ITC's Minakshi Handa: There is a need to embed Generative AI in early stages of creative journey

Zee-Sony merger to take place by December this year

“We will scale our organics portfolio in a short time”: Amul’s Jayen Mehta

Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi reprise their roles as Munna Bhai and Circuit in Acko's latest ad campaign

Watch out Ajay Gupte and Amin Lakhani, says EssenceMediacom CEO Naveen Khemka

Introducing ‘The Visionaries’: The highest honour for the brightest and most innovative marketing minds in India

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has unveiled its latest global campaign, "Made in Singapore," (MIS) aimed at inspiring travellers to choose Singapore as their next travel destination. The campaign puts a fresh spin on the Passion Made Possible destination brand, spotlighting quintessentially Singaporean experiences, from iconic attractions to hidden gems, all of which are deeply rooted in the unique passions that characterize Singapore's identity.

Speaking on the latest campaign, GB Srithar, regional director – India, Middle East, South Asia & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board said, “Indian travellers are increasingly seeking to connect deeply with a travel destination by venturing into off-the-beaten-path, less-explored, and previously unimagined experiences. This new campaign aims to resonate with these discerning Indian travellers, by highlighting how the ordinary is made extraordinary in Singapore through the rich tapestry of unique and distinctly Singaporean experiences. 'Made in Singapore’ a testament to how a destination like ours makes possible a travel experience filled with a renewed sense of wonder and limitless possibilities.”

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kij3n1iikKc?si=DjHWC4_U5WbdyDkv" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Kenneth Lim, assistant chief executive (marketing group), Singapore Tourism Board, said, “The Made in Singapore campaign is anchored on our Passion Made Possible destination brand, which embodies the Singapore spirit of fulfilling individual passions and creating new possibilities. Through this latest campaign, we would like to reinforce Singapore as a destination that turns imagination into reality. Our goal is to showcase how everyday ordinary moments are made extraordinary and unforgettable, experienced only in Singapore – to inspire travel here.”

Buoyed by strong fundamentals that make Singapore an attractive leisure and business destination, the country’s tourism sector is poised for strong growth. However, competition among destinations continues to intensify, along with changes in travel behaviour. A study conducted in Nov 2021 with over 3,000 respondents across 10 overseas markets found that over 60 percent of people are looking for more purposeful travel, and close to 80 percent of those planning for purposeful travel are looking for destinations that inspire them. The MIS campaign therefore aims to keep Singapore top of mind and connect across different travellers by showcasing the country’s key attributes: an inspiring City in Nature destination that is not only vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also rooted in strong multicultural heritage.

To build emotional affinity and inspire travel to Singapore, the campaign adopts a bolder and playful approach to convey the spirit of MIS: where a twist on the familiar creates a travel experience filled with wonder. From forest bathing at the unexpected setting of Jewel Changi Airport’s Rain Vortex, to working up a sweat dining at Lau Pa Sat hawker centre, and witnessing a colourful “air show” at the all-new Mandai Bird Paradise, Singapore turns imagination into real and inspiring experiences for travellers.


Singapore tourism board launches 'Made in Singapore' global campaign

BigMuscles Nutrition has signed Hardik Pandya, renowned international cricketer, as the brand ambassador for its wide range of nutritional supplements.

Premium Gold Whey Protein, its marquee product which is Informed Choice certified, a global quality assurance program for dietary supplement products, provides 25 gm protein and 11 gm of essential amino acids per serving. It is designed for fitness enthusiasts, gym goers and high performance athletes who need global quality-assured products to meet their fitness goals.

Suhel Vats, Managing Director, BigMuscles Nutrition, said, “We are thrilled to have Hardik Pandya, a high performing international athlete on board as our brand ambassador. Hardik’s reputation, dedication and passion for fitness and his commitment to excellence, perfectly align with our values at BigMuscles Nutrition. Our products are aligned with our performance personified ambassador and are a part of his workout regime.  Our campaign #PerformanceHiPehchaan reflects the high-quality performance of our products that makes them acknowledged market leaders.”

Premium Gold Whey Protein, a derivative of milk, is a high biological value protein that contains essential amino acids necessary for muscle building and repair, and recovery. This concentrated source of amino acids facilitates muscle protein synthesis, essential for athletes and gym goers who undertake high intensity workouts.

Hardik Pandya, said, “As a professional athlete, I am very particular about my fitness and dietary regime. BigMuscles Nutrition’s Premium Gold Whey Protein is the perfect protein companion for individuals focusing on high intensity muscle-building workouts and looking for global standards in their supplement. I am excited about this campaign and look forward to having fitness enthusiasts experience this high-performance video.”


