping up as one of this year’s biggest Ganpati content launches.

    A Boat spokesperson summed up the vibe: “Ganpati is all about music and devotion, the very spirit that our collaboration with Trilok has captured. We’ve always aimed to give local talent a platform, and this initiative reflects just that.”

    The video itself is pure Mumbai: crowds dancing in processions, dhols thundering, colour explosions, and Zomato delivery partners joining the revelry. Trilok rides through it all on a decorated truck, jamming with live drummers and blending seamlessly into the chaos and joy of Visarjan. With Neel’s unmistakable presence adding charisma, the visuals match the track’s pulsing intensity.

    This is not just another remix; it’s a reimagining that places an age-old hymn in a 21st-century soundscape, without losing the bhakti at its core. The track is now streaming across platforms, with the full video live on TRILOK’s official channels proof that tradition and innovation can thump to the same beat.

  • Mumbai gets a slice of heaven as La Chérie’s ‘Dancing Cloud’ lands

    Mumbai gets a slice of heaven as La Chérie’s ‘Dancing Cloud’ lands

    MUMBAI: Desserts don’t usually make the city stop and stare, but this one jiggles its way into the spotlight. La Chérie, Pune’s cult-favourite cheesecake label, has floated into Mumbai with its now-iconic “Dancing Cloud” Japanese cheesecake, a dessert so airy it’s redefining indulgence.

    Unlike the dense, sugar-heavy cheesecakes most Mumbaikars know, La Chérie’s version is souffle-light, made in small daily batches, and entirely preservative-free. The texture is the star delicate, cloud-soft, and melt-in-the-mouth with no gelatin, agar, compound chocolate, or artificial stabilisers sneaking in. A quiet rebellion against hyper-processed sweets, it focuses on freshness, technique, and purity.

    The range caters to every mood: a Mini Dancing Cloud at Rs 299, a Chocolate variant at Rs 359 for solo indulgence, or the Big Dancing Cloud Whole Cheesecake at Rs 899 for celebrations. Available via Swiggy and Zomato, the cakes are crafted to be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on preference.

    The timing couldn’t be more perfect. With Japanese flavours gaining ground in Mumbai from matcha menus to omakase dining La Chérie taps straight into the city’s evolving palate. What started as a quiet cult in Pune is now shaping Mumbai’s premium dessert scene, proving that sometimes the lightest creations leave the heaviest mark.
     

  • Mallika Nath Handa inks a new chapter with Network18 leadership move

    Mallika Nath Handa inks a new chapter with Network18 leadership move

    MUMBAI: When it comes to building big brand bridges, Mallika Nath Handa knows the blueprint. The seasoned media and partnerships leader has joined Network18 Media & Investments Limited in August 2025 to helm Building Strategic Relationships, marking yet another power move in a two-decade career spanning India’s biggest media and digital houses.

    Handa’s career arc is as eclectic as it is impressive. She most recently spent 1 year and 9 months at Zomato, where she headed partnerships and played a pivotal role in shaping the food-tech major’s brand-building efforts. Before that, she spent a mammoth 11 years and 8 months at Times Internet, rising to the position of head of revenue and branded content for Indiatimes Lifestyle Network.

    Her early innings saw her hold senior sales roles at AIDEM Ventures (1 year 11 months), NDTV Media (4 years 3 months), and Star TV (2 years 5 months). Across these stints, she sharpened her expertise in revenue growth, branded content, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships, working at the intersection of media, technology, and brand storytelling.

    An alumna of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (2000–2004) with a degree in Fashion Design and Information Technology, Handa’s journey reflects a blend of creativity and commercial acumen, a combination that’s particularly suited to navigating Network18’s expansive media ecosystem.

    The move comes as Network18 continues to deepen its relationships with advertisers, creators, and platforms in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. With her proven track record in forging partnerships and scaling businesses, Handa’s entry signals the company’s intent to fortify its strategic growth playbook.

    From fashion design to food-tech to forging the future of one of India’s largest media networks, Handa’s career trajectory proves she has always been in the business of connections and at Network18, she now gets to take that literally.

  • Simran Kodesia takes charge of communications at Peak XV Partners

    Simran Kodesia takes charge of communications at Peak XV Partners

    MUMBAI: Peak XV Partners, the venture capital firm spun out of Sequoia Capital’s India and Southeast Asia operations, has appointed Simran Kodesia as head of communications. Based in India, she will be responsible for shaping and protecting the firm’s reputation across India, Southeast Asia and the US
    .
    Kodesia brings 17 years of international communications experience across consumer technology, hospitality and media. She joins Peak XV from DoorDash in San Francisco, where she spent nearly four years as director of international communications, steering the food-delivery giant’s consumer and technology narrative, managing global media relations and handling crisis strategy.

