Archives June 2024

Panchayat Season 3 Scores: Ranks Amongst the 3 Most-Watched Indian Originals on Prime Video

Panchayat Season 3 Scores

MUMBAI, India—20th June 2024– Following its worldwide premiere on May 28th, Panchayat Season 3, has set records by ranking among the top three most-watched Indian Originals on Prime Video, in just 14 days. The new season has been streamed by viewers in over 167 countries and territories and has been viewed across 99% of India’s pin codes in the first two weeks. Panchayat Season 3 also reached a global milestone, trending at number one in 26 countries and territories, on launch day. Panchayat has been a fan favorite since it launched on Prime Video in 2018. Season 2 received the maiden Best Web Series (OTT) Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India in 2023. Panchayat Season 3 continues to win hearts in India and around the world, achieving the biggest opening in the service. With an impressive IMDb rating of 9.0 across all three seasons, the series has been lauded by critics and audiences worldwide for its simple storytelling, comedic yet heart-warming moments, and stellar performances.

“Panchayat Season 3 has set a new benchmark in the streaming landscape,” said Manish Menghani, Director – Content Licensing, Prime Video India. “The series has received immense love from audiences worldwide for its unique blend of authentic rural charm and universal themes of community dynamics, resilience and friendship. These elements have made the latest season an irresistibly -binge-worthy mass-entertainer for viewers across the globe. It has been delightful to collaborate with TVF on this journey. Our shared aspiration for the show has been not only to entertain but also to spotlight the nuanced dynamics of the hinterlands in our diverse country. We are absolutely thrilled with the fantastic response, which solidifies the series’ resonance and is a testament to the growing global popularity of Indian content. At Prime Video, we are proud to have put Panchayat on the world map.”

“It has been absolutely wonderful to partner with Prime Video and script the success story of Panchayat together. Panchayat holds a special place in our hearts as it beautifully captures the essence of rural India with authenticity and humour. The series exemplifies TVF and Prime Video’s shared commitment to storytelling that deeply resonates with audiences, showcasing the richness of human connections amidst simplicity. We are thrilled by the overwhelming love and appreciation, Season 3 has received, not just in India, but across the globe on Prime Video. My heartfelt gratitude to the cast and crew whose dedication made Panchayat’s success possible, and to the fans of the series for their love and support,” said Vijay Koshy, President, The Viral Fever (TVF).

Created by The Viral Fever, directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, and written by Chandan Kumar, the new season of Panchayat deep dives into the antics of Phulera-dwellers as politics and rivalry reigns supreme, leading to humorous trials and tribulations. Launched on May 28, Panchayat Season 3 is streaming in Hindi, exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages pioneers packaging circularity innovation with breakthrough rPET technology

Hindustan Coca-Cola

20th June 2024: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India’s leading FMCG companies, pioneering sustainability efforts, introduced a new packaging innovation enhancing circularity. The latest Affordable Small Sparkling Package (ASSP) features breakthrough PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) package technology designed to use a minimal amount of PET content while maintaining optimum carbonation retention and shelf life.

This new packaging technology not only reduces plastic usage and carbon emissions but also aligns with global sustainability goals. The ASSP 250ml design achieves a significant reduction in PET material use and offers a 100% recyclable package that can be processed in the same stream as regular PET. This also leads to a reduction in carbon emissions by approximately 70%, significantly advancing carbon reduction goals under the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for Climate Change. As a part of this effort, PET bottles are collected and recycled to make new ASSP bottles thus further contributing to sustainability.

The Khurda plant of HCCB in Odisha spearheaded the launch of this eco-friendly packaging aimed at achieving the dual goals of reducing carbon emissions and minimizing the use of virgin plastics.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Officer, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, said, “While constantly innovating to improve efficiencies, making a positive difference and refreshing the world remains the core of our sustainability ethos. With our new Affordable Small Sparkling Package (ASSP), we are working towards lightweight, pioneering circularity in packaging, reducing plastic use and carbon emissions. This step in our journey towards a better, shared world enables a significant reduction in the use of PET along with 100% recyclable packaging. We look forward to continuing the momentum in bringing positive, sustainable changes in the ecosystem.”

