Wednesday, March 26, 2025

KWALITY WALL'S LAUNCHES THEIR GLOBAL BRAND TWISTER IN INDIA, FOR A REFRESHING SUMMER




~Twister, a fun three-layered stick, launches two exciting summer flavors~

National, 26 March 2025: With a legacy of spreading happiness for over 100 years, known for iconic ice creams and frozen desserts, Kwality Wall's is thrilled to announce the launch of its new Twister brand in India. Popular for its unique three-layered stick design, Twister promises the ultimate twist in refreshment, tantalizing taste buds with every bite.
Twister, an iconic brand from Unilever’s portfolio, continues to be a favourite summer refresher in over 25 countries. Recognizing the need for a refreshing treat during hot summer hours among Indians, Kwality Wall’s is introducing the new Twister in two exciting variants. Twister Mango – swirls of mango and creamy vanilla wrapped around a tangy strawberry core and Twister Pineapple – swirls of creamy pineapple and sour lemon wrapped around a tangy strawberry core.

Twister is targeted at young Indians who are looking for a refresher with a difference! It is made with real fruit juice and three layers of zing; this fun stick offers a burst of flavors in every bite. Its unique shape is designed to delight young consumers with less than 65 calories per serving.
Adding to the enjoyment of the summer season, Kwality Wall’s is releasing a first-of-its-kind promotion in India, wherein consumers will get a chance to win from ‘30 Lakh Free Ice Candies’. This exciting offer can be redeemed at more than 1 lakh stores across India.
Kwality Wall’s has also recently launched a new multi-media campaign for Twister - bringing to life a refreshing Twister World for this summer. In addition, a fun and eye-catching consumer promotional film will be launched to excite consumers about the offer. 
Toloy Tanridagli, Head of Ice Cream Business, HUL, said, “We are thrilled to bring one of our iconic global brands, Twister to India in two exciting and refreshing flavours. Refreshments are a huge category, over 6.6 bn Euros** and consumers are seeking new and exciting refreshments options during hot Indian summers. As a top-selling brand in the Unilever portfolio and a global favourite, our goal in India is to offer a delightful treat that resonates with young consumers and adds a fun twist to their summer. Our unique summer promotion will undoubtedly elevate the experience for Indians.”
Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer & Executive Director, DDB Mudra Group, further added, “With Kwality Wall’s Twister, we wanted to capture the essence of refreshing indulgence and joy. The ad is a celebration of spontaneous fun—the kind that makes you forget everything else and just savor the moment. The swirling visuals and vibrant energy mirror the irresistible twist of flavors, making it an experience that’s as playful as it is delicious.”
The launch of the new Twister in India marks an exciting milestone for Kwality Wall’s. With its innovative design and commitment to quality, it is set to become a refreshing summer favorite.
Links to Brand Films:
“Laao Life Mein Twist” - https://www.youtube.com/embed/-0HgtLBWsOU?feature=oembed
Summer Promotion - https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zo0Ay_FW89U?feature=oembed

About Kwality Wall’s
Kwality Wall’s, a renowned brand of Hindustan Unilever, is dedicated to spreading joy. Kwality Wall’s has been delighting consumers for decades with its wide range of delicious and innovative ice-cream and frozen treats. With a strong presence across India, Kwality Wall’s continues to bring people together through shared moments of happiness, whether it’s a nostalgic treat or an indulgent escape.

About Hindustan Unilever Limited
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is India’s largest Fast-Moving Consumer Goods company, with its products touching the lives of nine out of ten households in the country. HUL works to create a better future every day.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Airbnb Strengthens Commitment to Quality with Global Report, Enhancing Guest and Host Experiences in India


