AD Agencies
Dentsu Webchutney introduces ‘Bro’ster for smart drinkers
MUMBAI: Clubs, pubs and other F&B establishments have constantly tried their best to grasp the attention of their patrons in different ways. However, most experiences are soon forgotten once the night passes. And all that remains as a mark of a great night is an even greater hangover.
Cue in Morning Fresh- a safe and natural alcohol detox drink that gives you a shot at a fresh start the next morning. But here’s the thing. No one can estimate whether a hangover is in line before it’s too late- especially when we’ve had one too many!
This is why, Morning Fresh, along with its digital partner, Dentsu Webchutney, has created a ‘Bro’ out of the one thing that knows how you drink best: the Coaster. Dentsu Webchutney, in partnership with Morning Fresh, has designed the Bro’ster – the first-ever interactive coaster that holds your drink, helps you drink smart, and even cues in a hangover in real time! Much like a wingman, for your drink.
The Bro’ster is a pocket-sized entertainer with built-in load sensors that calculate your drinking data over a span of time and it throws up funny, flirty and sometimes sarcastic messages on its LCD screen, after every sip that you take.
Once you’re done drinking, the Bro’ster even plans to use the data received through your session to set customized rewards and offers. Think cab-rides for those that drank too much, to food coupons for those who’ve had very little, to bottles of Morning Fresh when the Bro’ster knows you may have a hangover.
“At Morning Fresh we are always trying to push the envelope to create an innovative and fresh experience for our customers. As a young brand, it is important for us to find ways to engage with our audience in a meaningful and relevant way,” says Mitali Tandon, Co-Founder of Morning Fresh.
“The brand promise of Morning Fresh and the entire Bro’ster experience were a great fit,” says Gautam Reghunath, Senior VP, Dentsu Webchutney. “Though the Bro’ster is still in its early stages, we can’t wait to explore its possibilities and develop it further. Internet of Things is an area we’re experimenting with for a lot of our clients through the Dentsu Webchutney Innovation Labs. The idea is to consistently try and create new, out-there experiences that can get brands and consumers to interact,” he adds.
“We wanted to ensure no one felt left out,” says PG Aditiya, Creative Director (Copy) at Dentsu Webchutney. “Alone or with your gang, the Bro’ster will surely make your night a memorable one.”
The way forward for the Bro’ster? Mitali says, “We’re starting with a few pubs and bars in Bangalore, and hope to scale it to serve more patrons. Additionally, it is exciting to see the role real–time data can play in the F&B industry.”
AD Agencies
Publicis posts €4.19bn Q1 revenue, 6.4 per cent growth; backs FY outlook
Ad giant signals Q2 acceleration as AI and new deals power momentum
PARIS: Publicis Groupe continues to outperform the industry, delivering a strong start to 2026 under Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. Despite a volatile global macro environment, the company has now outpaced the industry for nearly 20 consecutive quarters.
For Q1 2026, total revenue reached €4,191 million, up from €4,161 million last year, with organic growth of 6.4 per cent. Net revenue, which excludes pass-through costs, stood at €3,460 million, reflecting organic growth of 4.5 per cent.
Exchange rates had a negative impact of €268 million, mainly due to a weaker US dollar and pound sterling. Acquisitions, including Adge.AI and 160over90, contributed an additional €46 million.
Performance across regions was largely positive, with some variation:
- North America, accounting for 59 per cent of net revenue, grew 4.7 per cent
- Europe recorded growth of 3.9 per cent, led by the UK at 6.2 per cent, while France grew 1.6 per cent
- Asia Pacific posted 5.9 per cent growth, driven by China at 11.7 per cent
- Latin America grew 13.3 per cent
- Middle East and Africa declined 5.1 per cent due to geopolitical challenges
AI-powered marketing services, which now make up 86 per cent of the business, grew 5.6 per cent. However, the technology segment, representing 14 per cent of revenue, declined slightly as clients reduced spending on large-scale transformation projects.
Sharing his outlook, Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun said, “Publicis had a very strong start to the year, outperforming the industry for almost 20 quarters in a row despite the volatile macro environment. Organic revenue growth reached 6.4%, leading to 4.5% in net and further increasing the gap with our peers.” He added that the company remains confident of delivering industry-leading performance. “We are confirming our industry-leading organic growth guidance of 4 to 5%, with the 4% rock solid, and a sequential organic growth acceleration in Q2 despite a higher comparable.”
Publicis continued its expansion with the acquisition of Adge.AI in March, followed by 160over90 in April to strengthen its sports and culture marketing capabilities.
Net financial debt stood at €1,156 million at the end of March, reflecting a seasonal shift from the net cash position at the end of 2025. Average net debt over the past twelve months was €1,035 million.
The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting net revenue organic growth of 4 to 5 per cent in 2026. It also anticipates an operating margin slightly above 18.2 per cent and free cash flow of approximately €2.1 billion.
With expectations of stronger performance in the second quarter, Publicis remains well positioned to sustain its growth momentum.