BigMuscles Nutrition signs Hardik Pandya as brand ambassador

Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting announces the seventh edition of the Santoor Scholarship Program, in association with Wipro Cares. This program provides financial support to young women from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to pursue higher education after grade 12.  The program is open to women across the four states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Chhattisgarh, where 1900 scholarships will be given.


As per the latest reports, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for women in the country (for 18-21 years) stands at 27.3 percent. Particularly alarming is the extremely low GER of eight percent among young women from disadvantaged communities and underserved minority groups. Financial constraints have long been identified as a primary obstacle, leading to low enrolment rates, high dropout rates, premature marriages, and untimely entry into the labor market.

 

Recognizing that education is a collective responsibility that goes beyond individuals or families, the Santoor Scholarship Program was established in 2016-17. The program provides financial support of Rs 24,000 per annum, covering tuition, living, and other related expenses. So far, the Santoor Women’s Scholarship Program has provided 6000+ scholarships. 

 

“We believe that education is a key enabler of social change. Empowering women with better education helps in contributing to a more just, equitable, and humane society. The Santoor Scholarship Program for women is designed to work towards this fundamental change across diverse communities and regions and specifically targeted at underserved backgrounds. At its core, this program embodies our commitment to fostering social change at the grassroots through education serving as a key enabler of multi-generational change at the individual, family and   community levels” remarked P.S Narayan, global head - sustainability and social initiatives, Wipro Limited.

 

Sharing his thoughts on the program Neeraj Khatri, chief executive – Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, remarked, "Many young women face formidable challenges due to societal and cultural factors especially in marginalized and underserved societies. For some, the lack of financial resources shatters their aspirations of attaining higher education, leaving them vulnerable to issues like early marriages, heightened poverty, and further disempowerment. The Santoor Scholarship Program is a platform to empower these young women equipping them with the resources needed to overcome financial obstacles and pursue higher education. Over the years we have seen that for many of these first generational learners, this initiative not only advances individual aspirations but sparks positive changes in their families and the community at large. Thus, by investing in their education, we not only provide them with opportunities for personal growth but also contribute to the wider societal goals of inclusivity and economic equity.”

 

Commenting on the initiative, Prasanna Rai, senior vice president – marketing, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, said, "This year, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our scholarship program, reaching a total of 1900 scholars.  In the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana we are providing 500 scholarships each. Furthermore, we have inaugurated our scholarship initiative in Chhattisgarh last year, where we are providing 400 scholarships this year. Over the past seven years, our scholarship program has made a profound impact, enabling over 6000 plus deserving young women from underserved backgrounds pursue higher education. This achievement reinforces our unwavering belief that education should not be a solitary burden borne by individual families, but a collective responsibility. It is a testament to our organizational commitment to fostering accessible education, to create a more equitable and enlightened society."

 

"It has been my aspiration to become an IAS officer in the future. However, financing my studies was my biggest challenge. Being part of the Santoor Scholarship Program has not only relieved my financial burden but has been a life-changing experience for me and my entire family by empowering me to aspire for a brighter future. This program is more than just financial aid; it's a symbol of belief and support for women like me,” stated Prasanna Kumari, 2nd year B.Com student and beneficiary of the Santoor Scholarship Program.



<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PzohR0-ui10?si=ZkBd83TEkdWUiGJ3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Wipro Consumer Care introduces seventh edition of Santoor Scholarship Program

Third Wave Coffee, a specialty coffee and food brand that counts Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath among investors, has raised $35 million in its Series C funding round led by Creaegis, a private equity firm, the startup said on September 28.


Westbridge Capital and Udaan’s Sujeet Kumar also participated in the round, which valued the startup at $150 million.


The Bengaluru-based Third Wave said it would use the funds to expand globally, improve supply chain and invest in technology.


“...the coffee-first QSR (quick service restaurant) industry is one of the fastest growing consumer categories in the country. We have grown 5x through the last year and strategically expanded our footprint across the nation,” Third Wave co-founder and CEO Sushant Goel said.


The fundraise comes days after Third Wave rival, Blue Tokai, raised money from actor Deepika Padukone in an extended Series B round of $30 million.


The specialty coffee space in India is warming up, with the entry of a number of home-grown brands which are giving global giants like Starbucks a run for their money.


Third Wave Coffee Roasters competes with Blue Tokai, Slay Coffee, Sleepy Owl Coffee, Hatti Kaapi and traditional chains such as Cafe Coffee Day among others.