Airbnb releases its first-ever Global Quality Report as a part of its commitment to deliver on quality and reliability across the platform. 
With over 2 billion guest arrivals, features such as Guest Favorites, top listing highlights, and ongoing listing quality controls are continuing to have a positive impact across the community.
Globally, over 400,000 low-quality listings were removed from the platform.
Growth of Superhost community by nearly 50% in India and an increase in five-star reviews.
Host cancellations reduced by 20% in India due to enhanced policies.
India, March 25, 2025 – Airbnb is proud to announce the release of its first-ever Global Quality Report, marking a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality and reliable stays for both guests and hosts. This report highlights Airbnb’s ongoing initiatives to improve platform trust, guest experiences, and host quality while ensuring a continued positive impact on communities across the globe.
Since its inception in 2007, Airbnb has grown into a global community of more than 5 million hosts and welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals worldwide. Despite this tremendous growth, Airbnb remains dedicated to ensuring that every guest can expect a seamless and exceptional stay.
Improving the guest experience 

Airbnb recognizes that high-quality listings are essential for building trust between guests and hosts. Beyond ratings, quality is measured by cleanliness, ease of check-in, accuracy, and the overall guest experience. Over the past three years, Airbnb has launched more than 535 new features and upgrades to help perfect the core service and make Airbnb an overall better service for both hosts and guests. 

Below are some of the initiatives Airbnb has launched and the positive impact they're having on both guests and hosts. 

Helping guests find the best places to stay 
To make it easier for guests to find the best places to stay, Airbnb launched features like Guest Favorites - a collection of the most-loved homes on Airbnb, based on ratings, reviews, and reliability data - and top listing highlights, which show percentile ranking for the top 1%, 5%, and 10% of eligible homes. 

Guests are loving these updates. Since its launch, over 250 million nights have been booked at Guest Favorite listings with the average overall rating across all Guest Favorites remaining high at 4.92 in India. Listings in the top 1, 5, and 10 percent of ranked listings globally, have also received over 3 million five-star ratings, making up a fifth of all five-star reviews. Airbnb also revamped its ratings and reviews - including adding the ability to sort reviews from lowest to highest, added a rating distribution chart, and more details about the reviewer - to help guests more easily understand if a listing is right for them. 

Improving reliability and deterring cancellations
Airbnb has also introduced measures to reduce host cancellations, a significant pain point for guests and made significant changes to deter avoidable host cancellations, including:
Adjusting default booking settings and reducing calendar availability, to give new hosts greater control and flexibility before their first booking;
New pricing tools for hosts to allow them to easily see the price guests pay, to help prevent inaccurate pricing; and
Firmer consequences and stricter policies for host cancellations that could have been avoided.
Since making these updates, Airbnb has seen host cancellation rates in India decreased by approximately 20% year over year.
How better stays impact ratings and reviews 
Airbnb believes that its investment in listing quality, host education, and deterring host cancellations has contributed to a positive impact on guest ratings and reviews.

Ratings and reviews are among Airbnb’s initial innovations. Over the past 16 years, guests have left over 460 million reviews – which has, in turn, helped other guests find and choose the right stay for them. Since making investments in improving quality and reliability, Airbnb has seen an average listing rating of over 4.75. Last year in India, more than 80% of reviews left by guests were five stars. 

Helping hosts provide high-quality stays 
As Airbnb retains and attracts new hosts, it remains committed to keeping our supply quality high. To empower hosts to deliver world-class stays, Airbnb provided them with extensive resources in our Resource Center such as the 5-Star Hosting series to help them understand how to provide excellent hospitality and earn the highest rating possible. The Airbnb Superhost program, which is in its 10th year, also continues to reward top-performing hosts. Last year, the Superhost community grew by almost 50% in India. 

Boosting trust with hosts 
Airbnb has also launched a number of initiatives to help hosts feel confident about welcoming guests into their home. This includes the ID verification process for guests and hosts as well as proprietary reservation screening technology, aimed at helping to reduce unauthorized and disruptive parties. Since launching over a year ago, the reservation screening technology has blocked or redirected more than 1.4 million guests worldwide from attempting to book on Airbnb. 

Hosts can also better understand a guest’s history on Airbnb before accepting a booking by reading reviews from past hosts, using the secure messaging service to ask the guest questions before their stay, or if they’re a new host, specify that they would like an experienced guest for their first reservation. 

Removing low-quality listings 
While features like Guest Favorites and top listing highlights help guests find the best places to stay, guests may still encounter listings that fall short of their expectations. 

