Sportz Village brings Experiential Sports Marketing to the centre stage with ‘PHYGITAL’

Business World

Sportz Village brings Experiential Sports Marketing to the centre stage with ‘PHYGITAL’

Aug 5, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #‘Unlocking Sports for Kids - Configuring the New Normal for Consumer Engagement’, #a roundtable discussion, #Byjus, #Dabur & Nazara Technologies, #leading sports marketing firms in India, #Sportz Village Xp and Intin, #volving consumer preferences and needs

Sportz Village Xp and Intin recently organized a roundtable discussion with prominent CEO/CMOs to discuss the evolving consumer preferences and needs, market response owing to the pandemic and new avenues for engaging with kids through sports. The expert study paper titled ‘Unlocking Sports for Kids – Configuring the New Normal for Consumer Engagement’ summarizes the main conclusions of the roundtable and the way forward.

The Covid-19 pandemic has severely restricted human life, bringing ‘safety’ at the helm of everything. With every outdoor activity being halted for an undefined period, health and fitness, especially for kids, faces a challenge. Sportz Village XP, one of the leading sports marketing firms in India, took an initiative to unlock sports for kids taking into consideration every direct and indirect stakeholder associated with it, i.e. parents, sports platforms and brands.

The roundtable consisting of the top brass at Sportz Village, Byjus, Dabur & Nazara Technologies discussed the challenges in engaging with kids during COVID-19 as well as the shift in consumer behaviour. As marketers are reassessing whether they can deliver responsible consumer engagement programs through sports, Sportz Village Xp brings forth quality insights into the foreseeable future through ‘Phygital’ solutions to keep kids active and playing. 

“COVID or no COVID, kids are born to play – for Health, Immunity & Happiness. Brands can now consider ‘Home as the New Playground’ to continue to engage with kids and parents in a positive manner. The Phygital solutions outlined in the paper combine the best of Digital and Physical to really add value to the child and parent’s life, thereby helping brands build a lasting, on-going and positive relationship with their consumers – especially in these times of stress and anxiety,” said Saumil Majmudar, CEO, Sportz Village on the importance of finding a solution to rebuild. 

The paper also highlights COVID Impact Survey findings of parent’s response to a lack of physical activities. As high as 84% of the parents said that they were not happy with the increased 5-hour screen time on an average. Glaring concerns for loss of physical growth along with risks of psychological impact were pointed out by parents.  

Atit Mehta, head of marketing, Byju’s, said, “Every phase of the lockdown is a bigger blow to the kids than the previous one, the challenges to engage the kids in the process of learning keep increasing as the time increases.” 

The outcome of the roundtable was illuminating to carve the way for parents and brands alike to keep kids physically engaged during COVID. The application of ‘Phygital’ to build unique solutions to engage with kids at home in a safe, active and scalable manner is the need of the hour. Sportz Village Xp has yet again proven the expertise with smooth sailing of Active Club and Play At Home programme.

Part II of the expert study to be released in September 2020 will present consumer engagement solutions for the post-COVID world, keeping the focus on safety and immunity to build new avenues for physical activity.

As the curtains rise to a certain new normal, brands and marketers have an exciting opportunity to offer exhilarating and refreshing experiences to consumers, albeit in a safe and drastically new manner.

The Expert Study Paper can be downloaded here: https://sportzvillagexp.com/expert-study-paper-on-unlocking-sports-for-kids/

Business World

3M strengthens support towards disaster relief

Aug 5, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #3M India, #Chief Executive Officer, #donation of USD 5Mn to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund t, #Manish Michael, #MD, #Mr. Ramadurai, #Mr. Ramesh Ramadurai, #United Way India

CoVID-19 and the ongoing lockdown has created unprecedented health and humanitarian crisis bringing a sharp focus on the plight of migrant workers across the country. As the pandemic evolves, 3M India has extended its efforts to help the vulnerable communities build resilience to brave its impact on their lives. In this direction, the US-based parent company has announced that they will provide USD 300,000 contribution from 3Mgives. 3Mgives’ mission is to improve every life through innovative giving in education, community and the environment. 3Mgives has made a donation of USD 5Mn to United Way Worldwide’s  COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund to support vulnerable populations. Out of the total contribution, USD 300,000 has been allocated to India. Leveraging its partnership with United Way India, 3M will use these funds to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in government hospitals in hotspot areas, covering critical medical equipment and general hospital up-gradation.

3M’s employees in India were keen to support the nation’s fight against the pandemic, which saw them voluntarily contributing towards relief funds for Karnataka and Maharashtra. To enhance this gesture, the company matched employees’ contributions, which was donated to the PM Cares fund.

In other COVID response activities, 3M India’s activities are being guided under three considerations-

  1. most affected geographies– dividing support to vulnerable communities across the top five affected states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi NCR
  2. vulnerability of communities– allocation towards the migrant workers, hospitals and non-healthcare frontline workers such as police and sanitation workers and
  3. critical needs of communities– to focus on hunger and food security, healthcare infrastructure and safety of frontline workers.