“Going forward, we will continue to double down on technology and product innovation to deliver a superior cafe experience across the country,” Goel said.


Founded by Ayush Bathwal, Anirudh Sharma and Goel in 2017, the company has expanded to have over 100 stores in the country.


Third Wave's $35 million fundraise comes over a year after it raised $21 million from WestBridge Capital and others. With the latest round, it has now raised a total of over $65 million from a clutch of angel and institutional investors, as per Tracxn, a private markets data provider.


Third Wave Coffee is present in several major Indian cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, Pune, Hyderabad, Noida, Coonoor and Chandigarh.

Nikhil Kamath-backed Third Wave Coffee raises $35 million from Creaegis, others

Reliance Retail’s omni-channel beauty retail platform, Tira, announces the opening of its very first store in Hyderabad. Building on the success of its stores in Mumbai at Jio World Drive and Infinity Mall Malad, which launched earlier this year, the brand’s newly launched Hyderabad store is strategically located in the city’s Sarath City Mall. This marks a significant milestone in the brand's journey and is a testament to its commitment to bring forth the finest beauty products and experiences to the vibrant city of Hyderabad.


Tira offers a strong curation of global and homegrown beauty brands for the new era of customers and with a vision of providing an elevated shopping experience.


There are several delight touchpoints a customer experiences upon visiting a Tira store. The most popular is the vending machine that dispenses beauty treats and samples for every customer to take home. Specially curated “Tira Signature Looks” have garnered high interest from customers, who can also avail their favourite complimentary glam look by our highly skilled beauty advisors. 


Dedicated gifting stations with an engraving machine helps customers personalise their purchases and make gifting a bit more special. The store incorporates innovative elements such as the 'Fragrance Finder,' which is one of its kind in a retail environment and a tool designed to assist customers in selecting perfumes based on categorized fragrance notes.



Tira's Hyderabad store aspires to revolutionize the beauty retail experience, offering an interactive and tech-driven ambiance for customers to explore and embrace their unique beauty preferences. As Tira continuously reimagines the beauty retail landscape, it paves the way for an inclusive and empowering beauty journey for all beauty enthusiasts.



Tira has recently unveiled its inaugural high-impact 360-degree campaign, titled 'For Every You,' featuring iconic personalities Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kiara Advani, and Suhana Khan. This campaign pays homage to the diverse roles, emotions, and moods that individuals encounter, with the goal of inspiring self- expression and encouraging individuals to embrace and express their true selves, regardless of where they stand on their beauty discovery journey. 


The Tira app has already garnered an impressive milestone of over 1.5 million downloads, signalling its growing popularity. Moreover, Tira’s extensive reach covers 98 percent of pin codes across India, reaching consumers in over 100 cities.

Reliance Retail's Tira opens its store in Hyderabad

In a criminal case that was filed against Hindustan Unilever and its office bearers in the alleged misbranding case of ‘Red Label Natural Care Tea’, Calcutta High Court on Wednesday acquitted the accused. 


By definition, misbranding is to brand falsely or in a misleading manner. 


A food inspector of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation had filed a criminal case against the personal care product company and its office bearers for the misbranding of its tea brand.


The court noted that during the trial, the prosecution never stated the reason for the company misbranding the tea product. 


This ultimately paved the way for the company being acquitted of the charges. 


Hindustan Unilever was accused to have violated Section 38 and Section 39 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, as put down by a media report. The former restricts the usage of any reference to the Act, rules etc on the product label.


The latter prohibits the use of words like ‘recommended by the medical profession’.


It was in the year 2014 when the office bearers of Hindustan Unilever was convicted by the municipal magistrate for the misbranding of the product. They were sentenced to a simple imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 5,000.


However, the conviction was kept at the side by a Kolkata based sessions court. But, the case was brought back to the municipal magistrate to further consider the matter.


Hindustan Unilever acquitted in Red Label Natural Care Tea misbranding case: Reports

If you look at it, paints as a category is actually quite a bland and boring one. However, the way we look at this category in India today, is filled with excitement, style and creativity. A lot of this credit goes to the age old brand Asian Paints. 

Asian Paints has truly developed the paints category in India and has transformed it from being boring to contemporary and lifestyle-led. Founded in 1942, the brand has constantly leveraged technology and innovation to accentuate and grow its presence in India and establish itself as not just a brand for the masses but a modern brand for the masses. 