In 2023, Airbnb launched its updated hosting quality system, which takes a more targeted and holistic approach to evaluate listings against our quality criteria. It has been an effective way to evaluate listings on Airbnb, provide education and actionable feedback for hosts, and remove listings that fail to meet our bar for quality.

Since its launch, over 400,000 listings have been removed for failing to meet Airbnb’s quality standards. By removing these low-quality listings, Airbnb is helping to reduce the likelihood that guests might have a negative experience, as evidenced by an approximately 20% decrease in the percentage of quality-related customer service issues in India year over year. 

Our work continues
Airbnb is constantly innovating for its community. The company is proud of the progress made by its dedicated teams, industry-leading policies and products, and valuable partners to help ensure each stay is a positive experience for both guests and hosts. However, Airbnb acknowledges that its work continues.

Friday, March 21, 2025

Experience Bar Nouveau Paris (#39 on the World’s 50 Best Bars) now in India!

 


Get ready for a taste of Paris as Bar Nouveau (#39 on the World’s 50 Best Bars) lands in India for an exclusive bar takeover series Gurgaon (March 21st), Kolkata (March 26th), Bangalore (March 28th), Mumbai (March 29th), and Goa (April 2nd).  
Helming the bar is Harrison Kenney, the award-winning Bar Manager of Bar Nouveau Paris, known for his artistic approach to cocktail-making that explores the relationship between nature and a post-technological world! 
Harrison’s signature serves will include: 


FINE À L'EAU 
 
A delicate and refreshing take on a French café classic. This cocktail brings together the smooth depth of whisky with the crisp acidity of verjus and a touch of sweetness, all softened with pure water. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s a drink for those who appreciate elegance in restraint. 
 
 



DIRTY VODKA MARTINI 
 
A refined twist on the classic martini, where silky vodka meets the briny richness of olives and the floral complexity of blanc vermouth. A hint of vanilla adds a subtle warmth, creating a martini that is both familiar and intriguingly nuanced. 


FRAMBOISE & TONIC 
 
A playful, fruit-forward take on the classic gin and tonic. The bold botanicals of gin meet the tart sweetness of raspberry, all brought to life with a crisp tonic. Light, aromatic, and effortlessly refreshing, this is a drink that surprises and delights. 
 
 



GUSTAVE 
 
A cocktail of contrasts, balancing smooth whisky with the crisp freshness of celery and the natural sweetness of maple. Coconut water lends a gentle, silky texture, while a dash of salt enhances the complexity. A bold yet refreshing sip for those who appreciate depth and balance. 



JASMINE 
 
Vibrant and bittersweet, this aperitif-style cocktail balances bright citrus, herbal gin, and the deep, complex bitterness of an aperitivo. A splash of yuzu liqueur adds an aromatic lift, making it a perfectly layered drink with a lingering, elegant finish. 

PEANUTS + STARBUCKS MERCHANDISE COLLECTION CELEBRATES KINDNESS, COFFEE AND COMMUNITY IN ITS LATEST GLOBAL CAMPAIGN

 

 

National, 20th March, 2025: Starbucks and Peanuts have come together to launch a global brand partnership that celebrates kindness, coffee, and community. Starting 20th March 2025, Starbucks stores in India will introduce an exclusive line of Peanuts-inspired merchandise. This exciting collaboration will feature the Peanuts gang, as well as the Snoopy persona, Joe Kind Snoopy.

 

Inspired by the Peanuts’ core of community and kindness and Starbucks commitment to making a positive impact in communities it serves; the promotion celebrates the belief that even the smallest acts of goodwill can have a profound impact on people's lives. Like Starbucks, Joe Kind Snoopy encourages people to connect through the simple, everyday acts of kindness.

 

The collection is available in over 150 Starbucks stores in India, till April, which is Starbucks Global Month of Good, a time when Starbucks partners (employees) around the world come together to make a positive impact on the planet and in the communities Starbucks serves. For the past 12 years, Starbucks partners have dedicated their time to volunteering with local non-profit organizations throughout April, reinforcing their commitment to community service.