Elaborating on the initiatives, Mr. Ramesh Ramadurai, MD, 3M India said, “Since the outbreak, we have been closely working with various government agencies and hospitals to ensure our personal safety products are available for medical, healthcare and other frontline workers. The USD 300,000 fund allocation is another testament of 3M’s global commitment to supporting our communities and improving lives. Through United Way of Bengaluru, we have identified a need for hospital infrastructure critical for COVID-19 treatment in vulnerable areas of several cities. We have decided to allocate 100% of the grant towards strengthening this”.

Even within the areas immediately surrounding 3M plants, the company is working with local authorities to address the needs in the community. During lockdown, the company served close to 3500 migrant workers and their families with cooked meals (lunch and dinner) near the Ranjangaon plant in Pune. The company distributed close to 50,000 meals till date from 3M approved canteen kitchens, taking care to observe social distancing norms. The company has also distributed dry rations of sugar and edible oil to the local community kitchens feeding over 90,000 people.

West Bengal was struck with CoVID first, followed by Cyclone Amphan. Leveraging its ‘adopt an Anganwadi” initiative in partnership with United Way, Kolkata, 3M has set up disaster response towards relief and rehabilitation work, to support the Amphan cyclone-affected regions in the slums of Shalimar, Howrah, Khidderpore, Chetla and Tollygunge. About 3700+ families are expected to be benefited by the intervention through creation of shelters and distribution of dry ration and hygiene kits. 

“Once the pandemic is controlled, it will be important to build resilience amongst the worst affected communities. We intend to strategically plan projects in these communities broadly focussing on education, community issues and long-term impact such as strengthening our healthcare systems to meet future pandemic outbreaks”. said Mr. Ramadurai.

Manish Michael, Chief Executive Officer, United Way India, adds “3M is a Global Corporate Leader of United Way Worldwide’s programs, working with our network across the globe to address the most pressing human needs. In India as well, 3M always stood to support communities’ immediate need as well as initiatives with long term sustainable impact. COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed unprecedented issues amongst vulnerable communities, and we are grateful for 3M’s support to hospitals in several Indian cities that are serving COVID 19 patients”.

Globally, 3Mgives has increased humanitarian aid commitment to fight COVID-19, providing $20 million for community partners that are working on COVID-19 support around the world.

Business World

Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?

Aug 5, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #- #KahanGayiCadbury? (Where did Cadbury go?), ##SweetSecretParty, #Associate Director – Marketing (Biscuits), #Cadbury Chocobakes Choc Layered Cakes., #Mondelez India, #Sudhanshu Nagpal

 For over 70 years now, ‘Cadbury’ has defined the real taste of chocolate for Indians. Riding on this strong legacy and unmatched brand love, Mondelez India, the makers and bakers of some of India’s favourite snacking brands – Cadbury Dairy Milk, Cadbury Bournvita, Oreo etc. has successfully expanded the portfolio into related categories by driving the taste of chocolate as a snack – beyond the bar. But what happens when, in a wildly unexpected step, Cadbury decides to drop its most iconic asset from much-loved brands like Cadbury Dairy Milk, Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk and Cadbury Gems. This became the talk of the town and the world wondered – #KahanGayiCadbury? (Where did Cadbury go?)

Cadbury had disappeared from social media pages, billboards, print ads, direction signboards and shockingly from the collection of the Asia record-holding Chocolate Wrapper Collector, Devam Baghel. But the question remained – #KahanGayiCadbury? A mystery that has the internet buzzing, with people missing Cadbury and curious about where it could be. Some celebrities were also seen telling tales of their missing Cadbury.

Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?
Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?
Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?
Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?

All these events point to a big mystery built by Mondelez India. But In the middle of this confusion, Cadbury Chocobakes came forward to claim that it knows the answer to #KahanGayiCadbury? The brand left everyone anxious and excited. And finally, the secret was unveiled at the #SweetSecretParty hosted by the well-known celebrities Gaurav Kapur, Aparshakti Khurana, Shibani Dandekar, Neeti Mohan, Shivesh Bhatia and many eager fans. The answer to #KahanGayiCadbury? – Cadbury is now in a Cake, with the launch of Cadbury Chocobakes Choc Layered Cakes.

Commenting on the campaign, Sudhanshu Nagpal, Associate Director – Marketing (Biscuits), Mondelez India said, “With #KahanGayiCadbury activation, we wanted to build intrigue among consumers and have them imagine a world without Cadbury. This became a perfect segue into the unveil of the newest addition to the Cadbury family – the new ‘Meetha Chhupa Rustom’ Cadbury Chocobakes Choc Layered Cakes. Following this intriguing activation, a 360-degree campaign will further support the launch, taking the Meetha Chhupa Rustom thought a step forward.”

Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?
Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?
Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?
Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?

Today with the strong Cadbury legacy and an established play in biscuits and cookies, Mondelez India is well placed to expand into the bakery and cakes segment with layered cakes. With Cadbury Chocobakes Choc Layered Cakes, the individually wrapped chocolatey cakes, the company is not only providing a new eat experience but driving consumer convenience both for in-home and on the go consumption. This is an important milestone in the journey of the company in India.  This is the company’s second launch under the Chocobakery sub-category, in less than a year, after the successful launch of Cadbury Chocobakes Choco-filled Cookies. To support this launch, apart from the exciting #KahanGayiCadbury activation, the company also recently launched a heart-warming new film, as part of the second leg of the ‘Meetha Chhupa Rustom’ narrative.

Commenting on the #KahanGayiCadbury activation, Akshay Seth, Group Creative Director & Chinmay Raut, Senior Creative Director, Ogilvy India, said, “This is an integrated campaign in the true sense. An extremely intriguing teaser phase that made the nation wonder #KahanGayiCadbury as we made the iconic Cadbury logo disappear from various brand assets, print ads, directional signages; even roped in Asia’s record holding chocolate wrapper collector. Kudos to the client and our talented team for making this happen almost overnight. The reveal was Cadbury hiding in a cake, the newest member in the ChocoBakes range. The launch film for the same brings to life the brand proposition of Meetha Chhupa Rustom with a very memorable, charming film starring a naughty baby, one that is sure to make its place in viewers’ hearts.”

Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?
Are you still wondering #KahanGayiCadbury?

Conceptualized by Mondelez India & Ogilvy, the film showcases a sweet bonding moment being shared between an elder brother and his younger sibling, wherein he compares the baby’s characteristics to that of the Cadbury Chocobakes Choc Layered Cakes. Just like the cake that he bites into, which shows no hint of a hidden layer of melted sweetness, the baby too seems quite innocent until left alone with his brother. The playful naughtiness comes to the fore as soon as the brothers share a private moment much like the cake that reveals its mouth-watering sweetness once being bitten into showcasing that there is a ‘Chhupa Rustom’ or ‘Sweet Secret’ in each of us.

Check out the TVC here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nr2VP6uvCM

Business World

HONOR’s Latest – HONOR MagicBook 15, HONOR 9S and HONOR 9A Goes on Sale from 6th August 2020; Here is Everything About Prices and First Sale Offers

Aug 5, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #11:00 AM onwards., #12:00 PM onwards and HONOR 9A on Amazon starting 6th August 2020, #2020 8PM onwards., #2020 midnight onwards, #early access members, #Flipkart starting 6th August, #HONOR 9S and HONOR 9A, #HONOR 9S on Flipkart, #HONOR MagicBook 15, #starting from 6th August 2020, #the sale will start from 5th August

HONOR, the global leading tech brand for the youth, recently announced the launch of its first laptop – HONOR MagicBook 15 along with two new and affordable smartphones –HONOR 9S and HONOR 9A in India. The powerfully compact HONOR MagicBook 15 will be available for purchase on Flipkart starting 6th August 2020 midnight onwards and for the Flipkart early access members, the sale will start from 5th August 2020 8 PM onwards. Consumers looking to purchase budget smartphones will be able to buy HONOR 9S on Flipkart, starting from 6th August 2020, 12:00 PM onwards and HONOR 9A on Amazon starting 6th August 2020, 11:00 AM onwards.

HONOR MagicBook 15, with its Aluminium body and Azure Blue Chamfer, is India’s first Laptop with three breakthrough Innovations, namely the Pop-up Webcam, 2-in-1 Fingerprint Power Button and 65W Type-C Compact multi-device[1] fast charging at an under INR 50K price. The sleek, compact and stylish HONOR MagicBook 15 touts a 16.9 mm ultra-thin and 1.55 kg light-weight design for a laptop with 15.6” (39.6cm) Full View Display. The laptop is compact and easy to carry and, boasts of 1920×1080 IPS FHD Anti-glare and Glossy Display, 16:9 aspect ratio,
5.3 mm thin bezels on the top and sides with 87% screen-to-body ratio, 178-degree viewing angle with TUV Certified Eye Comfort Mode to minimize eye-strain and adjustable screen inclination at multiple angles for comfortable and better viewing experience. For your multi-purpose needs, the laptop comes fitted with USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Type C, HDMI and 3.5 mm headphone jack as well.

