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Mother Dairy, India’s milk and milk products major, has announced its official association as the ‘Dairy Partner’ for the upcoming 2024 season of the prestigious Pro Kabaddi League. As part of this collaboration, Mother Dairy will be actively involved throughout the season, engaging with fans and consumers through various initiatives and promotional activities.


Speaking on the association Manish Bandlish, Managing Director, Mother Dairy, said, "We are excited to be part of Kabaddi, a sport that is deeply embedded in India’s culture and heritage. This collaboration is a perfect fit for our brand, offering us a unique opportunity to engage with our consumers and the passionate Kabaddi community across the country. By bringing together the power of dairy nutrition and the dynamic energy of Kabaddi, Mother Dairy aspires to promote the growth of the sport while fostering a culture of health and wellness nationwide.”

 

Bandlish further added, “Mother Dairy has found a strong synergy with sports and its enthusiastic community, as seen in our previous association with cricket. With this association, we aim to further expand our reach into focus markets and households of untapped or potential consumers, enhancing our brand's top-of-mind recall.”

 

"Today, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has firmly established itself as India’s second most-watched sporting event, commanding an impressive 70% of the IPL’s audience. This rapid growth is a testament to the league's fierce competitiveness, unyielding sportsmanship, and its broader impact on promoting physical well-being. We are thrilled to welcome Mother Dairy as a key sponsor, perfectly aligned with their mission to champion good health and vitality. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for both brands, and we look forward to a strong and fruitful association,” said Ajit Varghese, Head of Network Ad Sales, Disney Star.

 

The 2024 Season will feature a total of 12 teams competing for this year’s title. The league is scheduled to kickstart from October 18, 2024, with series of matches in Hyderabad, followed by Noida and Pune. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/zydus-wellness-appoints-arijit-sengupta-as-cmo-44973.htm">Zydus Wellness appoints Arijit Sengupta as CMO</a>

Mother Dairy signs up as official ‘Dairy Partner’ for Pro Kabaddi League 2024

Britannia Industries Limited's biscuit business witnessed headwinds due to the geopolitical tension and climate change in the fiscal year 2024, the FMCG firm said in its annual report. The other immediate threats in the biscuit category are increasing competition and high commodity prices due to climatic changes and other macroeconomic factors, according to the company.

In the upcoming quarter, Britannia has anticipated threats in its rusk and dairy categories due to increasing health expectations, preference for local players, rise in milking prices, and rising trends in input costs like labour and raw materials. 

The company's international business may also face some headwinds due to increasing oil prices in the Middle East, geopolitical tensions, mass departure of expatriates, localization of workforce, changes in trade barriers, and currency exchange rate fluctuations. 

Britannia's international business witnessed a double-digit value growth across regions for the second year in a row. According to the FMCG firm, the primary growth drivers were an upsurge in revenues in Egypt and Kenya through local operations, deflation in commodity prices, stable double-digit growth in developed markets driven by better penetration and portfolio expansion.

Britannia's consolidated net profit declined by 7.8% in FY24 to Rs 2,139 crore from Rs 2,321 crore in FY23. Its revenue from operation saw a 2.9% growth to Rs 16,186 crore. Britannia's net profit in the June quarter of FY25 stood at Rs 50 crore. 

The company forecasted stress in the upcoming months due to geopolitical tensions, muted global financial forecasts, and irregular crop patterns. "The short-term prospects for could be impacted by changes in the prices of input commodities like wheat, sugar, milk, chocolate, and edible oil," it mentioned in its annual report. However, the arrival of a favourable monsoon may result in positive harvests and help stabilize demand and prices.

Geopolitical tension, climate change hit biscuits biz: Britannia

Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) onboarded 20 para-athletes for a period of three years under its ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’. This initiative, in collaboration with NGO partner GoSports Foundation, is part of Hyundai Motor India Limited’s broader 'Samarth by Hyundai' initiative. 


The ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’ is designed to offer structured support to para-athletes, including financial aid, expert sports science guidance, access to assistive devices, soft skill development assistance and mentorship from renowned coaches and experts to the selected 20 para-athletes, stated the company.