Furthering its commitment to The Coca-Cola Company’s ‘World Without Waste’ initiative, HCCB has implemented 100% rPET (Recyclable Polyethylene Terephthalate) usage in the ASSP 250 ml pack size, leading to a substantial 72% reduction in carbon emissions compared to its non-ASSP counterparts using virgin PET. This initiative demonstrates HCCB’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future while maintaining the quality and integrity of its products.

Flipkart launches its Grocery fulfillment center in Jaipur, Rajasthan; offers delivery slots as per consumer’s choice

Jaipur, Rajasthan –20th June 2024: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, has launched its new grocery fulfillment center (FC) in Jaipur, Rajasthan, furthering its commitment to offer delivery slots tailored to consumer preferences. Flipkart’s first grocery FC in the state will help meet increasing consumer demand for online groceries through enhanced speed and serviceability across the region. Leveraging local consumer insights, the new FC will offer a diverse selection of over 5,000 products across staples, foods, beverages, snacks, personal care and household cleaning aids. The products will include several popular local brands, such as Gainda, Saras, Gowardhan, Mahakosh, Rajdhani, Desi Choice, Laxmi Bhog, Tagore and more, to cater to the distinct palates of varied consumers in the state.

Flipkart launches

Rajasthan is emerging as a fast-growing state, witnessing strong demand for online groceries. With a large population, untapped e-commerce potential, and the absence of Quick commerce services, Rajasthan presents a significant growth opportunity for Flipkart. By expanding into this market, Flipkart will cater to the increasing need for e-grocery and serve value-seeking consumers beyond metropolitan regions. Spread over 69,000 square feet, the center has a dispatch capacity of over 6,500 orders per day across Jaipur and its neighboring cities such as Bikaner, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Kota. The FC will generate more than 600 direct and indirect job opportunities while uplifting the livelihood opportunities of numerous small businesses, MSMEs, and local farmers in the region. The launch highlights Flipkart’s commitment to providing consumers convenient access to a diverse range of quality grocery products in the delivery slot of their choice.

Smt. Manju Sharma, Member of Parliament, Jaipur, said, “Flipkart’s first grocery fulfillment center in Rajasthan is a significant milestone in our state’s digital and economic growth. We are happy that Flipkart’s expansion in its supply chain infrastructure in the state will provide local consumers with faster and more convenient access to essential goods. At the same time, it will empower the local MSMEs and farmers, thereby uplifting the overall livelihood opportunities of the local ecosystem. I commend Flipkart for their commitment to enhancing our PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Digital India’ by giving benefits of digital commerce and contributing to enriching the economy of our New Bharat.”

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Flipkart Group, said, “As a customer-first organization, Flipkart leverages its homegrown technology to keenly identify high-demand hotspots and address consumer needs for quality grocery products. The launch of our first grocery fulfillment center in Jaipur marks a significant advancement in our efforts to enhance delivery services and meet the growing consumer demand for online groceries in Rajasthan. As we continue to expand our footprint, the new FC aligns with our commitment to strengthening partnerships with local farmers, MSMEs and other local businesses. We remain committed to furthering our vision of empowering these communities economically and fostering sustainable growth while creating new livelihood opportunities.”

Hari Kumar G, Vice President, Head of Grocery, Flipkart, said, “We have been witnessing significant demand for online groceries among local consumers of Rajasthan, which offers an opportunity to bridge the digital gap and make online shopping more convenient for consumers. With the launch of the new FC, consumers will now have access to a vast assortment of high-quality local and national selections at the right value at the delivery slot of their choice. We aim to address the needs of value-seeking consumers of tier 2 and 3 cities by elevating consumer satisfaction and improving the growth of the overall regional ecosystem.”