Asian Paints is credited for turning the commodity market of paints into an FMCG category. The brand today not only deals in paints but all coverings, decor and adhesives as well. Until 2002, Asian Paints had a more colour focused positioning, highlighted through the advertisements of the time where the ‘Meta wala…’ tag brought the brand popularity. The brand soon realised that there was more potential for growth if they didn’t just stick to paints. Soon, they launched the popular tagline ‘Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai’, conceptualised by Ogilvy’s Piyush Pandey, that is the brands philosophy even today. They acquired Sleek International in 2013 and Ess Ess in 2014 and forayed into kitchen solutions and bathroom products. 

Many of us might remember Asian Paints’ mascot ‘Gattu’. Gattu is one of the most memorable mascots of all time. It was created by famous cartoonist RK Laxman in 1954. When created, the mascot didn’t actually have a name. A ‘Give me a name’ contest was held with a prize money of Rs. 500. Gattu was let go in 2002, inspite of its mass appeal, when the brand decided that they needed something more universal and premium. The mascot was replaced by the logo we see today. When RK Laxman passed in 2015, Asian Paints aid tribute to the cartoonist with a poster that featured Gattu. 

Asian Paints was one of the earliest brands to launch ‘Colour with Asian Paints’ stores that provided customers with the opportunity to browse through and experience what the brand had to offer. 

‘Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai’ evolved into a TV series where audiences got a peek into celebrity homes. After a successful run on TV, the show translated onto digital platforms as ‘Where The Heart Is’ with 5 minute episodes on YouTube and Disney+ Hotstar. 

Asian Paints turned from a simple commodity to a mainstream and extremely popular brand. It is a homegrown company that beat multinationals to become a multinational for others to beat. 



How Asian Paints turned a simple commodity into a multinational brand

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has maintained its leading position for the second consecutive year in the tenth anniversary edition of the Kantar BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Indian Brands Report, with a brand value of $43 billion. Despite a challenging year for the business technology sector as a whole, TCS continues to effectively tap into the global demand for digital transformation. HDFC Bank, Infosys, and Airtel also held on to the top four spots after TCS, while State Bank of India climbed one spot to break into the top five.

ICICI Bank, Asian Paints, Jio, Kotak Mahindra Bank and HCL Tech were the others in the top ten list. Collectively, India's top 75 brands possess a combined brand value of $379 billion.

“This is 4 percent lower than the value of the top 75 a year earlier and reflects the strain that businesses and consumers have been under in recent times – a perfect storm of supply chain challenges, rising interest rates, and market uncertainty. By comparison, the top 100 most valuable global brands declined in value by 20percent between 2022 and 2023. In this context, and given that so many of India’s most valuable brands serve a global market, a dip is to be expected,” the report said.

The automotive category produced the top 75’s two fastest risers: TVS and Mahindra and achieved the second highest category growth at 19 percent.

TVS gained 59 percent in value and leapt 24 places thanks to a number of successful product launches and a 10-year partnership with BMW that gives it leverage in markets such as Europe, the US and Canada. Mahindra, which grew its value by 48 percent, has made itself incredibly meaningful in Indian consumers’ eyes, and has also significantly boosted its salience.

The ranking’s sixteen financial services brands contribute the biggest chunk of its total value. They grew 6 percent, thanks to the boom in digital banking, led by Axis Bank and ICICI Bank. Telecom providers also performed strongly, resulting in a 17 percent rise in total brand value. Airtel took full advantage of the end of the price wars to focus on what makes it special and relevant to Indian consumers’ lives. This included offering differentiated digital services, such as the Xstream entertainment app and Wynk music app.

As per the report, Airtel has also successfully leveraged the rapidly increasing demand among businesses for data and connectivity related solutions, and digital products that enable the delivery of an enhanced omni-channel customer experience.

There are four newcomers to the 2023 Indian brand ranking, plus two re-entrants. PhonePe – the highest entry at the twenty first position– has quickly become India’s leading digital payment app by investing heavily in the strength of its infrastructure, building connections with partner banks, and developing a huge network of merchant acceptance points. Also making their debut are fintech brand Cred at forty-eight, photo and video sharing app ShareChat at sixty-seven and entertainment platform Star at seventy-one. Bank of Baroda and MRF re-enter the ranking after some time away.

“There is great diversity within the India top 75: they are a combination of established names and dynamic young brands, both global and local in footprint. What they have in common is their ability to be essentially Indian. Through a deep and detailed understanding of consumers in the market, and adopting the local culture and ethos, even huge international brands are seen and cherished as ‘homegrown’. The trust and loyalty this engenders has helped Indian brands to suffer less and recover more quickly from the storms that have buffeted them over the past 10 years,” said Soumya Mohanty, managing director and chief client officer- South Asia, insights division, Kantar.