 

The program has identified athletes across eight key sports categories: Para-Athletics, Para-Swimming, Para-Badminton, Wheelchair Tennis, Para-Archery, Para-Rowing, Para-Canoeing, and Para-Cycling. The selected athletes include 15 emerging (aged 13 & above) and 5 elite (aged 16 and above) para-athletes from across India. The para athletes will receive the resources and mentorship needed to excel at a global level.

 

Unsoo Kim, managing director, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “At Hyundai Motor India Limited, we are committed to fostering a world where each individual can contribute meaningfully. The Samarth Para-Sports Programme aligns with our vision of 'Progress for Humanity' and aims to foster an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By supporting Para-athletes, our endeavor is to showcase their incredible talent on a world stage and give them a chance to pursue their passions. My best wishes to the GoSports Foundation and all the selected 20 para-athletes. I am sure these athletes will inspire countless others with their courage and determination and make India proud."

 

Deepthi Bopaiah, chief executive officer, GoSports Foundation said, “GoSports foundation has been a pioneer who has institutionalized support to para-athletes and we are looking forward to creating a larger change with Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s Samarth Para Sports Programme. We aim to establish a platform for young and talented para-athletes to thrive and reach the pinnacle of para-sports, Paralympics. We are confident that with the right suppor and approach, we will be able to make India a great sporting nation."


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/hyundai-launches-new-initiative-to-increase-rural-reach-in-india-29539.htm">Hyundai launches new initiative to increase rural reach in India</a>

Hyundai Motor India Foundation onboards 20 para athletes under the ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’

Kalyan Jewellers has announced to expand its stores in the country by launching 40 more showrooms by Diwali. Besides, the Kerala-based Jewellery maker has also planned to launch 30 Candere showrooms and the first showroom in the US this year. 

Kalyan told stock exchanges, "As part of the previously communicated plan of launching 130+ new showrooms during the current financial year, in addition to the showrooms already opened, we have drawn up plans to launch another 40 Kalyan showrooms in India, 30 Candere showrooms and the first showroom in the US by Diwali". Candere is Kalyan Jewellers' digital-first jewellery platform.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/kalyan-jewellers-records-34-percent-revenue-growth-in-q4-fy2024-plans-to-launch-130-showrooms-in-india-in-fy-2025-28291.htm">Kalyan Jewellers records 34 percent revenue growth in Q4 FY2024; plans to launch 130 showrooms in India in FY 2025</a>

"We are upbeat about the upcoming new showroom launches and are gearing up with fresh collections and campaigns for the upcoming festive and wedding season across the country, starting with Onam towards the end of the current quarter," the company said in a BSE filing.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/kalyan-jewellers-rolls-out-a-new-campaign-on-gudi-padwa-featuring-brand-ambassador-pooja-sawant-27825.htm">Kalyan Jewellers rolls out a new campaign on Gudi Padwa featuring brand ambassador Pooja Sawant</a>


By the first quarter of FY2025, Kalyan launched 24 showrooms. The Jewellery brand has 277 total showrooms, of which 217 are in India, 36 in the Middle East, and 24 are of its Candere platform.

Kalyan Jewellers reported consolidated revenue growth of around 27% in Q1 FY2025 compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. In the Middle East, the Kerala-based jewellery brand witnessed 16% revenue growth in the first quarter of current fiscal year.

Kalyan Jewellers plans to launch 40 more showrooms in India, first store in US by Diwali

Surpassing its goal of training 50,000 MSMEs by December 2024, Walmart’s supplier development program, Walmart Vriddhi, has digitally empowered over 58,000 micro-, small- and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across India by providing them with free of cost access to digital training, business advice, and personalized mentorship opportunities. These resources are helping them unlock their potential for business growth and better access to customers pan-India. 


MSMEs act as the cornerstone of India's economy today, contributing over 30 percent to the country's GDP while creating millions of job opportunities. They foster innovation and growth opportunities, further promoting India's entrepreneurial spirit. 


The Walmart Vriddhi program, launched in 2019 with Swasti as the program partner, is designed to equip MSMEs with the know-how and tools they need to succeed in supply chains by combining Walmart’s supplier development experience and Flipkart’s platform expertise. More than 14,500 MSMEs are currently onboarded onto the Flipkart marketplace and are seeing notable increase in sales since joining the pan-India platform. 