 

Alongside the Peanuts collection, Starbucks will also introduce its Spring Collection in stores across India, starting 16th March. This collection is inspired by the colors and energy of spring, featuring cherry blossom designs, soft pink and blue hues, and nature-inspired patterns. The clean and minimal aesthetic makes it perfect for the season, bringing a fresh and modern touch to everyday coffee moments.

 

Starbucks customers can enjoy 8 new merchandise launches, including the Peanuts Joe Kind Cup, the Peanuts Friendship Cup, the Island Cherry Blossom Mug and Pink Tumbler, amongst others. Starbucks customers inspired by Snoopy and the gang are encouraged to join the kindness movement on social media with #GlobalMonthofGood.

  

Merchandise Collection: The global partnership between Starbucks and Peanuts, featuring exclusive, limited-edition Joe Kind Snoopy merchandise, is all about creating moments of connection. Join us as, with the help of Starbucks, Peanuts (and Joe Kind Snoopy) spread love, friendship, joy and gratitude around the world.

 

Peanuts Joe Kind Snoopy Cup: The design on this reusable cup is reminiscent of the first Starbucks + Peanuts collaboration that launched in Japan in 2022, with Joe Kind Snoopy wearing a green apron and spreading joy through coffee.  

A white and green starbucks coffee cup

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Price: INR 550

 

Peanuts Friendship Mug: This 14oz Peanuts mug showcases all the Peanuts gang hanging out and having a good time. This mug features a light, matte finish. 

 

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Price: INR 2150

 

 

Peanuts Joe Kind Snoopy Cup Sleeve: This delightful cup sleeve helps carry hot or cold beverages and features Joe Kind Snoopy wearing his green apron as he shares beverages and joy with everyone around him.

 

A cartoon of a dog holding two cups

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Price: INR 1350

  

THE SPRING COLLECTION

Starbucks Spring Collection brings a fresh take on seasonal designs. Inspired by nature, the collection features cherry blossoms, soft pink and blue hues, and minimal yet intricate patterns reflecting the transition into spring. With a mix of classic and modern elements, this collection is designed to add a touch of the season to everyday coffee moments.

 

 

Cherry Blossom Mug priced at INR 2250

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Island Cherry Blossom Mug priced at INR 1850

 

 

 

Pink Tumbler priced at INR 1400 

 

A pink cup with a white lid

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Green Pleated Cold Cup priced at INR 1700

 

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Siren- embossed Pattern Mug priced at INR 1850  

 

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Fans and customers can look forward to sharing a sip of joy with their family and friends 16th March onwards. The new themed collection will be available at select Starbucks stores across India, until supplies last!

 

 

About Tata Starbucks Private Limited:

Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 473 stores in India across 76 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,200 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Flipkart Partners with FanCode Shop to Bring Official Sports Merchandise to SuperCoin Users