Speaking on the launch Vivek Walia, Vice President, Gainda said, “Opening of an FC will expand the network of Flipkart, thereby helping us in widening our reach. This will be beneficial to our Brand Gainda, as we can penetrate the local markets well, moving the customer base from offline to online. It will also help us reach and acquire new customers.”

Earlier, reliant on the Dharuhera FC in Haryana, consumers in Rajasthan and nearby regions will now receive their grocery deliveries quickly and at the right value. Customers can also avail of services such as cash on delivery, pay later, no-cost EMI, easy cancellation, and UPI-enhancing digital payment options. These customer-centric innovations focus on providing seamless and convenient shopping experiences. Features such as voice-enabled shopping, regional language support, credit offerings, and open-box delivery continue to revolutionize Flipkart’s grocery shopping experience, setting new standards for convenience, accessibility, and customer satisfaction in the online marketplace.

Blue Dart Successfully Commences Drone Deliveries

Blue Dart

Hyderabad/Mumbai, 20th June 2024 – Blue Dart, South Asia’s leading courier and integrated express package distribution company, has successfully launched drone deliveries in collaboration with Skye Air, a leader in drone technology. This move marks a significant advancement towards cleaner and more efficient delivery solutions. Building on their pioneering VLOS trials in Vikarabad, Hyderabad, in September 2021, and BVLOS trials under the Telangana Government’s ‘Medicine from the Sky’ initiative, Blue Dart continues to lead in utilizing drone technology for logistics.

Initially focusing on the growing e-commerce sector, this innovative approach is set to revolutionize last-mile delivery by offering same-day delivery for shipments, significantly reducing delivery time and environmental impact. This milestone achievement notably coincided with World Environment Day, emphasizing Blue Dart’s commitment to sustainable logistics practices.

On this initiative, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, says, “The logistics sector in India is experiencing an exhilarating phase. The nation’s robust economic growth, coupled with the aspirations of its consumers and growth in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities, has significantly boosted purchasing power. This surge in demand emphasizes the need for innovative solutions that drive growth while ensuring efficiency and sustainability. As we witness the marvel of drone technology, we eagerly anticipate extending this service further, with plans to cover additional pin codes in subsequent stages with our partners.”

With a rich legacy spanning over four decades, Blue Dart has set the standard for reliability, resilience, and responsiveness in the express logistics industry. The successful initiation of drone delivery operations further solidifies Blue Dart’s position as an industry leader, reaffirming its commitment to continuous innovation and top-notch service.

4 Premium Smart TVs to Look Out for in 2024

Halfway through 2024, the world of home entertainment is just getting bigger and better, and more exciting than ever. Premium smart TVs have become the cornerstone of modern living rooms, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, stunning visuals, and immersive audio experiences.

Various brands and various models are on a spree to set new benchmarks in the industry, bringing unparalleled innovation and quality to consumers. Here is a list of top 4 smart TVs that are sure to leave you spellbound with their exceptional picture quality, smart features, and overall performance.

TCL C655 QLED TV
Powered by Google TV OS, TCL’s C655 enhances its distinguished QLED TV lineup by integrating movies, shows, and live TV from a wide array of OTT apps and subscriptions. This next-gen TV features a Uni-body ultra-slim design, offering an improved visual effect and optimized space utilization. Available in multiple screen sizes—43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, and 75”—it is tailored to fit various home spaces. Equipped with 4K Quantum Dot Pro, the C655 elevates the standard viewing experience to a cinematic level, featuring precise light control and a superior picture quality chip that significantly enhances color contrast, brightness, and saturation across a wide color gamut.

