Author: Kashmeera Sambamurthy

MC Stan: The latest celebrity brand to emerge from Bigg Boss 16

MC Stan has already got himself a deal from Amazon Mini TV and his managers are in the midst of a selection process to sign on more brands.

The rapper is the latest to benefit from a Bigg Boss boost with partnership deals and endorsements pouring in just 48 hours after winning the reality show. His talent management agency has received over 20 offers from brands.

HUL’s Surf Excel becomes $1-billion brand

HUL has been in the Indian market for over six decades. In 1985, it was removed from the top spot by homegrown detergent brand Nirma. In response, HUL launched Wheel detergent. Later in 2012, Ghari took the top spot. (Still from the #HaarKoHarao ad)

With a total sales of Rs 8,200 crore, Surf Excel also became HUL’s first brand to reach the milestone.

Crypto ads and sponsorships banned during Women’s IPL 2023

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) stated that the use of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam toppers by these institutes falls under "misleading ads" and "unfair trade practices" of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. (Representative Image: John Matychuk via Unsplash)

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI ) has decided to ban all forms of crypto advertising and sponsorships during this year’s Women’s IPL. The ban has also been imposed on tobacco and betting apps.

OTT content, retail media and localisation of sports to dominate ad, marketing industry in 2023: Report

Retail media in India is expected to double by 2027. In India, the rise of ad spends on digital retail media will depend on how the retail media networks are able to demonstrate the value by complementing search efforts and not competing with them. (Representative Image: Artem Beliaikin via Unsplash)

As per GroupM, India ranked eighth globally on ad spends and continues to be the fastest-growing market in 2023. Here are the trends that will push the growth.

BMW Motorrad India picks up Sociowash for its creative and digital duties

Sociowash will offer 360-degree digital and creative solutions in an effort to maximize the luxury motorcycle brand's visibility, outreach and interaction with its expanding consumer base. (Representative Image: chill_ink studio via Unsplash)

The mandate for Sociowash includes creating and implementing brand campaigns, influencer marketing strategies, designing collaterals for dealership showrooms, and overseeing online reputation management, among other things.

Influencer marketing spends by brands expected to cross Rs 1,500 Cr in 2023

By harnessing the power of virtual influencers, Reach Vista brings a new dimension to influencer marketing, enabling brands to establish deeper and more resonant connections with their consumer base. These virtual influencers cater to diverse niches, beginning with the entertainment sector, where Reach Vista has already successfully launched an array of captivating virtual personalities. (Representative Image: Ryan 'O' Niel via Unsplash)

GroupM India’s latest report highlights that influencer marketing will move from a test-and-learn model to becoming an integral part of the marketing mix of large consumer brands.

When founders become popular, they can serve as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs: Shark Tank judge Amit Jain

Amit Jain, chief executive officer and co-founder, CarDekho, says, "But I must add that most entrepreneurs also fail, but the reality is that what they learn in pursuing entrepreneurship, they can never learn it on the job. You're making so many decisions on an everyday basis and multitasking, and this is a life experience. You're practically the master of your own destiny."

Amit Jain, chief executive officer and co-founder, CarDekho, talks about his debut at Shark Tank Season 2, the importance of women and small-town entrepreneurs, and why businesses need to stay lean to succeed.

Super Bowl 2023 ads: Indian adlanders pick hits and misses

From an advertising point of view, Indian adlanders think most brands during Super Bowl LVII kept their scripts formulaic with a combination of A-list celebrities, light humour, nostalgia, and music. (Stills from ads)

Ads from Doritos, Bud Light, Tubi, Uber Eats, among others make the cut.