Flipkart users can now shop for authentic gear from top IPL teams like Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, ICC tournaments, global football clubs like PSG, Man City, Barcelona, Juventus, ISL teams, and select NBA & F1 teams
Customers can redeem up to 50% of the product price using SuperCoins
The launch aligns with the IPL season, allowing fans to support their teams with officially licensed apparel and accessories
Bengaluru – March 20, 2025: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, has partnered with FanCode Shop, India’s premier destination for official sports merchandise. This partnership will bring a dedicated FanCode Shop to Flipkart’s SuperCoin ecosystem, offering millions of users seamless access to authentic sports merchandise. Customers can now shop for official gear from their favorite teams and leagues using a combination of SuperCoins and other payment instruments, including cash, making high-quality merchandise more affordable and accessible.
Through this integration, Flipkart Supercoins users will have direct access to exclusive offers on official merchandise from leading sporting events and franchises on FanCode Shop. Some of these include IPL teams like Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, ICC tournaments such as the World Cups, Champions Trophy, and many more national and international events.
As part of this collaboration, Flipkart customers will benefit from a flexible payment model, enabling them to redeem SuperCoins for up to 50% of the product price while paying the remaining balance through cash or COD. This will help the users save upto 50% i.e. the amount of Supercoins used on purchase of the product.
Commenting on the partnership, Gaurav Arora, Vice President, Payments and SuperCoins at Flipkart, said, “At Flipkart, we are constantly innovating to enhance the SuperCoins ecosystem, enabling customers to unlock greater value while shopping. This partnership with FanCode Shop comes at the perfect time, offering sports enthusiasts a rewarding way to purchase official merchandise while maximizing their savings through SuperCoins. By expanding the avenues where SuperCoins can be used, we are reinforcing our commitment to making aspirational products more accessible and ensuring that customers benefit from greater affordability and flexibility in their purchases.”
Prasana Krishnan, co-founder, FanCode, said, "At FanCode Shop, our mission has always been to make official sports merchandise more accessible to fans across India. Partnering with Flipkart SuperCoins is a significant step in that direction, as it allows millions of Flipkart users to get authentic gear from their favorite teams and tournaments with added affordability. This makes FanCode Shop the first platform to bring official sports merchandise to Flipkart's SuperCoins ecosystem, further expanding our reach and ensuring that fans can proudly support their teams in a seamless and rewarding way."
About the Flipkart Group
The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Cleartrip and super.money.
Established in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in India's digital commerce revolution. With a registered user base of more than 500 million, Flipkart's marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 1.4 million sellers on the platform, including Shopsy sellers. With a focus on empowering and delighting every Indian by delivering value through technology and innovation, Flipkart has created thousands of jobs in the ecosystem while empowering generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Flipkart has pioneered services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI, Easy Returns, and UPI. These customer-centric innovations focus on enhancing digital payment offerings for all customers while making online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians.
For more information, please write to media@flipkart.com
About FanCode

FanCode is India’s premier sports destination committed to giving fans a highly personalised experience across content and merchandise for a wide variety of sports. Founded by sports industry veterans Yannick Colaco and Prasana Krishnan in March 2019, FanCode has over 160 million users. It has partnered with domestic, international sports leagues and associations across multiple sports. In content, FanCode offers interactive live streaming in industry-first subscription formats with Match, Bundle and Tour Passes, along with monthly and annual subscriptions at affordable prices. Through FanCode Shop, it also offers fans a wide range of sports merchandise for sporting teams, brands and leagues across the world.
Dream Sports, India’s leading Sports Technology company, is the parent company of FanCode, with brands such as Dream11, and DreamSetGo in its portfolio.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

The All-New Nissan Magnite Makes Its Middle East Debut in Saudi Arabia



The Middle East is the first region to offer the all-new Magnite in left-hand-drive to the world.
Striking compact SUV with dynamic eye-catching design, reinforced safety and technology features, making it ideal for urban drivers

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – March 19, 2025 – Following its initial unveil in Delhi, India in October 2024, Nissan has announced the availability of the all-new Nissan Magnite for the Middle East – as the first region in the world to receive the left-hand-drive (LHD) model. Launched at a stylish event in Riyadh.
The Magnite will expand to other markets around the region – all as part of Nissan’s strategic global vision of “One Car, One World”, The Magnite is tailored to meet the diverse needs of customers across multiple markets, with its dynamic design, advanced features, and robust performance.
STRIKING INSIDE AND OUT
For its compact size, the all-new Magnite punches well above its weight when it comes to looks. Standing out with its assertive and imposing grille, high ground clearance, and diamond-cut alloy wheels, the model is sure to grab attention with its dynamic eye-catching design and two-tone colour options.
Inside the car, drivers will experience a contemporary and sleek cabin with 360 leather treatment all supported by intuitive technology features including a 7” fully digital instrument cluster, 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote engine start, air ionizer, and a cooled glovebox.
ENHANCED SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE
Alongside the new design and seamless tech, the Magnite offers efficient performance for drivers thanks to a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, delivering 100 PS power and 152Nm of torque for an efficient, dynamic drive.