Samsung UA65CUE60AKLXL Crystal iSmart 4K LED TV
This 4K Ultra HD smart TV, with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and a 50 Hertz refresh rate, offers an exceptional viewing experience. Connectivity options include three HDMI ports for connecting set-top boxes or gaming consoles, one USB port for hard drives or other USB devices, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The sound system delivers a powerful 20W output through 2-channel speakers, enhanced by OTS Lite and Adaptive Sound, with dual audio support via Bluetooth and Buds Auto Switch for seamless audio transitions. Smart TV features encompass a wide range of supported apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, along with screen mirroring, Universal Guide, Media Home, Tap View, mobile camera support, AI speaker, easy setup, app casting, Wireless DeX, SmartThings, Smart Hub, IoT sensor, and a web browser. The display boasts a 4K Ultra HD Smart Panel with a Crystal Processor 4K, Pur Color, HDR 10+, Mega Contrast UHD Dimming, 3-side bezel-less design, Motion Xcelerator, Contrast Enhancer,
and Filmmaker Mode for a truly immersive visual experience.

TCL P755Pro 4K QLED TV
TCL’s 4K QLED TV lineup, the P755Pro range, features T-Screen technology for outstanding detail and comes in various screen sizes: 55″, 65″, and 75″. It boasts 3x contrast enhancement, 16% lower energy consumption, and an impressive >178-degree viewing angle. The HDR capability delivers richer details with higher contrast, a wider color gamut, and vivid colors for an enhanced viewing experience. Utilizing MEMC technology, the P755Pro ensures sharp, blur-free action scenes, making it perfect for fast-paced content. Additionally, gamers will love the new DLG (Dual Line Gate) technology, which employs unique algorithms to achieve a higher refresh rate and lower latency, offering an exceptional gaming experience.

Haier 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV
This 4K Ultra HD smart TV, with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and a 60 Hertz refresh rate, offers a stunning visual experience enhanced by a 178-degree wide viewing angle. Connectivity is robust, featuring four HDMI ports for connecting set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles, as well as two USB ports for hard drives and other USB devices. The sound system delivers a 24-watt output with Dolby Audio, ensuring rich and immersive audio quality. Smart TV features include Google TV, Watchlist, Google Assistant, Google Play, Chromecast, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, providing seamless access to a variety of content and apps. The display is further enhanced with MEMC and 4K HDR, offering smooth motion and high dynamic range for a superior viewing experience.

2nd NIGF 2024 by CMAI Concludes with Overwhelming Success, Signalling a Promising Festive Season for the Garment Industry

CMAI - NIGF 2024 (2)

New Delhi: The 2nd North India Garment Fair (NIGF 2024), organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), concluded on a high note at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre (IICC) in Dwarka, New Delhi. The fair held from June 11-13, 2024, saw an impressive turnout of more than 200 exhibitors and over 5450 trade visitors, indicating strong positive sentiments for the upcoming festive season.

NIGF is an effective platform for manufacturers from across the country to connect with retailers, distributors, and agents from Northern India, while retailers can benefit from discovering new suppliers and brands from across India under one roof.

During the fair, a business networking session on the second day was very well received, with more than 65 exhibitors availed the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with 22 leading agents and distributors who were invited from across India. Exhibitors were able to present their collections to potential agents and distributors from different regions.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Rajesh Masand, President of CMAI, stated, “The overwhelming response to NIGF 2024 is a testament to the strength and potential of the Indian garment industry. The fair not only provided a platform for manufacturers and North region buyers to connect but also highlighted the industry’s readiness for the upcoming festive season. We are confident that this event will help to stabilise the business and pave the way for a remarkable growth in the current year.”

Santosh Katariya, Chairman of NIGF, added, “Apart from the buyer seller meetings, the key highlight of NIGF was the business networking session which offered an invaluable opportunity for exhibitors to connect with top agents and distributors from across India. The session significantly enhanced and widened the reach of the retail industry to get introduced to new suppliers, discover latest brands and refresh their merchandise. NIGF 2024 witnessed a significant turnout from leading retailers and distributors from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal amongst others.”