Designed for the people who are always on-the-go, HONOR India’s first laptop comes bundled with all the right features to deliver unparallel and seamless performance to users. Powered with Ryzen™ 5 3500U and RadeonTM Vega 8 Graphics processor, the laptop also brings 8GB DDR4 Dual Channel RAM for faster transmission and 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD for faster read and write speed than previous SATA SSD[2]. The 65W Type C fast charger[3], is compact and stylish with just 160g[4] in weight to carry around, and with its super-charging capabilities, it can charge the laptop by 53% charge[5] in just half an hour. For fast and secure unlocking the laptop offers 2-in-1 Fingerprint Power Button and for better privacy, it has a Pop-up Webcam embedded in the keyboard. Both these features and the 65W Type C fast charger are premium and never-seen-before at this price point. To add to the convenience, HONOR’s cutting-edge technology – Magic-Link 2.0[6] enables instant pairing with an NFC enabled HONOR smartphone for multi-screen sharing and file sharing. Pre-installed with Microsoft Windows 10 Home, the HONOR MagicBook 15 users will get a free 1 month trial of the Microsoft 365 personal subscription.

HONOR 9S, the entry-level smartphone, features 5.45-inch (13.8 cm) FullView HD+ Display with 1440 x 720 resolution, 295.4 PPI and 16M colours, Eye Comfort Mode certified by TUV Rheinland and Android 10’s Dard Mode for the vivid and immersive viewing experience, making it perfect for watching all your favourite shows. The ultra-thin and easily portable smartphone with 144g in weight and 8.35mm thin, sports a powerful 3020mAh battery that lasts up to 21 hours of phone calls and 17 hours of video playback[7]. It operates on the latest Magic UI 3.1 compatible with Android 10, touts an 8MP main camera at f/2.0 aperture with panorama and beauty mode, and a 5MP front camera for your selfies. The smartphone comes with the Face unlock technology that works well even in low light conditions, 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage expandable up to 512GB using triple card slot for storing your favourite pictures, music and videos on the smartphone, traditional 3.5 mm audio jack and MediaTek MTK MT6762R processor for your routined smartphone activities and daily use.

The power-packed yet affordable smartphone, HONOR 9A houses a giant and long-lasting 5000mAh battery, yet just 185g in weight and 9.04 mm thin, for unstoppable and smooth smartphone experience and reverse charging capabilities that act up as an emergency power backup for people on-the-go. Offering an exceptional and functional photography experience, anytime and anywhere, the HONOR 9A comprises of an 8MP front camera and a triple camera set up with 13MP primary camera, 5MP ultra-wide camera with 120-degree FOV and distortion correction capabilities and a 2MP lens for depth assistance. Backed by immersive 6.30 inch (16 cm) Dewdrop FullView Display, 1600×720 HD+ resolution with 278 PPI, 16.7M colours, Eye Comfort Mode certified by TUV Rheinland and Android 10’s Dark Mode the smartphone offers an enhanced viewing experience. Further, the Smart PA sound system with 88db Loudspeaker, Huawei Histen 6.0 and party mode along with the traditional 3.5mm audio jack enhance your audio experience. The rear-mounted Fingerprint sensor is placed conveniently, and along with the Face unlock technology (even in low light conditions) allow users to easily unlock and use the smartphone. HONOR 9A runs on HONOR’s flagship Magic UI 3.1 supported Android 10 and comes with 3GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage expandable up to 512GB using triple card slot, NFC technology and MediaTek MTK MT6762R processor to ensure your daily smartphone experience is powerful and smooth.

Additionally, along with the already existent features i.e. Phone Clone, AppGallery and Quick Apps, HONOR has also introduced a unique and innovative feature to both the smartphones – Petal Search, It can be used for fast and easy App search, recommendations, downloads and update. It additionally brings you update and information around daily weather forecasts, top news, live sports scores and schedules, and video, image and music searches.

Price, Availability and First Sale Offers

HONOR MagicBook 15 in Mystic Silver variant, priced at INR 42,990, will be sold for INR 39,990 after a discount of INR 3,000 during the first sale. Additionally, there will be an instant discount on payment via CITI Bank debit/ credit card and ICICI Bank credit card and, No cost EMI options up to 12 months, an exchange offer of up to INR 13,000 during the purchase. The sale will go live on Flipkart from 6th August 2020, midnight onwards and for Flipkart early access members, it will start from 5th August 2020 8PMonwards. HONOR MagicBook 15 comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows 10 Home and all HONOR MagicBook 15 users will get a free 1-month trial of the Microsoft 365 personal subscription.

HONOR will also be running ‘Register & Win’ contest for consumers purchasing HONOR MagicBook 15, during which they need to just call at 18002109999 to register themselves and get assured gift of INR 1,000. The contest will run till 11th August 2020 starting from the first sale day.

HONOR 9S, in Blue and Black variants, will be available for sale on Flipkart starting 6th August 2020 12:00 PM onwards at INR 6,499. Consumers can get it at a price of INR 5,999 after a discount of INR 500 and No cost EMI up to 6 months, during the first sale. Further, CITI Bank debit/ credit card and ICICI Bank credit cardholders can avail a 10% instant discount. To make it more exciting, consumers will be able to purchase HONOR 9S at Rs. 999 per month during the first sale.