    Prior to that, she played a central role in Airbnb’s India and Southeast Asia expansion, helping to embed the brand in new markets and reframe travel culture through campaigns focused on community and conscious tourism. She has also held senior positions at The Claridges Hotels & Resorts, ixigo, and Hill+Knowlton Strategies, where she worked with marquee clients including Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Sony Entertainment Television on pre-opening launches, brand positioning and new-channel roll-outs.

    Colleagues describe her as a values-driven leader with a flair for storytelling that scales. Over the years she has built and led award-winning campaigns in collaboration with global influencers, founders and senior executives. Her expertise spans influencer marketing, strategic and corporate communications, crisis management and public affairs.

    Educated at the International School of Communication in London, with further training at the University of Zurich, Kodesia says she is motivated by building platforms that allow founders and brands to “tell authentic stories at scale.”

    For Peak XV, which manages over $9bn in assets and backs companies such as Zomato, Freshworks and GoTo, her appointment signals a renewed focus on narrative discipline as competition intensifies among venture firms in Asia and scrutiny of tech investors grows sharper in Washington and beyond.

  • Zomato onboards Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador

    Zomato onboards Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador

    MUMBAI – Zomato announces a landmark association with global superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, welcoming him as its new brand ambassador. The announcement follows Shah Rukh Khan’s recent appearance in Zomato’s latest campaign, Fuel Your Hustle, which celebrates the quiet grind behind some of India’s most celebrated names.

    Through the campaign and this association, Zomato aims to resonate with every individual who truly believes in hard work and consistency and reinforce its commitment to supporting their journey with food.

    Commenting on the association, Zomato marketing head, Sahibjeet Singh Sawhney said, “Shah Rukh Khan’s journey, from humble beginnings to global icon, mirrors the grit and persistence we believe in. No shortcuts, just relentless progress. We’re excited to welcome him as our brand ambassador, inspiring millions to keep showing up and fuelling their ambition. His influence transcends generations and borders and is a reminder for India to keep at it.”

    Shah Rukh Khan added, “Zomato’s story is one of hustle, innovation and a love for bringing people closer to what they cherish most—great food. It’s a journey that resonates with me deeply, and I am thrilled to be part of a brand that has become a household name across India.”

  • Zomato serves up a motivational feast with Fuel Your Hustle campaign

    Zomato serves up a motivational feast with Fuel Your Hustle campaign

    MUMBAI: Food delivery and experiences company Zomato has dished out a high-octane, monochrome television commercial, “Fuel Your Hustle”, drawing comparisons to Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” ethos. The star-studded TVC features Hindi cinema’s Shah Rukh Khan, cricketing ace Jasprit Bumrah, boxing legend Mary Kom, and musical maestro AR Rahman, all united in a quest to uncover the “secret ingredient” of greatness.  

    The film is tied together by a compelling music track from Kalmi (Nikhil Kalimireddy), best known for his hit “Big Dawgs”. The background score features a dynamic blend of Indian and western sounds, characterised by a prominent use of percussion and drums that amplify the motivational fervour. 

    The advert kicks off with an intriguing question: “What’s their secret ingredient? Their secret sauce for greatness? What do they know that others don’t?”. What follows is a compelling visual narrative of each icon’s relentless dedication to their craft. Khan is seen meticulously re-taking scenes, Rahman passionately wrestling with his keyboards to perfect a tune, Kom relentlessly skipping and sparring in the boxing ring, and Bumrah unleashing thunderous deliveries that send stumps cartwheeling. 

    A montage of candid shots interspersed with their rigorous routines is accompanied by a haunting voiceover. It declares, “They know the taste of sweat. The salt of tears. They wake up when it’s dark. They show up when it’s hard. They know what it takes, retakes, mistakes. The truth is they are just like you and me. There’s no secret recipe. They JUST WANT IT MORE. THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS HUSTLE. FUEL YOUR HUSTLE. Zomato.” 

    The TVC, with its powerful personalities, stirring message, and driving soundtrack, undoubtedly commands attention. It not only positions Zomato as a brand that embodies its own “hustle,” but also aims to inspire the common person to fuel their ambitions. This ad suggests that Zomato is hungry for more, and wants its customers to feel the same zest for life.

     

  • Adani tops growth charts with 82 per cent brand value surge

    Adani tops growth charts with 82 per cent brand value surge

    MUMBAI: The Adani Group has gone from strength to superbrand, topping the growth charts with a jaw-dropping 82 per cent spike in brand valuation — the highest among India’s top 100 brands in 2025, according to Brand Finance’s annual rankings.

    Brand Adani’s value has surged from $3.55 billion in 2024 to $6.46 billion (Rs 55,000 crore) this year, marking an increase larger than its entire 2023 valuation. That’s not just growth — that’s compounding on steroids.

    The jump has propelled Adani three notches up the rankings, landing it at No. 13 on the coveted list, up from 16 last year. The report attributes this leap to the Group’s strategic clarity, resilience in the face of global volatility, and commitment to sustainable growth — a rare trifecta in today’s corporate climate.