CMAI - NIGF 2024 (3)

NIGF 2024 showcased exhibitors from Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Surat, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Noida besides other cities. Few key exhibitors included names like J.D. Enterprise (Ahmedabad) – Naughty Boy / Ellgon, Lekhus Collections, (New Delhi), Maa Garments (Mumbai) – Aisha, Manjot Trading Co (Ludhiana) – Boyce, Pocket Money Fashion (Indore) – Pocket Money, Junior Rocks, Little Ducks, Bafna Clothing Company (Bengaluru) – Cool Colors, Menzstyl Creation (New Delhi) – Club Merino, N M Fashion Designs (Mumbai) – Kora, NRB Alliance (Surat), Sparrow Classic Trends (New Delhi) – Classic / Kid Classic,

Swayam Industries (Ludhiana) – Pro Riders, Zonac Knitting Machines (Noida) -Bonjour, Aman Lifestyle (Mumbai) – Scakhi, Artview Merchants (Kolkata) – Minu, Bodycare Creations (Noida), Cheer Sagar (Jaipur), Devi Designs (Kolkata), G T Fashion (New Delhi) – Meenavati, Knit Tech India (Ludhiana) – Knit Studio, Maam Arts (Jaipur) – Aadews, Multi Brand Exports (New Delhi) – Arunvarun The Fashion Studio, Europe One (Surat) – Rewaa, Sagar Design Fab (Jaipur) and Sky Fashion (Mumbai) amongst many others.

Some of the large retailers who visited the fair included Aristocrat Garments (Ludhiana, Punjab), Paul Garments (New Delhi), Bindals Group (New Delhi & UP), Bachoomal Collection (UP), Stanmax (New Delhi), Suvidha Stores (Karnal, Haryana), Yougal Sons (Jammu & Punjab) and many others.

Exhibitor at NIGF 2024, Arun Sharma, 2nd Generation of Multi Brand Exports – Arunvarun, New Delhi said, “We have been members of CMAI for more than five years and are delighted to have participated in NIGF 2024 as it’s a great platform to meet the buyers. The footfall has been amazing and we have been able to connect with many new buyers. In such trade shows, buyers come to directly discover brands. The success here has encouraged us to participate in other CMAI shows like the upcoming NGF in Mumbai and the Brands of India Show in Dubai.”

Exhibitor at NIGF 2024, Arshdeep Singh Dua, Knit Tech India, Ludhiana, expressed “The footfalls at NIGF 2024 have been better as compared to the previous year. We are positive about the upcoming season as buyers are looking for creativity in styling.”

NIGF 2024 was inaugurated by notable retailers and featured a diverse range of menswear, womenswear, and kidswear, providing exhibitors with extensive networking opportunities to foster connections with buyers from across India and top-tier industry leaders. Key dignitaries from CMAI present at the inaugural ceremony included Rajesh Masand (President), Rohit Munjal (Vice President), Santosh Katariya (Chairman of NIGF), Rahul Mehta (Chief Mentor), and Pankaj Jain (Hon. Secretary – North), amongst other office bearers.

The success of NIGF 2024 highlights the importance of trade shows in gauging industry sentiments and expectations. As the industry looks forward to a prosperous festive season, events like NIGF serve as crucial indicators of market trends and business opportunities.

About CMAI

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) is the most representative association of the Indian apparel industry having over 5000 members and serving more than 25,000 Retailers. Its Membership consists of Manufacturers, Exporters, Brands, and ancillary industry.

CMAI advocates regarding policies and also guides and encourages its members on ESG-related matters and initiatives. In 2019, CMAI launched the SU.RE initiative to encourage members to embrace sustainability.

Piramal Finance Surpasses INR 50,000 Crore in Retail Loans, Aims to Double Retail AUM by FY28

Mumbai, 19th June 2024Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd (herein referred to as Piramal Finance), a leading diversified financial services company and wholly owned subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Limited (PEL), today announced that it had surpassed the milestone of INR 50,000 Crore in AUM of Retail Loans.