At the same time, safety for family and friends is enhanced even further by safety features including Around-View Monitor, ABS C VDC, Auto Headlamps, 3-point seatbelts all around, and side curtain airbags, ensuring a secure driving experience
THE PERFECT URBAN PARTNER
Built for a diverse customer base with ambitious pragmatist mindset, Magnite offers agility, efficiency, and comfort for a smooth and engaging driving experience. Its spacious interior, with exceptional cabin roominess able to comfortably fit five people, intuitive features, and striking presence blend practicality with style, making it the perfect choice for drivers seeking versatility and excitement on the road. All of this comes at a competitive price starting at SAR 66,699, offering exceptional value without compromising on quality or features.
Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President & President – Middle East, KSA, CIS – Nissan & INFINITI, commented, “Following the release of the hugely popular new Patrol and KICKS, we’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing the all-new Magnite here to the Middle East – and we’re certain our customers will be too. We are reinforcing our commitment to innovation, versatility, and accessibility across the region. More than that, Magnite shows Nissan and our strategy at its very best – dynamic eye-catching design, with Japanese DNA and engineering, produced in Nissan’s India plant, and available in regions across the World. This SUV enhances our leadership in the segment and reflects Nissan's dedication to shaping the future of mobility with modern, practical vehicles.”
Adib Takieddine, Managing Director of Nissan Saudi Arabia, said: “The all-new Magnite reflects Nissan’s commitment to pushing boundaries, offering a vehicle that goes beyond just basic transportation and makes a bold statement on the road. Designed for those who seek practicality and a vehicle that suits their aspirations, the New Nissan Magnite brings Japanese engineering and innovation to ambitious customers across the region, offering an incredible ratio of tech-to-value that redefines the compact SUV segment.”
BUILT IN INDIA, MADE FOR THE WORLD
Produced at Nissan’s Alliance Plant in Chennai (RNAIPL), the Nissan Magnite has already proven popular in India and beyond, having sold over 150,000 models since its launch in December 2020. Previously exported to just 20 countries, world-class manufacturing capabilities have allowed the New Magnite to cater for left hand drive countries too – opening


availability to over 65 markets where the latest model will be available, Starting with the Middle East region. This means that the all-new Magnite will represent the largest coverage for a vehicle produced in Nissan’s AMIO regions. The all-new Nissan Magnite will be available in April 2025 through Nissan's partner network across the Middle East region.
-ENDS-

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Blue Dragon Strengthens Presence in India with Sunbeam entures, Bringing Authentic Pan-Asian Flavors to Indian onsumers




Mumbai, India, March 18th, 2025 – Blue Dragon, a globally renowned brand for authentic Thai and Pan-Asian flavours, is expanding its presence in India in partnership with Sunbeam Ventures, a leading FMCG distribution and marketing company. Since establishing its distribution network in India in 2019, Blue Dragon has focused on adapting its products to local consumer preferences. Now, with a robust foundation in place, the brand is set to amplify its presence, engage more directly with consumers, and cater to India’s growing demand for premium Asian flavours.

With a premium range of noodles, sauces, pastes, meal kits, and coconut milk, Blue Dragon aims to make restaurant-quality Asian cuisine effortless for home cooks and food lovers across the country. Consumers can now enjoy a carefully curated selection of products, including:

· Instant Cup Noodles (6 Unique Variants) – Ready in just 3 minutes, designed for a quick and flavorful experience.

· Tom Yum Series – Includes Tom Yum Paste, Tom Yum Meal Kits, Tom Yum Soup Kit and Tom Yum Noodle Cups to cater to different cooking preferences.

· Noodle Kits & Curry Kits – A hassle-free way to prepare authentic Thai and Asian noodle dishes and curries at home.

· Dry Noodles - Traditional Thai noodles, carefully selected and imported to bring authentic flavor and texture to meals.

· Savory Sauces & Curry Pastes – Perfectly crafted to enhance home-cooked meals with rich, bold flavors.

· Coconut Milk – A versatile ingredient for curries, soups, and desserts.

"Blue Dragon entered India in 2019 with a focus on building a strong distribution network and adapting to local preferences. Although the pandemic delayed our expansion plans, we have now established a solid foundation. We are excited to amplify our presence in India, catering to the country's growing demand for premium, high-quality global flavors.