HONOR 9A, in Phantom Blue and Midnight Black variants, available on Amazon starting 6th August 2020 from 11:00 AM onwards, will be priced at INR 9,999. But, consumers can buy the product at a price of INR 8,999 after an exciting discount of INR 1,000 and No cost EMI up to 6-months option as first sale offer. Moreover, there will be an additional 10 per cent instant discount on HDFC Bank Credit and Debit Cards.

Not only this, as part of ‘Call & Win’ contest, but consumers who purchased HONOR 9A or HONOR 9S also need to call HONOR India at 18002109999 to participate and avail HONOR’s VIP service benefits at no extra cost along with assured 3 months’ free subscription of Hungama Music App. Additionally, every week 3 lucky participants stand a chance to win HONOR Band 3 till 5th October 2020 starting from the first sale day.

Note: All trademarks, brand names are the property of their respective owners. T&C apply. Follow us on our official page and social media handles for more information on brand, products, offers and contest details, etc.

Business World

North and East gives ‘Big Hugs’with Double patty variants of its all-time favourite burgers

Aug 5, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #‘Big Hugs’, #CPRL (Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. operates McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India)., #Global ‘Safety+’ program, #Head, #Hug’burgers., #Robert Hunghanfoo, #Starting at INR 59 (plus applicable taxes), #two patties hugging each other tightly

Inspired by people’s craving of hugging their loved ones in the recent times, McDonald’s India – North and East has introduced double patty variants in its all-time favouritesMcAlooTikki, McVeggie, McChicken, McSpicy Paneer, McSpicy Chicken, Filet-O-Fish and Dosa Masala burgers, which include two patties hugging each other tightly. The company has launched the ‘Big Hug’ campaign highlighting people’s emotional desire to hugging their loved ones, something that has reduced in recent times. Keeping the same in mind, the new burgers are named as big Hug’burgers. Starting at INR 59 (plus applicable taxes), the double patty variants are surely every burger lover’s delight.

With ‘Big Hug’burgers, McDonald’s is offering its customers double the pleasure of enjoying their favourite burgers, whether it’s their favourite juicy McVeggie or McChicken or classic McAlooTikki or the signature Filet-O-Fish burger or tangy rasamsauce filled Masala Dosa burger or McSpicy Chicken or McSpicy Paneer.

“We are excited to give our customers new ways to enjoy the burgers they love and satisfy their cravings with our all-new double patty variants, giving them a sense of familiarity as well as newness. With this new addition to our menu, we are offering more craveable options to our customers,” says, Robert Hunghanfoo, Head, CPRL (Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. operates McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India). 

With Food safety and quality always at the core, all McDonald’s products go through comprehensive quality checks, from farm to table, so that the customers can enjoy safe and delicious food every time they choose McDonald’s.

Furthermore, as a commitment to quality and safety in the current times, McDonald’s India – North and East has introduced the Global ‘Safety+’ program that includes nearly 50-plus process changes in the restaurant operations. Safety+ is a Global system of enhanced hygiene and safety practices that help ensure that every part of the McDonald’s experience is safe for its customers and employees. It builds on more than six decades of safety-first leadership in McDonald’s restaurants.

Business World

Coca-Cola Invests in the Essence of India – Celebrates its Farmers Brings Delightful Fruit Nutrition from the ‘Farm to Table’

Aug 5, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #.Minute Maid Nutriforceand Minute Maid Vita Punch, #‘Total Beverage Company with strong local roots’, #beverage localization, #Coca-Cola, #Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, #T. Krishnakumar - President, #Vijay Parasuram

Reiterating its commitment as a ‘Total Beverage Company with strong local roots’, Coca-ColaIndia continues to invest in the essence of India by advancing beverage localization, celebrating farmers and catering to the evolving needs of the Indian consumers. Today, the company under its master brand Minute Maid, introduced two new products delivering some of the daily essential nutrition requirements, made with fruits grown by Indian farmers. Minute Maid Nutriforceand Minute Maid Vita Punch offer much needed benefits of, mental agility and immunity, demonstrating a commitment to expand the company’s portfolio of delightful nutrition for everyday occasions.

Expansion of brand Minute Maid with the introduction of the new beverages also underlines Coca-Cola India’s focus on the ‘Fruit Circular Economy’ initiative, enabling farmers to increase their yield by sourcing fruits to launch fruit-based beverages. Coca-Cola India has also committed an investment of $1.7 billion towards creating a Fruit Circular Economy to aid the Indian Agri-ecosystem until 2023.