PEL operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd., under the collective customer brand Piramal Finance. Piramal Finance has built a multi-product retail business, offering products tailored to Bharat’s diverse needs and financially empowering the country’s underserved segments. Over the last three years, Piramal Finance has expanded its customer base across Bharat, positioning itself as a leading Non-Banking Financial Company- Housing Finance Company (NBFC-HFC) in the affordable lending space.

In 2021, Piramal Finance acquired Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL), which was the first successful resolution under the IBC route in the financial services sector. It remains among the largest resolutions in value terms in the industry.

Since then, the businesses have been fully integrated and grown, with the branch network increasing from 300 to 490, spanning 26 states/UTs as of 31 March 2024, and the customer base increasing to 4.1 million. The employee strength has also increased from ~5,000 to over 13,000 today.

As a merged entity, Piramal Finance has launched multiple lending solutions for the budget Bharat customer, offering over 13 loan products, including home, business, personal, loan against securities (LAS), and used car loans. Mortgages remain the dominant part of the portfolio, accounting for 68% of the overall retail AUM, with a 38% year-on-year increase in FY24. The housing loan portfolio has continued its strong growth trajectory, disbursing an average of INR 800 crore per month in FY24, with an average ticket size of INR 19 lakh.

Jairam Sridharan,

Speaking about the milestone achievement, Jairam Sridharan, Managing Director, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd., said, “We are delighted and humbled to have reached INR 50,000 crore in retail AUM. This scale demonstrates the massive business opportunity that exists in small-town Bharat markets. Since the acquisition of DHFL in 2021, our goal has been to build on its strong customer franchise in smaller towns. It is gratifying to see us regain our position as a leading financial services company in the affordable housing space. Our business will continue to be focused on MSMEs and small salaried individuals across Bharat, providing more people access to formal credit.”

Piramal Finance’s ‘High Tech + High Touch’ strategy is centered around a strong physical distribution – 490 branches, spanning 26 states, 625 districts, and 404 cities and towns, serving over 6,000 pin codes of the country in metro-adjacent areas and Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. The company plans to expand its branch network with 50-100 more branches by FY25.

This is coupled with a High-Tech infrastructure that spans customer-facing assets like the website, mobile app, and WhatsApp. Tech is also deeply embedded in the company’s operations, enabling quick decision-making, AI-enabled underwriting and legal and technical processes, providing a seamless customer experience.

Piramal Enterprises Limited aims for Retail Lending to constitute 75% of the loan book. As of 31 March 2024, the total AUM stands at INR 68,845 crore, with the retail book accounting for 70%. PEL envisions growing its AUM to INR 1.5 lakh crore by FY28.

Lenskart Launches Pro-Fit by Lenskart Air and Hooper

Lenskart Launches

Forget the frustration of glasses constantly slipping down because Lenskart, the eyewear innovator, has dropped its latest game-changer: The Pro-Fit range by Lenskart Air and Hooper.

For years, Eyewearers have faced a common problem: the struggle to keep their eyewear in place without interrupting their flow. The Pro-Fit range is set out to create a solution for those who are always on the move.

It is crafted from ultra-light TR90 and features Lock-Tech. The frames have temple tips that adjust to securely grip your ears, keeping your glasses firmly in place. No more mid-flow adjustments – just pure focus on whatever you’re hustling for.

Pro fit caters to everyone. Whether you’re mastering yoga poses, crushing dance routines, or casually chilling with your friends. With sleek, sporty silhouettes and classic colors accented with vibrant pops, there’s a pair in the Pro-Fit collection that complements your style and keeps your vision clear, no matter your age.

Lenskart continues to set new standards in eyewear, ensuring that those on the move can enjoy without any distractions from their glasses. Embrace the freedom of movement

Antony Starr’s Homelander Named Time Magazine’s Superhero of the Year

Superhero of the Year

The launch month of Prime Video’s The Boys Season 4 is filled with diabolical surprises for the fans. Post the much-awaited season 4 premiere with the first three episodes, The Boys’ newest promotional stunt is creating a stir across the globe. Featuring Antony Starr’s egoistic avatar, Homelander, Time Magazine branded the super as the ‘Superhero of The Year’ leaving the fans awe-struck.