The Indian market has shown tremendous growth, driven by an increasing demand for premiumization and premium products. By introducing our brand and products, we are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth and establish ourselves as a key market player. Our goal is to create a stronger emotional connection with Indian consumers, highlighting our unique value proposition and driving business growth.

We believe our products deliver the perfect balance of authenticity, quality, and convenience, making them an ideal choice for Indian consumers seeking global flavors. With our commitment to exceptional quality and service, we look forward to building a strong presence in the Indian market" said Boworn Pakdeesusuk serves as General Manager of the Bangkok hub.

Sunbeam Ventures, a trusted name in premium FMCG distribution since 2004, is spearheading Blue Dragon’s launch in India. Vikash Singhal, Director & Founder, Sunbeam Ventures, played a pivotal role in bringing the brand to the Indian market, ensuring a robust distribution strategy and consumer outreach. Blue Dragon products are now widely available across leading retail and digital platforms, ensuring easy accessibility for consumers. With a presence in over 50 cities and more than 1,500 premium outlets, the brand is poised for 100% growth in coverage and sales value over the next two years. To drive awareness, Blue Dragon is ramping up promotional efforts on quick-commerce platforms and plans to introduce larger packs for the HoReCa sector.

"Our mission is to offer Indian consumers an authentic taste of Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine while making cooking effortless, exciting, and accessible. Blue Dragon is not just another condiment brand—it is a complete meal solution catering to diverse needs, from home cooks who love to create from scratch to busy professionals looking for quick, high-quality meal options," said Vikash Singhal, Founder Director of Sunbeam Mercantile Ventures Pvt Ltd.

Blue Dragon maintains the highest standards of quality and authenticity through partner factories in Thailand and across Asia, ensuring compliance with strict food safety and quality regulations. The company’s global presence spans the UK, Europe, North America, and Mexico, backed by rigorous selection and monitoring processes to guarantee premium products. By sourcing local raw materials from Asia, the company preserve the authentic taste and aroma of Pan-Asian cuisine, delivering an unparalleled culinary experience to consumers worldwide.

Amrita University Launches RISE 2025: A Nationwide Engineering Career Guidance Program Across 37 Cities



National, 17 March, 2025 – Amrita Career Success Forum, the premier career guidance and success initiative by the Directorate of Admissions, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, is set to launch RISE 2025 (Roadmap to Innovation Success and Excellence)-a half-day career guidance program aimed at providing aspiring engineers with insights into future-ready careers. The program will be conducted across 37 cities in 13 states from March 20 to April 20, 2025. 
RISE 2025 will offer students an opportunity to interact with expert faculty, receive personalized career counseling, and explore the university’s academic programs. Designed to help students navigate the evolving fields of engineering and technology, the program will enable them to make well-informed decisions about their future. 
The event will cover a wide range of topics, including emerging career opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, and Data Science. Students will also gain insights into the Amrita Entrance Examination – Engineering (AEEE), scholarships, and admissions processes. 
Locations: 37 Cities Across 13 States
Dates: March 20 – April 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
One-on-One Career Counseling – Expert faculty and admission counselors will provide guidance on engineering disciplines, eligibility, scholarships, and career opportunities. 
Industry-Relevant Insights – Discussions on the latest advancements in AI, Robotics, Healthcare Technology, Renewable Energy, and Data Science to help students align their career goals with future trends. 
Live Demonstrations & Innovation Showcase – Student-led projects and research breakthroughs will offer hands-on exposure to real-world applications. 
Simplified Admissions Process – Comprehensive guidance on AEEE, CSAP (Centralized Seat Allotment Process), scholarships, and financial aid options. 
 Students and parents can register at amrita.link/rise 
📩 Email: aeee@amrita.edu 
📞 Helpline: 08069150838 
 🌐 Website: https://aeee.amrita.edu/

Thursday, March 13, 2025

BIS Mumbai Branch Office-II Launches ‘Quality Connect’ to Enhance Standards Awareness Among Government Departments