    Meanwhile, Tata Group cemented its throne as India’s most valuable brand, becoming the first Indian brand ever to breach the $30 billion mark. It continues to lead the pack on sustainability perception value, while Infosys tops the charts in positive gap value – a measure of consumer trust outperforming expectations.

    Luxury hotel chain Taj held onto its title as India’s strongest brand with a AAA+ rating and a brand strength index (BSI) score of 92.2/100.

    Food delivery major Zomato also made its debut in the top 50, riding on strong brand equity among urban consumers.

    The 2025 edition of the Brand Finance India 100 saw double-digit growth across the top 10 brands, including Infosys, LIC, Hdfc and Reliance, indicating that India’s brandscape is not just expanding – it’s accelerating.

    In a year where perception met performance, Adani’s sharp rise signals that brand value in India is increasingly built on scale, strategy, and sustainable swagger.

    Speaking on the same, Brand Finance’s MD Asia Pacific, Alex Haigh said, “Adani emerged as the fastest-growing Indian brand in 2025. In our assessment, brand Adani’s rise is underpinned by its strong financial performance coupled with high brand equity scores. It is a clear reflection of their investment in integrated infrastructure and the renewables sector.”
     

  • Hangyo and Smoor churn out a chocolatey masterpiece with Black Gold Ice Cream

    Hangyo and Smoor churn out a chocolatey masterpiece with Black Gold Ice Cream

    MUMBAI : Two dessert dynamos just scooped out something extraordinary. Hangyo Ice Cream and Smoor have teamed up to launch Black Gold Ice Cream — a luscious blend of Hangyo’s famously smooth, creamy base and Smoor’s rich, artisanal couverture chocolate.

    Unveiled in style at Smoor’s Lavelle Road boutique, the launch event brought together ice cream lovers, media, and some very lucky sundae architects. Guests sampled the Black Gold flavour bomb — a silky, bold creation that drips heritage, elegance and luxury in every bite. Think ancient cacao rituals meets 21st-century dessert couture.

    The event was headlined by Hangyo Ice Cream head, Business Development, SankeernPai and Smoor founder & CEO Vimal Sharma, who revealed the product in a grand unveiling, followed by a tasting session that delighted guests and media alike. To add to the celebration, attendees enjoyed a DIY Sundae Station, where children and adults alike crafted their own personalized sundaes with a range of toppings and sauces. The event also featured Black Gold-themed games and fun activities for kids, ensuring the afternoon was filled with flavor and joy.

    Hangyo Ice Cream vice chairman Ullas Kamath said, “At Hangyo, innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. The launch of Black Gold in association with Smoor Chocolates is a celebration of craftsmanship, indulgence, and collaboration. This luxurious creation brings together our legacy in ice creams with Smoor’s artisanal chocolate expertise to deliver a truly premium dessert experience. Black Gold is more than just a product—it’s a statement of elegance, quality, and the power of partnerships in redefining indulgence”.

    Sankeern Pai said, “We’ve always believed that ice cream is more than dessert — it’s an emotion that speaks to every palate differently. Our strength lies in understanding and celebrating this diversity, which has helped us become a beloved brand across regions and generations. With the launch of Black Gold, we take that philosophy a step further — blending our legacy of rich, creamy textures with Smoor’s mastery of fine chocolate. This collaboration is a bold exploration of taste, tradition, and innovation, elevating indulgence to a whole new level. It’s not just about introducing a new flavor; it’s about crafting a refined experience that’s rooted in who we are as a brand.”

    Sharma commented, “Smoor has always stood for purity, precision, and the power of true couverture chocolate. With Black Gold, we’re venturing into a new dimension — where the art of chocolate-making meets the soul of Ice Cream craftsmanship. Partnering with Hangyo has enabled us to reimagine what indulgence means for the Indian consumer. This creation is a fine blend of two legacies — one that balances tradition with refinement and elevates familiar comfort with luxurious flair. It’s a celebration of two brands that understand their craft deeply, coming together to offer something rare, bold, and unforgettable.”

    Smoor CMO Kanchan said, “At Smoor, we’ve always believed that true indulgence lies in the details — in the richness of taste, the finesse of craftsmanship, and the joy of discovery. ‘Black Gold’ is a celebration of that philosophy. This collaboration with Hangyo brings together our artisanal chocolate expertise with their legacy in Ice Creams, resulting in a creation that’s bold, luxurious, and truly unforgettable. It’s not just ice cream — it’s a sensory experience.”

    Beyond the tasting, the event was a carnival of cocoa dreams — from a DIY Sundae Station for kids (and kids-at-heart) to Black Gold-themed games and treats that made the launch a full-blown flavour fest.

    Hangyo, a brand that has blended tradition with trend, and Smoor, known for its high-end chocolate wizardry, have together created a dessert that’s as much about legacy as it is about sensory joy.

    Black Gold Ice Cream is now available at all Smoor outlets and can also be ordered via Swiggy and Zomato. A dessert this decadent doesn’t just deserve a place in your freezer — it deserves a standing ovation.