Today, the program has facilitated the growth of diverse MSMEs, including over 10,000 women-led businesses, young entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, those focused on environmental sustainability in their supply chains (encompassing sourcing, manufacturing, and packaging), and entrepreneurs selling eco-friendly products. A notable number of MSMEs have indicated their interest in building sustainable products such as toys, handicrafts, reusable sanitary pads, and diapers, among others. 


Here are a few Walmart Vriddhi graduate stories from different parts of the country, who employ sustainable practices in their businesses:

 
Samakhya Sustainable Practices, led by Prerna Agarwal, is dedicated to bringing together natural fibers and green crafts to create sustainable alternatives. It collaborates with over 3000 artisans and farmers in remote regions, Samakhya empowers local communities and preserves traditional techniques. Their use of regenerative pastoral fibers creates unique thermal and acoustic handcrafted lifestyle products.


MohanJodero Handicrafts, established by Yashovardhan Sharma, revives India’s rich cultural heritage through brass handicrafts. Sharma employs artisans who breathe life into each product, possessing skills passed down through generations, hidden in the country’s nooks and crannies, stated the company. 


Sharma leverages digital marketing, SEO (Search engine optimization), and social media insights gained through Walmart Vriddhi to sell his unique, handcrafted products to customers from across India.


Ecoserve India, founded by Anindita Chaudhuri, is an earth-friendly brand dedicated to reducing plastic pollution and incorporating sustainable, natural fibers and grasses such as kauna, shitalpati, bamboo, water hyacinth, areca leaves, and jute. Anindita’s tribal artisans create decorations, artifacts, bags, baskets, hampers, mats, jewelry, and bamboo towels from sustainable materials. Out of the 30 artisans that Ecoserve employs, 90% are women, and everyone is compensated for every piece they make, regardless of gender.


Jason Fremstad, Senior Vice President, Supplier Development, Walmart, says, "Through the Walmart Vriddhi program, we have seen incredible resilience in MSME graduates as they showcase their exceptional innovation and commitment towards making a positive contribution in their communities. We are thrilled to be part of their journey helping them grow, fostering inclusivity, and creating lasting impact."


Rajneesh Kumar, chief corporate affairs officer, Flipkart Group, says, "The Walmart Vriddhi program has been instrumental in fostering a culture of growth among MSMEs in every facet of their businesses. By helping onboard thousands of MSMEs onto Flipkart marketplace as sellers, in line with our mission, we are happy to enhance their market reach, help them thrive in the eCommerce space, and contribute to their prosperity and business growth.”


Joseph Julian, program director from Swasti, said, “It's encouraging to see how Walmart Vriddhi graduates have been able to integrate learnings into their business and benefit from the curriculum. Seeing many of them operate their businesses in a way that benefits their communities, and the environment has been gratifying.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/walmart-internationals-ad-business-grows-76-percent-led-by-flipkart-and-mexico-business-23850.htm">Walmart International’s ad business grows 76 percent led by Flipkart and Mexico business</a>

Walmart Vriddhi empowers over 58,000 MSMEs through digital training

In celebration of World Environment Day, Coca-Cola India launched #BenchPeBaat, a campaign aimed at reviving the spirit of true connections and conversations among people. This is a celebration of Coca-Cola India’s commitment to creating a World Without Waste through a circular economy and fostering meaningful interactions in communities across India. 


Coca-Cola India through its foundation, Anandana, in partnership with United Way Mumbai has installed 380 sustainable benches in 10 cities in India. These repurposed benches, crafted from recycled plastic waste collected during the ICC World Cup 2023, aim to make a refreshing difference, one conversation at a time.

 
Each bench is created from approx. 50 kgs of recycled plastic waste. These eco-friendly benches have been installed in schools, colleges, public parks, and municipal corporation offices across 10 cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Dharamshala, and Lucknow.

 

Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director-CSR and Sustainability for Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia (INSWA), said, “At Coca-Cola India, we are steadfast in our commitment towards our global strategy called World Without Waste which drives systemic change through a circular economy of packaging. Our #BenchPeBaat campaign is a testament to our dedication towards sustainability, as we transform waste into meaningful community assets. These sustainable benches symbolize our efforts to reduce environmental impact." 

 

The campaign film conceptualized by Havas People India - Talent communication and Employer branding agency of Havas India, features a blend of innovative AI-generated visuals that beautifully capture the essence of its message. The film has been meticulously crafted to immerse viewers in the story of the sustainable benches as conversation starters, through heartwarming and colorful imagery that resonates deeply with the audience.