Mumbai, March 14, 2025 – The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Mumbai Branch Office-II, has launched ‘Quality Connect’ (Quality Campaign-7.0) to promote awareness of quality standards and certification among government departments. The initiative, running from March 11 to March 20, 2025, will cover government offices in Thane, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, and Raigad districts.
This campaign aims to encourage government officials to adopt BIS standards, advocate the use of certified products, and ensure regulatory compliance. BIS experts, including Manak Mitras and Resource Persons (RPs), will directly engage with officials, offering insights on the BIS Care App and key quality assurance initiatives. Supporting materials such as brochures and booklets will also be distributed.
Aligned with World Consumer Rights Day (March 15, 2025), this effort underscores the importance of consumer protection and product safety. BIS urges government officials in the designated districts to actively participate and contribute to fostering a culture of quality, benefiting both industries and consumers.



Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Wow! Momo Disrupts FMCG Cup Noodles Market with 'Desi-Asian Flavours' – A First in India



Wow! Noodles Set to launch 5 Desi Asian range of Cup Noodles in vegetarian and non-vegetarian flavours;  right from Thukpa from Tibet, Khao Suey from Burma, Korean Noodles, Manchurian & Chilli Chicken & India’s most loved Chinese bhel
To be available across all quick com and online channels and along with all leading MTs across 200+ Towns and Cities
Aims to hit annual 100 Cr business within 24 months 
India, 12, March 2025: Wow! Momo, the country's leading QSR brand, has made a bold entry into the FMCG Cup Noodles segment with the launch of Wow! Noodles – a first-of-its-kind range of Desi-Asian Flavours, revolutionizing the instant noodles market. With a unique blend of authentic and wholesome flavors, Wow! Noodles is designed for the modern Indian consumer who craves convenient yet delicious meals anytime, anywhere.
The innovative range features a fusion of iconic Asian and Indian flavors, including Thukpa, Khao Suey, Manchurian, Korean, and Chinese Bhel, ensuring a flavourful experience like never before. With a growing focus on instant, high-quality, and restaurant-style meals, Wow! Noodles delivers an authentic taste experience in just five minutes.
Expanding Nationwide with Omnichannel Availability Wow! Noodles has already made its mark across leading Quick Commerce platforms such as Instamart, Zepto, Blinkit, BigBasket, Flipkart Minutes, and D Mart Ready, along with Modern Trade giants like Reliance, More Retail, Spencer’s, Spar, and Ratnadeep, among others. Additionally, the brand has established a robust presence in 10,000+ general trade stores across 200+ towns and cities.
Further solidifying its footprint, Wow! Noodles is also soaring high at 35,000 feet, making its way into inflight menus of Akasa Air, Air India Express, and Spice Jet. The response from travellers has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the product’s appeal across a wide consumer base.
Sagar Daryani, Group CEO & Founder, Wow! Momo, expressed his excitement about the launch:
“At Wow! Momo Foods, innovation is in our DNA. With Wow! Noodles, we are disrupting the cup noodles category by bringing the perfect blend of desi and Asian flavors in a format that is both convenient and exciting. As we continue to expand our FMCG footprint, this launch marks a significant step towards making Wow! Momo a household name beyond QSR.”
Mithun Appaiah, CEO, Wow! FMCG, added:
“We are leveraging the strong brand equity of Wow! Momo to make Wow! Noodles a household favourite. With our focus on product innovation and strategic channel expansion, we are confident about an exciting year ahead—bringing new Flavors, scaling our distribution reach, and disrupting the FMCG space.”
As Wow! Momo continues to innovate and expand its FMCG portfolio, Wow! Noodles is set to redefine instant meals with wholesome, authentic, and delicious flavors – anytime, anywhere. Wow! FMCG was launched about 24 months ago with packaged momos which has disrupted the category to become one of the top selling brands across key channels in a very short duration. With 16 skus in Momos & now with 9 SKUs of cup noodles its available across 200+ towns and cities in more than 10k stores and distribution points. The division is already at a 60 Cr (ARR) within a short duration of launching its range. Recently Wow! Momo FMCG division launched their range across the Middle East market with the Lulu group which takes them international