After getting the title of The Superhero of The Year, Homelander announced an “Ask Me Anything” panel on Reddit for all his fans, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. This takeover allowed him to present his side amidst the ongoing trial in the series, to the audiences who love him (or not).

The Boys is based on The New York Times best-selling comic of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, who also serve as executive producers, and developed by executive producer and showrunner Eric Kripke. The series, from Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, returned with the much-awaited fourth season on June 13 in English, with dubs in Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages, only on Prime Video and will release episodes weekly till explosive finale on July 18.

Corporate gifting in the digital age: Blending tradition with technology

Karan Sehdev

By Karan Sehdev, Founder of Merch Matters

Rewarding has been a common practice in the corporate fraternity in which many organizations have considered gifts and incentive products as a tool for conveying corporate images or messages. This involves a company presenting a gift to another client or employees, partners, or stakeholders for reasons of being valued, to show appreciation, or to encourage a business relationship. Earlier corporate gifts were traditionally done with pens, calendars, desktop accessories, or gourmet food basket gifts. This was usually approximately the kind of gifts which were mostly discovered bearing the company logo and it was regarded as good publicity for the company to arouse goodwill. These were also employed in cultivating ‘image’ or ‘brand image’ that is a favorable image of the company.

Since it affects employee morale and motivation it has an impact on employee’s performance as well. Employees who bring gifts to work, should be encouraged and be complimented, as this would make them more enthusiastic, committed, and constructive in their work. It may help boost the emotions of being part of a group or a team and make them feel, the company appreciates them. The aspects such as, how the care was shown, how the care was personalized, and importantly, how the care was delivered genuinely go a long way in deciding such an essence.

This trend of corporate gifting has therefore adapted itself to incorporate both traditions and the technological advances of the present day. Even though gift-giving is linked back to the early days of trade and barter, this custom has evolved to include a complex and diverse set of reasons why business gift-giving is indispensable, also the introduction of new trends of gift-giving with technologies enhances the novelty and increases the possibilities of gift giving.

The following article reveals how one can design unique corporate gift ideas:

1. Personalization:

Nowadays customization is quite important. Information obtained through technology can allow businesses to know their clients and employees, thus giving them gifts that matter. Personalization provides a personal touch to corporate gifting ranging from customizing messages and engraved items to personalized gift suggestions based on individual preferences.

2. Technological Gift Ideas:

Technology has made it possible for people to give out gifts that stand out with a purpose at the same time. There are many options ranging from wearable technology, smart gadgets, and virtual reality among others which will make your employees happy. These techie presents not only define the modern approach of the company but also offer solutions that are useful and enjoyable in this digital era.

3. The Digital Gift Cards:

The contemporary gift card has been popularized over the past years. Moreover, they still have some advantages such as being flexible and practical because the recipient can choose their preferred products or services after receiving them. With just a few clicks, corporations can send digital gift cards via email or mobile apps resulting in a smooth process flow. Additionally, this idea is modern ensuring that its recipients get maximum benefits from it before another way is discovered by others

4. Using Social Media:

Corporate gifting and social media are the best way to go as they can provide a more fulfilling experience. This will keep the recipient firms engaged in gifting and create their narratives for giving or greeting. Moreover, it fosters gratitude by letting the world know that the company appreciates its clients and encouraging positive thinking among many people. It also helps companies to interact with their customers and other stakeholders easily unlike just participating in gift exchanges.

5. Blending Tradition with Technology:

Traditional presents should not be ignored. However, classic pieces like personalized stationery still make an impression on those who receive them, whether they are elegant pens or gourmet food baskets. By incorporating conventional and techie gifts into their content strategies, organizations can opt for more variety and come up with different perspectives.

The custom of corporate gifting has been effective in nurturing relationships, creating brand awareness, and building a sense of enthusiasm. When companies choose sentimental yet meaningful gifts they can make a positive lasting impact on recipients.