Speaking at the launch, T. Krishnakumar – President, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Coca-Cola remains grounded in its purpose to craft meaningful brands and offer its consumers a choice of drinks that refresh in body and spirit. Our long-term strategy entails offering more and more fruit-based beverages in line with consumer preferences. The expansion of our portfolio of nutritious juices under Minute Maid is in line with our aim to nourish every Indian and become India’s first choice in Fruit Nutrition. This also marks another step towards our commitment to the nation and its farmers.”

Minute Maid Vita Punches a range of delicious fruit cocktails crafted from Indian fruit recipes that provide 100% of ones’ daily requirement of Vitamin C to support immunity. This also marks Coca-Cola India’s entry into the nascent category of immunity-boosting beverages. Minute Maid Nutriforceis designed especially for Indian mothers, who are seeking nutritious choices for their growing children. Minute MaidNutriforce blends the great taste of Kashmiri apple juice with Iron, Zinc and other essential vitamins that support cognition and mental acuity and helps children learn faster, which is an important need in these times.

Vijay Parasuraman – Vice President – Marketing, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, added, “With the changing times, consumers are now opting for beverage options with health benefits – as their approach towards health and wellness is also transforming drastically. The new beverages were developed keeping in mind consumers’ requirements as they also adapt to the ‘new normal’. Made with fruits grown on Indian soil by Indian farmers, the latest additions to our delightful nutrition portfolio under Minute Maid Masterbrand are focused on solving real problems of our consumers in these times.”

For the last two years, Coca-Cola’s portfolio of beverage offerings has expanded in a segmented manner. The company has focused on listening acutely to the consumers and offering beverages to match their evolving preferences by going hyperlocal. Coca-Cola India has also optimized manufacturing and distribution networks to find the best ways to regionalize its business and create more opportunities for its local bottling partners.

Business World, Uncategorized

GROWEL’S 1O1 MALL READY FOR CUSTOMERS TO SHOP SAFELY

Aug 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #‘Aarogya Setu’ app, #2020 onwards, #Chief Operating Officer (COO), #For COVID-19 emergencies, #Grauer & Weil (India) Limited, #Retail & Real Estate, #rowel’s 1O1 Mall, #Sachin Dhanawade, #welcome its customers back from August 5


Mumbai, August 4, 2020: Growel’s 1O1 Mall, suburban Mumbai’s favourite Family destination, is all set to welcome its customers back from August 5, 2020 onwards as the Maharashtra Government allows malls to reopen after more than 4 months of closure due to the spread of the deadly pandemic. Growel’s 1O1 Mall is strictly adhering to all the SoPs laid down by the Government authorities and has further enhanced the protocols of the New Normal with further improvements to the cleaning and pest control standards.

Growel’s 1O1 mall has ensured that from the entry points of the mall to within the mall till the exit is made 100% safe for their staff and customers. There will be mandatory checks for the ‘Aarogya Setu’ app at the entry points. Enhanced procedures at the entry points include UV lights in the baggage scanners for disinfecting and hand sanitizing stations are placed at the entry points and at various touchpoints across the mall.

Special thermal cameras have been installed to track footfalls and movement throughout the mall to ensure that there is only 1 person in every 75 square foot as mandated by the authorities.

From entry to exit the mall has been made contactless at all touchpoints with the automation of the Parking Entry Ticket Dispenser & contactless digital payments for parking, QR-code based food ordering, sensor-based contactless lift operations, contactless soap dispensers, sensor-based taps, contactless water spouts, among others.

For COVID-19 emergencies the mall has facilitated isolation rooms, Ambulance and Doctor on-call service, and formally trained First Aid Certified front line staff members for handling emergencies in every shift.

Moreover, a specially trained staff force has been formed that will assist and guide customers to follow the Do’s and Don’ts one of the new norms within the mall. This specially trained staff will be stationed at various checkpoints in the mall.

Sachin Dhanawade, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Retail & Real Estate, Grauer & Weil (India) Limited, which operates Growel’s 1O1 Mall said, “We are delighted to open after more than four months of lockdown and are looking forward to welcoming our customers. It’s in our continuous endeavour to provide a safe shopping environment for our customers and a safe place to work for our employees.”  

Growel’s 101 Mall is committed to playing an active role towards the betterment of the society and surroundings they operate in. Over the years, Growel’s 101 Mall has taken many social initiatives like donating anti-pollution masks to Mumbai Traffic Police, engaging customers to support Solar Lamp donation to the tribal residents of the SGNP, and also beautification of the flyover wall overlooking the mall entrance gates.

Business World

Women Inspiring Network in Association with IIT Kanpur Presents Fashion X Tech Sustainability

Aug 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #a lifestyle editor, #Art Director, #Artisanal Jewelry Designer, #fashion, #Founder, #Lota Design LOTA, #Mr Adhiraj Singh, #Ms Bandana Tewari, #Ms Roma Narsinghania, #Ms. Stuti Jalan, #technology and sustainability, #WIN

We are very excited that the world of fashion, technology and sustainability is coming together on the Women Inspiring Network platform. Ms. Stuti Jalan, Founder, WIN quotes, “Sustainability is the present and the future, it’s time that we have this conversation with the students and young professionals who will adopt sustainable fashion as a lifestyle inspired by an amazing set of panellist’s who are going to take the concept of sustainability forward.” Further, she adds, “The focus of the discussion will be on the changing face of fashion and how technology is now playing a role in it, Digital transformation which has taken place in the fashion industry, digital fashion weeks and share case studies, blockchain fashion system which designers are adapting in India.”