 

On the campaign, Arindam Sengupta, managing director, Havas People India - talent communication and employer branding agency of Havas India, said, "We are proud to partner with Coca-Cola India on the groundbreaking #BenchPeBaat campaign, which ignites awareness and dedication to sustainability. Together, we are transforming waste into eco-friendly collaterals, underscoring our shared commitment to creating meaningful environmental stewardship. This collaboration inspires change and fosters a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come, showcasing how we brought this vision to life and made a real difference."

 

George Aikara, chief executive officer, United Way Mumbai, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Coca-Cola India on the #BenchPeBaat campaign. By transforming plastic waste gathered during the ICC Cricket World Cup into eco-friendly benches, we are not only addressing the waste problem but also enriching our communities with innovative street furniture, creating vibrant social spaces. This initiative exemplifies sustainable practices, promoting environmental awareness, while the benches serve as focal points for community engagement.”

 

Last year, Coca-Cola India teamed up with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and United Way Mumbai during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, strategically placing Reverse Vending Machines and collection bins at stadium touchpoints and ICC hospitality zones in 10 host cities. The recycled plastic waste collected was then repurposed into the approximately 380 sustainable benches that have been installed across 10 cities in India.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/coca-cola-witnessed-robust-growth-in-2023-to-re-invest-significant-chunk-of-capital-investment-23192.htm">Coca-Cola witnessed robust growth in 2023; to re-invest significant chunk of capital investment</a>

Coca-Cola India celebrates World Environment Day with #BenchPeBaat

NIC Ice Creams has been onboarded as an Official Partner of the Mumbai Indians, who are the five-time winners of India’s premier men domestic T20 league.

Currently, the brand is present across 120+ cities in India. It is also an early adopter to new age consumption patterns, and is available on platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Instamart, Zepto, Dotpe, Thrive etc.

Data shows that snacks and desserts are the ideal and preferred accompaniment to watching thrilling T20 cricket matches. This partnership with Mumbai Indians offers NIC the perfect platform to serve customers at home as well as in-stadia, while they cheer for their favourite team during the cricket season.

Sanjiv Shah, Director, Walko Food Company, said, “We are immensely proud to be associated with the Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful teams in the tournament. They are known for their winning spirit coupled with a strong focus on excellence and innovation – values that are aligned with our own philosophy at NIC.” He further added, “Moreover, there is a special emotional connect with Mumbai as the city’s love for the sport, woven deep into its very culture, is legendary. Through this partnership, we hope to create memorable experiences for every cricket fan.”

A Mumbai Indians Spokesperson said, “We are delighted to welcome NIC Ice Creams to the Mumbai Indians family. With NIC Ice Creams on a very strong growth path, this partnership will give them the opportunity to build brand awareness as well as reach out to customers across the country leveraging the Mumbai Indians platforms on offer.”


NIC Ice Creams joins Mumbai Indians as official partner for upcoming Tata IPL season

Audio entertainment player Fever FM unveiled its new brand identity with the tagline ‘Happening Hai’. The listeners of Fever FM will get to select and cancel songs and playlists on air, they can choose their radio jockeys (RJs), and even curate shows among other features.

On January 30, the chief executive officer of Fever, Ramesh Menon took to Fever FM’s LinkedIn to announce the cease of operations of Fever FM, a radio station under the Fever Network. However, Fever FM was preparing for a relaunch and moving to a new digital home.

"Yes, the era of Old Radio is over. Purana radio Ab khatam. And we haven't just stopped there! We cranked up the volume and gave Fever a bold, new look and a great new sonic identity. Say hello to the revitalized Fever in its refreshed avatar - Happening Hai!," said Menon in a LinkedIn post announcing the relaunch.

One of the country’s top chief marketing officers said, “A brand is immortal. Its immortality is fed by its success. There are no instances of a great brand killing a business but there are innumerable examples of a great brand being let down by a failed business. Brand dharma is about keeping the brand alive and vital. Not to declare its demise.”

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/down-with-marketing-gimmick-fever-why-an-fm-radio-channels-stunt-backfired-21436.htm">Down with marketing-gimmick Fever: Why an FM radio channel’s stunt backfired</a>

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