 

 

 

TCS most valued Indian brand with a $43 billion brand value: Kantar

A new chapter in Saregama’s growth story commences with majority acquisition in a digital entertainment company Pocket Aces Pictures. Saregama will acquire 51.8 percent shares for ~Rs 174 crores with a clear path to further acquire another ~41 percent stake in next 15 months at pre-agreed multiples. The transaction is an all-cash deal. This acquisition will further strengthen Saregama’s strategic ambition to take leadership position in new music across all Indian languages. 


Pocket Aces, a youth-focussed digital content creator and publisher, boasts of an IP catalog of over 3000 content pieces ranging across web series, sketches, music videos and reels on its channels FilterCopy, Nutshell and Gobble. The company’s talent management arm, Clout, manages over 100+ digital influencers, and its long-form studio, Dice Media, has created youth-centric web series across OTT platforms such as Netflix, Hotstar, and Amazon.


Pocket Aces’ revenue from operations was Rs. 104 cr in FY23. Revenue has grown by 34 percent CAGR over the last four years.


Acquiring Pocket Aces will add on a whole new dimension of IP and a distribution network of over 95 million followers, which Saregama will leverage to further popularize its music library among the 18-35 audience segment. It will also create synergies across the artiste and influencer management and long-format video creation businesses of the two companies.


Avarna Jain, vice chairperson, Saregama, said, "This acquisition signifies the confluence of tradition and innovation. While we have always been leaders in the realm of music and media, this partnership with Pocket Aces will add new dimensions to our business as we tap into the burgeoning young digital audiences."


Saregama acquires 51.8 percent stakes in Pocket Aces for Rs 174 crores

Neela Films, renowned for its television show 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,' (TMKOC) has digitally forayed into gaming, animation, and e-commerce with its new venture Neela Mediatech. The company has infused Rs 24 crore along with the rights to the IP, TMKOC. The new venture aims to reach 100 million game downloads by March 2024.


Neela Mediatech's primary mission is to leverage the show’s audience viewer base of 60 million individuals. The gaming vertical has debuted with 15 games and over five million downloads, while the YouTube Rhymes/ Baalgeet Channel has already crossed 1.5 million subscribers across various languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi and Bengali.


The new gaming portal christened, ‘TMKOC’ Play, short for ‘Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’, will be based on the show's theme, reliving the television characters for the online audience going beyond television. The portal will host free-to-play games, cloud-based adventures, and blockchain-powered quests to virtual reality odysseys for the audience. It will also have animated shows and rhymes catering to children.

With more than five million downloads already, the platform aims to captivate mobile-first consumers fulfilling their gaming needs. The games offered will be across single and multiple-play formats like Bhide Scooter Race, Run Jetha Run, and Jump Bhide Jump, among many more.


Creator, producer and managing director of Neela Film Production and Neela Mediatech, Asit Kumarr Modi says, “We've been at the helm in the entertainment space for decades, and now, with gaming emerging as the next frontier of entertainment, we're taking a bold leap to offer our audience more excitement and value. Our strategic vision includes reinforcing our content pipeline, captivating the mobile-first gaming community, and establishing ourselves as the go-to YouTube Channel for children. With this we hope to redefine the entertainment space ensuring that our audience continue to enjoy exceptional and immersive experiences”.


BRAND MARKETING

Quantum Brief

Singapore tourism board launches 'Made in Singapore' global campaign

Quantum Brief

BigMuscles Nutrition signs Hardik Pandya as brand ambassador

Quantum Brief

Wipro Consumer Care introduces seventh edition of Santoor Scholarship Program

Quantum Brief

Nikhil Kamath-backed Third Wave Coffee raises $35 million from Creaegis, others

How it Works

Reliance Retail's Tira opens its store in Hyderabad

Quantum Brief

Hindustan Unilever acquitted in Red Label Natural Care Tea misbranding case: Reports

Quantum Brief

How Asian Paints turned a simple commodity into a multinational brand

Brand Makers

TCS most valued Indian brand with a $43 billion brand value: Kantar

Quantum Brief

Saregama acquires 51.8 percent stakes in Pocket Aces for Rs 174 crores

Quantum Brief

Taarak Mehta’s Neela Films launches Neela Mediatech; ventures into gaming, animation and e-commerce