We are ecstatic to take the conversation forward with Ms Bandana Tewari, a lifestyle editor, a sustainable fashion activist and formerly the editor-at-large as well as the fashion features director of Vogue India.

We are glad to have Ms Roma Narsinghania, Artisanal Jewelry Designer who is participating in the Helsinki Fashion Week with this year’s focus on 3D Technology and Digital Sustainability. She quips, “Reimagining design to bring functionality and innovation is not a choice, it is a necessity. During this time, as brands, we need to imagine a better future which encourages conscious and ethical practices and use that to design for a new kind of consumer and environment. While we are moving away from certainty, it is also opening up an abundance of new opportunities such as integrating digital tools starting from the brands’ decentralized supply chain where handmade can become more efficient to visual communication with a completely new way of storytelling.”

Mr Adhiraj Singh, Art Director, Lota Design LOTA is an exploration into the intersection of sustainability, fashion and emerging technology. It aims to give a new life to tones of fabric waste discarded every hour by the mainstream fashion industry by collaging it into newer experiences.

He says “There’s a paradigm shift happening within the visual communication landscape as the tools for 3D, UI/UX, AR/VR and publishing continue to improve and get more democratized. It’s extremely exciting as the traditional dependence on physical systems, be it, photographers, set designers, environments or models can be replaced by photorealistic digital ones. More importantly, besides being a less wasteful way to create the imagery, it has opened up its key value- The possibility for untethered storytelling. This was once restricted by cost, teams and physical restraints but are now only being restricted by our imagination. The pandemic seems to have only accelerated this shift as brands continue to realize its value. I am happy to see this initiative bridging the gap between the creative and technology communities.”

Business World

7 movies to binge-watch on Friendship day

Aug 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #A Dog’s Journey, #Get The Gringo, #Margarita with a Straw, #Scent of a Women, #The fundamentals of Caring, #The Intern, #the International Day of Friendship, #Zindagi na Milegi Dobara

Every year, the International Day of Friendship is honoured by traditional meet-ups, cute boomerangs, and super long paragraphs about how long people have been friends – either from when they were in diapers or the good days in college.  And while on the topic, why not talk about some of the best movies on friendship Bollywood & Hollywood has given us over the years. While the concept of friendship is not very different here from anywhere else in the world. And yet the Bollywood movies have never failed to add an emotional factor and give a relatable touch to the film. So if you have no plans this friendship day, here is a list of some movies you could watch with your gang and cherish the bond you share.

  • The fundamentals of Caring ( 2016)

A writer Paul Rudd retires after a personal tragedy and becomes a disabled teen’s caregiver. When the two embark on an impromptu road trip, their ability to cope is tested as they start to understand the importance of hope and friendship. The movie has an amazing IMDb rating of 7.3 out of 10.

  • Get The Gringo (2012)

A career criminal nabbed by Mexican authorities is placed in a tough prison. He befriends a boy who has fallen foul of a violent inmate. The two work together in order to survive in prison. This movie has an IMDb rating of 7.0 out of 10.

  • Scent of a Women (1992)

A prep school student, who is in need of money, agrees to be the caregiver of a blind man while his family is away but the job is not at all what he anticipated. Having an amazing IMDb rating of 8, the movie gives and shares a plot filled with emotions.

  • Margarita with a Straw (2012)

Released in 2014 Indian drama film directed by Shonali Bose. It stars Kalki Koechlin as an Indian teenager with cerebral palsy who relocates to America for her undergraduate education and comes of age following her complex relationship with a blind girl, Having an IMDb rating of 8.0, the movie stands on top of many people.

  • A Dog’s Journey (2019)

Bailey is living the good life on the Michigan farm of his boy, Ethan and Ethan’s wife Hannah. He even has a new playmate: Ethan and Hannah’s baby granddaughter, CJ. The problem is that CJ’s mom, Gloria, decides to take CJ away. As Bailey’s soul prepares to leave this life for a new one, he makes a promise to Ethan to find CJ and protect her at any cost. Thus begins Bailey’s adventure through many lives filled with love, friendship, and devotion. Having an IMDb rating of  7.5, it’s a must-watch for all the dog’s lover out. Available on AmazonPrime videos.

  • The Intern (2016)

Seventy-year-old widower Ben Whittaker has discovered that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin. With an IMDb rating of 7.1, it is among some of the best movies to watch, a movie filled with compassion and feeling of friendship.

  • Zindagi na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Friends Kabir, Imran and Arjun take a vacation in Spain before Kabir’s marriage. The trip turns into an opportunity to mend fences, heal wounds, fall in love with life and combat their worst fears. The movie is available on OTT platforms as well, such as Netflix and Hotstar and shares an amazing IMDb rating of 8.1.

Business World

redBus kicks-off new campaign encouraging people to carry on with their #journeyfordreams

Aug 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #‘Safety+’, ##journeyfordreams, #and Head of Marketing, #Brand, #Dileep Ashoka, #EVP, #McCann Worldgroup, #Pallavi Chopra, #redBus, #South, #Vice President

Bengaluru, August 4, 2020: redBus announces the launch of a digital-led campaign, #journeyfordreams that inspires people to persevere in their endeavours, by undertaking their journeys with fortitude, while redBus ensures the safety of their travel. The campaign is aimed at restoring optimism for bus travel as the nation traverses its path to normalcy.

The nationwide lockdown has not only brought lives but also dreams and aspirations for the future to a grinding halt. As a brand that’s all about enabling journeys and connections, redBus seeks to reassure bus travellers that they can still move forward towards fulfilling their dreams during these tough times, as redBus strives to ensure their safety during the journey with its Safety+ programme.

redBus had launched ‘Safety+’, which is a unique certification for bus operators who follow all the necessary safety and sanitization protocols. All operators and buses with a Safety+ tag next to their listing on the redBus app or desktop platform, have implemented strict measures outlined by redBus, to ensure the safety of the passengers.

As part of the campaign, the company has launched an ad film that relies on the emotions associated with the safety of near and dear ones, especially while undertaking inter-city bus travel during these times, in order to highlight the proposition. The ad-film is set to be promoted extensively on digital and social media, including, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, apart from e-mailers and other push notifications.

Unlike the earlier campaigns of the brand that largely utilized humour as a means to attract and drive the message, such as the ones with MS Dhoni, this campaign relies on emotions to connect at a deeper level.  

About the ad-film:

Set inside the house of a small family, involving two middle-aged parents and their young daughter who is about to begin her career, the film evokes a sense of nostalgia and affection with a heart-warming portrayal of a father’s apprehension for his daughter’s safety and vice versa. The story hinges on the poignant, yet ubiquitous scenario of parents or children having to travel to a different city on account of work and the emotional farewell associated with it, which in the given COVID scenario, is all the more affecting. The mood soon transforms to cheer with a narrative on the ‘safety’ of travel, brought about by redBus with various measures and checks in place, thus allowing people to bid farewell to their dear ones with a smile and a sense of fearlessness. 

Viewers witness a young woman who has decided to step out in order to pursue her career but is faced with the dilemma of informing her father of her decision to travel, given the present circumstance, resulting in a commotion with her mother. A match cut then takes them back in time when the father was apprehensive about informing his young child about his work-related travel to a different city and avoids confronting her by packing his bags and leaving while she is asleep. It clearly highlights the common emotions, irrespective of the roles assumed in the journey of life and the message that life moves on, despite occasional hurdles. Getting back to the present, the daughter is able to convince her anxious father to permit her to travel, by showcasing the safety aspects introduced in buses by redBus, much to his satisfaction.    

The role of the father, mother and daughter has been played by popular television artists, Nitesh Pandey, Tanuka Laghate and Prachi Bansal respectively. The film has two edits, a 62 second and a 30-second version and will be seen in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali versions.  

redBus kicks-off new campaign encouraging people to carry on with their #journeyfordreams
redBus kicks-off new campaign encouraging people to carry on with their #journeyfordreams

Link to the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPK7uNmdYjE

Creative Credits:

Agency: McCann Worldgroup – Bengaluru

Creative Director: Sambit Mohanty

Production House: Another Idea

Director: Puneet Prakash

DOP: Pratik Deora 

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Pallavi Chopra, Vice President, Brand, and Head of Marketing, redBus, said, “As an enabler of journeys, it has been our constant endeavour to help travellers reach their destinations in the safest and easiest way possible, especially in the present circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only disrupted the business of establishments, but also the dreams and aspirations of millions of individuals out there, who are longing to travel in pursuit of their goals. We thus envisaged a subject or scenario that resonated with households across the country in order to shape the campaign. The result is a very strong and emotional narrative around one of those important journeys in life, projected through the love and concern between a father and daughter, to drive home the message of #journeyfordreams.”

Dileep Ashoka, EVP, South, McCann Worldgroup, said, “We have been in partnership with redBus for the last few years. Being in the businesses of facilitating life’s journeys, and being the custodian of the online bus ticketing category, we felt the imperative to comfort customers by making travel safe in these uncertain times. The story narrative seeks to demonstrate this in a manner that drives brand affinity.”